Spin waves in nickel nanorings of large aspect ratio

The spin dynamics of high-aspect-ratio nickel nanorings in a longitudinal magnetic field have been investigated by Brillouin spectroscopy and the results are compared with a macroscopic theory and three-dimensional micromagnetic simulations. Good agreement is found between the measured and calculated magnetic field dependence of the spin wave frequency. Simulations show that as the field decreases from saturation, the rings switch from a "bamboo" to a novel "twisted bamboo" state at a certain critical field, and predict a corresponding dip in the dependence of the spin wave frequency on the magnetic field.

The effect of multi-factorial intervention on plasma von Willebrand factor, soluble E-selectin and tissue factor in diabetes mellitus: implications for atherosclerotic vascular disease

BACKGROUND

Endothelial abnormalities and a hypercoagulable state may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in diabetes mellitus, particularly in patients with overt cardiovascular disease (CVD). We sought to determine the effect of intensified multi-factorial cardiovascular risk intervention on indices of endothelial abnormality and hypercoagulability in diabetes, and if patients with overt CVD would derive similar benefit as those without.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We measured plasma von Willebrand factor (vWf, an index of endothelial damage/dysfunction), soluble E-selectin (sE-sel, marking endothelial activation) and tissue factor (TF, an initiator of coagulation) by ELISA in 94 patients with diabetes mellitus (38 with CVD and 56 without overt CVD) and 34 comparable controls. Thirty-three patients with CVD and 31 without overt CVD then participated in multi-factorial cardiovascular risk intervention over 1 year.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of vWf (P = 0.009), sE-sel (P < 0.001) and TF (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with controls, with TF highest in patients with overt CVD. Intensive multi-factorial intervention resulted in reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)), total and LDL-cholesterol (all P < 0.05), but no significant weight change. This was associated with reductions in vWf in patients with (by 26%P = 0.003), and without (by 47%, P < 0.001), overt CVD. TF was reduced only in patients without overt CVD (by 45%, P < 0.001). There were no significant changes in sE-sel levels in either group.

CONCLUSION

Endothelial abnormalities in diabetes are only partially influenced by contemporary intensified multi-factorial cardiovascular risk intervention. These data suggest the need for earlier and more aggressive risk factor intervention.

Coercivity of permanent magnetic thin film

The coercivity of magnetic thin film having a two-dimensional easy-axis distribution is investigated within the framework of a simple micromagnetic model. It is found that the coercivity decreases from 0.14H(K) to a minimum of 0.07H(K) as thickness increases, where H(K) is the anisotropy field. It is substantially lower than that given by the Stoner-Wohlfarth model and is consistent with available experimental data. The calculated hysteresis loop and the initial magnetization curve are also in good agreement with experiments.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinse-1 is a marker of diastolic dysfunction using tissue doppler in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension

BACKGROUND

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is associated with increased fibrosis of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Myocardial stiffness is a feature of diastolic dysfunction. We assessed circulating TIMP-1 as a marker of diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, who were compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

We recruited 54 patients (43 males; mean age 68 +/- 5 years) with treated type 2 DM (i.e. controlled glycaemia, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia), 35 (30 males; 69 +/- 8 years) treated nondiabetic hypertensives, and 31 healthy controls (18 males; 66 +/- 5 years). Circulating TIMP-1 was measured by ELISA. Using transthoracic echocardiography, the early (E) diastolic mitral inflow velocity was measured with pulse wave Doppler, and the early mitral annular velocity (e'), a recognized index of diastolic relaxation, was measured with tissue Doppler. The E/A ratio was also calculated and isovolumic relaxation time measured.

RESULTS

Mean e' levels differed significantly between controls, diabetics and hypertensives (P < 0.0001). Circulating TIMP-1 was significantly different between patients and controls (P = 0.006), but there was no statistically significant difference between the DM and hypertension group. In both groups, only e' was negatively correlated with TIMP-1 levels, with a stronger correlation among the hypertensive patients (Spearman r = -0.544, P = 0.001) when compared with the diabetic group (r = -0.341, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Diastolic relaxation is impaired in diabetes and hypertensive patients. The relationship between TIMP-1 and e' may reflect increased myocardial fibrosis and consequent diastolic dysfunction, which may be more prominent in hypertension.

