Porous plug gas injection systems for studies of hydrocarbon dissociation and transport in the DIII-D tokamak

A probe has been designed, constructed, and successfully used to inject methane into the DIII-D lower divertor in a manner imitating natural release by chemical erosion. This porous plug injector (PPI) probe consists of a self-contained gas reservoir with an integrated pressure gauge and a 3 cm diameter porous surface through which gas is injected into the lower divertor of the tokamak. The probe is positioned flush with the divertor target surface by means of the divertor materials evaluation system. Two gas delivery systems were developed: in the first, gas flow is regulated by a remotely controlled microvalve and in the second by a fixed micro-orifice flow restrictor. Because of the large area of the porous surface through which gas is admitted, the injected hydrocarbon molecules see a local carbon surface (>90% carbon) similar to that seen by hydrocarbons being emitted by chemical sputtering from surrounding carbon tiles. The distributed gas source also reduces the disturbance to the local plasma while providing sufficient signal for spectroscopic detection. In situ spectroscopic measurements with the PPI in DIII-D allow the direct calibration of response for measured plasma conditions from a known influx of gas.

Differential DNA methylation patterns of small B-cell lymphoma subclasses with different clinical behavior

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a group of malignancies of the immune system with variable clinical behaviors and diverse molecular features. Despite the progress made in classification of NHLs based on classical methods, molecular classifications are a work in progress. Toward this goal, we used an array-based technique called differential methylation hybridization (DMH) to study small B-cell lymphoma (SBCL) subtypes. A total of 43 genomic DMH experiments were performed. From these results, several statistical methods were used to generate a set of differentially methylated genes for further validation. Methylation of LHX2, POU3F3, HOXC10, NRP2, PRKCE, RAMP, MLLT2, NKX6.1, LRP1B and ARF4 was validated in cell lines and patient samples and demonstrated subtype-related preferential methylation patterns. For LHX2 and LRP1B, bisulfite sequencing, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and induction of gene expression following treatment with the demethylating agent, 5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, were confirmed. This new epigenetic information is helping to define molecular portraits of distinct subtypes of SBCL that are not recognized by current classification systems and provides valuable potential insights into the biology of these tumors.

The transformation of hexabromocyclododecane in aerobic and anaerobic soils and aquatic sediments

The biological transformation of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a brominated fire retardant commonly used in a variety of consumer goods, was investigated in aerobic and anaerobic soils and freshwater sediments. Soil, river water, and aquatic sediments were collected from several locations in the United States and transformation of HBCD was evaluated in the correspondingly composed microcosms based on the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Test Guidelines 307 (Aerobic and Anaerobic Transformation in Soil) or 308 (Aerobic and Anaerobic Transformation in Aquatic Sediment Systems). Soil and sediment reaction mixtures, prepared under either aerobic or anoxic conditions, were dosed with HBCD at a concentration ranging from approximately 10 to 80 ng/g dry weight. The soils and sediments were then placed at 20 degrees C for approximately 4 months and the concentration of HBCD in the microcosms was determined at selected time intervals utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). HBCD loss was observed in both the aerobic and anaerobic soils and sediments although the rates were appreciable faster under anoxic conditions. Biologically mediated transformation processes (i.e., biotransformation) accelerated the rate of loss of HBCD when compared to the biologically inhibited (i.e., autoclaved) soils and sediments. Biotransformation half-lives for HBCD were determined to be 63 and 6.9 days in the aerobic and anaerobic soils, respectively, while biotransformation half-lives for HBCD in the two river systems ranged from 11 to 32 days and 1.1 to 1.5 days under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. Brominated degradation products were not detected in any of the soils or sediments during the course of the study.

Relating induced in situ conditions of raw chicken breast meat to pinking

Our objective was to simulate the pink color defect in cooked chicken breast meat with treatment combinations that would induce measurable changes in the conditions of raw meat. In addition, the feasibility of using induced raw meat conditions to develop a logistic regression model for prediction of pinking was studied. Approximately 960 breast fillets from 2 plants with 2 replications were used for inducing in situ conditions with 16 combinations of sodium chloride, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite (present and not present). Muscles in all treatments were subjected to individual injections, followed by tumbling, cooking, and chilling. Raw samples were analyzed for pH, oxidation-reduction potential, and pigment evaluation. Results indicated a significant role of induced in situ conditions of raw meat in the occurrence of pinking. Presence of 1 ppm or more of sodium nitrite in raw meat produced significant pinking of cooked meat. The light muscle color group was least affected and the dark group was most affected by induced pH, oxidation-reduction potential conditions, and metmyoglobin and nitrosopigment content. The predictive ability of the logistic model was more than 90% with nitrosopigment, pH, and reducing conditions being the most important factors. Moreover, validation of the model was confirmed by close association between observed pink samples and those predicted as pink.

