Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon coated onto Fe(2)O(3) particles: assessment of cellular membrane damage and antioxidant system disruption in human epithelial lung cells (L132) in culture

The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative effects of Fe(2)O(3), benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and pyrene, alone or in association (B(a)P or pyrene coated onto Fe(2)O(3) particles), in normal human embryonic lung epithelial cells (L132) in culture. We evaluated: (i) membrane integrity, through fatty acid release (stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic and linolenic acids, homolinolenic acid, arachidonic acid) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production; and (ii) antioxidant status, through enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione status, beta-carotene). Fe(2)O(3) did not induce any change in L132 cells. In pyrene-treated cells, SOD induction (P<0. 05), glutathione oxidation (P<0.05) and beta-carotene consumption (P<0.001) may counteract free radicals (FR)-induced damage. However, in B(a)P-incubated cells, SOD inactivation (P<0.05), GR increases (P<0.05), glutathione oxidation (P<0.05) and beta-carotene decreases (P<0.001) showed high disruption of antioxidants, thereby allowing FR-induced damage (i.e. arachidonic acid release, P<0.01; MDA production, P<0.01). Our main finding was that both associations caused higher FR-induced damage (i.e. MDA production, P<0.001; SOD inactivation, P<0.01) than either chemical alone. Several mechanisms could account for this result: enhanced uptake of Fe(2)O(3) particles and/or greater availability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We hypothesized also that Fe(2)O(3) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are more deleterious by virtue of their associations being able to produce higher oxidative effects than either chemical alone.

Detection of KIR2DL4 alleles by sequencing and SSCP reveals a common allele with a shortened cytoplasmic tail

Single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) by capillary electrophoresis was assessed as a screening and typing method for alleles of KIR2DL4. Exon 6 was investigated as this exon was reported to include three polymorphic nucleotides. Exon 6, intron 6 and exon 7 were amplified as a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product of 650 bp from genomic DNA. The PCR product was sequenced and analysed by SSCP. Exon 7 was found to be invariant. Only two nucleotides were found to be polymorphic in exon 6 and another three were found in intron 6. Strong linkage disequilibrium was found between the polymorphic nucleotides resulting in the presence of three alleles in a panel of 20 cell lines. Two alleles differed within intron 6 while the third allele differed at two nucleotides in exon 6. All six possible genotypes were distinguishable by SSCP providing information from both the forward and reverse primers was used. Exon 6 of one allele was one nucleotide shorter than that of the other alleles and the resulting frame shift is predicted to produce a truncated cytoplasmic tail due to a premature stop codon four codons into exon 7. SSCP was found to be an efficient method of typing exons 6 and 7 in a panel of 46 bone marrow donors. All three alleles were found to be common and one was in strong linkage disequilibrium with the presence of another KIR sequence KIR3DS1.

Is advice for breakfast consumption justified? Results from a short-term dietary and metabolic experiment in young healthy men

Short-term (2 weeks) effects of the consumption of a high-energy (2920 kJ (700 kcal)) or low-energy (418 kJ (100 kcal)) breakfast on dietary patterns, blood variables and energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry) were compared in ten free-living healthy young men in a crossover study. During the high-energy breakfast, total energy intake was increased, the intake of protein and lipids was unchanged but the intake of carbohydrates was increased. Thus, 48 (sd 4)% of energy came from carbohydrates in the high-energy breakfast compared with 42 (sd 5)% in the low-energy breakfast. Excluding breakfast, the macronutrient composition of the diet remained identical in the two situations. After the high-energy breakfast, fasting serum triacylglycerol concentration was higher and HDL-cholesterol concentration was lower than after the low-energy breakfast. A high glycaemic response was observed in the morning after the high-energy breakfast period, while there was a peak of free fatty acids after the low-energy breakfast. The high-energy breakfast induced a strong inhibition of fat oxidation throughout the day. Although long-term adaptation to a high-energy breakfast cannot be excluded, the high-energy breakfast in this study did not appear to be favourable to health. Our results do not support the current advice to consume more energy at breakfast.

