17ß-estradiol inhibits hepatic iNOS via the activation of the estrogen receptor ER-α and inhibition of erk1/2-mir-221 axis.

17ß-Estradiol (E2) is known to negatively regulate inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) expression via estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) activation in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells.Therefore, we sought to determine whether E2 can inhibit iNOS in vivo in hepatic tissue via the activation of ER-α and whether extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2)-miR-221 axis is involved in this process. Male Wistar rats were treated with a bolus injection of E2 intraperitoneally (40 µg/kg), and 24 hours after treatment the animals were sacrificed and the livers excised. The protein levels of iNOS, p50 and p65 subunits of nuclear factor κB (NFκB), ERα, ERK1/2 and protein kinase B (Akt), as well as the association of ERα/Src in liver lysates were assessed by Western blot. The expression of hepatic miR-221 was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Results show that E2 reduced hepatic iNOS protein expression (p less than 0.01), the protein level of ERα (p less than 0.05), ERK1/2 (p less than 0.05), Akt phosphorylation (p less than 0.001) and miR-221 expression (p less than 0.05). In contrast, hepatic ERα/Src kinase association level (p less than 0.05) increased after E2 treatment. Our results indicate that E2 inhibits hepatic iNOS via molecular mechanisms involving the activation of the ER-α and inhibition of ERK1/2-miR-221 axis.

Mitochondria-targeted dodecyltriphenylphosphonium (C12TPP) combats high-fat-diet-induced obesity in mice.

BACKGROUND: A membrane-penetrating cation, dodecyltriphenylphosphonium (C12TPP), facilitates the recycling of fatty acids in the artificial lipid membrane and mitochondria. C12TPP can dissipate mitochondrial membrane potential and may affect total energy expenditure and body weight in animals and humans. METHODS: We investigated the metabolic effects of C12TPP in isolated brown-fat mitochondria, brown adipocyte cultures and mice in vivo. Experimental approaches included the measurement of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, western blotting, magnetic resonance imaging and bomb calorimetry. RESULTS: In mice, C12TPP (50 µmol per (day•kg body weight)) in the drinking water significantly reduced body weight (12%, P<0.001) and body fat mass (24%, P<0.001) during the first 7 days of treatment. C12TPP did not affect water palatability and intake or the energy and lipid content in feces. The addition of C12TPP to isolated brown-fat mitochondria resulted in increased oxygen consumption. Three hours of pretreatment with C12TPP also increased oligomycin-insensitive oxygen consumption in brown adipocyte cultures (P<0.01). The effects of C12TPP on mitochondria, cells and mice were independent of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). However, C12TPP treatment increased the mitochondrial protein levels in the brown adipose tissue of both wild-type and UCP1-knockout mice. Pair-feeding revealed that one-third of the body weight loss in C12TPP-treated mice was due to reduced food intake. C12TPP treatment elevated the resting metabolic rate (RMR) by up to 18% (P<0.05) compared with pair-fed animals. C12TPP reduced the respiratory exchange ratio, indicating enhanced fatty acid oxidation in mice. CONCLUSIONS: C12TPP combats diet-induced obesity by reducing food intake, increasing the RMR and enhancing fatty acid oxidation.

Comparison of 18F-FDG PET/CT and MDCT for staging/restaging of non-small cell lung cancer.

UNLABELLED: Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is most commonly used for staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In recent years, 18F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) has also been used for the same purpose. Since studies comparing these two methods are scarce, our aim was to determine how the TNM classification and thereby staging of NSCLC compare between 18F-FDG PET/CT and MDCT. 18F-FDG PET/CT and MDCT were collected in 83 patients with NSCLC 3 to 30 days apart (median 17 days). The investigators interpreting 18F-FDG PET/CT were unaware of MDCT results. The Cohen's kappa (κ) was calculated to determine the rate of agreement. The hypothesis was that the strength of agreement between the two methods will be at least moderate (κ>0.40) based on the adopted criteria (κ<0.20 poor; 0.21-0.40 fair; 0.41-0.60 moderate; 0.61-0.80 good; 0.81-1.00 very good agreement). The agreement was moderate for determining the T class (κ=0.45, overall agreement 58%), poor for the N class (κ=0.13, 42%) and fair for the M class (κ=0.22, 58%). The agreement for overall staging of NSCLC was poor (κ=0.20, 45%). The major source of disagreement was that metastases were present more frequently and/or in larger number on 18F-FDG PET/CT than MDCT in the contralateral mediastinal, supraclavicular, and distant lymph nodes, as well as in the bones and suprarenal glands. Since 18F-FDG PET/CT detected more regional and distant metastases than MDCT, we conclude that FDG PET/CT is useful for staging/restaging and planning treatment of patients with NSCLC. KEYWORDS: Non-small cell lung cancer, positron emission tomography, multidetector computed tomography, metastases detection.

