Search

Aims: The United States Department of Energy is aiming to bring microalgal biofuels into commercial use by 2030 at the price of $3 per gasoline gallon equivalent. Large‐scale production of biofuel faces many challenges including naturally occurring algal phages; and characterizing this threat is the aim of this study. Methods and Results: Bench‐scale experiments were performed to study the impact of viral infectivity on the production of microalgal in bioreactors. All environmental samples were tested positive for algal phages which showed various levels of infectivity against Synechocystis PCC 6803 and the environmental isolates of microalgae. The viral attachment to algal cells was observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and to determine the shape and size of the viral particles. All the viruses detected were c. 50–60 nm icosahedral particles. Viral infection resulted in 48% reduction in the biomass of the infected algal culture in 22 days. Conclusions: This study has lead to the conclusion that the microalgal phages prevalent in natural environment may cause infections in broad range of microalgae used for biofuel production. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study has detected and quantified the phages that can infect algal populations in natural freshwater habitats and laboratory cultures of microalgal strains. The impact of viral threat to health of commercial algal production operations has been identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new technology for thin-film MEMS encapsulation based on a monocrystalline silicon membrane and interfacial bonding is presented. The thickness of the membrane, used here, is 36μm. It is produced on a dedicated wafer using a further development of the “Advanced Porous Silicon Membrane (APSM)” Process. The membrane wafer is attached on waferlevel to a MEMS wafer by glass-frit bonding. Before and during bonding the membrane is mechanically connected to its substrate by vertical anchors. Finally, the substrate is detached by cracking the anchors. Detaching the substrate is optimized by a variation of the lateral and the vertical anchor geometries. The new encapsulation technology enables a very low sensor height by a hermetically sealed monocrystalline MEMS-Cap while using well known technologies from mass production. Hence, a cost-efficient all-purpose thin-film encapsulation is presented. We demonstrate the new encapsulation technology by a capped absolute pressure sensor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used increasingly for both treatment of diseases, and illness prevention and maintenance of health. However, studies on the latter two subjects are still rare. METHODS: In an unsystematic review publications on CAM in the context of the prevalence of use, possible risks, and cost implications of prevention are analyzed. Also, publications published in MEDLINE until December 2008 on CAM modalities used for the prevention of common diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer or dementia, are reviewed. RESULTS: Among the CAM modalities, some dietary supplements show relatively strong positive evidence for being effective in the prevention of some common diseases. CONCLUSION: Still a great deal of systematic research effort lies ahead before most of the options discussed would meet mainstream medical standards for introduction into routine prevention regimens, and even more for maintenance of health. Also, many other popular CAM modalities may have potentials in this context, but published data are still not available.Copyright © 2009 by Elsevier Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and cost of the limited-dose Daclizumab regimen to that of the standard-dose Basiliximab regimen. Two antibody induction regimens were compared in patients aged 18 years and older who received renal transplants from January 2002 to September 2003 and completed interleukin (IL)-2R antibody induction with standard-dose Basiliximab (20 mg × 2 doses) or limited-dose Daclizumab (1 mg/kg × 2 doses). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of acute rejection. Secondary outcomes included cost, changes in serum creatinine level, and delayed graft function. Of the 46 patients randomized, 42 patients completed the 6-month follow-up. Mean serum creatinine level at time of discharge was originally higher in the limited-dose Daclizumab group than the standard-dose Basiliximab group (1.89 vs 1.57, respectively). By 1, 3, and 6 months, mean serum creatinine values were similar between both groups, with a trend toward lower mean serum creatinine values in the limited-dose Daclizumab group. The incidence of acute rejection was also similar between the groups (6% vs 7%). The average cost difference between the 2 regimens was approximately $715. This study suggests that a limited-dose Daclizumab regimen may be an efficacious and less costly alternative to the standard-dose Basiliximab regimen for antibody induction therapy following renal transplantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cytokeratin expression and epithelial differentiation in Warthin’s tumour and its metaplastic (infarcted) variant Aims: Warthin’s tumour is characterized by a bilayered columnar epithelium. Transformation into metaplastic (infarcted) Warthin’s tumour includes squamous metaplasia of the epithelium along with regressive changes in the stroma. Misinterpretation of metaplastic Warthin’s tumour for malignancy is a serious diagnostic pitfall. This study assesses the utility of cytokeratin expression in Warthin’s tumour and its metaplastic variant. Methods and results: Twenty-six cases of Warthin’s tumour, among them eight metaplastic Warthin’s tumours, were investigated employing immunohistochemistry. Both Warthin’s tumour and its metaplastic variant regularly expressed cytokeratins (CK) 7, 8, 18, and 19. Staining results with antibodies to CK10, 10/13, 1/2/10/11, and 20 were negative in all specimens. Immunoreactivity