RP Group Research Articles

G2holonomy, mirror symmetry and phases ofN= 1 SYM

We study the phase structure of four-dimensional N=1 super Yang-Mills theories realized on D6-branes wrapping the RP^3 of a Z_2 orbifold of the deformed conifold. The non-trivial fundamental group of RP^3 allows for the gauge group to be broken to various product groups by Z_2 Wilson lines. We study the classical moduli space of theories in various pictures related by dualities including an M-theory lift. The quantum moduli space is analyzed in a dual IIB theory, where a complex curve contained in the target space plays a key role. We find that the quantum moduli space is made up of several branches, characterized by the presence or absence of a low energy U(1) gauge symmetry, which are connected at points of monopole condensation. The resulting picture of the quantum moduli space shows how the various gauge theories with different product gauge groups are connected to one another.

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Organothiophosphoryl Polyoxotungstates α‐[RP(S)]2PW9${\rm O}^{5-}_{34} $(R=C6H5, C6H11)

AbstractIn the presence of Bu4NBr acting as phasetransfer reagent, organothiophosphoryl polyoxotungstate derivatives α‐[RP(S)]2PW9${\rm O}^{5-}_{34} $(R=C6H5, C6H11) have been obtained by reaction of the trivacant β‐[PW9O34]9‐ anions with electrophilic C6H5P(S)Cl2 or C6H11P(S)Cl2 in acetonitrile. These new organic‐inorganic hybrid anions have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 31P and 183W NMR spectroscopy. The collective application of the spectroscopy data of these new species indicates that the hybrid anion consists of an α‐[PW9O34] framework on which are grafted two RP(S) groups through P‐O‐W bridges. The five‐line 183W spectra indicate that the hybrid anions possess Cs symmetry in acetonitrile.

Interaction between KIR3DL1 and HLA-B*57 supertype alleles influences the progression of HIV-1 infection in a Zambian population

KIR and HLA loci are both highly polymorphic, and some HLA class 1 products bind and trigger cell-surface receptors specified by KIR genes. We examined whether KIR genes act in concert with HLA-B locus to control HIV-1 infection in a sample of Zambian patients. DNA samples from 88 Zambian patients with HIV-1 were examined. Patients were classified as either slow progressors (SP; n = 54) or rapid progressors (RP; n = 34) to AIDS. All were typed for HLA-B and KIR genes. Our results reveal an association between B*57 supertype (B*57s, which includes B*57 and B*58 alleles) and delayed progression to AIDS ( p = 0.0007 by pc = 0.015; OR = 5.25). We also observed an increase incidence of Bw4-I80 in patients with slow progression ( p = 0.001 by pc = 0.003, OR = 5). This increase was found to be secondary to B*57s. The presence of both KIR3DL1 and B*57S has a significant effect on progression to AIDS ( p = 0.0008; OR = 5.61). B*57s genotypes with another HLA-B allele different from those in the trans position, which also had a specificity different to Bw4-I80 (Bw4-T80 or Bw6), was also greater in the SP than in the RP group ( p = 0.00003; OR = 10.11). The presence of the inhibitory allele KIR3DL1 in combination with the HLA-B*57s alleles that contain the Bw4-I80 epitope, has a highly protective effect against progression to AIDS in Zambian patients.

Raw and extruded pea (Pisum sativum), faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor) and lupin (Lupinus albus var. multitalia) as alternative protein sources in broiler diets

