Tetra-kis(μ-4-tert-butyl-benzoato)-κO:O';κO,O':O';κO:O,O'-bis-[aqua-(4-tert-butyl-benzoato-κO,O')(4-tert-butyl-benzoic acid-κO)neodymium(III)].
The reaction of neodymium nitrate and 4-tert-butyl-benzoic acid (tBBAH) in aqueous solution yielded the dinuclear title complex, [Nd(2)(C(11)H(13)O(2))(6)(C(11)H(14)O(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)], which has non-crystallographic C(i) symmetry. The two Nd(III) ions are linked by two bridging and two bridging-chelating tBBA ligands with an Nd⋯Nd separation of 4.0624 (5) Å. Moreover, each Nd(III) ion is coordinated by one chelating tBBA ion, one monodentate tBBAH ligand and one water mol-ecule. The nine-coordinated Nd(III) ion is in a distorted tricapped trigonal-prismatic environment. The mol-ecules are linked into infinite chains along the c axis by inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Three of the tert-butyl groups are disordered over two sets of sites with equal occupancies.


Eggs, serum lipids, emotional stress, and blood pressure in medical students.
Emotional stress that occurred as a result of anticipation and participation in final exams did not change mean serum total cholesterol or high density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly in 26 male students who had eaten two eggs daily while maintaining a controlled diet for 12 wk. These same men continued to maintain a controlled diet but abstained from eating eggs for 12 wk which resulted in a statistically significant lower total cholesterol level at the end of 6 wk and on the day of final exams at the end of 12 wk. Mean values for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in abstainers were significantly reduced at the end of 6 wk, but did not change further by 12 wk. Mean serum triglycerides values were variable. Blood pressures were not changed significantly.


Ultrafast quantum beats of anisotropic excitons in atomically thin ReS2.
Quantum beats, periodic oscillations arising from coherent superposition states, have enabled exploration of novel coherent phenomena. Originating from strong Coulomb interactions and reduced dielectric screening, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides exhibit strongly bound excitons either in a single structure or hetero-counterpart; however, quantum coherence between excitons is barely known to date. Here we observe exciton quantum beats in atomically thin ReS2 and further modulate the intensity of the quantum beats signal. Surprisingly, linearly polarized excitons behave like a coherently coupled three-level system exhibiting quantum beats, even though they exhibit anisotropic exciton orientations and optical selection rules. Theoretical studies are also provided to clarify that the observed quantum beats originate from pure quantum coherence, not from classical interference. Furthermore, we modulate on/off quantum beats only by laser polarization. This work provides an ideal laboratory toward polarization-controlled exciton quantum beats in two-dimensional materials.


Differential expression of CARMIL-family genes during zebrafish development.
CARMILs are a conserved family of large multidomain proteins that regulate and target actin assembly by interacting with actin capping protein (CP). Vertebrates contain three highly conserved CARMIL isoforms encoded by three genes, whereas lower organisms contain only one isoform and gene. In order to investigate the functions of vertebrate CARMILs, we identified and characterized the three CARMIL genes in zebrafish (Danio rerio). We isolated and sequenced complete and partial cDNAs from embryos. The three genes display distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns during development. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of cDNAs and predicted protein sequences reveal that the three zebrafish genes fall into the three conserved isoform groups previously defined for other vertebrates, which have isoform-specific and overlapping functions in human cultured cells. These results provide new tools and offer insight into understanding the role of the regulation of actin assembly dynamics during embryonic development and tissue morphogenesis.


Oral administration of magnesium hydroxide to subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: effects on magnesium and potassium levels and on insulin requirements.
Intra- and extracellular levels of magnesium and potassium were determined in 16 subjects with insulin-dependent type I diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 30 healthy controls. Subjects with IDDM had lower levels of magnesium in muscle biopsies (p less than 0.001), plasma (p less than 0.001), and mononuclear cells (p less than 0.05), and higher urinary excretions of magnesium (p less than 0.01), and lower levels of potassium in muscle biopsies (p less than 0.001), and erythrocytes (p less than 0.05), as compared with those in controls. Magnesium hydroxide (500 mg/day) was administered orally to the diabetics. The levels of magnesium and potassium in muscle biopsies increased (p less than 0.001; p less than 0.001), while the plasma levels of magnesium and the urinary excretions of magnesium increased only temporarily, during 21 weeks of treatment. The requirements of insulin were reduced (p less than 0.001) during the course of the study, whereas the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glucose were not changed. The findings indicate that administration of magnesium hydroxide is useful to treat muscular magnesium and potassium deficiency in diabetics.


Incidences of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2-3 or cancer pathologic diagnoses in patients with a high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion pap smear attending a colposcopy clinic at srinagarind hospital.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) smears who had undergone the "see and treat" approach compared to those who underwent a conventional approach. The records of women with HSIL smears undergoing colposcopy at Srinagarind Hospital were reviewed. In those undergoing the conventional approach, the final histological diagnosis was made on the most severe histological results obtained after initial colposcopy. In the "see and treat" group, the final histological diagnosis was made on the examination of LEEP specimens obtained after initial colposcopy. Overtreatment in the see and treat group was defined as the LEEP specimens containing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 or less. During the study period, 302 women with HSIL underwent colposcopy. Twenty (6.6%) were nulliparous. One hundred and ninety-four (64.2%) underwent conventional management while the remaining 108 (35.8%) received the see and treat management. The prevalence of underlying high-grade lesions in women undergoing the conventional approach was significantly higher than that observed among women undergoing the see and treat approach (89.2% and 47.2%, respectively, P<0.001). The overtreatment rate in the see and treat group was 52.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that only parity status was a statistically significant factor for predicting the overtreatment after undergoing the see and treat approach. In conclusion, the overtreatment rate among women undergoing see and treat in this study is notably high and therefore this approach should not be routinely practiced.


Multimodal Treatment Strategies in Esophagogastric Junction Cancer: a Western Perspective.
Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer is a solid tumor entity with rapidly increasing incidence in the Western countries. Given the high proportion of advanced cancers in the West, treatment strategies routinely employed include surgery and chemotherapy perioperatively, and chemoradiation in neoadjuvant settings. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and perioperative chemotherapy are mostly performed in esophageal cancer that extends to the EGJ and gastric as well as EGJ cancers, respectively. Recent trials have tried to combine both strategies in a perioperative context, which might have beneficial outcomes, especially in patients with EGJ cancer. However, it is difficult to recruit patients for trials, exclusively for EGJ cancers; therefore, the results have to be carefully reviewed before establishing a standard protocol. Trastuzumab was the first drug for targeted therapy that was positively evaluated for this tumor entity, and there are several ongoing trials investigating more targeted drugs in order to customize effective therapies based on tissue characteristics. The current study reviews the multimodal treatment concept for EGJ cancers in the West and summarizes the latest reports.


Reproductive carrier screening: responding to the eugenics critique.
Reproductive genetic carrier screening (RCS), when offered to anyone regardless of their family history or ancestry, has been subject to the critique that it is a form of eugenics. Eugenics describes a range of practices that seek to use the science of heredity to improve the genetic composition of a population group. The term is associated with a range of unethical programmes that were taken up in various countries during the 20th century. Contemporary practice in medical genetics has, understandably, distanced itself from such programmes. However, as RCS becomes more widespread, gains public funding and uses expanded gene panels, there are concerns that such programmes could be perceived as eugenic either in intent or outcome. The typical response to the eugenics critique of RCS is to emphasise the voluntary nature of both participating in screening and making subsequent reproductive choices. While safeguarding individuals' freedom to choose in relation to screening is essential, we consider this response inadequate. By examining the specific ethical wrongs committed by eugenics in the past, we argue that to avoid the perception of RCS being a form of eugenics it is essential to attend to the broader normative context in which reproductive decisions occur. Furthermore, ethical RCS programmes must recognise and respond to their potential to shift societal norms that shape individual reproductive choices.


Dry/Wet Cycling and the Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Prebiotic Polymer Synthesis.
The endoergic nature of protein and nucleic acid assembly in aqueous media presents two questions that are fundamental to the understanding of life's origins: (i) how did the polymers arise in an aqueous prebiotic world; and (ii) once formed in some manner, how were they sufficiently persistent to engage in further chemistry. We propose here a quantitative resolution of these issues that evolved from recent accounts in which RNA-like polymers were produced in evaporation/rehydration cycles. The equilibrium Nm + Nn ↔ Nm+n + H₂O is endoergic by about 3.3 kcal/mol for polynucleotide formation, and the system thus lies far to the left in the starting solutions. Kinetic simulations of the evaporation showed that simple Le Châtelier's principle shifts were insufficient, but the introduction of oligomer-stabilizing factors of 5-10 kcal/mol both moved the process to the right and respectively boosted and retarded the elongation and hydrolysis rates. Molecular crowding and excluded volume effects in present-day cells yield stabilizing factors of that order, and we argue here that the crowded conditions in the evaporites generate similar effects. Oligomer formation is thus energetically preferred in those settings, but the process is thwarted in each evaporation step as diffusion becomes rate limiting. Rehydration dissipates disordered oligomer clusters in the evaporites, however, and subsequent dry/wet cycling accordingly "ratchets up" the system to an ultimate population of kinetically trappedthermodynamically preferred biopolymers.


The benefits of irrigation in catheter care.
'Bladder washout' is a misnomer, as it is the catheter that is being washed. Urinary catheters can cause significant physical and psychological problems. Although nurses are responsible for urinary catheter maintenance, there is a lack of knowledge in some areas. Some urological practices have been based on historical practice rather than evidence.


Chaos in practically isolated microcavity lasers.
We report that essentially isolated microcavity lasers may interact in the most complicated manner and drive each other chaotic. As the optical isolation between these lasers reaches presently practically attainable limits, instead of approaching independent operation, the lasers exhibit mutually induced chaotic oscillations. The chaos arises from an intricate coupling of the nonlinearities associated with coupled optical resonators and those evolving from the population dynamics in the active region. The investigation is performed using a composite-cavity theory and a class-B description of the gain medium. Bifurcation analysis identifies the source of instabilities and determines their robustness.


