Magneto-Stark effect of excitons as the origin of second harmonic generation in ZnO.

The magneto-Stark effect of excitons is demonstrated to be an efficient source of optical nonlinearity in hexagonal ZnO. Strong resonant second harmonic generation signals induced by an external magnetic field are observed in the spectral range of 2s and 2p excitons. The microscopic theoretical analysis shows that for excitons with a finite wave vector, exciton states of opposite parity are mixed by an effective odd parity electric field induced by the magnetic field despite its even parity. The field, spectral, and polarization dependencies of the second harmonic generation intensity validate the proposed mechanism. The observed phenomenon is not limited to a certain symmetry class and therefore must be effective in other semiconductors.

Spin-induced optical second harmonic generation in the centrosymmetric magnetic semiconductors EuTe and EuSe.

Spectroscopy of the centrosymmetric magnetic semiconductors EuTe and EuSe reveals spin-induced optical second harmonic generation (SHG) in the band gap vicinity at 2.1-2.4 eV. The magnetic field and temperature dependence demonstrates that the SHG arises from the bulk of the materials due to a novel type of nonlinear optical susceptibility caused by the magnetic dipole contribution combined with spontaneous or induced magnetization. This spin-induced susceptibility opens access to a wide class of centrosymmetric systems by harmonics generation spectroscopy.

A multinational, multi-centre, observational, cross-sectional survey assessing diabetes secondary care in Central and Eastern Europe (DEPAC Survey).

AIMS: The objective of this study was to assess diabetes care in outpatient diabetes clinics in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. METHODS: Questionnaires for each randomly enrolled patient were completed by an endocrinologist or diabetologist. Data concerning age, sex, diabetes duration, diabetes type, treatment type, glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), blood pressure (BP) and short- and long-term diabetes complications were recorded. Questionnaires were analysed centrally for each country and stratified for Type 1 diabetes (T1D), Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other types of diabetes. RESULTS: Data on 10 950 individuals were analysed (mean population age 56.2 years; females 52%; T1D 22.9%; T2D 75.3%; mean time from diagnosis 11 years). Patients with HbA(1c) within target (< 6.5%): T1D 13.1%, T2D 21.4%; for TC levels (< 4.5 mmol/l): T1D 37%, T2D 20%; for TG levels (< 1.7 mmol/l): T1D 78%, T2D 44%; for HDL-C (> 1.1 mmol/l): T1D 81%, T2D 60%; for LDL-C (< 2.5 mmol/l): T1D 36%, T2D 23%; for BP (< 130/80 mm Hg): T1D 42%, T2D 9%. The prevalence of severe hypoglycaemia (within the last 6 months) was 12% in T1D and 2% in T2D. Prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis was 0.3-6.6%, blindness 0.15-1.3% and diabetic nephropathy 19-42%. CONCLUSIONS: The data show the current quality of care and potential areas for improvement. The quality of care is generally comparable with that in Western Europe.

Mode of delivery in women after liver transplantation.

AIM: A high rate of cesarean sections has been reported among high-risk pregnancies in liver transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to analyze the course of deliveries and the indications for cesarean sections in women after liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2006, we noted 21 deliveries in 17 liver recipients. The mean age of women was 27.9 +/- 6.6 years and the mean time from transplantation to pregnancy was 4.3 +/- 3.6 years. Most patients were primigravidas on tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens. We retrospectively analyzed obstetric data regarding the delivery and the early puerperium. RESULTS: We noted 6 vaginal deliveries (29%) and 15 cesarean sections (71%). Mean gestational age in the group of vaginal deliveries was 37.6 +/- 2.2 weeks. No labor complications were noted. All neonates were delivered in a good state (Apgar score from 8 to 10 points) with mean birth weight of 2725 g. All cesarean sections were performed for obstetric indications: fetal distress, breech presentation, intrauterine growth retardation, or complications related to premature labor. Mean gestational age was 37.0 +/- 1.9 weeks. The Apgar scores ranged from 4 to 10 points; mean birth weight was 2787 g. The mean period of hospitalization after surgical labor was 4 days longer compared with the vaginal delivery group. CONCLUSION: The high rate of cesarean sections (71%) in liver recipients is associated with a great incidence of obstetric complications of pregnancy. Safe and uneventful vaginal delivery is possible with growing experience in the management of pregnant transplanted women.