Research on vegetable-based protein sources has grown as a result of the European Union ban on the inclusion of meat and bone meal in diets of agricultural livestock. This together with recent concern over genetically modified soybeans, the protein source of choice for monogastric diets, has sparked research into the identification of some alternative protein sources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of raw or extruded pea (RP and EP), faba beans (RFb and EFb) or lupin (RL and EL) in partial substitution of soybean meal and other starch sources in broiler diets. A total of 462-d-old male Ross chicks, Marek vaccinated, were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments (3 pens/treatment). Chicks were floor housed, ad libitum fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets and had free access to water. Artificial light was provided 10 h/d. The amount of alternative proteins used as fed basis and for 1-10 d-old and 11-42 d-old growing periods were: RP and EP: 350 g/kg for all diets; RFb: 480 and 500 g/kg; EFb: 240 and 250 g/kg; RL: 360 and 300 g/kg; EL: 180 and 150 g/kg. Feeds were analyzed for tannins, polyphenol, genisteine, and daidzeine contents and the in vitro alpha-amilase starch digestibility was measured. At the end of the trial performance parameters were calculated, animals were processed and percentage yields (one per pen) of breast meat and leg quarters were quantified. The polyphenol concentrations and antitrypsin activity were reduced and the alpha-amylase digestibility increased in EP and EFb. The feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected, however, the feed intake was reduced (P<0.01) in EL diet compared to the control group and to the RL diet. The RP group had lower dressing percentage (P<0.05), whereas groups fed faba bean had higher breast yield (P<0.01) independent of processing. There were no statistical differences in percent yield of the leg quarters. Data support the utilization of these alternative proteins sources into broilers diets as a viable solution to counteract the current constraints of soybean meal. Partial improvement was seen with EFb and EP, which was not seen however for the lupin based diets.

Raw Pea (Pisum sativum), raw Faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor) and raw Lupin (Lupinus albus var. multitalia) as alternative protein sources in broiler diets

The ban of the meat and bone meal for entering animal diets and the concern of transgenic feeds poses a challenge to animal nutritionists in Europe. The challenge is to find homegrown protein-rich feedstuffs, making sure no antinutritional factors are present which could interfere in the animals’ performance. The raw Pea (Pisum sativum) (RP), raw Faba bean (Vicia faba, variety minor) (RFb) and raw Lupin (Lupinus albus, variety multitalia) (RL) were evaluated as alternative protein sources into broiler diets. Six hundred thirty 1d-old Ross male chicks, Marek vaccinated, were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments (5 pens per treatment/18 birds per pen). Chicks were floor housed, ad libitum fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets and had free access to water. Artificial light was provided 10 h/d. The bulk of the base diet (control diet) was corn (48.7%, 56.6% and 57%), solvent-extracted soybean meal (42.8%, 37.3% and 33.4%), corn oil (4.4%, 5.2% and 6.3%), plus synthetic amino acids, minerals, trace minerals and vitamins, respectively for the 1-10d-old, 11-28d-old and 29 to 42d-old growing periods. The RP, RFb and RL entered diets in substitution of the soybean and corn according to the cost optimization (P100, Fb100 and L100, respectively for RP, RFb and RL) and at half of the optimized quantity (RP50, RFb50 and RL50, respectively for RP, RFb and RL). The amount used as fed basis for the higher level of inclusion were: P100: 350 g/kg for all diets; Fb100: 480 g/kg (1-10d-old) and 500 g/kg (11-42d-old); L100: 360 g/kg (1-10d-old) and 300 g/kg (11-42d-old). The average daily gain (ADG) were lower (P < 0.05) in the RP group compared to the control group. Over the whole period of growth, the RFb group had similar ADG compared to the control group and for both levels of inclusion, whereas reduced (P < 0.05) ADG were observed in the RL100 group. Reduced (P < 0.05) ADG were also observed for the RFb100 and the RL100 groups when calculated over the first three weeks of growth. Birds performance was improved (P < 0.05) in the RL50 group. No effects were observed on dressing percentage and breast and leg quarter cuts. The RFb and RL could represent valuable protein feeds in broilers diet formulation.

Quantification of dark adaptation dynamics in retinitis pigmentosa using non‐linear regression analysis

Purpose: Non‐linear regression analysis was used to determine dark adaptation indices in people with retinitis pigmentosa and in control subjects. Methods: Dark adaptation data were collected for 13 people with retinitis pigmentosa and 21 controls using the Goldmann‐Weekers Dark Adaptometer. Data were analysed using an exponential non‐linear regression model and dark adaptation indices derived. The results were compared to age‐related values. Results: The mean cone threshold of the group with RP (4.73 ± 0.19 log units) was significantly greater than that found in the control group (3.69 ± 0.12 log units). The rate of cone dark adaptation in the RP group was not significantly different from that of the control group. The a break in the RP group (6.46 ± 0.70 minutes) was delayed when compared to the control group (4.29 ± 0.21 minutes) and the rate of rod dark adaptation in the RF' group was slower (10 ± 2 per cent per minute) than that of the control group (15 ± 1 per cent per minute). Conclusions: This study has shown that a relatively simple data analysis can provide a more quantitative and intuitive description of dark adaptation rates in people with retinal disease. This technique will enable more effective use of dark adaptometry as a supplement to objective electrophysiology, when monitoring people with retinitis pigmentosa.