Bone metastasis in cervical cancer patients over a 10-year period.
Cervical cancer is the major cancer burden in developing countries. Bone is the third most common site of distant metastasis after the lungs and liver. Therefore, the aims of this study were to find the incidence and clinical characteristics of bone metastasis in our hospital. Fifty-one cervical cancer patients with bone metastasis during the period from January 1998 to December 2007 were recruited. All patients' medical records were reviewed and analyzed. Among 4620 cervical cancer patients, there were 51 patients (1.1%) who had bone metastases. Ten patients' medical records were not found; thus, 41 patients were available for evaluation. The median age of the patients was 49 years. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIB was the most common stage (43.9%). Most patients had squamous cell carcinoma (80.48%) and received radiation therapy alone as their primary treatment (58.53%). The most common presenting symptom was pain (78.04%). Most of the patients had multiple bone lesions and extrapelvic bone metastases. The lumbar spine was the most common site (36.36%). Sixteen patients (39.02%) were treated by palliative radiation therapy. The median overall survival was 23 months. Bone metastases could be found at all stages. Common sites were the bone beyond the radiation field of their primary treatment. It was found at a median of 16 months after cervical cancer diagnosis. Currently, there are many varieties of treatment that result only in palliation. This group of patients has a poor prognosis.


Clinical efficacy of tinnitus retraining therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of subjective tinnitus: a systematic review.
This study aimed to compare the outcomes of two frequently employed interventions for the management of tinnitus: tinnitus retraining therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. A systematic review of literature published up to and including February 2013 was performed. Only randomised control trials and studies involving only human participants were included. Nine high-quality studies evaluating the efficacy of tinnitus retraining therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy were identified. Of these, eight assessed cognitive behavioural therapy relative to a no-treatment control and one compared tinnitus retraining therapy to tinnitus masking therapy. Each study used a variety of standardised and validated questionnaires. Outcome measures were heterogeneous, but both therapies resulted in significant improvements in quality of life scores. Depression scores improved with cognitive behavioural therapy. Both cognitive behavioural therapy and tinnitus retraining therapy are effective for tinnitus, with neither therapy being demonstrably superior. Further research using standardised, validated questionnaires is needed so that objective comparisons can be made.


micF RNA binds to the 5' end of ompF mRNA and to a protein from Escherichia coli.
micF RNA regulates the levels of outer membrane protein F (OmpF) in Escherichia coli in response to temperature increase and other stress conditions by decreasing the levels of ompF mRNA (Andersen et al., 1989). A 93-nucleotide micF RNA was synthesized in vitro directly from polymerase chain reaction generated DNA which was designed to contain a functional T7 RNA polymerase promoter upstream of the micF RNA gene and an appropriate restriction site for transcription termination. A transcript (150 nucleotides) containing the ribosomal binding domain of ompF mRNA messenger was synthesized in vitro from the ompF gene cloned into a T7 expression vector. A stable duplex was formed between micF RNA and the 150-nucleotide 5' transcript of ompF mRNA after incubation at 37 degrees C in a physiological buffer. The melting curve of the duplex formed by micF RNA and 150-nucleotide transcript revealed a Tm of 56 degrees C and a delta Tm that spans about 20 degrees C; both are consistent with the proposed structure for the micF/ompF duplex. In addition, as determined by competition studies and UV cross-linking/label-transfer analyses, an E. coli protein was found to bind specifically to micF RNA. The protein also bound weakly to the 150-nucleotide ompF transcript. The data are the first to demonstrate the complex between micF RNA and the 5' end of ompF mRNA and suggest that in vivo a micF ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle may participate in the destabilization ompF mRNA during thermoregulation of OmpF porin.


Mechanical coupling limits the density and quality of self-organized carbon nanotube growth.
Aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) structures are promising for many applications; however, as-grown CNT "forests" synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are typically low-density and mostly comprise tortuous defective CNTs. Here, we present evidence that the density and alignment of self-organized CNT growth is limited by mechanical coupling among CNTs in contact, in combination with their diameter-dependent growth rates. This study is enabled by comprehensive X-ray characterization of the spatially and temporally-varying internal morphology of CNT forests. Based on this data, we model the time evolution and diameter-dependent scaling of the ensuing mechanical forces on catalyst nanoparticles during CNT growth, which arise from the mismatch between the collective lengthening rate of the forest and the diameter-dependent growth rates of individual CNTs. In addition to enabling self-organization of CNTs into forests, time-varying forces between CNTs in contact dictate the hierarchical tortuous morphology of CNT forests, and may be sufficient to influence the structural quality of CNTs. These forces reach a maximum that is coincident with the maximum density observed in our growth process, and are proportional to CNT diameter. Therefore, we propose that improved manufacturing strategies for self-organized CNTs should consider both chemical and mechanical effects. This may be especially necessary to achieve high density CNT forests with low defect density, such as for improved thermal interfaces and high-permeability membranes.


Linoleic acid and antioxidants protect against DNA damage and apoptosis induced by palmitic acid.
Polyunsaturated fats are the main target for lipid peroxidation and subsequent formation of mutagenic metabolites, but diets high in saturated fats are more strongly associated with adverse health effects. We show that the common saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid, is a potent inducer of DNA damage in an insulin-secreting cell line, and in primary human fibroblasts. Damage is not associated with upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, but is prevented by two different antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid and 3,3'-methoxysalenMn(III) (EUK134), which also partly prevent palmitic acid-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition. Since mutagenic metabolites can be formed from peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, co-administration of palmitic and a polyunsaturated fatty acid might be particularly harmful. Palmitic acid-induced DNA damage is instead prevented by linoleic acid, which is acting here as a protective agent against oxidative stress, rather than as a source of mutagenic metabolites. These results illustrate the complexity of the relationship of dietary fat intake to genotoxicity.


Impulsivity in borderline personality disorder: reward-based decision-making and its relationship to emotional distress.
Impulsivity in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has been defined as rapid and unplanned action. However, a preference for immediate gratification and discounting of delayed rewards might better account for the impulsive behaviors that appear to regulate emotional distress in BPD. To investigate this, a delay discounting task was administered to 30 outpatients diagnosed with BPD and 28 healthy community controls (all aged 15-24) before and after a mood induction. Trait impulsivity was measured with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. The results showed that the BPD group had a greater preference for immediate gratification and higher rate of discounting the delayed reward than the control group. Although the mood induction resulted in increased feelings of rejection and anger in all participants, and the rate of delay discounting changed significantly in the control group, the rate of discounting did not change for the BPD group. There was no evidence of rapid decision-making in the BPD group as response times were similar between the two groups during both trials. Finally, greater general impulsiveness and nonplanning impulsiveness were associated with greater rates of discounting in the BPD group. Together these findings suggest that BPD is characterized by a preference for immediate gratification and tendency to discount longer-term rewards. This characteristic appears to exist independent of feelings of rejection and anger, rather than being reactive to this, and to be related to trait impulsivity.


Cytokeratin-positive folliculo-stellate cells in chicken adenohypophysis.
Folliculo-stellate (FS) cells are non-endocrine cells found in the adenohypophysis and are identified in many animals by the S100 protein marker. Although keratin is another FS marker in several animals, there is no information on localization of keratin in the avian adenohypophysis. In this study, localization of cytokeratin in chicken adenohypophyseal cells was investigated immunohistochemically. Basic cytokeratin (bCK)-positive cells were arranged radially in the cell cords with their cytoplasmic processes reaching the basal lamina. The cell bodies encircled a follicle in the center of the cell cord. Furthermore, the bCK-positive cells were also S100B-positive. Growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and luteinizing hormone β-subunit did not co-localize with the bCK-positive cells. In addition, the bCK-positive cells had a laminin-positive area in their cytoplasm. Transmission electron microscopy observed agranular cells equipped with several microvilli that encircled a follicle. These results indicate that bCK-positive cells in the chicken adenohypophysis may be a predominant FS cell population and produce laminin. It is suggested that they function as sustentacular cells to sustain the adjacent endocrine cells and the structure of the cell cords in the chicken adenohypophysis.


[Radiation myelopathy. Four case reports].
Chronically progressive (permanent) radiation myelopathy is a serious complication to irradiation of head/neck carcinoma. We describe four patients who developed stationary neurological deficits with a considerable reduction in function. One patient received a radiation dose below 50 Gy and the others up to 58 Gy against the cervical medulla. One patient developed an intramedullary syrinx.


Twin transference as a compromise formation.
This paper explores the meanings and functions of a transference paradigm of a fantasied twin relationship with the analyst. Twin transference in the analysis of nontwins has been reported infrequently in the psychoanalytic literature, except recently by Kohut and his co-workers, who refer to twinship transference as a variant of narcissistic mirror transference. We suggest that such narrow definition tends to reduce the complexity of the wish for a twinlike relationship with the analyst. Analytic data are used to show the advantages of examining twin transference within structural theory, in terms of the multiple functions served by this rather primitive transference paradigm, rather than reducing it only to one variant of the need for certain mirroring functions. We suggest that twin transference, together with all twin fantasies, subserves multiple functions, of which we highlight gratification and defense against the dangers of intense object need. In this formulation, the twinlike representation of the object provides the illusion of influence or control over the object by the pretense of being able to impersonate or transform oneself into the object and the object into the self. Intense object need persists together with a partial narcissistic defense against full acknowledgment of the object by representing the sought-after object as combining aspects of self and other. Further analytic attention needs to be directed to the specific representation of the needed object in certain primitive transference paradigms instead of exclusive emphasis on the functions required of the object. Our analytic data are used to argue that intense early needs of an object are best understood analytically within a conflict model in which they are modified by multiple wishes, drives, fears, dangers, and needs for defense.


