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The occurrence of human as well as veterinary drug residues in surface water is caused by their insufficient removal ability from wastewater. Drug residues disturb the natural balance of water ecosystem, have a negative effect on non-target organisms and pose a significant risk for human health. The main aim of this study was to determine the concentration of residues of eight drugs from the group of sulfonamides (sulfathiazole, sulfadiazine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfadimethoxine, sulfadoxine, sulfamerazine, sulfachlorpyridazine), four drugs from the non-steroidal antinflammatory drug group (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) and one representative of the analgesics-antipyretics group [paracetamol (acetaminophen)] in the surface water of the Elbe river basin. A total of 65 samples of surface water from the Elbe river basin were taken during August 2018 when the weather was constant without any significant fluctuations. The analysis was performed by means of liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results have shown the numerous occurrences of sulfamethoxazole, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and paracetamol (acetaminophen). A statistically significant negative correlation between the river flow rate in the monitored locations and the residue concentration was found for ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and paracetamol (acetaminophen). The most significant findings of the monitored drug residues were mostly determined in samples from small streams below larger urban settlements with a hospital or other health facilities. Výskyt reziduí humánních i veterinárních léčiv v povrchových vodách je způsoben jejich nedostatečnou schopností odstraňovat z odpadních vod. Rezidua léčiv narušují přirozenou rovnováhu vodního ekosystému, mají negativní vliv na necílové organismy a představují významné riziko pro lidské zdraví. Hlavním cílem této studie bylo stanovení koncentrace reziduí osmi léčiv ze skupiny sulfonamidů (sulfatiazol, sulfadiazin, sulfamethazin, sulfamethoxazol, sulfadimethoxin, sulfadoxin, sulfamerazin, sulfachlorpyridazin), čtyř léčiv ze skupiny nesteroidních protizánětlivých léčiv ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, diklofenak) a jeden zástupce skupiny analgetik-antipyretik [paracetamol (acetaminofen)] v povrchových vodách povodí Labe. Během srpna 2018, kdy bylo počasí stálé bez výraznějších výkyvů, bylo odebráno celkem 65 vzorků povrchových vod z povodí Labe. Analýza byla provedena pomocí kapalinové chromatografie s tandemovou hmotnostní spektrometrií (LC-MS/MS). Výsledky ukázaly četné výskyty sulfamethoxazolu, ibuprofenu, naproxenu, diklofenaku a paracetamolu (acetaminofenu). Statisticky významná negativní korelace mezi průtokem řeky ve sledovaných lokalitách a koncentrací reziduí byla zjištěna u ibuprofenu, naproxenu, diklofenaku a paracetamolu (acetaminofenu). Nejvýznamnější nálezy sledovaných reziduí drog byly většinou stanoveny ve vzorcích z malých toků pod většími městskými sídly s nemocnicí či jinými zdravotnickými zařízeními.

Background. The topical adhesive, 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, has been used as an alternative to sutures for closure of skin in a variety of surgical procedures. While potential benefits exist, reports of allergic contact dermatitis and exothermic reactions have been a barrier to widespread adoption by dermatologic surgeons. Objective. To describe our experience using a novel formulation of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate for skin closure after surgical excision of cutaneous lesions. Methods. We describe the results of 9 office-based dermatologic excisions in 8 patients utilizing a novel formulation of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate for skin closure. At two weeks of follow-up, all incisions were examined for cosmetic result and signs of infection as per the office’s standard of care. Results. At follow-up, there were no signs of infection. One wound demonstrated mild tissue hypertrophy, while another showed very minimal skin separation (< 1mm) that did not require reintervention. No incidences of contact dermatitis, application discomfort, or burns were noted. Patient satisfaction was high. Conclusion. A novel formulation of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate topical adhesive demonstrates feasibility as a potential alternative to the use of sutures for skin closure following dermatologic excisions. Larger studies are imperative to fully describe the outcomes associated with use of this new preparation.

