Significant Differences In Control Research Articles

Psychological control is a key modulator of fibromyalgia symptoms and comorbidities

ObjectiveWe hypothesized that fibromyalgia (FM) patients would report lower levels of psychological control mechanisms and that higher levels of control would moderate key symptoms associated with FM, such as pain, fatigue, perceived stress, and mood disturbance.MethodsNinety-eight women with FM diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology criteria and 35 matched pain-free women were identified. Applied questionnaires included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Profile of Mood States, Perceived Control of Internal States Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Mastery Scale. Differences were sought using t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, bivariate correlations, and multiple regression analysis.ResultsComparison between FM patients and healthy individuals found significant differences in control (Perceived Control of Internal States Scale and Mastery Scale), pain, perceived stress, fatigue, confusion, and mood disturbance (all P < 0.001). There were significant associations found between both high and low levels of control on stress, mood, pain, and fatigue (P < 0.001–0.05). Strong negative correlations were present between internal control and perceived stress (P < 0.0005).ConclusionFM patients use significantly different control styles compared with healthy individuals. Levels and type of psychological control buffer mood, stress, fatigue, and pain in FM. Control appears to be an important “up-stream” process in FM mechanisms and is amenable to intervention.

Assessment of left ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with coronary artery disease during adenosine stress using ECG-gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography

Some investigators have reported that left ventricular (LV) mechanical systolic and diastolic dyssynchrony occurs in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients without earlier myocardial infarction and narrow QRS complex duration. However, earlier studies evaluated LV dyssynchrony only at rest. The purpose of this study was to investigate LV dyssynchrony in CAD patients with preserved ejection fraction during adenosine stress using electrocardiogram-gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The study population included 18 CAD patients and 18 control subjects. CAD patients had significant stenosis in their coronary arteries by coronary angiogram without earlier myocardial infarction. SPECT images were acquired at rest and during stress with adenosine. The regional time to end systole (TES), time to peak ejection, the time from 0 to peak filling during the whole diastolic period (TPF1), and the time from end systole to peak filling during the whole diastolic period (TPF2) were obtained by using the Quantitative Gated SPECT software. The maximal difference (MD), which is the difference between the earliest and latest temporal parameter among 17 segments, was considered to represent LV dyssynchrony. MD-TES and MD-TPF1 during stress were significantly greater than those of rest in CAD patients (MD-TES: stress=242+/-107 ms, rest=164+/-79 ms; P=0.005, MD-TPF1: stress=249+/-121 ms, rest=164+/-88 ms; P=0.015) but there were no significant differences in control patients. LV dyssynchrony was shown in CAD with preserved ejection fraction during adenosine stress.

