Prospective Assessment of the Prevalence of Enter Hyperoxalosis in Kidney Transplant Candidates

Enteric hyperoxalosis (EH) is an emerging cause of kidney transplantation (KT) dysfunction. We sought to determine the prevalence of EH and factors that affect plasma oxalate (POx) among at-risk KT candidates.

Methods

We prospectively measured POx among KT candidates evaluated at our center from 2017 to 2020 with risk factors for EH namely bariatric surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or cystic fibrosis. EH was defined by a POx ≥10 μmol/L. Period-prevalence of EH was calculated. We compared mean POx across 5 factors: underlying condition, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage, dialysis modality, phosphate binder type, and body mass index.

Results

Of 40 KT candidates screened, 23 had EH for a 4-y period prevalence of 58%. Mean POx was 21.6 ± 23.5 μmol/L ranging from 0 to 109.6 μmol/L. 40% of screened had POx >20 μmol/L. Sleeve gastrectomy was the most common underlying condition associated with EH. Mean POx did not differ by underlying condition (P = 0.27), CKD stage (P = 0.17), dialysis modality (P = 0.68), phosphate binder (P = 0.58), and body mass index (P = 0.56).

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery and inflammatory bowel disease were associated with a high prevalence of EH among KT candidates. Contrary to prior studies, sleeve gastrectomy was also associated with hyperoxalosis in advanced CKD. POx concentrations observed in EH reached levels associated with tissue and potentially allograft deposition. Concentrations can be as high as that seen in primary hyperoxaluria. More studies are needed to assess if POx is indeed a modifiable factor affecting allograft function in patients with EH.

Thymol mitigates cadmium-induced behavioral and cognitive deficits by up-regulating hippocampal BDNF levels in rats

Cadmium is a potent neurotoxin and induces adverse impact on brain function. Protective effects of monoterpenes on the CNS have been reported previously. The present study was designed to investigate the beneficial effect of thymol on cadmium-induced neurotoxicity. Rats were initially divided into 2 groups, vehicle control and thymol. Thymol (40mg/kg) was given orally for 14 days. Each group was subdivided into two groups (Vehicle control and Cadmium, Thymol and Thymol+Cadmium). Cadmium Chloride (5mg/kg) was given for last 3 days only to the groups assigned as Cadmium and Thymol+Cadmium. Behavioral parameters were assessed after 24h of last dose of cadmium. Brain sample were collected and BDNF was measured in hippocampus. The present study suggests that pre-administration of thymol provides a protective therapy against cadmium-induced intoxication by enhancing the brain BDNF levels and plasticity. Results further suggest that thymol not only ameliorates cadmium-induced learning and memory impairment but also reduced anxiety, motor incoordination and depression assessed by various behavioral tests. The study may provide a better apprehension of the neuroprotective role of thymol and highlighting its significance in the diet for human health particularly in cadmium intoxication.

Neuroprotective role of a monoterpene (thymol) on diazepam induced withdrawal symptoms in rats

Benzodiazepine administration is known to be related to tolerance and a withdrawal syndrome on sudden cessation. Thymol possesses multiple biological properties especially in the pathogenesis of different brain disorders. However, to the best of our knowledge there is no study that relates the use of thymol to benzodiazepine induced withdrawal symptoms. Therefore the aim of the current study was to investigate the usefulness of thymol in the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome in rats. Animals were divided into four groups, thymol (40mg/kg/ml), diazepam (4 mg/kg), thymol + diazepam and vehicle control group. The treatment was given for 14 days and then suddenly ceased. After 24 h animals were tested in different behavioral paradigms such as physical signs for withdrawal, marble burying test, inverted screen test, elevated plus maze, passive avoidance test and open field activity. The results of the present study revealed that co-administration of thymol significantly reduced the withdrawal symptoms induced by diazepam. Our results further suggest that administration of thymol not only ameliorates rebound anxiety associated with diazepam withdrawal but also improves motor and memory impairment in rats.

β Decay of ^{61}V and its Role in Cooling Accreted Neutron Star Crusts

The interpretation of observations of cooling neutron star crusts in quasipersistent x-ray transients is affected by predictions of the strength of neutrino cooling via crust Urca processes. The strength of crust Urca neutrino cooling depends sensitively on the electron-capture and β-decay ground-state-to-ground-state transition strengths of neutron-rich rare isotopes. Nuclei with a mass number of A=61 are predicted to be among the most abundant in accreted crusts, and the last remaining experimentally undetermined ground-state-to-ground-state transition strength was the β decay of ^{61}V. This Letter reports the first experimental determination of this transition strength, a ground-state branching of 8.1_{-3.1}^{+4.0}%, corresponding to a log ft value of 5.5_{-0.2}^{+0.2}. This result was achieved through the measurement of the β-delayed γ rays using the total absorption spectrometer SuN and the measurement of the β-delayed neutron branch using the neutron long counter system NERO at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. This method helps to mitigate the impact of the pandemonium effect in extremely neutron-rich nuclei on experimental results. The result implies that A=61 nuclei do not provide the strongest cooling in accreted neutron star crusts as expected by some predictions, but that their cooling is still larger compared to most other mass numbers. Only nuclei with mass numbers 31, 33, and 55 are predicted to be cooling more strongly. However, the theoretical predictions for the transition strengths of these nuclei are not consistently accurate enough to draw conclusions on crust cooling. With the experimental approach developed in this work, all relevant transitions are within reach to be studied in the future.

