Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange for Deep Sedation in a Lung Transplant Candidate With Severe Cystic Fibrosis: A Case Report.

Transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange is a recently described technique for safer management of difficult airways and a novel ventilation technique under anesthesia. Its full potential in patient safety and benefits are still being investigated. We describe the use of transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange for deep sedation during dental extractions in a patient with severe cystic fibrosis as a precondition for lung transplantation. Patient wanted to have the procedure under general anesthesia with intubation due to extreme anxiety. However, we advocated deep IV sedation with transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange. Oxygenation was maintained without airway obstruction and pulmonary complications during the entire procedure of 110 minutes.

Flotillin-1 interacts with the serotonin transporter and modulates chronic corticosterone response.

Aberrant serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain is considered at the core of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in neuropsychiatric disorders. Gene by environment interactions contribute to the development of depression and involve modulation of the availability and functional activity of the serotonin transporter (SERT). Using behavioral and in vivo electrophysiological approaches together with biochemical, molecular-biological and molecular imaging tools we establish Flotillin-1 (Flot1) as a novel protein interacting with SERT and demonstrate its involvement in the response to chronic corticosterone (CORT) treatment. We show that genetic Flot1 depletion augments chronic CORT-induced behavioral despair and describe concomitant alterations in the expression of SERT, activity of serotonergic neurons and alterations of the glucocorticoid receptor transport machinery. Hence, we propose a role for Flot1 as modulatory factor for the depressogenic consequences of chronic CORT exposure and suggest Flotillin-1-dependent regulation of SERT expression and activity of serotonergic neurotransmission at the core of the molecular mechanisms involved.

A systematic review of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence following ileal pouch anal anastomosis.

Faecal incontinence is a common complication of ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) and seems to worsen with time. The aim of this paper is to review the evidence of the use of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for patients with faecal incontinence after IPAA. A literature search was performed on PubMed and Cochrane databases for all relevant articles. All studies, which reported the outcome of SNS in patients with faecal incontinence after IPAA, were reviewed. Three papers were identified, including a case report, cohort study and retrospective study. The total number of patients was 12. The follow-up duration included 3 months, 6 months and 24 months. After peripheral nerve evaluation, definitive implantation was performed in 10 (83.3%) patients. All three studies reported positive outcomes, with CCF scores and incontinence episodes improving significantly. Preliminary results suggest good outcome after permanent SNS implant. Studies with larger sample sizes, well-defined patient characteristics and standardized outcome measures are required to fully investigate the effect of SNS in IPAA patients.

Determining the amount of training needed for competency of anesthesia trainees in ultrasonographic identification of the cricothyroid membrane.

BACKGROUND: Airway guidelines recommend the use of ultrasound to localize the cricothyroid membrane prior to airway manipulation in difficult airways. In this study, we aimed to determine the amount of training anesthesia trainees would need to achieve competence in bedside ultrasound to identify the cricothyroid membrane. METHODS: This is a prospective non-randomized cohort study in the Department of Anesthesia at Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Following institutional ethics approval, six anesthesia trainees consisting of four residents and two fellows underwent a 2-h training session on neck ultrasound to identify neck landmarks and the cricothyroid membrane. The trainees had no previous airway ultrasound experience. One-two weeks later, each trainee performed consecutive neck ultrasound scans on 20 healthy volunteers to identify the cricothyroid membrane. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) learning curves were constructed for each trainee. Primary outcome was the number of ultrasound examinations required to achieve competence, defined as 90% success rate in a series of 20 ultrasound scans. Secondary outcomes were the overall success rate, the time (sec.) required to perform the task, and 3-month skills assessment. RESULTS: CUSUM analysis showed four trainees achieved competence with a mean [range] success rate of 94.0% [90-100%] and a median [range] number of attempts of 14 [9-18]. Two trainees did not achieve competence, but obtained a success rate of 75.0 and 80.0% each. Overall (number of attempts) success rate was 88.3% (106/120) with a mean (SD) time of 36.9 (9.0) sec. Three months after training, ultrasound of five consecutive neck scans showed a mean success rate of 86.7% (26/30) and mean (SD) time of 47.7 (16.0) sec. CONCLUSIONS: After a short 2-h training session, most anesthesia trainees (n = 4/6) achieved competence in ultrasound-identification of the cricothyroid membrane with less than 20 scans in a mean time less than 60 s., and that they remain reasonably competent 3 months later. The learning curve for ultrasound identification of the cricothyroid membrane seems to be short even without prior airway ultrasound experience.

