Role of p63 and p73 isoforms on the cell death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation.
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) have a variable 5-year survival rate limited mostly by tumor recurrence. The etiology, age, sex, alcohol, Child-Pugh, and the immunesuppressor have been associated with tumour recurrence. The expression of ΔNp73 is related to the reduced survival of patients with HCC. The study evaluated the expression of p63 and p73 isoforms and cell death receptors, and their relation to tumour recurrence and survival. The results were in vitro validated in HCC cell lines. HCC sections from patients submitted to OLT were used. The in vitro study was done in differentiated hepatitis B virus (HBV)-expressing Hep3B and control HepG2 cells. The expression of cell death receptors and cFLIPS/L, caspase-8 and -3 activities, and cell proliferation were determined in control and p63 and p73 overexpressing HCC cells. The reduced tumor expression of cell death receptors and TAp63 and TAp73, and increased ΔNp63 and ΔNp73 expression were associated with tumor recurrence and reduced survival. The in vitro study demonstrated that HBV-expressing Hep3B vs HepG2 cells showed reduced expression of p63 and p73, cell death receptors and caspase activation, and increased cFLIPL/cFLIPS ratio. The overexpression of TAp63 and TAp73 exerted a more potent pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects in Hep3B than HepG2-transfected cells which was related to cFLIPL upregulation. The reduction of TAp63 and TAp73 isoforms, rather than alteration of ΔN isoform expression, exerted a significant functional repercussion on cell death and proliferation in HBV-expressing HepB cells.


Simultaneous activation of Ig and Oct-2 synthesis and reduction of surface MHC class II expression by IL-6.
Terminal differentiation of B cells to plasma cells in vivo is characterized by secretion of Ig and extinction of MHC class II expression on the cell surface. We show that IL-6 signaling leads to marked increases in the synthesis and secretion of Ig in clonal human B cell lines and newly isolated polyclonal B lymphocytes in vitro. The IL-6-induced cells resemble plasma cells in ultrastructure and in reduced expression of surface MHC class II. Enhanced Ig synthesis is a result of coordinated transcriptional activation of Ig genes without promoter or isotype specificity, and differential accumulation of the mRNA encoding the secreted form of Ig heavy chain. It is saturable and subject to negative control when IL-6 stimulation is prolonged. Coordinate with temporal changes in Ig synthesis, the DNA-binding activity and the synthesis of the B cell-enriched transcription factor Oct-2 are regulated. Thus, differentiation of B cells with IL-6 in vitro recapitulates the hallmarks of terminal B differentiation in vivo; Oct-2 may have a role in this process.


Effect of interactions on the nutrient status of a tropical soil treated with green manures and inorganic phosphate fertilizers.
Integrated nutrient management systems using plant residues and inorganic P fertilizers have high potential for increasing crop production and ensuring sustainability in the tropics, but their adoption requires in-depth understanding of nutrient dynamics in such systems. This was examined in a highly weathered tropical soil treated with green manures (GMs) and P fertilizers in two experiments conducted in the laboratory and glasshouse. The treatments were factorial combinations of the GMs (Calopogonium caeruleum, Gliricidia sepium, and Imperata cylindrica) and P fertilizers (phosphate rocks [PRs] from North Carolina, China, and Algeria, and triple superphosphate) replicated thrice. Olsen P, mineral N, pH, and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg were monitored in a laboratory incubation study for 16 months. The change in soil P fractions and available P was also determined at the end of the study. Phosphorus available from the amendments was quantified at monthly intervals for 5 months by 33P-32P double isotopic labeling in the glasshouse using Setaria sphacelata as test crop. The GMs were labeled with 33P to determine their contribution to P taken up by Setaria, while that from the P fertilizers was indirectly measured by labeling the soil with 32P. The P fertilizers hardly changed Olsen P and exchangeable cations during 16 months of incubation. The legume GMs and legume GM+P did not change Olsen P, lowered exchangeable Ca, and increased exchangeable K about threefold (4.5 cmol[+]kg(-1) soil) in the first 4 months, even as large amounts of NH4-N accumulated (approximately 1000 mg kg soil(-1)) and soil pH increased to more than 6.5. Afterwards, Olsen P and exchangeable Ca and Mg increased (threefold) as NH4+-N and soil pH declined. The legume GMs also augmented reversibly sorbed P in Al-P and Fe-P fractions resulting in high residual effect in the soil, while fertilizer-P was irreversibly retained. The GMs increased PR-P utilization by 40 to over 80%, mobilized soil P, and markedly enhanced uptake of N, K, Ca, and Mg. Thus GMs+PRs is an appropriate combination for correcting nutrient deficiencies in tropical soils.


Vesicoureteral reflux and ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children with horseshoe kidney: treatment and outcome.
Horseshoe kidney is the most common renal fusion anomaly. We determined the treatment and outcome of vesicoureteral reflux and ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children with horseshoe kidney. We reviewed the medical and radiological records of 52 consecutive children, including 32 boys and 20 girls, in whom horseshoe kidney was diagnosed at 2 children's hospitals during 1990 to 1999. Patient age at diagnosis was 1 day to 12 years (mean 3.9 years). In 2 children with horseshoe kidney neuropathic bladder was secondary to spina bifida and they were excluded from study. The diagnosis was made in all cases by abdominal ultrasound and confirmed by excretory urography or (99m)technetium-dimercaptosuccinic acid scan. Voiding cystourethrography was performed in 40 cases (80%). Patients were followed for 2 to 11 years (mean 4.2). Associated urological anomalies were identified in 26 patients (52%) with horseshoe kidney, including primary vesicoureteral reflux in 13, ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 12 and ectopic ureter in 1. Surgical intervention to correct the anomalies in 15 of the 26 children (58%) involved pyeloplasty in 8, ureteral reimplantation in 2, endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux in 2, ureterolithotomy in 1, upper pole heminephrectomy in 1 and valve fulguration in 1. No significant complications were observed in surgically treated patients. More than half of the patients with a clinically symptomatic horseshoe kidney have vesicoureteral reflux or ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Many patients with horseshoe kidney require surgical intervention for associated urological anomalies with good results.


Natural history of carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder.
Thirty-one patients with primary or secondary carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder were followed in an intensive surveillance program to study the untreated natural history of carcinoma in situ. Few patients received any treatment for carcinoma in situ. The patients were followed for up to 14 years, to disease progression or decrease from other causes than untreated cancer. All patients except three experienced new tumour growths, of these 50% within the first year of follow-up. At 5 years of follow-up half of the patients had experienced progressing disease, i.e. muscle invasion, upper tract invasive cancer or metastases. Most patients would seem eventually to experience progressing disease. Short-term results of treatment with BCG should be viewed on background of such long-term follow-up of untreated carcinoma in situ.


Pulse compression and shaping of broadband optical parametric amplifier laser source.
We report pulse compression and shaping of a 100 Hz broadband optical parametric amplifier (OPA) laser source generated by self-phase modulation in a hollow-core fiber. The amplitude and phase of the broadband OPA laser pulses are controlled using an acousto optic programmable dispersive filter (AOPDF). Using the AOPDF, we demonstrate compression, characterization, and amplitude/phase control of 1300 nm 20 fs laser pulses with energies up to 10 microJ. This novel source is suitable for seeding successive OPA amplification stages and for time-resolved spectroscopy.


Atypical mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in the transverse colon associated with macroglobulinemia.
We herein present a quite atypical case of primary gastrointestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in the transverse colon. Computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography revealed diffuse thickening of the wall, and colonoscopy showed a white-colored mucosa with reduced superficial vessels in the entire transverse colon. The lesion was diagnosed as MALT lymphoma by pathological examination of the biopsied specimen. Secondary macroglobulinemia of IgM-kappa type was also found in the present case. After chemotherapy and radiation, the lesions in the transverse colon improved and the patient has been in good condition without any evidence of recurrence for more than 1 year.


Light Color and the Commercial Broiler: Effect on Ocular Health and Visual Acuity.
Light is a critical management factor for broiler production, and the wavelength spectrum, one of its components, can affect bird physiology, behavior and production. Among all the senses, sight is important to birds, and their visual system possess several adaptations that allow them to perceive light differently from humans. Therefore, it is critical to consider whether the exposure to monochromatic light colors influences broiler visual ability, which could affect behavioral expression. The present study examined the effects of various light colors on the visual systems of broiler chickens. Ross 708 males were raised from 0 to 35 days under three wavelength programs [blue (dominant wavelengths near 455 nm), green (dominant wavelengths near 510 nm) or white]. Broilers were given a complete ophthalmic examination, including chromatic pupillary light reflex testing, rebound tonometry, anterior segment biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy (n = 36, day 21). To assess ocular anatomy, broilers were euthanized, eyes were weighed, and dimensions were taken (n = 108, day 16 and day 24). An autorefractor was used to assess the refractive index and the corneal curvature (n = 18, day 26). To evaluate spatial vision, broilers underwent a grating acuity test at one of three distances-50, 75, or 100 cm (n = 24, day 29). Data were analyzed as a one-way ANOVA using the MIXED procedure or Proc Par1way for non-normally distributed data. Significant differences were observed for refractive index and spatial vision. Birds raised under blue light were slightly more hyperopic, or far-sighted, than birds raised under white light (P = 0.01). As for spatial vision, birds raised under blue light took less time to approach the stimulus at distances of 50 cm (P = 0.03) and 75 cm (P = 0.0006) and had a higher success rate (choosing the right feeder, P = 0.03) at 100 cm than birds raised under white light. Improvements in spatial vision for birds exposed to blue light can partially explain the behavioral differences resulting from rearing broilers under different wavelengths.


[Two cases of renal cancer detected by ultrasonic scan during mass screening and subsequent MRI].
Reported herein are the cases of two woman, aged 47 and 69, respectively, who were each found to have a right renal carcinoma, both carcinomas discovered incidentally by an abdominal ultrasonic scan during a mass screening, with no other signs or symptoms of renal cancer being indicated. Following clinical diagnostic verification, using X-ray CT, and an MRI, radical nephrectomies were performed. In each instance, the pathohistological diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma, pT2N0M0V0. The clinical imagings, including the MRI, are presented, and the diagnostic techniques used in this imaging and the screening modality in cases of asymptomatic renal cancer are discussed.


