OC Groups Research Articles

Genetic variation among different morphotypes of the male freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man)

The genetic differences between the blue claw male (BC), orange claw male (OC) and small male (SM) morphotypes of male freshwater prawns were assessed using microsatellite DNA markers. Thirty individuals from each of the three groups of male prawns were collected from a hatchery rearing system in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Significant differences in growth were observed between the three groups. The total numbers of alleles per locus in the BC, OC and SM groups were found to be 23, 27 and 21, respectively from all loci. The average observed heterozygosities (Ho) ranged from 0.48 to 0.56 across all loci in the three groups. The mean FIS of −0.018 indicated an excess of heterozygosity. The pair-wise comparisons and the FST values revealed significant genetic differentiation across the groups. The greatest genetic distance was observed between the BC and SM groups and lowest one was between the BC and the OC groups.

Low-load resistance training promotes muscular adaptation regardless of vascular occlusion, load, or volume.

This study investigates the impact of two different intensities and different volumes of low-load resistance training (LLRT) with and without blood flow restriction on the adaptation of muscle strength and size. The sample was divided into five groups: one set of 20 % of one repetition maximum (1RM), three sets of 20 % of 1RM, one set of 50 % of 1RM, three sets of 50 % of 1RM, or control. LLRT was performed with (OC) or without (NOC) vascular occlusion, which was selected randomly for each subject. The maximal muscle strength (leg extension; 1RM) and the cross-sectional area (quadriceps; CSA) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of LLRT. 1RM performance was increased in both groups after 8 weeks of training: OC (1 × 50 % = 20.6 %; 3 × 50 % = 20.9 %; 1 × 20 % = 26.6 %; 3 × 20 % = 21.6 %) and NOC (1 × 50 % = 18.6 %; 3 × 50 % = 26.8 %; 1 × 20 % = 18.5 %; 3 × 20 % = 21.6 %; 3 × 20 % = 24.7 %) compared with the control group (-1.7 %). Additionally, the CSA was increased in both groups: OC (1 × 50 % = 2.4 %; 3 × 50 % = 3.8 %; 1 × 20 % = 4.6 %; 3 × 20 % = 4.8 %) and NOC (1 × 50 % = 2.4 %; 3 × 50 % = 1.5 %; 1 × 20 % = 4.3 %; 3 × 20 % = 3.8 %) compared with the control group (-0.7 %). There were no significant differences between the OC and NOC groups. We conclude that 8 weeks of LLRT until failure in novice young lifters, regardless of occlusion, load or volume, produces similar magnitudes of muscular hypertrophy and strength.

Abstract 273: Aerobic, Resistance And Combined Exercise Training Across The Lifespan Are Effective In Improving Heart Rate And Blood Pressure Variability In Obese Mice

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic, resistance and combined exercise training on autonomic parameters in youth obese mice. Female mice (4 weeks) were randomized into: wild type sedentary (WS, n=11), ob/ob sedentary (OS, n=11), ob/ob aerobic trained (OA, n=8) (treadmill,5days/w, 60min/d, during 8 wks), ob/ob resistance trained (OR, n=8) (ladder climb, 5 days/w, during 8 wks) and ob/ob combined trained (OC, n=8) (alternate days of aerobic and resistance exercise) groups. Blood pressure (BP) signals were directly recorded using a data acquisition system. OS group presented higher blood glucose levels (169±8mg/dL) than WS animals (121±6mg/dL). In addition ob/ob trained groups (OA, OR and OC) groups had reduced blood glucose (OA:133±3, OR:155±9 and OC:143±11mg/dL) in comparison with OS group. Systolic, diastolic and mean BP and heart rate were similar among groups. The ob/ob mice showed an decrease in pulse interval variance and RMSSD compared with WS group. The three types of training were effective in increasing these parameters in trained mice compared with ob/ob sedentary mice. The BP variability was similar among groups; however, the low frequency band of BP was higher in the sedentary groups (WS:10±1 and OS:10±1mmHg 2 ) compared to OA (5±1mmHg 2 ) and OR (5±1mmHg 2 ) groups. . The spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity was lower in ob/ob groups compared to WS (3±0.3 ms/mmHg). Furthermore, the OS group showed decrease in this parameter (0.6±0.3 ms/mmHg) compared to OA (1.7±0.2ms/mmHg) and OR groups (2±0.6ms/mmHg). The OA, OR and OC groups were similar in relation to low frequency band of BP and baroreflex sensitivity. Thus, our results suggest that physical training across the lifespan, either aerobic and/or resistance exercise, can be effective in attenuating the autonomic dysfunctions associated with obesity in mice.

