Coexistence of Reflection Asymmetric and Symmetric Shapes in

Level structures in the neutron-rich ^{144}Ba nucleus have been reinvestigated by measuring prompt γ rays in the spontaneous fission of ^{252}Cf. The previous s=+1 octupole band structure with reflection asymmetric shape has been expanded, and a side quadrupole band structure based on a 3^{+} state with reflection symmetric shape is identified. Thus, the results show the coexistence of reflection asymmetric and symmetric shapes in ^{144}Ba. This is a first identification of such a shape coexistence structure in a nuclear structure. The other structural characteristics are discussed.

[Study of epidemic area on Tsutsugamushi disease in Taizhou from 2013 to 2014].

Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics of tsutsugamushi disease, and to confirm the existence of the disease's epidemic foci in Taizhou. Methods: From 2013 to 2014, Dongxing town hospital and Xingqiao town hospital were selected as specimen collection sites in Jingjiang city. Blood samples (5 ml) were collected from 40 patients with acute tsutsugamushi disease. A total of 59 rodents were captured with cage night method in the survey sites at 5, 7, 9, 10, and 11 months in 2013, from which, the spleen, liver, and kidney specimens were selected. Chigger mites were captured by small blackboard method and from the ears of the captured rodents. A total of 226 small blackboards were laid, 27 mites were captured, and the samples were grounded into suspension. Nested-polymerase chain reaction and cell and tissue culture techniques were used to test the specimen from the probable patients, host animals and chigger mites. Results: Among the 40 acute tsutsugamushi disease blood samples, 29 were found to meet the test requirements, 17 were positive for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid with 59% of the positive rate, and 1 stran orientia tsutsugamushi was isolated. 59 rats were captured and the density of mice was 5.5%. Among them, there were 26 Mus musculus (2.4%), 18 Rattus flavipectus (1.7%) and 15 Smelly shrew (density 1.4%). 1 Smelly shrew was tested positive for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid, and the negative results were found in the other rodent specimens. 27 Chigge mites were collected by small blackboard method and the density of mites was 0.12 for each blackboard, among which 3 larvae and 24 nymphs were found. 33 Chigger mites were collected from the ears of 3 Smelly shrew, and the density of the mite was 11 per mouse. All the captured Chigger mites were identified as Leptotrombidium scutellare and 1 group of specimens of Chigger mites from the external environment were positive for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid. Conclusion: There was a high density of mice in the epidemic area from May to November and the species of the chigger mites were Chigger mites in Taizhou. The nucleic acid of the oriental tsutsugamushi was detected in the patients with acute scrub typhus, rodents and vectors. According to the above-mentioned results, it was considered that the scrub typhus epidemic area of Taizhou city has the natural foci of scrub typhus.

[Surgical treatment and prognosis of ductal carcinoma in situ: 526 cases analysis].

Objective: To evaluate the choice of surgical treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and its impact on long-term outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological features and treatment protocol of DCIS patients who underwent surgical treatment in Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2009 to August 2016 was done. The factors which could affect surgical treatment were analyzed by χ(2) test and Logistic regression. Survival analysis were performed between different surgical approaches. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log-rank tests demonstrated the distribution of disease free survival and overall survival. Results: A total of 526 patients were enrolled in this study, 405 cases (77.0%) underwent mastectomy, 121 cases (23.0%) underwent breast-conserving surgery, of which 88 cases received radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery. It was shown by univariate and multivariate analysis that age>50 years (OR=0.631, 95% CI: 0.413 to 0.965, P=0.034), first symptom of nipple discharge (OR=0.316, 95% CI: 0.120 to 0.834, P=0.020), excision biopsy (OR=1.831, 95% CI: 1.182 to 2.835, P=0.007) and tumor size >3 cm (OR=0.422, 95% CI: 0.206 to 0.864, P=0.018) were significantly correlated with choice of surgical treatment for breast lesions. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed for 118 cases (22.4%), with sentinel lymph node biopsy for 327 cases (62.2%), and none for 81 cases (15.4%). There was significant statistical difference in the choice of axillary lymph node management in patients of different age (χ(2)=8.124, P=0.017), biopsy type (χ(2)=35.567, P=0.000), breast operation type (χ(2)=149.118, P=0.000) and tumor size (χ(2)=13.394, P=0.010). The 5-year disease free survival rates was 95.7%, 89.6% and 100%, respectively, for mastectomy group, breast-conserving surgery group and breast-conserving surgery plus radiotherapy group. And the 5-year overall survival rates for three groups were 99.0%, 100% and 100%. The differences were not statistically significant (P=0.427, 0.777). Conclusions: For DCIS patients, age, first symptom and tumor size are independent predictors of breast surgery. The choice of axillary lymph node surgery is influenced by age, biopsy, operation type, and tumor size. Different surgical treatment options has no significant effect on disease-free survival and overall survival in DCIS patients.

