ACANTHOCEPHALANS PROSTHENORCHIS CF. ELEGANS (ARCHIACANTHOCEPHALA: OLIGACANTHORHYNCHIDAE), PARASITES OF PRIMATES IN THE MOSCOW ZOO.

Acanthocephalans Prosthenorchis cf. elegans were found in primates in the Moscow Zoo. The larvae of these parasites (cistacanths) were found in cockroaches Blattella germanica that had been captured near aviaries of infected animals. Descriptions and drawings of adult parasites and their larvae are given. Analysis of Prosthenorchis cf. elegans genes ITS 1 rDNA and CO 1 mtDNA shows phylogenetic relations of these parasites with several representatives of the class Archiacanthocephala. The obtained molecular data, however, do not support the monophyly of the family Oligacanthorhynchidae and the order Oligacanthorhynchida.

N-Acetylcysteine is an effective analog of glutathione in reactions with reactive oxygen species.

The kinetic characteristics of the interaction of N-acetylcysteine (ASH) with reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide were determined. It was found that in terms of activity ASH in these reactions is similar to glutathione GSH, the main endogenous bioantioxidant. The kinetics of heat release in the interaction of GSH and ASH with H2O2 was studied for the first time by isothermal calorimetry. It is shown that the kinetic curves of heat release and changes in specific heat release rates practically coincide for both thiols taken in the stoichiometric ratio in the known reaction 2 TSH + H2O2 → TSST + 2 H2O. This indicates the relative autonomy of the S-H and S-S bonds in thiols and disulfides, which are not affected by other groups in the molecule. At pH<7, ASH, like GSH, interacts with H2O2 to form thiyl radicals, which initiate thiol-ene reactions with unsaturated phenol resveratrol. Under the same conditions, ASH ensures nearly the same radical initiation rates as GSH, and thiyl radicals from ASH are close in activity to GS• in chain propagation reactions.

[Possibilities of correction of rheological properties of the blood and free radical processess in patients with acute myocardial infarction combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

Aim of the study was assessment of rheological parameters of the blood and processes of free radical oxidation as well as rate of arrhythmia development in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) whose otherwise standard therapy was supplemented with 90% omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PFA). We examined 63 patients with AMI and concomitant diabetes. 90% omega-3 PFA was given to 16 of these patients. Control group consisted of 22 practically healthy patients. Investigation of blood rheological parameters included measurement of viscosity of whole blood, determination of aggregation and morphofunctional structure of erythrocytes. Free radical processes were assessed by total amount of nitrates and nitrites in blood plasma, concentration of citrulline and malone dialdehyde. In patients with AMI taking its course at the background of type 2 DM compared with control group we observed changes of rheological properties of blood and processes of free radical oxidation which led to lowering of tissue oxygen supply. Standard therapy of AMI in more than 50% of patients did not result in adequate correction of impaired rheological parameters of blood. Addition of 90% omega-3 PFA to standard treatment of AMI was associated with improvement of aggregation and cytoarchitectonics of erythrocytes, lowering of activity of free radical oxidation, and by the end of 2nd week of treatment--with lessening of number of ventricular disturbances of cardiac rhythm. Thus supplementation of standard therapy with preparation 90% omega-3 PFA in patients with AMI and type 2 DM facilitates improvement of rheological properties of blood and processes of free radical oxidation, and prevention of arrhythmia.