Brillouin study of the quantization of acoustic modes in nanospheres

The vibrational modes in three-dimensional ordered arrays of unembedded SiO2 nanospheres have been studied by Brillouin light scattering. Multiple distinct Brillouin peaks are observed whose frequencies are found to be inversely proportional to the diameter (approximately 200-340 nm) of the nanospheres, in agreement with Lamb's theory. This is the first Brillouin observation of acoustic mode quantization in a nanoparticle arising from spatial confinement. The distinct spectral peaks measured afford an unambiguous assignment of seven surface and inner acoustic modes. Interestingly, the relative intensities and polarization dependence of the Brillouin spectrum do not agree with the predictions made for Raman scattering.

Effects of phytase supplementation on the performance, egg quality, and phosphorous excretion of laying hens fed different levels of dietary calcium and nonphytate phosphorous

An experiment employing a factorial arrangement of two levels (3.0 and 4.0%) of Ca, two levels (0.15 and 0.25%) of nonphytate phosphorus (NPP), and two levels (0 and 300 U/kg diet) of microbial phytase was carried out with 960 ISA-brown layers from 21 to 41 wk of age. There was a significant interaction between NPP level and phytase for egg production. High NPP level and phytase supplementation increased egg production only in the second 10-wk period (31 to 41 wk). High NPP and low Ca increased feed intake, and a significant interaction between levels of NPP and Ca was observed in the first 10 wk. High NPP improved feed efficiency only in the second 10-wk period. Low NPP improved egg specific gravity and eggshell thickness but decreased Haugh units in the first 10-wk period; high NPP decreased the percentage of broken and soft-shell eggs in the second period. Low Ca decreased egg specific gravity, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness in both periods and increased Haugh units in the second 10-wk period. Phytase supplementation decreased the percentage of broken and soft-shell eggs. High NPP increased fiber availability but decreased Ca availability. High Ca decreased Ca availability, whereas phytase increased availability of dry matter, fiber, and P. High NPP increased retention of P and Fe but also increased excretion of P. High Ca decreased retention of Zn and Fe. Phytase supplementation increased P retention, resulting in decrease of P excretion. In conclusion, supplementation of microbial phytase at a level of 300 U per kg diet of laying hens can improve egg production, decrease broken and soft egg production rate, and P excretion. The effects of phytase supplementation are significantly modified by the level of Ca and NPP.

A four-dimensional study of the aortic root dynamics

OBJECTIVE

Although aortic root expansion has been well studied, its deformation and physiologic relevance remain controversial. Three-dimensional (3-D) sonomicrometry (200Hz) has made time-related 4-D study possible.

METHODS

Fifteen sonomicrometric crystals were implanted into the aortic root of eight sheep at each base (three), commissures (three), sinuses of Valsalva (three), sinotubular junction (three), and ascending aorta (three). In this acute, open-chest model, the aortic root geometric deformations were time related to left ventricular and aortic pressures.

RESULTS

During the cardiac cycle, aortic root volume increased by mean+/-1 standard error of the mean (SEM) 33.7+/-2.7%, with 36.7+/-3.3% occurring prior to ejection. Expansion started during isovolumic contraction at the base and commissures followed (after a delay) by the sinotubular junction. At the same time, ascending aorta area decreased (-2.6+/-0.4%). During the first third of ejection, the aortic root reached maximal expansion followed by a slow, then late rapid decrease in volume until mid-diastole. During end-diastole, the aortic root volume re-expanded by 11.3+/-2.4%, but with different dynamics at each area level. Although the base and commissural areas re-expanded, the sinotubular junction and ascending aorta areas kept decreasing. At end-diastole, the aortic root had a truncated cone shape (base area>commissures area by 51.6+/-2.0%). During systole, the root became more cylindrical (base area>commissures area by 39.2+/-2.5%) because most of the significant changes occurred at commissural level (63.7+/-3.6%).

CONCLUSION

Aortic root expansion follows a precise chronology during systole and becomes more cylindrical - probably to maximize ejection. These findings might stimulate a more physiologic approach to aortic valve and aortic root surgical procedures.

Gestational diabetes mellitus: a call for systematic tracing

INTRODUCTION

Women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have up to 50% lifetime risk of developing frank diabetes mellitus (DM). They are an ideal group of patients to implement early interventional measures to halt the progression to diabetes. The success of any early intervention programme would depend largely on postpartum follow-up. We set out to study the response rate to postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and to profile the non-responders on 105 women who attended our Gestational Diabetes Joint Clinic (GDJC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We divided these women into 3 groups according to their response to postpartum OGTT and compared their weights, glycaemic parameters and other clinical characteristics during gestation. Group A comprised non-responders or those who did not turn up for postpartum OGTT; group B comprised responders with a normal postpartum OGTT; and group C comprised responders with an abnormal postpartum OGTT defined as 2-hour plasma glucose equal or more than 7.8 mmol/L.