The effects of electromyostimulation training and basketball practice on muscle strength and jumping ability

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a 4-week electromyostimulation training program on the strength of the knee extensors and the vertical jump performance of 10 basketball players. Electromyostimulation sessions were carried out 3 times weekly; each session consisted of 48 contractions. Testing was carried out before and after the electromyostimulation training program (week 4) and once more after 4 weeks of normal basketball training (week 8). At week 4, isokinetic strength increased significantly (p < 0.05) at eccentric and high concentric velocities (between 180 and 360 x s(-1)); this was not the case for low concentric velocities (60 and 120 degrees x s(-1)). Electromyostimulation training increased also isometric strength at the two angles adjacent to the training angle (p < 0.01). Squat jump increased significantly by 14% at week 4 (p < 0.01), whereas counter movement-jump showed no change. At week 8, gains in isokinetic, isometric strength and squat-jump performance were maintained and the counter movement jump performance increased significantly by 17% (p<0.01). Electromyostimulation as part of a short strength-training program enhanced knee extensor strength and squat jump performance of basketball players.

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of two trimebutine formulations in healthy volunteers using desmethyl-trimebutine levels

Trimebutine tablets (dimethylamino-2-phenyl-2-n-butyl-3,4,5- trimethoxybenzoate maleate, CAS 34140-59-5, reference) and a new tablet formulation (Eurogalena, test) were administered in 24 healthy volunteers of both sexes according to a cross-over design, in a single dose of one 100 mg tablet of each formulation. Blood samples were drawn off over a 24-h period, before (time 0) and after each administration at specific intervals. Trimebutine and its main active metabolite, desmethyl-trimebutine, were measured in plasma using a validated HPLC method with UV detection. For both compounds, the sensitivity was 20 ng.ml-1 and the analytical method was proved to be linear for concentrations between 20 ng.ml-1 and 5000 ng.ml-1, with a variability less than 11%. The non-compartmental method was used for pharmacokinetic analysis. The confidence interval approach was used for comparison of the formulations according to the EU guidance note on bioavailability and bioequivalence on Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-infinity, log transformed. Tmax values were statistically compared using the Friedman non-parametric test. No trimebutine concentration was measured in the plasma samples. The obtained data with desmethyl-trimebutine proved the bioequivalence of the two tested formulations.

Increase in endogenous brain superoxide dismutase as a potential mechanism of lipopolysaccharide-induced brain ischemic tolerance

A low dose (0.5 mg/kg) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), administered 72 hours before 60-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion, induced a delayed neuroprotection proven by the significant decrease (-35%) of brain infarct volume in comparison with control, whereas infarct volumes remained unchanged in rats treated 12, 24, or 168 hours before ischemia. This delayed neuroprotective effect of LPS was induced only with low doses (0.25 to 1 mg/kg), whereas this effect disappeared with a higher dose (2 mg/kg). The delayed neuroprotection of LPS was induced in the cortical part of the infarcted zone, not in the subcortical part. The beneficial effect of LPS on consequences of middle cerebral artery occlusion was suppressed by dexamethasone (3 mg/kg) and indomethacin (3 mg/ kg) administered 1 hour before LPS, whereas both drugs had no direct effect on infarct volume by themselves, suggesting that activation of inflammatory pathway is involved in the development of LPS-induced brain ischemic tolerance. Preadministration of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, also blocked LPS-induced brain ischemic tolerance suggesting that a protein synthesis is also necessary as a mediating mechanism. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) could be one of the synthesized proteins because lipopolysaccharide increased SOD brain activity 72 hours, but not 12 hours, after its administration, which paralleled the development of brain ischemic tolerance. In contrast, catalase brain activity remained unchanged after LPS administration. The LPS-induced delayed increase in SOD brain content was suppressed by a previous administration of indomethacin. These data suggest that the delayed neuroprotective effect of low doses of LPS is mediated by an increased synthesis of brain SOD that could be triggered by activation of inflammatory pathway.

Structure of the Bordetella pertussis 1414 endotoxin

The endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) of Bordetella pertussis, the agent of whooping cough, consists of a lipid A linked to a highly branched dodecasaccharide containing several acid and amino sugars. The elucidation of the polysaccharide structure was accomplished by first analyzing the structures of fragments obtained by hydrolysis and nitrous deamination and then piecing the fragments together. The fine structure of the antigenic distal pentasaccharide, presented here, was determined by chemical analyses as well as by high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The complete structure was reconstituted and confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The following structure was derived from the combined experimental data:The detailed structure combined with previously reported serological data now allows the synthesis of its epitopes for potential vaccines.