Exogenous Nitric Oxide Suppresses in Vivo X-ray-Induced Targeted and Non-Targeted Effects in Zebrafish Embryos.

The present paper studied the X-ray-induced targeted effect in irradiated zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio), as well as a non-targeted effect in bystander naïve embryos partnered with irradiated embryos, and examined the influence of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on these targeted and non-targeted effects. The exogenous NO was generated using an NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP). The targeted and non-targeted effects, as well as the toxicity of the SNAP, were assessed using the number of apoptotic events in the zebrafish embryos at 24 h post fertilization (hpf) revealed through acridine orange (AO) staining. SNAP with concentrations of 20 and 100 µM were first confirmed to have no significant toxicity on zebrafish embryos. The targeted effect was mitigated in zebrafish embryos if they were pretreated with 100 µM SNAP prior to irradiation with an X-ray dose of 75 mGy but was not alleviated in zebrafish embryos if they were pretreated with 20 µM SNAP. On the other hand, the non-targeted effect was eliminated in the bystander naïve zebrafish embryos if they were pretreated with 20 or 100 µM SNAP prior to partnering with zebrafish embryos having been subjected to irradiation with an X-ray dose of 75 mGy. These findings revealed the importance of NO in the protection against damages induced by ionizing radiations or by radiation-induced bystander signals, and could have important impacts on development of advanced cancer treatment strategies.

Role of contextualizing a crisis scenario on the performance of a cricothyrotomy procedural task.

PURPOSE: Simulation is an important alternative to evaluate cricothyrotomy, a rare life-saving procedure. This crossover study aimed to determine whether contextualization of a crisis scenario would impact the performance of a cricothyrotomy procedural task. METHODS: Sixty-five anesthesia assistants and emergency medicine and anesthesia residents underwent a teaching session in surgical cricothyrotomy using one of two sets of cricothyrotomy kits: the Portex 6.0 and Melker 3.5 (n = 32) or the Portex 6.0 and Melker 5.0 (n = 33). Within six weeks following the session, the participants performed cricothyrotomies on a full-body patient mannequin simulator coupled with a porcine larynx (tissue-mannequin simulator) using the assigned two kits in a "cannot intubate, cannot ventilate" (CICV) contextualized scenario (CS) and in a CICV verbalized non-contextualized scenario (NCS). Each participant performed a total of four cricothyrotomies using the two kits in the two scenarios. The primary outcome measure was insertion time, and secondary outcome measures were severity of injuries and failure rate. Outcome measures were compared between scenarios for each kit. RESULTS: Mean (SD) insertion time for a successful cricothyrotomy was not significantly different between NCS and CS for the Melker 3.5 [83.0 (45.0) sec vs 63.3 (36.1) sec, respectively; P = 0.96; mean difference (MD), 19.7 sec; 95% confidence interval (CI), -1.9 to 41.3], the Melker 5.0 [86.5 (36.8) sec vs 107.1 (55.6) sec, respectively; P = 0.11; MD, -20.6 sec; 95% CI, -44.9 to 3.7], and the Portex 6.0 [59.5 (35.5) sec vs 59.0 (35.0) sec, respectively; P = 0.95; MD, 0.5 sec; 95% CI, -13.2 to 14.2]. Failure rate and severity of injuries, measured as mean average injury score for each kit, were also similar between scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: Contextualization of a crisis scenario did not affect the performance of a cricothyrotomy procedural task on a tissue-mannequin simulator. These findings may have implications when considering the feasibility and cost-effectiveness for assessing the performance of cricothyrotomy procedural tasks.

Some properties of the signals involved in unirradiated zebrafish embryos rescuing α-particle irradiated zebrafish embryos.