[The clinical analysis of 18 cases with bilateral lung transplantation for severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension].

Objective: To study the clinical efficacy of bilateral lung transplantation treating for severe idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPAH). Methods: The clinical data of 18 cases of bilateral lung transplantation for severe IPAH were retrospectively analyzed. Comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative sets of data was performed. Results: The postoperative 30-day mortality of 18 cases was 11.1%, 3 months mortality 22.2%. The survival rate of 1 year, 3 years, 5 years was 77.8%, 72.2% and 72.2%, respectively. The remaining 13 cases were able to survive for a long time which preoperative cardiac function rating of level Ⅲ, Ⅳ were improved to level Ⅰafter transplantation. Compared preoperative with postoperative, pulmonary artery systolic pressure from preoperative 128.2±25.6 mmHg dropped to postoperative 39.7±14.8 mmHg; pulmonary artery mean pressure from 75.5±13.94 mmHg to 19.61±6.43 mmHg; right atrial pressure from 21.5±2.43 mmHg to 5.22±4.18 mmHg, all P<0.000 1. Conclusion: Bilateral lung transplantation is an effective treatment for severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, which has longer survival.

Leaf-based physiological, metabolic, and ultrastructural changes in cultivated cotton cultivars under cadmium stress mediated by glutathione.

Cadmium (Cd) pollution is present in the world over especially in the industrialized parts of the world. To reduce Cd accumulation in various crops especially food crops, alleviating agents such as reduced glutathione (GSH) can be applied, which are capable either to exclude or to sequester Cd contamination. This study investigated the leaf-based spatial distribution of physiological, metabolic, and microstructural changes in two cotton cultivars (Coker 312 and TM-1) under GSH-mediated Cd stress using single levels of Cd (50 µM) and GSH (50 µM) both separately and in mix along with control. Results showed that GSH revived the morphology and physiology of both cotton cultivars alone or in mix with Cd. Cd uptake was enhanced in all segments of leaf and whole leaf upon the addition of GSH. GSH alleviated Cd-induced reduction in the photosynthetic pigment compositions and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. Mean data of biomarkers (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium (TTC), total soluble protein (TSP), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) revealed the adverse effects of Cd stress on leaf segments of both cultivars, which were revived by GSH. The oxidative metabolism induced by Cd stress was profoundly influenced by exogenous GSH application. The microstructural alterations were mainly confined to chloroplastic regions of leaves under Cd-stressed conditions, which were greatly revived upon the GSH addition. As a whole, Cd stress greatly affected TM-1 as compared to Coker 312. These results suggest a positive role of GSH in alleviating Cd-mediated changes in different leaf sections of cotton cultivars.

