Evaluation of a cognitive remediation intervention for college students with psychiatric conditions.
Given the poor educational outcomes associated with psychiatric conditions, we developed Focused Academic Strength Training (FAST), a 12-week strategy-focused cognitive remediation intervention designed to improve academic functioning among college students with psychiatric conditions. Here we report initial results from a randomized controlled trial of FAST. Seventy-two college students with mood, anxiety, and/or psychotic disorders were randomized to receive FAST or services as usual and were assessed at baseline and 4 months (posttreatment). Repeated-measures analyses of variance indicated FAST-associated improvements in self-reported cognitive strategy use (p < .001), self-efficacy (p = .001), and academic difficulties (p = .025). There were no significant treatment-related improvements in neuropsychological performance. FAST may lead to an increase in self-efficacy and cognitive strategy use, as well as a reduction in academic difficulties among students with psychiatric conditions. Future analyses with follow-up data through 12 months will address the potential of FAST to improve academic functioning among this population. (PsycINFO Database Record


Weight-Loss Resilience Among Low-Income Postpartum Women: Association With Health Habits.
Using a weight resilience framework, health habits of diet and physical activity, social support, and perceived stress were compared in women who lost weight (resilient) and those who did not lose or gained weight (nonresilient) during a weight-loss intervention. Participants were low-income postpartum women participating in a 13-week randomized treatment-control group intervention, with 20 of 50 classified as resilient in losing weight. Measures included the Postpartum Support Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and health habit items from the Self Care Inventory. Weight-loss resilient women showed significantly more frequent healthful dietary habits, such as eating a nutritious breakfast, and less frequent unhealthy habits, such as substituting junk food for meals, and less perceived stress than their nonresilient counterparts at both the midpoint and end of the study. Weight-loss resilient women also showed significantly more frequent physical activity habits at the end of the study. No social support differences were found.


Eugene Cullen Kennedy (1928-2015).
Presents an obituary for Eugene Cullen Kennedy, who died at age 86 on June 3, 2015, from heart and lung failure. Kennedy was trained as a counseling psychologist, but his impact went far beyond psychology, spanning 50 years and satisfying the intellectual tastes of a diversity of enthusiasts. (PsycINFO Database Record


Resolving conflicts among principles: ranking, balancing, and specifying.
While much attention has been given to the use of principles in biomedical ethics and increasing attention is given to alternative theoretical approaches, relatively little attention has been devoted to the critical task of how one resolves conflicts among competing principles. After summarizing the system of principles and some problems in conceptualizing the principles, several strategies for reconciling conflicts among principles are examined including the use of single-principle theories (pure libertarianism, pure utilitarianism, and pure Hippocratism), balancing theories, conflicting appeals theories, and lexical ordering. Then a mixed strategy is proposed in which consequentialist principles are balanced between themselves as are nonconsequentialist principles, after which the result of balancing the nonconsequentialist principles is lexically ranked over the result of balancing the consequentialist ones. Finally, strategies involving specifying and rule generation are discussed concluding that most current specification and rule-generating theories must involve some degree of lexical ordering of principles.


Identification of several stilbene derivatives in bovine urine by means of high performance liquid chromatographic fractionation and immunochemical detection.
Radioimmunochemical detection (RIA) following fractionation of urine extracts via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) turned out to be a very specific method for the identification of stilbene derivatives in bovine urine. Combination of the high resolution of the HPLC with a specific RIA is a suitable method to discriminate between the presence of different stilbene derivatives like diethylstilboestrol (DES), dienoestrol (DE) and hexoestrol (HEX) or other unknown compounds interfering in the celite-RIA used in the screening. Using this screening method 8200 samples of bovine urine were investigated on the presence of stilbene derivatives of which 133 were classified as 'positive'. In 106 'positive' urines the presence of DES was shown and in 19 'positive' urines the presence of DE or HEX, using the method described in this report whereas in 8 'positive' urines an unknown immunochemical active compound was detected. During 1.5 year of comparative investigation no qualitative discrepancies occurred between the results of the HPLC-immunogram procedure and the final confirmation by high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectometry (GCMS).


Somatostatin Receptor Targeted PET-CT and Its Role in the Management and Theranostics of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms.
Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) agonist-based Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) imaging is nowadays the mainstay for the assessment and diagnostic imaging of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN), especially in well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET) (World Health Organization (WHO) grade I and II). Major clinical indications for SSTR imaging are primary staging and metastatic workup, especially (a) before surgery, (b) detection of unknown primary in metastatic NET, (c) patient selection for theranostics and appropriate therapy, especially peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), while less major indications include treatment response evaluation on and disease prognostication. Dual tracer PET-CT imaging using SSTR targeted PET tracers, viz. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Tyr3-Octreotate (DOTA-TATE) and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-NaI3-Octreotide (DOTA-NOC), and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), have recently gained widespread acceptance for better assessment of whole-body tumor biology compared to single-site histopathology, in terms of being non-invasive and the ability to assess inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity on a global scale. FDG uptake has been identified as independent adverse risk factor in various studies. Recently, somatostatin receptor antagonists have been shown to be more sensitive and specific in detecting the disease. The aim of this review article is to summarize the clinical importance of SSTR-based imaging in the clinical management of neuroendocrine and related tumors.


A case of Behçet's disease involving the bladder.
A case of Behçet's disease involving the bladder has been described. It resembled a bladder carcinoma. The pathology, aetiology and treatment have been briefly outlined.


CXCL9 causes heterologous desensitization of CXCL12-mediated memory T lymphocyte activation.
The chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CXCR4 are primarily involved in memory Th1 cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Although recent studies in chronic inflammatory disease showed therapeutic success using combined blockade, details of CXCR3 and CXCR4 synergism are not understood. In this investigation, we intended to unravel the interaction of these chemokine receptors in static and dynamic cell-migration assays at both the cellular and molecular levels. Effects of combined stimulation by murine CXCL9 and CXCL12, ligands of CXCR3 and CXCR4, respectively, were analyzed using a murine central memory Th1 cell clone. Costimulation with CXCL9 desensitized the chemotaxis of Th1 cells toward CXCL12 by up to 54%. This effect was found in murine EL-4 cells, as well as in primary human T cells. Furthermore, under dynamic flow conditions CXCL12-induced crawling and endothelial transmigration of Th1 cells was desensitized by CXCL9. Subsequent experiments uncovered several molecular mechanisms underlying the heterologous cross-regulation of CXCR4 signaling by the CXCR3 ligand. CXCR4 surface expression was reduced, whereas CXCL12-induced Akt phosphorylation and intracellular Ca(2+) signals were modulated. Moreover, blockade of Rac by NSC23766 revealed differential effects on CXCL12 and CXCL9 chemotaxis and abolished the desensitizing effect of CXCL9. The desensitization of CXCR4 via CXCR3 in memory Th1 cells suggests that their in vivo homeostasis, widely regulated by CXCL12, seemed to be significantly altered by CXCR3 ligands. Our data provide a more detailed understanding for the continuing extravasation and recruitment of Th1 lymphocytes into sites of persistent inflammation.


Immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice of influenza B virus vaccines grown in mammalian cells or embryonated chicken eggs.
The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of formalin-inactivated influenza B/Memphis/1/93 virus vaccines propagated exclusively in Vero cells, MDCK cells, or embryonated chicken eggs (hereafter referred to as eggs) were investigated. Mammalian cell-grown viruses differ from the egg-grown variant at amino acid position 198 (Pro/Thr) in the hemagglutinin gene. The level of neuraminidase activity was highest in egg-grown virus, while MDCK and Vero cell-derived viruses possessed 70 and 90% less activity, respectively. After boosting, each of the vaccines induced high levels of hemagglutinin-inhibiting, neuraminidase-inhibiting, and neutralizing antibodies that provided complete protection from MDCK-grown virus challenge. Mammalian cell-derived virus vaccines induced serum antibodies that were more cross-reactive, while those induced by egg-grown virus vaccines were more specific to the homologous antigen. Enzyme-linked immunospot analysis indicated that cell-grown virus vaccines induced high frequencies of immunoglobulin G (IgG)-producing cells directed against both cell- and egg-grown virus antigens, whereas egg-grown virus vaccine induced higher frequencies of IgG- and IgM-producing cells reacting with homologous antigen and low levels of IgG-producing cells reactive with cell-grown viruses. These studies indicate that influenza B virus variants selected in different host systems can elicit different immune responses, but these alterations had no detectable influence on the protective efficacy of the vaccines with the immunization protocol used in this study.


Color Doppler sonography: an adjunctive technique in assessment of parathyroid adenomas.
In evaluating primary parathyroid adenomas with high-resolution color Doppler sonography, initial detection relied on the observation of a hypoechoic soft tissue mass adjacent to the thyroid gland. Using color Doppler sonography, many adenomas had a demonstrable blood supply from the inferior thyroidal artery branches, identified as a vascular arc surrounding the gland from 90 to 270 degrees. The vascular arc assists the interpreter with establishing the nature of the mass, differentiating it from masses such as regional lymph nodes, which demonstrate hilar flow. Sixty-three percent (20 of 32) of parathyroid adenomas had a color arc. The identification of a vascular arc is a useful adjunctive finding, improving diagnostic specificity and quickly confirming the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma.


Understanding Ebola virus and other zoonotic transmission risks through human-bat contacts: Exploratory study on knowledge, attitudes and practices in Southern Cameroon.
The ecology of Ebola virus (EBV) remains largely unknown, but the previous detection of viral RNA and anti-EBV antibodies in African bats suggests that they might play a role in the EBV reservoir. Moreover, African bats also carry other potentially zoonotic agents such as Henipah-like viruses, coronaviruses and lyssaviruses. Today only little information is available on interactions between humans and bats. The objective of our exploratory study was to describe the extent and modes of contacts between humans and bats in southern Cameroon, considered as an area at risk for future EBV outbreaks. The survey was conducted in 11 villages of four distinct rural areas in southern Cameroon. A total of 135 respondents were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, between February and May 2017. The study showed that direct contacts between bats and humans are relatively common. Bat bushmeat appeared to be an occasional meat resource; 40% of respondents consume bats with a median annual consumption of three, and 28% of respondents hunt them. About 22% of the respondents reported children catching bats. Indirect contact also appeared to be common; 55% of hunters use caves as shelters and 67% of interviewees eat fruits previously chewed by bats. Bat consumption varied significantly between regions (from 0% to 87%) and between pygmies and bantus in the extreme south-east of Cameroon. The study revealed considerable diversity in practices among interviewees, most of them being subsistence cultivators and relying on self-hunted bushmeat. Geographical diversity of contacts and perceptions regarding bats in Cameroon emphasizes the need to adjust zoonotic pathogen surveillance and education campaigns to the specificities of the communities and their context of interaction with wildlife.


