Ultrafast Formation of a Fermi-Dirac Distributed Electron Gas.

Time- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy with 13 fs temporal resolution is used to follow the different stages in the formation of a Fermi-Dirac distributed electron gas in graphite after absorption of an intense 7 fs laser pulse. Within the first 50 fs after excitation, a sequence of time frames is resolved that are characterized by different energy and momentum exchange processes among the involved photonic, electronic, and phononic degrees of freedom. The results reveal experimentally the complexity of the transition from a nascent nonthermal towards a thermal electron distribution due to the different timescales associated with the involved interaction processes.

Spectroscopic properties and location of the Tb(3+) and Eu(3+) energy levels in Y2O2S under high hydrostatic pressure.

In this contribution, an extensive spectroscopic study of Y2O2S doped with Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) is presented. Steady-state luminescence and luminescence excitation spectra as well as the time-resolved spectra and luminescence kinetics were obtained at high hydrostatic pressures up to 240 kbar. It was found that pressure quenches the luminescence from the (5)D3 excited state of Tb(3+) and recovers additional luminescence related to transitions from the (5)D3 state of Eu(3+). These effects are related to the pressure-induced increases in the energies of the ground electronic manifold 4f(n) of Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) ions with respect to the band edges. Analysis of the emission and excitation spectra allowed the estimation of the energies of the ground states of all lanthanide (Ln) ions (Ln(3+) and Ln(2+)) with respect to the valence and conduction bands edges of the Y2O2S host. The bandgap energy and difference between energies of the ground states of Ln(2+) and Ln(3+) have been calculated as functions of pressure. The experimental high-pressure spectroscopy results allow the calculation of the absolute values (calculated with respect to the vacuum level) of the energies and pressure-induced shifts of the conduction and valence band edges and the ground states of Ln(3+) and Ln(2+) ions in Y2O2S.

Lanthanide ions (Eu3+, Er3+, Pr3+) as luminescence and charge carrier centers in Sr2TiO4.

A series of strontium orthotitanate (Sr2TiO4) samples doped with 2% of a mole of europium, praseodymium, and erbium were obtained using the solid-state synthesis method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique confirms the phase purity of all samples and the lack of the influence of dopants at a given concentration on the structure of materials. The optical properties indicate, in the case of Sr2TiO4:Eu3+, two independent emission (PL) and excitation (PLE) spectra attributed to the Eu3+ ions at sites with different symmetries: low - excited at 360 nm and high - excited at 325 nm, while, for Sr2TiO4:Er3+ and Sr2TiO4:Pr3+, the emission spectra do not depend on the excitation wavelength. The measurements of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) indicate the presence of only one type of charge compensation mechanism, which is based on the creation of strontium vacancies in all cases. This suggests that the different charge compensation mechanisms cannot easily explain the presence of Eu3+ at two non-equivalent crystal sites. The photocurrent excitation (PCE) spectroscopy investigations, that have not been reported in the literature so far, show that among all the studied dopants, only Pr3+ can promote the electrons to the conduction band and give rise to electron conductivity. The results collected from the PLE and PCE spectra allowed us to find the location of the ground states of lanthanides(II)/(III) in the studied matrix.

Transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to household contacts.

The frequency of and risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission from a MRSA index person to household contacts were assessed in this prospective study. Between January 2005 and December 2007, 62 newly diagnosed MRSA index persons (46 patients and 16 health care workers) and their 160 household contacts were included in the study analysis. Transmission of MRSA from an index person to household contacts occurred in nearly half of the cases (47%; n = 29). These 29 index persons together had 84 household contacts, of which two-thirds (67%; n = 56) became MRSA positive. Prolonged exposure time to MRSA at home was a significant risk factor for MRSA transmission to household contacts. In addition, MRSA colonization at least in the throat, younger age, and eczema in index persons were significantly associated with MRSA transmission; the presence of wounds was negatively associated with MRSA transmission. Furthermore, an increased number of household contacts and being the partner of a MRSA index person were household-related risk factors for MRSA acquisition from the index person. No predominant pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) type was observed to be transmitted more frequently than other PFGE types. To date, screening household contacts and providing MRSA eradication therapy to those found positive simultaneously with the index person is not included in the "search-and-destroy" policy. We suggest including both in MRSA prevention guidelines, as this may reduce further spread of MRSA.

Human TIEG2/KLF11 induces oligodendroglial cell death by downregulation of Bcl-XL expression.

