EG Group Research Articles

Enhanced systolic myocardial function in elite endurance athletes during combined arm-and-leg exercise

The aim here was to employ color tissue velocity imaging (TVI), to test the hypothesis that highly trained endurance athletes exhibit enhanced systolic function of the left ventricular (LV) myocardium both at rest and during combined arm-and-leg exercise in comparison with untrained subjects. For each of the ten elite male (EG) and ten matched control participants (CG), LV dimensions and systolic function were assessed at rest using echocardiography. Subsequently, these subjects exercised continuously on a combined arm-and-leg cycle ergometer for 3 min each at 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100% of VO(2max). Oxygen uptake, heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and peak contraction systolic velocities of the LV myocardium (PSV) were recorded in the end of each level. At rest, the trained and untrained groups differed with respect to LV dimensions, but not systolic function. At 60-100% VO(2max), the EG group demonstrated both higher PSV and SBP. The observation that the EG athletes had higher PSV than CG during exercise at 60-100% VO(2max), but not at rest or at 50% of VO(2max), suggested an enhanced systolic capacity. This improvement is likely to be due to an enhanced inotropic contractility, which only becomes apparent during exercise.

Carnitine and/or GABA Supplementation Increases Immune Function and Changes Lipid Profiles and Some Lipid Soluble Vitamins in Mice Chronically Administered Alcohol

This study evaluated the effects of carnitine and/or GABA supplementation on immune function, lipid profiles and some vitamins in mice chronically administered alcohol. BALB/c mice were fed with either AIN-76 diet (N), control diet plus alcohol (4 g/㎏ bw, E), E plus 0.5 g/㎏ bw carnitine (EC), E plus 0.5 g/㎏ bw GABA (EG), or E plus 0.5 g/㎏ bw carnitine plus 0.5 g/㎏ bw GABA (ECG) for 6 weeks. Administrations of the carnitine and/or GABA prevented alcohol-induced increases in triglyceride concentrations in serum and liver. However, there was no difference among the supplemented groups. Serum vitamin E concentration was higher in mice supplemented with EC and EG, but not in mice given ECG. Phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages was increased in EG group compared with E group. The subpopulations of murine splenocyte’s T H cells were increased significantly in EC and ECG groups. These data suggest that immune function, lipid profiles and some immune-related lipid soluble vitamins were positively changed by supplementation of carnitine or GABA, but do not show any synergistic effect of mixed supplementation.

The effect of endurance exercise on the power, speed, talent and anaerobic capacities of teenage female basketball players

The aim of this study is to investigate a 16-week endurance exercise in terms of power, speed, ability and aerobic capacity in 13–16-year-old female basketball players. Twenty female basketball players...

Multivalent cyclic RGD ligands: influence of linker lengths on receptor binding

Peptides involving the RGD motive (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) recognize members of the integrin receptor family. Since the receptors are located mainly on the surface of endothelial cells, structural modifications including multimers of c(RGDfE) were recently found to improve the binding avidity for α(v)β(3) integrin significantly. The multivalent RGD peptides exhibited rather loose linkages partly including oligo(ethylene glycol) spacers (EG(n)) with different chain lengths. Therefore, the dependence of multivalent RGD systems with and without EG(n) linkers were investigated on their binding properties to cultured α(v)β(3) integrin-expressing U87MG cells. We synthesized a series of di-, tri- and tetravalent rigid scaffolds (terephthalic acid, trimesic acid and adamantane-1,3,5,7-tetracarboxylic acid) conjugated to c(RGDyK) ligands, which were linked contiguously or separated by the oligo(ethylene glycol) spacers. The inhibition constants of these c(RGDyK) derivatives were determined by competition assays with (125)I-labeled echistatin. While c(RGDyK) function is a relative weak competitor against [(125)I]echistatin (K(i), 329 ± 18 nM) for α(v)β(3) integrin-expressing U87MG cells, RGD dimers improved the competition potency considerably (K(i), 64 ± 23 nM). This effect was even more pronounced with the RGD trimers (K(i), 40 ± 7 nM) and tetramers (K(i), 26±9 nM). The introduction of EG(n) spacers and the increase of linker lengths proved to be detrimental since more competitors were needed to compete with [(125)I]echistatin. The EG(6) group, for example, reduced the inhibition constants by 29% (dimer), 57% (trimer) and 97% (tetramer). The binding experiments performed with the three forms of multivalent RGD ligands indicate the weakening of competitive potency against [(125)I]echistatin with the introduction of EG(n) spacers. This effect may be related to the decrease of the effective RGD molarity, which becomes most prominent within the tetravalent series.