Tree nuts supplementation instigates the oxidative status and improves brain performance in male rats

Exposure to cadmium has been extensively increased due to its usage in modern daily life. Inside the human body it induces deteriorating effects in every vital organ including brain. Oxidative stress has been widely implicated in neurotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure. Consumption of dietary source of exogenous antioxidants is one of the recommended ways to extenuate heavy metal-induced oxidative stress. The potential of nuts against heavy-metal induced neurotoxicity has not been investigated earlier. This study was, therefore, conducted to find out the antioxidant ability of almond and walnut in the prevention of cadmium-induced oxidative stress. Rats were treated with nuts (400 mg/kg) daily for 28 days whereas, cadmium (50 mg/kg) was given once in a week. Brain function was monitored in terms of memory performance using Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. Moreover, oxidative stress status was also evaluated. Results showed that weekly exposure of cadmium significantly reduced %memory retention, increased lipid per oxidation and inhibited antioxidant enzymes activity. When nuts supplemented rats were monitored for these parameters, it was observed that almond and walnut have a great potential to reduce cadmium-induced neurotoxicity as evident by decreased oxidative stress and improved memory function in cadmium intoxicated rats.

ΔK=0 M1 Excitation Strength of the Well-Deformed Nucleus ^{164}Dy from K Mixing

The size of a ΔK=0 M1 excitation strength has been determined for the first time in a predominantly axially deformed even-even nucleus. It has been obtained from the observation of a rare K-mixing situation between two close-lying J^{π}=1^{+} states of the nucleus ^{164}Dy with components characterized by intrinsic projection quantum numbers K=0 and K=1. Nuclear resonance fluorescence induced by quasimonochromatic linearly polarized γ-ray beams provided evidence for K mixing of the 1^{+} states at 3159.1(3) and 3173.6(3) keV in excitation energy from their γ-decay branching ratios into the ground-state band. The ΔK=0 transition strength of B(M1;0_{1}^{+}→1_{K=0}^{+})=0.008(1)μ_{N}^{2} was inferred from a mixing analysis of their M1 transition rates into the ground-state band. It is in agreement with predictions from the quasiparticle phonon nuclear model. This determination represents first experimental information on the M1 excitation strength of a nuclear quantum state with a negative R-symmetry quantum number.

Curcumin lessens unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced depression and memory deficits by modulating oxidative stress and cholinergic activity

Unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model is the most established method to study neurobiological mechanisms of depression. This work was intended to explore the efficacy of curcumin to revert the UCMS-induced oxidative burden and associated depression as well as potential of curcumin as an acetyl cholinesterase (AchE) inhibitor. Animals were initially grouped into control and curcumin (200mg/kg, p.o) and further subdivided into unstressed and stressed groups. Depression and anxiety were evaluated by forced swim test (FST) and light/dark transition (LDT) while memory function was assessed by passive avoidance test (PAT). Effect of curcumin on oxidative stress following UCMS was determined by measuring peroxidation of lipid (LPO) and antioxidant enzyme activities. AchE activity was also determined. Findings showed that curcumin supplementation significantly attenuated the UCMS-induced depression and anxiety like symptoms, decreased the load of UCMS propagated oxidative stress by improving antioxidant enzymes activities. Curcumin also improved the memory function and exhibited inhibitory effect on AchE activity. In conclusion it can be suggested that supplementation of curcumin in daily life can help in combating the stress-induced depression and ever increasing load of oxidative stress. Study also highlights the anti-acetylcholinesterase potential of curcumin which may be responsible for improved memory function following UCMS.

Proton Shell Evolution below ^{132}Sn: First Measurement of Low-Lying β-Emitting Isomers in ^{123,125}Ag

The β-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy of neutron-rich ^{123,125}Ag isotopes is investigated at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of RIKEN, and the long-predicted 1/2^{-} β-emitting isomers in ^{123,125}Ag are identified for the first time. With the new experimental results, the systematic trend of energy spacing between the lowest 9/2^{+} and 1/2^{-} levels is extended in Ag isotopes up to N=78, providing a clear signal for the reduction of the Z=40 subshell gap in Ag towards N=82. Shell-model calculations with the state-of-the-art V_{MU} plus M3Y spin-orbit interaction give a satisfactory description of the low-lying states in ^{123,125}Ag. The tensor force is found to play a crucial role in the evolution of the size of the Z=40 subshell gap. The observed inversion of the single-particle levels around ^{123}Ag can be well interpreted in terms of the monopole shift of the π1g_{9/2} orbitals mainly caused by the increasing occupation of ν1h_{11/2} orbitals.

