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Introduction: Glomerular disease is among the top ten leading causes of death in Mexico., Aim: To assess the frequency of glomerulopathy in western Mexico in a Regional Hospital belonging of the Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social., Methods: Single hospital center retrospective analysis. We reviewed all native kidney biopsies between January 2003 and December 2011, in patients more than 16 years old, to establish clinical features, presentation, and histological report., Results: A total of 163 reports were analyzed; patients with a mean age of 32.6 ± 13.3 years, 55% female, 24% had systemic arterial hypertension, and 10% with a family history of chronic renal failure. The most frequent types of primary glomerulonephritis were focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 47% of cases, followed by membranous nephropathy in 15%. The most frequent types of secondary glomerulonephritis were lupus nephritis in 14%, followed by diabetic nephropathy in 4% and amyloidosis in 1.2%., Conclusion: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is the most frequent type of glomerulopathy in our population; we observed a minor percentage of Inmunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy compared with worldwide reports. This information is a contribution to the understanding of the prevalence of glomerulopathy in western Mexico.

Introduction: Although headache prevalence decreases in patients older than 65, headaches are a common complaint and their different clinical and therapeutic features must be understood. This article analyses the clinical characteristics of elderly patients treated in an outpatient headache unit., Methods: We collected demographic and clinical data from patients treated in a tertiary hospital headache unit between January 2008 and May 2013. Headaches were codified according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition (ICHD-2)., Results: Of a total of 1868 patients treated, 262 patients (14%, 189 women and 73 men) were older than 65 years. Ninety-nine (68 women, 31 men, 5.3% of the total) were over 75. Headaches began after the age of 65 in only 136 patients (51.9%). The 362 headaches were codified as follows: 23.8% as Group 1 (Migraine) and 28.7% as Group 2 (Tension-type headache). We diagnosed 58 (16%) secondary headaches; 26 (7.2%) were classified as Group 13 (Cranial neuralgias) and 23 (6.4%) in Group 14 (Other headaches). Symptomatic medication overuse was detected in 38 patients (14.5%). We also identified headaches considered typical in the elderly, including chronic migraine (41 cases), hypnic headache (6), occipital neuralgia (4), SUNCT (2), cervicogenic headache (1), primary cough headache (1), and giant cell arteritis (2)., Conclusions: Elderly patients were frequently treated in our outpatient headache unit. Tension-type headache was the most common diagnosis in this population. Geriatric headache syndromes such as hypnic headache or occipital neuralgia were also represented in our series., (Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

This work presents the development of a robotic wheelchair that can be commanded by users in a supervised way or by a fully automatic unsupervised navigation system. It provides flexibility to choose different modalities to command the wheelchair, in addition to be suitable for people with different levels of disabilities. Users can command the wheelchair based on their eye blinks, eye movements, head movements, by sip-and-puff and through brain signals. The wheelchair can also operate like an auto-guided vehicle, following metallic tapes, or in an autonomous way. The system is provided with an easy to use and flexible graphical user interface onboard a personal digital assistant, which is used to allow users to choose commands to be sent to the robotic wheelchair. Several experiments were carried out with people with disabilities, and the results validate the developed system as an assistive tool for people with distinct levels of disability.

To examine the association between prior infant mortality and subsequent risk for small for gestational age (SGA). This population-based, retrospective cohort study used the Missouri maternally linked, longitudinal dataset (1989-2005). Analyses were restricted to women who had two singleton pregnancies during the study period. Logistic regression was conducted to obtain adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the association between infant mortality in the first pregnancy and SGA in the second pregnancy. Women with a prior occurrence of infant death were more likely to be black and obese and had lower educational levels and had higher rates of pregnancy-related complications (p < 0.01). White women with previous infant mortality were at 1.46 times greater risk for SGA in the subsequent pregnancy (AOR = 1.46, 95 % CI = 1.24-1.71). For black women with prior infant death, the risk for SGA increased to 2.77 times (AOR = 2.77, 95 % CI = 2.19-3.51). White mothers who experienced infant mortality coupled with SGA in the first pregnancy had a nearly threefold heightened risk for SGA in the second pregnancy (AOR = 2.89, 95 % CI = 2.21-3.78), whereas black women with this history were more than four times as likely to have an infant with SGA (AOR = 4.60 95 % CI = 3.05-6.96). Prior occurrence of infant mortality is associated with increased risk for subsequent SGA. This finding has important implications for health professionals, as targeted inter-conception strategies for women who have experienced infant death, as well as SGA, may be warranted.

Advanced maternal age (AMA) and HIV status have been investigated separately for their influence on infant outcomes. Both are associated with adverse fetal growth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB). However, the impact of the cooccurrence of these factors in relation to birth outcomes remains relatively understudied. We analyzed Florida hospital discharge data linked to vital records. The study population consisted of women who had a singleton live birth between 1998 and 2007 (N=1,687,176). The exposure variables were HIV infection and maternal age, while the outcomes of interest were LBW, PTB, and small for gestational age (SGA). We matched HIV-positive women to HIV-negative women on selected variables using propensity scores. To approximate relative risks, we computed adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) generated from logistic regression models and accounted for the matched design using the generalized estimating equations framework. After adjusting for demographic variables, clinical conditions, and route of birth, the risks of LBW, PTB, and SGA remained significant for HIV-positive women, regardless of age. HIV-positive women of AMA (≥35 years) were more likely to have infants of LBW (AOR=1.73, 95% CI=1.37-2.18), PTB (AOR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.06-1.71), and SGA (AOR=1.52, 95% CI=1.22-1.89), compared to uninfected mothers of younger age (<35 years). For women of advanced age, HIV positivity elevates their risk for LBW and PTB. The interplay of HIV status and age should be considered by healthcare providers when determining appropriate interconception strategies for women and their families.

Introduction: Supraorbital neuralgia (SON) is an uncommon disorder characterized by pain in the area supplied by the supraorbital nerve, which covers the medial aspect of the forehead, together with tenderness over the supraorbital notch or along the course of the nerve. Few hospital-based series of non-trauma SON have been published., Methods and Results: We prospectively analyzed 13 patients (11 females, two males) diagnosed with SON in a headache outpatient clinic over a four-year period. Background pain was mostly dull and of moderate intensity. In addition, nine patients reported sharp, burning or stabbing exacerbations of severe intensity. Eight cases were treated with an anesthetic blockade and achieved complete relief lasting from two to six months. Three patients also received gabapentin, with no or only slight improvement., Conclusion: Non-traumatic SON is an uncommon disorder in our headache clinic. Female preponderance and clinical features are comparable to the data collected in previous studies. A spontaneously remitting pattern is not uncommon, and anesthetic blockades are not always required.

