Total TC Research Articles

Interannual Variability of Northwest Australian Tropical Cyclones

Abstract Tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the southeast Indian Ocean has been studied far less than other TC basins, such as the North Atlantic and northwest Pacific. The authors examine the interannual TC variability of the northwest Australian (NWAUS) subbasin (0°–35°S, 105°–135°E), using an Australian TC dataset for the 39-yr period of 1970–2008. Thirteen TC metrics are assessed, with emphasis on annual TC frequencies and total TC days. Major findings are that for the NWAUS subbasin, there are annual means of 5.6 TCs and 42.4 TC days, with corresponding small standard deviations of 2.3 storms and 20.0 days. For intense TCs (WMO category 3 and higher), the annual mean TC frequency is 3.0, with a standard deviation of 1.6, and the annual average intense TC days is 7.6 days, with a standard deviation of 4.5 days. There are no significant linear trends in either mean annual TC frequencies or TC days. Notably, all 13 variability metrics show no trends over the 39-yr period and are less dependent upon standard El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variables than many other TC basins, including the rest of the Australian region basin. The largest correlations with TC frequency were geopotential heights for June–August at 925 hPa over the South Atlantic Ocean (r = −0.65) and for April–June at 700 hPa over North America (−0.64). For TC days the largest correlations are geopotential heights for July–September at 1000 hPa over the South Atlantic Ocean (−0.7) and for April–June at 850 hPa over North America (−0.58). Last, wavelet analyses of annual TC frequencies and TC days reveal periodicities at ENSO and decadal time scales. However, the TC dataset is too short for conclusive evidence of multidecadal periodicities. Given the large correlations revealed by this study, developing and testing of a multivariate seasonal TC prediction scheme has commenced, with lead times up to 6 months.

REGULARITY OF SOAP FILM-LIKE SURFACES SPANNING GRAPHS IN A RIEMANNIAN MANIFOLD

Let M be an n-dimensional complete simply connected Riemannian manifold with sectional curvature bounded above by a nonpositive constant <TEX>$-{\kappa}^2$</TEX>. Using the cone total curvature TC(<TEX>$\Gamma$</TEX>) of a graph <TEX>$\Gamma$</TEX> which was introduced by Gulliver and Yamada [8], we prove that the density at any point of a soap film-like surface <TEX>$\Sigma$</TEX> spanning a graph <TEX>$\Gamma\;\subset\;M$</TEX> is less than or equal to <TEX>$\frac{1}{2\pi}\{TC(\Gamma)-{\kappa}^2Area(p{\times}\Gamma)\}$</TEX>. From this density estimate we obtain the regularity theorems for soap film-like surfaces spanning graphs with small total curvature. In particular, when n = 3, this density estimate implies that if <TEX>$TC(\Gamma)$</TEX> < <TEX>$3.649{\pi}\;+\;{\kappa}^2\inf\limits_{p{\in}F}Area(p{\times}{\Gamma})$</TEX>, then the only possible singularities of a piecewise smooth (M, 0, <TEX>$\delta$</TEX>)-minimizing set <TEX>$\Sigma$</TEX> are the Y-singularity cone. In a manifold with sectional curvature bounded above by <TEX>$b^2$</TEX> and diameter bounded by <TEX>$\pi$</TEX>/b, we obtain similar results for any soap film-like surfaces spanning a graph with the corresponding bound on cone total curvature.

Some comments on the economic lot size of a three-stage supply chain with backordering derived without derivatives

