High carrier density and capacitance in TiO2 nanotube arrays induced by electrochemical doping.

The paper describes the electronic charging and conducting properties of vertically oriented TiO 2 nanotube arrays formed by anodization of Ti foil samples. The resulting films, composed of vertically oriented nanotubes approximately 10 mum long, wall thickness 22 nm, and pore diameter 56 nm, are analyzed using impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Depending on the electrochemical conditions two rather different electronic behaviors are observed.

Silent myocardial ischemia: Current perspectives and future directions.

Silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) is increasingly being recognized as part of the spectrum of ischemic heart disease. The spectrum of SMI ranges from asymptomatic coronary artery disease to critical illness necessitating intensive care. Although many diagnostic tools have been used to identify low- and high-risk subgroups, their use is limited by modest sensitivities and specificities.

Devices in heart failure: potential methods for device-based monitoring of congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure has long been one of the most serious medical conditions in the United States; in fact, in the United States alone, heart failure accounts for 6.5 million days of hospitalization each year. One important goal of heart-failure therapy is to inhibit the progression of congestive heart failure through pharmacologic and device-based therapies.

P-type Cu--Ti--O nanotube arrays and their use in self-biased heterojunction photoelectrochemical diodes for hydrogen generation.

Copper and titanium remain relatively plentiful in the earth's crust; hence, their use for large-scale solar energy conversion technologies is of significant interest. We describe fabrication of vertically oriented p-type Cu-Ti-O nanotube array films by anodization of copper rich (60% to 74%) Ti metal films cosputtered onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass. Cu-Ti-O nanotube array films 1 mum thick exhibit external quantum efficiencies up to 11%, with a spectral photoresponse indicating that the complete visible spectrum, 380 to 885 nm, contributes significantly to the photocurrent generation.

Highly efficient solar cells using TiO(2) nanotube arrays sensitized with a donor-antenna dye.

Donor antenna dyes provide an exciting route to improving the efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells owing to their high molar extinction coefficients and the effective spatial separation of charges in the charge-separated state, which decelerates the recombination of photogenerated charges. Vertically oriented TiO(2) nanotube arrays provide an optimal material architecture for photoelectrochemical devices because of their large internal surface area, lower recombination losses, and vectorial charge transport along the nanotube axis. In this study, the results obtained by sensitizing TiO(2) nanotube arrays with the donor antenna dye Ru-TPA-NCS are presented.

Isolation and characterization of immunoglobulin of the Indian major carp, rohu [Labeo rohita (Ham.)].

Information on the structure and character of immunoglobulin of fishes is essential in health management. A study was carried out to characterize the serum immunoglobulin (IgM) of the Indian major carp, rohu Labeo rohita (Ham.).

Cytokine and chemokine expression associated with steatohepatitis and hepatocyte proliferation in rats fed ethanol via total enteral nutrition.

To determine the temporal relationship between alcohol-induced changes in cytokines and chemokines, development of liver pathology and stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation, male Sprague-Dawley rats were intragastrically fed low carbohydrate-containing ethanol (EtOH) diets via total enteral nutrition (TEN) for up to 49 d. Induction of EtOH metabolism and appearance of steatosis preceded development of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. A transitory peak of tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha) and interferon gamma (IFN gamma) was observed at 14 d followed by reduced expression of TNFalpha, IFN gamma and another Th1 cytokine IL-12 accompanied by reduced expression of the Th1 regulators T-bet and STAT4.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of orofacial donor site fistula following surgical reconstruction: a clinical report.

Orofacial defects can be either congenital or acquired. Rehabilitation of these patients can be done using a surgical and/or a prosthetic approach. In situations where surgical reconstruction is not possible, prosthetic management becomes the only option.

Estrogenic status modulates aryl hydrocarbon receptor--mediated hepatic gene expression and carcinogenicity.

Estrogenic status is thought to influence the cancer risk in women and has been reported to affect toxicity of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in animals. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of estradiol (E2) on hepatic gene expression changes mediated by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), a potent PAH. Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized on postnatal day 50 and infused with E2 (5 mug/kg/day) or polyethylene glycol using osmotic pumps and 14 days later gavaged with DMBA (50 mg/kg) or sesame oil and killed 24 h thereafter.

Chronic ethanol consumption leads to disruption of vitamin D3 homeostasis associated with induction of renal 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1).

Bone loss resulting from chronic ethanol (EtOH) abuse is frequently accompanied by altered vitamin D3 homeostasis. In the current study, we examined EtOH effects in a female rat model in which control or EtOH-containing diets were infused intragastrically. EtOH treatment reduced plasma 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25 (OH)2 D3) coincident with a decrease in renal CYP27B1 (25(OH)D3 1alpha-hydroxylase) mRNA and an increase in expression of renal CYP24A1 (1,25 (OH)2 D3- 24-hydroxylase).

Maternal obesity at conception programs obesity in the offspring.

Risk of obesity in adult life is subject to programming during gestation. To examine whether in utero exposure to maternal obesity increases the risk of obesity in offspring, we developed an overfeeding-based model of maternal obesity in rats utilizing intragastric feeding of diets via total enteral nutrition. Feeding liquid diets to adult female rats at 220 kcal/kg(3/4) per day (15% excess calories/day) compared with 187 kcal/kg(3/4) per day for 3 wk caused substantial increase in body weight gain, adiposity, serum insulin, leptin, and insulin resistance.

Chronic ethanol consumption inhibits postlactational anabolic bone rebuilding in female rats.

Unlabelled: EtOH consumption significantly impaired anabolic rebuilding of bone after lactation. Lower BMD and BMC in EtOH-fed rats were associated with decreased bone formation in the proximal tibia, increased proportion of adipocytes, and increased expression of TNF-alpha. EtOH-induced skeletal deficits were prevented by treatment with either NAC or sTNFR1.

