A fast radio burst localized to a massive galaxy.

Intense, millisecond-duration bursts of radio waves (named fast radio bursts) have been detected from beyond the Milky Way1. Their dispersion measures-which are greater than would be expected if they had propagated only through the interstellar medium of the Milky Way-indicate extragalactic origins and imply contributions from the intergalactic medium and perhaps from other galaxies2. Although several theories exist regarding the sources of these fast radio bursts, their intensities, durations and temporal structures suggest coherent emission from highly magnetized plasma3,4. Two of these bursts have been observed to repeat5,6, and one repeater (FRB 121102) has been localized to the largest star-forming region of a dwarf galaxy at a cosmological redshift of 0.19 (refs. 7-9). However, the host galaxies and distances of the hitherto non-repeating fast radio bursts are yet to be identified. Unlike repeating sources, these events must be observed with an interferometer that has sufficient spatial resolution for arcsecond localization at the time of discovery. Here we report the localization of a fast radio burst (FRB 190523) to a few-arcsecond region containing a single massive galaxy at a redshift of 0.66. This galaxy is different from the host of FRB 121102, as it is a thousand times more massive, with a specific star-formation rate (the star-formation rate divided by the mass) a hundred times smaller.

[Stabilization of remission in patients with opioid dependence with naltrexone implant: a pharmacogenetic approach]. / Stabilizatsiia remissii u bol'nykh opiinoi narkomaniei implantom naltreksona: farmakogeneticheskii aspekt.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of opioid receptor genes and dopamine system genes polymorphisms on treatment outcomes of opioid dependence with implantable and oral naltrexone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Authors carried out a randomized double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Three hundred and six patients with opioid dependence were randomized into 3 equal treatment groups. The first group received implantation of 1000 mg naltrexone every 2 months during 6 months + oral naltrexone placebo; the second group - placebo implant every 2 months + oral naltrexone (50mg/day) and the third group - placebo implant + oral naltrexone placebo. It was genotyped polymorphisms in the following genes: mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1), kappa-opioid receptor (OPRK1), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), dopamine receptors types 2 (DRD2) and 4 (DRD4), dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, and dopamine transporter (DAT1). RESULTS: Regardless of treatment several polymorphisms of these genes were associated with high risk of relapse: an allele L (2R) DRD4 120bp (p=0.05; OR (95% CI)=3.3(1.1-10.1)); an allele С DRD2 NcoI (р=0,051; OR (95% CI)=2,86 (1,09-7,52)); the genotype 9.9 DAT VNTR 40bp (р=0,04; OR (95% CI)=1,4 (1,3-1,5)); on the contrary, (СС+СТ)-(ТТ)) variants of OPRK1-DRD2Ncol increased a chance to complete treatment program (р=0,004; OR (95% CI)=7.4 (1.8-30.4)), Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (р=0,016). The probability of completing treatment program by the carriers of these variants was higher in the oral naltrexone group (p=0.016), lower in the double placebo group (p=0.015), but did not influence on treatment outcomes in the naltrexone-implant group. CONCLUSION: Naltrexone-implant is a highly effective medication for treatment of opioid dependence and its effectiveness exceeds that of oral naltrexone and placebo. The study has shown the joint influence of opioid receptor genes and genes of dopaminergic system on treatment outcomes of opioid dependence. Genetic analysis is useful for determining potential responders to naltrexone treatment of opioid dependence.

[Naltrexone and fluoxetine for maintenance of remission in patients with heroin addiction: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial].

