Development of separation techniques for analysis of Nb-94 in radwaste samples.

A chemical separation technique for removing interfering gamma-ray radionuclides by combined precipitation of Nb pentoxide and anion exchange was proposed, thereby allowing detection of trace 94Nb in low-level radwastes. The detection limit for 94Nb was improved by a factor of 10-103, and the scaling factor (94Nb/60Co) of the radwastes was estimated to be less than 10-5. This technique can be used for low-level radwaste classification and power reactor decommissioning.

Secular trends in incidence and recurrence rates of hip fracture: a nationwide population-based study.

We assessed the incidence of hip fracture and second hip fractures in Taiwan from 2001 to 2012. Age-standardized incidence rates decreased after 2005. However, mortality rate after first hip fracture was substantial compared to second hip fracture rate in a competing risk model. INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to assess the incidence rates (IRs) of hip fractures, including changes in trends and medical costs, and second hip fractures in the Taiwanese population. METHODS: The number of hip fractures and the associated medical costs were obtained from the annual report of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, for individuals ≥50 years of age. The data of population at risk were retrieved from annual population reports from the Ministry of the Interior, Taiwan. The incidence of second hip fractures was evaluated from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan for insured individuals aged ≥50 years from 2001 to 2011 with follow-up until 2013 using a competing risk model. RESULTS: The IR for the entire population increased from 332.7 to 336.5 per 100,000 person-years during 2001-2005 and decreased thereafter. This secular change was driven by a decrease in hip fractures for both men and women. The 10-year cumulative incidence rate of second hip fracture was 11.2% (95% CI 11.0-11.5%) in women and 7.9% (95% CI 7.6-8.1%) in men. Adjusted by consumer price index (CPI), the costs of hospitalization due to hip fracture increased from NTD 1.17 billion in 2001 to NTD 1.43 billion in 2012. However, the CPI-adjusted costs of each admission decreased from NTD 74944 in 2001 to NTD 65791 in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Since 2006, the IR of hip fractures has been declining in Taiwan. The 10-year cumulative IR of mortality is substantial for individuals who with first hip fracture.

Regulation of mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis by glucose through protein kinase C/transforming growth factor signaling.

OBJECTIVE: Effective induction of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) differentiation for regenerative medicine applications remains a great challenge. While much research has studied hMSC activity during differentiation, it is unclear whether pre-differentiation culture can modulate differentiation capacity. We investigate the effect of glucose concentration in pre-differentiation/expansion culture on modulating chondrogenic capacity of hMSCs, and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. DESIGN: The extent of chondrogenesis of hMSCs previously cultured with different concentrations of glucose was evaluated. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) signaling molecules and protein kinase C (PKC) were analyzed to identify the role of these molecules in the regulation of glucose on chondrogenesis. In addition, hMSCs in high-glucose expansion culture were treated with the PKC inhibitor to modulate the activity of PKC and TGF-ß signaling molecules. RESULTS: High-glucose maintained hMSCs were less chondrogenic than low-glucose maintained cells upon receiving differentiation signals. Interestingly, we found that high-glucose culture increased the phosphorylation of PKC and expression of type II TGF-ß receptor (TGFßRII) in pre-differentiation hMSCs. However, low-glucose maintained hMSCs became more responsive to chondrogenic induction with increased PKC activation and TGFßRII expression than high-glucose maintained hMSCs during differentiation. Inhibiting the PKC activity of high-glucose maintained hMSCs during expansion culture upregulated the TGFßRII expression of chondrogenic cell pellets, and enhanced chondrogenesis. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate the effect of glucose concentration on regulating the chondrogenic capability of pre-differentiation hMSCs, and provide insight into the mechanism of how glucose concentration regulates PKC and TGF-ß signaling molecules to prime pre-differentiation hMSCs for subsequent chondrogenesis.

Microstructure and crystallization kinetics analysis of the (In15Sb85)(100-x)Zn(x) phase change recording thin films.

