Injectable collagen scaffold with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes functional recovery in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: phase I clinical trial.
Animal experiments have shown that injectable collagen scaffold with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells can promote recovery from spinal cord injury. To investigate whether injectable collagen scaffold with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be used to treat spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, this non-randomized phase I clinical trial recruited patients who met the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage treated in the Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People's Armed Police Force from May 2016 to December 2020. Patients were divided into three groups according to the clinical situation and patient benefit: control (n = 18), human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (n = 4), and combination (n = 8). The control group did not receive any transplantation. The human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells group received human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. The combination group received injectable collagen scaffold with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Patients who received injectable collagen scaffold with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells had more remarkable improvements in activities of daily living and cognitive function and smaller foci of intracerebral hemorrhage-related encephalomalacia. Severe adverse events associated with cell transplantation were not observed. Injectable collagen scaffold with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells appears to have great potential treating spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.


A new zinc binding fold underlines the versatility of zinc binding modules in protein evolution.
Many different zinc binding modules have been identified. Their abundance and variety suggests that the formation of zinc binding folds might be relatively common. We have determined the structure of CH1(1), a 27-residue peptide derived from the first cysteine/histidine-rich region (CH1) of CREB binding protein (CBP). This peptide forms a highly ordered zinc-dependent fold that is distinct from known folds. The structure differs from a subsequently determined structure of a larger region from the CH3 region of CBP, and the CH1(1) fold probably represents a nonphysiologically active form. Despite this, the fold is thermostable and tolerant to both multiple alanine mutations and changes in the zinc-ligand spacing. Our data support the idea that zinc binding domains may arise frequently. Additionally, such structures may prove useful as scaffolds for protein design, given their stability and robustness.


Undertaking the role of patient advocate: a longitudinal study of nursing students.
Patient advocacy has been claimed as a new role for professional nurses and many codes of ethics for nurses state that they act as patient advocates. Nursing education is faced with the challenge of preparing nurses for this role. In this article we describe the results of a study that considered the tendencies of a cohort of nursing students at the Kocaeli University School of Nursing to act as advocates and to respect patients' rights, and how their capacities to do so changed (or not) as a result of their nursing education. This longitudinal study used a questionnaire consisting of 10 statements relating to patient care. It was performed both at the start (1998) and at the end (2002) of the nursing training. At the beginning of their course 77 students participated; in the study. After four years, only 55 students participated, the reason for this drop in number being unknown. The questions asked nurses if patients should have: the right to receive health care; the right to participate in the decision-making process about their treatment; the right always to be told the truth; and the right to have access to their own medical records. They were also asked: if quality of life should be a criterion for discontinuing treatment; if patients have the right to die and the right to refuse treatment; if patients should be assisted to die or helped to undergo active euthanasia; and if severely disabled newborn babies should be allowed to die. The student nurses demonstrated considerable insight into contemporary nursing issues and were ready to act as patient advocates. Professional responsibility demands that good nurses advocate strongly for patients' choices.


Enzymatic function of alginate immobilized rat hepatocytes.
The use of immobilized hepatocytes represents a promising approach for the problem of detoxification in acute hepatic failure. Hepatocyte viability and detoxification function of a number of complex enzyme systems were examined before and after immobilization in alginate droplets. Detoxification function was assessed quantitatively by measuring the kinetics of several specific detoxification systems: the cytochrome P450 system, the urea cycle, and two conjugation systems. Reaction rates for all enzyme systems were similar in immobilized and nonimmobilized cells, and were in good agreement with previously published literature values. These results indicate that transport limitations do not occur in these gels and that the intrinsic reaction rate is the limiting step. Feasibility of detoxification replacement by immobilized cells is discussed using measured reaction rates.


Stage dependence of NK cell activity and its modulation by interleukin 2 in patients with breast cancer.
NK cell activity was evaluated in breast cancer patients with different clinical stages of disease prior to surgery. In 58 patients with Stages I-III of breast cancer the peripheral blood NK cell activity was significantly reduced as compared to controls, and NK activity of 11 patients with Stage IV and metastases was significantly reduced as compared to both controls and patients with locoregional disease. In vitro treatment of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) alone significantly increased NK cell activity in patients with Stages I-III and Stage IV of disease, although the level of NK cell activity of patients with Stage IV remained below that for less advanced disease. In vitro treatment of PBL of some Stages I-III patients (n = 41) with interleukin 2 (IL 2) gave a significant, dose-dependent enhancement of their NK cell activity so that it was significantly higher than basic NK activity of healthy controls. The results showed decrease of NK cell activity in breast cancer patients especially in advanced disease and enhancement with IL 2 indicating the possibility of immunotherapy in this neoplasm.


Purification and characterization of parvalbumins from silver carp (Hypophthalmichthy molitrix).
As the largest producer and consumer of freshwater fish in the world, many people suffer from allergy for consuming freshwater fish in China. However, the allergen profiles of freshwater fish are rarely known. Parvalbumins (PVs) from the white muscle of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthy molitrix) were purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and column chromatography including DEAE-Sepharose and Superdex 75. Three PV isoforms-PV-I, PV-II, and PV-III-were obtained and their molecular masses as estimated by tricine-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were 12, 11, and 14 kDa, respectively. All the PVs could be detected by anti-frog PV monoclonal antibody. PV-I and PV-II were quite possibly glycoproteins, while PV-III was not glycosylated, as analyzed by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Thermal stability revealed that PV-I and PV-II easily formed polymers, while these proteins were stable in a pH range of 4.0-10.0. A PV gene encoding 110 amino acid residues was cloned and it revealed high identity with PVs from other species of fish. Three isotypes of PV were purified to homogeneity and one distinct PV gene was cloned in silver carp white muscle.


Autoimmune encephalitis: a review of diagnosis and treatment.
Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is one of the most common causes of noninfectious encephalitis. It can be triggered by tumors, infections, or it may be cryptogenic. The neurological manifestations can be either acute or subacute and usually develop within six weeks. There are a variety of clinical manifestations including behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, autonomic disturbances, movement disorders, and seizures. We reviewed common forms of AIE and discuss their diagnostic approach and treatment.


Receptor activity-modifying proteins differentially modulate the G protein-coupling efficiency of amylin receptors.
Receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) 1, 2, and 3 are prototypic G protein-coupled receptor accessory proteins that can alter not only receptor trafficking but also receptor phenotype. Specific RAMP interaction with the calcitonin receptor (CTR) generates novel and distinct receptors for the peptide amylin; however, the role of RAMPs in receptor signaling is not understood. The current study demonstrates that RAMP interaction with the CTRa in COS-7 or HEK-293 cells leads to selective modulation of signaling pathways activated by the receptor complex. There was a 20- to 30-fold induction in amylin potency at CTR/RAMP1 (AMY1) and CTR/RAMP3 (AMY3) receptors, compared with CTR alone, for formation of the second-messenger cAMP that parallels an increase in amylin binding affinity. In contrast, only 2- to 5-fold induction of amylin potency was seen for mobilization of intracellular Ca++ or activation of ERK1/2. In addition, in COS-7 cells, the increase in amylin potency for Ca++ mobilization was 2-fold greater for AMY3 receptors, compared with AMY1 receptors and this paralleled the relative capacity of overexpression of Galphaq proteins to augment induction of high affinity 125I-amylin binding. These data demonstrate that RAMP-complexed receptors have a different signaling profile to CTRs expressed in the absence of RAMPs, and this is likely due to direct effects of the RAMP on G protein-coupling efficiency.


Matrix embedding alters the immune response against endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo.
Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction represents the first manifestation of atherosclerotic disease. Restoration of endothelium via seeding or transfection is hampered by local alterations in flow, inflammation, and metabolic activation. Perivascular EC matrix implants are shielded from these forces and still control vascular repair. The host immune response to such implants, however, remains largely unknown. We investigated the effect of embedding of ECs within 3-dimensional matrices on host immune responses in vitro and in vivo. We compared expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), costimulatory, and adhesion molecules by free aortic ECs or ECs embedded in Gelfoam matrices by flow-cytometry. T-cell proliferation was assessed by [3H] thymidine incorporation. Humoral immune response (ELISA and FACS analysis) and cellular (histopathology) infiltration were investigated after subcutaneous injection of free porcine aortic ECs (PAEs) or of a Gelfoam/EC block, or after concomitant injection of PAEs adjacent to Gelfoam in rats. Aortic ECs embedded in Gelfoam expressed lower levels of MHC class II, costimulatory, and adhesion molecules compared with free ECs (P<0.001), and induced 3-fold less proliferation of human CD4+ T-cells (P<0.0005). Implantation of a Gelfoam/EC block in rats nearly abrogated the immune response with 1.75- to 9.0-fold downregulation in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and PAE-specific immunoglobulin G (P<0.005) and 3.3- to 4.5-fold reduction in leukocytic tissue infiltration. Injecting PAEs adjacent to Gelfoam induced a significant response comparable to that of free implanted PAEs. Embedding ECs within 3-dimensional matrices alters the host immune response by inhibiting expression of MHC class II, costimulatory, and adhesion molecules, offering the rationale to develop novel therapies for vascular diseases.


[Study on the mechanism of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) release induced by phorbol ester PMA].
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a strong mitogenic factor and inducer of angiogenesis. It may play an important role in the growth of solid tumors. Whereas bFGF is known to act extracellularly, the protein lacks a transient signal peptide. No defined mechanism for bFGF secretion has been characterized besides release from dead or injured cells. To explore molecular mechanism that modulates bFGF release, we treated CNE-2 cells with PMA for two days and found that the treatment increased bFGF gene expression in the cytoplasm and bFGF release significantly after 48 hours. This result suggests that protein kinase C is very likely to be involved in the bFGF release regulation. Our results have also shown that PKC-alpha activated by PMA in CNE-2 cells can phosphorylate bFGF (18 KDa) in CNE-2 cells. The result suggests that PKC-alpha translocation and activation can phosphorylate bFGF in CNE-2 cells and increase bFGF release.