THE EFFECT OF POST‐TRANSPORT ELECTROLYTE‐GLUCOSE SOLUTION WHILE IN LAIRAGE ON CARCASS AND MEAT QUALITY OF YOUNG BULLS

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of electrolyte‐glucose solution (EG) while in lairage on carcass and meat quality of young bulls. Twenty Holstein Friesian young bulls were allocated to two groups, a control group (group C, n = 10) and an electrolyte‐glucose therapy group (group EG, n = 10). Muscle glycogen content was significantly higher in EG (11.6 mmol/L) compared with C (8.8 mmol/l). Cooler shrinkage, muscle pH 24 h postmortem were lower in EG than in C; however, differences were found insignificant. Steaks in EG preserved color vividness along the blooming time, and had less thawing loss. Shear force of EG were significantly lower those of C (P < 0.05) and consumer sensory evaluations indicated that EG steaks were preferred to C steaks (P < 0.001). It was concluded that EG therapy for 18 h in lairage improved carcass and meat quality.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn this study, the efficacy of liquid post‐transit antemortem electrolyte‐glucose therapy on carcass and meat quality of young bulls held in lairage was examined. Our results confirmed previous research results that have shown prevention from muscle glycogen loss in cattle before slaughter improved pH and meat texture. It was concluded that attributes (odor, flavor, tenderness and overall acceptability) at all aging periods (24 h, 4, 7 and 14 days) the electrolyte glucose treatment (EG) was significantly superior to the control. The study clearly showed that preslaughter EG treatment can be effective in improving carcass and meat quality.

Application of a low-cost web-based simulation to improve students’ practical skills in medical education

Background Practical sessions in undergraduate medical education are often costly and have to face constraints in terms of available laboratory time and practice materials (e.g. blood samples from animals). This makes it difficult to increase the time each student spends at the laboratory. We consider that it would be possible to improve the effectiveness of the laboratory time by providing the students with computer-based simulations for prior rehearsal. However, this approach still presents issues in terms of development costs and distribution to the students. Objective This study investigates the employment of low-cost simulation to allow medical students to rehearse practical exercises through a web-based e-learning environment. The aim is to maximize the efficiency of laboratory time and resources allocated by letting students become familiarized with the equipment and the procedures before they attend a laboratory session, but without requiring large-scale investment. Moreover, students can access the simulation via the Internet and rehearse at their own pace. We have studied the effects of such a simulation in terms of impact on the laboratory session, learning outcomes and student satisfaction. Methods We created a simulation that covers the steps of a practical exercise in a Physiology course (measuring hematocrit in a blood sample). An experimental group (EG, n = 66) played the simulation 1 week before the laboratory session. A control group (CG, n = 77) attended the laboratory session without playing the simulation. After the session, all students completed a survey about their perception of the difficulty of the exercise on a scale of 1–10 and the HCT final value that they obtained. The students in the EG also completed a survey about their satisfaction with the experience. Results After the laboratory session, the perceived difficulty of the procedure was lower on average in the EG compared to the CG (3.52 vs. 4.39, 95% CI: 0.16–1.57, P = .016). There was no significant difference in terms of perceived difficulty using the equipment. The HCT measures reported by the EG group also presented a much lower dispersion, meaning a higher reliability, in determining the HCT value (3.10 vs. 26.94, SD; variances significantly different, P < .001, F: 75.25, Dfd: 68.19 for EG and CG). In the satisfaction test, the majority of the students in the EG reported that the experience was positive or very positive (80.7%) and reported that it had helped them to identify and use the equipment (78%) and to perform the exercise (66%). Conclusions The simulation was well received by students in the EG, who felt more comfortable during the laboratory session, and it helped them to perform the exercise better, obtaining more accurate results, which indicates more effective training. EG students perceived the procedure as easier to perform, but did not report an improvement in the perceived difficulty in using the equipment. The increased reliability demonstrates that low-cost simulations are a good complement to the laboratory sessions.

