Change in antioxidant and lignifying enzyme activities in rubbing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) internodes

In tomato plant, rubbing applied to a young internode inhibits elongation of the rubbed internode and its neighbouring one. These morphological changes were correlated with an increase in lignification enzyme activities, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and peroxidases (POD), 24 h after rubbing of theforth internode. Furthermore, a decrease in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content was detected in the rubbed internode and the upper one. Lignin synthesis in tomato plant measured 14 days after mechanical stress application was significantly stimulated in the rubbed internodes (n°4) as compared with the control. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses revealed that lignin synthesized in response to mechanical elicitation displayed a distinct structure, substantially enriched in syringyl (S) units, as compared to constitutive lignin. Taken together, our results suggest that the decrease in rubbed internode length is as a result of IAA oxidation, increases in enzyme activities (PAL and POD) and cell wall rigidification induced by lignification process.Key words: Mechanical stimulation, Solanum lycopersicum, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), lignin

Fractional Supersymmetry As a Matrix Model

Using parafermionic field theoretical methods, the fundamentals of 2d fractional supersymmetry ${\bf Q}^{K} =P$ are set up. Known difficulties induced by methods based on the $U_{q}(sl(2))$ quantum group representations and non commutative geometry are overpassed in the parafermionic approach. Moreover we find that fractional supersymmetric algebras are naturally realized as matrix models. The K=3 case is studied in details. Links between 2d $({1\over 3},0)$ and $(({1\over 3}^{2}),0)$ fractional supersymmetries and N=2 U(1) and N=4 su(2) standard supersymmetries respectively are exhibited. Field theoretical models describing the self couplings of the matter multiplets $(0^{2},({1\over 3})^{2},({2\over 3})^{2})$ and $(0^{4},({1\over 3})^{4},({2\over 3})^{4})$ are given.Comment: Latex,no figure,17page

Embedding Fractional Quantum Hall Solitons in M-theory Compactifications

We engineer U(1)^n Chern-Simons type theories describing fractional quantum Hall solitons (QHS) in 1+2 dimensions from M-theory compactified on eight dimensional hyper-K\"{a}hler manifolds as target space of N=4 sigma model. Based on M-theory/Type IIA duality, the systems can be modeled by considering D6-branes wrapping intersecting Hirzebruch surfaces F_0's arranged as ADE Dynkin Diagrams and interacting with higher dimensional R-R gauge fields. In the case of finite Dynkin quivers, we recover well known values of the filling factor observed experimentally including Laughlin, Haldane and Jain series.Comment: Latex, 14 pages. Modified version, to appear in IJGMM

Risk Factors for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Kenyan Population

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is common in some parts of Kenya. Both the regional factors associated with ESCC in  Kenya and geographic distribution has not been completely described. Methods: We analyzed the association of ESCC with smoking, khat  chewing, alcohol, diet, socioeconomic status, caustic ingestion and firstdegree family history of ESCC in a multi-center based matched case-control study. We also determined the geographic origin, age, gender and ethnicity of patients visiting the participating centers between August 2008 and April 2009. Results: Eighty three cases and 166 controls matched for age and gender were studied. The male to female ratio of cases was 2.1:1, majority were from Central and Eastern provinces of Kenya, about one fifth (19%) were younger than 45 years of age. On multivariate analysis, caustic ingestion (OR 11.3 CI 3.0 – 42.5), first degree family history of ESCC (OR 3.5 CI 1.3 – 9.5) and poor housing (OR 2.0 CI 1.1 – 3.5) were independent predictors.Conclusions: Majority hailed from the Central and Eastern provinces  probably due to proximity to the study centres. A large proportion of cases were young compared to studies in other high incidence regions in the world. Low socio-economic status, family history of ESCC and a history of caustic ingestion were significant risk factors.Key Words: Esophageal, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Risk Factors, Keny

Prospective observational study in early breast cancer at University Hospital of Tlemcen

Background: Breast cancer is the first cancer in women in Algeria. It affects a significant proportion of young women. Stage at diagnosis is made with a positive, massive, and often lymph node involvement. The objective of this study is to determine the clinicopathological and histological features of patients treated for invasive breast carcinoma. Methods: This is an observational prospective study from January 2006 to December 2011 done at the medical oncology department at the University Hospital Center of Tlemcen: 103 patients with early breast cancer were included. Results: Extreme age is between 29 and 70 years; 50% of patients are under 47 years. The average age at diagnosis of 46.45 ± 0.90 years; 54% are stage T2; 17% are stage T3 and 4% stage T4; stage III is the most frequent with 50.4%. Half of patients have four to nine nodes with relatively wide tumor size, and only one patient was stage I; 10% had more than 10 positive nodes. The infiltrating ductal carcinoma is the most common histological types (83.5%), followed by atypical carcinoma (5.82%). Note the predominance of grade II of Scarf Bloom and Richardson (58.25%), followed by grade III (36.89%) and grade I (1.91%). Over 50% of patients had a tumor size of 35.41 ± 1.82 mm. Hormone receptors were positive in 65% of patients (ER + PR +) and negative in 35%. HER2 status was determined in 82 patients, 12% expressed a positive score, and 67% of were negative. The luminal profile is the most common in our study population with 57.3%, followed by triple negative tumors or basal-like with 26.8%. Conservative surgical treatment was realized in 2.9% and an astectomy in most patients at 97%. Radiotherapy was performed in 83.5% of patients, and 65% of patients received hormone therapy according to hormone positivity. Conclusion: The clinical and histological profiles of the patients in our study population are different from Western populations by the average age of diagnosis of 46 years, 10 years higher for Western women, and the stage is more advanced for our population. The majority are at stage III, while Western women are diagnosed at stage I or II through screening. Given the Algerian profile, women should be offered screening at aged 40 years for earlier diagnosis and improved survival rate