Parenting, mental health and economic pathways to prevention of violence against children in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Parenting programs based on social learning theory have increasing empirical evidence for reducing violence against children. Trials are primarily from high-income countries and with young children. Globally, we know little about how parenting programs work to reduce violence, with no known studies in low or middle-income countries (LMICs). This study examines mechanisms of change of a non-commercialized parenting program, Parenting for Lifelong Health for Teens, designed with the World Health Organization and UNICEF. A cluster randomized trial showed main effects on parenting and other secondary outcomes. We conducted secondary analysis of trial data to investigate five potential mediators of reduced violence against children: improved parenting, adolescent behaviour, caregiver mental health, alcohol/drug avoidance, and family economic strengthening. METHODS: The trial was implemented in rural South Africa with 40 sites, n = 552 family dyads (including adolescents aged 10-18 and primary caregivers). Intervention sites (n = 20) received the 14-session parenting program delivered by local community members, including modules on family budgeting and savings. Control sites (n = 20) received a brief informational workshop. Emotional and physical violence against children/adolescents and each potential mediator were reported by adolescents and caregivers at baseline and 9-13 months post-randomisation. Structural equation modelling was used to test simultaneous hypothesized pathways to violence reduction. RESULTS: Improvements in four pathways mediated reduced violence against children: 1) improved parenting practices, 2) improved caregiver mental health (reduced depression), 3) increased caregiver alcohol/drug avoidance and 4) improved family economic welfare. Improved child behaviour was not a mediator, although it was associated with less violence. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneously bolstering a set of family processes can reduce violence. Supporting self-care and positive coping for caregivers may be essential in challenging contexts. In countries with minimal or no economic safety nets, linking social learning parenting programs with economic strengthening skills may bring us closer to ending violence against children.

[Peculiarities of electrostatic interactions between amino acids and salicylic acid in aqueous solution].

Based on calorimetric data, the enthalpy of the transfer of salicylic acid to aqueous buffer solutions with the addition of different amino acids at the constant acidity of medium pH 7.35 was determined. It was shown that the exothermicity of transfer and negative enthalpic coefficients for these pairwise interactions of salicylic acid with amino acids considerably increase with increasing charge of amino acid existing in the ionic form under these conditions. Weak interactions of salicylic acid with the anionic form of aspartic and glutamic acids are related to the repulsion between anion carboxyl groups. More intensive interactions are observed for zwitter-ions of glycine and alanine. The most intensive specific interactions with salicylic acid are observed for lysine and arginine, which exist in the solution as cations.

Design, modeling, and experimental validation of an acoustofluidic platform for nanoscale molecular synthesis and detection.

Microfluidic technologies are increasingly implemented to replace manual methods in biological and biochemical sample processing. We explore the feasibility of an acoustofluidic trap for confinement of microparticle reaction substrates against continuously flowing reagents in chemical synthesis and detection applications. Computational models are used to predict the flow and ultrasonic standing wave fields within two longitudinal standing bulk acoustic wave (LSBAW) microchannels operated in the 0.5-2.0 MHz range. Glass (gLSBAW) and silicon (siLSBAW) pillar arrays comprise trapping structures that augment the local acoustic field, while openings between pillars evenly distribute the flow for uniform exposure of substrates to reagents. Frequency spectra (acoustic energy density E ac vs frequency) and model-predicted pressure fields are used to identify longitudinal resonances with pressure minima in bands oriented perpendicular to the inflow direction. Polymeric and glass particles (10- and 20-µm diameter polystyrene beads, 6 µm hollow glass spheres, and 5 µm porous silica microparticles) are confined within acoustic traps operated at longitudinal first and second half-wavelength resonant frequencies (f 1,E = 575 kHz, gLSBAW; f 1,E = 666 kHz; and f 2,E = 1.278 MHz, siLSBAW) as reagents are introduced at 5-10 µl min-1. Anisotropic silicon etched traps are found to improve augmentation of the acoustic pressure field without reducing the volumetric throughput. Finally, in-channel synthesis of a double-labeled antibody conjugate on ultrasound-confined porous silica microparticles demonstrates the feasibility of the LSBAW platform for synthesis and detection. The results provide a computational and experimental framework for continued advancement of the LSBAW platform for other synthetic processes and molecular detection applications.

Augmented longitudinal acoustic trap for scalable microparticle enrichment.

