1 Gbps full-duplex links for ultra-dense-WDM 6.25 GHz frequency slots in optical metro-access networks.

1 Gbps full-duplex optical links for 6.25 GHz ultra dense WDM frequency slots are demonstrated and optimized for cost-effective metro-access networks. The OLT-ONU downlinks are based on 1 Gbps Nyquist-DPSK using MZM and single-detector heterodyne reception obtaining a sensitivity of -52 dBm. The ONU-OLT uplinks are based on 1 Gbps NRZ-DPSK by directly phase modulated DFB and also single-detector heterodyne reception obtaining same sensitivity of -52 dBm. The power budget of full-duplex link is 43 dB. These proposed links can provide service to 16 (32) users at each 100 (200) GHz WDM channel.

Protective effect of carnosol on CCl(4)-induced acute liver damage in rats.

BACKGROUND: We recently reported that (Lamiaceae) may alleviate CCl(4)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats, possibly blocking the formation of free radicals generated during CCl(4) metabolism. Carnosol, one of the main constituents of Rosmarinus, has been shown to have antioxidant and scavenging activities. Therefore, it is plausible to expect that carnosol may mediate some of the effects of Rosmarinus on oxidative stress consequences induced by CCl(4) in the liver. DESIGN: We evaluated the effectiveness of carnosol to normalize biochemical and histological parameters of CCl(4)-induced acute liver injury. METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 5) injured by CCl(4) (oral dose 4 g/kg of body weight) were treated with a single intraperitoneal dose (5 mg/kg) of carnosol. Twenty-four hours later, the rats were anaesthetized deeply to obtain the liver and blood, and biochemical and histological parameters of liver injury were evaluated. RESULTS: Carnosol normalized bilirubin plasma levels, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver by 69%, reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in plasma by 50%, and partially prevented the fall of liver glycogen content and distortion of the liver parenchyma. CONCLUSIONS: Carnosol prevents acute liver damage, possibly by improving the structural integrity of the hepatocytes. To achieve this, carnosol could scavenge free radicals induced by CCl(4), consequently avoiding the propagation of lipid peroxides. It is suggested that at least some of the beneficial properties of Rosmarinus officinalis are due to carnosol.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae) in the alleviation of carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatotoxicity in the rat.

The effect of oral administration of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) on CCl(4)-induced acute liver injury was investigated. Rats were daily treated with the plant extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg corresponding to 6.04 mg/kg of carnosol as determined by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The treatment was initiated 1 h after CCl(4) administration and Rosmarinus officinalis fully prevented CCl(4) effect on hepatic lipid peroxidation after 24 h of CCl(4) administration. The increase in bilirubin level and alanine aminotransferase activity in plasma induced by CCl(4) was completely normalized by Rosmarinus officinalis. The treatment also produced a significant recovery of CCl(4)-induced decrease in liver glycogen content. CCl(4) did not modify the activity of liver cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) compared with that of control groups. However, Rosmarinus officinalis increased liver cytosolic GST activity and produced an additional increment in plasma GST activity in rats treated with CCl(4). Histological evaluation showed that Rosmarinus officinalis partially prevented CCl(4)-induced inflammation, necrosis and vacuolation. Rosmarinus officinalis might exert a dual effect on CCl(4)-induced acute liver injury, acting as an antioxidant and improving GST-dependent detoxification systems.

Prevalencia de niveles bajos de vitamina D en pacientes con cáncer de mama que viven en latitudes 21-22º Norte / Prevalence of low levels of vitamin D in patients with breast cancer who live in Northern latitudes 21-22º

Introducción: La vitamina D ha sido implicada en diversas patologías, entre las que se encuentra el cáncer. Diversos estudios han relacionado los niveles de vitamina D con el cáncer de mama. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la importancia de concentraciones adecuadas de vitamina D en la prevención del cáncer de mama. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal de casos/controles que incluyó a 76 mujeres: 24 eran pacientes con cáncer de mama (grupo de casos), mientras que 52 mujeres sin cáncer de mama fueron asignadas al grupo control. En todas ellas se evaluaron los hábitos alimenticios, la exposición solar, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el tipo de piel. Se midió la vitamina D mediante cromatografía de líquidos. Se analizó el pleomorfismo del receptor de vitamina D mediante inmunohistoquímica. Resultados: La ingesta de vitamina D fue deficiente en 18 pacientes y 22 controles, y suficiente en 6 pacientes y 30 controles ( odds ratio=4,09, intervalo de confianza (IC) 95%: 1,04-11,0; p=0,016). La exposición solar estuvo presente en 9 pacientes y 15 controles; 15 pacientes y 37 controles estuvieron menos expuestas a la radiación solar y usaban protección. Dos pacientes y 13 controles tuvieron niveles normales de vitamina D (30-60 ng/mL); dos pacientes y 26 controles tuvieron niveles bajos (20-30 ng/mL); y 18 pacientes y 12 controles tuvieron niveles muy bajos (<20 ng/mL). La odds ratio entre las pacientes con niveles séricos de vitamina D ≤20 ng/mL o mayores fue 9, IC 95%: 2,95-27,5, (p<0,001). Estos niveles fueron independientes del IMC. Conclusión: Existe una estrecha relación entre bajas concentraciones de vitamina D y desarrollo de cáncer de mama en una región con alta exposición solar. Se requieren otros estudios para confirmar esta observación (AU)

Objective: Vitamin D has been involved in various diseases, including cancer. Several studies have linked vitamin D levels with breast cancer. The aim of our study was to establish the importance of adequate vitamin D concentrations to prevent breast cancer. Materials and methods: The study included 76 patients. Dietary habits, sun exposure, body mass index (BMI), and skin type were evaluated. Vitamin D determination in serum was measured by liquid chromatography. Vitamin D receptor pleomorphism was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Vitamin D ingestion was deficient in 18 patients and 22 controls; and sufficient in 6 patients and 30 controls, odds ratio of 4.09, confidence interval 95% 1.04-11.0, (p=0.016). Sun exposure was present in 9 patients and 15 controls; 15 patients and 37 controls had less sun exposure or used protection. Two patients and 13 controls had normal levels of vitamin D (30-60), two patients and 26 controls had low levels (20-30), and 18 patients and 12 controls had very low levels (<20). Odds ratio for patients with vitamin D serum levels of 20 ng/mL or less, or higher was 9, CI 95% 2.95-27.5, (p<0.001). These levels were independent from BMI. Conclusion: Low concentrations of vitamin D are strongly related to breast cancer in a region with high solar exposure. More studies are needed to confirm this relationship (AU)

Hallazgos oculares en el síndrome de Hay-Wells / Ocular reward on Hay Wells syndrome

Se presenta un caso de histiocitoma fibroso maligno de la órbita de un masculino de un año de edad, originario de Amatlán, municipio de Córdoba, Ver.; se hacen las consideraciones clínicas, quirúrgicas y consejo genético pertinente para el caso. Se señala que es el primer caso reportado en México.