The relative contribution to the plantar-flexor torque of the soleus motor units activated by the H reflex and M response in humans

This study proposes a method of quantifying the relative contribution to the plantar-flexor torque of soleus H and M responses evoked by tibial nerve stimulation. For ten subjects, the amplitude of the twitch produced by the H wave was plotted against the corresponding potential, for stimuli producing H without M (i.e. in the ascending portion of the H-recruitment curve). It was then assumed that the contribution of H to twitches produced by M plus H was similar for similar H waves on the curve-descending portion. Hence, the contribution of M was estimated, for the range of M waves including those accompanying H(max). The estimated mechanical contributions of H and M wave increase linearly with their potentials, the slope of the relationship being greater for H than M. The interpretation of this finding is discussed. A simple formula for assessing the contribution of the H wave to the twitch torque is given.

Incorporation of the elderberry anthocyanins by endothelial cells increases protection against oxidative stress

The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of endothelial cells (EC) to incorporate anthocyanins and to examine their potential benefits against various oxidative stressors. Endothelial dysfunction has been proposed to play an important role in the initiation and development of vascular disease, with studies having shown that administration of antioxidants improves endothelial function. Elderberry extract contains 4 anthocyanins, which where incorporated into the plasma membrane and cytosol of EC following 4 h incubation at 1 mg.ml(-1). However, incorporation within the cytosol was considerably less than that in the membrane. Uptake within both regions appeared to be structure dependent, with monoglycoside concentrations higher than that of the diglucosides in both compartments. The enrichment of EC with elderberry anthocyanins conferred significant protective effects in EC against the following oxidative stressors: hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)); 2, 2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH); and FeSO(4)/ascorbic acid (AA). These results show for the first time that vascular EC can incorporate anthocyanins into the membrane and cytosol, conferring significant protective effects against oxidative insult. These findings may have important implications on preserving EC function and preventing the initiation of EC changes associated with vascular diseases.

Qualitative analysis: a guide to best practice--forensic science extension

Qualitative analysis is arguably the cornerstone of analysis since what cannot be recognised cannot be quantified. This is especially true in the case of the forensic sciences where, for example, the mere presence of a prohibited, or controlled, substance in an unauthorized setting is indicative of a potential offence. This paper presents a set of principles of good practice in qualitative analysis. The principles are placed in the context of forensic science and extend earlier published guidance.

Determination of trimebutine and desmethyl-trimebutine in human plasma by HPLC

A simple and sensitive HPLC method has been developed to measure trimebutine (CAS 39133-31-8, maleate: CAS 34140-59-5) and its main metabolite desmethyl-trimebutine in human plasma. The method was validated according to the Washington Consensus Conference on the Validation of Analytical Methods. It involved extraction of the plasma with n-hexane containing 2-pentanol, followed by reversed-phase HPLC using a Partisil ODS2 10 microns column and UV detection at 265 nm. The retention times of the internal standard (procaine), desmethyl-trimebutine and trimebutine were 2.4, 4.3 and 6.5 min, respectively. The standard curves were linear from 20 ng.ml-1 (limit of quantitation) to 5000 ng.ml-1 for both compounds. The coefficient of variation for all the criteria of validation were less than 15%. The extraction recoveries obtained for trimebutine and desmethyl-trimebutine were about 90%. Both compounds were very stable upon storage in plasma. The method was tested by measuring the plasma concentrations following oral administration to humans during a bioequivalence study and was shown suitable for pharmacokinetic studies.

Lumbar osteomyelitis and epidural abscess complicating recurrent pilonidal cyst: report of a case

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to report the rare presentation of lumbar osteomyelitis and epidural abscess as a complication of a pilonidal cyst.

METHODS

A case report is presented.

RESULTS

We describe the rare case of a male patient with diabetes with a recurring pilonidal cyst who developed a lumbar osteomyelitis and epidural abscess three weeks after pilonidal cyst excision with epidural anesthesia, with a fatal outcome despite emergency treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Life-threatening complications should be kept in mind in high-risk patients with repetitive surgery and neurologic involvement.

