Abstract  Molecular subclassification is rapidly informing the clinical management of medulloblastoma. However, the disease remains associated with poor outcomes and therapy-associated late effects, and the majority of patients are not characterized by a validated prognostic biomarker. Here, we investigated the potential of epigenetic DNA methylation for disease subclassification, particularly in formalin-fixed biopsies, and to identify biomarkers for improved therapeutic individualization. Tumor DNA methylation profiles were assessed, alongside molecular and clinical disease features, in 230 patients primarily from the SIOP-UKCCSG PNET3 clinical trial. We demonstrate by cross-validation in frozen training and formalin-fixed test sets that medulloblastoma comprises four robust DNA methylation subgroups (termed WNT, SHH, G3 and G4), highly related to their transcriptomic counterparts, and which display distinct molecular, clinical and pathological disease characteristics. WNT patients displayed an expected favorable prognosis, while outcomes for SHH, G3 and G4 were equivalent in our cohort. MXI1 and IL8 methylation were identified as novel independent high-risk biomarkers in cross-validated survival models of non-WNT patients, and were validated using non-array methods. Incorporation of MXI1 and IL8 into current survival models significantly improved the assignment of disease risk; 46 % of patients could be classified as 'favorable risk' (>90 % survival) compared to 13 % using current models, while the high-risk group was reduced from 30 to 16 %. DNA methylation profiling enables the robust subclassification of four disease subgroups in frozen and routinely collected/archival formalin-fixed biopsy material, and the incorporation of DNA methylation biomarkers can significantly improve disease-risk stratification. These findings have important implications for future risk-adapted clinical disease management.

Abstract  PURPOSE: AMH is used to quantify the extent of follicular pool in postpubertal women, but its value after chemotherapy is unclear. We tested AMH as a marker of follicular reserve in adult mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX) in prepubertal age.

METHODS: Mice received placebo or CTX at age 18 days. AMH and FSH were assessed on day 43, 56, and 95 of life. Ovaries were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and stained with H&E and TUNEL. Follicular apoptosis was graded.

RESULTS: All mice exposed to CTX had a decreased number of follicles/mm(2) and significantly decreased AMH, but only 48 % of pubertal and 81 % of adult mice had increased FSH. Over time, there was an increase in FSH (p < 0.05), but not a concurrent decrease in AMH, while in controls, FSH remained stable and AMH decreased. There was no correlation between histological and serological markers.

CONCLUSIONS: CTX administration to pre-pubertal mice caused various degrees of residual function, which were reflected by FSH, but not by AMH or by the number of ovarian follicles. AMH served as a marker of quantitative, and FSH of qualitative, residual ovarian function.

Abstract  The development of a direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry (DART-MS) method and first prototype vaporizer for the detection of low molecular weight (~30-100 Da) contaminants representative of those detected in water samples from the International Space Station is reported. A temperature-programmable, electro-thermal vaporizer (ETV) was designed, constructed, and evaluated as a sampling interface for DART-MS. The ETV facilitates analysis of water samples with minimum user intervention while maximizing analytical sensitivity and sample throughput. The integrated DART-ETV-MS methodology was evaluated in both positive and negative ion modes to 1) determine experiment conditions suitable for coupling DART with ETV as a sample inlet and ionization platform for time-of-flight MS, 2) to identify analyte response ions, 3) to determine the detection limit and dynamic range for target analyte measurement, and 4) to determine the reproducibility of measurements made with the method when using manual sample introduction into the vaporizer. Nitrogen was used as the DART working gas and the target analytes chosen for the study were ethyl acetate, acetone, acetaldehyde, ethanol, ethylene glycol, dimethylsilanediol, formaldehyde, isopropanol, methanol, methylethyl ketone, methylsulfone, propylene glycol, and trimethylsilanol.

