Confinement effects on intermediate-state flux patterns in mesoscopic type-I superconductors.

Intermediate-state flux structures in mesoscopic type-I superconductors are studied within the Ginzburg-Landau theory. In addition to well-established tubular and laminar structures, the strong confinement leads to the formation of (i) a phase of singly quantized vortices, which is typical for type-II superconductors and (ii) a ring of a normal domain at equilibrium. The stability region and the formation process of these intermediate-state structures are strongly influenced by the geometry of the sample.

Laplace transform homotopy perturbation method for the approximation of variational problems.

This article proposes the application of Laplace Transform-Homotopy Perturbation Method and some of its modifications in order to find analytical approximate solutions for the linear and nonlinear differential equations which arise from some variational problems. As case study we will solve four ordinary differential equations, and we will show that the proposed solutions have good accuracy, even we will obtain an exact solution. In the sequel, we will see that the square residual error for the approximate solutions, belongs to the interval [0.001918936920, 0.06334882582], which confirms the accuracy of the proposed methods, taking into account the complexity and difficulty of variational problems.

Comprehensive analysis of venom from the scorpion Centruroides tecomanus reveals compounds with antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and insecticidal activities.

Centruroides tecomanus is a medically important scorpion of the state of Colima (Mexico). This communication reports the identification of venom components of this scorpion with biological activity over insects/crickets (Acheta domestica), crustaceans/fresh water shrimps (Cambarellus montezumae), and mammalians/mice (Mus musculus, strain CD1). It also describes the pharmacological effects on cell lines in culture (L5178Y cells, HeLa cells, HuTu cells and Jurkat E6-1 cells), as well as on several types of bacteria (see below). The soluble venom of this scorpion was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and collected separately in twelve independent fractions collected over 60 min run (5 min time apart each other). The HPLC components of fraction VII were lethal to all three species used for assay. The IVth fraction had a toxic effect on freshwater shrimps. In this species, fractions VI, VII and VIII were all lethal. For crickets, fractions V and VI were toxic and fraction VII was lethal. In mouse, the lethal components were found in fraction VII, whereas fraction VIII was toxic, but not lethal, at the doses assayed. The molecular weight of peptides from the various group of fractions were identified by mass spectrometry determination. Components lethal to mice showed molecular weights from 7013 to 7487 Da. Two peptides were obtained in homogeneous form and shown to be lethal to the three species of animal used for assay. The soluble venom tested on L5178Y cell line survival was shown to be cytotoxic, at 10-100 µg/mL concentration, when compared to control murine splenocytes (p = 0.007). The soluble venom applied to Hela, Hutu and Jurkat cell lines did not show cytotoxic effects at these concentrations. On the contrary, it seems to have a proliferative effect. However the HPLC fractions I, III, VI and XII do have a cytotoxic effect on Jurkat E06-1 cells in culture at 200 µg/mL concentration. The antimicrobial activity of the venom fractions on Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Salmonella spp (gram-negative) was measured, using the liquid inhibition growth system. The four strains of bacteria used were susceptible to fractions III and IV, affecting all four bacterial strains at concentrations below 5 µg/mL.

Disseminated cryptococcosis presenting as palpable purpura.

Disseminated cryptococcosis with palpable purpura as the initial clinical manifestation developed in a patient with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. Cryptococcal vascular injury in a thrombocytopenic cancer patient best explains this previously unreported presentation of cryptococcosis. Purpuric presentations of disseminated fungal infection are likely to increase in frequency as cancer therapy becomes more aggressive.

Trichophyton mentagrophytes spores differ from mycelia in their ability to induce pustules and activate complement.

To determine whether the morphology of dermatophytes plays a role in the clinical manifestation of dermatophytosis, we isolated spores and mycelia from colonies of killed Trichophyton mentagrophytes and tested their ability to induce gross and microscopic cutaneous changes when applied to guinea pig skin. The skin of normal guinea pigs failed to develop any cutaneous changes after inoculation with either dead spores or mycelia. In contrast, guinea pigs that had recovered from a T. mentagrophytes infection reacted to topically applied spores by producing pustules but failed to develop pustules either grossly or microscopically when inoculated with mycelia. Because differences in the activation of C' and the subsequent generation of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) chemoattractant, C5a, might account for our in vivo findings, we measured the amount of C5a activated in vitro when serum was incubated with equivalent amounts of spores or mycelia. Spores consistently activated more C' to C5a than mycelia, although each could activate serum C'. The results support previous studies that show a direct correlation between the clinical manifestations of a dermatophytic infection and the development of immunity against the dermatophyte. Furthermore, the data suggest that a dermatophyte's predominant morphology during an infection may play a critical role in producing pustules by activating C' and chemoattracting PMNs into the fungus-laden stratum corneum.