키토산이 저아질산나트륨 소시지의 유산나트륨 저감화에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 소시지 제조 시에 첨가되는 아질산염의 대체수단으로서 이용가능성이 대두된 유산나트륨의 과다 사용량을 줄이고자 키토산을 첨가함으로서 그 기능성이 보완된 저아질산나트륨, 저유산나트륨의 소시지를 만드는데 있다. 소시지 제조는 대조구(C, nitrite 100 ppm)와 처리구(T1, nitrite 30 ppm + sodium lactate 2% + chitosan 0.5%; T2, nitrite 30 ppm + sodium lactate 1% + chitosan 1%; T3, nitrite 30 ppm + sodium lactate 0% + chitosan 1.5%) 로 하였으며, 혈액성상을 측정하기위해 실험쥐 24마리가 4주간 사육되었다. 소시지의 색상은 유의적인 차이를 보인데 반해, 적색도는 대조구에서 황색도는 키토산이 많은 T3에서 높게 나타났다. pH와 보수력에서 대조구, T1 및 T2에서는 유의적인 차이가 없었으나 T3에서는 낮은 pH와 낮은 보수력을 보였다. 조직분석에서 탄력성, 응집성, 씹힘성, 부착성에는 대조구와 처리구간에 유의적인 차이가 없었으나, 경도와 검성은 처리구보다 대조구가 낮은 값을 나타내었다. 관능검사의 외관과 색상은 대조구에서 높은 점수를 받았으나, 조직감과 풍미에서는 낮은 점수를 받았다. 미생물수는 냉장저장 1주에서는 대조구및 처리구간에 유의적인 차이가 없었으나, 냉장저장 3주에서는 대조구에서 가장 적은 수치를 보였다(p<0.05). TBARS 측정에서 항산화 효과는 처리구보다 대조구에서 유의적인 차이를 보였다. 혈액성상의 경우, 처리구가 쥐의 증체효과를 보였으며, 중성지방, 총콜레스테롤 및 LDL-콜레스테롤은 유의적으로 감소되는 효과를 보였다(p<0.05). 그러나 처리구 중 T1은 대조구에 비해 혈당은 높고, HDL-콜레스테롤이 저하되는 문제를 보였다(p<0.05). T2와 T3간의 증체 및 혈액성상에는 유의적인 차이가 없었다. 따라서 저 아질산나트륨의 소시지를 제조하고자 유산나트륨과 키토산을 혼합할 경우, 아질산나트륨의 농도에 따른 육색 및 항산화력의 보완이 필요하나, 이화학성상에서는 T1이, 혈액성상에서는 T2가 바람직한 것으로 나타나, 키토산을 첨가함으로서 기능이 보완된 저 아질산나트륨 및 저 유산나트륨의 소시지제조는 가능하다고 사료된다. The study was carried out to investigate the effects of chitosan-adding (0.5-1.5%) on nitrite-reduced (30 ppm) and sodium lactate-reduced (0-2%) sausages to avoid using excessively sodium lacte, which is substituted for sodium nitrite, The number of 24 rats for blood properties were used in this experiment and raised for 1-4 weeks. The color of sausages showed significant differences each treatment (p<0.05) and <TEX>$a^*$</TEX> (redness) had the highest value in control (nitrite 100 ppm) and <TEX>$b^*$</TEX> (yellowness) had the lowest value in T3 (nitrite 30 ppm + sodium lactate 0% + chitosan 1.5%). There were not significant differences in pH (5.53-5.66) and water holding capacity (66.06-69.75%) between control and two treatments (T1, nitrite 30 ppm + sodium lactate 2% + chitosan 0.5%; T2, nitrite 30 ppm +sodium lactate 1% + chitosan 1%), but T3 had significant differences in pH (5.06) and water holding capacity (62.44%), respectively. Springiness, cohesiveness, chewness and adhesiveness in texture analysis had not significant differences between control and three treatments, but hardness and gumminess had lower values in control than in three treatments. Appearance and color in sensory evaluation had higher values in control than in T1, but texture and flavor had lower values than in three treatments. Microbial counts had not significant differences in control, T2 and T3 for 1 week, for 3 weeks, it showed the lowest value in control than in three treatments. Anti-oxidant activity (TBARS) in sausages were more effective in control (p<0.05). The body weigh gain of rat were significantly increased in three treatments and also neutral fat, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol were significantly decreased in three treatments. However, T1 treatment had higher blood glucose content and significantly decreased in HDL-cholesterol, compared with control, but T2 and T3 treatments showed similar results in body weight gain and blood properties. So, through the addition of chitosan, it's possible to manufacture nitrite-reduced and sodium lactate-reduced sausage which is supplemented its function.

A Comparison of Diabetes Learning With and Without Interactive Multimedia to Improve Knowledge, Control, and Self‐Care Among People With Diabetes in Taiwan

Given the increased popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this study aimed to evaluate the effects of interactive media on self-directed learning in patients' knowledge of diabetes and related CAM/TCM strategies, the ability to control blood sugar levels, and self-care in people with diabetes. An experimental study design was used. The experimental group received patient education through interactive multimedia about diabetes for 3 months, while the control group received a routine 3-month patient education. On completion, 60 subjects from Taiwan were evaluated-30 in an experimental group and 30 in a control group. Data were collected from both groups at baseline and at the completion of the patient education. The findings were then compared to evaluate the effects of the intervention on the subjects' knowledge of diabetes, blood sugar control, and self-care. The experimental group showed greater improvement in understanding diabetes than the control (t=3.29, p<.001). There was no significant difference in control of blood sugar levels (t=-1.72, p=.10) and self-care (F=1.03, p=.32). The use of an interactive multimedia device to intervene in diabetes self-care was effective only in raising the subjects' knowledge about the disease. Additionally, the subjects may need more time to implement more effective blood sugar control and self-care activities after receiving instruction.

