An sp3 hybridized carbon atom was used as a probe atom to generat

An sp3 hybridized carbon atom was used as a probe atom to generate steric (Lennard–Jones potential) field energies and a charge of +1 to generate electrostatic (Coulombic potential) field energies. A distance dependent dielectric constant of 1.00 was used. The steric and electrostatic fields were truncated at +30.00 kcal mol−1. The similarity indices descriptors were calculated using the same lattice box employed for CoMFA calculations, using sp3 carbon as a probe atom with +1 charge, +1 hydrophobicity and +1 H-bond donor and +1 H-bond acceptor properties. A partial least squares regression was used

to generate a linear AZD6738 purchase relationship that correlates changes in the computed fields with changes in the corresponding experimental values of biological activity (pIC50) for the data set of ligands. Biological activity values of ligands

were used as dependent variables in a PLS statistical analysis.17 The column filtering value(s) was set to 2.0 kcal mol−1 to improve the signal-to-noise ratio by omitting those lattice points whose energy variations were below this threshold. Cross-validations were performed by the leave-one-out (LOO) procedure to determine the optimum number of components Rapamycin in vivo (ONC) and the coefficient q  2. The optimum number of components obtained is then used to derive the final QSAR model using all of the training set compounds with non-cross validation and to obtain the conventional correlation coefficient (r  2). To validate the CoMFA and CoMSIA derived models, the predictive ability for the test set of compounds (expressed as rpred2) was determined by using the following equation: rpred2=(SD−PRESS)/SD SD is the sum of the squared deviations between the biological activities of the test set

molecules and the mean activity of the training set compounds. PRESS is the sum of the squared deviation between the observed and the predicted activities of the test L-NAME HCl set compounds. Since the statistical parameters were found to be the best for the model from the LOO method, it was employed for further predictions of the designed molecules. The 3D QSAR – CoMFA and CoMSIA analysis were carried out using small molecules like bezoxazol-5-yl acetic acid derivatives and 1,3-bis[4-(1H-bezimidazol-2-yl)-phenyl urea reported as potent inhibitors of heparanase9, 10 and 11 having precise IC50 value. A total of 43 molecules were used for derivation of model, these were divided into a training set of 33 molecules and test set of ten. The CoMFA and CoMSIA statistical analysis is summarized in Table 2. Statistical data shows qloo2 0.505 for CoMFA 0.540 for CoMSIA models, rncv2 of 0.972 and 0.988 for CoMFA and CoMSIA, respectively, which indicates a good internal predictive ability of the models. To test the predictive ability of the models, a test set of ten molecules excluded from the model derivation was used. The predictive correlation coefficient rpred2 of 0.556 for CoMFA and 0.

Meeting all of the criteria does not necessarily imply that these

Meeting all of the criteria does not necessarily imply that these ITAGs function efficiently or that other ITAGs are not effective – each ITAG has strengths and weaknesses. However, these ITAGs possess what we believe to be the minimum required criteria of an ideal ITAG. The validity of the responses in this survey is unknown. When compared with a systematic review on the same topic [2], 12 of the 14 countries who reported having national ITAGs were consistent

in their survey responses. One of the countries mistakenly reported the presence of an ITAG in the survey but this group is within the national government [15] and so was not considered an independent national ITAG by the 3-Methyladenine clinical trial authors. The reason for the other contradictory case, where the systematic review reported a national ITAG but the survey response indicated the opposite, is unknown. Of the 12 countries that

reported having a national ITAG in the systematic review and also reported the presence of a national ITAG on the questionnaire, the great majority of the information that was found in the systematic review was confirmed by the responses on the questionnaire. One exception was the number of members reported which may have been due to membership changes between the date of publication of the sources and the time when the survey was completed. The main limitation of this study is the collection of data through two different questionnaires, due to the exclusion of the European region from the global survey. The information from the European region is more limited and hence could not be aggregated with the rest of the data for all criteria. As a result, there is not global Pictilisib in vivo level data available for all topics

addressed which precludes a global depiction of many of the characteristics of national ITAGs as was originally planned. Another limitation is the potential that the questions or responses were misconstrued in translation. There was at least one inaccurate translation into Spanish that resulted in missing data for the Thymidine kinase intended question from 12 countries. Lastly, the information was collected through self-report and hence may not have reflected actual practice. Although national ITAGs appear to be valued and have a strong global presence, the credibility of the group lies in true independence from the government. There appears to be overlap between government employees and core members on some ITAGs. While it is important to have a close relationship between the government, who is generally responsible for the final immunization policy and its implementation, and the national ITAG, it is crucial that government representatives are not core members of the group who participate in making final recommendations to maintain the independence and credibility of the ITAG. There is a need for clear definitions and general guidelines on national ITAGs outlining their mandates and examples of ideal modes of functioning.