Publisher's Note: Experimental Neutron Capture Rate Constraint Far from Stability [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 242502 (2016)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.242502.

The Impact of "Mom/Dad of the Day" Cards, Newborn Heart Auscultation, and Father Skin-to-Skin Care on Parent-Newborn Bonding

Texas Tech Pediatrics at Northwest Texas Hospital System in Amarillo, Texas, currently practices giving "Mom/Dad of the Day" cards to all new parents, offering the opportunity for fathers to auscultate the newborn heart sound, and encouraging maternal and paternal skin-to-skin contact. New parents were asked to fill out 2 anonymous surveys regarding these practices. Survey results showed statistically significant positive responses by the parents for subjective improvement in fetal sleep and feeding as well as parental confidence and preparedness for taking care of their newborn. Additionally, these practices are desired by parents, with 96% fathers recommending that the hospital routinely offering opportunities for heart auscultation and 94% parents recommending "Mom/Dad of the Day" cards for all future parents in the hospital. Small, nonmedical initiatives such as these are well received and can be feasibly adopted in more hospitals to improve patient quality of care.

A comparative study showing greater effects of curcumin compared to donepezil on memory function in rats

Curcumin possesses wide spectrum of biological actions, on that account the current study was aimed to investigate the beneficial effectiveness of curcumin on memory and oxidative stress if any, over synthetic drug donepezil approved for the treatment of memory disorders. Eighteen Albino wistar (male) rats were divided into 3 groups namely vehicle control which received neutral oil orally and 0.9% saline intraperitoneally, curcumin which received curcumin orally dissolved in neutral oil at the dose of 100mg/ml/kg for seven days, donepezil which received donepezil intraperitoneally at the dose of 1mg/ml/kg for seven days. To assess memory and cognition Elevated Plus Maze and Morris Water Maze tests were performed. Rats were sacrificed after behavioral analysis and their brains were removed for biochemical assays including lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase. Acetylcholine esterase activity and acetylcholine levels were also determined. Our results showed that both curcumin and donepezil improved memory and inhibited acetylcholinesterase, however curcumin inhibited AchE with more potency than donepezil when compared to vehicle control rats. Moreover curcumin exhibited greater antioxidant potential to decrease the load of oxidative stress in brain cells than donepezil as compared to vehicle control rats. In conclusion present study proposed that increased antioxidant potential of curcumin may be responsible for its increased acetylcholine levels and associated enhanced memory performance.

Routine antenatal ultrasound in low- and middle-income countries: first look - a cluster randomised trial

OBJECTIVE

Ultrasound is widely regarded as an important adjunct to antenatal care (ANC) to guide practice and reduce perinatal mortality. We assessed the impact of ANC ultrasound use at health centres in resource-limited countries.

DESIGN

Cluster randomised trial.

SETTING

Clusters within five countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Kenya, Pakistan, and Zambia) METHODS: Clusters were randomised to standard ANC or standard care plus two ultrasounds and referral for complications. The study trained providers in intervention clusters to perform basic obstetric ultrasounds.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was a composite of maternal mortality, maternal near-miss mortality, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality.

RESULTS

During the 24-month trial, 28 intervention and 28 control clusters had 24 263 and 23 160 births, respectively; 78% in the intervention clusters received at least one study ultrasound; 60% received two. The prevalence of conditions noted including twins, placenta previa, and abnormal lie was within expected ranges. 9% were referred for an ultrasound-diagnosed condition, and 71% attended the referral. The ANC (RR 1.0 95% CI 1.00, 1.01) and hospital delivery rates for complicated pregnancies (RR 1.03 95% CI 0.89, 1.20) did not differ between intervention and control clusters nor did the composite outcome (RR 1.09 95% CI 0.97, 1.23) or its individual components.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite availability of ultrasound at ANC in the intervention clusters, neither ANC nor hospital delivery for complicated pregnancies increased. The composite outcome and the individual components were not reduced.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Antenatal care ultrasound did not improve a composite outcome that included maternal, fetal, and neonatal mortality.

Anticholinergic drug atropine diminishes newly formed fear memory in male rats

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition which is triggered shortly after experiencing traumatic events. PTSD is complicated by the fact that people with PTSD often develop additional disorders such as phobias, addiction, depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Beta-adrenergic and cholinergic system both are involved in memory formation as well as in emotional response associated with memory. It is reported that the administration of beta-adrenergic and cholinergic antagonist results in the impairment in memory formation. Here, we examined the potential of beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol and muscarinic cholinergic antagonist atropine for impairing the recently formed fear memory associated with PTSD. Reconsolidation is the memory process during which labile memory converts into permanent memory. In this study it is hypothesized that if recently formed fear memory is disturbed during reconsolidation phase by pharmacological intervention then it could be possible to impair well-consolidated fear memory. Atropine and propranolol were injected in separate set of rats (n=6) just after the reactivation of fear memory. Short term memory and long term memory were monitored after 2 h and 24 h of reactivation respectively. Results of current study demonstrated that only atropine showed significant impairment of reconsolidation of newly formed fear memory whereas propranolol did not show fear memory disrupting effects. The results emphasize the significance of pharmacological intervention to impair reconsolidation of newly formed fear memory.