Effects of aging and pH on dissolution kinetics and stability of chloropyromorphite.
The objectives of this research were to understand the effect of aging time on chloropyromorphite stability by dissolution, to examine physical and chemical alterations of the pyromorphite samples, and to model the kinetic data collected from the dissolution experiments. The results of this investigation indicate that chloropyromorphite formation is kinetically rapid and that its dissolution in acid is thermodynamically stable, ideal conditions for Pb immobilization that has emerged as a potential remediation strategy. In terms of aging prior to dissolution, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopies were unable to distinguish fundamental differences in progressively aged samples; however, high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HRTGA) did demonstrate thatthe thermostability of the chloropyromorphite material increased with increasing residence time. The stirred-flow and batch dissolution studies suggest that the aging process ceased within 24 h and that the dissolution rate of the 1-day aged sample was not significantly different than the 1-year aged specimen. The amount of Pb released peaked at 21% (1-h sample, stirred-flow, pH 2.0) and was as low as 0.17% (1-year sample, batch method, pH 6.0). Postdissolution analyses of chloropyromorphite with XAFS, XRD, and HRTGA revealed no detectable chemical alterations of the pyromorphite samples signifying only release of dissolved Pb to solution and no formation of secondary products during dissolution.


Leptospirosis acquired by tourists in Venice, Italy.
We present the case of two Australian tourists aged 25 and 26 years who, after immersion in a canal in Venice, developed severe leptospirosis. After a 1-week history of fever, headache, myalgia, and vomiting they developed jaundice and renal failure. Complete remission was achieved by antibiotic therapy and hemodialysis.


The effects of infused olive leaf offered with drinking water on growth performance, ileum histomorphologic characteristics, and some cecal microorganism counts of broiler chickens.
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of infused olive leaves (IOL) in drinking water on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, ileal histomorphology, and cecal microorganisms of broiler chickens. A total of 210 day-old male broiler chicks were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 6 replicates and 7 chicks in each replicate. All chicks received a corn-soybean-based diet and drinking water with or without IOL ad libitum for 42 days. Treatments were drinking water without any additives (control group), drinking water including IOL of 5 m/L (IOL5), 10 m/L (IOL10), 15 ml/L (IOL15), and 20 ml/L (IOL20). The addition of IOL to drinking water did not affect the growth performance, water intake, carcass parameters, weights of inner organs, and digestive tract weight and length. The Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus spp. counts in the cecum were also not influenced by IOL supplementation in drinking water. However, chickens receiving IOL5, IOL10, or IOL15 had higher villus length in the ileum compared with birds in the control group. Crypt depth was lower in chickens from the IOL20 group compared with birds in the other treatment groups. In addition, broilers offered IOL15 or IOL20 had a higher villus length to crypt depth ratio in the ileum than chickens in the control group. However, treatments had no influence on the lamina muscularis mucosae layer of the ileum in broiler chickens. The results showed that drinking water including IOL at 15 and 20 ml/L improved ileal histomorphology without any detrimental effect on growth performance, carcass traits, and cecal microorganisms in broiler chickens.


Natural Products Mediated Targeting of Virally Infected Cancer.
The role of viral infection in developing cancer was determined in the start of 20th century. Until now, 8 different virus-associated cancers have been discovered and most of them progressed in immunosuppressed individuals. The aim of the present study is to look into the benefits of natural products in treating virally infected cancers. The study focuses on bioactive compounds derived from natural sources. Numerous pharmaceutical agents have been identified from plants (vincristine, vinblastine, stilbenes, combretastatin, and silymarin), marine organisms (bryostatins, cephalostatin, ecteinascidins, didemnin, and dolastatin), insects (cantharidin, mastoparan, parectadial, and cecropins), and microorganisms (vancomycin, rhizoxin, ansamitocins, mitomycin, and rapamycin). Beside these, various compounds have been observed from fruits and vegetables which can be utilized in anticancer therapy. These include curcumin in turmeric, resveratrol in red grapes, S-allyl cysteine in allium, allicin in garlic, catechins in green tea, and β-carotene in carrots. The present study addresses various types of virally infected cancers, their mechanism of action, and the role of different cell surface molecules elicited during viral binding and entry into the target cell along with the anticancer drugs derived from natural products by targeting screening of bioactive compounds from natural sources.


Neurologic disease in a pig.
Three 4-week-old Yorkshire-Hampshire cross piglets from a litter of 9 (7 liveborn) developed convulsions the day of weaning. They were subsequently obtunded, ataxic, and hypermetric and had intention tremors. An affected male pig was presented live for necropsy on day 5 postweaning. This animal was euthanatized and necropsied. No significant grossly visible postmortem lesions were found. Histologic examination of the brain disclosed laminar necrosis of the submeningeal cerebral and cerebellar cortices with replacement by broad sheets of gitter cells. Occasional cerebral and cerebellar leptomeningeal and parenchymal vessels were surrounded by lymphocytes with fewer eosinophils. The morphologic diagnosis was severe multifocal subcortical cerebral and cerebellar laminar necrosis with moderate multifocal lymphocytic and eosinophilic cerebral and cerebellar leptomeningeal and parenchymal perivasculitis. The history and histologic findings are consistent with an etiologic diagnosis of sodium ion intoxication.


Approaches to gene therapy in disorders of purine metabolism.
Model studies with gene transfer technology using retroviral vectors expressing the cloned human genes for adenosine deaminase (ADA), purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), and hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) indicate that these disorders may eventually be treated by the introduction of the normal gene into defective cells. The autologous transplantation of bone marrow infected in vitro with retroviral vectors is the most developed approach at this time. The potential usefulness of this and other approaches for each of these three disorders of purine metabolism are discussed.


[Application of endotracheal lavage in neonatal ventilator-associated pneumonia].
To study the efficacy of endotracheal lavage in neonatal ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Fifty-eight neonates with VAP between January 2002 and December 2008 were randomly assigned to two groups: lavage and control (n=29 each). After withdrawal from ventilator, both groups received sensitive antibiotics therapy according to sputum culture results as well as supportive treatment. The lavage group was additionally treated with endotracheal lavage (2-3 times daily). The therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the average time of mechanical ventilation between the lavage and the control groups. The effective rate in the lavage group (93%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (69%; p<0.05). Three percent of patients in the lavage group required twice or more mechanical ventilation compared with 24% in the control group (p<0.05). Blood gas analysis results were obviously improved in the lavage group 2 hrs after treatment (p<0.01). Endotracheal lavage can decrease the number in mechanical ventilation and improve therapeutic effects in neonates with VAP.


Peroneal osteocutaneous flap raised on reconstructed popliteal artery for delayed union following open tibial fractures.
Two cases of delayed union following type IIIC open tibial fracture were treated by a pedicled peroneal osteocutaneous flap raised on reconstructed popliteal vessels. Dissection of the peroneal vessels from the already traumatized extremity was tedious, but this technique provided a reliable vascularized skin and bone graft that was indispensable for the fracture healing. Peroneal osteocutaneous flaps raised on the reconstructed popliteal artery have not been reported to date; they appear to be a good alternative to free osteocutaneous flaps for non-union of the proximal tibia.


Biogenesis of Protein Bodies in Embryonic Axes of Soybean Seeds (Glycine max. cv. Enrei).
Protein bodies in embryonic axes of soybean seeds have inclusion structures containing phytin globoids. Biogenesis of the protein bodies during seed development was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Protein bodies in embryonic axes originated from central vacuoles. The central vacuole in embryonic axes subdivided into smaller vacuoles with internal membranous structure. Then the subdivided vacuoles were directly associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), and were filled with proteinaceous matrix from the peripheral region. The increase of matrix was simultaneous with accumulation of β-conglycinin estimated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Glycinin-rich granules that had been found in developing cotyledons were not observed in embryonic axes. After proteinaceous matrix filled the protein bodies, electron-transparent regions presumably surrounded by a single membrane appeared in the matrix. Phytin globoids were constructed in this internal structures of protein bodies as the final step of protein body formation.


Brain and Spinal Tumors Originating from the Germ Line Cells.
Primary central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNS GCTs) are part of the GCTs in children and adults. This tumor entity presents with geographic variation, age, and sex predilection. There are two age peaks of incidence distribution at the first few months of life and in adolescence. CNS GCTs are heterogeneous in histopathological subtypes, locations, and tumor marker (AFP, β-hCG) secretions. In the WHO CNS tumor classification, GCTS are classified as germinoma and nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT) with different subtypes (including teratoma). Excluding mature teratoma, the remaining NGGCTs are malignant (NGMGCT). In teratoma, growing teratoma syndrome and teratoma with somatic-type malignancy should be highlighted. The common intracranial locations are pineal region, neurohypophysis (NH), bifocal pineal-NH, basal ganglia, and cerebral ventricle. Above 50% of intracranial GCTs (IGCTs) present obstructive hydrocephalus. Spinal tumors are rare. Age, locations, hydrocephalus, and serum/CSF titer of β-hCG correlate with clinical manifestations. Delayed diagnosis is common in tumors arising in neurohypophysis, bifocal, and basal ganglia resulting in the increasing of physical dysfunction and hormonal deficits. Staging work-up includes CSF cytology for tumor cells and contrast-enhanced MRI of brain and spine for macroscopic metastasis before treatment commences. The therapeutic approach of CNS GCTs integrates locations, histopathology, staging, tumor marker level, and therapeutic classification. Treatment strategies include surgical biopsy/excision, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (single or combination). Secreting tumors with consistent imaging may not require histopathological diagnosis. Primary germinomas are highly radiosensitive and the therapeutic aim is to maintain high survival rate using optimal radiotherapy regimen with/without chemotherapy combination. Primary NGNGCTs are less radiosensitive. The therapeutic aim is to increase survival utilizing more intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The negative prognostic factors are residue disease at the end of treatment and serum or CSF AFP level >1000 ng/mL at diagnosis. In refractory or recurrent NMGGCTs, besides high-dose chemotherapy, new therapy is necessary. Molecular profiling and analysis help for translational research. Survivors of pediatric brain tumors frequently experience cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, physical disability, pituitary hormone deficiency, and other CNS complications after cranial radiotherapy. Continuous surveillance and assessment may lead to improvements in treatment protocols, transdisciplinary interventions, after-treatment rehabilitation, and quality of life.


