Geographic variations in the composition of ivory of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to compare the inclination of the occlusal plane with occlusal guidance as a contributing factor to masticatory movement. METHODS: Masticatory movements of 41 young adults were measured using a 3-D mandibular movement analysing system. The inclination of the occlusal plane was measured in the sagittal plane using a 3-D digitizer. The contribution of the occlusal guidance and the inclination of the occlusal plane to the direction of the masticatory path of closure was evaluated at various closing levels. RESULTS: The masticatory path of closure outside the intercuspal range was influenced mainly by the inclination of the occlusal plane, and the masticatory path of closure near the intercuspal range was only influenced by occlusal guidance. The so-called gliding type masticatory pattern was observed predominantly in subjects with a posteriorly inclined occlusal plane. In contrast, a chopping type masticatory pattern was observed predominantly in subjects with an anteriorly inclined occlusal plane. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of the inclination of the occlusal plane to masticatory movement was greater than that of occlusal guidance throughout the closing phase except near the intercuspal range.     

Effects of ascorbic acid on levels of fibronectin, laminin and collagen type 1 in bovine trabecular meshwork in organ culture

Non-invasive evaluation of gastric emptying is generally performed by scintigraphy which is, however, not always applicable and is not suitable for children and child-bearing women. Recently, a new method based on stable isotope breath testing has been introduced in clinical practice i.e., the 13C-octanoic acid breath test. An overview is made here of the current knowledge on this technique with special emphasis on the principle of the test, the mathematics used to analyse the results, and the physiological, pathological, and pharmacological aspects of gastric emptying studied with this new method. Possible pitfalls of the test are also reported.     

The measurement of bioreductive capacity of tumor cells using methylene blue

PURPOSE: Methylene blue (MB) can be used as an intracellular electron acceptor. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of MB for the determination of total bioreductive capacity of cell suspensions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We measured oxygen consumption by Clark electrode and pentose cycle activity by release of 14CO2 from 1-14C-glucose. RESULTS: Methylene blue catalyzes the reaction of intracellular reductants NADPH, NADH, and reduced glutathione (GSH) with oxygen, causing the production of hydrogen peroxide. The reaction rate correlates with the negative charge of molecule (NADPH(-4) > NADH(-2) > GSH(-1)), suggesting that reaction with positively charged oxidized MB is the limiting step of the reaction. In a cellular system MB causes the electron flow from cellular endogenous substrates to oxygen. It is activated by the disruption of the NADP+/NADPH ratio due to several processes. These are direct oxidation of NADPH and GSH, the GSH peroxidase catalyzed reaction of GSH with H2O2, followed by NADPH oxidation by oxidized glutathione (GSSG). This results in increased cellular oxygen consumption and stimulation of the oxidative limb of pentose cycle (PC) in the presence of MB. The cellular effect of MB differs from other electron accepting drugs. Diamide and tert-butylhydroperoxide act as direct oxidants, while MB is an electron carrier to oxygen. Accordingly, MB shows the highest effect on PC activation and oxygen consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that MB may be used for the determination of the total bioreductive capacity of the cells, measured by oxygen consumption and PC activation.     

Impairment and disability: their relation during stroke rehabilitation

Migration of non-volatile and volatile compounds from 'microwave and roasting bags' (MRB), made of Nylon 6,6 (and some Nylon 6), into chicken meat, skin, and juices during roasting (200 degrees C/2 h) in a conventional oven was determined. For measurement of migration of non-volatile compounds, cooked chicken was freeze-dried, extracted with methanol after addition of 2-azacyclononane (internal standard) and the extract cleaned-up using liquid-solid adsorption chromatography (silica gel). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the reverse phase mode using a linear gradient of methanol in water was used to quantify seven Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 cyclic monomers and oligomers of molecular mass up to 678 daltons. Migration into chicken was 7.48 micrograms/g (8.26 mg/bag; 3.94 micrograms/cm2), 16% of the total non-volatile compounds contained in the MRB material. Individual migrants were also quantified. Migration of one volatile compound, 2-cyclopentyl cyclopentanone, into the roast chicken parts was measured. Extraction with diethyl ether, using a modified Likens-Nickerson system of concurrent steam distillation-solvent extraction with an internal standard (cyclohexanone) was performed for 10 h. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in the selected ion mode (SIM) was used for quantification. An average of 14.0 (+/- 4.36) micrograms/bag (or micrograms/chicken) migrated, being 0.08% of the total 2-cyclopentyl cyclopentanone present in MRB. Loss of volatile compounds to the atmosphere is believed to have occurred since there was another, more volatile compound (cyclopentanone), present in MRB, at levels higher than 2-cyclopentyl cyclopentanone, but this was not detected in roast chicken. In general, the transference of MRB components into roast chicken can be considered not to present a hazard.     