Investigating Eremophila glabra as a bioactive agent for preventing lactic acidosis in sheep

The Australian native plant Eremophila glabra was tested as a potential agent for preventing lactic acidosis in sheep after it was observed to be effective against acidosis in vitro. Ruminally fistulated wethers were infused via rumen cannula with single doses of kibbled wheat (14 g/kg bodyweight) and either virginiamycin (Eskalin500; AB, 80 mg/kg of wheat plus 100 g milled oaten hay/kg of wheat, n = 6), E. glabra (EG, 100 g freeze-dried and milled leaf material per kg of wheat, n = 10) or milled oaten hay (Control, 100 g milled oaten hay/kg of wheat, n = 16). Rumen samples were collected immediately before infusion and then 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24 h after the infusion. The samples were analysed for pH, D-lactate, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and osmolality. Rumen pH and D-lactate values indicative of acidosis were detected in the Control and EG groups. The pH nadir of the rumen was 12 h after the wheat infusion, at which time the values in the EG (pH = 4.87) and Control (pH = 5.09) groups were lower (P &lt; 0.05) than in the AB group (pH = 5.63) and the D-lactate concentrations were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the EG and Control groups (24 mmol/L and 15 mmol/L, respectively) than in the AB group (0.9 mmol/L). At the same time, total VFA concentration was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the AB group (102 mmol/L) than in the Control (65 mmol/L) and the EG (14 mmol/L) groups. Rumen osmolality did not differ between groups. Virginiamycin was effective at preventing lactic acidosis. However, the inclusion of dried leaves from E. glabra at a similar level that was effective in vitro did not prevent lactic acidosis in vivo, and the reasons behind this remain unclear. The study demonstrates the difficulty in converting in vitro results to in vivo and highlights the need to test the plant at higher doses in vivo.

Biocompatibility Evaluation of Epiphany/Resilon Root Canal Filling System in Subcutaneous Tissue of Rats

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of the root canal filling system Epiphany/Resilon in connective tissue of rats. Methods Fifteen rats were used, separated into 3 groups in accordance with its period of death (7, 21, 42 days). Four filled dentin tubes were implanted with the tested materials as follows: ERSP group, Epiphany/Resilon with Self-etch Primer; ER group, Epiphany/Resilon without primer; EG group, Endofill/gutta-percha points; and ET group, empty tube. After 7, 21, and 42 days, animals were killed, obtaining 5 samples per group. A grade from I–IV was used to graduate the inflammatory reaction. Results Results showed that Epiphany/Resilon (ERSP and ER groups) induced a slight (II) inflammatory reaction after 42 days. However, in ER group, in which the self-etch primer was not applied, severe (IV) to moderate (III) inflammatory reactions were observed between 7 and 21 days. When compared with the EG and ET groups, it was observed that these groups presented tissue reaction ranging from slight (II, 7 and 21 days) to no inflammation (I, 42 days). Conclusions Epiphany/Resilon root canal filling system presented satisfactory tissue reaction. It was biocompatible when tested in connective tissue of rats.

Effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin and type of ovulatory stimulus in a timed-AI protocol on reproductive responses in dairy cows

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) supplementation (with or without eCG) and type of ovulatory stimulus (GnRH or ECP) on ovarian follicular dynamics, luteal function, and pregnancies per AI (P/AI) in Holstein cows receiving timed artificial insemination (TAI). On Day 0, 742 cows in a total of 782 breedings, received 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) and one intravaginal progesterone (P4) insert (CIDR). On Day 8, the CIDR was removed, and all cows were given PGF2α and assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: (1) CG: GnRH 48 h later; (2) CE: ECP; (3) EG: eCG + GnRH 48 h later; (4) EE: eCG + ECP. There were significant interactions for eCG × ovulatory stimulus and eCG × BCS. Cows in the CG group were less likely (28.9% vs. 33.8%; P < 0.05) to become pregnant compared with those in the EG group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.28). There were no differences in P/AI between CE and EE cows (30.9% vs. 29.1%; OR = 0.85; P = 0.56), respectively. Thinner cows not receiving eCG had lower P/AI than thinner cows receiving eCG (15.2% vs. 38.0%; OR = 0.20; P < 0.01). Treatment with eCG tended to increase serum progestesterone concentrations during the diestrus following synchronized ovulation ( P < 0.10). However, the treatment used to induce ovulation did not affect CL volume or serum progesterone concentrations. In conclusion, both ECP and GnRH yielded comparable P/AI. However, eCG treatment at CIDR removal increased pregnancy rate in cows induced to ovulate with GnRH and in cows with lower BCS.

