Additionally, it was shown that [C(12)mim][BF4] could be recycled and reused after simple purification and had no effect on the living nature of polymerization. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 3298-3302, 2011″
“Background: this website Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are used in cases of heart failure refractory to medical therapy. Most VADs are used as a bridge to heart transplantation; however, in certain cases, myocardial function recovers and VADs can be explanted after the patient is weaned. The objectives of this study were to describe

patients who required Heartmate II VAD insertion, followed by myocardial recovery and explanation in a quaternary heart centre.

Methods: Patients who had a VAD explanted were identified in the mechanical support institutional database

and their outcomes were analyzed. Clinical examinations, biochemical markers, and serial echocardiograms were used to demonstrate myocardial recovery.

Results: Seventeen patients had a Heartmate II VAD inserted between 2008 and 2010. Four patients underwent successful weaning and subsequent VAD explantation. Etiology of decompensated heart failure was idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 1), ischemic (n = 1), or myocarditis (n = 2). Mean age was 35.3 years. Patients were supported for 213 days (range 70-293 days) and were in New York Heart Association class I in the community before explantation. The devices were explanted via a minimally SNX-5422 in vivo invasive approach, without cardiopulmonary YM155 molecular weight bypass. All patients survived explantation and were discharged alive from hospital after an average of 5.7 +/- 1.5 days post pump explantation. No adverse events were reported after explantation. Only one patient required allogenic blood transfusion after the procedure.

Conclusions: Patients requiring VAD support for myocardial failure can undergo significant reverse remodelling. Explantation can lead to optimal outcome with minimal morbidity. Methods for assessment of reverse remodelling, weaning protocol, and optimal timing of explantation remain under evaluation.”
“Lily

stigma/style cysteine-rich adhesin (SCA), a plant lipid transfer protein (LTP) which is secreted into the extracellular matrix, functions in pollen tube guidance in fertilization. A gain-of-function mutant (ltp5-1) for Arabidopsis LTP5, an SCA-like molecule, was recently shown to display defects in sexual reproduction. In the current study, it is reported that ltp5-1 plants have dwarfed primary shoots, delayed hypocotyl elongation, various abnormal tissue fusions, and display multibranching. These mutant phenotypes in vegetative growth are recessive. No abnormality was found in ltp5-1/+ plants. In a phylogenetic analysis of plant LTPs, SCA-like Arabidopsis LTPs were classified with conventional plant LTPs.

He was referred to our hospital with multiple renal and hepatic cysts, without apparent family history of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. His clinical history suggested

Anderson-Fabry disease, so an extensive work-up for Anderson-Fabry disease was subsequently undertaken. The alpha-galactosidase activity in his serum was low, and a final diagnosis of Anderson-Fabry disease with concomitant multicystic kidney was confirmed by genetic analysis.”
“Purpose: To review recent original research publications related to imaging of osteoarthritis (OA) and identify emerging trends and significant advances.

Methods: Relevant articles were identified through a search of the PubMed database using the query terms “”OA”" in combination with “”imaging”", “”radiography”", SCH772984 supplier “”MRI”", “”ultrasound”", “”computed

tomography”", and “”nuclear medicine”"; either published or in press between March 2012 and March 2013. Abstracts were reviewed to exclude review articles, case reports, and studies not focused on imaging using routine clinical imaging measures.

Results: Initial query yielded 932 references, which were reduced to 328 citations following the initial review. MRI (118 references) and radiography (129 refs) remain the primary imaging modalities in OA studies, with fewer reports using computed tomography (CT) (35 refs) and ultrasound (23 refs). MRI parametric mapping techniques remain an active research area (33 refs) with growth in T2*- and T1-rho mapping publications compared to prior years. Although the knee is the major joint studied (210 refs) there is interest in the hip (106 find more refs) and hand (29 refs). Imaging continues to focus on evaluation of cartilage (173 refs) and bone (119 refs).