Removing infrarenal inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) with thrombus under protection of suprarenal IVCFs: A retrospective study in a single-center institution.
To determine feasibility of removing inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) with massive thrombus (>1*1cm) under protection of suprarenal IVCFs, and evaluate the filter thrombus detachment due to removal. The patients who had massive infrarenal IVCFs thrombus and received retrieval under protection of suprarenal IVCFs were retrospectively reviewed from July 2018 to December 2021. Medical data of them including demographics, filter types, dwell time, management, thrombus detachment was collected, and analyzed. There were 33 patients having massive infrarenal IVCFs thrombus and receiving retrieval under protection of suprarenal IVCFs including 23 males and 10 females with a mean age of 55.30 ± 11.97 (range, 30-85 years). All Infrarenal IVCFs were removed successfully and 29 cases (87.88%) were confirmed detachment of thrombus by cavography including 7 small-size thrombus (<1*1cm) and 22 large-size thrombus (>1*1cm). Twenty-two suprarenal IVCFs trapped large-size thrombus were treated with additional anticoagulation and 21 of them had successful retrievals with additional anticoagulation period of 66.18 ± 43.38 days (range, 9-154 days). The large-size IVCFs thrombus may be break off during retrieval, and IVCFs with large-size thrombus could be removed safely with suprarenal IVCFs protection. The thrombus trapped in filters could be reduced with an additional period of anticoagulation.


Bi-Specific Killer Cell Engager Enhances NK Cell Activity against Interleukin-13 Receptor Alpha-2 Positive Gliomas.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor with limited therapeutic options. Bi-specific killer cell engagers (BiKEs) are novel immunotherapies designed to engage natural killer (NK) cells against cancer. We designed a BiKE molecule consisting of a single-domain CD16 antibody, an interleukin-15 linker, and a single-chain variable antibody against the glioma-associated antigen interleukin 13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Rα2). Recombinant BiKE protein was expressed in HEK cells and purified. Flow cytometric analysis of co-cultures of peripheral blood-derived NK cells with GBM6 and GBM39 patient-derived xenograft lines revealed significantly increased activation of NK cells (CD25+CD69+) and increased glioma cell killing following BiKE treatment compared to controls (n = 4, p < 0.01). Glioma cell killing was also confirmed via immunofluorescence staining for cleaved caspase-3 (p < 0.05). In vivo, intracranial delivery of NK cells with BiKE extended median survival in mice bearing GBM6 (p < 0.01) and GBM12 (p < 0.01) tumors compared to controls. Finally, histological analysis of brain tissues revealed a higher frequency of peritumoral NK cells in mice treated with BiKE than with NK cells alone (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we demonstrate that a BiKE generated in a mammalian expression system is functional in augmenting NK cell targeting of IL13Rα2-positive gliomas.


Elevated levels of high mobility group box chromosomal protein-1 (HMGB-1) in sera from patients with severe bacterial pneumonia coinfected with influenza virus.
Plasma levels of high mobility group box chromosomal protein-1 (HMGB-1), as well as of other inflammatory molecules such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), were determined in patients with bacterial pneumonia coinfected with influenza virus. HMGB-1 levels were significantly elevated in these patients compared to patients undergoing mild bacterial pneumonia alone (p < 0.01). Among cases of coinfection, we found a significant correlation between the concentration of HMGB-1 and white blood cell counts (p < 0.05, r = 0.612). Levels of IL-6 were also higher in these patients than in patients with bacterial pneumonia alone (p < 0.05), despite similar levels of RANTES and sICAM-1 in the 2 groups. These data suggest that HMGB-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of severe bacterial pneumonia coinfected with influenza virus.


Manifestation of Rayleigh instability in droplets containing multiply charged macroions.
The Rayleigh limit and manifestations of instability in liquid droplets containing charged macroions are examined by molecular simulations. It is found that beyond the Rayleigh limit, the spherical droplets become unstable and form structures with distinct features. Regardless of the nature of the charged macroion, an assembly of spines of highly ordered polar solvent molecules form on the droplet surface. The surface charge distribution of the spiny droplet is highly nonuniform, and the macroscopic description of the droplet energy as a sum of electrostatic and surface terms is no longer valid. When the macroion is a charge-saturated polyhistidine chain, it is shown that the changes in the structure of the droplet are accompanied by the chain extension. Contrary to the conventional point of view, it is found that single ions present in droplets containing a highly charged macroion do not escape spontaneously but rather form complexes stable on the nanosecond time scale, depending on the degree of deviation from the Rayleigh limit and the nature of the ion. The effect of the instability in the disintegration mechanism of charged droplets in electrospray mass spectrometry experiments is discussed.


Identification and assessment of work-related nervous system lesions.
Short historical data on occupational neurotoxicology, as well as on the pathogenic mechanisms of the nervous system impairments due to occupational factors are described. The main difficulties in the assessment of peripheral and central nervous system lesions are stressed.


ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES ON THE BLUE-GREEN ALGAL SYMBIONT IN CYANOPHORA PARADOXA KORSCHIKOFF.
Studies conducted on the ultrastructure of Cyanophora paradoxa Korschikoff (a cryptomonad) have shown that its intracellular symbiont is closely related to unicellular blue-green algae. Due to its peculiar habitat, the intracellular symbiont lacks the characteristic cyanophycean double-layered cell wall, but is surrounded by a thin protoplasmic membrane. The protoplasm itself is differentiated into a lamellated chromatoplasm containing photosynthetic pigments, polyphosphate granules, and possible oil droplets, and a non-lamellar centroplasm with a large centrally located electron-opaque body surrounded by a fibril-containing halo. This halo-central body complex may be nuclear in nature. Binary fission of the organism is described. Since this cyanelle has not yet been classified, we name it Cyanocyta korschikoffiana nov. gen. nov. sp.; and because of its structural peculiarities, we find it necessary to create a new family for it, Cyanocytaceae, in the order Chroococcales.


Poisonous plants.
A large number of plants can cause adverse effects when ingested by animals or people. Plant toxicity is due to a wide diversity of chemical toxins that include alkaloids, glycosides, proteins and amino acids. There are several notable toxic plants for which a specific chemical responsible for toxicity has not been determined. There are many examples of species differences in terms of their sensitivity to intoxication from plants. Pets, such as dogs and cats, and people, especially children, are frequently exposed to the same toxic plants due to their shared environments. On the other hand, livestock are exposed to toxic plants that are rarely involved in human intoxications due to the unique environments in which they are kept. Fortunately, adverse effects often do not occur or are generally mild following most toxic plant ingestions and no therapeutic intervention is necessary. However, some plants are extremely toxic and ingestion of small amounts can cause rapid death. The diagnosis of plant intoxication can be challenging, especially in veterinary medicine where a history of exposure to a toxic plant is often lacking. Analytical tests are available to detect some plant toxins, although their diagnostic utility is often limited by test availability and timeliness of results. With a few notable exceptions, antidotes for plant toxins are not available. However, general supportive and symptomatic care often is sufficient to successfully treat a symptomatic patient.


Early days of the International Commission on Trichinellosis (1958-1972).
Herein we describe the origin of the International Commission on Trichinellosis more than 60 years after its foundation. We attempt to clarify previous debate over the founding presidents and particularly the role of Polish parasitologist, Zbigniew Kozar. Seminal and core proceedings of the Commission published in Wiadomości Parazytologiczne and other records were used to advance this goal. An early regional commission initially held in Budapest, Hungary at the Hungarian Meeting of Parasitologists was devoted to trichinellosis and was presided over by Kozar from 1958 to 1960. However, the official formation of the Commission did not occur until 1960 during the 1st International Conference on Trichinellosis held in Warsaw, Poland, where Witold Stefanski was elected president. During the 2nd International Conference on Trichinellosis, which was held in 1969 in Wroclaw, Poland, Samuel E. Gould was elected president until his untimely death in 1970. Zbigniew Kozar was secretary general from 1960 to 1972. Beginning with the 3rd International Conference held in Miami, Florida, USA in 1972, the activities of the Commission and the Conference became better documented.


Reproductive motivation and family-size preferences among Nigerian men.
Data collected from 3,073 couples in four Nigerian cities and one semi-urban settlement were used to examine reproductive decision-making and male motivation for large family size. The report concludes that the characteristic male-dominant and patrilineal traditions support large family size and that men's reproductive motivation, to a large extent, affects the reproductive behavior of their wives. Therefore, the factors influencing men's reproductive outcomes and intentions are considered important for fertility transition in Nigeria. Male education, age at marriage, monogamy, interspousal communication, and intention not to rely on children for old-age support are significantly related to smaller actual family size and preferences for smaller families, while being in a male-dominant family setting has a strong relation with large family size and preferences for larger families. The policy implication of this study is the need for programs targeted at men and designed to change their attitudes about population matters and motivate them, and hence their wives, to produce smaller families.


Two nonsense mutations in the TMPRSS6 gene in a patient with microcytic anemia and iron deficiency.
Genetic causes of hypochromic microcytic anemia include thalassemias and some rare inherited diseases such as DMT1 deficiency. Here, we show that iron deficiency anemia with poor intestinal absorption and defective iron utilization of IV iron is caused by inherited mutations in TMPRSS6, a liver-expressed gene that encodes a membrane-bound serine protease of previously unknown role that was recently reported to be a regulator of hepcidin expression.