Contribution of Psychological Trauma to Outcomes after Traumatic Brain Injury: Assaults versus Sporting Injuries

Clinical research into outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently combines injuries that have been sustained through different causes (e.g., car accidents, assaults, and falls), the effect of which is not well understood. This study examined the contribution of injury-related psychological trauma—which is more commonly associated with specific types of injuries—to outcomes after nonpenetrating TBI in order to determine whether it may be having a differential effect in samples containing mixed injuries. Data from three groups that were prospectively recruited for two larger studies were compared: one that sustained a TBI as a result of physical assaults (i.e., psychologically traumatizing) and another as a result of sporting injuries (i.e., nonpsychologically traumatizing), as well as an orthopedic control group (OC). Psychosocial and emotional (postconcussion symptoms, injury-related stress, and depression), cognitive (memory, abstract reasoning, problem solving, and verbal fluency), and functional (general outcome; resumption of home, social, and work roles) outcomes were all assessed. The TBI(assault) group reported significantly poorer psychosocial and emotional outcomes and higher rates of litigation (criminal rather than civil) than both the TBI(sport) and OC groups approximately 6 months postinjury, but there were no differences in the cognitive or functional outcomes of the three groups. The findings suggest that the cause of a TBI may assist in explaining some of the differences in outcomes of people who have seemingly comparable injuries. Involvement in litigation and the cause of an injury may also be confounded, which may lead to the erroneous conclusion that litigants have poorer outcomes.

Effect of Achilles tendon vibration on posture in children

This study investigated the effect of unilateral Achilles tendon vibration on postural response in children and young adults during standing. Thirty healthy subjects participated in this study including ten 6-year-old children (YC group), ten 10-year-old children (OC group), and ten young adults (YA group). Eight-second vibration was elicited in each trial from a small vibrator attached above the right Achilles tendon when participants stood barefoot on a force platform. Three 40-s trials were collected under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Center of pressure (COP) was calculated to examine postural response during the pre-vibration, vibration and post-vibration phases. Results show that both the YC and OC groups had a greater COP average velocity than the YA group in all three phases. Tendon vibration induced a directionally specific postural response in all three groups such that the onset of vibration induced a posterior and medial COP shift during the vibration phase, and the offset of vibration induced an anterior and lateral COP shift during the post-vibration phase. Timing of the maximal COP shift was comparable among three groups in both anterior–posterior (AP) and medial–lateral (ML) directions. However, only the OC group showed an adult-like magnitude of the maximal COP shift during the post-vibration phase in the AP direction. These results suggest that 6-year-old children may start showing an adult-like directionally specific response and temporal parameter to tendon vibration during standing; however, the development of an adult-like spatial postural response to tendon vibration may take more than 10 years.

Biosorption characteristics of cadmium and lead onto eco-friendly dried cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladodes

The biosorption of cadmium (II) and lead (II) ions onto a natural, plentiful and low-cost biosorbent developed from cactus cladodes was investigated in batch mode. Experiments were carried out as a function of average biosorbent particle size, pH, biosorbent mass, contact time, initial metal concentration and temperature. The experimental results indicate that, the percentage of biosorption increases with an increase in the biosorbent dosage and the decrease of particle size. The equilibrium uptake was increased with an increase in the initial metal concentration in solution. The maximum biosorption occurred at pH of 5.8 and 3.5, respectively for cadmium (II) and lead (II) ions. Biosorption kinetic data were properly fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The equilibrium data fitted very well to the Langmuir model with a maximum monolayer biosorption capacity of 30.42 and 98.62mg/g, respectively for cadmium (II) and lead (II) ions. The biosorption yield decreases with an increase in solution temperature. The FTIR analysis of unloaded and metal loaded biosorbent indicated the involvement of CO, OC and COC groups in metal binding.

