Toward Programmable Quantum Processors Based on Spin Qubits with Mechanically Mediated Interactions and Transport.

Solid-state spin qubits are promising candidates for quantum information processing, but controlled interactions and entanglement in large, multiqubit systems are currently difficult to achieve. We describe a method for programmable control of multiqubit spin systems, in which individual nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond nanopillars are coupled to magnetically functionalized silicon nitride mechanical resonators in a scanning probe configuration. Qubits can be entangled via interactions with nanomechanical resonators while programmable connectivity is realized via mechanical transport of qubits in nanopillars. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, we characterize both the mechanical properties and the magnetic field gradients around the micromagnet placed on the nanobeam resonator. We demonstrate coherent manipulation of a spin qubit in the proximity of a transported micromagnet by utilizing nuclear spin memory and use the NV center to detect the time-varying magnetic field from the oscillating micromagnet, extracting a spin-mechanical coupling of 7.7(9) Hz. With realistic improvements, the high-cooperativity regime can be reached, offering a new avenue toward scalable quantum information processing with spin qubits.

Cytomegalovirus-Induced Polyarteritis Nodosa in a Liver Transplant Recipient.

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a necrotizing vasculitis that has been associated with viral infections, especially hepatitis B virus. We hereby report a case of tissue-invasive cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced PAN in a liver transplant recipient presenting with acute kidney injury and active urinary sediment. Treatment directed against both PAN and CMV resulted in improvement in kidney function, normalization of urinary indices and resolution of the CMV infection. There was no recurrence of either PAN or CMV after a 3-year follow-up period.

Special care dentistry: how prepared are we?

AIM: To assess and evaluate the confidence of the undergraduate dental team in Irish dental schools regarding their training in the field of special care dentistry (SCD). METHOD: A questionnaire was distributed amongst the undergraduate dental teams within Cork University Dental School and Hospital (CUDSH) and Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH). The data were analysed to assess for differences between the median responses of the various groups. RESULTS: A total of 139 students participated in the study; 82 from DDUH (59 dental science students, seven dental hygiene students and 16 dental nursing students) and 57 from CUDSH (43 dental science students and 14 dental hygiene students). Twenty-two per cent (n = 30) of respondents agreed that their training had been sufficient in providing treatment or assistance for patients requiring SCD. Seventy-five per cent agreed that more emphasis should be placed on clinical training in SCD (n = 76). Thirty-one per cent of students anticipated a high level of confidence in treating patients requiring SCD upon graduation (n = 43), with dental science students feeling the least prepared amongst the dental team. CONCLUSION: Confidence levels of the undergraduate dental team were low with regard to SCD. The existing hands-on clinical training in SCD was deemed insufficient by the respondents. Students believed more emphasis should be placed on SCD training in the undergraduate curriculum.

Profile of drug users in Karachi City, Pakistan.

Drug use has been identified as a major public issue in Pakistan. A descriptive questionnaire survey in Karachi city was made to identify the socioeconomic profile and beliefs and practices of 500 drug users The most commonly used drugs were cocaine (19.0%) and crack-cocaine (15.0%), followed by amphetamine, (11.0%), alcohol, caffeine, barbiturates and benzodiazepines (10.0% each). Key psychological factors leading tc drug use were problems with parental or marital relations or break-up of a relationship (45.0%). Drugs were seer as an escape from stressful life events (28.0%) or feelings of failure (18.2%). Many drug users blamed the origin of their drug use on bad social influences (47.0%) or socioeconomic problems (23.4%). Preventive measures are needed to decrease the rate of drug addiction in Karachi.

Regional five-year clinical outcomes of 289 consecutive cementless oxford uni-compartmental knee replacements at a non-inventor centre.