Characterization of a novel chronic photothrombotic ring stroke model in rats by magnetic resonance imaging, biochemical imaging, and histology.
A novel photothrombotic ring stroke model was characterized by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, imaging of cerebral blood flow (CBF), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), pH, and histology. Ischemia was initiated by transosseous irradiation of a predefined brain area intravenously perfused by the photosensitive dye erythrosin B in male Wistar rats. In the region of the primary ring-lesion, the phototoxic reaction caused necrosis reflected by low relative ATP levels (28 +/- 15%), alkalosis (pH: 7.35 +/- 0.50), and histologic evidence at 14 days after lesion induction. In the ring-encircled interior region (region-at-risk), spontaneous tissue reperfusion (relative CBF: 93 +/- 3%) enabled partial tissue preservation. This was demonstrated by a less impaired energy metabolism (ATP: 65 +/- 23%), normal pH (7.01 +/- 0.50), and still normal cellular structures shown by histologic staining. Analysis of the temporal characteristics within the region-at-risk revealed a slow continuous increase of the apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADC) to 144 +/- 16% of control (14d) and an early vasogenic edema, reflected by an increase of the T2 relaxation time to 143 +/- 17% of control (2d). Both final ADC and T2 correlated well with the tissue pH within the region-at-risk, thus emphasizing the usefulness of this multiparametric noninvasive imaging approach.


The impact of sexual coercion on psychological, physical, and sexual well-being in a representative sample of Australian women.
It is well established that, compared to other women, women who have been forced or frightened into unwanted sexual activity have poorer psychological, physical, and sexual health. However, it is not clear whether particular experiences of sexual coercion, such as younger age when coerced or number of times coerced, are more likely to lead to poorer health status. This study of a representative sample of Australian women aged 16-59 years was designed to examine such associations. Of the 9134 women recruited for the study, 885 (21%) had been sexually coerced, which was defined as being forced or frightened into unwanted sexual activity. This study showed that any experience of sexual coercion was associated with poorer psychological, physical, and sexual health. The data revealed no consistent associations between health status and particular characteristics of sexual coercion, such as the age when women were coerced, the number of times they had been coerced, or the time since being coerced. Two of the few significant findings were that women who had been coerced more than once reported significantly greater psychosocial distress, and that women first coerced when aged 13-16 reported poorer physical well-being than women first coerced at younger or older ages. There was no significant association between whether women had consulted a psychologist or other professional counselor and better health status. The absence of consistent associations between health status and particular characteristics of sexual coercion indicates a need for care and support services for all women who have been sexually coerced.


The study of levels from redox-active elements in cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients carrying disease-related gene mutations shows potential copper dyshomeostasis.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by a loss of function of motor neurons. The etiology of this disorder is still largely unknown. Gene-environment interaction arises as a possible key factor in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We assessed the levels of trace metals, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn), of 9 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases and 40 controls by measuring their content in cerebrospinal fluid. The following trace element species were quantified using ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: univalent copper (Cu-I), divalent Cu (Cu-II), divalent Fe (Fe-II), trivalent Fe (Fe-III), divalent Mn (Mn-II), trivalent Mn (Mn-III), and also unidentified Mn species (Mn-unknown) were present in some samples. When computing the relative risks for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through an unconditional logistic regression model, we observed a weak and imprecise positive association for iron (Fe III, adjusted odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI 0.46-4.76) and manganese (total-Mn and Mn-II; adjusted odds ratio 1.11, 95% CI 0.74-1.67, and 1.13, 95% CI 0.79-1.61, respectively). Increased risk for copper was found both in the crude analysis (odds ratio 1.14, 95% CI 0.99-1.31) and in multivariable analysis after adjusting for sex, age, and year of storage (1.09, 95% CI 0.90-1.32). Our results suggest a possible positive association between Cu and genetic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, while they give little indication of involvement of Fe and Mn in disease, though some correlations found also for these elements deserve further investigation.


Immunotherapy for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: the present and future.
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most malignant tumor of endocrine system, which is an urgent medical problem to be solved. At present, immunotherapy studies on ATC mainly include cutting off the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM), inducing the reprogramming of TAM and restoring its phagocytic function, targeting related immune checkpoints on T cells and natural killer cells, tumor vaccines based on oncolytic viruses and dendritic cells, and adoptive immunotherapy. Among them, immunotherapy strategies represented by targeted blocking of programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 at immune checkpoint have been preliminarily confirmed to benefit ATC patients, especially the combination of molecular targeted inhibitors and immunotherapy has shown excellent therapeutic effects. Due to the great heterogeneity of ATC, it is expected to provide more therapeutic strategies for patients of ATC by carrying out various immunotherapy studies including biological, immune and cellular therapies and exploring the therapeutic potential of the next generation of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This article reviews the potential immunotherapeutic targets of ATC and the progress of immunotherapy.


IgG anti-IgE from atopic dermatitis induces mediator release from basophils and mast cells.
IgG antibodies containing anti-IgE activity isolated from a patient with atopic dermatitis (H-aIgE) induced mediator release from human basophils and mast cells isolated from skin and lung tissues. The release of histamine was calcium- and temperature-dependent and did not involve cytotoxicity. There was an excellent correlation (r = 0.88; p less than 0.001) between the maximum percent histamine release from human basophils induced by rabbit anti-IgE (R-aIgE) and H-aIgE. H-aIgE was approximately 30 times more potent than R-aIgE in inducing mediator release from human basophils, skin, and lung mast cells. H-aIgE specifically desensitized human basophils to a subsequent challenge with both H-aIgE and R-aIgE. Lactic acid removal of IgE from human basophils blocked the releasing activity of both R-aIgE and H-aIgE. Passive sensitization with hyperimmune sera or purified IgE myeloma restored the response of basophils to both R-aIgE and H-aIgE. IgE purified from three different myeloma patients concentration-dependently blocked the histamine releasing activity of both R-aIgE and H-aIgE.


Allele frequency and the associations of HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 polymorphisms with pemphigus subtypes and disease severity.
Pemphigus is a rare, devastating, bullous autoimmune disease that damages the skin and mucous membranes, and has high morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown associations of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II polymorphisms.This study examined the frequency of Major Histocompatibility Complex, Class II, DR Beta 1, a Protein Coding gene (HLA-DRB1) and Major Histocompatibility Complex, Class II, DQ Beta 1 (HLA-DQB1) alleles in Vietnamese PV and PF patients, and the association of these polymorphisms with pemphigus subtypes and disease severity.The study enrolled 31 unrelated Vietnamese who underwent HLA typing using Sanger sequencing.HLA-DRB1∗14:54 was the most frequent allele in both PV (20.5%) and PF (33.3%) patients. The percentage of HLA-DQB1∗03:02 was significantly higher in PF than PV patients, while the percentage of HLA-DQB1∗05:03 was approximately 10 times higher in PV patients. Pemphigus patients who have the HLA-DRB1∗04 alleles are more likely to have mild or moderate disease.The HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 alleles may influence susceptibility to pemphigus subtypes, with DQB1∗05:03 being specific for PV and DQB1∗03:02 for PF. Our findings suggest that the DRB1∗04 alleles are likely to be associated with mild and moderate disease.


Retinal oximetry imaging in Alzheimer's disease.
Structural and physiological abnormalities have been reported in the retina in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Retinal oximetry detects changes in retinal oxygen metabolism in many eye diseases, where structural changes are seen. To compare oxygen saturation in retinal blood vessels in patients with AD and a healthy cohort. Oxygen saturation of hemoglobin was measured in retinal blood vessels, using imaging with spectrophotometric noninvasive retinal oximeter. 18 individuals with mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer-type (stage 3-5 according to the Global Deterioration Scale) and 18 healthy subjects underwent retinal oximetry in a case control study. Retinal oxygen saturation in arterioles and venules in patients with moderate AD was significantly elevated compared to healthy individuals. Retinal arterioles have 94.2 ± 5.4% oxygen saturation in moderate AD compared with 90.5 ± 3.1% in healthy subjects (mean ± SD, n = 10, p = 0.028). Retinal venules were 51.9 ± 6.0% saturated in moderate AD compared with 49.7 ± 7.0% in healthy subjects (mean ± SD, n = 10, p = 0.02). This is the first study of retinal oxygen metabolism in any central nervous system disease. It discovers abnormalities in retinal oxygen metabolism in AD. The findings are similar to those seen in age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Noninvasive retinal oximetry may offer new insights into pathophysiology of AD. Further studies are needed to confirm and expand these findings.


Complete Genome Sequence of Burkholderia cenocepacia Phage Paku.
Burkholderia cenocepacia is able to cause infections in cystic fibrosis patients. B. cenocepacia phage Paku has a 42,727-bp genome sharing a phiKMV-like genome arrangement. T7-like tail components were identified in parallel with a tyrosine integrase, suggesting that Paku might exhibit a temperate lifestyle, an atypical feature for an Autographiviridae phage.


Improving the efficiency of corn drying in a conveyor belt dryer.
The paper deals with the theoretical background of drying corn kernels in the moving bed. The authors present a system of the drying medium (drying air) uniform distribution in the dryer. They proposed a system that can improve the performance of the conveyor dryer. A rationale for the essential geometry features of the system is provided. The system implies air supply through two rows of multidirectional nozzles. The proposed layout increases the flow velocity at the nozzle outlet by 35-45%. The study determined the optimum values of the four-stage process for drying corn kernels in a conveyor dryer: for the drying medium, the average temperature was tdm =35 … 50 °C, the velocity at leaving the moving bed was Vdm = 1…1.5 m/s.


An alpha-mercaptoacrylic acid derivative (PD150606) inhibits selective motor neuron death via inhibition of kainate-induced Ca2+ influx and not via calpain inhibition.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective motor neuron death. The exact mechanism responsible for this selectivity is not clear, although it is known that motor neurons are very sensitive to excitotoxicity. This high sensitivity is due to a high density of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors on their surface and to a limited Ca(2+) buffering capacity. Ca(2+) can enter the cell upon stimulation through voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels and through the Ca(2+)-permeable portion of AMPA receptors. How this Ca(2+) kills motor neurons is incompletely understood. In the present study, we report that kainate (KA)-induced motor neuron death is purely mediated through Ca(2+) entering motor neurons through Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptors and that voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels play no significant role. In contrast to what has been observed in other neuronal models or after N-methyl-D-aspartate stimulation, NO synthase inhibition and a number of antioxidants did not protect motor neurons from KA-induced death. Only PD150606, derived from alpha-mercaptoacrylic acid and considered as a selective calpain antagonist, inhibited dose-dependently the KA-induced motor neuron death. However, other calmodulin and calpain inhibitors were not effective. At least part of the inhibitory effect of PD150606 is due to an irreversible inhibition of the Ca(2+) influx through the Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptor. These results demonstrate the interesting property of PD150606 to interfere with excitotoxicity-dependent motor neuron death and show that PD150606 is not an exclusive calpain/calmodulin antagonist.