Physical dependence in baboons chronically treated with low and high doses of diazepam.

Physical dependence on diazepam was evaluated in male baboons chronically treated with either low or high doses of diazepam. Baboons received either a single oral daily administration of a low dose (0.5 mg/kg per day) of diazepam (n=4) or continuous intragastric infusion of a high dose (20 mg/kg per day) of diazepam (n=7). Development of physical dependence during chronic dosing with 0.5 mg/kg per day diazepam was assessed at 2 and 4 weeks and then monthly, during 1-h behavioral observations, following injections of the benzodiazepine competitive antagonist flumazenil. After 3-24 months of diazepam treatment, dosing was discontinued and physical dependence assessed via observation and responding for food pellets. In baboons that received 0.5 mg/kg per day diazepam, flumazenil precipitated a mild- to intermediate-intensity benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, which included decreases in the number of food pellets earned per day and increases in withdrawal postures, self-directed behaviors, aggressive behaviors and retching/vomiting. Three of four baboons showed signs of precipitated withdrawal after only 2 weeks of chronic low-dose treatment. Flumazenil continued to precipitate withdrawal signs, but with no systematic increase in severity, throughout the 6-10 months of 0.5 mg/kg diazepam administration. When 0.5 mg/kg per day diazepam dosing was discontinued, the number of food pellets earned per day decreased in two of the four baboons, but no systematic changes in behavioral signs were observed. In contrast, within 7-10 days of termination of 20 mg/kg per day diazepam dosing, withdrawal signs of intermediate intensity and a decrease in the number of food pellets earned per day occurred in all baboons. In the present study, physical dependence developed after 2 weeks of a chronic low dose of diazepam administration but did not increase further over long-term exposure to diazepam.

Oxygen transport dynamics of acellular hemoglobin solutions in an isovolemic hemodilution model in swine.

BACKGROUND: One of the perceived advantages of a hemoglobin-based blood substitute is the provision of oxygen-carrying capacity. Although the hemodynamic response to the infusion of acellular hemoglobin solutions has been extensively studied, less is known about the oxygen transport dynamics of such solutions. We hypothesized that acellular hemoglobin solutions are useful oxygen carriers in anemic states and that higher P50 solutions transport O2 more efficiently than low P50 solutions. We sought to quantify O2 transport dynamics of hemoglobin solutions in an isovolemic hemodilution model in swine. METHODS: Eighteen swine were anesthetized, ventilated, and instrumented for hemodynamic measurements and for withdrawal of arterial and mixed venous blood. The swine were randomized into three groups and progressively bled from an initial hematocrit (Hct) of 30% to Hcts of 19%, 13%, and 8% using isovolemic exchange with pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate (PHP, n = 6); an identical hemoglobin solution without the pyridoxalation, resulting in a low P50 solution (POE-Hb, n = 6); or an osmotically similar control solution of pentastarch (PS, n = 6). Hemodynamic measurements, arterial and mixed venous O2 content, and O2 extraction ratio (ER), were determined in whole blood (WB), the red blood cell (RBC) phase, and the plasma phase utilizing a compartmentalized approach. RESULTS: Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was higher with hemodilution in the PHP and POE-Hb groups than in the PS group (p < 0.05). Cardiac index increased with hemodilution in all groups, but was significantly less than the cardiac index in the PS group at Hcts = 19% and 13%. Oxygen delivery and consumption were maintained at all hematocrits at baseline levels in the PHP and POE-Hb groups, but O2 delivery was significantly decreased in the PS group at Hct = 8% (p < 0.05 for PS vs. baseline and p < 0.05 for PHP and POE-Hb vs. PS). Oxygen extraction ratio increased with progressive hemodilution in both the RBC hemoglobin and plasma phases to a maximum of 39% for PHP and 36% for POE-Hb at Hct = 8%. The percent contribution from the plasma phase to total oxygen delivery and consumption likewise increased with hemodilution to maximum values of 52.7% (PHP) and 68.2% (POE-Hb) for delivery and 40.9% (PHP) and 39.3% (POE-Hb) for consumption. CONCLUSION: Acellular hemoglobin solutions provide a significant contribution to O2 delivery and consumption, particularly in severe anemia, in this model of isovolemic exchange. The differences in the P50 of the two hemoglobin solutions do not appear to significantly influence oxygen dynamics over the range of hematocrits studied.