RESULTS

The non-respondent rate to postpartum diabetes screening was 37.1%. The non-responders were found to be significantly heavier, with more severe hyperglycaemia during their pregnancy (in terms of glycosylated haemoglobin and results of antepartum OGTT) and had bigger babies compared to the responders with normal postpartum OGTT. Their features instead resembled those who had failed their postpartum OGTT.

CONCLUSION

The group of non-responders was probably at similar risk of developing glucose intolerance postpartum as those who were tested abnormal. A more effective call and recall system and education programme is, therefore, needed to ensure postpartum attendance of all patients with GDM.

Aortic and pulmonary root: are their dynamics similar?

OBJECTIVES

The long-term behavior of the pulmonary autograft in the aortic position (Ross procedure) remains uncertain. Using three-dimensional (3D) sonomicrometry (200 Hz) we compared the dynamics of the aortic and pulmonary roots.

METHODS

Twenty-four crystals were implanted in each aortic (eight sheep) and pulmonary roots (six sheep) at: base (3 x 2), commissures (3 x 2), sinotubular junction (3 x 2), ascending aorta (3) and pulmonary trunk (3). Under stable hemodynamic conditions, geometric changes were time-related to left ventricular pressure (LV) and aortic pressure.

RESULTS

The expansion of the aortic root is twice that of the pulmonary root. During the cardiac cycle, the aortic root volume increased by 37.7 +/- 2.7% (mean +/- SEM) versus 20.9 +/- 1.0% for the pulmonary root. Both were cone-shaped at end diastole. Because expansion at commissures was twice that of the base, both roots became more cylindrical during ejection. Although both roots started to expand prior to ejection and reached maximal expansion during the first third of ejection, the commissural and sinotubular junction dynamics were different in each root. While in the aortic root, expansion at commissural and sinotubular junction levels was significantly different (63.7 +/- 3.6% versus 37.0 +/- 2.1%), in the pulmonary root, they were similar (29.0 +/- 1.3% versus 27.7 +/- 1.4%). Expansion of the three sinuses was also different (P<0.001). In the aortic root: the right expanded more than the left and more than the non-coronary sinus. In the pulmonary root: the right sinus expanded more than the anterior more than the left.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic differences might explain the global pulmonary root dilatation when subjected to systemic pressure, particularly at the level of the sinotubular junction which might result in the autograft failure. Differences in the asymmetrical expansion of the aortic and pulmonary roots should be considered for the implantation of the pulmonary autograft in the most physiological position.

Development of an intelligent laboratory information system for community health promotion center

This study aimed to develop an Intelligent Laboratory Information System (ILIS) for the community health promotion center in Kwachun city to help process an increasing number of laboratory test data in an efficient manner, and to support the clinical decision-making of public health doctors. A sample of 170 cases was used for validation of the system. Overall, the system correctly predicted 92.5% of the cases. This paper also analyzed the economic feasibility of the ILIS based on the Information Economics approach. The results showed that the ILIS not only helps screen more people by increasing the capacity of a health promotion center, but also brings in more revenue to the center.

Severe diabetes in remission: a Singapore's perspective

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic ketoacidosis is generally thought to be the classical presentation of individuals with Type 1 diabetes. Clinicians are beginning to see individuals with atypical diabetes presenting with severe hyperglycaemia associated with or without ketosis and after the initial period of intensive insulin therapy, becoming non-insulin dependent and remaining in remission for years. So far, these patients have only been identified amongst African Americans and have only recently been reported amongst the Japanese and the Chinese in Hong Kong. We therefore set out to identify the existence of such patients in our population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We have a database of patients admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis. From this, we recruited patients who fulfilled the criteria for atypical diabetes and proceeded to perform a retrospective analysis together with a prospective analysis of their outcome.

RESULTS

We identified 10 individuals with atypical diabetes with characteristics similar to those previously described. Our data showed that these patients deferred from classical individuals with Type 1 diabetes in the following ways--older age of onset, relatively higher BMI, marked elevation in HBA1c suggesting a significant period and degree of hyperglycaemia and prolonged remission after reversal of hyperglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Atypical Type 2 diabetes exists in our population. Clinicians looking after individuals with diabetes should be made aware of this as there are important implications in the subsequent management of such patients.