Differences in Intravascular Ultrasound Measurement Values Between Treatment Modalities for Restenosis in Femoropopliteal Lesions.
The risk of restenosis after intervention is higher in femoropopliteal than in aortoiliac lesions. However, the appropriate endovascular therapy (EVT) for preventing restenosis after intervention for femoropopliteal lesions remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between lesion characteristics and patency after EVT using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) measurement and to determine the predictors of restenosis on IVUS.Methods and Results:This prospective observational study was performed at 18 Japanese centers. We evaluated the lesion characteristics before and after EVT for femoropopliteal lesion using IVUS. Angiographic or duplex ultrasound follow-up was performed at 1 year after EVT. A total of 263 lesions underwent EVT between December 2016 and December 2017. In total, 20 lesions (8 cases of isolated common femoral artery lesion and 12 cases of restenosis lesion) were excluded, and 243 lesions were enrolled in this study. A total of 181 lesions were treated with stent placement, and 62 lesions were treated only with balloon angioplasty. In the case of stent use, a larger distal plaque burden was associated with restenosis, while a lower calcification angle was associated with higher patency in the case of balloon angioplasty alone. The factors related to patency differed depending on the treating modality. The findings suggest that IVUS is a useful tool for predicting patency because it can provide a more accurate evaluation after EVT for femoropopliteal lesions.


The philometrid nematode Philometroides acreanensis n. sp. from the stomach wall of the catfish Pimelodus blochii in north-western Brazil.
A new nematode species, Philometroides acreanensis n. sp. (Philometridae), is described from female specimens recovered from the stomach wall of the freshwater catfish Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes (Pimelodidae) collected in the Acre River (Amazon River basin), Acre State, Brazil. Based on examination by light and scanning electron microscopy, the new species differs from the two other South American congeneric species mainly in the body length of the gravid female (240-280 mm), the length of the oesophagus (1.25 mm in holotype) representing 0.5% of the entire body length, the range of cuticular embossment, as well as the location in the host (stomach), order of the fish host (Siluriformes) and the geographical distribution (Amazon River drainage system). This is the third known species of Philometroides Yamaguti, 1935 reported from South America. A key to species of Philometroides occurring in the fish of America is provided.


Case-control study of postprocedural arterial puncture site hemorrhage after neuroendovascular treatment.
Puncture site hemorrhage following femoral artery catheterization is a significant cause of morbidity. The aim of this case-control study was to identify predictors of postprocedural arterial hemorrhage at the puncture site. We retrospectively reviewed 255 patients who underwent endovascular treatment at our institution over a 23-month period and classified them into a hemorrhage group and a non-hemorrhage group. Puncture site hemorrhage occurred in 15 patients (5.9%). Clinical factors associated with a significantly increased risk of puncture site bleeding included patients whose postoperative activated clotting time of ≥300 seconds before removal of the sheath (9 patients, 11.8%; P<0.05), those who received triple antiplatelet therapy (n=4, 17.4%; P<0.05) and the group administered heparin postoperatively (7 patients, 13.2%; P<0.05). The effects of low on-treatment platelet reactivity, i.e., P2Y12 reaction units <95%, sheath size, hemostasis method used, and operating time were not clinically significant. Our findings suggest an increased risk of puncture site hemorrhage in patients who either had an activated clotting time ≥300 seconds before the postoperative removal of the sheath, had received triple antiplatelet therapy, or were administered heparin postoperatively.


[Determination of the plasma aluminum concentration of hemodialysis patients].
Plasma aluminium concentration was followed up in 28 patients with chronic renal insufficiency, treated with hemodialysis in the course of four years. Increased value of plasma aluminium was established as compared with a control group of healthy subjects, not observing any clinical signs of dialysis dementia. Slight increase of plasma aluminium at the end of the dialysis, was observed when the dialysis solution was prepared with non-purified potable water. When purified water, by reverse osmosis, was used the plasma aluminium concentration of the patients was not changed during the dialysis (the differences observed were not statistically significant). That fact provided grounds the authors to admit that the reason for the plasma aluminium increase during dialysis was the aluminium found in the dialysis solution, which necessitates water meeting the standard requirements for the allowable aluminium content, to be used for the needs of hemodialysis.


A Comparative Study of a 3D Bioprinted Gelatin-Based Lattice and Rectangular-Sheet Structures.
3D bioprinting holds great promise in the field of regenerative medicine as it can create complex structures in a layer-by-layer manner using cell-laden bioinks, making it possible to imitate native tissues. Current bioinks lack both high printability and biocompatibility required in this respect. Hence, the development of bioinks that exhibit both properties is needed. In our previous study, a furfuryl-gelatin-based bioink, crosslinkable by visible light, was used for creating mouse mesenchymal stem cell-laden structures with a high fidelity. In this study, lattice mesh geometries were printed in a comparative study to test against the properties of a traditional rectangular-sheet. After 3D printing and crosslinking, both structures were analysed for swelling and rheological properties, and their porosity was estimated using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the lattice structure was relatively more porous with enhanced rheological properties and exhibited a lower degradation rate compared to the rectangular-sheet. Further, the lattice allowed cells to proliferate to a greater extent compared to the rectangular-sheet, which initially retained a lower number of cells. All of these results collectively affirmed that the lattice poses as a superior scaffold design for tissue engineering applications.


The forward and backward projection of acoustic fields from axisymmetric ultrasonic radiators using impulse response and Hankel transform techniques.
A generalized impulse response formulation to evaluate the harmonic pressure field of ultrasonic planar vibrators having axisymmetric nonuniform surface velocity distributions is presented. The harmonic pressure is expressed as a Fourier transform of a generalized impulse response which is a function of the spatially nonuniform velocity of the vibrator. A backward projection method is then developed to reconstruct the normal surface velocity of axisymmetric vibrators from harmonic field pressures using an angular spectrum or Hankel transform formulation. The numerical accuracy of the backward projection technique is evaluated using the impulse response formulation to evaluate the pressure fields for several velocity distributions on disk vibrators. Experiments were performed to reconstruct the velocity distributions over the surface of a uniformly driven piezoelectric ceramic disk and ceramic ring using farfield measurements of the complex pressure. The experimental results were in good agreement with theoretical results based on the electrode patterns of the transducers.


Cerebral venous angiomas: MR findings.
Seven patients with suspected cerebral venous angioma studied by either CT or angiography were imaged with magnetic resonance. Six of seven cases demonstrated a stellate appearance on contrast enhanced CT. In two patients this finding was verified by angiography. Flow void was identified on both T1- and T2-weighted pulse sequences. In one patient a field echo sequence demonstrated high intensity signal within the venous angioma. Magnetic resonance proved superior to CT in the identification of these lesions. A stellate configuration with an emanating transcortical vein and centrifugal drainage (transcortical venous flow) from the angioma into a sinus was present in all cases. Centripetal drainage via thalamostriate and internal cerebral veins was not seen. There was no evidence of mass effect, scar, or hemorrhage. Four of the angiomas were located in a frontal lobe and three in a cerebellar hemisphere. This distribution of the lesions is similar to that reported in the literature in which the frontal lobe is the most common location followed by the cerebellar hemisphere. An embryological explanation is cited and supported by a review of the literature.


Mn Lalpha,beta and F Kalpha resonant X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy of MnF(2).
Mn Lalpha,beta and F Kalpha(1,2) (K-L(3,2)) X-ray fluorescence spectra of MnF(2) were measured when the excitation X-ray energy was higher and lower than the threshold energies. Monochromated synchrotron radiation was used for primary excitation. The resonance fluorescence of Mn Lbeta and the multiply ionized F Kalpha(3,4) satellites (KL-L(2)) were observed.


Evapotranspiration and crop coefficients of Italian zucchini cultivated with recycled paper as mulch.
Recycled paper has the potential to be used as a mulch for vegetable production and can be adopted for the cultivation of Italian zucchini. However, there have been no studies about the water savings or crop coefficient values used in irrigation management in this system; therefore, there is a need for more research. In view of the above, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of recycled paper mulch on evaporation and evapotranspiration in Italian zucchini and to determine the crop coefficients in its developmental stages. The study was carried out in two cultivation cycles conducted at the Lysimetric Station in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. The experiments were installed in a randomized block design with four replicates. Four lysimeter cultivation treatments were applied: without mulch (C); with recycled paper as mulch (CP); with only recycled paper (P); and with Bahia grass (G). Irrigation and drainage measurements were performed daily to calculate the crop and reference evapotranspiration, and thus the crop coefficient (Kc) values. The following characteristics were evaluated: fruit yield, NDVI and water productivity. For the cultivation of Italian zucchini using paper as mulch, Kc values of 0.54, 0.77 and 0.44 and Kcb values of 0.15, 0.45 and 0.18 are recommended for the initial, intermediate and final stages, respectively. NDVI can be used to estimate the Kc values for Italian zucchini. The use of recycled paper as mulch reduces the water consumption of Italian zucchini.