Organometallic Sn(II) catalyzing adducts of substituted benzaldehydes

This paper reports about the electrospray ionization mass spectrometric and quantum chemical study of unique coupling reaction of dihydroxybenzaldehydes in strong basic medium, which in the presence of SnIVCl4 yielded series of condensation products through the homo Dies-Alder reaction of the bicyclohexyl-4,6,4′,6′-tetraene-2,3,2′,3′-tetraone (2). In contrast to the known coupling reaction products catalyzing by diversity of CuI/CuII-, AgI-, Au0/AuIII/AuI-, ZnII-, Pd0/PdIII/PdII- and/or PtII-organometallics, yielding the substituted biphenyls, benzo-[c]-cromenes, condensation products of 5,6,11,12-tetraoxo-tricyclo[6.2.2.02,7]dodeca-3,9-diene-1,4-dicarbaldehyde (14) type from 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde particularly, and/or substituted aldehydes by Reimer–Tiemann reaction, in the presence of SnIVCl4, the formation of above dimeric adducts is chiefly process, explained with SnIV→SnII redox process. The known product 14 is obtained at trace concentrations, producing further dimeric 5,6,11,12,5′,6′,11′,12′-octaoxo-[4,4′]bi[tricyclo[6.2.2.02,7]dodecyl]-3,9,3′,9′-tetraene-1,1′-dicarbaldehyde adduct (15). The catalyzing organometallic precursor is a binuclear SnII-complex (I), where the metal ion is bonded covalently in ClSnC manner. A second metal ion is bidentately coordinated to adjacent OC groups, forming a five membered chelate ring. The Cl− and OH−-terminal ligands completed the SnO3Cl chromophore. The experimentally evidenced complex I exhibited a significant thermodynamics stability of ΔG=−52996.80kcalmol−1, a value different than Δ(ΔG)=|52945| kcalmol−1 towards the corresponding quantities of other structurally proposed analogous of SnII, SnIV or SnII/SnIV organometallics II–IV on the base of the MS elemental compositions and isotopic shapes.

Performance monitoring among non-patients with obsessive–compulsive symptoms: ERP evidence of aberrant feedback monitoring

Electrophysiological studies have shown that obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with hyperactive performance monitoring, as indexed by the error-related negativity (ERN). The aim of the present study was to determine whether feedback monitoring is enhanced in addition to error monitoring among young adults with obsessive–compulsive symptomatology during performance of a learning task. The ERN was equivalent in amplitude for low and high OC groups. The feedback-related negativity (FRN) was more negative following presentation of incorrect feedback relative to correct feedback for the low OC group. For the high OC group, the FRN was equivalent in amplitude for correct and incorrect feedback. Young adults with high levels of obsessive–compulsive symptoms demonstrate aberrant feedback monitoring characterised by a lack of differentiation to the valence of feedback. This pattern of results may be indicative of a cognitive bias in outcome prediction associated with obsessive–compulsive symptomatology.

난소 절제한 동물모델에서 콩의 섭취가 콜레스테롤과 BMD와의 상관관계에 미치는 효과

Soy isoflavones have been suggested to improve bone loss and lipid profile in postmenopausal women and ovariectomized rats. In present study, we investigated the hypothesis that consumption of soybean, mung bean, cowpea and azuki bean has a beneficial effect on lipid profile which associates with bone mass in ovariectomized rats. Forty two female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham) or surgically ovariectomized (OVX). Sham and OVX groups were fed a regular AIN-93M diet, but ovariectomized rats with soybean (OS), mung bean (OM), cowpea (OC) or adzuki bean (OA) were fed AIN-93M diet replacing 35% of corn starch with powdered OS, OM, OC or OA for 10 weeks. Total- and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in Sham and OC groups than other OVX groups. There was significant negative association between total cholesterol concentration and bone mineral density (BMD) of tibia in only OC group. In conclusion, total-cholesterol concentration was significantly and negatively correlated with BMD in rats consumed cowpea, suggesting that the reduced cholesterol concentration may have a beneficial effect on bone mass.