PURPOSE: The in vivo radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) and radiation-induced rescue effect (RIRE) induced between embryos of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) by alpha-particle irradiation were studied through the number of apoptotic signals revealed at 24 h post fertilization (hpf) through vital dye acridine orange staining. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RIBE and RIRE were verified through the significant increase and decrease in apoptotic signals in the partnered bystander and irradiated embryos, respectively. RESULTS: The medium transfer experiment where irradiated zebrafish embryos were rescued through immersion in the medium previously conditioned by a larger number of irradiated zebrafish embryos showed (a) the involvement of a released stress signal in the induction of RIRE, and (b) RIBE and RIRE signals had the same function. With the help of 500 µM of the specific nitric oxide (NO) scavenger cPTIO (2-(4carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-imidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide), NO was confirmed as an essential signaling molecule for inducing both the RIBE and RIRE. On the other hand, the treatment with 20 µM of the carbon monoxide (CO) releasing chemical CORM-3 (tricarbonylchloro(glycinato)ruthenium (II)) suppressed the manifestations of RIBE but did not suppress RIRE. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, unirradiated zebrafish embryos need NO but not NO-induced damages to rescue α-particle irradiated zebrafish embryos.

Task- versus ego-oriented feedback delivered as numbers or comments during intubation training.

CONTEXT: Learners can focus on mastery (i.e. task orientation) or on learning relative to others (i.e. ego orientation). Previous research suggests task orientations are optimal for learning, a benefit usually linked to the suggestion that qualitative comments are better for learning than quantitative comparisons (i.e. grades). Yet, it is not clear if the observed effects are attributable to the feedback orientation (i.e. task versus ego), feedback format (i.e. comments versus numerical scores), or an interaction between the two. Here, we aimed to clarify the effects of feedback orientation and feedback format during simulation-based training in endotracheal intubation. METHODS: Forty-one medical students were randomly assigned to four feedback conditions: Task-oriented Numerical; Ego-oriented Numerical; Task-oriented Comment, and Ego-oriented Comment. Participants performed a total of 20 trials of endotracheal intubation. Pre-test, post-test and retention test assessments included the use of hand motion analysis and a global rating scale (GRS). Participants rated feedback credibility, self-assessment and self-confidence using Likert-type scales. Analyses of variance were used to examine group differences. RESULTS: Participants' performance did not differ significantly on the easiest (p > 0.2) or two complex variations of intubation (p > 0.3). For the moderately difficult variation, analyses of hand motion and GRS data revealed significant group differences at post-test (p < 0.05), but no differences on the retention test. Analysis of participants' perceptions showed significant interactions whereby the Ego-oriented Numerical group rated feedback credibility (p < 0.01) higher than the Task-oriented Numerical group; the two Comment groups did not differ. Some participants recounted negative experiences with the feedback they received. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students responded to feedback in ways that challenge previous education research. Specifically, students preferred and improved more in the short term (but not at retention) when receiving Ego-oriented feedback in Numerical form. Although learning retention did not differ significantly across feedback conditions, students' perceptions of themselves and of the teacher and training environment did differ and the implications for trainees' future learning must be considered.

[Brace treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis : a retrospective study and analysis according to the SRS criteria]. / Behandlung der jugendlichen idiopathischen Skoliose mittels Korsett : Eine retrospektive Studie und Analyse nach SRS-Kriterien.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with bracing at The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne Australia according to the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) criteria and evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the 1 year survey 125 patients with AIS were treated with bracing and 52 (42 %) of those fulfilled the SRS criteria. Measurements were performed according to the follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 13.1 years and the mean Cobb angle at the start of therapy was 31.8°. Thirtynine (76 %) patients were treated successfully and an improvement of the Cobb angle was achieved in 26 (51 %) patients. A further 6 patients (12 %) required surgery and 7 (14 %) showed a Cobb angle of more than 45° after reaching skeletal maturity. CONCLUSION: The results show the effectiveness of bracing as a treatment method for patients with AIS. The SRS criteria provide good guidance to classify patients who are likely to benefit from this treatment. A better comparison of the outcome with other studies can be achieved by using these criteria.

Video game training enhances cognitive control in older adults.