Theoretical study of the low-lying States of Fe2-(C6H6)3.
Using the gradient-corrected BPW91 method and 6311++G(2d,2p) basis sets, it was found that adsorption of benzene by iron atoms forms a multiple-decker sandwich (MDS) geometry for the ground state (GS) of Fe(2)-(C(6)H(6))(3), as Fe(2) is broken. Though decoordination occurs, the ligands are bonded symmetrically to the Fe sites by η(6) (for the two external rings) and two η(3) (for the central ring) Fe-C coordinations; this big amount of Fe-C bonds enhances the stability of the MDS GS. This is unexpected, as the experiment suggests MDS for TM(n)-(C(6)H(6))(m) species of earlier transition metals (TMs) and clusters covered with benzene, i.e., rice-ball (RB) structures, for late 3d atoms. However, preserving Fe(2), an RB state was found, quasi-degenerate with the GS, with a smaller amount of Fe-C contacts and a stronger Fe(2) bond. The MDS shows higher stability for electron attachment and deletion events, but its adiabatic electron affinity, 1.11 eV, differs more from the experiment (0.80 ± 0.1 eV) than the one (0.97 eV) for RB. Thus, MDS and RB states can appear in a sample of Fe(2)-(C(6)H(6))(3). Like the electron affinity, the ionization energy of the complex is also smaller than those of the metal and benzene moieties, but closer to the former, signifying that the electron, delocalized through the 3d-π bonds, is mainly deleted from the metallic units.


[Early PTH assay after total thyroidectomy: predictive factor for post operative hypocalcemia?].
Hypocalcemia is the most common complication of total thyroidectomy. During surgery the blood supply to preserved parathyroid glands may be compromised, monitoring for post operative hypocalcemia is often the primary reason patients remain in hospital. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of early parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay for predicting thyroidectomy-related hypocalcemia. 62 patients underwent total thyroidectomy between November 2004 and April 2005 in our institution. Quick PTH assay was performed 1 hour post thyroidectomy. Based on the result (PTH > or <16 pg/mL) the patients were separated into two groups. Serum calcium levels and ionised fractions were determined 24, 48 and 72 hours after surgery. Post operative hypocalcemia was defined as calcium levels <2.00 mmol/L and/or ionised calcium levels <1.00 mmol/L. In 16 cases hypocalcemia occurred in the first 72 hours (25.8 %). In all of these cases, PTH measured 1 hour after thyroidectomy was < or = 16 pg/mL. All patients with PTH >16 pg/mL one hour after the operation remained normocalcemic. Of the 29 patients with a PTH < or =16 pg/mL at one hour post surgery, 13 remained normocalcemic. Quick PTH measurements which were < or =16 pg/mL post thyroidectomy were an excellent predictive factor of hypocalcemia with a sensibility of 100%, a specificity of 71.7%, a positive predictive value of 55.2% and a negative predictive value of 100%. PTH measurement 1 hour post thyroidectomy can potentially highlight those patients at risk of hypocalcemia. This would allow more efficient replacement therapy with calcium and vitamin D thus avoiding complications and reducing total hospital stay.


The cost-effectiveness of ustekinumab for moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Given its chronicity and impact on quality of life, psoriasis is a costly disease. As new and better treatments are developed, the cost of treating psoriasis has risen. In this drug profile, the authors discuss ustekinumab, its pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and direct and indirect costs to determine its cost-efficacy. The authors searched PubMed with specific search phrases for clinical trials investigating this issue over 5 years. Eleven articles analyzed cost-effectiveness of ustekinumab, and the references of these articles were included. Studies limited to 12 weeks reported that ustekinumab may not be cost-effective as it has high cost per injection and is costly when loading doses are required. Studies that went beyond 12 weeks documented that, with ustekinumab's infrequent dosing, it is cost-effective during the maintenance period.


TCR-Pred: A new web-application for prediction of epitope and MHC specificity for CDR3 TCR sequences using molecular fragment descriptors.
The search for the relationships between CDR3 TCR sequences and epitopes or MHC types is a challenging task in modern immunology. We propose a new approach to develop the classification models of structure-activity relationships (SAR) using molecular fragment descriptors MNA (Multilevel Neighbourhoods of Atoms) to represent CDR3 TCR sequences and the naïve Bayes classifier algorithm. We have created the freely available TCR-Pred web application (http://way2drug.com/TCR-pred/) to predict the interactions between α chain CDR3 TCR sequences and 116 epitopes or 25 MHC types, as well as the interactions between β chain CDR3 TCR sequences and 202 epitopes or 28 MHC types. The TCR-Pred web application is based on the data (more 250 000 unique CDR3 TCR sequences) from VDJdb, McPAS-TCR, and IEDB databases and the proposed approach. The average AUC values of the prediction accuracy calculated using a 20-fold cross-validation procedure varies from 0.857 to 0.884. The created web application may be useful in studies related with T-cell profiling based on CDR3 TCR sequences.


Quantum nature of molecular vibrational quenching: Water-molecular hydrogen collisions.
Rates of conversions of molecular internal energy to and from kinetic energy by means of molecular collision allow us to compute collisional line shapes and transport properties of gases. Knowledge of ro-vibrational quenching rates is necessary to connect spectral observations to physical properties of warm astrophysical gasses, including exo-atmospheres. For a system of paramount importance in this context, the vibrational bending mode quenching of H2O by H2, we show here that the exchange of vibrational to rotational and kinetic energy remains a quantum process, despite the large numbers of quantum levels involved and the large vibrational energy transfer. The excitation of the quantized rotor of the projectile is by far the most effective ro-vibrational quenching path of water. To do so, we use a fully quantum first-principles computation, potential and dynamics, converging it at all stages, in a full coupled channel formalism. We present here rates for the quenching of the first bending mode of ortho-H2O by ortho-H2, up to 500 K, in a fully converged coupled channel formalism.


Using celecoxib for the suppression of preterm labor instead of magnesium sulfate.
We aimed to use celecoxib to suppress preterm labor instead magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) to prevent preterm labor. It was a randomized clinical trial study, which was done on 600 pregnant women. All subjects were divided into two groups by simple random sampling. One group was given 4 grams of MgSO4 intravenously and second group was given 100 mg of celecoxib orally every 12 hours for at least 2 days. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 11 and performed using t-test and chi-square test. The finding of this study has shown that preterm labor may be prevented in 75.7% of subjects who had received celecoxib and there were no significant difference between two groups in frequency of history of preterm labor (P = 1), frequencies of nulliparity (P = 0.99), duration of drug use and arrest contraction (P = 0.29), delivery before 48 hours (P = 0.20), and mean gestational age in lack of response to treatment (P = 0.24). Result has shown that celecoxib was similar to MgSO4 as a medication to prevent preterm labor; it was recommended to be prescribe to prevent preterm labor, because it was cheaper than magnesium sulfate.


[The neurobehavioral effects of solvents].
The paper correlates basic literature on the neuropsychological consequences and a wide range of organic solvents, which are known to induce disorders that range from a "neurasthenic-like" psychological disorders to dementia. By highlighting the type of impairments that are most likely to be associated with organic solvents and their mixtures human neurotoxic solvent syndromes are identified and assessed. The paper provides with a briefly description of classes of solvents, their common characteristics, routes of solvent exposure and general toxic effects. General assessment strategies as well as specific neuropsychological procedures and diagnostic criteria are discussed. The confounding of neuropsychological evaluation with individual characteristics, attitudes and life style, psychosocial and medical disturbances and group dynamic processes that hamper the correct causal attribution of exposure effects is considered.


Revitalising the rudimentary replacement dentition in the mouse.
Most mammals have two sets of teeth (diphyodont) - a deciduous dentition replaced by a permanent dentition; however, the mouse possesses only one tooth generation (monophyodont). In diphyodonts, the replacement tooth forms on the lingual side of the first tooth from the successional dental lamina. This lamina expresses the stem/progenitor marker Sox2 and has activated Wnt/β-catenin signalling at its tip. Although the mouse does not replace its teeth, a transient rudimentary successional dental lamina (RSDL) still forms during development. The mouse RSDL houses Sox2-positive cells, but no Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Here, we show that stabilising Wnt/β-catenin signalling in the RSDL in the mouse leads to proliferation of the RSDL and formation of lingually positioned teeth. Although Sox2 has been shown to repress Wnt activity, overexpression of Wnts leads to a downregulation of Sox2, suggesting a negative-feedback loop in the tooth. In the mouse, the first tooth represses the formation of the replacement, and isolation of the RSDL is sufficient to induce formation of a new tooth germ. Our data highlight key mechanisms that may have influenced the evolution of replacement teeth.This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.


Enhancing pathways into care (EPIC): community development working with the Pakistani community to improve patient pathways within a crisis resolution and home treatment service.
Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities receive different pathways into mental health care with BME service users often presenting in crisis. This is associated with both an over representation of such groups in psychiatric wards and people avoiding mainstream services altogether. The Sheffield Crisis Resolution Home Treatment (CRHT) created the Enhancing Pathways Into Care (EPIC) project, which initially focused on engagement with the Pakistani community (the largest BME group in Sheffield). The project aimed to empower the Pakistani community to seek mental health support earlier within their own community, build up trust in mainstream services and enhance the clinical pathways within services to provide more culturally appropriate care. CRHT joined with the local Pakistani Muslim Centre (PMC) to work in partnership. The PMC had existing links with the Pakistani community and provided a range of social, respite and occupational opportunities. The partnership created an innovative new role: the Pakistani link worker. The EPIC partnership strengthened the PMC's influence and raised awareness of mental health issues in the community. Through integration of the link worker within the everyday practice of clinicians, pathways of care showed evidence of positive change including more referrals to the PMC from psychiatric services. The EPIC project piloted a model of partnership working that is effective and transferable.


