DNA diversification in two Sinorhizobium species.

The comparative analysis of genomic characteristics and single-nucleotide polymorphism patterns from large fragments borne on different replicons of Sinorhizobium spp. genomes clearly demonstrate that DNA recombination among closely related bacteria is a major event in the diversification of this genome, especially in pSymA, resulting in mosaic structure.

Ipsilateral vagotomy to unilaterally ovariectomized pre-pubertal rats modifies compensatory ovarian responses.

The present study evaluates the participation of the vagus nerve in pre-pubertal rats with unilateral ovariectomy on puberty onset, and on progesterone, testosterone and estradiol serum levels, and the compensatory responses of the ovary. Unilateral vagotomy did not modify the onset of puberty in unilaterally ovariectomized rats. Ovulation rates of animals with the left vagus nerve sectioned and the left ovary in-situ was lower than in rats with only unilateral ovariectomy.

Morphine differentially regulates hsp90beta expression in the nucleus accumbens of Lewis and Fischer 344 rats.

We have comparatively studied hsp90beta gene and protein expression in the nucleus accumbens of Lewis and Fischer 344 (F344) rats, two inbred strains that exhibit prominent behavioural differences in drug-seeking behaviours. Phenotypical studies confirmed that Lewis rats developed a higher preference for morphine-paired environments after conditioning. RT-PCR assays did not reveal strain-related differences in hsp90beta gene expression in basal conditions; however, acute morphine treatment provoked an increase of hsp90beta mRNA 2h after injection only in the case of Lewis rats.

Cyclooctane tropospheric degradation initiated by reaction with C1 atoms.

Goal, Scope And Background: Within the non-methane hydrocarbons, alkanes constitute the largest fraction of the anthropogenic emissions of volatile organic compounds. For the case of cyclic alkanes, tropospheric degradation is expected to be initiated mainly by OH reactions in the gas phase. Nevertheless, C1 atom reaction rate constants are generally one order of magnitude larger than those of OH.

Place conditioning in a two- or three-conditioning compartment apparatus: a comparative study with morphine and U-50,488.

We have comparatively studied the effects of two opioids in the rat place conditioning paradigm in identical experimental conditions (including double drug/saline conditioning daily sessions for 3 days), with the only exception of using either a two- or three-conditioning compartment apparatus. Morphine-induced place preference appeared to be similar with two- and three-conditioning compartments, but U-50,488-induced place aversion was consistently more prominent when a two-conditioning compartment apparatus was used. It is suggested that, when the results of conditioning are being tested, the presence of neutral environments decreases the sensitivity of the procedure to quantify place aversions.

[Which surgical technique should we perform for benign renal disease in children?].

Aim: The aim of this paper is to analyze our experience in different surgical techniques to perform a nephrectomy for benign renal diseases in children.

Material And Methods: From 1993 to 2005 we have performed 98 nephrectomies. We have three groups of patients depending on the surgical technique: open nephrectomy (ON), transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (TLN) and retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (RLN).

Evaluating measurement equivalence using the item response theory log-likelihood ratio (IRTLR) method to assess differential item functioning (DIF): applications (with illustrations) to measures of physical functioning ability and general distress.

Background: Methods based on item response theory (IRT) that can be used to examine differential item functioning (DIF) are illustrated. An IRT-based approach to the detection of DIF was applied to physical function and general distress item sets. DIF was examined with respect to gender, age and race.

Short communication: Addition of milk replacer to colostrum whey: effect on immunoglobulin G passive transfer in Majorera kids.

Forty-two Majorera kids (21 males and 21 females) were assigned to 3 groups, a colostrum group (C), a colostrum whey group (CW), and a colostrum whey plus milk replacer group (CWMR). All kids were fed twice on the first day and received 4 g of IgG/kg of body weight. No differences were found in serum IgG among the different treatments.

[Distribution of fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA beta cell in children and adolescents from Maracaibo, Venezuela].

Background: The raising prevalence of obesity among children increases the risk of insulin resistance and its adverse metabolic consequences.

Aim: To determine the distributions of fasting serum glucose, insulin, HOMA IR and HOMA beta cell in a representative sample of children and adolescents from Maracaibo-Venezuela.

Subjects And Methods: Fasting insulin and glucose were measured in 418 children and adolescents (191 boys and 227 girls) of 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 years of age.

Recurrent DNA inversion rearrangements in the human genome.

Several lines of evidence suggest that reiterated sequences in the human genome are targets for nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR), which facilitates genomic rearrangements. We have used a PCR-based approach to identify breakpoint regions of rearranged structures in the human genome. In particular, we have identified intrachromosomal identical repeats that are located in reverse orientation, which may lead to chromosomal inversions.

Purified A2 domain of von Willebrand factor binds to the active conformation of von Willebrand factor and blocks the interaction with platelet glycoprotein Ibalpha.

Background: von Willebrand factor (VWF) does not interact with circulating platelets unless it is induced to expose the binding site for platelet glycoprotein (GP)Ibalpha in the A1 domain by high shear stress, immobilization, and/or a modulator. Previous studies have implied indirectly that the A2 domain may be involved in regulating A1-GPIbalpha binding.

Objective And Methods: Because the relationship between the A1 and A2 domains has not been defined, we have investigated the effect of the A2 domain on the binding activity of the A1 domain using recombinant A domain polypeptides, multimeric VWF, and monoclonal antibodies (mAb).