Behavioral and pharmacological variables affecting risky choice in rats.

The effects of manipulations of response requirement, intertrial interval (ITI), and psychoactive drugs (ethanol, phencyclidine, and d-amphetamine) on lever choice under concurrent fixed-ratio schedules were investigated in rats. Responding on the "certain'' lever produced three 45-mg pellets, whereas responding on the "risky" lever produced either 15 pellets (p = .33) or no pellets (p .67). Rats earned all food during the session, which ended after 12 forced trials and 93 choice trials or 90 min, whichever occurred first. When the response requirement was increased from 1 to 16 and the ITI was 20 s, percentage of risky choice was inversely related to fixed-ratio value. When only a single response was required but the ITI was manipulated between 20 and 120 s (with maximum session duration held constant), percentage of risky choice was directly related to length of the ITI. The effects of the drugs were investigated first at an ITI of 20 s, when risky choice was low for most rats, and then at an ITI of 80 s, when risky choice was higher for most rats. Ethanol usually decreased risky choice. Phencyclidine did not usually affect risky choice when the ITI was 20 s but decreased it in half the rats when the ITI was 80 s. For d-amphetamine, the effects appeared to he related to baseline probability of risky choice; that is, low probabilities were increased and high probabilities were decreased. Although increase in risky choice as a function of the ITI is at variance with previous ITI data, it is consistent with foraging data showing that risk aversion decreases as food availability decreases. The pharmacological manipulations showed that drug effects on risky choice may be influenced by the baseline probability of risky choice, just as drug effects can be a function of baseline response rate.

[Contribution to etiology of otitis media with effusion]. / Przyczynek do etiologii wysiekowego zapalenia ucha srodkowego.

BACKGROUND: Otitis media with effusion is characterized by gathering and retaining of effusion within the tympanic cavity and the structures of the mastoid bone. The aim of this study was to explain the role of immunological reaction in pathogenesis and development of this disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The studied group comprised 6 patients aged between 7 and 14 years. The effusion present within the tympanic cavity was aspired and then the agarare gel immunoelectrophoresis was performed. After 24 hours the precipitation stripes of the IgA and IgG were analysed. Blood serum specimens were also collected in the studied group. After centifrugation, blood serum concentrations of IgA and IgG were evaluated. RESULTS: IgA and IgG were present in the effusion taken from the tympanic cavity in all examined cases. The level of IgA was higher in older individuals.

Zaleplon and triazolam physical dependence assessed across increasing doses under a once-daily dosing regimen in baboons.

The ability of the GABA(A)-receptor-subtype-selective hypnotic zaleplon to produce physical dependence was compared to the nonselective benzodiazepine triazolam. Progressively increasing doses of zaleplon and triazolam were given to baboons by intragastric infusion once each day, with doses increasing every 17 days. Next, the highest dose was given for 10-34 additional days by continuous infusion. Both drugs produced increases in food-maintained lever pressing, ataxia, and time to complete a fine motor task. Plasma levels increased dose-dependently; drug was detectable 24 h after higher doses. Flumazenil produced a mild or intermediate precipitated-withdrawal syndrome on day 14 of all dosing conditions. When drug delivery ended after 85-100 days, a benzodiazepine-type withdrawal syndrome occurred. Physical dependence potential of zaleplon and triazolam appear similar.