INTRODUCTION: Uncemented unicompartmental knee replacement offers a minimally invasive approach, faster rehabilitation and good levels of function, supported by evidence reporting low intra-operative fracture rate and mid-term stability with no implant migration at 5-years. Our aim was to examine the clinical outcomes in 289 consecutive Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (257 patients), five years post-operatively. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients treated between 2008 and 2014 in a non-inventor centre by a single surgeon was performed. Patients with anteromedial bone on bone uni-compartmental arthritis were included. Oxford Knee Scores (OKSs) at last follow-up were recorded, intra-operative complications reported with commentary on revision cases. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 66 years (SD 9.6, 45-88 years). 122 (42%) patients were female and 135 (58%) were male. Patient in our study were ASA 1 (36%), ASA 2 (62%) and ASA 3 (01%). There were no intra-operative complications, particularly tibia fractures during impaction. The average oxford knee score was 40.1 (n = 232, Range 06 to 48, SD 8.46) at an average 6 years and 3 months from surgery, including revised patients. Six patients had their prosthesis revised within five-years of the index surgery. Five-year cumulative implant survival rate was 97.8% (95% CI 97.62 to 97.98, SE 0.09). Indications for revision were: lateral side wear (n = 1); dislocated spacer (n = 4); instability and spacer subluxation (n = 1). Thirteen patients died within five years of surgery Five-year cumulative survival rate was 94.9% (95% CI 94.87 to 94.925, SE 0.013). CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients requiring revision at five-years is lower than that generally reported for UKR. These findings add support for the use of the cementless oxford UKR outside the design centre.

Antiadhesion and antibiofilm potential of Fagonia indica from Cholistan desert against clinical multidrug resistant bacteria.

High resistance to antimicrobials is associated with biofilm formation responsible for infectious microbes to withstand severe conditions. Therefore, new alternatives are necessary as biofilm inhibitors to control infections. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Fagonia indica extracts were evaluated against MDR clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica has antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica had antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against MDR isolates. The maximum inhibitory effects of Fagonia indica chloroform extract on biofilm formation was observed on Staphylococcus aureus (71.84%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (70.83%) after 48 hrs showing that inhibition is also time dependent. Our results about bacterial cell protein leakage indicated that MDR isolates treated with chloroform extract of Fagonia indica showed maximum protein leakage of K. pneumoniae (59.14 µg mL-1) followed by S. aureus (56.7 µg mL-1). Cell attachment assays indicated that chloroform extract resulted in a 43.5-53.5% inhibition of cell adherence to a polystyrene surface. Our results revealed that extracts of Fagonia indica significantly inhibited biofilm formation among MDR clinical isolates, therefore, could be applied as antimicrobial agents and cost effective biofilm inhibitor against these MDR isolates.

The clandestine uterus: or how the uterus escapes detection prior to puberty.

Uterine agenesis is one of the differential diagnoses in adolescent girls with delayed menstruation. It may also be suspected earlier in childhood during investigations for other genitourinary conditions. However, accurate confirmation that the uterus is absent can be extremely difficult before puberty because of its small size. We describe ten girls referred to a specialist centre with a presumed diagnosis of an absent uterus which was later found to be incorrect. We conclude that imaging should be undertaken by clinicians with experience in management of this age group and in some girls it may be necessary to delay final diagnosis until after puberty.

Effectiveness and tolerability of levonorgestrel intrauterine system in adolescents.

Our objective was to survey the outcome of treatment with levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena LNG-IUS) at 6-18 months in a university affiliated tertiary referral hospital in adolescents. We report on a consecutive case series of 48 adolescents who had Mirena over 8 years as a day-case procedure between 2003 and 2008. The mean age was 15.3 years and all were of white British origin. The commonest indications were menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea resistant to oral treatment. For 28/48 (58%), menstrual symptoms had a significant impact on quality-of-life; 45/48 (93.4%) reported ongoing significant improvement in their menstrual symptoms and 2/48 (4.2%) had the device removed within 4 months of insertion. We conclude that Mirena is a well tolerated and effective alternative for heavy periods +/- dysmenorrhoea in adolescents who do not respond to oral therapy.

Effect of Hemodialysis on Corrected QT Interval and QTc Dispersion.

