T1 Samples Research Articles

Analysis of differently expressed proteins involved in metastatic niche of lung.

The "seed and soil" hypothesis for metastasis was a pivotal milestone in the study of malignant disease. Recently, growing studies have focused on the tumor secretory factors that may mediate preparation of the "metastatic soil." A suitable environment for the metastatic lesions was created by many inflammatory cytokines in the lung, whichwas verified by in vivo experimental models. In 2005, a pre-metastatic niche and metastatic niche modelwere suggested by David Lyden and Bethan Psaila, to delineate the interactions between malignant cells and their microenvironment at the metastatic site, whichsoon became the most importanthypothesis. However, the evidence is limited to animal models. More clinical evidence is needed to support this hypothesis. Human lung specimens were taken from different regions within metastatic lung tissue and normal lung tissue. Differently expressed proteins were analyzed by using the two dimensional fluorescent difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) technology: about 0.5-1 cm (Tissue 1) of lung tissue was taken adjacent to the metastatic tumor; about 1 cm (Tissue 2) of lung tissue was taken far away from the metastatic tumor; and normal lung tissue of the inflammatory pseudotumor (Tissue 3) was taken at least 3 cm away from the pseudotumor. We usedmatrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOFMS) analysis to identify differently expressed proteins in T1, T2, andT3 samples. T1 samples were different from T2 samples in the expression of 27 proteins. T2 samples had different expressions in 24 proteins, compared to T3 samples.Nine proteins were expressed differently between T1 and T3 samples. These proteins are mainly involved inenergy metabolism, protect the tumor cell from immunologic engraftment of metastatic tumor cells, and migration. Some of thesehave been reported to be related to the tumor metastatic niche hypothesis: Type VI collagen, heat shock protein 90, and Fibrinogen. The type VI collagen, heat shock protein 90, and Fibrinogen were selected aspotential niche proteins. These findings support the metastatic niche hypothesis and encourage further studies.

Slow increase in IgG avidity correlates with prevention of human cytomegalovirus transmission to the fetus

Following primary human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, virus-specific IgG antibody shift from low to high avidity with individual variations in the rate of avidity maturation. The kinetics of the avidity maturation of IgG specific for HCMV nuclear antigen in pregnant women with primary infection was investigated. Absorbance values used for avidity index calculation of 286 sequential sera collected from 69 pregnant women with primary HCMV infection were retrieved. Percent difference in absorbance values of IgG antibody bound to the solid phase after urea treatment (IgG avidity) between early (T1, 0-90, median 31 days) and late (T2, 91-180, median 136 days) serum samples was calculated for each woman. Three groups of women were identified: 24/69 (34.8%) women showed high (>100%) avidity increase between T1 and T2 (pattern H), 29/69 (42%) low (<50%) increase (pattern L), and 16/69 (23.2%) intermediate increase (pattern I). Avidity values in T1 samples were significantly higher in women with pattern L compared to women with pattern H (P=0.01). Altogether, 28/69 (40.6%) women transmitted HCMV infection to their fetuses. Fetal infection preferentially occurred (P<0.01) in women with pattern H (15/24, 62.5%) compared with women with pattern L (7/29, 24.1%). In conclusion, different patterns of IgG avidity maturation can be detected following primary HCMV infection. Pregnant women with pattern H (rapid IgG avidity increase) appear to be at higher risk for fetal infection, whereas, pregnant women developing early antibody with high avidity appear to be at a lower risk of vertical transmission.

How Do Statistical Differences in Matrix-sensitive Magnetic Resonance Outcomes Translate Into Clinical Assignment Rules?

How Do Statistical Differences in Matrix-sensitive Magnetic Resonance Outcomes Translate Into Clinical Assignment Rules?

