Extension of the Gibbs-Duhem Equation to the Partial Molar Surface Thermodynamic Properties of Solutions.

In this paper, the Gibbs-Duhem equation is extended to the partial molar surface thermodynamic properties of solutions. According to the surface Gibbs-Duhem equations, the sum of the mole fractions of the components in the surface region of a bulk solution multiplied by different partial molar surface quantities should equal zero if summation is taken by all components of the solution. There are four different partial molar surface quantities identified in this paper for which the surface Gibbs-Duhem equation is proven to be valid: (i) the reduced surface chemical potential, (ii) the surface chemical potential, (iii) the partial molar surface area, and (iv) the partial molar excess surface Gibbs energy = the product of partial molar surface area and the partial surface tension. The first one is known since Guggenheim (1940), but the other three are presented here for the first time. It is also demonstrated here how to apply the surface Gibbs-Duhem equations: (i) it is proven that the model equation applied by us recently for the reduced chemical potential [Adv Coll Interf Sci 2020, 283, 102212] obeys one of the surface Gibbs-Duhem equations, (ii) in contrary, it is proven that the model equation suggested by us recently for the partial molar surface area contradicts one of the surface Gibbs-Duhem equations; therefore, a new (and simpler) model equation for the partial molar surface areas of the components is suggested here that obeys the surface Gibbs-Duhem equation. It is also shown that the Butler equation obeys one of the surface Gibbs-Duhem equations. It is also concluded that surface composition in equilibrium should be one that ensures minimum surface tension.

First Report of Bacterial Bark Canker of Walnut Caused by Brenneria nigrifluens in Hungary.

During August 2012, vertical oozing cankers were sporadically observed on trunks and branches of walnut trees (Juglans regia) in the city of Zánka, near Lake Balaton and other parts of Hungary including Budapest, Gyor, and Tatabánya cities. Cankers were observed on trunks and branches where brownish-black exudates staining the bark appeared mainly in the summer. Isolations were performed primarily from exudates but also from infected tissues using King's medium B (KB) (3) and EMB medium (2). Colonies similar in appearance to Brenneria nigrifluens (syn.: Erwinia nigrifluens) (1,5) were isolated. The bacterium, first reported in California, was also recorded in Iran, Spain, France, and several Italian locations, on walnut trees. The bacterial strain was gram negative and did not induce a hypersensitive response on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. 'White Burley') leaves. The bacterium grew at 26°C. Colonies on KB were white and non-fluorescent, but on EMB medium were a typical dark purple with metallic green sheen. The results of substrate utilization profiling using the API 20E kit (Biomérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) showed that the bacterium belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae. The strain was positive for citrate utilization, H2S, and acetoin production and urease, glucose, inositol, saccharose, and arabinose reactions. Pathogenicity was tested by injecting five young healthy walnut branches on two separate 2-year-old grafted potted plants with a bacterial suspension containing 107 CFU/ml. Negative controls were walnut branches injected with sterile distilled water. Branches were enclosed in plastic bags and incubated in a greenhouse under 80% shade at 26°C day and 17°C night temperatures. Three months after inoculation, necrotic lesions were observed in the inner bark and dark lines were observed in internal wood, but no external cankers were observed on inoculated branches. The negative control appeared normal. B. nigrifluens was re-isolated from lesions on inoculated branches and identified as described above; thus, Koch's postulates were fulfilled. For molecular identification of the pathogen, 16S rDNA amplification was performed using genomic DNA from strain Bn-WalnutZa-Hun1 with a universal bacterial primer set (63f and 1389r) (4). The PCR products were cloned into a pGEM T-Easy vector (Promega, Madison, WI) and transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α cells. A recombinant plasmid (2A2.5) was sequenced using M13 forward and reverse primers. The sequence was deposited in NCBI GenBank (Accession No. HF936707) and showed 99% sequence identity with a number of B. nigrifluens strains, including type strains Z96095.1, AJ233415.1, JX484740.1, JX484739.1, JX484738.1, and FJ611884.1. On the basis of the symptoms, colony morphology, biochemical tests, and 16S rDNA sequence identity, the pathogen was identified as Brenneria nigrifluens. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a natural outbreak of bacterial bark canker on walnut in Hungary and the presence of the pathogen may seriously influence in local orchards and garden production in the future. References: (1) L. Hauben et al. Appl Microbiol 21:384, 1998. (2) J. E. Holt-Harris and O. Teague. J. Infect. Dis. 18:596, 1916. (3) E. O. King et al. J. Lab. Clin. Med. 44:301, 1954. (4) A. M. Osborn et al. Environ. Microbiol. 2:39, 2000. (5) E. E. Wilson et al. Phytopathology 47:669, 1957.