Outcome of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer in elderly patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether elderly patients with colorectal cancer benefit from laparoscopic colon surgery (LAC) in comparison to open colon surgery (OC). Patients with colon cancer were divided into four groups; >75 years (CC(>75) ) [LAC(>75) (n=36), OC(>75) (n=15)] and ≤75 years [LAC(≤75) (n=90), OC(≤75) (n=26)]. Differences in postoperative short-term outcomes were analyzed among the age and procedure groups. Intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the LAC(>75) group (68 ± 168 ml) than in the OC(>75) group (118 ± 130 ml, P=0.040). The C-reactive protein of patients in the OC(>75) group (5.4 ± 2.2 mg/dl) tended to be less than that of the LAC(>75) group (6.1 ± 2.8 mg/dl, P=0.080) on postoperative day 1. The time to the first passage of flatus was significantly shorter in the LAC(>75) group (2.0 ± 0.7 days) than in the OC(>75) group (2.7 ± 0.8 days, P=0.003). Postoperative hospital stays were also shorter in the LAC(>75) group (14.2 ± 9.4 days) than in the OC(>75) group (18.0 ± 8.3 days, P=0.038). No mortality was registered in the LAC(>75) group, while one patient in the OC(>75) group died during the postoperative course. The rate of postoperative morbidity was similar between the LAC(>75) and OC(>75) groups [13.9% (5/36) versus 20.0% (3/15), P=0.679]. LAC provides some advantages over OC in patients with colon cancer aged >75 years as well as in those aged ≤75 years. LAC can be safely performed in very elderly patients with colon cancer.

The protective effects of total saponins from Ornithogalum saundersiae (Liliaceae) on acute hepatic failure induced by lipopolysaccharide and d-galactosamine in mice

This study examined the protective effects of total saponins from Ornithogalum saundersiae (Liliaceae) on D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fulminant hepatic failure. Total saponins of Ornithogalum saundersiae (Liliaceae) (OC) were prepared with ethyl alcohol extract from bulbs of the plant. Mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of D-GalN (700 mg/kg)/LPS (10 μg/kg). OC (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) was administered orally for 3 days continuously, and at the last day at 1 h before the D-GalN/LPS injection. Mice were sacrificed at 8 h after the D-GalN/LPS injection. The liver injury was assessed biochemically, investigating aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) activities, and the expressions of caspase-3 and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as well. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) content was measured after D-GalN/LPS induced 1 h by ELISA assay. The survival rates after application of OC in 24 h also were observed. D-GalN/LPS increased the serum aminotransferase levels and lipid peroxidation, while decreased the reduced glutathione level. The pretreatment with OC attenuated these changes in a dose-dependent manner. Elevation of TNF-α level and activation of caspase-3, HIF-1α were observed in the D-GalN/LPS group, which was attenuated by OC. The survival rate of the OC groups was significantly higher than that of the D-GalN/LPS group. Protection afforded by OC against D-GalN/LPS-induced fulminant hepatic failure is the result of reduced oxidative stress, inhibited expression of caspase-3, HIF-1α, and anti-apoptotic activity.

Comparison of immunologic outcomes of laparoscopic vs open approaches in clinical stage III colorectal cancer

Improved survival in patients with stage III colon cancer after a laparoscopic colectomy (LC) has been reported by Lacy et al. (Lancet 359:2224-2229, 6), and preserved immunity was suggested as the reason for the survival advantage. The aim of our study was to clarify the existence of an immunological benefit after laparoscopic colon cancer surgery (LC) compared to open colon surgery (OC). From January 2006 to November 2007, 74 patients with clinical stage III colon cancer were prospectively assigned to undergo a LC (n = 35) or an OC (n = 39). The immune factors were examined preoperatively, and on the first and fifth days postoperatively (POD1 and POD5). The cellular immune factors were significantly decreased; however, there was no significant difference between the LC and OC groups except for the mHLA-DR. The LC group had a better preserved mHLA-DR on POD5 than did the OC group (p = 0.015), in addition to a faster recovery (p < 0.005). The mHLA-DR on POD5 was affected less by the LC compared to the OC. The LC demonstrated minimal immunological advantage when compared to the OC. However, further study is required to clarify the immunological benefits of the LC on colorectal cancer prognosis.