Genital and perianal warts: new treatment opportunities for human papillomavirus infection.
Human papillomaviruses are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. Genital warts are a common phenotypic expression of human papillomaviruses, affecting 1% of the population; therefore, the obstetrician/gynecologist will invariably be required to advise and treat patients with this clinical manifestation. Issues essential in the diagnosis, counseling, and management of patients with genital warts will be examined, including epidemiology, transmission, molecular biology, and host immune response. This review will also provide the health care professional with a thorough examination of the new patient-applied treatment opportunities for anogenital condyloma, in addition to an overview of current provider-administered therapies, to assist in patient management.


MOR-1-immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord: evidence for nonsynaptic innervation by substance P-containing primary afferents and for selective activation by noxious thermal stimuli.
A direct action of mu-opioid agonists on neurons in the spinal dorsal horn is thought to contribute to opiate-induced analgesia. In this study we have investigated neurons that express the mu-opioid receptor MOR-1 in rat spinal cord to provide further evidence about their role in nociceptive processing. MOR-1-immunoreactive cells were largely restricted to lamina II, where they comprised approximately 10% of the neuronal population. The cells received few contacts from nonpeptidergic unmyelinated afferents, but many from substance P-containing afferents. However, electron microscopy revealed that most of these contacts were not associated with synapses. None of the MOR-1 cells in lamina II expressed the neurokinin 1 receptor; however, the mu-selective opioid peptide endomorphin-2 was present in the majority (62-82%) of substance P axons that contacted them. Noxious thermal stimulation of the foot induced c-Fos expression in approximately 15% of MOR-1 cells in the medial third of the ipsilateral dorsal horn at mid-lumbar level. However, following pinching of the foot or intraplantar injection of formalin very few MOR-1 cells expressed c-Fos, and for intraplantar formalin injection this result was not altered significantly by pretreatment with systemic naloxone. Although these findings indicate that at least some of the neurons in lamina II with MOR-1 are activated by noxious thermal stimulation, the results do not support the hypothesis that the cells have a role in transmitting nociceptive information following acute mechanical or chemical noxious stimuli.


Cervical cancer in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia: Regional inequalities and changing trends.
The vast majority (86% or 453,000 cases) of the global burden of cervical cancer occurs in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia, where one in nine new cancer cases are of the cervix. Although the disease has become rare in high-resource settings (e.g., in North America, parts of Europe, Japan) that have historically invested in effective screening programs, the patterns and trends are variable elsewhere. While favourable incidence trends have been recorded in many populations in Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean in the past decades, rising rates have been observed in sub-Saharan African countries, where high quality incidence series are available. The challenge for countries heavily affected by the disease in these regions is to ensure resource-dependent programmes of screening and vaccination are implemented to transform the situation, so that accelerated declines in cervical cancer are not the preserve of high-income countries, but become the norm in all populations worldwide.


Fatal aortoesophageal fistula in two cases of tight vascular ring.
Vascular rings are rare vascular congenital anomalies causing oesophageal and tracheal compression. An aortoesophageal fistula is a devastating, in part iatrogenic, complication of vascular rings. It is seen with increasing frequency, and can be misleading, since differential diagnosis with other causes of haematemesis and melaena is often difficult, especially in infants. We report two infants with aortoesophageal fistulas secondary to double aortic arches forming a vascular ring. In both, the diagnosis was missed, and massive haemorrhage led to death. In both cases, the fissuration on the oesophageal and aortic sides of the fistula had sharp edges, highly suggestive of an iatrogenic laceration caused by manipulation of nasogastric tubes. The key for the diagnosis of vascular rings is, therefore, clinical suspicion and awareness of this condition. Prompt identification in infants with stridor, wheezing, or respiratory distress can prevent prolonged intubation, thus avoiding the formation of an aortoesophageal fistula and hopefully preventing a fatal outcome.


Hospital at home for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an integrated hospital and community based generic intermediate care service for prevention and early discharge.
Recent randomized controlled studies have reported success for hospital at home for prevention and early discharge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients using hospital based respiratory nurse specialists. This observational study reports results using an integrated hospital and community based generic intermediate care service. The length of care, readmission within 60 days and death within 60 days in the early discharge (9.37 days, 21.1%, 7%) and the prevention of admission (five to six days, 34.1%, 3.8%) are similar to previous studies. We suggest that this generic community model of service may allow hospital at home services for COPD to be introduced in more areas.


[Female infertility from the perspective of Chinese medicine].
Infertility is a common condition. Because of traditional Chinese concepts that emphasize the importance of consanguinity, infertility has been a problem long recognized in Chinese history. The subject of infertility was addressed in the I-Jing, written some 3,000 years ago. The Nei-Jing, written during China's Warring States Period, described the mechanisms of infertility. Afterward, the library of knowledge on infertility steadily grew and became more sophisticated. The causes of female infertility in Chinese medicine include congenital deformity, menstruation abnormalities, organ dysfunctions, disturbances in the Qi or blood, malfunctions in the Chong or Ren meridians, emotional effects and the compression of concretions or conglomerations. Based on symptoms and mechanisms, female infertility can be classified into five patterns, including congenital deformity, kidney vacuity, liver depression, phlegm-damp and blood stasis. Chinese medicinal therapies for female infertility include Chinese herb drugs with pattern identification, artificial menstruation cycle therapy, single formula therapy, combined Chinese and Western medicine therapy, acupuncture and moxibustion. The relatively large range of therapies, while a hallmark of Chinese medicine, also points up instabilities in treatment outcomes. Thus, determining the most effective therapy is the most important point of clinical studies.


Abiogenic synthesis on Mars.
Atmospheres capable of producing organic compounds under primitive conditions are discussed in the light of recent experimental evidence. The atmosphere of Mars is discussed, in particular, the observations of Sinton of reflection spectra with features at 3.45, 3.58, and 3.69, which are attributes to C-H bands and the presence of organic molecules. Colthup interprets these features as being representative of organic aldehydes and suggests specifically, acetaldehyde. Many works have considered these observations as being indicative of life on Mars. Rea has offered alternative hypotheses. This paper presents experimental evidence of yet another possible explanation; that organic compounds are being produced in the Martian atmosphere, and may be responsible for Sinton's observations. The influence of such syntheses on possible Martian organisms is discussed. Various possible Martian atmospheres have been irradiated with ultraviolet light as well as other possible energy sources and a variety of organic end products have been identified. Martian atmospheres plus acetaldehyde as a starting point have also been used and end products analyzed. Possible abiogenic pathways for Mars are discussed.


Clinical and analytical evaluation of two immunoassays for direct measurement of creatine kinase MB with monoclonal anti-CK-MB antibodies.
We examined the clinical and analytical performance of two immunoassays (Becton Dickinson CK-MB; Ciba-Corning Magic Lite CK-MB) in which monoclonal anti-CK-MB antibodies are used for directly measuring creatine kinase (EC 220.127.116.11) isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) in serum, and also one electrophoretic method (Ciba-Corning). Within- and between-assay precision for both immunoassays was good at the upper reference limits (less than 10% CV). Analytical recoveries ranged from 102 to 114%. Both immunoassays were free from interference by CK-BB, mitochondrial-CK, macro-CK, adenylate kinase, and CK-MM. Retrospectively, we evaluated four categories of patients, using both immunoassays and electrophoresis: normal controls, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, severe skeletal muscle trauma patients, and acutely ill patients known not to have AMI. In general, there were excellent correlations among all three methods. CK-MB activity (U/L) measured by the Becton Dickinson immunoassay was approximately 50% of the mass concentration (microgram/L) of the Magic Lite immunoassay and 50% of the activity concentration (U/L) determined by electrophoresis. Both immunoassays were easy to perform and sensitive to the low CK-MB concentrations often found with low total-CK activities.


[Clinical profile of patients aged 40 and younger undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting].
To compare the prevalence of risk factors and severity of atherosclerosis in patients (pts) aged 40 or younger undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in comparison to older pts. Retrospective study involved consecutive 2282 pts, who underwent isolated CABG between 1997 and 2003. Pts were divided into three groups: group A--pts aged 40 years or younger (n=39), group B--aged 41 to 65 (n=1497) and group C--aged over 65 years (n=746). All pts were analyzed for prevalence of atherosclerosis risk factors and severity of atherosclerosis. Pts in group A had a higher incidence of active smoking (38.5 vs 18.1 vs 13.0%, for group A, B and C respectively; p < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (92.3 vs 72.1 vs 66.2%; p < 0.05), positive family history of coronary artery disease (51.3 vs 25.1 vs 8.3%; p < 0.001) and obesity (38.5 vs 32.5 vs 22.8%; p < 0.05). Pts in group A were qualified for surgery more often with single-vessel disease (20.5 vs 2.9 vs 4.2%; p < 0.001). In the spite of this fact, significant impairment of left ventricular systolic performance was noted more frequent in group A (ejection fraction below 40%) (35.9 vs 17.4 vs 13.8%, in group A, B and C respectively; p < 0.05). Compared with the older populations, pts aged 40 or younger undergoing CABG had a higher incidence of active smoking, hypercholesterolemia, positive family history of CAD and obesity. Although atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries is less prominent in young pts, more often it is accompanied by markedly impaired left ventricular function.