Vitamin D status and physical function in nursing home residents: a 1-year observational study

Low vitamin D blood levels are highly prevalent in elderly people, particularly in nursing home residents (NHR). A relation between vitamin D levels and physical function (PF) is described in several studies in older adults; however, data on NHR are scarce and there is presently no information on the time course of vitamin D levels and PF in this population. The aim of the present study was to describe the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status of NHR at baseline (t1) and after 1 year (t2) to examine whether 25(OH)D blood levels are related to PF at t1 and at t2, and whether changes in 25(OH)D levels over 1 year are related to changes in PF. All NHR (≥ 65 years) without tube-feeding and severe acute or end-stage disease were asked to participate. At t1 and t2 fasting blood samples were taken for the analysis of 25(OH)D serum levels and PF was estimated by activities of daily living (Barthel ADL) and measured by handgrip strength (HGS) and timed 'up and go' test (TUG). In total, 115 residents, aged 87 (82-93) years (all data in median and 1st-3rd quartile), showed the following values for PF: ADL 50 (20-65) points, HGS 40 (30-50) kPa and TUG 26 (18-31) s. Vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/l) was present in 93.9 % (70.4 % < 25 nmol/l) at t1 and in 71.2 % (57.3 % < 25 nmol/l) at t2. At t1 and at t2 a weak correlation between vitamin D level and PF (Spearman's correlation coefficient t1: ADL r = 0.367, HGS r = 0.313; t2: ADL: r = 0.247; all p < 0.01) was observed. There was no correlation between changes in vitamin D levels over 1 year and changes in PF. Almost all NHR included in the study showed vitamin D deficiency. 25(OH)D levels were weakly correlated to PF at baseline and at follow-up, and an increase in vitamin D levels was not associated with positive effects on PF in this study.

Predicting lymph node metastasis in early colorectal cancer using the CITED1 expression

BackgroundThe identification of molecular markers that are useful for predicting lymph node metastasis is urgently needed to determine treatment strategies for T1 colorectal cancer (CRC). We previously showed that 10 candidate genes are correlated with de-differentiation at the invasion front of CRC using a gene expression analysis. These 10 genes are potential markers that may predict lymph node metastasis by CRC. Materials and methodsSamples were obtained from 161 patients with CRC. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays were performed using 66 T3 samples in order to extract genes correlated with lymph node metastasis. Immunohistochemical studies of the extracted genes were performed on 66 T3 and 95 T1 samples. A univariate analysis followed by a multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis. ResultsThe CITED1 messenger RNA expression was found to be an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in T3 CRC patients (P = 0.040). A high CITED1 protein expression, as detected with immunohistochemistry, was also an independent risk factor in T3 CRC patients (P = 0.035). In T1 colorectal cancer patients, a high CITED1 protein expression was found to be an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis (P = 0.010). The positive predictive and negative predictive values in the T1 colorectal cancer patients were 27.5% and 95.5%, respectively. ConclusionsThe CITED1 expression is correlated with lymph node metastasis in patients with CRC. In T1 colorectal cancer patients, CITED1 has the potential ability to predict the presence of lymph node metastasis.

Quality Properties of Beef Jerky Replaced Salt with Soy Sauce, Red Pepper Paste and Soybean Paste during Storage

The aim of this study was to investigate the quality properties of beef jerky replaced salt with soy sauce, red pepper paste, and soybean paste. The quality properties of beef jerky including final water activity (<TEX>$a_w$</TEX>), moisture content, pH, color, shear force, total plate counts, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values, and sensory evaluations were investigated. The sliced beef samples were marinated in salt (control), soy sauce (T1), red pepper paste (T2), and soybean paste (T3) for 24 h and then dried at <TEX>$70^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 6-8 h. The water activity of finished beef jerky varied from 0.72 to 0.70. The water activity for control and T1 samples decreased more rapidly as drying proceeded up to 6 h. The samples with salt replacement showed a lower pH and lightness than the control (p<0.05). The T1 sample showed a significant decrease in total plate counts after 21 d of storage (p<0.05). The TBARS for all treatments increased with storage days (p<0.05). The TBARS were significantly lower in T2 and T3 samples compared to control and T1 until 21 d of storage (p<0.05). The samples with salt replacement showed a lower intensity of saltiness than the control. Sensory evaluations found that the replaced soy sauce of beef jerky samples had better overall acceptability scores than the other treatment samples. It was concluded that replacing salt with soy sauce can delay lipid oxidation and enhance the sensory acceptance of beef jerkies.