Introduction: Hemicrania continua is characterised by a continuous unilateral pain, which frequently gets worse in association with autonomic symptoms. It is probably little known and underdiagnosed. Its diagnosis requires a response to indomethacin, which is not always well tolerated., Aims: We report a series of 36 cases of hemicrania continua that were treated in the headache service of a tertiary hospital. We analyse their demographic and clinical features and the therapeutic alternatives to indomethacin., Patients and Methods: Between January 2008 and April 2012, 36 patients (28 females, eight males) were diagnosed with hemicrania continua from among 1800 (2%) who were treated in that service., Results: The age of onset was 46.3 ± 18.4 years. In four patients (11.1%) there were pain remissions that lasted over three months. The baseline pain was chiefly oppressive or burning with an intensity of 5.2 ± 1.4 on the verbal analogue scale. Exacerbations lasted 32.3 ± 26.1 minutes, were of a predominantly stabbing nature with an intensity of 8.3 ± 1.4, and in 69.4% of cases were accompanied by autonomic symptoms. Altogether 16.7% of the patients did not tolerate indomethacin beyond an indotest and 50% did so with side effects. In 13 cases at least one anaesthetic blockade was performed in the supraorbital or the greater occipital nerve or a trochlear injection of corticoids was carried out with a full response in 53.8% and a partial response in 38.5%., Conclusions: Hemicrania continua is not an infrequent diagnosis in a headache clinic and, because it is a treatable condition, further knowledge on the subject is needed. Anaesthetic blockades of the supraorbital or greater occipital nerves or a trochlear injection of corticoids are the therapeutic options that must be taken into consideration when indomethacin is not well tolerated.

Knowledge about parasites of Antarctic birds is fragmented and scarce. The aim of this work is to contribute to the knowledge of gastrointestinal parasites of the Chinstrap Penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica) from Deception Island (South Shetlands, Antarctica). Gastrointestinal tracts of 64 fresh dead individuals (61 chicks and three adults) were collected from December 2006 to February 2009 and examined for macroparasites. Three adult parasite species were found: two Cestoda species (Parorchites zederi and Tetrabothrius pauliani) and one Nematoda species (Stegophorus macronectes). Also, immature acanthocephalans (Corynosoma sp.) were found in one penguin. The low parasite richness observed could be related to the stenophagic and pelagic diet of the host species. False negatives were found in coprological studies.

Background: Organ transplant recipients (OTR) are at high risk of developing cutaneous neoplasms. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) in OTR., Aims: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of PDT with methylaminolevulinate (MAL) in the treatment of facial AK in OTR. As a secondary objective, we wanted to evaluate the usefulness of topical PDT in the reduction of photodamage in OTR., Methods: A prospective, single center, single arm study was made. 16 OTR were included. Topical PDT was applied for 1 or 2 cycles depending on the patient's characteristics. An evaluation of AK was made at visits pre-treatment, at 12 weeks and at 24 weeks. Photodamage was measured with multispectral image technique (SkinCare)., Results: A complete response rate of 100% was achieved for AK in all patients; it persisted without change at 12 and 24 weeks of follow-up. 62.5% of patients improved their photodamage as measured by SkinCare®, but this result was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). All patients had high level of satisfaction at the end of the therapy., Conclusions: MAL-PDT is an effective therapy for the treatment of AK in OTRs. It can reduce photodamage in this group of patients, but these results were not statistically significant.

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic disease with important skin manifestations, affecting 2 % of the population. It is more frequent and severe in obese patients, and both have been associated with a higher cardiovascular risk. Recent studies suggest that weight loss may improve psoriasis and metabolic comorbidities in obese patients. We reviewed our prospective electronic database for all patients with psoriasis who underwent bariatric surgery between 2008 and 2011. We assessed surgical complications, weight progression, and psoriasis-related outcomes. The Dermatology Life Quality Index was used retrospectively to assess quality of life (QoL) before and after the operation. Ten patients were included; body mass index was 38.8 ± 5.2 kg/m(2). Pre-surgical treatment for psoriasis was topical (50 %) and systemic (40 %). Eight patients underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and two underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. At follow-up, the mean percent excess weight loss 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery was 45 %, 80 %, and 88 %, respectively. Comorbidity resolution was 75 % for diabetes mellitus, 100 % for insulin resistance, and 57 % for hypertension. Related to psoriasis, 70 % of the patients stayed in remission 6 months after surgery and three of the four patients who were previously medicated with systemic drugs discontinued medication. The impact of psoriasis on QoL improved from 14.9 ± 6.8 before surgery to 5 ± 6.3 after surgery (p = 0.005). Bariatric surgery for positive metabolic, skin, and quality of life results should be considered as a useful adjuvant therapy for obese patients with psoriasis.

Samples with the type I clathrate structure and composition Ba(8)Al(x)Si(46-x), where x = 8, 10, 12, 14, and 15, were examined by neutron powder diffraction at 35 K. The clathrate type I structure contains Ba cations as guests in a framework derived from tetrahedrally coordinated Al/Si atoms. The framework is made up of five- and six-membered rings that form dodecahedral and tetrakaidecahedral cages. The change in distances between tetrahedral sites across the series is used to develop a model for the mixed Al/Si occupancy observed in the framework. The calculated volumes of the cages that contain the Ba atoms display a linear increase with increasing Al composition. In the smaller dodecahedral cages, the Ba atomic displacement parameter is symmetry constrained to be isotropic for all compositions. In the larger tetrakaidecahedral cages, the anisotropic atomic displacement of the Ba atom depends upon the composition: the displacement is perpendicular (x = 8) and parallel (x = 15) to the six-membered ring. This difference in direction of the displacement parameter is attributed to interaction with the Al in the framework and not to the size of the cage volume as x increases from 8 to 15. The influence of the site occupation of Al in the framework on displacement of the cation at the 6d site is demonstrated.

