Efficacy of Rose Myrtle Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Seed Extract against Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease in Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp Penaeus vannamei.

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a new emerging bacterial disease that has been recently reported to cause mass mortalities in Pacific whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei. Antibiotics have been used to treat bacterial diseases in shrimp, but most of them have been ineffective and have resulted in drug residues in the harvested shrimp products. In this study, an alternative approach was tested for its efficacy in controlling AHPND. The extract of rose myrtle Rhodomyrtus tomentosa seed, a traditional Vietnamese medicine, was tested for antibacterial effect against three AHPND bacterial strains in vitro (Vibrio parahaemolyticus [VPAHPND ] KC12.020, VPAHPND KC13.14.2, and V. harveyi KC13.17.5) and was further evaluated for its potential efficacy in prevention of AHPND in shrimp in vivo. The in vitro studies showed that the antibacterial activity of the R. tomentosa extract was dose dependent, with the strongest bacterial susceptibility (≥18.0 mm) at a concentration of around 3,500 µg/disc. The in vivo studies showed that after challenge with VPAHPND KC12.020, the survival rates for shrimp in the groups that received feed pellets supplemented with extract at 3.5% or 7.0% (survival ~48.9% and 52.2%, respectively) were significantly higher than the zero survival rate in the positive control group, which received feed without the extract. These results indicate that the use of the R. tomentosa extract as an alternative therapy for control of AHPND in shrimp could help to minimize disease outbreaks. As a result, the extract is further expected to reduce drug/chemical residues in shrimp products.

Analysis of porcine body size variation using re-sequencing data of miniature and large pigs.

BACKGROUND: Domestication has led to substantial phenotypic and genetic variation in domestic animals. In pigs, the size of so called minipigs differs by one order of magnitude compared to breeds of large body size. We used biallelic SNPs identified from re-sequencing data to compare various publicly available wild and domestic populations against two minipig breeds to gain better understanding of the genetic background of the extensive body size variation. We combined two complementary measures, expected heterozygosity and the composite likelihood ratio test implemented in "SweepFinder", to identify signatures of selection in Minipigs. We intersected these sweep regions with a measure of differentiation, namely FST, to remove regions of low variation across pigs. An extraordinary large sweep between 52 and 61 Mb on chromosome X was separately analyzed based on SNP-array data of F2 individuals from a cross of Goettingen Minipigs and large pigs. RESULTS: Selective sweep analysis identified putative sweep regions for growth and subsequent gene annotation provided a comprehensive set of putative candidate genes. A long swept haplotype on chromosome X, descending from the Goettingen Minipig founders was associated with a reduction of adult body length by 3% in F2 cross-breds. CONCLUSION: The resulting set of genes in putative sweep regions implies that the genetic background of body size variation in pigs is polygenic rather than mono- or oligogenic. Identified genes suggest alterations in metabolic functions and a possible insulin resistance to contribute to miniaturization. A size QTL located within the sweep on chromosome X, with an estimated effect of 3% on body length, is comparable to the largest known in pigs or other species. The androgen receptor AR, previously known to influence pig performance and carcass traits, is the most obvious potential candidate gene within this region.

Liver transcriptome analysis reveals important factors involved in the metabolic adaptation of the transition cow.

During early lactation, dairy cows experience a severe metabolic load often resulting in the development of various diseases. The inevitable deficiency in nutrients and energy at the onset of lactation requires an optimal adaptation of the hepatic metabolism to overcome metabolic stress. We conducted a whole-liver transcriptome analysis for the transition cow to identify novel factors crucial for metabolic adaptation. Liver samples were obtained from 6 Red Holstein dairy cows (parity 2 to 7, mean ± standard deviation: 3.7 ± 2.3) at 3 time points: T1 = 22 ± 4 d antepartum, T2 = 10 ± 2 d postpartum, and T3 = 17 ± 2 d postpartum. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we studied the transcriptomic profile of the transition cow before and after parturition. We performed a differential gene expression analysis (DGEA) and gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for biological processes (gene ontology, GO) and pathways (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, KEGG). Among the 10,186 expressed genes, we discovered 1,063 differentially expressed genes (false discovery rate = 5%). The GSEA revealed 16 biological processes and 7 pathways significantly (false discovery rate = 5%) associated with the hepatic changes of the transition cow. Our results confirm that major hepatic changes are related to energy mobilization after parturition; in particular, they are related to fatty acid oxidation/metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and gluconeogenesis. Using the STRING database (https://string-db.org/), we investigated interactions between significant genes and identified 9 key genes (CYP7A1, APOA1, CREM, LOC522146, CYP2C87, HMGCR, FDFT1, SGLE, and CYP26A1) through which the different processes involved in the metabolic adaptation interact. Comparing our main results with the literature, we could identify further genes that have not yet been associated with the transition period (e.g., CPT1B, ADIPOR2, LEPR, CREB3L3, and CCND1) and that are mainly involved in processes controlled by AMP-activated protein kinase, an important regulator of energy homeostasis.