The clinical value of scintigraphy of neuroendocrine tumors using (99m)Tc-HYNIC-TOC.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of whole body scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-HYNIC-TOC (Tektrotyd) and with single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) in the detection of primary and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). METHODS: Thirty patients with different neuroendocrine tumors, mainly gastroenteropancreatic (GEP), were investigated. Whole body scintigraphy was performed 2 h (if necessary 10 min and 24h) after i.v. administration of 740 Mbq (99m)Tc-Tektrotyd, Polatom. In cases of unclear findings obtained by whole body scintigraphy, investigation was followed by SPECT. RESULTS: From 12 patients with NETs of unknown origin, there were 10 true positive (TP), and 2 false negative (FN) findings. Diagnosis was made with SPECT in 6 patients. From 8 patients with gut carcinoids, there were 4 TP, 2 true negative (TN), one FN, and one false positive (FP) finding. Diagnosis was made with SPECT in 2 patients. From 7 patients with neuroendocrine pancreatic carcinomas there were 4 TP and 3 TN findings. Diagnosis was made with SPECT in 2 patients. From 3 patients with gastrinomas there were 2 TP findings and one TN findings. Diagnosis was made with SPECT findings in 2 patients. Sensitivity of (99m)Tc-HYNIC-TOC was 87%, specificity 86%, positive predictive value 95%, negative predictive value 67% and accuracy 87%. CONCLUSION: We concluded that scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-Tektrotyd is an useful method for diagnosis, staging and follow up of the patients with NETs.

Adipose tissue pathways involved in weight loss of cancer cachexia.

BACKGROUND: The regulatory gene pathways that accompany loss of adipose tissue in cancer cachexia are unknown and were explored using pangenomic transcriptome profiling. METHODS: Global gene expression profiles of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue were studied in gastrointestinal cancer patients with (n=13) or without (n=14) cachexia. RESULTS: Cachexia was accompanied by preferential loss of adipose tissue and decreased fat cell volume, but not number. Adipose tissue pathways regulating energy turnover were upregulated, whereas genes in pathways related to cell and tissue structure (cellular adhesion, extracellular matrix and actin cytoskeleton) were downregulated in cachectic patients. Transcriptional response elements for hepatic nuclear factor-4 (HNF4) were overrepresented in the promoters of extracellular matrix and adhesion molecule genes, and adipose HNF4 mRNA was downregulated in cachexia. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer cachexia is characterised by preferential loss of adipose tissue; muscle mass is less affected. Loss of adipose tissue is secondary to a decrease in adipocyte lipid content and associates with changes in the expression of genes that regulate energy turnover, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, which suggest high tissue remodelling. Changes in gene expression in cachexia are reciprocal to those observed in obesity, suggesting that regulation of fat mass at least partly corresponds to two sides of the same coin.

Plasma phospholipase A2 activity in patients with asthma: association with body mass index and cholesterol concentration.

