Molecular mechanisms of murine Fc epsilon RII/CD23 regulation.
The low affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII or CD23), expressed primarily on mouse B cells, is known to be upregulated by interleukin-4 (IL-4) at both the mRNA and protein levels. Fc epsilon RII expression is superinduced when the IL-4 is combined with cell activation. In order to explore the molecular regulation of Fc epsilon RII expression, mouse B cell lines were screened to develop a cell line model. The B cell lymphoma A20.1, was found to behave in a manner similar to mouse B cells in that Fc epsilon RII levels are very low on cells cultured in media alone (< 10(3)/cell), increased by culture in the presence of IL-4, and superinduced by LPS and IL-4 (> 10(5)/cell). The steady state mRNA levels for Fc epsilon RII corresponded to the level of cell surface expression. Transcription assays indicated that the Fc epsilon RII level increases could be explained entirely by increased transcription rates. The A20.1 cell line was subsequently used to analyse the Fc epsilon RII promoter. Nested deletion analysis of the 1.3 kB 5' of the mouse Fc epsilon RII transcription start site, using CAT reporter plasmids transfected into A20.1 cells, identified major elements activating the Fc epsilon RII promoter within 250 bp of the transcription start site. Constructs containing greater than 250 bp of 5' sequence showed significantly reduced CAT activity suggesting negative regulatory regions. Coincident with the restricted tissue expression of murine Fc epsilon RII, the promoter was B cell specific in that little CAT expression was seen in fibroblast, mast cells or T cell lines. Expression was seen, however, in both mouse and human B cell lines. Finally, the promoter was analysed for response to IL-4. Stimulation with IL-4 plus LPS resulted in only a modest increase in CAT activity (approximately 2-fold), in contrast to transcription assays, where increases approximated that seen at the cell surface. Thus, the IL-4 response must also require sequences distal to the regions examined.


Reducing staff injuries and violence in a forensic psychiatric setting.
Despite the attention given to the issue of violence in the psychiatric literature, very little progress has been made towards improving our understanding of violence by the mentally ill and programs aimed at the prevention of violence are rare. This report describes the administrative and clinical efforts of the staff in a maximum security psychiatric facility when addressing an alarming increase in violence and serious staff injuries. Evaluation data include measures of aggression and violence, seclusion and restraint data, staff injuries, and incident report data.


Switchable Wettability for Condensation Heat Transfer.
Condensation proceeds as dropwise or filmwise depending on the wettability of the condensing surface. These two modes of condensation have disparate heat transfer coefficients, with dropwise often exceeding filmwise. This work reports a surface with switchable superhydrophilic to hydrophobic wetting behavior that can exhibit both modes of condensation. Relative to the highly wetting state, which yields filmwise condensation, the nonwetting state exhibits dropwise condensation and twice the heat transfer coefficient. Relevance to thermal management is additionally discussed.


Seroprevalence and Distribution of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Ethiopia: Update and Critical Analysis of 20 Years (1996-2016) Reports.
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), infectious and highly contagious diseases of cattle in Africa, is the only bacterial disease in the OIE list A diseases. This severe respiratory disease of cattle is the second most important transboundary animal disease in Africa after rinderpest. CBPP is caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (small colony bovine biotype) and it is endemic disease in many African countries including Ethiopia. This paper systematically reviews prevalence report at herd and individual animal level for the last 20 years (1996-2016) with main aim of making comprehensive document regarding the seroprevalence and distribution of CBPP in Ethiopia. The paper is therefore helpful in knowing the past and current disease status and also to forecast the future and possible prevention option in the country. So far, the seroprevalence that ranges from 0.4 to 96% was reported from different export quarantine centers and production areas in Ethiopia. The reported seroprevalence is significantly associated with different agro-ecology of the country and the highest was reported from lowland in which 40% of livestock population was kept. The recent seroprevalence studies report from different areas of the country also indicated as CBPP is posing a major threat to cattle production in many parts of the country, thereby causing considerable economic losses through morbidity and mortality. This disease also causes restriction on the trade of animals and animal products internationally and accounts for a loss of over 8.96 million US dollars per year in Ethiopian situation. Thus, a great attention should be given both at production areas and the quarantine stations as its occurrence may affect the export earnings of the country, thereby threatening the livelihood of pastoralists and national economy of the country.


Avatars and virtual agents - relationship interfaces for the elderly.
In the Digital Era, the authors witness a change in the relationship between the patient and the care-giver or Health Maintenance Organization's providing the health services. Another fact is the use of various technologies to increase the effectiveness and quality of health services across all primary and secondary users. These technologies range from telemedicine systems, decision making tools, online and self-services applications and virtual agents; all providing information and assistance. The common thread between all these digital implementations, is they all require human machine interfaces. These interfaces must be interactive, user friendly and inviting, to create user involvement and cooperation incentives. The challenge is to design interfaces which will best fit the target users and enable smooth interaction especially, for the elderly users. Avatars and Virtual Agents are one of the interfaces used for both home care monitoring and companionship. They are also inherently multimodal in nature and allow an intimate relation between the elderly users and the Avatar. This study discusses the need and nature of these relationship models, the challenges of designing for the elderly. The study proposes key features for the design and evaluation in the area of assistive applications using Avatar and Virtual agents for the elderly users.


Establishment of a Novel Bladder Cancer Xenograft Model in Humanized Immunodeficient Mice.
The aim of this study was to develop a novel model by transplanting human bladder cancer xenografts into humanized immunodeficient mice (SCID). The animals first underwent sublethal irradiation and then were subjected to simultaneous transplantation of human lymphocytes (5 × 10⁷ cells/mouse i.p.) and human bladder cancer cells (3 × 10⁶ cells/mouse s.c.). The xenografts developed in all 12 mice that had received bladder cancer BIU-87 cells, and the tumor specimens were evaluated histologically. All 6 model mice expressed human CD3 mRNA and/or protein in the peripheral blood, spleens and xenografts. The mean proportion of human CD3+ cells was 19% with a level of human IgG 532.4 µ/ml in the peripheral blood at Week 6 after transplant inoculation. The re-constructed human immune system in these mice was confirmed to be functional by individual in vitro testing of their proliferative, secretory and cytotoxic responses. The successful engraftment of the human bladder cancer xenografts and the establishment of the human immune system in our in vivo model described here may provide a useful tool for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting at bladder cancer.


Involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the expression of extracellular matrix genes in retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Emerging evidence suggests that dysfunction of the ubiquitin-proteasome system is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous senile degenerative diseases including retinal disorders. The aim of this study was to assess whether there is a link between proteasome regulation and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-mediated expression of extracellular matrix genes. For this purpose, human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were treated with different concentrations of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), interferon-γ (IFNγ) and the irreversible proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin. First, cytotoxicity and proliferation assays were carried out. The expression of proteasome-related genes and proteins was assessed and proteasome activity was determined. Then, expression of fibrosis-associated factors fibronectin (FN), fibronectin EDA domain (FN EDA), metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and peroxisome proliferator-associated receptor-γ (PPARγ) was assessed. The proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin strongly arrested cell cycle progression and down-regulated TGFβ gene expression, which in turn was shown to induce expression of pro-fibrogenic genes in ARPE-19 cells. Furthermore, epoxomicin induced a directional shift in the balance between MMP-2 and TIMP-1 and was associated with down-regulation of transcription of extracellular matrix genes FN and FN-EDA and up-regulation of the anti-fibrogenic factor PPARγ. In addition, both CTGF and TGFβ were shown to affect expression of proteasome-associated mRNA and protein levels. Our results suggest a link between proteasome activity and pro-fibrogenic mechanisms in the RPE, which could imply a role for proteasome-modulating agents in the treatment of retinal disorders characterized by RPE-mediated fibrogenic responses.


[Transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of tricuspid endocarditis from implanted pacemaker: description of two cases].
Two cases of tricuspid valve endocarditis due to staphylococcus epidermidis have been examined in patients with permanent transvenous pacemaker. While transthoracic echocardiography was unable to detect any tricuspidal abnormalities, large vegetations located on the tricuspidal leaflets and the electrocatheter were detected by transesophageal echocardiography. Both cases required surgical removal of the electrostimulation system and valve toilet.


Digitalis glycosides: a discussion of the similarities and differences in actions and existing controversies.
The writing of this review was initiated to answer the question of whether differences in the actions of the various digitalis glycosides exist and to discuss current controversies in the research area of the digitalis glycosides. Data obtained in our laboratory indicated that the effect of digoxin on postganglionic cardiac sympathetic neural discharge in the minute prior to the occurrence of arrhythmia differed from that of ouabain. This raised the question of whether data published in other laboratories would support the contention that differences in glycosides do exist. To answer this question, a review of the literature was begun. Our survey of these studies are cited in the tables of this review. These tables summarize the actions of glycosides in vivo and in vitro in different animal models. The reader should bear in mind that the data included within the tables do not represent an inclusive summary of all studies in the literature. For detailed review articles, the reader is referred to the following references: Gillis et al; Gillis and Quest; Roberts et al; Lathers and Roberts; Farah and Alousi; Benthe; Levitt et al; Smith and Haber; Somberg; Lee and Klaus; Mason; Schwartz. Furthermore the summary of the results for each particular study cited in the table may not, in all cases, include each finding of the published data. Nevertheless, the tables do provide a summary of data obtained in various species with different glycosides in several different areas of research, and as such, represent an abridged compendium for the research working in the field of digitalis glycosides. This review has been organized firstly to consider glycoside-induced alterations in the autonomic nervous system and, secondly, to examine their direct actions on the heart.