A reaction norm sire model to study the effect of metabolic challenge in early lactation on the functional longevity of dairy cows.

Due to the discrepancy of the high energy demand for rapidly increasing milk production and limited feed intake in the transition period around parturition, dairy cows require considerable metabolic adaptations. We hypothesize that some cows are genetically less suited to cope with these metabolic needs than others, leading to adverse follow-up effects on longevity. To test this, we designed a reaction norm model in which functional lifetime was linked to the metabolic challenge in the beginning of the first lactation. As challenge variables, we used either the sum of milk yield or the accumulated fat-to-protein ratio of the first 3 test-days (<120 d in milk), pre-adjusted for herd-test-day variance. We defined a random regression sire model, in which a random slope was estimated for each sire to assess whether a bull had robust (neutral or positive slopes) or non-robust (negative slopes) daughters. We fitted the model to data of ∼580,000 daughters of ∼5,000 Brown Swiss bulls with suitable observations available (≥10 daughters per bull). To validate our proposed model and assess the reliability of the estimated (co)variance components, we conducted an extensive bootstrap approach. For both challenge variables, we found the sire variance for the slope of the random regression to be significantly different from zero, suggesting a genetic component for metabolic adaptability. The results of the study show that the ability to cope with metabolic stress in the transition period has a genetic component, which can be used to breed metabolically robust dairy cows.

Genetic structure of the threatened Dipterocarpus costatus populations in lowland tropical rainforests of southern Vietnam.

Dipterocarpus costatus is an endangered species restricted to the lowland forests of southern Vietnam. Habitat loss and over-exploitation of D. costatus wood are the major threats to this species. We investigated the level of genetic variability within and among populations of D. costatus in order to provide guidelines for the conservation, management, and restoration of this species to the Forest Protection Department, Vietnam. Nine microsatellite markers were used to analyze 114 samples from four populations representing the natural range of D. costatus in southeast Vietnam. We indicated the low allelic diversity (NA = 2.3) and low genetic diversities with an average observed and expected heterozygosity of 0.130 and 0.151, respectively, in the lowland forests of southeast Vietnam. The low genetic diversity might be a consequence of inbreeding within the small and isolated populations of D. costatus owing to its habitat loss and over-exploitation. All populations deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showing reduced heterozygosity. Alleles were lost from the populations by genetic drift. Genetic differentiation among populations was high (average pairwise FST = 0.405), indicating low gene flow (<1) and isolated populations due to its destructed habitat and large geographical distances (P < 0.05) among populations. Heterozygosity excess tests (except of Bu Gia Map only under infinite allele model) were negative. The high genetic variation (62.7%) was found within populations. The STRUCTURE and neighbor joining tree results suggest strong differentiation among D. costatus populations, with the three genetic clusters, Phu Quoc, Tan Phu and Bu Gia Map, and Lo Go-Xa Mat due to habitat fragmentation and isolation. The threatened status of D. costatus was related to a lack of genetic diversity, with all its populations isolated in small forest patches. We recommend the establishment of an ex situ conservation site for D. costatus with a new big population comprising all genetic groups in order to enhance its survival under different environmental stresses.

Selective synthesis of A-ring Е-arylidene derivatives from ß-sitosterol and their activity.

