Catalytic domain of PDC-E2 contains epitopes recognized by antimitochondrial antibodies in primary biliary cirrhosis

AIM:To search for further immunodominant peptides of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E2-component (PDC-E2) recognized by antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS:Sera from 95 patients with PBC were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against 33 synthetic overlapping peptides (25 amino acids; aa) covering the entire length of the E2-subunit of PDC-E2. Furthermore,the inner lipoyl peptide 167-184 was used in an unlip oylated and a lipoylated form as well as coupled to ovalbumin. Sera from 11 AMA negative/ANA posit ive PBC patients,63 patients with other liver disorders and 22 healthy blood donors served as controls.RESULTS:Of the 95 PBC-sera,74% reacted with the peptide 475-499 and 58% with the pept ide 407-431 located within the catalytic domain of PDC-E2. Patients with other disorders or healthy controls were positive in only up to 18%. Antibodies to the unlipoylatedand lip oylated pept ide 167-184 within the inner lipoyl domain were found in only 5% and 11% of the PBC sera,respectively; using ovalbumin-coupled peptides,the incidence increased up to 57% (unlipoylated form). CONCLUSION:Peptides within the catalytic site of PDC-E2 rather than the previously reported lipoyl binding peptide 167-184 may represent major immunodomin ant epitopes recognized by AMA in PBC.

Identification of osteopontin as the most consistently over-expressed gene in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Detection by oligonucleotide microarray and real-time PCR analysis

AIM: To investigate the molecular pathways involved in human cholangiocarcinogenesis by gene expression profiling. METHODS: Oligonucleotide arrays (Affymetrix U133A) were used to establish a specific gene expression profile of intrahepatic CCC in comparison to corresponding non- malignant liver tissue. To validate the expression values of the most overexpressed genes, RT-PCR experiments were performed. RESULTS: Five hundred and fifty-two statistically differentially expressed genes/ESTs (221 probes significantly up-regulated, 331 probes down-regulated; P < 0.05; fold change > 2; ≥ 70%) were identified. Using these data and two-dimensional cluster analysis,a specific gene expression profile was obtained allowing fast and reproducible differentiation of CCC, which was confirmed by supervised neuronal network modelling. The most consistently overexpressed gene (median fold change 33.5, significantly overexpressed in 100%) encoded osteopontin. Furthermore, an association of various genes with the histopathological grading could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: A highly specific gene expression profile for intrahepatic CCC was identified, allowing for its fast and reproducible discrimination against non- malignant liver tissue and other liver masses. The most overexpressed gene in intrahepatic CCC was the gene encoding osteopontin. These data may lead to a better understanding of human cholangiocarcinogenesis.