First Report of Bacterial Wilt on Chrysanthemum Caused by Dickeya chrysanthemi (syn. Erwinia chrysanthemi) in Hungary.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.) is a popular potted and cut plant ornamental in Hungary. In September 2012, chrysanthemum plants (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. Palisade) showing wilt symptoms were collected from different greenhouses in the cities of Budakalász and Pilis near Budapest. Affected plants had dark brown to black lesions on the leaves and stems. Spots on the leaves were first water soaked and then became necrotic, and the plants wilted. According to the growers, disease symptoms developed rapidly, resulting in losses of nearly 100%. The disease caused a loss of ~€2,000 for the growers in cities of Budakalász and Pilis in Hungary. Losses for growers and consumers could have reached half a million euros. Ten samples were used for disease diagnosis and bacteria were isolated according to the method of Schaad et al. (3). Briefly, diseased leaf and stem tissues were macerated and streaked onto King's medium B (KB). Colonies on KB were white and non-fluorescent. All 10 strains grew at 26°C, were gram negative, and induced a hypersensitive response on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. 'White Burley') leaves (1). Biochemical tests were also used for identification, and the results of API 20E (Biomérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France), demonstrated that the bacterium belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae. The strain was positive for ß-galactosidase and citrate utilization, acetoin and indole production, gelatinase, and utilization of glucose, mannitol, saccharose, melibiose, and arabinose. For molecular identification of the pathogen, the 16S rDNA gene was amplified from strain DCBK-1H with a general primer pair (63f/1389r) (2). The PCR products were cloned into a pGEM T-Easy plasmid vector (Promega, Madison, WI) and transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α cells. A recombinant plasmid (2A2.5) was sequenced using the M13 forward and reverse primers. The sequence was deposited in NCBI GenBank (Accession No. HF913430) and showed 99 to 100% sequence identity with a number of Dickeya chrysanthemi strains found in the database, including type strain HM590189, GQ293897, GQ293898 with 99% similarity and 100% identity with sequence FM946179. On the basis of the symptoms, colony morphology, biochemical tests, and 16S rDNA sequence homology, the pathogen was identified as D. chrysanthemi. Pathogenicity was tested by inoculating the recovered strains onto three 1-month-old, healthy potted chrysanthemum cuttings (C. morifolium cv. Palisade). Four leaves and stem each of three 'Palisade' cultivars were inoculated by injecting ~10 µl of a bacteria suspension containing 107 CFU/ml into each leaf and stem. As a negative control, one plant was inoculated with water in each of four leaves and stem. Plants were enclosed in plastic bags and incubated in a greenhouse under 80% shade at 26°C day and 17°C night temperatures. Within 24 h, water-soaked spots appeared on inoculated leaves and the plants were wilted. The water control appeared normal. D. chrysanthemi was re-isolated and identified as described above; thus, Koch's postulates were fulfilled. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial wilt caused by D. chrysanthemi on chrysanthemum in Hungary. References: (1) Z. Klement. Nature 199:299, 1963. (2) A. M. Osborn et al. Environ. Microbiol. 2:39, 2000. (3) N. W. Schaad et al. Erwinia soft rot group. Page 56 in: Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. 3rd ed. N. W. Schaad et al., eds. American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 2001.

First Report of Erwinia amylovora Causing Fire Blight on Plum (Prunus domestica) in Hungary.

