Patient-physician mistrust and violence against physicians in Guangdong Province, China: a qualitative study.
To better understand the origins, manifestations and current policy responses to patient-physician mistrust in China. Qualitative study using in-depth interviews focused on personal experiences of patient-physician mistrust and trust. Guangdong Province, China. One hundred and sixty patients, patient family members, physicians, nurses and hospital administrators at seven hospitals varying in type, geography and stages of achieving goals of health reform. These interviews included purposive selection of individuals who had experienced both trustful and mistrustful patient-physician relationships. One of the most prominent forces driving patient-physician mistrust was a patient perception of injustice within the medical sphere, related to profit mongering, knowledge imbalances and physician conflicts of interest. Individual physicians, departments and hospitals were explicitly incentivised to generate revenue without evaluation of caregiving. Physicians did not receive training in negotiating medical disputes or humanistic principles that underpin caregiving. Patient-physician mistrust precipitated medical disputes leading to the following outcomes: non-resolution with patient resentment towards physicians; violent resolution such as physical and verbal attacks against physicians; and non-violent resolution such as hospital-mediated dispute resolution. Policy responses to violence included increased hospital security forces, which inadvertently fuelled mistrust. Instead of encouraging communication that facilitated resolution, medical disputes sometimes ignited a vicious cycle leading to mob violence. However, patient-physician interactions at one hospital that has implemented a primary care model embodying health reform goals showed improved patient-physician trust. The blind pursuit of financial profits at a systems level has eroded patient-physician trust in China. Restructuring incentives, reforming medical education and promoting caregiving are pathways towards restoring trust. Assessing and valuing the quality of caregiving is essential for transitioning away from entrenched profit-focused models. Moral, in addition to regulatory and legal, responses are urgently needed to restore trust.


Learning to understand a patient's silence.
Nurses often feel uncomfortable with silence in their interactions with patients. This article explores a variety of meanings of silence and the different interpretations of silence within different cultures. Some therapeutic uses and responses to silence are then explored.


Differential expression of small RNA pathway genes associated with the Biomphalaria glabrata/Schistosoma mansoni interaction.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 240 million people in 78 countries require treatment for schistosomiasis, an endemic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. In Brazil, Schistosoma mansoni is the only species representative of the genus whose passage through an invertebrate host, snails of the genus Biomphalaria, is obligatory before infecting a mammalian host, including humans. The availability of the genome and transcriptome of B. glabrata makes studying the regulation of gene expression, particularly the regulation of miRNA and piRNA processing pathway genes, possible. This might assist in better understanding the biology of B. glabrata as well as its relationship to the parasite S. mansoni. Some aspects of this interaction are still poorly explored, including the participation of non-coding small RNAs, such as miRNAs and piRNAs, with lengths varying from 18 to 30 nucleotides in mature form, which are potent regulators of gene expression. Using bioinformatics tools and quantitative PCR, we characterized and validated the miRNA and piRNA processing pathway genes in B. glabrata. In silico analyses showed that genes involved in miRNA and piRNA pathways were highly conserved in protein domain distribution, catalytic site residue conservation and phylogenetic analysis. Our study showed differential expression of putative Argonaute, Drosha, Piwi, Exportin-5 and Tudor genes at different snail developmental stages and during infection with S. mansoni, suggesting that the machinery is required for miRNA and piRNA processing in B. glabrata at all stages. These data suggested that the silencing pathway mediated by miRNAs and piRNAs can interfere in snail biology throughout the life cycle of the snail, thereby influencing the B. glabrata/S. mansoni interaction. Further studies are needed to confirm the participation of the small RNA processing pathway proteins in the parasite/host relationship, mainly the effective participation of small RNAs in regulating their target genes.


Practices in diagnosis, disclosure and pharmacotherapeutic management of dementia by general practitioners--a national survey.
To explore the practice patterns of general practitioners (GPs) for the diagnosis, disclosure and pharmacological management of individuals with dementia. We also investigated whether the number of years working in general practice is a determinant factor associated with the responses obtained. A national survey was sent to all registered GPs in the Maltese islands. The return rate was 54.2% with the majority of respondents having 15 years or more working experience in general practice. Chi-square analysis of variance was used to determine any relationship effects. Although the majority of GPs indicated lack of competence in diagnosing dementia, only a small percentage showed a preference towards specialist referral. Lack of training was mostly envisaged by physicians with the least number of years in general practice. Significant differences in pharmacotherapeutic prescribing were noted depending on the stage of disease progression and the number of years working as a GP. Disease disclosure was not routinely carried out even though GPs were aware of the fact that disclosure may help individuals with dementia and their caregivers or relatives with future planning. The findings show notable shortcomings in various aspects of dementia management by GPs. This highlights the need of providing continued educational support and training opportunities to enhance not only GPs' clinical competence, but also their role as key players in providing quality support to individuals with dementia in the primary care setting.


Transmission of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and Its Potential Driving Factors in Hong Kong.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood disease with substantial disease burden in Asia. Mixed results were reported on the associations between HFMD incidence and meteorological factors or school holidays, while limited studies focused on their association on transmissibility. We aimed to measure the transmissibility of HFMD and to examine its potential driving factors in Hong Kong. A likelihood-based procedure was used to estimate time-dependent effective reproduction number (Rt) based on weekly number of HFMD-associated hospitalizations from 2010 to 2014. The associations of between-year effects, depletion of susceptibles, absolute humidity and school holidays with Rt were examined using linear regression. Rt usually started increasing between early spring and summer and peaked in April to May at around 1.1-1.2, followed by a slight rebound in autumn. Depletion of susceptibles and between-years effects explained most of the variances (19 and 13% respectively) in Rt. We found a negative association between depletion of susceptibles and Rt (coefficients ranged from -0.14 to -0.03 for different years), but the estimated effects of absolute humidity and school holidays were insignificant. Overall, HFMD transmission was moderate in Hong Kong and was mainly associated with depletion of susceptibles. Limited impact was suggested from meteorological factors and school holidays.


Duplicate Genes Contribute to Variability in Abiotic Stress Resistance in Allopolyploid Wheat.
Gene duplication is a universal biological phenomenon that drives genomic variation and diversity, plays a crucial role in plant evolution, and contributes to innovations in genetic engineering and crop development. Duplicated genes participate in the emergence of novel functionality, such as adaptability to new or more severe abiotic stress resistance. Future crop research will benefit from advanced, mechanistic understanding of the effects of gene duplication, especially in the development and deployment of high-performance, stress-resistant, elite wheat lines. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of gene duplication in wheat, including the principle of gene duplication and its effects on gene function, the diversity of duplicated genes, and how they have functionally diverged. Then, we discuss how duplicated genes contribute to abiotic stress response and the mechanisms of duplication. Finally, we have a future prospects section that discusses the direction of future efforts in the short term regarding the elucidation of replication and retention mechanisms of repetitive genes related to abiotic stress response in wheat, excellent gene function research, and practical applications.


Laparoscopic management of adhesive small bowel obstruction.
Adhesions from prior surgery are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in the Western world. Although laparoscopic adhesiolysis can be performed safely and effectively, the indications and contraindications to the use of laparoscopic techniques in SBO are not clearly defined. The goal of our study was to determine the outcomes of the laparoscopic approach to SBO and discuss patient considerations for its utilization. We retrospectively surveyed all patients undergoing laparoscopic or attempted laparoscopic adhesiolysis performed by the authors between July 1997 and March 2006. Data obtained included patient demographics, clinical and radiologic presentation, and intraoperative and postoperative course. Thirty-three patients underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis secondary to a SBO. Mean age was 53.6 years (range, 29-84 years) and 64 per cent (21 of 33) were female. Mean body mass index was 30.0 kg/m2 (range, 22.6-46.1 kg/m2). Thirty-one patients (93.9%) had undergone between one and four abdominal surgeries and seven (21.2%) had a previous episode of SBO. There were no patients with peritonitis. Abdominal CT scan was performed preoperatively in 27 patients (81.8%). Laparoscopy diagnosed the site of obstruction in all patients. Twenty-nine patients (88%) were successfully treated laparoscopically. Conversion to laparotomy was required in four cases as a result of dense adhesions and/or a lack of working space. Mean procedural time was 101 minutes (range, 19-198 minutes). There was one intraoperative complication (enterotomy), which was repaired laparoscopically and did not require conversion. Conversion was associated with significantly increased procedural time (129 versus 93 minutes; P = 0.02), but not blood loss or complications. Average times to passage of flatus and first bowel movement were 2.3 days (range, 0.5-5 days) and 3.2 days (range, 1-6 days), respectively. Seven patients (21.2%) had postoperative complications, including wound infection, urinary tract infection, and acute renal insufficiency, all of which occurred in patients completed laparoscopically. One patient had a recurrent SBO 8 months postoperatively managed by repeat laparoscopic lysis of adhesions. Mean postoperative stay was 6 days (range, 1-19 days). There was no hospital mortality. Laparoscopy is safe and feasible in the management of acute SBO in selected patients. It is an excellent diagnostic tool and is therapeutic in most cases.


We can't all be supermodels: the value of comparative transcriptomics to the study of non-model insects.
Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. Variation in gene expression lies at the heart of this biodiversity and recent advances in sequencing technology have spawned a revolution in researchers' ability to survey tissue-specific transcriptional complexity across a wide range of insect taxa. Increasingly, studies are using a comparative approach (across species, sexes and life stages) that examines the transcriptional basis of phenotypic diversity within an evolutionary context. In the present review, we summarize much of this research, focusing in particular on three critical aspects of insect biology: morphological development and plasticity; physiological response to the environment; and sexual dimorphism. A common feature that is emerging from these investigations concerns the dynamic nature of transcriptome evolution as indicated by rapid changes in the overall pattern of gene expression, the differential expression of numerous genes with unknown function, and the incorporation of novel, lineage-specific genes into the transcriptional profile.