[Orthogonal experiment of the extraction of triterpenoids from stems of Hyptis suaveolens with microwave].
To study the best technology of the extraction of triterpenoids from the stems of Hyptis suaveolens with microwave. Orthogonal experiment was carried out to investigate 4 influential factors as follows: the time (A), the temperature (B), the solid fluid compared to (C), the NaOH density (D). The optimal conditions for microwave extraction were A1 B2 C3 D2. The microwave extraction can extract more triterpenoids from the stems of Hyptis suaveolens in shorter time with less energy. It also shows a promising prospect for leaching the effective constituents from Chinese herbal medicine by using microwave extraction.


Aminophylline and increased activity of peripheral chemoreceptors in newborn infants.
Peripheral chemoreceptor activity was studied in nine healthy, unsedated neonates (with a mean (SD) postconceptional age of 39 (2) weeks and birth weight of 3000 (400) g) by measuring the inhibition of ventilation elicited by five breaths of 100% oxygen (Dejours technique). Changes in tidal volume, frequency, and minute ventilation were measured before and after administration of aminophylline (10 mg/kg by mouth). Before aminophylline hyperoxia induced a decrease in minute ventilation (from a mean (SE) of 825 (55) to 520 (30) ml/kg/min) as result of reduction of tidal volume (from 12 (0.3) to 8 (0.3) ml/kg). After aminophylline administration the hyperoxia induced decrease in tidal volume (from 14 (0.7) to 6 (0.3) ml/kg) and minute ventilation (from 847 (57) to 386 (21) ml/kg/min) was significantly greater than before. It is concluded that in neonates peripheral chemoreceptors are more active in the presence of aminophylline. It is speculated that aminophylline increases the activity of peripheral chemoreceptors, reducing the breakdown of cAMP, which is a crucial mediator for peripheral chemoreceptor discharge.


Non-radioactive adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase assay by coupling with sulfite reductase and O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase.
Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) sulfotransferase is thought to be an enzyme that transfers the sulfo-group of APS to a carrier compound with a thiol group in the assimilatory sulfate reduction pathway of higher plants. We developed a rapid, non-radioactive assay for APS sulfotransferase. Sulfite released by APS sulfotransferase reaction in the presence of excess dithiothreitol was further converted to cysteine by coupling with yeast sulfite reductase and cabbage O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase. The cysteine thus formed was measured colorimetrically. By this method, 5 to 300 nmol of sulfite could be assessed. When the method was applied to APS sulfotransferase, the enzyme activity was APS-dependent with the partially purified enzyme. We could also detect APS sulfotransferase activity in some higher plants by this method.


Role of the Nfo (YqfS) and ExoA apurinic/apyrimidinic endonucleases in protecting Bacillus subtilis spores from DNA damage.
The Bacillus subtilis enzymes ExoA and Nfo (originally termed YqfS) are endonucleases that can repair apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites and strand breaks in DNA. We have analyzed how the lack of ExoA and Nfo affects the resistance of growing cells and dormant spores of B. subtilis to a variety of treatments, some of which generate AP sites and DNA strand breaks. The lack of ExoA and Nfo sensitized spores (termed alpha-beta-) lacking the majority of their DNA-protective alpha/beta-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) to wet heat. However, the lack of these enzymes had no effect on the wet-heat resistance of spores that retained alpha/beta-type SASP. The lack of either ExoA or Nfo sensitized wild-type spores to dry heat, but loss of both proteins was necessary to sensitize alpha-beta- spores to dry heat. The lack of ExoA and Nfo also sensitized alpha-beta-, but not wild-type, spores to desiccation. In contrast, loss of ExoA and Nfo did not sensitize growing cells or wild-type or alpha-beta- spores to hydrogen peroxide or t-butylhydroperoxide. Loss of ExoA and Nfo also did not increase the spontaneous mutation frequency of growing cells. exoA expression took place not only in growing cells, but also in the forespore compartment of the sporulating cell. These results, together with those from previous work, suggest that ExoA and Nfo are additional factors that protect B. subtilis spores from DNA damage accumulated during spore dormancy.


Open Surgery for Giant Bilateral Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysms with Compression of Neighboring Abdominal Structures: A Case Report.
We describe a patient with successfully treated giant bilateral internal iliac artery aneurysms that were associated with acute renal failure secondary to bilateral hydronephrosis, lumbosacral plexopathy, and ileus. After hemodialysis for 1 month, the patient underwent graft replacement of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries, including complete obliteration of the internal iliac artery branches, reconstruction of the inferior mesenteric artery, and ureterolysis. Weaning from hemodialysis was achieved and postoperative renal function improved. Although the patient had serious preoperative co-morbidities, emergency traditional open surgery should be the gold standard for securely releasing compression of the neighboring organs instead of endovascular treatment.


Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype F reverse transcriptase sequence and drug susceptibility.
We sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed the reverse transcriptase (RT) regions of the pol genes of 14 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates from Romanian patients, which were classified as subtype F on the basis of env gene structure. The RT sequences showed that the strains clustered phylogenetically and were equidistant from other HIV-1 subtypes as shown by the neighbor-joining and maximum-likelihood methods, allowing us to define HIV-1 subtype F according to the pol classification. The subtype F RT sequences differed from reported group M RT sequences by 10.94% (for nucleotides) and 7.6% (for amino acids). Phenotypic analysis of subtype F susceptibility to three classes of antiretroviral compounds showed an increase in the 50% inhibitory concentration of the tetrahydroimidazo[4,5,1-jk] [1,4]-benzodiazepin-2-(1H)-one and -thione (TIBO) derivate R82913 for one strain which was naturally resistant to this compound. This first report of subtype F pol sequences confirms the perfect correlation between the phylogenetic positions determined by env and pol analyses and suggests that virus variability might influence the efficacy of antiretroviral treatments. This finding warrants a global evaluation of the phenotypic and genotypic susceptibility of HIV-1 subtypes to antiretroviral drugs.


Complaints about dog faeces as a symbolic representation of incivility in London, UK: a qualitative study.
During a 'Well London' study, residents were asked about their neighbourhood and its environment. Above all other complaints, 'dog poo' was mentioned as a key concern. Despite low rates of infection and disease among the human population resulting from contact with canine faecal matter, the concerns of the public continue to rate it as a serious public health issue. Most public health studies, therefore, seek to identify processes of transmission and disease pathology as a method of addressing the problem. This study approaches the issue through a contextualised analysis of residents' complaints, using anthropological theory to examine the symbolic representation of 'dog poo'. Analysis of the interviews shows that these specific complaints were located among less easily defined or articulated experiences of social and environmental neglect, where neighbours were estranged from one another and local authorities seen as negligent. This approach has important implications for public health, as it provides not only a strong indicator of the level of dissatisfaction within some of London's more disadvantaged neighbourhoods, but also identifies a need for policies that are grounded in cross-disciplinary research into the relationship between health, 'wellbeing' and experiences of marginalisation among urban populations.


Mutational analysis of fructose-1,6-bis-phosphatase FBP1 indicates partially independent functions in gluconeogenesis and sensitivity to genotoxic stress.
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP1) is a key enzyme in the evolutionary conserved pathway of gluconeogenesis. We had shown in an earlier study that FBP1 is involved in the response and sensitivity to methyl-methanesulfonate (MMS)-induced DNA damage in yeast. In the work presented here we performed an alanine screen mutational analysis of several evolutionary conserved amino acid residues of FBP1, which were selected based on conserved residues and structural studies of mammalian and yeast homologues of FBP1. Mutants were examined for enzymatic activity, and yeast cells expressing these mutants were tested for growth on non-fermentable and MMS-containing media. The results obtained support predicted vital roles of several residues for enzymatic activity and led to the identification of residues indispensable for the MMS-sensitizing effect. Despite an overlap between these two properties, careful analysis revealed two mutations, Asn75 and His324, which decouple the enzymatic activity and the MMS-sensitizing effect, indicating two distinctive biological activities linked in this key gluconeogenesis enzyme.


Synthesis, Morphology Control and Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Properties of Electrospun FeCo Alloy Nanofibers.
Recently, increasing interest has been focused on one-dimensional (1 D) magnetic nanomaterials that have significant anisotropic electromagnetic parameters and size effects that can be used to achieve improved shielding efficiency. In this study, the simple, low-cost and scalable synthesis of FeCo nanofibers is demonstrated by combining an electrospinning process with sequential thermal treatment involving calcination in air followed by reduction in H2 atmosphere. A citric acid has an influence on the morphology of the electrospun product. The as-spun precursor nanofibers are transformed into CoFe2O4 and FeCo phases through the sequential thermal treatment while maintaining the fibrous shapes. To evaluate the electromagnetic (EM) wave-absorbing abilities of the FeCo nanofibers, epoxy matrix composites with the nanofibers are fabricated. The composites show excellent EM wave absorption properties where the power loss of the FeCo nanofibers increased to 20 GHz without any degradation.


Giant sporadic fundic gland polyp: endoscopic and endosonographic features and management.
Fundic gland polyps are the most common gastric polyps. They are usually small in size, sporadic and asymptomatic. We present a case of giant fundic gland polyp. Our case is particular because of the clinical presentation, the endoscopic and endosonographic documented findings, and the treatment otpions followed.


CoWIN: The Future of Universal Immunization Program in India.
CoWIN (Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network) is a web-based platform owned and operated by the Government of India for facilitating COVID-19 vaccination of the citizens. This project is considered a tremendous success, apparent from the sheer number of hassle-free and successful COVID-19 vaccinations. We believe that the CoWIN system is an ideal platform for capturing all the vaccine-related data in the Universal Immunization program (UIP) as well as providing an all-inclusive vaccine certificate in digital format. Advantages and challenges of upscaling the CoWIN system to include UIP and a vision statement of how this can be achieved are discussed in this article. We also enlist the state-level solutions currently in use for digital immunization records, which can serve as case studies for upscaling the CoWIN system.


The factor structure of handedness in India.
Two large surveys of hand preference were carried out in India, and compared to a large North American sample. Factor analysis indicated virtually identical factor structures in the three samples, with two primary factors involving skilled and unskilled activities. In the Indian samples, men were generally more likely to be left-handed than were women, and women were more likely to give extreme responses on the preference inventory. These data are consistent with findings from North American samples. The prevalence of left-handedness was significantly lower in the second Indian sample than in the other two samples. This may be indicative of a lower prevalence of left-handedness in the Indian population.