We introduce an acoustic microfluidic device architecture that locally augments the pressure field for separation and enrichment of targeted microparticles in a longitudinal acoustic trap. Pairs of pillar arrays comprise "pseudo walls" that are oriented perpendicular to the inflow direction. Though sample flow is unimpeded, pillar arrays support half-wave resonances that correspond to the array gap width. Positive acoustic contrast particles of supracritical diameter focus to nodal locations of the acoustic field and are held against drag from the bulk fluid motion. Thus, the longitudinal standing bulk acoustic wave (LSBAW) device achieves size-selective and material-specific separation and enrichment of microparticles from a continuous sample flow. A finite element analysis model is used to predict eigenfrequencies of LSBAW architectures with two pillar geometries, slanted and lamellar. Corresponding pressure fields are used to identify longitudinal resonances that are suitable for microparticle enrichment. Optimal operating conditions exhibit maxima in the ratio of acoustic energy density in the LSBAW trap to that in inlet and outlet regions of the microchannel. Model results guide fabrication and experimental evaluation of realized LSBAW assemblies regarding enrichment capability. We demonstrate separation and isolation of 20 µm polystyrene and ∼10 µm antibody-decorated glass beads within both pillar geometries. The results also establish several practical attributes of our approach. The LSBAW device is inherently scalable and enables continuous enrichment at a prescribed location. These features benefit separations applications while also allowing concurrent observation and analysis of trap contents.

[Cytoarchitectonics and parameters of aggregation of erythrocytes in patients with acute myocardial infarction].

AIM: To assess cytoarchitectonics and parameters of aggregation of erythrocytes in patients with acute myocardial infarction, to elucidate their relationships with risk factors of ischemic heart disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 80 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 20 patients with stable angina pectoris comprised control group. Patients were divided into subgroups according to depth of damage of the myocardium and presence of statins in the treatment scheme. Examination included assessment of cytoarchitectonics and parameters of aggregation of erythrocytes, determination of blood plasma lipid spectrum and concentration of fibrinogen. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Pronounced pathological changes of cytoarchitectonics of erythrocytes and parameters of their aggregation develop in acute myocardial infarction. These changes increase with increase of depth of myocardial damage. Inclusion of statins in the scheme of treatment leads to significant improvement of the parameters studied. This improvement is more pronounced in patients with non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. Presence of significant interrelationships between cytoarchitectonics of erythrocytes and their aggregation and levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol, concentration of fibrinogen.

Quantum dots protected from oxidative attack using alumina shells synthesized by atomic layer deposition.

Applications of luminescent quantum dots require the materials to be stable under a wide range of temperatures, photon fluxes and chemical environments. In this work, we demonstrate that Al2O3 shells synthesized by atomic layer deposition on films of CdTe quantum dots are effective to prevent chemical degradation for up to 17 hours under continuous illumination at 90 °C in ambient air. Control samples with no Al2O3 coating experienced extensive oxidation and severe quenching of the photoluminescence intensity under these conditions.

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy: effect of sex, age, duration of disease and mode of therapy.

Studying 445 diabetic patients, we investigated the effects of sex, age, duration of disease, and mode of diabetes therapy on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. Of the study participants, 193 were treated with insulin injections, 164 took oral antidiabetic medications, and 88 were managed on diet alone. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was highest among insulin-treated patients (64%), while in the oral medication and diet groups, it was 36% and 12%, respectively. Diabetic retinopathy was more prevalent among patients with prolonged duration of disease. Sex and age did not seem to affect the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy when adjustments were made for the duration of disease.