Abstract  A selective α2C -adrenoceptor (AR) agonist was developed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The objective was to dissociate analgesic activity from cardiovascular and sedative side effects commonly observed with nonselective agents. A 2-amino-oxazoline derivative (compound A), identified as a dual α2C -AR agonist/α2A -AR antagonist in in vitro-binding assays, exhibited in vivo efficacy in rodent pain models. Its safety profile was compared with that of clonidine in six different in vivo models. Contrary to clonidine, compound A did not induce hypotension in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats, in conscious spontaneous hypertensive rats, or in telemetered dogs. Both agents induced similar dose-dependent decreases in heart rate in dogs and rats. In anesthetized pithed rats, clonidine showed dose-dependent hypertension and inhibited electrical nerve stimulation-induced tachycardia at doses close to its efficacious doses in the mouse formalin test, while compound A had much weaker vasoconstrictive and antichronotropic effects. Finally, in a mouse Irwin test, no sedation was observed with compound A at 30-fold its ED50 in the mouse formalin test, while sedative effects of clonidine started from three-fold its ED50 . These data confirm the advantageous safety profile of the new dual α2C -AR agonist/α2A -AR antagonist agent vs. the nonselective agonist clonidine.

Abstract  Garlic, Allium sativum L., extract administered as a therapeutic bath was shown to have antiparasitic properties towards Neobenedenia sp. (MacCallum) (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea) infecting farmed barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch). The effect of garlic extract (active component allicin) immersion on Neobenedenia sp. egg development, hatching success, oncomiracidia (larvae) longevity, infection success and juvenile Neobenedenia survival was examined and compared with freshwater and formalin immersion. Garlic extract was found to significantly impede hatching success (5% ± 5%) and oncomiracidia longevity (<2 h) at allicin concentrations of 15.2 μL L(-1) , while eggs in the seawater control had >95% hatching success and mean oncomiracidia longevity of 37 ± 3 h. At much lower allicin concentrations (0.76 and 1.52 μL L(-1) ), garlic extract also significantly reduced Neobenedenia infection success of L. calcarifer to 25% ± 4% and 11% ± 4%, respectively, compared with 55% ± 7% in the seawater control. Juvenile Neobenedenia attached to host fish proved to be highly resistant to allicin with 96% surviving 1-h immersion in 10 mL L(-1) (15.2 μL L(-1) allicin) of garlic extract. Allicin-containing garlic extracts show potential for development as a therapy to manage monogenean infections in intensive aquaculture with the greatest impact at the egg and larval stages.

Abstract  The progress of the agriculture border has led an important loss of natural habitats, with significant consequences for biodiversity. In this sense, the studies in anuran amphibian tadpoles inhabiting these environments are relevant, because the larval stage is a phase of population regulation. The aim of this study was to analyze the body condition and diet in Rhinella arenarum, tadpoles, an anuran species widely distributed in South America and that inhabit agroecosystems. Three sites were sampled, two agroecosystems with different alteration degrees (C1 and C2) and an uncultured (SM) third place. The captured tadpoles were anesthetized, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde (10%). Subsequently, body measurements were made and the complete intestine was removed and analyzed for food items under a binocular microscope. The diet in R. arenarum tadpoles has a dominance of algae Bacillariophyceae, followed by Cyanophyceae. In particular, the class Bacillariophyceae, due to the presence of the genus Navicula, Nitzschia, Gomphonema and Hantzschia, was important in the diet of the anurans in those agroecosystems. Class Cyanophyceae, mainly represented by genus Oscillatoria and Euglenophyceae represented by Euglena and Strombomonas, were predominant in the diet of the anurans in SM. Some differences in the total items consumed by tadpole were observed between the studied sites. Tadpoles that inhabit the modified sites (C1 and C2) recorded a significantly smaller amount of food. Moreover, the tadpoles that inhabit these sites showed a lower body condition. The presence of certain algae associated with eutrophic environments, could indicate some pollution in agroecosystems (C1 and C2). Food resources would be lesser in places with strong agricultural activity, possibly with a greater degree of eutrophication. A smaller food amount could have consequences at population level for the short and long time terms, because of its impact on individual growth. Larval diet is suggested as a potential bioindicator of environmental health for these areas.