Postgraduate Medical Trainees Understanding of Biostatistics: A Pre- and Post-Research Methodology Workshop Experience.
To evaluate understanding of biostatistics among postgraduate medical trainees before and after biostatistics workshop. Quasi experimental study. Regional Centre, Islamabad, College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, from March to September 2017. Two hundred and seventy postgraduate trainees were enrolled after taking informed consent. Structured questionnaire containing 21 multiple choice questions regarding understanding and application of biostatistics was given to all participants on the first and the last day of workshop and compared pre- and post-workshop by McNemar test of significance. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis with p-value <0.05 as significant level. The response rate was 100%. Among these participants, males were 81 (30%) and females were 189 (70%), mean age was 28.5 ±2.5 years. One hundred and twenty-five (46%) postgraduate trainees were from Islamabad. Most of the doctors were in the first year (37%) and second year (57%) of their training. With total correct answers of 42.9% (preworkshop) and 57% (post-workshop), p-value was <0.001. Understanding regarding application of biostatistics in research among PGTs improved significantly and immediately after teaching biostatistics in research methodology workshop.


Acute kidney injury and fluid overload in infants and children after cardiac surgery.
Acute kidney injury is a common and serious complication after congenital heart surgery, particularly among infants. This comorbidity has been independently associated with adverse outcomes including an increase in mortality. Postoperative acute kidney injury has a complex pathophysiology with many risk factors, and therefore no single medication or therapy has been demonstrated to be effective for treatment or prevention. However, it has been established that the associated fluid overload is one of the major determinants of morbidity, particularly in infants after cardiac surgery. Therefore, in the absence of an intervention to prevent acute kidney injury, much of the effort to improve outcomes has focused on treating and preventing fluid overload. Early renal replacement therapy, often in the form of peritoneal dialysis, has been shown to be safe and beneficial in infants with oliguria after heart surgery. As understanding of the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury and the ability to confidently diagnose it earlier continues to evolve, it is likely that novel preventative and therapeutic interventions will be available in the future.


Targeting renal cell carcinoma with gambogic acid in combination with sunitinib in vitro and in vivo.
To evaluated the effect of the gambogic acid (GA), one of the effective components of Garcinia, in combination with a new multi-targeted oral medication, sunitinib (SU) on renal cancer cell proliferation in vitro and on tumor growth in vivo. After treatment with GA or SU, either alone or in combination, MTT and FACS analysis were used to examine cell viability and cycle distribution of the renal carcinoma cell lines 786-0 and Caki-1. Western blotting was employed to examine the expression of proteins related to the cell cycle and vascular formation. Furthermore, a xenograft model was applied to study the antitumor efficacy of SU or GA alone or in combination, with immunohistochemistry to detect expression of proteins related to xenograft growth and angiogenesis. Western blotting was used to examine NF-?B signaling pathway elements in xenografts. Treatment of 786-0 and Caki-1 cells with GA or SU resulted in decreased tumor cell proliferation, especially with joint use. Cells accumulated more strongly in the sub-G1 phase after joint treatment with GA and SU than treatment of GA and SU alone. Western blotting arrays showed 1 protein significantly upregulated, 2 proteins downregulated, and 2 proteins unchanged. Moreover, combined use of GA and SU inhibited the growth and angiogenesis of xenografts generated from Caki-1 significantly. Immunohistochemistry arrays showed downregulation of the expression of proteins promoting xenograft growth and angiogenesis, and Western blotting showed inhibition of the NF-?B signaling pathway after treatment by GA alone and in combination with SU in xenografts. Our results show that the joint use of GA and SU can provide greater antitumor efficacy compared to either drug alone and thus may offer a new treatment strategy for renal cell carcinoma.


[Intestinal complications in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated by laser coagulation (LC)].
The hemodynamic imbalance due to placental vascular anastomoses in TTTS but also vascular changes generated after intrauterine treatment may lead to hypoxic-ischemic complications. Different intestinal complications in TTTS are reviewed in this paper. Retrospective review of TTTS cases treated by laser coagulation (LC) from 2012-2015. Demographic data, fetal therapy, prenatal diagnosis (US, MRI) and perinatal outcome were recorded. We describe cases with intestinal complications and their postnatal management. Results are expressed by median and range. 29 monochorionic pregnancies with TTTS were treated (23 LC, 4 cord occlusions and 2 cord occlusions after LC). The diagnosis was made at 19 (16-26) weeks and 86% presented stage of Quintero ≥ II. In 70% of mothers survived at least one fetus with a median of 31 (24-37) weeks at birth. Four patients had intestinal complications (1 jejunal atresia, 2 ileal atresia, 1 perforated necrotizing enterocolitis), half of them had prenatal diagnosis. Postnatal resections of the affected segments and ostomies were performed. Intestinal transit was restored and there were no severe digestive sequelae after 21 (8-38) months of follow up. Different types of intestinal complications were associated with TTTS and LC. US and MRI enable prenatal diagnosis of these complications and this allows prompt decisions after birth.


Infrared spectroscopic properties of sodium bromide aerosols.
The infrared extinction spectra of aqueous NaBr aerosols at ambient temperature have been measured as a function of relative humidity. Submicron-sized aerosol particles atomized from aqueous NaBr solutions at various concentrations are dried and/or mixed with nitrogen at different humidities and spectroscopically monitored as they flow through an infrared absorption cell. Estimated dry particle median diameters range from 0.24 to 0.15 microm, as calculated from Mie extinction theory. Measured deliquescence and efflorescence relative humidities (35-40% and 25-30%, respectively) are in accordance with previously reported ones. Our results show that NaBr particles take up water only moderately over the deliquescence point, with a significant increase at relative humidities above 70%. The effect of particle size onto water uptake properties has been studied, indicating that smaller particles take up lower amounts of water, and only increase their size significantly at relative humidities near saturation. Particle composition and diameter growth factors have been calculated from spectral data and are shown to be consistent with those predicted from thermodynamic data and Kohler theory. Band centers of liquid water in NaBr aerosols relative to pure water are blue-shifted up to 50 cm-1 at low humidities. Particle structure and phase, together with atmospheric implications, are also discussed.


[Markers of poor prognosis in convulsive status epilepticus].
To characterize the variables that might be associated with mortality and the development of neurological deficits in children with convulsive status epilepticus. Children older than 1 month and younger than 15 years who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital between 2001 and 2004 were reviewed. Epidemiologic and clinical factors that might be related to neurological outcome at discharge from the unit were analyzed. Forty-one patients (median age 24 months) were included. A total of 48.3% developed refractory convulsive status epilepticus. Six patients died (mortality 14.6%) during their intensive care unit stay and neurologic worsening was observed in 8.6% of survivors (adverse outcome in 22%). Symptomatic epilepsy was present in all patients who died and in 88.9% of those who recovered with severe neurologic sequelae. Uni- and multivariate analysis showed that adverse outcome was related to symptomatic origin and refractory convulsive status epilepticus (p < 0.05). Mortality and morbidity is high in childhood convulsive status epilepticus. Refractory convulsive status and symptomatic origin were markers of poor outcome. Children who did not have symptomatic epilepsy had a favorable outcome.


Roseomonas oryzicola sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of rice (Oryza sativa L.).
A Gram-stain-negative, coccobacilli-shaped bacterium, designated YC6724T, was isolated from the rhizosphere of rice in Jinju, Korea. The taxonomy of strain YC6724T was studied using a polyphasic approach. Strain YC6724T grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 7.0-8.0. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that the strain was most closely related to Roseomonas soli 5N26T (98.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Roseomonas lacus THG33T(97.3 %) and Roseomonas terrae DS-48T (97.3 %). Sequence similarities with other species of the genus Roseomonas with validly published names were lower than 94.0 %. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain YC6724T formed a distinct phyletic lineage within the genus Roseomonas. Strain YC6724T had DNA-DNA relatedness values of 16.6 %, 44.0 % and 33.2 % with R. soli KACC 16376T, R. terrae KACC 12677T and R. lacus KACC 11678T, respectively. The predominant fatty acids of strain YC6724T were C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 2-OH. The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol,diphosphatidylglycerol, an unknown aminolipid and two unknown lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.5 mol% and the major quinone was Q-10. Strain YC6724T contained spermidine as the major polyamine. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular data, it is clear that strain YC6724T represents a novel species of the genus Roseomonas, for which the name Roseomonas oryzicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC6724T (=KCTC 22478T=NBRC 109439T).


At the centre: influenza A virus ribonucleoproteins.
Influenza A viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes comprise the eight genomic negative-sense RNAs, each of which is bound to multiple copies of the vRNP and a trimeric viral polymerase complex. The influenza virus life cycle centres on the vRNPs, which in turn rely on host cellular processes to carry out functions that are necessary for the successful completion of the virus life cycle. In this Review, we discuss our current knowledge about vRNP trafficking within host cells and the function of these complexes in the context of the virus life cycle, highlighting how structure contributes to function and the crucial interactions with host cell pathways, as well as on the information gaps that remain. An improved understanding of how vRNPs use host cell pathways is essential to identify mechanisms of virus pathogenicity, host adaptation and, ultimately, new targets for antiviral intervention.


Magnetic amphiphilic hybrid carbon nanotubes containing N-doped and undoped sections: powerful tensioactive nanostructures.
In this work, unique amphiphilic magnetic hybrid carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are synthesized and used as tensioactive nanostructures in different applications. These CNTs interact very well with aqueous media due to the hydrophilic N-doped section, whereas the undoped hydrophobic one has strong affinity for organic molecules. The amphiphilic character combined with the magnetic properties of these CNTs opens the door to completely new and exciting applications in adsorption science and catalysis. These amphiphilic N-doped CNTs can also be used as powerful tensioactive emulsification structures. They can emulsify water/organic mixtures and by a simple magnetic separation the emulsion can be easily broken. We demonstrate the application of these CNTs in the efficient adsorption of various molecules, in addition to promoting biphasic processes in three different reactions, i.e. transesterification of soybean oil, quinoline extractive oxidation with H2O2 and a metal-catalyzed aqueous oxidation of heptanol with molecular oxygen.