Although chemotherapy is used to treat most advanced solid tumors, recurrent disease is still the major cause of cancer-related mortality. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been the focus of intense research in recent years because they provide a possible explanation for disease relapse. However, the precise role of CSCs in recurrent disease remains poorly understood and surprisingly little attention has been focused on studying the cells responsible for re-initiating tumor growth within the original host after chemotherapy treatment. We utilized both xenograft and genetically engineered mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to characterize the residual tumor cells that survive chemotherapy treatment and go on to cause tumor regrowth, which we refer to as tumor re-initiating cells (TRICs). We set out to determine whether TRICs display characteristics of CSCs, and whether assays used to define CSCs also provide an accurate readout of a cell's ability to cause tumor recurrence. We did not find consistent enrichment of CSC marker positive cells or enhanced tumor initiating potential in TRICs. However, TRICs from all models do appear to be in EMT, a state that has been linked to chemoresistance in numerous types of cancer. Thus, the standard CSC assays may not accurately reflect a cell's ability to drive disease recurrence.

BRCA genetic test results provide important information to manage cancer risk for patients and their families. Little is known on the communication of genetic test results by mutation status with family members and physicians in the oncology care setting. As part of a longitudinal study evaluating the impact of genetic counseling and testing among recently diagnosed breast cancer patients, we collected patients' self-reported patterns of disclosure. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample and determined the prevalence of disclosure of BRCA test results to family members and physicians. Of 100 patients who completed the baseline and the 6-month followup survey, 77 reported pursuing testing. The majority shared test results with female first-degree relatives; fewer did with males. Participants were more likely to share results with oncologists compared to surgeons, primary care physicians, or other specialty physicians. These findings suggest that while breast cancer patients may communicate results to at-risk female family members and their medical oncologist, they may need education and support to facilitate communication to other first-degree relatives and providers.

Epidemiological studies have shown that patients with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing certain metabolic disorders, particularly obesity. Psoriasis and obesity are linked through a common pathophysiological mechanism of chronic low-grade inflammation. Not only is obesity associated with a higher incidence of psoriasis and greater severity, but it also affects response to treatment. The dermatologic management of these patients must therefore take their overall metabolic situation into consideration. We present a review of the recent literature on this subject and practical recommendations on the management of this group of patients, including relevant additional tests and advice on diet and a healthy lifestyle., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. y AEDV. All rights reserved.)

The vibrational spectra of nitrogen monoxide or nitric oxide (NO) bonded to one or to several transition-metal (M) atom(s) in coordination and cluster compounds are analyzed in relation to the various types of such structures identified by diffraction methods. These structures are classified in: (a) terminal (linear and bent) nitrosyls, [M(σ-NO)] or [M(NO)]; (b) twofold nitrosyl bridges, [M2(μ2-NO)]; (c) threefold nitrosyl bridges, [M3(μ3-NO)]; (d) σ/π-dihaptonitrosyls or "side-on" nitrosyls; and (e) isonitrosyls (oxygen-bonded nitrosyls). Typical ranges for the values of internuclear N-O and M-N bond-distances and M-N-O bond-angles for linear nitrosyls are: 1.14-1.20 Å/1.60-1.90 Å/180-160° and for bent nitrosyls are 1.16-1.22 Å/1.80-2.00 Å/140-110°. The [M2(μ2-NO)] bridges have been divided into those that contain one or several metal-metal bonds and those without a formal metal/metal bond (M⋯M). Typical ranges for the M-M, N-O, M-N bond distances and M-N-M bond angles for the normal twofold NO bridges are: 2.30-3.00 Å/1.18-1.22 Å/1.80-2.00 Å/90-70°, whereas for the analogous ranges of the long twofold NO bridges these are 3.10-3.40 Å/1.20-1.24 Å/1.90-2.10 Å/130-110°. In both situations the N-O vector is approximately at right angle to the M-M (or M⋯M) vector within the experimental error; i.e. the NO group is symmetrical bonded to the two metal atoms. In contrast the threefold NO bridges can be symmetrically or unsymmetrically bonded to an M3-plane of a cluster compound. Characteristic values for the N-O and M-N bond-distances of these NO bridges are: 1.24-1.28 Å/1.80-1.90 Å, respectively. As few dihaptonitrosyl and isonitrosyl complexes are known, the structural features of these are discussed on an individual basis. The very extensive vibrational spectroscopy literature considered gives emphasis to the data from linearly bonded NO ligands in stable closed-shell metal complexes; i.e. those which are consistent with the "effective atomic number (EAN)" or "18-electron" rule. In the paucity of enough vibrational spectroscopic data from complexes with only nitrosyl ligands, it turned out to be very advantageous to use wavenumbers from the spectra of uncharged and saturated nitrosyl/carbonyl metal complexes as references, because the presence of a carbonyl ligand was found to be neutral in its effect on the ν(NO)-values. The wide wavenumber range found for the ν(NO) values of linear MNO complexes are then presented in terms of the estimated effects of net ionic charges, or of electron-withdrawing or electron-donating ligands bonded to the same metal atom. Using this approach we have found that: (a) the effect for a unit positive charge is [plus 100 cm(-1)] whereas for a unit negative charge it is [minus 145 cm(-1)]. (b) For electron-withdrawing co-ligands the estimated effects are: terminal CN [plus 50 cm(-1)]; terminal halogens [plus 30 cm(-1)]; bridging or quasi-bridging halogens [plus 15 cm(-1)]. (c) For electro donating co-ligands they are: PF3 [plus 10 cm(-1)]; P(OPh)3 [-30 cm(-1)]; P(OR)3 (R=alkyl group) [-40 cm(-1)]; PPh3 [-55 cm(-1)]; PR3 (R=alkyl group) [-70 cm(-1)]; and η5-C5H5 [-60 cm(-1)]; η5-C5H4Me [-70 cm(-1)]; η5-C5Me5 [-80 cm(-1)]. These values were mostly derived from the spectra of nitrosyl complexes that have been corrected for the presence of only a single electronically-active co-ligand. After making allowance for ionic charges or strongly-perturbing ligands on the same metal atom, the adjusted 'neutral-co-ligand' ν(NO)*-values (in cm(-1)) are for linear nitrosyl complexes with transition metals of Period 4 of the Periodic Table, i.e. those with atomic orbitals (…4s3d4p): [ca. 1750, Cr(NO)]; [1775,Mn(NO)]; [1796,Fe(NO)]; [1817,Co(NO)]; [ca. 1840, Ni(NO)]. Period 5 (…5s4d5p): [1730 Mo(NO)]; [-, Tc(NO)]; [1745,Ru(NO)]; [1790,Rh(NO)]; [ca. 1845, Pd(NO)]. Period 6 (…6s4f5d6p), [1720,W(NO)]; [1730,Re(NO)]; [1738,Os(NO)]; [1760,Ir(NO)]; [-, Pt] respectively. Environmental differences to these values, e.g. data taken in polar solutions or in the crystalline state, can cause ν(NO)* variations (mostly reductions) of up to ca. 30 cm(-1). Three spectroscopic criteria are used to distinguish between linear and bent NO groups. These are: (i) the values of ν(14NO) themselves, and (ii) the isotopic band shift--(IBS)--parameter which is defined as [ν(14NO)-ν(15NO)], and, (iii) the isotopic band ratio--(IBR)--given by [ν(15NO/ν14NO)]. The former is illustrated with the ν(14NO)-data from trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) and tetragonal pyramidal (TP) structures of [M(NO(L)4] complexes (where M=Fe, Co, Ru, Rh, Os, Ir and L=ligand). These values indicate that linear (180-170°) and strongly bent (130-120°) NO groups in these compounds absorb over the 1862-1690 cm(-1) and 1720-1525 cm(-1)-regions, respectively. As was explicitly demonstrated for the linear nitrosyls, these extensive regions reflect the presence in different complexes of a very wide range of co-ligands or ionic charges associated with the metal atom of the nitrosyl group. A plot of the IBS parameter against M-N-O bond-angle for compounds with general formulae [M(NO)(L)y] (y=4, 5, 6) reveals that the IBS-values are clustered between 45 and 30 cm(-1) or between 37 and 25 cm(-1) for linear or bent NO groups, respectively. A plot of IBR shows a less well defined pattern. Overall it is suggested that bent nitrosyls absorb ca. 60-100 cm(-1) below, and have smaller co-ligand band-shifts, than their linear counterparts. Spectroscopic ν(NO) data of the bridging or other types of NO ligands are comparatively few and therefore it has not been possible to give other than general ranges for 'neutral co-ligand' values. Moreover the bridging species data often depend on corrections for the effects of electronically-active co-ligands such as cyclopentadienyl-like groups. The derived neutral co-ligand estimates, ν(NO)*, are: (a) twofold bridged nitrosyls with a metal-metal bond order of one, or greater than one, absorb at ca. 1610-1490 cm(-1); (b) twofold bridged nitrosyl ligands with a longer non-bonding M⋯M distance, ca. 1520-1490 cm(-1); (c) threefold bridged nitrosyls, ca. 1470-1410 cm(-1); (d) σ/π dihaptonitrosyl, [M(η2-NO)], where M=Cr, Mn and Ni; ca. 1490-1440 cm(-1). Isonitrosyls, from few examples, appear to absorb below ca. 1100 cm(-1). To be published DFT calculations of the infrared and Raman spectra of complexes with formulae [M(NO)4-n(CO)n] (M=Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and n=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, respectively) are used as models for the assignments of the ν(MN) and δ(MNO) bands from more complex metal nitrosyls., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Recently derived vibrational spectroscopic data from NO ligands in metal coordination or cluster compounds, corrected to 'neutral coligand' status, are used to help identify the structures of related surface species from NO chemisorbed on metal single-crystal surfaces at low coverage. The derived conclusions form the basis for a systematic review of the structural information derivable from the extensive vibrational spectroscopic literature in this area, considered in relation to information from other physical methods and density-function theoretical calculations. A high degree of agreement is found for the approximate wavenumber ranges associated with surface species as follows, (cm(-1)) nu(NO) on-top 1700-1860;. 2-fold bridged 1560-1700; 3-fold hollow 1460-1620; 4-fold hollow ca.900: nu(MN) on-top 400-510; 2-fold bridged ca.400; 3-fold hollow 300-405. Within these ranges wavenumber values increase with coverage.