Two hundreds and eighty patients with heroin addiction were randomized into 4 equal groups. Patients of the group 1 received naltrexone (N) in dosage 50 mg/day and fluoxetine (F) in dosage 20 mg/day during 6 months. Group 2 received N/F-placebo (FN), group 3--N-placebo (NP)/F and group 4--NP/FP. All patients underwent a session of individual psychotherapy for the maintenance of remission. Express urine drugs tests were used for remission control. Compliance was controlled by a riboflavin marker. Clinical state, psychiatric status and social functioning were assessed using quantified international scales and tests. To the end of the 6 month course, 43% of patients of group 1, 36% of group 2, 21% of group 3 and 10% of group 4 were in remission. Therefore, N/F was more effective than F/NP (p < 0.01) and FP/NP (p < 0.001); N/FP was more effective than F/NP (p < 0.05) and NP/FP (p < 0.001); F/NP did not differ significantly from NP/FP (p = 0.1); N/F did not differ from N/FP (p = 0.2). However N/F was more effective compared to N/FP only in women, probably, due to the higher baseline levels of depression, anxiety and anhedonia. Naltrexone was superior to placebo and fluoxetine in the efficacy of maintenance of remission and preventing relapse in patients with heroin addiction. The combination of naltrexone and fluoxetine was more effective compared to the monotherapy with naltrexone in women only.

Ruptured intra-aortic balloon pump. A case report.

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is the gold standard for the mechanical assistance of failing heart. Balloon rupture is a potential complication that may result in a retained device. The operative removal by direct exposure of the femoral vessels has previously been described. We report the case of a retained IABP requiring laparotomy and direct aortic exposure for removal of the device.

Acute effects of capsaicin on the postnatal spiral ganglion.

Capsaicin exerts both excitatory and desensitizing effects on a subset of sensory neurons during development in the dorsal root ganglion, but it is not known how widespread these effects are in other sensory ganglia especially those not known to have any pain sensitivity. The capsaicin sensitivity of auditory neurons in the spiral ganglion was investigated in acute preparations from three postnatal age groups in the hamster: postnatal days 6-8 (group 1), postnatal days 13-15 (group 2) and postnatal days 20-22 (group 3). Morphologically, capsaicin altered the shape, size, and staining characteristics of spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) across all age groups and this effect was apparently not selective for any identifiable subpopulation. However, SGCs from the youngest age groups were particularly sensitive to capsaicin neurotoxicity. When incubated in media that contained cobalt, capsaicin stimulated cobalt uptake within SGCs. KCl depolarization was able to produce the same level of cobalt uptake as capsaicin treatment. Our data suggest that the extent of capsaicin neurotoxicity in the spiral ganglion is strongly age dependent, involves the entry of calcium ions and is relatively nonspecific.

Parasites of prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis viridis) and gopher snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus sayi) from the eastern high plains of New Mexico.

Three prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis viridis) and two gopher snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus sayi) from the eastern high plains of New Mexico (USA) were examined for parasites. One cestode (Oochoristica osheroffi), and two nematode (Kalicephalus inermis and Physoloptera retusa) species were recovered from two infected rattlesnakes. One female gopher snake was infected with two nematode (K. inermis and Rhabdias spp.) and one mite (Entonyssus halli) species.

Can in-plant exercise control musculoskeletal symptoms?

After 1 year of an on-job exercise program to control musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck and upper limb, there were no statistically significant differences in localized postural discomfort scores or in the proportion of those whose discomfort decreased based on exercise participation. Although no clear reduction in discomfort was achieved by the exercise program alone, at least 67% of respondents who participated in the exercise program reported that the program made them feel better.

Comparison of intravenous and oral routes of theophylline loading in acute asthma.

In a prospective, randomized clinical trial, 19 patients with an acute exacerbation of asthma were given a loading dose of aminophylline by the IV (n = 10) or oral route (n = 9) of administration following treatment with epinephrine. Plasma concentrations of theophylline were measured prior to giving the loading dose, and one, two, three, and 24 to 48 hours later. Therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated by analyzing spirometric measurements prior to giving the loading dose, and one, three, and 24 to 48 hours later. Side effects also were recorded. In the IV group, the mean peak plasma theophylline concentration was 15.1 micrograms/mL one hour after loading, and in the oral group the mean peak serum theophylline concentration was 14.2 micrograms/mL three hours after loading. There was no correlation between theophylline concentrations and normalized change in spirometric values. There was no significant difference in spirometric values between the IV and oral groups. Nausea was slightly more common in the IV group. We conclude that there is no therapeutic advantage to giving a loading dose of aminophylline by the IV route rather than orally in patients with mild-to-moderate exacerbation of asthma initially treated with epinephrine.