Chung and Wee [Chung, C.J., Wee, H.M., 2007. Optimizing the economic lot size of a three-stage supply chain with backordering derived without derivatives. European Journal of Operational Research 183, 933–943] investigate the economic lot size of a three-stage supply chain with backordering derived without derivatives. Their inventory model is correct and interesting. Basically, they adopt an algebraic approach by using the method of complete squares to locate the optimal solution of the integrated system’s total cost TC ( q , B , n , M ) and ignore the role of the functional behavior of TC ( q , B , n , M ) in locating the optimal solution of it. However, as argued in this paper [Chung, C.J., Wee H.M., 2007. Optimizing the economic lot size of a three-stage supply chain with backordering derived without derivatives. European Journal of Operational Research 183, 933–943] need to explore the functional behavior of TC ( q , B , n , M ) to justify their solution. So, from the viewpoint of logic, the derivations about the optimal solution have some shortcomings such that the validity of the solution procedure in Chung and Wee [Chung, C.J., Wee H.M., 2007. Optimizing the economic lot size of a three-stage supply chain with backordering derived without derivatives. European Journal of Operational Research 183, 933–943] is questionable. The main purpose of this paper is to overcome those shortcomings and present complete proofs for Chung and Wee [Chung, C.J., Wee H.M., 2007. Optimizing the economic lot size of a three-stage supply chain with backordering derived without derivatives. European Journal of Operational Research 183, 933–943].

Dietary effect on plasma lipid changes and pregnant outcomes in early-onset pre-eclampsia-like murine model

To investigate the effects of dietary factors on the pre-eclampsia-like mouse model development at multiple stages of gestation. Pre-eclampsia-like model was established in C57 wild-type (WT) and apoE(-/-) pregnant mice at early, middle and late gestational stages by injecting nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) subcutaneously. Control groups received normal saline (NS) simultaneously. Each group was subdivided into standard chow subgroup (SC, n = 6) and high-fat diet subgroup (HF, n = 6). Blood pressure, urinary protein and plasma lipid were measured and fetal outcomes compared. Data were analyzed statistically. In early and middle L-NAME subgroups, the plasma concentrations of cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) all increased. And the early L-NAME subgroup in apoE(-/-) mice was the most remarkable (P < 0.05). In apoE(-/-) groups (both L-NAME and NS groups), the plasma concentrations of total TC and TG were higher than those of WT groups (P < 0.05). But there was no significant difference in FFA between them. The plasma lipid levels of apoE(-/-) HF + L-NAME group were the highest among all the groups (P < 0.05). Fetal and placental weights significantly decreased in early and middle L-NAME groups in both apoE(-/-) and WT mice (P < 0.05). But no significant difference was found between late L-NAME subgroup and NS groups (P > 0.05). Compared with WT groups, the weights were lower in apoE(-/-) mice. The fetal and placental weights in HF groups were lower than SC groups and the changes in early HF + L-NAME subgroup in apoE(-/-) mice were the most remarkable (P < 0.05). A lower live fetal rate and a higher absorbed fetal rate were found in early L-NAME groups than those of the NS groups (P < 0.05). Pre-eclampsia occurring at an early stage is more likely to have abnormal plasma lipid levels and adverse feto-placental outcomes. High-fat dietary may aggravate the impact of L-NAME pre-eclampsia on pregnancy outcomes at an early gestational stage especially in ApoE(-/-) mice.

“A note on the economic lot size of the integrated vendor–buyer inventory system derived without derivatives”: A comment

Wee and Chung [Wee, H.M., Chung, C.T., 2007. A note on the economic lot size of the integrated vendor–buyer inventory system derived without derivatives. European Journal of Operational Research 177, 1289–1293] use the complete squares method to locate the optimal solution of the integrated system’s total cost TC ( Q , B , n ). However, their algebra method has shortcomings such that it may be invalid. The main purpose of this paper is to overcome those shortcomings and present complete proofs for Wee and Chung (2007).

Effect of Washed Sunflower Oil on Lipid Profile in the Experimental Hypercholesterolemia in the Adult Male Rats

Vegetable oils are considered to be active in modulation of the blood lipid profile and profilacting from cardiovascular diseases, oils extracted from plants (sunflower seeds) may also contains some polar substances which can interferes with their action, if these oils are exposed to some washing processes with worm water, these substances will be removed. A thirty adult albino male rats were divided into five groups and exposed to a hyperlipidemic and hypercholesterolemic diet (animal fats 16% of total calories) and H2O2 (0.5%) in the water for a 30 days for induction of hypercholesterolemia in addition to 15 days in which. sunflower oil are administered orally as a crude and washed oils at a doses of 300 and 600 mg/ kg body weight. There was no significant effect of the washing process on the nutritional status but there were a decrease in total cholesterol TC (50 %), phospholipids PL (42%), low density lipoproteins LDL-c (74%) and elevation in high density lipoproteins HDL-c (70%) resulted from the treatment with washed oil (600 mg/ kg body weight) in addition to decrease in liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content. In conclusion, the washing process of sunflower oil will improve it’s hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant effects.