RAPD markers linked to eastern filbert blight resistance in Corylus avellana

A total of 1,110 decamer primers were screened for RAPD markers linked to a dominant allele in hazelnut ( Corylus avellana) that confers resistance to eastern filbert blight caused by Anisogramma anomala. Twenty RAPD markers linked in coupling, and five markers linked in repulsion, were found. A seedling population was used to construct a linkage map of the region flanking the resistance locus. The map spans 46.6 cM, with 14 markers on one side of the resistance locus and eight on the other side. Eleven markers showed less than 3% recombination with resistance, including three that showed no recombination. Seven of these 11 markers are sufficiently robust to allow their use in marker-assisted selection. These include AA12(850) which shows no recombination, and six markers on one side of the resistance locus: 173(500), 152(800), 122(825), 275(1130), H19(650) and O16(1250). Marker 268(580), which flanks the resistance locus on the other side, is also suitable for use in marker-assisted selection, but shows 5.8% recombination with resistance. Other markers are less suitable for marker-assisted selection because of sensitivity to changes in primer or MgCl(2) concentration, or the long time required for electrophoresis to separate bands of similar size. The 16 markers closest to the resistance locus were cloned and sequenced. The W07(365) marker, which showed no recombination with the resistance locus but is difficult to score, includes a CT microsatellite repeat. The sequence information will allow the design of SCAR primers and eventual map-based cloning of the resistance allele.

Differences in health characteristics between native Japanese and Japanese-Americans

Health characteristics were compared among 1193 Japanese in Hiroshima, and 2306 Japanese-Americans in Hawaii. Japanese women experienced later menarche, earlier menopause, and a shorter interval between menarche and menopause than Japanese-Americans. Japanese men and women were shorter and lighter and the men bad lower body mass index than Japanese-Americans. Differences between populations were also found for the prevalence of artificial menopause, number of live births, lactation period, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Within one or both populations, significant trends with birth year were found for age at menarche, age at menopause, interval between menarche and menopause, lactation period, height, weight, and body mass index, suggesting the existence of cohort effects. Some of these trends may also reflect age-related changes. Environmental factors likely contribute to the differences in physique and reproductive factors, which may explain differences in frequency of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer between the two populations.

Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis neurona, and Sarcocystis canis-like infections in marine mammals

Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis neurona, and S. canis are related protozoans that can cause mortality in many species of domestic and wild animals. Recently, T. gondii and S. neurona were recognized to cause encephalitis in marine mammals. As yet, there is no report of natural exposure of N. caninum in marine mammals. In the present study, antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum were assayed in sera of several species of marine mammals. For T. gondii, sera were diluted 1:25, 1:50, and 1:500 and assayed in the T. gondii modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies (MAT > or =1:25) to T. gondii were found in 89 of 115 (77%) dead, and 18 of 30 (60%) apparently healthy sea otters (Enhydra lutris), 51 of 311 (16%) Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), 19 of 45 (42%) sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) [corrected] 5 of 32 (16%) ringed seals (Phoca hispida), 4 of 8 (50%) bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), 1 of 9 (11.1%) spotted seals (Phoca largha), 138 of 141 (98%) Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and 3 of 53 (6%) walruses (Odobenus rosmarus). For N. caninum, sera were diluted 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, and 1:320 and examined with the Neospora agglutination test (NAT) using mouse-derived tachyzoites. NAT antibodies were found in 3 of 53 (6%) walruses, 28 of 145 (19%) sea otters, 11 of 311 (3.5%) harbor seals, 1 of 27 (3.7%) sea lions, 4 of 32 (12.5%) ringed seals, 1 of 8 (12.5%) bearded seals, and 43 of 47 (91%) bottlenose dolphins. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. caninum antibodies in any marine mammal, and the first report of T. gondii antibodies in walruses and in ringed, bearded, spotted, and ribbon seals. Current information on T. gondii-like and Sarcocystis-like infections in marine mammals is reviewed. New cases of clinical S. canis and T. gondii infections are also reported in sea lions, and T. gondii infection in an Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus).

[Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal creation of a continent urinary diversion. Future or present?]