We measure magnetic quantum oscillations in the underdoped cuprates YBa2Cu3O6+x with x=0.61, 0.69, using fields of up to 85 T. The quantum-oscillation frequencies and effective masses obtained suggest that the Fermi energy in the cuprates has a maximum at hole doping p approximately 0.11-0.12. On either side, the effective mass may diverge, possibly due to phase transitions associated with the T=0 limit of the metal-insulator crossover (low-p side), and the postulated topological transition from small to large Fermi surface close to optimal doping (high p side).

Hypermethylation of the O(6)-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) gene has been shown to be associated with improved outcome in glioblastoma (GBM) and may be a predictive marker of sensitivity to alkylating agents. However, the predictive utility of this marker has not been rigorously tested with regard to sensitivity to other therapies, namely radiation. To address this issue, we assessed MGMT methylation status in a cohort of patients with GBM who underwent radiation treatment but did not receive chemotherapy as a component of adjuvant treatment. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 225 patients with newly diagnosed GBM were analyzed via methylation-specific, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction following bisulfite treatment on isolated DNA to assess MGMT promoter methylation status. In patients who received radiotherapy alone following resection, methylation of the MGMT promoter correlated with an improved response to radiotherapy. Unmethylated tumors were twice as likely to progress during radiation treatment. The median time interval between resection and tumor progression of unmethylated tumors was also nearly half that of methylated tumors. Promoter methylation was also found to confer improved overall survival in patients who did not receive adjuvant alkylating chemotherapy. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that methylation status was independent of age, Karnofsky performance score, and extent of resection as a predictor of time to progression and overall survival. Our data suggest that MGMT promoter methylation appears to be a predictive biomarker of radiation response. Since this biomarker has also been shown to predict response to alkylating agents, perhaps MGMT promoter methylation represents a general, favorable prognostic factor in GBM.

We use neutron diffraction to study the structural and magnetic phase diagram of CeFeAs(1-x)P(x)O. We find that replacing the larger arsenic with smaller phosphorus in CeFeAs(1-x)P(x)O simultaneously suppresses the AFM order and orthorhombic distortion near x=0.4, thus suggesting the presence of a magnetic quantum critical point. Our detailed structural analysis reveals that the pnictogen height is an important controlling parameter for their electronic and magnetic properties, and may play an important role in electron pairing and superconductivity of these materials.

In this work, a visual interface for the assistance of a robotic wheelchair's navigation is presented. The visual interface is developed for the navigation in confined spaces such as narrows corridors or corridor-ends. The interface performs two navigation modus: non-autonomous and autonomous. The non-autonomous driving of the robotic wheelchair is made by means of a hand-joystick. The joystick directs the motion of the vehicle within the environment. The autonomous driving is performed when the user of the wheelchair has to turn (90, 90 or 180 degrees) within the environment. The turning strategy is performed by a maneuverability algorithm compatible with the kinematics of the wheelchair and by the SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm. The SLAM algorithm provides the interface with the information concerning the environment disposition and the pose -position and orientation-of the wheelchair within the environment. Experimental and statistical results of the interface are also shown in this work.