Treatment of penicillin-resistant pneumococcus with penicillin: a case report.
Antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae is on the rise in many parts of the world, and varies widely across the United States. This is of growing concern as organisms become resistant to cephalosporins and macrolides as well as to beta-lactam antibiotics. Susceptibility testing has become a critical element in antibiotic selection. In vitro susceptibility, however, may not correlate with clinical susceptibility. For example, penicillin G in appropriate doses is often effective therapy for drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia. This report takes into account in vitro susceptibility as well as the patient's coexisting morbidities in the treatment of penicillin-resistant S pneumoniae with penicillin G.


Artemisia arborescens L essential oil loaded beads: preparation and characterization.
The purpose of this work was to prepare sodium alginate beads as a device for the controlled release of essential oil for oral administration as an antiviral agent. Different formulations were prepared with sodium alginate as a natural polymer and calcium chloride or glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent. Loading capacities of between 86% and 100% were obtained in freshly prepared beads by changing exposure time to the cross-linking agent. Drying of the calcium alginate beads caused only a slight decrease in the loading efficiency. The surface morphology of the different bead formulations were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Stability studies over a 3-month period showed that glutaraldehyde reacted with some components of Artemisia arborescens L essential oil, changing its composition. Calcium alginate beads showed an in vitro controlled release of the essential oil for the investigated 24 hours, while the use of glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent was found not appropriate because of the interactions with azulene derivatives and the low degree of matrix cross-linkage.


Combined robotic and cystoscopic surgery for rectal cancer invading urinary bladder.
Although the application of laparoscopic rectal surgery has been widely accepted by accumulated evidence, it remains technically difficult in some cases of obesity, narrow male pelvis, bulky tumors, or involvement of adjacent organs. After robotic rectal surgery has been covered by the health insurance system in Japan since April 2018, we have employed robotic rectal surgery for an increasing number of cases by taking advantages of its 3D vision and wrist function. When a colorectal cancer involves the urinary bladder, the surgical treatment of choice is an anterior resection with en bloc (partial or total) bladder resection, depending on the site and extent of bladder involvement. In the attached video, robotic surgery was conducted with the aid of intraoperative cystoscopy, which resulted in curative resection with negative margin. Given that the robotic system provides excellent stability and dexterity for bladder reconstruction, the robotic approach can be technically suitable for locally advanced T4 colorectal cancer with urinary involvement.


Safe abortion services in Nepal: initial years of availability and utilization.
Following the liberalization of the very strict Nepalese abortion law in 2002, the first services for safe induced abortion were introduced in 2004 at the nation's largest women's hospital. This paper examines the client profile, the context of demand for services, affordability and satisfaction with services. Data for the analysis came from a survey of women who presented themselves at the hospital for induced abortion services and subsequently received the services. Based on a survey of 672 clients, the median age was 26, and most women were married with an average of two living children. The majority reported being impregnated by the husband. Nearly three out of five gave their primary reason for termination as already having the number of children desired; another 42% cited finances. About two-thirds made the decision to abort jointly with the male partner. Most were satisfied with the services received and expenses incurred. About two-fifths reported having used a modern contraceptive method at the time the unwanted pregnancy occurred, while 22.6% reported practising either the safe-period or withdrawal methods. The clinic has provided affordable, quality abortion services to women in need. Findings also suggest that many areas need services strengthened, including the continued role of the family planning program in preventing unintended pregnancies.


The influence of taking uterine biopsies on the concentration of some steroids in the blood and in the uterus, on the ovarian activity, and on the sexual behaviour of the mare.
It has been shown that stimulation of the uterus of mares by the daily taking of biopsies can result in the occurrence of oestrous symptoms. This is accompanied by some follicular growth and a progesterone content in the blood often higher than 1 ng/ml. The following observations suggest that this progesterone originates in the uterus and not in the ovaries: (1) no active corpora lutea appeared to be present in the ovaries after ovariectomy, (2) ovariectomized mares showed the same oestrous symptoms in similar experiments and even mating took place, (3) in the uterine biopsies the concentration of the compound referred to as "5.4", which is assumed to be easily convertible into progesterone, had already increased considerably in the second biopsy, (4) administration of stilboestrol reduced the rise of the progesterone level in the uterine biopsies as well as in the blood. The absence of oestradiol-17 beta in the ovarian follicles and the fact that ovariectomized mares also come into heat suggest that oestrogens cannot be held responsible for the oestrous symptoms in these mares. Our experiments demonstrate that the uterus can be involved in sexual behaviour and the formation of steroids.


Phenotypic and functional characterization of CD4 T cells expressing killer Ig-like receptors.
Killer Ig-like receptors (KIR) are commonly found on human NK cells, gammadelta T cells, and CD8 T cells. Although KIR(+) CD4 T cells are found in certain patients, their prevalence in healthy donors is controversial. We now provide definitive proof that such cells are present in most individuals, and report on their frequency, surface phenotype, cytokine profile, and Ag specificity. The number of KIR(+) CD4 T cells detected in peripheral blood increased with age. In contrast with regular KIR(-) CD4 T cells, the majority of KIR(+) CD4 T cells lacked surface expression of CD27, CD28, CCR4, and CCR7, but did express CD57 and 2B4. In addition, KIR were detected on approximately one-tenth of CD28(-) and CD57(+) memory CD4 T cells. In line with the absence of the Th2 marker CCR4, the KIR(+) CD4 cells produced mainly IFN-gamma and little IL-4, IL-10, or IL-17 upon TCR triggering. Furthermore, the KIR(+) population contained cells that responded to recall Ags in an HLA class II-restricted fashion. Together, our data indicate that KIR-expressing CD4 T cells are predominantly HLA class II-restricted effector memory Th1 cells, and that a significant, previously unrecognized fraction of effector memory Th1 cells expresses KIR.


[The biological function of peroxiredoxin II on Hep3B cells and its underlying mechanism].
To study the biological function and its possible underlying mechanism of peroxiredoxin II (PrxII) in liver cancer cell line Hep3B. Two pairs of double-stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted on PrxII gene were transfected into Hep3B cells using LipofectamineTM 2000. After confirming the inhibited effects of these siRNAs through Quant SYBR Green polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, the biological characters of Hep3B cell were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis, MTT and colony formation assays. Furthermore, dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assays, for measuring the products of oxidative reaction, such as the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were applied to explore whether the antioxidant mechanism was involved in the effects of PrxII functioning on Hep3B cell. The two pairs of siRNA significantly inhibited PrxII mRNA and protein expression. Compared to the mock and blank control groups, the two PrxII-silent groups showed decreased rates of cell growth and clone formation and increased rates of cell apoptosis. The numbers of the formed colonies were 42.0+/-2.8 and 40.5+/-0.7 respectively in the two PrxII-silent groups, while they were 121.5+/-2.1 and 130.0+/-1.4 in the mock and blank control groups (P less than 0.05). The levels of endogenous ROS and MDA were significantly higher in the two PrxII-silent groups than those in the mock and blank control groups (P less than 0.05). PrxII might play an important role in the hepatocarcinogenesis, possibly through an antioxidant function which may provide a favorable microenvironment for cancer cell survival and progression.


Predictors of Performance on the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge: A Systematic Literature Review.
In February 2020, the governing bodies of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) announced the decision to change Step 1 score reporting from a three-digit system to pass/fail designation. Previous studies theorized that Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) will become the numerical standard by which residency directors can quickly sort through program applicants. The goal of this study is to review prior research and identify significant factors associated with Step 2 CK outcomes. A systematic literature search on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ERIC that included articles published between 2005 and 2015 was conducted using the keywords "USMLE," "Step 2 CK," "score," "success," and "predictors." After screening the initial search yield of 3,239 articles, 52 articles were included for this review. Positively correlated factors included Step 1 score, clinical block grades, Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment (CCSSA), Comprehensive Clinical Science Examination (CCSE), and volunteerism. Factors such as clerkship sequence and pass/fail grading failed to correlate with Step 2 CK. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score (p < 0.01) and undergraduate grade point average (GPA) (p = 0.01) positively correlated, while age displayed a negative correlation. Additionally, females typically scored higher on Step 2 CK than their male peers. The study findings suggest that continuous learning and academic success throughout medical school positively influence eventual Step 2 CK scoring. Performance on USMLE practice examinations, Step 1, and clinical evaluations serve as positive predictors for Step 2 CK scores. Interestingly, changing answers and spending more time on each question during the examination were associated with higher scores.


A Mesenteric Desmoid Tumor with Rapid Progression.
We herein report the case of a rapidly progressive sporadic mesenteric desmoid tumor (DT). A 62-year-old woman presented with a 4-cm-diameter palpable mass in the left supraumbilical area. The mass showed an ill-defined margin with heterogeneous delayed enhancement on computed tomography and heterogeneous high intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Sixteen months after the initial observation, the mass had grown in size, reaching 13 cm in diameter. The resected mass was histologically confirmed as a DT of the mesentery. Since DT often has an unpredictable clinical course, clinicians should bear in mind the need for imaging follow-up.