Distribution of the coenzyme M pathway of epoxide metabolism among ethene- and vinyl chloride-degrading Mycobacterium strains.
An epoxyalkane:coenzyme M (CoM) transferase (EaCoMT) enzyme was recently found to be active in the aerobic vinyl chloride (VC) and ethene assimilation pathways of Mycobacterium strain JS60. In the present study, EaCoMT activity and genes were investigated in 10 different mycobacteria isolated on VC or ethene from diverse environmental samples. In all cases, epoxyethane metabolism in cell extracts was dependent on CoM, with average specific activities of EaCoMT between 380 and 2,910 nmol/min/mg of protein. PCR with primers based on conserved regions of EaCoMT genes from Mycobacterium strain JS60 and the propene oxidizers Xanthobacter strain Py2 and Rhodococcus strain B-276 yielded fragments (834 bp) of EaCoMT genes from all of the VC- and ethene-assimilating isolates. The Mycobacterium EaCoMT genes form a distinct cluster and are more closely related to the EaCoMT of Rhodococcus strain B-276 than that of Xanthobacter strain Py2. The incongruence of the EaCoMT and 16S rRNA gene trees and the fact that isolates from geographically distant locations possessed almost identical EaCoMT genes suggest that lateral transfer of EaCoMT among the Mycobacterium strains has occurred. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed large linear plasmids (110 to 330 kb) in all of the VC-degrading strains. In Southern blotting experiments, the strain JS60 EaCoMT gene hybridized to many of the plasmids. The CoM-mediated pathway of epoxide metabolism appears to be universal in alkene-assimilating mycobacteria, possibly because of plasmid-mediated lateral gene transfer.


Unusual cause of seizures in Singapore: neurocysticercosis.
Neurocysticercosis is the commonest cause for adult onset of seizures in developing countries, and is relatively uncommon in Singapore. However, with the influx of foreign workers from developing countries, we need to consider it as a differential diagnosis in our approach to adult-onset seizures in this group of patients. We describe a neurocysticercosis occurring in a 22-year-old Indian man who presented with a single episode of generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a well-defined, hypointense lesion in the cortical and subcortical regions of the left frontal lobe with adjacent vasogenic oedema. Following contrast administration, a well-defined ring enhancement was noted, with suggestion of some internal enhancement. Imaging findings were suggestive of neurocysticercosis. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of the brain two weeks after treatment showed lesion resolution.


Questionnaire on Brain Death and Organ Procurement.
The subject of organs for transplant after brain death raises many concerns, including definition and timing of death, how to permit human organ transplant, and the idea of paying for organs. Many ethical concerns are raised regarding regulations and procedures for organ transplant in developing countries. These include where and how to obtain organs and the concept of justice in organ distribution. We administered 2682 questionnaires to 628 men and 2054 women over 24 months (range, 18 to 70 years old). We included people from universities, colleges, and the general public and asked questions on the circumstances of death, the conditions of conversations around organ donation, and reasons for acceptance or refusal of donation. The identical questionnaire, consisting of 8 questions, was administered twice: before and after a teaching session on brain death and organ procurement. The study was approved by our Ethical Review Committee and in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the 1975 Helsinki Declaration. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. We found that 72.1% understood brain death in the prequestionnaire and 88% understood brain death in the postquestionnaire, with 63.8% versus 68% accepting the concept of brain death, 50.6% versus 58.3% thinking that their religion is against brain death, 11.3% versus 11.3% carrying a donor card, 50.7% versus 58.9% wanting to carry a donor card, 46.4% versus 56.4% agreeing to give consent for organ donation if a relative was diagnosed with brain death, 28.3% versus 50% aware of the laws and regulations concerning brain death and organ donation and transplant in Jordan, and 35.4% versus 40% in agreement with the Presumed Consent Law, respectively. In Jordan, along with legal requirements concerning brain death and organ donation and transplant, there is a lack of acceptance of organ donation after brain death, necessitating further work and activities to achieve self-sufficiency from donated organs.


Effects of storage time of red blood cell transfusions on the prognosis of coronary artery bypass graft patients.
In different centers for cardiothoracic surgery throughout the world, different policies are followed concerning the maximum storage time of to-be-transfused red blood cells (RBCs). The aim in this study was to investigate the possible role of the storage time of RBC transfusions on the outcome of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients. In a single-center study, all patients who had undergone CABG surgery in the period 1993 until 1999 were identified. Only those patients who had received standard, allogeneic, buffy coat-depleted, unfiltered RBCs in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol were entered in the analyses (n = 2732). Endpoints were 30-day survival, hospital stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Storage time of the perioperative RBC transfusions was analyzed in the following four ways: 1) mean storage time of all perioperative RBC transfusions; 2) storage time of the youngest RBC transfusion; 3) storage time of the oldest RBC transfusion; and 4) comparing outcome in patients receiving only RBCs with a storage time below the median storage of 18 days with patients receiving only RBCs with a storage time above the median. The univariate analyses showed a strong correlation between storage time and the endpoints survival and ICU stay, but also a correlation with an established risk factor such as the number of transfusions. The multivariate analyses showed no independent effect of storage time on survival or ICU stay. In these analyses, pertaining to 2732 CABG patients, no justification could be found for use of a particular maximum storage time for RBC transfusions in patients undergoing CABG surgery.


Phase-subtraction cell-counting method for live mouse embryos beyond the eight-cell stage.
Since 1978 in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures have resulted in the birth of over 3 million babies. Yet in 2005, IVF procedures had a live birth rate of only 34%, with 32% of these births resulting in multiple pregnancies. These multiple pregnancies were directly attributed to the transfer of multiple embryos to increase the probability that a single, healthy embryo was included. The predominantly accepted noninvasive viability markers for embryos created by IVF are (1) number of cells at specific time points during development and (2) overall morphology of the embryo. Currently, it is difficult to count the number of cells beyond the eight-cell stage noninvasively. We report a nontoxic cell-counting method capable of counting cell numbers ranging from 8 to 26 in live mouse embryos. This method is derived from the fusion of differential interference contrast and optical quadrature microscopy and is verified by epifluorescence images of Hoechst-stained nuclei. The phase-subtraction cell-counting method is the first accurate, nontoxic technique to count cells through the morula stage in mouse embryos and may enhance the use of cell number as a viability marker if adopted for use with human embryos in the IVF clinic.


Chromosomal phylogeny of Vampyressine bats (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) with description of two new sex chromosome systems.
The subtribe Vampyressina (sensu Baker et al. 2003) encompasses approximately 43 species and seven genera and is a recent and diversified group of New World leaf-nosed bats specialized in fruit eating. The systematics of this group continues to be debated mainly because of the lack of congruence between topologies generated by molecular and morphological data. We analyzed seven species of all genera of vampyressine bats by multidirectional chromosome painting, using whole-chromosome-painting probes from Carollia brevicauda and Phyllostomus hastatus. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using shared discrete chromosomal segments as characters and the Phylogenetic Analysis Using Parsimony (PAUP) software package, using Desmodontinae as outgroup. We also used the Tree Analysis Using New Technology (TNT) software. The result showed a well-supported phylogeny congruent with molecular topologies regarding the sister taxa relationship of Vampyressa and Mesophylla genera, as well as the close relationship between the genus Chiroderma and Vampyriscus. Our results supported the hypothesis that all genera of this subtribe have compound sex chromosome systems that originated from an X-autosome translocation, an ancestral condition observed in the Stenodermatinae. Additional rearrangements occurred independently in the genus Vampyressa and Mesophylla yielding the X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y sex chromosome system. This work presents additional data supporting the hypothesis based on molecular studies regarding the polyphyly of the genus Vampyressa and its sister relationship to Mesophylla.


Oxidative C-H and C-C bond cleavage by a (2,2'-bipyridine)copper(I) chloride complex.
Acetonitrile is easily oxygenated at ambient reaction conditions to copper(II) oxalate [Cu(bpy)(ox)] n mediated by copper(I) chloride in the presence of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol and 2,2'-bipyridine. In the case of other nitriles (e.g., propionitrile), instead, the unusual and selective 1,4-extradiol cleavage of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol occurs to give copper(II) tert-butylmaleate [Cu(bma)(bpy)(H2O)]n in good yield.


Hyperosmolar solution effects in guinea pig airways. I. Mechanical responses to relative changes in osmolarity.
In the guinea pig isolated perfused trachea contracted with serosal methacholine (MCh), increasing the osmolarity of the mucosal bathing solution elicits relaxation of smooth muscle mediated by epithelium-derived relaxing factor (EpDRF). The present study was undertaken to determine whether a specific modality of the hyperosmolar stimulus induced the relaxation response. Mucosal hyperosmolar challenge with D-mannitol, N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG)-chloride, NMDG-gluconate (NMDG-Glu), or urea elicited relaxation with equal potency. In contrast, hyperosmolar solutions at the serosal surface induced diverse, osmolyte-specific responses. In tracheae contracted with MCh, abrupt replacement of the mucosal modified Krebs-Henseleit solution (MKHS) with isosmolar osmolyte solutions to stimulate cell shrinkage elicited five discrete response patterns related to the membrane permeance of the solute, but increasing the osmolarity of the isosmolar solution via the further addition of the same solute always induced relaxation. Similarly, perfusion of the lumen with water induced a transient contraction, but subsequent addition of MKHS, or isosmolar D-mannitol, urea, NMDG-Glu, NaCl, or KCl induced relaxation. Subsequent hyperosmolar addition of the same osmolyte-evoked relaxation. Compatible osmolytes had no effect on smooth muscle tone and did not affect responses to hyperosmolar challenge. The results suggest that the airway epithelium acts as an osmolarity sensor, which communicates with airway smooth muscle through EpDRF. The mechanical responses of the smooth muscle resulting from changes in the osmotic environment are associated with discrete modalities of the osmolar stimulus, including membrane reflection of the particles, incremental change in osmolarity and directionality, but not cell shrinkage.


Organization and relationship of the axonal reticulum in the cell body of sympathetic ganglion cells.
Previous findings and results obtained with the zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide method and a method for demonstration of biogenic amines indicate that the so-called axonal smooth endoplasmic reticulum is directly related to inner elements of the Golgi apparatus. These Golgi elements provide a network for local catecholamine synthesis and/or storage in the cell body and in the axon terminals.