Enriched environment palliates nicotine-induced addiction and associated neurobehavioral deficits in rats

This study was designed to investigate the role of enriched environment in preventing and/or reducing the neurobehavioral deficits produced after nicotine administration in albino Wistar rats. Equal numbers of rat in two groups were either placed in social environment (control group) or social along with physically enriched environment for four weeks before the administration of nicotine. Exposure to different environmental conditions was followed by the intraperitoneal injection of nicotine at the dose of 0.6 mg/kg for seven consecutive days during which addictive behavior was monitored using conditioned placed preference paradigm. Behavioral responses to locomotor activity, anxiety and retention of short term memory were investigated in control and nicotine injected groups exposed to different environments. Results of this study showed that the rats pre-exposed to physical along with social enrichment exhibited a decrease in drug seeking behavior, hyper locomotion, anxiogenic effects along with improvement of working memory as compared to control and nicotine injected groups that were kept in social environment alone. This behavioral study suggests that the exposure to physical enrichment along with socialization in young age can later reduce the chances of compulsive dependence on nicotine and related neurobehavioral deficits.

Shell Evolution towards ^{78}Ni: Low-Lying States in ^{77}Cu

The level structure of the neutron-rich ^{77}Cu nucleus is investigated through β-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of the RIKEN Nishina Center. Ions of ^{77}Ni are produced by in-flight fission, separated and identified in the BigRIPS fragment separator, and implanted in the WAS3ABi silicon detector array, surrounded by Ge cluster detectors of the EURICA array. A large number of excited states in ^{77}Cu are identified for the first time by correlating γ rays with the β decay of ^{77}Ni, and a level scheme is constructed by utilizing their coincidence relationships. The good agreement between large-scale Monte Carlo shell model calculations and experimental results allows for the evaluation of the single-particle structure near ^{78}Ni and suggests a single-particle nature for both the 5/2_{1}^{-} and 3/2_{1}^{-} states in ^{77}Cu, leading to doubly magic ^{78}Ni.

Strong Neutron-γ Competition above the Neutron Threshold in the Decay of ^{70}Co

The β-decay intensity of ^{70}Co was measured for the first time using the technique of total absorption spectroscopy. The large β-decay Q value [12.3(3) MeV] offers a rare opportunity to study β-decay properties in a broad energy range. Two surprising features were observed in the experimental results, namely, the large fragmentation of the β intensity at high energies, as well as the strong competition between γ rays and neutrons, up to more than 2 MeV above the neutron-separation energy. The data are compared to two theoretical calculations: the shell model and the quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA). Both models seem to be missing a significant strength at high excitation energies. Possible interpretations of this discrepancy are discussed. The shell model is used for a detailed nuclear structure interpretation and helps to explain the observed γ-neutron competition. The comparison to the QRPA calculations is done as a means to test a model that provides global β-decay properties for astrophysical calculations. Our work demonstrates the importance of performing detailed comparisons to experimental results, beyond the simple half-life comparisons. A realistic and robust description of the β-decay intensity is crucial for our understanding of nuclear structure as well as of r-process nucleosynthesis.

Magnesium treatment palliates noise-induced behavioral deficits by normalizing DAergic and 5-HTergic metabolism in adult male rats

Magnesium (Mg) is the fourth most abundant biological mineral essential for good health. Neuroprotective, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of magnesium following stress and brain injuries are well established. In present study, we analyzed the protective effects of magnesium in rats exposed to sub-chronic noise stress. Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2, 100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once daily for 15 days prior exposure to noise stress. Rats were exposed to noise stress for 4 h after administration of magnesium for 15 days. At the end of treatment behavioral alterations were assessed. Animals were decapitated following behavioral testing and the brains were dissected out for neurochemical estimations by HPLC-EC. Improvement in noise-induced memory deficits as assessed by novel object recognition (NOR) test and elevated plus maze (EPM) test was found in magnesium treated rats. This improvement in noise-induced behavioral deficits following treatment with magnesium may be attributed to a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) turnover as compared to control rats observed in present work. These results suggest that treatment with magnesium can attenuate the noise-induced deficits and may be used as a therapy against noise-induced neurodegeneration. Moreover an adequate amount of magnesium in daily diet may help to develop the ability to resist against or cope up with stressful conditions encountered in daily life.

Experimental Neutron Capture Rate Constraint Far from Stability

Nuclear reactions where an exotic nucleus captures a neutron are critical for a wide variety of applications, from energy production and national security, to astrophysical processes, and nucleosynthesis. Neutron capture rates are well constrained near stable isotopes where experimental data are available; however, moving far from the valley of stability, uncertainties grow by orders of magnitude. This is due to the complete lack of experimental constraints, as the direct measurement of a neutron-capture reaction on a short-lived nucleus is extremely challenging. Here, we report on the first experimental extraction of a neutron capture reaction rate on ^{69}Ni, a nucleus that is five neutrons away from the last stable isotope of Ni. The implications of this measurement on nucleosynthesis around mass 70 are discussed, and the impact of similar future measurements on the understanding of the origin of the heavy elements in the cosmos is presented.