Based on PFGE profile analyses, no capsular switch events were de

Based on PFGE profile analyses, no capsular switch events were detected and thus no evidence was found in our study of vaccine escape recombinant isolates as reported by Bruegemann et al. in 2007 [40]. However, learn more it should be noted that the failure to detect capsular switch events could be linked to the relatively small sample size of 174 PFGE profiles. In the present

study, besides the pneumococcal prevalence comparisons that allowed detection of the known serotype replacement phenomenon between VT and NVT isolates (Table 2 and Table 3), we actually identified the mechanism of the vaccine’s effect in our setting. We show that within a month, in children aged between 12 and 24 months, a single dose of PCV7 decreases VT colonization as it prevents de novo acquisition, and conversely increases NVT colonization, namely by enhancing NVT unmasking ( Table 4). Our data is in accordance with previous studies, which suggest that conjugate

vaccines reduce VT carriage by preventing de novo acquisition rather than clearance [19], [41], [42] and [43]. Besides this major mechanism of the vaccine’s effect we propose that an additional one is the enhancement of NVT unmasking ( Table 4). Assessment of this last mechanism was only possible due to the study of multiple colonization. As a result of the paucity of multiple carriers, we were unable to conclude about a specific Digestive enzyme tendency PLX4032 of serotype associations before and after a single vaccine dose. Nevertheless, we found that 13 serotypes (6A, 6B, 7F, 11A, 14, 16F, 17F, 19A, 19F, 23B, 23F, 33F, and 38) and non-typeable isolates were able to co-colonize, associating with other serotypes in the children’s nasopharynx. In the vaccinated group, serotype 6A was the most common serotype observed among multiple carriers. Worthy of note is the fact that in the PCV7 era, the nasopharynx of multiple carriers can constitute

a reservoir for VT isolates. Some VTs (e.g. 6B, 14 and 19F) prevailed as minor serotypes “masked” by the dominant NVT isolates, in opposition to what occurred in the control. Whether or not the preferred co-existence of some serotypes reflects similarity of their chemical structures, similar nutritional requirements and/or bacteriocin compatibility [44] of the particular isolates remains to be determined. In summary, the present study demonstrates that, as early as 1 month after vaccination with a single dose, PCV7 causes serotype replacement of VT by NVT isolates in single and multiple carriers, with the mechanisms of the vaccine’s effect being the prevention of VT de novo acquisition and enhancement of NVT unmasking.

To assess the level of splenomegaly induced following intravenous

To assess the level of splenomegaly induced following intravenous immunisation with SL1344 atp and SL3261, mice were intravenously immunised with 105 CFU and spleen weights were measured along with bacterial viable counts ( Fig. 9). In comparison with uninfected age-matched mice, a significant increase in spleen weight was observed in mice immunised with both SL1344 atp and SL3261 on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 postinfection ( Fig. 9A). In addition, SL3261-immunised mice also http://www.selleckchem.com/Akt.html showed

a significant increase in spleen weight relative to uninfected age-matched mice on days 3 and 4 postinfection. Spleen weights of mice immunised with SL3261 were significantly increased relative to those immunised with SL1344 atp on days 7, 14 and 21 postinfection ( Fig. 9A). The reduced splenomegaly