Mutation analysis of the MEN1 gene in Israeli patients with MEN1 and familial isolated hyperprolactinemia.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) is characterized by hyperfunction and tumor formation of the parathyroids, anterior pituitary and endocrine pancreas. We carried out exon-specific, PCR-based DNA sequencing of the coding exons of the MEN1 gene in 8 Israeli MEN1 patients: 4 familial and 4 sporadic. We similarly analyzed Israeli families with a unique phenotype of isolated hyperprolactinemia (HPRL). Four mutations were detected in 4 MEN1 patients: C to T alteration at nucleotide 2608 resulting in R108X, and three intronic insertions/deletions (a 13 basepair (bp) deletion and a 1 bp insertion both in intron 1, and a 2 bp insertion in intron 3) leading to exonic frame shifts as they encompass the splice junctions. An additional patient exhibited a compound mutation: a G to T change at position 7614 resulting in E463X, and insertion/deletion of 9 bp at position 7622-7630 resulting in EAE466-468X. Haplotype analysis showed no segregation of phenotype with 11q13 markers in 4 familial HPRL, and no men 1 germline mutations were detected in three representative individuals, from 3 families. Our results confirm that men 1 gene germline mutations occur in the majority of patients with clinically diagnosed MEN1, and that familial HPRL is a genetically distinct disorder.

Increase in PDX-1 levels suppresses insulin gene expression in RIN 1046-38 cells.

RIN1046-38 cells (RIN-38) exhibit a passage-dependent reduction in both basal and glucose-regulated insulin secretion, accompanied by decreased insulin content. In an attempt to explain the mechanism of the gradual decrease in insulin production in cultured cells, we analyzed the insulin promoter activity and the levels of an important trans-activator of the insulin gene, PDX-1, as a function of aging in culture. We demonstrate that the decrease in insulin content and secretion is reflected in decreased promoter activity and is associated with a decrease in E47 and BETA2 nuclear factors, but with a paradoxical 3-fold increase in PDX-1 protein levels. To dissect the effect of increased PDX-1 from the decrease in the additional transcription factors on insulin promoter activity, we overexpressed PDX-1 protein in low passage RIN-38 cells by recombinant adenovirus technology. PDX-1 overexpression did not reduce E47 and BETA2 levels, but was sufficient to suppress rat insulin promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. The fact that PDX-1 levels participate in trans-activation of insulin promoter activity was demonstrated in HIT-T15 cells. Treating HIT-T15 cells with 1-2 multiplicity of infection of AdCMV-PDX-1 increased rat insulin promoter activity, whereas higher doses repressed insulin promoter activity in these cells as in RIN-38 cells. Our data demonstrate that PDX-1 regulates transcription of the insulin gene in a dose-dependent manner. Depending on its nuclear dosage and the levels of additional cooperating transcription factors, PDX-1 may act as an activator or a repressor of insulin gene expression, such that low as well as high doses may be deleterious to insulin production.

Reduction of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion in FSH-producing pituitary adenoma by bromocriptine.

An FSH-secreting pituitary adenoma was demonstrated in a 32-yr-old man who presented with unilateral optic atrophy without any clinical or laboratory evidence of hypogonadism. Semen analysis was normal, although basal FSH levels were markedly elevated (greater than 80 mIU/ml). He had normal plasma LH levels and no other detectable endocrine abnormalities. Administration of GnRH elicited delayed and sustained FSH and brisk LH responses. Administration of TRH resulted in TSH and PRL responses and unexpected FSH and LH elevations. Two surgical operations resulted in temporary reduction of plasma FSH levels, but it increased later concomitant with CT demonstration of tumor growth. After pituitary irradiation, no reduction in FSH levels occurred. A single dose of 5 mg bromocriptine elicited a significant reduction in FSH levels from 137 to 64 mIU/ml. Long term treatment with 15 mg/day bromocriptine resulted in further reduction of FSH level, to 36.4 mIU/ml, without any change in tumor size. This finding implies that bromocriptine could be an adjunctive therapy or an alternative to other modes of treatment in patients with these rare tumors.