Psychometric Evaluation and Norms for the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) in a Clinical Eating Disorders Sample.
Altered interoceptive awareness (IA) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of eating disorders; however, few comprehensive self-report measures of IA exist in eating disorders. The present study sought to validate the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), originally developed to assess IA in individuals practicing mind-body therapies, in an eating disorder sample. Adult and adolescent patients (n = 376) completed assessments upon admission to a partial hospital programme. Analyses examined the factor structure of the MAIA, scale means, scale-scale correlations, internal consistency and construct validity. Analyses also examined associations between MAIA subscales and eating disorder symptoms. Results supported the original eight-factor structure of the MAIA. Internal consistency was acceptable, and the scales converged with associated measures. Importantly, Not Distracting, Self-regulation, Body Listening and Trusting were most strongly associated with eating disorder symptoms. Results support use of the MAIA among eating disorders and provide further support for the relevance of IA in eating disorders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.


Timbre and speech perception in bimodal and bilateral cochlear-implant listeners.
This study was designed to evaluate the contribution of temporal and spectral cues for timbre perception in listeners with a cochlear implant (CI) in one ear and low-frequency residual hearing in the contralateral ear (bimodal hearing), and listeners with two CIs. Specifically, it examined the relationship between timbre and speech perception in these two groups of listeners. It was hypothesized that, similar to speech recognition, temporal-envelope cues are dominant cues for timbre perception, and the reliance of spectral cues was reduced in both bimodal and bilateral CI users compared with that in normal-hearing listeners. It was further hypothesized that the patterns of results with regard to combined benefit would be similar between timbre and speech perception. Seven bimodal and five bilateral CI users participated. Sixteen stimuli that synthesized western musical instruments were used for the timbre-perception task. Sixteen consonants in the /aCa/ context and nine monophthongs in the /hVd/ context were used for the phoneme-recognition task. Each subject was tested on three listening conditions-individual device alone (single CI, or hearing aid [HA] alone) and combined use of devices (CI + HA, or 2CIs). For the timbre-perception task, each listener made judgments of dissimilarity between stimulus pairs. Multidimensional scaling analysis was performed to derive the coordinates of the dimensions that best fit the data. Correlational analyses were performed to relate the coordinates of each dimension and the temporal-envelope (impulsiveness) and spectral-envelope (spectral-centroid) features of the stimuli. For phoneme-recognition task, each listener identified the phoneme he or she heard by choosing an answer displayed on the computer screen. Overall percent correct phoneme-identification scores and percent information transmission for consonant and vowel features were calculated. There were strong correlations between impulsiveness and the first dimension (Dim 1) of the timbre space, but correlations between spectral centroid and the second dimension (Dim 2) were weak for all listening conditions for both groups of listeners. As a group, the combined use of devices did not significantly improve listeners' ability to perceive differences in musical timbre compared with the better single-device condition. Some of the bimodal and bilateral CI users showed a considerably strengthened correlation between spectral centroid and Dim 2 in the combined condition compared with a single CI or an HA. There was a lack of relationship between percent correct phoneme recognition and timbre perception for all listening conditions. However, there was a consistent pattern regarding the combined benefit between timbre perception and vowel recognition. In general, listeners who demonstrated combined benefit for vowel recognition also showed a considerable increase in correlation between spectral centroid and Dim 2 with the combined use of devices compared with the single-device conditions. Improved correlation was not evident for those who did not demonstrate combined benefit for vowel recognition. Similar to speech recognition, temporal envelope was a dominant cue for timbre perception in bimodal and bilateral CI users. In addition, there was a close relationship between timbre perception and vowel recognition with regard to combined benefit. The present findings suggest that speech recognition and timbre perception could be enhanced when listeners received different spectral cues from individual devices.


Sodium arsenite-induced cardiovascular and renal dysfunction in rat via oxidative stress and protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) signaling pathway.
Arsenic is a ubiquitous element that is widely distributed in the environment to which man and animals are exposed. Cardiovascular disease is one of the aftermaths of chronic arsenic exposure-related morbidity and mortality. This study sought to investigate the possibility of reversal from arsenic-induced cardio-renal toxicity following exposure and subsequent withdrawal. The study also seeks to understand the mechanism of action of this reversal. Rats were orally exposed to sodium arsenite at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of withdrawal. Exposure to arsenic caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde, H2O2 generation but decrease total thiol and reduced glutathione levels in both cardiac and renal tissues. Furthermore, increases in superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase with significant increases in glutathione peroxidase activities were observed in the cardiac tissues. On the contrary, a significant reduction in the renal antioxidant enzyme activity was recorded following exposure. Also, antioxidant defense system did not return to apparent values after arsenic withdrawal. Immunohistochemistry revealed a reduction in the expression of the pro-survival protein-protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) following exposure to arsenic and this was not reversed by withdrawal Discussion: Exposure to arsenic caused cardio-renal toxicity via induction of oxidative stress and down-regulation of Akt/PKB expressions.


Is intravenous ascorbic acid an effective and safe option for increasing hemoglobin levels in patients with a hyporesponse to epoetin alfa?
Despite the use of epoetin alfa, over one-third of patients with end stage renal disease have persistent anemia. The nephrology literature cites various erythropoietin adjuvants that may have the potential to improve the efficiency of anemia management, and one option is ascorbic acid. This article reviews the published data on the effectiveness of intravenous ascorbic acid in increasing the hemoglobin levels of patients with hyporesponse to epoetin alfa, as well as adverse effects of the administration of intravenous ascorbic acid specifically in relation to hyperoxalemia.


Integration of consonant and pitch processing as revealed by the absence of additivity in mismatch negativity.
Consonants, unlike vowels, are thought to be speech specific and therefore no interactions would be expected between consonants and pitch, a basic element for musical tones. The present study used an electrophysiological approach to investigate whether, contrary to this view, there is integrative processing of consonants and pitch by measuring additivity of changes in the mismatch negativity (MMN) of evoked potentials. The MMN is elicited by discriminable variations occurring in a sequence of repetitive, homogeneous sounds. In the experiment, event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants heard frequently sung consonant-vowel syllables and rare stimuli deviating in either consonant identity only, pitch only, or in both dimensions. Every type of deviation elicited a reliable MMN. As expected, the two single-deviant MMNs had similar amplitudes, but that of the double-deviant MMN was also not significantly different from them. This absence of additivity in the double-deviant MMN suggests that consonant and pitch variations are processed, at least at a pre-attentive level, in an integrated rather than independent way. Domain-specificity of consonants may depend on higher-level processes in the hierarchy of speech perception.


Impairment of benthic diatom adhesion and photosynthetic activity by allelopathic compounds from a green alga: involvement of free fatty acids?
The role of chemical interactions in shaping microbial communities has raised increasing interest over the last decade. Many benthic microorganisms are known to develop chemical strategies to overcome competitors, but the real importance of chemical interactions within freshwater biofilm remains unknown. This study focused on the biological and chemical mechanisms of an interaction involving two benthic microorganisms, an allelopathic filamentous green alga, Uronema confervicolum, and a common diatom, Fistulifera saprophila. Our results showed that functions critical for benthic phototrophic microorganisms were inhibited by U. confervicolum extracts. Growth, cell motility, adhesion, and photosynthetic activity were impaired at extract concentrations ranging between 5 and 20 μg ml(-1). The adhesion inhibition was mediated by intracellular nitric oxide (NO) induction. A bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract with HPLC helped to identify two C18 fatty acids present in the growth-inhibiting fractions: linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic (LNA) acids. These compounds represented 77% of the total free fatty acids of U. confervicolum and were present in the culture medium (1.45 μg l(-1) in total). Both could inhibit the diatom growth at concentrations higher than 0.25 μg ml(-1), but had no effect on cell adhesion. The discrepancy between the effective concentrations of fatty acids and the concentration found in culture medium may be explained by the presence of high-concentration microenvironments. The compounds involved in adhesion inhibition remain to be identified. Though further experiments with complex biofilms are needed, our results suggest that U. confervicolum may participate to the control of biofilm composition by inhibiting diatom adhesion.


Effects of topical insulin on second-intention wound healing in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) - a controlled study.
Compared with mammals, wound healing in reptiles is characterized by reduced wound contraction and longer healing times. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and histopathological effects of topical insulin on second-intention healing of experimentally induced wounds in skin without dermal bony plates of Trachemys scripta elegans exposed to daily variations in ambient temperature and in an aquatic environment. Forty-four healthy adult females were assigned to two groups: Group 1 (n = 24) was used to assess clinical features such as wound contraction; Group 2 (n = 20) was used for histological evaluation and morphometric analysis. Topical porcine insulin (5 IU/ml diluted in glycerol) was applied daily 1 week. For each control time (2, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-wounding), re-epithelisation and wound remodelling were evaluated histologically and the number of main inflammatory cells (heterophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and fibroblasts) was scored. Mean wound contraction was higher in the insulin-treated group at each time point and differences were significant at day 28 (P < 0.0001). Histologically, these clinical findings were associated with better re-epithelisation, inflammatory response, collagen synthesis and remodelling of the wounds. Morphometrically, insulin-treated wounds had significantly higher mean counts of heterophils (day 7), macrophages (days 2, 7 and 14) and fibroblasts (days 14 and 21), whereas lymphocyte counts were significantly lower at day 21. These results demonstrate that topical insulin modifies the inflammatory response of turtle skin up-regulating inflammatory cells at early stages and promoting wound healing. Topical insulin is a potentially useful therapy in skin wounds of Trachemys scripta and should be evaluated in non-experimental wounds of turtles and other reptiles.


A new examination method for detecting renovascular hypertension: functional DTPA renal scintigraphy sensitized by captopril.
DTPA functional renal camera scintigraphy (DTPA-FS) was performed in 220 patients with moderately severe and severe hypertension after an initial 7-14-day Captopril + thiazide-type diuretic treatment. If, comparing it with the DTPA-FS prior to treatment, appearance or increase of a side difference were observed and it was also indicated by the clinical picture, nephroangiography was performed. Using this method, 15 cases of unilateral, 3 bilateral renal arterial stenoses were recognized, and in one case restenosis was diagnosed, in all cases of positive DTPA-FS with Captopril. In negative case of DTPA-FS sensitized with Captopril, there was no positive angiographic finding. The method of DTPA-FS performed under Captopril effect is considered to be a simple, harmless, specific out-patient examination for screening genuine renovascular hypertension. To perform several angiographies likely to be negative can be avoided by this method. The hypotensive effect of Captopril may, at the same time, be a useful guide in differentiating patients with renovascular hypertension being suitable most of all for surgical intervention or angioplasty.


