MRI contrast agent concentration and tumor interstitial fluid pressure.

The present work describes the relationship between tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP) and the concentration of contrast agent for dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). We predict the spatial distribution of TIFP based on that of contrast agent concentration. We also discuss the cases for estimating tumor interstitial volume fraction (void fraction or porosity of porous medium), ve, and contrast volume transfer constant, K(trans), by measuring the ratio of contrast agent concentration in tissue to that in plasma. A linear fluid velocity distribution may reflect a quadratic function of TIFP distribution and lead to a practical method for TIFP estimation. To calculate TIFP, the parameters or variables should preferably be measured along the direction of the linear fluid velocity (this is in the same direction as the gray value distribution of the image, which is also linear). This method may simplify the calculation for estimating TIFP.

Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with selective immunoglobulin a deficiency.

Selective immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency (IgAD) is the most common primary immunodeficiency in the western world. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of Helicobacter pylori-infected dyspeptic patients with IgAD. Case samples were drawn from all subjects ≥ 12 years of age (n = 104729) who had undergone serum total IgA measurements during 2004-14 for any reason at Leumit Healthcare Services (Israel) and had serum total IgA < 0·07 g/l. The control group was comprised of a random sample of remaining patients with a case-control ratio of 10 controls for each case. The dyspeptic diseases were identified and retrieved from Leumit Health Care Services electronic database using specific ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes. The case group included 347 subjects and the control group 3470 subjects. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of patients with dyspepsia [84 (24·2%) versus 821 (23·6%) for cases and controls, respectively]. Additionally, there was no difference in a proportion of dyspeptic H. pylori-positive subjects [59 (17·1%) versus 524 (15·1%)] between the case and control groups. Only 59 (17%) among the 347 IgAD patients underwent gastroscopy. A significantly larger proportion of case subjects experienced several forms of gastritis [13 (61·9%) versus 38 (21·6%), P < 0·001), duodenal ulcers [seven (33·3%) versus 19 (10·8%); P = 0·01] and nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (NLH) [two (9·5%) versus none; P = 0·011]. IgAD is not associated with increased prevalence of H. pylori-associated dyspepsia; nevertheless, H. pylori-infected dyspeptic IgAD subjects experience more EGD-proved gastritis, duodenal ulcers and NLH.

Quantum-classical transition and quantum activation of ratchet currents in the parameter space.

The quantum ratchet current is studied in the parameter space of the dissipative kicked rotor model coupled to a zero-temperature quantum environment. We show that vacuum fluctuations blur the generic isoperiodic stable structures found in the classical case. Such structures tend to survive when a measure of statistical dependence between the quantum and classical currents are displayed in the parameter space. In addition, we show that quantum fluctuations can be used to overcome transport barriers in the phase space. Related quantum ratchet current activation regions are spotted in the parameter space. Results are discussed based on quantum, semiclassical, and classical calculations. While the semiclassical dynamics involves vacuum fluctuations, the classical map is driven by thermal noise.

Interstitial hydraulic conductivity and interstitial fluid pressure for avascular or poorly vascularized tumors.

A correct description of the hydraulic conductivity is essential for determining the actual tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP) distribution. Traditionally, it has been assumed that the hydraulic conductivities both in a tumor and normal tissue are constant, and that a tumor has a much larger interstitial hydraulic conductivity than normal tissue. The abrupt transition of the hydraulic conductivity at the tumor surface leads to non-physical results (the hydraulic conductivity and the slope of the TIFP are not continuous at tumor surface). For the sake of simplicity and the need to represent reality, we focus our analysis on avascular or poorly vascularized tumors, which have a necrosis that is mostly in the center and vascularization that is mostly on the periphery. We suggest that there is an intermediary region between the tumor surface and normal tissue. Through this region, the interstitium (including the structure and composition of solid components and interstitial fluid) transitions from tumor to normal tissue. This process also causes the hydraulic conductivity to do the same. We introduce a continuous variation of the hydraulic conductivity, and show that the interstitial hydraulic conductivity in the intermediary region should be monotonically increasing up to the value of hydraulic conductivity in the normal tissue in order for the model to correspond to the actual TIFP distribution. The value of the hydraulic conductivity at the tumor surface should be the lowest in value.

Hydrolysis studies on bismuth nitrate: synthesis and crystallization of four novel polynuclear basic bismuth nitrates.