Macrophage Induced Effect of Particulate Silica on Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro

The role of silica and macrophages in fibrosis is well documented, but in bone formation it is relatively unknown despite decades of research with bioactive glasses. In this study macrophages were isolated from rat peritoneal and then cultured for five days in the presence of two types of silica microparticles with different solubilities. After the fifth day the culture medium was collected, purified and used as an additive in bone marrow derived rat stem cell cultures. The stem cells were cultured for five days in α-mem containing only 0,5% of FCS, enabling cell survival but disrupting their proliferation. As controls, stem cells were also cultured in α-mem containing silica microparticles. At days one and five the amount of soluble collagen was assayed from the culture medium and the cells were counted. All stem cell cultures with macrophage medium additives were found to be proliferative, with statistically significant difference to controls. However, collagen was only produced in cultures containing medium from macrophages cultured with fast-dissolving silica microparticles. This suggests that silica can induce cell proliferation and extra cellular matrix protein secretion which is mediated by macrophages, and that the solubility of silica is also a major factor in this reaction.

Ação de inseticidas naturais no controle de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em milho cultivado em agroecossistema de várzea

Estudou-se a eficiência de inseticidas naturais no controle de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), na cultura do milho em agroecossistema de várzea, sob infestação natural. O experimento foi conduzido a campo na área experimental da Embrapa Clima Temperado - Estação Experimental Terras Baixas, no ano agrícola 2005/2006. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial (9x2), com 9 tratamentos: T1- NeemAzal-T/S (0,25%); T2- NeemAzal-T/S (0,5%); T3- Rotenat CE (0,5%); T4- Natuneem agrícola (0,5%); T5- Rotenat CE + Natuneem agrícola (0,25+0,25%); T6- Dalneem emulsionável (0,5%); T7- Organic neem (0,5%); T8- Match CE (0,1%) (padrão) e T9- Água (testemunha) com duas épocas de semeadura e quatro repetições. Realizaram-se três aplicações dos tratamentos por época, determinando-se a porcentagem de plantas atacadas oito dias após cada aplicação e o rendimento de grãos em kg ha-1. Obteve-se diferença significativa no controle da lagarta-do-cartucho entre épocas de semeadura com maior eficiência de controle para a primeira época, destacando-se dentre os inseticidas naturais o NeemAzal-T/S (0,5%) e o Dalneem emulsionável (0,5%), com grande potencial de uso em semeaduras realizadas no mês de novembro. O rendimento de grãos entre épocas não diferiu estatisticamente, destacando-se dentre os inseticidas naturais o NeemAzal - T/S a 0,5%, tornando-se uma alternativa no controle da S. frugiperda. Há uma correlação negativa e significativa entre plantas atacadas e rendimento de grãos em kg ha-1, com maior potencial de controle para a primeira época de semeadura.

Sex Disparities in Control and Treatment of Modifiable Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Patients With Diabetes

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality has decreased in men but not in women with diabetes. We investigated whether sex differences in control and treatment of CVD risk factors might underlie this disparity. We performed cross-sectional analyses from a cohort of patients with diabetes sampled from 10 U.S. managed care health plans. Study end points included not being in control for CVD risk factors (>or=140 mmHg for systolic blood pressure [SBP], >or=3.35 mmol/l for LDL cholesterol, and >or=8.0% for A1C) and the intensity of medication management (number of medication classes) for patients not in control. Logistic regression models with random intercepts were used to adjust probabilities of control and management for demographics, clinical characteristics, and clustering within health plans. There were 1,315 women and 1,575 men with a history of CVD and 3,415 women and 2,516 men without a history of CVD. Among patients with CVD, adjusted estimated probabilities for not being in control and risk differences varied significantly between men and women for SBP (men 41.2%, women 46.6%; risk difference -5.4% [95% CI -9.5 to -1.3]) and LDL cholesterol (men 22.4%, women 28.3%; risk difference -5.9% [-9.9 to -1.8]). There were no significant sex differences in intensity of medication management for patients not in control. In patients without CVD there were no significant differences in control or intensity of medication management. In diabetic patients with CVD, poorer control of SBP and LDL cholesterol for women may contribute to the sex disparity in CVD mortality trends.