Enhanced Na+/H+ exchange in Cushing's syndrome reflects functional hypermineralocorticoidism.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Cushing's syndrome exhibit a bimodal distribution of maximal rates of the erythrocyte amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange (NHE). Enhanced erythrocyte NHE has recently been found in patients with primary aldosteronism. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that occult hypermineralocorticoidism in a subset of patients with Cushing's syndrome is responsible for the greater than normal NHE. METHODS: NHE was measured as maximal initial rate (Vmax) of amiloride-inhibited efflux of H+ into an alkaline Na+-containing medium, for 47 patients with hypercortisolism (20 with pituitary adenomas, 18 with adrenal adenomas, and nine with ectopic production of adrenocorticotropin). Clinical appearance, blood pressure levels, plasma aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone levels, serum electrolytes, and urine (tetrahydrocortisol plus 5-alpha-tetrahydrocortisol) : tetrahydrocortisone ratios were assessed for all patients. Twenty patients (10 with greater than normal NHE and 10 with low-to-normal NHE) were randomly selected from 47 patients with hypercortisolism, and treated with 200 mg/day spironolactone for 7 days. NHE in these patients was assessed before starting the treatment and 2 days after its cessation. RESULTS: Greater than normal NHE (Vmax) was associated with peripheral edema, high diastolic blood pressure, hypokalemia, and high urine (tetrahydrocortisol plus 5-alpha-tetrahydrocortisol) : tetrahydrocortisone ratios. The enhanced NHE was rapidly normalized by treatment with spironolactone. CONCLUSION: Erythrocyte NHE in patients with hypercortisolism and functional hypermineralocorticoidism is greater than normal due to incomplete peripheral conversion of cortisol (which binds to mineralocorticoid receptors) into metabolically inactive cortisone.

Exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction in young men with asymptomatic diabetes mellitus (diabetic cardiomyopathy).

Radionuclide ventriculographic studies were performed at rest and during exercise on 30 consecutive men, aged 21 to 35 years with diabetes mellitus without evidence of coronary artery or any other cardiovascular disease, and in 20 normal age-matched subjects. Sixteen (53%) were treated with insulin and 14 (47%) were treated with either diet (6 patients) or oral antidiabetic therapy (8 patients). All patients from both groups had normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) at rest. In 5 of the 30 diabetic patients (17%), LVEF decreased after exercise, in 8 (27%) it remained unchanged and in 17 it increased normally. Mean LVEF at rest and after exercise in this group was 66 +/- 7% and 72 +/- 7% (+/- standard deviation), respectively. In all normal subjects, LVEF increased after exercise. Mean LVEF at rest and after exercise in the normal group was 66 +/- 7% and 76 +/- 9%, respectively. No patient had evidence of regional dysfunction at rest or after exercise. LV function was not related to serum glucose levels during the test, modality of treatment, insulin dependency or duration of the disease. Three of 4 patients with diabetic microvascular complications showed LV dysfunction. In 4 of 5 patients in whom LVEF decreased after exercise, thallium studies showed normal perfusion. Thus, diabetes mellitus may cause exercise-induced global LV dysfunction in young men with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. This phenomenon apparently does not seem to follow the known course of diabetic microvascular complications.

Effects of bradykinin on the canine proximal colon.

The canine proximal colon set up in Ussing chambers responded to the serosal addition of bradykinin (BK) with changes in short-circuit current (Isc). Two preparations were used to analyze these effects - an innervated mucosal preparation and a 'functionally nerve-free' epithelial preparation. The specific questions that this study sought to answer were (1) is there a significant neural component to the effects noted?, and (2) what is the receptor subtype involved? BK produced dose-dependent increases across both the mucosa and the epithelial preparations. A secondary decrease in Isc was noted in the mucosal but not the epithelial preparation. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) significantly inhibited the magnitude of mucosal responses and delayed their onset as well, indicating the presence of a significant neural component. Addition of the B2 antagonist, D-Arg0[Hyp3,Thi5,8, D-Phe7]BK produced a surmountable inhibition of the responses to the agonist. The B1 selective agonist, des-Arg9BK produced increases in Isc across both preparations, though TTX had no significant effects on these responses. Cross-desensitization was seen between BK and des-Arg9 BK. However, since the B1 selective antagonist, des-Arg9[Leu8]BK acted as a partial agonist in our preparation, these effects could not be defined further. Clearly, B2 receptors are involved in mediating canine colonic BK responses, however the role of B1 receptors in this tissue requires further definition.