Assessment of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) historically has been assessed according to disease activity measures borrowed from rheumatoid arthritis. However, more disease activity measures specific to PsA have been developed. This development is appropriate, as the disease is not confined to the joints but has multiple manifestations, in addition to skin and joints. Assessments of disease activity are unique to each domain. Including different domains in composite measures increases the level of complexity. This review briefly discusses the available outcome measures, both within domains and as composite measures, and discusses likely future directions.


Carrageenan Based Bionanocomposites as Drug Delivery Tool with Special Emphasis on the Influence of Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles.
Over the past few years, considerable attention has been focused on carrageenan based bionanocomposites due to their multifaceted properties like biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nontoxicity. Moreover, these composites can be tailored according to the desired purpose by using different nanofillers. The role of ferromagnetic nanoparticles in drug delivery is also discussed here in detail. Moreover, this article also presents a short review of recent research on the different types of the carrageenan based bionanocomposites and applications.


Mitral Regurgitation - A Multidisciplinary Challenge.
Mitral regurgitation is an increasing valvular disease that represents a difficult management challenge. Surgical treatment for degenerative mitral regurgitation is the standard of care treatment. Percutaneous therapies have emerged rapidly over the past years as an option for treatment of mitral regurgitation for selected, predominantly high-risk patients. Catheter-based devices mimic these surgical approaches with less procedural risk. Mitraclip® implantation mimics the surgical edge-to-edge leaflet repair technique, reducing the regurgitant area. We review the increasing evidence with the Mitraclip device reported to date.


Stability-indicating electrochemical methods for the determination of meclophenoxate hydrochloride and pyritinol dihydrochloride using ion-selective membrane electrodes.
The construction and electrochemical response characteristics of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane sensors for the determination of meclophenoxate hydrochloride (I) and pyritinol dihydrochloride (II) in presence of their degradation products are described. The sensors are based on the use of the ion-association complexes of (I) and (II) cation with sodium tetraphenyl borate and ammonium reineckate counteranions as ion-exchange sites in the PVC matrix. In addition beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) membranes were used in the determination of I and II. These ion pairs and beta-CD were then incorporated as electroactive species with ortho nitrophenyl octyl ether (oNPOE) as a plasticizer. Three PVC sensors were fabricated for each drug, i.e. meclophenoxate tetraphenyl borate (meclo-TPB), meclophenoxate reineckate (meclo-RNC) and meclophenoxate beta-cyclodextrin (meclo-beta-CD), and the same was done for pyritinol (pyrit-TPB), (pyrit-RNC) and (pyrit-beta-CD). They showed near Nernestian responses for meclophenoxate over the concentration range 10(-5)-10(-2) with slopes of 52.73, 51.64 and 54.05 per concentration decade with average recoveries of 99.92+/-1.077, 99.96+/-0.502 and 100.03+/-0.763 for meclo-TPB, meclo-RNC and meclo-beta-CD respectively. Pyritinol also showed near Nernestian responses over the concentration range of 3.162 x 10(-6) - 3.162 x 10(-4) for pyrit-TPB and pyrit-RNC, and 10(-6) - 3.162 x 10(-4) for pyrit-beta-CD with slopes of 30.60, 31.10 and 32.89 per concentration decade and average recoveries of 99.99+/-0.827, 100.00+/-0.775 and 99.99+/-0.680 for pyrit-TPB, pyrit-RNC and pyrit-beta-CD respectively. The sensors were used successfully for the determination of I and II in laboratory prepared mixtures with their degradation products, in pharmaceutical dosage forms and in plasma.


Photoluminescence quenching of single CdSe nanocrystals by ligand adsorption.
We study the effects of octadecanethiol on the photoluminescence intensity and blinking dynamics of single CdSe nanocrystal quantum dots. The number of luminescent nanocrystals per unit area, the intensity histograms of the luminescent nanocrystals, and the single nanocrystal blinking behavior are analyzed in samples with and without added octadecanethiol. We find that the individual nanocrystals within an ensemble do not quench uniformly with thiol addition. The data suggest that the binding of a single octadecanethiol molecule to a CdSe nanocrystal can decrease the photoluminescence quantum yield of that single nanocrystal by at least 50%. These results are important for interpreting photoluminescence-based studies of nanocrystal-ligand binding constants and surface chemistry.


Does aging alter the molecular substrate of ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors in the rostral ventral lateral medulla? - A short communication.
Aging alters sympathetic nervous system (SNS) regulation, although central mechanisms are not well understood. In young rats the rostral ventral lateral medulla (RVLM) is critically involved in central SNS regulation and RVLM neuronal activity is mediated by a balance of excitatory and inhibitory ionotropic neurotransmitters and receptors, providing the foundation for hypothesizing that with advanced age the molecular substrate of RVLM ionotropic receptors is characterized by upregulated excitatory and downregulated inhibitory receptor subunits. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the relative mRNA expression and protein concentration of RVLM excitatory (NMDA and AMPA) and inhibitory (GABA and glycinergic) ionotropic neurotransmitter receptor subunits in young and aged Fischer (F344) rats. Brains were removed from anesthetized rats and the RVLM-containing area was micropunched and extracted RNA and protein were subsequently used for TaqMan qRT-PCR gene expression and quantitative ELISA analyses. Bilateral chemical inactivation of RVLM neurons and peripheral ganglionic blockade on visceral sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) was determined in additional experiments. The relative gene expression of RVLM NMDA and AMPA glutamate-gated receptor subunits and protein concentration of select receptor subunits did not differ between young and aged rats, and there were no age-related differences in the expression of RVLM ionotropic GABAA and Gly receptors, or of protein concentration of select GABAA subunits. RVLM muscimol microinjections significantly reduced visceral SND by 70±2% in aged F344 rats. Collectively these findings from this short communication support a functional role for the RVLM in regulation of sympathetic nerve outflow in aged rats, but provide no evidence for an ionotropic RVLM receptor-centric framework explaining age-associated changes in SNS regulation.


Reduced uterine perfusion pressure decreases functional capillary density in skeletal muscle.
The purpose of this study was to examine the functional and structural capillary density in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model, which when performed during pregnancy is an established animal model of preeclampsia. We hypothesized that the RUPP model would be associated with capillary rarefaction and impaired capillary perfusion, which would be more pronounced in the pregnant state. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 32) were randomized to nonpregnancy (Nonpregnant) or breeding (Pregnant) at 12 wk of age and again to RUPP or SHAM surgeries on gestational day (GD) 14 (or equivalent age in nonpregnant rats). On GD 20 (or equivalent), capillary structure and perfusion of the extensor digitorum longus were imaged using digital intravital video microscopy. Functional videos were analyzed by a blinded observer to measure capillary density, expressed as capillaries per millimeter intersecting three staggered reference lines (200 μm). Flow was scored as the percentage of capillaries having 1) continuous, 2) intermittent, or 3) stopped flow. Total capillary density was not different between groups. There was a main effect of RUPP surgery resulting in decreased continuous flow vessels (P < 0.01) and increased stopped flow (P < 0.01), which was driven by differences between pregnant animals (Continuous flow: pregnant SHAM 80.1 ± 7.8% vs. pregnant RUPP 67.8 ± 11.2%, P < 0.05) (Stopped flow: pregnant SHAM 8.7 ± 3.2% vs. pregnant RUPP 17.9 ± 5.7%, P < 0.01). Our results demonstrate that the RUPP surgery is associated with a decrease in functional capillary density in skeletal muscle that is more pronounced in the pregnant state, which may contribute to the vascular pathophysiology observed in preeclampsia.


Nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling of aryl halides with secondary alkyl bromides and allylic acetate.
A room-temperature Ni-catalyzed reductive method for the coupling of aryl bromides with secondary alkyl bromides has been developed, providing C(sp(2))-C(sp(3)) products in good to excellent yields. Slight modification of this protocol allows efficient coupling of activated aryl chlorides with cyclohexyl bromide and aryl bromides with allylic acetate.


Vitamin E Supplementation and Early Age Heat Conditioning to Alleviate the Negative Effects of Heat Stress in Quail Chicks.
Inclusion of vitamin E in poultry diets and manipulation of temperature at early age has been known to help birds cope with heat stress at later age of their life. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of early age heat conditioning (EHC) and vitamin E addition on the performance and blood parameters to alleviate deleterious impact of heat stress in quail chicks. Three hundred one-day-old quail chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 replicates with 15 birds of each. Treatments were: Control, vitamin E: Chicks were fed the basal diet supplemented with 200 IU kg-1 diet vitamin E, EHC: Chicks were exposed to 40±1°C for 2 h at days 7th and 13th of embryogenesis and EHC+vitamin E: Chicks were exposed to 40±1°C for 2 h at days 7th and 13th of embryogenesis and fed the basal diet supplemented with 200 IU kg-1 vitamin E. The experiment lasted from 1-40 days of age. The results indicated that using early age heat conditioning and/or supplementation of vitamin E significantly (p<0.05) improved body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio at 40 days of age. Significantly (p<0.05) improvement was observed in blood pH, H/L ratio and Hb concentration, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), plasma protein fractions and antioxidant status (Total antioxidant capacity, catalase and superoxide dismutase). Exposed quail chicks to early age heat conditioning and addition of vitamin E at 200 IU kg-1 diet can effectively alleviate the adverse effects of heat stress.


