State of research, feasibility, safety, acceptability, and outcomes examined on remotely delivered exercises using technology for older adult with cancer: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Technology-based exercise is gaining attention as a promising strategy for increasing physical activity (PA) in older adults with cancer (OACA). However, a comprehensive understanding of the interventions, their feasibility, outcomes, and safety is limited. This scoping review (1) assessed the prevalence and type of technology-based remotely delivered exercise interventions for OACA and (2) explored the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and outcomes in these interventions. METHODS: Studies with participant mean/median age ≥ 65 reporting at least one outcome measure were included. Databases searched included the following: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library Online, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO. Multiple independent reviewers completed screening and data abstractions of articles in English, French, and Spanish. RESULTS: The search yielded 2339 citations after removing duplicates. Following title and abstract screening, 96 full texts were review, and 15 were included. Study designs were heterogeneous, and sample sizes were diverse (range 14-478). The most common technologies used were website/web portal (n = 6), videos (n = 5), exergaming (n = 2), accelerometer/pedometer with video and/or website (n = 4), and live-videoconferencing (n = 2). Over half (9/15) of the studies examined feasibility using various definitions; feasibility outcomes were reached in all. Common outcomes examined include lower body function and quality of life. Adverse events were uncommon and minor were reported. Qualitative studies identified cost- and time-savings, healthcare professional support, and technology features that encourage engagement as facilitators. CONCLUSION: Remote exercise interventions using technology appear to be feasible and acceptable in OACA. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Some remote exercise interventions may be a viable way to increase PA for OACA.

Fungal decomposition of chicken-feather waste in submerged and solid-state fermentation / Decomposição fúngica de resíduos de pena de frango em fermentação submersa e de estado sólido

Poultry industry is expanding rapidly and producing million tons of feather waste annually. Massive production of keratinaceous byproducts in the form of industrial wastes throughout the world necessitates its justified utilization. Chemical treatment of keratin waste is proclaimed as an eco-destructive approach by various researchers since it generates secondary pollutants. Keratinase released by a variety of microbes (bacteria and fungi) can be used for the effective treatment of keratin waste. Microbial degradation of keratin waste is an emerging and eco-friendly approach and offers dual benefits, i.e., treatment of recalcitrant pollutant (keratin) and procurement of a commercially important enzyme (keratinase). This study involves the isolation, characterization, and potential utility of fungal species for the degradation of chicken-feather waste through submerged and solid-state fermentation. The isolated fungus was identified and characterized as Aspergillus (A.) flavus. In a trial of 30 days, it was appeared that 74 and 8% feather weight was reduced through sub-merged and solid-state fermentation, respectively by A. flavus. The pH of the growth media in submerged fermentation was changed from 4.8 to 8.35. The exploited application of keratinolytic microbes is, therefore, recommended for the treatment of keratinaceous wastes to achieve dual benefits of remediation.

A indústria avícola está se expandindo rapidamente e produzindo milhões de toneladas de resíduos de penas anualmente. A produção massiva de subprodutos queratinosos na forma de resíduos agrícolas e industriais em todo o mundo exige sua utilização justificada. O tratamento químico de resíduos de queratina é proclamado como uma abordagem ecodestrutiva por vários pesquisadores, uma vez que gera poluentes secundários. A queratinase liberada por uma variedade de micróbios (bactérias e fungos) pode ser usada para o tratamento eficaz de resíduos de queratina. A degradação microbiana de resíduos de queratina é uma abordagem emergente e ecológica e oferece benefícios duplos, ou seja, tratamento de poluente recalcitrante (queratina) e obtenção de uma enzima comercialmente importante (queratinase). Este estudo envolve o isolamento, caracterização e utilidade potencial de espécies de fungos para a degradação de resíduos de penas de frango por meio da fermentação submersa e em estado sólido. O fungo isolado foi identificado e caracterizado como Aspergillus (A.) flavus. Em um ensaio de 30 dias, constatou-se que 74% e 8% do peso das penas foram reduzidos por A. flavus, respectivamente, por meio da fermentação submersa e em estado sólido. O pH do meio de crescimento em fermentação submersa foi alterado de 4,8 para 8,35. A aplicação explorada de micróbios queratinolíticos é, portanto, recomendada para o tratamento de resíduos ceratinosos para obter benefícios duplos de remediação.