Establishment of basal cell carcinoma in culture: evidence for a basal cell carcinoma-derived factor(s) which stimulates fibroblasts to proliferate and release collagenase.

The connective tissue adjacent to basal cell carcinomas (BCC) is frequently abnormal and contains increased numbers of fibroblasts and increased extractable collagenase. To determine whether BCC could produce these alterations by releasing mediators that regulated fibroblast function, we established BCC in culture and tested the ability of their culture supernatants to alter fibroblast proliferation and production of collagenase. Using tissue culture plates coated with type IV collagen and containing x-irradiated 3T3 feeder cells, we established epithelial colonies from 47% of the BCC cultured. The BCC-derived colonies differed from normal epidermal cell colonies in their morphology, growth rate, and keratin production. Culture supernatants from 4 out of 5 confluent BCC-derived colonies contained factors that stimulated fibroblasts to proliferate and release collagenase. These findings show that BCC-derived epidermal cell colonies release mediators which alter fibroblast functions and suggest that some of the connective tissue changes associated with BCC in vivo are the result of BCC-fibroblast interactions.

The effectiveness of low-strength anthralin in psoriasis. A paired comparison study.

Recent trends in psoriasis therapy favor using lower-strength anthralins. To assess the effectiveness of a low concentration (0.01%) v a mid concentration (0.1%) of anthralin, combined with UV-B therapy, a prospective double-blind study was undertaken. Nine patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis involving more than 25% of the total body surface (excluding the scalp) were treated in a paired comparison manner. Patients were examined each day and the degree of erythema, induration, and scale of lesions was recorded for each side of the body. In all nine patients, the side receiving 0.1% anthralin required an average of 10.8 treatment days to achieve the predefined end point: complete flattening of all plaques to palpation. An identical rate of improvement for the 0.01% anthralin-treated side was noted in five of nine patients. The remaining four patients failed to reach the end point on the 0.01% anthralin-treated side even after an average of 15 treatment days.

Cutaneous infarction. Manifestation of disseminated mucormycosis.

We describe the second reported case of cutaneous infarction as a manifestation of disseminated mucormycosis. The lesion, which closely resembled ecthyma gangrenosum, occurred in a leukemic patient who was on a regimen of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In this case as in the only other reported case, Mucor pusillus was the cause.

Transrectal ultrasonography for the early detection and staging of prostate cancer.

Relatively recent changes and improvements in equipment have vastly increased image resolution for transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate. The expanded use of transrectal ultrasonography has greatly furthered knowledge of prostate zonal anatomy and permitted clinical evaluation of internal prostate architecture. The technique is operator dependent, as the quality of the results is related directly to that person's knowledge and experience. The significant majority of prostate cancers originate from the peripheral zone. Palpable stage B nodules characteristically have a hypoechoic appearance. There is disagreement about the tumor characteristics that cause hypoechogenicity, but large tumors may obscure the normal prostate anatomy and appear isoechoic because of the lack of contrast with surrounding prostate tissue. The transition zone of the prostate is the origin of benign prostatic hyperplasia and almost 20 per cent of prostate cancers. These tumors probably correspond to most stage A lesions. Transrectal ultrasonography is less accurate in identifying transition zone tumors because of the mixed echogenicity of the transition zone, interference from prostatic calculi or calcified corpora amylacea, and poorer image resolution in this area. Studies evaluating the use of transrectal ultrasonography for early detection of prostate cancer generally have shown a twofold increase in the detection rate compared with digital rectal examination. However, the decreased morbidity and expense of transrectal prostate biopsy using an automatic gun device have increased the frequency of biopsy in ultrasound-examined patients compared with those historically evaluated by digital rectal examination. The increased detection rate may in part be a function of the increased use of biopsies, independent of other factors. Transrectal ultrasonography rarely detects cancer in patient with normal digital rectal examination and a normal serum prostate-specific antigen level. Transrectal ultrasonography may be capable of identifying early capsular penetration or seminal vesicle invasion in some patients with known prostate cancer. However, its superiority to digital rectal examination for this purpose has not been demonstrated unequivocally. Ultrasonography does allow directed biopsies of the seminal vesicles or other suspect areas, and this may be helpful in staging the disease. The use of transrectal ultrasonography in prostate cancer has evolved rapidly, and changes in technology antiquate reports within a few years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Long-term follow-up after radical prostatectomy. Identification of prognostic variables.