Oxygen isotopic composition of carbon dioxide in the middle atmosphere.
The isotopic composition of long-lived trace molecules provides a window into atmospheric transport and chemistry. Carbon dioxide is a particularly powerful tracer, because its abundance remains >100 parts per million by volume (ppmv) in the mesosphere. Here, we successfully reproduce the isotopic composition of CO(2) in the middle atmosphere, which has not been previously reported. The mass-independent fractionation of oxygen in CO(2) can be satisfactorily explained by the exchange reaction with O((1)D). In the stratosphere, the major source of O((1)D) is O(3) photolysis. Higher in the mesosphere, we discover that the photolysis of (16)O(17)O and (16)O(18)O by solar Lyman-alpha radiation yields O((1)D) 10-100 times more enriched in (17)O and (18)O than that from ozone photodissociation at lower altitudes. This latter source of heavy O((1)D) has not been considered in atmospheric simulations, yet it may potentially affect the "anomalous" oxygen signature in tropospheric CO(2) that should reflect the gross carbon fluxes between the atmosphere and terrestrial biosphere. Additional laboratory and atmospheric measurements are therefore proposed to test our model and validate the use of CO(2) isotopic fractionation as a tracer of atmospheric chemical and dynamical processes.


Investigation of the antitumor activity of podocarpic acid derivatives.
As a class, octahydrophenanthrene lactones, podolactones , and related podocarpic acid derivatives have been reported to possess a wide variety of biological activities, including antileukemic activity, inhibition of plant cell growth, and hormonal and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, a series of synthetic intermediates derived from podocarpic acid have been prepared and evaluated with respect to their ability to inhibit human epidermoid carcinoma of the nasopharynx in vitro. The significant cytotoxicity demonstrated by methyl 6 alpha-bromo-7-oxo-O- methylpodocarpate (50% inhibition of cells at 8.85 X 10(-9) M) was markedly higher than that of the other derivatives examined. Further evaluation against L1210 and P388 lymphoid leukemias in mice failed to demonstrate significant antitumor activity.


[First cases of using Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation in Hungary].
In the treatment of scolioses of different origin the spondylodeses performed from a dorsal exposure have an outstanding role. For the fixation of the spine several instruments were constructed; one of them is the Cotrel-Dubousset Instrumentation used since 1983 by which it became possible, beside the spinal correction and fixation in three dimensions, the omission of the external fixation devices. Authors report on the first experiences in Hungary with the CDI system on five patients and state that from the numerous advantages of the CDI the expansion of correction possibilities, the development the physiological spinal curvatures, the correction in three dimensions and the omission of the external fixation are outstanding.


Criteria for patient admission to an intensive care unit and related mortality rates.
The aim of the study was to evaluate criteria used in clinical practice, for screening of patients for ICU admission. Cohort prospective study in a tertiary hospital. Four groups were compared in relation to ICU admission by ranking priorities into groups 1, 2, 3 and 4; highest priority 1, lowest priority 4. Enrolled were 359 patients, 66 (53.2-75.0) years old. APACHE II was 23 (18-30). The ICU made available 70.4% of beds. Patients who were refused beds in the ICU were older, 66.2 ± 16.1 versus 61.9 ± 15.2 years of age (p= 0.02) and the priority 1 group had less refusal of beds, which means, 39.1% versus 23.8% had beds refused (p=0.01). The opposite occurred with priorities 3 and 4. Patients in priority 3 and 4 showed older ages, score system and more organ dysfunctions as well as more refusals of beds. ICU mortality rates were higher for priority groups 3 and 4 when compared to 1 and 2 priority groups, 86.7% versus 31.3% (p<0.001). Age, score system and organ dysfunctions were greater in priority groups 3 and 4 and these were related with refusal from the ICU. Patients refused admission to the ICU showed higher mortality rates and these remained higher among priority groups 3 and 4 even when patients were admitted to the ICU.


[ANEURYSMAL TYPE RENAL ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA WITH GIANT VENOUS ANEURYSM, MIMICKING RENAL CELL CARCINOMA: A CASE REPORT].
A 39-year-old man was referred to our clinic for a 7 cm tumor in the right kidney, found by simple CT scan. It was suspected as renal cell carcinoma accompanying tumor emboli in the inferior vena cava by enhanced CT scan. For further evaluation of the tumor emboli, color Doppler ultrasound and enhanced MRI was performed. They showed a large cystic lesion with high velocity turbulent flow and flow voids in T2-weighted imaging, it seemed as giant venous aneurysm of the right renal vein. Subsequently, angiography revealed aneurysmal type renal arteriovenous fistula (AVF), transarterial embolization (TAE) of the arterial feeder with coils was performed on the same day. After 6 months from embolization, there was no recurrences or reinterventions. Color Doppler ultrasound and MRI are beneficial in distinguishing vascular disease from neoplastic disease which may sometimes mimick in other diagnostic imaging studies. In addition TAE seems to be an effective treatment for the AVF.


Morphine and nicotine addiction and withdrawal influence baroreflex sensitivity and blood pressure in two-kidney one clip hypertensive (2K1C) rats.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of addiction to morphine and nicotine as well as their withdrawal on both baroreflex sensitivity and blood pressure in hypertensive rats. In this experimental study 40 male rats were divided into two main groups as follows: in group I, hypertensive rats received saline for 8 weeks; in group II, hypertensive rats were treated with morphine and nicotine for 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks group II rats were divided into four sub-groups including, 3 sub-groups of those were put on drug withdrawal protocol. At the end of experiment, blood pressure, heart rate, plasma renin activity (PRA), serum NO concentration and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were measured. RESULTS demonstrated that BP and BRS were significantly lower in addicted to morphine and nicotine hypertensive rats compared to control (p < 0.05). Addiction withdrawal (in morphine and nicotine withdrawal rats) completely reversed BP and BRS to the pre-addiction levels (p < 0.05). Withdrawal in the only nicotine treated group lowered BP and BRS compared to group that had received morphine and nicotine together (p < 0.05). RESULTS of current study may propose simultaneous morphine and nicotine withdrawal can prevent cardiovascular complications raised due to withdrawal (Fig. 5, Ref. 58).


Brassica napus polygalacturonase inhibitor proteins inhibit Sclerotinia sclerotiorum polygalacturonase enzymatic and necrotizing activities and delay symptoms in transgenic plants.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum releases a battery of polygalacturonases (PGs) during infection, which the host plant may cope with through production of polygalacturonase inhibitor proteins (PGIPs). To study the interaction between S. sclerotiorum PGs and Brassica napus PGIPs, 5 S. sclerotiorum PGs and 4 B. napus PGIPs were expressed in Pichia pastoris. SsPG3, SsPG6, and BnPGIP1 were successfully produced in the yeast system, and BnPGIP1 inhibited SsPG6 enzymatic activity in vitro. SsPG3 and SsPG6 both induced light-dependent necrosis when infiltrated into leaves, which was reduced in an Arabidopsis thaliana line expressing BnPGIP2 and to a lesser extent in a line expressing BnPGIP1. The line expressing BnPGIP2 also exhibited a delay in the onset of symptoms upon S. sclerotiorum inoculation, but no long-term effect on S. sclerotiorum disease progression was observed. The P. pastoris system was found to be suitable for expressing high levels of some S. sclerotiorum PGs, but PGIP interaction studies were best performed in planta. Arabidopsis thaliana forms necrotic lesions upon infiltration of PGs, is susceptible to S. sclerotiorum, and is easily transformed, and thus, is well-suited for the qualitative study of PG-PGIP interactions.


The effect of web-based and face-to-face training given to office workers on health beliefs and physical activity levels regarding obesity.
This study compared the effects of web-based and face-to-face education given to office workers on health beliefs and physical activity levels towards obesity. The research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of 768 office workers between February 2020 and April 2021, and the sample of the research consisted of 90 individuals selected from the population using the nonprobability sampling method. Clinical trial number of the study is NCT05591846. A total of 90 people, including 30 people in each group, were included in the study. According to the obesity health belief model, a positive change was achieved in the beliefs of individuals about obesity; it was determined that there was a significant increase in the subdimensions of the importance of health, sensitivity, seriousness and perception of benefit and a decrease in the perception of obstacles (p < 0.05). After both education methods were given according to the health belief model, a positive change was achieved in the physical activity level of the individuals; it was determined that the physical activity level score increased significantly (p < 0.05). It was determined that web-based and face-to-face education given to individuals had a positive effect on the obesity health belief model components and the levels of physical activity level.


[Hyperspectral remote sensing monitoring of grassland degradation].
The distributing of China's grassland is abroad and the status of grassland degradation is in serious condition. So achieving real-time and exactly grassland ecological monitoring is significant for the carbon cycle, as well as for climate and on regional economies. With the field measured spectra data as data source, hyperspectral remote sensing monitoring of grassland degradation was researched in the present article. The warm meadow grassland in Hulunbeier was chosen as a study object. Reflectance spectra of leaves and pure canopies of some dominant grassland species such as Leymus chinensis, Stipa krylovii and Artemisia frigid, as well as reflectance spectra of mixed grass community were measured. Using effective spectral feature parametrization methods, the spectral feature of leaves and pure canopies were extracted, so the constructive species and degenerate indicator species can be exactly distinguished. Verification results showed that the accuracy of spectral identification was higher than 95%. Taking it as the foundation, the spectra of mixed grass community were unmixed using linear mixing models, and the proportion of all the components was calculated, and the errors were less than 5%. The research results of this article provided the evidence of hyperspectral remote sensing monitoring of grassland degradation.


The ePHD protein SPBP interacts with TopBP1 and together they co-operate to stimulate Ets1-mediated transcription.
SPBP (Stromelysin-1 PDGF responsive element binding protein) is a ubiquitously expressed 220 kDa nuclear protein shown to enhance or repress the transcriptional activity of various transcription factors. A yeast two-hybrid screen, with the extended plant homeodomain (ePHD) of SPBP as bait, identified TopBP1 (topoisomerase II beta-binding protein 1) as a candidate interaction partner of SPBP. TopBP1 has eight BRCA1 carboxy-terminal (BRCT) domains and is involved in DNA replication, DNA damage responses and in the regulation of gene expression. The interaction between SPBP and TopBP1 was confirmed in vitro and in vivo, and was found to be mediated by the ePHD domain of SPBP and the BRCT6 domain of TopBP1. Both SPBP and TopBP1 enhanced the transcriptional activity of Ets1 on the c-myc P1P2- and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) promoters. Together they displayed a more than additive effect. Both proteins were associated with these promoters. The involvement of TopBP1 was dependent on the serine 1159 phosphorylation site, known to be important for transcriptional activation. Depletion of endogenous SPBP by siRNA treatment reduced MMP3 secretion by 50% in phorbol ester-stimulated human fibroblasts. Taken together, our results show that TopBP1 and SPBP interact physically and functionally to co-operate as co-activators of Ets1.