Hydrolysis of Bi(NO(3))(3) in aqueous solution gave crystals of the novel compounds [Bi(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(NO(3))(5)(H(2)O)](NO(3)) (1) and [Bi(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(NO(3))(6)(H(2)O)(2)]·H(2)O (2) among the series of hexanuclear bismuth oxido nitrates. Compounds 1 and 2 both crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n but show significant differences in their lattice parameters: 1, a = 9.2516(6) Å, b = 13.4298(9) Å, c = 17.8471(14) Å, ß = 94.531(6)°, V = 2210.5(3) Å(3); 2, a = 9.0149(3) Å, b = 16.9298(4) Å, c = 15.6864(4) Å, ß = 90.129(3)°, V = 2394.06(12) Å(3). Variation of the conditions for partial hydrolysis of Bi(NO(3))(3) gave bismuth oxido nitrates of even higher nuclearity, [{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(26)}·4DMSO][{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(24)}·4DMSO] (3) and [{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(26)}·2DMSO][{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(24)}·0.5DMSO] (5), upon crystallization from DMSO. Bismuth oxido clusters 3 and 5 crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 both with two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The following lattice parameters are observed: 3, a = 20.3804(10) Å, b = 20.3871(9) Å, c = 34.9715(15) Å, α = 76.657(4)°, ß = 73.479(4)°, γ = 60.228(5)°, V = 12021.7(9) Å(3); 5, a = 20.0329(4) Å, b = 20.0601(4) Å, c = 34.3532(6) Å, α = 90.196(1)°, ß = 91.344(2)°, γ = 119.370(2)°, V = 12025.8(4) Å(3). Differences in the number of DMSO molecules (coordinated and noncoordinated) and ligand (nitrate, DMSO) coordination modes are observed.

Electronic states and the influence of oxygen addition on the optical absorption behaviour of manganese phthalocyanine.

The effects of electronic states and air exposure on the spectroscopic properties of manganese phthalocyanine (MnPc) have been examined. The observed features of the Q-band in the absorption spectra can be explained by intrinsic electronic properties of MnPc, i.e., the formation of singly charged molecules by charge transfer excitations. However, the reaction of MnPc with atmospheric molecular oxygen leads to deviations in peak intensities but does not change the fundamental characteristics of the spectra. Nevertheless, the reaction with oxygen changes the spin state from S = 3/2 to S = 1/2. X-ray diffraction measurements also indicate a slow diffusion process of the oxygen into the MnPc crystal. We discuss both influences to explain the behaviour of MnPc in various spectroscopic methods (EELS, ellipsometry, PES). Furthermore, we support the experimental investigations by detailed ab-initio calculations of spectroscopic properties using methods of the density functional theory framework.

Antecedente de hipotiroidismo en pacientes consultantes por lipodistrofia (celulitis) / Hypothyroidism in women who consulted for lipodystrophy (cellulite)

La celulitis es una entidad que afecta a la mayoría de las mujeres. Existen varias teorías sobre su fisiopatología. Sabemos que la hormona tiroidea tiene un efecto a nivel cutáneo, y en nuestro país se ha reportado una mayor prevalencia de hipotiroidismo que en otros países. Objetivo: Comparar la prevalencia de hipotiroidismo en mujeres que consultaron para tratamiento de celulitis y/o flaccidez abdominal en un centro dermatológico de Santiago con la reportada en la literatura. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo con 122 pacientes evaluadas entre noviembre 2009 y enero 2012. Se excluyeron 25 por no contar con anamnesis completa. Los datos fueron obtenidos de la entrevista inicial, y de la ficha clínica cuando ésta estaba incompleta. Resultados: Se obtuvo una prevalencia de 19 por ciento, valor significativamente mayor (p<0,001)a la reportada en la literatura (6,8 por ciento en Chile y entre 5 por ciento y 10 por ciento en otros países).

Cellulite is an entity that affects most women. There are many theories about its physiopathology. It is known that the thyroid hormone has an effect on the skin, and there are reports of a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism in our country than elsewhere. Objective: Compare the prevalence of hypothyroidism in women who consulted for cellulite and/or abdominal flabbiness in a dermatologic clinic in Santiago, with the data reported in the literature. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective study with 122 patients who consulted between November 2009 and January 2012, of whom 25 were excluded because of incomplete data. Information was obtained from the initial interview, and, if missing some data, from the clinical records. Results: We found a prevalence of 19 percent, which is significantly higher (p<0,001) than the value reported in the literature (6,8 percent in Chile, and between 5 percent and 10 percent elsewhere).

Phenomenological model of interstitial fluid pressure in a solid tumor.

Tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP) has the potential to predict tumor response to nonsurgical cancer treatments, including radiation therapy. At present the only quantitative measures available are of limited use, since they are invasive and yield only point measurements. We present the mathematical framework for a quantitative, noninvasive measure of TIFP. The model describes the distribution of interstitial fluid pressure in three distinct tumor regions: vascularized tumor rim, central tumor region, and normal tissue. A relationship between the TIFP and the fluid flow velocity at the periphery of a tumor is presented. This model suggests that a measure of fluid flow rate from a tumor into normal tissue reflects TIFP. We demonstrate that the acquisition of serial images of a tumor after the injection of a contrast agent can provide a noninvasive and potentially quantitative measure of TIFP.

Vibrational relaxation and dephasing of Rb2 attached to helium nanodroplets.

The vibrational wave-packet dynamics of diatomic rubidium molecules (Rb(2)) in triplet states formed on the surface of superfluid helium nanodroplets is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Detailed comparison of experimental femtosecond pump-probe spectra with dissipative quantum dynamics simulations reveals that vibrational relaxation is the main source of dephasing. The rate constant for vibrational relaxation in the first excited triplet state 1(3)Σ(g)+ is found to be constant γ ≈ 0.5 ns(-1) for the lowest vibrational levels v ≲ 15 and to increase sharply when exciting to higher energies.

Serum inflammatory cytokines, complement components, and soluble interleukin 2 receptor in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by selective destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts and highly specific serum anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA). Several studies have attempted to determine the cytokine pattern characterizing PBC, yet no definitive data have been gathered. The present study was designed to evaluate pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNFalpha), soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R, e.g. soluble CD25), and complement components (C1q, C3, factor B, properdin) levels in sera from 84 patients with PBC and 41 controls. PBC was characterized by significantly higher levels of all pro-inflammatory cytokines when compared to controls; these included IL-1beta (433.3 +/- 13.2 vs. 316.6 +/- 14.7 pg/ml, P < 0.001), IL-6 (701 +/- 17.4 vs. 158 +/- 22.5 pg/ml, P < 0.001), TNFalpha (3.38 +/- 0.6 pg/ml vs. undetectable, P = 0.001), and sIL-2R (1527.1 +/- 106 vs. 566.4 +/- 28.7 U/ml, P < 0.001). Similarly, all complement components were also significantly higher in PBC compared to control sera. In conclusion, PBC sera manifest higher levels of sIL-2R and complement components and this may reflect a perpetuated immune activation. As expected, we also report that all major pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are enhanced in PBC. Further longitudinal analyses could demonstrate a correlation between these markers and disease stage or inflammatory activity, to predict histological staging, disease activity, and response to treatment.

Efficacy of nasal Staphylococcus aureus eradication by topical nasal mupirocin in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) colonization is frequent in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). Mupirocin has well-recognized antistaphylococcal activity, and its nasal formulation is approved for the eradication of SA nasal colonization. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of SA nasal carriage, its possible influence on AR severity, and nasal mupirocin's role on AR clinical severity. METHODS: Sixty patients, aged 5 to 60 years, with AR were included, and 55 healthy individuals served as a control group. Nasal smear specimens were drawn from both nares. A skin prick test to inhalational allergens and a score-graded clinical evaluation of AR were performed. Carriers of SA were treated with topical nasal mupirocin. RESULTS: The SA carrier (SAC) state was found in 23 (38%) of the patients with AR and in 8 (15%) of the healthy controls (P = .004). Comparing SACs with AR SA noncarriers, nasal symptom scores (SSs) tended to be higher in the SAC group (mean [SD], 11.09 [2.16] vs 8.86 [1.43]; P < .005). Treatment with topical nasal mupirocin diminished the SAC state to 10% (P = .009) but did not change AR clinical severity, as assessed by the SS. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PAR, the SAC state is more prevalent compared with the healthy population. Topical nasal mupirocin reduces the SAC state but fails to clinically improve PAR, as assessed by the SS.