Determinants of suicidal ideation in gynecological cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Gynecological cancer survivors are at increased risk of psychological problems including suicide risk. Suicidal ideation, which was thought to be precursor to suicide attempts, has not been well studied. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, and determinants of suicidal ideation for women with gynecological cancer, and then to assess the effect of coping style and social support on suicidal ideation. METHODS: Patients with cervical, ovarian and endometrial cancers seen at Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital from September 2012 to June 2013 were consecutively recruited and were asked to complete the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Suicidal Ideation of Self-rating Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire and Social Support Rating Scale. Path analysis was used to examine the relationship among coping style, social support, depression symptoms and suicidal ideation. RESULTS: A total of 579 (579/623, 93.0%) gynecological cancer patients were enrolled in this study and completed all investigations between September 2012 and June 2013. Among them, 105 (18.1%) patients reported suicidal ideation, with the highest rate in patients with ovarian cancer (30.16%). Suicidal ideation was associated with depression symptoms, care providers, chemotherapy history and acceptance-resignation. Path analysis showed that the acceptance-resignation affected suicidal ideation directly as well as mediated by social support and depression symptoms, while confrontation and avoidance affected suicidal ideation entirely through social support and depression symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation is high among patients with gynecological cancer, especially among ovarian cancer patients. Coping strategies such as confrontation and avoidance, and social support may be helpful for preventing suicidal ideation among them.

Study on CH(4) and N(2)O emissions from water-saving irrigation in Phaeozem paddy fields in cold areas.

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions and water shortage are two main problems associated with cultivation of rice. Soil moisture control is not only a core technology in water-saving irrigation, but also a decisive factor of greenhouse gas emissions. The CH(4) and N(2)0 emission fluxes from intermittent irrigation and flooding irrigation in Phaeozem paddy fields in cold area were measured in-situ to provide a theoretical basis for studying the regulation of CH(4) and N(2)O emissions and comprehensive assessing the effect of intermittent irrigation on the environment and control of greenhouse gas emissions. During the rice growing period, CH(4) emissions peaked at the tillering stage, whilst N(2)0 emissions peaked twice at the tillering and milky ripening stages. The accumulated emission of N(2)O from the implementation of flooding irrigation in paddy fields was 6.46 gm(-2), whilst that from intermittent irrigation was 5.47 gm(-2). The accumulated emission of N(2)0 from the implementation of flooding irrigation in paddy fields was 36.88 mgm(-2), whilst that from intermittent irrigation was 68.47 mgm(-2). The global warming potential of CH(4) and N(2)0 was 1362.7lkgCO(2)ha(-1) from intermittent irrigation in paddy fields, a value 108.12 kgCO(2)ha(-1) lower than that from flooding irrigation. Intermittent irrigation can thus be used to effectively decrease and control the combined greenhouse effect of CH4 and N20 emissions from rice paddy fields.

Pretreatment with salicylic acid and ascorbic acid significantly mitigate oxidative stress induced by copper in cotton genotypes.

Higher uptake and translocation of copper (Cu) into plant tissues can cause serious physiological and biochemical alterations in root and leaf tissues of plants. The present study investigates the ameliorative role of salicylic acid (SA) and ascorbic acid (AsA) against Cu-induced toxicity changes in cotton genotypes (two parental lines (J208, Z905) and their hybrid line (ZD14)). To study the tolerance potential against Cu (100 µM) stress, 2-week-old cotton seedlings were pretreated with 100 µM either SA or AsA for three days. Elevated Cu concentration in nutrient media increased Cu accumulation in roots and shoots of all the three cotton genotypes studied. Roots were the main Cu storage site, followed by leaves and stems. Increased cellular Cu concentration significantly inhibited the root and shoot development, although leaf growth was more sensitive toward Cu toxicity. Cu-induced oxidative stress to cotton leaves was evident from significantly increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents and lipid membrane damage. Increasing Cu translocation toward cotton leaves strongly influenced the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, which, in turn, inhibited biomass production. SA and AsA pretreated cotton seedlings showed better growth under Cu stress. Despite increase in overall Cu uptake, the SA-pretreated seedlings could defy Cu toxicity through inhibited Cu translocation and modification in the activities of antioxidative enzymes. Whereas, tolerance to Cu-induced toxicity in AsA pretreated plants was associated with Cu exclusion from tissues and reduction of the overall Cu uptake. The present study revealed that the alleviatory role of AsA was significantly higher than SA regarding Cu stress in our experimental cotton genotypes. Furthermore, the hybrid cotton genotype (ZD14) performed well followed by J208 and Z905 in the present experimental setup.

Ultrastructural, metabolic and proteomic changes in leaves of upland cotton in response to cadmium stress.