Once laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been mastered, the step to performing a radical cystectomy is not that far. The challenge is to create the urinary diversion by laparoscopy. In this report we describe our experience with 11 laparoscopic radical cystectomies and intracorporeal construction of a continent urinary diversion (Mainz pouch II) as a treatment option in patients with muscle-invading bladder cancer. All 11 procedures could be performed successfully. A conversion to open surgery was not required in any case. The mean surgery time was 6.7 h. Except for two pouch fistulas we did not observe any intra- or postoperative complications. The functional as well as the oncological results are convincing. Less morbidity and faster recovery are the main advantages of this minimally invasive procedure. In addition, the low levels of blood loss, fluid shifts, and electrolyte loss considerably reduce cardiovascular stress. Radical cystectomy and construction of a continent urinary diversion represent the limit of technically feasible laparoscopy and should be done exclusively in specialized centers.

Influenza vaccination, hospitalizations, and costs among members of a Medicare managed care plan

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and possible cost savings of influenza vaccination.

SUBJECTS

Members age 65 and older in a Medicare managed care plan during the 1994-1995, 1995-1996, and 1996-1997 influenza seasons.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The study examined administrative data on influenza vaccination and subsequent hospitalizations. Outcomes included hospitalization with pneumonia or influenza, with any respiratory condition, and with congestive heart failure (CHF).

RESULTS

Vaccinated subjects experienced fewer hospitalizations with respiratory conditions or CHF than had unvaccinated subjects (OR=0.8 (95% CI, 0.7, 0.9) in analyses adjusted for age, sex, pneumococcal vaccination, health utilization, and morbidity). Analyses adjusted in addition for ethnicity obtained similar results among the subgroup of members whose ethnicity was known. Subjects without major disease in the previous 12 months had lower odds ratios for vaccination than subjects with major disease (OR values of 0.5 [95% CI, 0.4, 0.7] and 0.9 [95% CI, 0.8, 1.1], respectively). Subjects ages 65 to 79 had lower odds ratios for vaccination than subjects ages 80 and older (OR values of 0.7 [95% CI, 0.6, 0.9] and 0.9 [95% CI, 0.8, 1.1], respectively). Estimated cost savings averaged about $80 per vaccinated subject.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects ages 65 to 79 who had received influenza vaccination experienced fewer hospitalizations and had lower costs than had unvaccinated subjects. Associations were weaker for subjects age 80 and older. The results, consistent with recommendations for the use of influenza vaccine, suggest that people ages 65 to 79 should be heavily targeted for vaccination.

Quality of life after treatment for localized prostate cancer: differences based on treatment modality

PURPOSE

Brachytherapy with 103palladium (103Pd) is an increasingly administered treatment modality for localized prostate cancer. We compared general and disease specific health related quality of life after 103Pd treatment, radical prostatectomy and external beam radiation therapy given during the same time frame.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional survey study of patients treated at a single community medical center between 1995 and 1999. We mailed 5 validated health related quality of life survey instruments to 269, 142 and 222 men who underwent radical prostatectomy, 103Pd treatment and external beam radiation therapy, respectively, with a response rate of greater than 80% in all groups.

RESULTS

General health related quality of life assessed by the SF-36 showed the same scores in patients who underwent prostatectomy and 103Pd treatment. The University of California-Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index was used to assess bowel, urinary and sexual function/bothersomeness. External beam radiation therapy reported was associated with worse bowel function and greater bowel bothersomeness. Prostatectomy was associated with worse urinary function compared to 103Pd and external beam radiation therapy. Prostatectomy was associated with worse sexual function than 103Pd or external beam radiation therapy, although nerve sparing surgery and erectile aids minimized the difference. American Urological Association symptom scores were initially higher for 103Pd but became equal to those in the other groups in patients treated greater than 12 months from survey time. Disease-free men who underwent prostatectomy and 103Pd brachytherapy were equally confident that cancer would not recur in the future. Satisfaction rates were equivalent and biochemical failure significantly decreased satisfaction in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

While general health related quality of life was mostly unaffected by the 3 most common treatments for prostate cancer, there were differences in bowel, urinary and sexual function. This information may aid patients in the decision making process.

Quantitation of serum prostate-specific membrane antigen by a novel protein biochip immunoassay discriminates benign from malignant prostate disease

The lack of a sensitive immunoassay for quantitating serum prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) hinders its clinical utility as a diagnostic/prognostic biomarker. An innovative protein biochip immunoassay was used to quantitate and compare serum PSMA levels in healthy men and patients with either benign or malignant prostate disease. PSMA was captured from serum by anti-PSMA antibody bound to ProteinChip arrays, the captured PSMA detected by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, and quantitated by comparing the mass signal integrals to a standard curve established using purified recombinant PSMA. The average serum PSMA value for prostate cancer (623.1 ng/ml) was significantly different (P < 0.001) from that for benign prostate hyperplasia (117.1 ng/ml) and the normal groups (age <50, 272.9 ng/ml; age >50, 359.4 ng/ml). These initial results suggest that serum PSMA may be a more effective biomarker than prostate-specific antigen for differentiating benign from malignant prostate disease and warrants additional evaluation of the surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization PSMA immunoassay to determine its diagnostic utility.

