Microholographic multilayer optical disk data storage.

Micrometer-sized reflection holograms can be written into a rapidly rotating homogeneous photopolymer disk at the focus of a high-numerical-aperture beam and its retroreflection to implement high-capacity multilayer digital data storage. This retroreflection is generated by an optical system with positive unity magnification to ensure passive alignment of the counterpropagating beam. Analysis reveals that the storage capacity and transfer rate of this bit-based holographic storage system compare favorably with traditional page-based systems but at a fraction of the system complexity and cost.

Crohn's disease and indeterminate colitis and the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: outcomes and patterns of failure.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the outcome of patients with Crohn's disease and indeterminate colitis who have an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Methods: Between 1982 and 2001, 1,270 patients underwent a restorative proctocolectomy at the Mount Sinai Hospital: 1,135 had ulcerative colitis, 36 had Crohn's disease, 21 had indeterminate colitis, and 78 had another diagnosis. Perioperative data were collected prospectively.

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid isomers on lipoproteins and atherosclerosis in the Syrian Golden hamster.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 cis-9, cis-12) that are reported to have important biological activities, including protection against atherosclerosis. In this study, the potential role of the individual cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers of CLA in atherogenesis were compared with LA in the Syrian Golden hamster. Supplementation of a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFHC) with 1% (w/w) cis-9, trans-11 CLA or trans-10, cis-12 CLA did not significantly affect plasma cholesterol levels compared to supplementation with 1% (w/w) LA.

TRPV1 receptor: a target for the treatment of pain, cough, airway disease and urinary incontinence.

The TRPV1 channel is mainly expressed in sensory nerves. Activation of the channel induces neuropeptide release from central and peripheral sensory nerve terminals, resulting in the sensation of pain, neurogenic inflammation, smooth muscle contraction and cough. The TRPV1 channel can be activated by vanilloids such as capsaicin, as well as endogenous stimulators including H(+), heat, lipoxygenase products and anandamide.

Pouch-vaginal fistula after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: treatment and outcomes.

Purpose: Pouch-vaginal fistula is an uncommon but serious complication after ileal pouch anal anastomosis. The management of pouch-vaginal fistulas is challenging and a number of treatment options exist. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes after various procedures for pouch-vaginal fistula performed at our institution.

Maternal inheritance and stage-specific variation of the apicoplast in Toxoplasma gondii during development in the intermediate and definitive host.

The structure and location of Toxoplasma gondii apicoplasts were examined in intermediate and definitive hosts and shown to vary in a stage-specific manner. Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy studies were used to identify changes in the morphology of apicoplasts and in their enoyl reductase (ENR) content during asexual and sexual development. Apicoplasts in tachyzoites were small, multimembraned organelles anterior to nuclei that divided and segregated with the nuclei during endodyogeny.

Effect of combined histamine H1 and H3 receptor blockade on cutaneous microvascular permeability elicited by compound 48/80.

The pharmacological consequences of combining a histamine H1 receptor antagonist with a H3 antagonist on cutaneous microvascular permeability due to intradermal (i.d.) injections of compound 48/80, a mast cell liberator of histamine, was studied in the anesthetized guinea pig.

Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in mothers of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis: Implications for prenatal management and screening.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether demographic characteristics, history of exposure to recognized transmission vehicles, or illness that was compatible with acute toxoplasmosis during gestation identified most mothers of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis.

Study Design: Mothers of 131 infants and children who were referred to a national study of treatment for congenital toxoplasmosis were characterized demographically and questioned concerning exposure to recognized risk factors or illness.

Results: No broad demographic features identified populations that were at risk.

The unusual mitochondrial compartment of Cryptosporidium parvum.

Recent studies, including the Cryptosporidium parvum Genome Project, have provided evidence for a mitochondrial-derived compartment in this parasite. This organelle appears to lack a genome, and thus must be entirely dependent on nuclear-encoded proteins. Here, we review the evidence for such an organelle in C.

Azathioprine or ileocolic resection for steroid-dependent terminal ileal Crohn's disease? A Markov analysis.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine whether initial azathioprine therapy, followed by ileocolic resection if azathioprine fails, or initial ileocolic resection without a trial of azathioprine is the preferred treatment strategy in steroid-dependent, terminal ileal Crohn's disease.

Methods: A Markov, decision analytic model was developed to simulate a 36-month course for a patient with steroid-dependent, terminal ileal Crohn's disease who would initially take azathioprine or have ileocolic resection. Clinically important outcomes in the model included side effects and effectiveness of azathioprine and postoperative complications, mortality, and recurrence following ileocolic resection.

Tachykinins in the lungs.

Tachykinins are neuropeptides which regulate various biological responses, some of which are potentially important in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases such as asthma. Tachykinins produce their biological effects by stimulating specific tachykinin receptors (NK(1), NK(2) and NK(3)). Tachykinins have a variety of effects in the lungs.

Computed radiography as a gamma ray detector--dose response and applications.

Computed radiography (CR) can be used for imaging the spatial distribution of photon emissions from radionuclides. Its wide dynamic range and good response to medium energy gamma rays reduces the need for long exposure times. Measurements of small doses can be performed without having to pre-sensitize the computed radiography plates via an x-ray exposure, as required with screen-film systems.

Teaching practicing surgeons critical appraisal skills with an Internet-based journal club: A randomized, controlled trial.

Background: The effectiveness of interventions for developing critical appraisal skills in practicing physicians has not been studied, despite the documented importance of reading the literature in caring for patients and in continuing professional development. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether an Internet-based intervention would lead to enhanced critical appraisal skills in practicing surgeons.

Methods: General surgeons who agreed to participate were randomized into 2 groups.

Valproic acid inhibits leptin secretion and reduces leptin messenger ribonucleic acid levels in adipocytes.

Treatment of epilepsy or bipolar disorder with valproic acid (VPA) induces weight gain and increased serum levels for the satiety hormone, leptin, through an unidentified mechanism. In this study we tested the effects of VPA, a short-chain branched fatty acid (C8:0), on leptin biology and fatty acid metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. VPA significantly reduced leptin secretion in a dose-dependent manner.

Surgical management of entero and colocutaneous fistulae in Crohn's disease: 17 year's experience.

Background And Aims: Fistulous disease is common in Crohn's disease, and entero- and colocutaneous fistulae are particularly debilitating and difficult to manage. We present the results of surgical management of these fistulas.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective chart review of all 51 patients with Crohn's disease (56 surgical procedures) undergoing surgery for cutaneous fistulae between 1983 and 2000.

Female infertility after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.

Purpose: Although ulcerative colitis commonly affects young females, the impact of ulcerative colitis and its treatment on female fertility have not been well studied. The purpose of this survey was to examine the impact of ulcerative colitis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis on female reproductive ability.

Methods: Demographic, reproductive history, and disease history information were obtained via a questionnaire mailed to females who had pelvic pouch surgery or nonoperative management for ulcerative colitis.

Antitussive profile of the NOP agonist Ro-64-6198 in the guinea pig.

We have previously shown that N/OFQ, the endogenous peptide ligand for the 'opioid-like' NOP receptor, inhibits cough in guinea pigs and cats. In the present study we sought to continue our characterization of the cough-suppressant effects of NOP stimulation by profiling the pulmonary and antitussive effects of a novel non-peptide NOP agonist, Ro-64-6198, in guinea pigs. In receptor-binding assays, we confirmed that Ro-64-6198 selectively binds to NOP receptors over other opioid receptors.