There has been recent extensive controversy concerning potential environmental and health hazards of oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3 and Eusolex 4360). Although there has been widespread related media attention, there is little definitive scientific research supporting the associated concerns. Given these controversies, it is critical that dermatologists have a clear understanding of the underlying issues related to oxybenzone in order to effectively counsel their patients. The purpose of this article is to provide dermatologists with a framework for presenting this issue to patients. Within, we address questions such as: 1) Is oxybenzone the reason for coral bleaching? 2) Is there data to suggest that oxybenzone is harmful to humans? 3) Why is oxybenzone used in the majority of US sunscreens? and 4) Are there other potential problems with oxybenzone restrictions that could lead to more skin cancer in the future? After a careful review of the evidence, we conclude that, in our opinion, there is little definitive scientific research supporting the associated concerns and that before this evidence exists, given the benefits of oxybenzone-containing sunscreens in skin cancer prevention, this ban is premature. Banning an ingredient commonly used in most sunscreens may lead to confusion among consumers and have the untoward outcome of less sunscreen being used overall.

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This study explores the biological validation of markers of acute stress in pigs subjected to transportation for slaughter. The stress markers selected for monitoring were neopterin and cortisol. Their levels in pig serum were measured for two porcine stress syndrome genotypes, NN and Nn, after a 30-min transport to a slaughterhouse. Blood samples were withdrawn before transport (control group) and immediately after the animals' arrival (experimental group). The values of neopterin and cortisol measured before the transport were 5.60+/-1.65 nmol/l and 273.54+/-66.17 nmol/l respectively. After the transfer, the concentration of cortisol rose significantly compared to the control (355.69+/-85.13 nmol/l, p

Svoboda M., A. Lojek, J. Pola‰kova, R. Ficek, J. Hiemer, J. Drabek: Effect of an Acute Iron Overdose on PMN Cells Chemiluminescence and Indices of Inner Environment in a Swine Model. Acta Vet. Brno 2006, 75: 523-532. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of an acute iron dextran administration on polymorphonuclear cells chemiluminescence and indices of inner environment in piglets. Piglets in the experimental group (n = 16) were given 2000 mg (20 ml) Fe 3+ in the form of iron dextran i.m. Piglets in the control group (n = 13) were given the same amount of physiological saline. Blood was taken before administration, and 1, 4 and 24 hours after. Iron application resulted in a ten times higher concentration of iron in blood plasma in the experimental group. No differences in spontaneous, PMA- and OZP-stimulated chemiluminescence were recorded between the two groups. The increased activities of CK, AST and LDH are indicative of a muscle injury at the injection site. No changes indicating liver or kidney injury were reported. Our study provides evidence of a good safety of iron dextran after parenteral administration.

Humus forms dynamics and characteristics of different forest sites were studied in the area of Smrcina Mt. in the Sumava National Park territory. The study was performed in vital Norway spruce forest, dead Norway spruce forest (bark beetle Ips typographus infestation) and on a clear-cut area (site conditions were comparable for all three plots). The amount of surface organic matter was not affected by forest decline or by clear-cut (95.5 t/ha, 73.1 t/ha and 100.2 t/ha, respectively), pH being comparable (between 2.3 and 3.2 pH KCl). A slight favourable effect of grass litter on pH increase was obvious; higher leaching of bases occurred in lower horizons. Nitrogen losses were detected from the L + F horizons, falling from 1.93-1.83% (living stand) to 1.73-1.83% (clear-cut area). Higher ammonia production was documented in substrates (F and H horizons) from the living stand (from 263 and 103 mg/kg before incubation to 610 and 248 mg/kg after incubation - nitrogen content in ammonia form), and higher nitrification rates (nitrogen content in nitrate form) were recorded on the clear-cut area (103 and 80 mg/kg to 153 and 87 mg/kg) and especially in the dead stand (160 and 93 mg/kg to 216 and 139 mg/kg). Respective values for the living stand increased from 52 and 61 mg/kg to 119 and 84 mg/kg. Respiration activity, both potential and basic, was more balanced, indicating more intensive dynamics in the case of dead stand and clear-cut area.

Svoboda M., J. Drabek: Efficiency of Voluntary Consumption of Amino Acid-chelated Iron in Preventing Anaemia of Suckling Piglets . Acta Vet. Brno 2003, 72: 499-507. The aim of the study was to evaluate efficiency of voluntary access to amino acid-chelated iron in the form of mineral supplement in preventing anaemia of piglets. Piglets in group 1 (n = 60) were offered ad libitum the iron mineral supplement (Fe 110 g·kg -1 ) from the 2 nd to the 14 th day of life. Piglets in group 2 (n = 30) were given 200 mg Fe 3+ as iron dextran i.m. on day 3. On day 7, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) (P < 0.05), packed cell volume (P < 0.05), red blood cell count (P < 0.01) and plasma iron concentration ( P < 0.01) in group 1 were lower compared to group 2. On day 14 and 21 no significant differences were found between the two groups. At the time of weaning (day 28), the voluntary access to iron did not prevent 8% of piglets from becoming anaemic (Hb < 80 g·l-1). Body weights were comparable in the 2 groups.