Molecular phenotypes of human parvovirus B19 in patients with myocarditis

AIM:To investigate molecular phenotypes of myocardial B19V-infection to determine the role of B19V in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).METHODS:Endomyocardial biopsies(EMBs) from 498 B19V-positive patients with myocarditis and DCMwere analyzed using molecular methods and functional experiments.EMBs were obtained from the University Hospitals of Greifswald and Tuebingen and additionally from 36 German cardiology centers.Control tissues were obtained at autopsy from 34 victims of accidents,crime or suicide.Identification of mononuclear cell infiltrates in EMBs was performed using immunohistological staining.Anti-B19V-IgM and anti-B19V-IgG were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).B19V viral loads were determined using in-house quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).For B19V-genotyping a new B19V-genotype-specific restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP)-PCR was established.B19V-genotyping was verified by direct DNAsequencing and sequences were aligned using BLAST and BioEdit software.B19V P6-promoter and HHV6-U94-transactivator constructs were generated for cell culture experiments.Transfection experiments were conducted using human endothelial cells 1.Luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine B19Vreplication activity.Statistical analysis and graphical representation were calculated using SPSS and Prism5 software.RESULTS:The prevalence of B19V was significantly more likely to be associated with inflammatory cardiomyopathy(iCMP) compared to uninflamed DCM(59.6% vs 35.3%)(P < 0.0001).The detection of B19V-mRNA replication intermediates proved that replication of B19V was present.RFLP-PCR assays showed that B19V-genotype 1(57.4%) and B19V-genotype 2(36.7%) were the most prevalent viral genotypes.B19V-genotype 2 was observed more frequently in EMBs with iCMP(65.0%) compared to DCM(35%)(P = 0.049).Although there was no significant difference in gender-specific B19V-loads,women were more frequently infected with B19V-genotype 2(44.6%) than men(36.0%)(P = 0.0448).Coinfection with B19V and other cardiotropic viruses was found in 19.2% of tissuesamples and was associated with higher B19V viral load compared to B19V-monoinfected tissue(P = 0.0012).The most frequent coinfecting virus was human herpes virus 6(HHV6,16.5%).B19V-coinfection with HHV6 showed higher B19V-loads compared to B19V-monoinfected EMBs(P = 0.0033),suggesting that HHV6 had transactivated B19V.In vitro experiments confirmed a 2.4-fold increased B19V P6-promoter activity by the HHV6 U94-transactivator.CONCLUSION:The finding of significantly increased B19V loads in patients with histologically proven cardiac inflammation suggests a crucial role of B19V-genotypes and reactivation of B19V-infection by HHV6-coinfection in B19V-associated iCMP.Our findings suggest that B19V-infection of the human heart can be a causative event for the development of an endothelial cell-mediated inflammatory disease and that this is related to both viral load and genotype.

Computer-aided identification of protein targets of four polyphenols in Alzheimer's disease(AD)and validation in a mouse AD model

Natural polyphenols are a large class of phytochemicals with neuroprotective effects. Four polyphenolic compounds: hesperidin, icariin, dihydromyricetin and baicalin were selected to evaluate their effects on Alzheimer's disease(AD). We analyzed by an inverse docking procedure(INVDOCK) the potential protein targets of these polyphenols within the KEGG AD pathway. Consequently, their therapeutic effects were evaluated and compared in a transgenic APP/PS1 mouse model of AD. These polyphenols were docked to several targets, including APP, BACE,PSEN, IDE, CASP, calpain and TNF-a, suggesting potential in vivo activities. Five month old transgenic mice were treated with these polyphenols. Icariin and hesperidin restored behavioral deficits and ameliorated Aβ deposits in both the cortex and hippocampus while baicalin and dihydromyricetin showed no substantial effects. Our findings suggest that hesperidin and icariin could be considered potential therapeutic candidates of human AD.

Boundary of Cretaceous and Paleogene continental deposits in Zeya-Bureya Basin,Amur(Heilongjiang)River region

It was conducted the comparison of palynological assemblages of the Middle Tsagayan,Upper Tsagayan subformations,Furao and Wuyun formations from Zeya-Bureya Basin of Amur (Heilongjiang) River region with assemblages obtained from the marine deposits of Northeast Russia,Sakhalin,Kuril,and Hokkaido Islands,dated by ammonites,foraminifers and other invertebrates. Based on detail correlation,the geological age of the terrestrial beds was defined. The guide fossils are recognized Marsypiletes cretacea,Tricolpites variexi- nus,Aquilapollenites conatus,A. stelkii,A. rombicus,Integricorpus bellum,Pseudointegricorpus clarireticula- tus,Triprojectus amoenus,Orbiculapollis lucidus,Wodehouseia aspera,Quercoidites minor,which had last oc- currence in the late Maastrichtian. The Danian palynofloras usually are dominated by Triatriopollenites plicoides and T. confusus. The species Anacolosidites subtrudens,Aquilapollenites proceros,A. spinulosus have last occurrence in the Danian. The K-T (K-Pg) boundary in the terrestrial deposits is defined in the base of the Upper Tsagayan Subformation and the base of the lower part of the Wuyun Formation. The latter is represented by aleuropelite to fine-grained sandstones. The change of taxonomical composition of palynospectra in similar environments could be determined by real change of flora at the Mesozoic and Cenozoic boundary,but not by changes of lithological facies or depositional environment,generally.