Abstract 2676: Measuring extracellular pH within in vivo tumors using acidoCEST MRI.

Abstract INTRODUCTION. Extracelluar pH (pHe) is a hallmark for tumor microenvironment. We have developed a non-invasive MRI method that can accurately measure pHe to assess tumor acidosis, termed “acidoCEST MRI”. This method measures a ratio of the Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) effects of Iopromide, a FDA approved contrast agent for CT. Iopromide has two amides that generate different CEST effects, and a ratio of these CEST effects is correlated with pH over a range of 6.0-7.2 pH units, with a precision of 0.06 pH units, and in a manner that is independent of the agent's concentration and the sample's T1 relaxation time. We have applied acidoCEST MRI to monitor the effects of bicarbonate treatment on tumors. METHOD. A CEST-FISP pulse sequence (2.8 μT, 5 sec, 90 Hz), with 54 saturation frequencies (+10 to -10 ppm) was used to acquire an acidoCEST image in 4.7 min on 7T MRI scanner. Each CEST spectrum was fitted to a sum of three Lorentzian line shapes (Matlab R2012B). A mouse model of MDA-MB-231 mammary carcinoma subcutaneous flank tumor was treated with 200 mM of bicarbonate ad libitum. acidoCEST MRI was performed 1 day before and 1 day after introducing bicarbonate treatment. A bolus of 200 μL of 976 mM iopromide was injected i.v., followed by an infusion of 150 μL/hour of iopromide. Six series of acidoCEST spectroscopic images were acquired for 28 min. RESULTS: We were able to measure an increased in pH in tumor before and after bicarbonate therapy. As shown in the table, only half of the mice studied showed a significant increase in pH after bicarbonate treatment. This is because the limit of quantification of acidoCEST using Iopromide as contrast agent was pH 7.20. Discussion: acidoCEST MRI using Iopromide as contrast agent can measure pH of the tumor with good precision and can be applied to monitor pH-modulating therapy such as bicarbonate treatment. Our method has strong clinical translation potential because it uses low saturation powers, incomplete saturation, and a clinically approved contrast agent. Summary of acidoCEST measurements on mammary carcinoma tumors before and after bicarbonate treatment Mouse before bicarbonate treatment after bicarbonate treatment #1 pH 6.50 ± 0.09 pH 7.15 ± 0.14 (p &amp;lt; 0.01) #2 pH 6.49 ± 0.09 pH 7.20 ± 0.00 (p &amp;lt; 0.01) #3 pH 6.53 ± 0.10 pH 7.14 ± 0.14 (p &amp;lt; 0.01) #4 pH 6.91 ± 0.11 pH 7.10 ± 0.13 (p &amp;lt; 0.02) #5 pH 7.13 ± 0.12 pH 7.16 ± 0.12 #6 pH 7.02 ± 0.13 pH 7.13 ± 0.10 #7 (necrotic tumor) pH 7.20 ± 0.00 pH 7.19 ± 0.06 #8 (necrotic tumor) pH 7.17 ± 0.09 pH 7.17 ± 0.10 Citation Format: Liu Qi Chen, Christine Howison, Justin Jeffery, Ian Robey, Mark Pagel. Measuring extracellular pH within in vivo tumors using acidoCEST MRI. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2676. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2676

3D fat-saturated T1 SPACE sequence for the diagnosis of cervical artery dissection

