Determination of Neutral Monosaccharides as Per-O-methylated Derivatives Directly from a Drop of Whole Blood by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

A new analytical procedure was developed for the simultaneous quantification of neutral monosaccharides from a drop of whole blood using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS) of their per-O-methylated derivatives. The per-O-methylation reaction with methyl iodide and solid sodium hydroxide in methyl sulfoxide was used for the first time for analysis of blood monosaccharides. A blood drop volume of 0.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Differentiating to Adipocytes Accumulate Autophagic Vesicles Instead of Functional Lipid Droplets.

Adult bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) can easily be differentiated into a variety of cells. In vivo transplantation of BMSCs-differentiated cells has had limited success, suggesting that these cells may not be fully compatible with the cells they are intended to replace in vivo. We investigated the structural and functional features of BMSCs-derived adipocytes as compared with adipocytes from adipose tissue, and the structure and functionality of lipid vesicles formed during BMSCs differentiation to adipocytes.

Modulation of mitochondrial respiratory function and ROS production by novel benzopyran analogues.

A substantial body of evidence indicates that pharmacological activation of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels (mKATP) in the heart is protective in conditions associated with ischemia/reperfusion injury. Several mechanisms have been postulated to be responsible for cardioprotection, including the modulation of mitochondrial respiratory function. The aim of the present study was to characterize the dose-dependent effects of novel synthetic benzopyran analogues, derived from a BMS-191095, a selective mKATP opener, on mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in isolated rat heart mitochondria.

Acute inhibition of monoamine oxidase and ischemic preconditioning in isolated rat hearts: interference with postischemic functional recovery but no effect on infarct size reduction.

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) have recently emerged as important mitochondrial sources of oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system. Generation of reactive oxygen species during the brief episodes of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is responsible for the cardioprotection at reperfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of two MAO inhibitors (clorgyline and pargyline) on the IPC-related protection in isolated rat hearts.

Noninvasive Quantitative Evaluation of the Dentin Layer during Dental Procedures Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

A routine cavity preparation of a tooth may lead to opening the pulp chamber. The present study evaluates quantitatively, in real time, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the drilled cavities during dental procedures. An established noninvasive imaging technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is used.

Plasma cortisol levels and illness appraisal in deficit syndrome schizophrenia.

Research investigating the association between negative symptoms and plasma cortisol levels in individuals with schizophrenia has produced inconsistent findings. This study investigated whether deficit syndrome schizophrenia (characterized by high levels of primary negative symptoms) is associated with comparatively high morning plasma cortisol levels, more negative appraisals about illness and higher levels of depression. Participants were 85 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 85 individuals with no history of contact with psychiatric services matched for age and gender.

Design and testing of prototype handheld scanning probes for optical coherence tomography.

Three simple and low-cost configurations of handheld scanning probes for optical coherence tomography have been developed. Their design and testing for dentistry applications are presented. The first two configurations were built exclusively from available off-the-shelf optomechanical components, which, to the best of our knowledge, are the first designs of this type.

En face optical coherence tomography investigation of apical microleakage after laser-assisted endodontic treatment.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the detection of apical microleakage after 980 nm and 1,064 nm laser-assisted endodontic treatment. Ninety, human, single-rooted teeth with one straight root canal and closed apices were used. All roots were prepared biomechanically to the working length at an apical size 30 and 0.

Quality assessment of dental treatments using en-face optical coherence tomography.

The present study evaluates the potential of en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a possible noninvasive high resolution method for supplying necessary information on the material defects of dental prostheses and microleakage at prosthetic interfaces. Teeth are also imaged after several treatment methods to asses material defects and microleakage at the tooth-filling interface, and the presence or absence of apical microleakage, as well as to evaluate the quality of bracket bonding on dental hard tissue. C-scan and B-scan OCT images as well as confocal images are acquired from a large range of samples.

Combined profile of the tandem repeats CAG, TA and CA of the androgen and estrogen receptor genes in breast cancer.

Purpose: Case-control studies have reported inconsistent results concerning the association between polymorphisms in the androgen and estrogen receptor (ER) genes and breast cancer. While several studies investigated the association between the androgen receptor (AR) gene, CAG repeat and breast cancer, for the CA and TA repeats in the ER genes there are considerably fewer studies (one for CA and none for TA).

Methods: We have investigated the potential link between three tandem repeats (CAG, TA, and CA) in the AR, ERs alpha and beta genes, respectively, and breast cancer.