We report one of the largest series of patients treated by radical prostatectomy followed for a minimum of 10 years. The tumor-free survival rate at 10 years seems superior to that achieved with alternative methods of treatment. Pathologic stage, DNA histograms, and tumor grade all correlate with prognosis but none is sufficiently powerful as an independent factor to allow selection of patients for surgery. Although a survival benefit has not been demonstrated, adjuvant treatment such as postoperative irradiation or early hormonal therapy may be indicated in patients with established poor prognostic factors.

Cutaneous cryptococcosis.

Cutaneous cryptococcosis occurs in 10 to 15% of patients with cryptococcosis. Because the cutaneous crytpococcosis may precede clinical signs of central nervous system disease, early recognition may lead to more successful outcomes. This article reviews the mycology, epidemiology, pathology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of this disease, focusing primarily on the cutaneous aspects.

Host grooming and the transmission strategy of Heligmosomoides polygyrus.

Grooming behavior may play a part in the transmission of the gastrointestinal nematode, Heligomosomoides polygyrus in the mouse host. After infective larvae are placed on individually housed mice, significantly higher numbers of adult worms were recovered from the small intestine of mice that were allowed to self-groom when compared to infection levels in mice that had been fitted with Elizabethan collars to prevent self-grooming. Larvae placed on a single mouse housed with 3 other untreated mice resulted in all mice in the group becoming infected, suggesting that allogrooming may also be important in parasite transmission. A significantly higher percentage of larvae nictate on rough surfaces such as damp peat moss substrate when compared to smooth surfaces such as 0.5% agarose. Mice exposed to larvae placed on peat moss substrate have significantly higher infection levels when compared to mice exposed to larvae on a 0.5% agarose substratum, suggesting that natural transmission of infective L3 larvae in mice may be dependent on a substratum type that allows nictation behavior. A significantly higher percentage of worms were attracted to mouse urine and mouse and rat epidermal lipids when compared to deionized water controls in an in vitro preference assay, suggesting an attraction to host-specific signals. These results support the hypothesis that transmission of this parasite is an active process involving movement of the infective larvae of H. polygyrus into the host's active space where they are ingested during grooming behavior.

Seasonal patterns in the biology of Eubothrium salvelini infecting brook trout in a creek in lower Michigan.

A total of 392 brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, and 211 slimy sculpin, Cottus cognatus, was examined for Eubothrium salvelini (Cestoda) from May 1995 through September 1996 from Sweetwater Creek, Michigan. No seasonal pattern in prevalence, intensity, and abundance of parasites in trout and sculpin was determined. However a seasonal pattern in the length and percent gravid E. salvelini in brook trout suggests that recruitment of this parasite occurs during late summer and early fall. During this time the procercoid in the copepod intermediate host is expected to be available in the environment for fish to recruit, but a total of 6,399 copepods was not infected. Gravid worms were not found in slimy sculpin, suggesting it is a paratenic or dead-end host. Detailed studies on the biology of parasites may be more indicative of seasonal transmission patterns than studies that only measure prevalence, abundance, and intensity.

Parasites of the deepwater sculpin, Myoxocephalus thompsoni (Cottidae), from Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

A total of 190 deepwater sculpins, Myoxocephalus thompsoni, collected in 1995 from Michigan waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron was examined for parasites. Five parasite species occurred in sculpins from Lake Michigan with Echinorhynchus salmonis being most common. Six parasite species infected sculpins from Lake Huron, with Haplonema sp. the most common. Haplonema sp. is the only gravid helminth species reported from deepwater sculpins. Pleistophora sp. and Trichodina sp. infected sculpins from Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Parasite species richness for sculpins at the 3 locations ranged from 5 to 6; mean values ranged from 1.18 to 1.39 for examined fish. The restricted diet of deepwater sculpin, which may be related to the depth of its habitat, appears to determine its helminth fauna. Deepwater sculpin may be an important transport host for E. salmonis, Cyathocephalus truncatus, and Eubothrium salvelini to lake trout and burbot that commonly feed on them.