Adhérences viscérales après cure d’éventration par plaque intrapéritonéale : étude monocentrique comparant un renfort conventionnel (Mersilène ®) à un renfort composite (Parietex ®)

Aim of the study. – Intraperitoneal (IP) ventral hernia repair is advantageous because of reduced dissection, shorter operative time and less postoperative pain. However, the IP positioning of the mesh is suspected to increase the risk of visceral adhesion and induce complications. To overcome these drawbacks, an innovative mesh: Parietex ® Composite (RC) was developed with one side protected by a hydrophilic resorbable film. The purpose of this study was to compare using ultrasonography the rate of visceral adhesions after IP placement of a conventional mesh (RP) versus RC mesh. Patients and methods. – Twenty-six patients who received a Parietex ® Composite were prospectively compared to a retrospective series of 26 consecutive asymptomatic patients who received a non protected polyester mesh (RP). In order to objectively assess visceral adhesion toward the abdominal wall, an ultrasound specific examination was used after previous validation by comparison of preoperative ultrasonographic data with peroperative gross appearance in both groups. Results. – With a mean follow up of 33 months, both groups were equivalent in term of inclusion criteria excepted for age which was older the RP group. US validation data were: sensitivity 72%, accuracy 69%, negative predictive value 67%. Using this procedure, 81% of the patients exhibit visceral adhesion to the mesh in the RP group, versus 27% in the PC group ( P =0.0002, χ2). Conclusion. – US examination represents a suitable tool to evaluate postoperative adhesions to the abdominal wall. A significant reduction of visceral adhesion in the RC group was shown.

Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy for Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

Purpose: To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) compared to the open conventional right upper-quadrant approach for pyloromyotomy (RP), and the umbilical approach for pyloromyotomy (UP). Methods: Clinical records of 175 RP (1983-1994), 71 UP (1994-1997), and 98 LP (1997-2002) were evaluated retrospectively. Weight at birth, age and weight at surgery, blood base excess (BE) on admission, length of operation, complications, and post-operative length of stay were compared among the groups. Results: There were no significant differences in either age or weight among the three groups. The length of operation in the RP group was 29 ± 8 min, which was significantly shorter than that in the UP (40 ± 10 min) and LP (41 ± 14 min) groups. The average length of operation in LP for each surgeon decreased once the surgeon had performed more than 5 LPs. Length of stay was significantly shorter in LP (4.3 ± 1.1 days) than in RP (8.3 ± 4.0 days) and UP (8.7 ± 7.8 days). There were 9 complications in the UP, 4 in the LP, and 3 in the RP group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that in addition to the obvious advantage of minimal cosmetic deformity, laparoscopic pyloromyotomy also offers the benefit of shortened hospital stay.

Risk factor of radiation pneumonitis: assessment with velocity-encoded cine magnetic resonance imaging of pulmonary artery.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the pulmonary arterial flow obtained as a function of time from velocity-encoded cine (VEC) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be used to predict radiation pneumonitis. Before receiving radical radiotherapy, 19 patients with primary lung cancer and 21 with primary esophageal cancer underwent VEC MR imaging to determine their pulmonary arterial flow. The right and left pulmonary arterial flow profiles were digitized, and from these data, acceleration time, maximal change in flow rate during ejection, acceleration volume, and the ratio of maximal change in flow rate during ejection to acceleration volume were measured. The statistical significance of differences in pulmonary arterial flows before irradiation between patients who developed and did not develop RP greater than grade 1 was determined. Radiation pneumonitis occurred in 5 patients with lung cancer and in 4 with esophageal cancer. The acceleration time (P < 0.001), acceleration volume (P < 0.02), and ratio of the maximal change in flow rate during ejection to acceleration volume (P < 0.002) in patients with and without RP were significantly different. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of using 111 milliseconds as the cutoff value (which was the mean acceleration time in the RP group) to predict RP were 58%, 88%, and 83%, respectively. Pulmonary hypertension detected by VEC MR imaging can be a risk factor for development of RP in candidates for pulmonary irradiation.