Background: Breast cancer risk and reconstructive options after massive weight loss are undefined. Use of the resulting pannus for autologous reconstruction is possible, with one option being the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap. Large superficial inferior epigastric vessels have been observed in massive weight loss patients during abdominal contouring procedures, but their anatomical features have not been assessed., Methods: Thirty-two consecutive massive weight loss patients undergoing abdominal contouring had their superficial inferior epigastric vessels measured intraoperatively to assess correlation with body mass indices and pannus weight using appropriate statistical analyses., Results: Sixty-four hemiabdomens were assessed. Mean age was 46 +/- 9.8 years. Mean maximum body mass index was 49.5 +/- 8.3, current body mass index was 29.6 +/- 6.0, change in body mass index was 19.9 +/- 5.6, and mean pannus weight was 3338.4 g. Mean artery size was 1.7 mm and mean vein size was 2.9 mm. Thirty-two of 62 hemiabdomens (52 percent) had a usable vessel (>or=1.5 mm). Maximum body mass index was related to the overall presence of a SIEA (p = 0.009) or usable artery (p = 0.04), whereas both current body mass index and maximum body mass index were related to superficial inferior epigastric vein size (p < 0.001). Pannus weight was correlated to superficial inferior epigastric vein and SIEA size (p < 0.001) and strongly correlated to current body mass index (r = 0.78) and maximum body mass index (r = 0.46)., Conclusions: The superficial inferior epigastric vessel system is commonly present in massive weight loss patients. Body mass index before weight loss is the strongest predictor of SIEA presence and usability. When massive weight loss patients present for breast reconstruction, careful patient selection along with weight loss history and assessment of pannus size may aid in determining the likelihood of using the SIEA flap.

Recently, high-transition-temperature (high-Tc) superconductivity was discovered in the iron pnictide RFeAsO(1-x)F(x) (R, rare-earth metal) family of materials. We use neutron scattering to study the structural and magnetic phase transitions in CeFeAsO(1-x)F(x) as the system is tuned from a semimetal to a high-Tc superconductor through fluorine (F) doping, x. In the undoped state, CeFeAsO develops a structural lattice distortion followed by a collinear antiferromagnetic order with decreasing temperature. With increasing fluorine doping, the structural phase transition decreases gradually and vanishes within the superconductivity dome near x=0.10, whereas the antiferromagnetic order is suppressed before the appearance of superconductivity for x>0.06, resulting in an electronic phase diagram remarkably similar to that of the high-Tc copper oxides. Comparison of the structural evolution of CeFeAsO(1-x)F(x) with other Fe-based superconductors suggests that the structural perfection of the Fe-As tetrahedron is important for the high-Tc superconductivity in these Fe pnictides.

In this study, we test the reliability of chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) for the detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene amplification in glioblastoma. Earlier reports have described EGFR CISH in glioblastoma multiforme, but a comparison of CISH with a "gold standard" testing method, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), has not been described. Therapies targeting the EGFR-signaling pathway might increase the importance of assessment of EGFR-amplification status. CISH is a potential alternative to FISH as a testing method. To test its reliability, EGFR-amplification status by CISH was assessed in 89 cases of glioblastoma and compared with FISH results, and correlated with the protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for EGFR. FISH was scored as being EGFR-amplified in 47/89 tumors, CISH as being amplified in 43/89 tumors. The CISH and FISH results were in agreement in 83/89 cases (93%). Four glioblastomas were scored as being amplified by FISH, but not by CISH; whereas amplification was detected in 2 tumors by CISH that were not amplified using FISH. Forty-eight of the 89 cases were positive for EGFR expression by IHC. EGFR amplification was highly correlated with protein expression by IHC, as 40/48 (83%) EGFR IHC-positive cases were found to be EGFR-amplified. The high concordance of CISH and FISH for the assessment of EGFR gene-amplification status indicates that CISH is a viable alternative to FISH for the detection of EGFR gene amplification in glioblastoma. Detectable EGFR expression by IHC can occur in the absence of gene amplification, but is uncommon.

Following the discovery of long-range antiferromagnetic order in the parent compounds of high-transition-temperature (high-T(c)) copper oxides, there have been efforts to understand the role of magnetism in the superconductivity that occurs when mobile 'electrons' or 'holes' are doped into the antiferromagnetic parent compounds. Superconductivity in the newly discovered rare-earth iron-based oxide systems ROFeAs (R, rare-earth metal) also arises from either electron or hole doping of their non-superconducting parent compounds. The parent material LaOFeAs is metallic but shows anomalies near 150 K in both resistivity and d.c. magnetic susceptibility. Although optical conductivity and theoretical calculations suggest that LaOFeAs exhibits a spin-density-wave (SDW) instability that is suppressed by doping with electrons to induce superconductivity, there has been no direct evidence of SDW order. Here we report neutron-scattering experiments that demonstrate that LaOFeAs undergoes an abrupt structural distortion below 155 K, changing the symmetry from tetragonal (space group P4/nmm) to monoclinic (space group P112/n) at low temperatures, and then, at approximately 137 K, develops long-range SDW-type antiferromagnetic order with a small moment but simple magnetic structure. Doping the system with fluorine suppresses both the magnetic order and the structural distortion in favour of superconductivity. Therefore, like high-T(c) copper oxides, the superconducting regime in these iron-based materials occurs in close proximity to a long-range-ordered antiferromagnetic ground state.

A 55-year-old man with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placed after diagnosis of Brugada syndrome 4 years earlier was admitted to hospital with dyspnea and a large left pleural effusion. After several episodes of cardiorespiratory arrest and application of advanced cardiac life support measures, an emergency sternotomy was performed. Cardiac and pleural perforation by the ICD lead was observed and the device was removed. Since the ICD was introduced in 1980, it has been effective in the treatment of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and in reducing the incidence of sudden death. Increased use, however, has meant a rise in the number of complications, some of which are potentially fatal. The rare complication we describe should therefore be considered whenever a patient with an ICD develops sudden respiratory failure or massive hemoptysis that cannot be explained by other causes.