[Carcinoma of the vulva in women: clinical and morphopathological problems]. / Rak sromu u kobiet--problemy kliniczne i patomorfologiczne.

Surgery is the mainstay of the treatment of vulvar cancer. Radical vulvectomy together with some form of lymphadenectomy is the usual treatment today, but the desire to minimize morbidity have led to a selective decrease in the extent of the surgery in recent years. We recommended retroperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy be used only if the inguinal nodes were positive. The approach has become widely accepted. Improvements in perioperative care and anesthetic techniques have allowed the surgical approach to be used in most patients, even in older women seen so commonly with this cancer.

Stable low-rate midazolam self-injection with concurrent physical dependence under conditions of long-term continuous availability in baboons.

The current research was undertaken to characterize intravenous midazolam self-injection and the concurrent development of physical dependence under conditions of continuous drug availability. Baboons (n=6) i.v. self-injected midazolam under conditions of continuous availability under a fixed-ratio 30 schedule of lever-pull responses with a 5-min time-out after each injection. Midazolam (1.0 mg/kg) maintained an orderly spaced within-day pattern of injections and low, but stable, daily rates of self-injection over 30 or more days (e.g. <20 injections/day). Sequential substitution of saline and then midazolam produced rapid extinction and then reinstatement of responding at the same stable rate. In subsequent manipulations, a range of lower doses of midazolam (0.0156-0.25 mg/kg) were also shown to reinstate self-injection responding after extinction on saline; however, both chronic and acute dose manipulations indicated that dose-regulation was poor. Chronic self-injection of the high dose (1.0 mg/kg) but not lower doses produced a suppression in responding maintained by food pellet delivery. Chronic self-injection of 1.0 and 0.25 mg/kg midazolam produced physical dependence as reflected in classic benzodiazepine spontaneous and flumazenil-precipitated withdrawal syndromes, including tremor, vomiting and, in one instance, seizure. The stable, low-rate self-injection of midazolam, with concurrent development of physical dependence, demonstrated in the present study may provide a useful model system for investigating factors which contribute to long-term inappropriate use of benzodiazepines by physically dependent patients.

Intravenous self-injection of four novel phenethylamines in baboons.

The present study evaluated the intravenous self-administration of four substituted phenethylamines, using a substitution procedure in baboons. Baboons were trained to self-inject 0.32mg/kg/injection cocaine under a fixed-ration (FR) schedule, with a 3h timeout following each injection. Doses of (+/-)-N-ethyl-3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine HCI (MDE), (+/-)-N-hydroxy-3, 4-methylendioxyamphetamine HCI (N-OH-MDA), (+)-N-N-dimethylamphetamine HCI (NNDMA), and 4-bromo-2,5-dimethyoxy-beta-phenethylamine (BDMPEA) and their vehicles were substituted for cocaine for 15 or more successive days. High doses of MDE and N-OH-MDA maintained self-injection; however, NNDMA and BDMPEA self-injection was less consistent. NNDMA did not reliably maintain self-injection, whereas one or more doses of BDMPEA maintained self-injection in each of three baboons. Intermediate to high doses of all four compounds decreased food pellet intake maintained under a FR schedule of reinforcement on a different lever. In some baboons, high doses of N-OH-MDA, NNDMA and BDMPEA produced signs of behavioral toxicity (e.g. cyclic pattern of self-injection, behavioral agitation, stereotypical movements) that were similar to those previously observed after administration of high doses of classic psychomotor stimulants such as d-amphetamine; however, the severity and profile of this behavioral toxicity differed between compounds. Thus, the present study documents both similarities and differences in the behavioral profiles of these four phenethylamines.

