A quantitative light microscopic study of the bullfrog amphibian papilla tectorium: correlation with the tonotopic organization

The height, width and cross-sectional area of the bullfrog amphibian papilla tectorial membrane were quantitatively analysed from frontal serial sections. The cross-sectional area (which is a measure of mass) of the tectorium does not appear to be linearly graded along the length of the papilla, but rather spatial gradations occur in more or less a step-wise manner. The spatially graded area (or mass) is well correlated with the width of the tectorium and their relationships with the tonotopic organization of the amphibian papilla are discussed.     

Influence of a carbohydrate drink on nutritional status, body composition and mood during desert training

BACKGROUND: Nutritional intake by military personnel is typically inadequate during field exercises, potentially compromising health and performance. HYPOTHESIS: Drinking a supplemental carbohydrate (CHO) beverage will increase total caloric intake and maintain nutritional status during military training in the desert. METHODS: A total of 63 volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive either a CHO or placebo beverage with military rations during an 11-d desert field exercise. Fluid intake was ad libitum and adequate rations were provided. Blood samples were collected twice to assess nutritional status, and nutrient intake was determined with consumption data. Mood state was examined by questionnaire. RESULTS: Energy intake was significantly higher in the CHO group (3050 kcal x d(-1) vs. 2631 kcal x d(-1)), with additional CHO from the beverage providing energy with some compensation by reduced fat and protein intake. Intakes of energy, folacin, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc in both groups were inadequate, with intakes significantly lower (p<0.05) for calcium, magnesium, and zinc in the CHO beverage group. Blood parameters of nutritional status remained within normal ranges with no differences between groups, but significant decreases were seen in pre-albumin. No changes in mood were seen during the training, nor after exposure to desert conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The operational ration supplemented with a CHO beverage significantly increases CHO and energy intakes compared with standard rations and maintains nutritional status for short exercises. Fortification with micronutrients most at risk for deficient intake from foods may be needed for longer deployments.     

Fluid replacement drinks during high intensity exercise effects on minimizing exercise-induced disturbances in homeostasis

Summary The purpose of these experiments was to examine the influence of various fluid replacement drinks on exercise-induced disturbances in homeostasis during heavy exercise. Nine trained cyclists performed constant load exercise on a cycle ergometer to fatigue on three occasions with 1-week separating experiments. The work rate was set initially at 85% of (range 82–88%) with fatigue being defined as a 10% decline in power output below the initial value. During each experiment subjects consumed one of the following three beverages prior to and every 15 min during exercise: (1) non-electrolyte placebo (NEP; 31 mosmol · kg^–1); (2) glucose polymer drink containing electrolytes (GP; 7% CHO, 231 mosmol · kg^–1), and (3) electrolyte placebo drink without carbohydrate (EP; 48 mosmol · kg^–1). Both the GP and EP beverage contained sodium citrate/citric acid (C) as a flavoring agent while C was not contained in the NEP drink. Although seven of nine subjects worked longer during the GP and EP treatment when compared with the NEP trial, the difference was not significant (P>0.05). No differences (P>0.05) existed between the GP and EP treatments in performance time. Exercise changes in rectal temperature, heart rate, % plasma volume and plasma concentrations of total protein, free fatty acids, glucose, lactate, potassium, chloride, calcium, and sodium did not differ (P>0.05) between trials. In contrast, blood hydrogen ion concentration [H⁺] was significantly lower (P<0.05) at 30 min of exercise during the GP and EP treatment when compared with the NEP run. These data provide evidence that electrolyte drinks do not minimize exercise-induced disturbances in blood-electrolyte concentrations during heavy execrcise when compared with nonelectrolyte drinks; however, these results suggest that fluid replacement beverages containing buffers (i.e. C) and/or electrolytes may minimize blood alterations in [H⁺] during intense exercise. Additional research is required to determine if the buffering influence of these beverages has an ergogenic benefit during heavy exercise.     

Prognostic analysis of invasive circulating tumor cells (iCTCs) in epithelial ovarian cancer

Goals

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been introduced as a biomarker in detecting advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The goals are to examine the prevalence of the invasive subpopulation of CTCs (iCTCs) in patients at high risk of EOC and to compare this biomarker to serum CA125.

Methods

We used a unique cell adhesion matrix (CAM)-based, functional cell enrichment and identification platform to isolate iCTCs from 129 preoperative patients. We confirmed the identity of iCTCs using positive epithelial (Epi +) markers and negative hematopoietic lineage (HL −) markers. Sensitivity and specificity of the assays were examined and iCTCs/CA125 were correlated with overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and clinical parameters.

Results

We found a 41.2% sensitivity, 95.1% specificity and 77.8% positive predictive value (PPV) of the iCTC assay in detecting patients with stage I and II EOC malignancy, and a 83% sensitivity and 97.3% PPV in detecting all stages of EOC malignancy. However, a positive CA125 test provided weak evidence to detect stage I and II malignancy (61.6% PPV) and all EOC (92.1% PPV), because of its 76.2% specificity. A significantly stronger concordance in OS and PFS of clinical factors (tumor stage, debulking and platinum sensitivity) was noted for elevated iCTCs than for serum CA125.

Conclusion

The CAM-initiated CTC enrichment/identification method enabled the detection of early stage EOC. iCTCs were better correlated with worse OS and PFS, more specific and better PPV than CA125 in detecting EOC malignancy in patients at high risk of EOC.     

Paralysis of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve: treatment options.

Isolated paralysis of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve results in an asymmetrical smile with elevation of the lower lip on the affected side. We discuss the surgical options for its correction and present a series of 26 patients who underwent either botulinum toxin injection, anterior belly of digastric transfer or free extensor digitorum brevis transfer as treatment. Botulinum toxin injection provided satisfactory results although these were temporary. Anterior belly of digastric transfer was the surgical procedure of choice. It yielded superior cosmetic results, less donor-site morbidity and required a shorter operating time. In more complex congenital facial hypoplastic syndromes, or following extensive surgery in the digastric triangle, the anterior belly of the digastric muscle may be absent or damaged. Extensor digitorum brevis transfer is the preferred option in these cases.     

Surface Area Effects in Hydroxyapatite/Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Nanocomposites

In order to understand the contribution of nanoparticle surface area to the properties of nanocomposite materials, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with different specific surface areas (60 m² · g^?1 and 111 m² · g^?1) were synthesized using reverse microemulsion and processed into nanocomposites. Experimental results indicated that the thermomechanical reinforcement did show a dependence on nanoparticle surface area, although the transition temperatures did not. The reinforcement trends were dependent on temperature, suggesting that the nanoparticles had a greater impact on the amorphous polymer chains. The reinforcement above T_g may be plotted against nanoparticle surface area to obtain a single reinforcement trend, suggesting that surface area is a general parameter for nanocomposite property control.

     

Regional distribution of ventilation and perfusion in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency

Regional distribution of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion has been determined of 13 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Eight patients had alpha₁-antitrypsin deficiency (α₁ATD). Ventilation studies were carried out using xenon-133 (¹³³Xe) and krypton-81m (^81mKr) gases. Trapping indices were determined from the wash-out part of the xenon ventilation studies. Results obtained from patients were compared with those of normal controls. Ventilation studies with ^81mKr showed pulmonary changes more clearly than did ¹³³Xe studies and the trapping of radio-xenon was more extensive in lung bases than in apices whether or not the patients had α₁ATD. The distribution of perfusion followed a pattern similar to that of ventilation, but did not differ statistically from that of the normal controls.