Efficacy of SpyGlass^(TM)-directed biopsy compared to brush cytology in obtaining adequate tissue for diagnosis in patients with biliary strictures

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic yield(inflammatory activity) and efficiency(size of the biopsy specimen) of SpyGlassTM-guided biopsy vs standard brush cytology in patients with and without primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC).METHODS: At the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany, 35 consecutive patients with unclear biliarylesions(16 patients) or long-standing PSC(19 patients) were screened for the study. All patients underwent a physical examination, lab analyses, and abdominal ultrasound. Thirty-one patients with non-PSC strictures or with PSC were scheduled to undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiography(ERC) and subsequent per-oral cholangioscopy(POC). Standard ERC was initially performed, and any lesions or strictures were localized. POC was performed later during the same session. The Boston Scientific SpyGlass SystemTM(Natick, MA, United States) was used for choledochoscopy. The biliary tree was visualized, and suspected lesions or strictures were biopsied, followed by brush cytology of the same area. The study endpoints(for both techniques) were the degree of inflammation, tissue specimen size, and the patient populations(PSC vs non-PSC). Inflammatory changes were divided into three categories: none, low activity, and high activity. The specimen quantity was rated as low, moderate, or sufficient.RESULTS: SpyGlassTM imaging and brush cytology with material retrieval were performed in 29 of 31(93.5%) patients(23 of the 29 patients were male). The median patient age was 45 years(min, 20 years; max, 76 years). Nineteen patients had known PSC, and 10 showed non-PSC strictures. No procedure-related complications were encountered. However, for both methods, tissues could only be retrieved from 29 pa-tients. In cases of inflammation of the biliary tract, the diagnostic yield of the SpyGlassTM-directed biopsies was greater than that using brush cytology. More tissue material was obtained for the biopsy method than for the brush cytology method(P = 0.021). The biopsies showed significantly more inflammatory characteristics and greater inflammatory activity compared to the cy-tological investigation(P = 0.014). The greater quantity of tissue samples proved useful for both PSC and non-PSC patients.CONCLUSION: SpyGlassTM imaging can be recom-mended for proper inflammatory diagnosis in PSC pa-tients. However, its value in diagnosing dysplasia wasnot addressed in this study and requires further investi-gation.

Irritable bowel syndrome and organic diseases: A comparative analysis of esophageal motility

AIM:To assess the esophageal motility in patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)and to compare those with patients with autoimmune disorders.METHODS:15 patients with IBS,22 with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)and 19 with systemic sclerosis(SSc)were prospectively selected from a total of 115patients at a single university centre and esophageal motility was analysed using standard manometry(Mui Scientific PIP-4-8SS).All patients underwent esophagogastro-duodenoscopy before entering the study so that only patients with normal endoscopic findings were included in the current study.All patients underwent a complete physical,blood biochemistry and urinary examination.The grade of dysphagia was determined for each patient in accordance to the intensity and frequency of the presented esophageal symptoms.Furthermore,disease activity scores(SLEDAI and modified Rodnan score)were obtained for patients with autoimmune diseases.Outcome parameter:A correlation coefficient was calculated between amplitudes,velocity and duration of the peristaltic waves throughout esophagus and patients’dysphagia for all three groups.RESULTS:There was no statistical difference in the standard blood biochemistry and urinary analysis in all three groups.Patients with IBS showed similar pathologic dysphagia scores compared to patients with SLE and SSc.The mean value of dysphagia score was in IBS group 7.3,in SLE group 6.73 and in SSc group7.56 with a P-value>0.05.However,the manometric patterns were different.IBS patients showed during esophageal manometry peristaltic amplitudes at the proximal part of esophagus greater than 60 mmHg in46%of the patients,which was significant higher in comparison to the SLE(11.8%)and SSc-Group(0%,P=0.003).Furthermore,IBS patients showed lower mean resting pressure of the distal esophagus sphincter(Lower esophageal sphincter,22 mmHg)when compared with SLE(28 mmHg,P=0.037)and SSc(26 mmHg,P=0.052).23.5%of patients with SLE showed amplitudes greater as 160 mmHg in the distal esophagus(IBS and SSc:0%)whereas 29.4%amplitudes greater as 100 mmHg in the middle one(IBS:16.7%,SSc:5.9%respectively,P=0.006).Patients with SSc demonstrated,as expected,in almost half of the cases reduced peristalsis or even aperistalsis in the lower two thirds of the esophagus.SSc patients demonstrated a negative correlation coefficient between dysphagia score,amplitude and velocity of peristaltic activity at middle and lower esophagus[r=-0.6,P<CONCLUSION:IBS patients have comparable dysphagia-scores as patients with autoimmune disorders.The different manometric patterns might allow differentiating esophageal symptoms based on IBS from other organic diseases.