Absorption rate of methylxanthines following capsules, cola and chocolate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare caffeine and theobromine absorption after oral administration of capsules, cola beverage and chocolate candy. METHODS: Three males and four females who abstained from methylxanthines received five methylxanthine-containing treatments: caffeine in capsules (72 mg), administered twice; theobromine in capsules (370 mg); cola beverage (72 mg caffeine) and chocolate candy (72 mg caffeine and 370 mg theobromine). Plasma methylxanthine levels were assayed from samples collected before and 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 h after caffeine capsule and cola treatments and, additionally, at 4.0 and 6.0 h after theobromine capsule and chocolate treatments. RESULTS: Caffeine plasma concentrations increased rapidly and peaked at approximately 30 min following both capsule treatments 1 (Cmax: 1.93 micrograms.ml-1); and 2 (Cmax: 2.05 micrograms.ml-1). Relative to capsules, caffeine absorption from cola and chocolate was delayed and produced lower maximum caffeine plasma concentrations which peaked 1.5-2.0 h after treatment (For cola, Cmax: 1.57 micrograms.ml-1); and for chocolate, Cmax: 1.50 micrograms.ml-1. Theobromine plasma concentrations peaked approximately 3 h after capsule administration (Cmax: 6.72 micrograms.ml-1). Relative to capsules, theobromine absorption from chocolate was more rapid and produced higher maximum theobromine plasma concentrations which peaked approximately 2 h after treatment (Cmax: 8.05 micrograms.ml-1). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a usual dietary portion of the cola or chocolate used in this study would produce behaviorally discriminable plasma levels of caffeine in most subjects and of theobromine in at least one subject.

[Coexistence of infection of the oral cavity and stomach and duodenal mucosa with Helicobacter pylori in patients with ulcer and chronic gastritis]. / Koexistenz der Infektion der Mundhöhle sowie der Magen- und Duodenalschleimhaut mit Helicobacter pylori bei Patienten mit Ulkuskrankheit und chronischer Gastritis.

In a group of 260 patients with a peptic ulcer of the stomach or the duodenum and/or chronic gastritis, bacteriological tests were conducted aiming at the detection of Helicobacter pylori in the mucosa of the stomach and the duodenum and in the gingival pockets. The presence of the infection of the mucosa of the stomach and/or of the duodenum was confirmed in 197 patients (75.8%). In this group of patients the bacteria occurred simultaneously in the oral cavity in 77 (39.1%) patients. It was found that the frequency of coexistence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the gingival pockets with an infected gastric or duodenal ulcer was not statistically significant. However, there was a statistically significant correlation between the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in the oral cavity (83.3%) and the simultaneous occurrence of extensive infection of the gastric mucosa.

Risk of atherosclerosis in women six years after uterine leiomyoma surgery as compared with healthy women.

44 women at the age between 40 and 60, who underwent uterine leiomyoma surgery six years previously and 45 healthy women were examined for total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2). The value of the atherogenic coefficient [sequence: see text] and [sequence: see text] were determined. The clinical condition of the women was also evaluated. It was shown that independently on the extent of surgery, significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) higher values of LDL-C and lower values (p < 0.05) of atherogenic coefficients of [sequence: see text] were recorded, which is evidence of risk atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) in all groups of women. A greater intensity of atherosclerotic changes in women with bilateral oophorectomy (group B'beta) may be connected both with older age and a higher body weight inducing these processes and is evidence of pathogenetic disorders caused by laparotomy. We confirmed that oophorectomy in women with leiomyoma during the perimenopausal period does not result in atherosclerosis and CHD risk when preserving the ovaries during laparotomy.

Some parameters of lipid metabolism in women 6 years after surgery on account of uterine leiomyoma.

The examinations were carried out in 44 women (age between 40 and 60 years) six years after surgery on account of a uterine leiomyoma. The total cholesterol (TC) level, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2) as well as the values of the atherogenic coefficient HDL-C/TC- and HDL-C/LDL-C were assessed. The subjects were divided into 3 age groups as well as groups with regard to the extent of surgery. In younger women with partial oophorectomy no changes of the lipid metabolism were found. In older women, however, with hysterectomy and oophorectomy, the risk of atherosclerosis reached the threshold of compensatory abilities and was marked by a decrease of mean values of HDL-C/LDL-C (p < 0.05), with an increase of HDL-C/TC- (p < 0.001).