Effect of resistance training on strength and endurance of muscle in chronic heart failure

Resistance training (RT) has been used to increase muscle strength and endurance. In CHF patients, the effect of RT has not been thoroughly investigated. This study was conducted to explore the effect of RT to reverse muscular weaknesses and decreased muscular endurance that have been found in many CHF patients. A prospective-randomized controlled study was used as the research design. The effect of RT on muscular strength and endurance was evaluated in 39 CHF patients with II-III New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), 27 + 7 (mean + standard deviation) in the exercise group and 28 + 6 in the control group. Initial two tests, knee extensor/flexor and elbow extensor/flexor for measuring strength and endurance were performed one week apart using isokinetic machine. After randomization (exercise group=EG and control group=CG), EG performed 3 months supervised RT in hydraulic machine using incremental approach based on individual response. All patients followed the end-point test. The result showed that muscular strength and endurance in EG increased by 20 + 19% (p <.000) and 25 + 26% (p < .001), respectively while in the CG, strength and endurance nearly unchanged. The difference between groups was significant (p< .006 for strength and p < .003 for endurance). There was no adverse cardiac event occurred during the test and training sessions. In conclusion, resistance training was safe for stable CHF patients and was able to increase muscular strength and endurance.

Effects of a programme for years enderers physical force on the muscle and body composition of adults

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of a concurrent physical training programme (PTFC) on the muscle strength and body composition of adults. The sample was composed of 54 men, non-athletes, who were split into two groups: the experimental group (EG, n=42, 45±8.46 years of age) and the control group (CG, n=12, 47.17±7.41 years of age). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and muscle strength was assessed by testing the repetition maximum (1 RM). The PTFC was composed of race training sessions in the Fatmax intensity zone and strength training. The training sessions were conducted three times a week for 40 min each over a period of 24 weeks. Statistical analysis of the data consisted of a descriptive and inferential analysis: Shapiro-Wilk (normality) and multiple comparisons (ANOVA 2×2). For this study, p<0.05 indicated statistical significance. Significant increases in 1RMs (p=0.001) and 1RMa (p=0.000) were found when comparing the post-test to the intra-EG values. The inter-group analysis revealed an increase in muscle strength in the 1RMa post-test (p=0.005) in favour of the EG group. Importantly, no significant changes in body composition were observed between the groups.

L1 Argumentative Written Production in Bilingual and Monolingual Contexts in 6th, 7th and 8th Grades

In this comparative research project we observed the argumentative written production of bilingual (experimental group EG) and monolingual students (control group CG) in 6th, 7th and 8th grades in their mother tongue, as well as the influence that the bilingual students' school grade had on such written production. Results show that, firstly, just in 7th and 8th grades the written production of the EG surpassed that of the CG, and secondly, the bilingual students with more school experience surpassed those with less experience in certain aspects. It was concluded that the advantage of the EG over the CG in argumentative written production related to the students' level of school experience. Moreover, the bilingual school experience modified this discursive skill according to the method of evaluation employed and the school grades compared.&#x0D; Received: 16-11-2007 /Accepted: 11-02-2008&#x0D; How to reference this article:&#x0D; Galindo, A. &amp; Moreno, L. (2008). Producción argumentativa escrita -lengua materna- en contextos educativos bilingües y monolingües: grados 6º, 7º y 8º. Íkala. 13(1), pp.145-169.

Surface polyethylene glycol enhances substrate-mediated gene delivery by nonspecifically immobilized complexes

Substrate-mediated gene delivery describes the immobilization of gene therapy vectors to a biomaterial, which enhances gene transfer by exposing adhered cells to elevated DNA concentrations within the local microenvironment. Surface chemistry has been shown to affect transfection by nonspecifically immobilized complexes using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols on gold. In this report, SAMs were again used to provide a controlled surface to investigate whether the presence of oligo(ethylene glycol) (EG) groups in a SAM could affect complex morphology and enhance transfection. EG groups were included at percentages that did not affect cell adhesion. Nonspecific complex immobilization to SAMs containing combinations of EG- and carboxylic acid-terminated alkanethiols resulted in substantially greater transfection than surfaces containing no EG groups or SAMs composed of EG groups combined with other functional groups. Enhancement in transfection levels could not be attributed to complex binding densities or release profiles. Atomic force microscopy imaging of immobilized complexes revealed that EG groups within SAMs affected complex size and appearance and could indicate the ability of these surfaces to preserve complex morphology upon binding. The ability to control the morphology of the immobilized complexes and influence transfection levels through surface chemistry could be translated to scaffolds for gene delivery in tissue engineering and diagnostic applications.