Ba2-xHoxSr2-yNiyFe12O22 and its composite with MXene: synthesis, characterization and enhanced visible light mediated photocatalytic activity for colored dye and pesticide.
The rapid recombination of charges of photogenerated electrons and holes severely limits single semiconductor photocatalytic applications. In this study, a simple and facile sol-gel approach was used to synthesize Ba2-xHoxSr2-yNiyFe12O22 (x = 0, 0.1 and y = 0, 0.5). The composite of holmium-nickel doped barium-strontium ferrite with MXene (Ba1.9Ho0.1Sr1.5Ni0.5Fe12O22@MXene) was synthesized by ultrasonication method. These synthesized samples were subsequently used to photodegrade rhodamine B (RhB) and pendimethalin under visible light illumination. The results of the experiments demonstrated that MXene, as a cocatalyst, considerably reduces the rate of recombination of charges and broadens absorption of visible light by providing increased surface functional groups to improve the photocatalytic activity of synthesized samples. MXene is thermally stable, have high electrical conductivity, have adjustable bandgap, and hydrophilic in nature. The optimized Ba1.9Ho0.1Sr1.5Ni0.5Fe12O22@MXene composite demonstrated an excellent photocatalytic rate by degrading 78.88% RhB and 75.59% pendimethalin in 140 minutes. Moreover, the scavenging experiment revealed that photogenerated electrons and holes were the primary active species involved in RhB and pendimethalin photodegradation, respectively. Ba1.9Ho0.1Sr1.5Ni0.5Fe12O22@MXene showed increased photocatalytic behavior because it has increased surface area which decreases rate of recombination of electron and hole pair, hence photocatalytic activity increases. It is observed that Ba1.9Ho0.1Sr1.5Ni0.5Fe12O22@MXene has potential application in photocatalytic degradation of harmful pollutants.


Radiographic progression of large joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.
Radiographic progression of damage to the small joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well known; however, it has not been studied fully in the large joints. In this study, we looked at the prevalence of radiographic progression of large joint damage in patients with RA treated with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). A total of 273 large joints in the upper and lower extremities of 67 patients with RA treated with bDMARDs were investigated. Radiographs for tender and/or swollen large joints were taken at least twice during the study period (mean 18.6 months), and the progression of damage was evaluated. Progressive damage was found in 20.9% of patients and 6.2% of joints. A multivariate analysis revealed that the Larsen grade (LG) alone was a risk factor for progressive damage. The LG cutoff value was determined to be 2.5 (sensitivity: 0.529, specificity: 0.805). The only factor to predict progressive damage was the LG of the joints with symptoms, and the damage must be stopped within LG II. Regular radiographic examinations for large joints should be performed in addition to routine examinations for small joints, such as the hand and foot.


Metastatic calcaneal lesion associated with uterine carcinosarcoma.
Metastatic lesions of uterine carcinosarcoma most commonly occur in the abdomen and lungs and less frequently in highly vascularized bone. We report a rare case of an 86-year-old female with uterine carcinosarcoma with metastasis to the left calcaneus. The patient had a history of uterine carcinosarcoma with hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, along with bilateral pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy, with no adjuvant therapy. The initial pedal complaint was that of left foot pain. The initial radiographic findings were negative; however, magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a substantial area of marrow edema in the calcaneus. An excisional biopsy was performed, and histopathologic analysis revealed adenocarcinoma with features consistent with the patient's previous uterine tumor specimen. The patient was given one treatment of chemotherapy and was discharged to a hospice, where she died of her disease 2 weeks later.


Fetal monkey absorption of 55Fe from amniotic fluid.
A single dose of 0.5 mCi radioiron (55Fe) was injected directly into the amniotic cavity of each of four pregnant monkeys near term. At 6 or 24 hours after 55Fe adminstration, samples of fetal jejunum, ileum, blood, spleen, liver, lung and fetal membranes were taken for radioautography and scintillation counts. Counts were also made on corresponding maternal tissues. Intestinal radioiron levels and localization indicated that fetuses swallowed and absorbed 55Fe within 6 to 24 hours after injection. Silver grains over the meconium bodies of fetal ileum suggested that intestinal epithelium retained at least some of the absorbed radioiron. However, elevated 55Fe levels in fetal blood and hematopoietic organs indicated that transport of radioiron to the circulation had occurred, presumably through fetal intestine, extraembryonic membranes and/or fetal lungs. Transfer of 55Fe across the placenta from fetus to mother occurred at a slow rate, i.e., samples of maternal organs obtained at 24 hours gave low counts.


S100A8 and S100A9 are messengers in the crosstalk between epidermis and dermis modulating a psoriatic milieu in human skin.
S100A8 and S100A9 are members of the S100A8 protein family that exist as homodimers and heterodimers in neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. Recent studies have shown the pivotal roles of S100A8 and S100A9 in the propagation of inflammation and keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis. We found significant up-regulation of S100A8 and S100A9 secretion from keratinocytes in psoriatic lesions. To mimic the in vivo secretory conditions of S100A8 and S100A9 from psoriatic epidermal keratinocytes, we used the culture medium (CM) of S100A8 and S100A8/A9 adenovirus-transduced keratinocytes to investigate the functions of S100A8 and S100A9. We detected increased levels of various pro-inflammatory cytokines in the CM, including IL-8 and TNF-α, which are involved in aggravating psoriatic skin lesions, and IL-6 and members of the CXCL family of pro-angiogenic cytokines. The CM increased immune cell migration and increased angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In conclusion, we found that the upregulated production of S100A8 and S100A9 by psoriatic epidermal keratinocytes activated adjacent keratinocytes to produce several cytokines. Moreover, S100A8 and S100A9 themselves function as pro-angiogenic and chemotactic factors, generating a psoriatic milieu in skin.


Step enzymatic hydrolysis of sodium hydroxide-pretreated Chinese liquor distillers' grains for ethanol production.
Distillers' grains are a co-product of ethanol production. In China, only a small portion of distillers' grains have been used to feed the livestock because the amount was so huge. Nowadays, it has been reported that the distillers' grains have the potential for fuel ethanol production because they are composed of lignocelluloses and residual starch. In order to effectively convert distillers' grains to fuel ethanol and other valuable production, sodium hydroxide pretreatment, step-by-step enzymatic hydrolysis, and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) were investigated. The residual starch was first recycled from wet distillers' grains (WDG) with glucoamylase to obtain glucose-rich liquid. The total sugar concentration was 21.3 g/L, and 111.9% theoretical starch was hydrolyzed. Then the removed-starch dry distillers' grains (RDDG) were pretreated with NaOH under optimal conditions and the pretreated dry distillers' grains (PDDG) were used for xylanase hydrolysis. The xylose concentration was 19.4 g/L and 68.6% theoretical xylose was hydrolyzed. The cellulose-enriched dry distillers' grains (CDDG) obtained from xylanase hydrolysis were used in SSF for ethanol production. The ethanol concentration was 42.1 g/L and the ethanol productivity was 28.7 g/100 g CDDG. After the experiment, approximately 80.6% of the fermentable sugars in WDG was converted to ethanol.


The impact of catha edulis (vahl) forssk. ex endl. (celestraceae) (khat) on pharmacokinetics of clinically used drugs.
Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl. (Celestraceae) is used as a recreational drug on daily basis for its euphoric and psychostimulant effects. It is also chewed by individuals who are on medications, raising the possibility of drug-khat interaction. However, limited data are available in the literature, although clinically significant interactions are expected, as khat contains a complex mixture of pharmacologically active constituents. It provides an overview of the phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics of khat based on the literature mined from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. It also presents a detailed account of drug-khat interactions with specific examples and their clinical significance. The interactions mainly occur at the pharmacokinetics level and particular attention is paid for the phases of absorption and cytochrome P450 enzyme-mediated metabolism. Despite the increasing trend of khat chewing with medications among the populace and the potential risk for the occurrence of clinically significant interactions, there is paucity of data in the literature demonstrating the magnitude of the risk. The available data, however, clearly demonstrate that the consequence of drug-khat interaction is dependent on genotype. Genotyping, where feasible, could be used to improve clinical outcome and minimize adverse reactions.


Effects of two recovery methods on the leg muscle fatigue of oceanauts in a manned submersible.
The cabin of the manned submersible is a narrow and sealed space. The long-time work of oceanauts is easy to cause muscle fatigue and stiffness, which reduces efficiency. This paper explored the relative more effective way to relieve leg muscle fatigue of the oceanauts in the manned submersible. Twenty healthy young people with an average age of 24 years were selected as the participants, while the usual natural relaxation and the stretching method proposed by the surveys were selected as the relieve method for muscle fatigue. This study compared the effects of the 2 recovery ways using the electromyography data from the quadriceps femoris and biceps femoris, and the subjective scales. With the support of data of integral electromyogram (iEMG), root-mean-square (RMS), subjective scales, authors finally found that the 2 muscles of the leg are fatigued significantly, and biceps femoris has more accumulation of fatigue. Although the 2 recovery ways have a significant relief effect on muscle fatigue, the stretching method can reduce more muscle fatigue in a short period of time, especially for biceps femoris. The stretching method is advocated for the oceanauts. The findings suggested that the stretching method was optimal for relieving the muscle fatigue of the oceanauts during the operation. Med Pr. 2022;73(2):95-107.