Abstract  The role of glutamate receptors present in the medullary dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt) in the formalin test and formalin-induced secondary nociception was studied in rats. Secondary mechanical allodynia was assessed with von Frey filaments applied to the rat's hindpaw, and secondary thermal hyperalgesia was evaluated with the tail-immersion test. The selective glutamate receptor antagonists MK801 (N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist), 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) (AMPA/KA receptor antagonist) and A841720 (metabotropic glutamate 1 receptor antagonist) were injected into the DRt before or 6 days after formalin injection in the rat. In the formalin test, the three antagonists significantly reduced the number of flinches in both phases of the test. DRt microinjection of MK801 or A841720, but not of CNQX, reduced both secondary nociceptive behaviors. Moreover, pre-treatment with the three antagonists injected into the DRt prevented the development of secondary mechanical allodynia and secondary thermal hyperalgesia. Similarly, in these rats, the number of c-Fos-like immunoreactive neurons were markedly reduced in both the superficial and deep lamina of the dorsal horn. Our findings support the role of DRt as a pain facilitator in acute and chronic pain states, and suggest a key role of glutamate receptors during the development and maintenance of formalin-induced secondary allodynia.

Abstract  Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been widely used for the detection and identification of microorganisms in their natural environments. In this chapter we describe the use of a simple FISH-based protocol to detect and identify clinically relevant yeast species in culture and biological samples using Cryptococcus neoformans as a model. After fixation of cells with paraformaldehyde, the same are embedded in hybridization buffer containing specific fluorochrome-labeled oligonucleotide probes. After incubation and a subsequent washing step for removing unbound probes, samples are analyzed by epifluorescence microscopy.

Abstract  PURPOSE: Radiation proctitis is a known complication following radiation therapy for pelvic malignancy. The majority of cases are treated nonsurgically. Rectal instillation of formalin solution has been described as a successful treatment for chronic radiation-induced hemorrhagic proctitis resistant to medical treatment. We present our results in patients undergoing treatment with application of 4 % formalin for radiation-induced injury to the rectum.

METHODS: All patients were treated under anesthesia by direct application of 4 % formalin solution to the affected rectal areas. Patient gender, initial malignancy, grade of proctitis, need for blood transfusion, previous therapy, number of applications and response to treatment with formalin, complications, and length of follow-up were reviewed.

RESULTS: A total of 15 patients with a mean age of 68.9 (range, 48-77) years were followed for 31.3 (range, 18-51) months. The mean interval from the conclusion of radiotherapy and the onset of symptoms was 6.9 months. The mean duration of hemorrhagic proctitis before formalin application was 7.9 months. Ten patients had only one formalin application and five patients required a second application because of the persistent bleeding. Thirteen patients (87 %) had complete cessation of bleeding. No complications related to the formalin treatment were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: According to a revision of the literature and our experience, despite the small number of patients in our trial, we can state that the application of 4 % formalin solution is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for chronic radiation-induced hemorrhagic proctitis with minimal discomfort and no severe complications.

Abstract  Pregnant mice intubated with mercury as CH3HgCl in doses of 0, 0·1, 1 or 5 mg Hg/kg/day from day 6 to day 17 of pregnancy, inclusive, were allowed to litter. Doses of 5 mg/kg/day caused 100% stillbirths or neonatal deaths but no apparent maternal toxicity. Doses of 1 mg/kg/day induced a transitory inhibition of cerebellar cellular migration from the external granular layer and depressed reactions of oxidative enzymes. These histological changes were not associated with any obvious adverse clinical effects and were not seen at lower doses. Weanling female rats were fed diets containing levels of 0, 0·002, 0·01, 0·05 or 0·25 mg Hg (as CH3HgCl)/kg/day and were mated at maturity with untreated males. Some dams were killed at term and others were allowed to litter. No adverse effect was apparent in foetuses taken at term from dams given up to 0·25 mg Hg/kg/day. Postnatally, developmental defects of undetermined aetiology were observed in the eyelids in animals from all test groups and the controls. These were associated with histological changes in the harderian gland, the exorbital lachrymal gland and the parotid salivary gland. The incidence of ocular defects was dose-related and increased significantly in the group on 0·25 mg Hg/kg/day. Rats with ocular defects were killed and at weaning the remaining offspring from each group were distributed into two sub-groups, one of which was given the appropriate methylmercury-containing diet while the other was reared on control feed. Adult mating within each sub-group revealed that continuation or cessation of treatment with methylmercury had no effect on the production of corpora lutea or on reproductive performance.