During July 2011, a severe, unusual disease symptom was observed on young shoots on a 10-year old plum tree (Prunus domestica L. 'd'Agen') in the city of Budaörs, near Budapest. The naturally infected shoots showed typical symptoms of fire blight including terminal shoots with brown-to-black necrotic lesions and later, shepherd's crook deformation. Symptoms were the same as fire blight, symptoms reported from other hosts and locations. The first occurrence of fire blight on European plum was recorded in Germany in 2002 (4). Shoots containing regions of dead and healthy tissue were surface sterilized with ethanol (50-mg sample homogenized with 500 µl of sterile water and 50 µl of the homogenate streaked to King's B agar medium). After 48 h of incubation at 26°C, the medium contained pure cultures of a bacterium with white mucoid colonies, which is morphologically consistent with E. amylovora (1). Isolates were gram negative and induced a hypersensitive reaction in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. 'White Burley') leaves (2). Biochemical tests were also used for identification, and the results of API 20E and API 50 CH kits (Biomérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France), demonstrated that the bacterium belongs to Enterobacteriaceae. Pathogenicity was tested by injecting five healthy young plum shoots from the same tree with a 10-µl bacterial suspension of 107 CFU/ml. Controls were injected with sterile distilled water. Shoots were kept at 26°C and 80 to 100% relative humidity. Five days after inoculation, dark brown-to-black lesions and shepherd's crook symptoms were observed only on inoculated shoots. The bacterium was reisolated from lesions on inoculated shoots, fulfilling Koch's postulates. No lesions were observed on controls. For molecular identification of the pathogen, the 16S rDNA region was amplified from isolate EA-PlumBo1 with a general bacterial primer pair (63f forward and 1389r reverse) (3). The PCR products were cloned into a pGEM T-Easy plasmid vector (Promega, Madison, WI) and were transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α cells. A recombinant plasmid (2A2.5) was sequenced by M13 forward and reverse primers. The sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. HE610678) and showed 99 to 100% sequence homology with a number of E. amylovora isolates, including type strain AJ233410 with 99% similarity and 100% homology with sequences FN434113 and FN666575, where the complete genomes are known. On the basis of the symptoms, colony morphology, biochemical tests, and 16S rDNA sequence homology, the pathogen was identified as E. amylovora. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a natural outbreak of fire blight on plum in Hungary and the presence of the pathogen may seriously influence local stone fruit production in the future. References: (1) E. O. King et al. J. Lab. Clin. Med. 44:301, 1954. (2) Z. Klement. Nature 199:299, 1963. (3) A. M. Osborn et al. Environ. Microbiol. 2:39, 2000. (4) J. L. Vanneste et al. Acta Hortic. 590:89, 2002.

First Report of Bacterial Leaf Spot of Basil Caused by Pseudomonas viridiflava in Hungary.

In April 2011, typical bacterial spot symptoms were observed on sweet basil plantlets (Ocimum basilicum L.) in a supermarket in Budapest, Hungary. Affected plants had dark brown-to-black lesions on the cotyledons. Spots on the leaves were first water soaked and then became necrotic and progressed inward from the margins. Symptoms were similar to those reported by Little et al. (3) on basil affected by Pseudomonas viridiflava. Bacteria consistently isolated from leaf lesions formed mucoid colonies with a green fluorescent pigment on King's B medium. Strains were gram negative. In LOPAT (levan-oxidase-potato rot-arginine dihydrolase-tobacco hypersensitivity) tests (2), all induced a hypersensitive reaction (HR) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. White Burley) leaves (1), caused soft rot of potato tuber slices, and were negative for levan, oxidase, and arginine dihydrolase. Biochemical tests, API 20NE and API 50 CH (Biomérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France), were also used for identification. The pathogenicity of three isolates was tested twice by injecting 20-day-old healthy basil plants with a bacterial suspension (107 CFU/ml). Controls were injected with sterile distilled water. Plants were kept at 25 to 28°C and 80 to 100% relative humidity. Forty-eight hours after inoculation, dark brown-to-black lesions were observed only on inoculated plants. The bacterium was reisolated from lesions of all plants tested, fulfilling Koch's postulates. No lesions were observed on controls. To identify the pathogen, a PCR technique was used. The 16SrDNA region was amplified with general bacterial primer pair (63f forward and 1389r reverse) (4) then the PCR products were cloned into Escherichia coli DH5α cells and a recombinant plasmid was sequenced by M13 forward and reverse primers. The sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. HE585219). On the basis of the symptoms, biochemical tests, and 16SrDNA sequence homology (99% sequence similarity with a number of P. viridiflava isolates), the pathogen was identified as P. viridiflava. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial leaf spot of basil in Hungary, which can seriously affect the basil production. References: (1) Z. Klement. Nature 199:299, 1963. (2) R. A. Lelliot et al. Appl. Bacteriol. 29:470, 1966. (3) E. L. Little et al. Plant Dis. 78:831, 1994. (4) A. M. Osborn et al. Environ. Microbiol. 2:39, 2000.