Presentation and Outcomes of C4d-Negative Antibody-Mediated Rejection After Kidney Transplantation

The updated Banff classification allows for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in the absence of peritubular capillary C4d staining. Our objective was to quantify allograft loss risk in patients with consistently C4d-negative AMR (n = 51) compared with C4d-positive AMR patients (n = 156) and matched control subjects without AMR. All first-year posttransplant biopsy results from January 2004 through June 2014 were reviewed and correlated with the presence of donor-specific antibody (DSA). C4d-negative AMR patients were not different from C4d-positive AMR patients on any baseline characteristics, including immunologic risk factors (panel reactive antibody, prior transplant, HLA mismatch, donor type, DSA class, and anti-HLA/ABO-incompatibility). C4d-positive AMR patients were significantly more likely to have a clinical presentation (85.3% vs. 54.9%, p < 0.001), and those patients presented substantially earlier posttransplantation (median 14 [interquartile range 8-32] days vs. 46 [interquartile range 20-191], p < 0.001) and were three times more common (7.8% vs 2.5%). One- and 2-year post-AMR-defining biopsy graft survival in C4d-negative AMR patients was 93.4% and 90.2% versus 86.8% and 82.6% in C4d-positive AMR patients, respectively (p = 0.4). C4d-negative AMR was associated with a 2.56-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.08-6.05, p = 0.033) increased risk of graft loss compared with AMR-free matched controls. No clinical characteristics were identified that reliably distinguished C4d-negative from C4d-positive AMR. However, both phenotypes are associated with increased graft loss and thus warrant consideration for intervention.

β-Decay Half-Lives of 110 Neutron-Rich Nuclei across the N=82 Shell Gap: Implications for the Mechanism and Universality of the Astrophysical r Process

The β-decay half-lives of 110 neutron-rich isotopes of the elements from _{37}Rb to _{50}Sn were measured at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. The 40 new half-lives follow robust systematics and highlight the persistence of shell effects. The new data have direct implications for r-process calculations and reinforce the notion that the second (A≈130) and the rare-earth-element (A≈160) abundance peaks may result from the freeze-out of an (n,γ)⇄(γ,n) equilibrium. In such an equilibrium, the new half-lives are important factors determining the abundance of rare-earth elements, and allow for a more reliable discussion of the r process universality. It is anticipated that universality may not extend to the elements Sn, Sb, I, and Cs, making the detection of these elements in metal-poor stars of the utmost importance to determine the exact conditions of individual r-process events.

Short term cadmium administration dose dependently elicits immediate biochemical, neurochemical and neurobehavioral dysfunction in male rats

Cadmium is a toxic environmental and industrial pollutant. Cadmium toxicity has been reported to produce biochemical and behavioral dysfunction that may cause adverse effects on several organs including the central nervous system. The present study was designed to investigate the neurotoxic effects of Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) at three different doses by using different behavioral models. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were also monitored following acute intraperitoneal injection of cadmium. Twenty four adult locally bred Albino Wistar rats were divided into control and 3 test groups (n = 6). Control rats were injected intraperitoneally with saline (0.9% NaCl) and test groups were injected with CdCl2 (1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg) dissolved in physiological solution. Behavioral activities of rats were monitored after 1 h of cadmium injection. Locomotor activity and depression-like symptoms were measured by Open Field Test (OFT) and Forced Swimming Test (FST) respectively. Anxiety like behavior was monitored using Light-dark Transition (LDT) test and memory functions of rats were assessed by Morris Water Maze test (MWM). In the present study acute cadmium administration dose dependently increased anxiety in rats as compared to control rats. A significant increase in depression-like symptoms was also exhibited by cadmium treated rats. These behavioral dysfunctions may be attributed to the decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and simultaneously increased brain lipid peroxidation (LPO). Moreover learning and memory assessed by MWM showed dose dependent impairment in memory function in cadmium treated rats as compared to control rats. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was also decreased in brains of cadmium administered rats. It is suggested in this study that behavioral, biochemical and neurochemical dysfunctions caused by acute cadmium administration occur in a dose dependent manner.

Novel technique for constraining r-process (n, γ) reaction rates

A novel technique has been developed, which will open exciting new opportunities for studying the very neutron-rich nuclei involved in the r process. As a proof of principle, the γ spectra from the β decay of ^{76}Ga have been measured with the SuN detector at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The nuclear level density and γ-ray strength function are extracted and used as input to Hauser-Feshbach calculations. The present technique is shown to strongly constrain the ^{75}Ge(n,γ)^{76}Ge cross section and reaction rate.