Cognitive control is defined by a set of neural processes that allow us to interact with our complex environment in a goal-directed manner. Humans regularly challenge these control processes when attempting to simultaneously accomplish multiple goals (multitasking), generating interference as the result of fundamental information processing limitations. It is clear that multitasking behaviour has become ubiquitous in today's technologically dense world, and substantial evidence has accrued regarding multitasking difficulties and cognitive control deficits in our ageing population. Here we show that multitasking performance, as assessed with a custom-designed three-dimensional video game (NeuroRacer), exhibits a linear age-related decline from 20 to 79 years of age. By playing an adaptive version of NeuroRacer in multitasking training mode, older adults (60 to 85 years old) reduced multitasking costs compared to both an active control group and a no-contact control group, attaining levels beyond those achieved by untrained 20-year-old participants, with gains persisting for 6 months. Furthermore, age-related deficits in neural signatures of cognitive control, as measured with electroencephalography, were remediated by multitasking training (enhanced midline frontal theta power and frontal-posterior theta coherence). Critically, this training resulted in performance benefits that extended to untrained cognitive control abilities (enhanced sustained attention and working memory), with an increase in midline frontal theta power predicting the training-induced boost in sustained attention and preservation of multitasking improvement 6 months later. These findings highlight the robust plasticity of the prefrontal cognitive control system in the ageing brain, and provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, of how a custom-designed video game can be used to assess cognitive abilities across the lifespan, evaluate underlying neural mechanisms, and serve as a powerful tool for cognitive enhancement.

18F-FDG PET/CT findings in patients with Kikuchi disease.

PURPOSE: Kikuchi disease (KD) is a benign and self-limited syndrome characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy. This study evaluated 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) findings in patients with KD and analyzed their imaging features. PATIENTS, MATERIAL, METHODS: We evaluated the FDG PET/CT findings of 22 patients (14 men, 8 women) with KD, ranging in age from 9 to 73 years. All patients had been diagnosed based on the pathological findings of biopsy. We examined the locations, metabolic activity and size of hypermetabolic lymph nodes (LNs) on FDG PET/CT imaging with medical history including laboratory results. RESULTS: Among the 22 patients, we identified 619 hypermetabolic LNs which had maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) above 3.0. The 16 patients were studied with FDG PET/CT to identify the cause of fever, another 5 patients for their neck masses, and the remaining patient for his left inguinal mass. Hypermetabolic LNs were noted in neck (18 bilaterally, 2 right, 1 left) of 21 patients, axilla of 10, mediastinum of 9, abdomen of 17, pelvis of 6, and inguinal area of 3. The SUVmax of FDG uptake in affected LNs by patient base analysis were 6.2-29.4. Of the 619 hypermetabolic LNs identified, 440 LNs (71.1%) were less than 10 mm in their short axis determined by CT, and were occasionally aggregated. No patient showed solid organ hypermetabolic lesion in FDG PET/CT. CONCLUSION: Kikuchi disease could present multiple hypermetabolic LNs in body on FDG PET/CT. Based on the physical findings, consideration of the generalized distribution of the relatively small-sized hypermetabolic LNs, FDG PET/CT may be useful as a diagnostic tool in cases of Kikuchi disease.

Evaluation of hybrid PET/CT gastrography in gastric cancer.

AIM: With the recent advances in multidetector-row CT, a fusion of functional PET with three dimensional (3D) CT gastrography may provide enhanced diagnostic capability and help surgeons during preoperative planning. The diagnostic value of hybrid PET/CT gastrography was compared with that of conventional PET/CT alone in gastric cancer staging. PATIENTS, METHODS: Patients with gastric cancer (n = 101) confirmed by endoscopic biopsy specimens underwent conventional PET/CT and regional PET with contrast enhanced CT, followed by gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy at our institution from November 2007 to November 2008. These images were fused into a hybrid PET/CT gastrography using the cardiac IQ fusion software. Conventional PET/CT and hybrid PET/CT gastrography were evaluated for staging of gastric cancer. After gastrectomy, these were compared with pathologic reports respectively. RESULTS: Gastric cancer was diagnosed as 50 early gastric cancer (EGC) and 51 advanced gastric cancer (AGC) on pathologic examination. In EGC, hybrid PET/CT gastrography and PET/CT identified 36 (72%) and 7 (14%) tumours, respectively. Hybrid PET/CT gastrography correctly delineated the subtype of 25 EGC. In AGC, all 51 (100%) tumours were identified on the hybrid PET/CT gastrography compared to 39 (76.5%) tumours on PET/CT. Hybrid PET/CT gastrography correctly classified the morphology of 42 AGC using the Bormann classification. Additionally, depth of invasion was correctly presented in 38 of 51 AGC. Hybrid PET/CT gastrography for regional lymph node (LN) metastasis in the EGC and AGC showed the sensitivity of 75% and 83.9%, and specificity 90.5% and 55%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hybrid PET/CT gastrography is the more intuitive and comprehensive method for the preoperative evaluation of gastric cancer than conventional PET/CT.