Low bone density is not associated with aortic calcification

The aging process is associated with an increasing prevalence of osteoporosis and aortic calcification, but it is uncertain if these two conditions are interrelated. We examined the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and evidence of aortic calcification on spinal radiographs among 524 Japanese-American women living in Hawaii. The prevalence of aortic calcification increased with age from less than 10% below age 55 to essentially all women over age 75. Unadjusted BMD was significantly lower among women with aortic calcification at all measured sites (distal and proximal radius and calcaneus). However, the differences in BMD between women with and without calcification were diminished and no longer significant after adjustment for age. Aortic calcification was positively associated with body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diabetes, current smoking, and thiazide use, but negatively associated with physical activity index. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, systolic blood pressure, physical activity index (protective), and current smoking (common etiological factors for aortic calcification) were independently associated with aortic calcification, whereas BMD (mean Z-score) was not. We conclude that there is little evidence to support a direct relationship between osteoporosis (low BMD) and aortic calcification. Osteoporosis and aortic calcification appear to be independent processes that occur as women age. However, potential confounding factors may be involved, and prospective studies are needed to investigate this issue further.

Delayed pulmonary hemorrhage 17 years after gunshot wound to the chest

A 45-year-old male returned 17 years after a gunshot wound to the chest with intermittent hemoptysis that progressed to frank pulmonary hemorrhage. The complications of retained intrathoracic foreign bodies are briefly reviewed.

Routine evaluation of the cervical spine in head-injured patients with dynamic fluoroscopy: a reappraisal

BACKGROUND

The mechanism for clearing the cervical spine in patients with altered mental status remains controversial. Recommendations have ranged from removal of the cervical collar after 24 hours in patients with normal radiographs, to indefinite immobilization in a cervical collar, and recently cervical flexion-extension examinations using dynamic fluoroscopy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dynamic fluoroscopy flexion-extension examinations in identifying ligamentous cervical spine injury and clearing the cervical spine in patients with altered mental status after trauma.

METHODS

Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score < 13 for greater than 48 hours after admission and normal cervical spine radiographs were candidates for fluoroscopic evaluation. The protocol required visualization of the entire cervical spine, through T1, through full extension and flexion under the direct supervision of a radiologist. Oblique fluoroscopic views were obtained, as necessary, to visualize the cervicothoracic junction. Demographic data, fluoroscopy time, total time per study, true and false positives and negatives, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

From July 1992 through December 1999, fluoroscopic examinations were performed on 301 patients. There were 297 true-negative examinations, 2 true-positive examinations (stable injuries), 1 false-negative examination, and 1 false-positive examination. The incidence of ligamentous injury identified by fluoroscopy in this study was 2 of 301 (0.7%). Unstable cervical spine ligamentous injuries were identified in only 0.02% of all trauma patients. One patient developed quadriplegia when fluoroscopic evaluation was performed after two protocol violations.

CONCLUSION

Unstable cervical spine ligamentous injury without fracture is a rare occurrence. The cervical spine may be cleared after a normal cervical spine series (plain radiograph and computed tomographic scan) as recommended in the 1998 Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma guidelines. If dynamic fluoroscopy is to be used, adherence to the protocol, including review of the cervical spine radiographs before fluoroscopy and visualization of the entire cervical spine, C1-T1, is mandatory to ensure patient safety.

The relation between lifestyle factors and biochemical markers of bone turnover among early postmenopausal women