for CK 5/14 and 17 was restricted to basal cells in Warthin’s tumour, but involved basal as well as surface cells in metaplastic Warthin’s tumour. Conclusions: Warthin’s tumour and its metaplastic (infarcted) variant both express CK 7, 8, 18, and 19, which are typical for columnar differentiation. Cytokeratins typical of squamous differentiation are absent from Warthin’s tumour and its metaplastic variant, irrespective of the squamous morphology of the epithelium in metaplastic Warthin’s tumour. The expression of CK 5/14 and 17, which are typical of regenerative cells, is restricted to basal cells in Warthin’s tumour, but is expressed also in surface cells in metaplastic Warthin’s tumour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trocar systems with different transperitoneal access techniques are indispensable for laparoscopic surgery. The development of laparoscopic surgery has led to the establishment of two different techniques of access to the peritoneal cavity: first, there is the closed establishment of a pneumoperitoneum by direct trocar or by means of a Veress needle puncture of the abdominal cavity; this first 'blind' step of laparoscopy can be facilitated by optical control of the penetration process. The second technique is the open trocar application, first described by Hasson. Generally, trocar systems differ with respect to their reusability and there are also differences in the perforator techniques used. Particularly in single-use trocars, 'safety' perforators are applied, in which a shield protects the cutting device. Perforators can also be blunt, or vary in their cutting characteristics, with dilatation trocars at the extreme end of the scale. The risk of potential lesions to the abdominal wall and intraperitoneal organs is crucial for the evaluation of any given trocar system. When considering both cost aspects and technical details, the reusable steel trocar with a cone-shaped perforator currently appears to be the best compromise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor about haemophilia in three premature infants is presented.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the advantages and risks of the Automated Endoscopic System for Optical Positioning (AESOP) 3000 robot system during uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomies or laparoscopic hernioplasty.Methods: In a randomized study, we examined two groups of 120 patients each with the diagnosis cholecystolithiasis respectively the unilateral inguinal hernia. We worked with the AESOP 3000, a robotic arm system that is voice-controlled by the surgeon. The subjective and objective comfort of the surgeon as well as the course and length of the operation were measured.Results: The robot-assisted operations required significantly longer preparation and operation times. With regard to the necessary commands and manual camera corrections, the assistant group was favored. The same was true for the subjective evaluation of the surgical course by the surgeon.Conclusions: Our study showed that the use of AESOP during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hernioplasty is possible in 94% of all cases. The surgeon must accept a definite loss of comfort as well as a certain loss of time against the advantage of saving on personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the advantages and risks of the Automated Endoscopic System for Optical Positioning (AESOP) 3000 robot system during uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystolithiases or laparoscopic hernioplasty. Methods: In a randomized study, we examined two groups of 120 patients each with the diagnosis cholecystolithiasis respectively the unilateral inguinal hernia. We worked with the AESOP 3000, a robotic arm system that is voice-controlled by the surgeon. The subjective and objective comfort of the surgeon as well as the course and length of the operation were measured. Results: The robot-assisted operations required significantly longer preparation and operation times. With regard to the necessary commands and manual camera corrections, the assistant group was favored. The same was true for the subjective evaluation of the surgical course by the surgeon. Conclusions: Our study showed that the use of AESOP during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hernioplasty is possible in 94% of all cases. The surgeon must accept a definite loss of comfort as well as a certain loss of lime against the advantage of saving on personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic transperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) has proved its efficiency in elective surgery. However, TAPP results with incarcerated hernias still are unknown.Methods: Data from a prospective study were evaluated with regard to TAPP repair for both chronically and acutely incarcerated hernias.Results: During a 6-year period, 220 incarcerated hernias were repaired (194 via TAPP). The median operation time for TAPP was 55 min. An accompanying resection therapy became necessary for only four of the emergency cases (11.1%) and two of the chronically incarcerated cases (1.3%) in the TAPP group. Postoperative morbidity was 2.8% in the emergency group and 3.8% in the chronically incarcerated group, which does not differ from the rate for TAPP used on reducible hernias. One recurrence was found 26 months after TAPP reconstruction (0.5%).Conclusion: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) represents an efficient therapeutic concept in the treatment of both chronically and acutely incarcerated inguinal hernias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic repair was introduced for use with inguinal hernia therapy more than 10 years ago. The technique as well as the indications for this method are debated, however. As a borderline inguinal hernia situation, the scrotal hernia in particular evokes vehement objections to an endoscopic procedure because of the anticipated problems