The (In15Sb85)(100-x)Zn(x) films (x = 0 - 17.4) were deposited on nature oxidized Si wafer and glass substrate at room temperature by magnetron co-sputtering of Sb target and InZn composite target. The thermal property of the films was examined by a homemade reflectivity thermal analyzer. Microstructures of the films were analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). We examined the effects of Zn addition on the thermal property, crystallization kinetics, and crystallization mechanism of the In15Sb85 recording film. As x = 0 - 17.4, thermal analysis shows that the (In15Sb85)(100-x)Zn(x) films have two phase transition temperature ranges which are 189 degrees C-215 degrees C and 300 degrees C-350 degrees C. It is found that the activation energy is increased with Zn content. This indicates that the thermal stability of amorphous state is improved by doping Zn. The optical contrasts of the films are all larger than 15%, as x = 0 - 6.2, indicating that the films have the potential in blue laser optical recording media application.

Crystallization mechanisms of phase change (GeSbSn)(100-x)Co(x) optical recording films.

In this study, the (GeSbSn)(100-x0Co(x) films (x = 0-13.3) were deposited on natural oxidized silicon wafer and glass substrate by dc magnetron co-sputtering of GeSbSn and Co targets. The ZnS-SiO2 films were used as protective layers. The thicknesses of the (GeSbSn)(100-x)Co(x) films and protective layer were 100 nm and 30 nm, respectively. We investigated the effects of Co addition on the thermal property, crystallization kinetics, and crystallization mechanism of the GeSbSn recording film. The crystallization temperatures of (GeSbSn)(100-x)Co(x) films were decreased with Co content. It was found that the activation energy of the (GeSbSn)(100-x)Co(x) films will decrease from 1.53 eV to 0.55 eV as Co content increased from 0 at.% to 13.3 at.%.

Frequency locking and complex dynamics near a periodically forced robust heteroclinic cycle.

Robust heteroclinic cycles occur naturally in many classes of nonlinear differential equations with invariant hyperplanes. In particular they occur frequently in models for ecological dynamics and fluid mechanical instabilities. We consider the effect of small-amplitude time-periodic forcing and describe how to reduce the dynamics to a two-dimensional map. In the limit where the heteroclinic cycle loses asymptotic stability, intervals of frequency locking appear. In the opposite limit, where the heteroclinic cycle becomes strongly stable, the dynamics remains chaotic and no frequency locking is observed.

Growth dynamics of major microbial populations during biodegradation of o-phthalate in anaerobic sediment slurries under a CO2/H2 atmosphere.

o-Phthalate transformers increased about five orders of magnitude (to 1.6x10(11)cells g-1 sediment) just before the onset of fast biotransformation of o-phthalate (21.6 mg l-1) and then decreased sharply when the concentration of o-phthalate became low during biodegradation of o-phthalate in anaerobic sediment slurries under CO2/H2 (4:1, v/v). In contrast, the benzoate transformers increased about four orders of magnitude (to 1.6x10(11)cells g-1 sediment) in 48 days and then increased one more order (to 1.6x10(12)cells g-1 sediment) in 60 days and then remained at that high level in those sediment slurries. When making a comparison between the growth dynamics of o-phthalate transformers, acetogens, sulfate reducers, and methanogens and the time course of o-phthalate transformation, it appears that acetogens did not initiate biotransformation of o-phthalate, and that sulfate reducers and methanogens were not directly involved in o-phthalte degradation. o-Phthalate was not transformed in sediment slurries amended with BESA plus molybdate under CO2/H2.