Retrograde vs. antegrade lung flush perfusion for graft preservation in clinical lung transplantation

Objectives: Reports by us and others on experimental studies have indicated a beneficial effect of retrograde lung flush perfusion on posttransplant outcome. We have developed a novel in-situ retrograde lung flush perfusion strategy and compared it with a common antegrade lung flush perfusion technique in clinical lung transplantation (LTx). Methods: 121 LTx procedures in 119 patients were consecutively included into the study from January 2002 to May 2003. All data were prospectively recorded. Antegrade (AP) donor lung perfusion was performed in 84, retrograde (RP) perfusion in 37 cases. Low-potassium dextrane glucose solution (LPDG) was used for lung preservation. Prostacycline (40 yg/l) was added to the flush solution. Main endpoints included ischemic time, PaO2/FiO2 ratio 2,4,8,12, and 24 hrs after arrival on the ICU, time to extubation, and 30-day mortality. Minor endpoints included indication for LTx, gender, age and donor/ recipient gender match. Results: There were no differences in total ischemic time in both groups with 310 98 vs. 305 102 min for right lungs and 373 91 vs. 369 93 min for left lungs in the AP and the RP group, respectively. Lung graft function (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) did not significantly differ among groups at any time point. However, there was a mild trend towards improved function in the RP group at the early time points. Posttransplant ventilation time was significantly lower in the RP group with 113 266 hrs vs. 212 328 hrs in the AP group (p 0.05). The mean length of posttransplant ICU stay was not different among groups (RP: 12.7 17.5 days vs. AP: 11.7 14.4 days). Perioperative mortality was 10 % in the RP group vs. 9% in the AP-cohort. Conclusions: This clinical study does not underline the previously, in experimental studies observed beneficial effect of retrograde lung flush perfusion for lung graft preservation compared to antegrade perfusion. Detailed investigations are warranted to determine these controversial results in human lung transplantation.

The Combined Use of the Timing Principle and LMA to Secure Airway Patency

Background: The timing principle uses a single bolus dose of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker followed by an induction drug to reduce airway patency secure time. If anesthetic depth is adequate, the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) can be inserted with or without a low dose nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker. So we investigated the combined use of the timing principle and LMA to secure airway patency. Methods: One hundred and two patients were randomly allocated into three groups. Group RP (n = 34) patients received rocuronium followed by propofol and then a LMA was inserted. Group PR (n = 36) patients received propofol followed by rocuronium and group PS (n = 31) patients received propofol followed by succinylcholine before LMA insertion. Accelerographic response to single twitch and train-of-four (TOF) stimulation were measured. LMA insertional conditions were measured using the degree of jaw relaxation, gagging, cough, and aeration. Results: Single twitch and TOF ratio were lower in the RP group than in the PR group. The LMA insertional conditions were similar for the group RP and PS, but were poor for group PR. One patient in group PR recalled discomfort during LMA insertion. Conclusions: The combined use of the timing principle and LMA is effective at securing airway patency.