Conclusion: Imaging plays a major role in OA research with publications continuing RepSox nmr along traditional lines of investigation. Translational and clinical research application of compositional MRI techniques is becoming more common driven in part

by the availability of T2 mapping data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). New imaging techniques continue to be developed with a goal of identifying methods with greater specificity and responsiveness to changes in the joint, and novel functional neuroimaging techniques to study central pain. Publications related to imaging of OA continue to be heavily focused on quantitative and semiquantitative MRI evaluation of the knee with increasing application of compositional MRI techniques in the hip. (C) 2013 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“This study reports the cytotoxicity screening of 33 coumarins in a panel of human tumor cell lines (Caco-2: human colorectal adenocarcinoma, HCT-8: human ileocecal adenocarcinoma, and HEp-2: human larynx epidermoid carcinoma). The classic MTT assay was employed to evaluate the influence of samples on cellular viability.

Ti4+ as an acceptor B-site dopant reduces the leakage current by an order of magnitude, while the polarization values showed a slight degradation. Mn4+, however, was found to effectively suppress the leakage current by over two orders of magnitude while enhancing the polarization, with 15 and 23 mu C/cm(2) remanent and saturated polarization, whose values are similar to 70% and 82% of the reported values for bulk composition. This phenomenon has been associated

with the dual effect of Mn4+ in KNN-LT-LS thin film, by substituting both A- and B-site cations. A detailed description on how each dopant affects the concentrations of vacancies in the lattice is presented. Mn-doped KNN-LT-LS thin films are shown to be a promising candidate for lead-free thin films and applications. (C) 2009 American Institute

of Physics. find more [DOI: 10.1063/1.3120922]“
“The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of temperature (15-35 degrees C), pH (3-9), and dipping time (1-5 min) on the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus in broth treated with low concentration electrolyzed see more water (LcEW). Reductions of 1.44-7.12 log CFU/mL were observed in different combinations of the 3 factors. Also, a quadratic equation for S. aureus inactivation kinetic was developed by multiple regression analysis using response surface methodology. The predicted values were shown to be significantly in good agreement with experimental values as a result of the level of significance was p<0.0001. Besides, the developed model was validated by fitting with literature data and the results showed that the predictions had a good agreement with the observed data with a satisfied determination of coefficient Selleckchem DZNeP (R-2=0.963).”
“Background: Sertoli cells (SC) have immunomodulative properties, and chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) can optimize the

systemic immunomodulatory effect by guiding SC from the periphery to the secondary lymphoid organs.

Methods: The effect of immortalized neonatal porcine SC (NPSCi) was evaluated by analysis of cytokine levels. Hyporesponsiveness to donor cells was determined by MLC and analysis of splenocyte phenotypes using a murine allogeneic skin graft model. The effect of CCR7-expressing NPSCi (NPSCi-CCR7) combined with cobra venom factor (CVF) was evaluated using a heterotopically transplanted murine allogeneic heart model.

Results: Expression of immune cytokines was markedly modulated by NPSCi. The lymphocyte proliferation and splenocyte phenotypes were significantly suppressed by NPSCi-CCR7. Although pre-transplantation of NPSCi or NPSCi-CCR7 did not prolong graft survival of allogeneic cardiac grafts, CVF treatment facilitated pre-transplantation of NPSCi-CCR7 to prolong survival of allogeneic cardiac grafts (25.5 +/- 7.05 vs 9.5 +/- 0.58 days, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: These findings indicate that the H-SC diet induced a transient increase in alveolar bone remodeling, which is followed by ABL characteristic of moderate periodontitis.”
“Reported incidence of small bowel obstruction (SBO) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass varies between 1.5% and 3.5%. It has been suggested that the antecolic antegastric laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (AA-LRYGB) is associated with a low incidence of internal herniation (IH). Therefore we routinely did not close mesenteric defects. The records

of 652 consecutive patients undergoing primary AA-LRYGB from January 2003 to December 2009 in a single Smoothened Agonist institution were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence, etiology, clinical symptoms, radiologic diagnostic accuracy and operative outcomes of SBO. Of the 652 patients, 63 (9.6%) developed SBO. The majority (6.9%, 45 patients) had a SBO due to IH. In 41 (91%) cases, the IH was at the jejunojejunostomy (JJ), four cases had an IH at Petersen’s space. Adhesions and ventral hernia were found in 14 (2.1%) and four (0.6%) cases, respectively. Twenty-nine out of 63 cases had negative computed tomography (CT) findings and IH was diagnosed on CT in only 33% (14/45) of patients with IH. see more All patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. No bowel resections had to be performed. In contrast to previous reports, a high incidence of SBO