Hemodialysis patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to traditional and dialysis-related risk factors. Our aim was to study the effects of hemodialysis on the corrected QT interval (QTc) and QTc dispersion in chronic kidney disease (CKD) without clinically manifest heart disease. Two hundred cases of CKD on chronic intermittent hemodialysis of >3 months' duration were included in the study. Twelve-lead electrocardiography and samples for serum creatinine, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were taken before and after dialysis. The mean age of patients was 52.4 ± 17 years with male-to-female ratio of 3:1. QTc interval and QTc dispersion were prolonged in 47% and 59% before and 50% and 89% of patients after hemodialysis, respectively. The mean values of QTc were 433.4 ± 36.9 ms before and 451.4 ± 39.6 ms after hemodialysis (p = 0.001) and the mean values of QTc dispersion were 60.5 ± 19.3 ms before and 81.5 ± 24.4 ms after hemodialysis (p = 0.001). Similar pattern was observed in all etiological groups of CKD, except for QTc dispersion in malignancy-related CKD (p = 0.216). After hemodialysis, there was a significant fall in the mean values of serum potassium (p = 0.001), rise in serum calcium (p = 0.001), and no change in magnesium (p = 0.424). Patients with post hemodialysis QTc dispersion >74 ms had significantly low mean values of serum potassium and calcium as compared to <74 ms group. Large numbers of hemodialysis patients have a prolonged QTc interval and QTc dispersion with a significant increase in the mean values after hemodialysis. There is a significant fall in serum potassium and rise in serum calcium after dialysis.

Antiadhesion and antibiofilm potential of Fagonia indica from Cholistan desert against clinical multidrug resistant bacteria / Potencial de antiadesão e antibiofilme de Fagonia indica do deserto do Cholistão contra bactérias multirresistentes clínicas

High resistance to antimicrobials is associated with biofilm formation responsible for infectious microbes to withstand severe conditions. Therefore, new alternatives are necessary as biofilm inhibitors to control infections. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Fagonia indica extracts were evaluated against MDR clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica has antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-¹ against multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica had antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-¹ and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-¹ against MDR isolates. The maximum inhibitory effects of Fagonia indica chloroform extract on biofilm formation was observed on Staphylococcus aureus (71.84%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (70.83%) after 48 hrs showing that inhibition is also time dependent. Our results about bacterial cell protein leakage indicated that MDR isolates treated with chloroform extract of Fagonia indica showed maximum protein leakage of K. pneumoniae (59.14 µg mL-¹) followed by S. aureus (56.7 µg mL-1). Cell attachment assays indicated that chloroform extract resulted in a 43.5-53.5% inhibition of cell adherence to a polystyrene surface. Our results revealed that extracts of Fagonia indica significantly inhibited biofilm formation among MDR clinical isolates, therefore, could be applied as antimicrobial agents and cost effective biofilm inhibitor against these MDR isolates.

A alta resistência aos antimicrobianos está associada à formação de biofilme responsável por micróbios infecciosos para suportar condições severas. Portanto, novas alternativas são necessárias como inibidores de biofilme para controlar infecções. Neste estudo, as atividades antimicrobiana e antibiofilme dos extratos de Fagonia indica foram avaliadas contra isolados clínicos MDR. O extrato exibiu seu efeito antibiofilme ao alterar a aderência e a desintegração da parede celular bacteriana. Fagonia indica tem efeito antibacteriano com valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) variando de 125 a 500 µg mL-¹, e valor de concentração bactericida mínima (MBC) de 500-3000 µg mL-1 contra isolados clínicos multirresistentes (MDR). O extrato exibiu seu efeito antibiofilme ao alterar a aderência e a desintegração da parede celular bacteriana. Fagonia indica teve efeito antibacteriano com valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) variando de 125 a 500 µg mL-¹, e concentração bactericida mínima (MBC) de 500-3000 µg mL-¹ contra isolados MDR. Os efeitos inibitórios máximos do extrato de clorofórmio Fagonia indica na formação de biofilme foi observada em Staphylococcus aureus (71,84%), seguido por Klebsiella pneumoniae (70,83%) após 48 horas, mostrando que a inibição também é dependente do tempo. Nossos resultados sobre extravasamento de proteínas de células bacterianas indicaram que isolados MDR tratados com extrato clorofórmico de Fagonia indica apresentaram vazamento máximo de proteínas de K. pneumoniae (59,14 µg mL-¹), seguido por S. aureus(56,7 µg mL-¹). Ensaios de fixação de células indicaram que o extrato de clorofórmio resultou em uma inibição de 43,5-53,5% da aderência das células a uma superfície de poliestireno. Nossos resultados revelaram que extratos de Fagonia indica inibiram [...].