Lipoprotein(a): a genetically determined risk factor for Cardiovascular disease.
Lipoprotein(a) is a complex lipoprotein with unique characteristics distinguishing it from all the other apolipoprotein B-containing lipoprotein particles. Its lipid composition and the presence of a single molecule of apolipoprotein B per particle, render lipoprotein(a) similar to low-density lipoproteins. However, the presence of a unique, carbohydrate-rich protein termed apolipoprotein(a), linked by a covalent bond to apolipoprotein B imparts unique characteristics to lipoprotein(a) distinguishing it from all the other lipoproteins. Apolipoprotein(a) is highly polymorphic in size ranging in molecular weight from <300 KDa to >800 kDa. Both the size polymorphism and the concentration of lipoprotein(a) in plasma are genetically determined and unlike other lipoproteins, plasma concentration is minimally impacted by lifestyle modifications or lipid-lowering drugs. Many studies involving hundreds of thousands of individuals have provided strong evidence that elevated lipoprotein(a) is genetically determined and a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The concentration attained in adulthood is already present in children at around 5 years of age and therefore, those with elevated lipoprotein(a) are prematurely exposed to a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite the large number of guidelines and consensus statements on the management of lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease published in the last decade, lipoprotein(a) is still seldom measured in clinical settings. In this review, we provide an overview of the most important features that characterize lipoprotein(a), its role in cardiovascular disease, and the importance of adding the measurement of lipoprotein(a) for screening adults and youths to identify those at increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease due to their elevated plasma concentration of lipoprotein(a).


Correlation among alveolar bone assessments provided by CBCT, micro-CT, and 14 T MRI.
The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral adipose tissue (BMAT) volume in 21 alveolar bone specimens, as determined by 14 T MRI, and correlate them to the radiodensity values obtained pre-operatively of regions of interest (ROIs) by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to the bone-volume-to-tissue-volume ratio values obtained by micro-CT, the gold-standard for morphometric data collection. Partially edentulous patients were submitted to a CBCT scan, and the radiographic bone densities in each ROI were automatically calculated using coDiagnostiX software. Based on the CBCT surgical planning, a CAD/CAM stereolithographic surgical guide was fabricated to retrieve a bone biopsy from the same ROIs scanned preoperatively, and then to orientate the subsequent implant placement. The alveolar bone biopsies were then collected and scanned using the micro-CT and 14 T MRI techniques. Pearson's correlation test was performed to correlate the results obtained using the three different techniques. In the 21 eligible bone specimens (6 females, 15 males), age (mean age 52.9 years), micro-CT, and 14 T MRI variables were found to be normally distributed (p > 0.05). The strongest-and only statistically significant (p < 0.05)-correlation was found between micro-CT and 14 T MRI values (r = 0.943), and the weakest, between 14 T MRI and CBCT values (r = -0.068). The findings suggest that 14 T MRI can be used to evaluate BMAT as an indirect marker for bone volume, and that CBCT is not a reliable technique to provide accurate bone density values.


[Construction of human phage antibody library and screening for human monoclonal antibodies of amylin].
To screen monoclonal antibodies to amylin from a constructed human phage antibody library and identify their antigenic specificity and combining activities. The heavy chain Fd fragment and light chain of human immunoglobulin genes were amplified from peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy donors using RT-PCR, and then inserted into phagemid pComb3XSS to generate a human phage antibody library. The insertion of light chain or heavy chain Fd genes were identified by PCR after the digestion of Sac I, Xba I, Xho Iand Spe I. One of positive clones was analyzed by DNA sequencing. The specific anti-amylin clones were screened from antibody library against human amylin antigens and then the positive clones were determined by Phage-ELISA analysis. A Fab phage antibody library with 0.8×10(8); members was constructed with the efficacy of about 70%. DNA sequence analysis indicated V(H); gene belonged to V(H);3 gene family and V(λ); gene belonged to the V(λ); gene family. Using human amylin as panning antigen, specific anti-amylin Fab antibodies were enriched by screening the library for three times. Phage-ELISA assay showed the positive clones had very good specificity to amylin antigen. The successful construction of a phage antibody library and the identification of anti-amylin Fab antibodies provide a basis for further study and preparation of human anti-amylin antibodies.


Manipulation of Inorganic Atomic-Layer Networks by Solution-Phase Co-assembly.
Homogeneous 2D lamellar assemblies of AuI thiolate coordination polymer (ATCP) were obtained by two-ligand co-assembly. The orbital levels and the bandgap of the 2D AuI -S network in the centre of the lamellae can be continuously tuned by means of the capping ligands on both sides, to give a new type of inorganic-organic composite semiconductor, the band structure of which can be easily tuned by low-temperature solution-phase co-assembly. Furthermore, the chemical reactivity of these ATCP co-assemblies also proved to be strongly dependent on the organic substituents, with well-tuneable transformation rates to gold nanoparticles. Apparently, this is the first work to demonstrate how organic substituents can continuously tune the electron band structure and chemical reactivity of inorganic atomic layers of semiconductor through co-assembly.


[Immunopathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].
The paper presents the state of the art in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Both, etiology and pathogenesis of IPF are unclear. The key elements in the pathogenesis of the disease are epithelial destruction and dysregulation of the phenotype of lung fibroblasts. Currently accepted hypothesis claims that IPF is not related to underlying inflammatory state but it is rather a result of pathological interaction between pulmonary epithelium and mesenchyme followed by disturbed healing of damaged alveolar epithelial cells. The function of lung progenitor cells residing in distant lung structures is also impaired. Some scientists claim that genetic defect causes fast shortening of telomeres reducing lung properties of regeneration. According to the current knowledge, IFP is a multifactorial disease resulting from a repeated cycle of injuries followed by pathological regeneration.


Appendiceal perforation and shigellosis.
Appendiceal perforation and shigella enteritis were concomitantly observed in a 5-year-old boy. S. Sonnei was recovered from peritoneal exudate and faeces. This association must be kept in mind when treating patients with abdominal pain and gastroenteritis.


Impact of game elements on tennis match outcome in Wimbledon and Roland Garros 2009.
The aim of the study was to assess the correlation among particular tennis game elements and match outcomes specifically at Wimbledon and Roland Garros tournaments 2009. Study results showed the winners to differ statistically significantly from the losers in total sample including players from both tournaments in all variables except for those describing service speed. Like the sample in total, the winners at Wimbledon were superior in all variables, which was most pronounced in the percentage of points won to the opponent's service, percentage of points won by first and second service, percentage of break points, percentage of net points, and number of aces and winners. The winners at Roland Garros may be efficient due to the high quality of play to their own and the opponent's service. In conclusion, Wimbledon winners are characterized by the variables related to service which the players rely on, while Roland Garros winners are characterized by baseline play predominated by basic strokes.


Relaxation of the CH stretch in liquid CHBr3: solvent effects and decay rates using classical nonequilibrium simulations.
This article addresses two questions regarding the decay of the CH stretch in liquid CHBr3. The first is whether the initial steps of the relaxation primarily involve energy redistribution within the excited molecule alone. Gas phase quantum mechanical and classical calculations are performed to examine the role of the solvent in this process. At the fundamental excitation level, it is found that CH stretch decay is, in fact, strongly solvent driven. The second question is on the applicability of a fully classical approach to the calculation of CH stretch condensed phase decay rates. To this end, nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations are performed. The results are compared with quantum mechanical rates computed previously. The two methods are found to be in fair agreement with each other. However, care must be exercised in the interpretation of the classical results.


Elevated S100A8 protein expression in breast cancer cells and breast tumor stroma is prognostic of poor disease outcome.
Elevated S100A8 expression has been observed in cancers of the bladder, esophagus, colon, ovary, and breast. S100A8 is expressed by breast cancer cells as well as by infiltrating immune and myeloid cells. Here we investigate the association of elevated S100A8 protein expression in breast cancer cells and in breast tumor stroma with survival outcomes in a cohort of breast cancer patients. Tissue microarrays (TMA) were constructed from breast cancer specimens from 417 patients with stage I-III breast cancer treated at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center between 2004 and 2006. Representative regions of non-necrotic tumor and distant normal tissue from each patient were used to construct the TMA. Automated quantitative immunofluorescence (AQUA) was used to measure S100A8 protein expression, and samples were scored for breast cancer cell and stromal S100A8 expression. S100A8 staining intensity was assessed as a continuous value and by exploratory dichotomous cutoffs. Associations between breast cancer cell and stromal S100A8 expression with disease-free survival and overall survival were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. High breast cancer cell S100A8 protein expression (as indicated by AQUA scores), as a continuous measure, was a significant prognostic factor for OS [univariable hazard ratio (HR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.55, p = 0.05] in this patient cohort. Exploratory analyses identified optimal S100A8 AQUA score cutoffs within the breast cancer cell and stromal compartments that significantly separated survival curves for the complete cohort. Elevated breast cancer cell and stromal S100A8 expression, indicated by higher S100A8 AQUA scores, significantly associates with poorer breast cancer outcomes, regardless of estrogen receptor status. Elevated breast cancer cell and stromal S1008 protein expression are significant indicators of poorer outcomes in early stage breast cancer patients. Evaluation of S100A8 protein expression may provide additional prognostic information beyond traditional breast cancer prognostic biomarkers.


Spatial attention enhances the selective integration of activity from area MT.
Distinguishing which of the many proposed neural mechanisms of spatial attention actually underlies behavioral improvements in visually guided tasks has been difficult. One attractive hypothesis is that attention allows downstream neural circuits to selectively integrate responses from the most informative sensory neurons. This would allow behavioral performance to be based on the highest-quality signals available in visual cortex. We examined this hypothesis by asking how spatial attention affects both the stimulus sensitivity of middle temporal (MT) neurons and their corresponding correlation with behavior. Analyzing a data set pooled from two experiments involving four monkeys, we found that spatial attention did not appreciably affect either the stimulus sensitivity of the neurons or the correlation between their activity and behavior. However, for those sessions in which there was a robust behavioral effect of attention, focusing attention inside the neuron's receptive field significantly increased the correlation between these two metrics, an indication of selective integration. These results suggest that, similar to mechanisms proposed for the neural basis of perceptual learning, the behavioral benefits of focusing spatial attention are attributable to selective integration of neural activity from visual cortical areas by their downstream targets.


Serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in depression and anxiety.
Three studies were done to determine whether serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity is affected by the symptoms of depression or anxiety. In the population-screening study, serum DBH activity was measured in a heterogeneous sample of 548 medical, surgical, and psychiatric outpatients. No association was found between serum DBH activity and scores on either the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale or the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale. In the longitudinal depression study, enzyme activity was measured in 14 patients with major depressive illness treated with imipramine. Serum DBH activity remained unchanged throughout treatment whether or not the patient recovered from the depressive illness. Furthermore, there was no association between enzyme activity and steady state antidepressant plasma levels. In the longitudinal anxiety study, evaluation of 45 anxious outpatients in a placebo-controlled double-blind evaluation of two benzodiazepines (diazepam and alprazolam) indicated that serum DBH activity failed to reflect either state changes in anxiety or pharmacological variables. These results are reviewed with respect to current knowledge regarding neuronal release and extraneuronal disposal of circulating DBH.


Psammomatoid Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma of Mandible in a 41-Year Male Patient.
Juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is a rare fibro-osseous neoplasm that develops among the craniofacial bones at an early age; and in majority of patients, it is diagnosed in the first or second decade of life. We present a case in 41-year male patient having it in the left anterior mandibular region. Peripheral eosinophilic areas resembling psammomatoid bodies along with other features impelled the diagnosis of psammomatoid ossifying fibroma. However, the term juvenile seems to be losing impact with the patients showing such features in old age.


Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of New Zealand's First Dogs.
Dogs accompanied people in their migrations across the Pacific Ocean and ultimately reached New Zealand, which is the southern-most point of their oceanic distribution, around the beginning of the fourteenth century AD. Previous ancient DNA analyses of mitochondrial control region sequences indicated the New Zealand dog population included two lineages. We sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes of fourteen dogs from the colonisation era archaeological site of Wairau Bar and found five closely-related haplotypes. The limited number of mitochondrial lineages present at Wairau Bar suggests that the founding population may have comprised only a few dogs; or that the arriving dogs were closely related. For populations such as that at Wairau Bar, which stemmed from relatively recent migration events, control region sequences have insufficient power to address questions about population structure and founding events. Sequencing mitogenomes provided the opportunity to observe sufficient diversity to discriminate between individuals that would otherwise be assigned the same haplotype and to clarify their relationships with each other. Our results also support the proposition that at least one dispersal of dogs into the Pacific was via a south-western route through Indonesia.


[New directions in the surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism].
For a long time, bilateral cervicotomy with a scrupulous exploration of the sites of the parathyroid glands was the technique of choice in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. Recently new less invasive surgical techniques appeared: unilateral approach under local anaesthesia (UA LA) and video endoscopic parathyroidectomy (VEP), which could be used in 50% of patients after elimination of contraindications. Three factors support these new techniques: HPT I is in 85% of the patients related to a solitary adenoma. Ultrasonography or scintigraphy isolated or associated can detect the adenoma. Peroperative monitoring of the PTH can control the success of surgery. In our experience, 95 to 98 per cent of patients are cured of their HPTI.... In our opinion, UALA, technically simpler, with long term good results, is the technique of choice.


Characterization of sophorolipid biosurfactant produced by Cryptococcus sp. VITGBN2 and its application on Zn(II) removal from electroplating wastewater.
The present study aimed at elucidating the role of biosurfactant produced by yeast for the removal of Zn(II) ions from electroplating wastewater. The yeast species isolated from CETP, Vellore, Tamilnadu was identified as Cryptococcus sp.VITGBN2, based on molecular techniques, and was found to be potent producer of biosurfactant in mineral salt media containing vegetable oil as additional carbon source. Chemical structure of the purified biosurfactant was identified as acidic diacetate sophorolipid through GC-MS analysis. Interaction of Zn(II) ions with biosurfactant was monitored using FT-IR, SEM and EDS analysis. Zn (II) removal at 100 mg l(-1) concentration was 84.8% compared were other synthetic surfactants (Tween 80 and sodium dodecyl sulphate), yeast mediated biosurfactant showed enhanced Zn (II) removal in batch mode. The role of biosurfactant on Zn(II) removal was evaluated in column mode packed with biosurfactant entrapped in sodium alginate beads. At a flow rate of 1 ml min(-1) and bed height of 12 cm, immobilized biosurfactant showed 94.34% Zn(II) removal from electroplating wastewater. The present study confirmed that Zn(II) removal was biosurfactant mediated. This is the first report establishing the involvement of yeast mediated biosurfactant in Zn(II) removal from wastewater.


Physiological response of Clostridium ljungdahlii DSM 13528 of ethanol production under different fermentation conditions.
In this study, cell growth, gene expression and ethanol production were monitored under different fermentation conditions. Like its heterotrophical ABE-producing relatives, a switch from acidogenesis to solventogenesis of Clostridium ljungdahlii during the autotrophic fermentation with CO/CO2 could be observed, which occurred surprisingly in the late-log phase rather than in the transition phase. The gene expression profiles indicated that aor1, one of the putative aldehyde oxidoreductases in its genome played a critical role in the formation of ethanol, and its transcription could be induced by external acids. Moreover, a low amount of CaCO3 was proved to have positive influences on the cell density and substrate utilization, followed by an increase of over 40% ethanol and 30% acetate formation.


Sulfate Transporters in Dissimilatory Sulfate Reducing Microorganisms: A Comparative Genomics Analysis.
The first step in the sulfate reduction pathway is the transport of sulfate across the cell membrane. This uptake has a major effect on sulfate reduction rates. Much of the information available on sulfate transport was obtained by studies on assimilatory sulfate reduction, where sulfate transporters were identified among several types of protein families. Despite our growing knowledge on the physiology of dissimilatory sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) there are no studies identifying the proteins involved in sulfate uptake in members of this ecologically important group of anaerobes. We surveyed the complete genomes of 44 sulfate-reducing bacteria and archaea across six phyla and identified putative sulfate transporter encoding genes from four out of the five surveyed protein families based on homology. We did not find evidence that ABC-type transporters (SulT) are involved in the uptake of sulfate in SRM. We speculate that members of the CysP sulfate transporters could play a key role in the uptake of sulfate in thermophilic SRM. Putative CysZ-type sulfate transporters were present in all genomes examined suggesting that this overlooked group of sulfate transporters might play a role in sulfate transport in dissimilatory sulfate reducers alongside SulP. Our in silico analysis highlights several targets for further molecular studies in order to understand this key step in the metabolism of SRMs.


Super-Exchange Charge Transfer in One-Photon and Two-Photon Absorption of Multibranched Compounds.
In this work, density functional theory is used to study organic molecules in a donor-acceptor (D-A) system centered on phenothiazine with strip and trigonal structures. The transition modes of the one-photon absorption (OPA) and two-photon absorption (TPA) processes of the two molecules are studied. The calculations show that the molar absorption coefficient of OPA for trigonal molecule TPPO and the cross section of TPA are both larger than those for strip molecule M1 due to the increase in the number of branches of the system. A special local excitation-enhanced charge-transfer excitation appears in strip-type molecule M1. In the charge-transfer process of trigonal D-A structure molecule TPPO, there are not only local excitation-enhanced charge-transfer excitation but also super-exchange charge transfer between the three branches that occurs due to the increase in the planarity of the system.


More than just a mammogram: breast cancer screening perspectives of relatives of women with intellectual disability.
Women with intellectual disability (ID) have similar rates of breast cancer as the general public, but higher breast cancer mortality and lower rates of regular screening mammography. Screening rates are lowest among women who live with their families. Though women with ID often make decisions in partnership with their relatives, we lack research related to family member perspectives on mammography. We conducted a qualitative study of family members of women with ID, with an interview guide focused on health care decision making and experiences, and breast cancer screening barriers, facilitators, and beliefs as related to their loved ones. Sixteen family members underwent semistructured interviews. Important themes included mammography as a reference point for other social and cultural concerns, such as their loved one's sexuality or what it means to be an adult woman; fear of having to make hard decisions were cancer to be diagnosed acting as a barrier to screening; a focus on quality of life; and desire for quality health care for their loved one, though quality care did not always equate to regular cancer screening. Adults with ID are valued members of their families, and their relatives are invested in their well-being. However, families fear the potentially complicated decisions associated with a cancer diagnosis and may choose to forgo screening due to misinformation and a focus on quality of life. Effective interventions to address disparities in mammography should focus on adults with ID and their families together, and incorporate the family context.


What veteran parishes can teach us: How long-serving Spanish-language ministries successfully integrate Latinos within the parish.
Catholic parishes in the United States have included Hispanics for centuries, but large numbers of multi-racial parishes engaged in Hispanic ministry have emerged in the past few decades. Research on non-Catholic congregations suggests positives and negatives for members in multi-racial settings, but sources of multi-racial Catholic parish formation are distinct enough to suggest different possible outcomes. We use data from the National Study of Catholic Parishes with Hispanic Ministry (Ospino, 2015) to assess the integration of various Hispanic sub-groups within parishes. We distinguish parishes by time period in which they began serving Hispanics and highlight the relative success of veteran parishes (those who began Spanish-language ministry prior to 1980). Importantly, veteran parishes are more likely to consistently celebrate bilingual liturgies and to be disproportionately composed of Latinos. Both factors help explain veteran parishes' greater success in integrating immigrant Latinos.