Association of HindⅢ RFLP in lipoprotein lipase gene with type 2 diabetes

We examined the association of a Hind RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Chinese Han population in Hubei Province. Genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP in 102 controls and 264 T2DM patients using sib-pair and unrelated case-control designs. The frequencies of the H+ allele and H+H+ genotype for patients were significantly higher than those for controls (H+: 76.9% vs 69.1%, P < 0.05; H+H+: 59.8% vs 52%, P < 0.05). When all subjects were grouped as designed, the H+ allele and H+H+ genotype for sib patients were significantly higher than those for sib controls (H+: 81.5% vs 67.8%, P < 0.05; H+H+: 68.5% vs 50.7%, P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in controls and random patients (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis suggested that risk factors for T2DM was fasting plasma glucose and LPL genotypes, with individuals with the H+H+ genotype doubling their risk for T2DM as compared to those with the H+H- and H-H- genotypes (95% CI: 1.0363.840, P < 0.05). These data suggest that the Hind RFLP in the LPL gene is associated with T2DM risk in Chinese Han population in Hubei Province, and the H+ allele may serve as a genetic risk factor of T2DM.

The effects of gingko biloba extract (EGb 761) on experimental acute pancreatitis

Background and objective Acute pancreatitis is an important and fatal disease with high mortality and morbidity. Although the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis is poorly understood, there are many studies that suggest the role for oxygen free radicals (OFRs) in the development of pancreatitis and its complications and show beneficial effects of scavenger treatment. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether Egb761, the standardized extract of gingko biloba, restrains the generation of OFRs and ameliorates the histopathologic findings of acute pancreatitis. Materials and methods Sixty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the following experimental groups. In early and late pancreatitis and treatment groups, acute pancreatitis was induced by retrograde infusion of 3% sodium taurocholate. In treatment groups, 100 mg/kg Egb 761 was given intraperitoneally (IP) 24 h and immediately before induction of pancreatitis. Sham-operated rats received isotonic saline instead of sodium taurocholate. After observation times of 3.5 and 12 h, the pancreas was removed for light microscopy and determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker for OFRs–induced lipid peroxidation. Serum samples also were obtained for amylase and lipase levels. Results There was no significant difference in control and sham-operated groups in terms of histopathologic findings and serum enzyme levels. The tissue concentrations of MDA and serum enzyme levels were significantly elevated in early and late treatment groups as compared with the control group. The treatment with Egb 761 caused significant decrease in serum amylase and lipase levels and histopathologic scores as compared with early and late pancreatitis groups. Conclusions Prophylactic application of Egb761 exerts highly beneficial influence on the course of acute pancreatitis, and this seems to be related to the oxygen radical scavenger effect of Egb761.

Evaluation of aqueous Moringa seed extract as a seed treatment biofungicide for groundnuts.

In a search for alternatives to currently used fungicides, the potential of aqueous Moringa seed extract (AMSE) as a seed treatment was evaluated. Seeds of groundnut, Arachis hypogea L cv Dakar, were soaked in AMSE at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g litre(-1) for 24 h. Comparison was made with Apron Plus (metalaxyl+carboxin+furathiocarb), until recently a recommended seed-treatment chemical, and distilled water, which was the medium for extraction of Moringa seeds. The results showed that AMSE has potential for use as a biofungicide on groundnut seeds, since all the concentrations used except 1 g litre(-1) brought about significant reduction in the incidence of fungi on the seeds, such reduction increasing as the dosage of AMSE increased. There were no significant differences in control between the highest concentration of AMSE (20 g litre(-1)) and Apron Plus at the manufacturer's recommended level. Water also produced slight reductions in the incidence of fungi, although this was not significant at P = 0.05. The sensitivity to AMSE of the fungi tested varied, Mucor sp being the most sensitive and Aspergillus niger the least, with Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus flavus intermediate.

Protein kinase A hyperphosphorylation increases basal current but decreases beta-adrenergic responsiveness of the sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger in failing pig myocytes.

The sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) protein is the major cardiac calcium extrusion mechanism and is upregulated in heart failure (HF). NCX expression level and functional activity as regulated by beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) stimulation in swine with and without tachycardia-induced heart failure were studied. The Ni2+-sensitive NCX current was measured in myocytes from HF and control animals in the basal state or in the presence of isoproterenol, forskolin, 8-Br-cAMP, okadaic acid, or protein phosphatase type 1. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in both the 120-kDa (29%) and 80-kDa (69%) fragments in HF (P<0.05 versus control). Despite this modest increase in protein, the basal peak outward NCX current was increased almost 5-fold in HF (P<0.05 versus control). Stimulation with isoproterenol, however, increased the control currents to a significantly greater extent than HF (500% increase in control versus 100% increase in HF, P<0.01); peak stimulated current was not different in HF and control. This reduction in responsiveness to beta-AR stimulation was refractory to forskolin, 8-Br-cAMP, or okadaic acid stimulation. In vitro protein kinase A back-phosphorylation revealed higher phosphorylation capacity of NCX protein in control versus HF, consistent with increased phosphorylation in vivo (hyperphosphorylation) in HF. Protein phosphatase type 1 exposure resulted in a significant reduction (73%) in peak basal current in HF (compared with no significant difference in controls), confirming that the increased basal NCX current in HF is predominantly attributable to hyperphosphorylation. NCX expression and activity are thus increased in HF, although beta-AR responsiveness is decreased because of NCX hyperphosphorylation.

