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Terms modified by LL Selected AbstractsTHE MOLECULAR FUTURE IN CYTOLOGYCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2006M. Salto-Tellez Molecular diagnosis is the application of molecular biology techniques and knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of disease to diagnosis, prognostication and treatment of diseases. Molecular Diagnosis is, arguably, the fastest growing area of diagnostic medicine. The US market for molecular testing generated $1.3 billion in 2000, which was predicted to increase to about $4.2 billion by 2007.1 We proposed the term Diagnostic Molecular Cytopathology to define the application of molecular diagnosis to cytopathology2. Diagnostic Molecular Cytopathology is essential for the following reasons: (i) Molecular testing is sometimes indispensable to establish an unequivocal diagnosis on cell preparations; (ii) Molecular testing provides extra information on the prognosis or therapy of diseases diagnosed by conventional cytology; (iii) Molecular testing provides genetic information on the inherited nature of diseases that can be directly investigated in cytology samples, by either exfoliation or by fine needle aspiration; (iv) Sometimes the cytopathology sample is the most convenient (or the only available) source of material for molecular testing; (v). Direct molecular interrogation of cells allows for a diagnostic correlation that would otherwise not be possible. Parallel to this direct diagnostic implication, cytopathology is increasing important in the validation of biomarkers for specific diseases, and in therefore of significant importance in the overall translational research strategies. We illustrate its application in some of the main areas of oncology molecular testing, such as molecular fingerprinting of neoplasms,3 lymphoreticular diseases,2 sarcomas4 and lung cancer,5 as well as translational research using diagnostic cytopathology techniques. The next years will see the consolidation of Diagnostic Molecular Cytopathology, a process that will lead to a change of many paradigms. In general, diagnostic pathology departments will have to reorganize molecular testing to pursue a cost-efficient operation. Sample preparation will have to take into account optimal preservation of nuclear acids. The training of technical staff and the level of laboratory quality control and quality assurance would have to follow strict clinical (not research) laboratory parameters. And, most importantly, those pathologists undertaking molecular diagnosis as a discipline would have to develop their professional expertise within the same framework of fellowships and professional credentials that is offered in other sub-specialties. The price to pay if this effort is not undertaken is too important for the future of diagnostic pathology in general. The increasing characterization of molecular biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic value is making the analysis of tissue and cell samples prior to treatment a more complex exercise. If cytopathologists and histopathologists allow others to take charge of molecular diagnosis, our overall contribution to the diagnostic process will be diminished. We may not become less important, but we may become less relevant. However, those within the discipline of diagnostic pathology who can combine the clinical background of diseases with the morphological, immunocytochemical and molecular diagnostic interpretation will represent bona fide diagnostic specialists. Such ,molecular cytopathologists' would place themselves at the centre of clinical decision-making. Reference:, 1. Liz Fletcher. Roche leads molecular diagnostics charge. Nature Biotechnol 20, 6,7; 2002 2. Salto-Tellez M and Koay ESC. Molecular Diagnostic Cytopathology - Definitions, Scope and Clinical Utility. Cytopathology 2004; 15:252,255 3. Salto-Tellez M, Zhang D, Chiu LL, Wang SC, Nilsson B, and Koay ESC. Immunocytochemistry Versus Molecular Fingerprinting of Metastases. Cytopathology, 2003 Aug; 14(4):186,90. 4. Chiu LL, Koay SCE, Chan NL and Salto-Tellez M. Molecular Cytopathology: Sequencing of the EWS-WT1 Gene Fusion Transcript in the Peritoneal Effusion of a Patient with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour. Diagnostic Cytopathology, 2003 Dec; 29(6): 341,3. 5. TM Chin, D Anuar, R Soo, M Salto-Tellez, WQ Li, B Ahmad, SC Lee, BC Goh, K Kawakami, A Segal, B Iacopetta, R Soong. Sensitive and Cost-Effective deptection of epidermal growth factor Receptor Mutations in Small Biopsies by denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography. (In press). [source] Indicators of pretreatment suicidal ideation in adults with major depressive disorderACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2010D. W. Morris Morris DW, Trivedi MH, Husain MM, Fava M, Budhwar N, Wisniewski SR, Miyahara S, Gollan JK, Davis LL, Daly EJ, Rush AJ. Indicators of pretreatment suicidal ideation in adults with major depressive disorder. Objective:, In order to evaluate the presence of treatment emergent suicidal ideation (SI), it becomes necessary to identify those patients with SI at the onset of treatment. The purpose of this report is to identify sociodemographic and clinical features that are associated with SI in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients prior to treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Method:, This multisite study enrolled 265 out-patients with non-psychotic MDD. Sociodemographic and clinical features of participants with and without SI were compared post hoc. Results:, Social phobia, bulimia nervosa, number of past depressive episodes, and race were independently associated with SI by one or more SI measure. Conclusion:, Concurrent social phobia and bulimia nervosa may be potential risk factors for SI in patients with non-psychotic MDD. Additionally, patients with more than one past depressive episode may also be at increased risk of SI. [source] Effects of locomotor stimulation and protein synthesis inhibition on circadian rhythms in size changes of L1 and L2 interneurons in the fly's visual systemDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 11 2007Elzbieta Kula Abstract Axons of monopolar cell interneurons L1 and L2 in the first optic lobe (lamina) of the fly Musca domestica undergo cyclical changes in diameter. These axons swell during the day and shrink during the night. In addition, the axons' size depends on light conditions since they are largest in continuous light (LL), somewhat smaller under day/night (LD) conditions, and smallest under constant darkness (DD). In this study we found that sizes of both cells can further increase in free flying flies under LD conditions, while the visual stimulation alone does not have significant effect on the cross-sectional area of L1 and L2 axons. The stimulation of free flying had no effect on L1 and L2 sizes if it was performed at the beginning of subjective day in LL or DD. Our results indicate that a maximal increase in size of L1 and L2 is observed when stimulation of free flying is synchronized with a fly' daily peak of activity. We also found that protein synthesis is needed to increase size of monopolar cell axons during the day when they normally swell. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007. [source] Utility of fine-needle aspiration cytology in the classification of leprosyDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2001I. Satish Rao M.D. Abstract The role of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of benign skin lesions has been restricted primarily to the evaluation of bacteriologic and morphologic indices in leprosy. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of FNAC in the diagnosis and classification of lepromatous lesions. Aspirates of 94 newly diagnosed cases of leprosy were studied, and the bacterial load was determined by modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain. A skin biopsy was taken from the same site at the same sitting. Frozen and paraffin sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and ZN stains were examined from the biopsy specimen. In 61 of 94 cases (64.9%), the aspirates were satisfactory. Both diagnosis and classification of leprosy were possible in 40 of these 61 cases; the rest of the aspirates showed nonspecific chronic inflammation. The 39 cases of leprosy where a biopsy was available from the same site were classified on FNAC into tuberculoid (TT and BT), lepromatous (LL and BL), and midborderline (BB) subtypes. Taking the histologic diagnosis and Ridley-Jopling classification to be the gold standard, a strong concordance in tuberculoid leprosy cases (18 of 20 cases, 90%) and in lepromatous cases (15 of 16 cases, 93.7%) was observed. Midborderline cases of leprosy posed a problem, and a correct cytohistological correlation was observed in only one of the three cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 24:317,321, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Morphologic and Neurochemical Abnormalities in the Auditory Brainstem of the Genetically Epilepsy-prone Hamster (GPG/Vall)EPILEPSIA, Issue 7 2005Verónica Fuentes-Santamaría Summary:,Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate whether audiogenic seizures, in a strain of genetically epilepsy-prone hamsters (GPG/Vall), might be associated with morphologic alterations in the cochlea and auditory brainstem. In addition, we used parvalbumin as a marker of neurons with high levels of activity to examine changes within neurons. Methods: Cochlear histology as well as parvalbumin immunohistochemistry were performed to assess possible abnormalities in the GPG/Vall hamster. Densitometry also was used to quantify levels of parvalbumin immunostaining within neurons and fibers in auditory nuclei. Results: In the present study, missing outer hair cells and spiral ganglion cells were observed in the GPG/Vall hamster. In addition, an increase was noted in the size of spiral ganglion cells as well as a decrease in the volume and cell size of the cochlear nucleus (CN), the superior olivary complex nuclei (SOC), and the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus (LL) and the inferior colliculus (IC). These alterations were accompanied by an increase in levels of parvalbumin immunostaining within CN, SOC, and LL neurons, as well as within parvalbumin-immunostained fibers in the CN and IC. Conclusions: These data are consistent with a cascade of atrophic changes starting in the cochlea and extending along the auditory brainstem in an animal model of inherited epilepsy. Our data also show an upregulation in parvalbumin immunostaining in the neuropil of the IC that may reflect a protective mechanism to prevent cell death in the afferent sources to this nucleus. [source] Serum paraoxonase activity in patients with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy controlsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 4 2002B. Mackness Abstract Background The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is central to current theories on the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Type 1 diabetes is associated with an increase in oxidative stress, which may be responsible for the increased susceptibility to coronary heart disease seen in type 1 diabetes. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) associated paraoxonase (PON1) can retard the oxidation of LDL. Design Paraoxonase activity, concentration and genotype were therefore investigated in 152 people with type 1 diabetes and 282 healthy controls. These parameters were also investigated in the group with type 1 diabetes in relation to the presence of diabetic complications. Results Both PON1 activity and concentration were significantly lower by 16·7% and 19·2% (both P < 0·05) in the type 1 diabetes group. These differences were independent of the PON1 coding region polymorphisms. The distribution of PON1 activity and mass were the same in both populations, i.e. for the PON1-192 polymorphism RR > RQ > QQ and for the PON1-55 polymorphism LL > LM > MM. There were no differences in either the PON1 polymorphisms, PON1 activity and concentration in people with type 1 diabetes in the presence or absence of micro and macro vascular complications of diabetes. Conclusions Low PON1 activity may contribute to the increased atherosclerosis found in type 1 diabetes by reducing the ability of HDL to retard LDL oxidation despite the frequently-found increased HDL in type 1 diabetes when good glycaemic control is established. [source] Dinuclear Iridium(III) Complexes Linked by a Bis(,-diketonato) Bridging Ligand: Energy Convergence versus Aggregation-Induced EmissionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 23 2010Chang Hwan Shin Abstract Novel iridium(III)/iridium(III) and iridium(III)/platinum(II) dinuclear complexes, [{Ir(ppyFF)2}2(,2 - L)] (4) and [{Ir(ppyFF)2}(,2 - L){Pt(ppy)}] (5) [ppyFF = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine, ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, L = 1,3-bis(3-phenyl-3-oxopropanoyl)benzene], linked by an L bridging ligand were prepared, and their photophysical properties were investigated in solution and in the solid state. The photophysical properties of mononuclear iridium(III) and platinum(II) complexes, [Ir(ppyFF)2(dbm)] (1) and [Pt(ppy)(dbm)] (2) bearing a dibenzoylmethane (dbm) ligand were also compared. Whereas the UV/Vis absorption spectra of 4 and 5 show independent light absorption at each metal-centered moiety, the photoluminescence spectra of 4 and 5 display almost identical features, but very weak emissions in solution at both room temperature and 77 K. The weak emission in solution is found to mainly originate from a 3LX state