Transcriptome Analysis of Diurnal and Nocturnal-Warmed Plants, the Molecular Mechanism Underlying Cold Deacclimation Response in Deschampsia antarctica.
Warming in the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fastest on earth, and is predicted to become more asymmetric in the near future. Warming has already favored the growth and reproduction of Antarctic plant species, leading to a decrease in their freezing tolerance (deacclimation). Evidence regarding the effects of diurnal and nocturnal warming on freezing tolerance-related gene expression in D. antarctica is negligible. We hypothesized that freezing tolerance-related gene (such as CBF-regulon) expression is reduced mainly by nocturnal warming rather than diurnal temperature changes in D. antarctica. The present work aimed to determine the effects of diurnal and nocturnal warming on cold deacclimation and its associated gene expression in D. antarctica, under laboratory conditions. Fully cold-acclimated plants (8 °C/0 °C), with 16h/8h thermoperiod and photoperiod duration, were assigned to four treatments for 14 days: one control (8 °C/0 °C) and three with different warming conditions (diurnal (14 °C/0 °C), nocturnal (8 °C/6 °C), and diurnal-nocturnal (14 °C/6 °C). RNA-seq was performed and differential gene expression was analyzed. Nocturnal warming significantly down-regulated the CBF transcription factors expression and associated cold stress response genes and up-regulated photosynthetic and growth promotion genes. Consequently, nocturnal warming has a greater effect than diurnal warming on the cold deacclimation process in D. antarctica. The eco-physiological implications are discussed.


The perception of different social agents in Colombia regarding biobanks for research purposes
Introduction: Biobanks for research purposes are public assets that require active participation from all interested parties; therefore, it is important to discern and investigate the perception that the general public in Colombia has with regards to their participation in a biobank. Objective: To question different healthy Colombian social agents about the perception they have on donating human biological material to be stored in a biobank for future research purposes. Materials and methods: We conducted an exploratory quantitative and qualitative research by means of an anonymous survey on healthy members of the Colombian community in order to evaluate their knowledge and stances related to biobanks. Results: Three hundred sixty-eight (368) individuals completed the survey, including health-care researchers, lawyers and members of research ethics committees. Ninety-six percent (96%) of the subjects stated their willingness to donate biological material to biobanks, although 60% expressed distress about their samples being used for certain research activities, mainly human cloning. Even though about half of the participants reported knowing what a biobank is, less than 3% of the individuals had a clear concept of them. Conclusion: Participants showed their willingness to donate and store their biological material for research purposes. Similarly, they expressed their opinion about issues related to the management of biobanks. It is necessary to take into account the opinions of the general public in the development of policies that regulate biobanks for research purposes in Colombia.


Hangman corroles: efficient synthesis and oxygen reaction chemistry.
The construction of a new class of compounds--the hangman corroles--is provided efficiently by the modification of macrocyclic forming reactions from bilanes. Hangman cobalt corroles are furnished in good yields from a one-pot condensation of dipyrromethane with the aldehyde of a xanthene spacer followed by metal insertion using microwave irradiation. In high oxidation states, X-band EPR spectra and DFT calculations of cobalt corrole axially ligated by chloride are consistent with the description of a Co(III) center residing in the one-electron oxidized corrole macrocycle. These high oxidation states are likely accessed in the activation of O-O bonds. Along these lines, we show that the proton-donating group of the hangman platform works in concert with the redox properties of the corrole to enhance the catalytic activity of O-O bond activation. The hangman corroles show enhanced activity for the selective reduction of oxygen to water as compared to their unmodified counterparts. The oxygen adduct, prior to oxygen reduction, is characterized by EPR and absorption spectroscopy.


Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor Originated From the Trigeminal Nerve in a Young Male Adult: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a highly malignant central nervous system neoplasm predominantly found in children under the age of 3 years, and is extremely rare in adults. There is no specific clinical presentations or radiological features in reported cases of AT/RT. Diagnosis of brain AT/RT is mainly dependent on the classical pathological characteristics. We report a rare case of AT/RT arising from the trigeminal nerve and leading to progressively multiple cranial nerve palsies in a 25-year-old male patient. Microsurgical resection of the tumor has been performed and confirmed the diagnosis by postoperative pathology. To our knowledge, this is the second case of adult-onset AT/RT originating from the trigeminal nerve.


Interactions between self-assembled polyelectrolyte shells and tumor cells.
Layer-by-layer self-assembled polyelectrolyte shells are a new class of micro/nanocapsules with unique physicochemical properties for potential applications in drug/gene delivery. The objective of this study was to investigate the interactions of polyelectrolyte shells ( approximately 1 mum in diameter) with MCF-7 breast cancer cells and identify key parameters that affect such interactions. Tailoring of surface properties of polyelectrolyte shells was achieved by choosing different outermost layer materials, including cationic polymers, anionic polymers, and lipid bilayers. Different surface compositions led to a wide range of electrostatic potentials from -46 to +47 mV in phophate-buffered saline buffer. Confocal microscopy studies showed that the polyelectrolyte shells were internalized into the cell cytoplasm, but not into the nuclei. Correlation of cell uptake with shell surface compositions was complicated by the adsorption of serum proteins on the surface of polyelectrolyte shells, particularly polycation-coated shells. To prevent protein adsorption, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) copolymers (1:1, 1:5, 1:10 graft ratios) were synthesized and introduced on the shell surface. Shells coated with PEI-PEG copolymers effectively reduced protein adsorption whereas PEI-PEG copolymers with lower graft ratios achieved higher cell uptake efficiency after 24 h of incubation with MCF-7 cells.


Enhanced Telecom Emission from Single Group-IV Quantum Dots by Precise CMOS-Compatible Positioning in Photonic Crystal Cavities.
Efficient coupling to integrated high-quality-factor cavities is crucial for the employment of germanium quantum dot (QD) emitters in future monolithic silicon-based optoelectronic platforms. We report on strongly enhanced emission from single Ge QDs into L3 photonic crystal resonator (PCR) modes based on precise positioning of these dots at the maximum of the respective mode field energy density. Perfect site control of Ge QDs grown on prepatterned silicon-on-insulator substrates was exploited to fabricate in one processing run almost 300 PCRs containing single QDs in systematically varying positions within the cavities. Extensive photoluminescence studies on this cavity chip enable a direct evaluation of the position-dependent coupling efficiency between single dots and selected cavity modes. The experimental results demonstrate the great potential of the approach allowing CMOS-compatible parallel fabrication of arrays of spatially matched dot/cavity systems for group-IV-based data transfer or quantum optical systems in the telecom regime.


[Effect of gas exchange at maximal intensity on exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
To investigate the effect of gas exchange at maximal intensity on exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Forty-two male patients with COPD and 26 normal subjects performed incremental exercise test on cycle ergometer. Oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output were measured continuously on the breath-by-breath mode. Arterial blood samples were drawn at maximal exercise. PaO2, PaCO2, the actual dead space/tidal volume ratios (V(D)/V(T)) and the alveolar-arterial PaO2 difference [ P(A-a) O2 ] were measured and calculated. Comparisons between the two groups were performed using independent samples t test. Linear regression analyses were made between maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and blood gas variables. VO2max in patients with COPD [(16 +/- 4) ml kg(-1) min(-1)] was significantly lower than in normal subjects [(19 +/- 6) ml kg(-1) min(-1)]. P(A-a)O2, V(D)/V(T) and PaCO2 were greater in patients [(43 +/- 3) mm Hg, 1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa, 0.35 +/- 0.11, (33 +/- 11) mm Hg] than in normal subjects at peak exercise [(40 +/- 5) mm Hg, 0.27 +/- 0.08, (15 +/- 7) mm Hg]. VO2max correlated strongly with V(D)/V(T) at peak exercise in patients (r = -0.734, P < 0.01). The increase in V(D)/V(T) inducing ventilatory inefficiency during exercise is one of the important causes for decreased exercise capacity in patients with COPD.


Evidence for an association between air pollution and daily stroke admissions in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Many studies have reported increases in daily cardiovascular mortality and hospital admissions associated with increases in levels of air pollutants. However, little is known about the relationship between hospital admissions for stroke and air pollution. This study was undertaken to determine whether there is an association between air pollution and hospital admissions for stroke in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Data on a total of 23 179 stroke admissions were obtained for the period 1997 through 2000. The relative risk of hospital admissions was estimated with a case-crossover approach. In the single-pollutant models, on warm days (> or =20 degrees C), significant positive associations were found between levels of PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3 and both primary intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke admissions. On cool days (<20 degrees C), only CO levels and ischemic stroke admissions were significantly associated. For the 2-pollutant models, PM10 and NO2 remained consistently and significantly associated with admissions for both types of stroke on warm days. We observed estimated relative risks of 1.54 (95% confidence interval [95%], 1.31 to 1.81) and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.32 to 1.84) for primary intracerebral hemorrhage for each interquartile range increase in PM10 and NO2. The values for ischemic stroke were 1.46 (95% CI, 1.32 to 1.61) and 1.55 (95% CI, 1.40 to 1.71), respectively. The effects of CO, SO2, and O3 were mostly nonsignificant when either NO2 or PM10 was controlled for. This study provides an association between exposure to air pollution and hospital admissions for stroke.


Connecting with the cognitively impaired: dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
When confronted with their own or their loved one's cognitive decline, many people attribute it to "normal aging." Home care providers, due to their regular interaction with their clients, may be the first to identify dementia. As such, home care providers can play an important role by encouraging those involved to address the problem and develop a plan of care to help them to successfully navigate the challenges they face. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common causes of dementia. This article identifies the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and provides advice to home care providers on intervention and how to care for patients who are cognitively impaired.