[Not Available]. / Fonctionnalisation du Titane par des Peptides Specifiques Bi-Fonctionnels pour l'adhesion Epitheliale.

Short Communication selected from the Oral Presentations of the 56th Congress of the Groupèment International pour la Recherche Scientifique en Stomatologie et Odontologie, Peñafiel (Portugal) May 2012.

Comparative animal study on hard tissue integration and bone formation of different Nobel Biocare implants.

Dental implantation aims at optimal and long-term hard tissue integration. Beside primary stability, loading time and other factors, e.g. the surface of the endosteal part of the implant, is a matter of special importance. In this animal trial, hard tissue integration of two different implant types was studied using radiological, histological and histomorphometric analysis. Two different implants with an oxidized surface (TiUnite; Nobel Biocare AB, Goteborg, Sweden, NobelReplace Tapered Groovy 4.3 x 10 mm and Replace Select Tapered 4.3 x 10 mm) were inserted into the right and left mandibles of 10 German domestic pigs between canine and premolar and immediately provided with a ceramic crown. The primary implant stability was determined using resonance frequency analysis. After 70 days, the test animals were killed and specimens were collected for histological and histomorphometric examination. All implants showed good primary stability after surgery. Histological and histomorphometrical analysis revealed no significant differences in the bone apposition. The immediate loading of the different implant types don't have any negative effects on the bone apposition in the period of 70 days. The long-term effects of immediate loading of these types of implant requires further studies.

Evaluation of shape and size changes of bone and remodelled bone substitute after different fixation methods.

Suitable tissue fixation is indispensable to histological analysis. This investigation, therefore, sought to evaluate changes of shape and size of bone specimens and remodelled bone substitute material following different fixation methods. Mandibular bones of 9 pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) served as specimens. Two mandibular premolars were extracted respectively and the extraction alveoli were filled with synthetic bone substitute material. The samples were collected after 70 days. Fixation of 6 specimens respectively was done for 7 days in 4% formalin (formaldehyde), 70% ethanol and glycerol at 18 degrees C room temperature. The samples were radiographically examined before and after fixation using a reference specimen and subsequently underwent histological analysis. After fixation in formalin, the samples showed no size changes. After fixation in glycerol, morphological analysis revealed minor shape changes. Fixation in ethanol causes shrinking of the tissue specimens. Histological inspection of the tissues shows no morphological changes except slight shrinking. In conclusion there is no universal fixative that could met all requirements and permited proper examination without affecting tissues or bone specimens.

Peroxynitrite decreases arrhythmias induced by ischaemia reperfusion in anaesthetized dogs, without involving mitochondrial KATP channels.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Exogenous peroxynitrite from nanomolar to micromolar concentrations exerts cardioprotection. Here, we have assessed its effects on ischaemia- and reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias in vivo and a possible role for mitochondrial K(ATP) channels in these effects, using the channel inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Chloralose-urethane-anaesthetized dogs were treated twice for 5 min with peroxynitrite (100 nM, by intracoronary infusions) in both the absence and presence of 5-HD (150 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), and then subjected to 25 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The severity of ischaemia and of arrhythmias, as well as the levels of nitrotyrosine were assessed and compared with a group of control dogs, subjected only to a 25 min occlusion and reperfusion insult. KEY RESULTS: Compared with controls, infusion of peroxynitrite markedly suppressed the number of ventricular premature beats (388+/-88 vs 133+/-44), the incidence of ventricular fibrillation both during occlusion (50% vs 10%) and reperfusion (100% vs 44%), and increased survival (0% vs 50%; all P<0.05). The severity of ischaemia (epicardial ST-segment changes, inhomogeneity of electrical activation) during occlusion and nitrotyrosine levels on reperfusion were significantly less in the peroxynitrite-treated dogs than in the controls. 5-HD did not modify the cardioprotective effects of peroxynitrite. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Exogenous peroxynitrite provided antiarrhythmic protection in vivo, which might have been on account of a reduction in endogenous peroxynitrite formation. This protection seemed not to be mediated through mitoK(ATP) channels.