Characterization of Rous sarcoma virus sequences essential for viral gene expression.
Using the Escherichia coli lacZ gene product beta-galactosidase as an indicator of gene expression, we analyzed sequences that are required for expression of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) genome in avian cells. The RSV long terminal repeat (LTR) and leader region were sufficient to direct the synthesis of high levels of enzymatically active gag-lacZ fusion proteins. A portion of U3 greater than 140 nucleotides upstream from the cap site was essential for gene expression. This element functioned in either orientation, but its activity was attenuated when it was relocated further away from the cap site. The insertion of exogenous LTRs 3' of lacZ augmented the expression of that gene by increasing the level of stable gag-lacZ transcripts. Furthermore, 3' LTRs could partially compensate for certain defects within the 5' LTR. Insertion of various fragmentary LTRs allowed the identification of at least three synergistically acting domains within the 3' LTR that influence gene expression. Interestingly, the gag-lacZ expression was only stimulated by a 3' LTR when the exogenous 3'-untranslated region was adjacent. Our results imply that the two LTRs of a provirus interact in a complex manner to promote high levels of stable transcripts. It was also found that gag-lacZ expression was independent of viral gene products, suggesting that trans-activation is not a key mechanism regulating RSV expression in avian cells.


[New challenges and perspectives in nuclear medicine imaging].
Hybrid positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) and single photon emission computer tomography/computer tomography (SPECT/CT) have resulted in significant advances both in medical research and routine clinical use. The most recent multimodality system that combines PET and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers new potentials unthinkable before. The hybrid techniques allow obtaining simultaneous morphologic, functional, and molecular information of a living system. The proper use of multimodality imaging is of high importance as they facilitate both basic medical research and clinical practice.


Spreading Colon Cancer Can Bypass Lymph Nodes.
A new study uses evolutionary analysis to show that some colorectal tumor cells colonize the lymph nodes before metastasizing to the organs. However, the study finds that most metastases descend from subclones in the tumor itself.


Photocyclization Reactions of Diarylethenes via the Excited Triplet State.
Cyclization reactions of three diarylethene derivatives, 1,2-bis(2-methyl-3-benzothienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (BT), 1,2-bis(2-hexyl-3-benzothienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (BTHex), and 1,2-bis(2-isopropyl-3-benzothienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (BTiPr), via their excited triplet states were studied by means of steady-state and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The excited triplet states of BT, BTHex, and BTiPr were generated by energy transfer from the photoexcited triplet states of sensitizers such as xanthone, phenanthrene, and pyrene. The single-step quantum yields of the cyclization reactions from the excited triplet states of BT, BTHex, and BTiPr were determined to be 0.34, 0.53, and 0.65, respectively. The triplet energies of these three BTs were estimated to be 190-200 kJ mol(-1).


Predicting hemorrhagic transformation after large vessel occlusion stroke in the era of mechanical thrombectomy.
Serum biomarkers are associated with hemorrhagic transformation and brain edema after cerebral infarction. However, whether serum biomarkers predict hemorrhagic transformation in large vessel occlusion stroke even after mechanical thrombectomy, which has become widely used, remains uncertain. In this prospective study, we enrolled patients with large vessel occlusion stroke in the anterior circulation. We analyzed 91 patients with serum samples obtained on admission. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), amyloid precursor protein (APP) 770, endothelin-1, S100B, and claudin-5 were measured. We examined the association between serum biomarkers and hemorrhagic transformation within one week. Fifty-four patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and 17 patients developed relevant hemorrhagic transformation (rHT, defined as hemorrhagic changes ≥ hemorrhagic infarction type 2). Neither MMP-9 (no rHT: 46 ± 48 vs. rHT: 15 ± 4 ng/mL, P = 0.30), APP770 (80 ± 31 vs. 85 ± 8 ng/mL, P = 0.53), endothelin-1 (7.0 ± 25.7 vs. 2.0 ± 2.1 pg/mL, P = 0.42), S100B (13 ± 42 vs. 12 ± 15 pg/mL, P = 0.97), nor claudin-5 (1.7 ± 2.3 vs. 1.9 ± 1.5 ng/mL, P = 0.68) levels on admission were associated with subsequent rHT. When limited to patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy, the level of claudin-5 was higher in patients with rHT than in those without (1.2 ± 1.0 vs. 2.1 ± 1.7 ng/mL, P = 0.0181). APP770 levels were marginally higher in patients with a midline shift ≥ 5 mm than in those without (79 ± 29 vs. 97 ± 41 ng/mL, P = 0.084). The predictive role of serum biomarkers has to be reexamined in the mechanical thrombectomy era because some previously reported serum biomarkers may not predict hemorrhagic transformation, whereas the level of APP770 may be useful for predicting brain edema.


Contact Lens Safety for the Correction of Refractive Error in Healthy Eyes.
Contact lenses are a safe and effective method for correction of refractive error and worn by an estimated 45 million Americans. Because of the widespread availability and commercial popularity of contact lenses, it is not well appreciated by the public that contact lenses are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated medical devices. Contact lenses are marketed in numerous hard and soft materials that have been improved over decades, worn in daily or extended wear, and replaced in range of schedules from daily to yearly or longer. Lens materials and wear and care regimens have impact on the risks of contact lens-related corneal inflammatory events and microbial keratitis. This article reviews contact lens safety, with specific focus on the correction of refractive error in healthy eyes.


A novel nonsurgical therapy for peri-implantitis using focused pulsed electromagnetic field: A pilot randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy modulates the immune response and is successfully used in orthopedics to treat osteoarthritis and improve bone regeneration. This may suggest that this treatment may consequently reduce peri-implant soft tissue inflammation and marginal bone loss. To compare clinical, radiographic, and immunological results following nonsurgical treatment for peri-implantitis with or without PEMF therapy. Patients with peri-implantitis were included: pocket probing depth (PPD) between 6 and 8 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP); crestal bone loss between 3 and 5 mm. A novel healing abutment that contained active (test) or inactive (control) PEMF was connected. PEMF was administered via the abutment at exposure ratio of 1/500-1/5000, intensity: 0.05-0.5 mT, frequency: 10-50 kHz for 30 days. Nonsurgical mechanical implant surface debridement was performed. Patients were examined at baseline, 1 and 3 months. Clinical assessment included: plaque index, BOP, PPD, recession, and bone crest level which was radiography measured. Samples of peri-implant crevicular fluid were taken to analyze interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Twenty-three patients (34 implants; 19 control, 15 test) were included. At the follow-up, mean crestal bone loss was lower in the test group at 1 and 3 months (2.48 mm vs. 3.73 mm, p < 0.05 and 2.39 vs. 3.37, p < 0.01). IL-1β levels were also lower in the test group at 2 weeks (72.86 pg/mL vs. 111.7, p < 0.05). Within all the limitation of this preliminary study, the test group improved clinical parameters after a short-term period compared to the control group.


Preprocedural Multimodality Imaging in Atrial Fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with increased risk of heart failure, stroke, and death. In current medical practice, multimodality imaging is routinely used in the management of AF. Twenty-one years ago, the ACUTE trial (Assessment of Cardioversion Using Transesophageal Echocardiography) results were published, and the management of AF changed forever by incorporating transesophageal echocardiography guided cardioversion of patients in AF for the first time. Current applications of multimodality imaging in AF in 2022 include the use of transesophageal echocardiography and computed tomography before cardioversion to exclude left atrial thrombus and in left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation. Transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance are clinically used for AF ablation planning. The decision to use a particular imaging modality in AF is based on patient's characteristics, guideline recommendation, institutional preferences, expertise, and cost. In this first of 2-part review series, we discuss the preprocedural role of echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance in the AF, with regard to their clinical applications, relevant outcomes data and unmet needs, and highlights future directions in this rapidly evolving field.


Lymphocyte transformation test in patients with nickel sensitivity: an aid to diagnosis.
Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 16 patients with a positive patch test to 2.5% nickel sulphate (NiSO4) and 18 healthy controls were tested by the lymphocyte transformation technique where NiSO4 in six different concentrations was used and tested after various days of culture. Lymphocytes from all except one of the patients showed a significantly greater response than that of the controls. Lymphocyte transformation as measured by increased DNA synthesis seems to be a valuable tool for investigating the problems arising from false-positive or false-negative patch tests. With these data we have defined certain criteria for in vitro reactivity that should be fulfilled. Lymphocytes from controls responded non-specifically to high concentrations of NiSO4. Cord blood lymphocytes from 4 newborn infants could also be activated by NiSO4, thus confirming the assumption that NiSO4 is a weak mitogen.


Meeting the guidelines for end-of-life care.
The number of patients initiating dialysis in most countries continues to increase, with the greatest increase being in the oldest age group. Clinical practice guidelines have been developed to help the nephrology team with end-of-life carefor patients on dialysis. The aim of the project reported here was to assess if we were meeting the guidelines. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients 80 years of age and older who had started dialysis at our center Our cohort included 105 patients (50% men; median age: 84.5 years; age range: 80-95 years), of whom 55% were on hemodialysis and 45% were on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Overall life expectancy was 2.1 years. Among the 59 patients who died while still part of our program, 92% had a do not resuscitate order in place, and 46% had withdrawn from dialysis. Palliative care was consulted in 46% of cases. Dyspnea and pain were the two most common symptoms in the last 24 hours of life. Of these 59 patients, 71% died in hospital. Only 6 patients died at home, all of these being on home PD. End-of-life care for this elderly cohort of dialysis patients could be improved on several measures to meet clinical practice guidelines, especially with greater access to palliative care units and community palliative care programs.


Father to infant attachment: effects of early contact and characteristics of the infant.
Fifty-one father-infant dyads were studied at 24-72 hours of age and at 1 month to determine the effects of early contact, sex, and irritability of the infant on fathers' perceptions and behaviors. Irritability was measured by a factor of four items from the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale administered at 24-72 hours. Fathers who held their infants in the first hour of life demonstrated more nonverbal behavior toward their infants during on observation at 1 month than those who did not have this early contact. Fathers interacted more verbally with girls than with boys at 1 month. A sex and irritability interaction effect was found in fathers' perception of high-irritability boys and low-irritability girls. Fathers also reported more frequent care-taking of high-irritability infants of both sexes than of low-irritability infants.