Bioactivity of beer and its influence on human metabolism

Extracted total phenols, flavanols and flavonoids were measured in beer samples and their quality as antioxidants was measured by two modified antioxidant methods: the 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical cation (ABTS •+) and the β-carotene-linoleate model system (β-carotene). It was found that the antioxidant potential of beer was well correlated with flavanols and flavonoids and was slightly lower with total polyphenols (R2 values from 0.8203 to 0.9393). Forty-two male non drinkers, hypercholesterolaemic volunteers ages 43–71 after coronary bypass surgery, were randomly divided into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups, each of 21 participants. The antiatherosclerotic diet of the EG group was supplemented for 30 consecutive days with 330 ml beer per day. Could short-term beer consumption affect not only the risk factors of coronary atherosclerosis, but also the markers of this process: plasma albumin and its antioxidant activity? For this goal, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma albumin and fibrinogen, and the antioxidant activity were determined. After the trial a significant improvement in the plasma lipid levels, and an increase in the plasma antioxidant and anticoagulant activities in patients of the EG group was registered. A parallel increase in the plasma albumin concentration and its antioxidant activity was observed. In conclusion, short-term beer consumption on the basis of the bioactivity of the beverage positively affects plasma lipid levels, plasma antioxidant and anticoagulant activities. The increase in the plasma albumin concentration and its antioxidant activity could be the markers of atherosclerosis status.

Biocompatibility of different barrier membranes in cultures of human CRL 11372 osteoblast‐like cells: an immunohistochemical study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of two different barrier materials in cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (CRL 11372) in vitro. Polylactic acid (Epi-Guide; EG) and collagen membrane (Bio-Collagen, BC) were examined. To analyze the effect of materials on cell proliferation, cell numbers and cell viability, cells were cultured on the barrier membranes for 24 and 72 h. Cells plated on culture dishes (CD) served as positive controls. Cell proliferation rate was assessed by the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemical technique. The cell numbers of each well were counted. Cell viability was estimated by counting the number of cells, which excluded trypan blue solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the interactions between osteoblastic cells and barrier membranes. The highest number of BrdU-labeled cells were seen on CD after both of the time periods. In comparison with the other two groups, BC showed significantly fewer cells after both time periods. Regarding cell numbers, after 24 and 72 h of incubations CD showed the highest number of cells. The number of viable cells was similar for all the groups. After 72 h for the EG group, SEM view showed flat cells. After 72-h time periods, the BC group revealed a weak adhesion of cells to the barriers. The results demonstrate that cells were able to proliferate on these materials and EG promoted the proliferation of human osteoblast like cells. We prefer to use the EG membrane.

Biomechanical characteristics investigation on long-term free graft with expanded porcine skin

Free skin graft has to be used when the large area skin are burned. The objective of this study is to quantify the influence of free graft and expansion on the skin biomechanical remodeling. Four white pigs (weighing from 17 kg to 23 kg) were used. Two 180 ml rectangle expanders were aseptically placed beneath the skin on the back of each pig. Four normal skin flaps and four expanded skin flaps were incised from the foreside back of each pig. Two normal skin flaps and two expanded skin flaps were then grafted to rearward back of the pig. Stress-strain relationship, stress relaxation and creep characters in normal skin: N(n=8), expanded skin without graft: E(n=8), normal skin with free graft after three months: NG(n=8) and expanded skin with free graft after three months: EG(n=8) were measured by using Instron material testing machine. The strains at 3.5 MPa stress (mean (SD)) are 0.4436(0.1760), 0.4851(0.1401), 0.7750(0.1984) and 0.5854(0.0655) respectively in N, E, NG and EG groups. The maximum relaxations (mean (SD)) are 0.6324(0.0169), 0.6279(0.0401), 0.5630(0.0170) and 0.6057(0.0883) in N, E, NG and EG groups, respectively. The maximum creeps (mean (SD)) are 1.0876(0.0086), 1.1037(0.0116), 1.1948(0.0394) and 1.1328(0.0223) in N, E, NG and EG groups. The biomechanical characteristics of free graft with expanded skin after three months have no significant difference with the normal skin, expansion skin and free graft with normal skin after three months (P>0.05). The free graft and expansion have no significant influence on the skin biomechanical remodeling.