Hepatic histopathology in two populations of the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus.

The pollution-tolerant mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, inhabits a heavily contaminated estuary, Piles Creek (PC), in Linden, NJ. PC contaminants include PAHs, PCBs and many metals, including high Hg and Pb. PC mummichog livers and kidneys were compared with those from a pristine estuary in Tuckerton (TK), NJ, by standard histopathological methods, with quantification by computerized image analysis. PC livers had > 2 x the lipid ratios of TK livers. Cell sizes and shapes were not different between populations. TK livers had a 25% incidence of basophilic areas and an age-related 30% incidence of macrophage aggregates; PC livers had none of these lesions. PC livers had a 100% incidence of necrotic foci, compared with 55% of TK livers. Inflammation was noted in 50% of TK livers but only 27% of PC livers. Curiously, the TK livers had a 45% incidence of metacercarial cysts of a digenetic trematode, while none were found in the PC livers. The TK focal necrosis and macrophage aggregates coincided with parasite infestation. There were no observed kidney lesions in either population. Positive biomarkers in this species thus included high hepatic lipid content, possibly necrosis, but no other lesions. The lack of trematode cysts in PC livers may reflect the lack of an intermediate host in this low biodiversity estuary.

Type II collagen-induced autoimmune inner ear lesions in guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs immunized with type II collagen developed histologic changes resembling those observed in patients with sensorineural hearing loss associated with connective tissue diseases. The histologic changes observed in the inner ears of these guinea pigs included spiral ganglion cell degeneration, atrophied organ of Corti, atrophy of stria vascularis, and mild extension of Reissner's membrane. These pathologic changes were accompanied by both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses directed against type II collagen--a collagen found in the subepithelial layer of the endolymphatic duct and spiral ligament. These findings suggest that an immune response directed against type II collagen can induce inner ear lesions.

Approximate Solutions for Flow with a Stretching Boundary due to Partial Slip.

The homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is coupled with versions of Laplace-Padé and Padé methods to provide an approximate solution to the nonlinear differential equation that describes the behaviour of a flow with a stretching flat boundary due to partial slip. Comparing results between approximate and numerical solutions, we concluded that our results are capable of providing an accurate solution and are extremely efficient.

Composition and diversity patterns in metazoan parasite communities and anthropogenic disturbance in stream ecosystems.

The composition and diversity of metazoan parasite communities in naturally depauperate ecosystems are rarely studied. This study describes the composition of helminth endoparasite communities infecting fish that are part of naturally acidic stream ecosystems in the coastal-plains region of the State of New Jersey (USA) known as the Pinelands, and compares the diversity of parasites between six streams that differ in anthropogenic disturbance. A total of 514 fish were examined representing 6 species native but restricted to the Pinelands region, 5 species native and widespread throughout the region and State, and 6 species introduced to the Pinelands and State. Fish (prevalence: 78%) were infected with 18 helminth endoparasite species. In most streams, prevalence of infection, mean abundance, and total number of individuals for the 5 most common parasites were higher in pirate perch, a native fish species. The diversity of helminth endoparasite communities measured as species richness and Shannon index was higher in degraded streams, and especially in native or introduced fish at these sites. Parasite diversity was positively correlated with anthropogenic disturbance, which was measured by water pH, water conductance, and the proportion of agricultural and developed land surrounding streams. Helminth community composition included parasites intimately tied to trophic interactions in food webs, and disturbance to these ecosystems results in changes to these communities. Understanding structure and function of animal communities from these naturally depauperate ecosystems is important before continued anthropogenic changes result in the extirpation or extinction of their unique fauna.

Ultrasonographic characteristics of the seminal vesicles after ejaculation.

A total of 12 men from a sperm donor bank underwent transrectal ultrasonography before and after ejaculation to investigate possible changes that could influence interpretation of seminal vesicle ultrasonography. The mean length of the seminal vesicles was 2.98 cm. before and 2.95 cm. after ejaculation. The anteroposterior diameter decreased only from 0.59 to 0.52 cm. Minimal differences were noted between the right and left seminal vesicles, and the greatest variation in size in an individual was only 3 mm. These results indicate that interpretation of seminal vesicle anatomy as seen by ultrasonography does not depend upon the temporal relationship to ejaculation.