Intestinal parasitic infection in operation Solomon immigrants.
Previous studies have documented a high infection rate of intestinal parasites in Ethiopian immigrants to Israel. As a result, current treatment recommendations are for mass treatment without prior screening tests. However, the group of 15,400 Ethiopian immigrants who arrived in Israel in May 1991 (Operation Solomon) represents a somewhat different population from those who had immigrated earlier. The 1991 immigrants had spent 9-12 months in Addis Ababa before their evacuation; the conditions there, together with the provision of medical care, may have resulted in lower infection rates for intestinal parasites. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in these recent immigrants to assess whether mass treatment would still be appropriate. Random stool specimens were obtained from 80 residents of a population of 650 Ethiopian immigrants who were cared for at a Jerusalem clinic. Specimens were examined at the Ministry of Health Laboratory. Of the 80 specimens 45 had sufficient quantity of stool to perform the standard Richie concentration method. Pooling results from all 80 individuals revealed 60 (75.0%) positive specimens, 53 (66.3%) with at least one pathogenic parasite, and 21 (26.3%) with multiple pathogenic parasites. These data provide the first systematic information on intestinal parasitosis in immigrants from Operation Solomon and suggest that mass treatment in this group is appropriate.


Necrosis and apoptosis induced by oxidized low density lipoproteins occur through two calcium-dependent pathways in lymphoblastoid cells.
Oxidized low density lipoproteins (LDL) elicit in cultured lymphoblastoid cell lines a delayed and sustained calcium rise followed by a progressive of DNA fragmentation, endogenous proteolysis, and morphological features of necrosis and apoptosis. All these events were blocked by chelating the calcium of the culture medium by EGTA, thus suggesting that the two types of cell death induced by oxidized LDL (necrosis and apoptosis) were subsequent to the rise in calcium. The protease inhibitors leupeptin and antipain were able to block (at least in part) the endogenous proteolysis and the necrotic process, but exhibited no effect on apoptosis and DNA fragmentation. At the opposite, aurintricarboxylic acid and spermine (inhibitors of DNA degradation by endonucleases) inhibit DNA fragmentation and morphological apoptosis, but not endogenous proteolysis and necrosis. These data suggest that cell death induced by oxidized LDL occurs through two calcium-dependent processes triggering 1) on one hand, proteolysis and subsequently necrosis characterized by the loss of cell membrane integrity; and 2) on the other hand, internucleosomal DNA cleavage and subsequently morphological apoptosis. The RNA or protein synthesis inhibitors, actinomycin D and cycloheximide, were completely ineffective in preventing endogenous proteolysis, DNA fragmentation, necrosis, and apoptosis induced by oxidized LDL. The subclassification of the type of apoptosis elicited by oxidized LDL is discussed.


IL-1R2-based biomarker models predict melioidosis mortality independent of clinical data.
Melioidosis is an often-fatal tropical infectious disease caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, but few studies have identified promising biomarker candidates to predict outcome. In 78 prospectively enrolled patients hospitalized with melioidosis, six candidate protein biomarkers, identified from the literature, were measured in plasma at enrollment. A multi-biomarker model was developed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and mortality discrimination was compared to a clinical variable model by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Mortality prediction was confirmed in an external validation set of 191 prospectively enrolled patients hospitalized with melioidosis. LASSO regression selected IL-1R2 and soluble triggering receptor on myeloid cells 1 (sTREM-1) for inclusion in the candidate biomarker model. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for mortality discrimination for the IL-1R2 + sTREM-1 model (AUC 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.91) as well as for an IL-1R2-only model (AUC 0.78, 95% CI 0.68-0.88) were higher than for a model based on a modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.56-0.81, p < 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively). In the external validation set, the IL-1R2 + sTREM-1 model (AUC 0.86, 95% CI 0.81-0.92) had superior 28-day mortality discrimination compared to a modified SOFA model (AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.86, p < 0.01) and was similar to a model containing IL-1R2 alone (AUC 0.82, 95% CI 0.76-0.88, p = 0.33). Biomarker models containing IL-1R2 had improved 28-day mortality prediction compared to clinical variable models in melioidosis and may be targets for future, rapid test development.


The Effect of Equal Ratio Ventilation on Oxygenation, Respiratory Mechanics, and Cerebral Perfusion Pressure During Laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg Position.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of equal ratio ventilation (ERV) on oxygenation, respiratory mechanics, and the cerebral perfusion pressure during pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position. Thirty patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection (25 to 65 y) were enrolled. Mechanical ventilator was set to volume-controlled mode at an inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio of 1:2 with a tidal volume of 8 mL/kg of ideal body weight with a 5 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure. Twenty minutes after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position, the I:E ratio was changed to 1:1 for 20 minutes and then restored to 1:2. No significant changes in arterial oxygen tension and respiratory compliance after adopting ERV. Mean arterial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure decreased significantly over time after adopting the Trendelenburg position during pneumoperitoneum (P=0.014 and 0.005, respectively). In conclusion, there was no improvement in oxygenation or respiratory mechanics with ERV.


Ciprofloxacin and cefazolin as a combination for empirical initial therapy of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: five-year follow-up.
The treatment of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis has been a matter of extensive investigation, frequently generating therapeutic trials. Several combinations of antibiotics have served as newer protocols and tended to be efficacious, comfortable, and cost-effective. According to the more recent recommendations from the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis, the rationale for empirical initial therapy of clinically detected peritonitis in PD patients has been to follow the bacterial profile derived from cultured specimens of PD effluents. The current study describes 5 year's experience with the use of a new antibiotic regimen for the treatment of peritonitis. We herein analyze the outcome of 95 episodes of peritonitis in 54 patients on either automated PD or continuous ambulatory PD at the dialysis unit of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis was treated with the combination of oral ciprofloxacin and intraperitoneal cefazolin. The observed cure rate was 85.2% and the sensitivity test was observed to be positive for this combination of antibiotics in 88.9% of positive cultures. Of the 14 unsuccessful episodes, 7 were due to catheter colonization and the rest did not respond to the proposed therapy within 48 hours. These 7 cases were also related to peritoneal fluid cultures that were resistant to both ciprofloxacin and cefazolin. From this study, we propose this combination of oral ciprofloxacin and intraperitoneal cefazolin as a first choice for empirical initial therapy of PD-related peritonitis, given its efficacy and low cost. However, in order to apply the most adequate cost-effective therapy, careful examination of the bacterial profile and sensitivities to antibiotics used in each unit is strongly recommended.


[The "residual syndrome" in alcoholics after 5 years' abstinence].
Residual deficiency of brain performance in chronic alcoholics after a 5-year abstinency. Brain performance of a group of 43 chronic alcoholics abstinent since 5 years was tested. Some aspects of higher intellectual performance were found to be reduced as compared to a control population. The performance was also better than that of a group of chronic alcoholics abstinent for only one year. The residual deficiency of performance could be interpreted as a "functional psychosyndrome", resulting from chronic sensory deprivation on the base of the alcoholism.


Isolation of a new lycodine alkaloid from Lycopodium japonicum.
A new lycodine alkaloid, N-methylhydroxypropyllycodine (1), was isolated from the club moss Lycopodium japonicum Thunb, together with five known compounds, N-methyllycodine (2), huperzinine (3), β-obscurine (4), α-obscurine (5) and des-N-methyl-α-obscurine (6). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 2D NMR techniques.


The molecular basis for winter depression.
A pulse of light is capable of inducing the circadian phase-dependent gene expression in neurons. The phase or amplitude of the circadian rhythms can be modulated by critically timed exposures to light. A significant heritability for the light-induced responses has been observed in hamsters. In humans, light has been used for treatment of the light-dependent winter depressive disorder. A genetic predisposition for high responsiveness to light may occur in patients with winter depression. The altered gene expression induced by light may account for a unique sensitivity to light and mediate the anti-depressant effect of light treatment.


[Palliative radiotherapy of brain metastases of solid tumors: experiences with high doses].
Results of palliative high dose irradiation in 145 patients with brain metastasis of various carcinomas are reported. All patients had whole brain irradiation by parallel opposed lateral fields with a midline dose of 13 to 14 x 300 cGy in 2,5 to three weeks. Patients with solitary brain metastasis received a local boost with 5 x 200 cGy. Twelve patients had also surgical excision of the brain metastasis. 39% of the patients had a marked improvement (good or very good neurological function class) and 30% had a moderate improvement. Neurologic function was stabilized in an improved state for 93% of the remaining survival time. This result corresponds to the observations of the RTOG in a randomized study of various doses, resulting in a standard dose of 10 x 300 cGy, but there is a small subgroup with a relatively favourable prognosis benefitting from surgery and irradiation or irradiation alone with a higher dose and conventional fractionation.


Investigation of reservoir animals of Leptospira in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture.
We surveyed reservoir animals of leptospires in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, where a cluster of human leptospirosis had occurred during the summer of 2006. Leptospira was isolated from 6 of 57 large Japanese field mice (Apodemus speciosus). The serogroups of the isolates were Autumnalis (5 strains) and Hebdomadis (1 strain) and the partial nucleotide sequences of their flaB genes suggested that the isolates belonged to L. interrogans. The human patient sera reacted specifically with the Leptospira strain isolated from the mice captured around the area where each patient occurred, suggesting that mice are the source of human infection. We also detected leptospiral DNAs by flaB-polymerase chain reaction in the kidneys of large feral animals; wild boars (positive ratio 10.3%; 4 of 39) and deer (19.2%; 10 of 52). The Leptospira spp. harbored by these animals were deduced to be L. interrogans (in 5 animals) and L. borgpetersenii (in 9 animals) by the nucleotide sequences of the amplicons. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were also detected among symptomatic hound dogs. These results suggest that these feral animals may cause leptospirosis and pose a potential risk to hunters and workers in the meat processing industry.