Antiadhesion and antibiofilm potential of Fagonia indica from Cholistan desert against clinical multidrug resistant bacteria

Abstract High resistance to antimicrobials is associated with biofilm formation responsible for infectious microbes to withstand severe conditions. Therefore, new alternatives are necessary as biofilm inhibitors to control infections. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Fagonia indica extracts were evaluated against MDR clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica has antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica had antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against MDR isolates. The maximum inhibitory effects of Fagonia indica chloroform extract on biofilm formation was observed on Staphylococcus aureus (71.84%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (70.83%) after 48 hrs showing that inhibition is also time dependent. Our results about bacterial cell protein leakage indicated that MDR isolates treated with chloroform extract of Fagonia indica showed maximum protein leakage of K. pneumoniae (59.14 µg mL-1) followed by S. aureus (56.7 µg mL-1). Cell attachment assays indicated that chloroform extract resulted in a 43.5-53.5% inhibition of cell adherence to a polystyrene surface. Our results revealed that extracts of Fagonia indica significantly inhibited biofilm formation among MDR clinical isolates, therefore, could be applied as antimicrobial agents and cost effective biofilm inhibitor against these MDR isolates.

Resumo A alta resistência aos antimicrobianos está associada à formação de biofilme responsável por micróbios infecciosos para suportar condições severas. Portanto, novas alternativas são necessárias como inibidores de biofilme para controlar infecções. Neste estudo, as atividades antimicrobiana e antibiofilme dos extratos de Fagonia indica foram avaliadas contra isolados clínicos MDR. O extrato exibiu seu efeito antibiofilme ao alterar a aderência e a desintegração da parede celular bacteriana. Fagonia indica tem efeito antibacteriano com valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) variando de 125 a 500 µg mL-1, e valor de concentração bactericida mínima (MBC) de 500-3000 µg mL-1 contra isolados clínicos multirresistentes (MDR). O extrato exibiu seu efeito antibiofilme ao alterar a aderência e a desintegração da parede celular bacteriana. Fagonia indica teve efeito antibacteriano com valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) variando de 125 a 500 µg mL-1, e concentração bactericida mínima (MBC) de 500-3000 µg mL-1 contra isolados MDR. Os efeitos inibitórios máximos do extrato de clorofórmio Fagonia indica na formação de biofilme foi observada em Staphylococcus aureus (71,84%), seguido por Klebsiella pneumoniae (70,83%) após 48 horas, mostrando que a inibição também é dependente do tempo. Nossos resultados sobre extravasamento de proteínas de células bacterianas indicaram que isolados MDR tratados com extrato clorofórmico de Fagonia indica apresentaram vazamento máximo de proteínas de K. pneumoniae (59,14 µg mL-1), seguido por S. aureus (56,7 µg mL-1). Ensaios de fixação de células indicaram que o extrato de clorofórmio resultou em uma inibição de 43,5-53,5% da aderência das células a uma superfície de poliestireno. Nossos resultados revelaram que extratos de Fagonia indica inibiram significativamente a formação de biofilme entre isolados clínicos MDR, portanto, poderiam ser aplicados como agentes antimicrobianos e inibidores de biofilme de baixo custo contra esses isolados MDR.

Antiadhesion and antibiofilm potential of Fagonia indica from Cholistan desert against clinical multidrug resistant bacteria / Potencial de antiadesão e antibiofilme de Fagonia indica do deserto do Cholistão contra bactérias multirresistentes clínicas

High resistance to antimicrobials is associated with biofilm formation responsible for infectious microbes to withstand severe conditions. Therefore, new alternatives are necessary as biofilm inhibitors to control infections. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Fagonia indica extracts were evaluated against MDR clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica has antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica had antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against MDR isolates. The maximum inhibitory effects of Fagonia indica chloroform extract on biofilm formation was observed on Staphylococcus aureus (71.84%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (70.83%) after 48 hrs showing that inhibition is also time dependent. Our results about bacterial cell protein leakage indicated that MDR isolates treated with chloroform extract of Fagonia indica showed maximum protein leakage of K. pneumoniae (59.14 µg mL-1) followed by S. aureus (56.7 µg mL-1). Cell attachment assays indicated that chloroform extract resulted in a 43.5-53.5% inhibition of cell adherence to a polystyrene surface. Our results revealed that extracts of Fagonia indica significantly inhibited biofilm formation among MDR clinical isolates, therefore, could be applied as antimicrobial agents and cost effective biofilm inhibitor against these MDR isolates.