following immunisation with SL1344 atp compared to SL3261, corresponded with lower splenic bacterial counts of SL1344 atp which may contribute to the reduced pathology ( Fig. Olaparib purchase 9A and B). Although spleen weights were similar from day 28 onwards in all immunised mice, bacterial counts in the spleens were significantly greater in mice immunised with SL1344 atp relative to those immunised with SL3261, from days 28 to 56 postinfection. At 63 days postinfection spleen weights of both immunised groups decreased to a similar level as uninfected controls (data not shown). However SL1344 atp immunised mice did not clear bacteria from the spleen until day 77 postinfection, whereas SL3261-immunised animals cleared bacteria at day 63. In contrast, both SL3261 and SL1344 atp immunised mice showed no significant change Cediranib (AZD2171) in liver weight compared with unimmunised controls (data not shown). SL3261 and SL1344 atp were both cleared from the livers of immunised mice by day 56 ( Fig. 9C). Histopathological analysis of H&E-stained sections from the spleens of SL3261-immunised mice showed the presence of granulomatous inflammation and areas of pyogranulomatous inflammation with necrosis on day 7 postinfection. In addition SL3261-immunised

mice displayed large amounts of lymphoid hyperplasia in conjunction and lymphoid coalescence, resulting in the inability to distinguish red and white pulp areas. These effects were still evident on day 14 postinfection, albeit reduced compared to day 7. At both time points, but especially at day 7, SL1344 atp immunised mice displayed much reduced histopathological effects relative to those immunised with SL3261 (data not shown). We have examined the role of the F0F1 ATPase in S. Typhimurium infection and shown that mutants in this protein complex have potential as live attenuated vaccine strains. The atpA gene has previously been identified by our laboratory as part of a screen of transposon mutants, as being required by S. Typhimurium for infection of mice [23].

Although a high-risk score appears to be more indicative of a TP

Although a high-risk score appears to be more indicative of a TP result, individual numerical values should be interpreted cautiously. Regardless of the risk score, confirmatory studies must be offered to all women with positive results without exception. This is particularly

important in light of the finding here that 6.2% of women with high-risk results chose to terminate the pregnancy without invasive test confirmation. Although referred to as fetal cfDNA, the primary source of cfDNA is placental trophoblast cells.34 CPM, estimated to be Tariquidar present in 1-2% of 10- to 12-week gestations,35 and 36 impacts all NIPTs. Validation studies have typically excluded samples with fetal mosaicism or CPM. Yet, it is clear that when NIPT is performed in a clinical setting, the effect of mosaicism cannot be ignored, and its impact on FP and FN results should be addressed. In this

cohort, 8/222 (3.6%) high-risk calls showed evidence of mosaicism. Two cases with CVS results that supported NIPT findings were later categorized as FPs because of CPM. Further, since most FPs in this cohort were determined by amniocentesis or at-birth testing without placental genetic analysis, there may be additional, undetected CPM cases within the FPs. From a retrospective analysis of CVS, Grati et al37 estimated that the FP rate would be 0.08% for the 4 common aneuploidies. Our findings, combined with the known incidence Bortezomib datasheet of CPM-related FPs and FNs, further reinforce the need for adequate pretest counseling, as recommended by American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).17 Patients undergoing CVS following high-risk results with NIPT should be counseled that mosaic conditions can occur and later amniocentesis may be required. An unexpected finding in this study was that the PPV for women aged <35 years Chlormezanone (87%) was similar to that of women aged ≥35 years (83%). This does not appear to be attributable to a bias in the referral of cases

for karyotyping. Some women aged <35 years may have chosen NIPT because of ultrasound findings or positive results with traditional serum screening. However, the lower aneuploidy call incidence of 1.0% in women aged <35 years, vs 2.4% in women aged ≥35 years (Table 3), supports that these 2 groups of women do differ substantially with respect to aneuploidy incidence. The PPV was expected to be lower in low-risk women because the number of affected pregnancies would be lower but the number of FPs was predicted to be a constant proportion.38 The similar PPVs determined in both maternal age groups may indicate that FPs, like affected pregnancies, are also proportionately more common in older women; perhaps arising from trisomic conceptions that are rescued but express CPM. More data are needed to confirm this observation. Based on the current opinion statement from ACOG, NIPT is appropriate for use in high-risk patients.

Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of understanding

Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of understanding the role of T helper cells in vaccine responses in paediatric populations, all the more so considering the expanding use of polysaccharide conjugate vaccines [33] and increasing interest in using vaccine

adjuvants to enhance cellular immune responsiveness [34]. We would like to thank the parents and guardians of the study children for their participation and ongoing support; the members of the Data Safety Monitoring Board (J. Vince, I. Kevau, J. Matthews, and D. Isaacs) and Independent Safety Monitors (A. Rongap and I. Betuela) for their ongoing monitoring of the safety of the study; vaccine manufacturers for providing us with single batch vaccines and vaccine antigens for in vitro studies; the Wellcome Trust and Australian National Health and http://www.selleckchem.com/products/BKM-120.html Medical Research Council for funding this trial;

P. Jacoby for statistical support; and all staff of the Papua New Guinea Neonatal Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Trial Team (in particular G. Saleu, C. Opa, J. Francis, T. Orami, P. Namuigi, A. Javati, A. Sie, B. Nivio, J. Totave, R. Sehuko, L. Pui, N. Fufu, M. Dreyum, G. Inapero, and J. Reeder and village reporters in the Asaro Valley). Conflicts of interest statement: A van den Biggelaar received a Robert Austrian Research Award in Pneumococcal Vaccinology sponsored by Wyeth to perform part of this work; she is currently employed by Crucell in the Netherlands. Anti-infection Compound high throughput screening D. Lehmann is a member 17-DMAG (Alvespimycin) HCl of the GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pneumococcal-Haemophilus influenzae-protein D conjugate vaccine (‘PHiD-CV’) Advisory Panel. P. Richmond has received research funding from GlaxoSmithKline and previously has been a member of the Wyeth Australia advisory board. All other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. “
“Tuberculosis (tb) is one of the leading causes of death in the developing world [1]. BCG vaccination in the first year of life offers excellent protection against extra pulmonary forms of tuberculosis (EPTB) in childhood [2] but protection from pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) varies from 0 to 80% [3]. WHO recommends neonatal BCG vaccination

[4] which is routine in many countries [5]. The evidence so far suggested that revaccination confers no additional protection to neonatal vaccination. In Malawi, a trial of the effect of a second BCG vaccination in children and adults showed no protection against tuberculosis [6]. The BCG REVAC trial focusing on school aged children, conducted in Brazil and reported in 2005 also showed no additional protection of a second BCG vaccination against tuberculosis (VE 9% (−16 to 29%)) or leprosy [7] and [8]. It is not known whether protection given by a second BCG vaccination would vary according to the setting or the age at revaccination; or if protection will be higher with longer follow up after revaccination.

So, the fact that we used both porcine myosin and human cardiac p

So, the fact that we used both porcine myosin and human cardiac protein extract, in which cardiac myosin is the major protein, strongly indicated that StreptInCor vaccine epitope is unable of inducing autoimmune reactions. Although the histopathology of mice assessed a year after the last immunization showed some alterations, such as extramedullary hematopoiesis,

liver steatosis, and infiltration of mononuclear cells this website in the kidney, these observations were also observed in the control animals. This finding suggests that these features are not due to the immunization with the vaccine epitope and are most likely due to aging of the mice. In support of this finding, the analysis of the heart tissue, with a special focus on the valves, and the other organs after 1 year did not display any specific RF lesions. Despite these promising results, humans are the only hosts for GAS. Although several studies have been conducted to find a suitable animal model, there is no suitable animal model that can desiccate the autoimmune process of RF and RHD. All the results presented here indicate

that the StreptInCor vaccine epitope GW-572016 mouse induces a robust and long lasting immune response in transgenic mice and not induces autoimmune reactions and can be considered a promising vaccine candidate to prevent RF. We acknowledge Prof. Dr. Chella S. David from Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic and Julie Hanson, Supervisor of Immunogenetics Mouse Colony from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA for provided the transgenic mice used in because this study and Prof Patrick Cleary, University of Minnesota Medical School, MN, USA for provided the M1 recombinant clone). This work was supported

by grants from “Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)” and “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)”. “
“The authors regret that they found the mistake in the acknowledgements part section Funding: Pneumococcal vaccines were provided by Disease Control Division, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok Thailand. The correct line should be; Pneumococcal vaccines were provided by Communicable Diseases Control Division, Department of Health Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Bangkok, Thailand. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. “
“Virus-like particles (VLP) comprising the major capsid protein (L1) of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) form the basis of the current HPV vaccines, Cervarix® and Gardasil®[1]. Both vaccines target ‘high-risk’ HPV types 16 and 18, which together are associated with ca. 70% of cervical cancers [2] and [3], and demonstrate almost complete protection against HPV16/18-associated high-grade lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+; CIN2+) [4] and [5].