The relationship between inflammatory markers, leptin and adiponectin in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Chronic inflammation is prevalent in dialysis patients. We investigated the relationship between inflammation and newly identified adipokines: leptin and adiponectin in this population. A total of 129 chronic hemodialysis patients were collected. Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin and adiponectin levels were determined as well as other metabolic variables. Correlation studies and multiple regression analysis were performed among variables. Our results showed that hemodialysis patients had elevated levels of inflammatory markers, leptin and adiponectin. Diabetic subjects had higher serum CRP and lower albumin levels than non-diabetics. Serum CRP levels were positively correlated with IL-6 levels and negatively correlated with albumin levels. Serum leptin levels were directly related to CRP levels while adiponectin levels were inversely related to CRP levels. A significant negative correlation was observed between serum leptin and adiponectin levels. Serum IL-6 levels were the single independent factor affecting CRP levels. Body mass index can predict both serum leptin and adiponectin levels. We conclude that hemodialysis patients are at an increased risk of chronic inflammation and diabetes patients are even more susceptible to this status. Both serum leptin and adiponectin levels are associated with inflammatory markers. As adipose tissue is the major secreting site of these adipokines, our results suggest that adipose tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation in dialysis patients.

Sonographic patterns of splenic abscess: an analysis of 34 proven cases.

BACKGROUND: The sonographic patterns of splenic abscess are seldom reported. We report the different sonographic patterns in 34 proven cases. METHODS: From 1984 to June 2000, 42 patients were diagnosed with splenic abscess by abscess aspiration or pathologic findings of surgical specimens. Among them, 34 cases underwent sonographic studies. RESULTS: Fifteen cases had typical abscess echo patterns that included gas in the abscess (two cases) and debris in the abscess cavity (13 cases). Five cases of abscess showed subcapsular lesions with or without echo in the lesion. Two cases of abscess showed a thickened wall mimicking a tumor with central necrosis. Two cases showed a pattern suggesting a cyst. Ten cases showed a pattern suggesting tumor: eight had multiple lesions and two had solitary lesions. Of those 10 cases, seven multifocal abscesses were hypoechoic, and two solitary and one multifocal abscess were mixed echoic. Mortality from multiple splenic abscesses was higher than that from solitary abscess (p = 0.032). Both patients with gas in the abscess expired. CONCLUSION: Sonography of a splenic abscess is variable. A typical pattern was seen in only 44.1% (15 of 34) of patients in our series. We suggest using needle aspiration in each suspected case. Multiple and gas-containing abscesses indicate a poor prognosis.

Clinical characteristics of double pylorus.

BACKGROUND: Double pylorus can occur as either a congenital abnormality or an acquired complication of peptic ulcer disease. There has been no report of long-term follow-up of a large series of patients treated for double pylorus. The objective of this study was to determine the course of double pylorus in 20 patients by serial endoscopic examination. METHODS: Among 102,958 endoscopic examinations conducted from 1987 to 1999, a diagnosis of double pylorus was made in 20 patients, 18 of whom were followed from 2 months to 10 years. The demographics, clinical presentations, and outcome, as well as endoscopic patterns of double pylorus, were retrospectively reviewed. The rates of ulcer recurrence and symptoms were estimated and compared. RESULTS: Most fistulous rings were located on the lesser curve of the gastric antrum (75%). Evolution from an original ulcer to fistula was observed in 9 patients. The fistula disappeared in 1 patient, remained open in 12, and converged with the normal pyloric ring in 5 patients. One or more associated systemic diseases and extensive treatment with various drugs were noted in 12 patients. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in infected patients resulted in a lower percentage of patients with symptoms (36% vs. 100%) and ulcer recurrence (55% vs. 100%) compared with uninfected patients, but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In this study, fistula closure did not occur in the majority of patients. Associated systemic diseases and extensive use of medications might be important factors in persistence of double pylorus. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori was not beneficial in terms of relief of symptoms, prevention of ulcer recurrence, and fistula closure. Surgical intervention should be considered for patients with refractory symptoms, recurrent ulcers, and other complications.