TGF-beta-induced apoptosis is essential for embryonic development and mainteanance of adult tissues. Impairment of the apoptotic pathway, regulated by TGF-beta, plays a center role in tumorigenesis and manifestations of different diseases. TIEG2/KLF11 is a recently identified human TGF-beta-inducible zinc finger protein belonging to the family of Sp1/KLF-like transcription factors. In human and murine tissues it has been shown that TIEG1 and TIEG2 induce apoptosis and inhibit cell growth. Since TGF-beta and Tieg1 are able to induce apoptosis in the oligodendroglial cell line OLI-neu, we analysed the ability of TIEG2 to mimic the effects observed after treatment with TGF-beta and overexpression of Tieg1. Herein we report that TIEG2 induces Caspase3-dependent apoptosis in murine OLI-neu cells. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that TIEG2 decreases the levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-X(L) and inhibits transcription driven by the Bcl-X(L) promoter. These data suggest that TIEG2 serves as a downstream mediator of TGF-beta, bridging TGF-beta-dependent signaling to the intracellular pathway of apoptosis.

Hickman catheter-related infections in neutropenic patients: insertion in the operating theater versus insertion in the radiology suite.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of microbial air quality during Hickman catheter insertion in the operating theater versus insertion in the radiology suite on the incidence of catheter-related infections (CRIs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hemato-oncologic patients with prolonged neutropenia on antimicrobial prophylaxis were entered onto the study. Catheters were inserted by experienced radiologists under sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: Forty-eight Hickman catheters in 39 patients were inserted (23 in the operating theater, 25 in the radiology suite). CRIs were seen in 16 catheters (33%; six per 1,000 catheter days; eight in each group). Local infections were found in nine catheters (22%; six in the operating theater v three in the radiology suite; not significant [NS]), catheter-related bacteremia was found in 10 (29%; three in the operating theater v seven in the radiology suite; NS). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) caused all CRIs. Despite early vancomycin therapy, 11 (69%; four in the operating room group v seven in the radiology suite group; NS) of the catheters with CRIs had to be removed prematurely. At 90 days after insertion, catheter survival was 78% and 60% (NS) for the operating room and radiology suite, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that neutropenia increased the CRI risk 20-fold (P =.004) and was strongly related to premature catheter removal owing to infection (relative risk = 11.9; P =.009). Neutropenia on the day of insertion was also significantly correlated with CRI (P =.04) and premature catheter removal owing to infection (P =.03). Serial cultures of blood, exit site, and catheter hub did not predict the development of CRI. CONCLUSION: The high incidence of Hickman CRI caused by CoNS was not associated with insertion location (operating theater v radiology suite). Neutropenia, including neutropenia on the day of insertion, was a significant risk factor for CRI and infection-related catheter removal.

Expression and mutation patterns of p53 in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.

The expression and mutation patterns of p53 were studied in a series of 68 benign pleomorphic adenomas and 237 malignant salivary gland tumors. p53 overexpression (nuclear staining exceeding 10%) was detected in 20% of the malignant salivary gland tumors, with the highest prevalence observed in polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and the lowest in adenoid cystic carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma. In contrast, none of the 68 benign pleomorphic adenomas had nuclear staining exceeding 10%. SSCP and nucleotide sequence analysis of exons 4 to 9 of p53 in 19 malignant tumors revealed 9 mutations in 7 tumors. Our findings indicate that p53 may be a useful marker to help discriminate between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.

Multicolor spectral karyotype analysis of a transplantable human ileal carcinoid.

In this report we present the results of a combined cytogenetic and multicolor spectral karyotype (SKY) analysis of a transplantable human ileal carcinoid (GOT1). By using SKY it was possible to identify the origin and organization of all clonal marker chromosomes and to identify cryptic translocations not detectable by conventional chromosome banding. The stemline karyotype of low passage GOT1 cells was interpreted as 43,XX, der(1)del(1)(?), inv(2)(p25q13), del(3)(p21), del(5)(q13q31), del(6)(q13), -9, -13, -15, del(16) (q22). Analysis of the GOT1 cells after about 2.5 years of propagation in nude mice allowed us to follow the in vivo progression of this tumor. Relatively few additional rearrangements had occurred during this period, indicating that the GOT1 cells are genetically stable. Most of the abnormalities detected result in loss of whole or parts of chromosomes, suggesting that loss of multiple chromosomal regions, presumably containing tumor suppressor genes, might be important genetic events in ileal carcinoids.

Concentrations of testosterone in canine serum during late anestrus, proestrus, estrus, and early diestrus.