BACKGROUND: Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) have functions relevant to asthmatic inflammation, including eicosanoid synthesis and effects on dendritic cells and T cells. The aim of this study was to measure sPLA2 activity in patients with stable and acute asthma and to assess potential associations with body mass index (BMI), and plasma cholesterol and vitamin C concentrations. METHODS: Plasma sPLA2 activity and concentrations of cholesterol and vitamin C were measured in 23 control subjects and 61 subjects with stable asthma (42 mild to moderate, 19 severe). In addition, sPLA2 activity was measured in 36 patients experiencing acute asthma and in 22 of these patients after recovery from the acute attack. RESULTS: sPLA2 activity was not significantly greater in severe (499.9 U; 95% confidence interval (CI) 439.4 to 560.4) compared with mild to moderate asthmatic subjects (464.8; 95% CI 425.3 to 504.3) or control subjects (445.7; 95% CI 392.1 to 499.4), although it was higher in patients with acute asthma (581.6; 95% CI 541.2 to 622.0; p<0.001). Male gender, high plasma cholesterol, increased BMI and atopy were associated with increased sPLA2 activity, while plasma vitamin C was inversely correlated with sPLA2 activity in patients with stable asthma and in control subjects. There were significant interactions between gender and plasma cholesterol and between gender and vitamin C in relation to sPLA2 activity. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma sPLA2 may provide a biological link between asthma, inflammation, increased BMI, lipid metabolism and antioxidants. Interactions among these factors may be pertinent to the pathophysiology and increasing prevalence of both asthma and obesity.

Radioimmunoscintigraphy of colorectal carcinomas with three different radiopharmaceuticals.

The aim of the study was evaluation of the clinical reliability of the immunoscintigraphy for the detection of metastases and recurrences of colorectal carcinomas using three different radiopharmaceutical substances. With IMACIS 1, the number of true negative findings (TN) was 4/7 and true positive (TP) 3/7, while in one patient, the results of immunoscintigraphy significantly influenced the therapeutical management. With INDIMACIS 19-9, there were 2/8 TN and 6/8 TP. In three patients, immunoscintigraphy results influenced patient further management. With ONCOSCINT in 2 patients findings were TN, in one FN and in one FP. In 3 patients, immunoscintigraphy influenced the management of the patient. Other imaging methods (CT, US, MRI) have advantage in detection of liver metastases, while immunoscintigraphy is more specific for the assessment of reccurences of the abdominal tumors. Thus immunoscintigraphy should be applied in patients with suggested recurrences and inconclusive outcome of routine diagnostic workup.

The activities of antioxidant enzymes and monoamine oxidase and uncoupling protein 1 content in brown fat of hypo- and hyperthyroid rats.

We have studied the activities of antioxidant enzymes (AOE), namely, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and catalase (CAT), and the activity of catecholamine-degrading enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) content in brown fat (BF) of hypo- and hyperthyroid rats. We found that hypothyroidism decreased BF UCP1 content and increased MAO, MnSOD, and CAT activities. T3 increased UCP1 content and MnSOD activity and decreased CuZnSOD, MAO, and CAT activities, while T4 significantly altered (decreased) only CAT activity. This study shows that UCP1 content and MAO and AOE activities in rat BF are notably affected by changed thyroid status.

Downregulation of renin gene expression by interleukin-1.

The As4.1 cell line was established from a mouse kidney tumor by transgene-targeted tumorogenesis. These cells express high levels of renin mRNA from their endogenous renin gene and release approximately eightfold-more prorenin than active renin in culture. Levels of renin mRNA in As4.1 cells are decreased in a dose-dependent manner by the addition of physiological concentrations of cytokine interleukin-1 to the media. Stability of renin mRNA and initial rates of release of active renin and prorenin were not significantly altered by interleukin-1. In contrast, transcription initiated from a construct that consisted of 4.1 kilobases of renin 5' flanking sequence fused to a reporter gene (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) was markedly inhibited by interleukin-1. On the basis of our findings, we conclude that downregulation of renin synthesis caused by interleukin-1 occurs primarily at the level of transcription and that DNA sequence or sequences mediating that effect are positioned within 4.1 kilobases upstream of the renin gene. The physiological relevance of this regulation is related to the events that occur during septic shock, characterized by hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, multiple organ failure, and high mortality. Unexpectedly, hypotension associated with septic shock does not lead to activation of the renin-angiotensin system. The hypotension in septicemia is believed to be mediated by the combined action of many modulators including cytokines, and data presented here suggest direct involvement of interleukin-1 in this process.

Thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine differently affect uncoupling protein-1 content and antioxidant enzyme activities in rat interscapular brown adipose tissue.

The activity of the antioxidant enzymes copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH) activity, uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) content, catecholamine degrading enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) concentration were studied in rat interscapular brown adipose tIssue (IBAT). Rats were treated with either thyroxine (T4) or tri-iodothyronine (T3) for five days and then exposed to cold (4 degrees C, 24 h) or housed at room temperature (22 degrees C). Under basal conditions, T3 treatment significantly increased UCP1 content and MnSOD activity whereas CuZnSOD, CAT and MAO activities were significantly decreased. Thyroxine treatment significantly decreased IBAT CAT activity while MDA levels markedly increased. Cold exposure induced a significant augmentation of UCP1 content and MnSOD and mGPDH activities only in animals that were rendered hyperthyroid by T4 treatment. In T3-treated animals acutely exposed to cold stress, MDA concentration, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, was significantly higher compared with that of T3-treated animals housed at room temperature. However, in T4-treated animals, MDA concentrations were markedly lower. These results show that T4 and T3 differently affect IBAT parameters studied not only under basal but also under cold-stimulated conditions.

Effect of cold exposure on serum DBH and interscapular brown adipose tissue MAO activity in hypothyroid T3- and T4-treated rats.

As the indicators of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) function, the activity of serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) monoamine oxidase (MAO) were examined in rats that were chemically thyroidectomized (TX), treated with thyroid hormones, and exposed to cold (4 degrees C). In TX animals, body temperature (bt) significantly decreased, and relative IBAT mass increased as compared with control, euthyroid animals, independent of the ambient temperature. The bt fall in TX cold-exposed animals was more severe, provoking hypothermia after 4 h. Under the same experimental conditions, the SNS function was enhanced as judged by the increased serum DBH and IBAT MAO activities. The treatment of TX animals with T(4) and T(3) re-established the temperature (bt was at the level of controls) and sympathetic homeostasis (DBH activity was at the level of controls) in animals maintained at room temperature but not in those kept under cold conditions. T(4) and T(3) did not affect IBAT MAO activity of TX rats: It remained significantly above the control values whether the animals were maintained at room temperature or exposed to cold. In conclusion, the IBAT of TX cold-exposed rats is incapable of responding to the enhanced thermogenic needs despite the increased SNS activity and thyroid hormone substitution.

The activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of uncoupling protein-1 in the brown adipose tissue of hypothyroid rats: comparison with effects of iopanoic acid.

The activity of antioxidant enzymes, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as that of the mitochondrial FAD-dependent alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPD) in the rat interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) were studied after the treatment with methimazole (MMI) for three weeks or with iopanoic acid (IOP) for five days. Besides, the mitochondrial concentration of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and the activity of catecholamine degrading enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the IBAT as well as the activity of the catecholamine synthesizing enzyme, dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) in rat serum were examined. Judging by the significantly enhanced level of serum DBH, which is an index of sympathetic activity, and that of IBAT MAO, the increase in MnSOD and CAT activities in the IBAT of hypothyroid (MMI-treated) rats seems to be due to elevated activity of sympathetic nervous system (SNS). However, CuZnSOD activity is not affected by SNS. On the contrary, IOP, which is a potent inhibitor of T4 deiodination into T3 producing "local" hypothyroidism, did not change either SNS activity or activities of IBAT antioxidant enzyme. However, both treatments significantly decreased IBAT UCP-1 content and alpha-GPD activity suggesting that the optimal T3 concentration in the IBAT is necessary for maintaining basal levels of these key mitochondrial parameters.

Activities of antioxidant enzymes and monoamine oxidase-A in the rat interscapular brown adipose tissue: effects of insulin and 6-hydroxydopamine.