Effects of increasing dietary rye levels on physicochemical characteristics of digesta and its impact on stomach emptying as well as the formation of 'doughballs' in stomachs of young pigs.
Despite quite similar contents of starch and crude fibre of wheat and rye, the unique non-starch-polysaccharide fraction of rye (e.g. high levels of arabinoxylans and fructans) might have an impact on physicochemical properties of the digesta in pigs. Forty pigs (age: 46.8 ± 5.28 days; bodyweight: 16.1 ± 4.13 kg) were divided into four treatment groups. During four weeks, the pigs received diets consisting of wheat and/or rye, barley, soy, potato protein and a mineral supplement. The sum of wheat and rye was 69% in all diets, whereby the compound feed of each group was characterized by a different ratio (%) of wheat/rye (69/0; 46/23; 23/46; 0/69, respectively). In the stomach, 'doughballs' occurred more frequently with increasing dietary rye levels (9/10; 69% rye). With higher DM content and extract-viscosity of gastric digesta, the stomach emptying tended to be retarded in rye groups. Compared to the control group (69% wheat), maximum dietary rye levels (69%) resulted in significantly higher concentrations of lactic acid in digesta of the stomach and small intestine. With increasing lactic acid concentrations, the pH tended to be lower in small intestinal digesta. With an intensified formation of lactic acid, effects against Gram-negative bacteria, for example Salmonella, can be expected. Moreover, because of higher viscosity and the retarded stomach emptying, there could be advantages of including rye in compound feeds when a longer lasting satiety is intended, for example when feeding pregnant sows (regularly fed restrictively).


The effect of aluminium on the heam biosynthesis (in vitro) in bone marrow cells in rats.
The study has been carried out on male Wistar rats. The aim of the present study was to trace the effect of aluminium chloride and aluminium nitrate at concentration 10 microM and 20 microM on haem biosynthesis in vitro in bone marrow cell culture. The ability of haem biosynthesis in bone marrow cell culture after 48 h of experiments with aluminium chloride and aluminium nitrate significantly decreased in relation with the control value.


Complexity of RNA in eggs of Drosophila melanogaster and Musca domestica.
Comparative measurements are presented of the sequence complexity of the RNA stored in the eggs of two dipteran flies, Musca domestica and Drosophila melanogaster. The genome of Musca is about five times the size of the Drosophila genome and contains about 3.6 times as much single-copy sequence. As shown earlier, the interspersion of repetitive and single-copy sequence is of the short-period form in Musca, and is of the long-period form in Drosophila. The egg RNA complexities were determined by hybridization of excess RNA with radioactively labeled single-copy DNA. Complexity is expressed as the length (in nucleotides) of diverse single-copy sequence represented in the RNA. The complexity of the RNA of the Musca egg is about 2.4 X 10(7) nucleotides, and that of the Drosophila egg is about 1.2 X 10(7) nucleotides. The RNA of the Musca egg is similar to or very slightly lower in complexity than that of other egg RNAs, e.g., those of Xenopus and sea urchin. Compared to all previously measured egg RNAs, Drosophila egg RNA is low in sequence complexity.


Effect of varying dietary starch and fiber levels and inoculum source (mule deer vs. dairy cow) on simulated rumen fermentation characteristics.
This study measured starch and fiber digestion and microbial fermentation of three commercial exotic animal feeds using mule deer (MD) or dairy cow (DC) rumen inoculum. Diets were formulated to provide either high starch/low fiber (based on neutral detergent fiber fraction; NDF) with either alfalfa (diet A) or grain and oilseed byproducts (diet B) as the major fiber sources or low starch/high NDF (diet C). An initial batch culture incubation was run with diets inoculated with each rumen inoculum (n = 6; N = 36) over a 48 hr period with samples taken at different hour points for ammonia, pH, lactate, and volatile fatty acids (VFA). A second experiment was conducted where two continuous culture incubations (MD or DC) were run with six single-flow polycarbonate fermentation vessels per dietary treatment. Diets were fed two times a day over an 8-day period and sampled for ammonia, pH, and VFA before and after feeding on the last 3 days. On day 8, fermenter and effluent contents were collected and analyzed for nitrogen, dry matter digestibility (DMD), and organic matter digestibility (OMD). OMD was greater in MD (P = 0.02) and DMD tended to do the same (P = 0.06), but there were no differences due to diet (P > 0.05). Ammonia concentration was greater in DC (P < 0.01), and diets A and B had greater concentrations than diet C (P < 0.01). The greater digestibility, higher acetate:propionate (A:P) ratio and increased lactate levels prior to feeding likely led to diet C having a lower pH than diet A (6.59 vs. 6.66, respectively; P < 0.01) and led the tendency of A to be lower than C after feeding (P = 0.08). A:P ratio was greater in DC than MD before and after feeding (P < 0.01) and was greater in diet C than diets A or B (P < 0.01). Total VFA production tended to be greater in diets B and C in DC (P = 0.06). Rumen fluid source did affect fermentation. Increasing fiber level did not negatively affect fermentation and may increase OMD by removal of negative associative affects by starch on cellulolytic bacteria.


Origin of a rapidly evolving homeostatic control system programming testis function.
Mammals share common strategies for regulating reproduction, including a conserved hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; yet, individual species exhibit differences in reproductive performance. In this report, we describe the discovery of a species-restricted homeostatic control system programming testis growth and function. Prl3c1 is a member of the prolactin gene family and its protein product (PLP-J) was discovered as a uterine cytokine contributing to the establishment of pregnancy. We utilized mouse mutagenesis of Prl3c1 and revealed its involvement in the regulation of the male reproductive axis. The Prl3c1-null male reproductive phenotype was characterized by testiculomegaly and hyperandrogenism. The larger testes in the Prl3c1-null mice were associated with an expansion of the Leydig cell compartment. Prl3c1 locus is a template for two transcripts (Prl3c1-v1 and Prl3c1-v2) expressed in a tissue-specific pattern. Prl3c1-v1 is expressed in uterine decidua, while Prl3c1-v2 is expressed in Leydig cells of the testis. 5'RACE, chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA methylation analyses were used to define cell-specific promoter usage and alternative transcript expression. We examined the Prl3c1 locus in five murid rodents and showed that the testicular transcript and encoded protein are the result of a recent retrotransposition event at the Mus musculus Prl3c1 locus. Prl3c1-v1 encodes PLP-J V1 and Prl3c1-v2 encodes PLP-J V2. Each protein exhibits distinct intracellular targeting and actions. PLP-J V2 possesses Leydig cell-static actions consistent with the Prl3c1-null testicular phenotype. Analysis of the biology of the Prl3c1 gene has provided insight into a previously unappreciated homeostatic setpoint control system programming testicular growth and function.


Comparative effectiveness of biological therapies on improvements in quality of life in patients with psoriasis.
Evidence of the comparative effectiveness of biological therapies for psoriasis on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in routine clinical practice is limited. To examine the comparative effectiveness of adalimumab, etanercept and ustekinumab on HRQoL in patients with psoriasis, and to identify potential predictors for improved HRQoL. This was a prospective cohort study in which changes in HRQoL were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) at 6 and 12 months. Multivariable regression models were developed to identify factors associated with achieving a DLQI of 0/1 and improvements in the EQ-5D utility score. In total, 2152 patients with psoriasis were included, with 1239 patients on adalimumab, 517 on etanercept and 396 on ustekinumab; 81% were biologic naïve. For the entire cohort, the median (interquartile range) DLQI and EQ-5D improved from 18 (13-24) and 0·73 (0·69-0·80) at baseline to 2 (0-7) and 0·85 (0·69-1·00) at 6 months, respectively (P < 0·001). Similar improvements were achieved at 12 months. At 12 months, multivariable regression modelling showed that female sex, multiple comorbidities, smoking and a higher DLQI or a lower EQ-5D utility score at baseline predicted a lower likelihood of achieving a DLQI of 0/1 or improvement in the EQ-5D. Compared with adalimumab, patients receiving etanercept, but not ustekinumab, were less likely to achieve a DLQI of 0/1. There was no significant difference between the biological therapies in EQ-5D improvement. In routine clinical practice biological therapies produce marked improvement in HRQoL, which is influenced by the choice of biological therapy, baseline impairment in HRQoL, lifestyle characteristics and comorbidities. These findings should help inform selection of optimal biological therapy for patients related to improvements in HRQoL.


In vivo anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of a medicinal plant, Caesalpinia bonducella F.
This research examined antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of ethanolic extract of C. bonducella whole seeds in experimental albino rats. Three doses, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the whole seed ethanolic extract prepared as a suspension in 2 ml of 2% gum acacia were used. Acute inflammatory and antipyretic activities were evaluated in experimental animals by carrageenan induced paw edema and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia models, respectively. A significant (p<0.05) reduction in paw volumes, and pyrexia was noted in experimental animals when compared with control animals. The ethanol see extract (400 mg/kg) displayed in vivo anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic in terms of reduction in paw edema, % writhes inhibition and rectal temperature by (0.24±0.03), (31.38%) and (36.2±0.1), respectively. Overall the whole ethanolic seed extract at all tested concentrations produced significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activities. The results obtained in this study clearly indicated the ethno-medicinal potential of C. bonducella in curing pain and inflammation related disorders, supporting its efficacy as a natural analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent.


Tubulin-targeted drug action: functional significance of class ii and class IVb beta-tubulin in vinca alkaloid sensitivity.
Aberrant expression of beta-tubulin isotypes is frequently described in tumor tissues and tubulin-binding agent (TBA)-resistant cell lines. There is limited understanding of the role of specific beta-tubulin isotypes in cellular sensitivity to TBAs, and to gain insights into the functional role of betaII- and betaIVb-tubulin, we examined these isotypes in lung cancer cell lines NCI-H460 (H460) and Calu-6. Drug-treated clonogenic assays revealed that small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of either betaII- or betaIVb-tubulin hypersensitized the lung cancer cell lines to Vinca alkaloids, with the effects more pronounced following betaIVb-tubulin knockdown. In contrast, there was no change in paclitaxel sensitivity following knockdown of either isotype. Cell cycle analysis revealed a greater propensity for the betaII- and betaIVb-tubulin knockdown cells to undergo G2-M cell cycle block following 5 nmol/L vincristine treatment, with the betaIVb knockdown cells being more sensitive than the betaII-tubulin knockdown cells compared with control. In contrast to betaII-tubulin knockdown, betaIVb-tubulin knockdown cells showed a significant increase in the sub-G1 population (cell death) following treatment with both 5 and 40 nmol/L of vincristine compared with controls. Importantly, betaIVb-tubulin knockdown in H460 cells caused a significant dose-dependent increase in Annexin V staining in response to vincristine but not paclitaxel. Therefore, increased sensitivity to induction of apoptosis is one mechanism underlying the Vinca alkaloid hypersensitivity. This study provides direct evidence that betaII- or betaIVb-tubulins have functionally distinct roles and expression of these isotypes may serve as strong predictors of Vinca alkaloid response and resistance.


Oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by highly charged polyelectrolyte-grafted silica nanoparticles.
Fully sulfonated poly(styrenesulfonate) brushes were grown from the surface of colloidal silica particles and used to prepare stable trichloroethylene-in-water and heptane-in-water Pickering emulsions. These particles were highly charged and colloidally stable in water but could not be dispersed in trichloroethylene or heptane. Both two-phase (emulsion plus neat water) and three-phase (emulsion separating neat oil and water phases) systems were observed, with water-continuous emulsion phases in all cases. Emulsion phases containing as much as 83% (v/v) oil were stable for over six months. Poly(styrenesulfonate)-grafted particles were very efficient emulsifiers; stable emulsion phases were prepared when using as little as 0.04 wt% particles. The emulsifying effectiveness of the poly(styrenesulfonate)-grafted silica particles can be attributed to the hydrophobicity of the vinylic polymer backbone that makes this highly charged polyelectrolyte unusually surface active at the oil/water interface.


Student engagement in a Human Anatomy and Physiology course: a New Zealand perspective.
The population diversity of New Zealand is due to the unique fusion of indigenous peoples of Polynesian origin (Māori), western European colonization (Pākehā), and more recent (20th century) immigration from the Pacific region (Pasifika). However, disparities in tertiary education indicate that Māori and Pasifika students are more likely to drop out during their first year of study and are less likely to complete their qualification than their Pākehā peers. Higher levels of course engagement may increase first-year grades, elevate academic performance, and encourage persistence between the first and second years of study. Therefore, a Student Course Engagement Questionnaire was used to quantify engagement in a compulsory first-year undergraduate Human Anatomy and Physiology course in a New Zealand university. A data mining technique was used to assign students into a low-engagement/low-achievement cluster, and a high-engagement/high-achievement cluster. The skills, emotional, and participation-interaction components of engagement were lower in Pasifika students: these students' academic grade was lower than those of both Māori and Pākehā students. The strongest predictors of cluster membership were skills engagement and emotional engagement, suggesting that these components outweighed other aspects of course engagement. Māori and Pasifika students were overrepresented in the low-engagement/low-achievement cluster, and underrepresented in the high-engagement/high-achievement cluster. We suggest that embedding study skills within course delivery, and constantly emphasizing their importance, would likely increase student course engagement. Also, we report that both Māori and Pasifika students remain more disengaged than their Pākehā peers.


Pseudopotential and electron propagator methods for the calculation of the photoelectron spectra of anionic silicon clusters: predictions on Si10-.
Photoelectron spectra of anionic clusters of silicon require reliable theoretical calculations for their assignment and interpretation. Electron propagator calculations in the outer valence Green's-function approximation with two well-characterized, all-electron basis sets on vertical electron detachment energies (VEDEs) of anions are compared to similar calculations that employ Stuttgart pseudopotentials. Tests on Si(n) (-) clusters with n=3-7 exhibit an encouraging agreement between the all-electron and pseudopotentials results and between electron propagator predictions and experiments and values obtained from coupled-cluster calculations. To illustrate the capabilities of the new approach based on a Si pseudopotential and electron propagator methods, VEDE calculations on Si(10) (-) are presented.


Understanding low COVID-19 booster uptake among US adults.
Vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 have consistently been shown to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 disease. However, uptake of boosters has stalled in the United States at less than 20% of the eligible population. The objective of this study was to assess the reasons for not having obtained a bivalent booster within an existing COVID-19 cohort. A total of 2196 adult participants from the Arizona CoVHORT, a population-based cohort in the United States established in May 2020, who had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, responded to surveys administered between February 13 and March 29, 2023 querying receipt of a bivalent booster and if not, the reasons for not receiving it. Descriptive statistics were employed, including frequencies of responses by participant characteristics, and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between participant characteristics and selected themes for not having received the bivalent booster. The most commonly reported reason for not having been boosted was a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (39.5%), followed by concern about vaccine side effects (31.5%), believing that the booster would not provide additional protection over the vaccines already received (28.6%), and concern about booster safety (23.4%) or that it would not protect from SARS-CoV-2 infection (23.1%). For themes related to reasons for not having been boosted, those 60 years of age or older were less likely to select items related to knowledge (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.11-0.55) or logistical concerns (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.03-0.30) about the vaccine; while those reporting Hispanic ethnicity were more likely to convey concerns about logistics than those reporting non-Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.08-4.30). Finally, compared to college graduates, those with some college or technical school were significantly more likely to select items related to the risks and benefits of the bivalent vaccine not being clear as reasons for not having been boosted (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.69-3.43). Improvement in booster uptake is necessary for optimal public health in the United States. The development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 occurred at an unprecedented speed, but vaccine uptake remains among the greatest current public health challenges as updated boosters continue to be developed and made available to the public. Interventions to improve vaccination rates require a variety of approaches.


Detection of monofluoroacetate in Palicourea and Amorimia species.
Numerous plant species worldwide including Palicourea marcgravii and Tanaecium bilabiatum in Brazil cause sudden death and are known to contain monofluoroacetate (MFA). Other species in Brazil including some species traditionally assigned to Mascagnia but now properly called Amorimia species and other Palicourea species are reported to cause sudden death in livestock and are suspected to contain MFA due to the similarity of clinical signs. In this study, an HPLC-APCI-MS method to detect and quantify MFA was developed and was used to investigate plant material from field collections and/or herbarium specimens of Mascagnia, Amorimia, and Palicourea species suspected of causing sudden death. MFA was detected in Amorimia amazonica, Amorimia camporum, Amorimia exotropica, Amorimia pubiflora, Amorimia rigida, and Amorimia septentrionalis as well as Palicourea aeneofusca. MFA concentrations differ greatly between Palicourea species and Amorimia species, which may explain the incidence of poisoning and the amount of plant material required to cause sudden death between these taxa.


Atropine Treatment for Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Several authors have reported the use of atropine as an alternative treatment to pyloromyotomy in infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). Our aims were to review the efficacy of atropine in treating HPS and to compare atropine therapy versus pyloromyotomy. Using a defined search strategy (PubMed, MEDLINE, OVID, Embase, Cochrane databases), two investigators independently identified studies reporting the use of atropine for HPS. Case reports and opinion articles were excluded. Outcome measures included success rate, side effects, and length of hospital stay. Maneuvers were compared using Fisher's exact test, and meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Systematic review: of 2,524 abstracts screened, 51 full-text articles were analyzed. There were no prospective or randomized studies. Twelve articles (508 infants) reported HPS resolution using atropine in 402 (79.1%) patients. Atropine side effects were documented in 38/251 (15.1%) infants and included tachycardia, increased transaminases, and flushed skin. Meta-analysis: five studies compared atropine treatment (293 infants) with pyloromyotomy (537 infants). Pyloromyotomy had higher success rate (100%) than atropine (80.8%; p < 0.01) and shorter hospital stay (5.6 ± 2.3 vs. 10.3 ± 3.8 days, respectively; p < 0.0001). Comparative but nonrandomized studies indicate that atropine is less effective than pyloromyotomy to treat infants with HPS. Currently, there is no evidence-based literature to support atropine treatment in these infants. To our knowledge, atropine should be reserved for patients unfit for general anesthesia or surgery.


Skinfold thickness on the dorsum of the hand in the elderly.
The skinfold thickness on the dorsum of the right hand over the second metacarpal was measured with Harpenden calipers in 276 women and 152 men aged 65 and over living at home. Mean values were higher in men than women and declined with age in both sexes. Skinfold thickness was related to body size, as estimated from lean body mass, but was unrelated to the presence of osteoporosis as assessed from bone mass of the second metacarpal or the presence of vertebral fractures. The skinfold thickness was low in those subjects who had senile purpura and also in a small group of subjects on long-term steroid therapy.


Autonomy, informed consent and advance directives: a study of physician attitudes.
The rights of patients to make decisions concerning their care have been promoted by ethical guidelines under the banner of respect for autonomy, and by legal statutes that address informed consent requirements and advance directives. Given these trends, this study investigated the opinions of 90 physicians specializing in family practice and internal medicine at the Joan C. Edwards Marshall University School of Medicine and the West Virginia University School of Medicine in relation to physician-patient communication. Beliefs and attitudes of these physicians with respect to the participation of patients and family members in medical decisions were explored, using a survey instrument with closed questions. Although physicians surveyed showed respect for the primary elements of informed consent and supported stronger patients' rights, many respondents reported a willingness to override the explicit directives of patients, based on the requests of surrogates. These results reveal a conflict between current ethical and legal standards and the moral intuitions of many practicing physicians. More research focusing explicitly on the role and authority of surrogate decision-makers is warranted.


Sympathetic activation decreases medium-sized arterial compliance in humans.
This study used a precise noninvasive method in normotensive humans to determine the effects of sympathetic activation on arterial compliance. A recently developed, high-resolution echo-tracking system capable of measuring systolic/diastolic variations of arterial diameter was coupled to a Finapres system and used to calculate instantaneous systolic/diastolic pressure-diameter and compliance-pressure curves for a muscular medium-sized artery, the radial artery. Two standardized tests of sympathetic system activation, a cold pressor test (2 min) and a mental stress test (2 min of mental arithmetic), were performed at an interval of 8 days in random order in nine healthy volunteers [30 +/- 9 (SD) yr]. Radial arterial parameters were recorded every 30 s for 9 min, which included 2 min of cold pressor test or mental stress test. During both tests, radial arterial mean diameter did not change despite t he increase in mean arterial pressure (P < 0.001); stroke change in diameter decreased (P < 0.01), whereas pulse pressure increased (P < 0.01). Arterial compliance, calculated for the instantaneous level of mean arterial pressure, decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Compliance (C) calculated at 100 mmHg (C100) was arbitrarily chosen as a reference point for comparing compliance among the different periods of the test. C100 decreased significant (P < 0.05) during both tests (from 2.93 +/- 1.27 to 2.04 +/- 0.94 and from 3.29 +/- 1.73 to 2.63 +/- 1.55 mm2.mmHg-1.10(-3) during mental stress and the cold pressor test, respectively). These results indicate that sympathetic activation is able to decrease radial arterial compliance in healthy subjects. The reduction in arterial compliance probably resulted from complex interactions between changes in distending blood pressure and changes in radial arterial smooth muscle tone.