with a high rate of IH at the JJ site was found in our series. Accuracy of CT is low and diagnostic laparoscopy is mandatory when SBO is suspected. Since 2010 we have started closing the JJ site, and data on SBO are collected prospectively. We believe that closing of the mesenteric defects is a mandatory step, even in an AA-LRYGB.”
“Background: Frontal bossing is a malformation characterized by peculiar prominent forehead, and commonly it can be associated with cranial synostosis and endocrine disorder; however, nonsyndromic conditions are described as well.

Literature controversies on proper frontal bossing surgical treatment showed www.selleck.cn/epigenetic-reader-domain.html evidence of 2 main surgical procedures: frontal bone reshaping and bone

en bloc mobilization.

A decision-making criterion between these 2 techniques has never been described in literature.

Methods: In this paper, the authors introduce their brand-new analytic method for decision-making between bur shaping and en bloc mobilization in frontal bossing treatment, and describe a successful case of a nonsyndromic frontal bossing patient, treated with their unconventional surgical technique.

Results: Our analytic method indicated that bur shaping was not indicated in this particular case: aggressive remodeling of excessive thin wall could lead to sinus perforation, which could turn into unsatisfied aesthetic and functional outcome.

So we planned for a bilateral orbitofrontal en bloc reposition, followed by internal rigid fixation. No postoperative complications occurred.

“
“Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) are the major forms of skin cancer. Surgical excision is one of the most frequently utilized treatment modalities for these tumors. Methods: literature review. Results: recommendations for lateral surgical excision margin (LEM) for BCCs is 4 mm for low-risk BCCs and Mohs surgery or resection with complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment for high risk. Recommended

LEM is 4-6 mm for low-risk SCCs and Mohs surgery or resection AZD2171 order with complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment for high risk BCCs. If SCC or BCC is >20 mm in area L with no other high-risk factors and can be repaired primarily, 10-mm clinical margins may be used. Recommended LEM is 5 mm for melanoma-in-situ; 1 cm for PCM <1 mm (Breslow); 1-2 cm for PCM 1.01-2 mm (Breslow); and, 2-3 cm for high-risk PCM >2.01 mm (Breslow). Tumor subtype-specific recommendations for histologic margins are offered which provide the greatest degree of certainty regarding the completeness of excision. Conclusion: Recommendations

can be made regarding appropriate surgical excision margins by classifying skin cancers as low-risk or high-risk based on histopathological and clinical factors. Ascertaining that histopathologic margins are free of tumor is not a perfect science and requires thoughtful sampling, grossing, check details and staining procedures.”
“Objectives: To provide a health information technology (HIT) primer this website for pharmacists, including the current state of HIT, future expectations, basic information and vocabulary, HIT vendors, communication standards, barriers to implementation, and strategies for pharmacists to ensure success.

Data sources: By the authors.

Summary: HIT is expected to provide integrated

electronic health care with interactive exchange among patients, providers, government agencies, and insurers, resulting in an increase in the overall quality, safety, and efficiency of health care delivery with fewer medical errors, increased administrative efficiency, decreased health care costs, and expanded patient access to affordable health care. Government incentives are in place in an effort to expedite the nationwide implementation of HIT.