Essential fatty acids and the brain: possible health implications

Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid are essential for normal cellular function, and act as precursors for the synthesis of longer chained polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as arachidonic (AA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), which have been shown to partake in numerous cellular functions affecting membrane fluidity, membrane enzyme activities and eicosanoid synthesis. The brain is particularly rich in PUFAs such as DHA, and changes in tissue membrane composition of these PUFAs reflect that of the dietary source. The decline in structural and functional integrity of this tissue appears to correlate with loss in membrane DHA concentrations. Arachidonic acid, also predominant in this tissue, is a major precursor for the synthesis of eicosanoids, that serve as intracellular or extracellular signals. With aging comes a likely increase in reactive oxygen species and hence a concomitant decline in membrane PUFA concentrations, and with it, cognitive impairment. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease also appear to exhibit membrane loss of PUFAs. Thus it may be that an optimal diet with a balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids may help to delay their onset or reduce the insult to brain functions which these diseases elicit.

VBH head holder to improve frameless stereotactic brachytherapy of cranial tumors

Precise target localization is essential for brachytherapy. We have adapted the VBH (Vogele-Bale-Hohner) head holder (Wellhoefer Dosimetry, Schwarzenbruck, Germany), originally developed at the University of Innsbruck, for frameless stereotactic surgery, for use in brachytherapy of cranial tumors. The VBH head holder allows for rigid, noninvasive head fixation by means of an individualized upper dental cast. Registration rods, rigidly attached to the dental cast, provide stable external points of reference. The dental cast is sucked against the upper palate by vacuum, and then the fixated patient is scanned. During simulation, the targeting device can be positioned with respect to the virtual patient using the ISG Viewing Wand. Following simulation, the real patient is repositioned under vacuum control, the targeting device repositioned as well, and the actual brachytherapy initiated. The VBH head holder is well tolerated by patients and simple to use, and various studies have confirmed submillimeter accuracy. The modified head holder in combination with a new targeting device allows for precise and well-planned insertion of hollow needles into a tumor using frameless stereotactic systems as well as being compatible for uses in other fields.

Search for scalar top and scalar bottom quarks in pp collisions at square root s=1.8 TeV

We have searched for direct pair production of scalar top and scalar bottom quarks in 88 pb-1 of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.8 TeV with the CDF detector. We looked for events with a pair of heavy flavor jets and missing energy, consistent with scalar top (bottom) quark decays to a charm (bottom) quark and a neutralino. The numbers of events that pass our selections show no significant deviation from standard model expectations. We compare our results to the next-to-leading order scalar quark production cross sections to exclude regions in scalar quark-neutralino mass parameter space.

Search for a W' boson via the decay mode W'-->munumu in 1.8 TeV pp collisions

We report the results of a search for a W' boson produced in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.8 TeV using a 107 pb-1 data sample recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. We consider the decay channel W'-->&munumu and search for anomalous production of high transverse mass munumu lepton pairs. We observe no excess of events above background and set limits on the rate of W' boson production and decay relative to standard model W boson production and decay using a fit of the transverse mass distribution observed. If we assume standard model strength couplings of the W' boson to quark and lepton pairs, we exclude a W' boson with invariant mass less than 660 GeV/c2 at 95% confidence level.

Renal function in compensated hepatic cirrhosis: effects of an amino acid infusion and relationship with nitric acid

AIMS

In order to assess the possible participation of nitric oxide (NO) in renal function during compensated hepatic cirrhosis, we studied renal function, the plasma and urinary levels of cGMP and the concentration of nitrates and nitrites, as markers of NO synthesis in blood and urine, in 10 patients with Child A hepatic cirrhosis as compared with 10 control subjects, both under basal conditions and during stimulation (amino acid-induced glomerular hyperfiltration).

METHODS

To study renal function, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), renal functional reserve (RFR), renal venous resistance (RVR) and the filtration fraction (FF) were measured. Renin and aldosterone levels were determined to assess the possible involvement of these compounds in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis.

RESULTS

GFR and ERPF were significantly lower in the patients with cirrhosis than in the controls (mean GFR: 82+/-12.3 vs. 105+/-15 ml/min, p = 0. 01; ERPF 452+/-86 vs. 543+/-56 ml/min, p = 0.002). The RFR value was similar in both groups. In the basal situation cGMP levels were higher in plasma and urine in patients with cirrhosis than in the controls (plasma cGMP in cirrhosis 8.4+/-2.4 vs. 4.2+/-3.5 pmol/ml; urine cGMP in cirrhosis 1.2+/-2.1 vs. 0.68+/-0.1 pmol/ml). The NO levels were also higher in plasma and urine in patients with cirrhosis vs. controls (plasma NO in cirrhosis 45.5+/-9.2 vs. 30. 3+/-1.2 micromol/l; urinary NO in cirrhosis 6.2+/-1.3 vs. 3.1+/-2.3 micromol/ml). In both groups the amino acid perfusion increased GFR, ERPF, cGMP and NO levels in plasma and urine. In the patients with cirrhosis the RVR decreased significantly during perfusion and no noteworthy changes in FF were observed. The GFR values observed during amino acid perfusion were similar in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension to those observed in the controls (27.2+/-12 vs. 25.3+/-16%). However, the changes induced the ERPF were more marked in patients with cirrhosis (cirrhosis 35.3+/-15 vs. 22. 2+/-13%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings point to certain alterations in renal function in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension without ascitis, a clear difference being visible between the ERPF and GFR following amino acid-induced stimulation. The significant elevation in cGMP and NO levels in plasma and urine implies a maintained vasodilatory action that may at least partly compensate the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II.