Partial Saturation of Menaquinone in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Function and Essentiality of a Novel Reductase, MenJ.
Menaquinone (MK) with partially saturated isoprenyl moieties is found in a wide range of eubacteria and Archaea. In many Gram-positive organisms, including mycobacteria, it is the double bond found in the β-isoprene unit that is reduced. Mass spectral characterization of menaquinone from mycobacterial knockout strains and heterologous expression hosts demonstrates that Rv0561c (designated menJ) encodes an enzyme which reduces the β-isoprene unit of menaquinone in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, forming the predominant form of menaquinone found in mycobacteria. MenJ is highly conserved in mycobacteria species but is not required for growth in culture. Disruption of menJ reduces mycobacterial electron transport efficiency by 3-fold, but mycobacteria are able to maintain ATP levels by increasing the levels of the total menaquinone in the membrane; however, MenJ is required for M. tuberculosis survival in host macrophages. Thus, MK with partially hydrogenated isoprenyl moieties represents a novel virulence factor and MenJ is a contextually essential enzyme and a potential drug target in pathogenic mycobacteria and other Gram-positive pathogens.


Calcium carbonate mineralization: involvement of extracellular polymeric materials isolated from calcifying bacteria.
This study highlights the role of specific outer bacterial structures, such as the glycocalix, in calcium carbonate crystallization in vitro. We describe the formation of calcite crystals by extracellular polymeric materials, such as exopolysaccharides (EPS) and capsular polysaccharides (CPS) isolated from Bacillus firmus and Nocardia calcarea. Organic matrices were isolated from calcifying bacteria grown on synthetic medium--in the presence or absence of calcium ions--and their effect on calcite precipitation was assessed. Scanning electron microscopy observations and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis showed that CPS and EPS fractions were involved in calcium carbonate precipitation, not only serving as nucleation sites but also through a direct role in crystal formation. The utilization of different synthetic media, with and without addition of calcium ions, influenced the biofilm production and protein profile of extracellular polymeric materials. Proteins of CPS fractions with a molecular mass between 25 and 70 kDa were overexpressed when calcium ions were present in the medium. This higher level of protein synthesis could be related to the active process of bioprecipitation.


The characteristics of recovering chemically-dependent Manitoba nurses.
Information about potential risk factors and characteristics of chemically-dependent nurses is imperative to the development of primary and secondary prevention strategies. However, little is known about nurses who become dependent on chemicals, especially outside of the United States. In Canada, there is a dearth of studies. The purpose of this descriptive replication study is to provide information about the characteristics of chemically-dependent nurses in Manitoba, Canada, and to determine whether these characteristics are unique to one Canadian province or resemble an international profile. The study utilized an anonymous mailed survey to collect quantitative data from 22 recovering nurses. The majority of characteristics of the Manitoba nurses were similar to those found in American studies, thus adding further support to patterns emerging in the data base.


Radiomics features on non-contrast-enhanced CT scan can precisely classify AVM-related hematomas from other spontaneous intraparenchymal hematoma types.
To investigate the classification ability of quantitative radiomics features extracted on non-contrast-enhanced CT (NECT) image for discrimination of AVM-related hematomas from those caused by other etiologies. Two hundred sixty-one cases with intraparenchymal hematomas underwent baseline CT scan between 2012 and 2017 in our center. Cases were split into a training dataset (n = 180) and a test dataset (n = 81). Hematoma types were dichotomized into two classes, namely, AVM-related hematomas (AVM-H) and hematomas caused by other etiologies. A total of 576 radiomics features of 6 feature groups were extracted from NECT. We applied 11 feature selection methods to select informative features from each feature group. Selected radiomics features and the clinical feature age were then used to fit machine learning classifiers. In combination of the 11 feature selection methods and 8 classifiers, we constructed 88 predictive models. Predictive models were evaluated and the optimal one was selected and evaluated. The selected radiomics model was RELF_Ada, which was trained with Adaboost classifier and features selected by Relief method. Cross-validated area under the curve (AUC) on training dataset was 0.988 and the relative standard deviation (RSD%) was 0.062. AUC on the test dataset was 0.957. Accuracy (ACC), sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 0.926, 0.889, 0.937, 0.800, and 0.967, respectively. Machine learning models with radiomics features extracted from NECT scan accurately discriminated AVM-related intraparenchymal hematomas from those caused by other etiologies. This technique provided a fast, non-invasive approach without use of contrast to diagnose this disease. • Radiomics features from non-contrast-enhanced CT accurately discriminated AVM-related hematomas from those caused by other etiologies. • AVM-related hematomas tended to be larger in diameter, coarser in texture, and more heterogeneous in composition. • Adaboost classifier is an efficient approach for analyzing radiomics features.


Curcumin combining temozolomide formed localized nanogel for inhibition of postsurgical chemoresistant glioblastoma.
Aim: To investigate the use of nanoparticle (NP)-encapsulated injectable thermosensitive hydrogel-formed nanogel for inhibition of postsurgical residual temozolomide (TMZ)-resistant glioblastoma (GBM) recurrence. Materials & methods: Curcumin (Cur) was coloaded with TMZ into PEG-PLGA NPs, then NPs were further encapsulated into a thermosensitive hydrogel to form a nanogel, which was injected into the resection cavity of the GBM postsurgery. Results: The prepared nanogel displayed excellent drug-loading capacity and long-term drug release. Estimated survival characteristics demonstrated that the nanogel could play a significant role in TMZ-resistant tumor inhibition with low drug-induced toxicity. The originally designed ratio of Cur/TMZ was sustained, making it an effective therapeutic outcome. Conclusion: Cur-combined TMZ-formed nanogels can be a promising candidate for the local inhibition of GBM recurrence.


The in vivo activity of vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms in the avian embryo.
The activity of the different isoforms of quail vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; 122, 146, 166 and 190 amino acids) were quantitatively examined in vivo by overexpression in the chicken embryo using the retroviral expression vector RCAS. All isoforms were potent inducers of vascularization and permeability. A linear relationship between expression of their mRNA and induction of vascularization and permeability was observed for all isoforms. Pattern formation and morphogenesis was otherwise not altered. Overexpression of qVEGF122 and 146 in the eye of chicken embryos did not induce vascularization of either the cornea or retina-which are avascular tissues in birds. We conclude that all isoforms of VEGF are potent inducers of angiogenesis dependent on a permissive environment.


Long non-coding RNA HOXA transcript at the distal tip as a biomarker for gastric cancer.
A long non-coding RNA named HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) has been reported to be significantly increased in several cancers, including hepatocellular cancer, pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. However, the clinical value of HOTTIP expression in gastric cancer remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate HOTTIP expression levels in gastric cancer and to elucidate its clinical significance. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the expression level of HOTTIP in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues. In a cohort of 94 patients with gastric cancer, HOTTIP expression was significantly lower in cancer tissues compared with the normal adjacent tissues. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of HOTTIP in gastric cancer, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.767. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that HOTTIP may be a predictive biomarker for gastric cancer.


Facile fabrication of Pickering emulsion polymerized polystyrene/laponite composite nanoparticles and their electrorheology.
Polystyrene (PS)/laponite composite nanoparticles were fabricated using a surfactant-free Pickering emulsion polymerization method, in which emulsions of styrene dispersed in water were stabilized by hydrophilic laponite modified with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The PS/laponite nanoparticles, of which their surface was covered compactly by laponite clay platelets, were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed their chemical composition, crystallographic structure, and thermal properties and weight loss percentage of the laponite located on the surface of the PS particle, respectively. When an external electrical field was applied, the chain-like structure of the laponite coated nano-sized PS particle exhibiting electrorheological characteristics was observed by optical microscopy. The electrorheological performance of the bulk properties was also examined using a rotational rheometer equipped with a high voltage generator.


Synthesis and hypolipidemic and antidiabetogenic activities of beta,beta,beta',beta'-tetrasubstituted, long-chain dioic acids.
beta,beta,beta',beta'-Tetrasubstituted, long-chain dioic acids of the general formula HOOC-C(XY)-C(R2)-Q-C-(R2)-C(XY)-COOH have been synthesized and evaluated as hypotriglyceridemic-hypocholesterolemic agents in rats and as antidiabetogenic agents in ob/ob diabetic mice. The free carboxyl function of analogues of the series was mandatory for their hypolipidemic-antidiabetogenic effect while nonhydrolyzable diesters were inactive. Other structure-activity relationships were determined as a function of the overall chain length (C12-C22), alpha,alpha'-substitutions (X, Y = H, F, Cl, Br, OH, CN), beta, beta'-substitutions (R = CH3, C6H5), and core substitutions [Q = (CH2)10, (CH2)4CH = CH(CH2)4, 1,4-C6H10[(CH2)3]2, 1,4-C6H4[(CH2)3]2, 1,4-C6H4(CH = CHCH2)2, CH2(OCH2CH2)3OCH2)]. The most effective hypolipidemic-antidiabetogenic members of the series were alpha,alpha'-nonsubstituted, beta,beta'-methyl-substituted analogues of 14-18-carbon chains having either a saturated aliphatic core or a 1,4-bis(propenyl)benzene core in the cis/trans configuration. The hypotriglyceridemic rather than the hypocholesterolemic capacity of members of the series was found to correlate with their respective capacities as liver peroxisomal proliferators in rats.