Late Cretaceous biota and the Cretaceous-Paleogene(K--Pg)Boundary in Jiayin of Heilongjiang,China

An international cooperative study of the Late Cretaceous biota and non-marine strata including the Cretaceous-Paleogene(K--Pg) boundary in Jiayin near the Heilongjiang River,China during 2002-2010,is summarized in this paper. The strata includes the Upper Cretaceous Yong'ancun-,Taipinglinchang-,Yuliang-zi-,and Furao formations,and the Paleocence Wuyun Formation consisting of Baoshantou Member and a Coalbearing Member. Seven palynological assemblages from Santonian to Paleocene are recognized,which is used for definition of the K--Pg boundary. Through the palynological analysis of three drilled boreholes (XHY-2005,2006,2008) in Xiaoheyan of western Jiayin,the K--Pg boundary is defined within 20. 00-20. 05 m in the borehole XHY-2006 (as a standard boundary) which is just between the top of Furao Formation (late Maasterichtian) and the base of Baishantou Member (early Danian) . These new research results are supported by paleo- magnetic,geochemical and other analyses,also. On the other hand,the presence of eight taxa of Maasterichtian dinosaurs (mostly hadrosaurids) have been recognized by the authors; and two mega-plant assemblages from the Yong'ancun Fm (Santonian) to Taipinglinchang Fm (Campanian) are confirmed. These research a-chievements indicate that the Upper Cretaceous-Paleocene in Jiayin can be well correlated to the strata in the neighboring Zeya-Bureja basin,Russia. The K--Pg boundary definited in Jiayin is the first well documented non-marine K--Pg boundary in China. Also the related paleoclimate,paleoenvironment and the mass extinctions in this area during the Cretaceous-Paleocene transition are also discussed.

Sedimentary facies of Maastrichtian to Danian deposits in Amur River area,Russian Far East

Sedimentary facies of the Tsagayan Formation is distributed in the eastern Zeya-Bureya Basin has been analyzed. The formation is of the Maastrichtian to Danian in age and characterized by the cyclicity of the fining-upwards successions. Analysis of environmental changes during the K/T boundary is the focus of this study. Five facies have been identified: Facies A, thick and laterally extensive coarse-grained to medium-grained sandstone units, interpreted as channelfill deposits; Facies B, parallel-laminated to massive mudstone units interpreted as interchannel lakes and flood plain deposits; Facies C, sheet-like medium-grained to fine-grained sandstones interpreted as crevasse splay deposits; Facies D, coal to coaly mudstone beds interpreted as deposits of peatlands; Facies E, very poorly sorted sandy mudstone beds interpreted as debris flow deposits. Fluvial environments with the low-relief flat topography was inferred. A channel transported large volumes of clasts, and a flood basin with interchannel lakes and peatlands was deciphered. Any distinct change of sedimentary environments has not been identified throughout the Tsagayan Formation (including the K/T boundary). However, two beds of debris flow deposits were identified. The one occurs at the uppermost part of the lower Tsagayan Subformation and contains dinosaur fossils. The other is intercalated in the upper Tsagayan Subformation.