Svobodova Z., V. Luskova, J. Drastichova, M. Svoboda, V. Ilabek: Effect of Deltamethrin on Haematological Indices of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Acta Vet. Brno 2003, 72: 79-85. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of deltamethrin [(S)- a -cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (1R,3R)-3-(2,2-dibromvinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclo-propancarboxylate] on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). The effect was assessed on the basis of the results of acute toxicity tests and on the comparison of results of haematological examination of a control and an experimental group exposed to Decis flow 2.5 pesticide preparation (active substance 25 g.l -1 of deltamethrin). The acute semistatical toxicity test lasting 96 h was performed on common carp juveniles. The 96hLC50 value of Decis flow 2.5 was 0.058 mg.l -1 . Examination of erythrocyte and leukocyte profile was performed on 15 control and 28 experimental specimens of one-to-two-year-old common carp after 96 h of exposure to Decis flow 2.5 in a concentration of 0.13 mg.l -1 . The experimental group showed significantly lower values (p < 0.01) of erythrocyte count (RBC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (PCV) and plasma total protein (TP) compared to the control group. Values of MCV, MCH and MCHC were comparable in the two groups during the study. Also, the leukocyte count (Leuko) and relative and absolute count of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophil granulocytes and their developmental forms were comparable in the two groups. The deltamethrin-based Decis flow 2.5 pesticide preparation was classified among substances strongly toxic for fish. Changes in the erythrocyte profile and plasma total protein after exposure to deltamethrin-based preparation may be referred to possible disruption of haematopoiesis and proteosynthesis.

Luskova V., M. Svoboda, J. Kolafiova: The Effect of Diazinon on Blood Plasma Biochemistry in Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Acta Vet. Brno 2002, 71: 117-123. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diazinon [0,0-diethyl-0-(2-isopropyl-6methylpyrimidin-4yl) phosphorothioate] on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). The effect was assessed by comparing the biochemical blood plasma profiles of a control group and a group exposed to the effect of the pesticide Basudin 600 EW (containing 600 g.l -1 diazinon as the toxic substance). The activities of selected enzymes, metabolite concentrations and electrolytes were measured in 15 specimens of controls, K1-2, and in 16 specimens, K1-2, exposed for 96 h to the effects of Basudin 600 EW at a concentration of 32.5 mg.l -1 . Compared with the control group, a significant decrease of cholinesterase ( p < 0.01) and lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.05) was ascertained in the experimental group. The values of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, creatine kinase, alkaline and acide phosphatases were comparable in the experimental and control groups. The total protein and lactate concentration were significantly lower ( p < 0.05) in the experimental group, compared with the control group. On the contrary, glucose concentration in the plasma of the experimental group was significantly higher ( p < 0.01) than in that of the control group. The experimental group showed a significantly higher ( p < 0.05) concentration of plasmatic natrium and potassium, and a significantly lower ( p < 0.05) concentration of plasmatic calcium and phosphorus, compared with those in the control group. The above results of examinations of the biochemical blood plasma profile indicate a marked neurotoxic effect of diazinon in fishes. Organophosphorous pesticide, acute toxicity, enzymes, total protein, glucose, lactate, electrolytes

Svoboda M., J. Drabek: Effect of Oral Administration of Fe 2+ -Fumarate on Erythrocyte Profile and Growth Rate of Suckling Piglets . Acta Vet. Brno 2002, 71: 217‐222. The aim of this study was to investigate efficiency of oral administration of Fe 2+-fumarate in form of paste in preventing iron deficiency anaemia of suckling piglets. Piglets in group 1 (n = 20) were given 200 mg Fe 2+ -fumarate on days 6 and 11 after birth. Piglets in group 2 (n = 20) were given 200 mg Fe3+-dextran i.m. on day 3. A group of piglets (group 3, n = 10) treated with Fe 3+dextran on day 21 was included in the study. All piglets had free access to weaning pellets (124 mg Fe/kg). Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count (RBC), MCV, MCH and MCHC, body weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG) were determined. On day 6, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2 (P < 0.05). On days 14, 21, 28, and 35 no significant differences in examined indices were found between group 1 and group 2 and all indices were comparable to physiological values. Haematological indices of group 3 were characteristic for hypochromic anaemia. Anaemia in group 3 had detrimental effect on growth rate of piglets. Supplementation of Fe to piglets with Fe 2+ -fumarate under conditions of this trial was efficient in preventing anaemia and was comparable to i.m. administration of Fe 3+ -dextran. Anaemia, iron, haemoglobin, Fe 3+-dextran, Fe2+-fumarate