Relationship between cephalometric characteristics and obstructive sites in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) have characteristic dentofacial features, but the sites of obstruction differ greatly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dentofacial characteristics of patients with OSAS with respect to the obstructive sites. The subjects consisted of 30 Japanese men with OSAS divided into 3 groups of 10 patients each. One group had obstruction at the retropalatal and retroglossal region (Rp + Rg group), a second group had obstruction at the retropalatal region (Rp group), and a third group had obstruction due to tonsillar hypertrophy (tonsillar hypertrophy group). To identify the Rp + Rg and Rp groups, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used. To identify the tonsillar hypertrophy group, Mackenzie's classification, axial MRI, and the weight of the tonsils were used. A control group was composed of 10 Japanese men showing no symptoms suggestive of OSAS. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained for all of the subjects, and analysis of variance was performed for the 46 cephalometric parameters. Among the many dentofacial characteristics of OSAS patients, the tendencies for retrognathia, micrognathia, and skeletal Class II were strongest in the Rp + Rg group and somewhat strong in the Rp group. The presence of a long soft palate was dominant in the Rp group, whereas the tendency for a long face was dominant in the tonsillar hypertrophy group. All of the groups shared the characteristic of having an inferior position of the hyoid bone. Based on the results of the current study, we conclude that many features of OSAS are specifically related to each obstructive type of OSAS.

Different neuroendocrine profiles of remitted and nonremitted schizophrenic patients

Background: Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) test and Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) are two neuroendocrine tests that have been extensively used in an attempt to predict treatment response and outcome in schizophrenia. The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the relationship between TRH test and DST and various psychiatric symptoms and (2) the potential value of these tests in prediction of short-term outcome in schizophrenic patients. Methods: TRH test and DST were administered to 58 patients with schizophrenia. All patients were evaluated with a battery of rating scales before neuroendocrine test procedures and at regular intervals for 1 year. Patients were divided into two groups as remitted (RP; n=30) and nonremitted patients (NRP; n=28). Baseline results of these two groups were compared with each other and 30 healthy controls. Results: Basal levels of total T 3 (T 3T) and free T 3 (T 3F) were higher in RP group than controls. Basal prolactin (PRL) level was higher in RP group, but not in NRP, compared to controls. Basal growth hormone (GH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels of NRP were significantly higher than those of RP. DST nonsuppression was observed at a significantly higher rate in RP than NRP and control group. Blunted TSH response rate in RP group was higher significantly compared to other two groups. Conclusions: The data implicate that higher basal TSH and GH levels may be associated with a poorer treatment response, whereas higher total and free T 3 levels, a blunted TSH response to TRH and nonsuppression on the DST may indicate a better response in schizophrenics.

ChemInform Abstract: Metal Carbonyl Analogues of Iron-Sulfur Clusters Found in Metalloenzyme Chemistry

Abstract Many iron–sulfur metalloenzymes are based on Fe 4 S 4 cubes in which the iron sites have high-spin tetrahedral coordination. Such Fe 4 S 4 cubes can be obtained by dimerization of Fe 2 S 2 rhombuses. Similar cluster aggregation processes can be observed for model FeS systems in which the high-spin tetrahedral iron sites are replaced by low-spin octahedral Fe(CO) 3 S 3 sites. The Fe 2 S 2 analogue for the metal carbonyl system is Fe 2 (CO) 6 S 2 , whose ground-state structure contains a Fe 2 S 2 tetrahedron with FeFe and SS bonds as well as four FeS bonds. However, much of the observed photochemistry of Fe 2 (CO) 6 S 2 can be rationalized by a coordinatively unsaturated rhombus photointermediate in which the FeFe and SS bonds of the ground state have broken in a concerted process in accordance with molecular orbital calculations. Additional insight into the chemistry of these iron carbonyl sulfides is obtained by replacement of the sulfur atoms by isoelectronic RP groups. Thus the stable Fe 2 (CO) 6 (P t Bu) 2 tetrahedron and the stable rhombus Fe 2 (CO) 6 (POC 6 H 2 -4-Me-2,6- t Bu 2 ) 2 can both be isolated and characterized. In addition, the reaction of Na 2 Fe(CO) 4 with i Pr 2 NPCl 2 gives the phosphorus-bridging carbonyl derivative ( i Pr 2 NP) 2 COFe 2 (CO) 6 , which undergoes thermal reactions with unsaturated organic molecules to give adducts of their CC, CO, or CN bonds to the phosphorus atoms of a Fe 2 (CO) 6 (PN i Pr 2 ) 2 unit generated by extrusion of the phosphorus-bridging carbonyl group. A low-temperature IR spectroscopic study of ( i Pr 2 NP) 2 COFe 2 (CO) 6 photolyzed in a Nujol matrix provides evidence for an unstable nearly square Fe 2 (CO) 6 (PN i Pr 2 ) 2 rhombus.