Influence of immobilization and sensory re-education on the sensory recovery after reconstruction of digital nerves with direct suture or muscle-in-vein conduits

The influence of duration of immobilization and postoperative sensory re-education on the final outcome after reconstruction of digital nerves with direct suture or muscle-in-vein conduits was investigated. The final sensory outcome of 35 patients with 41 digital nerve injuries, who either underwent a direct suture（DS） or a nerve reconstruction with muscle-in-vein conduits（MVC）, was assessed the earliest 12 months postoperatively using static and moving two-point discrimination as well as Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. There was no significant difference in sensory recovery in cases with an immobilization of 3–7 days versus 10 days in the DS or MVC group. Moreover, no statistically significant difference in sensory recovery was found in cases receiving postoperative sensory re-education versus those not receiving in the DS or MVC group. An early mobilization does not seem to have a negative impact on the final outcome after digital nerve reconstruction. The effect of sensory re-education after digital nerve reconstruction should be reconsidered.

Beware of gastric tube in esophagectomy after gastric radiotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Gastric tube formation and pull-up is the most common technique of reconstruction following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.If previous treatment with radiotherapy for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)-lymphoma restricts suitability of the stomach for anastomosis to the esophagus is unknown.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old man underwent sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy for gastric MALT-lymphoma seven years prior to diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma.Esophagectomy without neoadjuvant treatment was recommended by the multidisciplinary tumor board due to early tumor stage[uT1(sm2)uN+cM0 according to TNM-classification of malignant tumors,8^(th) edition]without lymph node involvement.Minimal invasive esophageal resection with esophagogastrostomy was performed.Due to gastric tube necrosis with anastomotic leakage on the twelfth postoperative day,diverting resection with construction of a cervical salivary fistula was necessary.Rapid recovery facilitated colonic interposition without any complications six months afterwards.CONCLUSION This case report may represent the start for further investigation to know if it is reasonable to refrain from esophagogastrostomy in patients with a long interval between gastric radiotherapy and surgery.

High-dose interferon-α2b induction therapy in combination with ribavirin for treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with non-response or relapse after interferon-a monotherapy

AIM: To evaluate the daily high-dose induction therapy with interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b) in combination with ribavirin for the treatment of patients who failed with interferon monotherapy and had a relapse, based on the assumption that the viral burden would decline faster, thus increasing the likelihood of higher response rates in this diffficult-to-treat patient group.METHODS: Seventy patients were enrolled in this study.Treatment was started with 10 MU IFN-α2b daily for 3 wk,followed by IFN-α2b 5 MU/TIW in combination with ribavirin (1 000-1 200 mg/d) for 21 wk. In case of a negative HCV RNA PCR, treatment was continued until wk 48 (IFN-α2b 3 MU/TIW+1 000-1 200 mg ribavirin/daily).RESULTS: The dose of IFN-α2b or ribavirin was reduced in 16% of patients because of hematologic side effects,and treatment was discontinued in 7% of patients. An early viral response (EVR) was achieved in 60% of patients. Fifty percent of all patients achieved an end-of-treatment response (EOT) and 40% obtained a sustained viral response (SVR). Patients with no response had a significantly lower response rate than those with a former relapse (SVR 30% vs 53%; P = 0.049). Furthermore,lower response rates were observed in patients infected with genotype 1a/b than in patients with non-1-genotype (SVR 28% vs74%; P= 0.001). As a significant predictive factor for a sustained response, a rapid initial decline of HCV RNA could be identified. No patient achieving a negative HCV-RNA PCR at wk 18 or later eventually eliminated the virus.CONCLUSION: Daily high-dose induction therapy with interferon-α2b is well tolerated and effective for the treatment of non-responders and relapsers, when interferon monotherapy fails. A fast decline of viral load during the first 12 wk is strongly associated with a sustained viral response.