This article reviews immediate and delayed breast reconstruction with prosthetic implants, and the effect of irradiation therapy. Despite widespread use of breast conserving surgery for early breast cancer, many breast cancer patients still undergo mastectomy. Some of these patients choose breast reconstruction. Over the last 30 years, techniques for breast reconstruction have evolved significantly with new alternative techniques and improved surgical devises. Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction with silicone prosthesis can be an excellent option. Implant reconstruction may be single or two stage procedures. Traditionally, small breasts with minimal ptosis are suited for single-stage reconstruction. Large breasts or inadequate skin require expanders followed by implants. Minimal excision mastectomy and biological spacers are allowing larger breast single stage reconstruction and improved aesthetics for two stage procedures. With recent studies suggesting survival advantage of post-mastectomy irradiation, many candidates for breast reconstruction are receiving radiotherapy, which complicates healing after breast reconstruction.

When plastics are collected for recycling, possibly contaminated articles might be recycled into food packaging, and thus the contaminants might subsequently migrate into the food. Multilayer functional barriers may be used to delay and to reduce such migration. The contribution of the work reported here is to establish reference values (at 40 degrees C) of diffusion coefficients and of activation energies to predict the functional barrier efficiency of a broad range of polymers (polyolefins, polystyrene, polyamide, PVC, PET, PVDC, [ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer], polyacrylonitrile and [ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer]). Diffusion coefficients (D) and activation energies (Ea) were measured and were compiled together with literature data. This allowed identification of new trends for the log D=f(molecular weight) relationships. The slopes were a function of the barrier efficiency of the polymer and temperature. The apparent activation energy of diffusion displayed two domains of variation with molecular weight (M). For low M (gases), there was little variation of Ea. Focusing on larger molecules, high barrier polymers displayed a larger dependence of Ea with M. The apparent activation energy decreased with T. These results suggest a discontinuity between rubbery and glassy polymers.

A drug delivery vehicle was constructed that could be visualized noninvasively with MRI. The biodegradable polymer poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used to fabricate microspheres containing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the MRI contrast agent gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). The microspheres were characterized in terms of size, drug and contrast agent encapsulation, and degradation rate. The PLGA microspheres had a mean diameter of 48 +/- 18 microm. The gadolinium loading was 17 +/- 3 microg/mg polymer and the VEGF loading was 163 +/- 22 ng/mg polymer. Electron microscopy revealed that the Gd was dispersed throughout the microspheres and it was confirmed that the Gd loading was sufficient to visualize the microspheres under MRI. VEGF and Gd-DTPA were released from the microspheres in vitro over a period of approximately 6 weeks in three phases: a burst, followed by a slow steady-state, then a rapid steady-state. Biodegradable Gd-doped microspheres can be effectively used to deliver drugs in a sustained manner, while being monitored noninvasively with MRI.

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPCa) of the breast refers to a unique variant of invasive ductal carcinoma, but its biological behavior has not been elucidated well. We analyzed 16 IMPCa cases (10 pure type, six mixed type). The incidence of IMPCa was 1.0% of all primary breast carcinoma. High nuclear grade (75.0%), as well as poorly differentiated histological grade (81.3%), was frequently seen. Lymph node metastases were evident in 92.9% of the examined cases, and about half of them showed more than 10 positive nodes. Comparison between serially experienced invasive ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS), revealed that both high nuclear grade and poor histological grade were significantly more frequent (P < 0001), there was a lower frequency of positive estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), a higher frequency of HER-2 overexpression (P < 0.025), and more frequent lymph node metastases (P < 0.05) in IMPCa. The comparison between lymph node positive IDC-NOS did not show any statistically significant differences in frequency for positive p53, matrix metalloproteinase protein-2 (MMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or E-cadherin. However, IMPCa showed a significantly increased number of blood vessels counted by CD34 immunostains (P < 0.05). These results suggest that IMPCa is, at least, the same or more aggressive than lymph node positive cases of IDC-NOS. Hence, not only the high incidence of lymph node metastases but also distant, blood-borne metastases may be important.

The sedentarism is a frecuent situation in our modern society, and represents a risk factor for a vast array of pathology. The physical activity produces several positive effects, which decreases the general morbi-mortality of the population. There is made a commentary about some definitions: Exercise, activity and physical form, aerobic and anaerobic work, muscle exercise. Their pathophysiology and their health benefits. We described the measurement procedures: calorimetry, oxigen consum, accelerometers, pulsometers and cuestionnaries. There is finally done a review upon practical norms.

Microinvasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, namely ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (T1mic) as defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging Manual, is a rare disease, although it is increasing because of widespread use of mammography. The aim of the present study was to describe the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of this entity. Twenty-eight patients who were diagnosed as T1mic from January 1997 to August 2002 were studied by using 3-5 mm-thick serial sections with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Immunohistochemical staining for the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), p53, Ki-67, and HER-2 were performed. All 28 patients were female, with a mean age of 48.8 years. Twenty-six patients (93%) revealed mammographic abnormalities on routine examination. All foci of the invasions were measured using an ocular micrometer. Invasive foci consisted of isolated cells or cell clusters, or appeared as a tongue-like projection of tumor through the basement membrane of the duct of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The mean number of invasive foci was 3, and the mean size was 0.6 mm. We found that high nuclear grade and predominant comedo subtype of DCIS components were 57.1% and 46.4%, respectively. Twenty-four cases (86%) demonstrated necrosis of DCIS components. Microinvasion was often associated with periductal stromal reaction (71.5%) and/or a lymphocytic infiltration (78.6%). All patients, excluding two, received axillary resection (the mean number of lymph nodes examined per case was 12), and none had lymph node metastasis. The positive expression of ER and PR strongly related to low grade nuclei and non-comedo subtype; however, the positive expression of HER-2 and P53 related to high grade nuclei and comedo subtype (P<0.01). Ki-67 expression was significantly higher in the high grade nuclei group than in the low grade group (P<0.01). Our study suggested that high nuclear grade and comedo DCIS were more aggressive and more common with microinvasion, and that microinvasion is more likely to be multifocal.