The status of diabetes mellitus in primary care institution and restructured hospitals in Singapore

The Diabcare-Asia Singapore 1998 project was carried out using data from 22 centres collected on paper forms to provide an overview of diabetes management and metabolic control status in 1697 diabetic patients from both primary health care clinic (PHC) (67%) and restructured hospital (RH) (33%) settings. PHC patients were on average older than RH patients (61.3 +/- 11.2 years vs 51.5 +/- 17.7 years), and had a shorter duration of diagnosed diabetes (9.2 +/- 6.8 years vs 12.0 +/- 8.5 years). The mean body mass index (BMI) for PHC patients was 25.5 +/- 4.4 kg/m2 vs 24.5 +/- 4.2 kg/m2 for RH patients. Proportionately more PHC than RH patients were overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2) (49% vs 42%). Patients with type I diabetes constituted 3.5% of PHC vs 18.1% of the RH cohort. HbA1c information was available for 92.5% of RH vs 69% of PHC patients. HbA1c measurements were <1% above ULN in 50% of PHC vs 37% of RH patients, while FBG was >7.8 mmol/l in >61% of all patients. Proteinuria (>500 mg/24 hrs) was reported in 13% of PHC vs 26% of RH patients tested. Microalbuminuria (20-300 mg/l) was noted in 36% of 171 RH patients tested. Oral hypoglycaemic agents were used as sole therapy in 83.5% of PHC vs 43% of RH patients. Eye, feet, renal and severe late complications were more commonly reported by RH than PHC patients. There is a variation in the patient profiles and care between PHC and RH patients.

A window on the current status of diabetes mellitus in Singapore--the Diabcare-Singapore 1998 study

The Diabcare-Singapore project was carried out in 22 clinics (general hospitals, GH and primary healthcare centres, PHC) to provide an overview of diabetes management and metabolic control status. Data from 1697 diabetic patients were collected on paper forms and analysed centrally. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients constituted 91.4% and type I patients constituted 8.1% of population. The proportion of type I patients was greater in GH (18.1%) vs PHC (3.4%). The mean age (+/- SD) was 58.1 +/- 14.4 years and mean duration of diabetes was 10.1 +/- 7.5 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.1 +/- 4.4 kg/m2 and more than half (53%) of patients were overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2). Mean HbA1c and FBG levels were 8.0 (1.9% and 9.1 +/- 3.1 mmol/l. A total of 51% of patients had HbA1c (1% above the Upper Limits of Normal (ULN). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was >7.8 mmol/l in 61% of patients. The majority (70%) had satisfactory levels of fasting lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol). Only 19.7% practised home blood glucose self-monitoring, while 99% reported receiving some diabetes education. Sixteen percent of patients had abnormal levels of protein (>500 mg/24 h) in the urine, 3% had elevated serum creatinine levels and 36% had microalbuminuria. Retinopathy (12%), cataract (16%) and neuropathy (12%) were commonly reported diabetic complications. The data revealed suboptimal glycaemic control in about half of patients studied.

Effect of inhaled budesonide on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in adolescents with clinical remission of asthma

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Many children with asthma go into long-term clinical remission at adolescence, but bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) persists in some of these subjects. The regular use of inhaled corticosteroids improves BHR in patients with symptomatic asthma. The aim of this study was to determine whether BHR in adolescents with asthma remission could be reduced by prolonged treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.

DESIGN

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study.

PATIENTS

Thirty-seven adolescents with BHR and long-term remission of their asthma (neither symptoms nor any medication use during the previous 2 years).

INTERVENTION

Subjects received inhaled budesonide (two 200-microg puffs bid; budesonide group, n = 19) or identical placebo (placebo group, n = 18) for 9 months. A separate group of patients with symptomatic asthma (symptomatic group, n = 19), using the same regimen of budesonide, was also studied.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The provocative concentration of methacholine producing a 20% fall in FEV(1) (PC(20)) was measured before and every 3 months during treatment. There was no significant difference among the three groups for the baseline PC(20). In neither the placebo nor the budesonide group did the geometric mean of PC(20) change significantly over the 9-month period. In contrast, a significant increase in PC(20) was noted in the symptomatic group as a result of the budesonide treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our data have shown that budesonide inhaled regularly for 9 months did not cause a significant improvement in the BHR of adolescents with long-term asthma remission. This suggests that the mechanism underlying BHR in this clinical setting may be different from that in symptomatic asthma.