Present study explores physiological, biochemical and proteomic changes in leaves of upland cotton (ZMS-49) using 500 µM cadmium (Cd) along with control. Leaves' biomass and chlorophyll pigments decreased at 500 µM Cd. Cd contents in roots were higher than leaves. Levels of ROS ( [Formula: see text] and H2O2) both in vivo and in vitro and MDA contents were significantly increased. Chlorophyll parameters (F0, Fm, Fm(') and Fv/Fm), total soluble protein contents and APX showed a decline at 500 µM Cd. SOD, CAT and POD and GR activities significantly enhanced. Less ultrastructural alterations in leaves under Cd stress could be observed. Scanning micrographs at 500 µM Cd possessed less number of stomata as well as near absence of closed stomata. Cd could be located in cell wall, vacuoles and intracellular spaces. Important upregulated proteins were methionine synthase, ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, apoplastic anionic guaiacol peroxidase, glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (chloroplastic isoform) and ATP synthase D chain, (mitochondrial). Important downregulated proteins were seed storage proteins (vicilin and legumin), molecular chaperones (hsp70, chaperonin-60 alpha subunit; putative protein disulfide isomerase), ATP-dependent Clp protease, ribulose-1,5-bisphophate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit. Increase in the activities of ROS-scavenging enzymes, less ultrastructural modification, Cd-deposition in dead parts of cells as well as active regulation of different proteins showed Cd-resistant nature of ZMS-49.

In vitro cadmium-induced alterations in growth and oxidative metabolism of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic pollutant, which cause both dose- and time-dependent physiological and biochemical alterations in plants. The present in vitro study was undertaken to explore Cd-induced physiological and biochemical changes in cotton callus culture at 0, 550, 700, 850, and 1000 µM Cd for four different stress periods (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). At 1000 µM Cd, mean growth values were lower than their respective control. The cell protein contents decreased only after 7-day and 14-day stress treatment. At 550 µM Cd, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents decreased after various stress periods except 21-day period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at 1000 µM Cd improved relative to its respective controls in the first three stress regimes. Almost a decreasing trend in the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxidase (POD) activities at all Cd levels after different stress periods was noticed. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity descended over its relevant controls in the first three stress regimes except at 700 µM Cd after 14- and 21-day stress duration. Moreover, catalase (CAT) mean values significantly increased as a whole. From this experiment, it can be concluded that lipid peroxidation as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was relatively higher as has been revealed by higher MDA contents and greater SOD, CAT activities.

Chromium (VI) uptake and tolerance potential in cotton cultivars: effect on their root physiology, ultramorphology, and oxidative metabolism.

Chromium (Cr) is present in our environment as a toxic pollutant, which needs to be removed using phytoremediation technology. In present study, two transgenic cotton cultivars (J208, Z905) and their hybrid line (ZD14) were used to explore their Cr uptake and tolerance potential using multiple biomarkers approach. Four different levels of Cr (CK, 10, 50, and 100 µM) were applied. Cr caused a significant reduction in root/shoot length, number of secondary roots, and root fresh and dry biomasses at 100 µM. Cr accumulated more in roots and was found higher in hybrid line (ZD14) as compared with its parent lines (J208, Z905) at all Cr stress levels (10, 50, and 100 µM). Cr translocation was less than 1 in all cultivars. Ultrastructural studies at 100 µM Cr showed an increase in number of nuclei and vacuoles and presence of Cr dense granules in dead parts of the cell (vacuoles/cell wall). Malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), total soluble proteins, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR) as a whole were upregulated with elevated levels of Cr. Higher Cr uptake by roots, accelerated metabolism, and Cr sequestration in dead parts of the cell indicate that these cotton cultivars can be useful for Cr accumulation and tolerance.

Differential physiological, ultramorphological and metabolic responses of cotton cultivars under cadmium stress.