This study aims to demonstrate the added value of a 3D fat-saturated (FS) T1 sampling perfection with application-optimised contrast using different flip angle evolutions (SPACE) sequence compared to 2D FS T1 spin echo (SE) for the diagnosis of cervical artery dissection. Thirty-one patients were prospectively evaluated on a 1.5-T MR system for a clinical suspicion of acute or subacute cervical artery dissection with 3D T1 SPACE sequence. In 23 cases, the axial 2D FS T1 SE sequence was also used; only these cases were subsequently analysed. Two neuroradiologists independently and blindly assessed the 2D and 3D T1 sequences. The presence of recent dissection (defined as a T1 hyperintensity in the vessel wall) and the quality of fat suppression were assessed. The final diagnosis was established in consensus, after reviewing all the imaging and clinical data. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 0.929 and 1 for axial T1 SE, and 0.965 and 0.945 for T1 SPACE (P > 0.05), respectively. The two readers had excellent agreement for both sequences (k = 1 and 0.8175 for T1 SE and T1 SPACE, respectively; P > 0.05). The quality of the fat saturation was similar. Very good fat saturation was obtained in the upper neck. Multiplanar reconstructions were very useful in tortuous regions, such as the atlas loop of the vertebral artery or the carotid petrous entry. 3D T1 SPACE sequence has a shorter acquisition time (3min 25s versus 5min 32s for one T1 SE sequence) and a larger coverage area. 3D T1 SPACE sequence offers similar information with its 2D counterpart, in a shorter acquisition time and larger coverage area.

Influence of psychosocial risk factors on the trajectory of mental health problems from childhood to adolescence: a longitudinal study.

BackgroundLongitudinal epidemiological studies involving child/adolescent mental health problems are scarce in developing countries, particularly in regions characterized by adverse living conditions. We examined the influence of psychosocial factors on the trajectory of child/adolescent mental health problems (CAMHP) over time.MethodsA population-based sample of 6- to 13-year-olds with CAMHP was followed-up from 2002–2003 (Time 1/T1) to 2007–2008 (Time 2/T2), with 86 out of 124 eligible children/adolescents at T1 being reassessed at T2 (sample loss: 30.6%). Outcome: CAMHP at T2 according to the Child Behavior Checklist/CBCL’s total problem scale. Psychosocial factors: T1 variables (child/adolescent’s age, family socioeconomic status); trajectory of variables from T1 to T2 (child/adolescent exposure to severe physical punishment, mother exposure to severe physical marital violence, maternal anxiety/depression); and T2 variables (maternal education, child/adolescent’s social support and pro-social activities).ResultsMultivariate analysis identified two risk factors for child/adolescent MHP at T2: aggravation of child/adolescent physical punishment and aggravation of maternal anxiety/depression.ConclusionsThe current study shows the importance of considering child/adolescent physical punishment and maternal anxiety/depression in intervention models and mental health care policies.

Storage Life Extension of Plum Fruit with Different Colored Packaging and Storage Temperatures

A research was conducted to explore the effect of yellow, white and transparent polyethylene packaging on storage life extension of plum fruit stored at ambient temperature (25± o C) and refrigeration temperature (1-4 o C). Experiment was designed with simple randomized complete block design. The fruits were washed with tap water and surface dried under a fan. The fruits were divided into six polyethylene bags of different colors and the samples were numbered as T0, YR, WR, TR, YF, WF and TF. YR, WR and TR were stored at room temperature in yellow, white and transparent polyethylene packaging respectively. YF, WF and TF were stored at refrigerated temperature in yellow, white and transparent polyethylene packaging respectively. In our research study significant effect of polyethylene packaging and storage intervals was observed on most of the parameters. Samples were analyzed for its firmness, acidity, total soluble solids, weight loss, decay index and ascorbic acid. Highest mean values of weight loss (5.79), decay index (22.11), total soluble solids (9.92 o Brix) and acidity (0.78) were found in sample T0 while lowest mean values of weight loss (1.64), decay index (4.73), total soluble solids (8.34 o Brix) and acidity (0.65) were found in TF. Maximum ascorbic acid (5.95 mg/100g) content was determined in YR while minimum ascorbic acid (5.05 mg/100g) was recorded in TF. Firmness (3.50 kg) of the sample was highest in TF and lowest in YR. Samples were also studied for their sensory characteristics such as texture, flavor, color and overall acceptability. TF obtained maximum mean score of judges for color (6.92), flavor (6.37), texture (6.37) and overall acceptability (7.03) while minimum score rate was obtained by sample T0. Treatment TF (transparent colored packaging at refrigerated temperature) retained maximum quality attributes and also got maximum score for organoleptic evaluation. Statistical analysis showed that treatments and storage intervals had a significant (P<0.05) effect on physico-chemical, characteristics and sensory analysis of plum fruit. Keyword: Plum fruit, Colored Packaging, Storage intervals and temperatures Corresponding Author: Muhammad Saeed Khan