Abstract  Electronic cigarettes have achieved growing popularity since their introduction onto the European market. They are promoted by manufacturers as healthier alternatives to tobacco cigarettes, however debate among scientists and public health experts about their possible impact on health and indoor air quality means further research into the product is required to ensure decisions of policymakers, health care providers and consumers are based on sound science. This study investigated and characterised the impact of 'vaping' (using electronic cigarettes) on indoor environments under controlled conditions using a 30m(3) emission chamber. The study determined the composition of e-cigarette mainstream vapour in terms of propylene glycol, glycerol, carbonyls and nicotine emissions using a smoking machine with adapted smoking parameters. Two different base recipes for refill liquids, with three different amounts of nicotine each, were tested using two models of e-cigarettes. Refill liquids were analysed on their content of propylene glycol, glycerol, nicotine and qualitatively on their principal flavourings. Possible health effects of e-cigarette use are not discussed in this work. Electronic cigarettes tested in this study proved to be sources for propylene glycol, glycerol, nicotine, carbonyls and aerosol particulates. The extent of exposure differs significantly for active and passive 'vapers' (users of electronic cigarettes). Extrapolating from the average amounts of propylene glycol and glycerol condensed on the smoking machine filter pad to the resulting lung-concentration, estimated lung concentrations of 160 and 220mgm(-3) for propylene glycol and glycerol were obtained, respectively. Vaping refill liquids with nicotine concentrations of 9mgmL(-1) led to vapour condensate nicotine amounts comparable to those of low-nicotine regular cigarettes (0.15-0.2mg). In chamber studies, peak concentrations of 2200μgm(-3) for propylene glycol, 136μgm(-3) for glycerol and 0.6μgm(-3) for nicotine were reached. Carbonyls were not detected above the detection limits in chamber studies. Particles in the size range of 20nm to 300nm constantly increased during vaping activity and reached final peak concentrations of 7×10(6)particlesL(-1). Moreover, the tested products showed design flaws such as leakages from the cartridge reservoirs. Possible long term effects of e-cigarettes on health are not yet known. E-cigarettes, the impact of vaping on health and the composition of refill liquids require therefore further research into the product characteristics. The consumers would benefit from harmonised quality and safety improvements of e-cigarettes and refill liquids.

Abstract  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease and a growing health concern, especially in children, because of its high prevalence and associated low quality of life. Genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, or interactions between them contribute to the pathophysiology of AD. Therefore, it is very important to identify and control risk factors from the environment in susceptible subjects for successful treatment and prevention. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution, which are of increasing concern with urbanization, are well-known environmental risk factors for asthma, whereas there is relatively little evidence in AD. This review highlights epidemiologic and experimental data on the role of air pollution in patients with AD. Recent evidence suggests that a variety of air pollutants, such as environmental tobacco smoke, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, toluene, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter, act as risk factors for the development or aggravation of AD. These air pollutants probably induce oxidative stress in the skin, leading to skin barrier dysfunction or immune dysregulation. However, these results are still controversial because of the low number of studies, limitations in study design, inaccurate assessment of exposure and absorption, and many other issues. Further research about the adverse effects of air pollution on AD will help to expand our understanding and to establish a better strategy for the prevention and management of AD.

Abstract  A sampling campaign was carried out at nine Chinese cities in 2010/2011. Fifteen monocarbonyls (C# = 1-9) were quantified. Temperature is the rate-determining factor of the summertime carbonyl levels. The carbonyl emissions in winter are mainly driven by the primary anthropogenic sources like automobile. A molar ratio of propionaldehyde to nonaldehyde is a barometer of the impact of atmospheric vegetation emission which suggesting that strong vegetation emissions exist in summer and high propionaldehyde abundance is caused by fossil fuel combustion in winter. Potential health risk assessment of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was conducted and the highest cumulative risks were observed at Chengdu in summer and Wuhan in winter. Because of the strong photochemical reaction and large amount of anthropogenic emissions, high concentrations of carbonyl compounds were observed in Chengdu. The use of ethanol-blended gasoline in Wuhan is the key reason of acetaldehyde emission and action should be taken to avoid potential health risks.