Prevention of aggregation and renaturation of carbonic anhydrase via weak association with octadecyl- or azobenzene-modified poly(acrylate) derivatives.
The prevention of aggregation during renaturation of urea-denatured carbonic anhydrase B (CAB) via hydrophobic and Coulomb association with anionic polymers was studied in mixed solutions of CAB and amphiphilic poly(acrylate) copolymers. The polymers were derivatives of a parent poly(acrylic acid) randomly grafted with hydrophobic side groups (either 3 mol % octadecyl group, or 1-5 mol % alkylamidoazobenzene photoresponsive groups). CAB:polymer complexes were characterized by light scattering and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy in aqueous buffers (pH 7.75 or 5.9). Circular dichroism and enzyme activity assays enabled us to study the kinetics of renaturation. All copolymers, including the hydrophilic PAA parent chain, provided a remarkable protective effect against CAB aggregation during renaturation, and most of them (but not the octadecyl-modified one) markedly enhanced the regain of activity as compared to CAB alone. The significant role of Coulomb binding in renaturation and comparatively the lack of efficacy of hydrophobic association was highlighted by measurements of activity regain before and after in situ dissociation of hydrophobic complexes (achieved by phototriggering the polarity of azobenzene-modified polymers under exposure to UV light). In the presence of polymers (CAB:polymer of 1:1 w/w ratio) at concentration ∼0.6 g L(-1), the radii of the largest complexes were similar to the radii of the copolymers alone, suggesting that the binding of CAB involves one or a few polymer chain(s). These complexes dissociated by dilution (0.01 g L(-1)). It is concluded that prevention of irreversible aggregation and activity recovery were achieved when marginally stable complexes are formed. Reaching a balanced stability of the complex plays the main role in CAB renaturation, irrespective of the nature of the binding (by Coulomb association, with or without contribution of hydrophobic association).


The Relationship between Cerebral Vasoreactivity and Post-Concussive Symptom Severity.
While pathophysiology underlying post-concussion symptom burden is unknown, data suggest that cerebrovascular dysfunction may be among the culprits. We sought to determine whether the degree of impairment in the ability of cerebrovasculature to buffer against changes in arterial gases (vasoreactivity) is associated with concussion symptoms. In 15 participants (19 ± 5 years, 1 week to 1 year post-injury) diagnosed with concussion, we assessed vasoreactivity from the slope of the linear relationship of beat-by-beat middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (transcranial Doppler ultrasound) to end-tidal CO2 during progressive increases in end-tidal CO2 (air rebreathing). Symptom burden was assessed using the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale. Subsequently, we explored the relationship between vasoreactivity and the severity of post-concussion headache and cognitive difficulties by linear models. During rebreathing, CO2 increased from 32.6 ± 1.6 to 46.8 ± 1.8 mmHg and cerebrovascular conductance (i.e., flow velocity over pressure) increased from 0.48 ± 0.04 to 0.74 ± 0.06 cms-1 mmHg-1. There was a strong linear relationship between the increase in CO2 and in conductance (R2 = 0.81 ± 0.05; p < 0.05). On average, cerebral vasoreactivity was 0.018 ± 0.003 cm-1 s-1 mmHg CO2-1. Although vasoreactivity tended to be somewhat higher in the asymptotic participants (0.019 ± 0.003 vs. 0.015 ± 0.005 cm-1 s-1 mmHg CO2-1), this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.48). Higher vasoreactivity was strongly associated with more severe headaches (R2 = 0.57; p < 0.01) and worse cognitive symptoms (R2 = 0.71; p < 0.01). Thus, cerebral vasoreactivity relates strongly to post-concussive headache and cognitive symptom burden. This has significant implications for understanding the pathophysiology underlying post-concussive symptom burden and for devising effective treatment options.


Rapid and cost-effective fabrication of selectively permeable calcium-alginate microfluidic device using "modified" embedded template method.
In this paper, we have presented a non-lithographic embedded template method for rapid and cost-effective fabrication of a selectively permeable calcium-alginate (Ca-alginate) based microfluidic device with long serpentine delay channel. To demonstrate the versatility of the presented method, we have demonstrated two different strategies to fabricate serpentine long delay channels without using any sophisticated microfabrication techniques, in formal lab atmosphere. The procedure presented here, also, enables the preparation of a multilayered microfluidic device with channels of varying dimensions, in a single device without using any sophisticated micromachining instrumentation. In addition, we have also qualitatively studied the diffusion of small and large molecules from a Ca-alginate based microfluidic device and proposed a method to effectively control the out-flow of macro biomolecules from the crosslinked Ca-alginate matrix to create a selectively permeable matrix required for various biological and biomimetic applications, as mentioned in the Introduction section of this work.


An ontologically consistent MRI-based atlas of the mouse diencephalon.
In topological terms, the diencephalon lies between the hypothalamus and the midbrain. It is made up of three segments, prosomere 1 (pretectum), prosomere 2 (thalamus), and prosomere 3 (the prethalamus). A number of MRI-based atlases of different parts of the mouse brain have already been published, but none of them displays the segments the diencephalon and their component nuclei. In this study we present a new volumetric atlas identifying 89 structures in the diencephalon of the male C57BL/6J 12 week mouse. This atlas is based on an average of MR scans of 18 mouse brains imaged with a 16.4T scanner. This atlas is available for download at www.imaging.org.au/AMBMC. Additionally, we have created an FSL package to enable nonlinear registration of novel data sets to the AMBMC model and subsequent automatic segmentation.


Mutagenic activity in synthetic pyrethroids in Salmonella typhimurium.
Four pyrethroids, allethrin, resmethrin, permethrin and fenvalerate, were tested for mutagenicity in bacterial reversion assay systems with seven strains (TA1535, TA100, TA1538, TA98, TA1537, TA97 and TA104) of Salmonella typhimurium. Our results show that three pyrethroids, namely resmethrin, permethrin and fenvalerate, were not found to be mutagenic in S. typhimurium in the presence or absence of a rat liver activation system. Allethrin was found to be mutagenic with TA100, TA104 and TA97 strains and required metabolic activation (S9 mix) in order to show its activity, mainly with TA100 and TA104 strains.


Benzene and lead inhibition of rabbit reticulocyte heme and protein synthesis: evidence for additive toxicity of these two components of commercial gasoline.
Both benzene and lead are known hematopoietic toxins. These compounds are components of commercial gasoline, and therefore pose an environmental risk. The present study demonstrates that benzene and lead individually inhibit both intact reticulocyte heme and protein synthesis in the presence or absence of iron-transferrin. When these two compounds are present in the same incubation, their effects are additive. These in vitro results suggest that further evaluation of the combined risks of benzene and lead is indicated. Furthermore, the data shows the potential for additive interaction by chemically unrelated environmental compounds.


Consenting for current genetic research: is Canadian practice adequate?
In order to ensure an adequate and ongoing protection of individuals participating in scientific research, the impacts of new biomedical technologies, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), need to be assessed. In this light, a necessary reexamination of the ethical and legal structures framing research could lead to requisite changes in informed consent modalities. This would have implications for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), who bear the responsibility of guaranteeing that participants are verifiably informed, and in sufficient detail, to understand the reality of genetic research as it is practiced now. Current literature allowed the identification of key emergent themes related to the consent process when NGS was used in a research setting. We examined the subjects of secondary use, sharing of materials and data, and recontacting participants as outlined in the Canadian Informed Consent templates and the accompanying IRB instructions for the conduct of genetic research. The research ethics policy applied by the three Canadian research agencies (Tri-Council Policy Statement, 2nd Edition) was used to frame our content analysis. We also obtained IRB-approved consent forms for genetic research projects on brain and mental health disorders as an example of a setting where participants might present higher-than-average vulnerability. Eighty percent of documents addressed different modalities for the secondary use of material and/or data, although the message was not conveyed in a systematic way. Information on the sharing of genetic sequencing data in a manner completely independent of the material from which it originated was absent. Grounds for recontacting participants were limited, and mainly mentioned to obtain consent for secondary use. A feature of the IRB-approved consent documents for genetic studies on brain and mental health disorders using NGS technologies, offered a complete explanation on sharing material and data and the use of databases. The results of our work show that in Canada, many NGS research needs are already dealt with. Our analysis led us to propose the addition of well-defined categories for future use, adding options on the sharing of genetic data, and widening the grounds on which research participants could consent to be recontacted.


T lymphocytes from tonsil and peripheral blood show different cytolytic and helper activities.
T lymphocytes from tonsil (To) and peripheral blood (PB) of 4 tonsillectomized children were subjected to clonal expansion with PHA in order to analyze at single cell level their cytolytic activity and their ability to produce interleukins such as IL-2, IFN-gamma and IL-4. Analyzing all T-cell clones (CD4+ and CD8+) obtained from To in comparison with those from PB, a reduced proportion of cells with lectin-dependent cytolytic activity (LDCC) (25% vs. 42%, p less than 0.01) and natural killer (NK) activity (18% vs. 31%, p less than 0.02) was found. These differences were proportionally related to the lower number of CD8+ T-cells in To than in PB. The proportion of CD4+ clones able to produce IL-2 and/or IL-4 were higher in To (75% and 61%) than in PB (52% and 25%, p less than 0.001 and p less than 0.001, respectively). In contrast, the proportion of CD4+ clones able to produce IFN-gamma was similar (53% and 58%) in both series of clones. According to the patterns of lymphokine synthesis, tonsillar T-cells differed from PB T-cells as follows: 1) the number of Th1-like CD4+ clones producing IL-2 and/or IFN-gamma (but not IL-4) were 23% vs. 44% in PB (p less than 0.001); 2) there was no difference between To and PB in the proportion of CD4+ clones producing IL-4 alone (Th2 clones: 9% vs. 8%); 3) CD4+ clones synthesizing IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma at the same time were more frequent in To than in PB (Th3 clones: 53% vs. 17%, p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Avidin related protein 2 shows unique structural and functional features among the avidin protein family.
The chicken avidin gene family consists of avidin and several avidin related genes (AVRs). Of these gene products, avidin is the best characterized and is known for its extremely high affinity for D-biotin, a property that is utilized in numerous modern life science applications. Recently, the AVR genes have been expressed as recombinant proteins, which have shown different biotin-binding properties as compared to avidin. In the present study, we have employed multiple biochemical methods to better understand the structure-function relationship of AVR proteins focusing on AVR2. Firstly, we have solved the high-resolution crystal structure of AVR2 in complex with a bound ligand, D-biotin. The AVR2 structure reveals an overall fold similar to the previously determined structures of avidin and AVR4. Major differences are seen, especially at the 1-3 subunit interface, which is stabilized mainly by polar interactions in the case of AVR2 but by hydrophobic interactions in the case of AVR4 and avidin, and in the vicinity of the biotin binding pocket. Secondly, mutagenesis, competitive dissociation analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to compare and study the biotin-binding properties as well as the thermal stability of AVRs and avidin. These analyses pinpointed the importance of residue 109 for biotin binding and stability of AVRs. The I109K mutation increased the biotin-binding affinity of AVR2, whereas the K109I mutation decreased the biotin-binding affinity of AVR4. Furthermore, the thermal stability of AVR2(I109K) increased in comparison to the wild-type protein and the K109I mutation led to a decrease in the thermal stability of AVR4. Altogether, this study broadens our understanding of the structural features determining the ligand-binding affinities and stability as well as the molecular evolution within the protein family. This novel information can be applied to further develop and improve the tools already widely used in avidin-biotin technology.