Differentiation of benign and malignant gastric stromal tumors using endoscopic ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a useful modality to show the sonographic features of gastric stromal tumors (GST) which originate from the gastric wall, but it is difficult to distinguish benign from malignant tumors. This study tried to discriminate between them by their EUS patterns. METHODS: EUS patterns were obtained from 52 histologically proved GST. The tumor size, echo patterns and irregular margin were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 52 GST, 11 were leiomyosarcoma and 41 were leiomyoma. The mean sizes of the leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma were 3.3 +/- 1.1 cm and 7.1 +/- 2.2 cm (p < 0.01). Using a tumor size > or = 5 cm as a criterion for malignancy resulted in a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 85.4%. A sonolucent area inside the tumor, resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 81.8% and 80.5%. With an irregular tumor margin, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.9% and 90.2%. A combination of all 3 criteria, resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 72.7% and 90.2%. For benign tumors, the criteria of tumor < 5 cm, no sonolucent areas and no irregular margin had a sensitivity of 80.5% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION: Tumor size is not a sensitive criterion of malignancy. An irregular margin and sonolucent areas in the tumor have better sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of malignant GST. On the contrary, a GST smaller than 5 cm in size with neither a sonolucent area nor an irregular tumor margin strongly suggests a benign lesion.

Acute renal failure caused by rifampicin re-exposure with 10-year of interval.

A 53-year-old woman was treated for recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis with reintroduction of rifampicin after a medication-free interval of 10 years. After taking the first dose, she developed severe hemolytic anemia and oliguric acute renal failure and required temporary hemodialysis. The fulminant clinical course was compatible with rifampicin-induced acute renal failure. The renal function of this patient completely recovered after discontinuation of rifampicin and temporary hemodialysis. Since renal biopsy and anti-rifampicin antibodies cannot offer a definite diagnosis of rifampicin-induced acute renal failure, we must emphasize the importance of a clinical diagnosis of rifampicin-induced acute renal failure and complete history taking. Re-exposure is a critical factor. In this case, the rifampicin-free interval was as long as 10 years. Because of the feasible prognosis, reintroduction of rifampicin for recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis should not be abandoned, but the infrequent and life-threatening side effects should be kept in mind.

Catecholamines in hyperpnoea-induced airway constriction of guinea pigs.

1. We found previously that propranolol augments hyperpnoea-induced bronchoconstriction (HIB). This study was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism of this aug- menting action of propranolol. 2. In the first series, 45 young Hartley guinea-pigs were divided into five groups: control; propranolol; adrenalectomy; metoprolol and reserpine. Each animal underwent three periods: baseline, hyperpnoea, and recovery. For each animal 1 ml of arterial blood was sampled during the baseline and recovery periods. 3. Treatments of propranolol, metoprolol, and reserpine caused significant decreases in both dynamic respiratory compliance (Crs) and forced expiratory volume in 0.1 s (FEV0.1) during the baseline period. Hyperpnoea caused slight but not significant decreases in Crs, FEV0.1, and maximal expiratory flow at 50% total lung capacity (TLC) (V(max50)) during the recovery period in the control group. Propranolol, but not other treatments, significantly augmented these decreases (indicating HIB). Plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels in the reserpine group were not detectable. The above treatments or hyperpnoea did not induce any significant effect on the plasma noradrenaline level. Plasma adrenaline level of the control group was higher than that of either adrenalectomy or reserpine group during the baseline and the recovery periods. 4. In the second series, we avoided repeated blood samplings. Forty-eight animals were evenly divided into two groups: control and propranolol. Each group was again evenly divided into three subgroups: baseline; hyperpnoea, and recovery. Five minutes into the recovery period, we demonstrated HIB in the control group. In terms of V(max50), this HIB was significantly augmented by propranolol. Plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels, however, were not significantly altered by either hyperpnoea or propranolol. 5. Taken together, these data suggest that propranolol-augmented HIB has no direct relationship with decreased catecholamine activity.