Ecological variations of woody species along an altitudinal gradient in the Qinling Mountains of Central China:area-based versus mass-based expression of leaf traits

Leaf trait-based research has become the preferred method to understand the ecological strategies of plants.However,there is still a debate on whether area-based or mass-based traits provide different insights into environmental adaptations and responses.In this study,seven key leaf traits(maximum net photosynthetic rate,dark respiration rate,nitrogen content,photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency,leaf mass per area,leaf dry matter contents and leaf area)of 43 woody species were quantified on the basis of both area and mass along an altitudinal gradient(1100–2700 m)in the Qinling Mountains of China.Differences in leaf traits and bivariate correlations between the two expressions were compared.By considering different expressions,the strengths and directions of the responses of leaf traits to the altitudinal gradient were determined.Leaf traits showed large variations;interspecific variations contributed more to total variance than intraspecific variations.Bivariate correlations between photosynthetic traits and structural traits(mass per area,dry matter content,and area)were weaker on a mass basis than those on an area basis.Most traits exhibited quadratic trends along the altitudinal gradient,and these patterns were more noticeable for area-based than mass-based traits.Area-based traits were more sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation associated with altitude.These results provide evidence that mass-versus area-based traits show different ecological responses to environmental conditions associated with altitude,even if they do not contain very broad spatial scales.Our results also indicate distinction of photosynthetic acclimation among the two expressions along an altitudinal gradient,reflecting trade-offs among leaf structure and physiological traits.

Do U/Pb-SHRIMP Dating and Pb Stepwise Leaching (PbSL) Analyses Confirm the Lack of Precambrian Basement Outcrops in Thailand?

U/Pb-SHRIMP dating and Pb stepwise leaching (PbSL) experiments on zircons and garnets, respectively have confirmed the lack of Precambrian outcrops within the crystalline basement of Thailand. The obtained data for the high grade metamorphism show Indosinian ages ranging from 225 - 200 Ma as previously suggested for the vast majority of outcrops in NW-Thailand ([1]?and references therein), as well as a small group of ages in the range of 445 Ma in the Lampang Province. Further, the age of a thermal imprint around 60 Ma was confirmed near Surat Thani, Peninsular Thailand, and only a few indications of older ages for the unknown source areas were detected in detrital components.

Sleep Duration and Sleep Problems in a Representative Sample of German Children and Adolescents

Objective: The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate sleep duration for nighttime sleep from early infancy to late adolescence in a German sample to illustrate the developmental course and age-specific variability of these variables among subjects. Methods: A total of 17,641 subjects from the KiGGS study were evaluated. The questionnaires contained questions about physical health, living circumstances, health behavior and risks, health supply, mental health, health-related quality of life and sleep. KiGGS assessed sleep by using parent questionnaire of children aged 0 to 10 years (n = 9944) and self-reports of adolescents (n = 7697) aged 11 to 17 years. Results: Total sleep duration decreased from 14.28 hours (SD = 2.33) at the ages 0 - 0.5 to 9.50 hours (SD = 0.82) at the ages of 10.5 - 11. Above the age of 11 adolescents report a decrease of sleep at night from 9.41 hours (SD = 1.33) at the age of 11 - 11.5 to 7.42 (SD = 1.73) at the age of 17.5 - 18 years. Unspecified sleep problems were reported of 19.5%, 13.0% of the children had difficulties falling asleep, difficulties sleeping through the night showed 8.8% of the children, whereas 3.0% report both symptoms—difficulties falling asleep and difficulties sleeping through the night. Conclusions: Age-specific variability of sleep duration is reported as well as sleep difficulties from infancy to adolescence. This is important knowledge for the health care professional who deals with sleep problems in pediatric practice.