Kolevska J., M. Svoboda: Evaluation of Pituitary-dependent Hyperadrenocorticism Response to Mitotane Treatment in Dogs. Length of Initial Phase of Treatment in Relation to Initial Value of Urine Cortisol/creatinine Ratio. Acta Vet. Brno 2001, 70: 313-320. The aim of this work was to evaluate the response of dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism to treatment with mitotane. The relationship between duration of initial phase of therapy and the initial value of urine cortisol/creatinine ratio (UCCR) was studied. All 14 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism were treated. Therapeutic protocol of selective adrenocorticolysis was used. The induction dose of mitotane was 25 mg/kg daily. The length of initial phase of therapy was determined individually on the basis of cortisol production changes, which were monitored by immunoreactive cortisol in urine (UCCR) every 2-5 days during the initial phase of treatment. High-dose dexamethasone suppression test was used to differentiate between the pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent form of the disease, and the UCCR was measured after dexamethasone suppression. The value of the initial UCCR fluctuated between 58-586 × 10 -6 , the median of UCCR was 138 × 10 -6 . Initial phase of therapy lasted 10-64 days. Mean length of initial therapy was 17 days with a median of 14.5 day. The cumulative induction dose of mitotane ranged from 250 to 1600 mg/kg b.w. No linear dependence between the length of initial phase of therapy and the pre-treatment values of UCCR was found by regression and correlation analysis.

Svoboda M., V. Luskova, J. Drastichova, V. Ilabek: The Effect of Diazinon on Haematological Indices of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L). Acta Vet. Brno 2001, 70: 457-465. The goal was to assess an effect of diazinon [0,0-diethyl 0-(2-isopropyl-6-methylpyrimidin-4yl) phosphorothioate] on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). The effect was assessed based on results of acute toxicity tests and on a comparison of results of haematological examination of a control and an experimental group exposed to Basudin 600 EW pesticide preparation (active substance 600 g.l -1 of diazinon). The acute toxicity test lasting 96 h was performed semistatically on common carp juveniles. Examination of erythrocyte and leukocyte profile was performed on 15 control and 25 experimental specimens of one-to-two-year-old common carp after 96 h of exposure to Basudin 600 EW in concentration of 32.5 mg.l -1 . The 96hLC50 value of Basudin 600 EW for common carp juveniles was 26.7 mg.l-1. The experimental group of one- to two-year-old common carp showed significantly lower values (p < 0.01) of erythrocyte count (RBC), haemoglobin content (Hb) and haematocrit (PCV) compared to the control group. Values of MCV, MCH and MCHC were comparable in both groups during the study. In contrary, there was a significant decrease in leukocyte count (Leuko) (p < 0.01), as well as in both the relative and absolute lymphocyte count (p < 0.01) and a significant increase in both the relative and absolute count of developmental forms of neutrophile granulocytes: myelocytes (p < 0.01) and metamyelocytes (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. Relative and absolute count of monocytes and both the band- and segmented neutrophile granulocytes was comparable in both groups during the study. The diazinon-based Basudin 600 EW pesticide preparation was classified among harmful substances for fish. Changes in values of both the erythrocyte and leukocyte profile after exposure to diazinon-based preparation may be refered to disruption of haematopoiesis as well as to a decrease on non-specific immunity of the fish.