Ethnic differences and relationships in the oral pharmacokinetics of nifedipine and erythromycin

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to investigate ethnic differences in the oral pharmacokinetics of nifedipine and erythromycin, both typical cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A) substrates, in Koreans and Caucasians and to identify the nature of any correlations between the pharmacokinetic parameters of the two drugs.

METHODS

Twenty healthy male volunteers (10 Koreans and 10 Caucasians) received single oral doses of nifedipine (10 mg) or erythromycin (500 mg) in a randomized 2-way crossover study. Pharmacokinetic evaluations were performed, and parameters were compared for the two ethnic groups. During the nifedipine study period, hemodynamic measurements were conducted to determine the pharmacodynamic relevance of the pharmacokinetic differences.

RESULTS

Koreans showed area under the concentration-time curves (AUCs) for both drugs that were 1.6 to 1.7 times higher than those of Caucasians. This difference decreased to 1.3 when normalized for body weight. Significant correlation between the AUCs of the two drugs was not evident. Hemodynamic changes after nifedipine administration paralleled those of the pharmacokinetic differences, with significantly greater decreases in blood pressure and total peripheral resistance noted in Koreans.

CONCLUSIONS

Koreans showed significantly lower oral clearances of nifedipine and erythromycin, probably because of genetic differences attributed to the CYP3A enzymes.

Effects of occupation, lifestyle and genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 on urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol concentrations

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of occupation, lifestyle and the genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and glutathione S-transferases micro1 (GSTM1) and 1 (GSTT1) on the concentrations of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 2-naphthol among Korean coke oven workers and university students. The study subjects included 90 coke oven workers and 128 university students. A questionnaire was used to obtain detailed data about the work area, smoking habits and food intake of subjects. Associations between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations and occupation, smoking status, total airborne PAH level and genetic polymorphisms were tested. Urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations were higher in coke oven workers than in students and correlated significantly with work area. Urinary 2-naphthol concentrations increased with an increase in the level of cigarette smoking in students. Total airborne PAH level correlated with urinary 1-OHP concentration in coke oven workers. Urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations were higher in coke oven workers with the c1/c2 or c2/c2 genotype of CYP2E1 than in those with the c1/c1 genotype. Urinary 2-naphthol concentrations were higher in GSTM1-null workers than in GSTM1-positive workers. In multiple regression analysis CYP2E1 was a significant factor determining urinary 1-OHP concentrations in coke oven workers. CYP2E1 and GSTM1 were significant determinants for urinary 2-naphthol concentrations in coke oven workers and GSTM1 and smoking were prognosticators among university students. Urinary 1-OHP is a better indicator of occupational exposure to PAH in coke oven workers than 2-naphthol, whereas urinary 2-naphthol may be more sensitive for non-occupational inhalation exposure to PAH. In occupationally exposed populations CYP2E1 and GSTM1 appear to play an important role in the metabolism of pyrene and naphthalene. In individuals not occupationally exposed to PAHs GSTM1 and smoking seem to influence the urinary concentration of 2-naphthol.

Cardiovascular risk factors and LDL subfraction profile in Type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects with good glycaemic control

OBJECTIVES

To compare cardiovascular risk factors and LDL particle size in well-controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus and normal subjects.

METHODS

Ninety-three Type 2 diabetic males and 186 age-matched, male controls were studied. Glycaemic control was stable for at least 3 months prior to recruitment. None were on insulin or lipid lowering therapy. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, apolipoprotein A1 and B, LDL subfraction by density ultracentrifugation were obtained after an overnight fast of 10 h.

RESULTS

Diabetic subjects (mean HbA(1c) 6.6%+/-0.10) did not differ from controls in total cholesterol levels (5.04+/-0.08 vs. 5.16+/-0.05 mmol/l, respectively) but had lower serum HDL cholesterol (0.98+/-0.03 vs. 1.12+/-0.02 mmol/l, P<0.001), higher serum triglyceride (2.38+/-0.16 vs. 1.80+/-0.08 mmol/l, P<0.001), lower LDL(1) and LDL(2) and higher LDL(3) concentration. An LDL(3) concentration exceeding 100 mg/dl was found in 59.1% of diabetics and 39.1% of non-diabetics (P<0.001). Diabetic subjects also had higher body mass index, waist to hip ratio and insulin resistance (HOMA). Difference in LDL subfraction between groups disappeared after adjustments were made for either triglyceride or HDL cholesterol.