Risk factors for severe radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer.

Risk factors for severe radiation pneumonitis, which often spreads beyond treatment portals and may even be bilateral, have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to identify important factors associated with severe radiation pneumonitis. 111 cases of primary lung cancer, treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, were retrospectively analyzed. Severe radiation pneumonitis occurred in 17 cases (15.3%). The ratio of interstitial change in lungs before radiotherapy and radiotherapy to the contralateral mediastinum with > 40 Gy in the radiation pneumonitis group (RP group) was significantly higher than in patients without radiation pneumonitis (control group) (47.1% vs 5.3%; P < 0.001 and 58.8% vs 27.7%; P = 0.037, respectively). Using logistic regression analysis, interstitial changes before radiotherapy and radiotherapy to the contralateral mediastinum of > 40 Gy were significant risk factors associated with severe radiation pneumonitis. These data suggest that pre-existing interstitial changes detected by chest radiography or computed tomography and radiotherapy to the contralateral mediastinum (> 40 Gy) may predict the development of severe radiation pneumonitis.

Influence of the Nature of Dentin Surfaces on Proliferation and Mineralization Activity of Gingival and Periodontal Ligament Cells.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the proliferation and mineralization activity of the human gingival and periodontal ligament cells in relation to the nature of the dentin surface. Three types of bovine dentin blocks were used: 1) Rp group: dentin block was root planed by hand scaler, 2) CA group : dentin block was treated by citric acid pH 1 for 3 mins and 3) Na group : citric acid treated block was further exposed to 10% Na0Cl for 3 mins. Besides this, hydroxyapatite (HA) blocks were taken as 4 th group. Human gingival cells (HGC) and periodontal ligament cells (HPLC) were seeded on the blocks and cultured. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and protein concentration of the attached cells on blocks were measured at the 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days interval. Furthermore, HGC and HPLC were cultured in DMEM and the blocks were kept on the cell sheet after becoming confluent, media was changed to a-MEM supplemented with 100 nM dexamethasone and 10 mM β-glycerophosphate. Mineralized nodules were stained weekly for 3 weeks by von-Kossa method and the area was measured in relation to the margin of blocks.The results of the protein concentration of the HGC was higher than the HPLC in the 4 groups. Among the 4 groups, protein concentration of HPLC increased at a faster rate in CA group and in HGC, protein concentration increased at a slower rate in Na group. HGC expressed very low ALP activity and was significantly lower than the HPLC. HPLC showed the highest activity in relation to CA group, and lowest activity was observed in relation to Na and HA group. Regarding the mineralized nodule; HPLC formed larger area of nodule than HGC. CA group formed the largest area of nodule in HPLC but there was no difference among the 4 groups in the HGC. The results suggest that the nature of the dentin surface could influence the cellular proliferation and mineralization activity of HPLC, and also the proliferation of HGC. As HGC are able to show mineralization activity in this study though it is very low, it can be suggested that HGC have the potentiality to torm calcitied tissue.

PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTE SUBSET PROFILE OF YOUNG CHILDREN EXPERIENCING RECURRENT GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTIONS SIMULATES THAT OF ADULTS.