Identification of intramembrane hydrogen bonding between 13(1) keto group of bacteriochlorophyll and serine residue alpha27 in the LH2 light-harvesting complex.

Intramembrane hydrogen bonding and its effect on the structural integrity of purple bacterial light-harvesting complex 2, LH2, have been assessed in the native membrane environment. A novel hydrogen bond has been identified by Raman resonance spectroscopy between a serine residue of the membrane-spanning region of LH2 alpha-subunit, and the C-13(1) keto carbonyl of bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) B850 bound to the beta-subunit. Replacement of the serine by alanine disrupts this strong hydrogen bond, but this neither alters the strongly red-shifted absorption nor the structural arrangement of the BChls, as judged from circular dichroism. It also decreases only slightly the thermal stability of the mutated LH2 in the native membrane environment. The possibility is discussed that weak H-bonding between the C-13(1) keto carbonyl and a methyl hydrogen of the alanine replacing serine(-4) or the imidazole group of the nearby histidine maintains structural integrity in this very stable bacterial light-harvesting complex. A more widespread occurrence of H-bonding to C-13(1) not only in BChl, but also in chlorophyll proteins, is indicated by a theoretical analysis of chlorophyll/polypeptide contacts at <3.5 A in the high-resolution structure of Photosystem I. Nearly half of the 96 chlorophylls have aa residues suitable as hydrogen bond donors to their keto groups.

Repeated biopsies in evaluation of therapeutic effects in prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Apoptosis is one of the major events following total androgen blockade (TAB). The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of some histological parameters including apoptosis and gene products which influence apoptosis, based on repeated biopsies taken from the same patients. METHODS: At the time of diagnosis by needle biopsy TNM stage, serum PSA, Gleason's grade, apoptotic and mitotic index, Ki67, p53, and bcl(2) expression were investigated in 60 prostate carcinoma patients. Antiandrogen therapy supplemented with surgical or chemical castration was administered. Serum PSA-test and needle biopsy were repeated 13-14 weeks after starting the therapy, simultaneously with determination of the apoptotic and mitotic index, Ki67, p53, and bcl(2) expression. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were alive at the end of the study, 13 patients died. Decrease in mitotic, increase in apoptotic index predicted favourable long-term response to antiandrogen therapy. Lower Ki67 and (mutant) p53 expression in the first and also in the second biopsy pointed to favourable effect of antiandrogen treatment. Since the ratio between Ki67 and apoptotic index strongly decreased in the survivors upon therapy, changes in Ki67/apoptosis ratio is recommended as a histologically detectable predictive factor. bcl(2) expression did not show significant correlation with the outcome of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Histological evaluation of mitotic and apoptotic index, Ki67, and p53 expression in repeated biopsies contributes to predicting the value of the actual treatment and may be useful to institute alterations in therapy.

[Prevalence of dental caries in adolescents wearing the Alexander-type fixed orthodontic device]. / Caries-prevalencia az Alexander-típusú rögzített fogszabályozó készüléket viseló serdülók körében.

In the present study for an investigation regarding the oral caries in 1179 adolescents, wearing the Alexander fixed braces, aged 14.3 (+/- 1.8 years), were investigated for the DMF index. 80% of the examined children were living in the capital (Budapest) and the rest were from the countryside. All of them were treated at the Heim Pál Children's Hospital. Their orthodontic treatment was supported by the state health insurance. Out of all examined subjects 46% was recorded as caries-free and the remaining 54% showed the following distribution pattern: DMF = 1 was 16%, DMF = 2 was 14%, DMF = 3 was 7% and DMF3 < was 17%. The results do not support a judgment of 'poor level' of oral hygiene in children wearing the Alexander appliance, on the contrary, the outcome suggest an acceptable level of oral hygiene as well as educated oral- and dental attitude in adolescents treated with malocclusions, which are mostly regarded as a risk factor for caries inductive dental plaque formation. The results also indicates that the claim for orthodontic treatment might have had a positive effect on caries prevalence.

[Clinical problems of orthodontics and orofacial orthopedics at the turn of the millennium]. / Az állcsont-orthopedia és a fogszabályozás klinikai problémáinak súlypontjai az ezredfordulón.