Effects of Poncirus trifoliata on type I hypersensitivity reaction.
A study was carried out to examine the effect of an aqueous extract from immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata L. (Rutaceae) (PTIFE) on the type I hypersensitivity reaction. Forty-eight hour PCA (passive cutaneous anaphylaxis) in rats was significantly inhibited by the oral administration of PTIFE (200 mg/kg). It also inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) induced by mouse anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-IgE and dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin (DNP-HSA). These results suggest that PTIFE has anti-allergic action against the type I hypersensitivity reaction.


Acceptability by End-users of a Standardized Structured Format for Reporting EEG.
The report of the electroencephalogram (EEG) results has traditionally been made using free-text formats with a huge variation in descriptions due to several factors. Recently, the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN) endorsed the use of the Standardized Computer-based Organized Reporting of EEG (SCORE). This system has many advantages, but only some concerns have been investigated so far. This study aimed to assess the end-users acceptability of this proposed EEG report format. A 16-item electronic survey was sent to physicians who use EEG services of a medical diagnosis clinic. Physicians had been receiving the EEG reports in free-text formats from the same three board-certified electroencephalographers for the past three years. In January 2019, the report changed to the SCORE format. The survey assessed five main topics: physician information and historical use of EEG; personal preferences; comparative aspects of the formats; impact of the new format on clinical decision-making; and satisfaction. Thirty-two of 52 have responded to the survey (61%). On average, 81% of the responders have received enough reports with the new format to reliably complete the survey. Every responder prefers the standardized compared to the free-text format. Twenty-five responders like the inclusion of the head model, and interestingly, five suggest including another legend to differentiate "slow activity" from "other abnormal activity". Virtually all responders would recommend the new format, but one-third read only the conclusion. Our findings suggest high acceptability of this standardized report format. Despite the limitations of this study, we hope these findings contribute to the improvement and expansion of standardized EEG reporting systems.


Pulmonary hypertension in dialysis patients.
Cardiovascular complications are encountered frequently in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The study was designed as a prospective cohort study and a total of 105 dialysis patients, 77 hemodialysis and 28 peritoneal dialysis patients, were investigated. All patients had undergone M-Mode Doppler echocardiography every 6 months by which their systolic pulmonary arterial pressures (sPAPs) and left ventricular mass indices (LVMIs) were recorded. Thirty-nine (37.1%) patients had pulmonary hypertension (PHT), that is, a mean sPAP of more than 35 mmHg. The frequency of PHT was higher in peritoneal dialysis patients but the difference was insignificant (p = 0.08). However, the frequency of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was found to be significantly higher in peritoneal dialysis patients than in hemodialysis patients (p = 0.001). When patients with and without PHT were compared, the duration of dialysis (p = 0.02), hemoglobin (p = 0.01), HbA1c (p = 0.03), and serum albumin levels (p = 0.003) were found to be significantly higher in patients with PHT than those without PHT. In conclusion, although nonsignificant, we found a higher prevalence of PHT in peritoneal dialysis patients when compared with hemodialysis patients. This might be due to the significantly higher prevalence of LVH, hence hypervolemia, in peritoneal dialysis patients. The prevention and treatment of PHT in dialysis patients is very important for the improvement of survival in these patients. Hence, the increased prevalence of PHT in ESRD patients necessitates understanding the multiple and interacting factors, such as LVH, serum albumin and hemoglobin levels, and control of diabetes, that might contribute to this pathology in these patients.


Multistep relaxation in equilibrium polymer solutions: a minimal model of relaxation in "complex" fluids.
We examine the rheological and dielectric properties of solutions of equilibrium self-assembling particles and molecules that form polydisperse chains whose average length depends on temperature and concentration (free association model). Relaxation of the self-assembling clusters proceeds by motions associated either with cluster rotations, with diffusive internal chain dynamics, or with interchain entanglement interactions. A hierarchy of models is used to emphasize different physical effects: Unentangled rodlike clusters, unentangled flexible polymers, and entangled chains. All models yield a multistep relaxation for low polymer scission rates ("persistent polymers"). The short time relaxation is nearly exponential and is dominated by the monomeric species and solvent, and the long time relaxation is approximately a stretched exponential, exp[-(t/tau)(beta)], a behavior that arises from an averaging over the equilibrium chain length distribution and the internal relaxation modes of the assembled structures. Relaxation functions indicate a bifurcation of the relaxation function into fast and slow contributions upon passing through the polymerization transition. The apparent activation energy for the long time relaxation becomes temperature dependent, while the fast monomeric relaxation process remains Arrhenius. The effective exponent beta(T), describing the long time relaxation process, varies monotonically from near unity above the polymerization temperature to a low temperature limit, beta approximately 13, when the self-assembly process is complete. The variation in the relaxation function with temperature is represented as a function of molecular parameters, such as the average chain length, friction coefficient, solvent viscosity, and the reaction rates for particle association and dissociation.


Initiation of DNA replication at CpG islands in mammalian chromosomes.
CpG islands are G+C-rich regions approximately 1 kb long that are free of methylation and contain the promoters of many mammalian genes. Analysis of in vivo replication intermediates at three hamster genes and one human gene showed that the CpG island regions, but not their flanks, were present in very short nascent strands, suggesting that they are replication origins (ORIs). CpG island-like fragments were enriched in a population of short nascent strands from human erythroleukaemic cells, suggesting that islands constitute a significant fraction of endogenous ORIs. Correspondingly, bulk CpG islands were found to replicate coordinately early in S phase. Our results imply that CpG islands are initiation sites for both transcription and DNA replication, and may represent genomic footprints of replication initiation.


Light-microscopic assessment of 100 patients with patch/plaque-stage mycosis fungoides.
The light-microscopic recognition of patch/plaque stages of mycosis fungoides is difficult, but remains as the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of mycosis fungoides (MF). A review of previous publications concerning the light-microscopic histological criteria for recognition of MF is followed by a summary of our recent histological findings involving 100 patients. The quantitative histological assessment included 13 different parameters for each case of patch/plaque-stage disease. The different criteria included parakeratosis, acanthosis, density of upper dermal mononuclear cell infiltrate, degree of lymphocyte atypia, degree of epidermotropism, Pautrier microabscess formation, band-like pattern, presence of basal vacuolar change, spongiosis, papillary dermal fibrosis, presence of eosinophils, and presence of plasma cells. The most significant histological features of patch/plaque-stage MF are: 1. Broad zones of epidermis in which lymphocytes, which are usually not markedly atypical, are in close apposition to basal and lower-level keratinocytes predominantly as single cells in a somewhat linear configuration on the epidermal side of the dermal-epidermal junction. In general, the surrounding keratinocytes do not display any cytopathic changes, i.e., basal vacuolar degeneration or apoptosis. 2. The papillary dermis contains a variably dense mono-nuclear cell infiltrate that is usually polymorphous and in which there is papillary dermal fibrosis with plasma cells and eosinophils. 3. Pautrier microabscesses are only present in the minority of cases of MF. Representative "threshold" cases of the earliest recognizable diagnostic cases of MF are illustrated. A pragmatic diagnostic approach to patients presenting with a clinical picture suggesting MF is outlined. The potential usefulness of additional ancillary diagnostic techniques such as immunoperoxidase frozen-section stains and T-cell-receptor gene rearrangements are briefly reviewed.


Interstitial movement and emergence of barbel Barbus barbus free embryos and larvae.
The movement of barbel Barbus barbus free embryos in the interstitial zone and the timing of larval emergence were studied for 12 days in an artificial stream. After egg fertilization (day 1), hatching occurred on day 6, downstream interstitial movements of free embryos on day 9 and emergence and downstream movement of all larvae on day 12, with density of free embryos decreasing as day of emergence approached. The results suggest that a memory-based response of B. barbus to environmental conditions, previously observed in 0+ year juveniles, begins at an early age.


New insights from existing sequence data: generating breakthroughs without a pipette.
With the rapidly declining cost of data generation and the accumulation of massive data sets, molecular biology is entering an era in which incisive analysis of existing data will play an increasingly prominent role in the discovery of new biological phenomena and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms. Here, we discuss resources of publicly available sequencing data most useful for interrogating the mechanisms of gene expression. Existing next-generation sequence data sets, however, come with significant challenges in the form of technical and bioinformatic artifacts, which we discuss in detail. We also recount several breakthroughs made largely through the analysis of existing data, primarily in the RNA field.