[Effects of gap junction blocking on the oxygen partial pressure in acupoints of the bladder meridian].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relation between gap junction and meridian phenomenon. METHODS: The oxygen partial pressure in acupoints [see text for formula] and in their corresponding non-acupoints of the Bladder Meridian was observed with the needle-type tissue oxygen tension sensor in the gap junction blocking goats by 1-Heptanol injection and the Connexin 43 (Cx43) gene knockout mice. RESULTS: (1) The oxygen partial pressure in acupoints of Bladder Meridian on goats was higher than that in non-acupoints after 1-Heptanol injection with significant differences between them (both P < 0.01). (2) The oxygen partial pressure in acupoints of Bladder Meridian on goats increased significantly after injecting 1-Heptanol as compare with that either injecting normal saline or injecting nothing with significant differences between them (all P < 0.01). (3) The oxygen partial pressure in acupoints of the Bladder Meridian was significantly higher than that in the non-acupoint controls in Cx43 wild type (WT) mice (all P < 0.01). In Cx43 heterozygote (HT) mice, the oxygen partial pressure between acupoints and non-acupoint controls showed no significant differences (all P > 0.05). (4) In acupoints, the oxygen partial pressure in Cx43 WT mice was significantly higher than that in Cx43 HT mice (all P < 0.05), while in the corresponding non-acupoints, this difference had no statistically significant (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Gap junction maybe the essential factor in signal transduction of acupuncture.

Teaching lifesaving procedures: the impact of model fidelity on acquisition and transfer of cricothyrotomy skills to performance on cadavers.

BACKGROUND: A decline in emergency surgical airway procedures in recent years has resulted in a decreased exposure to cricothyrotomy. Consequently, residents have very little experience or confidence in performing this intervention. In this study, we compared cricothyrotomy skills acquired on a simple inexpensive model to those learned on a high fidelity simulator using valid evaluation instruments and testing on cadavers. METHODS: First and second year anesthesiology residents were recruited. All subjects performed a videotaped pretest cricothyrotomy on cadavers. Subjects were randomized into two groups: The high fidelity group (n = 11) performed two cricothyrotomies on a full-scale simulator with an anatomically accurate larynx. The low fidelity group (n = 11) performed two cricothyrotomies on a low fidelity model constructed from corrugated tubing. Within 2 wk all subjects performed a posttest. Two blinded examiners graded and timed the performances using a checklist and a global rating scale. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the change from pretest to posttest performance between the model groups as evaluated by all three measures (all: P = NS). Training on both models significantly improved performance on all measures (all: P < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability was strong (checklist: r = 0.90; global rating scale: r = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that a simple inexpensive model achieved the same effect on objectively rated skill acquisition as did an expensive simulator. The skills acquired on both models transferred effectively to cadavers. Training for this life-saving skill does not need to be limited by simulator accessibility or cost.

[Effect of Ca2+ complexation on oxygen partial pressure in the Bladder Meridian in goats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between energy metabolism and meridian phenomenon. Methods Ten Boer hybridism goats mitigated under chlorpromazine (0.85 mg/kg, intramuscular injection) were subjected to the present study. Changes of oxygen partial pressure (PO2) in "Ganshu" (BL 18), "Dachangshu" (BL 25) and "Guanyuanshu" (BL 26) of Bladder Meridian and in 3 non-acupoints (3 cm apart from BL18, BL25 and BL26 separately on the unilateral side) were recorded by using a needle-type tissue oxygen tension sensor before and following local injection of EDTA-Na2 (200 microL, 0.05 kg/mol, for complexing Ca2+) and 0.9% saline. RESULTS: (1) Compared with the corresponding non-acupoints, Ca2+ potentials in BL18, BL25 and BL26 were all significantly higher (P < 0.05, 0.01). (2) In comparison with the corresponding non-acupoints, the values of tissue PO2 of BL18 and BL26 were significantly higher (P < 0.01). (3) After injection of EDTA-Na2, PO2 values in both BL18, BL26, and their respective non-acupoints increased significantly in comparison with those of either injection of saline or their respective basal values (P < 0.01, 0.05). Compared with those of their corresponding non-acupoints PO2 values in both BL18 and BL26 increased markedly (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Ca2+ potential of the Bladder Meridian was significantly higher than that of non-acupoints, and after complexing Ca2+, PO2 in acupoints and non-acupoints increased markedly, suggesting that Ca2+ may play an important role in meridian signaling and production of acupuncture effect.