Kolevska J., M. Svoboda: Immunoreactive Cortisol Measurement in Canine Urine and its Validity in Hyperadrenocorticism Diagnosis. Acta Vet. Brno 2000, 69: 217–223. The aim of this study was to compare two methods of immunoreactive cortisol determination in urine and an assessment of the validity of urine cortisol/creatinine ratio (UCCR) in dogs. The UCCR was measured in three groups of dogs: (1) healthy dogs, (2) dogs with hyperadrenocorticism and (3) dogs suffering from other diseases presented with polyuria and polydipsia (PU/PD). All cortisol measurements in urine were performed using two methods: (1) fluorescence polarisation immunoassay (FPIA) with urine extraction and (2) radioimmunoassay (RIA) without urine extraction. Paired results of 30 cortisol measurements and 30 UCCR were compared using the Wilcoxon test. It was proved that the differences between the two methods (i.e., FPIA with urine extraction and RIA without urine extraction) were highly statistically significant (p < 0.01). While in the cortisol measurement using the FPIA with urine extraction the median of the UCCR amounted to 18.53 × 10-6, in the RIA without urine extraction it was 37.83 × 10-6. Values of the UCCR in individual canine groups were also compared with each other. The UCCR in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism was higher (p < 0.01) than in healthy dogs or dogs presented with the PU/PD signs. There were also found significant differences (p < 0.05) between the UCCR in healthy dogs and dogs presented with PU/PD signs. Both methods of immunoreactive cortisol determination in urine can be used for clinical diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism, however, the above mentioned differences should be considered. Hyperadrenocorticism, cortisol, creatinine, RIA, FPIA, urine extraction

Zinc‐rich paints (ZRP) are considered to be an important technological development for corrosion protection. The percentage of zinc corroded during the cathodic protection stage of zinc‐rich coatings is relatively small in comparison with the initial total zinc content. This fact, together with the relatively high cost of zinc, the desire to avoid some interferences with the welding process, and the sedimentation of the zinc dust in cans, are some of the reasons to search for co‐pigments (extenders) in ZRP formulas. In the paper the anti‐corrosive performance of ZRP formulas including a new conductive inorganic co‐pigment of low specific density (SVUOM) are shown.

Trichomonads are a group of anaerobic flagellates. Two species of intestinal trichomonads have been described in cats – pathogenic Tritrichomonas foetus and probably harmless Pentatrichomonas hominis . InPouch™ TF-Feline medium (Bio-Med Diagnostics, White City, Oregon, USA) is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of T. foetus infection in cats. It is commercially available, relatively cheap and easy-to-use. The medium is intended to be highly specific to T. foetus as morphologically similar Pentatrichomonas hominis and Giardia sp. do not survive here longer than 24 h. In this study we successfully cultivated P. hominis in InPouch™ TF-Feline medium for 3 days after inoculation with cat faeces. The identity of the organism was assessed by sequencing of SSU rDNA and ITS region. Possible coinfection with T. foetus was ruled out using Tritrichomonas -specific PCR. Our results suggest possible misdiagnosis of tritrichomonosis in cats using InPouch™ TF-Feline medium. PCR-based verification of culture-positive samples prior the potentially neurotoxic ronidazole treatment is recommended.

The expression of the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide/vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (PACAP/VIP) receptor subtypes was evaluated in the normal rat pituitary gland and in different rat spontaneous transplantable SMtTW tumours (SMtTW2 which expresses prolactin (PRL), SMtTW10 which expresses GH and SMtTW3 which expresses both PRL and GH) by measurement of PACAP/VIP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and detection of the presence of mRNA coding for the different receptor forms. In normal glands, the order of potency of the peptides suggested that adenylate cyclase activity was mediated through interaction with PACAP selective receptors (PACAP I receptors); mRNAs coding for the PACAP I receptor, but also for the PACAP II VIP2 receptor, were detected. In SMtTW2 tumours, the functional response was close to that observed in the presence of PACAP II VIP2 receptors; mRNAs coding for PACAP I and PACAP II VIP1 and PACAP II VIP2 receptors were detected. In the SMtTW10 tumours, the functional response was complex but compatible with the involvement of PACAP I and PACAP II receptors; mRNAs coding for the PACAP I and PACAP II VIP1 receptors were detected. In the SMtTW3 tumour, the profile was similar to that of the normal pituitary gland and the mRNA coding for the PACAP I receptor only was detected. Thus, while the control of normal pituitary gland adenylate cyclase activity by PACAP and VIP was mediated by PACAP-selective receptors, in spontaneous transplantable tumours a variable profile was observed and PACAP, as well as VIP1 and VIP2 receptors, may contribute to the responses.

A simple and rapid method for counting the number of internal disulfide bridges in a protein by incubation with 2-mercaptoethanol and electrospray mass spectrometry analysis of the products was developed. 2-Mercaptoethanol yields intermediate mixed disulfides during reduction of a protein. This results in a molecular weight increase of the protein by 78 Da per disulfide bond, which can easily be determined by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS). The number of mercaptoethanol adducts observed by ESMS reveals the number of disulfide bridges in the peptide or protein. Since the protein–mercaptoethanol–disulfide bonds are themselves further reduced by excess mercaptoethanol, the course of the reaction has to be followed in order to detect the maximum number of intermediates. Owing to the volatility of mercaptoethanol, samples can be taken out of the reaction solution for MS analysis without prior purification. Successful experiments were carried out using proteins with one, two, four or six SS-bonds, covering a mass range from about 1 to over 23 kDa.