A series of 24-ethylcholest-4-ene-3,6-dione 2E-arylidene-derivatives has been synthesized by a Claisen-Schmidt reaction from a natural phytosterol ß-sitosterol with yields of 80-85%. The structure of the obtained compounds was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, including two-dimensional correlation experiments. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. It was established that compound 3 with pyridin-3-ylmethylene moiety exhibited a selective cytotoxic effect against the U251 cancer cell line with 99.31% inhibition of cancer cell growth. Compounds with pyridin-4-ylmethylene 4 and furan-2-ylmethylene-5 fragments were the most active inhibitors of α-glucosidase with IC50 64.00 and 38.95 µM, being 3- and 5-times more active than acarbose. Binding mode to α-glucosidase and ADMET characteristics for the lead molecule 5 were proposed computationally. To sum up, an efficient approach to the derivatives with promising antidiabetic activity based on available natural product ß-sitosterol is suggested.

Computer simulation of diffusion in silica liquid under temperature and pressure.

We have studied the diffusion mechanism in silica liquid following a new approach where the diffusion rate is estimated via the rate of SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) and the mean square displacement of Si particles per SiO(x) → SiO(x±1). Molecular dynamics simulation has been conducted for a model consisting of 1998 particles over a wide range of temperatures (3000-4500 K) and pressure (from 0 to 25.75 GPa). Our results show that the rate of SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) increases either with increasing the temperature or pressure. Further, we find that SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) is heterogeneously distributed through the network structure of the liquid. In particular, it is concentrated on a small section of Si particles in a low-temperature regime and at ambient pressure. The spatial localisation of SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) originates from the fact that the stable unit in low- and high-pressure regime is SiO4 and SiO6, respectively. The major change in the diffusion mechanism under pressure or temperature concerns the change in the distribution of SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) through the network structure. It is finally shown that the spatial localisation of SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) is responsible for the dynamics heterogeneity and the diffusion anomaly for silica liquid. This finding supports the concept that as the temperature approaches the glass transition point, SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) spatially localises such that the diffusivity drops and the dynamics are anomalously slow.

Spatial heterogeneous distribution of SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) reactions in silica liquid.

We have numerically studied the diffusion mechanism in silica liquid following an approach where the diffusion rate is evaluated via the SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) reaction rate υ(react) and the mean square displacement of particles d(react) as a reaction happens. Five models at pressure up to 25 GPa and at a temperature of 3000 K have been constructed by molecular dynamic simulation. When applying pressure to the liquid, υ(react) increases monotonously because the Si-O bond becomes weaker with pressure. Meanwhile d(react) attains a maximum near the point of 10 GPa despite the particles move in a significantly smaller volume. Furthermore, the SiO(x) → SiO(x±1) reactions are spatially heterogeneously distributed in the liquid. Upon low pressure, most reactions happen with a small number of Si particles. This reaction localization causes the diffusion anomaly and dynamics heterogeneity in the liquid. With increasing pressure the diffusion mechanism changes from the heterogeneous spatial distribution of reactions to homogeneous one. The simulation also reveals two distinguished regions with quite different coordination environments where the reaction rate significantly differs from each other. These sets of Si particles migrate in space over time and form regions with so-called "fast" and "slow" Si particles. The result obtained here indicates the coexistence of low- and high-density regions, and supports the concept of polymorphism in silica liquid.

Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes of Dichorionic-Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies Conceived by IVF/ICSI Compared with Those Conceived Spontaneously.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate differences in mater-nal and perinatal outcomes between dichorionic-diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies between those conceived spontaneously and those conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods: This study was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. All women with DCDA twin pregnancies were considered for inclusion. Monochorionic twins and higher-order multiple pre-gnancies were excluded. All data related to maternal and perinatal outcomes were extracted from the hospital database and compared between spontaneously conceived DCDA twin pregnancies and those conceived by IVF/ICSI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders to determine factors associated with maternal and perinatal outcomes. Results: Of 739 identified DCDA twin pregnancies, 483 (65.4%) were conceived through IVF/ICSI treatment (IVF/ICSI group), and 256 (34.6%) were spontaneously conceived (SC group). Women in the IVF/ICSI group were older and had fewer previous live births than women in the SC group. The women in the IVF/ICSI group had significantly higher risks of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-5.55), cesarean delivery (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.27-3.17), an postpartum hemorrhage following cesarean section (aOR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.53-6.45). The DCDA twins in the IVF/ICSI group were delivered at an earlier gestational age (36.2 vs. 36.7 weeks, p < 0.001), had slightly lower mean birth weights (2298 vs. 2367 g, p = 0.005), and required more respiratory support (aOR: 0.69; 95% Cl: 0.48-0.98) than those in the SC group. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that women with DCDA twin pregnancies conceived through IVF/ICSI experienced more complications than those with SC DCDA twin pregnancies. Newborns in the IVF/ICSI group had a slightly lower mean birth weight and required respiratory support more frequently, but no other significant differences in perinatal outcomes or perinatal mortality were observed between the two groups.