and complications in dissecting the extended hernia sac. The efficiency of the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique in the treatment of scrotal hernia therefore is discussed in this article.Methods: Laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP) has been performed in our department since 1993. Data are collected by a prospective documentation of operative and follow-up results. For evaluation, a comparison of scrotal and normal hernia repair was performed.Results: Between April 1993 and June 1998 the TAPP technique was used to treat 191 scrotal hernias, 42 (22%) of which were recurrent hernias. The median operating time for a normal inguinal hernia repair was 45 min, whereas scrotal hernias required a median of 65 min and irreducible scrotral hernias a median of 68.5 min. Major complications were observed in 1.6% of scrotal and 0.6% of normal inguinal hernia repairs. The most frequent scrotal hernia repair problem was the formation of a seroma, 10.5% of which had to be evacuated. During a follow-up period of 30 months, we found a total of two recurrences (1.05%).Conclusion: In scrotal hernia repair, TAPP is not associated with higher complication rates and can be performed with efficiency comparable with that in normal inguinal hernia repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic repair was introduced for use with inguinal hernia therapy more than 10 years ago. The technique as well as the indications for this method are debated, however. As a borderline inguinal hernia situation, the scrotal hernia in particular evokes vehement objections to an endoscopic procedure because of the anticipated problems and complications in dissecting the extended hernia sac. The efficiency of the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique in the treatment of scrotal hernia therefore is discussed in this article. methods: Laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP) has been performed in our department since 1993. Data are collected by a prospective documentation of operative and follow-up results. For evaluation, a comparison of scrotal and normal hernia repair was performed. Results: Between April 1993 and June 1998 the TAPP technique was used to treat 191 scrotal hernias, 42 (22%) of which were recurrent hernias. The median operating time for a nomal inguinal hernia repair was 45 min, whereas scrotal hernias required a median of 65 min and irreducible scrotral hernias a median of 68.5 min. Major complications were observed in 1.6% of scrotal and 0.6% of normal inguinal hernia repairs. The most frequent scrotal hernia repair problem was the formation of a seroma, 10.5% of which had to be avacuated. During a follow-up period of 30 months, we found a total of two recurrences (1.05%). Conclusion: In scrotal hernia repair, TAPP is not associated with higher complication rates and can be performed with efficiency comparable with that in normal inguinal hernia repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of varying trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in differently processed soybean expellers on apparent prececal amino acid (AA) digestibility in male broiler chickens. Two different raw soybean batches were treated using varying processing techniques and intensities. In this way, 45 expeller extracted soybean meal (ESBM) variants were created. The processed soybean variants were then merged into a basal diet (160 g/kg crude protein [ CP ]) at 2 inclusion levels (15%, 30%) resulting in 90 different diets plus one basal diet (0.4 mg/g–8.5 mg/g TIA). All diets contained 0.5% titanium dioxide. A total of 5,460-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were allocated on d 14 to 546 pens (10 birds/pen) after a starter phase (CP 215 g/kg, 14 g/kg Lysine, 12.5 MJ ME/kg). The 91 experimental diets were fed ad libitum until d 22. Subsequently, birds were euthanized and digesta of the terminal ileum was collected for determination of AA digestibility. TIA depressed the prececal digestibility of every single AA significantly in a straight linear fashion (P < 0.001). Sulfur-containing AA expressed the strongest suppression by TIA with cystine showing the lowest apparent prececal digestibility measured (10.6% at 23.6 mg/g TIA in raw ESBM). The present data demonstrate that TIA severely depresses digestibility of essential and nonessential AA in a straight linear fashion. On the one hand, this questions the usefulness of defined upper limits of TIA in soy products whereas on the other hand, TIA must be considered when testing raw components for their feed protein value in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart rate recovery (HRR) is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. The purpose of the present investigation is to examine the influence of sex on the relationship between HRR and other markers of cardiovascular health. Two hundred and seventy-five apparently healthy subjects participated in this study. Subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (outcome measures: VO2max and HRR 1 and 2 min into recovery), lipid analysis, measurement of resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure and measurement of aortic wave velocity (AWV in m/s) via magnetic resonance. HRR both at 1 min (HRR1) and at 2 min (HRR2) were higher in males. In general, the correlation between HRR1 and other measures of interest was weaker than that found with HRR2 in both male and female subjects. With respect to HRR2, the relationship with other measures of interest was stronger in the female subgroup. Specific to arterial stiffness, the correlation between HRR2 and AWV was −0.33 and −0.46 ( P<0.001 for both) in male and female subgroups, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that both gender and the timing of HRR measurement influence its relationship with other important cardiovascular risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on a patient with carcinosarcoma of submandibular gland.