Conclusion: With the government and IT industry applying pressure, HIT is a reality; the only remaining questions are how quickly and how thoroughly HIT will affect the health care system.”
“Granulomatous pigmented purpuric dermatosis is a rare entity. Historically, it has been seen in Asians. In this article, we report the case of a white man with this unusual variant. A 65-year-old, white man presented with a 1-year history of asymptomatic purpuric to brown papules on both lower legs and more confluent on dorsum of feet. He had an underlying history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

CA is distinguished into

a group of hereditary and non-hereditary disorders. CA shows clinically progressive features and accompanies various neurological abnormalities. However, there are very few studies and case reports in Korean patients. To estimate the prevalence rate and current status of the CA patients in Korea, we used data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRAS) and from the National Health Insurance Corporation. To evaluate the functional status of CA patient in Korea, we conducted a simple random sampling among the 500 members of Korea Ataxia Society registered on its homepage. We evaluated the functional status and degree of disturbance to their everyday life with modified Rankin scales and Barthel ADL index. Using the data from HIRAS, we could estimate the prevalence rate of CA patients in Korea as 8.29 patients/100,000 persons. The prevalence rate of hereditary and non-hereditary cerebellar ataxia check details was 4.99 patients/100,000 persons and 3.30 patients/100,000 persons, respectively. Data on rare intractable diseases reported by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2006 suggested that the number of CA patients who have visited medical institutes was almost doubled for the 2-year period.

The medical expense and hospital stay also increased 4.5- and 3-fold, respectively. After severity evaluation with modified Rankin scales and Barthel ADL index, we found that most CA patients in Korea have ataxia-related difficulties in their everyday life.”
“Background: For 3-dimensional

time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF-MRA), Caspase-independent apoptosis the signal intensity (SI) loss depends on the flow velocity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether 3D-TOF-MRA could be used as an alternative to single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for assessing the increase in the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). To do this, we compared the SI of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and the rCBF on SPECT. Methods: We enrolled 30 patients with internal carotid artery stenosis. SPECT and MRA were performed before and 3-4 days after CEA. rCBF was assessed using SPECT, Barasertib supplier and the SI of the MCA was assessed using single-slab 3D-TOF-MRA. Regions of interest were placed in the bilateral middle M1 portions of the MCA on MRA, and their mean SI was measured. The increase ratio of the rCBF on SPECT and the increase ratio of the SI of the MCA on MRA were calculated using the formula: (post-CEA ipsilateral/post-CEA contralateral)/(pre-CEA ipsilateral/pre-CEA contralateral). Results: A significant correlation was observed between the increase ratio of the rCBF on SPECT and the increase ratio of the SI of the MCA on MRA (r = .894, y = .4863 + .5184x, P < .001). All values obtained by MRA were greater than or equal to the SPECT values, indicating that MRA tends to overestimate the post-CEA rCBF increase.

Odds ratios (ORs) NVP-HSP990 for periodontal diseases severity and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. The risk of advanced scores in Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) were estimated using Poisson Regression analyses.

Results: Only smoking and age were associated with severity in CAL and CPI index. No relation between MD and PD was observed even in different

positions within the police department.

Conclusions: It was not observed relation between GHQ-12 and the incidence of Periodontal Disease in a Brazilian Police population. Classical factors like age and smoking, however, were associated with CAL and CPI index higher scores in this population.”
“Drugs prescription in children correlates

with a high risk of developing unknown or rare adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In the absence of appropriate clinical trials in the paediatric population, the spontaneous reporting of suspected ADRs is an important means to promote selleck inhibitor reasonable warning signals. In this context, family paediatricians (FPs) play a crucial role although a general poor compliance in their ability of reporting of ADR is widely described. To understand the reasons beyond this situation we performed a survey, the first of its kind in Italy, to evaluate FPs knowledge, feeling and compliance in ADR reporting. A total of 552 FPs evenly distributed throughout the Italian territory provided a feedback to the survey. Knowledge of pharmacovigilance (PV) resulted to be poor, mainly due to the absence of adequate training in academy; despite this, the majority of FPs declared to be interested to PV and aware of its positive impact on their clinical practice. Yet, FPs reported a poor compliance to the reporting of ADRs. A very high variability in ADRs reporting however, was observed among the regions, possibly because of variability of regional

educational programmes dedicated to PV. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Bow hunter’s syndrome (BHS) is a rare condition resulting from vertebrobasilar insufficiency secondary to mechanical PF-04929113 occlusion or stenosis of the vertebral artery (VA) due to head rotation. Traditionally, surgical intervention with C1-C2 fusion or VA decompression was the mainstay of therapy. Endovascular intervention was rarely performed to treat BHS. We reviewed the neurointerventional database from July 2005 to October 2010 to identify all cases of BHS treated with VA stenting. Here we report clinical, technical, and outcome data for 4 patients with BHS who were treated with VA stenting. In all 4 of these patients, stenting was performed in the V2 segment (C2-C6) of the VA without significant technical difficulties. All patients reported symptomatic relief, and only minor or no residual stenosis was detected by dynamic digital subtraction angiography. Our findings indicate that VA stenting for the treatment of BHS is feasible, safe, and clinically effective.