Characterization of the phosphocholine-substituted oligosaccharide in lipopolysaccharides of type b Haemophilus influenzae

Haemophilus influenzae expresses heterogeneous populations of short-chain lipopolysaccharide (LPS) which exhibit extensive antigenic diversity among multiple oligosaccharide epitopes. These LPS oligosaccharide epitopes can carry phosphocholine (PCho) substituents, the expression of which is subject to high frequency phase variation mediated by genes in the lic1 genetic locus. The location and site of attachment of PCho substituents were determined by structural analysis of LPS from two type b H. influenzae strains, Eagan and RM7004. The lic2 locus is involved in phase variation of oligosaccharide expression. LPS obtained from the parent strains, from mutants generated by insertion of antibiotic resistance cassettes in the lic2 genetic locus, and from phase-variants showing high levels of PCho expression was characterized by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and 1H NMR spectroscopy of derived O-deacylated samples. ESI-MS of O-deacylated LPS from wild-type strains revealed mixtures of related glycoform structures differing in the number of hexose residues. Analysis of LPS from PCho-expressing phase-variants revealed similar mixtures of glycoforms, each containing a single PCho substituent. O-Deacylated LPS preparations from the lic2 mutants were much less complex than their respective parent strains, consisting only of Hex3 and/or Hex2 glycoforms, were examined in detail by high-field NMR techniques. It was found that the LPS samples contain the phosphoethanolamine (PEtn) substituted inner-core element, L-alpha-D-Hepp-(1-->2)-[PEtn-->6]-L-alpha-D-Hepp-(1--> 3)-L-alpha-D-He pp-(1-->5)-alpha-Kdo in which the major glycoforms carry a beta-D-Glcp or beta-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp at the O-4 position of the 3-substituted heptose (HepI) and a beta-D-Galp at the O-2 position of the terminal heptose (HepIII). LPS from the lic2 mutants of both type b strains were found to carry PCho groups at the O-6 position of the terminal beta-D-Galp residue attached to HepIII. In the parent strains, the central heptose (HepII) of the LPS inner-core element is also substituted by hexose containing oligosaccharides. The expression of the galabiose epitope in LPS of H. influenzae type b strains has previously been linked to genes comprising the lic2 locus. The present study provides definitive evidence for the role of lic2 genes in initiating chain extension from HepII. From the analysis of core oligosaccharide samples, LPS from the lic2 mutant strain of RM7004 was also found to carry O-acetyl substituents. Mono-, di-, and tri-O-acetylated LPS oligosaccharides were identified. The major O-acetylated glycoforms were found to be substituted at the O-3 position of HepIII. A di-O-acetylated species was characterized which was also substituted at the O-6 postion of the terminal beta-D-Glc in the Hex3 glycoform. This is the first report pointing to the occurrence of O-acetyl groups in the inner-core region of H. influenzae LPS. We have previously shown that in H. influenzae strain Rd, a capsule-deficient type d strain, PCho groups are expressed in a different molecular environment, being attached at the O-6 position of a beta-D-Glcp, which is in turn attached to HepI.

Investigation of anthropometric and work-rate profiles of elite South American international soccer players

BACKGROUND

The aim of the current investigation was to determine the movement profiles of elite South American soccer players during international competition and examine the relationship between anthropometric profile and work-rate variables.

METHODS

Seventeen full-time professional soccer players were filmed while competing for their countries. Anthropometric profiles were obtained for eleven of these players. Six full-time professional players from the English Premier League were also filmed for comparative purposes.