Abstract  Toll station workers are occupationally exposed to vehicle engine exhaust, a complex mixture of different chemical substances, including carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, a study was carried out on attendants of two highway toll stations to describe their occupational exposure to vehicle engine exhaust, based on a worst-case scenario approach. Personal sampling was conducted during the day shift for all attendants, testing for three groups of chemical substances: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aldehydes (formaldehyde and acrolein). Concentrations of total PAH, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) and formaldehyde content varied between 97.60-336.08 ng/m(3), 5.01-40.52 μg/m(3), and 0.06-19.13 μg/m(3), respectively. No clear relationships could be established between exposure levels and the number of vehicles. Furthermore, no differences were found between truck versus car lanes, or inside versus outside the tollbooth. Not all the detected VOCs were related to vehicle exhaust; some were consistent with the use of cleaning products. The measured concentrations were far below the established occupational exposure limits, but tended to be higher than values reported for outdoor urban environments. There are very few international studies assessing occupational exposures among toll station workers, and this is the first such study to be conducted in Spain. The results suggest that further, more detailed studies are necessary to characterize exposure properly, and ones which include other airborne pollutants, such as ultrafine particles. The comparison of the results to other similar studies was difficult, since no data related to some important exposure determinants have been provided. Therefore, it is recommended that these determinants be considered in future studies.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Chemicals are among risk factors that can affect women's reproductive system. This study is aimed to investigate the association of occupational exposure to a mixture of organic solvents with menstruation disturbances and hormonal changes among female workers.

METHODS: Female workers of a pharmaceutical company were divided into three groups of non-exposed, lowexposed and highly-exposed to a mixture of organic solvents (formaldehyde, phenol, N-hexane, and chloroform) based on workplace measurements. Menstrual disturbances (in terms of short cycles, long cycles, irregular cycles, and bleeding or spotting between periods) and mean of hormone levels (including follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin, estrogen and progesterone levels) were compared between these three groups. For investigating associations, logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS: Our study showed that mean length of cycles, duration of bleeding, and amount of flow and also prevalence of long cycles, irregular cycles, and bleeding or spotting between periods were higher in exposed groups (p≤0.05). Odds ratio for prevalence of menstrual disturbances in the low exposure group and high exposure group were 9.69 (p=0.001) and 3.40 (p=0.002) respectively compared to the reference group. Estrogen and progesterone levels were not affected (p> 0.05), but other hormones levels were significantly disturbed in the exposed groups compared with the non-exposed group (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to the mixture of organic solvents may be associated with the increase of menstrual disorders and hormonal changes in female workers. Based on our findings, periodic evaluation of reproductive system of female workers in pharmaceutical companies is recommended.

Abstract  Chiral nematic mesoporous phenol-formaldehyde resins, which were prepared using cellulose nanocrystals as a template, can be used as a substrate to produce latent photonic images. These resins undergo swelling, which changes their reflected color. By writing on the films with chemical inks, the density of methylol groups in the resin changes, subsequently affecting their degree of swelling and, consequently, their color. Writing on the films gives latent images that are revealed only upon swelling of the films. Using inkjet printing, it is possible to make higher resolution photonic patterns both as text and images that can be visualized by swelling and erased by drying. This novel approach to printing photonic patterns in resin films may be applied to anti-counterfeit tags, signage, and decorative applications.

Abstract  Lignin was isolated from the residue of bioethanol production with oak wood via alkaline and catalyzed organosolv treatments at ambient temperature to improve the purity of lignin for the materials application. The isolated lignins were analyzed for their chemical composition by nitrobenzene oxidation method and their functionality was characterized via wet chemistry method, element analysis, (1)H NMR, GPC and FTIR-ATR. The isolated lignin by acid catalyzed organosolv treatment (Acid-OSL) contained a higher lignin content, aromatic proton, phenolic hydroxyl group and a lower nitrogen content that is more reactive towards chemical modification. The lignin-based adhesives were prepared and the bond strength was measured to evaluate the enhanced reactivity of lignin by the isolation. Two steps of phenolation and methylolation were applied for the modification of the isolated lignins and their tensile strengths were evaluated for the use as an adhesive. The acid catalyzed organosolv lignin-based adhesives had comparable bond strength to phenol-formaldehyde adhesives. The analysis of lignin-based adhesives by FTIR-ATR and TGA showed structural similarity to phenol adhesive. The results demonstrate that the reactivity of lignin was enhanced by isolation from hardwood bioethanol production residues at ambient temperature and it could be used in a value-added application to produce lignin-based adhesives.