The Efficacy of Fetoscopic Laser Surgery in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: A Preliminary Vietnamese Study.

Background: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a severe prenatal complication of monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDA). If left untreated, TTTS is associated with a high risk of neonatal death and neurological complications. Various treatment methods for TTTS have been proposed, but fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) is currently the primary treatment for TTTS in global fetal medicine centers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of TTTS following FLS treatment at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (HOGH), a new fetal medicine center in Vietnam. Methods: A prospective study of a series of 33 consecutive TTTS cases prior to 26 weeks of gestation subjected to FLS at HOGH in Vie-tnam between September 2019 to July 2021. Neonates were monitored for at least six months after birth. Results: The survival rate of at least one fetus reached 84.85%. No short-term neurological complications have been reported upon follow-up of the newborn up to six months after birth. There were three stillbirth cases (9.09%), one case of preterm ruptured membra-nes (PROM) (3.03%) after seven days of surgery and three cases of recurrent TTTS after surgery using the Solomon technique (25%). No maternal complications were observed. The mean gestational age at birth was 33.76 ± 4.52 weeks, with a mean interval of 12.24 ± 6.67 weeks between intervention and delivery. Nine cases (30%) were born prematurely before 32 weeks. Additionally, 60% of recipients and nearly 90% of donors weighed less than 2500 grams. Conclusions: FLS leads to high survival rates for fetuses with TTTS. FLS seems to be an effective therapeutic option for TTTS before 26 weeks of gestation.

Structural relationships between hepatitis B surface antigen in human plasma and dimers from recombinant vaccine: a monoclonal antibody study.

Ten monoclonal antibodies were obtained from mice immunized with a yeast recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. They were selected at an early stage for their ability to bind to native surface antigen particles (HBsAg) in human plasma. All antibodies recognized conformational epitopes which were destroyed completely or almost completely by reduction of disulphide bridges. They were divided into five epitope groups by their competition for binding to recombinant S protein, though epitopes within each group are not identical. Recombinant S protein migrated on SDS-PAGE in the absence of reducing agents as a mixture of monomers and dimers/oligomers. Sucrose gradient analysis suggests that all these forms are co-aggregated into HBsAg-like particles. On Western blots, all ten antibodies either bound only to dimers/oligomers or strongly preferred them over monomers. The results suggest that, of the antibodies produced in response to recombinant vaccine in mice, most of those which bind strongly to 'native' HBsAg particles in human plasma recognize surface structures created by interaction between two subunits.

Barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese-American women.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese women in San Francisco and Sacramento, California. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted in 1992 of 306 Vietnamese women in San Francisco and of 339 women in Sacramento. RESULTS: In both communities, only about one half of Vietnamese women had ever had routine check-ups, clinical breast examinations, mammograms, and Pap smear tests, and only about one third were up-to-date for these screening examinations. Among women age 40 or older, 35% had never even contemplated having a mammogram. This study identified several significant barriers to recognition, receipt, and currency of screening tests. Negative predictors of test recognition included low level of education and not having a regular physician. Negative predictors of test receipt included low level of education, not having a regular physician, short duration of residence in the United States, and never having been married. A major negative predictor of test currency was low level of education. With a few exceptions, attitudes and beliefs generally were not important predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Health education and screening programs for early breast and cervical cancer detection among Vietnamese women must be culturally appropriate and conducted in the Vietnamese language. Special outreach efforts are needed to assist recent immigrants in obtaining recommended breast and cervical cancer screening examinations.

Altered lymphocyte acetylcholinesterase activity in patients with senile dementia.