Stereoselective synthesis and physicochemical properties of liquid-crystal compounds possessing a trans-2,5-disubstituted tetrahydropyran ring with negative dielectric anisotropy.
Three stereoselective syntheses and the physicochemical properties of trans,trans-5-(4-ethoxy-2,3-difluorophenyl)-2-(4-propylcyclohexyl)tetrahydropyran, which is an important liquid-crystal compound with a large negative dielectric anisotropy (Δε=-7.3), are described. The key step in the construction of the trans-2,5-disubstituted tetrahydropyran ring in the first approach involved a benzylic cation mediated intramolecular olefin cyclization of a 2-allyloxy-1-arylethanol derivative. The second method included the Et2 Zn-induced 1,2-aryl shift of a bromohydrin obtained from a hetero-Diels-Alder reaction, followed by stereoselective bromination. The third approach utilized the hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of trans-4-propylcyclohexanecarboxaldehyde and a 2-aryl-3-(trimethylsilyl)oxy-1,3-butadiene, followed by stereoselective protonation. From results obtained by using a quantum chemical calculation method, the reason why the target compound shows a large negative Δε value is discussed.


Educational level as a predictor of the incidences of non-communicable diseases among middle-aged Japanese: a hazards-model analysis.
It is well known that there are educational inequalities in incidences of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Unlike most preceding studies, this study examined this issue using a hazards model analysis, with specific reference to the potential mediating effects of socioeconomic status (SES), other than educational level, and health behaviour as well as gender differences. Data were obtained from a 12-wave longitudinal nationwide survey conducted from 2005 to 2016 with middle-aged individuals in Japan. Participants included 31,210 individuals (15,127 men and 16,083 women) who were aged 50-59 years at wave 1. Incidences of six NCDs (diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and cancer), initially diagnosed between waves 2 and 12, were considered. Cox proportional hazards models were estimated to examine their associations with educational level, adjusted for baseline SES and health behaviour. Educational inequalities were measured by the relative indices of inequality (RII). Lower educational level was associated with higher incidences of diabetes and stroke among both men and women, and with hypertension only among women. After controlling for baseline SES, health behaviour, and regional areas, the RII ranged from 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.85) for stroke among men to 2.65 (95% CI, 2.09-3.36) for diabetes among women. Small to moderate parts (0.0-32.7%) of the RII were explained by baseline SES and health behaviour. A negative association with education was observed for diabetes and hypertension among women. Results underscored the importance of educational level as a predictor of the incidences of selected NCDs, especially among women, with limited mediating effects of other SES and health behaviour.


Physiological responses of men working in 25.5 degrees C water, breathing air or helium tri-mix.
Fourteen scuba divers in swim trunks did ergometer work while breathing air at 3 m in 25.5 degrees C water. They were stressed by work and cold. Exercise produced increases in heart rate, minute ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), and catecholamine excretion. Cold lowered rectal temperature (Tre) despite exercise, and contributed to the increase in VO2 and catecholamine excretion. Immersion, cutaneous vasoconstriction, work, and scuba breathing contributed to a brisk diuresis, probably by centralizing blood volume and thus stimulating central vascular volume receptors. Similar exercise in 25.5 degrees C water, breathing helium tri-mix (gas density less than air), produced higher VE but lower VO2 when compared to air breathing. Tri-mix scuba breathing resulted in a smaller diuresis, perhaps because its lower density leads to lesser atrial distension during work. The fall in Tre during work in 25.5 degrees C water was identical whether air or helium tri-mix was respired, since helium does not accentuate respiratory convective heat transfer.


Graphene-P(VDF-TrFE) multilayer film for flexible applications.
A flexible, transparent acoustic actuator and nanogenerator based on graphene/P(VDF-TrFE)/graphene multilayer film is demonstrated. P(VDF-TrFE) is used as an effective doping layer for graphene and contributes significantly to decreasing the sheet resistance of graphene to 188 ohm/sq. The potentiality of graphene/P(VDF-TrFE)/graphene multilayer film is realized in fabricating transparent, flexible acoustic devices and nanogenerators to represent its functionality. The acoustic actuator shows good performance and sensitivity over a broad range of frequency. The output voltage and the current density of the nanogenerator are estimated to be ∼3 V and ∼0.37 μAcm(-2), respectively, upon the application of pressure. These values are comparable to those reported earlier for ZnO- and PZT-based nanogenerators. Finally, the possibility of rollable devices based on graphene/P(VDF-TrFE)/graphene structure is also demonstrated under a dynamic mechanical loading condition.


Single- and multilocus DNA fingerprinting of communally breeding pukeko: do copulations or dominance ensure reproductive success?
In behavioral and ecological studies the "function" of dominance hierarchies is thought to be related to reproductive success. In particular, dominant males are regarded as likely to gain a reproductive advantage due to enhanced "access" to females. We compare the dominance status of adults with the frequency of copulations and the patterns of parentage in communally breeding pukeko or purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus). This avian species has an unusual social system, often breeding in polygynandrous groups in which there is a strong dominance hierarchy. Typically, during the breeding season, there is considerable sexual activity, with heterosexual and homosexual copulations between adults being commonplace. Hae III-digested DNA from individuals belonging to breeding groups was hybridized to the minisatellite DNA probe YNH24, revealing putative single-locus profiles, while hybridization of the same DNA to the minisatellite probes pV47-2, 3'HVR, and per revealed typical multilocus profiles. The numbers of unattributable restriction fragments allowed the maternity and paternity of all individuals to be conclusively determined, despite high levels of band sharing among individuals within breeding groups. These close genetic similarities are a likely consequence of strong philopatry and inbreeding. We report instances of males which are high on the dominance hierarchy but have only a limited reproductive output in comparison with others and males which are subordinate but achieve a significant proportion of fertilizations. Generally these data reveal no consistent relationship between dominance, the frequency of copulations, and parentage among males. We conclude that pukeko highlight some difficulties with conventional explanations for the "function" of dominance.


[Assessment of hematopoiesis and cytogenetics changes in interventional radiologists].
Objective: To investigate hematopoiesis and cytogenetics changes in staff of interventional radiology. Methods: A total of 121 intervention radiation workers, 245 common radiation workers and 100 medical personnel (healthy control) without exposure to radiation were enrolled in the study. The peripheral lymphocyte chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus were detected, and the result of white blood cells examination was analyzed. Results: Compared with common radiation group and healthy control group, decreases in white blood cells count, neutrophil ratio, and increase in lymphocyte ratio were observed in intervention radiation group (all P<0.05). Intervention radiation group had higher chromosome aberration rate and micronuclear rate than common radiation group and healthy control group (all P<0.05). Most common chromosome aberrations were dicentric chromosome, acentric ring, fragments and minute chromosome. Abnormal rates in chromosome aberration and micronucleus rates were increased with the rise of length of service, but no statistically significant difference was observed (P>0.05). Conclusion: Long term exposure to ionizing radiation may lead to changes in the human hematopoietic system and cause human chromosome aberration, and the severity of such injuries may be associated with the dose of ionizing radiation.


The geophysical toolbox applied to forest ecosystems - A review.
Studying the forest subsurface is a challenge because of its heterogeneous nature and difficult access. Traditional approaches used by ecologists to characterize the subsurface have a low spatial representativity. This review article illustrates how geophysical techniques can and have been used to get new insights into forest ecology. Near-surface geophysics offers a wide range of methods to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of subsurface properties in a non-destructive and integrative way, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These techniques can be used alone or combined to take advantage of their complementarity. Our review led us to define three topics how near-surface geophysics can support forest ecology studies: 1) detection of root systems, 2) monitoring of water quantity and dynamics, and 3) characterisation of spatial heterogeneity in subsurface properties at the stand level. The number of forest ecology studies using near-surface geophysics is increasing and this multidisciplinary approach opens new opportunities and perspectives for improving quantitative assessment of biophysical properties and exploring forest response to the environment and adaptation to climate change.


Recombinant Expression, Purification and Characterization of Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate Synthase from Geobacillus sp. H6a, Thermophilic Bacterium Producing Extracellular Vitamin B6.
Pyridoxal 5' -phosphate synthase (PLPS) is present in deoxyxylose 5'-phosphate-independent of the de novo vitamin B6 biosynthesis pathway. This enzyme complex consists of PdxS and PdxT, which function as synthase and glutamine amidotranferase respectively to produce PLP. This study aimed to clone, express, and purify PLPS of Geobacillus sp. H6a, followed by its characterization. The PdxS and PdxT genes were amplified from Geobacillus (Gh) sp. H6a. Recombinant vectors pET28a-GhpdxS and pET28a-GhpdxT were constructed and the resulting His-tagged proteins were expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). The soluble rGhpdxS and rGhpdxT were purified via nickel-affinity chromatography and cation-exchange chromatography. The mixture of rGhpdxS and rGhpdxT was further characterized. The molecular weights of rGhpdxS and rGhpdxT were estimated to be 35 and 23 kDa by SDS-PAGE, respectively. The native form of rGhpdxS showed hexamer and dodecamer, whereas those of rGhpdxT were a monomer upon detection with non-denaturing gel electrophoresis and gel filtration. A molar ratio of 1:1 of rGhpdxS:rGhpdxT showed the highest PLP synthesis activity (4.16 U.mg-1) and was used for analyzing the biochemical properties. The kinetic values were obtained by using glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, ribose 5-phosphate, and glutamine as the substrates. The rGhPLPS showed pentose phosphate isomerization without triose phosphate isomerase activity. The metal ions affected PLP synthesis activity. The optimum pH and optimum temperature of rGhPLPS were 9 and 70 °C, respectively. The rGhPLPS was active over a broad range of temperatures and pH values. These results support the potential of rGhPLPS as a candidate for industrial application.