Fungal decomposition of chicken-feather waste in submerged and solid-state fermentation / Decomposição fúngica de resíduos de pena de frango em fermentação submersa e de estado sólido

Abstract Poultry industry is expanding rapidly and producing million tons of feather waste annually. Massive production of keratinaceous byproducts in the form of industrial wastes throughout the world necessitates its justified utilization. Chemical treatment of keratin waste is proclaimed as an eco-destructive approach by various researchers since it generates secondary pollutants. Keratinase released by a variety of microbes (bacteria and fungi) can be used for the effective treatment of keratin waste. Microbial degradation of keratin waste is an emerging and eco-friendly approach and offers dual benefits, i.e., treatment of recalcitrant pollutant (keratin) and procurement of a commercially important enzyme (keratinase). This study involves the isolation, characterization, and potential utility of fungal species for the degradation of chicken-feather waste through submerged and solid-state fermentation. The isolated fungus was identified and characterized as Aspergillus (A.) flavus. In a trial of 30 days, it was appeared that 74 and 8% feather weight was reduced through sub-merged and solid-state fermentation, respectively by A. flavus. The pH of the growth media in submerged fermentation was changed from 4.8 to 8.35. The exploited application of keratinolytic microbes is, therefore, recommended for the treatment of keratinaceous wastes to achieve dual benefits of remediation.

Resumo A indústria avícola está se expandindo rapidamente e produzindo milhões de toneladas de resíduos de penas anualmente. A produção massiva de subprodutos queratinosos na forma de resíduos agrícolas e industriais em todo o mundo exige sua utilização justificada. O tratamento químico de resíduos de queratina é proclamado como uma abordagem ecodestrutiva por vários pesquisadores, uma vez que gera poluentes secundários. A queratinase liberada por uma variedade de micróbios (bactérias e fungos) pode ser usada para o tratamento eficaz de resíduos de queratina. A degradação microbiana de resíduos de queratina é uma abordagem emergente e ecológica e oferece benefícios duplos, ou seja, tratamento de poluente recalcitrante (queratina) e obtenção de uma enzima comercialmente importante (queratinase). Este estudo envolve o isolamento, caracterização e utilidade potencial de espécies de fungos para a degradação de resíduos de penas de frango por meio da fermentação submersa e em estado sólido. O fungo isolado foi identificado e caracterizado como Aspergillus (A.) flavus. Em um ensaio de 30 dias, constatou-se que 74% e 8% do peso das penas foram reduzidos por A. flavus, respectivamente, por meio da fermentação submersa e em estado sólido. O pH do meio de crescimento em fermentação submersa foi alterado de 4,8 para 8,35. A aplicação explorada de micróbios queratinolíticos é, portanto, recomendada para o tratamento de resíduos ceratinosos para obter benefícios duplos de remediação.

Fungal decomposition of chicken-feather waste in submerged and solid-state fermentation

Abstract Poultry industry is expanding rapidly and producing million tons of feather waste annually. Massive production of keratinaceous byproducts in the form of industrial wastes throughout the world necessitates its justified utilization. Chemical treatment of keratin waste is proclaimed as an eco-destructive approach by various researchers since it generates secondary pollutants. Keratinase released by a variety of microbes (bacteria and fungi) can be used for the effective treatment of keratin waste. Microbial degradation of keratin waste is an emerging and eco-friendly approach and offers dual benefits, i.e., treatment of recalcitrant pollutant (keratin) and procurement of a commercially important enzyme (keratinase). This study involves the isolation, characterization, and potential utility of fungal species for the degradation of chicken-feather waste through submerged and solid-state fermentation. The isolated fungus was identified and characterized as Aspergillus (A.) flavus. In a trial of 30 days, it was appeared that 74 and 8% feather weight was reduced through sub-merged and solid-state fermentation, respectively by A. flavus. The pH of the growth media in submerged fermentation was changed from 4.8 to 8.35. The exploited application of keratinolytic microbes is, therefore, recommended for the treatment of keratinaceous wastes to achieve dual benefits of remediation.