Reductions in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of certain brain areas in patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT) have been found to correlate with the severity of the disease, suggesting a central cholinergic lesion. Since AChE is expressed on the surface of various blood cells too, the AChE activity of lymphocytes and erythrocytes was determined to test the possibility whether the cholinergic lesion is also reflected on these readily available cells. The AChE activity of lymphocytes in SDAT and in alcoholic dementia (AD) were significantly lower as compared to those of the age-matched healthy volunteers. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the activity of lymphocyte AChE between age-matched healthy controls and patients with multi-infarct dementia of vascular origin (MID). No changes could be demonstrated in the erythrocyte AChE activities of the patients studied, and the age-matched healthy individuals, when comparing them to the healthy blood donors. The AChE activity of lymphocytes may thus be a useful marker to follow the alterations in the metabolism of acetylcholine (ACh) in the central nervous system (CNS) of different types of dementia.

Q118X mutation of M1S1 gene caused gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy: the P501T of BIGH3 gene found in a family with gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To analyze BIGH3 and M1S1 genes in two Japanese brothers with gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy and five unaffected family members. METHODS: DNA was extracted, and each part of the two genes was amplified and directly sequenced. RESULTS: On the BIGH3 gene, a heterozygous P501T mutation was found in the elder brother and three unaffected family members. On the M1S1 gene, both brothers with gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy showed a homozygous Q118X mutation, whereas all unaffected members were heterozygous. CONCLUSIONS: The Q118X mutation of M1S1 gene caused gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy. Although the P501T of the BIGH3 gene found in this pedigree was precisely the one reported for lattice corneal dystrophy IIIA, no clinical feature was shown, even in the 85-year-old father. This fact shows that the P501T mutation for LCDIIIA has low penetrance.

H626R and R124C mutations of the TGFBI (BIGH3) gene caused lattice corneal dystrophy in Vietnamese people.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mutations of the human transforming growth factor beta induced gene (TGFBI) were reported to cause lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) in various nationalities. This study analysed the TGFBI gene in Vietnamese people with LCD. METHODS: 13 unrelated families, including 34 patients and 21 unaffected members were examined. 50 normal Vietnamese people served as controls. Blood samples were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from leucocytes. Analysis of TGFBI gene was performed using the polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Corneal buttons were studied histopathologically. RESULTS: Two clinically distinguishable forms of LCD were revealed: one was typical of LCDI; the other was characterised by the late onset, thick lattice lines, and asymmetry between two eyes. Sequencing of the TGFBI gene revealed R124C mutation in three families and H626R mutation in 10 families. Congo red staining of the H626R-LCD cornea showed amyloid deposits in the subepithelial and stromal layers. CONCLUSIONS: R124C and H626R mutations of TGFBI gene caused LCD in Vietnamese people. R124C, a common cause of LCDI in many nationalities, was relatively rare, whereas H626R reported in several white people but not yet in Asians was most common (>75%) in Vietnamese people. Since the phenotype caused by H626R represents a new variant intermediate between LCDI and LCDIIIA, we proposed to consider it as LCD type IIIB.

Health care access and preventive care among Vietnamese immigrants: do traditional beliefs and practices pose barriers?

Some have speculated that underutilization of Western health services among non-Western populations can be explained by traditional health beliefs and practices rooted deep within cultures. These beliefs and practices may act as barriers to access to and utilization of services. Among Vietnamese, in particular, a number of traditional health beliefs and practices have been identified which are said to pose barriers to Western medical care. No studies to date, however, have examined this hypothesis empirically. To examine this hypothesis, we measured traditional health beliefs and practices among Vietnamese in the San Francisco Bay area and analyzed the relationships between these factors and access to health care and use of preventive health services. The results of this study show clearly that many Vietnamese possess traditional health beliefs and practices which differ from those of the general U.S. population. Yet, the data do not support the hypothesis that these traditional beliefs and practices act as barriers to access to Western medical care or to utilization of preventive services. Being married and poverty status were the most consistent predictors of health care access. Furthermore, the components of access to health care (having some form of health insurance or having a regular doctor, for example) were the strongest predictors of preventive health care services utilization. Importantly, the cultural attributes of individuals did not explain either lack of health care access or underutilization of preventive health care services.

Six different mutations of TGFBI (betaig-h3, keratoepithelin) gene found in Japanese corneal dystrophies.