Properties of the elastic modulus from buccal compact bone of human mandible.
The aim of this study was to elucidate the elastic modulus of the mandible, which is an important factor in analysis of its physical dynamics. To meet this need, three point bending tests of small bone specimens were performed. The authors concluded that the elastic modulus of the mandible varied with site and orientation. When the specimens were obtained from regions paralleling the mandibular plane, the values in the lower portions were generally higher than those in the upper portions, indicating that these regions are more rigid. The elastic modulus in the marginal portions of the mandible, such as the mandibular plane, had comparatively high values. Relatively lower values were found as the angle to the margin of the mandible increased. In the incisal and premolar regions, anisotropic characteristics approximated those of unidirectional fiber reinforced composite materials. In the molar regions, there was a broad distribution of values, reflecting the complexity of mandibular structure.


Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Children on Follow Up in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2020.
Background. Undernutrition is a global problem and the biggest threat to human life and economic progress. It is the main cause of child morbidity and mortality especially in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. The severity of the problem is even worse when children are infected with human immunodeficiency virus. However the seriousness of the problem, there were limited studies conducted in the study area. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the magnitude of undernutrition and its associated factors among HIV-infected children on follow up in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2020. The data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collected data were coded and entered into Epi data 3.1 and exported to SPSS 26.0 for analysis. P-value <.05 was considered as statically significant. Results. The magnitude of undernutrition in this study was 30.3%. Dietary diversity (AOR = 1.73; CI 1.07-2.81), nutritional counseling (AOR = 2.42; CI 1.45-4.04), family size (AOR = 0.50; CI 0.27-0.93), WHO staging (AOR = 1.77; CI 1.08-2.88), and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (AOR = 1.75; CI 1.06-2.87) were predictors of undernutrition. Conclusions. Nearly one-third of the children included in this study had undernutrition. Poor dietary diversity, adherence to ART, nutritional counseling, family size, and WHO staging were factors significantly associated with undernutrition. Early screening and treatment of opportunistic infections, close attention to dietary counseling for caregivers and proper feeding habits will alleviate the problem.


Staged cultivation enhances biomass accumulation in the green growth phase of Haematococcus pluvialis.
An innovative staged cultivation (SC) method was proposed to overcome the limiting factors associated with the growth of Haematococcus pluvialis in the green growth phase. This strategy led to a 1.16-fold increase in biomass concentration. Light wavelength, nutrient concentration and extracellular metabolite were identified to be key limiting factors when cells of H. pluvialis were in the low, medium, and high cell density sub-phase, respectively. A mix of red and white light (2:1) was demonstrated for the first time to accelerate cell growth in the low cell density sub-phase. Shortage of nutrients during the medium density sub-phase was overcome with a fed-batch approach maintained at stable pH, while the inhibitory effect of extracellular metabolites during the high density sub-phase was overcome with replacement cultivation. The findings of the present study suggest SC in the green growth phase may be a promising approach to significantly enhance biomass accumulation in culturing microalgae.


π-Expanded α,β-unsaturated ketones: synthesis, optical properties, and two-photon-induced polymerization.
A library of π-expanded α,β-unsaturated ketones was designed and synthesized. They were prepared by a combination of Wittig reaction, Sonogashira reaction, and aldol condensation. It was further demonstrated that the double aldol condensation can be performed effectively for highly polarized styrene- and diphenylacetylene-derived aldehydes. The strategic placement of two dialkylamino groups at the periphery of D-π-A-π-D molecules resulted in dyes with excellent solubility. These ketones absorb light in the region 400-550 nm. Many of them display strong solvatochromism so that the emission ranges from 530-580 nm in toluene to the near-IR region in benzonitrile. Ketones based on cyclobutanone as central moieties display very high fluorescence quantum yields in nonpolar solvents, which decrease drastically in polar media. Photophysical studies of these new functional dyes revealed that they possess an enhanced two-photon absorption cross section when compared with simpler ketone derivatives. Due to strong polarization of the resulting dyes, values of two-photon absorption cross sections on the level of 200-300 GM at 800 nm were achieved, and thanks to that as well as the presence of the keto group, these new two-photon initiators display excellent performance so that the operating region is 5-75 mW in some cases.


[Does the choice of a reference system modify the analysis of ergospirometric values?].
The importance of the reference system (arbitrary abscissa units) for the analysis of the time courses of cardiopulmonary exercise test indices was assessed. Ten untrained students, 10 athletes, and 10 triathletes performed an exhaustion-limited cycling test. The courses of 20 pulmonary and hemodynamic indices were investigated with respect to the reference systems "heart rate," "relative and absolute oxygen consumption," "power," and a newly developed index "power-duration-product." Most of the significant differences were observed by reference to the power-duration-product. When using the power-duration-product as reference, the courses of eight indices differed significantly between students and triathletes, the courses of five indices between students and athletes, and the course of one index between athletes and triathletes. Since the number of the significant differences between the groups, as well as the courses themselves, depended clearly on the underlying reference system, the choice of the reference system must be considered as an important determinant for the analysis of cardiopulmonary exercise tests.


What Matters in Recruiting Public Health Employees: Considerations for Filling Workforce Gaps.
We examined factors that influence the decision to join the public health workforce. In this cross-sectional study, we used 2010 secondary data representing 6939 public health workers. Factors influencing the decision to take jobs in public health were significantly associated with specific previous employment settings. Respondents generally rated organizational factors as more influential than personal factors in terms of their decision to work in governmental public health. Leaders should consider tailoring recruitment efforts to maximize job uptake and enhance the potential for long-term retention.


From miasma to fractals: the epidemiology revolution and public health nursing.
If public health nursing is truly a synthesis of public health science and nursing science, then nurses must keep track of current developments in public health science. Unfortunately, the public health nursing literature has not kept pace with revolutionary developments in epidemiology, one of the sciences that informs population-focused nursing practice. Most epidemiology chapters in community health nursing texts do not reflect the intellectual development that has taken place in epidemiology over the past two decades. The purpose of this article therefore is to facilitate an updated synthesis by (a) reviewing the development of epidemiology and the focus of public health nursing practice through three historical eras, (b) discussing current controversies and tensions within epidemiology, (c) introducing an emerging paradigm in epidemiology based on an ecosocial perspective, and (d) discussing the congruence of this perspective with the evolving theory and practice of public health nursing.


Ribozyme-mediated RNA synthesis and replication in a model Hadean microenvironment.
Enzyme-catalyzed replication of nucleic acid sequences is a prerequisite for the survival and evolution of biological entities. Before the advent of protein synthesis, genetic information was most likely stored in and replicated by RNA. However, experimental systems for sustained RNA-dependent RNA-replication are difficult to realise, in part due to the high thermodynamic stability of duplex products and the low chemical stability of catalytic RNAs. Using a derivative of a group I intron as a model for an RNA replicase, we show that heated air-water interfaces that are exposed to a plausible CO2-rich atmosphere enable sense and antisense RNA replication as well as template-dependent synthesis and catalysis of a functional ribozyme in a one-pot reaction. Both reactions are driven by autonomous oscillations in salt concentrations and pH, resulting from precipitation of acidified dew droplets, which transiently destabilise RNA duplexes. Our results suggest that an abundant Hadean microenvironment may have promoted both replication and synthesis of functional RNAs.


Coinfection with Giardia lamblia and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and chronic diarrhea.
Diarrhea is an important clinical problem in immunosuppressed patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There are numerous classical as well as emerging enteric pathogens that can produce diarrhea; however, these agents can be missed when only one method, such as microbiological examination of stool, is used for diagnosis. The endoscopic biopsy is a sensitive method for diagnosis of many viral, fungal, and parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Although only one agent is often identified in mucosal biopsies from these immunosuppressed patients, coinfection with multiple microbial agents is being increasingly recognized. Giardia infection is not as prevalent as other pathogens in patients with AIDS, but it remains an important diarrheal agent that is potentially curable. However, there have been only rare reports of coinfections with giardiasis and other infectious agents. This report describes a patient with AIDS and chronic diarrhea who had repeated negative stool examinations for ova and parasites. Light and electron microscopic examination of subsequent endoscopically obtained small intestinal biopsies revealed coinfection with two parasites, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Giardia lamblia. Following treatment with metronidazole for giardiasis, the diarrhea persisted, but was less severe. This report also describes the diagnostic features of Giardia and Enterocytozoon infections in biopsy tissues and emphasizes the importance of identifying enteric coinfections in patients with AIDS to ensure timely and specific modes of therapy.


Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Quality of Life in Adolescents from Puerto Rico with Type 1 Diabetes.
People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may experience significant changes in their daily routines due to this condition, which frequently results in depressive symptoms and the deterioration of their quality of life. We examined the factors associated with suicidal ideation (SI) and diabetes-related quality of life (DRQOL) in adolescents (aged 12 to 17) with T1D. The sample consisted of 51 youths (29 girls) recruited during a treatment study for depression. They completed the Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth questionnaire, the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire Junior, and other measures that explore emotional, cognitive, somatic, behavioral, and relational aspects. Their caregivers completed the Barriers to Adherence Questionnaire and the Somatic Complaints subscale of the Child Behavior Checklist, among other measures. We used correlation and multiple linear regression analyses to identify the factors associated with the dependent variables. The variables associated with SI were depression, somatic complaints, perceived family emotional support, self care for diabetes, self-deprecation, helplessness, and hopelessness, among others. In a multiple regression analysis, the first 3 accounted for 46% of the variance. Those related to DRQOL included cognitive alterations, barriers to adherence, perceived family emotional support, self-efficacy for diabetes and for depression, helplessness, anxiety, and self-deprecation, among others. The first 4 accounted for 61% of the variance. Our findings highlight the impact of emotional, cognitive, somatic, behavioral, and relational aspects on the quality of mental health and the DRQOL of youth with T1D, as well as their pertinence for the development of psychosocial interventions for this population.