Objective: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a defined formula diet with a blenderized diet on nutritional and respiratory function parameters and to determine the bacteriological load of the two formulations., Methodology: Seventeen patients, aged 50-75 years, admitted to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital for chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, were studied. They were divided into two groups according to dietary regimens. Each group of patients received either the standardized commercial formula or the blenderized formula for 2 weeks. Evaluation of dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, laboratory examinations and lung function were assessed. Subjective evaluation (patient's and physician's assessment) was also sought. Microbiological examinations were performed on the prepared enteral formulas., Results: There was a slight increase in weight and in pulmonary function in both groups but these results did not differ significantly. Possible formula contamination was confirmed. Furthermore, in the overall assessment, the physician and patients rated both formulas as comparable.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that neutrophil adhesion to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and Dacron triggers cell death., Summary Background Data: Vascular prosthetic infections are intransigent clinical dilemmas associated with excessive rates of death and complications. Impaired neutrophil function has been implicated in the infection of implanted cardiovascular devices. ePTFE and Dacron are potent neutrophil stimuli able to elicit activation responses such as reactive oxygen species production independent of exogenous/soluble agonists. Reactive oxygen species that are released into the medium when neutrophils are challenged by soluble agonists are known to cause self-destruction. The authors therefore sought to examine whether neutrophil adhesion to prosthetic graft materials decreases neutrophil viability by means of reactive oxygen species production., Methods: Neutrophils were adhered to surfaces for up to 6 hours. Cell viability was monitored with propidium iodide staining and lactate dehydrogenase release., Results: Within 6 hours of adhesion to ePTFE and Dacron, respectively, 59% +/- 11% and 44% +/- 5% (n = 7) of the neutrophils were stained by propidium iodide. Indistinguishable results were obtained with plasma-coated ePTFE and Dacron. In contrast, less than 2% of the neutrophils adherent to fibrinogen-, immunoglobin-, or fetal bovine serum-coated polystyrene surfaces for 6 hours were positive for propidium iodide. The increase in membrane permeability to propidium iodide was accompanied by a two- to threefold increase in lactate dehydrogenase release. Pretreatment of neutrophils with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, cytochalasin D, or cyclosporin A significantly reduced the number of propidium iodide-positive ePTFE and Dacron adherent neutrophils., Conclusions: Neutrophil adhesion to ePTFE and Dacron triggers a rapid nonapoptotic cell death. The effect of ePTFE and Dacron on neutrophil viability appears to be caused by reactive oxygen species production. The premature death of graft-adherent neutrophils provides a novel explanation of the defect in neutrophil bacterial killing associated with vascular prosthetic grafts.

The five most 5' HoxD genes, which are related to the Drosophila Abd-B gene, play an important role in patterning axial and appendicular skeletal elements and the nervous system of developing vertebrate embryos. Three of these genes, Hoxd11, Hoxd12, and Hoxd13, act synergistically to pattern the hindlimb autopod. In this study, we examine the combined effects of two additional 5' HoxD genes, Hoxd9 and Hoxd10. Both of these genes are expressed posteriorly in overlapping domains in the developing neural tube and axial mesoderm as well as in developing limbs. Locomotor behavior in animals carrying a double mutation in these two genes was altered; these alterations included changes in gait, mobility, and adduction. Morphological analysis showed alterations in axial and appendicular skeletal structure, hindlimb peripheral nerve organization and projection, and distal hindlimb musculature. These morphological alterations are likely to provide the substrate for the observed alterations in locomotor behavior. The alterations observed in double-mutant mice are distinct from the phenotypes observed in mice carrying single mutations in either gene, but exhibit most of the features of both individual phenotypes. This suggests that the combined activity of two adjacent Hox genes provides more patterning information than activity of each gene alone. These observations support the idea that adjacent Hox genes with overlapping expression patterns may interact functionally to provide patterning information to the same regions of developing mouse embryos.

The infection of a vascular prosthesis is a dreaded clinical outcome. Since fibrinogen (FBGN) and immunoglobulin (IgG) coat the implanted biomaterial surface, it is with these immobilized proteins that the neutrophil (PMN) interacts. This study tests the hypothesis that PMN are impaired in their ability to kill bacteria when bound to immobilized IgG or FBGN. Isolated human PMN were bound to FBGN or IgG and then left untreated or exposed to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA; 10(-7) M). PMN adhered loosely, but did not spread, onto FBGN. In contrast, PMN spread fully onto IgG, exhibiting polarized pseudopodia. PMA treatment induced spreading of the FBGN bound cells. Suspended and adherent PMN were incubated 1 h with 14C-labeled Staphylococcus aureus; then, phagocytosis was assessed by radioactive uptake or bacterial kill was determined by plating recovered bacteria and colony counting. Data were analyzed by unpaired t test. We observed that both the phagocytic and the killing ability of FBGN-bound PMN were similar to that of suspended PMN. Conversely, IgG-bound PMN displayed a 62 +/- 6% (P < 0.01) decrease in phagocytosis and 33 +/- 7% (P < 0.05) reduction in kill vs suspended cells. PMA induced a 74 +/- 6% (P < 0.01) reduction in phagocytosis and 68 +/- 5% (P < 0.01) reduction in kill of bacteria for PMN bound to FBGN with no further effect on IgG-bound PMN. Using fluorescent vital dyes and confocal microscopy we determined that 33% fewer PMN were engaged in phagocytosis when bound to IgG vs FBGN. We conclude that Fc receptor ligation by immobilized IgG or PMA treatment of the FBGN-adherent PMN triggers cell spreading and reduced bactericidal activity. These results indicate that excessive cytoskeletal organization may impair the ability of PMN to kill bacteria and result in vascular graft infections., (Copyright 1998 Academic Press.)

Primary nodal drainage basins in melanoma of the head and neck are often unpredictable. The ear is a notorious example of an anatomic site with ambiguous patterns of lymphatic drainage. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy has recently emerged as one modality to assist in identifying clinically relevant nodes. We propose that the addition of intraoperative lymph node mapping techniques that utilize radioactive tracers ("intraoperative lymphoscintigraphy") can increase the accuracy of identifying sentinel nodes and help to determine which patients may benefit from a complete neck dissection. This report demonstrates the ambiguity in identifying drainage patterns in melanoma of the ear and offers a reliable method of sentinel lymph node mapping. This report also addresses current issues regarding treatment protocols of patients with micrometastatic disease in the periauricular region.

Parasites often exert strong selection pressures on their hosts that have evolved anti-parasite defences to counter the negative effects of parasites. We studied the relationship between intensity of parasitism, one aspect of host immune response, and host reproductive success, using the house martin bug Oeciacushirundinis and its house martin Delichonurbica host as a model system. Experimental manipulation of parasite load of nests during laying of the first clutch altered the intensity of parasitism. Parasites reduced the reproductive success of their hosts measured in terms of body condition and survival of nestlings. Host immune response, measured as the concentration of gammaglobulins and total plasma proteins, was positively associated with parasite reproduction, estimated as the number of juvenile parasites, but was only weakly related to the intensity of adult parasites. The concentration of gammaglobulins was negatively related to nestling body mass, implying a trade-off between immune function and body condition. Parasite reproduction thus exerts a cost on hosts by increasing the immune response.