PURPOSE: To investigate mutations of the human transforming growth factor beta-induced gene (TGFBI), transforming growth factor-beta-induced gene product (betaig-h3, keratoepithelin), in Japanese patients with Avellino corneal dystrophy (ACD), lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD), granular corneal dystrophy (GCD), and Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy (RBCD). METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of 75 patients and 7 unaffected relatives from 60 families with ACD, 34 patients and 8 unaffected relatives from 21 families with LCD, 4 patients and 4 unaffected relatives from 4 families with GCD, and 4 patients and an unaffected relative from 3 families with RBCD. Fifty normal volunteers served as controls. Exons 4, 11, and 12 of the TGFBI gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and were directly sequenced. RESULTS: Six different heterozygous missense mutations were detected in codons R124, L518, L527, and R555 of the TGFBI gene in the 117 patients from 88 families. A R124H mutation was detected in the patients with ACD. A R124C mutation was detected in the patients with LCD type 1 (LCD1), L518P was in atypical LCDI, and L527R in LCD with opacities deep in stroma. A R555W mutation was detected in the patients with GCD. A R555Q mutation was detected in the patients with RBCD. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that codons R124 and R555 of the TGFBI gene are also hot spots in Japanese patients with ACD, LCD, GCD, and RBCD. Many Japanese patients with CD had ACD with R124H mutation. GCD with R555W mutation was rare.

Fluoride and magnesium concentrations in human dental calculus obtained from Japanese and Chinese patients.

Calculus deposited on a total of 68 permanent teeth from patients 30-60 years old from Nagoya in Japan and Beijing in China was investigated. An abrasive microsampling method was used to examine the fluoride (F) and magnesium (Mg) distribution, using a fluoride ion-specific electrode and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. F concentrations decreased from the surface towards the interior of the calculus. Mg concentrations, however, gradually rose towards the innermost surface adjacent to the tooth. In all parts of the depth profiles, the average concentrations of both magnesium and fluoride were higher in the Japanese than in the Chinese calculus. Towards the inner surface of the calculus, F and Mg concentrations were also much higher in the Japanese than in the Chinese group. A greater intake of sea foods and greater use of fluoride dentifrices are possible reasons for the higher F and Mg concentrations in the Japanese individuals.

239+240Pu, 90Sr and 137Cs inventories in surface soils of Vietnam.

Fallout 239+240Pu, 238Pu, 90Sr and 137Cs inventories in surface soils were measured for 20 locations in northern Vietnam yielding the mean values (+/- standard error) of 26.5+/-3.8 Bq m(-2) for 239+240Pu, 1048+/-143 Bq m(-2) for 137Cs and 212+/-28 Bq m(-2) for 90Sr. The concentrations of 137Cs and plutonium isotopes strongly correlate with each other resulting in a stable 239+240Pu/137Cs inventory ratio of 0.025+/-0.002. Among soil parameters, organic matter and fulvic acids strongly correlate with caesium and plutonium isotopes, especially in the 0-10 cm layer. 137Cs and 239+240Pu are distributed rather similarly over the 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layers. At locations with high contents of sand (82-93%) along the South China Sea coast, the downward percolation by rainwater results in a higher accumulation of 239+240Pu and 137Cs in the 10-20 cm layer. The mean 137Cs/ 90Sr inventory ratio is 9.3+/-2.2, and the correlation is weak between these isotopes.

[Expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta, androgen receptors and progesterone receptors in human cornea].

PURPOSE: Using immunohistochemical techniques and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we examined the localization of estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ER alpha, beta), androgen receptor (AR), and progesterone receptor (PR) in human corneas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using formalin-fixed donor human cornea, we did immunohistochemical staining after making transverse sections, and examined the localization of receptors. Also, we extracted mRNA from primary culture cells of the corneal epithelium and stroma as well as the endothelial cell layer and epithelial layer of the cornea, and we performed RT-PCR and examined the expression of each receptor. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining revealed that ER alpha was localized in corneal epithelial cells as well as in corneal stromal cells, and ER beta, AR and PR were localized in corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells. ER alpha, ER beta, and AR mRNA expression was observed in cultured and in vivo epithelium and cultured stroma cells. PR mRNA was expressed not only in cultured and in vivo epithelium and in cultured stroma cells but also in endothelium. CONCLUSIONS: We detected the localization of estrogen receptors alpha and beta, androgen receptors, and progesterone receptors in the human cornea.