Nutrition has been shown to influence several reproductive functions, including hormone production, oocyte competence and fertilization, and early embryonic development. To determine the effects of maternal diet on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and early embryonic development, ewes (n = 18; 47.0 ± 1.5 kg of initial BW) were divided into control and underfed (60% of control) nutritional planes for 8 wk before oocyte collection. Pelleted diets containing 2.4 Mcal of ME/kg and 13% CP (DM basis) were fed once daily. During the first 4-wk acclimation phase, control and underfed ewes were fed 1,000 and 600 g/d, respectively. From wk 4 to 8, control (adequate) ewes were fed to maintain BW and offered 720 g/d, whereas underfed ewes received 432 g/d (60% restricted). Synchronization of estrus was performed using progestagen sponges for 14 d. Follicular development was induced by twice daily injections of FSH on d 13 (5 units/injection) and 14 (4 units/injection) of the estrous cycle. Oocytes were collected from all visible follicles on d 15 of the estrous cycle. After IVF, the proportion of developing embryos was evaluated throughout an 8-d culture period. Undernutrition decreased (P < 0.006) the rate of cleavage, number of blastocysts per ewe, and rate of blastocyst formation (from 79 to 64%; from 3.3 to 0.8; and from 31 to 8%, respectively). However, the number of visible follicles, total number of oocytes, number of healthy oocytes, percentage of healthy oocytes, number of cleaved oocytes, and morula formation per ewe were similar for control and underfed ewes. These data indicate that undernutrition of donor ewes, resulting in lower BW and BCS, has a negative effect on oocyte quality, which results in lower rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Of various endoscopic hernia repair procedures, TAPP and TEP have been selected for routine use. Methods: Results from Medline research were analysed. Results: There is a similar risk for postoperative morbidity for both techniques. The recurrence rate in large single-centre series is between 0% and 3.4%. There were numerous indications for both procedures, whereby a transperitoneal TAPP can also be applied in cases of previous preperitoneal operations. Conclusion: Randomised trials comparing both methods of hernia repair are lacking. Seven non-randomised studies showed no differences in recurrence rate and morbidity. In general the learning curve for is shorter in favour of TAPP repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testis tumors of embryonal origin (ten metastasized, six non-metastasized) and 17 mixed testis cell carcinomas (eight metastasized, nine non-metastasized) were examined. A triple immunofluorescence microscopic labeling procedure allowed the simultaneous detection of two features of apoptosis, namely morphological changes in the nucleus (DNA condensation visualized by DAPI staining) and the process of DNA fragmentation (TdT-assay) in tumor cells as well as T-cells (recognized by their CD45RO epitope). Both methods for apoptosis detection showed similar apoptotic indices (AI) only in 2.6% of all tumors. Most tumors (81.6%) showed more cells with DNA fragments than condensed chromatin, but in a number of cases (10.5%) the opposite pattern was found. These data add to the few published in vivo examinations of apoptosis using different methods and help to explain differences in the judgment of apoptosis significance for tumor prognosis. With regard to tumorigenesis, non-metastasized testis tumors were characterized by higher AIs of tumor cells and T-cells compared with metastasized tumors, which could be interpreted as a characteristic of tumors in an earlier stage of their development into an apoptosis-resistant phenotype. For the first time, in metastasized tumors a 5 to 25-fold increase of the T-cell’s AIs over the corresponding AIs of tumor cells was shown. This suggests a successful counterattack of tumor cells, thus supporting the process of metastasis. However, only ten out of 33 tumors revealed these AI changes, which again highlights that tumor biology cannot be predicted by a single parametric approach. It remains to be seen whether these characteristics might be suitable for a reliable prediction of metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to determine whether the presence of a hernia, its size, and its type can be established preoperatively by clinical and ultrasound, examination.Methods: The study population comprised 220 consecutive patients referred to our department for the surgical management of an inguinal hernia. On admission, both inguinal regions were examined clinically and by ultrasound. All patients were operated on laparoscopically.Results: In regard to the