Studies on Sister Chromatid Exchanges in Peripheral Lymphocytes of Spray Painters

In a comparative study of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in cultured lymphocytes, we evaluated the genotoxic risk in 104 male spray painters employed in repair workshops in Chennai City, India, and 50 matched healthy, unexposed controls. We found a higher frequency of SCEs among painters (3.74 +/- 0.11, mean +/- SE) than among controls (2.15 +/- 0.08), and among smoking painters (4.03 +/- 0.21) than among nonsmoking painters (3.55 +/- 0.13), with no significant difference in controls (smokers: 2.1 +/- 0.2; nonsmokers: 2.2 +/- 0.1). Alcoholism did not contribute to an increased SCE frequency. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis on painters showed that duration of service, smoking, and alcoholism significantly affected SCE scores and explained the 14% variation observed.

Changes in vascular responsiveness to a thromboxane mimetic in endotoxin tolerance.

Our previous studies have demonstrated that peritoneal macrophages obtained from endotoxin-tolerant rats exhibit altered cellular activation by endotoxin, possibly involving changes in guanine nucleotide regulatory (G) protein-coupled signal transduction pathways. Endotoxin-tolerant rats also exhibit cross tolerance and altered hemodynamic responses to thromboxane (Tx)A2 mimetics, suggesting potential changes in vascular responsiveness. We tested the hypothesis that endotoxin tolerance results in vascular hyporesponsiveness to a TxA2 mimetic via alterations in the TxA2 receptor, G protein function, and/or second messenger production. Rats were rendered endotoxin tolerant by increasing sublethal consecutive doses of Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin (100 to 5000 micrograms/kg, i.p.) for 4 days. The animals were sacrificed 2 days after the final dose of endotoxin for removal of aortas. Contractile responses of aortic rings to U46619, a TxA2 agonist, were assessed in control and tolerant rats. The EC50 values for U46619 were 14.8 +/- 6.6 nM and 32.3 +/- 3.1 nM (n = 5-7), (P < 0.05) for control and tolerant rats, respectively. Crude membranes were prepared from aortas of control and tolerant rats, and binding of I-BOP TxA2/PGH2 receptor agonist, [1S-(1 alpha, 2 beta (5Z), 3 alpha (1E, 3S*), 4 alpha)]-7-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-(4'-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl)-7- oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (I-BOP), a TxA2 agonist, was assessed by Scatchard analysis. I-BOP binding to the TxA2 receptor was saturable and revealed a single class of TxA2 receptors for both groups. There was no significant difference in control (n = 7) compared with tolerant (n = 5) Kd values (2.1 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.9 nM, respectively), or Bmax (31 +/- 6 vs. 28 +/- 12 fmol/mg protein, respectively). To assess potential changes in G protein function, aortic membrane GTpase activity was determined. GTPase activity in tolerant membranes was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) compared with control membranes (309 +/- 23 (n = 5) vs. 440 +/- 32 (n = 7) pmol/mg/protein/min, respectively). However, U46619-stimulated phosphoinositide production was similar in vascular tissue from control and tolerant rats. These observations suggest that the decreased contractile response to TxA2 mimetics in endotoxin tolerance does not result from a change in receptor number, affinity of TxA2 receptors, or changes in phosphatidylinositol metabolism but is associated with decreased vascular G protein function.