Monopole-driven shell evolution below the doubly magic nucleus 132Sn explored with the long-lived isomer in 126Pd

A new isomer with a half-life of 23.0(8) ms has been identified at 2406 keV in (126)Pd and is proposed to have a spin and parity of 10(+) with a maximally aligned configuration comprising two neutron holes in the 1h(11/2) orbit. In addition to an internal-decay branch through a hindered electric octupole transition, β decay from the long-lived isomer was observed to populate excited states at high spins in (126)Ag. The smaller energy difference between the 10(+) and 7(-) isomers in (126)Pd than in the heavier N=80 isotones can be interpreted as being ascribed to the monopole shift of the 1h(11/2) neutron orbit. The effects of the monopole interaction on the evolution of single-neutron energies below (132)Sn are discussed in terms of the central and tensor forces.

β-Decay half-lives of 76,77Co, 79,80Ni, and 81Cu: experimental indication of a doubly magic 78Ni

The half-lives of 20 neutron-rich nuclei with Z=27-30 have been measured at the RIBF, including five new half-lives of (76)Co(21.7(-4.9)(+6.5) ms), (77)Co(13.0(-4.3)(+7.2) ms), (79)Ni(43.0(-7.5)(+8.6) ms), (80)Ni(23.9(-17.2)(+26.0) ms), and (81)Cu(73.2 ± 6.8 ms). In addition, the half-lives of (73-75)Co, (74-78)Ni, (78-80)Cu, and (80-82)Zn were determined with higher precision than previous works. Based on these new results, a systematic study of the β-decay half-lives has been carried out, which suggests a sizable magicity for both the proton number Z = 28 and the neutron number N=50 in (78)Ni.

1p3/2 proton-hole state in 132Sn and the shell structure along N = 82

A low-lying state in 131In82, the one-proton hole nucleus with respect to double magic 132Sn, was observed by its γ decay to the Iπ=1/2- β-emitting isomer. We identify the new state at an excitation energy of Ex=1353  keV, which was populated both in the β decay of 131Cd83 and after β-delayed neutron emission from 132Cd84, as the previously unknown πp3/2 single-hole state with respect to the 132Sn core. Exploiting this crucial new experimental information, shell-model calculations were performed to study the structure of experimentally inaccessible N=82 isotones below 132Sn. The results evidence a surprising absence of proton subshell closures along the chain of N=82 isotones. The consequences of this finding for the evolution of the N=82 shell gap along the r-process path are discussed.

Classical-NOVA CONTRIBUTION to the Milky Way's ²⁶Al abundance: exit channel of the key ²⁵Al(p,γ) ²⁶Si resonance

Classical novae are expected to contribute to the 1809-keV Galactic γ-ray emission by producing its precursor 26Al, but the yield depends on the thermonuclear rate of the unmeasured 25Al(p,γ)26Si reaction. Using the β decay of 26P to populate the key J(π)=3(+) resonance in this reaction, we report the first evidence for the observation of its exit channel via a 1741.6±0.6(stat)±0.3(syst)  keV primary γ ray, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. By combining the measured γ-ray energy and intensity with other experimental data on 26Si, we find the center-of-mass energy and strength of the resonance to be E(r)=414.9±0.6(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.6(lit.)  keV and ωγ=23±6(stat)(-10)(+11)(lit.)  meV, respectively, where the last uncertainties are from adopted literature data. We use hydrodynamic nova simulations to model 26Al production showing that these measurements effectively eliminate the dominant experimental nuclear-physics uncertainty and we estimate that novae may contribute up to 30% of the Galactic 26Al.

Isomers in 128Pd and 126Pd: evidence for a robust shell closure at the neutron magic number 82 in exotic palladium isotopes

The level structures of the very neutron-rich nuclei 128Pd and 126Pd have been investigated for the first time. In the r-process waiting-point nucleus 128Pd, a new isomer with a half-life of 5.8(8) μs is proposed to have a spin and parity of 8(+) and is associated with a maximally aligned configuration arising from the g(9/2) proton subshell with seniority υ=2. For 126Pd, two new isomers have been identified with half-lives of 0.33(4) and 0.44(3) μs. The yrast 2(+) energy is much higher in 128Pd than in 126Pd, while the level sequence below the 8(+) isomer in 128Pd is similar to that in the N=82 isotone 130Cd. The electric quadrupole transition that depopulates the 8(+) isomer in 128Pd is more hindered than the corresponding transition in 130Cd, as expected in the seniority scheme for a semimagic, spherical nucleus. These experimental findings indicate that the shell closure at the neutron number N=82 is fairly robust in the neutron-rich Pd isotopes.

Coulomb excitation of 104Sn and the strength of the 100Sn shell closure

A measurement of the reduced transition probability for the excitation of the ground state to the first 2+ state in 104Sn has been performed using relativistic Coulomb excitation at GSI. 104Sn is the lightest isotope in the Sn chain for which this quantity has been measured. The result is a key point in the discussion of the evolution of nuclear structure in the proximity of the doubly magic nucleus 100Sn. The value B(E2; 0+ → 2+) = 0.10(4) e2b2 is significantly lower than earlier results for 106Sn and heavier isotopes. The result is well reproduced by shell model predictions and therefore indicates a robust N = Z = 50 shell closure.