Self-assembled hybrid polymer-TiO2 nanotube array heterojunction solar cells.

Films comprised of 4 microm long titanium dioxide nanotube arrays were fabricated by anodizing Ti foils in an ethylene glycol based electrolyte. A carboxylated polythiophene derivative was self-assembled onto the TiO2 nanotube arrays by immersing them in a solution of the polymer. The binding sites of the carboxylate moiety along the polymer chain provide multiple anchoring sites to the substrate, making for a stable rugged film.

A new model for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in the rat utilizing total enteral nutrition to overfeed a high-polyunsaturated fat diet.

We have used total enteral nutrition (TEN) to moderately overfeed rats high-polyunsaturated fat diets to develop a model for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed by TEN a 187 kcal.kg(-3/4).

Protective effects of estradiol on ethanol-induced bone loss involve inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation in osteoblasts and downstream activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand signaling cascade.

Bone loss occurs following chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption in males and cycling females in part as a result of increased bone resorption. We have demonstrated in vivo that estradiol treatment can reverse this effect. Using osteoclast precursors from bone marrow and osteoblast/preosteoclast coculture, we found that EtOH-induced receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) expression in osteoblasts was able to promote osteoclastogenesis.

Effects of pregnancy and nutritional status on alcohol metabolism.

Metabolism of alcohol (i.e., ethanol) is regulated by genetic and environmental factors as well as physiologic state.

Mechanisms and outcomes of drug- and toxicant-induced liver toxicity in diabetes.

Increase dincidences of hepatotoxicity have been observed in diabetic patients receiving drug therapies. Neither the mechanisms nor the predisposing factors underlying hepatotoxicity in diabetics are clearly understood. Animal studies designed to examine the mechanisms of diabetes-modulated hepatotoxicity have traditionally focused only on bioactivation/detoxification of drugs and toxicants.

Vertically oriented Ti-Fe-O nanotube array films: toward a useful material architecture for solar spectrum water photoelectrolysis.

In an effort to obtain a material architecture suitable for high-efficiency visible spectrum water photoelectrolysis, herein we report on the fabrication and visible spectrum (380-650 nm) photoelectrochemical properties of self-aligned, vertically oriented Ti-Fe-O nanotube array films. Ti-Fe metal films of variable composition, iron content ranging from 69% to 3.5%, co-sputtered onto FTO-coated glass are anodized in an ethylene glycol + NH4F electrolyte.

Undernutrition enhances alcohol-induced hepatocyte proliferation in the liver of rats fed via total enteral nutrition.

To assess the relative contributions of undernutrition and ethanol (EtOH) exposure to alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity, female Sprague-Dawley rats were intragastrically infused liquid diets containing 187 or 154 kcal.kg(-3/4).day(-1) with or without 11 g.

Role of CYP2E1 and saturation kinetics in the bioactivation of thioacetamide: Effects of diet restriction and phenobarbital.

Thioacetamide (TA) undergoes saturation toxicokinetics in ad libitum (AL) fed rats. Diet restriction (DR) protects rats from lethal dose of TA despite increased bioactivation-mediated liver injury via CYP2E1 induction. While a low dose (50 mg TA/kg) produces 6-fold higher initial injury, a 12-fold higher dose produces delayed and mere 2.

Anesthesia outside the operating room for emergency procedures.

Non-anesthetists usually provide sedation and anesthesia outside the operating room for emergency procedures. Techniques vary from no sedation to deep sedation using drugs with a good safety profile and few side effects. Newer methods of airway control may allow volatile agents such as sevoflurane to be used.

Giant popliteal aneurysm presenting with foot drop.

Popliteal aneurysms are the most common peripheral arterial aneurysm and occur most commonly among older men with established cardiovascular disease. Popliteal aneurysms are asymptomatic or otherwise present with intermittent claudication, pressure symptoms in the popliteal fossa, distal embolization, and, rarely, rupture. We present a patient with a remarkably large popliteal aneurysm of 10 cm presenting as a popliteal swelling with foot drop and no signs of limb ischemia.

Hemangioma in minor salivary glands: real or illusion.

Hemangioma is a common soft tissue lesion in the head and neck region. Hemangioma in the context of minor salivary glands is rarely encountered in surgical pathology practice, and for this reason most pathologist are often unfamiliar with its histomorphological features. We report a rare histological finding of salivary gland structures within a cavernous hemangioma, which may or may not have originated in the minor salivary gland.

Estradiol protects against ethanol-induced bone loss by inhibiting up-regulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand in osteoblasts.

To investigate the effects of sex hormones on ethanol (EtOH)-induced bone loss, female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed control or EtOH-containing diets (12 g/kg/day) by intragastric infusion. After 3 weeks, rats receiving EtOH had significant decreases in tibial trabecular and total bone mineral density, induction of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) mRNA expression, and enhanced bone resorption, all of which were prevented by treatment with 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). The addition of progesterone did not enhance the beneficial effect of E(2) alone.

Physiologic and genomic analyses of nutrition-ethanol interactions during gestation: Implications for fetal ethanol toxicity.

Nutrition-ethanol (EtOH) interactions during gestation remain unclear primarily due to the lack of appropriate rodent models. In the present report we utilize total enteral nutrition (TEN) to specifically understand the roles of nutrition and caloric intake in EtOH-induced fetal toxicity. Time-impregnated rats were intragastrically fed either control or diets containing EtOH (8-14 g/kg/day) at a recommended caloric intake for pregnant rats or rats 30% undernourished, from gestation day (GD) 6-20.