Serum testosterone concentrations in samples collected daily from 6 bitches for at least 60 days before the onset of diestrus were determined by radioimmunoassay. Mean serum concentrations (+/- SEM) of testosterone ranged from 31 +/- 11 to 141 +/- 63 pg/ml during late anestrus. Mean testosterone concentrations during proestrus ranged from 106 +/- 29 to 239 +/- 113 pg/ml, with the highest concentration (526 +/- 225 pg/ml) occurring the day of the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone. Although the ovaries may be sites of production during late anestrus, proestrus, estrus, and early diestrus, further investigation is necessary to determine whether testosterone has an important physiologic or endocrinologic function in the bitch (ie, sexual behavior, vaginal hypertrophy, and luteinizing hormone surge).

Validation of radioimmunoassays to measure prostaglandins F2 alpha and E2 in canine endometrium and plasma.

Equilibrium, double-antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA) procedures were validated to measure concentrations of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha, and E2 in canine plasma and endometrium. The procedure for measuring PGF2 alpha or PGE2 used [125I]PGF2 alpha or [3H]PGE2, respectively, as radiolabeled antigens. Specificity was demonstrated by determining the relative potency of selected PG. Relative potencies were calculated by dividing the mass of PGF2 alpha or PGE2 producing 50% inhibition of maximum bound tubes (Bo) by the quantity of test PG producing 50% inhibition in the same assay. Only PGF1 alpha and PGE1 had relative potencies of greater than 1.0% in the PGF2 alpha and PGE2 RIA, respectively. To assess the accuracy of the 2 assay systems, known amounts of authentic hormone were added to plasma, tissue, or 0.05M phosphate-buffered saline solution containing 0.1% gelatin (gel-PBSS). When increasing amounts of PGF2 alpha or PGE2 were added to plasma, tissue, or gel-PBSS, concentrations of PG assayed from extracted or extracted plus chromatographed samples were similar. Additionally, PGF1 alpha or PGE1 was not detected in canine plasma or tissue; therefore, extraction was the only purification needed before analysis of PGF2 alpha or PGE2. The intra-assay precision of 10 assay replicates for a low (70% Bo) and high (27% Bo) sample was 16.0% and 6.7% (coefficient of variation), respectively, for the PGF2 alpha assay. The intra-assay precision of 3 assay replicates for a low (80% Bo) and high (32% Bo) sample was 7.6% and 4.4%, respectively, for the PGE2 assay.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Concentrations of progesterone and luteinizing hormone in the serum of diestrous bitches before and after hysterectomy.

Blood was collected from 6 adult bitches (3 pregnant and 3 nonpregnant) daily for 59 days after the onset of diestrus, and serum progesterone concentrations were determined. The bitches were hysterectomized at various times during diestrus [diestrus day (DD) 5, 15, or 25] to determine whether the uterus has a role in maintaining luteal function in the pregnant or nonpregnant bitch. Concentrations of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) were also measured to determine whether LH concentrations decrease when luteal function abates (experiment 1). All 6 bitches in experiment 1 had progesterone concentrations greater than 1.0 ng/ml during the 2-month period, indicating that neither the pregnant nor nonpregnant uterus was necessary for maintaining luteal function in the bitch. Concentrations of LH appeared to increase in the serum of 5 of the 6 bitches when progesterone concentrations were declining, indicating that cessation of luteal function does not appear to result from a lack of LH. Blood was collected from the 6 bitches used in experiment 1 twice weekly during the 2nd diestrus after hysterectomy (experiment 2) to determine whether alterations in luteal function that might be observed during experiment 1 were due to some aspect of the surgical procedure, rather than to absence of a uterus. Progesterone concentrations in the serum were lower (P less than 0.05) during the 10 days after surgery in the 2 bitches hysterectomized on DD 5 than in the 4 bitches remaining intact during this period (experiment 1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Concentrations of carnitine in the seminal fluid of normospermic, vasectomized, and castrated dogs.

Concentrations of total carnitine (free and esterified) were determined in seminal fluids from 12 normospermic dogs before treatment and from the same 12 dogs after assignment to control, vasectomized, or castrated treatment groups (4 dogs each). Before treatment, the mean concentration (+/- SD) of carnitine in seminal fluid was 946 +/- 345 nmol/ml and was not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) among groups on any seminal collection day. After surgery, mean concentrations of carnitine in seminal fluid from vasectomized and castrated dogs were 49 +/- 9 and 14 +/- 5 nmol/ml, respectively and were lower (P less than 0.001) than the mean concentration in control (sexually intact) dogs. Dogs with obstructive azoospermia may be distinguished from those with aspermatogenesis (secretory azoospermia) by measuring seminal carnitine concentration. Seemingly, the epididymis is the major source of carnitine in canine seminal fluid, because the concentration of carnitine in prostatic fluid was only 58 +/- 53 nmol/ml, whereas the concentration of carnitine in 6 pools of epididymal fluid was 18.8 +/- 3.9 mumol/ml.