Effects of Addition of Tomato Powder on Colour, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Traits of Pork Jerky during Storage

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the addition of tomato powder [1.0% (T1), 1.5% (T2) and 2.0% (T3)] on pork loin jerky with aerobic package during storage at room temperature. The T3 sample showed lower (p<0.05) pH value and higher (p<0.05) water activity than the control during storage. Total plate counts of treated samples (<TEX>${\geq}1.20$</TEX> Log CFU/g) were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the control (1.46 Log CFU/g) during storage. With the increase of the tomato powder concentration the lightness (<TEX>$L^*$</TEX>) of the jerky decreased, except at day 30 of storage, but the redness (<TEX>$a^*$</TEX>) and yellowness (<TEX>$b^*$</TEX>) increased significantly (p<0.05) during storage. T3 had higher values for hardness and cohesiveness but lower for springiness, gumminess and chewiness than others at day 40 of storage. However, there were no significant differences in TBARS values among the samples during storage. In sensory properties, the color scores of T3 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of control at day 40 of storage. These results suggested that 2.0% tomato powder could be used to improve the redness and extend the shelf-life of jerky with increasing water activity, providing the consumer with food containing natural colorant.

Investigation on the Corrosion Effect of Friction Stir Welded AA2024 T3 Aluminum Alloy Joints

Before friction stir welded integral panels are used in main aircraft structure, the corrosion behavior of welded joint need to be studied in detail. 2024 T3 samples were designed and welded by friction stir welding; the microstructure crossing the weld zone was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the feature of different zones (base material, thermo-mechanical affected zone, nugget) was seen; the corrosion testing in NaCl smoking box was carried out, and microstructure was observed after corrosion, localized corrosion predominantly occurs in the thermo-mechanical affected zone.

Effects of Pre-drying Chemical Treatments on Quality of Cabinet Dried Tomato Powder

The focus of this research was to analyze the yield, physico-chemical and nutritional quality of a cabinet dried tomato powder as affected by three (3) chemical treatments (KMS, CaCl2 and both). Dehydration process was carried out using a cabinet dryer at a constant air flow velocity of 0.7 m/s and air temperature in the range of 60-65oC based on preliminary tests by dipping in 0.2% (w/w) potassium metabisulphite (T1) and 1% (w/w) calcium chloride (T2) independently and 1% (w/w) calcium chloride (CaCl2) along with 0.2% (w/w) potassium metabisulphite (KMS) in water solution (T3) for 10 minutes. The effect of 3 pre-drying treatments on quality of cabinet dried tomato powder was analyzed by determining moisture content, rehydration ratio, total sugar, total acidity, fat, protein, ash, crude fiber, pH, total caroteniods, vitamin-C, minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus) and sensory analysis. The results expressed that the treatment T3 achieved the highest yield of tomato powder (4.6 g/100 g). The control sample showed highest moisture content (6.9 g/100 g) and dipping in 1% CaCl2 along with 0.2% KMS presented the lowest moisture content (5.9 g/100 g). Sample T3 showed highest total sugar content (49.1 g/100 g). The study also depicted that the total carotenoids content in tomato powder was 0.21 mg/100 g which was lower than that of fresh tomato (2.1 mg/100 g). Micronutrients such as vitamin-C, Calcium, phosphorus and iron were found to be 35.30 mg/100 g, 336.72 mg/100 g, 105 mg/100g and 12.23 mg/100 g, respectively in case for T3 sample. Sensory analysis (color, texture, flavor and overall acceptability) of tomato powder was carried out by trained and untrained panelists and their interpretation was done by using statistical ANOVA Test. There was no significant difference between control and treated samples regarding to their texture, flavor and overall acceptability but significant difference was observed in case of color. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v5i1.11590 J. Environ. Sci. &amp; Natural Resources, 5(1): 253-265, 2012