Diverse clonal fates emerge upon drug treatment of homogeneous cancer cells.
Even among genetically identical cancer cells, resistance to therapy frequently emerges from a small subset of those cells1-7. Molecular differences in rare individual cells in the initial population enable certain cells to become resistant to therapy7-9; however, comparatively little is known about the variability in the resistance outcomes. Here we develop and apply FateMap, a framework that combines DNA barcoding with single-cell RNA sequencing, to reveal the fates of hundreds of thousands of clones exposed to anti-cancer therapies. We show that resistant clones emerging from single-cell-derived cancer cells adopt molecularly, morphologically and functionally distinct resistant types. These resistant types are largely predetermined by molecular differences between cells before drug addition and not by extrinsic factors. Changes in the dose and type of drug can switch the resistant type of an initial cell, resulting in the generation and elimination of certain resistant types. Samples from patients show evidence for the existence of these resistant types in a clinical context. We observed diversity in resistant types across several single-cell-derived cancer cell lines and cell types treated with a variety of drugs. The diversity of resistant types as a result of the variability in intrinsic cell states may be a generic feature of responses to external cues.


Haemodynamic changes during hyperthermic intra-thoracic chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Hyperthermic intra-thoracic chemotherapy (HITOC) combined with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is a novel approach in the management of pseuodmyxoma peritonei with thoracic extension. The haemodynamic effects of hyperthermic chemotherapy present an anaesthetic challenge. Here, we describe the haemodynamic changes seen during HITOC. A retrospective case note review of adult patients undergoing CRS with HITOC from 2009 to 2016. Intra-operative haemodynamics were measured using the LIDCOrapidTM brand of invasive cardiac output (CO) monitor. Intravenous fluids, vasopressor requirements and urine output (UO) were recorded. Four patients were included in the study. Mean heart rate (HR) peaked at 20 min following commencement of HITOC. The difference between HR at time 0 and at peak was minimal. There was minimal change in CO, and stroke volume variation (SVV) remained stable. Vasopressor dose was minimally changed throughout surgery. Average UO during HITOC was 142.5 ± 109.6 mls at 60 min. Mean fluid requirements during HITOC was 586.2 ± 441.2 mls. No significant change occurred in pH or base excess (BE). Significant haemodynamic instability including cardiac asystole has been reported during HITOC. The application of hyperthermic agents to the thorax results in vasodilatation, cardiac warming and compression of mediastinal vessels. Measurement of haemodynamic variables allowed careful titration of intravenous fluid therapy to CO and stroke volume, allowing for haemodynamic stability. This has not been described elsewhere.


Diagnostic value of the post-processing technique of multi-slice spiral CT in orbital cyst diseases.
To analyze the features of CT imaging of orbital cystic disease. A total of 30 patients were pathologically confirmed with orbital cystic disease between January 2007 and March 2012. Prior to operation, the participants underwent CT scans with image processing by maximum intensity projection (MIP) and volume rendering (VR). Preoperative CT diagnostic outcomes were compared with postoperative pathological findings. The patients presented with round, oval and dumbbell shaped masses. Fourteen cases of dermoid cyst and 8 cases of epidermoid cyst showed heterogeneous density. Among the dermoid cyst patients, 6 cases had demixing phenomenon, 3 cases had lipid drift and 5 cases showed mild or moderate intensity enhancement in the cyst wall. No intensity enhancement was observed in the epidermoid cyst patients. Five cases had high intensity due to hemorrhage and 3 patients presented with adjacent sclerotin arc compression; 5 cases of myxoid cyst had homogenous density and no intensity enhancement was found when iohexol was injected. Three patients with atheromatous cyst had heterogeneous density, with CT value ranging from -36Hu to 191Hu. Floss was noted centrally in 1 case and mild to moderate intensity enhancement was observed in the cyst wall with iohexol injection. Multi-slice CT is useful in the diagnosis of orbital cystic disease. Multi-slice CT combined with image processing can be helpful in displaying the location and size of masses, and revealing the relationship between masses and surrounding boney tissue, providing an objective basis for surgical planning when combined with 3D-CT imaging.


Aerobic exercise prevents rarefaction of pial collaterals and increased stroke severity that occur with aging.
Variation in extent of the brain's collateral circulation is an important determinant of variation in the severity of stroke and efficacy of revascularization therapies. However, the number and diameter of pial collateral "arterioles" decrease with aging in associated with reduced eNOS and increased oxidative stress. We tested whether exercise reduces this aging-induced rarefaction. Twelve-month-old mice were randomized to sedentary or voluntary wheel-running. At 26 months' age, permanent MCA occlusion was followed 72 h later by determination of infarct volume and vascular casting after maximal dilation. The decline in collateral number and diameter and 2.4-fold increase in infarct volume evident in 26-versus 3-month-old sedentary mice were prevented by exercise-training. In contrast, number and diameter of the posterior communicating collateral "arteries" were unaffected by aging or exercise. Interestingly, diameter of the primary intracranial arteries increased with aging. Mechanistically, genetic overexpression of eNOS inhibited age-induced collateral rarefaction, and exercise increased eNOS and SOD2 and decreased the inflammatory marker NFkB assessed in hindlimb arteries. In conclusion, exercise prevented age-induced rarefaction of pial collaterals and reduced infarct volume. Aging also promoted outward remodeling of intracranial arteries. These effects were associated with increased eNOS and reduced markers of inflammation and aging in the vascular wall.


Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma.
This is the case of a 13 year-old female evaluated for a congenital skin lesion on the left buttock. Physical examination revealed a well-defined light brown patch with a 4mm papule on the center. A skin biopsy revealed an increased number of eccrine glands associated to a proliferation of vascular channels, particularly capillaries. These findings are consistent with a diagnosis of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma.


[The effects of moderate physical exercise on cognition in adults over 60 years of age].
Clinical evidence gathered in recent years indicates that elderly individuals more frequently display cognitive changes. These age-related changes refer, above all, to memory functions and to the speed of thinking and reasoning. A number of studies have shown that physical activity can be used as an important mechanism for protecting the cognitive functions. To test the hypothesis that physical exercise is able to bring about changes in the cognitive functions of healthy elderly adults without cognitive impairment, thereby improving their quality of life. The study population included participants in the University of Salamanca geriatric revitalisation programme. The sample initially consisted of a total of 44 subjects of both sexes, with a mean age of 74.93 years. The neuropsychological evaluation of the subjects included a series of validated neuropsychological tests: Mini-Mental State Examination, Benton Visual Retention Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Stroop Test and Trail Making Test. The results show that more physical activity is related to better performance in the cognitive functions of the subjects included in this study, after applying the geriatric revitalisation programme. The geriatric revitalisation programme can be a valuable tool for improving cognition in adults over 60 years of age, resulting in enhanced well-being in their quality of life.


Orbital Inflammation Caused by Aminobisphosphonates.
The aim of this review was to describe orbital inflammation secondary to aminobisphosphonates by analyzing demographic data, clinical presentation, and treatment of the disease. This is a narrative literature review. The search was performed using databases such as Ovid/MEDLINE and COCHRANE. The searches were limited to papers in the English language. We found 43 cases of orbital inflammation due to aminobisphosphonates. Zoledronate was the drug most associated with orbital side effects. Clinical presentation was evident by unilateral involvement (89%), palpebral edema (88%), conjunctival congestion (81%), chemosis (79%), ocular pain (77%), ocular motility impairment (65%), proptosis (56%), and blurred vision (39%). It can affect both eyes (11%) and is accompanied by anterior uveitis (23%). Orbital inflammation secondary to aminobisphosphonates is a severe side effect. Clinically, it cannot be distinguished from idiopathic inflammation of the orbit. Therefore, it is important to rule out previous drug exposure. Timely treatment is vital to expect a favorable outcome, with systemic corticosteroids being the treatment of choice.


Antiviral Therapy in Elderly Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection.
The emergence of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents has revolutionized the treatment schema for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. From cure rates to tolerability, DAA agents have shown outstanding profiles compared with the prior therapy of pegylated interferon with ribavirin. However, the efficacy and safety profiles of DAA therapy in older patients, particularly the elderly, have been unclear, and patients in the 1945 to 1965 birth cohort constitute the largest proportion of the HCV population in the United States. Treating elderly patients with pegylated interferon and ribavirin has been challenging due to the frequent presence of multiple comorbidities in the elderly and high discontinuation rates caused by adverse events. Now, as more DAA agents have become widely studied and approved, subgroup analyses for the elderly population are being elucidated. Analysis of the current literature shows that these agents have been effective, well tolerated, and safe in the elderly population. This article highlights the efficacy and safety differences in interferon-based therapy and interferon-free regimens for elderly patients with HCV infection.


Chromogranin A cell density in the large intestine of Asian and European patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Asia show distinctive differences from those in the western world. The gastrointestinal endocrine cells appear to play an important role in the pathophysiology of IBS. The present study aimed at studying the density of chromogranin A (CgA) cells in the large intestine of Thai and Norwegian IBS patients. Thirty Thai IBS patients and 20 control subjects, and 47 Norwegian IBS patients and 20 control subjects were included. A standard colonoscopy was performed in both the patients and controls, and biopsy samples were taken from the colon and the rectum. The biopsy samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and immunostained for CgA. The density of CgA cells was determined by computerized image analysis. In the colon and rectum, the CgA cell densities were far higher in both IBS and healthy Thai subjects than in Norwegians. The colonic CgA cell density was lower in Norwegian IBS patients than in controls, but did not differ between Thai IBS patients and controls. In the rectum, the CgA cell densities in both Thai and Norwegian patients did not differ from those of controls. The higher densities of CgA cells in Thai subjects than Norwegians may be explained by a higher exposure to infections at childhood and the development of a broad immune tolerance, by differences in the intestinal microbiota, and/or differing diet habits. The normal CgA cell density in Thai IBS patients in contrast to that of Norwegians may be due to differences in pathophysiology.