of the L bridging ligand, which reflects the occurrence of efficient energy convergence from the triplet states of the Pt(ppy) and Ir(ppyFF) moieties to the 3LX state of L. By contrast, intense orange-red emission, that is, aggregation-induced emission, is produced in the solid state of 4 and 5. Inspection of the crystal-packing structures of 5 reveals that strong intermolecular ,,, interactions between the adjacent pyridine rings of ppyFF ligands in the Ir-centered moieties are responsible for the emissive metal-to-ligand,ligand charge-transfer [3M(LL)CT] state of the solid-state dinuclear systems. The electrochemical properties of 4 and 5 further indicate that the first two reductions occur at the dbm moieties of the L bridging ligand linked to each metal center, which is consistent with the fact that the lowest-energy excited state of the L bridging ligand dominates the excited-state properties of 4 and 5 in solution. [source] [Tris(pyrazolyl)methane]ruthenium Complexes Capable of Inhibiting Cancer Cell GrowthEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 31 2009Jesse M. Walker Abstract The [tris(pyrazolyl)methane]ruthenium complexes [(,3 -tpm)RuCl(solv)2]PF6 [tpm = tris(pyrazolyl)methane; solv = MeCN, dmso] and [(,3 -tpm)RuCl(LL)]PF6 [LL = ,2 -dppe, ,2 -dppp, ,2 -dppb, (PMePh2)2] have been prepared, characterized and screened in vitro for their antiproliferative properties against the MCF-7 (breast) and HeLa (cervical) cancer cell lines by using the MTT assay. Although the MeCN and dmso complexes showed no activity under the conditions used, the phosphane complexes exhibited remarkable cytotoxic behaviour. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] Unconventional Spin Crossover in Dinuclear and Trinuclear Iron(III) Complexes with Cyanido and Metallacyanido BridgesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 21 2009alitro Abstract A nonsymmetrical triamine, 1,6-diamino-4-azahexane, was Schiff-condensed with (X-substituted) o -salicylaldehyde to yield pentadentate ligands X-L5: salpet and MeBu-salpet. These ligands form mononuclear, dinuclear, and trinuclear FeIII complexes, whose structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Of the mononuclear complexes, [FeIII(salpet)Cl] and [FeIII(MeBu-salpet)Cl] are high spin (S = 5/2), whereas [FeIII(salpet)CN]·MeOH is low spin (S = 1/2). The dinuclear and trinuclear complexes show a kind ofthermally induced spin crossover. The dinuclear complex [L5FeIII(CN)FeIIIL5](ClO4)·2H2O (L5 = salpet) is a mixed-spin assembly: the C -coordinated FeIII center is low spin (L) and the N -coordinated FeIII center is high spin (H) at low temperature; an antiferromagnetic interaction occurs between them. This LH reference state is mixed with the LL one. Upon heating, the system shows an increasing content of the HH state. Also, the dinuclear complex [L5FeIII(CN)FeIIIL5](BPh4)·2MeCN (L5 = MeBu-salpet) exhibits a spin transition between LH and HH spin pairs. The mixed-valence trinuclear complex [L5FeIII{FeII(CN)5(NO)}FeIIIL5]·0.5MeOH·3.75H2O (L5 = salpet) shows spin crossover with a residual high-spin fraction at liquid He temperature owing to the LL + LH ground state. The metallacyanido-bridged complex [L5FeIII{Ni(CN)4}FeIIIL5]·2MeOH (L5 = MeBu-salpet) contains a high-spin pair, HH, over the whole temperature interval with a ferromagnetic exchange interaction. A theoretical model was outlined that allows simultaneous fitting of all available experimental data (magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, high-spin mole fraction obtained from the Mössbauer spectra) on a common set of parameters. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] Synthesis and Reactivity of Oxametallacyclic Niobium Compounds by Using ,,,-Unsaturated Carbonyl Ligands,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 14 2008Rocío A. Arteaga-Müller Abstract Reduction of mono(cyclopentadienyl)niobium complexes [NbCpRCl4] [CpR = C5Me4H (1), C5H4SiMe2Cl (2), C5H4SiMe3 (3)] with Na/Hg in the presence of methyl methacrylate [MMA, CH2=C(Me)C(O)OMe (a)], methyl acrylate [MA, CH2=CHC(O)OMe (b)] and mesityl oxide [MO, CMe2=CHC(O)Me (c)] afforded the corresponding derivatives [NbCpRCl2(LL)] [CpR = C5Me4H, LL = MMA (1a); CpR = C5H4SiMe2Cl, LL = MMA (2a), MA (2b), MO (2c); CpR = C5H4SiMe3, LL = MMA (3a), MA (3b)] in variable yields depending on both the cyclopentadienyl and the ,,,-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The reactivity of these complexes was studied toward protic and Lewis acids. Addition of triflic acid TfOH (Tf = CF3SO2) to 3b gave the triflate complex [NbCpRCl2{(CH2)2C(O)OMe}(OTf)] [CpR = C5H4SiMe3 (4)]. The Lewis acids E(C6F5)3 (E = B, Al) reacted with complexes 2b and 3b to give the three-membered metallacyclic (or ,2 -enone) compounds [NbCpRCl2{,2 -CH2=CHC(OMe){O·E(C6F5)3}}] [CpR = C5H4SiMe2Cl, E = B (5), Al (6); CpR = C5H4SiMe3, E = B (7), Al (8)], which decomposed to the corresponding adducts MA·E(C6F5)3. The same reaction with the 2a and 3a derivatives only allowed the observation of the corresponding adducts MMA·E(C6F5)3. Complexes 2a,b and 3a,b reacted with CO with elimination of the acrylate compounds, MA and MMA, respectively, to give the carbonylniobium(III) compounds [NbCpRCl2(CO)2]2 [CpR = C5H4SiMe2Cl (9), C5H4SiMe3 (10)]. Analogous reactions with CNAr showed the elimination of the free MA and MMA compounds. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] Chiral Half-Sandwich Ruthenium(II) Complexes as Catalysts in 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Nitrones with Methacrolein,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 16 2006Daniel Carmona Abstract Ruthenium complexes of formula [(,6 -arene)Ru(LL*)(H2O)][SbF6]2 (arene = C6H6, p -MeC6H4iPr, C6Me6; LL* = bidentate chelate chiral ligand with PN, PP or NN donor atoms) have been tested as catalyst precursors for the asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones to methacrolein. The reaction occurs quantitatively with perfect endo selectivity and moderate enantioselectivity (up to 74,% ee). The ruthenium aqua complexes can be prepared from the corresponding chlorides, [(,6 -arene)RuCl(LL*)][SbF6]. Dipolarophile intermediates [(,6 -arene)Ru(PNiPr)(methacrolein)][SbF6]2 {PNiPr = (4S)-2-(2-diphenylphosphanylphenyl)-4-isopropyl-1,3-oxazoline} as well as nitrone-containing complexes [(p -MeC6H4iPr)Ru(PNiPr)(nitrone)][SbF6]2 (nitrone = N -benzylidenephenylamine N -oxide, N -benzylidenemethylamine N -oxide, 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline N -oxide) have been also isolated and characterised. The crystal structures of the chlorides (RRu)-[(,6 -C6Me6)RuCl(PNiPr)][SbF6], (RRu)-[(,6 -C6H6)RuCl(PNInd)][SbF6] {PNInd = (3aR,8aS)-2-[2-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl]-3a,8a-dihydroindane[1,2- d]oxazole} and those of the aqua solvates (RRu)-[(,6 -arene)Ru(PNiPr)(H2O)][SbF6]2 (arene = C6H6, C6Me6) were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006) [source] Variations in carotid arterial compliance during the menstrual cycle in young womenEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Koichiro Hayashi The effect of menstrual cycle phase on arterial elasticity is controversial. In 10 healthy women (20.6 ± 1.5 years old, mean ±s.d.), we investigated the variations in central and peripheral arterial elasticity, blood pressure (carotid and brachial), carotid intima,media thickness (IMT), and serum oestradiol and progesterone concentrations at five points in the menstrual cycle (menstrual, M; follicular, F; ovulatory, O; early luteal, EL; and late luteal, LL). Carotid arterial compliance (simultaneous ultrasound and applanation tonometry) varied cyclically, with significant increases from the values seen in M (0.164 ± 0.036 mm2 mmHg,1) and F (0.171 ± 0.029 mm2 mmHg,1) to that seen in the O phase (0.184 ± 0.029 mm2 mmHg,1). Sharp declines were observed in the EL (0.150 ± 0.033 mm2 mmHg,1) and LL phases (0.147 ± 0.026 mm2 mmHg,1; F= 8.51, P < 0.05). Pulse wave velocity in the leg (i.e. peripheral arterial stiffness) did not exhibit any significant changes. Fluctuations in carotid arterial elasticity correlated with the balance between oestradiol and progesterone concentrations. No significant changes were found in carotid and brachial blood pressures, carotid artery lumen diameter, or IMT throughout the menstrual cycle. These data provide evidence that the elastic properties of central, but not peripheral, arteries fluctuate significantly with the phases of the menstrual cycle. [source] High vertical and low horizontal diversity of Prochlorococcus ecotypes in the Mediterranean Sea in summerFEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Laurence Garczarek Abstract Natural populations of the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus exist as two main ecotypes, inhabiting different layers of the ocean's photic zone. These so-called high light- (HL-) and low light (LL-) adapted ecotypes are both physiologically and genetically distinct. HL strains can be separated into two major clades (HLI and HLII), whereas LL strains are more diverse. Here, we used several molecular techniques to study the genetic diversity of natural Prochlorococcus populations during the Prosope cruise in the Mediterranean Sea in the summer of 1999. Using a dot blot hybridization technique, we found that HLI was the dominant HL group and was confined to the upper mixed layer. In contrast, LL ecotypes were only found below the thermocline. Secondly, a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified pcb genes (encoding the major light-harvesting proteins of Prochlorococcus) suggested that there were at least four genetically different ecotypes, occupying distinct but overlapping light niches in the photic zone. At comparable depths, similar banding patterns were observed throughout the sampled area, suggesting a horizontal homogenization of ecotypes. Nevertheless, environmental pcb gene sequences retrieved from different depths at two stations proved all different at the nucleotide level, suggesting a large genetic microdiversity within those ecotypes. [source] Vascular reactivity to angiotensin II alone or combined with a thromboxane A2 mimetic in the isolated perfused kidney of Lyon hypertensive ratsFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Valérie Oréa The aim of this study was to evaluate whether thromboxane A2 -prostaglandin H2 (TP) receptor activation potentiates the renal vasoconstrictor effect of Angiotensin II (Ang II) in genetically hypertensive rats of the Lyon strain (LH). Concentration-response curves (CRCs) to Ang II (5 pM to 10 nM), to the specific TP receptor agonist U46619 (7.5,960 nM) and to a mixture of Ang II + U46619 (fixed molar ratio of 1 : 9) were obtained in single-pass perfused kidneys isolated from 8 week-old LH and low blood pressure (LL) control rats. Baseline vascular resistance was significantly increased in LH compared to LL kidneys. Comparison of the CRCs obtained for Ang II and U46619 showed that, in both strains, Ang II was about 100 times more potent than U46619. For both drugs, the pD2 or slope values did not differ among the two strains. Co-activation of TP receptors, analyzed with the method of Pöch and Holzmann, tended to potentiate the effects of Ang II in LH but not in LL kidneys. In conclusion, isolated perfused kidneys of LH rat did not exhibit an increased vascular sensitivity to acute infusion of Ang II or U46619 compared to control LL ones. In addition, the results suggest that the interactions between Ang II and TP receptor agonist may differ among the two strains. [source] Modifications of retinal afferent activity induce changes in astroglial plasticity in the hamster circadian clockGLIA, Issue 2 2001Monique Lavialle Abstract The circadian clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus in mammals, exhibits astroglial plasticity indicated by GFAP expression over the 24-h period. In this study, we evaluated the role of neuronal retinal input in the observed changes. Modifications of retinal input, either by rearing animals under darkness (DD) or under constant light (LL), or by suppressing afferent input (bilateral enucleation), induced drastic changes in astroglial plasticity. In enucleated animals, a dramatic decrease in GFAP expression was evident in the area of the SCN deprived of retinal projections, whereas persistence of a rhythmic variation was in those areas still exhibiting GFAP expression. By contrast, no changes in astrocytic plasticity were detected in hamsters maintained under LL. These data suggest two fundamental roles for astrocytes within the SCN: (1) to regulate and mediate glutamate released by retinal terminals throughout the neuronal network to facilitate photic signal transmission; (2) to contribute to synchronization between suprachiasmatic neurons. GLIA 34:88,100, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Selective defoliation by sheep according to slope and plant species in the hill country of New ZealandGRASS & FORAGE SCIENCE, Issue 4 2003I. F. López Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the grazing behaviour by sheep in hill country paddocks in New Zealand which had received two long-term fertilization and stocking rate treatments [high fertility,high stocking rate (HH); low fertility,low stocking rate (LL)]. Herbage accumulation and selective grazing were evaluated within low slope (LS), medium slope (MS) and high slope (HS) categories. Transects lines were placed and tillers of Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne in the LS category; A. capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum and L. perenne in the MS category; and A. capillaris and A. odoratum in the HS category were marked. The leaf length of each marked