Center of mass control and multi-segment coordination in children during quiet stance

This study aimed to apply an uncontrolled manifold (UCM) approach to investigate how children utilize the variability of multiple body segment movement to facilitate the center of mass (COM) control during quiet stance. Three groups of participants were included in this study: younger children (YC, mean age 6.3 years), older children (OC, mean age 10.3 years), and young adults (YA, mean age 20.5 years). Participants stood on a force platform with their hands on the iliac crests for 40 s in each trial. Two visual conditions were examined including eyes-open and eyes-closed and three trials were collected for each condition. Results showed that all three groups partitioned more variability of multi-segment movement into the UCM subspace (maintaining the mean COM position) than into the ORT subspace (a subspace orthogonal to the UCM subspace, causing the deviation of the COM from its mean position) in both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Furthermore, both the YC and OC groups partitioned a significantly higher percentage of variability into the UCM subspace than the YA group regardless of visual condition. In addition, results of conventional COM variables indicated that only the YC group produced significantly faster sway velocity and greater standard deviation than the YA group. All the results together suggest that children at 6-10 years of age use a similar variability-partitioning strategy (a greater V(UCM) and a smaller V(ORT)) like young adults in quiet stance to facilitate the COM control, but it takes more than 10 years for children to refine this strategy and achieve an adult-like variability-partitioning capability (i.e., UCM ratio). It also suggests that postural development may include two phases in which children learn to regulate the position and movement of multiple body segments and the COM first and gain an adult-like variability-partitioning capability later.

Role of polymer chain end groups in plasma modification for surface metallization of polymeric materials

How to improve adhesion between poly(oxybenzoate-co-oxynaphthoate) (Vecstar OC and FA films) and copper metal by Ar, O2, N2 and NH3 plasma modification was investigated. The mechanism of adhesion improvement is discussed from the viewpoint of chemical and physical interactions at the interface between the Vecstar film and copper metal layer. The adhesion between Vecstar OC film and copper metal was improved by chemical rather than physical interactions. Polymer chain end groups that occur at Vecstar OC film surfaces contribute effectively to adhesion. This improvement in adhesion is due to interactions between copper metal and OC groups formed by plasma modification. Aggregation of the OC groups to the copper metal/Vecstar OC film interface is a key factor for good adhesion. From this aspect, heat treatment of plasma-modified Vecstar OC films on glass plates is effective in the aggregation, and the peel strength for the copper metal/Vecstar OC film system reached 1.21 N (5 mm)−1. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry

Persistent organochlorine compounds in peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus) eggs from South Greenland: Levels and temporal changes between 1986 and 2003

Thirty-seven addled peregrine falcon eggs collected in South Greenland between 1986 and 2003 were analysed for their content of the organochlorine compounds polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyl tricloroethane (DDT) and its degradation products, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). PCBs and DDT (including metabolites) were by far the most abundant OC groups, with median concentrations of 55 and 40 μg/g lw, respectively. The concentrations were high in an Arctic context, but similar to previously reported levels from Alaska and Norway and slightly lower than concentrations measured in eggs from industrialised regions. Geographical differences may be of importance, considering the migration of peregrine falcons and their prey. ΣHCH and HCB had median concentrations of 0.39 and 0.17 μg/g lw, respectively. On average, DDE accounted for 97% of ΣDDT, but was below critical levels for eggshell thinning. All compound groups showed a weak decreasing trend over the study period, which was statistically significant for HCB and close to being significant for ΣHCH. The weak decrease of ΣPCB and ΣDDT is different from other time trend studies from Greenland, usually showing a more pronounced decrease in the beginning of the study period, followed by a certain stabilisation in recent years.

Purification and characterization of a catalase-peroxidase from the alkalitolerant halophile Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi

The Cr(Ⅵ) removal way and Cr(Ⅵ) reducing site of Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi W4, a novel Cr(Ⅵ) reducing bacterium, were investigated in this study. Results showed that about 74.2% of Cr(Ⅵ) was removed from solution by growing cells within 72 h. Moreover, heating-killed resting cells had little Cr(Ⅵ) removal capacity, which was significantly lower than that of resting cells, which reached nearly 80% removal rate, suggesting that the way of Cr(Ⅵ) removal mainly relied on biological reduction rather than biosorption. And the Cr(Ⅵ) reduction was found to be significantly enhanced by some electron donors, especially glycerin, which further verified enzyme-mediated biological reduction as the way for Cr(Ⅵ) removal. Experiments of Cr(Ⅵ) removal by permeable cells indicated that there was no significant difference in chromium reduction between the impermeable cells and the permeable cells. The cell envelop fraction had a Cr(Ⅵ) removal rate of 82.9%, apparently higher than cytoplasmic fraction (11.1%), indicating that the cell envelop was the main location for Cr(Ⅵ) reduction, which were further demonstrated by Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission electron microscopy plus EDS analysis. Furthermore, analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy manifested that CO, C–OH and C–OC groups on the surfaces played major roles in correlation with chromium species.