intraoperative findings for both inguinal regions, clinical and ultrasound examination for the diagnosis of inguinal hernia yielded a high total rate of accuracy of 93% respective 94%. However, when the same methods were used to differentiate between lateral and medial hernia, the total rate of accuracy fell to only 54% respective 62%. In the determination of inguinal hernia size, it was even lower: 50% respective 53%.Conclusions: Although a diagnosis of inguinal hernia can be established reliably by clinical and ultrasound examination, only an approximate classification is possible by these methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic transperitoneal hernioplasty (TAPP) repair of inguinal hernias is thought to be a difficult surgical technique with high complication rates. The present study evaluated TAPP based on prospective documentation. Methods: The primary aim of the study was analysis of the individual learning curve, comparing consultants with trainees. Secondary endpoints included postoperative morbidity, time of disability and rate of recurrence. Results: A total of 8050 TAPP repairs have been performed since 1993. By 2001, 99·9 per cent of all hernia repairs were done by TAPP. The median operation time dropped from 50 min in the first 600 cases to 42 min thereafter. The morbidity rate decreased from 9·3 to 2·6 per cent, and the rate of recurrence from 4·8 to 0·4 per cent. Within the same interval the proportion of training procedures increased from 1·7 to 44·9 per cent in 2001. Morbidity and recurrence rates were similar for trainees and consultants. Conclusion: TAPP is an effective and safe technique. It can be performed in a standard way for all inguinal and femoral hernias. The present results indicate that TAPP is possible in a routine setting, as well as in the training situation for young surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines results of a randomized study comparing laparoscopic hernioplasty and Shouldice repair. Rate of recurrence in the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) group; Efficacy of the TAPP method in patients with inguinal hernia; Measurement of the differences between the surgical groups.

Placental and fetal growth are compromised in rapidly growing adolescent ewes. Our aim was to determine the ontogeny of placental AF/AFR mRNA expression and vascular morphology throughout gestation. Singleton pregnancies (single sire) were established by embryo transfer and then adolescent dams were offered a high (H, n=30) or control (C, n=34) nutrient intake. Whole placentomes, collected at Day (D) 50, 90 or 130 of gestation, were (a) frozen for quantitative real-time RT-PCR determination of placental AF/AFR mRNA expression or (b) perfusion-fixed and stained for quantification of vascular morphology. Placentome mass was independent of nutrition at D50 and 90, and by D130 both placentome (- 46%) and fetal weight (-20%) were reduced in H pregnancies. Placentome mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Ang-2, basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and placental growth factor (PLGF), and AFRs VEGFR-1 (flt), VEGFR-2 (KDR), and FGFR-2 increased as gestation advanced (P<0.001), whereas, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1α), soluble guanylate cyclase (NO receptor) and neuropilin (NP)-2) declined (P<0.05). H-intakes reduced NP-1 expression (P<0.04) at each stage and increased eNOS at D130 (P<0.01). Tie-2 (Ang receptor) expression was unaffected by stage or nutrition level. H-intakes reduced (P<0.004) capillary area density and size in the cotyledon at D50, but thereafter placental vascular morphology per unit tissue was largely unaffected. Similarly, caruncular vascular morphology was independent of nutrition throughout. This study provides clues as to the AF/AFR's involved in the nutritional mediation of placental growth. As vascular morphology per unit placenta is largely unperturbed at D90 and 130, the data further suggest that it is the small size of the placenta and thus the reduction in total vascular volume that is the major limitation to fetal nutrient supply in late pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-eight examples of papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (Warthin's tumour) of the parotid gland were analysed by high-resolution DNA flow cytometry. The mean coefficient of variation was found to be 1.19% (SD: 0.41). All tumours were DNA diploid. These results did not correspond with expected deviations based on published chromosomal studies. Also, the homogeneously low S-phase fractions (mean: 4.8%; SD: 2.7) found did not support the hypothesis of etiologically distinctive subgroups in these tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]