Abstract  We evaluated the association between spinal PGE(2) and thermal hyperalgesia following repeated stress. Thermal nociception was determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats using the hot-plate test, before and after forced-swimming; non-conditioned rats served as controls. Animals were pretreated with ketoprofen or meloxicam, preferential COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors, respectively. After the second hot-plate test, we measured serum corticosterone (stress marker), and lumbar spinal PGE(2) (neuroinflammation marker) under peripheral inflammation (1% formalin plantar injection). Stressed rats displayed response latencies 40% shorter and inflammatory spinal PGE2 levels 95% higher than controls. Pretreatment with ketoprofen or meloxicam prevented hyperalgesia and elevation of spinal PGE(2), increasing the escape behavior time during forced swimming 95% respect to saline-treated rats. Corticosterone levels in stressed rats were 97% higher than controls; COX inhibitors reduced them by 84%. PGE(2) could participate in stress-induced hyperalgesia, learned helplessness, and corticosterone production, supporting the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for persistent pain associated with chronic stress and depression. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Population-based rates for sinonasal cancer are examined in US mortality data among whites and in Connecticut incidence data. The observed rates are fitted to a log-linear model in order to examine the effect of each of the three variables, age, period and cohort, simultaneously for each sex. For Connecticut incidence, there is little evidence of either an increase or decrease from 1865 to 1955 birth cohorts. For the US mortality rates, from the 1875 to 1950 birth cohorts, there is a decline by more than twofold in men and more than threefold in women. Monitoring of those trends is discussed with respect to increases in exposure to cigarette smoking and formaldehyde. Regarding the age distribution, both incidence and mortality data are consistent: men show a linear increase of the log (rate) with log (age) in a fashion characteristic of other epithelial nongynecologic malignancies; for women, in contrast, there is a downward curvature around age 50 followed by an upward curvature in the 55 to 70 age range. The rate in most postmenopausal age groups is 20% to 67% of the rate expected on the basis of a linear increase of the log (rate) with log (age). The age patterns in women are similar to "Clemmesen's hook" observed for female breast cancer. There is evidence that the pattern in female subjects differs significantly from that for male subjects. The female age pattern requires confirmation in other populations. An etiologic role for sex hormones is hypothesized in view of that age distribution and in view of physiologic and laboratory observations.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Greenhouses are essentially microcosms aimed at providing physical environments suitable for the survival and growth of plants. Crops grown intensively in greenhouses in Great Britain include cut flowers, pot plants and edible crops such as tomato, lettuce, cucumber and celery. The enclosed conditions mean that greenhouse workers are more likely to be exposed to higher levels of plant material, plant pests and plant protection products than general horticulture workers. The potential for ill-health in greenhouse workers is examined with particular reference to Great Britain. The principal potential effects expected include irritancy, asthma, allergic alveolitis and dermatitis. Although biological control agents are widely used, there were no reports of their having caused ill-health in greenhouse workers. About two people per year are found to have suffered ill-health as a consequence of greenhouse exposure to chemical pesticides in reported pesticides incidents in Grea

Abstract  Objective To examine the effects of formaldehyde on the process of sperm development and reproductive capacity in male mice and the micronucleus rate of liver cells from offspring.Methods The mice were randomly divided into negative control group(NC),formaldehyde exposed group and positive control group (PC).The exposed dose was 21 mg·m-3 (1/24 LC50),42 mg·m-3 (1/12 LC50) and 84 mg·m-3 (1/6 LC50),respectively. 12 male mice were included in each group.Male mice from different formaldehyde exposed groups were inhaled with formaldehyde for 2 h one day,6 d each week,lasted for 13 weeks.The aberration rate of sperm in male mice and the micronucleus rate of liver cells from offspring were observed,and the reproductive capacity of male mice was detected by dominant lethal test.Results The aberration rates of sperm in mice from different formaldehyde exposed groups were significantly higher than that in negative control (P0.05),and the relationship between the spermatozoa aberration rate and the concentration of inhaled formaldehyde was positive correlation (r=0.83,P0.001).The rates of fetal absorption in pregnant mice from three different exposed groups were significantly higher than that in negative control (P0.01),and the number of live offspring from 1/6 LC50 group was lower than that in negative control (P0.05).Conclusion Formaldehyde can cause the increasing of sperm aberration rate and the decreasing of the reproductive capacity in male mice.The results suggest that formaldehyde can affect the genetics of male mice.