Efficacy and toxicity of estrogens commonly used to terminate canine pregnancy.

Three groups of bitches were treated with diethylstilbestrol (75 micrograms/kg) orally for 7 days (n = 12), estradiol cypionate intramuscularly once (22 micrograms/kg; n = 12), or estradiol cypionate intramuscularly once (44 micrograms/kg; n = 12). Treatments commenced during late proestrus (n = 4/group), the fourth day of behavioral estrus (n = 4/group), or the second day of diestrus (n = 4/group). All bitches were bred on alternate days throughout estrus to stud dogs of known fertility. Ovariohysterectomies were performed on day 25 of diestrus to diagnose pregnancy and to assess any pathologic changes in the uterus. Eleven bitches treated with diethylstilbestrol, 6 bitches treated with the low dosage of estradiol cypionate, and 4 bitches receiving the high dosage of estradiol cypionate were pregnant at the time of surgery. Ten of the bitches treated with estrogens during proestrus, 6 treated during estrus, and 4 treated during diestrus were pregnant. The serum concentration of progesterone in 2 bitches treated with the high dosage of estradiol cypionate decreased to less than 2 ng/ml by day 25 of diestrus, suggesting premature luteal regression. Diethylstilbestrol appeared to have little efficacy in terminating pregnancy. Estradiol cypionate appeared to have greater efficacy when administered during estrus or early diestrus; however, pyometra developed in 2 bitches treated with this estrogen during diestrus.

[Frequency of human papillomavirus-herpes simplex-cytomegalovirus and Chlamydia trachomatis infection in genital tracts of sexual partners]. / Czestosc wystepowania infekcji wirusowych brodawczaka ludzkiego, opryszczki plciowej, cytomegalii oraz chlamydia trachomatis w narzadach plciowych partnerów seksualnych.

OBJECTIVES: Much attention is given nowadays to the role of Human Papillomavirus, Herpes simplex virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Chlamydia trachomatis--infections in cervical carcinogenesis. Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex and Chlamydia trachomatis are now thought to be teratogenic to humans. DESIGN: We investigated the prevalence of HPV, HSV, CMV and Chlamydia trachomatis in genital tracts of sexual partners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 90 sexual partners were qualified for the research. Examination smears were taken with the dacron swab from the vaginal part of the uterine cervix, cervical canal, the lower vagina from women and from fossa navicularis penis in men. In the group of 67 men we have investigated semen as well. HPV, HSV, CMV and Chlamydia trachomatis were identified using PCR (Polymerse Chain Reaction)--method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In 48% of investigated sexual partners we proved the presence of Human Papillomavirus, in 2.2% of women and 2.9% of men--Cytomegalovirus and in 11.1% of women and 14.9% of men--Chlamydia trachomatis. In the investigated biological material we did not find any HSV infection.

Reduced beta-endorphin secretion in young patients with mild essential hypertension at rest and during exercise.

Evidence suggests that altered central adrenergic and opioidergic activities are involved in the elevated blood pressure of patients with essential hypertension. In the present study plasma concentrations of the opioid peptide beta-endorphin were significantly lower at rest in young subjects with essential hypertension and high plasma noradrenaline (n = 9) than in normotensive controls (n = 13, P less than 0.05). After bicycle exercise the beta-endorphin of both groups increased comparably, the percentage increase being greater in essential hypertensives than in controls. Treatment with clonidine for 14 days normalized low beta-endorphin, high plasma noradrenaline and high blood pressure in essential hypertensives at rest, but had no effect in controls. After bicycle exercise clonidine induced a threefold greater increase in beta-endorphin in controls than in essential hypertensives. The results point to a reduced endorphinergic activity in essential hypertensives, both at rest and during exercise, which can be normalized by central alpha 2-agonism at rest only. The results may indicate altered interactions between central adrenergic and opioidergic receptor systems, which could contribute to high blood pressure in essential hypertensives.

[Bilateral papilledema, unilateral loss of vision and abducens nerve palsy]. / Beidseitige Stauungspapillen, einseitiger Visusverlust und Abduzensparese.