Demonstration of gastric submucosal lesions by high-resolution transabdominal sonography.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the accuracy of high-resolution transabdominal sonography (TAUS) in identifying and characterizing gastric submucosal masses previously detected by endoscopy. METHODS: Patients given endoscopy for suspected submucosal gastric lesions and 2 patients with gastric wall cysts were enrolled. Patients underwent TAUS and then endoscopic sonography (EUS) on the same day, and the sonographic results were compared with endoscopic and histologic findings. RESULTS: Among 101 patients with gastric submucosal masses on endoscopy, TAUS revealed a mass in 94 (93%); of these 94 patients, 60 underwent EUS. The final diagnoses were 31 leiomyomas, 10 leiomyosarcomas, 13 ectopic pancreases, 2 cysts, and 1 glomus tumor, 1 carcinoid tumor, 1 lipoma, and 1 fibroma. Leiomyomas (mean size, 3.2 cm) and leiomyosarcomas (mean size, 7.1 cm) were shown sonographically to originate from the muscular layer. Ectopic pancreases (mean size, 1.2 cm) were shown to originate from the submucosal layer and had a homogeneously echogenic pattern. Gastric cysts were found in the submucosal layer and were anechoic. The glomus tumor and the carcinoid tumor were found in the muscular layer and were hypoechoic. The lipoma and the fibroma were located in the submucosal layer and were echogenic on TAUS. CONCLUSIONS: TAUS had a detection rate of 93% in visualizing submucosal gastric masses previously identified by endoscopy. TAUS is less invasive than EUS and can be used to follow submucosal gastric masses that are not excised.

Hemorrhagic gastric glomus tumor mimicks a leiomyosarcoma on both transabdominal and endoscopic ultrasonography: case report.

Glomus tumor is a benign tumor that arises from the modified smooth muscle cells of the glomus body and usually occurs in the skin, particularly in the nail-beds and fingertips. Gastric glomus tumor is a rare gastric submucosal tumor. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is useful in differentiating the gastric submucosal tumors, such as leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, lipoma, ectopic pancreas and glomus tumor. On sonography, gastric glomus tumor appears as a homogeneous hypoechoic or a heterogeneous low echoic pattern mixed with internal high echoic spots. Here, we describe an unusual sonographic figure of a hemorrhagic gastric glomus tumor on both EUS and high-resolution transabdominal ultrasonography (TAU). This tumor was located in the gastric muscular layer. Sonographic examination revealed a heterogeneous echogenicity with hyper- and anechoic areas, which mimicked the echoic pattern of gastric leiomyosarcoma.

Influence of mineral intake and use of oral contraceptives before pregnancy on the mineral content of human colostrum and of more mature milk.

PIP: The effects of mineral intake and long-term oral contraceptive use before pregnancy on the mineral content of milk of healthy lactating women were evaluated in a study of 52 volunteers ages 18-31. Subjects reporting previous oral contraceptive use had significantly lower levels of copper in serum, perhaps reflecting reduced copper stores resulting from prolonged estrogen exposure, but concomitant changes in copper levels in their milk were not noted. Serum calcium and magnesium levels were not significantly affected by prior pill use. Pill use had no significant effect on concentrations of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, or iron in colostrum at day 3 or more mature milk at day 14 of lactation, while mean manganese levels were significantly lower at both times for previous oral contraceptive users (but still exceeded manganese levels recommended for infants). Mineral and vitamin supplementation significantly improved the levels of zinc and iron intake, but did not appreciably alter the mineral content of milk. Higher levels of zinc were found in colostrum compared to day 14 milk, while manganese concentrations increased significantly during the 1st 2 weeks of lactation. Calcium, magnesium, iron and copper levels did not change significantly as lactation progressed. Levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese in colostrum were significantly positively correlated with the mineral concentration on day 14. No significant diurnal or daily variation was observed in the levels of calcium, magnesium, or zinc content in milk during 2 24-hour periods.^ieng