Resumo A indústria avícola está se expandindo rapidamente e produzindo milhões de toneladas de resíduos de penas anualmente. A produção massiva de subprodutos queratinosos na forma de resíduos agrícolas e industriais em todo o mundo exige sua utilização justificada. O tratamento químico de resíduos de queratina é proclamado como uma abordagem ecodestrutiva por vários pesquisadores, uma vez que gera poluentes secundários. A queratinase liberada por uma variedade de micróbios (bactérias e fungos) pode ser usada para o tratamento eficaz de resíduos de queratina. A degradação microbiana de resíduos de queratina é uma abordagem emergente e ecológica e oferece benefícios duplos, ou seja, tratamento de poluente recalcitrante (queratina) e obtenção de uma enzima comercialmente importante (queratinase). Este estudo envolve o isolamento, caracterização e utilidade potencial de espécies de fungos para a degradação de resíduos de penas de frango por meio da fermentação submersa e em estado sólido. O fungo isolado foi identificado e caracterizado como Aspergillus (A.) flavus. Em um ensaio de 30 dias, constatou-se que 74% e 8% do peso das penas foram reduzidos por A. flavus, respectivamente, por meio da fermentação submersa e em estado sólido. O pH do meio de crescimento em fermentação submersa foi alterado de 4,8 para 8,35. A aplicação explorada de micróbios queratinolíticos é, portanto, recomendada para o tratamento de resíduos ceratinosos para obter benefícios duplos de remediação.

Barriers and facilitators related to undertaking physical activities among men with prostate cancer: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PC) and its treatments lead to significant acute, chronic, or latent adverse effects that result in declines in patients' physical functions, quality of life and reduced sense of masculinities. Robust evidence shows that physical activity (PA) can improve many health outcomes in men with PC; however, less is known about the facilitators, preferences, and barriers to PA engagement in this population. The purpose of this scoping review is to document the nature and extent of literature related to these aspects of PA participation among men with PC. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of PA among men with PC. Databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, and SportDiscus from inception to June 30, 2020. Multiple reviewers were used in all screening and data abstractions. RESULTS: The search yielded 2788 individual citations after duplicates were removed. Following title and abstract screening, 129 underwent full-text review, and 46 articles were included. Quantitative data related to our research question showed that structured group exercise was the most commonly reported facilitator/preference among men with PC, whereas treatment-related effects and lack of time are the most common barriers. In terms of qualitative data, the most prominent theme noted related to masculinities and gender-specific needs within the context of having PC. CONCLUSION: Men with PC have unique facilitators and barriers concerning PA. More work is needed from the research and clinical practice perspectives to enable this population to engage and remain in regular PA.

Falls in older adults with cancer: an updated systematic review of prevalence, injurious falls, and impact on cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: This update of our 2016 systematic review answers the following questions: (1) How often do older adults with cancer fall? (2) What are the predictors for falls? (3) What are the rates and predictors of injurious falls? (4) What are the circumstances and outcomes of falls? (5) How do falls in older patients affect subsequent cancer treatment? and a new research question, (6) Which fall reduction interventions are efficacious in this population? METHODS: MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase were searched (September 2015-January 25, 2019). Eligible studies included clinical trials and cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies published in English in which the sample (or subgroup) included adults aged ≥ 60, with cancer, in whom falls were examined as an outcome. RESULTS: A total of 2521 titles were reviewed, 67 full-text articles were screened for eligibility, and 30 new studies were identified. The majority involved the outpatient setting (n = 19) utilizing cross-sectional method (n = 18). Sample size ranged from 21 to 17,958. Fall rates ranged from 1.52 to 3.41% per 1000 patient days (inpatient setting) and from 39%/24 months to 64%/12 months (outpatient setting). One out of the 6 research questions contributed to a new finding: one study reported that 1 in 20 older patients experienced impact on cancer treatment due to falls. No consistent predictors for falls/fall injuries and no studies on fall reduction interventions in the geriatric oncology setting were identified. CONCLUSION: This updated review highlights a new gap in knowledge pertaining to interventions to prevent falls. Additionally, new knowledge also emerged in terms of impact of falls on cancer treatment; however, further research may increase generalizability. Falls and fall-related injuries are common in older adults with cancer and may affect subsequent cancer treatment. Further studies on predictors of falls, subsequent impacts, and fall reduction in the oncology setting are warranted.

Use of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Geriatric Screening for Older Adults in the Radiation Oncology Setting: A Systematic Review.