Lymphocyte subset reconstitution patterns in children with small bowel transplantation induced with steroid‐free rabbit anti‐human thymocyte globulin

Multiple measurements (n = 212) of lymphocyte subsets in 67 children treated with steroid-free Tacrolimus, and rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin induction demonstrate early reconstitution of T-cytotoxic and NK cells. Reconstitution of CD4+ cells is complete after the second post-transplant year. During the period at risk for rejection, NK and T-cytotoxic cell counts are significantly higher among Rejectors. During periods at increased risk for EBV viral infection, CD4 counts bear a significant inverse relationship to EBV viral load in a subset of at-risk recipients. Rejection-prone children also demonstrate significantly higher counts of total lymphocytes, Tc and NK cells prior to SBTx, and may illustrate one basis for enhanced baseline immunocompetence.

Potato consumption reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in humans

Potatoes contain phenolic acids, anthocyanins and carotenoids; however, their potential benefits in immune modulation and against oxidative stress and inflammation are unknown. Free‐living healthy male participants (18‐40 yr; n=12/group) ate 150 g of cooked White (WP), Yellow (YP) or Purple (PP) flesh potatoes once a day for 6 wk in a single‐blinded study. A 3‐day dietary recall was obtained. Blood was collected at baseline and wk 6 to analyze total antioxidant capacity, 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, C‐reactive protein, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, lymphoproliferation, NK cytotoxicity and phenotypes. Compared to participants fed WP, those fed PP (P&lt;0.1) or YP (P&lt;0.05) had lower plasma 8‐OHdG while subjects fed PP had lower (P&lt;0.1) C‐reactive protein. Plasma IL‐6 also was lower (P&lt;0.07) in PP. The population of total Tc cells was lower (P&lt;0.05) in PP, while subjects fed YP tended to have lower (P&gt;0.1) B and NK cell subpopulations and higher total T cell populations than those fed WP. Similarly compared, subjects fed PP tended (P&gt;0.1) to have higher B and NK cell, and lower total T cell populations. Therefore, consumption of pigmented potatoes reduced inflammation and DNA damage, and modulated immune cell phenotype in male subjects. Support: Washington State Potato Comm.Grant Funding SourceWashington State Potato Commission

Comparative study between the prophylactics Effects of aqueous extract of Black Currant (Vitis vinferia.L) and vitamin E on some biological parameters related with heart diseases in oxidative Stressed rats

This study was designed to investigate the prophylactic effect of aqueousextract of black currant concentrate on some biological markers related withheart disease in male rat treated H2O2. It also aimed at comparing theprophylactic effect of black currant concentrate to that of vit E.Forty adult male rats were divided randomly into equal groups (tenrat/group) &amp; were treated as follows for 42 days. Rats in the first group (G І)were received normal water with oral intubation of sun flower oil 1ml /rat andconsider as control group. Animals of the second group (G Π) were received0.5% H2O2 in drinking water, while rats of the third group (G Ш) were received0.5% H2O2 in drinking water with oral intubation of vit E 400 I.U/Kg.B.Wdiluting in sun flower oil for each rat daily .While animals in the fourth group (GІV) were intubated daily 60mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of blackcurrant concentrate plus 0.5% H2O2 in drinking water.Fasting blood samples were collected at 0, 21, and 42 days of experimentto study the following parameters:A - Platelet count (PC) and prothrombin time (PT).B- Serum concentration of total cholesterol TC, triacylglycerol TAG, Highdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol HDL-C, Low density lipoprotein-cholesterolLDL-C and Very low density lipoprotein- cholesterol VLDL-C of each groupwere measured. These parameters were regarded as biomarkers ofatherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). Furthermore section of heart&amp; aorta were assessed for histopathogical studies.The result revealed that administration of 0.5% H2O2 in drinking water for sixweeks (42days) caused significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in platelet count &amp; in serumTC,TAG,LDL-C, and VLDL-C concentration with significant decrease(p&lt;0.05)in prothrombin time and HDL-C concentration as compared to other groups, onother hand oral intubation of vitamin E or aqueous extract of black currantconcentrate in addition to H2O2 (groups Ш and ІV respectively) decreased theserum concentration of TC, TAG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and platelet countIraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine Vol. 32, No. 2, 2008228