The incidence and mortality of major cancers in China, 2012.
The National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR) collected population-based cancer registration data in 2012 from local registries and estimated the cancer incidence and mortality in China. In the middle of 2015, 261 cancer registries submitted reports on new cancer cases and deaths occurred in 2012. Qualified data from 193 registries were used for analysis after evaluation. Crude rates, number of cases, and age-standardized rates stratified by area (urban/rural), sex, age group, and cancer type were calculated according to the national population in 2012. The covered population were 198,060,406 from 193 qualified cancer registries (74 urban and 119 rural registries). The major indicators of quality control, percentage of cases morphologically verified (MV%), death certificate-only cases (DCO%), and the mortality to incidence (M/I) ratio, were 69.13%, 2.38%, and 0.62, respectively. It was estimated that there were 3,586,200 new cancer cases and 2,186,600 cancer deaths in 2012 in China with an incidence of 264.85/100,000 [age-standardized rate of incidence by the Chinese standard population (ASRIC) of 191.89/100,000] and a mortality of 161.49/100,000 [age-standardized rate of mortality by the Chinese standard population (ASRMC) of 112.34/100,000]. The ten most common cancer sites were the lung, stomach, liver, colorectum, esophagus, female breast, thyroid, cervix, brain, and pancreas, accounting for approximately 77.4% of all new cancer cases. The ten leading causes of cancer death were lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, female breast cancer, brain tumor, leukemia, and lymphoma, accounting for 84.5% of all cancer deaths. Continuous cancer registry data provides basic information in cancer control programs. The cancer burden in China is gradually increasing, both in urban and rural areas, in males and females. Efficient cancer prevention and control, such as health education, tobacco control, and cancer screening, should be paid attention by the health sector and the whole society of China.


Effect of Differences in Month and Location of Measurement in Estimating Prevalence and Trend of Wasting and Stunting in India in 2005-2006 and 2015-2016.
Child undernutrition in India remains widespread. Data from the National Family Health Survey 3 and 4 (NFHS-3 and NFHS-4) suggest that wasting prevalence has increased while stunting prevalence has declined. The objectives of this study were to do the following: 1) describe wasting and stunting by month of measurement in India in children <5 y of age in NFHS-3 and NFHS-4 surveys, and 2) test whether differences in the timing of anthropometric data collection and in states between survey years introduced bias in the comparison of estimates of wasting and stunting between NFHS-3 and NFHS-4. Data on wasting and stunting for 42,608 and 232,744 children aged >5 y in the NFHS-3 and NFHS-4 survey rounds were analyzed. Differences in the prevalence of wasting and stunting by month of year and by state of residence were examined descriptively. Regression analyses were conducted to test the sensitivity of the estimate of differences in wasting and stunting prevalence across survey years to both state differences and seasonality. Examination of the patterns of wasting and stunting by month of measurement and by state across survey years reveal marked variability. When both state and month were adjusted, regardless of the method used to account for sample size, there was a small negative difference from 2005-2006 to 2015-2016 in the prevalence of wasting (-0.8 ± 0.6 percentage points; P = 0.2) and a negative difference in stunting prevalence (-8.3 ± 0.7 percentage points; P < 0.001), indicating a small bias for wasting but not for stunting in unadjusted analyses. State and seasonal differences may have introduced bias to the estimated difference in prevalence of wasting between the survey years but did not do so for stunting. Future data collection should be designed to maximize consistency in coverage of both time and place.


Mechanisms contributing to gait speed and metabolic cost in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
Gait speed and metabolic cost are indicators of functional capacity in children with cerebral palsy. Uncovering their mechanisms helps guide therapeutic actions. To investigate the contributions of energy-generating and energy-conserving mechanisms to gait speed and metabolic cost of children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Data on eccentric and concentric muscle work, co-contraction, elastic torque and vertical stiffness of the affected-limb, forcing torque of the non-affected limb, gait speed and metabolic cost were collected from 14 children with unilateral cerebral palsy, aged 6-12 years. Analyses included two groups of multiple regression models. The first group of models tested the association between each dependent variable (i.e., speed and metabolic cost) and the independent variables that met the input criteria. The second group verified the contribution of the non-selected biomechanical variables on the predictors of the first model. Gait speed (R2=0.80) was predicted by elastic torque (β=0.62; 95%CI: 0.60, 0.63), vertical stiffness (β=-0.477; 95%CI: -0.479, -0.474) and knee co-contraction (β=0.27; 95%CI: -1.96, 2.49). The production of eccentric work by the affected limb proved relevant in adjusting the vertical stiffness (R2=0.42; β=-0.64; 95%CI: 0.86, -0.42); elastic torque of the affected-leg was associated with impulsive torque of the non-affected leg (R2=0.31; β=0.55; 95%CI: 0.46, 0.64). Metabolic cost of gait (R2=0.48) was partially predicted by knee co-contraction (β=0.69; 95%CI: 0.685, 0.694). The chain of associations revealed by the two steps models helped uncover the mechanisms involved in the locomotion of children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Intervention that changes specific energy conserving and generating mechanisms may improve gait of these children.


Genetic variation in FADS genes is associated with maternal long-chain PUFA status but not with cognitive development of infants in a high fish-eating observational study.
Long-chain n-6 and n-3 PUFA (LC-PUFA), arachidonic acid (AA) (20:4n-6) and DHA (22:6n-3), are critical for optimal brain development. These fatty acids can be consumed directly from the diet, or synthesized endogenously from precursor PUFA by Δ-5 (encoded by FADS1) and Δ-6 desaturases (encoded by FADS2). The aim of this study was to determine the potential importance of maternal genetic variability in FADS1 and FADS2 genes to maternal LC-PUFA status and infant neurodevelopment in populations with high fish intakes. The Nutrition Cohorts 1 (NC1) and 2 (NC2) are longitudinal observational mother-child cohorts in the Republic of Seychelles. Maternal serum LC-PUFA was measured at 28 weeks gestation and genotyping for rs174537 (FADS1), rs174561 (FADS1), rs3834458 (FADS1-FADS2) and rs174575 (FADS2) was performed in both cohorts. The children completed the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID-II) at 30 months in NC1 and at 20 months in NC2. Complete data were available for 221 and 1310 mothers from NC1 and NC2 respectively. With increasing number of rs3834458 minor alleles, maternal concentrations of AA were significantly decreased (NC1 p=0.004; NC2 p<0.001) and precursor:product ratios for linoleic acid (LA) (18:2n-6)-to-AA (NC1 p<0.001; NC2 p<0.001) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) (18:3n-3)-to-DHA were increased (NC2 p=0.028). There were no significant associations between maternal FADS genotype and BSID-II scores in either cohort. A trend for improved PDI was found among infants born to mothers with the minor rs3834458 allele.In these high fish-eating cohorts, genetic variability in FADS genes was associated with maternal AA status measured in serum and a subtle association of the FADS genotype was found with neurodevelopment.


Endothelial cells: target for the HIV1 virus?
Plasmatic levels of endothelial markers [von Willebrand's factor (VWF), fibronectin (FN), and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)] were measured in patients at various stages of evolution of HIV1 infection. VWF levels were elevated at all stages, while other markers were significantly altered only for the most advanced stages. These results can be interpreted as indicating an endothelial involvement during HIV infection and VWF being the most sensitive marker. Endothelial markers, mainly VWF, could be used as prognosis marker of the infection. Capillary density was measured in the dermis of uninvolved skin showing a significant angiogenesis associated with the HIV1 infection. These biochemical and histological results however do not indicate whether these changes are directly linked to endothelial infection by the virus or to an indirect effect. The endothelial cell being an immunocompetent cell what is its involvement in the genesis of the immuno deficiency syndrome?


Triarylmethyl-based 2D covalent networks: virtual screening of chemical functionalisation for optimising strain-induced property control.
Two-dimensional covalent networks based on triarylmethyl (TAM) radical monomers have been proposed as versatile materials whose unpaired electrons may be externally localised/delocalised through the application of external uniaxial strain. This phenomenon arises through the strain-induced variance of the dihedral twist angles of the aryl rings within the network, and allows the control of important physico-chemical properties (e.g. magnetic interactions, electronic band gap). In order to experimentally realise such materials, one must find a compromise between the kinetic stability of the TAM monomers (through sterically protecting the radical centre with the appropriate aryl ring functionalisation) and the structural flexibility of the resulting material (provided by low intra-ring steric hindrance). In this work, through an efficient search procedure based on force field-based screening, employing ∼1750 calculations, followed by selected accurate electronic structure calculations, we provide support for the experimental viability of TAM-based 2D networks with highly controllable properties.


Endometriosis-associated Extraovarian Malignancies: A Challenging Question for the Clinician and the Pathologist.
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, which affects 10% of women in the reproductive age. Malignant transformation is an uncommon event, which affects approximately 0.7-2.5% of women, and, when it occurs, it involves ovarian and extraovarian sites in 75% and 25% of the cases, respectively. Endometriosis correlates with presentation of clear cell and endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary. Activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3) - protein kinase B (AKT) - mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, aberrant chromatin remodeling due to AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A) mutation and inactivation of estrogen receptor-α signaling seem to play a major role in the carcinogenesis. To date, little data are available regarding endometriosis-associated extraovarian malignancies. The aim of the present study was to review the clinical, pathological and prognostic features of endometriosis-related neoplasms arising from extraovarian sites, with particular focus on intestinal malignancies, urinary tract malignancies and tumors arising from surgical scars.