RESULTS

The South American international players covered significantly less (p<0.05) total distance during match-play than English Premier League players (International, 8638+/-1158 m; English Premier League, 10104+/-703 m). The total distance covered during the second half of the game was significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to the first half distance for both groups of players (mean+/-SD first half 4605+/-625 m; mean+/-SD second half 4415+/-634 m). The data for both groups of players were combined to evaluate positional differences in the workrate profile. Midfield players covered a significantly greater (p<0.05) distance than forward players (midfield, 9826+/-1031 m; forwards, 7736+/-929 m) and defenders covered a greater (p<0.05) distance jogging backwards than forward players (defenders, 276+/-155 m; forwards, 68+/-25 m). Forwards sprinted a greater distance (p<0.05) than defensive players (defenders, 231+/-142 m; forwards, 557+/-142 m). Mean somatotype was a balanced mesomorph (2-5 1/2-2). Body mass and muscle mass was related to the total distance covered (r=0.43, r=0.53, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these data, it seems that an individual's work-rate profile is dependent upon the type of competition and the playing position. Relationships between anthropometric profile and work-rate are complex due to the interaction between the variables that determine work-rate.

Thyroid organoid formation in simulated microgravity: influence of keratinocyte growth factor

The generation of artificial human thyroid tissues in suspension (low-shear environment, present in simulated microgravity [MG] and generated by a rotary cell culture system [RCCS]), was enhanced by increasing medium kinematic viscosity with a (3% v/v) suspension of extracellular matrix (basement membrane extract [BME]) in serum-free medium to generate artificial human thyroid organoids. Recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, 7 ng/mL) facilitated human thyrocyte aggregation and three-dimensional (3-D) differentiation. There was an MG-associated decrease in extractable DNA that was reversed after addition of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). In simulated MG, the increase in extractable DNA after KGF addition was up to 170% over non-KGF control cultures. In contrast, monolayer cultures in unit gravity showed a maximum DNA increase of 39% after KGF addition. Morphologically, differentiated thyroid neofollicles displayed polarization and were located in close proximity after 2 weeks of culture. Immunogold labeling with antibody to human thyroglobulin (Tg) revealed staining of follicular lumina and secretory vesicles, and a time-dependent increase in human Tg was detected in the culture media. Culture under simulated MG thus allowed direct visualization of KGF-facilitated thyrocyte/extracellular matrix interaction. Such artificial human thyroid organoids-generated in MG and in the presence of KGF-structurally resembled natural thyroid tissue. The above findings may have implications for autoimmune thyroid disease where KGF (if, for example, secreted locally by intraepithelial gammadelta T cells among other cells) may contribute to thyroid cell growth.

Synthesis of methylamino-2-phenyl-2-butyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate, the main bioactive metabolite of trimebutine maleate

The first synthesis of the methylamino-2-phenyl-2-butyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (desmethyltrimebutine) I is described. This compound is the main bioactive metabolite of trimebutine II (Debridat, CAS 39133-31-8), an antispasmodic widely used for intestinal diseases since 1969. It was used for pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies.

The use of psychotropic medications in young children: the facts, the controversy, and the practice

There has been recent concern by the public and physicians alike over reports that increasing numbers of young children are being prescribed psychotropic medications. The report by Zito and colleagues addressing this subject that appeared in the 23 February 2000 issue of JAMA sparked enormous controversy and was the impetus for a White House Conference just one month in its wake (20 March 2000). State and federal agencies have considered legislation to regulate the practice of prescribing psychotropic medications to preschool children. Special aspects of the use of psychotropic medication in preschool children are reviewed, with recommendations for evaluation and treatment decisions. The need for data and research in this area is highlighted.

[Solid pleural-based mass as initial manifestation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

Subpleural involvement is a well-known site of advanced or recurrent lymphoma. But, to our knowledge, it has never been described as an initial manifestation of this disease. We report the case of a patient with solid subpleural mass revealing a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Adolescents and popular culture. A psychodynamic overview

Adolescents occupy a difficult and seemingly elusive developmental space, which makes them enigmas to most adults, including psychotherapists. Building upon dynamic theory such as that formulated by Winnicott or Erikson, this paper explores the relationship between adolescents and material elements of popular culture within a psychodynamic and developmental framework. Theoretical perspectives are integrated with case material to illustrate some of the roles of popular music and fashion in the lives of teenagers as a means of expression and in potential therapeutic alliance formation, dynamic understanding and working through developmental conflicts in displacement.