Bendamustine, Rituximab and Bortezomib Combined with Liposomal Ara-C (DepoCyte®) for CNS Prophylaxis in Relapsed/Refractory Dlbcl: A Case Report

Background: Bendamustine is a bifunctional purine analog alkylating agent with a novel mechanism of action that exhibits strong single-agent activity in multiple haematological malignancies and several solid tumors. While a number of studies with bendamustine single agent or combined with rituximab are reported in indolent NHL, the available published experience in high grade lymphoma is limited. In one study 23 patients mostly aged >60 years with resistant or relapsed stage I to IV high grade NHL received a combination of bendamustine (50 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5 or 60 mg/m2 on days 1 to 3 of a 28-day cycle), methotrexate (30 mg/m2 on day 3), mitoxantrone (12 mg/m2 on day 1) and prednisolone (60mg/m2 days 1 to 5). Results were promising with an OR of 48% (CR 13%, PR 35%, NC 4%, PD 48%). In a second study with bendamustine as monotherapy (120 mg/m2/day on days 1 and 2 every 3 weeks) in 17 outpatients with refractory (n = 8) and/or relapsed high grade NHL most of whom had been pretreated with ≥2 other therapeutic regimens an OR of 41% (CR 18%, PR 23%) was reported. Prophylaxis of CNS relapse in high grade lymphoma should be performed in patients with involvement of specific extranodal sites or presenting with a high-intermediate/high IPI score. Liposomal ara-C (DepoCyte®) seems to be an ideal drug for prophylaxis based on its long half life and wide distribution throughout the CSF. The drug appears to be safe and tolerable in aggressive diseases when given sufficiently apart from HD ara-C or with regimens free of HD systemic treatment.Methods: We describe the case of a 69 year old male with diffuse large B cell lymphoma stage IV-A with bone marrow involvement, a splenic lesion and left femoral bone involvement. His initial treatment was six cycles of R-CHOP 14 (completed in Jan.06) which resulted in a partial response. The bone marrow was negative and the nodal lymphoma disappeared after this treatment whilst the femoral bone disease persisted and already in Feb/06 a mediastinal progression was diagnosed. From February to May 06 the patient was treated with four cycles of a dose reduced VIHA schedule because of the age for second line treatment. However, CT and PET scans during treatment showed the persistence of the disease. Therefore, in Jul.06 BEAM high dose chemotherapy with peripheral stem cell infusion followed by radiotherapy in 17 fractions (total dose 30,6 Gy) was conducted and again a partial response was achieved. In September the patient presented pulmonary and medullary tuberculosis and received standard therapy for nine months. In April 08 the patient was admitted to our institution with a suspected relapse of the disease. The total body TC and PET confirmed disease at the thoracic level and progression in the right paraspinal sites. The cytology and flow cytometry analysis of the CSF were negative but the patient had a high' HCV RNA titer (1.586,811 copies). The patient received a combination of bendamustine, (70mg/m2 day1,2), bortezomib (1,3mg/m2 days 1,8,15,22) and rituximab (700mg/m2 day 1) every 28 days and four intrathecal injections of the DepoCyte® every three weeks for CNS prophylaxis. An early PET after two courses of this chemotherapy showed a complete response which was never achieved with previous treatments. The chemotherapy was well tolerated and the patient continues with the program of six cycles of this combination chemotherapy.Conclusion: Bendamustine in combination with rituximab and bortezomib was shown to be very effective and well tolerated in this heavily pretreated patient with refractory high grade lymphoma. This case report is ongoing and but the impressive initial response would justify further studies to confirm the efficacy of this combination in relapsed or refractory DLBCL Liposomal cytarabine was well tolerated; no neurological side effects or haematological toxicities were recorded. Liposomal cytarabine should be considered the drug of choice for CNS prophylaxis.

Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of flax and pumpkin seed mixture rich in ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in hypercholesterolemic rats

Flax and pumpkin seeds are a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and fibers, known to have anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective activities. These effects were evaluated in Wistar rats fed with 1% cholesterol diet. The study was performed on 30 male rats divided into three groups: a control group (CD), CD-chol group fed diet with 1% cholesterol and MS-chol group fed diet enriched with flax and pumpkin seed mixture. In CD-chol group, total cholesterol TC, triacylglycerol TG in plasma and liver, plasma LDL-C, atherogenic index AI and LDL/HDL ratio significantly increased. In MS-chol group lipid parameters decreased significantly, plasma and liver fatty acid composition showed an increase of PUFAs (ALA and LA), and MUFAs (oleic and eicosaenoic acid) and a decrease of SFA (palmitic and stearic acid). In plasma and liver of MS-chol group, malondialdehyde levels decreased and the efficiency of antioxidant defense system was improved compared to CD-chol group. Liver histological sections showed lipid storage in hepatocytes of CD-chol group and an improvement was noted in MS-chol group. Our results suggested that flax and pumpkin seed mixture had anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective effects which were probably mediated by unsaturated fatty acids present in seed mixture.

Chronic kidney disease among diabetic patients in a primary care setting, in rural Greece

Background and Aim: The prevalence of thyroid dysfuncions and diabetes is high. Their combination is frequently bserved, andGPs are often dealingwithDMpatientswith disipidemia and subclinical hypothyroidism (SH). Our aim was o assess the association between SH and lipid abnormalities nd effect of l-thyroxin and statin therapy on lipid profiles in atients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods: In total 66 women with T2DM and SH were studed (mean age 43±7 years, mean diabetes duration 6±2 ears). SH was diagnosed based on results of thyroid hormone ests (mean TSH-5.1±1.2 IU/l; mean T3-1.6±0.2nmol/l and 4-65±10nmol/l). Patients were separated into two groups Gr.)—Gr.1: n=36, mean HbA1c: 7.6±2.2%, total cholesterol TC): 278±28mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C)-192±23mg/dl. herapy with statins was initiated. Gr.2: n=30, mean HbA1c: .5±2.3%, TC: 276±26mg/dl, LDL-C: 189±23mg/dl. No lipid educing drugs were used, patients were treated only with iet. Both group patients were on l-thyroxin therapy, T2DM as controlled with oral hypoglycemic agents. Results: Six months post study initiation following esults were obtained—Gr.1: significant reduction in TC: 57±36mg/dl (p=0.01), LDL-C: 173±28mg/dl (p=0.01). r.2: statistically evident reduction was not observed, TC: 75±26mg/dl, (p=0.25), LDL-C: 188±22mg/dl (p=0.25). bA1c levels dropped to 6.8±1.8% (Gr.1) and 6.7±1.7% (Gr.2). -Thyroxin administration resulted inTSH level normalization n both groups (3.75±0.17 IU/l). Conclusion: In pts with T2DM and SH levels of TC and LDL-C, re elevated, that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. -Thyroxin therapy does not affect lipid metabolism, normalzation of lipid profiles can be achieved only with the use of ppropriate dyslipidemic therapy.