Factors influencing outcomes in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome: a nine-year follow-up study.
In patients with Eisenmenger syndrome, life expectancy is usually longer than in patients with other forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We conducted a cohort study in which patients were followed over a long period of time in an attempt to identify potential predictors of clinical outcomes. Sixty-seven treatment-naïve patients were enrolled (age range = 12-60 years; median age = 33 years). Baseline demographic, diagnostic, and functional parameters, plasma levels of endothelial dysfunction markers, and treatment-related data were tested for possible correlations with event-free survival. Patients were started on oral PAH drugs at the beginning of follow-up (n = 23), during follow-up (n = 33), or remained untreated (n = 11). The duration of follow-up was 0.54-9.89 years (median = 7.13 years), with an overall survival rate of 82% and an event-free survival rate of 70%. The estimated mean for event-free survival time was 7.71 years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.86-8.55 years). Of the 16 variables that were analyzed, the duration of exposure to PAH drugs was identified as an independent protective factor (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.25 for quartiles, 95% CI = 0.14-0.47, P < 0.001). The initial functional class (HR = 3.07; 95% CI = 1.01-9.34; P = 0.048), the severity of right ventricular dysfunction (HR = 2.51 [mild, moderate or severe dysfunction]; 95% CI = 1.22-5.19; P = 0.013) and plasma von Willebrand factor concentration (HR = 1.74 for quartiles; 95% CI = 1.07-2.83; P = 0.026) were identified as risk factors. The length of exposure to oral PAH therapies influences survival favorably in Eisenmenger patients. This may be of interest for communities where access to medications is restricted.


The rationale for the development of improved hypoxic cell radiosensitizers.
This paper outlines the chemical background to the selection of compounds likely to be clinically superior to the nitroimidazoles currently being evaluated in cancer therapy. The most important chemical properties to consider are electron affinity and lipophilicity, and the quantification and prediction of both these properties are considered. Examples are presented of the use of multiple regression analysis to evaluate the relative contribution of individual properties to the overall biological response.


CT pattern analysis of necrotizing and nonnecrotizing lymph nodes in Kikuchi disease.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a CT interpretation with imaging pattern analysis differentiates Kikuchi disease (KD) from the two more frequently encountered differential lymph nodes diagnoses of tuberculous lymphadenopathy (TL) and reactive hyperplasia (RH). Between January 2012 and July 2015, 20 patients with KD (6 men, 14 women; mean age, 27.80 years), 36 patients with RH (10 men, 26 women; mean age, 33.08 years) and 34 patients with TL (17 men, 17 women; mean age, 39.82 years) were pathologically diagnosed using US-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, or surgical excisional biopsy. We recorded the total number, location, and size of the affected cervical lymph nodes, and two radiologists reviewed the characteristic imaging findings, including the presence of necrosis, cortical enhancement pattern, perinodal infiltration, conglomeration and nodal calcification, to form a consensus. In addition, we compared two attenuation indices on the nonnecrotic portion of the affected lymph nodes, nodal cortical attenuation (NCA) and the ratio of NCA to the adjacent muscle (NCA/M). Conglomeration, enhancement pattern and NCA/M values were independent predictive CT features to distinguish KD from RH. Age and enhancement pattern discriminated KD from TL. Only the mean NCA/M value was a statistically significant CT feature (p = .008) in differentiating KD from both RH+TL. The mean NCA/M of KD (1.67 ± 0.20) was significantly higher than that of RH (1.49 ± 0.20) or TL (1.47 ± 0.21). Our results indicate that in case of nonnecrotic lymphadenopathy, a higher NCA/M index can differentiate KD from RH and TL. In addition, the enhancement pattern according to the degree of necrosis discriminated between KD and TL in the case of necrotic lymphadenopathy.


Stereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized Bicyclic Scaffolds by Passerini 3-Center-2-Component Reactions of Cyclic Ketoacids.
We report the use of bifunctional starting materials (ketoacids) in a diastereoselective Passerini three-center-two-component reaction. Study of the reaction scope revealed the required structural features for stereoselectivity in the isocyanide addition. In this system, an interesting isomerization of the primary Passerini product - the α-carboxamido lactone - into an atypical product, an α-hydroxy imide, was found to occur under acidic conditions. Furthermore, enantioenriched Passerini products can be generated from an enantioenriched ketoacid obtained by chemoenzymatic synthesis.


Neurobehavioural approaches to the rehabilitation of challenging behaviour.
Neurobehavioural disability (NBD) following acquired brain injury undermines capacity for independent social behaviour and results in serious long-term social handicap. The presence of challenging behaviour as a feature of NBD has obvious implications for rehabilitation and community reintegration. Behavioural approaches are seen by many as fundamental to the successful rehabilitation of challenging behaviour. This paper will a) define the nature of neurobehavioural rehabilitation; b) explore the characteristics of cases referred, and c) the outcomes achieved. Strengths, limitations and future developments of neurobehavioural approaches for challenging behaviour will be considered along with potential factors that limit generalisation and longevity of treatment gains. Literature review. Neurobehavioural services are distinguishable from other forms of neurorehabilitation. There is considerable evidence supporting the central role of both positive behaviour supports and contingency management approaches in creating conditions that minimise neurocognitive impairment, facilitate new learning, and ensure a positive social climate in both specialised inpatient units and community settings. Possible limitations include over-reliance on evidence from successful accounts of single cases and lack of knowledge regarding generalisation. Neurobehavioural rehabilitation is effective and can save care costs in the long term. More evidence regarding maintenance of gains is required.


[Knowledge and attitudes of health workers' hands hygiene during Covid-19's pandemic: an observational study].
the infections correlated to the assistance represent the most common adverse events and sets up a world public sanity problem. Preventative behaviour, such as proper hand hygiene, are based on the knowledge and attitudes of care staff. Valuing health workers' knowledge and attitudes becomes fundamental for the individuation of any cognitive gaps. a cross sectional study has been conducted in a healthcare authority, during the first lockdown of Covid-19 pandemic. The knowledge's' data have been collected using the World Health Organization's Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire in its italian version and, for exploring attitudes, questions have been created on the basis of scientific literature. a sample of 363 healthcare workers was enrolled in this study. The 60% of respondent showed a sufficient level and 26.3% were at a good level of knowledge and all the personnel present good attitudes. There has been found an association between knowledge, gender and work area and between attitude, work area and presence of the alcoholic product in the structure. healthcare workers showed a knowledge level from sufficient to good, and positive attitudes towards hands hygiene. There still remains some cognitive gaps that have to be fixed with formative courses for prevent infections according to the principles of the patient safety program "Clinic Care in Safer Care" of the World Health Organization.


[Two cases of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive advanced gastric cancer successfully treated with S-1, cisplatin, and trastuzumab combination therapy followed by curative resection].
We report 2 cases of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive advanced gastric cancer successfully treated with a combination therapy of S-1, cisplatin( CDDP), and trastuzumab followed by curative resection. Case 1 involved a 62-year-old man with type 3 HER2-positive gastric cancer spanning the antrum of the stomach to the duodenal bulb and directly invading the pancreatic head( cT4b[ Panc] N3H0P0M0, Stage IIIC). We diagnosed it as an unresectable cancer, and selected S-1, CDDP, and trastuzumab for combination chemotherapy. S-1 (120 mg/body/day) was administered orally for 2 weeks, followed by 1 drug-free week as a course, and CDDP (60 mg/m2) and trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose and 6 mg/kg maintenance) were administered by intravenous infusion on day 1. After the third course, significant tumor and lymph node reduction was observed; however, pyloric stenosis developed. Distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy was performed. Case 2 involved a 62-year-old woman with type 4 HER2-positive gastric cancer from the angle of the stomach to the duodenal bulb and directly invading the pancreatic head (cT4b [Panc] N2H0P0M0, Stage IIIC). After the third course of combination therapy, significant tumor reduction and disappearance of lymph nodes metastasis was observed. We diagnosed the patient as having a resectable cancer, and performed distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy.


Preliminary experimental investigation of an X-band Cerenkov-type high power microwave oscillator without guiding magnetic field.
Among high power microwave (HPM) generators without guiding magnetic field, Cerenkov-type oscillator is expected to achieve a relatively high efficiency, which has already been realized in X-band in our previous simulation work. This paper presents the preliminary experimental investigations into an X-band Cerenkov-type HPM oscillator without guiding magnetic field. Based on the previous simulation structure, some modifications regarding diode structure were made. Different cathode structures and materials were tested in the experiments. By using a ring-shaped graphite cathode, microwave of about one hundred megawatt level was generated with a pure center frequency of 9.14 GHz, and an efficiency of about 1.3%. As analyzed in the paper, some practical issues reduce the efficiency in experiments, such as real features of the electron beam, probable breakdown regions on the cathode surface which can damage the diode, and so forth.


Sirtuin1 contributes to the overexpression of Giα proteins and hyperproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats.
We earlier demonstrated that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) exhibit the overexpression of Giα proteins and hyperproliferation that is attributed to the enhanced levels of endogenous angiotensin II (Ang II). In addition, the implication of Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) a histone deacetylase class III family in Ang II-induced hypertension has also been shown. We recently demonstrated that Ang II increased the expression of Sirt1 in aortic VSMC that contributed to the overexpression of Giα proteins. However, whether Sirt1 is overexpressed in VSMC from SHR and is linked to the enhanced expression of Giα proteins and hyperproliferation remains unexplored. In the present study, we show that Sirt1 is upregulated in VSMC from SHR and this upregulation was attenuated by AT1 receptor antagonist losartan. In addition, the inhibition or knockdown of Sirt1 by specific inhibitors EX 527 and NAM and/or siRNA attenuated the enhanced expression of Giα proteins, cell cycle proteins and hyperproliferation of VSMC from SHR. Furthermore, the enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide and NADPH oxidase subunits NOX2 and p47phox, increased phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK1/2 and AKT displayed by VSMC from SHR were also attenuated by knocking down of Sirt1 by siRNA. In summary, our results demonstrate that Sirt1 is overexpressed in VSMC from SHR which through augmenting oxidative stress contributes to the enhanced expression of Giα proteins, cell cycle proteins and resultant hyperproliferation of VSMC.