Effects of dopamine in segmental intestinal ischaemia studied with dopamine receptor blockers.
The influence of dopamine blocking agents, namely pimozide 0.1 mg X kg-1 body weight (b.w.) and metoclopramide 3 mg X kg-1 b.w., on the effects of dopamine on central and regional haemodynamics was studied in rats. The metoclopramide dose was given twice during the experiments. An experimental model involving segmental ischaemia of the small intestine was used. According to earlier investigations administration of dopamine and plasma counteracts the negative haemodynamic effects of such ischaemia. In rats treated with pimozide this drug had some effects per se in the controls, slightly reducing cardiac output and the blood flow in the proximal half of the intestine. On the other hand, in the experimental group the positive effect of dopamine seemed to be unaffected by pimozide treatment. In rats treated with metoclopramide, dopamine did not improve the considerable decrease in intestinal and pancreatic circulation caused by the segmental ischaemia.


Cryopreservation of expanded mouse blastocysts by vitrification in ethylene glycol-based solutions.
Experiments were conducted to find optimal conditions for obtaining high survival of expanded mouse blastocysts after vitrification. The vitrification solutions used were designated EFS20, EFS30 and EFS40, and contained 20%, 30% and 40% ethylene glycol, respectively, diluted in PB1 medium containing 30% Ficoll plus 0.5 mol sucrose l-1. In the toxicity test of the solutions and each cryoprotectant, ethylene glycol was found to be toxic to embryos. For vitrification, expanded blastocysts were exposed to the vitrification solutions at 10, 20 or 25 degrees C for various periods; they were then cooled rapidly in liquid nitrogen, after which they were warmed rapidly. When the embryos were directly exposed to EFS40 at 20 degrees C for 2 min before vitrification, 66% of them re-expanded during 48 h of post-warming culture. The re-expansion rates decreased when exposure time was shortened (0.5 min), when exposure temperature was lowered (10 degrees C), or when embryos were vitrified in EFS20 and EFS30, although these conditions should be less toxic. When embryos had been pretreated in a dilute (10-20%) ethylene glycol solution for 5 min, followed by short exposure (0.5 min) to EFS40 at 20 degrees C, post-vitrification survival rate increased to 83-84%; furthermore, the rate reached 94% when the temperature was increased to 25 degrees C. Expanded blastocysts cryopreserved by this two-step method developed into live young as well as control embryos after transfer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Computational Reconstruction of Pancreatic Islets as a Tool for Structural and Functional Analysis.
Structural properties of pancreatic islets are key for the functional response of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin-secreting cells, due to their implications in intraislet communication via electric, paracrine, and autocrine signaling. In this protocol, the three-dimensional architecture of a pancreatic islet is firstly reconstructed from experimental data using a novel computational algorithm. Next, the morphological and connectivity properties of the reconstructed islet, such as the number and percentages of the different type of cells, cellular volume, and cell-to-cell contacts, are obtained. Then, network theory is used to describe the connectivity properties of the islet through network-derived metrics such as average degree, clustering coefficient, density, diameter, and efficiency. Finally, all these properties are functionally evaluated through computational simulations using a model of coupled oscillators. Overall, here we describe a step-by-step workflow, implemented in IsletLab, a multiplatform application developed specifically for the study and simulation of pancreatic islets, to apply a novel computational methodology to characterize and analyze pancreatic islets as a complement to the experimental work.


Determination of the shear buckling load of a large polymer composite I-section using strain and displacement sensors.
This paper presents a method and procedure of sensing and determining critical shear buckling load and corresponding deformations of a comparably large composite I-section using strain rosettes and displacement sensors. The tested specimen was a pultruded composite beam made of vinyl ester resin, E-glass and carbon fibers. Various coupon tests were performed before the shear buckling test to obtain fundamental material properties of the I-section. In order to sensitively detect shear buckling of the tested I-section, twenty strain rosettes and eight displacement sensors were applied and attached on the web and flange surfaces. An asymmetric four-point bending loading scheme was utilized for the test. The loading scheme resulted a high shear and almost zero moment condition at the center of the web panel. The web shear buckling load was determined after analyzing the obtained test data from strain rosettes and displacement sensors. Finite element analysis was also performed to verify the experimental results and to support the discussed experimental approach.


Oxidative stress in lichen planus.
Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, and lichen planus (LP). We therefore evaluated the status of oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system in Egyptian patients with LP. This study included 45 Egyptian LP patients and 45 healthy volunteers as controls that were age- and sex-matched with the patients. Serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and erythrocyte catalase (CAT) were measured. There was an increase in the serum levels of NO, SOD and the lipid peroxidation product MDA (p = 0, p = 0.009 and p = 0.005, respectively) and a decrease in CAT levels in LP patients compared to controls (p = 0), leading to an imbalance in the antioxidant defense system in our study. Oxidative stress was greater in men than in women because MDA levels were increased (p = 0.045) and erythrocyte CAT levels were decreased (p = 0). In addition, there was also a positive correlation between NO, MDA, and SOD and a negative correlation between erythrocyte CAT and the duration of LP. No relation between the four parameters and the clinical types of LP was noted. Our findings point to an increase in oxidative stress and an imbalance in the antioxidant defense mechanisms in LP. This may play a role in the pathogenesis of LP.


Investigation of Molecular Interactions Mechanism of Pembrolizumab and PD-1.
Human programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a checkpoint protein involved in the regulation of immune response. Antibodies are widely used as inhibitors that block the immune checkpoint, preventing strong immune responses. Pembrolizumab is an FDA-approved IgG4 antibody with PD-1 inhibitory ability for the treatment of melanoma. In this study, we investigated the effect of Pembrolizumab on the conformational changes in PD-1 using extensive molecular modeling and simulation approaches. Our study revealed that during the 200 ns simulation, the average values of the solvent accessible surface area, the radius of gyration, and internal hydrogen bonds of PD-1 were 64.46 nm2, 1.38 nm and 78, respectively, while these values of PD-1 in the PD-1/Pembrolizumab complex were 67.29 nm2, 1.39 nm and 76, respectively. The RMSD value of PD-1 gradually increased until 80 ns and maintained its stable conformation at 0.32 nm after 80 ns, while this value of PD-1 in the PD-1/Pembrolizumab complex maintained an increasing trend during 200 ns. The interaction between PD-1 and Pembrolizumab led to a flexible but stable structure of PD-1. PD-1 rotated around the rotation axis of the C'D loop and gradually approached Pembrolizumab. The number of hydrogen bonds involved in the interactions on the C and C' strands increased from 4 at 100 ns to 7 at 200 ns. The strong affinity of Pembrolizumab for the C'D and FG loops of PD-1 disrupted the interactions between PD-1 and PD-L1. Inhibition of the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1 increased the T cell activity, and is effective in controlling and curing cancer. Further experimental work can be performed to support this finding.


Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and pediatric feeding disorder: the pediatric gastroenterology perspective.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) are the newest evolutions of frameworks for dysfunctional feeding and share overlapping features but maintain notable differences. This review will compare the two frameworks, highlighting some of the latest advances in diagnosis and management. Dysfunctional feeding, particularly withing the PFD definition, benefits from multidisciplinary care with equal attention to medical, nutritional, skill-based, and behavioral domains. Management requires medical attention, often with functional gastrointestinal disease and anxiety. Pharmacologic appetite stimulation may play a role. A single empirically proved behavioral approach has not been described and multiple options exist regarding type, location, and intensity of feeding therapy. ARFID and PFD not only share areas of overlap, but also differ, likely based on the origins of each framework. Ultimately, both frameworks describe dysfunctional feeding and require input from medical providers. The more effective approaches tend to be multidisciplinary, addressing medical, nutritional, skill-based, and/or behavioral aspects of the disorder (the PFD model). Future evolution of both ARFID and PFD frameworks is likely to generate refinement in their defining criteria, hopefully generating a structured link between the two.


[Canine scabies in man].
Parasitic prurigo caused by scabies mites from recently acquired puppies is described in two patients and their family members. Because Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis (dog) occasionally survives in man, patients with persisting complaints despite treatment of their dogs should be treated with the topical scabicide lindane for one night.


Effects of zinc sulfate pretreatment on heat tolerance of Bama miniature pig under high ambient temperature.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the heat tolerance of Bama miniature pigs under high ambient temperature (40°C) and Zn interactive functions during heat treatment (HT). Bama miniature pigs (male; n = 24; 6-mo old; BW = 10.79 ± 0.06 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 groups and were fed a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 1,500 mg of Zn (ZnSO4·H2O)/kg diet for 38 d. At 7 mo of age (d 30), the thermal neutral (TN) groups remained at 25°C, whereas the HT groups were exposed to ambient temperature at 40°C for 5 h daily for 8 consecutive days. Pigs in 4 groups were sacrificed on d 38. Individual rectal temperatures, skin temperatures, and breathing rates were recorded at 3 h after the onset of HT and the blood samples were collected immediately after HT on d 30, 34, and 38. Pigs fed diets with or without Zn doubled their breathing rates (P < 0.05) and increased body surface, scrotal, and rectal temperatures during HT on d 30, 34, and 38, respectively. Zinc supplementation increased BW gain (BWG; P < 0.05) during 38-d experiment period, and HT decreased BWG only from d 30 to 34 (P < 0.05). Heat treatment increased serum testosterone on d 30 (P < 0.05). Zinc supplementation decreased the heat-induced increase of testosterone in HT on d 30 and 34 (P < 0.05). The relative weight of liver increased in HT groups (P < 0.05). Zinc supplementation decreased the relative weights of spleen (P < 0.05) and testis (P < 0.01). The values of abnormal lymphocyte count and large unstained cell count declined approximately 5 times in groups of Zn supplementation, whereas Zn supplementation increased the values of red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Zinc concentrations increased in serum, liver, kidney, epididymis, longissimus, hair, and feces in groups fed with Zn (P < 0.01). However, additional Zn decreased Zn concentrations in lung, spleen, and testis (P < 0.01). Moreover, HT decreased serum Zn concentrations (P < 0.01). In conclusion, Zn supplementation could be used to alleviate the decline of serum Zn during periods of high ambient temperatures. However, pretreated supplementation with pharmacological Zn did not promote heat tolerance but impacted the erythropoiesis, immunity, and reproductive organ development in Bama miniature pigs.