Solubility study of Tc(IV) in a granitic water

The deep geological disposal of the high level radioactive wastes is expected to be a safe disposal method in most countries. The long-lived fission product99Tc is present in large quantities in nuclear wastes and its chemical behavior in aqueous solution is of considerable interest. Under oxidizing conditions technetium exists as the anionic species TcO4−whereas under the reducing conditions, expected to exist in a deep geological repository, it is generally predicted that technetium will be present as TcO2·nH2O. Hence, the mobility of Tc(IV) in reducing groundwater may be limited by the solubility of TcO2·nH2O under these conditions. Due to this fact it is important to investigate the solubility of TcO2·nH2O. The solubility determines the release of radionuclides from waste form and is used as a source term in radionuclide migration analysis in performance assessment of radioactive waste repository. Technetium(IV) was prepared by reduction of a technetate solution with Sn2+. The solubility of Tc(IV) has been determined in simulated groundwater and redistilled water under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The effects of pH and CO32−concentration of solution on solubility of Tc(IV) were studied. The concentration of total technetium and Tc(IV) species in the solutions were periodically determined by separating the oxidized and reduced technetium species using a solvent extraction procedure and counting the beta activity of the99Tc with a liquid scintillation counter. The experimental results show that the rate of oxidation of Tc(IV) in simulated groundwater and redistilled water is about (1.49∼1.86)×10−9mol L−1d−1under aerobic conditions, while no Tc(IV) oxidation was detected in simulated groundwater and redistilled water under anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic or anaerobic conditions the solubility of Tc(IV) in simulated groundwater and redistilled water is equal on the whole after centrifugation or ultrafiltration. The solubility of Tc(IV) increases with the decrease of pH at pH&lt;2, increases with the increase of pH at pH&gt;11 and is pH independent in the range 2&lt;pH&lt;11. The concentrations of Tc(IV) species were in the range of 10−8to 10−9mol L−1at 2&lt;pH&lt;11. The solubility of Tc(IV) slightly increases with increasing the increase of CO32−concentration. Geochemical modelling showed a good agreement between our experimental results and thermodynamic constants from the NEA TDB review. These data could be used to estimate the Tc(IV) solubility for cases where solubility limits transport of technetium in reducing environments of high-level waste repositories.

Tc(VII)-catalyzed oxidation of U(IV) with nitric acid in solution of TBP in n-dodecane

Oxidation of U(IV) with nitric acid in 30% solution of TBP in n-dodecane is catalyzed by Tc ions; the rate-determining steps are 3U(IV) + 2Tc(VII) → 3U(VI) + 2Tc(IV) and Tc(IV) + Tc(VII) → Tc(V) + Tc(VI). Oxidation of U(IV) is inhibited by the reaction product, HNO2, which partially binds Tc(IV) ions (TcO2+) in an inert complex. The overall rate equation of U(IV) oxidation is-d[U(IV)]/dt = k 1[U(IV)][Tc][HNO3]−3 − k 4[U(IV)]2[HNO2]2[HNO3]−1, where k 1 = 4.8 ± 1.0 mol21−2 min−1 and k 4 = (2.4 ± 1.0) × 105 12 mol−2 min−1 at 25°C, [H2O] = 0.4 M ([Tc] is the total Tc concentration in the reaction mixture). Water and U(VI) have no effect on the reaction rate.

Selenium level in the environment and the population of Zhoukoudian area, Beijing, China

The objective of this study was to detect the selenium level in the environment and the population of Zhoukoudian area, Beijing, and to discuss the influence of various factors on serum selenium level. The soil, drinking water, and foodstuff samples and venous blood samples of 401 individuals were obtained to determine the selenium level by gas chromatograph equipped with a (63)Ni electron capture detector (ECD). The selenium level was 0.210+/-0.013 microg/g in soil, 0.017 microg/L+/-0.002 in drinking water, 0.034+/-0.002 microg/g in rice, and 0.034+/-0.012 microg/g in wheat flour. This index showed that the Zhoukoudian area of Beijing was a moderate or marginal level selenium ecological landscape. The mean serum selenium level of the population was 75.01+/-28.35 microg/L, ranging between 35.2 and 160.4 microg/L. A total of 279 (69.6%) individuals exhibited serum selenium level below 80 microg/L, which is the lowest threshold for the activity of glutathione peroxidases (GPx) in vivo. A total of 35 (8.5%) individuals exhibited serum selenium level below 45 microg/L. It is widely recommended that below this value (45 microg/L) there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum selenium level was positively associated with body mass index (beta=0.137; P=0.011), serum total cholesterol TC (beta=0.785; P=0.000), however, negatively associated with systolic blood pressure (beta=-0.172; P=0.023), serum triglyceride (beta=-0.170; P=0.007), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (beta=-0.121; P=0.027), and low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (beta=-0.568; P=0.027).

