Differential Cross Section and Photon-Beam Asymmetry for the γ[over →]p → π

Differential cross sections and photon-beam asymmetries for the γ[over →]p→π^{-}Δ^{++}(1232) reaction have been measured for 0.7

Interference Effect between ϕ and Λ(1520) Production Channels in the γp→K

The ϕ-Λ(1520) interference effect in the γp→K^{+}K^{-}p reaction has been measured for the first time in the energy range from 1.673 to 2.173 GeV. The relative phases between ϕ and Λ(1520) production amplitudes were obtained in the kinematic region where the two resonances overlap. The measurement results support strong constructive interference when K^{+}K^{-} pairs are observed at forward angles but destructive interference for proton emission at forward angles. Furthermore, the observed interference effect does not account for the sqrt[s]=2.1 GeV bump structure in forward differential cross sections for ϕ photoproduction. This fact suggests possible exotic structures such as a hidden-strangeness pentaquark state, a new Pomeron exchange, or rescattering processes via other hyperon states.

Near-threshold Lambda(1520) production by the gamma(p)-->K{+}Lambda(1520) reaction at forward K+ angles.

Differential cross sections and photon-beam asymmetries for the gamma(p)-->K{+}Lambda(1520) reaction have been measured with linearly polarized photon beams at energies from the threshold to 2.4 GeV at 0.6or=5/2 or by a new reaction process, for example, an interference effect with the phi photoproduction having a similar bump structure in the cross sections.

The last deglaciation event in the eastern central arctic ocean.

Oxygen isotope records of cores from the central Arctic Ocean yield evidence for a major influx of meltwater at the beginning of the last deglaciation 15.7 thousand years ago (16,650 calendar years B.C.). The almost parallel trends of the isotope records from the Arctic Ocean, the Fram Strait, and the east Greenland continental margin suggest contemporaneous variations of the Eurasian Arctic and Greenland (Laurentide) ice sheets or increased export of low-saline waters from the Arctic within the East Greenland Current during the last deglaciation. On the basis of isotope and carbon data, the modern surface- and deep-water characteristics and seasonally open-ice conditions with increased surface-water productivity were established in the central Arctic at the end of Termination lb about 7.2 thousand years ago or 6,000 calendar years B.C.).

The production of reactive oxygen species in tacrolimus-treated glial cells.

OBJECTIVE: After organ transplantation, some patients suffer from mild neurological symptoms, such as tremor, to severe complications, including seizures and encephalopathy. These neurological side effects can be caused by immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus. However, the mechanism of encephalopathy by tacrolimus is not fully understood. METHODS: We measured the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in glioma cells after tacrolimus treatment. Tacrolimus added to glioma cells was incubated for 60 minutes at 37 degrees C. The production of ROS was evaluated by measuring the fluorescent product from the oxidation of an oxidant-sensitive 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin using VICTOR3TM multilabel counter. RESULTS: Tacrolimus resulted in the production of the ROS in glioma cells. The production of the ROS was increased in time-dependent fashion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that the tacrolimus may contribute the neurological side effects by ROS production.

Total antioxidant status and oxygen free radicals during hepatic regeneration.

OBJECTIVES: The damage induced by oxygen free radicals (OFRs) is caused by an imbalance of the production of versus the antioxidant defenses against OFRs. METHODS: To understand hepatic damage induced by oxygen free radicals after hepatectomy in rats, total antioxidant status and total production of oxygen free radicals were serially measured in regeneration liver. At 1, 2, 3, 7, and 10 days after hepatectomy of Sprague-Dawley rats, blood was obtained into a capillary tube from a tail vein. Total antioxidant status and total production of oxygen free radicals were measured using the Randox kit, a colorimetric method, and the Free Radical Analytical System. We also measured the amount of malonyldialdehyde, which provides an indirect index of oxidative injury. RESULTS: The level of malonyldialdehyde after hepatectomy was higher compared with that before hepatectomy. The level of total oxygen free radicals after hepatectomy was higher compared with that before hepatectomy. Total antioxidant status after hepatectomy was lower compared with that before hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the damage by OFRs to the regenerating liver was caused by increased production of OFRs and decreased antioxidant defense against OFRs.

Treatment of renal calculus in inferior crossed renal ectopia.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is still the treatment of choice for selected cases of "surgical" stone disease. This is a case report of the surgical treatment for a renal calculus located in the inferior moiety of right-to-left inferior crossed renal ectopia. After a failed attempt at extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, a successful percutaneous nephrolithotomy was done without complication.

Percutaneous nephrostomy for palliation of metastatic ureteral obstruction.

Urinary diversion for palliation of metastatic ureteral obstruction has been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, especially with open surgical nephrostomies. An evaluation of percutaneous nephrostomy drainage for the palliation of metastatic ureteral obstruction in 27 patients revealed an increase in survival with decreased morbidity, and a follow-up ranging from three to twenty-five months. The mean survival of all patients was 6.63 months (N = 19), with 8 patients still alive. The histology was the main determinant of length of survival, with prostate, rectal, and cervical cancer patients surviving the longest. The perioperative mortality was 11.1 per cent (3/27), and the postoperative complications consisted of hemorrhage requiring transfusion 29.6 per cent (8/27), gastrointestinal bleeding 3.7 per cent (1/27), and dislodged nephrostomy tubes 44.4 per cent (12/27). Percutaneous nephrostomy drainage is a less morbid procedure than open surgical procedures, and the main determinant of length of survival is the histology of the primary tumor in patients with metastatic ureteral obstruction.

Endourologic management of ureteroscopic complications.

Ureteroscopic injuries can be treated with endourologic techniques avoiding the morbidity of open operation. We report two cases of ureteral injury following ureteroscopy: one with extravasation, and the other, diagnosed one month postoperatively, with fistula and retroperitoneal urinoma. Both cases were successfully treated by percutaneous approaches. Possible etiology, preventive measures, and treatments are discussed.

An unusual case of neuro-Behçet's disease presenting with reversible basilar artery occlusion.

Neuro-vasculo-Behçet's disease is considered a venous vessel disease generally in the form of cerebral venous thrombosis. Arterial involvement has been rarely reported. We present a patient with neuro-Behçet's disease who developed reversible basilar artery occlusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of neuro-Behçet's disease presenting with reversible basilar artery occlusion. Behçet's disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of basilar artery occlusion.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in the spinal cord injury patient: a complication of urolithiasis.

Three spinal cord injury patients with very similar clinical courses developed xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) as a result of neglecting surgical stone therapy and appropriate lower urinary tract rehabilitation. This paper discusses the clinical courses, the pathology of XGP and suggested methods of prevention.