Preventive effects of curcumin against drug- and starvation-induced gastric erosions in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the gastroprotective, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of curcumin (Cur), the major constituent of turmeric. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was used in this study as a standard drug for comparison. The analgesic activity was measured using the Hot-Plate Test. The antipyretic and antiulcer effects were assessed using yeast-induced pyrexia and gastric ulceration, respectively. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) injected intra-peritoneally 1 hr prior to the Hot-Plate Test showed significant analgesic activity expressed by both parameters: an increase in latency time and a reduction in paw licking as compared to the controls. In the animal model of pyrexia, curcumin (100 mg/kg injected intra-peritoneally) exhibited a significant reduction in the rectal temperature after 1 hr, 2 hrs, 4 hrs, and 5 hrs of treatment, indicating the antipyretic effect of curcumin. Rats with orally administered curcumin (200 mg/kg) did not show any lesions on the inner lining of the stomach after a 16 hr fast, indicating the gastroprotective effects of curcumin as compared to saline- and acetylsalicylic acid-administered rats. The significantly low ulcer index in curcumin-treated rats following starvation highlights the gastroprotective characteristics of curcumin.

New isomers in the full seniority scheme of neutron-rich lead isotopes: the role of effective three-body forces

The neutron-rich lead isotopes, up to (216)Pb, have been studied for the first time, exploiting the fragmentation of a primary uranium beam at the FRS-RISING setup at GSI. The observed isomeric states exhibit electromagnetic transition strengths which deviate from state-of-the-art shell-model calculations. It is shown that their complete description demands the introduction of effective three-body interactions and two-body transition operators in the conventional neutron valence space beyond (208)Pb.

Decreased Hippocampal 5-HT and DA Levels Following Sub-Chronic Exposure to Noise Stress: Impairment in both Spatial and Recognition Memory in Male Rats

Mankind is exposed to a number of stressors, and among them noise is one which can cause intense stress. High levels of background noise can severely impair one’s ability to concentrate. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of sub-chronic noise stress on cognitive behavior and hippocampal monoamine levels in male rats. The study was performed on 12 male Wistar rats, divided into two groups; the control and noise-exposed. The rats in the test group were subjected to noise stress, 4h daily for 15 days. Cognitive testing was performed by the Elevated Plus Maze test (EPM) and Novel Object Recognition test (NOR). HPLC-EC was used to determine hippocampal monoamine levels and their metabolites. The data obtained revealed a significant decrease in hippocampal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and dopamine (DA) levels, whereas turnover ratios of 5-HT and DA were significantly increased compared to the controls. Rats exposed to noise exhibited a significant decrement in spatial memory. A significantly decreased recognition index of rats exposed to noise as compared to the control was also observed in the NOR test. Results of the present findings suggest the role of decreased hippocampal 5-HT and DA in the impairment of cognitive function following noise exposure.

Effects of walnuts (Juglans regia) on learning and memory functions

Walnut has been regarded as a health food that is delicious and nutritious. Both preventive and therapeutic effects of walnut are well documented. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are reported to have beneficial effects on brain function. The present work was designed to evaluate the effects of walnuts on learning and memory in male rats. The effect of oral intake of walnut was also monitored on food intake. Walnut was given orally to rats for a period of 28 days. Memory function in rats was assessed by elevated plus maze (EPM) and radial arm maze (RAM). A significant improvement in learning and memory of walnut treated rats compared to controls was observed. Walnut treated rats also exhibited a significant decrease in food intake while the change in growth rate (in terms of percentage) remained comparable between the two groups. Analysis of brain monoamines exhibited enhanced serotonergic levels in rat brain following oral intake of walnuts. The findings suggest that walnut may exert its hypophagic and nootropic actions via an enhancement of brain 5-HT metabolism.

Mortality statistics in South Karachi

OBJECTIVE

To create an awareness amongst the medical profession in Pakistan about the importance of mortality statistics in epidemiological research and its correlation with the cause of death statement.

METHODS

The original death registration forms and the statistical information, compiled into a database by the District Municipal Corporation, South Karachi, for the years 1995 to 1998 were evaluated.

RESULTS

The total number of deaths reported from the District Municipal Corporation, South Karachi, for the years 1995 to 1998 were 7480. Of these 28% were females and 72% were males. The adult deaths were 99% whereas childhood deaths were 1%. The leading cause of death was cardiovascular disease (33%). However 49% of the deaths were classified as caused by non-specific or ill-defined conditions.

CONCLUSION

The maintenance of records and compilation of death registry data by the District Municipal Corporation, South Karachi is satisfactory. The coverage of deaths in the years 1995 to 1998 was reasonable. The degree of precision of the age statement was moderately good as the 'National Identity Card' copy accompanied each adult death notification. As the cause of death statement was non-specific in 49% of the deaths, this data will have limited use in research or health planning. It is therefore essential to emphasize the importance of the death certification process to the medical profession.