tiller was measured and used to determine selective grazing over 3 weeks during each season. The highest herbage accumulation rates were during spring and the lowest in summer and winter. The LS category showed the highest herbage accumulation rates and HS the lowest. Except for autumn, the marked tillers were more frequently grazed in the HH than in the LL paddock. During summer, autumn and spring, grazing frequency in the slope categories was in the order LS > MS > HS. During winter sheep did not discriminate between slope category. During summer, autumn and spring, sheep did not selectively graze the species studied but this was not the case during winter. Overall, sheep selectively grazed L. perenne. In all the seasons L. perenne consistently had the longest leaves but within species there was no consistent relationship between leaf length and probability of being grazed. Selective grazing changed through the year according to herbage accumulation rate. Sheep concentrated grazing in the category LS when herbage accumulation rate was high, but they did not discriminate between slope categories in winter when herbage accumulation rate was low. [source] MNS16A minisatellite genotypes in relation to risk of glioma and meningioma and to glioblastoma outcomeINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 4 2009Ulrika Andersson Abstract The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene is upregulated in a majority of malignant tumours. A variable tandem repeat, MNS16A, has been reported to be of functional significance for hTERT expression. Published data on the clinical relevance of MNS16A variants in brain tumours have been contradictory. The present population-based study in the Nordic countries and the United Kingdom evaluated brain-tumour risk and survival in relation to MNS16A minisatellite variants in 648 glioma cases, 473 meningioma cases and 1,359 age, sex and geographically matched controls. By PCR-based genotyping all study subjects with fragments of 240 or 271 bp were judged as having short (S) alleles and subjects with 299 or 331 bp fragments as having long (L) alleles. Relative risk of glioma or meningioma was estimated with logistic regression adjusting for age, sex and country. Overall survival was analysed using Kaplan,Meier estimates and equality of survival distributions using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard ratios. The MNS16A genotype was not associated with risk of occurrence of glioma, glioblastoma (GBM) or meningioma. For GBM there were median survivals of 15.3, 11.0 and 10.7 months for the LL, LS and SS genotypes, respectively; the hazard ratio for having the LS genotype compared with the LL was significantly increased HR 2.44 (1.56,3.82) and having the SS genotype versus the LL was nonsignificantly increased HR 1.46 (0.81,2.61). When comparing the LL versus having one of the potentially functional variants LS and SS, the HR was 2.10 (1.41,3.1). However, functionality was not supported as there was no trend towards increasing HR with number of S alleles. Collected data from our and previous studies regarding both risk and survival for the MNS16A genotypes are contradictory and warrant further investigations. © 2009 UICC [source] Some unusual type 2 reactions in leprosyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2010V. Ramesh MD Background, Type 2 reactions with lepromatous leprosy (LL) not occurring during multi-drug therapy (MDT) have been reported. Methods, Three patients have been described, each representing a prototype, the first presenting as bullous erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), second with ENL erupting after treatment for co-existing pulmonary tuberculosis and resembling immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, and a third patient with recurrent Sweets-syndrome like presentation who had taken incomplete MDT in the past for leprosy. In all, the diagnosis was established by demonstration of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) on slit-skin smears (SSS) and histopathology. Results & Conclusion, The fact that reactions can occur in patients with clinically inapparent LL, who are more likely to present in general hospitals, has been reemphasized to enhance awareness among physicians. First presentation of leprosy as ENL is probably precipitated by common antibiotics taken for other illnesses. Since reactional episodes can occur before, during and after MDT for leprosy and the clinical picture is not specific to any of them, it is important to ascertain the status of anti-leprosy therapy during these episodes and treat them accordingly. [source] Evolution of histoid leprosy (de novo) in lepromatous (multibacillary) leprosyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2005Virendra N. Sehgal MD A 26-year-old man presented with persistent redness of the face over the past 2 years and thickening of the ears for a year. The current state was preceded by three to four episodes of epistaxis, 2,3 months previously. The patient had not received any treatment. Cutaneous examination revealed indurated (infiltrated) plaques on the face and ears over an apparently normal-looking skin, and numerous, small, ill-defined, slightly hypopigmented, shiny macules all over the body. They were bilateral and symmetric (Fig. 1a,b). There was no variation in the cutaneous sensations of temperature, touch, and pain. The patient showed loss of the lateral eyebrows and conjunctival congestion. Examination of the nerves revealed enlargement of the ulnar, radial, posterior tibial, and right common peroneal nerves; however, there was no tenderness of the nerves. Systemic examination was within normal limits. Examination of a slit-skin smear (under oil immersion), prepared from a representative lesion (plaque), demonstrated an abundance of solid and uniform-staining acid-fast bacilli, occurring either singly or in parallel clumps/globii, in an average field (6+). Furthermore, a scraping mount (10% KOH) prepared from the lesion on the back was negative. Figure 1. (a, b) Histoid leprosy Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections prepared from a biopsy taken from a plaque revealed a conspicuous granuloma composed of peculiar spindle-shaped histiocytes. Several of the granulomas were present in the mid and lower dermis. They were characterized by whorled, criss-cross, or parallel patterns. Solid and uniform-staining, slender, rod-like (length three times that of the breadth) acid-fast bacilli were found scattered throughout the section. A few histiocytes closely packed with acid-fast bacilli, together with lymphocytic infiltrates, were also seen. There was a prominent eosinophilic stained clear zone just below the epidermis. It was free from acid-fast bacilli as well as the inflammatory infiltrate (Fig. 2a,b). A definitive diagnosis of untreated lepromatous leprosy (LL) changing