Distinguishing time-delayed causal interactions using convergent cross mapping.
An important problem across many scientific fields is the identification of causal effects from observational data alone. Recent methods (convergent cross mapping, CCM) have made substantial progress on this problem by applying the idea of nonlinear attractor reconstruction to time series data. Here, we expand upon the technique of CCM by explicitly considering time lags. Applying this extended method to representative examples (model simulations, a laboratory predator-prey experiment, temperature and greenhouse gas reconstructions from the Vostok ice core, and long-term ecological time series collected in the Southern California Bight), we demonstrate the ability to identify different time-delayed interactions, distinguish between synchrony induced by strong unidirectional-forcing and true bidirectional causality, and resolve transitive causal chains.


[MRT in neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis].
The relatively rare neurocutaneous syndromes may produce neurological symptoms during childhood. After closure of the fontanelle, the radiological methods of choice are CT and MRT. The value of these two methods is demonstrated by twelve examples (eight neurofibromatoses, four tuberous scleroses). CT is superior to MRT in being able to show calcification; it is therefore the method of choice for tuberous sclerosis. On the other hand, MRT may show foci of neurofibromatosis; these can hardly be seen on CT. In order to show cerebral lesions in these two conditions, T2-weighted sequences are necessary.


Roles of intragenic and intergenic L1s in mouse and human.
Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) is a retrotransposable element that has shaped the evolution of mammalian genomes. There is increasing evidence that transcriptionally active L1 could have been co-opted through evolution to play various roles including X-inactivation, homologous recombination and gene regulation. Here, we compare putatively active L1 distributions in the mouse with human. L1 density is higher in the mouse except for the Y-chromosome. L1 density is the highest in X-chromosome, implying an X-inactivation role. L1 is more common outside genes (intergenic) except for the Y-chromosome in both species. The structure of mouse L1 is distinguished from human L1 by the presence of a 200 bp repeat in the 5' UTR of the former. We found that mouse intragenic L1 has significantly higher repeat copy numbers than intergenic L1, suggesting that this is important for control of L1 expression. Furthermore, a significant association between the presence of intragenic L1s and down-regulated genes in early embryogenesis was found in both species. In conclusion, the distribution of L1 in the mouse genome points to biological roles of L1 in mouse similar to human.


Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder in a sample of Iranian patients.
Characteristic features of the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occur with remarkable consistency in different cultural settings. The content of symptoms, however, seems to vary across cultures. To examine the content of symptoms in a sample of OCD patients from Iran. In a sample of 135 patients recruited from three treatment settings the prevalence of symptoms with different contents were ranked and compared across genders. Doubts and indecisiveness were the most common obsessions and washing the most common compulsion for the whole sample. Fears of impurity and contamination, obsessive thoughts about self-impurity and washing compulsions were more common in women, whereas blasphemous thoughts and orderliness compulsions were more common in men. With minor differences, the pattern of symptoms with various contents in this sample was similar to that in Western settings.


What's new in heart failure therapy 2018?
Even though significant progress has been made over the past 3 decades, heart failure remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in developed countries and contributes significantly to the economic burden of modern health care systems. Especially in patients with preserved ejection fraction, valid therapeutic options are missing due to a lack of evidence. In face of a very heterogeneous condition with an ongoing debate over aetiology and pathophysiology, clinicians face a challenge in providing optimal care for these patients. Recent data suggest that the optimal treatment of the underlying conditions as well as comorbidities that are associated with heart failure might play an ever increasing role in improving outcomes. This focused review summarizes and reviews current data for the treatment of heart failure with both preserved and reduced ejection fractions based on the latest recommendations covering medical therapy and interventional strategies.


An outbreak of sheep-associated Q fever in a rural community in Germany.
In spring 1996, an outbreak of Q fever occurred among residents of a rural town (population: 300) in Germany. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to ascertain the extent of the outbreak and to assess potential risk factors for illness. In July 1996, all residents > or =15 years received a self-administered questionnaire and were offered Coxiella burnetii antibody testing. Residents were considered to have probable Q fever if they had a positive result for IgM C. burnetii antibodies by ELISA or possible Q fever if they had fever > or =39 degrees C lasting >2 days and > or =3 symptoms (chills, sweats, severe headache, cough, aching muscles/joints, back pain, fatigue, or feeling ill) after 1 January 1996. Two hundred (84%) of the 239 residents aged > or =15 years either completed the questionnaire or submitted blood for antibody testing. Forty-five (23%) of these 200 met the probable or possible case definitions. Onsets of illness occurred in January-June 1996. Cases were geographically distributed throughout the town. Persons reporting contact with sheep (32% vs 18%, RR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9) and walking near a large sheep farm located next the town (34% vs 8%, RR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.7-12.2) were more likely to have met the case definition than those without these exposures. Fifteen of 20 samples from the large sheep flock were positive for C. burnetii antibodies. The sheep had lambed outdoors in December 1995-January 1996 while the weather was extremely dry. The timing of the outbreak after lambing, the uniform distribution of cases throughout the town and the absence of risk factors among most case-persons suggest airborne transmission of C. burnetii from the large sheep farm.


A longitudinal study of lexical development in children learning Vietnamese and English.
This longitudinal study modeled lexical development among children who spoke Vietnamese as a first language (L1) and English as a second language (L2). Participants (n = 33, initial mean age of 7.3 years) completed a total of eight tasks (four in each language) that measured vocabulary knowledge and lexical processing at four yearly time points. Multivariate hierarchical linear modeling was used to calculate L1 and L2 trajectories within the same model for each task. Main findings included (a) positive growth in each language, (b) greater gains in English resulting in shifts toward L2 dominance, and (c) different patterns for receptive and expressive domains. Timing of shifts to L2 dominance underscored L1 skills that are resilient and vulnerable to increases in L2 proficiency.


Agreement Between Two Nutritional Assessment Scores as Markers of Malnutrition in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease.
Background Malnutrition is directly related to morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease. This should be picked up using simple techniques. Methods Adult patients on maintenance haemodialysis were included using a consecutive sampling technique. Compliance was assessed from attendance register (minimum 75% attendance for good compliance). Hypoalbuminemia signified malnutrition. Blood samples for measurement of haemoglobin, serum albumin, calcium and phosphate levels were drawn from the dialyser tubing at the start of the first of the two haemodialysis sessions for each patient. Height and weight were recorded at the end of the first haemodialysis session for each patient. Mini Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire and Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire were administered in direct face-to-face interviews during two consecutive dialysis sessions. Results There were 116 patients aged 53.46± 14.39 years. Majority were males (83.6%) and on twice a week haemodialysis (69.0%). Malnutrition was present in 30 (25.9%) patients. Serum albumin had a significant relationship with both haemoglobin (R = 0.399; p < 0.001) and serum phosphate levels (R = 0.253; p = 0.006) but not body mass index (R = 0.028; p = 0.769). Mean Mini Nutritional Assessment and Council on Nutrition Appetite scores were 19.45± 5.10 and 26.76± 6.28, respectively. Based on Mini Nutritional Assessment scores, 31 (26.7%) patients were malnourished, 59 (50.9%) were at risk of malnutrition, and 26 (22.4%) had normal nutritional status. Council on Nutrition Appetite scores were low in 65 (56.0%) patients, indicating risk of weight loss in next six months. Serum albumin had significant correlation with Mini Nutritional Assessment scores (R = 0.381; p < 0.001) and Council on Nutrition Appetite scores (R = 0.290; p = 0.002). Slopes of linear regression for Mini Nutritional Assessment and Council on Nutrition Appetite scores were not statistically different (p = 0.202). Conclusions Mini Nutritional Assessment and Council on Nutrition Appetite scores had a similar correlation with serum albumin levels. Either of the two could be used for evaluation of malnutrition in end-stage renal disease.


[The Course of Pregnancy in Women With Arterial Hypertension].
We included in this study 69 women with hypertension in the II trimester of pregnancy, of whom 52 (75%) had normal weight gain during the period of gestation, and 17 (25%) had abnormal weight gain. Comprehensive clinical and instrumental examination included calculation of body mass index before and during gestation, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, assessment of activity of sympathetic-adrenal system by quantification of -adrenoreception of erythrocytes cell membranes. Women with excessive weight gain during gestation were older, more often had increased body weight before pregnancy. They also more often had insufficient nocturnal BP lowering, hypersympathicotonia, premature labor, pre-eclampsia, and lower anthropometric parameters of newborns.


Transforming culture: an exploration of unit culture and nursing retention within a neonatal unit.
In 2001, the Neonatal Unit, at The Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne experienced the beginning of an extended period of increased demand with bed numbers in excess of 100% occupancy on many occasions, resulting in increased stress, absence of team work and low morale. Because of these demands and human resource issues there was an inability to recruit new nursing staff and retain skilled neonatal nurses. The present study will describe the key problems and highlight the activities and results of a project designed to improve nurse retention, increase employment attraction and improve recruitment outcomes. The project has been progressively successful in achieving full staffing with no ongoing nursing vacancies, reduced attrition and absenteeism, and improved interdisciplinary team work and staff satisfaction in a relatively short period. This has been sustained over 3 years.