Mutations in TKT Are the Cause of a Syndrome Including Short Stature, Developmental Delay, and Congenital Heart Defects.
Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is increasingly being utilized to diagnose individuals with undiagnosed disorders. Developmental delay and short stature are common clinical indications for WES. We performed WES in three families, using proband-parent trios and two additional affected siblings. We identified a syndrome due to an autosomal-recessively inherited deficiency of transketolase, encoded by TKT, on chromosome 3p21. Our series includes three families with a total of five affected individuals, ranging in age from 4 to 25 years. Two families of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry were homozygous for an 18 base pair in-frame insertion in TKT. The third family was compound heterozygous for nonsense and missense variants in TKT. All affected individuals had short stature and were developmentally delayed. Congenital heart defects were noted in four of the five affected individuals, and there was a history of chronic diarrhea and cataracts in the older individuals with the homozygous 18 base pair insertion. Enzymatic testing confirmed significantly reduced transketolase activity. Elevated urinary excretion of erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, and pent(ul)ose-5-phosphates was detected, as well as elevated amounts of erythritol, arabitol, and ribitol in the plasma of affected individuals. Transketolase deficiency reduces NADPH synthesis and nucleic acid synthesis and cell division and could explain the problems with growth. NADPH is also critical for maintaining cerebral glutathione, which might contribute to the neurodevelopmental delays. Transketolase deficiency is one of a growing list of inborn errors of metabolism in the non-oxidative part of the pentose phosphate pathway.


Reciprocal effects of micro-RNA-122 on expression of heme oxygenase-1 and hepatitis C virus genes in human hepatocytes.
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an antioxidant defense and key cytoprotective enzyme, which is repressed by Bach1. Micro-RNA-122 (miR-122) is specifically expressed and highly abundant in human liver and required for replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. This study was to assess whether a specific miR-122 antagomir down-regulates HCV protein replication and up-regulates HO-1. We transfected antagomir of miR-122, 2'-O-methyl-mimic miR-122, or nonspecific control antagomir, into wild-type (WT) Huh-7 cells or Huh-7 stably replicating HCV subgenomic protein core through nonstructural protein 3 of HCV (NS3) (CNS3 replicon cells) or NS3-5B (9-13 replicon cells). Antagomir of miR-122 reduced the abundance of HCV RNA by 64% in CNS3 and by 84% in 9-13 cells. Transfection with 2'-O-methlyl-mimic miR-122 increased HCV levels up to 2.5-fold. Antagomir of miR-122 also decreased Bach1 and increased HO-1 mRNA levels in CNS3, 9-13, and WT Huh-7 cells. Increasing HO-1 by silencing Bach1 with 50 nmol/L Bach1-short interfering RNA or by treatment with 5 mumol/L cobalt protoporphyrin or heme (known inducers of HO-1) decreased HCV RNA and protein by 50% in HCV replicon cells. Down-regulation of HCV replication using an antagomir targeted to miR-122 is effective, specific, and selective. Increasing HO-1, by silencing the Bach1 gene or by treatment with cobalt protoporphyrin or heme, decreases HCV replication. Thus, miR-122 plays an important role in the regulation of HCV replication and HO-1/Bach1 expression in hepatocytes. Down-regulation of miR-122 and up-regulation of HO-1 may be new strategies for anti-HCV intervention and cytoprotection.


A comparative study on the efficacy of albendazole and mebendazole in the treatment of ascariasis, hookworm infection and trichuriasis.
A comparative study of the efficacy of albendazole and mebendazole was carried out in Pattani Province in the southern part of Thailand. One hundred and ninety-six patients with single or multiple infections with Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris were randomized into 4 groups for different treatments. Stool examination by Kato-Katz technique were done before and on day 14 after treatment. Results of the study showed that (1) a single dose of 300 mg mebendazole (locally produced) resulted in cure rates of 50%, 0% and 0% and egg reduction rates of 87.3%, -15.3%, and 28.3%, for ascariasis, hookworm infection and Trichuris respectively; (2) a single dose of 300 mg mebendazole (original) resulted in cure rates of 100.0%, 9.1%, and 43.3%, and egg reduction rates of 100.0%, 72.0%, and 77.9%, for Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris respectively; (3) a single dose 500 mg mebendazole (original) resulted in cure rates of 100.0%, 30.2%, and 70.3%, and egg reduction rates of 100.0%, 70.4% and 89.9%, for Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris respectively and (4) a single dose of 400 mg albendazole (original) resulted in cure rates of 100.0%, 84.3%, and 67.4%, and egg reduction rates of 100.0%, 96.0% and 87.0%, for Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris respectively. Both mebendazole and albendazole are safe and no side effects were observed. The results of this study suggested that albendazole is the preferred benzimidazole derivative for mass treatment of multiple infections with Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris.


Palladium-Catalyzed Insertion of Ethylene and 1,1-Disubstituted Difunctional Olefins: An Experimental and Computational Study.
Insertion or coordination copolymerization of ethylene with di-substituted olefins is challenging and the choice of di-substituted mono-functional olefin versus di-substituted di-functional olefin (DDO) appears to be decisive. Here we show that DDO-inserted species are amenable to ethylene insertion and polymerization. DDOs such as 2-acetamidoacrylic acid (AAA), methyl 2-acetamidoacrylate (MAAA), and ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (ECA) were treated with palladium complex [{P∧O}PdMe(L)] (P∧O=κ2 -P,O-Ar2 PC6 H4 SO2 O with Ar=2-MeOC6 H4 ; L=C2 H6 OS) and the existence of respective insertion intermediates in moderate yield (up to 37 %) was established. These intermediates were exposed to ethylene and corresponding ethylene-inserted products were isolated and characterized. A careful comparison with three model compounds confirmed ethylene insertion and polymerization. Thus, the combined experimental and computational investigations show that DDO-inserted species can undergo ethylene insertion and polymerization.


Insecticidal activity of the plant Phyllanthus amarus against Tribolium castaneum.
The plant Phyllanthus amarus is used as folk medicine since the year 1800 and has been established for its important medicinal properties particularly for liver ailments. The present communication explores the insecticidal activity of ethanolic extract of aerial and root parts of this plant against stored grain pest Tribolium castaneum. LC 50 values of ethanolic aerial part were 895.77, 473.91, 279.89 and 260.85 microg/cm2, while 512.62, 376.96, 248.88 and 209.79 microg/cm2 for ethanolic root part at the exposure of 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 days respectively. Ethanolic root extract possessed significant insecticidal activity against T. castaneum.


Autonomic nervous activity during sleep in middle cerebral artery infarction.
No data are available on the autonomic system during sleep in patients with stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of acute ischemic stroke on the autonomic cardiovascular system during sleep, and to correlate autonomic activity with the clinical status of patients. Ten patients with ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery were studied by means of an all-night polysomnographic recording within the 1st week of the onset of symptoms and at the 3-week follow-up examination. Power spectrum analysis of the heart rate variability was performed using an autoregressive algorithm in 180 consecutive electrocardiographic RR intervals. Spectral power was calculated in 3 main frequency bands: high frequency (HF), 0.15-0.4 Hz; low frequency (LF), 0.04-0.15 Hz; very low frequency (VLF), < 0.04 Hz. The data were compared with those of 10 age-matched controls. A significant increase in VLF (p < 0.0005) and a decrease in HF (p < 0.0002) components were found in ischemic stroke patients. The sympathetic-parasympathetic balance (VLF + LF/HF) was higher in patients than controls (p < 0.005). However, these components changed significantly during sleep, revealing a physiological pattern. These power spectral data were still present at the 3-week follow-up. The 4 patients who developed cardiac arrhythmias showed higher sympathetic-parasympathetic balance than patients without arrhythmias (p < 0.05). These data suggest a sympathetic predominance in patients with acute ischemic stroke during sleep. However, the flexible and dynamic properties of the autonomic nervous system are preserved. Cardiac arrhythmias following stroke may be related to the degree of sympathetic predominance.


[Effects of nitrogen application rate on nitrate reductase activity, nitric oxide content and gas exchange in winter wheat leaves].
In this paper, the effects of different nitrogen application rates on the nitrate reductase (NR) activity, nitric oxide (NO) content and gas exchange parameters in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaves from tillering stage to heading stage and on grain yield were studied. The results showed that the photosynthetic rate (P(n)), transpiration rate (T(r)) and instantaneous water use efficiency (IWUE) of leaves as well as the grain yield were increased with increasing nitrogen application rate first but decreased then, with the values of all these parameters reached the highest in treatment N180. The NR activity increased with increasing nitrogen application rate, and there was a significant linear correlation between NR activity and NO content at tillering and jointing stages (R2 > or = 0.68, n = 15). NO content had a quadratic positive correlation with stomatal conductance (G(s)) (R2 > or = 0.43, n = 15). The lower NO content produced by lower NR activity under lower nitrogen application rate promoted the stoma opened, while the higher NO content produced by higher NR activity under higher nitrogen application rate induced the stoma closed. Although the leaf NO content had a quadratic positive correlation with stomatal conductance (R2 > or = 0.36, n = 15), no remarkable correlation was observed between NR activity and NO content at heading stage, suggesting that nitrogen fertilization could not affect leaf NO content through promoting NR activity, and further more, regulate the stomatal action. Under appropriate nitrogen application the leaf NR activity and NO content were lower, G(s), T(r) and IWUE were higher, and thus, the crop had a better drought-resistant ability, higher P(n), and higher grain yield.


ZFHX1B mutations in patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome.
Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a recently delineated mental retardation (MR)-multiple congenital anomaly syndrome, characterized by typical facies, severe MR, epilepsy, and variable congenital malformations, including Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), genital anomalies, congenital heart disease (CHD), and agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC). It is caused by de novo heterozygous mutations or deletions of the ZFHX1B gene located at 2q22. ZFHX1B encodes Smad-interacting protein-1 (SMADIP1 or SIP1), a transcriptional corepressor involved in the transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway. It is a highly evolutionarily conserved gene, widely expressed in embryological development. Over 100 mutations have been described in patients with clinically typical MWS, who almost always have whole gene deletions or truncating mutations (nonsense or frameshift) of ZFHX1B, suggesting that haploinsufficiency is the basis of MWS pathology. No obvious genotype-phenotype correlation could be identified so far, but atypical phenotypes have been reported with missense or splice mutations in the ZFHX1B gene. In this work we describe 40 novel mutations and we summarize the various mutational reports published since the identification of the causative gene.