Giant viable hydatid cyst of the lung: a case report

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licens

Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics: Coherent Coupling of a Single Photon to a Cooper Pair Box

Under appropriate conditions, superconducting electronic circuits behave quantum mechanically, with properties that can be designed and controlled at will. We have realized an experiment in which a superconducting two-level system, playing the role of an artificial atom, is strongly coupled to a single photon stored in an on-chip cavity. We show that the atom-photon coupling in this circuit can be made strong enough for coherent effects to dominate over dissipation, even in a solid state environment. This new regime of matter light interaction in a circuit can be exploited for quantum information processing and quantum communication. It may also lead to new approaches for single photon generation and detection.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Nature, embargo does apply, version with high resolution figures available at: http://www.eng.yale.edu/rslab/Andreas/content/science/PubsPapers.htm

A Matrix Model for Bilayered Quantum Hall Systems

We develop a matrix model to describe bilayered quantum Hall fluids for a series of filling factors. Considering two coupling layers, and starting from a corresponding action, we construct its vacuum configuration at \nu=q_iK_{ij}^{-1}q_j, where K_{ij} is a 2\times 2 matrix and q_i is a vector. Our model allows us to reproduce several well-known wave functions. We show that the wave function \Psi_{(m,m,n)} constructed years ago by Yoshioka, MacDonald and Girvin for the fractional quantum Hall effect at filling factor {2\over m+n} and in particular \Psi_{(3,3,1)} at filling {1\over 2} can be obtained from our vacuum configuration. The unpolarized Halperin wave function and especially that for the fractional quantum Hall state at filling factor {2\over 5} can also be recovered from our approach. Generalization to more than 2 layers is straightforward.Comment: 14 pages, minor changes in introduction and references added, published in JP

Biological and technical variables affecting immunoassay recovery of cytokines from human serum and simulated vaginal fluid: A multicenter study

The increase of proinflammatory cytokines in vaginal secretions may serve as a surrogate marker of unwanted inflammatory reaction to microbicide products topically applied for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV-1. Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 have been proposed as indicators of inflammation and increased risk of HIV-1 transmission; however, the lack of information regarding detection platforms optimal for vaginal fluids and interlaboratory variation limit their use for microbicide evaluation and other clinical applications. This study examines fluid matrix variants relevant to vaginal sampling techniques and proposes a model for interlaboratory comparisons across current cytokine detection technologies. IL-1β and IL-6 standards were measured by 12 laboratories in four countries, using 14 immunoassays and four detection platforms based on absorbance, chemiluminescence, electrochemiluminescence, and fluorescence. International reference preparations of cytokines with defined biological activity were spiked into (1) a defined medium simulating the composition of human vaginal fluid at pH 4.5 and 7.2, (2) physiologic salt solutions (phosphate-buffered saline and saline) commonly used for vaginal lavage sampling in clinical studies of cytokines, and (3) human blood serum. Assays were assessed for reproducibility, linearity, accuracy, and significantly detectable fold difference in cytokine level. Factors with significant impact on cytokine recovery were determined by Kruskal−Wallis analysis of variance with Dunn’s multiple comparison test and multiple regression models. All assays showed acceptable intra-assay reproducibility; however, most were associated with significant interlaboratory variation. The smallest reliably detectable cytokine differences (P < 0.05) derived from pooled interlaboratory data varied from 1.5- to 26-fold depending on assay, cytokine, and matrix type. IL-6 but not IL-1β determinations were lower in both saline and phosphate-buffered saline as compared to vaginal fluid matrix, with no significant effect of pH. The (electro)chemiluminescence-based assays were most discriminative and consistently detected <2-fold differences within each matrix type. The Luminex-based assays were less discriminative with lower reproducibility between laboratories. These results suggest the need for uniform vaginal sampling techniques and a better understanding of immunoassay platform differences and cross-validation before the biological significance of cytokine variations can be validated in clinical trials. This investigation provides the first standardized analytic approach for assessing differences in mucosal cytokine levels and may improve strategies for monitoring immune responses at the vaginal mucosal interface

A cost effectiveness analysis of salt reduction policies to reduce coronary heart disease in four Eastern Mediterranean countries.

BACKGROUND: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is rising in middle income countries. Population based strategies to reduce specific CHD risk factors have an important role to play in reducing overall CHD mortality. Reducing dietary salt consumption is a potentially cost-effective way to reduce CHD events. This paper presents an economic evaluation of population based salt reduction policies in Tunisia, Syria, Palestine and Turkey. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Three policies to reduce dietary salt intake were evaluated: a health promotion campaign, labelling of food packaging and mandatory reformulation of salt content in processed food. These were evaluated separately and in combination. Estimates of the effectiveness of salt reduction on blood pressure were based on a literature review. The reduction in mortality was estimated using the IMPACT CHD model specific to that country. Cumulative population health effects were quantified as life years gained (LYG) over a 10 year time frame. The costs of each policy were estimated using evidence from comparable policies and expert opinion including public sector costs and costs to the food industry. Health care costs associated with CHDs were estimated using standardized unit costs. The total cost of implementing each policy was compared against the current baseline (no policy). All costs were calculated using 2010 PPP exchange rates. In all four countries most policies were cost saving compared with the baseline. The combination of all three policies (reducing salt consumption by 30%) resulted in estimated cost savings of $235,000,000 and 6455 LYG in Tunisia;$39,000,000 and 31674 LYG in Syria; $6,000,000 and 2682 LYG in Palestine and$1,3000,000,000 and 378439 LYG in Turkey. CONCLUSION: Decreasing dietary salt intake will reduce coronary heart disease deaths in the four countries. A comprehensive strategy of health education and food industry actions to label and reduce salt content would save both money and lives