Chronic sustained stress increases levels of anterior pituitary prolactin mRNA

Our laboratory is investigating the effects of chronic stress on physiological, endocrine and behavioral measures, in order to elucidate the neuronal substrates for the pathophysiological consequences of stress in humans. In these studies, we have employed a rodent model of sustained stress in which rats are exposed to around-the-clock intermittent footshock that can be avoided or escaped by rats in the controllable stress group, but not by rats in the uncontrollable stress group. Each rat in the uncontrollable stress group is paired (yoked) to a rat in the controllable stress group such that the controllable stress group rat avoids or escapes shock for both rats. A third group of rats receives no shock (controls). We have previously reported that in male rats, plasma prolactin levels were elevated after 3 days of stress in both stress groups. In the present experiments we determined whether the increases in plasma prolactin were correlated with increases in anterior pituitary prolactin mRNA. In addition, we measured hormones and mRNA at three time points and we examined these responses in female as well as male rats. Adult male and female Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to chronic stress for 1, 3 or 14 days. In unstressed control rats, levels of anterior pituitary prolactin mRNA were fivefold higher in female as compared to male rats. However, stress increased levels of anterior pituitary prolactin mRNA over baseline in both genders. After 1 day of stress, anterior pituitary prolactin mRNA levels increased in male and female rats belonging to both stress groups, with no significant difference seen between the uncontrollable vs. controllable stress groups. After 3 days of stress, anterior pituitary prolactin mRNA levels were even more elevated, and rats in the uncontrollable stress group had higher anterior pituitary prolactin mRNA levels than those in the controllable stress group. After 14 days of stress, there were no significant differences in control and stressed groups with respect to anterior pituitary prolactin mRNA. These data suggest that chronic sustained stress increases the synthesis of anterior pituitary prolactin mRNA during the first days of stress, and that levels return to prestress values sometime between 3 and 14 days of stress.

Susceptibility of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) populations in Mexico to commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Populations of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), sampled from commercial fields of crucifers in three states of Mexico, were tested for susceptibility to commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Berliner) (Dipel 2X), B. thuringiensis subsp. aizawai (XenTari), delta endotoxin Cry 1C (MC), and CryIA(c) (MVP), and a mixture of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki and subsp. aizawai (Agree). Leaf-dip bioassays confirmed variation in susceptibility of up to 13-fold for MVP, 12-fold for Dipel 2X, sevenfold for XenTari, fivefold for Agree, and less than fivefold for MC. Comparisons with previously published data indicate that at least the 12-fold variation in Dipel 2X would result in significant differences in control in the field. Based on the LC99 values observed for the products, we propose discriminating concentrations for each product. To ensure continued performance in the field we suggest that a resistance monitoring program be implemented to detect any changes in susceptibility to B. thuringiensis products and specific toxins and that their use be restricted to one generation per crop and that they be rotated with other groups of insecticides. Furthermore, we suggest enforcement of a crucifer host-free period and the development and implementation of cultural and biological control strategies to reduce overall population pressure so that fewer insecticidal treatments will be needed.

Effect Of Metylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase 677 C-T, 1298 A-C, and 1317 T-C on Factor V 1691 Mutation in Turkish Deep Vein Thrombosis Patients

Possible effect of three common mutations in (MTHFR 677 C-T; 1317 T-C; 1298 C-A) and FV 1691 G-A mutation was studied in Turkish patients with thrombosis and compared with normal controls. The case–control study included 68 patients with the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and 66 controls, consecutively selected among subjects without personal and familial history of atherothrombosis. Patients with deep vein thrombosis were selected if Doppler ultrasonography was positive. Only, the comparision of factor V 1691 G-A mutation revealed statistically significant difference in control (6.06%) and deep vein thrombosis (23.5%) group. Risk assessment of double prothrombotic gene alterations revealed only FV 1691 G-A mutation as an independent risk factor for thrombosis (odds ratio 4.7 [1.5–15.0]), but our data suggested that MTHFR 677 has effect on its own (odds ratio 1.97 [0.6–2.7]) but may have synergy with FV 1691 G-A (odds ratio 8.12 [2.0–25.3]). However, MTHFR 1298 A-C and 1317 T-C does not have any effect; furthermore, being heterozygote at two different loci or homozygosity at least in a locus for 677 and 1298 revealed a significant increase (odds ratio 9 and 24 [1.3–59.3 and 2.3–240.3]) between these two groups.