No association between inhaled corticosteroids and whole body DXA in postmenopausal women

Postmenopausal women treated with corticosteroids are regarded as a high-risk group due to the effect of both natural bone loss and possible adverse effects of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (IC). To compare bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women exposed only to IC (IC group, n = 106) with that of BMD in women not exposed to corticosteroids (n = 124) and women exposed to oral and/or intra-articular injections in addition to inhaled corticosteroids (OC group, n = 31). The women were recruited from a population-based prospective cohort study. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique was used to measure BMD in whole body, spine, pelvis and lower extremities. A health questionnaire and an interview about past and present medication use were used. The mean duration and dose of IC were 9.5 +/- 4.5 years and 615 microg daily. Whole body BMD did not significantly differ between the IC group (1.103 g/cm(2)) and the unexposed group (1.087 g/cm(2)). Within the IC group, BMD stratified for cumulative dose of IC, duration or current dose above or below 800 microg did not differ. Z-score BMD for tertiles did not differ when comparing the IC and OC groups. No difference in BMD was noted between postmenopausal women exposed to inhaled corticosteroids and unexposed controls nor was there any dose response relationship between inhaled corticosteroid therapy and BMD.

Are responsibility beliefs inflated in non-checking OCD patients?

Cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder [e.g., Salkovskis, P. M. (1999). Understanding and treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 37(Suppl. 1), S29–S52] propose a key role for inflated responsibility for harm. Studies evaluating such beliefs typically use heterogeneous samples including several OCD subtypes. A recent investigation by Foa et al. [Foa, E. B., Sacks, M. B., Tolin, D. F., Prezworski, A., & Amir, N. (2002). Inflated perception of responsibility for harm in OCD patients with and without checking compulsions: a replication and extension. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 16(4), 443–453] found responsibility to be elevated in OC checkers, but not in non-checking OCD patients, relative to non-anxious controls. In that study, the responsibility measure included checking scenarios, thus leaving the possibility that these findings may have been due to criterion contamination. The present study investigated responsibility beliefs in OC checkers ( n = 39) and non-checkers ( n = 20), anxious controls ( n = 22), and non-clinical controls ( n = 69), using measures of responsibility which do not have item overlap with OCD symptoms. Results indicated that both OC groups showed greater responsibility beliefs relative to anxious and non-anxious controls. OC checkers endorsed greater responsibility appraisals than anxious and non-clinical control groups. In contrast, non-checking OCs reported greater responsibility appraisals than non-clinical controls, but did not differ from anxious controls and OC checkers. Results are discussed in the context of the cognitive model of OCD.

Hydrogen bonding in dimers of tritolyl and tritosylurea derivatives of triphenylmethanes

The crystal structure of the homodimer formed by the tritolylurea 3a proves the existence of a belt of six bifurcated hydrogen bonds between both NH and the O=C groups of the adjacent urea residues. For the tritosylurea 3b, four additional three-center hydrogen bonds, also involving the SO2 oxygen, are found in the crystalline state. Molecular dynamics simulations in a chloroform box confirm these patterns of the hydrogen bonds and the resulting elongation of the dimer 3b. 3b in comparison to 3a x 3a. The calculated complexation energies for the three dimeric combinations are nearly identical in agreement with the simultaneous formation of heterodimer 3a x 3b in a mixture of 3a and 3b.

Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Cheaper?

As laparoscopic cholecystectomy is being used more and more frequently, a cost analysis was aimed to be performed to evaluate cost effectiveness in Turkey. Records of 376 patients who underwent cholecystectomy by various methods were analyzed retrospectively. Mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 5.1 +/- 2.6 days for the open cholecystectomy group (OC group), composed of 177 patients; 5.6 +/- 2.1 days for the converted open cholecystectomy group (CC group) composed of 15 patients; and 2.5 +/- 1.8 days for the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (LC group), which included 184 patients. The mean cost per patient was 778 dollars +/- 75, 1964 dollars +/- 82, and 2357 dollars +/- 80 for the OC, LC, and CC groups, respectively. It was concluded that laparoscopic cholecystectomy will gain economic feasibility over conventional cholecystectomy in our country only when costs of laparoscopic equipment lower and personnel wages increase sufficiently.