Vegetation and Climate Reconstruction of the Planalto in Rio Grande do Sul, South Brazil (Late Glacial and Holocene)

A 405 cm long core was drilled in the Aparados da Serra National Park (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) at the end of 1999, and in all, 23 samples were taken for palynological investigation. The cores’ age is estimated at 27 000 a BP based on three radiocarbon dates taken from different depths of the core. Palynological methods were used to reconstruct the history of vegetation and climate change. Four different plant associations were recognized: ① lake plankton and shore plants; ② mire and swamp plants; ③ gallery-forest plants; ④ campos vegetation. Climate changed from cold glacial conditions mainly influenced by the South Pole throughout several transition stages to today’s humid warm climate, mainly being influenced by the Brazil stream.

Comparison of short- with long-term regeneration results after digital nerve reconstruction with musclein-vein conduits

Muscle-in-vein conduits are used alternatively to nerve grafts for bridging nerve defects. The purpose of this study was to examine short- and long-term regeneration results after digital nerve reconstruction with muscle-in-vein conduits. Static and moving two-point discriminations and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments were used to evaluate sensory recovery 6–12 months and 14–35 months after repair of digital nerves with muscle-in-vein in 7 cases. Both follow-ups were performed after clinical signs of progressing regeneration disappeared. In 4 of 7 cases, a further recovery of both two-point discriminations and in another case of only the static two-point discrimination of 1–3 mm could be found between the short-term and long-term follow-up examination. Moreover, a late recovery of both two-point discriminations was demonstrated in another case. Four of 7 cases showed a sensory improvement by one Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments. This pilot study suggests that sensory recovery still takes place even when clinical signs of progressing regeneration disappear.

Cretaceous Environments of Afghanistan:A Synthesis Based on Selected Sections

The Cretaceous of Afghanistan is marked by great facies diversity. The evolution of Cretaceous basins is part of a complex accretionary history involving three distinct tectonic units namely the Asian ( Russian) Block separated from the Indian plate by a rather well defined transcurrent fault (Chaman-Nuski). The southwestern component is represented by the Iran-Afghanistan plate. The Lower Cretaceous of the Asian Block is represented by the Red-Grit Series which is conformable to the underlying Upper Jurassic sequences. The transition is marked by evaporitic facies dominated by salt, gypsum and marl deposits. In south Afghanistan volcanic rocks occur at Farah, with the emplacement of plutonics in west-central Afghanistan. The Upper Cretaceous of north Afghanistan is marked by richly fossiliferous, limestone-domi-nated sequences. The Upper Cretaceous of southern Afghanistan is marked by strong ophiolitic magmatism.

Evidences of Holocene transgression on Domingos Petrolini Swamp, southern coastal plain, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The Domingos Petrolini Swamp, located on the Southern Coastal Plain of Rio Grande do Sul, near the town of Rio Grande, constitutes an ample holocene lagoonal deposit. Events related to the holocene transgression and their diverse phases of glacial-eustatic ocillations were found through palynological analysis. Bases on these palynological data, four distinct phases to the paleoenvironmental evolution of the ecosystem were identified. It has also shown a transgressive restricted marine sequence on the base, which suggests the existence of a coastal brackish lagoon or a marisme type of environment. Later, there was a gradation for continentality conditions along with a scarce pollinical record. The third phase is characterized by the presence of marine components and halophyte vegetation, showing another transgressive event in that place. Lastly, the end of direct marine influence over the swamp was recorded and also the vegetation development as it appears these days.

Considerations about the occurrence of pollen grains of the Valeriana eichleriana (C. A. Muller) Graebner, in sediments of the Upper Quaternary in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Valeriana eichle riana (C. A. Muller) Graebner pollen are described and documented, used optical and scanning eletronic microscopy. We found that the current descriptions available goes this pollen disagree with the general pollinic pattern of the genera. Consequently, we conclude that the previous work in this area have taxonomical errors leading to inappropiate paleoenvironmental interpretations.