The cellular immune system, less mature at birth, undergoes significant developmental changes within the first few years of life. Lymphocyte subsets in healthy children are currently characterized by age-related standards. In order to determine the effect of antigenic exposure on cellular immune development, peripheral blood lymphocyte [PBL] subsets were studied in two populations of children of similar age and nutritional status;children belonging to a rural population [RP] (n=71) residing in close proximity to farm animals and children from an economically privileged urban population [UP] (n=63). In each population children studied included a group with an acute diarrheal episode [DE] with no overt dehydration and a healthy control group[C]. Using fluorescent monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry the following distinct PBL subsets were identified: helper T cells;CD4, suppressor cytotoxic T cells;CD8, NK cells; CD56, NK cells and subset of suppressor cytotoxic T cells; CD57 and two subsets of helper T cells: “memory” cells;CD45RO CD4 and “naive” cells;CD45RA CD4. Children studied were age 6-36 months. Mean age, weight and height (expressed as% of 50th centile for age) did not differ among the two populations but a marked difference was noted in previous infectious episodes reported. Among RP children, 65% had suffered at least one episode of gastroenteritis within the previous 3 month period as compared to <10% of UP children and 15% in the RP group had suffered 2 or more episodes. Proportion of CD4 cells was similar in both RP and UP children.Among helper T cells, proportion of “memory” cells CD45RO CD4/CD4 was more than two fold higher in RP children [in both the DE and C groups 47.5 ± 2.8 and 46.8 ± 3.7,mean ± s error] as compared to UP children [19.0±1.2 and 18.6 ±1.8 in DE and C groups, respectively]. In UP children the proportion of CD45ROCD4 /CD4 correlated significantly with age [r=0.4], in RP children no correlation with age was observed.Proportion of CD8 cells was higher in RP children as compared to UP children;30.9 ±1.8 [DE] and 33.0 ± 2.4 [C] vs 20.4 ± 1.5 [DE] and 21.7 ± 0.8 [C] respectively. The proportion of NK cells, CD56 and CD57, was 2-3 fold higher in RP children;{CD56: 14.8 ± 2.0 [DE] and 17.9 ± 2.0[C], CD57: 9.1 ±1.0[DE] and 7.6 ±0.9 [C]} vs levels in UP children;{CD56: 6.5 ± 0.9[DE] and 7.1 ± 0.8 [C], CD57: 2.6 ± 0.7 [DE] and 1.9 ± 0.3 [C]}. Within each population PBL subsets did not differ between the healthy control group and those with acute diarrhea. We conclude that in young children exposure to gastrointestinal antigenic stimuli is a major factor affecting development of the cellular immune response. Young children who have experienced recurrent gastrointestinal infections have a PBL profile similar to that of adults.

Detection and Differentiation of Phytoplasmas Associated with Diseases of Strawberry in Florida.

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) plants with symptoms suggestive of phytoplasmal disease were identified in commercial fields and a breeder's plot in west central Florida during the 1995 to 1996 winter growing season. Affected plants were all conspicuously stunted and unproductive. Primary symptoms on cvs. Rosa Linda and Carlsbad and on a breeder's accession resembled those of strawberry green petal (SGP). Plants displayed sparse clusters of virescent flowers with enlarged sepals and phylloid receptacles that failed to develop fully into fleshy structures or redden on ripening. Symptoms on cv. Oso Grande were more typical of multiplier disease and included a proliferation of branch crowns producing numerous small leaves with spindly petioles. Oso Grande and Carlsbad originated as transplants from a nursery in Montreal, Canada, whereas Rosa Linda transplants were from Nova Scotia. Plants were assessed for phytoplasma infection by polymerase chain reaction with total DNAs from leaves and petioles as template and phytoplasma-specific ribosomal RNA primers P1 and P7 (3), or mollicute-specific ribosomal protein (rp) gene primers rpF1 and rpR4 (2). Amplification of a 1.8-kb rDNA or 1.2-kb rp gene product, respectively, confirmed infection of Rosa Linda (7 of 7 plants), Carlsbad (3 of 7), Oso Grande (4 of 4), and a single breeder's accession. No products were amplified from DNAs of healthy plants. Restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns of rDNA digested with AluI, EcoRI, HaeIII, HhaI, HpaII, KpnI, ScaI, or Tru9I endonucleases, or of rp gene products digested with AluI, DraI, RsaI, TaqI, or Tru9I, revealed no differences among phytoplasma strains affecting both Rosa Linda and Carlsbad. Collectively, patterns were comparable to those of clover phyllody and SGP phytoplasmas, two Canadian strains previously classified as members of phytoplasma 16S rRNA (rr)-ribosomal protein (rp) group 16S rI, subgroup C (16S rI-C (rr-rp)) (1). Similarly, no differences were evident among phytoplasmas associated with all four diseased Oso Grande plants. Both rDNA and rp fragment profiles associated with this cultivar were characteristic of strains such as tomato big bud and eastern aster yellows delineated as 16S rI-A (rr-rp) subgroup members (1). However, AluI rDNA and TaqI rp fragment patterns were unique, identifying Oso Grande-infecting strains as representatives of a new subgroup within the larger 16S rI (rr-rp) group. Cumulative rDNA and rp fragment profiles of the phytoplasma associated with the breeder's accession matched those of the Mexican periwinkle virescence phytoplasma, identifying this strain as a 16S rI-I (rr-rp) subgroup member (1) and a second possible etiological agent of SGP. This is the first report of phytoplasmas infecting strawberry in Florida.