We determined the capacity of vaccinia virus recombinants expressing individual rotavirus genes to induce virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in mice. Mice were orally inoculated with vaccinia virus recombinants containing genes which encode rotavirus outer capsid proteins vp4 or vp7, single-shelled virus proteins vp1, vp2, or vp6, or rotavirus nonstructural proteins NS53, NS35, NS28, or NS26/NS12. We found that (i) the greatest frequencies of virus-specific CTLs were induced by vaccinia virus recombinants expressing vp7, (ii) transport of vp7 beyond the endoplasmic reticulum was not necessary for induction of CTLs, (iii) recombinants expressing vp7 induced CTLs which reacted with different rotavirus serotypes, and (iv) CTLs were induced among both intestinal and nonintestinal lymphocytes after oral inoculation. These findings may be relevant to vaccine strategies which utilize vectors expressing individual rotavirus genes.

The degradation of polybutadiene by heating in inert atmosphere at various temperatures for different time intervals was characterized by i.r. and 1H n.m.r. methods. It was established that by i.r. analysis it is possible to assess both the temperature and the duration of the heating to which the sample had been subjected.

Infrared spectra were measured of condensates generated by heating polyamide-6, polyamide-12, polyamide-11, polyamide-8 and polyamide-6,6 in inert atmosphere at 300, 350, 400, 500, and 600°C for various time. The products of thermal degradation were characterized by infrared spectroscopy. It was found that the thermal history of polyamide degradation can be detected from infrared spectra.

Infrared spectra of condensates generated by heating of polyethylene and polypropylene in inert atmosphere for various times at 300, 400, 500 and 600 °C were measured. The condensed products were characterized by means of infrared spectra. It was found that IR-spectra are suitable for determining the thermal history of polyethylene and polypropylene degradation.

DNA was extracted from unstained 5-microns sections of neutral buffered 10% formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue by proteinase K digestion without detergents followed by boiling, proteinase K digestion with ionic detergents with and without phenol chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation, sonication with proteinase K followed by boiling, or boiling alone. Serial 1:10 dilutions of the extracted DNA were subject to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a 255-bp portion of the p53 gene. Digestion with proteinase K without ionic detergents followed by boiling (without phenol chloroform extraction) gave the best yield, enabling visualization of ethidium bromide-stained PCR product from a DNA dilution corresponding to 0.1 mm2 of tissue containing of the order of 10(3) nuclear profiles. Proteinase K digestion with detergents followed by phenol-chloroform extraction was no more effective than simple boiling. Although the success of PCR from preserved tissue will vary with the fixative and size of the amplified fragment, DNA extracted with this optimized method can be used for identification of viruses, loss of heterozygosity, and immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in paraffin-embedded tissue without radioisotopes.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) generated in mice orally inoculated with rotaviruses lyse target cells infected with different rotavirus serotypes (cross-reactive CTLs). Using vaccinia virus recombinants expressing individual rotavirus proteins from two different rotavirus serotypes, we found that cross-reactive CTLs recognize target cells expressing outer capsid protein vp7 better than those expressing outer capsid protein vp4 or inner capsid protein vp6. These findings may be relevant to vaccine strategies which include immunization with reassortant rotaviruses or viral or bacterial vectors expressing individual rotavirus proteins. The region or regions of vp7 which are antigenically conserved among different rotavirus serotypes and recognized by cross-reactive CTLs remain to be determined.

Article de synthese sur les proprietes fondamentales des pigments anticorrosion, les pigments a base de composes du plomb, les pigments aux chromates, les pigments aux molybdates, les pigments aux phosphates, les poudres metalliques et les oxydes metalliques, les inhibiteurs de corrosion organiques

A new two-dimensional process modeling program written in Fortran is described. For the first time, this program allows the simulation of all important processing steps occurring in typical sequences involved in the fabrication of integrated circuits such as doping, oxidation, lithography, etching, and layer deposition. The program possesses a modular structure to allow for easy changing and improvement of process models as well as of mathematical procedures. The program is menu driven to make it easy to use for non-experts and it is readily usable with different computer systems.