Immunological assessment of familial tinea corporis.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms involved in the immune resistance to fungal infection of the skin are not well understood. We assessed the levels of the various lymphocyte subsets, the HLA haplotypes, the expression of various receptors on natural killer (NK) cells and the serum levels of cytokines, in a family in which four siblings had tinea corporis, while four others were healthy, in order to reveal potential factors of susceptibility to dermatophytes. OBSERVATIONS: Normal numbers of T, B and NK cells were found in the peripheral blood, without significant differences between healthy and infected siblings. The frequency of CD14-positive monocytes was elevated in infected compared with healthy siblings. The proportion of NKG2A(+) NK cells was reduced in the patients compared with healthy siblings (23.8% vs. 33.8%), whereas CXCR3(+) NK cells were increased (41.5% vs. 25.6%, respectively). MHC class I and class II haplotypes were disease independent. Elevated levels of intereron-gamma, interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-2 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) were observed only in part of the infected siblings. The serum level of TNFalpha was strongly correlated with the percentage of CD14(+) monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: We studied here in detail the NK functions of a family of patients suffering from tinea corporis and observed skewed frequencies of specific NK receptors, which imply possible involvement of NK cells in susceptibility to fungal infection.

Hyposialated 185 kDa CD45RA+ molecules attain a high concentration in B lymphoma cells and in activated human B cells.

Alternate splicing of exons of the CD45 molecule generates multiple isoforms differing in their molecular weights (MWs). In B-lymphocytes the CD45RA isoform was previously shown to be expressed on glycoproteins with MWs of 220 and 205 kDa, while the CD45RO isoform was expressed on glycoproteins with MW of 180 kDa. The present study demonstrated that B cell lymphomas and activated B-cells contain CD45 molecules with a MW of 185 kDa that express the CD45RA and CD45RC specificities but neither the CD45RB nor the CD45RO specificities. 185 kDa CD45RA+ molecules were detected in B cell lymphoma B lines, in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines, and in tonsillar B cells, but not in normal, unstimulated peripheral blood B cells. These molecules were not detected in neoplastic and normal T cells. CD45RA+ 185 kDa molecules were present in B cells from three non-Hodgkin's patients in leukemic phase were not detected in B lymphocytes of seven of nine CLL patients tested. Trypsin treatment eliminated only 220 kDa CD45RA+ molecules but not 185 kDa CD45RA+ molecules, indicating that the 185 kDa CD45RA+ molecules are not expressed on the cell surface. Pulse-chase experiments, and studies on the effects of tunicamycin, neuraminidase and O-glycosidase, indicated that the 185 kDa molecules are partially glycosylated CD45RABC molecules that constitute precursors of the 220 kDa molecules. The high concentration of 185 kDa CD45RA+ molecules in B lymphoma cells and in activated B cells seems to reflect a high turnover of CD45RA+ molecules characteristic for these cells.

Serum and mucosal immunologic responses in children following the administration of a new inactivated intranasal anti-influenza vaccine.

Children are at considerable risk for influenza infection and may constitute the main vector for transmitting the virus to adults in the community. At present, the use of available vaccines in children is limited mainly because of a fear of side effects from the injection. Intranasal immunization was assessed as a painless, side effect-free method of facilitating the enrollment of children in vaccination programs. One intranasal dose of a trivalent inactive whole virus vaccine containing 20 microg of the three recommended seasonal viral strains was administered to 28 children recruited over two separate winter periods (1997/1998 and 1998/1999). No adverse effects were recorded. Serum IgG responses were determined by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) method and nasal IgA responses by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In both study period seasons, 77.7%-94.4% of children were found to be immune. There was a 3.7 x and 4.7 x increase in geometric mean titer (GMT) for A/H3N2 strains, 1.9 x and 3.9 x for A/H1N1 strains, and a 3.2 x and 1.7 x for B strains in 1997/1998 and 1998/1999, respectively. The increase in GMT, as well as fourfold increases in titer level, was higher when calculated among the nonimmune children prior to vaccination. Of these, 50%-87.5% became immune following immunization. Local antibody response to the three viral strains was detected in 50%-55% of the immunized children. Also, 83.3%, 73.3%, and 61.1% of the vaccinees exhibited a mucosal and/or serum antibody response to the A/Beijing, A/Sydney, and B/Harbin strains, respectively. This mucosal response may forestall influenza development in its early stages, thereby contributing significantly to the reduction of influenza spread in the community.

Suppressors of cancer cell proliferation from fig (Ficus carica) resin: isolation and structure elucidation.

A mixture of 6-O-acyl-beta-D-glucosyl-beta-sitosterols, the acyl moeity being primarily palmitoyl and linoleyl with minor amounts of stearyl and oleyl, has been isolated as a potent cytotoxic agent from fig (Ficuscarica) latex and soybeans. Identity was established by spectroscopic methods (NMR, MS) and confirmed by chemical synthesis. Both the natural and the synthetic compounds showed in vitro inhibitory effects on proliferation of various cancer cell lines.