Poisson regression models were used to estimate relative risks for outcomes while adjusting for gestational age, small-for-gestational-age status, and other variables. Of 14,457 ELBW infants, 110 (0.8 %) had isolated CHD, and 13,887 (96 %) had no major birth defect. The

most common CHD were septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary valve stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta. Infants with CHD experienced increased mortality (48 % compared with 35 % for infants with no birth defect) and poorer growth. Surprisingly, the adjusted risks of other short-term neonatal morbidities associated with prematurity were not significantly buy Thiazovivin different. Fifty-seven (52 %) infants with CHD survived to 18-22 months’ corrected age, and 49 (86

%) infants completed follow-up. A higher proportion of surviving infants with CHD were impaired compared with those without birth defects (57 vs. 38 %, p = 0.004). Risk of death or NDI was greater for ELBW infants with CHD, although 20 % of infants survived without NDI.”
“This report describes the spontaneous intracardiac air contrast found on the echocardiogram of a 5 day-old term neonate with Down syndrome and a complete atrioventricular septal defect who had experienced sudden-onset tachypnea and systemic desaturation. The stream of air contrast Z-IETD-FMK supplier was tracked coming from the hepatic veins, and a diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis was suspected. An abdominal radiograph and ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis.”
“Barth syndrome (BTHS) is associated with myocardial disease, frequently left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy, which may necessitate cardiac transplantation or lead to death in some patients. We report a child with BTHS who had an “”undulating cardiac phenotype”" and ultimately developed decompensated heart failure requiring mechanical circulatory support with a ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation. His course was complicated by acute lung injury FLT3 inhibitor requiring

placement of an in-line oxygenator to maintain end-organ function. Not only was his course complicated by cardiac and respiratory failure but his BTHS associated comorbidities complicated the management of his therapy using mechanical assist device support. He was successfully supported and subsequently was transplanted. Here we discuss the management of a child with BTHS using mechanical circulatory support and describe the use of an in-line oxygenator, Quadrox, with the Berlin Excor device.”
“Congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (ccTGA) consists of both atrioventricular and ventriculo-arterial discordance. In patients with ccTGA, the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle, whereas the aorta arises from the right ventricle. The burden of the systemic blood pressure on the right ventricle involves an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and, as a long-term consequence, myocardial hypertrophy and gradual failure.

“
“Childhood central nervous system (CNS) germinoma are highly curable brain tumors characterized pathologically by varying degrees of lymphocytic S3I-201 nmr infiltration. The authors present a case of a CNS germinoma with significant regression in size following surgery and administration of dexamethasone, prior to initiation of chemotherapy or irradiation. The authors speculate the possible mechanism involved in its occurrence.

Perioperative corticosteroid administration in patients with CNS germinoma may obfuscate the increase in response demonstrated with various chemotherapy regimens or with irradiation in CNS germinomas.”
“BACKGROUND: Aortic valve integrity is crucial for optimal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Pre-existing native aortic insufficiency, aortic valve incompetence acquired during support, as well as previously placed prosthetic Elafibranor solubility dmso aortic valves present unique problems for these patients.

METHODS: We reviewed and analyzed data for 28 patients who underwent left ventricular outflow tract closure associated with HeartMate I (n = 12) and HeartMate II (n = 16) LVAD insertion

or exchange. Indications for valve closure, surgical technique, LVAD function, survival rates and complications were retrospectively analyzed. Survival rates were compared with those of HeartMate LVAD patients (n = 104) who did not undergo aortic valve closure.