Cadmium (Cd) stress may cause serious physiological, ultramorphological and biochemical anomalies in plants. Cd-induced physiological, subcellular and metabolic alterations in two transgenic cotton cultivars (BR001, GK30) and their parent line (Coker 312) were evaluated using 10, 100 and 1000 µM Cd. Germination, fresh biomass of roots, stems and leaves were significantly inhibited at 1000 µM Cd. Root volume tolerance index significantly increased (124.16%) in Coker 312 at 1000 µM Cd. In non-Cd stressed conditions, electron micrographs showed well-configured root meristem and leaf mesophyll cells. At 1000 µM Cd, greater ultramorphological alterations were observed in BR001 followed by GK30 and Coker 312. These changes were observed in nucleus, vacuoles, mitochondria and chloroplast. Dense precipitates, probably Cd, were seen in vacuoles, which were also attached to the cell walls. A considerable increase in number of nuclei, vacuoles, starch granules and plastoglobuli was observed in the electron micrographs of both roots and leaves at 1000 µM Cd. MDA contents were higher in roots of BR001 at 1000 µM Cd. Mean values of SOD activity in leaves of both BR001 and GK30 at 1000 µM Cd significantly increased as compared to the controls. POD activity in roots of BR001 and Coker 312 was greater at all Cd (10, 100, 1000 µM) levels over the control. Regarding APX, highest percent increase (71.64%) in roots of GK30 at 1000 µM Cd was found. Non-significant differences in CAT activity were observed at all levels of Cd stress in leaves of BR001 and GK30. Both transgenic cotton cultivars and their parental line invariably responded towards Cd stress. However, Coker 312 showed Cd-resistant behavior as compared to its progeny lines (BR001 and GK30).

Cadmium-induced upregulation of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species caused physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural changes in upland cotton seedlings.

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity was investigated in cotton cultivar (ZMS-49) using physiological, ultrastructural, and biochemical parameters. Biomass-based tolerance index decreased, and water contents increased at 500 µM Cd. Photosynthetic efficiency determined by chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic pigments declined under Cd stress. Cd contents were more in roots than shoots. A significant decrease in nutrient levels was found in roots and stem. A significant decrease in nutrient levels was found in roots and stems. In response to Cd stress, more MDA and ROS contents were produced in leaves than in other parts of the seedlings. Total soluble proteins were reduced in all parts except in roots at 500 µM Cd. Oxidative metabolism was higher in leaves than aerial parts of the plant. There were insignificant alterations in roots and leaves ultrastructures such as a little increase in nucleoli, vacuoles, starch granules, and plastoglobuli in Cd-imposed stressful conditions. Scanning micrographs at 500 µM Cd showed a reduced number of stomata as well as near absence of closed stomata. Cd depositions were located in cell wall, vacuoles, and intracellular spaces using TEM-EDX technology. Upregulation of oxidative metabolism, less ultrastructural modification, and Cd deposition in dead parts of cells show that ZMS-49 has genetic potential to resist Cd stress, which need to be explored.

Clonal status and clinicopathological features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Some studies have demonstrated that Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a neoplastic hyperplasia of Langerhans cells, however some researchers consider that clonality should be assessed in more patients with LCH, both at disease presentation and during the disease course. Monoclonality is a major characteristic of most tumours, whereas normal tissue and reactive hyperplasia are polyclonal. To elucidate the nature of Langerhans cells further, the present study investigated the clinicopathological features and clonality of three cases of LCH in female patients using laser microdissection and a clonality assay, based on X-chromosomal inactivation mosaicism in somatic tissues and polymorphism of the androgen receptor gene. The results indicated that LCH was composed of Langerhans cells with a characteristic morphological appearance, eosinophils, giant cells, neutrophils and foamy cells. Immunohistochemically, the Langerhans cells were positive for CD1a, S-100 protein and vimentin. The clonality assay demonstrated that the Langerhans cells formed a monoclonal population, showing that LCH is neoplastic. We conclude that LCH is characterized by clonal proliferation, although additional studies with larger sample sizes are required to prove this conclusively.

Primary intrapulmonary thymomas: case report and review of the literature.