Economic analysis of two structured treatment and teaching programs on asthma

The aims of the present study were as follows: 1) to evaluate the medical outcomes of two treatment and educational asthma programs 2) to determine by cost-analysis both cost and economic outcome of the programs 3) to perform a cost-benefit analysis (determining the net cost-benefit) and a cost-effectiveness analysis (determining the cost per unit of effect and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) from the perspective of health program policy makers (HPP; indirect costs, i.e., loss of productivity, excluded) and of society as a whole (SaW, all costs included). Patients were randomly assigned to a complete (CP; n = 32) or reduced (RP; n = 33) program: the RP group received a reduced education (self-reading of an educational booklet on asthma), while the CP group attended an "asthma school", consisting of six lessons based on the same booklet and including educational videotapes. Both programs included peak-flow monitoring and treatment according to international guidelines, and follow-up. The outcome variables (asthma attacks, urgent medical examinations, admission days, working days lost) did not differ significantly between CP and RP. Morbidity savings were $1894.70 (CP) and $1697.80 (RP) according to SaW, and $1349.50 and $1301.80, respectively, according to HPP. The net cost-benefit was $1181.50 for CP and $1028.00 for RP, and the cost-benefit ratio per dollar spent was 1:2.6 for CP and 1:2.5 for RP, according to SaW. One day of admission prevented had a cost of $110.20 (CP) and $94.10 (RP). CP gave slightly better results and was slightly more cost-effective than RP in improving patients' welfare. It cannot be excluded that the retrospective analysis used to determine baseline costs might have inflated differences for both groups. Sensitivity analysis was slightly in favor of RP when the outcome variables were tested at their upper and lower 95% CI.

Activation of lavage lymphocytes in lung injuries caused by radiotherapy for lung cancer

Radiation pneumonitis sometimes extends beyond the irradiated area of a lung and can also affect the opposite lung. Some immunological mechanisms, in addition to simple direct injury of the lungs by radiation, seem to be involved in the onset of radiation pneumonitis. To clarify such mechanisms, the effects of radiation on local inflammatory cells in lungs, in particular, lymphocytes, were examined. A comparison was made of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) findings from 13 irradiated patients (RT group) and 15 nonirradiated patients (non-RT group) with lung cancer. Patients who later developed radiation pneumonitis (RP group) and those who did not (RP-free group) were also compared. Using a two-color flowcytometer, radiation-induced changes in local inflammatory cells in lungs were analyzed. This included analyses of human leukocyte-associated antigen (HLADR) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on T-cells, which are though to be involved in cell activation and interactions between cells. The following aspects of BALF were higher in the RT group than in the non-RT group: (a) the percentage of lymphocytes and eosinophiles; (b) the incidence of HLADR-positive CD4+T-cells and HLADR-positive CD8+T-cells; and (c) the incidence of ICAM-1--positive T-cells. The following aspects of BALF were higher in the RP group than in the RP-free group: (a) the total cell counts; (b) the percentage of lymphocytes; and (c) the incidence of ICAM-1-positive T-cells. A significant relationship was seen between the incidence of ICAM-1 expression on T-cells and the number of days from the initiation of radiotherapy to the onset of radiation pneumonitis. These data suggest that irradiation can induce accumulation of activated T-cells (HLADR and ICAM-1--positive T-cells) in the lung. This accumulation may be closely linked to radiation-induced lung injury. It is also suggested that the incidence of ICAM-1--positive T-cells in BALF may serve as a useful clinical marker of radiation pneumonitis.