AIMS: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidisciplinary diagnostic process that evaluates medical, psychological, social and functional capacity. No systematic review of the use of CGA in radiation oncology has been conducted. This paper reviews the use of CGA in radiation oncology, examines whether such assessments are feasible and evaluates the effectiveness of these assessments in predicting and modifying outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library for articles published between 1 January 1996 and 24 January 2017. RESULTS: Twelve non-randomised studies were identified; four studies used a geriatric screening tool only and the eight other studies combined a screening tool with a CGA. Most studies had small samples (mean 63 participants). Two studies identified a significant (95% confidence interval 1.5-4.8 and 1.5-6.9) association between an abnormal screening and increased risk of mortality. One study showed an ability of the CGA to influence treatment decision making, whereas six papers suggested a non-significant association between the screening tool/CGA and treatment tolerance. CONCLUSION: The studies suggest the feasibility of using a screening tool to select patients for CGA. 'Vulnerability' showed a non-statistically significant association with treatment tolerance, but a significant association with mortality.

A convenient synthesis and molecular modeling study of novel pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine and pyrazole derivatives as anti-tumor agents.

An efficient method to obtain ethyl 5-amino-1-tosyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (3) was outlined using condensation reactions of 4-methylbenzenesulfonylhydrazide with (E)-ethyl 2-cyano-3-ethoxyacrylate. The cyclocondensation reaction of this substrate and its hydrazide derivative with urea, thiourea, formamide, formic acid, d-glucose, o-phenylenediamine, 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, anthracene-9-carbaldehyde, thioglycolic acid and carbon disulphide then with hydrazine hydrate analogues furnished a series of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, pyrazolo[3,4-d]oxazin-4-one, pyrazole-4-glucoside, 4-benzo[d]imidazole, 1,3-thiazolidinone, 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-thione and 1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-thione derivatives respectively. The structure of the compound 3 was supported by X-Ray crystallographic data. Orally administrated, one of each of the series of pyrazoles showed significant effects in mouse tumor model cancer cell lines (EAC) and two human cancer cell lines of Colon cancer (HCT-29) and Breast cancer (MCF-7) with docking studies.

Symptom reporting among prevalent tuberculosis cases who smoke, are HIV-positive or have hyperglycaemia.

Data from a tuberculosis (TB) prevalence survey conducted in 24 communities in Zambia and the Western Cape, South Africa, January-December 2010, were analysed to determine the influence of smoking, hyperglycaemia and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on TB symptom reporting in culture-confirmed TB cases. Of 123 790 adults eligible for enrolment, 90 601 (73%) consented and 64 463 had evaluable sputum samples. ORs and 95%CIs were calculated using a robust standard errors logistic regression model adjusting for clustering at community level. HIV-positive TB cases were more likely to report cough, weight loss, night sweats and chest pain than non-HIV-positive TB cases. TB cases who smoked or had hyperglycaemia did not report symptoms differently from cases without these comorbidities.

Des données émanant d';une enquête de prévalence de la tuberculose (TB), réalisées dans 24 communautés de Zambie et de la province du Cap Ouest en Afrique du Sud de janvier à décembre 2010, ont été analysées afin de déterminer l'influence du tabagisme, de l'hyperglycémie et de l'infection par le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH) sur l'expression des symptômes de TB dans des cas de TB confirmés par la culture. Sur 123 790 adultes éligibles, 90 601 (73%) ont consenti et 64 463 ont produit des échantillons de crachats utilisables. Les OR et les IC à 95% ont été calculés grâce à un modèle de régression logistique des erreurs standard robustes en ajustant le regroupement au niveau des communautés. Les patients atteints de TB et VIH positifs rapportaient plus volontiers de la toux, une perte de poids, des sueurs nocturnes et des douleurs thoraciques que les patients non VIH positifs. Par contre, les cas de TB qui fumaient ou présentaient une hyperglycémie ne signalaient pas de symptômes différents des patients qui n'avaient pas ces co-morbidités.