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension: report of four cases and review of the literature

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is an unusual syndrome of postural headache and low cerebrospinal fluid pressure without an established cause. We present four cases, analyze those previously reported in the literature, examine the MRI, CT, angiographic and cisternographic finding and discuss the clinical picture, proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms and potential treatment.     

Systemic interleukin 2 therapy for human prostate tumors in a nude mouse model

Once the regional lymph nodes become involved in prostate carcinoma, 85% of patients develop distant metastases within 5 years, and metastatic disease is difficult to treat. We have investigated the effect of systemic interleukin 2 (IL-2) treatment on metastatic prostate carcinoma using a xenograft tumor model. Cells from a PC-3/IF cell line, produced by intrafemoral injection of human PC-3 prostate carcinoma cells, were injected in the prostate of Balb/c nude mice. Prostate tumors and para-aortic lymph nodes were resected, and tumor cells were recultured and passaged in the prostate in vivo to produce new cell lines. On day 6 following prostatic injection of these cell lines, mice were treated with i.p. injections of IL-2 at 25,000-50,000 units/ day for 5 consecutive days. The effect of IL-2 on tumor progression was assessed, and histological studies were performed on prostate tumor and lymph node sections. The tumor cell lines generated by serial prostate injection were tumorigenic and metastasized to regional para-aortic lymph nodes. Tumors of 0.4 cm were obtained by day 16 and grew to 1-1.5 cm by day 40 with metastasis to para-aortic lymph nodes. Following two to three weekly courses of 5 days of 25,000-40,000 units/day of IL-2, the growth of prostate tumors was inhibited by 94%. Higher doses of 50,000 units/ day were toxic. Histologically, prostate sections showed vascular damage manifested by multifocal hemorrhages and an influx of lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells into disintegrating tumors and areas of necrosis containing numerous apoptotic cells. In contrast to control mice, para-aortic lymph nodes were not enlarged in responding mice. These findings suggest that systemic IL-2 therapy can induce an antitumor response in prostate tumors and control their growth and metastasis.     

Synthesis and analgesic properties of new 5-thioaryl pyrazole derivatives

A new series 5-thio aryl pyrazole derivatives were proposed aiming analgesic activity. In this work, 8 new compounds of this class were synthesized using usual synthetic methodology, having as key intermediate the 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-chloropyrazole-1-phenyl derivative and subsequent reaction with several nucleophiles sulfides. Pharmacological evaluation of this series showed analgesic activity in the some extent in especially for 5-(4-bromophenyl)-thio-3-methyl-4-nitro-1-phenylpyrazole which was the most potent in this series, presenting an analgesic action comparable to that show by dipyrone.     

Intravascular ultrasound predictors of restenosis after balloon angioplasty of the femoropopliteal artery

The skepticism surrounding the potential benefits of resistance exercise training prevalent just decades ago has evolved over the years to an understanding of the integral nature muscular overload plays in the training programs for athletes. The science of training elite athletes is progressing rapidly, as insights into the physiological adaptations resulting from varying program configurations become available. Resistance training impacts several body systems, including muscular, endocrine, skeletal, metabolic, immune, neural, and respiratory. An understanding and appreciation of basic scientific principles related to resistance training is necessary in order to optimize training responses. Careful selection of the acute program variables in a workout to simulate sports-specific movements is required for optimal transfer of gains made in training to competition. Thus, whether athletes require predominantly eccentric, isometric, slow-velocity, or high-velocity strength or power in their athletic event will dictate the time commitment to each component and form the basis for designing individual workouts. Program variation over a training period is essential to maximize gains and prevent overtraining.