We examined the associations of two biochemical markers of bone turnover with lifestyle factors in 340 postmenopausal women in Hawaii, ages 45-59 years, from the Early Postmenopausal Intervention Cohort. Physical activity, calcium supplement use, smoking and alcohol use in the prior 2 weeks were measured and examined as independent variables in multiple regression analyses with bone turnover markers as dependent variables, adjusted for weight, height, whole body bone mass, serum estradiol, years since menopause, and ethnicity. Calcium supplement and alcohol use were significantly associated with reduced levels of urinary type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides (NTX). The mean NTX level was 12% lower among women using > or = 250 mg of calcium supplements per day as compared with other women, and 20% lower among alcohol users compared with nonusers. Both calcium supplement use and alcohol intake were associated with lower mean serum osteocalcin (a marker of bone formation) and NTX z-scores. By contrast, smoking was associated with lower osteocalcin levels, without any effect on NTX. The osteocalcin level was 12% lower among smokers compared with nonsmokers. In addition, the z-score difference between NTX and osteocalcin was significantly associated with smoking, with a shift towards more NTX than osteocalcin. Physical activity was not significantly associated with either of the markers. These findings suggest that biochemical markers may help to identify lifestyle factors that affect bone, and provide estimates of the relative magnitude of these effects on bone formation and resorption, independent of each other.

Prevention of apoptosis by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in the MCF-10A cell line: correlation with increased transforming growth factor alpha production

We have recently reported that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) inhibits epidermal growth factor (EGF) withdrawal-induced apoptosis in the human mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A. We hypothesized that TCDD-mediated inhibition of apoptosis was due to its ability to stimulate the EGF receptor (EGFR) pathway. Indeed, in the present studies, the EGFR inhibitor AG1478 was able to prevent TCDD-, EGF-, and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha)-dependent cell recovery and inhibition of apoptosis. These effects were specific for an EGFR-mediated pathway because cotreatment with AG825, an erbB2 inhibitor, had little effect on apoptosis. In addition, TCDD was able to mimic the EGF and TGF-alpha signaling as demonstrated by increasing Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1,2 phosphorylation. These effects were dependent on EGFR activity because AG1478, but not AG825, was able to prevent EGF-, TGF-alpha, or TCDD-mediated Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1,2 phosphorylation. The ability of TCDD to stimulate the EGFR pathway and inhibit apoptosis may be due to the ability of TCDD to increase expression of TGF-alpha, a ligand for EGFR. Treatment with 10 nM TCDD increased TGF-alpha mRNA at 2 h and TGF-alpha protein at 6 h. These data suggest a mechanism whereby TCDD is able to inhibit apoptosis in human mammary epithelial cells by stimulating TGF-alpha production, resulting in an autocrine effect.

Bilateral testicular lymphoma treated with chemotherapy and radiation without orchiectomy: complete response relapsed at 52 months in the vitreous humor

We report the first detailed case of testicular lymphoma managed with chemotherapy and radiation without orchiectomy. A 60-year-old man with Stage II extralymphatic bilateral testicular lymphoma refused orchiectomy, but underwent cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy and radiation. He remained disease free for 52 months, when a solitary central nervous system relapse to the vitreous humor was diagnosed. The optimal therapy for testicular lymphoma is unclear but often includes orchiectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. Stage I testicular lymphoma can be cured by surgery alone; however, the relapse rates for all stages of testicular lymphoma are high despite systemic therapy. For Stage II disease and higher, chemotherapy/radiation is recommended; orchiectomy may not be mandatory.

Alcohol use inventory: screening and assessment of first-time driving-while-impaired offenders. II. Typology and predictive validity

This study evaluated the use of Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI) for driving-while-impaired (DWI) screening, by determining whether DWI offenders (n = 1644), grouped according to their reported alcohol involvement on the AUI, would have different rates of recidivism in a 5-year follow-up. Cluster analysis using the six second-order scales produced six groups (clusters 1-6) described as the Low-Profile (50%), Alcohol-Preoccupation (14%), Enhanced (22%), Enhanced-Disrupt (9%), Anxious-Disrupt (3%), and High-Profile (1%) types. They were characterized by different sociodemographic profiles. Members of cluster 4 were associated with the highest DWI recidivism rate (40%), committing one or more further DWI, and clusters 5 and 6 were associated with the highest rate of committing two or more DWIs. Rates of subsequent traffic convictions and crashes were, however, not statistically different among the clusters. Predictors of DWI recidivism included male gender, young age, less-educated, high blood-alcohol concentration at arrest, and clusters of 3 and 4. Different typologies indicated that the needs for treatment might be different. Evaluators should keep in mind the strength of AUI, use risk factors identified in the study, and take measures of test-taking defensiveness to enhance overall predictive validity.

Analysis of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of toxicity: potential roles of toxicogenomics and proteomics in toxicology

The article highlighted in this issue is "An Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Independent Mechanism of JP-8 Jet Fuel Immunotoxicity in Ah-Responsive and Ah-Nonresponsive Mice" by Andrew C. Dudley, Margie M. Peden-Adams, Jackie EuDaly, Richard S. Pollenz, and Deborah E. Keil (pp. 251-259).