[The role of surgery for lung nodules in pediatric oncology].

Aim: To evaluate the role of lung nodule surgery in pediatric cancer patients.

Materials And Methods: The records of all cancer patients (< 18 y) treated at our pediatric institution since 1993 were reviewed. Clinical data, imaging features, surgical attitude, pathology and outcome were analyzed for those patients developing lung nodules on CT scan at any time.

Oxidative stress markers in surgically treated patients with refractory epilepsy.

Objectives: This study examines the redox status of drug-resistant epileptic patients and how it is modified after surgical treatment.

Design And Methods: The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase), and markers of damage to biomolecules (malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products) were determined by spectrophotometric methods in the serum of 9 drug-resistant epileptic patients, before and at different times after surgery, and in 32 control subjects.

Results: Pre-surgery, epileptic patients presented increases in markers of oxidative damage and alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

[Nutritional and surgical management of short bowel syndrome. Our last 6 patients' experience].

Background: Children cause of intestinal failure is short-bowel syndrome. It provokes an altered absorption of nutrients and makes patients to be dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN) while they wait or not for an intestinal transplantation, with its side effects. It is crucial to achieve the maximum efficiency of remaining intestine.

Iron-deficiency anemia as presentation of pouchitis.

Goals: This study sought to describe the percentage and cause of anemia in patients who underwent ileal pouch with anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC), and to compare the distribution of complications in patients with and without anemia, especially pouchitis, after IPAA.

Background: IPAA is the surgical procedure of choice for UC. Complications include pouchitis (40%), strictures (30%), small bowel obstruction (10%), pelvic sepsis (<5%), and urinary and sexual dysfunctions (<5%).

Perceptions of methadone maintained clients about barriers and facilitators to help-seeking behavior.

Background: Among substance users, health seeking remains a major challenge for which few data are available.

Objectives: We sought to investigate the perceptions of methadone-maintained heroin users who are also problem or heavy drinkers, their barriers and facilitators to seeking help for substance and general and chronic care treatment.

Methods: A qualitative design using a semistructured focus group approach was conducted with a convenience sample of 41 adult clients of a methadone maintenance facility in Los Angeles.

Adolescent participation in preventive health behaviors, physical activity, and nutrition: differences across immigrant generations for Asians and Latinos compared with Whites.

Objectives: We investigated preventive health behaviors (bicycle helmet, seat belt, and sunscreen use), physical activity, television viewing or video game playing, and nutrition (fruit, vegetable, milk, and soda consumption) among Asian and Latino adolescents living in the United States; assessed trends across generations (first-, second-, and third-generation immigrants or later); and compared each generation with White adolescents.

Methods: We used data from 5801 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the representative 2001 California Health Interview Survey.

Results: In multivariate analysis, first-generation Asians measured worse than Whites for preventive health behaviors (lower participation), physical activity (less activity), and television viewing or video game playing (more hours), but improved across generations.

Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy followed by adjuvant tamoxifen versus nil for patients with operable breast cancer: a randomised phase III trial of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Breast Group.

Background: The contribution of adjuvant tamoxifen in breast cancer patients after receiving adjuvant chemotherapy is not fully established. We investigated the impact of tamoxifen, given sequentially after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with operable breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: Between March 1991 and June 1999, 1863 women with stages I-IIIA operable breast cancer who had undergone surgery and completed six cycles of adjuvant combination chemotherapy with either CMF, CAF, CEF, FAC or FEC were randomised to receive either tamoxifen 20 mg daily for 3 years or no further treatment.

Debilitating musculoskeletal pain and stiffness with letrozole and exemestane: associated tenosynovial changes on magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: Arthralgia, skeletal and muscle pain have been reported in postmenopausal women under treatment with third generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs). However, the pathogenesis and anatomic correlate of musculoskeletal pains have not been thoroughly evaluated. Moreover, the impact of AI-induced musculoskeletal symptoms on normal daily functioning needs to be further explored.

Item and scale differential functioning of the Mini-Mental State Exam assessed using the Differential Item and Test Functioning (DFIT) Framework.

Objectives: To illustrate the application of the Differential Item and Test Functioning (DFIT) method using English and Spanish versions of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Subjects: Study participants were 65 years of age or older and lived in North Manhattan, New York. Of the 1578 study participants who were administered the MMSE 665 completed it in Spanish.

Endometrial safety of third generation aromatase inhibitors versus tamoxifen in breast cancer patients.

The estrogenic activity of tamoxifen on the uterus increases the risk of developing benign and malignant uterine pathologies in breast cancer patients receiving this drug. This has led to gynecological interventions specifically in symptomatic women to exclude malignant disease. Given this known side effect associated with tamoxifen therapy, newer endocrine therapies such as the third-generation aromatase inhibitors have been compared to tamoxifen also in terms of their uterine effects.

[Basal insulin levels in a Zulia State population in Venezuela].

This study examines the basal insulin levels in a population from Zulia state (Venezuela). A total of 1703 subjects (1175 women and 528 men) from five different sanitary regions (Maracaibo, La Guajira, Perijá, Sur del Lago de Maracaibo, y Costa Oriental del Lago de Maracaibo) were studied. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and blood pressure were determined.