Removal of Technetium from Solution by Algal Flagellate Euglena gracilis

Based on limited data for the removal of radioactive (99)Tc by freshwater phytoplankton, it has been thought that phytoplankton are unsuitable for remediation of (99)Tc-contaminated waters. This work sought to verify the validity of this assumption by studying the removal of (99)TcO(4)(-) by freshwater and brackish water phytoplankton. The phytoplankton used were Euglena gracilis, Chlamydomonas pulsatilla, Chlorella vulgaris, and Spirulina platensis. Each of them was incubated for 63 d, and the removal of (99)Tc from solution was periodically determined. Significant removal of (99)Tc was observed only for E. gracilis, and the maximum removal was 70% of the total (99)Tc added. The killed cells of E. gracilis, however, removed hardly any (99)Tc. When E. gracilis cells were washed with fresh culture medium, only 13% of the total (99)Tc was desorbed. These results suggested that intracellular uptake of (99)Tc by E. gracilis occurred. These results are the first documented example of significant removal of (99)Tc by planktonic microalgae.

Association of White Blood Cell Count With Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Composition, and Blood Lipids in Female College Students

Whether inflammary markers are associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and blood lipids across gender and ethnic groups remain less clear. PURPOSE: We investigated the relations of white blood cell count (WBC) with cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition (percent body fat), and blood lipids (high-density lipoprotein, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein, LDL-C, and total cholesterols, TC, and triglycerides, TG) in 82 Korean female college students aged 18 to 34 years. METHODS: We measured WBC count and blood lipids (HDL-C TC, and TG) using an enzymatic method. HDL-C was measured after dextran-magnesium precipitation, and LDL-C was calculated using the Friedewald equation. Percent body fat was analyzed by using the bioelectrical impedance (Biospace Co.), and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were indirectly assessed by using Harvard 5-minute step test. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to investigate the partial associations of WBC count with cardiorespiratory fitness, percent body fat, and blood lipids (HDL-C, TC, and TG) after adjustment for age, body mass index, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and dietary habits. RESULTS: WBC count was inversely associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (r = −0.26, P = 0.02), and positively associated with percent body fat (r = 0.25, P = 0.03) after adjustment for multiple risk factors. However, there was a weak and non-significant association between WBC count with HDL-C (r = −0.04), LDL-C (r = −0.06), TC (r = −0.05), and TG (r = 0.07)], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness may reduce white blood cell count, while being obese may increase white blood cell count in female Korean college students.

Holotranscobalamin and Total Transcobalamin in Human Plasma: Determination, Determinants, and Reference Values in Healthy Adults

We developed microbiological assays (MBAs) to identify determinants and to establish reference values for cobalamin bound to transcobalamin [holotranscobalamin (holoTC)] and total TC in plasma. We captured holoTC with magnetic beads with TC antibodies and used a conventional MBA for cobalamin measurements. Total TC was determined as holoTC after TC was saturated with cyanocobalamin. The new assays were compared with published methods. Determinants and reference values were determined in 500 blood donors, ages 18-69 years. Determination of cobalamin, holoTC, and TC by MBA required <150 microL. HoloTC and TC by MBA correlated with holoTC by RIA (r = 0.95) and TC by ELISA (r = 0.79), respectively. Between-day CVs for holoTC and total TC were 4%-9%. Women had lower holoTC than men, but only at age < or = 45 years. In multivariate regression analyses, holoTC was positively associated with age (in women only), creatinine (in men only), and plasma concentrations of total TC, folate, and cysteine, but inversely correlated with homocysteine and methylmalonic acid. For all study participants, total TC was associated with holoTC and number of TCN2 766C alleles; in female participants only, total TC was also associated with age, homocysteine, and cysteine. Reference values were 670-1270 pmol/L for TC and 42-157 pmol/L for holoTC, but they differed according to age and sex. Our MBAs for TC and holoTC required low plasma volume and performed acceptably compared with other methods. Determinants of holoTC and TC differed between men and women and according to age. Separate reference intervals for holoTC should be considered in younger women.