Medulloblastoma: what is the role of molecular genetics?
Among pediatric malignancies, medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the CNS. In the past few years, thanks to a multidisciplinary approach including surgery, chemo- and radiation therapy, survival has significantly improved. Despite that, a third of patients still have a low chance of being cured and long-term survivors experience severe treatment-related sequelae. MBs are usually classified according to a clinical risk stratification, based on histological features, age at diagnosis, extent of tumor resection and presence or absence of metastases. However, these clinical variables have recently been reported to be poor for defining risk-related disease. Retrospective studies have identified histological or biological factors that have distinct roles in prognosis. As several pathways have been discovered to be involved in MB pathogenesis, they should be taken into account to more accurately stratify patients and their treatment and to develop innovative therapies.


Efficacy and Safety of Pancrelipase/Pancreatin in Patients With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and a Medical History of Diabetes Mellitus.
The aim of this study was to perform exploratory analyses of the efficacy and safety of pancrelipase delayed-release capsules (Creon) in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) with (n = 36) and without (n = 18) concurrent diabetes mellitus (DM). This was a retrospective, post hoc, subgroup (±DM) analysis of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of pancrelipase in patients with EPI due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy (total or partial). After a 5-day placebo run-in period (baseline), patients were randomized to pancrelipase (72,000 lipase units/meal, 36,000/snack) or placebo for 7 days. Outcomes included changes in coefficients of fat absorption (CFA) and nitrogen absorption (CNA) from baseline to the end of the double-blind period. Mean changes in nutrient absorption were greater with pancrelipase versus placebo in patients with DM (CFA, 36.0% vs 7.5%, P < 0.0001; CNA, 33.4% vs 3.7%, P = 0.0002) and without DM (CFA, 25.2% vs 12.3%, P = 0.0326; CNA, 39.1% vs 17.6%, P = 0.1187). Diabetes mellitus was not significantly associated with outcomes for CFA (P = 0.0802) and CNA (P = 0.2934). Incidences of adverse events, including hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, were similar in the pancrelipase and placebo arms. Pancrelipase improved fat and protein absorption in patients with EPI due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy, with or without DM, and matched the safety profile previously reported.


Transgenerational hormetic effects of sublethal dose of flupyradifurone on the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae).
Both inhibitory and stimulatory (known as hormesis) effects of the sublethal flupyradifurone, a butenolide insecticide, on Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were investigated for incorporating it into integrated pest management (IPM). A leaf-dip bioassay showed that flupyradifurone was very toxic against adult M. persicae with a 48 h LC50 of 8.491 mg/L. Using the age-stage two-sex life table approach, we assessed the effects of LC25 of flupyradifurone on adult M. persicae and its progeny (F1 and F2). On the one hand, aphids exposed to flupyradifurone had significantly negative effects on the life history traits acrossing the generations, such as reduced the adult longevity and fecundity of F0, shortened the duration of third instar and fourth instar nymphs, preadult period and the pre-reproductive period of F1, and decreased the reproductive days and adult longevity of F2. On the other hand, stimulatory effects on the duration of pre-adult, adult reproductive days, and reproduction of F1 were observed in the flupyradifurone-treated aphids. Consistently with the stimulation on individual traits, a higher net reproductive rate (R0) of F1 and a shorter mean generation time (T) of F2 were observed in the flupyradifurone-treated aphids, although the other population parameters including the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and T of F1 and R0, r and λ of F2 were not significantly affected. These results revealed that adult M. persicae exposed to sublethal concentration of flupyradifurone can induce hormetic effects on F1, and also cause negative effects on F2. Our results would be useful for assessing the overall effects of flupyradifurone on M. persicae and the hormetic effects should take into consideration when use flupyradifurone for control M. persicae.


[Effect of cariporide on the expression of bcl-2 and bax genes after neck heart transplantation from non heart-beating rats caused by warm ischemia].
To detect the expression of bcl-2 and bax genes after heterotopic heart transplantation in rats that died of warm ischemia, and to explore the effect of cariporide on the protection of the ratos non heart-beating donors. One hundred and twelve clearing Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 7 groups at random (each group contained 16 rats): the control group (Group C), the groups of transplanted hearts after 10, 30, and 45 min of asystolia (Group S10,S30,and S45), and the groups of transplanted hearts after 10,30, and 45 min of asystolia and infused with cariporide(Group SH10,SH30, and SH45).The experimental groups were sacrificed totally by warm ischemia, and heterotopic heart transplantation was processed by the Cuff method. The heart samples of S10,SH10,S30, and SH30 groups were taken at 48 hours after the transplantation, and the heart samples of S45, and SH45 groups were taken just after transplantation. The expression of bcl-2 and bax genes were detected by RT-PCR. The death of rats was affirmed when cardiac electric waves vanished after 9~11 minutes of transsection of abdominal aorta. On the RT-PCR test, the expression of bcl-2 gene was the highest and ROD value was maximum in the control group. The expression of bax gene was the lowest and ROD value was minimum in the control group. The ROD value of bcl-2 genes in S10 and S30 groups was less than that in SH10 and SH30 group. The ROD value was just the opposite, and there was stastistical difference (P<0.05).There was no statistical difference between Group S45 and Group SH45 (P>0.05). The model of heteroto-pic neck heart transplantation is a convenient animal model for the cardiac muscle protection. Cariporide can suppress the apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells in rats (within 30 min) after death caused by warm ischemia.


Foundations for self-awareness: An exploration through autism.
Developmental psychopathology holds promise for elucidating the structure of self-awareness. Here we studied social emotions in matched groups of children and adolescents with and without autism. Our aims were to determine whether there are potentially dissociable aspects of self-awareness, and to reconsider how the qualities of young children's engagement with other persons influences the development of their sense of self. Parent interviews yielded evidence that children with autism are limited in social-relational and emotional domains of self-awareness; for example, few were reported to show guilt, embarrassment, or shame. Yet according to parent report, most were affected by the moods of others, showed some degree of pity and concern, and manifested jealousy. When presented with videotaped scenes, participants with autism were similar to those without autism in identifying pride, guilt, and shame, and they were able to describe their own experiences of pride and, more rarely, guilt. In situations designed to elicit emotions, participants with autism were rated as showing pride, but they manifested lesser degrees and atypical qualities of guilt and coyness. Relatively few showed personal forms of self-consciousness when asked to pose for a photograph. We argue that in order for children to achieve depth in self-awareness, and to relate to themselves as occupying a distinctive stance within a framework of mutual self-other relatedness, they need to identify with the attitudes of other people. We interpret the present studies in terms of dissociations among three forms of social emotion: "person-centered" qualities of relational self-awareness that require identification and are specifically limited among children with autism, more diffuse modes of relational self-consciousness, and a third group of social emotions, epitomized by jealousy, situated in a separate developmental line. We propose a rebalancing of emotion theory that gives greater prominence to children's developing forms of interpersonal and intra-psychic relatedness.


A varied presentation of hydatid cyst: a report of four cases with review of literature.
Contrary to the popular perception, hydatosis does not remain restricted to certain geographical locales but is a global health concern, particularly in the rural countryside. Although liver and lung involvement account for the majority of the lesions, primary breast, bone, kidney and soft tissue hydatosis with features of cystic echinococcosis are extremely rare. We report four such rare cases of cystic echinococcosis which were diagnosed and treated in our institute.


Spatio-temporal trajectory evolution and cause analysis of air pollution in Chengdu, China.
This study comprehensively analyzed air pollution in Chengdu (CD), a megacity in southwest China, evaluated the Variation Characteristics of air quality during 2015-2018, and conducted Random Forest classification of air pollution data of 2017. The classification results showed three pollution periods: severe (December, January and February), ozone (May‒August), and slight (March and November). These features were combined with potential source contribution function (PSCF), concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) and backward trajectory model (HYSPLIT) for simulating spatio-temporal trajectory of air polluted during each pollution periods. The results show that PM2.5 mainly comes from CD and surrounding cities, and some may be from India, Myanmar and Chongqing; PM10 mainly comes from CD and surrounding cities and some may be from India and Myanmar; NO2 mainly comes from CD and surrounding cities and cities and Some of the pollution may come from the input of India, Myanmar, Chongqing and Inner Mongolia; O3 mainly comes from the urban agglomeration of Sichuan Basin and some areas from Chongqing, Sichuan Liangshan and Yunnan Guizhou. Combined with the meteorological data of temperature, relative humidity and wind speed, aerosol optical depth, planetary boundary layer height and thermal anomaly data, the Monthly, daily and hourly spatio-temporal characteristics and the possible occurred cause of the main air pollution during each pollution period in CD were revealed detail. The research in this paper is critical for pollution control and prevention and provides a scientific basis for studying the spatio-temporal characteristics and sources of pollution in megacities in terrain such as basins and mountains.Implications: Air pollution has a significant impact on human and ecological health. In 2013, Chengdu was one of the five cities with the most serious PM2.5 pollution in the world. In the previous study of air pollution in Chengdu, it was only for a short period of pollution. It is impossible to fully understand the spatio-temporal trajectory and cause of air pollution. Chengdu is surrounded by mountains, and the meteorological conditions have been stagnant for a long time. The research on the spatio-temporal evolution of the main air pollution trajectories in each pollution period in Chengdu is particularly important. Quantifying the pollution trajectory and air pollution concentration is helpful to fully understand the air quality in Chengdu. The comprehensive analysis of multi-source data such as air pollution and meteorology has focused on strengthening the in-depth research on the transmission law of air pollution, the spatio-temporal change trend of air pollution, the sources of air pollution and the causes of air pollution, so as to help people fully understand the sources and causes of pollution in Chengdu. Aiming at the trajectory law, causes and occurrence time of air pollution, it is conducive for the government to formulate corresponding policies, carry out regional emission reduction and joint prevention and control, improve air quality and minimize the harm of air pollution to the public.


Endodermal sinus tumor arising in the endometrium.
A case of primary endodermal sinus tumor (EST) of the endometrium in a 28-year-old woman is described. EST has been reported to arise in several extragonadal sites, but to the authors' knowledge this is the first documented instance of origin in the endometrium. The histologic study is verified by the detection of alpha-fetoprotein in the tumor by an immunoperoxidase-peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique reported here. Displaced germinal cells, abnormal ovum, and residual fetal tissues are considered as possible origins of the neoplasia.