Implications of white striping and spaghetti meat abnormalities on meat quality and histological features in broilers.
During the past few years, there has been an increasing prevalence of broiler breast muscle abnormalities, such as white striping (WS) and wooden breast conditions. More recently, a new muscular abnormality termed as spaghetti meat (SM) because of the altered structural integrity of the Pectoralis major muscle often associated with WS has emerged. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of WS and SM conditions, occurring alone or combined within the same P. major muscle, on meat quality traits and muscle histology. In two replications, 96 P. major muscles were classified into four classes: normal (N), WS, SM and WS/SM. The whole fillet was used for weight assessment and morphometric measurements, then each sample was cut in order to separate the superficial layer from the deep one and used to evaluate proximate composition, histological features, nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation times, functional properties and both myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins profile. Fillets affected by WS and SM abnormalities exhibited higher weights and increased thickness and length. SM condition was associated with a relevant decrease in protein content coupled with a significant increase in moisture level, whereas fat content was affected only by the simultaneous presence of WS. Histological evaluations revealed that abnormal samples were characterized by several degenerative aspects that almost completely concerned the superficial layer of the fillets. White striped fillets exhibited necrosis and lysis of fibers, fibrosis, lipidosis, loss of cross striation and vacuolar degeneration. Moreover, SM samples were characterized by poor fiber uniformity and a progressive rarefaction of the endo- and peri-mysial connective tissue, whereas WS/SM fillets showed intermediate histological features. Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation analysis revealed a higher proportion of extra-myofibrillar water in the superficial section of all the abnormal fillets, especially in SM samples, which consequently led to a reduction of the water holding capacity of meat. As for functional properties, abnormal fillets exhibited a lower protein solubility and higher ultimate pH values on both the superficial and deep sections. Although abnormal fillets exhibited higher yellowness values, no relevant effect on meat color was observed. The occurrence of WS and SM abnormalities led to increased carbonylation levels and more intense proteolytic processes. Overall, muscle abnormalities mainly affect the superficial layer of P. major muscle and particularly the occurrence of SM myopathy seems to implicate a more pronounced modification of meat quality traits than the mere presence of WS.


Long-term treatment with haloperidol affects neuropeptide S and NPSR mRNA levels in the rat brain.
The brainstem-derived neuropeptide S (NPS) has a multidirectional regulatory activity, especially as a potent anxiolytic factor. Accumulating data suggests that neuroleptics affect peptidergic signalling in various brain structures. However, there is no information regarding the influence of haloperidol on NPS and NPS receptor (NPSR) expression. We assessed NPS and NPSR mRNA levels in brains of rats treated with haloperidol using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Chronic haloperidol treatment (4 weeks) led to a striking upregulation of NPS and NPSR expression in the rat brainstem. Conversely, the NPSR mRNA expression was decreased in the hippocampus and striatum. This stark increase of NPS in response to haloperidol treatment supports the hypothesis that this neuropeptide is involved in the dopamine-dependent anxiolytic actions of neuroleptics and possibly also in the pathophysiology of mental disorders. Furthermore, our findings underline the complex nature of potential interactions between dopamine receptors and brain peptidergic pathways, which has potential clinical applications.


Upregulation of isoprenoid pathway genes during enhanced saikosaponin biosynthesis in the hairy roots of Bupleurum falcatum.
In order to characterize saikosaponin biosynthesis in Bupleurum falcatum, the expression of five isoprenoid pathway genes and their relationship to saikosaponin accumulation in the hairy roots were analyzed. The hairy roots exhibited a rapid accumulation of saikosaponins when incubated in a root culture medium (3XRCM). Homology-based RT-PCR was used to isolate core fragments of five genes, HMGR, IPPI, FPS, SS, and OSC, from the hairy roots. The deduced amino acid sequences exhibited amino acid identities of more than 85% to previously reported genes. Using the fragments as probes, the expression of these five genes in the hairy roots during incubation in 3XRCM medium was examined. Expression of all five genes in the hairy roots increased soon after incubation. In particular, the SS and OSC genes were coordinately induced at 8 days of incubation, and their expression persisted throughout the incubation period. A quantitative HPLC analysis showed that the saikosaponin content of the hairy root culture also began to increase at 8 days of culture. The correlation between SS transcript level and saikosaponin content in the hairy roots suggests that transcriptional regulation plays a regulatory role in saikosaponin biosynthesis.


Breast cancer fatalism: the role of women's perceptions of the health care system.
Cancer fatalism, which can be understood as the belief that cancer is a death sentence, has been found to be a deterrent to preventive cancer screening participation. This study examines factors associated with breast cancer fatalism among women. We analyzed data from a 2003 survey of women 40 years of age. The survey collected information about respondents' knowledge and attitudes regarding breast health. Analyses compared the characteristics of women who reported and those who did not report a fatalistic attitude. Women with a fatalistic attitude were more likely to be African American, to have a family history of breast cancer, to rate their quality of care as fair or poor, to believe that not much could be done to prevent breast cancer, to believe that breast cancer could not be cured if found early, and to believe that treatment could be worse than the disease.


Can mild hyperthermia improve tumour oxygenation?
The oxygenation status of C3H mammary carcinomas, grown in the feet of CDF1 mice, was measured with an Eppendorf oxygen electrode. Tumours were locally heated in a water bath at temperatures of 38.5-41.5 degrees C for 1 h. Measurements made during heating showed temperature-dependent increases in tumour oxygenation. However, measurements performed after heating showed a rapid return to normal oxygenation status. Mild hyperthermia thus improves tumour oxygenation and this can explain the radiosensitization seen with low heat treatments, but only when the heat and radiation are administered concurrently, which is typically not the way that are given clinically.


Subdiaphragmatic Vagotomy With Pyloroplasty Ameliorates the Obesity Caused by Genetic Deletion of the Melanocortin 4 Receptor in the Mouse.
Background/Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that abolishing vagal nerve activity will reverse the obesity phenotype of melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (Mc4r-/-). Subjects/Methods: In two separate studies, we examined the efficacy of bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) with pyloroplasty in the prevention and treatment of obesity in Mc4r-/- mice. Results: In the first study, SDV prevented >20% increase in body weight (BW) associated with this genotype. This was correlated with a transient reduction in overall food intake (FI) in the preventative arm of the study. Initially, SDV mice had reduced weekly FI; however, FI normalized to that of controls and baseline FI within the 8-week study period. In the second study, the severe obesity that is characteristic of the adult Mc4r-/- genotype was significantly improved by SDV with a magnitude of 30% loss in excess BW over a 4-week period. Consistent with the first preventative study, within the treatment arm, SDV mice also demonstrated a transient reduction in FI relative to control and baseline levels that normalized over subsequent weeks. In addition to the accompanying loss in weight, mice subjected to SDV showed a decrease in respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and an increase in locomotor activity (LA). Analysis of the white fat-pad deposits of these mice showed that they were significantly less than the control groups. Conclusions: Altogether, our data demonstrates that SDV both prevents gain in BW and causes weight loss in severely obese Mc4r-/- mice. Moreover, it suggests that an important aspect of weight reduction for this type of monogenic obesity involves loss of signaling in vagal motor neurons.


Teen driver risk in relation to age and number of passengers, United States, 2007-2010.
To provide updated estimates of the relationship between the number and ages of passengers present in a vehicle and the crash risk per mile driven of 16- and 17-year-old drivers. Data on crashes that occurred in years 2007-2010 and data on the number of miles driven in years 2008-2009 were examined. Rates of crash involvement and driver death per mile driven were estimated for 16- and 17-year-old drivers with no passengers; with 1, 2, and 3 or more passengers younger than age 21 (and no older passengers); and with at least 1 passenger aged 35 or older. For 16- and 17-year-old drivers, having 1 passenger younger than age 21 (and no older passengers) was associated with 44 percent greater risk per mile driven of being killed in a crash, compared to having no passengers (relative risk [RR]: 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.04). Having 2 passengers younger than age 21 was associated with double the risk of being killed in a crash, compared to having no passengers (RR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.36-2.99). Having 3 or more passengers younger than age 21 was associated with roughly quadruple the risk of being killed in a crash, compared to having no passengers (RR: 4.39, 95% CI: 1.45-13.31). The relative risk of being involved in any police-reported crash in the presence of young passengers followed a similar pattern; however, the differences in risks of being involved in any police-reported crash were smaller and were not statistically significant. Having at least 1 passenger aged 35 or older in the vehicle was associated with a 62 percent lower risk per mile driven of being killed in a crash (RR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.24-0.60) and a 46 percent lower risk of being involved in any police-reported crash (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31-0.93) for 16- and 17-year-old drivers, compared to having no passengers. These results show that although the overall number of teen driver fatalities has decreased substantially over the past several years, carrying young passengers is still a significant risk factor for young drivers. In contrast, carrying adult passengers is associated with significantly lower risk of crash involvement.


Unique κ-Ce2Zr2O8 Superstructure Promoting the NOx Adsorption-Selective Catalytic Reduction (AdSCR) Performance of the WO3/CeZrOx Catalyst.
Selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3 (NH3-SCR) for diesel emission control at low temperatures is still a great challenge due to the limit of the urea injection threshold and inferior SCR activity of state-of-the-art catalyst systems below 200 °C. Fabricating bifunctional catalysts with both low temperature NOx adsorption-storage capacity and medium-high temperature NOx reduction activity is an effective strategy to solve the issues mentioned above but is rarely investigated. Herein, the WO3/Ce0.68Zr0.32Ox (W/CZ) catalyst containing the κ-Ce2Zr2O8 pyrochlore structure was successfully developed by a simple H2 reduction method, not only showing superior NOx adsorption-storage ability below 180 °C but also exhibiting excellent NH3-SCR activity above 180 °C. The presence of the pyrochlore structure effectively increased the oxygen vacancies on the κ-Ce2Zr2O8-containing W/CZ catalyst with enhanced redox property, which significantly promoted the NOx adsorption-storage as active nitrate species below 180 °C. Upon NH3 introduction above 180 °C, the κ-Ce2Zr2O8-containing W/CZ catalyst showed greatly improved NOx reduction performance, suggesting that the pyrochlore structure played a vital role in improving the NOx adsorption-selective catalytic reduction (AdSCR) performance. This work provides a new perspective for designing bifunctional CeZrOx-based catalysts to efficiently control the NOx emissions from diesel engines during the cold-start process.