Effects of neonatal cholinergic basal forebrainlesions on excitatory amino acid receptors in neocortex

The role of cholinergic basal forebrain projections in the modulation of corticalplasticity and associated functional changes is currently the subject of renewed attention.Excitatory amino acid receptors have been identified as mediators of cortical topographic efferentand afferent information. In addition some of these receptors, notably the NMDA andmetabotropic [mGluR] type, participate in cortical plasticity. Growing evidence suggests thatinteractions between cholinergic and glutamatergic systems contribute to cognitive corticalfunctions and their anatomical and physiological substrates. Though cholinergic and glutamatergicmechanisms have both been shown to be involved in cortical morphogenesis, few studies haveattempted to study their interactions in development. The present study investigates the effect ofneonatal lesions to the cholinergic basal forebrain on NMDA, AMPA and mGluR receptors inBALB/CByJ mice, at two different developmental ages. We demonstrated previously that nBMlesions at birth result in transient cholinergic depletion for the first two postnatal weeks,substantial morphogenetic alterations in neocortex and cognitive deficits by adulthood. We showhere that unilateral neonatal lesions result in decreases in NMDA and AMPA receptors butincreases in mGluRs during the second postnatal week (PND 14). At 30 days postnatal, lesionmediated changes were attenuated, compared with PND 14, but significant sex differences incontrol and nBM lesioned mice were apparent. These data support the notion thatcholinergic/glutamatergic interactions are important during early cortical morphogenesis.Moreover, our results highlight the fact that cholinergic as well glutamatergic developmentalmechanisms are sexually dimorphic.

Search for Genetic Factors Favoring Thrombosis in Turkish Population

Common mutations in three genes (MTHFR 677 C-T; MS 2756 A-G; CBS Exon 8,844 ins 68) in homocysteine metabolism have been shown to cause increased plasma homocysteine levels thus causing a predisposition to thrombosis. FV 1691 G-A mutation, which is very common in the Turkish population, was also studied. As there is no existing data in the Turkish population, we aimed to study these mutations in patients with thrombosis and normal controls. The case-control study included 52 patients with the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 106 controls, consecutively selected among subjects without personal and family history of atherothrombosis. Patients with DVT were selected if Doppler ultrasonography was positive. The comparision of FV 1691 G-A mutation revealed statistically significant difference in control and DVT group. Risk assessment of double prothrombotic gene alterations indicated only FV 1691 G-A mutation as an independent risk factor for thrombosis, but our data suggested that MTHFR 677 has little effect on its own but may have synergy with FV 1691 G-A. Other possible risk genotypes at the homocysteine pathway did not have a significant effect on thrombosis. Furthermore, being heterozygote at two different loci or homozygosity at least in one locus also did not reveal a significant difference between these two groups in our population.

Efficacy of Pyrithiobac and Bromoxynil Applied with Low-Volume Spray Systems

Field experiments were conducted in 1994 and 1995 to determine if the sodium salt of pyrithiobac or bromoxynil applied in a low-volume, air-assist spray system controlled entireleaf morningglory, pitted morningglory, and smallflower morningglory as well as treatments applied with a conventional hydraulic fan spraying system, and to determine if herbicide rates could be reduced when using the low-volume spraying system. Pyrithiobac at 0.035 and 0.071 kg ai/ha and bromoxynil at 0.56 and 1.12 kg ai/ha were applied alone and in combination with DSMA at 1.7 kg ai/ha or MSMA at 1.7 kg ai/ha. Spraying systems were calibrated to deliver 26 L/ha and 140 L/ha for the low-volume and conventional systems, respectively. No significant differences in control were noted between low-volume and conventional spray systems when herbicides were applied at the suggested use rates of 0.071 and 1.12 kg ai/ha for pyrithiobac and bromoxynil, respectively. Morningglory control was reduced when pyrithiobac and bromoxynil were applied at one-half the suggested use rate regardless of the spraying systems. Bromoxynil alone generally controlled pitted and entireleaf morningglory better than pyrithiobac alone regardless of rate and application method. However, pyrithiobac generally provided better control of smallflower morningglory than bromoxynil. Adding MSMA or DSMA to bromoxynil and pyrithiobac increased control of both weed species.

Postoperative Irradiation of Laryngeal Carcinoma: The Prognostic Value of Tumour-Free Surgical Margins

Between 1972 and 1987, two hundred and five carcinoma patients were treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. The histological confirmation of tumour-free margins was only predictive of significant differences in locoregional control in locally advanced disease. In addition, macroscopically assessed margins in advanced cases were predictive of survival probability. We suggest that the adjuvant radiotherapy was able to reduce the incidence of locoregional recurrence in the early stage microscopic positive group, hence the lack of a significant difference in the control rates. The effect on survival is therefore indirect. The advanced cases showed significantly reduced locoregional control rates and disease-specific survival times after macroscopic assessment of positive margins, possibly a sign of tumour extension beyond the margins of the radiation field. We compare our results with published reports of cases not receiving adjuvant therapy.