The effects of different doses of insulin (INS) (0.4 or 4.0 IU/kg body mass, i.p., for 3 hr) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-HDA) (100 mg/kg., i.p.) on the activities of antioxidant enzymes--copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT) and catecholamine degrading enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO-A)--in the rat interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) were studied. In vivo 6-HDA administration, which induces the destruction of sympathetic nerves, markedly reduced IBAT CuZnSOD activity but did not change MnSOD and CAT activities. However, the low dose of INS, which did not induce hypoglycemia, significantly increased the activity of both IBAT mitochondrial enzymes (MnSOD and MAO-A) of control rats. This INS effect on MnSOD was abolished by 6-HDA. On the contrary, CuZnSOD activity was markedly reduced under the influence of INS in both control and 6-HDA-treated rats, whereas for the maintenance of the control level of this enzyme activity, the intact sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is necessary. INS, independent of the dose applied, did not affect CAT activity in control rats, whereas only low INS dose increased the activity of this enzyme in 6-HDA-treated rats. The results indicate that the stimulatory effect of INS on the IBAT mitochondrial enzymes studied is dose dependent and in the case of MnSOD is mediated by SNS. However, the depression in the activity of CuZnSOD is independent of the above-mentioned factors.

Estimation of the enterogastric reflux by modified scintigraphic method.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the study was to introduce the chosen and modified model of the nuclear medicine method for the detection and quantification of enterogastric reflux, as well as evaluation of its clinical validity. METHODOLOGY: The study was performed in 172 patients: with gastric and duodenal ulcer, after Billroth I and Billroth II gastrectomy, with gastroesophageal reflux, after cholecystectomy, with chronic cholecystitis and chronic duodenal disease. Acquisition was performed with a gamma camera, during 90 min after intravenous application of 185MBq 99mTc-Dietil IDA. Test meal was given in the 30th minute, while the gastric region was marked at the end of the study. On the basis of the radioactivity changes in the regions of the stomach and hepatobiliary system, the presence of enterogastric reflux was determined and its index calculated. RESULTS: In all the groups of patients, values were significantly higher than in the controls (P < 0.05). The most frequent occurrence and the largest quantity of reflux was present in patients after Billroth II gastrectomy with significantly different values from other groups of patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results approve clinical value of the chosen and modified scintigraphy of enterogastric reflux, as a non-invasive and physiological method, which provides exact data about its presence and quantity.

Radioimmunodetection of colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the study is detection of the recurrences and metastases of colorectal carcinomas using 111In-labeled antibodies B72.3. METHODOLOGY: Fourteen patients underwent planar immunoscintigraphy and/or tomoscintigraphy. RESULTS: With tomography in comparison to planar scintigraphy, we can access better distinction of tumor and estimation of its size. Other imaging methods (computed tomography, ultrasonography) have an advantage in detection of liver metastases, while immunoscintigraphy is more specific for the assessment of malignant abdominal tumors and extrahepatic metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The first results point out that Oncoscint CR-103 can be useful in diagnosis of recurrences and metastases of colorectal carcinoma, viability assessment after radiotherapy and in the choice of the adequate surgical treatment in dependence of the spread of the disease.

Aortal aneurysm as a cause of ileus.

A 62-year-old patient presented with flatulence, abdominal distension and other symptoms of ileus. Roentgenographic finding found compression on duodenum. Blood pool scintigraphy ((99m)Tc erythrocytes) showed aortal aneurysm, while simultaneous gastric emptying study with liquid meal ((99m)Tc-S-colloid) showed dislocation of duodenum and compression from abdominal aortal aneurysm.

14C-urea breath test in the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori infection is supposed to be one of the major causes of digestive and other diseases. Among a lot of invasive and non-invasive methods for its detection, none is ideal. The aim is an assessment of the Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach using breath test and comparison to other diagnostic methods, as well as following up the effects of therapy. In 17 patients with digestive discomfort, breath test, rapid urease test and histology were performed, while in 47 patients with proven HP infection the effect of therapy was followed up using breath test and clinical findings. Breath test was performed after per oral administration of the capsule of (14)C urea (37 kBq). Findings of the breath and urease tests were in accordance in 14/17 patients (83%) while breath test and histology in 16/17 patients (94%). During follow-up of the therapeutic effects, breath test and clinical findings were in accordance in 43/47 patients (98%). Breath test can be useful in diagnosis but is a method of choice in following up the patients after therapy for H. pylori infection, because it is non-invasive, fast and precise.