En el presente estudio se analizaron los datos de una encuesta reciente sobre la prevalencia de tuberculosis (TB), que se había llevado a cabo en 24 comunidades en Zambia y en el Cabo Occidental de Suráfrica de enero a diciembre del 2010, con el fin de determinar la influencia del tabaquismo, la hiperglucemia y la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) sobre los síntomas de TB que refieren los pacientes con diagnóstico de TB confirmada por cultivo. De los 123 790 adultos aptos para el estudio, 90 601 dieron su consentimiento (73%) y 64 463 aportaron muestras de esputo adecuadas. Se calculó el cociente de posibilidades y el intervalo de confianza del 95% mediante un modelo consistente de regresión logística y errores estándar, tras corregir la agregación de los datos por comunidad. Fue más frecuente que los pacientes con TB que eran positivos frente al VIH refirieran tos, pérdida de peso, sudoración nocturna y dolor torácico que los pacientes sin esta coinfección. No hubo diferencia en los síntomas comunicados por los pacientes tuberculosos que fumaban o que presentaban hiperglucemia, en comparación con los pacientes sin estas enfermedades concurrentes.

Molecular modeling study bioactive natural product of khellin analogues as a novel potential pharmacophore of EGFR inhibitors.

Khelline is naturally occurring furochromone exhibited significant Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitory activity. The newly synthesized compounds 2-5 displayed the most potent EGFR inhibitory activity on MCF-7 and HeLa. In vitro study against 59 different human tumour cell lines derived from nine cancer type in NCI (USA), which was presented and documented. Molecular docking simulation was performed to position compounds 1-5 into the EGFR active site to determine the probable binding mode.

Three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) of cytotoxic active 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydropyrazole analogs: a comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) revisited study.

UNLABELLED: In vitro antitumor evaluation of the synthesized 46 compounds of 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydropyrazoles against EAC cell lines and 3D QSAR study using pharmacophore and Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) methods were described. CoMFA derived QSAR model shows a good conventional squared correlation coefficient r2 and cross validated correlation coefficient r2cv 0.896 and 0.568 respectively. In this analysis steric and electrostatic field contribute to the QSAR equation by 70% and 30% respectively, suggesting that variation in biological activity of the compounds is dominated by differences in steric (van der Waals) interactions. To visualize the CoMFA steric and electrostatic field from partial least squares (PLS) analysis, contour maps are plotted as percentage contribution to the QSAR equation and are associated with the differences in biological activity. BACKGROUND: Pyrazole derivatives exhibit a wide range of biological properties including promising antitumor activity. Furthermore, Aldol condensation assisted organic synthesis has delivered rapid routes to N-containing heterocycles, including pyrazoles. Combining these features, the use of chalconisation-assisted processes will provide rapid access to a targeted dihydropyrazoles library bearing a hydrazino 3D QSAR study using pharmacophore and Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) methods were described for evaluation of antioxidant properties. RESULTS: Chalcones promoted 1 of the 2 steps in a rapid, convergent synthesis of a small library of hydrazinyl pyrazole derivatives, all of which exhibited significant antitumor activity against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) human tumor cell line comparable to that of the natural anticancer doxorubicin, as a reference standard during this study. In order to understand the observed pharmacological properties, quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D QSAR) study was initiated. CONCLUSIONS: Chalcones heating provides a rapid and expedient route to a series of pyrazoles to investigate their chracterization scavenging properties. Given their favorable properties, in comparison with known anticancer, these pyrazole derivatives are promising leads for further development and optimization.

Distinguishing 3 classes of corpus callosal abnormalities in consanguineous families.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to create a classification system for pediatric corpus callosal abnormalities (CCA) based upon midline sagittal brain MRI. We used the term CCA for patients with structural variants of the corpus callosum, excluding patients with interhemispheric cyst variant or pure dysplasia without hypoplasia. Currently, no system exists for nonsyndromic forms of CCA, and attempts to create such a system have been hampered by highly variable morphology in patients with sporadic CCA. We reasoned that any useful strategy should classify affected family members within the same type, and that phenotypic variability should be minimized in patients with recessive disease. METHODS: We focused recruitment toward multiplex consanguineous families, ascertained 30 patients from 19 consanguineous families, and analyzed clinical features together with brain imaging. RESULTS: We identified 3 major CCA classes, including hypoplasia, hypoplasia with dysplasia, and complete agenesis. Affected individuals within a given multiplex family usually displayed the same variant of the class of abnormality and they always displayed the same class of abnormality within each family, or they displayed complete agenesis. The system was validated among a second cohort of 10 sporadic patients with CCA. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that complete agenesis may be a common end-phenotype, and implicate multiple overlapping pathways in the etiology of CCA.