Interbasin water transfer for the rehabilitation of a transboundary Mediterranean stream: An economic analysis.
Global demand for freshwater is increasing as human population grows, climate changes and water resources are being overexploited. Consequently, many freshwater ecosystems, particularly in water-stressed regions, are severely degraded. Here we present a unique case of an Interbasin Water Transfer (IWT) project aiming at ecosystem rehabilitation and recreation enhancement of an intermittent transboundary stream (Ayun, Israel). For the past century, water diversion at the Lebanese side had led to flow secession in the Israeli Ayun Nature Reserve during the dry season (May-November). To restore flow continuum, a sum of 0.5 million cubic meters of high quality freshwaters have been allocated annually during the dry months. The aim of this study is to evaluate the IWT project by: (1) examining the correlation between water flow in the Ayun and recreational visitation, and (2) performing a cost-benefit analysis of the IWT scheme, including non-market benefits. A time-series regression (Adj. R2 = 0.688, n = 125) shows that a 10% increase in water flow corresponds to a 2.1% increase in monthly visitors. An estimated 18.8% of the visitation rate between 2009 and 2015 can be attributed to the water reallocation project. Through a single-site travel cost model, we estimate the visitor's willingness to pay in US$ 37.8 per person per trip. When non-market benefits for recreation are included, the total benefits of the IWT project substantially exceed its costs. Our results suggest that IWT can be applied to restore water flow and enhance ecosystem services also in water-stressed regions.


Allergic interstitial nephritis: report of a case with activation of complement by the alternate pathway.
An eighteen year old woman developed a streptococcal pharyngitis documented by throat culture. After two days of treatment with penicillin she developed arthritis and abdominal pain and within a week became anuric. Her renal biopsy revealed extensive interstitial nephritis without proliferative glomerular changes. Serum properdin levels were significantly reduced and immunofluorescence studies demonstrated properdin deposition within the glomeruli, C1, C4 and C2 were not depressed nor were they demonstrable within the glomeruli. These results support activation of complement apparently only by the alternate pathway, a finding heretofore noted only in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.


Frequency and risk factors of functional gastro-intestinal disorders in a rural Indian population.
As best estimates on functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) prevalence are expected from community studies, which are scanty from Asia, we evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of FGIDs in a rural Indian community. House-to-house survey was undertaken by trained interviewers using translated-validated Rome III and hospital anxiety and depression questionnaires. Among 3426 subjects ≥ 18 years old from 3 villages in Uttar Pradesh, 84% participated, of whom 80% were finally analyzed. Of these 2774 subjects (age 38.4 ± 16.5 years, 1573 [56.7%] male), 2654 [95.7%] were vegetarian and 120 [4.3%] non-vegetarian. Socioeconomic classes were upper (16.7%), upper middle (15.1%), lower middle (22%), upper lower (22.2%), and lower (24%) using Prasad's Classification; 603 (21.7%) had FGIDs (413 [14.9%] dyspepsia, 75 [2.7%] irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and 115 [4.1%] dyspepsia-IBS overlap), by Rome III criteria. In subjects with dyspepsia, 49/528 (9%) had epigastric pain, 141 (27%) postprandial distress syndromes (EPS, PDS) and 338 (64%) EPS-PDS overlap. IBS was more often diarrhea than constipation-predominant subtype. On univariate analysis, chewing tobacco, aerated drink, tea/coffee, disturbed sleep, vegetarianism, and anxiety parameters and presence of dyspepsia predicting occurrence of IBS were associated with FGIDs. On multivariate analysis, chewing tobacco, aerated soft drink, tea/coffee, vegetarianism, anxiety parameters, and presence of dyspepsia predicting IBS were significant. Functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly dyspepsia-IBS overlap, are common in rural Indian population; the risk factors included chewing tobacco, aerated soft drink, tea/coffee, vegetarian diet, disturbed sleep, anxiety, and dyspepsia predicting occurrence of IBS.


Survey of research capability at Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists accredited training sites.
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) has more than 200 accredited training sites in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, many of which participate in ANZCA Clinical Trials Network (CTN)-endorsed clinical trials. We undertook a survey of accredited sites to determine research capability, activity and potential. With ethics committee approval an electronic survey was distributed to accredited sites in July 2015. Of 207 accredited sites, 167 were sent the questionnaire (after eliminating ineligible sites) and 128 responded. Response rates for Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore were 100%, 100%, 35%, 25% and 75% respectively. Forty-four (34%) of 128 responding sites had a head of research; 101 (80%) of 126 responding sites were active in research; 42 (33%) of 126 responding sites had no publications since January 2011 and 15 (12%) had >50 publications; 95 (76%) of 125 responding sites had at least one specialist anaesthetist engaged in research (median = 4 [range 1-25]); and 45 (36%) of 125 responding sites had at least one research coordinator (median = 2 [range 1-15]). Fifty-eight (28%) of the 207 accredited sites were identified as participating in recent ANZCA CTN-endorsed clinical trials. Research capability and activity were higher in these sites. This survey has identified a strong base upon which to expand clinical trial activity, and regions, sectors, investigators and research coordinators who may benefit from additional support.


Contributions of short-lived radioiodines to thyroid doses received by evacuees from the Chernobyl area estimated using early in vivo activity measurements.
A series of in vivo gamma spectrometric measurements of 65 people evacuated from Pripyat 1.5 days after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Unit 4 explosion was performed in St Petersburg, Russia, as early as 30 April 1986. The historical spectra and interviews were recently processed and the results used for thyroid dose estimation. Activities of 131I in thyroid and 132Te in lungs were determined easily; for estimation of 132I and 133I activities in thyroid, sophisticated methods of spectral processing were developed. According to thyroid measurement data, the mean ratio of 133I/131I activities (at the time of the accident) inhaled by residents of Pripyat was 2.0. The mean ratio of thyroid dose from 133I inhalation to that caused by 131I amounts to 0.3, which confirms the accuracy of dose estimates based on the evolution of the Chernobyl accident. The mean ratio of 132I activity in thyroid to that of 132Te in lungs was assessed from the human measurement data to be 0.2, which is in reasonable agreement with the metabolic properties of these radionuclides. The mean ratio of thyroid dose from 132I originating from 132Te deposited in lungs to the dose caused by 131I was 0.13 +/- 0.02 for Pripyat residents who did not take KI pills and 0.9 +/- 0.1 for persons who took KI pills. Thus, the contribution of short-lived radioiodines to total thyroid dose of Pripyat residents, which was on average 30% for persons who did not use stable iodine prophylaxis, and about 50% for persons who took KI pills on 26-27 April, should be accounted for in the assessment of thyroid health effects.


Improved sample extraction and clean-up for the GC-MS determination of BADGE and BFDGE in vegetable oil.
A straightforward method was established for the determination of migration contaminants in olive oil with a special focus on the two can-coating migration compounds bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE). The preferred sample preparation was a single liquid-liquid extraction of compounds from the oil into 20% (v/v) methanol in acetonitrile, followed by clean-up with solid-phase extraction on aminopropyl bonded to silica. This purification procedure selectively removed all free fatty acids from the extracts without removing phenolic compounds of interest. The solid-phase extraction columns were used many times by implementing a procedure of washing out the strongly retained fatty acids with 2% acetic acid in methanol. Gas chromatography coupled with full scan (m/z 33-700) electron ionization mass spectrometry was used for the determination of several model compounds in olive oil samples. BADGE and BFDGE could be determined in the 0.05-2 mg kg(-1) range in oil samples with a relative SD of <6% (six replicates). The method was used in an enforcement campaign for the Norwegian Food Control Authority to analyse vegetable oil samples from canned fish-in-oil.


[Nutrient media for fermenting Actinomyces].
Fitness of various commercial nutrient media, manufactured in the USSR, for isolation and cultivation of fermentation-producing actinomyces was under study. The media were tested in two stages. Reference and newly isolated actinomyces cultures were examined at stage 1, clinical material at stage 2. Hottinger's blood agar was found the best for maintaining the growth of facultative anaerobic actinomyces and possessed the highest differentiating characteristics. This medium maintained sufficiently intensive growth of anaerobic actinomyces but only in the presence of meat extract. A liquid nutrient medium was designed, based on Hottinger's hydrolysate, that may be used for studies of these microorganisms' physiologic parameters.


[Inveterate squamous cell carcinoma of the upper eyelid: a case report].
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor of epithelium that shows squamous cell differentiation. It is the second most common cancer of the skin and usually occurs in areas exposed to the sun but it can rarely arise within the conjunctival epithelium with a deep component. We describe a woman with a history of chronic blepharoconjunctivitis unresponsive to topical medications. Examination disclosed a hyperaemic translucent patch with blurred margins of the upper palpebral conjunctiva. Tarsoconjunctival biopsy revealed intraepithelial squamous cell carcinoma. Management consisted of complete tumor excision with removal of the entire posterior lamella of the left upper eyelid and reconstruction. Histopathologic analysis confirmed primary squamous cell carcinoma arising from conjunctival epithelium, involving the underlying tarsus. Patients with unexplained chronic unilateral blepharoconjunctivitis or papillary hypertrophy of the palpebral conjunctiva should be considered for biopsy to rule out neoplasia, even when there is no sign of an evident mass.


Quality of life in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder: Results from a nationwide Danish survey using self-reports and parental proxy-reports.
Quality of life (QoL) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential to investigate with regard to knowledge about factors of importance for QoL and concordance between self-reported and parental proxy-reported QoL. This study investigated QoL in adolescents and adults with ASD using both self-reports and parental proxy-reports. From a nationwide survey, 1738 individuals diagnosed with ASD in childhood, were included for this study. The individuals themselves and/or their parents completed the INICO-FEAPS scale. Concordance between self-reports and proxy-reports were examined, and factors associated with QoL were explored via linear regression models. Compared to proxy-reported QoL scores, self-reported QoL scores were significantly but only slightly higher and not in every QoL domain. Independent of respondent type it was found that psychiatric comorbidity, sleeping difficulty, intellectual disability, maladaptive behavior, adaptive functioning, autism symptomatology, main daytime activity and residence were associated with QoL. Proxy-reported QoL is different from self-reported QoL and should be considered as an alternative source of information. QoL might be enhanced when factors associated with QoL are improved. However, large variations in QoL were found for most factors, suggesting the need to involve the individuals with ASD and/or their families when improving their QoL.