Recent trends in global emissions of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons: reflecting on the 2007 adjustments to the Montreal Protocol.
Global-scale atmospheric measurements are used to investigate the effectiveness of recent adjustments to production and consumption controls on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) and to assess recent projections of large increases in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production and emission. The results show that aggregate global HCFC emissions did not increase appreciably during 2007-2012 and suggest that the 2007 Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol played a role in limiting HCFC emissions well in advance of the 2013 cap on global production. HCFC emissions varied between 27 and 29 kt CFC-11-equivalent (eq)/y or 0.76 and 0.79 GtCO2-eq/y during this period. Despite slower than projected increases in aggregate HCFC emissions since 2007, total emissions of HFCs used as substitutes for HCFCs and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have not increased more rapidly than rates projected [Velders, G. J. M.; Fahey, D. W.; Daniel, J. S.; McFarland, M.; Andersen, S. O. The Large Contribution of Projected HFC Emissions to Future Climate Forcing. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2009, 106, 10949-10954] for 2007-2012. HFC global emission magnitudes related to this substitution totaled 0.51 (-0.03, +0.04) GtCO2-eq/y in 2012, a magnitude about two times larger than emissions reported to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for these HFCs. Assuming accurate reporting to the UNFCCC, the results imply that developing countries (non-Annex I Parties) not reporting to the UNFCCC now account for nearly 50% of global HFC emissions used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). Global HFC emissions (as CO2-eq) from ODS substitution can be attributed approximately equally to mobile air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, and the sum of all other applications.


[Pharmacokinetic studies on continuous intraportal 5-fluorouracil infusion].
Pharmacokinetics of 5-FU administered by continuous intraportal infusion were studied by infusing 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg of 5-FU, respectively, into the ileocecal vein for an hour. Blood samples were collected from portal vein, femoral vein and liver, and small intestine specimens were obtained at proper intervals. The rabbits were sacrificed at 120 minutes from the start of 5-FU infusion. The results were as follows: Extremely high concentrations of 5-FU in the portal vein, femoral vein and liver tissue were observed in the 5-FU group infused with 40 mg/kg. This phenomenon was suggested to rely on the effect by which the 5-FU catabolic enzyme, dihydrouracil dehydrogenase, was saturated with a large inflow of 5-FU. FdUMP concentration of the liver was lower than that of the small intestine in all groups. These results suggest that a large dose of 5-FU infusion is effective to increase the FdUMP concentration in the liver with continuous intraportal 5-FU infusion.


The effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment on balance dysfunction and postural instability in persons with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Balance dysfunction and postural instability in Parkinson's disease are among the most relevant determinants of an impaired quality of life. Physiotherapy interventions are essential to reduce the level of disability by treating balance dysfunction and postural instability. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to test the effectiveness of conventional physiotherapy interventions in the management of balance dysfunction and postural instability in Persons with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. A systematic literature search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed/Medline, PEDro, Rehadat, and Rehab Trials were performed by 2 reviewers (AY and AT) independently. Eligible randomised controlled trials published from September 2005 to June 2015 were included. The selected RCTs, which investigated the effects of conventional physiotherapy treatments in the management of postural instability and balance dysfunction in Persons with Parkinson's disease, were assessed on a methodological quality rating scale. Included studies differed clearly from each other with regard to patient characteristics, intervention protocol, and outcome measures. Important characteristics and outcomes were extracted, summarized and analyzed. Eight trials with a total of 483 participants were eligible for inclusion of which 5 trials provide data for meta-analysis. Benefits from conventional physiotherapy treatment were reported for all of the outcomes assessed. The pooled estimates of effects showed significantly improved berg balance scale (SMD, 0.23; 95 % CI, 0.10-0.36; P < 0.001) after exercise therapy, in comparison with no exercise or sham treatment. Exercise interventions specifically addressing components of balance dysfunction demonstrated the largest efficacy with moderate effect size (SMD, 5.98; 95 % CI, 2.29-9.66; P < 0.001). Little effects were observed for interventions that specifically targeted Falls efficacy scale. The pooled data indicated that physiotherapy exercises decreased the incidence of falling by 6.73 (95 % CI: -14.00, 0.54, p = 0.07) with the overall effect of Z = 1.81. Physiotherapy interventions like balance training combined with muscle strengthening, the range of movement and walking training exercise is effective in improving balance in patients with Parkinson's disease and more effective than balance exercises alone. Highly challenging balance training and incremental speed-dependent treadmill training can also be part of a rehabilitation program for management of balance dysfunction and Postural instability in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.


Multi-Image Deblurring Using Complementary Sets of Fluttering Patterns.
We present a novel coded exposure video technique for multi-image motion deblurring. The key idea of this paper is to capture video frames with a set of complementary fluttering patterns, which enables us to preserve all spectrum bands of a latent image and recover a sharp latent image. To achieve this, we introduce an algorithm for generating a complementary set of binary sequences based on the modern communication theory and implement the coded exposure video system with an off-the-shelf machine vision camera. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our method, we provide in-depth analyses of the theoretical bounds and the spectral gains of our method and other state-of-the-art computational imaging approaches. We further show deblurring results on various challenging examples with quantitative and qualitative comparisons to other computational image capturing methods used for image deblurring, and show how our method can be applied for protecting privacy in videos.


Effects of reduced deer density on the abundance of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) and Lyme disease incidence in a northern New Jersey endemic area.
We monitored the abundance of Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae) and the Lyme disease incidence rate after the incremental removal of white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann, within a suburban residential area to determine whether there was a measurable decrease in the abundance of ticks due to deer removal and whether the reduction in ticks resulted in a reduction in the incidence rate within the human population. After three seasons, the estimated deer population was reduced by 46.7%, from the 2002 postfawning estimate of 2,899 deer (45.6 deer per km2) to a 2005 estimate of 1,540 deer (24.3 deer per km2). There was no apparent effect of the deer culling program on numbers of questing I. scapularis subadults in the culling areas, and the overall numbers of host-seeking ticks in the culling areas seemed to increase in the second year of the program. The Lyme disease incidence rate generated by both passive and active surveillance systems showed no clear trend among years, and it did not seem to vary with declining deer density. Given the resources required to mount and maintain a community-based program of sufficient magnitude to effectively reduce vector tick density in ecologically open situations where there are few impediments to deer movement, it may be that deer reduction, although serving other community goals, is unlikely to be a primary means of tick control by itself. However, in concert with other tick control interventions, such programs may provide one aspect of a successful community effort to reduce the abundance of vector ticks.


2D Gallium Sulfide-Based 1D Photonic Crystal Biosensor for Glucose Concentration Detection.
Unidimensional photonic crystal-based biosensors have gained much attention in the area of blood glucose measurement. In this paper, we propose two novel designs based on two-dimensional (2D) Van der Waals materials. The first 1D photonic crystal design consists of multilayers of 2D gallium sulfide and 2D muscovite mica [GaS/Mica]ND[GaS/Mica]N, and the second design consists of multilayers of 2D gallium sulfide [GaS/G]ND[GaS/G]N. We conducted a numerical analysis using the transfer matrix method to investigate the properties of photonic crystals, both with and without defect layers, in order to assess their suitability for biosensing applications. The biosensors' performances were investigated as a function of glucose concentration, revealing a high sensitivity of 832 nm/RIU, a notable figure-of-merit of 1.46 × 105 RIU-1, a Q-factor exceeding 105, and a minimum limit of detection of 3.4 × 10-7 RIU. Finally, we modified the [GaS/G]ND[GaS/G]Nstructure in order to enhance the sensitivity nearly 5-fold. The proposed biosensors offer the advantage of being label-free, making them promising platforms for the sensitive and reliable detection of blood glucose levels.


Stereotactic body radiation therapy with concurrent full-dose gemcitabine for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a pilot trial demonstrating safety.
Concurrent chemoradiation is a standard option for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Concurrent conventional radiation with full-dose gemcitabine has significant toxicity. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may provide the opportunity to administer radiation in a shorter time frame with similar efficacy and reduced toxicity. This Pilot study assessed the safety of concurrent full-dose gemcitabine with SBRT for LAPC. Patients received gemcitabine, 1000 mg/m2 for 6 cycles. During week 4 of cycle 1, patients received SBRT (25 Gy delivered in five consecutive daily fractions of 5 Gy prescribed to the 75-83% isodose line). Acute and late toxicities were assessed using NIH CTCAE v3. Tumor response was assessed by RECIST. Patients underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy at baseline, 2, and 6 months to assess the duodenal mucosa. Quality of life (QoL) data was collected before and after treatment using the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires. Between September 2009 and February 2011, 11 patients enrolled with one withdrawal during radiation therapy. Patients had grade 1 to 2 gastrointestinal toxicity from the start of SBRT to 2 weeks after treatment. There were no grade 3 or greater radiation-related toxicities or delays for cycle 2 of gemcitabine. On endoscopy, there were no grade 2 or higher mucosal toxicities. Two patients had a partial response. The median progression free and overall survival were 6.8 and 12.2 months, respectively. Global QoL did not change between baseline and immediately after radiation treatment. SBRT with concurrent full dose gemcitabine is safe when administered to patients with LAPC. There is no delay in administration of radiation or chemotherapy, and radiation is completed with minimal toxicity.