We studied the effects of treatment with (-)-deprenyl, a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, on plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) (as indicator of growth hormone (GH) secretion), levels of monoamines and their metabolites, and the activity and content of tyrosine hydroxylase - the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamines - in the hypothalamus and hypophysis of old male rats. Male Wistar rats (22 months old) were treated with 2 mg deprenyl/kg body weight s.c. three times a week for 2 months. At the end of the treatment period, blood was collected for measurement of plasma IGF-I levels by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The concentrations of dopamine, serotonin (5-HT) and their main metabolites were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection, and the tyrosine hydroxylase content in hypothalamus and hypophysis was determined by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). (-)-Deprenyl treatment produced a pronounced increase in dopamine and 5-HT in both the hypothalamus and hypophysis (P < 0.01). The main dopaminergic metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), decreased in hypothalamus but not in hypophysis, and treatment had no effect on the concentration of 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA). The tyrosine hydroxylase activity and tyrosine hydroxylase content increased in hypothalamus and hypophysis (P < 0.05). In the hypophysis the increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity was consistent with the increase in tyrosine hydroxylase amount. Moreover, (-)-deprenyl treatment restored the IGF-I plasma levels in old rats to a concentration similar to those found in young animals. Postulated anti-aging effects of (-)-deprenyl could hence be due to restoration of hypothalamic hormones such as GH.

1. We have studied the effect of (-)-deprenyl on the oxidative damage that the rat substantia nigra suffers during aging. 2. (-)-Deprenyl (2 mg kg-1, three times a week) administered for two months, beginning at 22 months of age, produced a significant increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity (2.67 +/- 0.40 and 3.64 +/- 0.38 nmol mg-1 protein h-1 in untreated aged rats and treated aged rats respectively, P < 0.05) and in TH amount (0.072 +/- 0.012 and 0.128 +/- 0.38 absorbance 405 nm in untreated aged and treated aged rats respectively, P < 0.05). 3. The proteins of aged rat substantia nigra showed a significant decrease of carbonyl groups in treated animals compared with saline-injected control rats (136.2 +/- 21.8 and 71.5 +/- 13.2 c.p.m. microgram-1 protein in untreated aged and treated aged rats respectively, P < 0.05). 4. The carbonyl groups measured in TH enzyme showed a statistically significant decrease (42.3%) after (-)-deprenyl treatment (471.4 +/- 73.0 and 271.9 +/- 50.00 c.p.m. in untreated aged and treated aged rats respectively, P < 0.001). 5. All these results suggest that oxidative damage produced during aging is prevented by (-)-deprenyl treatment and could explain the effect of this drug in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Study of the tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme from substantia nigra and striatum during the aging period of the rat has discovered a significant decrease (55%) of TH activity in substantia nigra between 12 and 24 mo of age. The amount of TH in substantia nigra also decreased (30%) during aging. This loss in TH activity of substantia nigra appears to be produced by the decrease in TH content along with an inactivation process. Our finding showed a significant increase of carbonyl groups in the proteins of rat substantia nigra with aging. A statistically significant increase of carbonyl groups in TH enzyme was found in aged rat brain substantia nigra, indicating that oxidative damage could be the inactivation process that explains the decrease in TH activity found during aging. This hypothesis was corroborated by the fact that when rat striatal homogenate was incubated with hydrogen peroxide, there was a time-dependent decrease in TH activity, which highly correlated with measurements of carbonyl groups content of TH enzyme. The importance of these results may be in their relationship, considering that substantia nigra is preferentially affected in many neurodegenerative disorders.

A seroepidemiological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats was conducted in the Madrid region of Spain. Sera were collected from 60 herds, for which farming management information and other relevant data for their characterization were also obtained through a questionnaire. The seroprevalence was 11.8% (64 out of 541), using the modified (2-mercaptoethanol) direct agglutination technique with a 1:64 cut-off titre. The relationship between seropositivity and the variables in the questionnaire was assessed by multivariate analysis. Four variables were found to be significantly associated with seroprevalence. Two of them, the presence of cats and a previous history of abortion outbreaks in the farm, were factors known to be linked with toxoplasmosis, indicating the validity of the serological data. Seropositivity was also related to a lack of replacements in the preceding year. Proximity to other farms appeared to be a protective factor negatively associated with seropositivity, probably because it was an indicator of proximity to an urban area and the availability of local sanitary facilities.

1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) is the bioactivated product of 1-methyl-4-phenyl- 1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The neurotoxic action of MPP+ injected intracerebroventricularly (ICV) in the rat has been studied, using dopaminergic systems in the substantia nigra, striatum, olfactory bulb, median eminence and hypophysis. The following results were obtained: (1) Rats with ICV administration of 1 microliter MPP+ solution (62.5 micrograms of MPP+ rat) showed 50% mortality; (2) The ICV administration of MPP+ produced a decrease in dopamine (DA) concentration in different areas of rat CNS studied: striatum (83%), hypophysis (95%) and median eminence (70%). However, olfactory bulb and substantia nigra were not affected; (3) MPP+ by ICV administration produced neurotoxic effect on the dopaminergic system. We also studied the possible protective action of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) against the neurotoxic action of MPP+. Rats were intraperitoneally injected daily for 8 days with 100 mg kg-1 of ALC and 3 days from the beginning of the MPP+ treatment; (4) We found that the ALC treatment significantly protected against mortality produced by the ICV injection of MPP+. Rats treated with ALC showed no mortality; (5) We did not find a protective effect on the dopaminergic system studying either catecholamine concentration or measuring tyrosine hydroxylase, neurofilament or glial fibrillary acid protein; (6) The results suggest that the ALC protective action could be related to energy metabolism.

Cu/Zn-Superoxide dismutase activity (Cu/Zn-SOD) was studied in liver from 3- and 24-month-old rat. A significant decrease of enzyme activity in liver of the aged rat was found. Various amino acid residues and protein carbonyl groups (CO) were measured in purified young and old enzyme. It was found that the 'old' enzyme had one histidine fewer and higher CO content than the 'young' Cu/Zn-SOD. Inactivation 'in vitro' of purified commercial bovine erythrocyte Cu/Zn-SOD led to a decrease in the enzymatic activity, an increase in the CO and one histidine residue modified. A similar behavior between aging and oxidation was suggested.