Abstract  Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to report the synthesis of resins having conducting and fluorescence properties, with carbazole and oligocarbazole with a one step method of in situ modification of ketonic resin. Cyclohexanone-formaldehyde (CFR), and acetophenone-formaldehyde (AFR) resins were in situ modified with carbazole in the presence of sodium hydroxide.

Design/methodology/approach - Carbazole modified ketonic resins were synthesised by the condensation reaction of Cz, formaldehyde and ketone. Oligo carbazole was synthesised by redox reaction of carbazole and ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN). Then, for the in situ modification of oligo carbazole modified ketonic resin, reaction mixture of oligocarbazole carbazole was added to the cyclohexanone/formaldehyde solution.

Findings - The carbazole modified cyclohexanone-formaldehyde and acetophenone formaldehyde resins have conductivity values of 10(-5)-10(-6) S/cm and may be considered as semi-conductive ketonic resins. These new carbazole modified ketonic resins (CCzFR, ACzFR) have fluorescence properties.

Research limitations/implications - This study focused on obtaining a conductive and fluorescence resin using a carbazole monomer which is an insulator.

Practical implications - This study provides technical information for the synthesis of fluorescence comonomer.

Originality/value - New CCzFR, ACzFR comonomers were synthesised. These comonomers have higher Tm values than CFR and AFR alone and also have fluorescence property.

Abstract  OBJECTIVE: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans, leaving the dental profession to look for viable substitutes to formocresol in the vital pulpotomy technique. This study was designed to examine the attitudes and practices of Community Dental Service (CDS) staff in Wales in relation to vital pulpotomy for primary molars 18 months following the IARC's press release.

METHODS: The study employed a postal questionnaire.

RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 79 (78.2%) of the CDS staff surveyed, yielding a sample of 65 dentists practising the technique. The most commonly used pulpotomy agents were formocresol, paraformaldehyde and ferric sulphate. Twenty-seven (41.5%) dentists expressed concern regarding their preferred pulpotomy agent and 17 (26.2%) were considering changing their technique. Only one respondent (1.5% of the sample) routinely took preoperative radiographs; follow-up radiographs were routinely taken by only three dentists (4.6%). Only 44 respondents (67.7%) always used local anaesthesia for this form of treatment. Amalgam was the most commonly used restorative material. Twenty-two respondents (33.8%) stated that they would pulp treat a primary molar on more than one occasion.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that there is need for relevant continuing professional development courses for CDS staff in Wales.

Abstract  A fluorescence in situ hybridization-flow cytometry (FISH/FC)-based method was optimized using artificial mixtures of pure cultures of methanotrophic bacteria. Traditional oligonucleotide probes targeting 16S rRNAs of type I (MG84/705 probe) and type II (MA450 probe) methanotrophs were labeled with fluorescein or Alexa fluor and used for FISH, followed by fluorescence-activated FC analysis and cell sorting (FACS). The method resulted in efficient separation of target cells (type I or type II methanotrophs) from the artificial mixtures. The method was then applied for detection and enrichment of type I and type II methanotroph populations from a natural sample, Lake Washington sediment. Cells were extracted from the sediment, fixed, and subjected to FISH/FC/FACS. The resulting subpopulations were analyzed by reverse transcriptase PCR surveys of 16S rRNA, pmoA (encoding a subunit of particulate methane monooxygenase), and fae (encoding formaldehyde-activating enzyme) genes. The functional gene analysis indicated specific separation of the type I and type II methanotroph populations. 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that type I methanotrophs comprised 59% of the subpopulation separated using the type I-specific probe and that type II methanotrophs comprised 47.5% of the subpopulation separated using the type II-specific probe. Our data indicate that the FISH/FC/FACS protocol described can provide significant enrichment of microbial populations of interest from complex natural communities and that these can be used for genetic tests. We further tested the possibility of direct whole-genome amplification (WGA) from limited numbers of sorted cells, using artificial mixtures of microbes whose genome sequences are known. We demonstrated that efficient WGA can be achieved using 10(4) or more cells separated by 16S rRNA-specific FISH/FC/FACS, while fewer cells resulted in less specific WGA.