The author gives an overview of orthodontic profession among the dental specialties. Educational problems of orthodontics in the new age are also discussed as well as treatment quality assurance possibilities and conditions. Future treatment possibilities of retrospectively rehabilitative adult orthodontics and interceptively prospective early treatment of children are referred. The article also cover the 3D imaging of the human face, animation of the craniofacial complex, and Cephalometric 3D analysis as areas of scientific research and realities. The need for restandardizing of orthodontic slot size to simplify and to minimize changeover problems in orthodontics basic hardware--the wires and brackets--are also addressed.

Atrial natriuretic peptide reduces the severe consequences of coronary artery occlusion in anaesthetized dogs.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on the responses to coronary artery occlusion. In chloralose-urethane anaesthetised mongrel dogs either saline (controls) or human synthetic ANP was infused intravenously (10 microg kg(-1) + 0.1 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), starting 30 min before and continuing 10 min during a 25 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). ANP infusion resulted in a fall in mean arterial blood pressure (by 17 +/- 2 mmHg, p < 0.05), a transient (max. at 5 min) increase in coronary blood flow (by 24 +/- 5 ml min(-1), p < 0.05), and a reduction in coronary vascular resistance (by 0.27 +/- 0.05 mmHg ml(-1), p < 0.05). When the LAD coronary artery was occluded, there was a less marked elevation in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in the ANP-treated dogs than in the controls (9.0 +/- 0.9 versus 12.2 +/- 0.8 mmHg, p < 0.05). Compared to the controls, ANP reduced the number of ventricular premature beats (VPBs, 26 +/- 12 versus 416 +/- 87, p < 0.05), the number of episodes of ventricular tachycardia per dogs (VT, 0.7 +/- 0.3 versus 12.4 +/- 4.2, p < 0.05), and the incidences of VT (45% versus 100%, p < 0.05) and ventricular fibrillation (VF 18% versus 57%, p < 0.05) during occlusion. Reperfusion of the ischaemic myocardium at the end of the occlusion period led to VF in all the control dogs (survival from the combined ischaemia-reperfusion insult was therefore 0%), but VF following reperfusion was much less in the dogs given ANP (survival 64%; p < 0.05). The severity of myocardial ischaemia, as assessed from changes in the epicardial ST-segment and the degree of inhomogeneity, was significantly less marked in dogs given ANP. We conclude that ANP protects the myocardium from the consequences of myocardial ischaemia resulting from acute coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in anaesthetized dogs.

Isosorbide-2-mononitrate reduces the consequences of myocardial ischaemia, including arrhythmia severity: implications for preconditioning.

The effects of the intracoronary administration of isosorbide-2-mononitrate (ISMN; 3 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), a major metabolite of isosorbide dinitrate, were examined in chloralose-urethane anaesthetized dogs before and during a 25 min, acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The only significant haemodynamic effects of ISMN administration were a slight (-11 +/- 2 mmHg) decrease in arterial blood pressure and a decrease (< 12%) in diastolic coronary vascular resistance. Coronary occlusion in the presence of ISMN led to a markedly reduced incidence and severity of ventricular arrhythmias compared to those in control, saline-infused dogs. There were fewer ectopic beats (62 +/- 35 versus 202 +/- 72; p < 0.05), a lower incidence (25% versus 75%; p < 0.05) and number of episodes (0.7 +/- 0.4 versus 4.3 +/- 2.1; p < 0.05) of ventricular tachycardia and fewer dogs fibrillated during the ischaemic period (17% versus 82%; p < 0.05). More dogs given ISMN survived the combined ischaemia-reperfusion insult (50% versus 0%; p < 0.05). Changes in ST-segment elevation (recorded by epicardial electrodes) and in the degree of inhomogeneity of electrical activation within the ischaemic area were much less pronounced throughout the occlusion period in dogs given ISMN. These results add weight to the hypothesis that the previously reported antiarrhythmic effects of ischaemic preconditioning, and of the intracoronary administration of nicorandil, involve nitric oxide.

Follow-up of prostate carcinoma patients treated with total androgen blockade by repeated map-biopsy.