Adjuvant therapy with raltitrexed in patients with colorectal cancer intolerant of 5-fluorouracil: British Columbia Cancer Agency experience.

BACKGROUND: Severe 5-FU toxicity in adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer may require change of therapy. We retrospectively explored the safety and efficacy of adjuvant raltitrexed in patients intolerant of 5-FU. METHODS: Over a 5 year period, patients who received 5-FU and subsequent raltitrexed therapy were identified. RESULTS: There were 44 patients, (39 stage III). Median number of prior 5-FU cycles was 2. Three year relapse free and overall survival proportions for stage III patients were 70.8% and 83.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Raltitrexed adjuvant therapy can be given safely and effectively in patients where further 5-FU is contraindicated.

p21 gene polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21) is a negative regulator in the cell cycle. Development of sex-linked lupus-like syndrome in p21-/- mice and reduced p21 gene expression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with those in healthy controls suggested that p21 is a susceptibility gene of SLE. We investigated the same by a case-control association study. METHODS: Six single nucleotide polymorphisms, p21US G/A, p21DS C/A, p21-1022 G/A, p21C31 C/A, p21In2 G/C and p21UTR T/C, were genotyped in 516 SLE patients and 693 healthy controls. Association of genotypes and alleles with disease, disease phenotypes, haplotypes construction, linkage disequilibrium analysis and p21 mRNA expression were performed. RESULTS: We found a significant association of p21US A allele (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.14-0.38, P < 0.001) and p21-1022 A allele (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.37-2.78, P < 0.001) with SLE. We identified significant differences in the frequencies of haplotypes ht1-ACACCC, which contains p21US A allele, and ht2-GCACCC, which contains p21-1022 A allele, between SLE patients and controls (P < 0.0001). Besides, the p21US GA was associated with SLE patients suffering from arthritis (P = 0.003). We also observed differential p21 mRNA expressions among different genotypes of p21US and p21-1022 which were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the p21US A allele and p21-1022 A allele were both associated with the development of SLE, and the p21US A allele was associated with arthritis in SLE patients.

Ultrafast and large third-order nonlinear optical properties of CdS nanocrystals in polymeric film.

We report the ultrafast and large third-order nonlinear optical properties of CdS nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in a polymeric film. The CdS NCs of 2 nm radius are synthesized by an ion-exchange method and highly concentrated in the two layers near the surfaces of the polymeric film. The two-photon absorption coefficient and the optical Kerr coefficient are measured with laser pulses of 250 fs duration at 800 nm wavelength. The one-photon and two-photon figures of merit are determined to be 3.1 and 1.3, respectively, at irradiance of 2 GW/cm(2). The observed nonlinearities have a recovery time of approximately 1 ps. The two-photon-generated free carrier effects have also been observed and discussed. These results demonstrate that CdS NCs embedded in polymeric film are a promising candidate for optical switching applications.

Selective enhancement of tonic GABAergic inhibition in murine hippocampal neurons by low concentrations of the volatile anesthetic isoflurane.

Volatile (inhaled) anesthetics cause amnesia at concentrations well below those that cause loss of consciousness and immobility; however, the underlying neuronal mechanisms are unknown. Although many anesthetics increase inhibitory GABAergic synaptic transmission, this effect occurs only at high concentrations (>100 microm). Molecular targets for low concentrations of inhaled anesthetics have not been identified. Here, we report that a tonic inhibitory conductance in hippocampal pyramidal neurons generated by alpha5 subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors is highly sensitive to low concentrations of the volatile anesthetic isoflurane (ISO) (25 and 83.3 microm). The alpha5 subunit is necessary for enhancement of the tonic current by these low concentrations of isoflurane because potentiation is absent in neurons from alpha5-/- mice. Furthermore, ISO (25 microm) potentiated recombinant human alpha5beta3gamma2L GABA(A) receptors, whereas this effect was not seen with alpha1beta3gamma2L GABA(A) receptors. These studies suggest that an increased tonic inhibition in the hippocampus may contribute to amnestic properties of volatile anesthetics.