What this study adds: The same relationship of greater falls risk

What this study adds: The same relationship of greater falls risk among aged care residents with intermediate ability also exists for other aspects of mobility including bed and chair mobility, dynamic standing balance, and ambulation. The Physical Mobility Scale can

be used to discriminate aged care residents who are most and least likely to fall. Evaluating the falls risk of residents in aged care facilities is complicated. Inconsistencies in the association between mobility impairment and http://www.selleckchem.com/products/ly2157299.html falls risk reported by past studies may be partially attributable to differences in the methods for measuring mobility. Measurement of mobility requires an understanding of the multiple components underpinning mobility. There are several components to consider, including bed mobility, sitting and standing balance, transfers, and ambulation. In addition, residents often require mobility aids and staff assistance to perform mobility tasks. Some studies have investigated the association between falls and a single mobility task, such as sit to stand (Kallin et al 2004,

Lord et al 2003), negotiation of stairs (Kallin et al 2002), or ambulation (French et al 2007, Maurer et al 2005). In comparison, the Physical Mobility Scale is a comprehensive, reliable and valid interval measure of resident mobility (Barker et al 2008, Nitz et al 2006, Pike and Landers 2010). It quantifies Alectinib price the amount of assistance and equipment an individual requires to safely perform nine mobility tasks ranging from bed Dichloromethane dehalogenase mobility to standing balance (Nitz et al 2006). The investigation of the association between mobility impairment assessed using the Physical Mobility Scale and falls risk has not been reported previously. This study aimed to build on existing research by characterising the association between mobility impairment as measured by the Physical Mobility Scale and falls risk, for people living in residential aged care. Therefore the research questions for this study were: 1. What is the association between mobility and falls risk for people living in residential aged care? This study used a prospective cohort design to investigate

the association between falls risk and mobility impairment. Residents from six residential aged care facilities were invited to participate in the study. Facilities were identified through convenience sampling. After baseline assessment with the Physical Mobility Scale, participants were followed for six months to record the number of falls. Permanent high care (nursing home) and low care (hostel) residents were eligible for inclusion in the study if they had lived at the facility for longer than 12 months. The participating facilities were located in Queensland, Australia. The facilities provide accommodation, meals, clinical care, and social activities for people in their later stages of life. Participants were recruited by personal approach.

Out of the 4711 cases, 702 (14 90%) were in the age group 0–5 mon

Out of the 4711 cases, 702 (14.90%) were in the age group 0–5 months, 1319 (27.99%) in the age group 6–11 months, 1559 (33.09%) in the age group 12–23 months and 1131 (24%) in the age group 24–59 months. Of the 4711 admissions, stool samples were collected from 2051 consenting (43.5%) subjects and analyzed for VP6 rotavirus antigen in stool using the commercial enzyme immunoassay kit (Premier Rota clone Qualitative EIA) at respective study sites. Out of the 2051 stool samples, overall 541 samples were positive for rotavirus VP6 antigen, representing 26.4% of subjects hospitalized due

to acute gastroenteritis. The rate of rotavirus positive stool samples ranged from as high as 52.5% recorded in December 2011 to as low as 10.3% recorded in May 2011. The highest percentages of cases positive for rotavirus occurred in the age groups 12–23 months and 6–11 months at all sites (32.75% Bcl-2 inhibitor and 27.9%, respectively). Of all children with rotavirus positive diarrhea, 18.84% were aged less than 6 months. Children less than 2 years of age represented 82% of the total disease burden. The mean

age in months (± standard deviation) of rotavirus infected hospitalized children (15.19 ± 4.08) was lower when compared to the mean age Regorafenib price of rotavirus uninfected hospitalized children (17.00 ± 4.26) which is a statistical significant difference (P value < 0.01). In addition to the reported 16 months data, data were analyzed separately for 12 months from August 2011 to July 2012 for overall rotavirus positive diarrhea during one complete calendar year. During this calendar year, out of 3917 severe diarrheal admission, stool