A convenient synthesis and molecular modeling study of novel purine and pyrimidine derivatives as CDK2/cyclin A3 inhibitors.

A series of novel purine and pyrimidine derivatives were prepared and biologically evaluated for their in vitro anti-CDK2/cyclin A3 and antitumor activities in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell based assay. The novel purine derivatives 13a,b demonstrated potent inhibitor activities with IC(50) values of 14±9 and 13±9 µM, respectively. Additionally, compound 15a showed the highest potency (IC(50)=10±6 µM) in EAC cell based assay. Molecular modeling study, including fitting to a 3D-pharmacophore model and their docking into cyclin dependant kinase2 (CDK2) active site showed high fit values and docking scores.

Predicting serum gastrin levels among men during Ramadan fasting.

Increased gastric acidity is common when fasting during Ramadan. Our study aimed to develop a regression equation to predict fasting serum gastrin levels using parameters commonly analysed in clinical laboratories. Fasting blood samples from six men were taken on days 1, 10, 19, 26 and 28 of Ramadan. Serum gastrin, total cholesterol, urea and uric acid were analysed. All 5 samples from each man were included in multiple regression analysis and the prediction equation obtained was: serum gastrin, pg/mL = 198.27-0.199 total cholesterol (mg/dL) + 2.525 urea (mg/dL)--103.238 uric acid (mg/dL) + 10.923 uric acid (mg/dL)2 + 3.683 body mass index, r2 = 0.75, P < 0.001. This equation might be used to estimate gastrin levels and plan dietary and medicinal measures to avoid high gastric acidity during Ramadan.

Olanzapine-induced hyperventilation: case report.

Although olanzapine therapy has been associated with fewer extrapyramidal side effects than the traditional antipsychotic medications, reported side effects include dystonia, tardive dyskinesia, hypotension, diabetes mellitus, seizures and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. There are no previous published reports of hyperventilation associated with olanzapine therapy, but we present the case of a male patient who developed dyspnea and hyperventilation while taking olanzapine.

Fallopian tube ciliary beat frequency in relation to the stage of menstrual cycle and anatomical site.

BACKGROUND: The cyclical changes in ciliary structure and motion within the human Fallopian tube are well documented. Previous investigators have studied ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in relation to menstrual cycle and anatomical site, but with conflicting results. METHODS: Using a technique that records variations in light intensity, we have studied the changes in CBF in relation to the menstrual cycle and anatomical site. Fallopian tubes were collected from 26 women who underwent hysterectomy for benign conditions. Menstrual history, hormone profile and endometrial biopsy results were used to determine the stage of the cycle. Fourteen women were in the proliferative phase, and 12 women in the secretory phase. RESULTS: Mean CBF for all subjects was 5.3 plus minus 0.2 Hz. There was no significant difference in CBF in relation to anatomical site. In the fimbrial region the ciliary beat was faster in the secretory (5.8 plus minus 0.3 Hz) as compared with the proliferative phase (4.9 plus minus 0.2 Hz), P < 0.02. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that this increase in fimbrial CBF may contribute to ovum retrieval and transport after ovulation. However, the reproductive significance of the changes in CBF in relation to the menstrual cycle needs further investigation.

Preventing the spread of hepatitis B and C viruses: where are germicides relevant?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most prevalent bloodborne pathogens. Infections caused by these organisms can become chronic and may lead to liver cirrhosis and carcinoma. Limited chemotherapy is now available, but only HBV can be prevented through vaccination. Both viruses are enveloped and relatively sensitive to many physical and chemical agents; their ability to survive in the environment may not be as high as often believed. As a result, their spread occurs mainly through direct parenteral or percutaneous exposure to tainted body fluids and tissues. Careful screening of and avoiding contact with such materials remain the most effective means of protection. Nevertheless, the indirect spread of these viruses, although much less common, can occur when objects that are freshly contaminated with tainted blood enter the body or contact damaged skin. Germicidal chemicals are important in the prevention of HBV and HCV spread through shared injection devices, sharps used in personal services (such as tattooing and body piercing), and heat-sensitive medical/dental devices (such as flexible endoscopes) and in the cleanup of blood spills. Microbicides in vaginal gels may also interrupt their transmission. General-purpose environmental disinfection is unlikely to play a significant role in the prevention of the transmission of these viruses. Testing of low-level disinfectants and label claims for such products against HBV and HCV should be discouraged. Both viruses remain difficult to work with in the laboratory, but closely related animal viruses (such as the duck HBV) and the bovine viral diarrhea virus show considerable promise as surrogates for HBV and HCV, respectively. Although progress in the culturing of HBV and HCV is still underway, critical issues on virus survival and inactivation should be addressed with the use of these surrogates.