In vitro fluoride release and the antibacterial effect of glass ionomers containing chlorhexidine gluconate.
Fluoride release from glass-ionomers (GI) may be important for the prevention of secondary caries. The addition of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) to glass-ionomer cement (3%) adds an effect that enables it to be used as a varnish for the temporary coating of surfaces at risk for caries. This study investigated the fluoride release pattern and antibacterial effect of such a material. Glassionomer luting cement powder (Aqua-Cem) was mixed with water, 10% CHX or 10% CHX with 11% tartaric acid (TA), respectively, to test specimens (6 X 1.5 mm). After setting, the specimens were immersed in 10 ml deionized water and transferred to new vials after various intervals over a period of two months. The antibacterial effect towards mutans streptococci was assessed using agar diffusion. The fluoride release was measured after two hours and after shifting the specimens to new vials 10 times during the two-month period. The mean total fluoride release was 69.02, 50.64 and 48.56 microg/cm2 from each specimen in the GI, GI-CHX and the GI-CHX-TA groups, respectively. For two-hour old specimens, the mean inhibition zone was 0, 50, 36 mm2 in the GI, GI-CHX and GI-CHX-TA groups, respectively, and, after two months, 45 mm2 in the GI-CHX group and 19 mm2 in the GI-CHX-TA group. It can be concluded that the addition of CHX and CHX-TA adds antibacterial properties to GI and the release of fluoride is decreased.


Search for new synthetic immunosuppressants II. Tetrazole analogues of hymenistatin I.
Linear and cyclic hymenistatin I (HS I) analogues with dipeptide segments Ile2-Pro3 Pro3-Pro4 and Val6-Pro7 replaced by their tetrazole analogues Ile2-psi[CN4]-Ala3', Pro3-psi[CN4]-Ala4 and Val6-psi[CN4]-Ala7 were synthesized by the solid phase peptide synthesis method and cyclized with the TBTU and/or HATU reagent. The peptides were examined for their immunosuppressive activity in the lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT).


Large-Scale and Controllable Syntheses of Covalently-Crosslinked Poly(ionic liquid) Nanoporous Membranes.
Herein, we report an exciting synthetic procedure for the scalable and controllable fabrication of covalently crosslinked poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) nanoporous membranes (CPILMs) in water solution under ambient conditions. We found that the pore sizes, flexibility and compositions of freestanding CPILMs can be finely tailored by a rational structural choice of PIL, diketone and aldehyde. Studies on the CPILM formation mechanism revealed that hydrogen bonding-induced phase separation of amino-functionalized homo-PIL between its polar and apolar domains coupled with structural rearrangements due to the Debus Radsizewski reaction-triggered ambient covalent crosslinking process created a stable three-dimensionally interconnected pore system in water solution. Employing structurally stable CPILMs in ion sieving devices resulted in an excellent Li+ /Mg2+ separation efficiency due to the positively charged nature and "Donann" effects. This green, facile yet versatile approach to the production of CPILMs is a conceptually distinct and commercially interesting strategy for making useful nanoporous functional polyelectrolyte membranes.


Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth with different direct corono-radicular restoration methods.
Endodontically treated teeth are widely considered to be more susceptible to fracture than vital teeth. Obturation procedures and post placement have been a main cause of vertical root fracture. Forty-eight human premolars with standardized weakened roots were endodontically treated and allocated to four experimental groups (n=12). After root canal treatment, in group 1, fiber posts #1 were cemented in root canals using Estelite Core Quick, and the crowns were restored with resin composite. For group 2 and 3, the roots and crowns were restored using a light-cured and self-cured adhesive and resin composites respectively. In group 4, it was used the Panavia F 2.0 resin cement and resin composite for corono-radicular reconstruction. In group 5, the teeth remained untouched. After 24 hours storage and 1000 thermocycles, samples were loaded at a cross head speed of 1 mm per minute. A significant difference was observed in fracture resistance among groups 4 and 5 compared to other groups. Root reconstruction with fiber post and Panavia resin cement, and crown building using light-cured resin composite resulted in increased fracture resistance equal to that of intact teeth. Key words:Fracture resistance, fiber post, resin cement, resin composite.


Identification of shrimp species in raw and processed food products by means of a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method targeted to cytochrome b mitochondrial sequences.
A novel PCR-RFLP method has been developed for the identification of six commercially relevant penaeid shrimp species in raw and processed food products. The method can be completed within 8 h. To implement the method, PCR amplification with the crustF/crustR primers, targeted to the amplification of a ca. 181 bp region of the cytochrome b (cytb) mitochondrial gene in penaeid shrimps, was coupled to restriction analysis with CviJI, DdeI and NlaIV. The method was also applied successfully to the identification of shrimp species in complex processed foods, including this type of shellfish as an added-value food ingredient. The small size of this molecular target facilitates amplification from fresh, frozen, or precooked samples, where DNA fragmentation may be relevant and fragment size critical. We also report the first cytb mitochondrial sequences described to date for the species Farfantepenaeus notialis, Parapenaeus longirostris and Pleoticus muelleri, and these nearly triplicate current knowledge of reference nucleotide sequences in this mitochondrial region for this group of species. The cytb mitochondrial gene may also be considered as a molecular marker for identification and phylogenetic purposes in penaeid shrimp species.


Blood Transfusion Vital Sign Frequency: What Does the Evidence Say?.
Blood transfusion vital sign protocols do not have sufficient evi- dence to mandate surveillance frequency. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of vital sign changes to reaction times in an effort to determine best practice for monitoring patients receiving blood products.


Structure of the calcium pump from sarcoplasmic reticulum at 8-A resolution.
The calcium pump from sarcoplasmic reticulum (Ca2+-ATPase) is typical of the large family of P-type cation pumps. These couple ATP hydrolysis with cation transport, generating cation gradients across membranes. Ca2+-ATPase specifically maintains the low cytoplasmic calcium concentration of resting muscle by pumping calcium into the sarcoplasmic reticulum; subsequent release is used to initiate contraction. No high-resolution structure of a P-type pump has yet been determined, although a 14-A structure of Ca2+-ATPase, obtained by electron microscopy of frozen-hydrated, tubular crystals, showed a large cytoplasmic head connected to the transmembrane domain by a narrow stalk. We have now improved the resolution to 8A and can discern ten transmembrane alpha-helices, four of which continue into the stalk On the basis of constraints from transmembrane topology, site-directed mutagenesis and disulphide crosslinking, we have made tentative assignments for these alpha-helices within the amino-acid sequence. A distinct cavity leads to the putative calcium-binding site, providing a plausible path for calcium release to the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.


Haemonchus contortus: ivermectin-induced paralysis of the pharynx.
How the avermectins cause the elimination of gastrointestinal nematodes from host animals has not yet been clearly identified. Using visual and radiometric parameters to measure oral ingestion in Haemonchus contortus, we showed that ivermectin (IVM) rapidly inhibited ingestion at concentrations > or = 10(-10) M. Motility, monitored quantitatively with an automated motility meter, was unaffected by IVM at concentrations < or = 10(-8) M, while ATP levels were unaffected at concentrations < or = 10(-6) M. Since motility and ATP levels, independent measures of short-term viability, are unaffected by concentrations of IVM that effectively block oral ingestion, the drug can be used as a chemical ligature. Although H. contortus was shown to be dependent upon an exogenous supply of glucose for survival in culture, IVM (10(-9) and 10(-7) M) altered neither the uptake of 3-O-[3H]methylglucose nor the metabolism of [13C]glucose by the parasite. These data suggest that H. contortus depends upon the transcuticular uptake of glucose in culture. If oral ingestion of other nutrients is essential for long-term survival in vivo, disruption of this process may represent the primary mechanism of IVM action.


Effects of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation on endothelial function in hypertension or diabetes.
Cardioversion (CV) to sinus rhythm corrects endothelial dysfunction secondary to atrial fibrillation (AF). As AF often complicates hypertension and diabetes (disorders associated with impaired endothelial function) the study probed whether these comorbidities to AF produced an additive effect and to what extent CV might be advantageous. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was evaluated before and after CV in 17 lone AF patients (group 1), 16 patients with AF + hypertension (group 2) and 17 patients with AF + diabetes type II (group 3), while in supine and head-up tilting (HUT) positions, as this is when endothelial vasodilation is emphasized as a counterbalance to neurogenic vasoconstriction. After 2 weeks, CV in group 1 increased (P < 0.01) supine FMD (from 7.22-->9.50%) and restored its HUT potentiation (from 9.31-->17.22%). In group 2, FMD also improved significantly with CV (supine from 4.92-->7.11% and HUT from 5.29-->11.83%; P < 0.01). In group 3, CV did not promote significant FMD changes (supine from 5.12-->4.92% and HUT from 4.98-->4.73%). After 3 months, FMD improvement persisted in groups 1 and 2 with enduring sinus rhythm, but not in those with AF relapse. In group 3, FMD remained unchanged regardless of cardiac rhythm. Cardioversion persistently increases supine shear stress endothelial responsiveness and restores the orthostatic modulation in AF alone or in association with hypertension, but not with diabetes. Differences in background endothelial impairment may explain the presence (hypertension) or the absence (diabetes) of an additive AF effect in comorbidities, as well as CV results.


[Comparison of steady-state visually evoked potential evoked by different monochromatic light].
The cone cell on the retina of human is the sensor of vision under illumination; it can be classified into three types: red cone cell, green cone cell, and blue cone cell. There is different property of absorbing light for each type of cone cell. In this work, a 10 Hz pulse was used to drive red, green and blue light emitting diodes respectively, and the different monochromatic light with the same luminance was obtained. The eyes of ten subjects were stimulated by different monochromatic light independently; an EGI system with 128 channels was used to record the steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP). After applying the fast fourier transform (FFT) to the SSVEP data, we found that the distribution of the neural network in the initial vision cortex activated by the output of the different-typed cone cell remained mainly identical, but there was some difference in intensity between the three types of network: the activity by blue light is the strongest one, that by red light is in the middle, and that by green light is the weakest one.