RESULTS: Indications for closure included native aortic valve

insufficiency (10 patients), aortic valve deterioration after prolonged LVAD support (8 patients) and previously placed mechanical (9 patients) or bioprosthetic aortic prostheses (1 patient). There were 2 operative and 5 late deaths (mean 227 days post-operatively). Of the deaths, none were due to aortic valve closure. Actuarial survival was 78% at 1 year and 53% at 3 years, which was statistically better than for our patients with an intact aortic outflow (61% at 1 year, 45% at 3 years; p < 0.05). Five patients had transplants, 1 patient was successfully bridged to recovery, and 15 patients remain on LVAD support. No patient with outflow closure developed regurgitation, Entrectinib cost embolization or compromised LVAD support.

CONCLUSION: Outflow tract closure in LVAD-supported patients is safe, often necessary and well tolerated. J Heart Lung Transplant 2011;30:576-82 (C) 2011 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. All rights reserved.”
“Polysaccharide microparticles for the oral administration of gentamicin were designed in order to obtain an increased drug absorption by means of microparticle transport across the intestinal epithelia. Alginate/chitosan microparticles with a size of similar to 2 mu m were developed by spray-drying a water solution containing the drug complexed with the polyanionic alginate and subsequent alginate cross-linking process by calcium ions and chitosan.

All PCV13 recipients and 110/113 (97.3%) of PCV7 recipients had IgG concentrations against fimbrial agglutinogens of >= 2.2 EU/mL; IgG concentrations for the remaining pertussis antigens were >= 5 EU/mL for all participants. Local reactions and systemic events were similar in the PCV13 and PCV7 groups.

Conclusions:

A 2-, 4-, and 12-month course of PCV13 was immunogenic for all 13 vaccine serotypes and was well tolerated.”
“Introduction: There is a need for more exhaustive data concerning the use of prophylactic ureteral stenting for extended debulking and cytoreductive procedures in the literature. Material and Methods: A retrospective Galardin inhibitor analysis of the CARPEPACEM study protocol database was performed. The trial protocol schedules the positioning of bilateral ureteral stents before cytoreductive surgery + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Results: Fifty-one operated patients: 31 (59.6%) with peritoneal dissemination from ovarian cancer, 8 (15.3%) from colorectal cancer, 4 (7.9%) from pseudomyxoma

peritonei, 3 (5.7%) from gastric cancer, 2 (3.8%) from peritoneal mesothelioma, 1 (1.9%) from appendiceal Selleckchem Autophagy Compound Library cancer, 1 (1.9%) from endometrial cancer, and 1 (1.9%) from leiomyosarcoma. Mean and median peritoneal cancer index: 11 and 10 (range: 0-28). CC-score: CC-0 in 45 (86.5%) patients, CC-1 in 5 (9.6%) and CC-2 in 1 (1.9%). HIPEC was performed with platinum + taxol in 22 patients (42.3%), plati-num + adriablastin in 10 (19.2%), mitomycin in 9 (17.3%), platinum + mitomycin in 7 (13.4%), platinum + doxorubicin in 2 (3.8%), and taxol PCI-34051 mouse + adriablastin in 1 (1.9%). Two major ureteral complications were observed (3.9%). Discussion: Prophylactic ureteral stenting could reduce the risk of postoperative ureteral complications without an increase in stent placement-related

complications; however, a randomized clinical trial is needed. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“The effect of hydrogen irradiation on the optical properties of GaAs(1-x)N(x)/GaAs heterostructures was investigated using photoreflectance and reflectance techniques. Systematic measurements performed on both as-grown and hydrogenated samples for N-concentrations ranging from 0.0% to 3.5% and for H-implanted doses from 3 x 10(18) to 6 x 10(18) ions/cm(2) have shown that (a) the H-induced widening of the energy gap is accompanied by a decrease of the refractive index of the H-treated samples with respect to the as-grown ones, resulting in an index mismatch that can be as large as 2% in the subgap spectral region; and (b) the presence of compressive strain in fully passivated GaAsN determines a decrease of the refractive index even below that of GaAs that can be eliminated via moderate thermal annealing.