Pulmonary hypertension in dogs with heartworm before and after the adulticide protocol recommended by the American Heartworm Society.
Pulmonary hypertension (pH) is a frequent and severe phenomenon in heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis). There is a lack of studies assessing the evolution of the proliferative endarteritis and pH caused by D. immitis after the death of the parasites, so this study evaluated the influence that the elimination of the worms exerts over the pulmonary pressure and therefore evolution of the endarteritis, through the evaluation of the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (RPAD) Index and other echocardiographic measurements in 2D mode, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography in 34 dogs naturally infected by D. immitis on day 0, and one month after the last adulticide dose (day 120). pH, based on the determination of the RPAD Index, was present in 68% of the dogs (n=23) on day 0 and on day 120. No significant differences were observed between the RPAD Index between the two measurements, and only significant differences were found in pulmonary deceleration time, ejection time, and left ventricular internal diameter in telediastole when measurements from day 0 and day 120 were compared. There was not any worsening in the development of pH after the elimination of the parasites, independently of the parasite burden. During the adulticide treatment, the death of the worms causes thromboembolism and tends to worsen the vascular damage and presence of pH . It seems that following the adulticide protocol recommended by the American Heartworm Society with the previous elimination of Wolbachia and reduction of microfilariae followed by the stepped death of the worms did not cause a significant aggravation of the pulmonary damage of the treated dogs. Neither is present any significant improvement in the RPAD Index on day 120; probably, more time is needed before appreciating some positive changes after the elimination of the worms and Wolbachia from the vasculature and further studies are necessary.


MicroRNA-320 was downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer and inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting fatty acid synthase.
The expression and functions of microRNA (miR)-320 have been previously investigated in various types of cancer. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated miR-320 in human lung cancer. The current study determined the expression, biological functions and molecular mechanisms of miR‑320 in human lung cancer. The expression level of miR‑320 in human non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal adjacent tissue samples (NATs), NSCLC cell lines and non‑tumorigenic bronchial epithelial cells was measured by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Following transfection with miR‑320 mimics, 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide, cell migration and cell invasion assays, western blot analysis and luciferase assay were performed in human NSCLC cell lines. The results demonstrated that miR‑320 was significantly downregulated in NSCLC tissue samples and cell lines compared with NATs and a control cell line, respectively. Statistical analysis demonstrated that expression of miR‑320 was significantly associated with the TNM classification and metastasis. It was also observed that miR‑320 inhibited cell growth, migration and invasion in NSCLC cells. Additionally, the present study provided evidence that miR‑320 may directly target fatty acid synthase. These results suggest that miR‑320 may serve as a therapeutic biomarker of NSCLC in the future.


Robotic ureterolysis, retroperitoneal biopsy, and omental wrap for the treatment of ureteral obstruction due to idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disorder of unclear etiology characterized by chronic inflammation of the retroperitoneum, which can involve any of the retroperitoneal structures, most notably the ureters, aorta, and vena cava. Historically, open biopsy, ureterolysis, and transpositioning or omental wrapping of the involved ureter(s) have been the preferred surgical treatments of RPF, with success rates greater than 90%. More recently, successful laparoscopic biopsy, ureterolysis, and ureteral omental wrapping and intraperi-tonealization have been described. We report the first case in the literature of idiopathic RPF managed with robotic ureterolysis and laparoscopic omental ureteral wrapping.


Century-long apparent decrease in intrinsic water-use efficiency with no evidence of progressive nutrient limitation in African tropical forests.
Forests exhibit leaf- and ecosystem-level responses to environmental changes. Specifically, rising carbon dioxide (CO2 ) levels over the past century are expected to have increased the intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) of tropical trees while the ecosystem is gradually pushed into progressive nutrient limitation. Due to the long-term character of these changes, however, observational datasets to validate both paradigms are limited in space and time. In this study, we used a unique herbarium record to go back nearly a century and show that despite the rise in CO2 concentrations, iWUE has decreased in central African tropical trees in the Congo Basin. Although we find evidence that points to leaf-level adaptation to increasing CO2 -that is, increasing photosynthesis-related nutrients and decreasing maximum stomatal conductance, a decrease in leaf δ13 C clearly indicates a decreasing iWUE over time. Additionally, the stoichiometric carbon to nitrogen and nitrogen to phosphorus ratios in the leaves show no sign of progressive nutrient limitation as they have remained constant since 1938, which suggests that nutrients have not increasingly limited productivity in this biome. Altogether, the data suggest that other environmental factors, such as increasing temperature, might have negatively affected net photosynthesis and consequently downregulated the iWUE. Results from this study reveal that the second largest tropical forest on Earth has responded differently to recent environmental changes than expected, highlighting the need for further on-ground monitoring in the Congo Basin.


Electronic substituent effects in bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane and [n]staffane derivatives: a quantum chemical study based on structural variation.
The transmission of electronic substituent effects through one or more bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane units has been investigated by ascertaining how a variable substituent at a bridgehead position perturbs the geometry of a phenyl group at the opposite end of the molecule. We have analyzed the molecular structures of many bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane and [n]staffane derivatives of general formula Ph-[C(CH(2))(3)C](n)-X (n = 1-5), as obtained from molecular orbital calculations at the HF/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-311++G** levels of theory. When n = 1, the structural variation of the benzene ring is controlled primarily by the long-range polar effect of X, with significant contributions from electronegativity and pi-transfer effects. The capability of the bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane framework to transmit these short-range effects originates from the rather high electron density inside the cage and the hyperconjugative interactions occurring between substituent and framework. A set of at least two bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane units appears to be necessary to remove most of the electronegativity and pi-transfer effects. In higher [n]staffanes (n >or= 3), the very small variation of the benzene ring geometry is controlled entirely by the long-range polar effect of X. With charged groups and for n >or= 2, the potential energy of the ring deformation decreases linearly with n(-3). In Ph-C(CH(2))(3)C-X molecules, the relatively large deformation of the bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane cage is determined primarily by the electronegativity of X, similar to the electronegativity distortion of the benzene ring in Ph-X molecules. Transfer of pi electrons from substituent to cage or vice versa also plays a role in determining the cage deformation.


A new procedure for enzymatic semisynthesis of human insulin by hydrolysis of single-chain des-(b-30)-lnsulin precursor with lysyl endopeptidase.
It has been shown that the single-chain des-(B-30)-insulin precursor (SCI) can be converted into human insulin ester by transpeptidation using trypsin in the presence of a threonine derivative. The present study demonstrates that Achromobacter lyticus protease 1 (lysyl endopeptidase) can catalyze the transpeptidation reaction more efficiently than can trypsin. It is also shown that des-(B-30)-insulin (DAI) can be produced by hydrolysis of SCI with the lysyl endopeptidase. Since it is well known that SCI can be produced by gene technology, the following method is recommended for industrial production of human insulin ester: hydrolysis of SCI with lysyl endopeptidase followed by coupling of the resulting DAI with a threonine derivative using trypsin or lysyl endopeptidase.


Allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness is absent in ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73)-deficient mice.
Adenosine is formed from extracellular purines by ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) and is an essential player in allergic airway inflammation. The contribution of adenosine and other purines to electrolyte transport and mucociliary clearance was studied in airways of allergen challenged mice. No signs for allergen-induced inflammation were found in CD73-/- mice, and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) was unable to elicit airway Cl(-) secretion in these animals. Tracheas of ovalbumin (OVA)-treated BALB/c and CD73+/+ mice were hyperresponsive towards methacholine when assessed by Penh and direct optical measurement of contraction. In addition Cl(-) secretion activated by ATP and ADP was enhanced. These changes were not observed in CD73-/- mice. Expression of CFTR or CLCA was unchanged upon OVA treatment of CD73 mice, suggesting enhanced Cl(-) secretion due to upregulated purinergic pathways. Mucociliary clearance was determined by measuring particle transport in excised mouse tracheas and was strongly enhanced in OVA-challenged CD73+/+ mice, but remained unchanged in CD73-/- mice. While mucociliary clearance is activated by allergen exposure independent of functional ecto-5'-nucleotidase, airway inflammation is largely dependent on CD73. Thus, ecto-5'-nucleotidase may provide a novel target for therapeutic intervention, probably by local application of ecto-5'-nucleotidase inhibitors through inhalation.


[What should we call this group of disease? (author's transl)].
In past several years in Japan, there were many reports on a certain group of cases which were called by many names such as abnormal vascular network in the cerebral basal region, spontaneous occlusion of the circle of Willis, Cerebrovascular Moyamoya disease, cerebral juxabasal telangiectasia and so on. The characteristics of this group are; 1. Angiographically, they show a narrowing at the distal portion of the internal carotid artery, horizontal portions of the anterior and/or middle cerebral arteries with extensively developed perforators, i.e. abnormal vascular network. 2. Nowadays, it is becoming possible to give accurate diagnosis by only clinical information. 3. The cause is not known and so this group has not yet been recognized as a clinico-pathological entity. This group of the cases was first recognized and mainly investigated by Japanese neurosurgeons. But they have used many names as shown Table 1. Such a variety of the names seems to be troublesome for investigator and a single appropriate name should be used. From the Japanese and other country's reports, the name of this disorder can be divided into 5 categories as follows; Category 1: from the viewpoint of clinical symptoms and sign. Category 2: from the viewpoint of only abnormal vascular network on angiograms. Category 3: from the finding of the arterial narrowing. Category 4: from the both findings of the abnormal vascular network and arterial narrowing. Category 5: miscellaneous. The annual changes in usage frequency of various designation about this disorder has investigated and it disclosed the difference between Japan and other countries. The questionairre about the naming was sent to 306 investigators who had reported the cases. And the summary of their response as follow: 1) Most of them agree with determination of a single name. 2) Their most favorite name belongs to Category 2. This means that the most impressive finding was not the obstruction but the vascular network shown in angiograms. 3) The name "Abnormal vascular network" and "Moyamoya" mean the same phenomenon. In spite of having many disputation such as unacademic, not including the idea of arterial obstruction, and difficulty to understand for foreigners, but the name "Moyamoya" was pointed out by many investigators that it has many advantages such as being short and humorous, Moyamoya also has a meaning of unknown origin in Japanese, and already very popular worldwide. In my opinion, this group must not be called as "Moyamoya disease", but simply "MOYAMOYA".