samples were collected from 1868 consenting (47.7%) subjects and analyzed for VP6 rotavirus antigen in stool using the commercial enzyme immunoassay kit (Premier Rota clone Qualitative EIA) at Ketanserin respective study sites. Out of the 1868 stool samples, overall 516 samples were positive for rotavirus VP6 antigen, representing 27.62% of subjects hospitalized due to acute gastroenteritis. Out of the 2051 cases who provided stool samples for the study, 63.18% subjects were males. However rotavirus positivity showed no significant difference between male and female subjects (26.5% among males and 26.1% among females) (Table 1). The severity of disease was higher in rotavirus infected children than the rotavirus uninfected children (Table 2). In spite of the duration of the hospital stay being similar for both rotavirus infected and rotavirus uninfected children, the infected children presented slightly more vomiting episodes. Rotavirus antigen positivity in stools varied from region to region across India. The average rotavirus positivity reported from various regions was as follows: North India 20.9% (range across study period 0.0–53.3%), Eastern India 24.6% (range across study period 0.0–58.6%), South India 33.

2 Dried, ground NS (1 0 kg) was macerated with ethanol (2 0 lit)

2 Dried, ground NS (1.0 kg) was macerated with ethanol (2.0 lit) at room temperature for 24 h. Dried extract was obtained and stored in the sealed containers at 4 °C. Extract (500 g) was partitioned in succession with butanol (120.30 g), chloroform (91.50 g) and ethyl acetate (95.80 g) and residue fraction (192.40 g). The ethyl acetate fraction was chromatographed on silica gel column (6.0 × 100 cm, 1.0 kg) using an ethyl acetate/ethanol gradient system (1:0 → 0:1). The purified entities (NS-EA 51; 180 mg) were obtained by 51% mixture of ethyl acetate in ethanol.2 and 9 Adult healthy Sprague–Dawley albino male rats weighing about 180–220 g were used in this experiment. The rats

were obtained from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad and National Institute of Health selleck chemicals llc (NIH), Islamabad (Pakistan). The animals were housed under the standard conditions of temperature (23 ± 12 °C), humidity (55 ± 15%) and 12 h light (7.00–19.00).9 Animals were provided with a free access to a standard feed (M/S Lever Brothers, Rahim Yar Khan,

Pakistan) and water ad libitum. The rats were fasted for 12 h prior to their use in CX-5461 manufacturer the experiments. They were fed according to a strict schedule (6.00, 14.00 and 20.00 h). 9 The animals were divided randomly into different groups, 6–8 animals each that were used in accordance with the principles and guidelines of the Gandhara University Council on Animal Care in this study. All chemicals used i.e. histamine, alcian blue, bovine serum albumin, ether, gum tragacanth, hydrochloric acid, sodium citrate, Biuret reagent, sodium hydroxide, sodium-potassium tartrate, potassium iodide, cupric sulfate, sucrose, magnesium chloride and diethyl ether were of analytical grade that were obtained from E. Merck (Darmstadt, FRG), BDH Poole (England) and Sigma Chemical Mephenoxalone Co. (USA). The reference anti-ulcer drug, famotidine was taken from Ferozsons Laboratories Limited, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The method of Tanaka et al.10

was used to produce the experimental gastric ulcer in the rats. The test drugs were suspended in 2.5% gum tragacanth solution before their administration (intra-gastric gavages, ig), followed by histamine 25 mg kg−1 of body weight injection (sc) in pylorus-ligation (PL) treated groups of rats. 5 ml kg−1 of body weight, 2.5% gum tragacanth vehicle was given orally (ig) to each animal in the untreated and treated control groups. 2 The treated control, reference control and treated groups of animals were administered histamine 25 mg kg−1. Additionally the reference control group of rats were given a single dose of Famotidine 100 mg kg−1 orally and animals of different treated groups received a single dose of NS-EA 51 (equivalent to 2.0 g kg−1 of body weight, NS powder) orally (ig). 11 and 12 Starodub et al.13 operative procedure was adopted. The rats were anaesthetized with ether and their abdomens were opened through a midline incision.