Primary intrapulmonary thymomas (PIT), which are intrapulmonary tumours without an associated mediastinal component, are very rare; only 29 cases of PIT have been described in the literature since 1951. This report presents a case of PIT in a 59-year old Chinese woman with a type A thymoma (including its pathogenesis, clinical pathological characteristics, immunological phenotype, treatment and prognosis), in the context of a review of the current literature. The origin of thymomas in this unusual location remains unknown. In this case, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the epithelial component was strongly positive for cytokeratin and focally reactive for epithelial membrane antigen. It is concluded that PIT should be considered when the histopathological appearance of a lung tumour is not typical of other pulmonary neoplasms. Complete resection appears sufficient in non-malignant tumours, while in cases of partial resection or malignancy, adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered. Long-term regular clinical follow-up is also warranted, due to the risk of late local recurrence.

Failure behavior of coated nickel-based superalloy under thermomechanical fatigue.

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) is a major life limiting factor for gas turbine blades. In this study, the failure behavior of NiCrAlY overlay coated nickel-based superalloy M963 was investigated under out of phase (OP) TMF. All tests were carried out under mechanical strain control with a cyclic period of 200 s. Results revealed that the fatigue life of high velocity oxygen fuel spraying (HVOF) coated specimen was longer than that of air plasma spraying (APS) coated one, but shorter than that of bare superalloy M963 at a given strain range. It was found that cracking process in the APS coating was different from that in the HVOF coating, which was shown by the sketches to understand the crack initiation and propagation behavior.

Transplantation of microencapsulated genetically modified xenogeneic cells augments angiogenesis and improves heart function.

Cell-based gene therapy offers an alternative strategy for therapeutic angiogenesis for the management of myocardial infarction (MI). However, immune rejection poses a significant obstacle to the implantation of genetically engineered allogeneic or xenogeneic cells. In the present study, an ex vivo gene therapy approach utilizing cell microencapsulation was employed to deliver vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to ischemic myocardium. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were genetically modified to secrete VEGF and enveloped into semipermeable microcapsules. In vitro assay indicated that the microencapsulated engineered CHO cells could secrete VEGF as high as 3852 pg ml(-1) per 48 h at day 8 after encapsulation. Then the microencapsulated CHO cells were implanted into the injured myocardium in a rat MI model, while engineered CHO cells, blank microcapsules and serum-free culture media were implanted as controls. The humoral immunity to xenogeneic CHO cells were evaluated and we found that the titer of anti-CHO antibodies was significantly lower in the microencapsulated CHO transplantation group than the group receiving unencapsulated CHO cells at two weeks after implantation. However, 1 week later, there was almost no difference between these groups. Histology and western blotting confirmed that the microencapsulated CHO cells maintained their original structure and VEGF secretion three weeks after implantation. The capillary density in the treatment region was also significantly higher in the microencapsulated CHO cell group than control groups, which was consistent with gross heart functional improvement. These data suggest that microencapsulated xenogeneic cell-based gene therapy might be a novel approach for therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic heart disease.

Enhancement of dissolution of cyclosporine A using solid dispersions with polyoxyethylene (40) stearate.

A solid dispersion containing cyclosporine A (CyA) and polyoxyethylene (40) stearate (PS) was prepared by the solvent-melt method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), hot-stage microscopy (HSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dissolution studies. The crystalline peaks of CyA disappeared in the PXRD spectra of solid dispersions but were seen in those of physical mixtures, demonstrating the amorphous state of the drug in solid dispersions. The solubility of CyA in aqueous solutions of PS was increased linearly with increasing amount of PS in water. Dissolution of the drug from solid dispersions and physical mixtures was dramatically enhanced compared to the drug powder alone in water at 37 degrees C.

Relationship between the presence of unerupted mandibular third molars and fractures of the mandibular condyle.

Previous studies have shown that the presence of unerupted mandibular third molars predisposes the mandible to angle fractures. This study attempted to relate the presence of unerupted mandibular third molars with the incidence of condyle fractures. The authors compared the proportion of fractures in 439 patients who had unerupted third molars or no unerupted third molars. Fractures at the condylar region showed a significantly higher incidence in patients without unerupted third molars than in those patients with unerupted third molars. This study provides solid clinical evidence to suggest that the removal of unerupted mandibular third molars predisposes the mandible to condyle fractures.