Chemopreventive action of Boerhaavia diffusa on DMBA-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice.
Boerhaavia diffusa, Linn (Fam: Nyctagenaceae), is widely used for the treatment of Jaundice in various parts of India. In the present study, cancer chemopreventive property of B. diffusa was evaluated on 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced skin papillomagenesis in male Swiss albino mice (6-7 weeks old). A single topical application of 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (50 microg/50 microl of acetone), followed 2 weeks later by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone three times a week) and continued till the end of the experiment exhibited 100% tumor incidence. In contrast, mice treated topically on the shaven backs with the Boerhaavia diffusa extract at either the peri-initiational phase (i.e. 7 days before and 7 days after the application of DMBA; Group II), post initiational phase (i.e. from the day of start of croton oil treatment and continued till the end of the experiment; Group III) or continuously at the peri- and post-initiational stages (i.e. 7 days prior to DMBA application and continued till the end of the experiment; Group IV), a significant reduction in the values of tumor incidence (Group II - 65%; Group III - 30%; Group IV - 25%), average number of tumors per tumor bearing mouse (Group II - 2.8; Group III - 0.75; Group IV - 0.35) and papillomas per papilloma bearing mouse (Group II - 3.1; Group III - 2.5; Group IV - 1.2) were observed.


'I was told not to do it but…': Infant feeding practices amongst HIV-positive women in southern Thailand.
mothers living with HIV are encouraged not to breastfeed as it can transmit HIV to their infants. However, there is little known about how Thai women with HIV perceive and experience their infant feeding practices. This paper explores the breastfeeding experiences among Thai women living with HIV in southern Thailand. semi-structured interviews and drawing methods were used with 30 HIV-positive women in rural communities of southern Thailand. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. HIV-positive mothers had ambivalent feelings about not being able to breastfeed their infants. They perceived themselves as a 'contaminated mother'. Healthcare centres and hospitals supply free infant formula for HIV-positive mothers up to one and a half years. Despite this, many mothers had to deal with some difficulties. Some infants developed an allergy to the infant formula. The free infant formula was not sufficient for some infants and the mothers had to find alternative means for the well-being of their infants: many mothers relied on condensed milk whereas some fed mashed banana. The women made every effort to fulfill their ideology of being a good and responsible mother. this paper contributes a conceptual understanding about the lived experiences of breastfeeding among women living with HIV in southern Thailand. The findings have implications for midwifery care and health policy. The provision of different options of feeding should be made available to infants along with accessible resources and professional support and guidance.


[Antibodies against interspecies erythrokaryocyte antigen in patients with partial red cell aplasia of the bone marrow].
Immunofluorescense and cytotoxicity test in vitro were used to demonstrate specific antibodies in sera of 11 out of 19 patients with partial red cell aplasia (PRCA). The antibodies reacted with erythroblast cells from embryos and adult men, with bone marrow cells from a female patient suffering from acute erythroleukemia, with erythrokaryocytes of mouse embryos and cells of Rauscher's viral erythroleukemia. The results of cross adsorption and blockade of the immunofluorescent reaction of the sera of PRCA patients with antibodies against mouse erythroblast antigen bearing an interspecies determinant suggest that in the pathogenesis of PRCA there takes part an autoimmune reaction against specific interspecies antigen to erythrokaryocytes. This antigen is apparently similar to antigen against mouse erythroblast cells.


Effect of ultrasound treatment during osmotic dehydration on bioactive compounds of cranberries.
The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of ultrasound treatment applied in osmotic solution on bioactive compounds, such as vitamin C, polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids content as well as antioxidant activity in cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccus). Ultrasound treatment was performed at the frequency of 21kHz for 30 and 60min in two osmotic solutions - 61.5% sucrose and 30% sucrose with an addition of 0.1% of steviol glycosides. Before the ultrasound treatment the material was subjected to cutting or blanching. The obtained results indicated that the influence of ultrasound waves on cranberries depends on a type of bioactive component. The ultrasound treated cranberries as well as the ones subjected to cutting or blanching enhanced by ultrasound were characterized mainly by a lower content of bioactive compounds.


Use of ImageJ software for histomorphometric evaluation of normal and severely affected canine ear canals.
Morphological studies comparing normal and diseased ear canals use primarily subjective scoring. The aim of this study was to compare normal and severely affected ears in dogs with objective measurements using ImageJ software. Ear canals were harvested from cadavers with normal ears and from dogs that underwent total ear canal ablation for unresolved otitis. Histopathology samples from ear canals were evaluated by semi-quantitative scoring and also by using ImageJ-software for histomorphometric measurements. The normal ears were compared to the severely affected ears using the 2 methods. The 2 methods were significantly (P < 0.0001) correlated for epidermal hyperplasia, ceruminous gland dilation, and hyperplasia and tissue inflammation, which were significantly greater in the severely affected ears (P < 0.0001). This study demonstrated that there is a very high correlation between the 2 methods for the most markedly affected components of otitis externa and that ImageJ software can be efficiently used to measure and evaluate ear canal histomorphometry.


[Reactivation of hepatitis B virus due to rituximab plus CHOP after preemptive lamivudine administration in a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma].
A 59-year-old woman received eight cycles of R-CHOP for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from July, 2004. Pretreatment HBV serological tests were positive, however, the transaminases were within normal limits, and she remained asymptomatic. Lamivudine (LAM) was administered orally from the start of R-CHOP. HBV-DNA levels gradually decreased and were not detected until December, 2004. LAM was administered until 3 months after the end of chemotherapy, with the entire treatment lasting less than 1 year. Two months after the cessation of treatment, she was re-admitted for general malaise. A liver function test revealed severe abnormalities, and HBVDNA levels were increased. Clinically, she was experiencing acute hepatitis due to HBV reactivation. She was then treated with LAM and interferon-beta immediately. Her HBV-DNA levels soon decreased, and liver function improved.


Theoretical investigation of static characterization on nonlinear elementary excitations in trans-polyacetylene.
Semiempirical quantum chemical studies on neutral and positively charged H(CH)nH homologues have been performed for systems with n up to 101, where different kinds of nonlinear excitation are found with increasing chain length. The Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) model has been employed and solved with the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method. The geometrical and electronic distortions induced by defects are obtained and compared with previous theoretical work, indicating that an adequate account of the electron correlation is essential for describing such systems. The structural distortion of a charged soliton (half-width calculated as L = 13) is shown to be more extended than that of a neutral soliton (L = 6); the geometrical distortion is even more extended in a polaron. In bipolarons, our calculations show that the coupling of the soliton-antisoliton pair might be longer ranged than expected. The phase transition from a bipolaron to a separated soliton-antisoliton pair occurs when n is close to 100.


Monitoring change in vertebrate abundance: the living planet index.
The task of measuring the decline of global biodiversity and instituting changes to halt and reverse this downturn has been taken up in response to the Convention on Biological Diversity's 2010 target. It is an undertaking made more difficult by the complex nature of biodiversity and the consequent difficulty in accurately gauging its depletion. In the Living Planet Index, aggregated population trends among vertebrate species indicate the rate of change in the status of biodiversity, and this index can be used to address the question of whether or not the 2010 target has been achieved. We investigated the use of generalized additive models in aggregating large quantities of population trend data, evaluated potential bias that results from collation of existing trends, and explored the feasibility of disaggregating the data (e.g., geographically, taxonomically, regionally, and by thematic area). Our results show strengths in length and completeness of data, little evidence of bias toward threatened species, and the possibility of disaggregation into meaningful subsets. Limitations of the data set are still apparent, in particular the dominance of bird data and gaps in tropical-species population coverage. Population-trend data complement the longer-term, but more coarse-grained, perspectives gained by evaluating species-level extinction rates. To measure progress toward the 2010 target, indicators must be adapted and strategically supplemented with existing data to generate meaningful indicators in time. Beyond 2010, it is critical a strategy be set out for the future development of indicators that will deal with existing data gaps and that is intricately tied to the goals of future biodiversity targets.


A short computer anxiety scale.
A 6-item measure of computer anxiety was devised and showed good reliability and validity in both American and English samples so it could be useful in survey research when a brief measure of computer anxiety is needed.


A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Chest CT Severity Score and Laboratory Findings and Clinical Parameters in COVID-19 Pneumonia.
The COVID-19 virus has infected millions of people and became a global pandemic in 2020. The efficacy of laboratory and clinical parameters in the diagnosis and monitoring of COVID-19 has been established. The CT scan has been identified as a crucial tool in the prognostication of COVID-19 pneumonia. Moreover, it has been proposed that the CT severity score can be utilized for the diagnosis and prognostication of COVID-19 disease severity and exhibits a correlation with laboratory findings such as inflammatory markers, blood glucose levels, and clinical parameters such as endotracheal intubation, oxygen saturation, mortality, and hospital admissions. Nevertheless, the correlation between the CT severity score and clinical or laboratory parameters has not been firmly established. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the aforementioned association. This review used a systematic approach to collate and assess the existing literature that investigates the correlation between CT severity score and laboratory and clinical parameters. The search was conducted using Embase Ovid, MEDLINE Ovid, and PubMed databases, covering the period from inception to 20 May 2023. This review identified 20 studies involving more than 8000 participants of varying designs. The findings showed that the CT severity score is positively associated with laboratory and clinical parameters in COVID-19 patients. The findings indicate that the CT severity score exhibits a satisfactory level of prognostic accuracy in predicting mortality among patients with COVID-19.