A prospective study was carried out on ten patients with prostate cancer. The TNM stage, Gleason's grade, general clinical status and, serum PSA level were all registered by the time of diagnosis. Total androgen blockade (TAB) was performed. Serum PSA control and general clinical examination re-biopsy was performed on average 107 days after the start of the therapy. The pre- and post treatment histology included HE and Tunel reaction to show apoptotic cells, as well as p53, bcl2 and Ki67 immunostaining. Clinical improvement of the disease, manifested by regression or by steady state was observed in all ten patients. An increase of apoptotic index, and a decrease of mitotic index was detected in most cases. The serum PSA level decreased in all patients. Ki67, bcl2 and mutant p53 were strongly expressed in tumor cells of patients in whom Gleason's grade was 7 or higher and decreased markedly in all cases upon therapy. Data obtained by repeated biopsy in the course of TAB therapy are indicators of the effectiveness of TAB, like changes in serum PSA, and may be considered as predictive factors.

Experimental and finite element study of a human mandible.

Knowledge of the complex biomechanical behaviour of the human mandible is of great importance in various clinical situations. Various approaches can be used to evaluate the physical behaviour of bony specimens. In the course of this study, we investigated mandibular deformation under mechanical loads in an experimental setting and compared them with results derived from finite element analysis (FEA). A special apparatus was developed to apply various forces under defined conditions on an explanted human mandible in vitro. Strains on the surface of the mandible were measured with strain gauges and subsequently a voxel based finite element mesh was generated. Strain patterns of the mandible were calculated in the FE analysis and matched with the experimental data. Comparing the numerical with the experimental data, we found a good correlation between in vitro measurements and mathematical modelling (correlation coefficient = 0.992). Then the FE model was used to evaluate mandibular biomechanics relative to aspects of load transfer, stress distribution and displacements. It is concluded that the applied procedure of generating the FE model is a valid and accurate, non-invasive method to predict different parameters of the complex biomechanical behaviour of human mandibles.

Improving diagnostic accuracy of prostate carcinoma by systematic random map-biopsy.

Systematic random rectal ultrasound directed map-biopsy of the prostate was performed in 77 RDE (rectal digital examination) positive and 25 RDE negative cases, if applicable. Hypoechoic areas were found in 30% of RDE positive and in 16% of RDE negative cases. The score for carcinoma in the hypoechoic areas was 6.5% in RDE positive and 0% in RDE negative cases, whereas systematic map biopsy detected 62% carcinomas in RDE positive, and 16% carcinomas in RDE negative patients. The probability of positive diagnosis of prostate carcinoma increased in parallel with the number of biopsy samples/case. The importance of systematic map biopsy is emphasized.

The effects of Z13752A, a combined ACE/NEP inhibitor, on responses to coronary artery occlusion; a primary protective role for bradykinin.

The effects on the responses to coronary artery occlusion of a combined ACE/NEP inhibitor (Z13752A) were examined in anaesthetized dogs. A 1 h infusion of Z13752A (128 microgram kg(-1) min(-1) intravenously) decreased arterial blood pressure (by 11+/-3%; P<0. 05) and increased coronary blood flow (by 12+/-4%, P<0.05). There were no other significant haemodynamic changes. Z13752A inhibited both NEP and ACE enzymes both in dog plasma and in tissue (lung ACE; kidney NEP). Pressor responses to angiotensin I in vivo were inhibited and systemic vasodilator responses to bradykinin were potentiated. When the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 25 min, Z13752A markedly reduced the severity of the resultant ventricular arrhythmias. No ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurred (compared to 7/16 in the controls; P<0.05), and ventricular tachycardia (VT) was reduced (VT in 2/9 dogs treated with Z13752A cp. 16/16 of controls; episodes of VT 0.2+/-0.1 c.p. 10.7+/-3.3; P<0. 05). Reperfusion of the ischaemic myocardium led to VF in all control dogs but occurred less frequently in dogs given Z13752A (survival from the combined ischaemia-reperfusion insult 67% c.p. 0% in controls; P<0.05). Z13752A reduced two other indices of ischaemia severity; epicardial ST-segment elevation and inhomogeneity of electrical activation. These protective effects of Z13752A during ischaemia and reperfusion were abolished by the administration of icatibant (0.3 mg kg(-1), i.v.) a selective antagonist of bradykinin at B(2) receptors; the ischaemic changes in dogs given both icatibant and Z13752A were similar to those in the controls. We conclude that this ACE/NEP inhibitor is effective at reducing the consequences of coronary artery occlusion in this canine model and that this protection is primarily due to potentiation of released bradykinin. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 129, 671 - 680