A alta resistência aos antimicrobianos está associada à formação de biofilme responsável por micróbios infecciosos para suportar condições severas. Portanto, novas alternativas são necessárias como inibidores de biofilme para controlar infecções. Neste estudo, as atividades antimicrobiana e antibiofilme dos extratos de Fagonia indica foram avaliadas contra isolados clínicos MDR. O extrato exibiu seu efeito antibiofilme ao alterar a aderência e a desintegração da parede celular bacteriana. Fagonia indica tem efeito antibacteriano com valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) variando de 125 a 500 µg mL-1, e valor de concentração bactericida mínima (MBC) de 500-3000 µg mL-1 contra isolados clínicos multirresistentes (MDR). O extrato exibiu seu efeito antibiofilme ao alterar a aderência e a desintegração da parede celular bacteriana. Fagonia indica teve efeito antibacteriano com valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) variando de 125 a 500 µg mL-1, e concentração bactericida mínima (MBC) de 500-3000 µg mL-1 contra isolados MDR. Os efeitos inibitórios máximos do extrato de clorofórmio Fagonia indica na formação de biofilme foi observada em Staphylococcus aureus (71,84%), seguido por Klebsiella pneumoniae (70,83%) após 48 horas, mostrando que a inibição também é dependente do tempo. Nossos resultados sobre extravasamento de proteínas de células bacterianas indicaram que isolados MDR tratados com extrato clorofórmico de Fagonia indica apresentaram vazamento máximo de proteínas de K. pneumoniae (59,14 µg mL-1), seguido por S. aureus (56,7 µg mL-1). Ensaios de fixação de células indicaram que o extrato de clorofórmio resultou em uma inibição de 43,5-53,5% da aderência das células a uma superfície de poliestireno. Nossos resultados revelaram que extratos de Fagonia indica inibiram significativamente a formação de biofilme entre isolados clínicos MDR, portanto, poderiam ser aplicados como agentes antimicrobianos e inibidores de biofilme de baixo custo contra esses isolados MDR.

Predictors of mortality in end-stage renal disease patients with mitral annulus calcification.

OBJECTIVE: Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in the general population. The purpose of the current historical cohort study is to assess risk factors for long-term mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with MAC (n = 30; age, 62 +/- 2 yr), as compared to ESRD patients without MAC (n = 30; age, 63 +/- 2 yr). Additional analysis compared ESRD patients with MAC to non-ESRD patients with MAC (n = 32; age, 66 +/- 2 yr). METHODS: The groups included age-matched male patients followed at a single center. Long-term survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Regular and stepwise Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: There was a similarly high prevalence of cardiovascular complications, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure, in all three groups. Median survival time was significantly longer in non-ESRD patients (90 months), compared with the ESRD with MAC (45 months) and ESRD without MAC (45 months) patients (log-rank test; P < 0.001). With stepwise Cox proportional hazards model, including ESRD patients with MAC and ESRD patients without MAC, increased calcium x phosphate product, decreased serum creatinine concentration, and the presence of coronary artery disease and lower extremity amputations were independent predictors of mortality for patients with ESRD. With stepwise Cox proportional hazards model, including ESRD patients with MAC and non-ESRD patients with MAC, the presence of ESRD, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, aortic valve calcification, coronary artery disease, and tricuspid regurgitation were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate was high in ESRD patients, approximately 15% per year. After accounting for baseline cardiovascular disease and traditional risk factors, the presence of MAC did not confer additional risk for mortality.