to histoid leprosy (de novo) was made. Figure 2. (a, b) Histoid leprosy depicting granuloma formed by histiocytes displaying whorl-wind, criss-cross or interlacing pattern, and a clear zone beneath the epidermis (H&E ×40) Solid and uniform staining acid fast bacilli, , slender, rod-like, length 3 times that of breadth found scattered throughout the granuloma (H&E ×100) [source] Discrimination between diastereoisomeric dipeptides by IR,UV double resonance spectroscopy and ab initio calculationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2005Ali G. Abo-Riziq Abstract We studied diastereoisomeric dipeptides, containing two chiral centers, by comparing ab initio calculations with laser desorption jet-cooling experiments. We studied the hetero-dipeptides LL,VF (L-Val-L-Phe) and DL,VF and the homo-dipeptides LL,FF (L-Phe-L-Phe) and LD,FF. Changing one of the chiral centers in each molecule leads to changes in the spectra that can be used to distinguish between diastereoisomeric pairs. We observed three different conformers for LL,VF, four for DL,VF, two for LL,FF, and one for LD,FF. By comparing the results from IR,UV double resonant spectroscopy with ab initio calculations, we can draw conclusions about the conformational structures. At the same time, the experimental data serve as a test for the computational results. We discuss the possibilities and limitations of the interplay between theory and experiment. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005 [source] Nanoparticle Supported, Magnetically Recoverable Oxodiperoxo Molybdenum Complexes: Efficient Catalysts for Selective Epoxidation ReactionsADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 11-12 2009Sankaranarayanapillai Shylesh Abstract Organic-inorganic hybrid heterogeneous nanocatalyst systems were synthesized by covalent anchoring of oxodiperoxomolybdenum complexes [(LL)MoO(O2)2] on silica coated magnetic nanoparticles as an active, magnetically separable epoxidation catalyst. [source] Genetic description of a divergent selection experiment in Angora rabbits with overlapping generationsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 3 2009S.A. Rafat Summary The chief aims of this paper were the following: (i) to describe the demography and genetic structure in two divergent selected lines for total fleece weight (TFW) of French Angora rabbits with overlapping generations; (ii) to describe the effects of inbreeding during an experiment of divergent selection. A study of longevity with the survival kit showed that there was no significant difference in the risk of death or culling between the low line (LL) and high line (HL). A significant effect of inbreeding (p < 0.05) was observed with a 30% higher risk factor in the highest class of inbreeding coefficient compared with the other classes. The means of generation interval were 562 and 601 days in LL and HL, respectively. The numbers of generations for LL and HL were 3.90 and 3.64, respectively. Generation intervals decreased significantly from 1995 to 2000 (p < 0.05). The number of daughters in HL was very variable. The number of animals per generation was higher in HL than in LL. Each buck left nearly three daughters to the next generation (2.52 in LL, 3.24 in HL). In both lines, the effective number of ancestor genomes still present in the genetic pool of the generation was around eight from the reference population of 1995 to that of 2001. Inbreeding in HL was always higher than in LL. The effect of inbreeding was also significant (p < 0.05) on TFW and live weight. The animals with the lowest inbreeding category produced a higher TFW (p < 0.05) than the others. The observed selection differentials were lower than that expected owing to the breeding animal management rules in order to control inbreeding increase. [source] Estimates of genetic parameters for Boran, Friesian, and crosses of Friesian and Jersey with the Boran cattle in the tropical highlands of Ethiopia: milk production traits and cow weightJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 3 2004S. Demeke Summary Breed additive and non-additive effects plus heritabilities and repeatabilities for milk yield per lactation (LMY), milk yield per day (DMY), lactation length (LL), annual milk yield (AMY), annual milk yield per metabolic body weight (AMYBW) and cow weight at calving (BW) were estimated for 5464 lactation records collected from purebred Boran (B), Friesian (F), and crosses of Friesian and Jersey (J) breeds with the Boran breed raised in the tropical highlands of Ethiopia. Single trait analysis was carried out by using two equivalent repeatability animal models. In the first model the genotype was fitted as a fixed group effect, while in the second model the genotype was substituted by breed additive, heterotic and recombination effects fitted as fixed covariates. Both the F and J breed additive effects, measured as a deviation from the B breed were significant (p < 0.01) for all traits, except for BW of the J. The F and J additive contributions were 2774 ± 81 and 1473 ± 362 kg for LMY, 7.1 ± 0.2 and 4.8 ± 0.8 kg for DMY, 152 ± 7 and 146 ± 31 days for LL, 2345 ± 71 and 1238 ± 319 kg for AMY, 20.6 ± 0.9 and 18.9 ± 4.3 kg for AMYBW, and 140 ± 4 and ,21 ± 22 kg (p > 0.05) for BW. The heterotic contributions to the crossbred performance were also positive and significant (p < 0.01) for all traits. The F1 heterosis expressed as a deviation from the mid-parent values were 22 and 66% for LMY, 11 and 20% for DMY, 29 and 29% for LL, 21 and 64% for AMY, 42 and 42% for AMYBW, and 2% (p < 0.05) and 11% for BW for the F × B and J × B crosses, respectively. The recombination effect estimated for the F × B crosses was negative and significant for LMY (,526 ± 192 kg, p < 0.01), DMY (,3.0 ± 0.4 kg, p < 0.001), AMY (,349 ± 174 kg, p < 0.05) and BW (,68 ± 11 kg, p < 0.001). For the J × B crosses the recombination loss was significant and negative only for DMY (,2.2 ± 0.7 kg, p < 0.05) and BW (,33 ± 17 kg, p < 0.05). The direct heritabilities (h2) estimated for LMY, DMY, LL, AMY and AMYBW were 0.24 ± 0.04, 0.19 ± 0.03, 0.13 ± 0.03, 0.23 ± 0.04 and 0.17 ± 0.05, respectively. Based on the genetic parameters estimated, the best breeding strategy to increased milk production under highland Ethiopian conditions is to apply selection on purebred base populations (Boran and Friesian) and then crossing them to produce F1 dairy cows. However, for breeding decision based on total dairy merit, further investigations are needed for traits such as milk quality, reproduction, longevity and survival. Zusammenfassung Additive Rasseneffekte, nicht additive Effekte, Heritabilitäten und Wiederholbarkeiten für Milchmenge pro Laktation (LMY), Milchmenge pro Tag (DMY), Laktationsdauer (LL), jährliche Milchmenge (AMY), jährliche Milchmenge pro metabolischem Körpergewicht (AMYBW) und Kuhgewichte zur Kalbung (BW) wurden