Human mediastinal adipose tissue displays certain characteristics of brown fat.

BACKGROUND: The amount of intra-thoracic fat, of which mediastinal adipose tissue comprises the major depot, is related to various cardiometabolic risk factors. Autopsy and imaging studies indicate that the mediastinal depot in adult humans could contain brown adipose tissue (BAT). To gain a better understanding of this intra-thoracic fat depot, we examined possible BAT characteristics of human mediastinal in comparison with subcutaneous adipose tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adipose tissue biopsies from thoracic subcutaneous and mediastinal depots were obtained during open-heart surgery from 33 subjects (26 male, 63.7±13.8 years, body mass index 29.3±5.1 kg m(-2)). Microarray analysis was performed on 10 patients and genes of interest confirmed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in samples from another group of 23 patients. Adipocyte size was determined and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) protein expression investigated with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The microarray data showed that a number of BAT-specific genes had significantly higher expression in the mediastinal depot than in the subcutaneous depot. Higher expression of UCP1 (24-fold, P<0.001) and PPARGC1A (1.7-fold, P=0.0047), and lower expression of SHOX2 (0.12-fold, P<0.001) and HOXC8 (0.14-fold, P<0.001) in the mediastinal depot was confirmed by qPCR. Gene set enrichment analysis identified two gene sets related to mitochondria, which were significantly more highly expressed in the mediastinal than in the subcutaneous depot (P<0.01). No significant changes in UCP1 gene expression were observed in the subcutaneous or mediastinal depots following lowering of body temperature during surgery. UCP1 messenger RNA levels in the mediastinal depot were lower than those in murine BAT and white adipose tissue. In some mediastinal adipose tissue biopsies, a small number of multilocular adipocytes that stained positively for UCP1 were observed. Adipocytes were significantly smaller in the mediastinal than the subcutaneous depot (cross-sectional area 2400±810 versus 3260±980 µm(2), P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Human mediastinal adipose tissue displays some characteristics of BAT when compared with the subcutaneous depot at microscopic and molecular levels.

[Hepatobiliary scintigraphy in evaluation of liver transplant function].

The aim of the study is evaluation of hepatocellular function, as well as morphology and patency of the biliary three of the liver transplants by dynamic hepatobiliary scintigraphy. The study was performed in 10 controls and 10 patients after orthotopic transplantation (up to two years). Sixty minutes dynamic acquisition (1 frame/min) was performed with scintillation camera after injection of 360 MBq 99mTc-diethyl- IDA. Hepatobiliary scintigrams were analysed for morphology, and parenchymal and hepatobiliary TA curves were generated and analysed as regard to the time to maximal acitivity (Tmax) and the time to half of maximum acitivity (T1/2). Uptake of the radiopharmaceutical was slightly but not significantly delayed (Tmax=18.5 +/- 2.9 min) in comparison to the controls (Tmax=14.2 +/- 3.4min), while excretion was significantly prolonged (T1/2=59.5 +/- 12.1 min) than physiological (Tmax=34.2 +/- 4.1min). Intrahepatic bile flow was nonsignificantly prolonged (Tmax=31.3 +/- 3.7 min) in comparison to the controls (Tmax=25.7 +/- 3.5 min) while extrahepatic one is high significantly prolonged (T1/2=89.0 +/- 14.3 min) than physiological (T1/2 =45.0 +/- 7.2 min). Biliary phase of hepatobiliary scintigraphy showed increased accumulation of radiopharmaceutical in the left (n=1) or right (n=2) hepatic duct. Radionuclide methods are noninvasive, and apear to be sensitive and valuable for the monitoring of liver transplants.

Topological quantum computing with only one mobile quasiparticle.

In a topological quantum computer, universal quantum computation is performed by dragging quasiparticle excitations of certain two dimensional systems around each other to form braids of their world lines in 2 + 1 dimensional space-time. In this Letter we show that any such quantum computation that can be done by braiding n identical quasiparticles can also be done by moving a single quasiparticle around n - 1 other identical quasiparticles whose positions remain fixed.