Interaction of triiodothyronine-biotin conjugate with binding proteins in immunoassay systems

A new construction of a test-system for free thyroid hormone 3,3',5-triiodothyronine determination (free T3) in human blood serum in ELISA and IRMA variants was described. For this purpose a low-molecular weight bifunctional conjugate containing T3 and vitamin H (biotin, Bt) residues was synthesized. The conjugate (T3-Bt) can be bound via its biotin function to biotin-binding proteins on a solid phase whereas its T3-portion can interact with monoclonal antibody against T3 (anti-T3-MAb) labeled with horseradish peroxidase or iodine-125 in an enzyme immunoassay or an immunoradiometric assay system (ELISA or IRMA), respectively. The immunochemical interaction is hindered if the T3 residue takes part as a component of a preformed solid phase complex between T3-Bt and avidin. Computer modeling shows that in this complex glycan component of avidin shields iodothyronine residue. The binding of T3-Bt both with T3-free sites on anti-T3-MAb and the solid phase avidin achieves with help of a delayed T3-Bt addition into avidin-covered containers with preliminary co-incubated labeled anti-T3-MAb and an assayed T3 sample.

Abstract 3725: Contrast Enhanced MRI with a Reduced Dose of Gadolinium for Measurement of Blood to Brain Influx Rate in Cerebrovascular Diseases

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI with a Reduced Dose of Gd-DTPA for Measurement of Blood-to-Brain Influx Rate in Cerebrovascular Diseases In vivo quantification of blood-to-brain transfer rate is of immense importance in diagnosis and monitoring cerebrovascular damages after stroke. Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) methods in CT and MR have been used to collect data about the health of blood-brain barrier (BBB). However high dose of radiation in CT and high dose of contrast agent and long protocol time in MR limit the application of DCE methods in acute stroke imaging. The goal of this study was to investigate DCEMRI with a reduced dose of Gd-DTPA and reduced acquisition time for BBB quantification. Fifteen healthy subjects (23-85 years, 9M, 6F) were randomly divided into 4 groups. Each group received one of 4 different doses of Gd-DTPA (group I, 0.1mmol/Kg, n=4; group II, 0.05 mmol/Kg, n=4; group III, 0.025mmol/Kg, n=4; and group IV, 0.0125 mmol/kg, n=3) for DCEMRI. The MRI data acquisition was performed using a 1.5-Tesla Siemens whole-body scanner with a standard eight-channel array headcoil. Fast T1 sequence, TAPIR, was used to estimate the time-concentration of different doses of Gd-DTPA after IV bolus injection. In addition clinical laboratory data of time-dependent concentration of Gd-DTPA in plasma was obtained from contrast agent manufacturer. Clinical and MR-based data were analyzed for 1) nonlinearity effect of contrast on MR signal and 2) evaluate the percentage of MR sampling error. The reduced dose of Gd-DTPA was used to quantify the BBB transfer rate in 14 MS and 9 cerebral cavernous malformation patients recruited from other studies. Comparison of pharmaco dynamics of Gd-DTPA over a range of different initial doses (less than 0.1 mmol/Kg) shows that 1/4 of the standard dose renders less error in T1 sampling and provides a sufficient dynamics in the intensity of MR signal to achieve a shorter DCEMRI experiment. In comparison to the regular Gd-DTPA-enhanced images, the reduced dose of Gd-DTPA used in DCEMRI is more sensitive in BBB abnormality detection. Comparison of 4 different doses of Gd-DTPA showed that a dose of 25% of 0.1 mmol/Kg, when using a fast T1 mapping protocol, is optimal for BBB permeability quantification in patients. DCEMRI-based BBB influx rate measurements with reduced dose of contrast agent may offer a suitable and less risky biomarker for disease progression and drug trials. Imaging stroke; Left panel represent FLAIR anatomical image of patient with stroke. Right panel represents BBB transfer rate map.

Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cervical Spine with High-Resolution 3-Dimensional T2-Imaging

Imaging of the cervical spine in functional positions has so far been limited to conventional X-ray examinations or the scarcely available open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI compatible positioning device allows MRI examinations in various positions and even in motion. In combination with high-resolution T2-weighted MRI it allows detailed functional imaging of the cervical spine and nerve roots. To evaluate the utility of this method a population of patients from a clinical study was examined 5 years after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). A total of 32 patients (median age 51.5 years, 15 female, 17 male) were examined after a median interval of 64.3 months from ACDF including 16 patients with a titanium cage and 16 with autologous bone graft. The prototype of an MR compatible positioning device (NeuroSwing) was used for MRI of the cervical spine in functional positions on a 1.5 T MRI unit (Siemens Avanto). A real-time true fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) sequence [6 mm, TR 704, TE 1.3 ms, matrix 256 x 207, field of view (FoV) 22 cm] was used for monitoring of flexion up to 45° and extension up to 40° or until patient discomfort. A sagittal T2 sampling perfection with application optimized contrast using different flip angle evolution sequence (SPACE sequence, 0.9 mm isotropic voxels, TR 1770, TE 186 ms, matrix 320 x 318, FoV 28 cm) and an axial true FISP sequence (3 mm slices, TR 194, TE 1.9 ms, matrix 256 x 256, FoV 22 cm) were used for imaging in the end positions. Using the motorized positioning device and a real-time true FISP sequence, imaging of the cervical spine in flexion and extension motion was possible in a quality suitable to observe changes in the alignment of vertebral bodies, the width of the spinal canal and the spinal cord itself. The 3D T2-weighted SPACE sequence yielded high quality and resolution images in the maximum flexion and extension positions. Compared to primary axial T2 true FISP slices, axial reconstructions of the T2 SPACE sequence were found to be clearly less affected by metal artifacts with the additional benefit of multiplanar and transforaminal reconstructions. The combination of a mechanical positioning device and a high-resolution 3D T2-weighted sequence (SPACE) on a conventional 1.5 T MRI allows kinematic imaging of the cervical spine as well as high-resolution imaging in the end positions, even in the presence of metal implants. In this proof of concept study a good visualization of narrowing of the spinal canal in functional positions could be achieved, showing the potential of MRI in functional positions for clinical and research applications.

Long-Term Evaluation of Maxillary Reconstruction by Iliac Bone Graft

The aim of this study was to analyze histologic and immunohistochemical modifications taking place in maxillary sites reconstructed by iliac crest bone grafts, 4 months (T1) and 10 years (T2) after grafting, in comparison to native iliac crest bone (T0).By light microscopy, T1 samples showed well-organized osteoblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM), and surrounding areas of connective tissue where a discrete number of blood vessels can be distinguished. Samples obtained from reconstructed areas after a long period of follow-up (T2) were characterized by uniform mineralized ECM with cavities containing osteocytes, whereas T0 samples disclosed both mineralized matrix and bone marrow. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and bone sialoprotein (BSP) expressions were investigated by immunohistochemical analysis. Both MMP-2 and VEGF showed significantly increased expression in T1, with respect to T0, and lowered in T2. Otherwise, BSP expression, which was elevated in native iliac crest bone (T0), was deeply decreased in T1 and T2 samples. Moreover, changes in iNOS expression and in apoptotic cell nuclei percentages (TUNEL analysis) seemed to have a similar trend, increasing in T1 and lowering in T2.After a period of 4 months, iliac crest bone graft-reconstructed sites show mineralizing nuclei not strongly represented, as suggested by BSP lower expression, whereas new blood vessel proliferation and active remodeling phenomena are developing. After a long period from the grafting (T2), BSP expression decreases along with MMP-2, VEGF, and iNOS, suggesting the presence of only weak arrangement phenomena of the graft.