Synthesis, characterisation and antiamoebic activity of new thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives and their cyclooctadiene Ru(II) complexes

Reaction of new thiosemicarbazones (1-4) derived from thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde and cycloalkylaminothiocarbonylhydrazine with [Ru(eta(4)-C8H12)(CH3CN)2Cl2] leads to form complexes (1a-4a) of the type [Ru(eta(4)-C8H12)(TSC)Cl2] (where TSC=thiosemicarbazone). All the compounds have been characterised by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, electronic spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. It is concluded that the thionic sulphur and the azomethine nitrogen atom of the ligands are bonded to the metal ion. In vitro antiamoebic screening against (HK-9) strain of Entamoeba histolytica indicated that the Ru(II) complexes of thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones were found more active than the thiosemicarbazones.

Synthesis and antiamoebic activity of new cyclooctadiene ruthenium(II) complexes with 2-acetylpyridine and benzimidazole derivatives

Reaction of [Ru(eta4-C8H12) (CH3CN)2 Cl2] with 2-(2-pyridyl) benzimidazole or Schiff bases derived from 2-acetylpyridine and S-methyldithiocarbazate, S-benzyldithiocarbazate and thiosemicarbazide leads to form new complexes of the type [Ru(eta4-C8H12)(L)Cl2] (where L=ligand). In vitro, most of the compounds exhibited potent activity and the Ru derivatives 1a [Ru(eta4-C8H12)(2-Acpy-SMDT)Cl2], 2a [Ru(eta4-C8H12)(2-Acpy-SBDT)Cl2] and 3a [Ru(eta4-CsH12)(2-Acpy-TSC)Cl2] were found more active than metronidazole against (HK-9) strain of Entamoeba histolytica.

Role of nitric oxide resistance in erythropoietin-induced hypertension in rats with chronic renal failure

We studied the mechanism of erythropoietin (EPO)-induced hypertension (HTN) in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). After partial nephrectomy, rats were randomized into four groups. Group A received EPO, 150 U/kg, two times weekly for 6 wk to prevent anemia; group B received placebo injections and became anemic; group C received EPO but was kept anemic by dietary iron deficiency; and group D received placebo and regular transfusions to match hematocrit (Hct) in group A. Blood pressure (BP), Hct, platelet cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) and magnesium concentration, and pressor and vasodilatory responses were determined. By design, Hct in groups A and D were comparable and significantly greater (P < 0.01) than in groups B and C. Despite divergent Hct values, the EPO-treated groups A and C showed a significant rise in BP compared with the placebo-treated groups B and D. HTN occurred whether EPO therapy was begun immediately or 4 wk after nephrectomy. EPO therapy augmented the elevation of basal [Ca2+]i and restored the defective thrombin-mediated rise of platelet [Ca2+]i in CRF animals. EPO therapy did not alter caudal artery contraction in response to either 68 mM K(+)-induced depolarization, angiotensin II or alpha 1-agonist, methoxamine in vitro, or the pressor response to angiotensin II in vivo. However, EPO therapy impaired the hypotensive response to nitric oxide (NO) donors, sodium nitroprusside and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine, and reversed the CRF-induced upregulation of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate production by thoracic aorta in vitro. Thus EPO-induced HTN in CRF rats is Hct independent and is associated with and perhaps causally related to increased basal and stimulated [Ca2+]i and impaired vasodilatory response to NO.

Relationship between prorenin, IGF-I, IGF-binding proteins and retinopathy in diabetic patients

Plasma prorenin and renin, serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3) concentrations were measured in 22 randomly selected male and female patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or non-IDDM (NIDDM). Plasma prorenin concentration was significantly elevated in patients with proliferative retinopathy (1869.5 +/- 785.0 mUL-1, mean +/- SEM) compared to patients with nonproliferative retinopathy (325.5 +/- 73.2 mUL-1, P < 0.003) and those without retinopathy (318.6 +/- 47.3 mUL-1, P < 0.007). Similarly, serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration in patients with proliferative retinopathy (126.3 +/- 21.5 micrograms L-1) was significantly higher than in patients with nonproliferative retinopathy (126.3 +/- 14.85 micrograms L-1, P < 0.004) and without retinopathy (135.2 +/- 37.26, P < 0.05). There was moderately strong positive correlation between plasma prorenin and serum IGF-I concentrations (r = 0.56, P < 0.01). Plasma prorenin concentration was uninfluenced by change in renal function (creatinine clearance, serum creatinine or BUN), but IGF-I levels were inversely related to creatinine clearance (r = 0.67, P < 0.002). There was no demonstrable relationship between IGF-binding proteins and prorenin or renin concentrations. In view of some overlap between plasma prorenin and serum IGF-I concentrations in diabetic patients with proliferative and nonproliferative retinopathy, measurement of both markers may be more useful in predicting the development of proliferative retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus than either measurement alone.