anhand von 5464 Laktationsdatensätzen von reinrassigen Boran (B), Friesian (F) und Kreuzungen der Rassen Friesian und Jersey (J) mit der Rasse Boran, die im tropischen Hochland von Äthiopien groß gezogen wurden, geschätzt. Einmerkmalsmodelle wurden mit zwei äquivalenten Wiederholbarkeits-Tiermodellen durchgeführt. Im ersten Modell wurde der Genotyp als fixer Gruppeneffekt berücksichtigt, während im zweiten Modell der Genotyp durch additive Rasseneffekte, Heterosis und Rekombinationseffekte als Kovariable ersetzt wurde. Die additiven Rasseneffekte von F und J, gemessen als Abweichung von der Rasse B, waren für alle Merkmale signifikant (p < 0,01), ausgenommen BW für die Rasse J. Die additiven Rasseneffekte von F und J betrugen 2774 ± 81 und 1473 ± 362 kg für LMY, 7,1 ± 0,2 und 4,8 ± 0,8 kg für DMY, 152 ± 7 und 146 ± 31 Tage für LL, 2345 ± 71 und 1238 ± 319 kg für AMY, 20,6 ± 0,9 und 18,9 ± 4,3 kg für AMYBW und 140 ± 4 und ,21 ± 22 kg (p > 0,05) für BW. Die Heterosis bei den Kreuzungstieren war positiv und signifikant für alle Merkmale (p < 0,01). Die Heterosis der F1 -Tiere, ausgedrückt als Abweichung vom Mittel der beiden Eltern, betrug 22 und 66% für LMY, 11 und 20% für DMY, 29 und 29% für LL, 21 und 64% für AMY, 42% und 42% für AMYBW und 2% (p < 0,05) und 11% für BW für die F × B und J × B Kreuzungen. Der geschätzte Rekombinationseffekt für die F × B Kreuzungen war negativ und signifikant für LMY (,526 ± 192 kg, p < 0,01), DMY (,3,0 ± 0,4 kg, p < 0,001), AMY (,349 ± 174, p < 0,05) und BW (,68 ± 11 kg, p < 0,001). Für die J × B Kreuzungen war der Rekombinationsverlust signifikant und negativ nur für DMY (,2,2 ± 0,7 kg, p < 0,05) und BW (,33 ± 17, p < 0,05). Die geschätzten Heritabilitäten (h2) betrugen für LMY, DMY, LL, AMY und AMYBW 0,24 ± 0,04, 0,19 ± 0,03, 0,13 ± 0,03, 0,23 ± 0,04 und 0,17 ± 0,05. Basierend auf den geschätzten genetischen Parametern erscheint Selektion in den Reinzuchtpopulationen B und F und anschließ end Kreuzung dieser Tiere zur Erstellung von F1 -Milchkühen als günstigste Zuchtstrategie, um die Milchproduktion unter äthiopischen Hochlandbedingungen zu steigern. Für Zuchtentscheidungen, die die gesamte Milchproduktion berücksichtigen, sind weitere Untersuchungen notwendig für Merkmale wie Milchqualität, Reproduktion, Persistenz und Langlebigkeit. [source] Convergence towards higher leaf mass per area in dry and nutrient-poor habitats has different consequences for leaf life spanJOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2002Ian J. Wright Summary 1,Leaf life span (LL) and leaf mass per area (LMA) are fundamental traits in the carbon economy of plants, representing the investment required per unit leaf area (LMA) and the duration of the resulting benefit (LL). Species on dry and infertile soils converge towards higher LMA. It has been generally assumed that this allows species from low-resource habitats to achieve longer average leaf life spans, as LMA and LL are often correlated. 2,Leaf life span and LMA were measured for 75 perennial species from eastern Australia. Species were sampled from nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor sites within high and low rainfall regions. LL and LMA were positively correlated across species within each site. In addition, evolutionary divergences in LL and LMA were correlated within each site, indicating that cross-species relationships were not simply driven by differences between higher taxonomic groups. 3,Within a rainfall zone, LL,LMA combinations shifted as expected along common axes of variation such that species on poorer soils had higher LMA and longer LL, but significantly so only at high rainfall. 4,Low rainfall species were expected to have shorter LL at a given LMA or, equally, require higher LMA to achieve a given LL, i.e. shift to a parallel axis of variation, and this was observed on both nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor soils. On average, 30% higher LMA was seemingly required at dry sites to achieve a given LL. Thus, convergence towards higher LMA has different consequences for leaf life span in dry and nutrient-poor habitats. 5,The broad shifts in LL,LMA combinations between site types were also seen when comparing closely related species-pairs (phylogenetically independent contrasts) occurring on nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor soils (within each rainfall zone), and at high- and low-rainfall sites (at each soil nutrient level). [source] Pasture and Grain Finishing Affect the Color Stability of BeefJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 7 2002M.C. Lanari ABSTRACT: We determined the effect of pasture feeding (P0) or sorghum feeding with 2500 IU/head/d; (G2500) or without (G0) vitamin E supplementation on the color stability of gluteus medius (GM), longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM). Diets did not affect the total pigment concentration of the muscle. Color stabilities were G2500 > P0 > G0 for fresh GM and SM and G2500 > G0 > P0 for fresh LL. Color stabilities of aged beef from the P0 and G2500 treatments were similar and higher than those from unsupplemented animals. Color stability of minced beef ranked as: P0 aged > G0 and G2500 fresh > P0 fresh > G0 and G2500 aged. [source] Repeatability of T1-quantification in dGEMRIC for three different acquisition techniques: Two-dimensional inversion recovery, three-dimensional look locker, and three-dimensional variable flip angleJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 5 2010Carl Siversson MS Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the repeatability of the dGEMRIC (delayed gadolinium enhanced MRI of cartilage) method in osteoarthritis-prone knee joints for three different T1 quantification techniques: two-dimensional inversion recovery (2D-IR), three-dimensional Look-Locker (3D-LL), and three-dimensional variable flip angle (3D-VFA). Materials and Methods: Nine subjects were examined twice, with a 2-week interval, using all three measurement techniques. Four regions of interest were defined in the central medial and lateral femoral cartilage. The repeatability was evaluated for each measurement technique. For the 3D techniques, the variation between different slices was also evaluated. Results: Repeatability expressed by root-mean-square coefficient of variation (CVRMS) showed similar results for 2D-IR and 3D-LL (5.4,8.4%). For 3D-VFA CVRMS was higher (9.3,15.2%). Intraclass correlation coefficient showed both 2D-IR and 3D-LL reliability to be moderate, while 3D-VFA reliability was low. Inter-slice CVRMS and ICC was of the same magnitude as the repeatability. No clear differences could be interpreted between the condyles. Conclusion: Both 2D-IR and 3D-LL perform well in generating repeatable dGEMRIC results, while 3D-VFA results are somewhat inferior. Furthermore, repeatability results in this study are similar to previously published results for healthy subjects. Finally, the positioning of the analyzed images is crucial to generate reliable repeatability results. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1203,1209. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Diffusion measurements and diffusion tensor imaging with noisy magnitude dataJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 1 2009Anders Kristoffersen Abstract Purpose To compare an unbiased method for estimation of the diffusion coefficient to the quick, but biased, log-linear (LL) method in the presence of noisy magnitude data. Materials and Methods The magnitude operation changes the signal distribution in magnetic resonance (MR) images from Gaussian to Rician. If not properly taken into account, this will introduce a bias in the estimated diffusion coefficient. We compare two methods by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The first one applies least-squares fitting of the measured signal to the median (MD) value of the probability density function. The second method is uncorrected LL estimation. We also perform a high-resolution diffusion tensor experiment. Results The uncorrected LL estimator is heavily biased at low signal-to-noise ratios. The bias has a significant effect on image quality. The MD estimator is accurate and produces images with excellent contrast. Conclusion In the presence of noisy magnitude data, unbiased estimation is essential in diffusion measurements and diffusion tensor imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:237,241. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Serotonergic potentiation of dark pulse-induced phase-shifting effects at midday in hamstersJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2008Jorge Mendoza Abstract In mammals, resetting of the suprachiasmatic clock (SCN) by behavioral activation or serotonin (5-HT) agonists is mimicked by dark pulses, presented during subjective day in constant light (LL). Because behavioral resetting may be mediated in part by 5-HT inputs to the SCN, here we determined whether 5-HT system can modulate dark-induced phase-shifts in Syrian hamsters housed in LL. Two hours of darkness at mid-subjective day (circadian time 6; CT-6) resulted in increased concentrations of 5-HT in the SCN tissue and induction of c-FOS expression in the raphe nuclei. Injections of the 5-HT1A/7 agonist (+)8-OH-DPAT or dark pulses at CT-6 induced phase-advances of the wheel-running activity rhythm and down-regulated the expression of the clock genes Per1-2 and c-FOS in the SCN in a similar way. The combination of both treatments [(+)8-OH-DPAT + dark pulses], however, resulted in larger phase-advances, while associated molecular changes were not significantly modified, except for the gene Dbp, in comparison to (+)8-OH-DPAT or dark pulses alone. Dark resetting was blocked by pre-treatment with a 5-HT7 antagonist, but not with a 5-HT1A antagonist. The additive phase-shifts of two different cues to reset the SCN clock open wide the gateway for non-photic shifting, leading to new strategies in chronotherapy. [source] Promising outcomes of an adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome inpatient programmeJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 5 2009Brett Gordon Introduction: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition of prolonged and disabling fatigue, which is accompanied by characteristic constitutional and neuropsychiatric symptoms. In children and adolescents, this condition occurring at a developmentally vulnerable time adds to the disability affecting self-concept, autonomy, body image, socialisation, sexuality and academic problems. This case series looks at the effects of a graded exercise programme on physical outcomes, fatigue and mental state in an adolescent population. Methods: Data sets from 16 adolescents who completed combined exercise training as part of the 4-week inpatient intensive CFS programme at the Austin Hospital, Melbourne were analysed. All patients completed an exercise assessment and three questionnaires before beginning any training. A paediatrician (LL) confirmed the diagnosis according to the Fukuda criteria in all patients. Exercise was carefully supervised and prescribed daily by an exercise physiologist (BG) according to each individual's ability and response with the basic aim of increasing exercise tolerance and improving muscle strength and endurance. Results: There was an 18% improvement in volitional time to fatigue (P= 0.02) and 17% improvement in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) (P= 0.01). Upper body strength and function improved with a remarkable 70% increase in the number of push-ups. Fatigue severity was reported to improve by 13% (P= 0.01) and depression index improved significantly by 42% (P= 0.02). Conclusions: The significance of these improvements cannot be underestimated as an improvement in physical capacity through increased time to fatigue and less severe fatigue allows adolescents to resume school, social and family activities. [source] Environmental Modulation of Alcohol Intake in Hamsters: Effects of Wheel Running and Constant Light ExposureALCOHOLISM, Issue 9 2010Steven B. Hammer Background:, Alcohol abuse leads to marked disruptions of circadian rhythms, and these disturbances in themselves can increase the drive to drink. Circadian clock timing is regulated by light, as well as by nonphotic influences such as food, social interactions, and wheel running. We previously reported that alcohol markedly disrupts photic and nonphotic modes of circadian rhythm regulation in Syrian hamsters. As an extension of this work, we characterize the hedonic interrelationship between wheel running and ethanol (EtOH) intake and the effects of environmental circadian disruption (long-term exposure to constant light [LL]) on the drive to drink. Methods:, First, we tested the effect of wheel running on chronic free-choice consumption of a 20% (v/v) EtOH solution and water. Second, the effect of this alcohol drinking on wheel running in alcohol-naive animals was investigated. Third, we assessed the influence of LL, known to suppress locomotor activity and cause circadian rhythm disruption, on EtOH consumption and wheel-running behavior. Results:, Inhibitory effects of wheel running on EtOH intake and vice versa were observed. Exposure to LL, while not affecting EtOH intake, induced rhythm splitting in 75% of the animals. Notably, the splitting phenotype was associated with lower levels of EtOH consumption and preference prior to, and throughout, the period of LL exposure. Conclusions:, These results are evidence that exercise may offer an efficacious clinical approach to reducing EtOH intake. Also, predisposition for light-induced (or other) forms of circadian disruption may modulate the drive to drink. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||