CONCLUSION

Well controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects exhibit an increased cardiovascular burden through low HDL cholesterol and predominance of small, dense LDL particles.

Evaluation of diagnostic methods of re-emerging malaria in Korean patients

Malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases especially in tropical areas. Over 300 million people are affected and the condition causes 1-3 million deaths each year. It is transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Although Korea was declared to be free of Malaria by the WHO in 1979, malaria re-emergence has been apparent since 1993 amongst soldiers located near the De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) in the northern part of the country. Conventional microscopic examination of thin and thick blood films demonstrates the presence of the parasite and thus this method has been used to confirm the diagnosis of malaria, but it is a labor-intensive procedure and relies upon subjective interpretation. To overcome these limitations, fast and reliable methods for malaria detection have been recently introduced. In this study, we compared three kinds of antibody detection kits and one biochemical test kit that determines the presence of Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) with conventional peripheral blood smears. The antibody detection methods examined were, two rapid test pack format methods and a single microplate format enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, as manufactured by Korean companies. The sensitivities of the three commercial antibody detection kits in the early stage of malaria were 70.8%, 77.4%, and 63.6%, their corresponding specificities 90.5%, 91.8%, and 80.9%, and their accuracies 87.6%, 87.0%, and 76.7%. The sensitivity and specificity of the pLDH assay were 100% apiece and the results were in 100% concordance with the microscopy of thick blood films. Thus, the pLDH assay may be used as an alternative for conventional microscopic blood film examination, especially in emergency situations when prompt treatment is necessary.

Benefits of micronised Fenofibrate in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects with good glycemic control

AIMS

To determine the effects of micronised fenofibrate on lipids and low density lipoprotein (LDL) subfraction in well-controlled diabetic subjects with mild elevations in cholesterol levels.

METHODS

Thirty-five male type 2 diabetic subjects with LDL(3) greater than 100 mg/dl and good glycemic control (mean HbA1c 6.7%) were treated with micronised fenofibrate in an open labeled study for 6 months. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, apolipoprotein A-I and B, and LDL subfraction by density ultracentrifugation were obtained after an overnight fast of 10 h, at the beginning and end of the 6 months treatment period.

RESULTS

The blood pressure, waist to hip ratio, body mass index and glycemic control remained unchanged throughout the 6 months study period. Mean serum triglyceride fell from 2.49 to 1.72 mmol/l (33%) whilst HDL cholesterol increased from 0.88 to 0.96 mmol/l (10.8%). There were no significant changes in total or LDL cholesterol. Both LDL(1) and LDL(2) rose significantly whilst the dense LDL(3) fell from a mean of 148 to 85 mg/dl (43% reduction). Fenofibrate changed the LDL subfraction distribution from dense LDL(3) particles towards buoyant LDL(1) and LDL(2) particles in 63% of the subjects. No subjects had elevations in transaminases greater than three-fold or creatine kinase greater than ten-fold from pre-treatment levels.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia and good glycemic control may benefit from therapy with micronised fenofibrate because of the reduction in serum triglyceride, elevation in HDL cholesterol and a shift in LDL subfraction towards a non-atherogenic form.

Immunocytochemical localization of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the retina of zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio

Several previous studies have revealed the distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the retina of various species. However, nothing has been reported on the nNOS and iNOS expression in zebrafish retina, even though it has been used as an effective model for developmental studies. In this study on nNOS and iNOS immunoreactivity (IR) in the zebrafish retina, iNOS-IR signals were detected in the ganglion cell layer (GC), the inner plexiform layer (IP), the outer plexiform layer (OP) and the photoreceptor layer (PR). nNOS-IR signals were also intensely detected in the GC, IP, OP and PR. These signals were very similar to the iNOS-IR signals, except for some minor differences in relative intensities. This could be explained by the speculation that the synthesis of nitric oxide by iNOS may represent a compensatory mechanism in the absence of nNOS. We described for the first time the distribution of nNOS and iNOS-IR cells in zebrafish retina. This could provide the basis for further study on the nNOS and iNOS properties of zebrafish retina.