Discriminative stimulus and subjective effects of theobromine and caffeine in humans.

Theobromine versus placebo discrimination and caffeine versus placebo discrimination were studied in two consecutive experiments in seven volunteers who abstained from methylxanthines. Daily sessions involved PO double-blind ingestion of two sets of capsules sequentially, one of which contained drug and the other placebo. Subjects attempted to identify, and were later informed, which set of capsules contained the drug. In each experiment subjects were exposed to progressively lower doses. Five subjects acquired the theobromine discrimination; the lowest dose discriminated ranged from 100 to 560 mg. All seven subjects acquired the caffeine discrimination; the lowest dose discriminated ranged from 1.8 to 178 mg. A final experiment evaluated subjective effect ratings following 560 mg theobromine, 178 mg caffeine and placebo, which were administered double-blind in capsules once daily, five times each in mixed sequence. Caffeine produced changes in both group and individual ratings (e.g. increased well-being, energy, social disposition and alert). Theobromine did not produce changes in group ratings but changed ratings in some subjects. Across subjects, sensitivity to caffeine discriminative effects in the discrimination experiment correlated significantly with the number and magnitude of caffeine subjective effects in the final experiment. This study documents modest discriminative effects of theobromine in humans, but the basis of the discrimination is unclear. This study suggests that commonly consumed cocoa products contain behaviorally active doses of caffeine and possibly theobromine.

Intravenous self-injection of methcathinone in the baboon.

Methcathinone is a phenylisopropylamine that has been produced by clandestine laboratories and identified in illicit drug traffic. The present study evaluated the intravenous self-administration of methcathinone in three baboons using a cocaine substitution procedure. Intravenous self-injections were available 24 h/day according to a fixed-ratio (FR) schedule with a 3-h timeout following each injection. Doses of racemic methcathinone HCl (0.01-1.0 mg/kg/injection) and its vehicle were substituted for cocaine for 15 or more days. A concurrent FR schedule of food pellet delivery allowed evaluation of any changes in food intake. Self-injection of methcathinone was dose dependent. The lower doses of methcathinone, 0.01 and 0.032, maintained low and intermediate rates of self-injection, respectively, while the higher doses, 0.1, 0.32, and 1.0, maintained rates above vehicle control and comparable to those maintained by cocaine. Acute administration of 3.2 mg/kg to two baboons produced signs of psychomotor stimulant toxicity. Systematic changes in food intake were not observed. The present data indicate that methcathinone functions as a positive reinforcer in baboons and suggests that methcathinone may have abuse potential.

[Evaluation of the influence of certain epidemiologic factors on development of uterine myomas]. / Ocena wplywu niektórych czynników epidemiologicznych na powstawanie miesniaków macicy.

Age of menarche, fertility, number of labours, body weight, physical and mental activity, and incidence of stress in everyday life were evaluated in 72 women with uterine myomas, aged 34-54 years. The control group consisted of 45 healthy women at similar age. It was demonstrated that overweight (p < 0.05, p < 0.001 in most groups studied) in combination with low physical activity and higher mental (stress producing) was a risk factor in the aetiology and pathogenesis of this disease. Fertility and number of labours as well as the age of menarche were unchanged (p > 0.05).

[Clinical evaluation of hydroxy-ethylated starch (preparation HAES)]. / Ocena kliniczna skrobi hydroksyetylowanej (preparatu HAES).

Hydroxy-ethylated starch (HAES-Fresenius) has been evaluated clinically at the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical Academy in Warsaw. This plasma substitute is used in several countries as plasma substitute similar to dextran but of better properties. Results of our studies have shown, that HAES is worth its opinion. It is quite good plasma substitute of favourable effect on tissue perfusion. The above features together with a wide therapeutical margin and the lack of any effect on blood coagulation place HAES over dextran plasma substitutes. This preparation should have wider use in Poland.