Iliofemoral distraction and hip reconstruction for the sequelae of a septic dislocated hip with chronic femoral osteomyelitis.

We describe a technique of 'cross-hip distraction' to reduce a dislocated hip with subsequent reconstruction of the joint for septic arthritis with extensive femoral osteomyelitis. A 27-year-old woman presented with a dislocated, collapsed femoral head and chronic osteomyelitis of the femur. Examination revealed a leg-length discrepancy of 7 cm and an irritable hip. A staged technique was used with primary clearance of osteomyelitis and secondary reconstruction of the hip. A cross-hip monolateral external fixator was used to establish normal anatomy followed by an arthroplasty. A good functional outcome was achieved. The use of cross-hip distraction avoids soft-tissue and nerve damage and achieved improved abductor function before arthroplasty.

The effects of hyaluronic acid on articular chondrocytes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hyaluronic acid supplementation on chondrocyte metabolism in vitro. The clinical benefits of intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections are thought to occur through improved joint lubrication. Recent findings have shown that exogenous hyaluronic acid is incorporated into articular cartilage where it may have a direct biological effect on chondrocytes through CD44 receptors.Bovine articular chondrocytes were isolated and seeded into alginate constructs. These were cultured in medium containing hyaluronic acid at varying concentrations. Samples were assayed for biochemical and histological changes. There was a dose-dependent response to the exposure of hyaluronic acid to bovine articular chondrocytes in vitro. Low concentrations of hyaluronic acid (0.1 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL) significantly increase DNA, sulphated glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline synthesis. Immunohistology confirmed the maintenance of cell phenotype with increased matrix deposition of chondroitin-6-sulphate and collagen type II. These findings confirm a stimulatory effect of hyaluronic acid on chondrocyte metabolism.

Malignant ascites: new concepts in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.

Malignant ascites is a manifestation of advanced malignant disease that is associated with significant morbidity. Mainstays of treatment include diuretics and recurrent large volume paracentesis. Although lymphatic obstruction has been considered the major pathophysiologic mechanism behind its formation, recent evidence suggests that immune modulators, vascular permeability factors, and metalloproteinases are contributing significantly to the process. These new observations offer the opportunity for development of new, more targeted therapies for the treatment of malignant ascites. This article uses a clinical case to highlight the problem, then reviews these new concepts in the pathophysiology of malignant ascites formation. The diagnosis and management of this challenging medical problem are subsequently discussed, with emphasis on how these new pathophysiologic insights are being applied to the development of novel therapies that may soon change how we manage this troubling clinical condition.

Ulnar tunnel syndrome due to anatomical variant of the ulnar artery.

We report a case of ulnar tunnel syndrome due to an anatomical variant branch of the ulnar artery. Anatomical variants can cause compression not visible on imaging and need to be considered for successful surgical decompression.

Increased neuropeptide Y content in individual hypothalamic nuclei, but not neuropeptide Y mRNA, in diet-induced obesity in rats.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the most powerful appetite stimulant known, and chronic administration leads to obesity. The hypothalamic content of NPY varies with nutritional status, suggesting that it is of physiological importance. We measured NPY in specific hypothalamic nuclei and NPY mRNA in the hypothalamus by Northern blotting in rats made obese by feeding a highly palatable diet compared with controls fed standard chow. In animals fed the palatable diet, NPY concentrations were increased in the paraventricular nucleus (mean +/- S.E.M.; 19.5 +/- 2.3 vs 11.1 +/- 1.1 fmol/micrograms protein, P less than 0.02), the arcuate nucleus (20.4 +/- 3.3 vs 9.3 +/- 0.6 fmol/micrograms protein, P less than 0.01), the medial preoptic area (9.1 +/- 0.9 vs 5.9 +/- 0.7 fmol/micrograms protein, P less than 0.02) and the anterior hypothalamus (2.7 +/- 0.2 vs 2.0 +/- 0.1 fmol/micrograms, P less than 0.02). Hypothalamic NPY mRNA measured by Northern blot analysis was, however, unchanged. These results suggest that the increase in NPY was due to decreased release rather than increased NPYergic activity. The findings are in accord with the neuroendocrine disturbance and increased thermogenesis observed in this model of obesity.