Stability of Rice Bran Oil in Terms of Oryzanol, Tocopherols, Tocotrienols and Sterols

AbstractThe effect of oryzanol, tocopherols and tocotrienols (tocols) and sterols individually and as combinations of two were analyzed for DPPH radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activity. Oryzanol, tocols and sterols were isolated by using column chromatography and then added at known concentrations in stripped RBO. The results showed that tocol added samples are more stable than with oryzanol and sterol as individual additions. Among them T1 (sample having 0.04% tocols) is more stable than T2 (sample having 0.08% tocols). Comparing T1 and T2 with control oil, T1 had a peroxide value almost similar to control oil (T1, 5.68 mequiv/kg : control oil, 5.52 mequiv/kg) showing the antioxidant activity of tocols even in the absence of other micronutrients. The diene value of both T1 (4.27) and T2 (4.03) is lower than control oil (6.14). While analyzing combinations, prevention of oxidation was significantly better for oryzanol and tocols combinations, OT1 had a peroxide value of 10.57 mequiv/kg, OT2, 10.42 mequiv/kg when compared to the control sample (52.25 mequiv/kg). Similarly the diene value 5.86 (OT1) and 7.1 (OT2), the p‐anisidine value 53.8 and 63 for OT1 and OT2, respectively. The DPPH activity of samples T2 (0.08% tocols) and OT2 (sample having 0.8% oryzanol + 0.08% tocols) had a lower IC50 on the initial day and the IC50 was lowest for T1 (0.04% tocols) and OT1 (sample having 1.6% oryzanol + 0.04% tocols) on the final day.

Fate of some pathogenic bacteria and molds in Turkish Tarhana during fermentation and storage period.

The survival of the molds and some pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, S. aureus, S. typhimurium and B. cereus during fermentation and storage period of tarhana (traditional Turkish fermented food) was investigated. Tarhana batches were produced with two different yogurt/flour ratio 0.5 (T1) and 0.75 (T2). The pH and Eh values of samples were around 4.0-4.5 and 130-160mV during fermentation and storage period in both batches, respectively. Moisture and aw values in T1 and T2 samples significantly decreased (p < 0.05) between the 3rd-7th days of production at 11.2-11.6% and 0.52-0.54, respectively. The numbers of S. aureus and S. typhimurium significantly decreased (p < 0.05) during the 1st and 2nd days of fermentation period, respectively and this decline gradually proceeded in both batches. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in both tarhana batches among the molds, E. coli O157:H7 counts during the 1st, 2nd days of fermentation, and B. cereus counts during the all days of fermentation and storage periods, except the16th day of storage.

Microarray analysis after strenuous exercise in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of endurance horses

It is known that moderate physical activity may have beneficial effects on health, whereas strenuous effort induces a state resembling inflammation. The molecular mechanisms underlying the cellular response to exercise remain unclear, although it is clear that the immune system plays a key role. It has been hypothesized that the physio-pathological condition that develops in athletes subjected to heavy training is caused by derangement of cellular immune regulation. The purpose of the present study was to obtain information on endurance horse gene transcription under strenuous conditions and to identify candidate genes causing immune system derangement. We performed a wide gene expression scan, using microarray technology, on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ten horses chosen from high-level participants in national and international endurance races. The use of three different timepoints revealed changes in gene expression when post-effort samples (T1, taken immediately after the race; and T2, taken 24 h after the race) were compared with basal sample (T0, at rest). Statistical analysis showed no differences in gene expression between T0 and T2 samples, indicating complete restoration of homeostasis by 24 h after racing, whereas T1 showed strong modulation of expression, affecting 132 genes (97 upregulated, 35 downregulated). Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that the main mechanisms and biofunctions involved were significantly associated with immunological and inflammatory responses. Real-time PCR was performed on 26 gene products to validate the array data.