The effects of cranberry juice consumption on antioxidant status and biomarkers relating to heart disease and cancer in healthy human volunteers

Consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer. This has been ascribed in part to antioxidants in these foods inactivating reactive oxygen species involved in initiation or progression of these diseases. Non-nutritive anthocyanins are present in significant amounts in the human diet. However, it is unclear whether they have health benefits in humans. To determine whether daily consumption of anthocyanin-rich cranberry juice could alter plasma antioxidant activity and biomarkers of oxidative stress. 20 healthy female volunteers aged 18-40 y were recruited. Subjects consumed 750 ml/day of either cranberry juice or a placebo drink for 2 weeks. Fasted blood and urine samples were obtained over 4 weeks. The total phenol, anthocyanin and catechin content of the supplements and plasma were measured. Anthocyanin glycosides were identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS). Vitamin C, homocysteine (tHcy) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured by HPLC. Total antioxidant ability was determined using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry and by the FRAP assay. Plasma total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) were measured. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in erythrocytes. Urine was collected for analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) by HPLC and 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) by ELISA. Endogenous and induced DNA damage were measured by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) in lymphocytes. Vitamin C, total phenol, anthocyanin and catechin concentrations and FRAP and ESR values were significantly higher in the cranberry juice compared with the placebo. Cyanidin and peonidin glycosides comprised the major anthocyanin metabolites [peonidin galactoside (29.2%) > cyanidin arabinoside (26.1%) > cyanidin galactoside (21.7%) > peonidin arabinoside (17.5%) > peonidin glucoside (4.1%) > cyanidin glucoside (1.4 %)]. Plasma vitamin C increased significantly (P<0.01) in volunteers consuming cranberry juice. No anthocyanins (plasma) or catechins (plasma or urine) were detectable and plasma total phenols, tHcy,TC,TG,HDL and LDL were unchanged. The antioxidant potential of the plasma, GSH-Px, CAT and SOD activities, and MDA were similar for both groups. Supplementation with cranberry juice did not affect 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine in urine or endogenous or H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage in lymphocytes. Cranberry juice consumption did not alter blood or cellular antioxidant status or several biomarkers of lipid status pertinent to heart disease. Similarly, cranberry juice had no effect on basal or induced oxidative DNA damage. These results show the importance of distinguishing between the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of dietary anthocyanins in relation to human health.

Aerobic Fitness, Fatness And Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Australian Youth

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the combined influence of aerobic fitness and body fatness on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in youth. Methods The sample consisted of 860 boys and 755 girls aged 9–15 years who participated in the Australian Health and Fitness Survey. Participants were crosstabulated into four groups (low fat/fit; low fat/unfit; high fat/fit; high fat/unfit) using the lowest sex-specific quartiles of estimated percent body fat and maximal oxygen consumption to split the groups. ANCOVA, controlling for age, was used to examine group differences in CVD risk factors (blood pressures, triglycerides (TG), fasting total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and TC:HDL-C). Results In males, significant differences across groups were observed for systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and TC:HDL-C (p<0.05). In females, significant group differences were observed for SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), MAP, and HDL-C (p<0.05). A trend for significance was evident for DBP in males (p=0.12) and for TG (p=0.13) and TC-HDL (p=0.057) in females. In females, blood pressure values were all significantly lower in the high fat/high fitness group compared to the high fat/low fitness group (p<0.02). For both genders, a general trend was also observed for lower blood pressure values in the low fat group (fit or unfit) compared to the high fat group (fit or unfit). This same trend was found for males in the blood lipid values. In females, there was a general trend for lower blood pressure and lipid values in the high fit groups (low fat and high fat) when compared to the low fit group (low fat and high fat). For both sexes, the high fat/low fitness group had a significantly higher composite CVD risk score (consisting of waist circumference, MAP, TG, and HDL-C) than the other groups. Conclusion The results provide evidence for the consideration of both fitness and fatness when interpreting CVD risk factors in youth. In females, there was some evidence of a protective effect of fitness over fatness but this was not evident in males.