Subtypes of suicidal ideation in Korean adolescents: A multilevel latent profile analysis.
This study intended to classify subtypes of Korean adolescents with suicidal ideation based on mental health problems and to explore the relationship between such subtypes and individual-, school- and community-level factors. Data from high school freshmen who participated in the 2013 school-based mental health screening test and data about school and community variables obtained from public sources were combined and analyzed. A multilevel latent profile analysis using mental health issues as class indicators that included several predictors was conducted. Three latent profiles were identified: Group 1 (6.5%) had high scores for both the internalizing and externalizing problems; Group 2 (40.2%) had high scores for internalizing problems, such as depression and mood related symptoms; and Group 3 (53.3%) had lower scores for all mental health problems compared to Groups 1 and 2. Gender, peer conflict, family conflict and academic problems were significant predictors at the individual level; school dropout rate was a significant school-level variable; and percent of youth in the total population, availability of mental health services, number of social welfare facilities and percentage of the total budget devoted to education/welfare were significant community-level variables. The present findings suggest that adolescents with suicidal ideation can be classified into several distinct subtypes based on mental health problems. These profiles and their associated covariates will aid in the establishment of youth suicide prevention policies.


Increased lipolysis of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue and altered noradrenergic activity in patients with Cushing's syndrome: an in-vivo microdialysis study.
Cushing's syndrome is associated with typical central redistribution of adipose tissue. The aim of the study was to assess lipolysis and catecholamines and their metabolites in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue using an in-vivo microdialysis technique. Nine patients with Cushing's syndrome and nine age-, gender- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects were included in the study. Local glycerol concentrations were significantly increased in subcutaneous adipose tissue of patients with Cushing's syndrome (p<0.001). Plasma noradrenaline, dihydroxyphenylglycol and dihydroxyphenylalanine were decreased in patients with Cushing's syndrome (p<0.02, p<0.05, and p<0.02, respectively). Adrenaline, noradrenaline, dihydroxyphenylglycol and dihydroxyphenylalanine concentrations in subcutaneous abdominal adipose were non-significantly higher in patients with Cushing's syndrome. In conclusion, we showed that lipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue of patients with Cushing's syndrome is significantly increased as compared to healthy subjects. This finding together with non-significantly increased local catecholamine concentrations in these patients suggests a possible link between increased lipolysis and catecholaminergic activity in subcutaneous adipose tissue.


Highly Accurate and Efficient Data-Driven Methods for Genotype Imputation.
High-throughput sequencing techniques have generated massive quantities of genotype data. Haplotype phasing has proven to be a useful and effective method for analyzing these data. However, the quality of phasing is undermined due to missing information. Imputation provides an effective means of improving the underlying genotype information. For model organisms, imputation can rely on an available reference genotype panel and a physical or genetic map. For non-model organisms, which often do not have a genotype panel, it is important to design an imputation technique that does not rely on reference data. Here, we present Accurate Data-Driven Imputation Technique (ADDIT), which is composed of two data-driven algorithms capable of handling data generated from model and non-model organisms. The non-model variant of ADDIT (referred to as ADDIT-NM) employs statistical inference methods to impute missing genotypes, whereas the model variant (referred to as ADDIT-M) leverages a supervised learning-based approach for imputation. We demonstrate that both variants of ADDIT are more accurate, faster, and require less memory than leading state-of-the-art imputation tools using model (human) and non-model (maize, apple, and grape) genotype data. Software Availability: The source code of ADDIT and test data sets are available at https://github.com/NDBL/ADDIT.


The relationship between arterial stiffness and maximal oxygen consumption in healthy young adults.
Arterial stiffness is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in various populations. There was little research on the relationship between arterial stiffness and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) in healthy young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between VO2max and arterial stiffness in young adults. The subjects were 13 men and 10 women with mean age of 22.9 ± 0.7, 23.6 ± 0.4 years, respectively. Height, weight, body mass index, body fat (%), waist to hip ratio, total/high density lipoprotein (HDL)/low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, blood pressure, heart rate, glycated hemoglobin and blood lactate were measured. In addition, peripheral arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and VO2max was determined using graded exercise test. VO2max had no significant correlation with baPWV (r = 0.2, p = 0.2). Total cholesterol correlated significantly to variables such as HDL (r = 0.6, p = 0.0015) and LDL cholesterol (r = -0.6, p = 0.0018). VO2max had a significant association with triglyceride (r = -0.5, p = 0.0033). This study suggests that there is no relationship between arterial stiffness and aerobic capacity in healthy young adults.


Caregiver respite: coming back after being away.
Respite services are seen as one key formal support intervention mitigating the negative consequences of family caregiving. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the caregivers' respite experience influenced their return to the responsibilities of caring for their family members. The discussion is based on a qualitative interpretative study with 20 caregivers exploring the meaning of respite to family caregivers of persons with dementia. Although the beneficial effect of the emotional and physical refreshment and renewal was evident throughout, there were notable variations in how caregivers experienced their return to caregiver responsibilities. Some experienced short-term despondency and feelings of 'let-down' while others felt guilty and emotionally devastated when they returned. Three factors emerged which related to the differential caregiver experiences: the amount of time and quality of the respite interval; the nature and quality of the respite help that was used for the dependent family member; and the condition of their dementia family member when the caregiver resumed the caregiver role. Clinicians must recognize that these factors strongly influence how the responsibilities of caregiving are resumed. Researchers must explore for additional factors which detract from the anticipated positive effects of the caregiver respite experience. Clarification of these factors can provide guidance to service providers to develop respite services that are more attuned to the caregivers' perceptions of benefit for themselves and for their dependent family members.


Breast density scales: the metric matters.
Measures of percent mammographic density (PMD) are often categorized using various density scales. The purpose of this study was to examine information loss associated with the use of categorical density scales. Baseline PMD was assessed at 1% precision for 2,374 females. The data were used to create 21-category, 4-category and 2-category density scales. R-squared and root mean square error were used to evaluate the effect of categorizing PMD. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curves were compared between cancer risk models employing solely categorical PMD scales and solely baseline PMD for a subset of females (424 cases, 848 controls). R-squared value decreased from 1.00 (1% PMD) to 0.56 (2-category scale), while root mean square error increased from 0.00 (1% PMD) to 10.83 (2-category scale). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve decreased from 0.64 for a cancer risk model using 1% PMD to 0.58 for a risk model using a 21-category density scale (p < 0.0001), 0.55 for a 4-category Breast Imaging, Reporting and Data System-like scale (p < 0.0001) and 0.50 for a 2-category Breast Imaging, Reporting and Data System-like scale (high vs low) (p < 0.0001). Categorizing PMD measures into categorical density scales leads to a significant loss of information. Indeed, a simple high versus low split of PMD using a 50% cut point yields a cancer risk model with no discriminatory power. Advances in knowledge: Use of categorical mammographic density scales rather than continuous percent mammographic density measures leads to significant loss of information. Breast cancer risk models using categorical mammographic density scales perform more poorly than models using continuous PMD measures.


Lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cell cytotoxicity in intravenous drug users with HIV-1 infection among Thai population.
Intravenous drug users (IVDUs) are among the high-risk groups who are most vulnerable to HIV infection. Several illicit drugs alter host immune function with increased incidence of infections including that of HIV. Many studies of the immune response of NK cells in HIV-1 seronegative IVDUs and HIV-1 seropositive IVDUs have been published from the Western countries and yet no data is available from Thailand. To determine natural killer cell cytotoxicity and lymphocyte subsets in Thai HIV-1 infected intravenous drug users. The NK cell cytotoxic function was determined using our well-established EGFP-K562 flow cytometric assay in 30 IVDUs with HIV-1 infection (IVH) comparing with those from the same number of non-infected IVDUs (IVX), HIV-1 seropositive individuals (HIV-1+ve) and healthy controls. The percentage and the absolute number of NK cells, helper CD4+ T cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells were also investigated. Among the study groups, IVH showed not only the lowest percentage of lytic activity by NK cells, but also a decline in the percentage and absolute count of NK cells. A decline in helper CD4+ T cells and an increase of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells of IVH group when compared to those of other 3 groups were also demonstrated. The failure of innate immune NK cell function and their number in IVH may support the involvement of additional components of the immune system in the control of HIV-1 disease.


Predictors for short-term progressive heart failure death in New York Heart Association II patients implanted with a cardioverter defibrillator--the EVADEF study.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the predominant cause of mortality in patients with mild heart failure (HF). This 2-year follow-up, multicenter, cohort study aimed to assess the extent to which implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), by reducing SCD, lead to predominant progressive HF death in mildly symptomatic HF patients at baseline in daily medical practice. Between June 2001 and June 2003, 1,030 New York Heart Association II patients received an ICD in 22 French centers. Sudden cardiac death and progressive HF mortality rates were assessed using competing risk methodology, and predictors for progressive HF at baseline were tested in a multivariate regression model. During a mean follow-up of 22 +/- 6 months, 114 deaths occurred: 12 (10.5%) due to SCD and 52 (45.6%) due to progressive HF (24-month cause-specific mortality rates of 1.2% [95% CI 0.6-1.9] and 5.4% [95% CI 4.0-6.8], respectively). Diuretics use (hazard ratio [HR] 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.5, P = .002), history of atrial fibrillation (HR 2.09, 95% CI 1.2-3.65, P = .01), and low ejection fraction (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-4.8, P = .0008) were independent predictors for progressive HF death, whereas beta-blocker therapy was a protector (HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-0.9, P = .04). Half of the patients (48%) who died from progressive HF within 2 years of ICD implant initially presented with enlarged QRS (> or =120 milliseconds). Because of ICD efficiency, progressive HF is the main cause of death within 2 years of implant, although these patients are only mildly symptomatic at implantation. In addition to optimal pharmacologic therapy, these results raise the question of systematically implanting ICDs with cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with electrical asynchronism at baseline.