SPINK1/PSTI mutations are associated with tropical pancreatitis in Bangladesh. A preliminary report.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tropical pancreatitis (TP) refers to a severe type of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis that develops in children in tropical regions of Africa and southern Asia. Phenotypically TP is subdivided into fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) and tropical calcific pancreatitis without diabetes mellitus (TCP). Recently an association was identified between idiopathic pancreatitis in the USA and Europe and mutations in the serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene (previously termed pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor, PSTI). Our aim was to determine if either form of TP has a genetic basis. METHODS: We studied 8 well-characterized patients from Bangladesh with FCPD, 4 with TCP and 4 controls without pancreatic disease. The entire SPINK1 gene was sequenced in these patients. RESULTS: We detected two disease-associated SPINK1 mutations (N34S/IVS1 - 37T > C and IVS3 + 2T > C) in 6 of 8 patients from Bangladesh with FCPD but not in 4 patients with TCP (p < 0.03) or 4 controls (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that SPINK1 mutations are associated with FCPD in Bangladesh. Since SPINK1 mutations in Europeans and North Americans are associated with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis that is phenotypically different from FCPD, we further conclude that mutated SPINK1 markedly increases the risk of developing a variety of pancreatic diseases possibly through a chronic elevation of active trypsin within the pancreas.

Activity of an alcohol-based hand gel against human adeno-, rhino-, and rotaviruses using the fingerpad method.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the activity against three non-enveloped viruses (an adeno-, a rhino- and a rotavirus) of a gel containing 60% ethanol, using experimentally contaminated thumb- and fingerpads of 12 panelists, as per standard procedure E-1838-96 of the American Society of Testing and Materials. DESIGN: Each digit received 10 microL of the test virus suspension. The inoculum from the thumbs was eluted immediately with 990 microL of Earle's balanced salt solution (EBSS) to assess the amount of virus on each digit (0-minute control). The inoculum on the fingers was allowed to dry (20-25 minutes), and virus was eluted from two fingerpads to determine the loss in virus infectivity upon drying (baseline titer). Then the dried inoculum on randomly selected fingers was exposed to 1 mL of the test product or standard hard water (200-ppm calcium carbonate) for 20 seconds. The virus remaining was eluted with 1 mL of EBSS, titrated to determine the amounts eliminated, and compared to the baseline titer. RESULTS: Each digit received at least 10(4) plaque-forming units of virus in 10 microL. The amounts of adeno-, rhino-, and rotaviruses surviving the drying were 30%, 75%, and 42%, respectively. The product reduced the infectivity titers of the three viruses by 3 to >4 log10 when compared to a reduction of < or =1 log10 for the hard-water rinse. CONCLUSION: The level of virus reduction by gel was statistically significantly higher than that seen with the water control. Evidence for such activity against non-enveloped viruses supports further investigation of the benefits of this product.

Comparison of the growth patterns and morphological characteristics of mechanically and enzymatically isolated fallopian tube epithelial cells.

This study set out to compare the growth patterns and morphological characteristics of human fallopian tube epithelial cells isolated: (1) mechanically; and (2) enzymatically. Cells were cultured in medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum and antibiotics and their epithelial nature was established by immunocytochemistry for cytokeratins. Primary cultures were polygonal in shape with centrally located nuclei, irrespective of the isolation method. Cells isolated enzymatically exhibited a higher growth rate, but the survival rate was poor after more than 2-3 passages. Mechanical isolation gave a lower yield of cells, but had a higher survival rate when sub-cultured, even beyond 8 passages. Thus, mechanically isolated cells might be useful for longer term cultures, whereas enzymatically isolated cells are best only for short-term work.