Resolving the chemical structures of off-odorants and potentially harmful substances in toys-example of children's swords.
Most children's toys on the market are primarily made out of plastic and other complex composite materials. Consumer complaints about offensive odors or irritating effects associated with toy products have increased in recent years. One example is the strongly perceivable negative odor reported for a particular series of toy swords. Characterizing the presence of contaminants, including those that have the potential to be deleterious to health, in such products is a significant analytical challenge due to the high baseline abundance of chemical constituents of the materials used in the products. In the present study, the nature of offensive odorants associated with toy sword products was examined by gas chromatography (GC). After initial sensory evaluations, the volatile compounds from the toy products were recovered using solvent extraction and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation. The extracts were analyzed using GC-olfactometry (GC-O) and two-dimensional GC-O coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-GC-MS/O). A total of 26 odor-active compounds, including aromatic hydrocarbons and phenols, were identified among numerous non-odorous volatile by-products. These substances also included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which were analyzed by GC-MS. Representative substances were naphthalene and 1,2-dihydronaphthalene that exhibited moldy, mothball-like odor impressions, and phenol derivatives with leather-like, phenolic, horse-stable-like smells. The odorants detected correlated with the assigned attributes from the sensory analyses. This study clearly shows that the detection and identification of such odorous contaminants can provide key indications of potentially harmful yet unknown substances in everyday products such as toys. Graphical abstract .


Synthesis and brain antihypoxic activity of some aliphatic and arylaliphatic amides of caffeine-8-thioglycolic acid.
The synthesis of some aliphatic and arylaliphatic amides of caffeine-8-thioglycolic acid was studied. The structures of synthesized compounds were proved by micro-analyses, IR- and 1H NMR data. Values of acute p.o. and i.p. toxicity in mice show lower toxicity compared to caffeine. Declines in spontaneous locomotor activity support the idea of depressive CNS activity of the compounds. Two compounds exhibited brain antihypoxic activity (5a and 5b against haemic and circulatory hypoxia, respectively).


The association of ultrasonography and CA-125 test in the preoperative evaluation of ovarian carcinoma.
The aim of this study was to verify the role of the association of pelvic ultrasonography and CA-125 assay in the preoperative evaluation of ovarian carcinoma. The Authors examined 119 patients undergoing laparotomy for adnexal masses. Thirty-six had an ovarian carcinoma, the other 83 patients were affected by benign ovarian pathologies. Before surgery every patient underwent a pelvic ultrasonography. The data resulting from ultrasonography were processed on the basis of a personal scoring morphologic echostructural evaluation system. Furthermore in every patient the preoperative serum levels of CA-125 were measured. In the group of patients with ovarian carcinoma the ultrasonography score was greater than or equal to 10 in 26, while serum CA-125 was greater than or equal to 65 U/ml in 30 and greater than or equal to 35 U/ml in 31. In the group of patients with benign ovarian pathology the ultrasonography score was found to be greater than or equal to 10 in 2, while serum CA-125 was greater than or equal to 65 U/ml in 4 and greater than or equal to 35 U/ml in 20. Fixing 10 as reference value of ultrasonography score for ovarian carcinoma diagnosis, pelvic ultrasonography and a sensitivity of 72.2%, a specificity of 97.9%, a diagnostic accuracy of 89.9%. With a reference value of 65 U/ml CA-125 had a sensitivity of 83.3%, a specificity of 95.2%, a diagnostic accuracy of 91.9%. With a reference value of 35 U/ml CA-125 had a sensitivity of 86.1%, a specificity of 75.9%, a diagnostic accuracy of 79.0%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Physical activity and markers of glycation in older individuals: data from a combined cross-sectional and randomized controlled trial (EXAMIN AGE).
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are protein modifications that are predominantly formed from dicarbonyl compounds that arise from glucose and lipid metabolism. AGEs and sedentary behavior have been identified as a driver of accelerated (vascular) aging. The effect of physical activity on AGE accumulation is unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether plasma AGEs and dicarbonyl levels are different across older individuals that were active or sedentary and whether plasma AGEs are affected by high-intensity interval training (HIIT). We included healthy older active (HA, n=38, 44.7% female, 60.1 ± 7.7 years old) and healthy older sedentary (HS, n=36, 72.2% female, 60.0 ± 7.3 years old) individuals as well as older sedentary individuals with increased cardiovascular risk (SR, n=84, 50% female, 58.7 ± 6.6 years old). The SR group was randomized into a 12-week walking-based HIIT program or control group. We measured protein-bound and free plasma AGEs and dicarbonyls by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) at baseline and after the HIIT intervention. Protein-bound AGE Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) was lower in SR (2.6 ± 0.5 μmol/l) and HS (3.1 ± 0.5 μmol/l) than in HA (3.6 ± 0.6 μmol/l; P<0.05) and remained significantly lower after adjustment for several potential confounders. None of the other glycation markers were different between HS and HA. HIIT did not change plasma AGEs and dicarbonyls in SR. Although lifestyle interventions may act as important modulators of cardiovascular risk, HIIT is not a potent short-term intervention to reduce glycation in older individuals, underlining the need for other approaches, such as pharmacological agents, to reduce AGEs and lower cardiovascular risk in this population.


Ecdysone-based system for controlled inducible expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes 2, 5, and 8.
Stable and inducible expression of human metabotropic glutamate receptor types 2, 5, and 8 was achieved in HEK293 cells using the ecdysone inducible system. Treatment of the respective cell lines with ponasterone A resulted in time and concentration-dependent induction of receptor expression. In all cases, the functional activation of receptors was determined by measuring increases in intracellular calcium. The physiologically GalphaI-coupled receptors mGluR2 and mGluR8 were successfully coupled to phospholipase C activation using the chimeric G protein Galphaq/o. The pharmacological properties of recombinant receptors were characterized and proved to be similar to native receptors. Our data suggest that the ecdysone system has a number of characteristics that make it well suited for expressing mGluRs and that the combined use of this system and chimeric G proteins allows receptors to be characterized using a rapid and straightforward Ca2+ assay.


Variable Voltage, Tank-Style ENDS Do Not Always Deliver Nicotine.
This study's objective was to characterize the nicotine delivery profile of a variable voltage, tank-style electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). Ten cigarette smokers (8 men, 2 women) completed this within-subject study assessing effects of 2 device power settings (15 W, 45 W) and 3 liquid nicotine concentrations (0, 3, and 6 mg/ml) using a tank-style ENDS. Participants completed one directed (10 puffs) and one ad libitum use period for each condition, with blood sampled throughout. Plasma nicotine concentration did not increase significantly at 15 W regardless of liquid nicotine concentration. At 45 W, mean plasma nicotine increased (not significantly compared to 0 mg/ml) from 2.24 ng/ml (SD=0.2) at baseline to 3.4 ng/ml (SD=0.6) in the 3 mg/ml condition. In the 6 mg/ml, 45 W condition, mean plasma nicotine increased significantly (compared to 0 mg/ml) from 2.0 ng/ml (SD=0) at baseline to 5.96 ng/ml (SD=1.3) after 10 puffs. In general, puff duration and volume decreased as device power and nicotine concentration increased. Despite using a variable wattage, tank-style device, nicotine delivery was minimal. These results, when combined with results from other studies using tank-style devices, highlight ENDS performance heterogeneity. Regulation may play a role in standardizing ENDS nicotine delivery.


Material inventory dataset for residential buildings in Finland.
This dataset contains the material volumes, masses, and intensities for a total of 45 residential building cohorts in Finland from the 1940s to the 2010s. The specific building types included are one dwelling houses and blocks of flats. The data were drawn from representative case buildings and their derivatives. The data are primarily based on construction drawings, complemented by other documents such as bills of materials. The source material was mainly obtained from the archives of the building inspection authority of the city of Vantaa, Finland. Material volumes were derived from the construction drawings either directly from annotations or, when needed, by further measurements made based on the same material. For minor lacks of information in the original documents, documents of similar buildings and literature were consulted. A total of 26 buildings were inventoried directly. For each included combination of building type, construction decade, and bearing material these were the ones with the most common façade material. In addition, 19 buildings with the second most common façade material were formed based on these to represent the 45 cohorts. Material masses, and by extension intensities, were calculated based on the recorded volumes and typical densities of construction materials used in Finland. The material volumes, masses, and intensities per material and in total are presented as three spreadsheet tables, along with a description sheet, on three corresponding hierarchical levels of aggregation: per representative building, per vertical building level (foundations, basement, first storey, etc.), and per building part (floor, exterior walls, interior walls, etc.). Furthermore, they are distinguished between the building structure and complementary building components (windows and doors). The data can be used in academic, policy related, and practical investigations of the building stock, such as in evaluating the material consumption consequences of different spatial planning strategies on various levels or estimating the materials embedded in the built environment and their potential for capitalisation in the circular economy.


Genetic guidelines for translocations: Maintaining intraspecific diversity in the lion (Panthera leo).
Conservation translocations have become an important management tool, particularly for large wildlife species such as the lion (Panthera leo). When planning translocations, the genetic background of populations needs to be taken into account; failure to do so risks disrupting existing patterns of genetic variation, ultimately leading to genetic homogenization, and thereby reducing resilience and adaptability of the species. We urge wildlife managers to include knowledge of the genetic background of source/target populations, as well as species-wide patterns, in any management intervention. We present a hierarchical decision-making tool in which we list 132 lion populations/lion conservation units and provide information on genetic assignment, uncertainty and suitability for translocation for each source/target combination. By including four levels of suitability, from 'first choice' to 'no option', we provide managers with a range of options. To illustrate the extent of international trade of lions, and the potential disruption of natural patterns of intraspecific diversity, we mined the CITES Trade Database for estimated trade quantities of live individuals imported into lion range states during the past 4 decades. We identified 1056 recorded individuals with a potential risk of interbreeding with wild lions, 772 being captive-sourced. Scoring each of the records with our decision-making tool illustrates that only 7% of the translocated individuals were 'first choice' and 73% were 'no option'. We acknowledge that other, nongenetic factors are important in the decision-making process, and hence a pragmatic approach is needed. A framework in which source/target populations are scored based on suitability is not only relevant to lion, but also to other species of wildlife that are frequently translocated. We hope that the presented overview supports managers to include genetics in future management decisions and contributes towards conservation of the lion in its full diversity.