A 35-year-old woman complained of headache, reduced visual acuity, restricted visual field in the right eye and blindness in the left eye. The examination of the retina showed papilledema and peripapillary hemorrhages in both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a sinus thrombosis. Despite modern imaging technologies sinus thrombosis is an often overlooked, life-threatening disease and needs immediate treatment in order to avoid long-term consequences. An ophthalmological examination can be pioneering as it leads to further imaging.

Structural requirements of steroidal agonists of transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3) cation channels.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3) proteins form non-selective but calcium-permeable membrane channels, rapidly activated by extracellular application of the steroid pregnenolone sulphate and the dihydropyridine nifedipine. Our aim was to characterize the steroid binding site by analysing the structural chemical requirements for TRPM3 activation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and measurements of intracellular calcium concentrations were performed on HEK293 cells transfected with TRPM3 (or untransfected controls) during superfusion with pharmacological substances. KEY RESULTS: Pregnenolone sulphate and nifedipine activated TRPM3 channels supra-additively over a wide concentration range. Other dihydropyridines inhibited TRPM3 channels. The natural enantiomer of pregnenolone sulphate was more efficient in activating TRPM3 channels than its synthetic mirror image. However, both enantiomers exerted very similar inhibitory effects on proton-activated outwardly rectifying anion channels. Epiallopregnanolone sulphate activated TRPM3 almost equally as well as pregnenolone sulphate. Exchanging the sulphate for other chemical moieties showed that a negative charge at this position is required for activating TRPM3 channels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our data demonstrate that nifedipine and pregnenolone sulphate act at different binding sites when activating TRPM3. The latter activates TRPM3 by binding to a chiral and thus proteinaceous binding site, as inferred from the differential effects of the enantiomers. The double bond between position C5 and C6 of pregnenolone sulphate is not strictly necessary for the activation of TRPM3 channels, but a negative charge at position C3 of the steroid is highly important. These results provide a solid basis for understanding mechanistically the rapid chemical activation of TRPM3 channels.

High pressure luminescence spectra of CaMoO4:Ln3+ (Ln = Pr, Tb).

Photoluminescence spectra and luminescence kinetics of pure CaMoO(4) and CaMoO(4) doped with Ln(3+) (Ln = Pr or Tb) are presented. The spectra were obtained at high hydrostatic pressure up to 240 kbar applied in a diamond anvil cell. At ambient pressure undoped and doped samples exhibit a broad band emission extending between 380 and 700 nm with a maximum at 520 nm attributed to the MoO(4)(2-) luminescence. CaMoO(4) doped with Pr(3+) or Tb(3+) additionally yields narrow emission lines related to f-f transitions. The undoped CaMoO(4) crystal was characterized by a strong MoO(4)(2-) emission up to 240 kbar. In the cases of CaMoO(4):Pr(3+) and CaMoO(4):Tb(3+), high hydrostatic pressure caused quenching of Pr(3+) and Tb(3+) emission, and this effect was accompanied by a strong shortening of the luminescence lifetime. In doped samples, CaMoO(4):Pr(3+) and CaMoO(4):Tb(3+), quenching of the emission band attributed to MoO(4)(2-) was also observed, and at pressure above 130 kbar this luminescence was totally quenched. The effects mentioned above were related to the influence of the praseodymium (terbium) trapped exciton PTE (ITE-impurity trapped exciton) on the efficiency of the Pr(3+) (Tb(3+)) and MoO(4)(2-) emissions.

Effects of rosuvastatin on cardiovascular morphology and function in an ApoE-knockout mouse model of atherosclerosis.

This study investigated the effects of rosuvastatin on plaque progression and in vivo coronary artery function in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-KO) mice, using noninvasive high-resolution ultrasound techniques. Eight-week-old male ApoE-KO mice (n = 20) were fed a high-fat diet with or without rosuvastatin (10 micromol.kg(-1).day(-1)) for 16 wk. When compared with control, rosuvastatin reduced total cholesterol levels (P < 0.05) and caused significant retardation of lesion progression in the brachiocephalic artery, as visualized in vivo using an ultrasound biomicroscope (P < 0.05). Histological analysis confirmed the reduction of brachiocephalic atherosclerosis and also revealed an increase in collagen content in the statin-treated group (P < 0.05). Coronary volumetric flow was measured by simultaneous recording of Doppler velocity signals and left coronary artery morphology before and during adenosine infusion. The hyperemic flow in response to adenosine was significantly greater in left coronary artery following 16 wk of rosuvastatin treatment (P < 0.001), whereas the baseline flow was similar in both groups. In conclusion, rosuvastatin reduced brachiocephalic artery atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE-KO mice. Coronary artery function assessed using recently developed in vivo ultrasound-based protocols, also improved.