Subjective and Functional Results after a Proximal Gastrectomy: Prospective Study for Comparison of Reconstruction Procedures

Purpose: A proximal gastrectomy is performed for gastric cancer in the upper part of the stomach to preserve the function of the stomach after surgery. An esophagogastrostomy is one of the common reconstruction methods for a proximal gastrectomy, but this method results in a high incidence of reflux esophagitis. This study was undertaken to compare subjective and functional results between esophagogastrostomy and jejunal interposition reconstructions. Materials and Methods: From June 1998 to December 2002, proximal gastrectomies were performed in 33 patients with tumors in the upper third of the stomach; 8 had reconstruction using jejunal interposition between the esophagus and the remnant stomach (JI group) while 25 had reconstruction using esophagogastrostomy (EG group). The postroperative courses of the patients were reviewed in terms of symptoms, weight changes, and endoscopic findings. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59 years; 26 were men and 7 were women. There were no significant differences in general complications, operating times, or histologic features between the two groups. Fifty-two percent (52%) of the EG group complained of dysphagia, and 16% them experienced heartburn and acid belching. Twelve percent (12%) of the JI group complained of dysphagia, but heartburn and acid belching did not occur. Incidences of reflux esphagitis (36%) and balloon dilatation for anastomotic stricture (16%) were more common in the EG group than in the JI group (0% and 12%). Conclusion: To prevent or minimize complications, such as reflux esophagitis and postoperative symptoms, a proximal gastrectomy with a jejunal interposition is an alternative method as an organ-preserving surgical strategy to improve quality of life for patients.

Plasma circulating fibrinogen stability and moderate beer consumption

Moderate beer consumption (MBC) is cardioprotective: it positively influences plasma lipid levels and plasma antioxidant activity in beer-consuming individuals. The connection between MBC and blood coagulation is not clearly defined. Forty-two volunteers were equally divided into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups following coronary bypass surgery. For 30 consecutive days, only patients of the EG consumed 330 mL of beer per day (about 20 g of alcohol). A comprehensive clinical investigation of 42 patients was done. Blood samples were collected before and after the investigation for a wide range of laboratory tests. The plasma fibrinogen was denatured with 8 M urea and intrinsic fluorescence (IF), hydrophobicity and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to reveal possible qualitative changes. After 30 days of moderate beer consumption, positive changes in the plasma lipid levels, plasma anticoagulant and plasma antioxidant activities were registered in patients of the EG group. In 17 out of 21 patients of the same group, differences in plasma circulating fibrinogen's (PCF), secondary and tertiary structures were found. The stability of fibrinogen, expressed in thermodynamic parameters, has shown that the loosening of the structure takes place under ethanol and urea denaturation. Also fluorescence stability of PCF was decreased. No changes in the lipid levels, anticoagulant and antioxidant activity or changes in PCF were detected in patients of CG. In conclusion, for the first time after a short term of moderate beer consumption some qualitative changes in the plasma circulating fibrinogen were detected: differences in the emission peak response, fluorescence intensity and all thermodynamic data. Together, with the decrease in the PCF concentration it may lead to an elevation of the blood anticoagulant activity.

Chronic outcome of proximal gastrectomy with jejunal pouch interposition in dogs

Background. To prevent or minimize postgastrectomy complications, proximal gastrectomy with an interposed jejunal pouch has been advocated as an organ-preserving surgical strategy to improve quality of life for the patients. However, the utility of this surgical method has only been evaluated clinically and no reports have been published concerning animal studies. Therefore, we carried out an experiment in beagle dogs to investigate the utility of proximal gastrectomy with an interposed jejunal pouch. Method. Female beagle dogs weighting 8.0–10.0 kg were divided into two groups that underwent proximal gastrectomy with jejunal pouch interposition (JP group) and esophagogastrostomy (EG group). The time course of the electrophysiological changes on electromyograms were compared between the JP and EG groups. Result. Electrophysiologically, a significant difference was noted between the two groups on the number of action potentials per unit time, the mean amplitude, and the length of the resting period in the preprandial state. All parameters tended to be normalized sooner after surgery in the JP group. Conclusion. The clinical superiority of jejunal pouch interposition was suggested experimentally to the same extent on electromyograms.

Bilingual Memory: The Interaction of Language and Thought

We initiated story recall in bilingual children to analyze how specific languages affect memory for narrative. Forty 8- and 9-year-old bilingual (Greek-English) children listened to a story on tape, in either English or Greek, and were asked to retell it in either English or Greek, once from memory and a second time with the aid of a picture book. Story recall was measured in terms of number of recalled phrases. Story recall for subjects who heard the story in English and retold it in Greek (group EG) was significantly better than for groups EE, GG, and GE. Results are discussed in terms of dual coding theory and subjects' language socialization history. The implications of these findings suggest the need for dynamic, flexible bilingual education programs that are sensitive to the previous language experiences of bilingual students.