Behavioral cohabitation: increasing satisfaction among nonmarried dyads?

The present study reports upon a standard behavior therapy treatment package applied to three clinically referred cohabitating couples. Multidimensional assessment measures included reports by self, partner, and external observers of couples' interactions. Moreover, a multiple-baseline design across couples was employed as a means of evaluating treatment efficacy. Therapy involved the weekly administration of bibliotherapy and exercise material, with therapist contact purposely minimized. An analysis of results indicates modest treatment success with considerable between-subject variability. These findings are discussed with regard to gender differences, ceiling effects, and utilization of standardized therapy packages. Recommendations are made for future behavioral cohabitation research.

Orthotopic cardiac transplantation in a Veterans Administration hospital.

Of 57 patients referred to the McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, Va, for evaluation for cardiac transplantation, 18 received allografts. The overall graft survival rate was 67% from two to 24 months after transplantation. In 15 recipients receiving immunosuppression with rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin, prednisone, and azathioprine, previous transfusion and HLA-DR matching resulted in improved graft survival. In three patients receiving cyclosporin and prednisone, hypertension, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity were seen. All surviving recipients were in functional New York Heart Association class 1 or 2. The cost to the Medical Center was $23,275 per transplant. The results achieved at the center suggested that a regionalized cardiac transplant program can be established within the VA health care system with acceptable clinical results and significant financial savings.

Cerebral blood flow and red cell delivery in normal subjects and in multiple sclerosis.

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was determined in 77 normal females and 53 normal males of different ages and in 26 men and 45 women with multiple sclerosis by the inhalation of radioactive Xe133 method. In the normal subjects the CBF was relatively high in the teens and fell, at first rapidly and then slowly in both sexes with age. During adult life the flow in females was significantly higher than in males. The delivery of packed red cells (RCD) was determined by multiplying the CBF by the percentage concentration of red cells (HCT). The RCD for both sexes was nearly the same. In the patients with multiple sclerosis there occurred a progressive generalized decrease in CBF and in RCD with age which was significantly greater than observed in normal subjects. The rate of decrease in CBF and RCD correlated directly with the rate of progress of the disease.

Determination of the mean caliper diameter of lung nuclei by a method which is independent of shape assumptions.

When determining the number of nuclei (therefore cells) present in a known volume of tissue it is necessary to determine the overall mean caliper diameter of nuclei for each cell type studied. Most previous methods for determining the mean caliper diameters (D) of of cell nuclei were strongly dependetn upon assumptions of the shape of the particles in question (Greeley et al., 1978). A computer program has now been designed to calculate D from three-dimensional reconstructions of nuclei in a manner that is independent of all shape assumptions. The Ds of ten capillary endothelial cell nuclei from normal rat lungs have been determined by this shape-independent method. The resulting overall mean caliper diameter for this group of ten nuclei varied only slightly from that previously estimated for them by a method which assumes them to be triaxial ellipsoids. In a similar comparison, the Ds for ten normal human lung endothelial cell nuclei were determined by both methods. The overall mean caliper diameter determined by the shape-independent method was 10% larger than that estimated by the shape-dependent method. This suggests that human lung endothelial nuclei vary significantly from the shape assumption (triaxial ellipsoid) employed in the shape-dependent method, and the shape-independent method was considered to yield a more accurate measurement of D.

Composite bolometers for submillimeter wavelengths.

The fabrication and optimization of composite submillimeter wave bolometers with metal film absorbing elements and doped Ge thermometers are described. Performance characteristics are given for 4 x 4-mm bolometers designed for operation at both (4)He and (3)He temperatures. The performance expected from such bolometers when they are optimized for various values of background loading is calculated. Current dependent noise, which can arise from any of several sources, is included in the analysis. This can make it impossible to reach the background fluctuation noise limit. Feed structures for these bolometers which employ Winston light concentrators are described.