Hyperprolactinemia in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical cause and course of hyperprolactinemia in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: Retrospective case-note study. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENT(S): Six postmenopausal women with hyperprolactinemia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical history and physical examination, serum levels of PRL, LH, FSH, computed tomography (CT) of the pituitary gland before and after treatment with bromocriptine. RESULT(S): At presentation, the mean age was 57.5 +/- 7.5 SD years. The mean level of PRL was 1,427 +/- 1,599 ng/mL (1,427 +/- 1,599 micrograms/L). All women suffered from secondary amenorrhea for a mean duration of 31.8 +/- 5.6 years. Five of six had galactorrhea at some time in the past. Pituitary imaging revealed a pituitary macroadenoma in four women, an enlarged sella suggestive of a pituitary macroadenoma in one woman, and a microadenoma in one. After treatment with bromocriptine, the PRL level decreased in all women to within normal limits. Five of six women developed hot flushes after the PRL level returned to normal. CONCLUSION(S): Most cases of hyperprolactinemia in postmenopausal women are due to macroadenoma rather than microadenoma, the common finding in younger women. The clinical course is suggestive of a prolonged disease that was not detected earlier, although clinical signs were present. These findings are suggestive of an enlargement of microadenomas to macroadenomas as time passes.

Endocrinological evaluation in a case of XX male syndrome.

A case of a phenotype male with 44 XX karyotype is presented. Clinical, endocrinological and anatomical findings are recorded. Serum level of FSH was elevated, LH level was normal and testosterone level was low. A subnormal response by testicular Leydig cells to hCG was observed. A dexamethasone suppression test and an ACTH test were normal. A B scan ultrasonographic examination did not show female internal genitalia, nor a hyperplasia of adrenal tissue. A review is made of the literature with theories of etiology.

An unusual course of prolactinoma during two consecutive pregnancies.

A hyperprolactinemic woman, who had been operated upon twice, in two consecutive pregnancies, because of progressive deterioration of a pituitary tumor, is presented. This case demonstrated the unpredictable behavior of pituitary tumors in pregnancy.

[Treatment of hyperprolactinemia and acromegaly with lisuride].

17 hyperprolactinemic and 2 acromegalic patients, aged 19-73, and 47 and 59 years, respectively, were treated with Lisuride (dopergin). 12 of the hyperprolactinemic patients were treated with Lisuride because they could not tolerate the side effects of bromocriptine (Group A), and the other 5 because large doses of bromocriptine failed to reduce their plasma prolactin to normal (Group B). The 2 acromegalic men, were treated with Lisuride because of persistently high levels of growth hormone after hypophysectomy and irradiation of the sella turcica, and because of intolerance to bromocriptine. Lisuride reduced prolactin to normal in 11 of the 12 in Group A (from 217 +/- 175 to 27 +/- 10 micrograms/l, p less than 0.01) and reduced it in the last patient from 3900 to 270 micrograms/l. The prolactin-lowering effect of Lisuride was unsatisfactory in Group B since like bromocriptine, it failed to reduce prolactin levels. One of the acromegalics improved both clinically and biochemically and growth hormone levels were reduced from 56 to 18 ng/ml, while the other did not respond to Lisuride. Its main side effects were somnolence, nausea, and increased appetite (4 patients). These effects lasted only a few weeks. One patient stopped Lisuride because of severe constipation, which had been caused by bromocriptine as well. Lisuride is an effective drug in hyperprolactinemia, especially in those with severe side effects after other dopaminergic drugs. It is effective in some cases of acromegaly, but has little to offer to those resistant to bromocriptine.