An Online Pre-procedural Nomogram for the Prediction of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography.
Identifying high-risk patients for contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) helps to take early preventive interventions. The current study aimed to establish and validate an online pre-procedural nomogram for CA-AKI in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG). In this retrospective dataset, 4,295 patients undergoing CAG were enrolled and randomized into the training or testing dataset with a split ratio of 8:2. Optimal predictors for CA-AKI were determined by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Random Forest (RF) algorithm. Nomogram was developed and deployed online. The discrimination and accuracy of the nomogram were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration analysis, respectively. Clinical usefulness was estimated by decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC). A total of 755 patients (17.1%) was diagnosed with CA-AKI. 7 pre-procedural predictors were identified and integrated into the nomogram, including age, gender, hemoglobin, N-terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, cardiac troponin I, and loop diuretics use. The ROC analyses showed that the nomogram had a good discrimination performance for CA-AKI in the training dataset (area under the curve, AUC = 0.766, 95%CI [0.737 to 0.794]) and testing dataset (AUC = 0.737, 95%CI [0.693 to 0.780]). The nomogram was also well-calibrated in both the training dataset (P = 0.965) and the testing dataset (P = 0.789). Good clinical usefulness was identified by DCA and CIC. Finally, this model was deployed in a web server for public use (https://duanbin-li.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/). An easy-to-use pre-procedural nomogram for predicting CA-AKI was established and validated in patients undergoing CAG, which was also deployed online.


Latest thinking on paruresis and parcopresis: A new distinct diagnostic entity?
Paruresis and parcopresis are psychogenic conditions that involve a difficulty or inability to void or defecate, respectively, in a public setting (eg public restroom). Both conditions are associated with significant psychological distress. As a result of shame, embarrassment and stigma, individuals with these conditions may not actively identify behaviours or symptoms or seek treatment in general practitioner (GP) consultations. The objective of this article is to provide a summary of the associated psychopathology and comorbidity, and diagnostic challenges associated with paruresis and parcopresis. Treatment recommendations relating to paruresis and parcopresis are also provided. Paruresis and parcopresis can have a significant impact on an individual's psychological health and overall quality of life. GPs play a part in identifying these conditions, defusing feelings of shame and embarrassment, and enabling access to psychological interventions, which are likely to provide significant benefits to individuals living with paruresis and/or parcopresis.


R-Spondin chromosome rearrangements drive Wnt-dependent tumour initiation and maintenance in the intestine.
Defining the genetic drivers of cancer progression is a key in understanding disease biology and developing effective targeted therapies. Chromosome rearrangements are a common feature of human malignancies, but whether they represent bona fide cancer drivers and therapeutically actionable targets, requires functional testing. Here, we describe the generation of transgenic, inducible CRISPR-based mouse systems to engineer and study recurrent colon cancer-associated EIF3E-RSPO2 and PTPRK-RSPO3 chromosome rearrangements in vivo. We show that both Rspo2 and Rspo3 fusion events are sufficient to initiate hyperplasia and tumour development in vivo, without additional cooperating genetic events. Rspo-fusion tumours are entirely Wnt-dependent, as treatment with an inhibitor of Wnt secretion, LGK974, drives rapid tumour clearance from the intestinal mucosa without effects on normal intestinal crypts. Altogether, our study provides direct evidence that endogenous Rspo2 and Rspo3 chromosome rearrangements can initiate and maintain tumour development, and indicate a viable therapeutic window for LGK974 treatment of RSPO-fusion cancers.


Lymphocytotoxins in leprosy.
Lymphocytotoxic antibodies (LCAs) were assayed in serum samples from 60 patients of leprosy spectrum before starting multi-drug therapy (MDT). Seventeen healthy volunteers without any history of viral infection provided control samples. Post treatment follow up samples were also included in the study. In all pretreatment sera of LL, BL and BT/TT patients the levels of LCAs were elevated, the figures were 39.05 +/- 23.87, 44.89 +/- 20.74 and 34.16 +/- 17.50 respectively. With treatment a significant fall in LcAs production was observed in all types of leprosy patients.


Polyoxometalate-Decorated g-C3 N4 -Wrapping Snowflake-Like CdS Nanocrystal for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution technology is recognized as a promising approach to relieving the growing energy crisis. Therefore, the development of a stable high-performance photocatalyst has long been the focus of research. In this work, quaternary composite materials involving a snowflake-like CdS nanocrystal wrapped by different amounts of polyoxometalate-decorated g-C3 N4 and polypyrrole (GPP@CdS) have been synthesized as photocatalysts for hydrogen production under visible-light irradiation. It has been revealed that the best composite (40 % GPP@CdS composite) exhibits hydrogen production activity of 1321 μmol, which exceeds that of CdS by a factor of more than two, and can be used in at least seven cycles with negligible loss of activity. The enhanced photocatalytic performance has been primarily attributed to the efficient synergy of CdS, g-C3 N4 , polypyrrole (PPy), and the polyoxometalate Ni4 (PW9 )2 . It should be noted that the introduction of PPy and g-C3 N4 into the title composite simultaneously promotes electron/hole pair separation and photocatalytic stability, whereas Ni4 (PW9 )2 serves as an efficient electron modulator and extra catalytic active site.


[A case of polyneuropathy associated with increased levels of vascular endotherial growth factor (VEGF) insera].
A 54-year-old woman began to notice numbness and motor weakness in the lower extremities in July 1999. These symptoms rapidly progressed and she could not walk any more. When she admitted to our hospital, she showed peripherally dominant, moderate motor weakness, drop foot and loss of superficial and deep sensation in the lower extremities, but only slight weakness in the hands. Cranial nerves were intact. Deep tendon reflexes were all absent. Nerve conduction velocities were reduced and cerebrospinal fluid protein was elevated. VEGF was greatly increased in serum (1,850 pg/ml), which has been found to be increased exclusively in patients with Crow-Fukase syndrome. Many characteristic manifestations of the syndrome except polyneuropathy are well explained to be resulted from the abnormal production of VEGF. She did not, however, exhibit any constellation of Crow-Fukase syndrome such as edema, skin change, organomegaly, bone lesions or M-proteinemia. Steroid therapy improved her symptoms and lessened the levels of serum VEGF and cerebrospinal fluid protein. This case indicated that overproduction of VEGF could induce polyneuropathy rather than the other symptoms of Crow-Fukase syndrome, and that a polyneuropathy associated with increased VEGF might exist.


Pigments in Extra-Virgin Olive Oils Produced in Tuscany (Italy) in Different Years.
Pigments are responsible for the color of olive oils, and are an important ingredient that is directly related to the quality of this food. However, the concentration of pigments can vary significantly depending on the climate conditions, harvesting time, and olive cultivars. In this work, we quantified the main pigments in several extra-virgin olive oils produced from a blend of three cultivars (Moraiolo, Frantoio, and Leccino) typical of Tuscany (Italy) harvested in three different years: 2012, 2013, and 2014. Pigments-namely, β-carotene, lutein, pheophytin A, and pheophytin B-were quantified by a method based on the mathematical analysis of the near ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra of the oils. Data were analyzed by a multivariate statistical approach. The results show that the pigments' content of extra-virgin olive oils produced in 2014 can be well distinguished with respect to previous years. This can be explained by the anomalous climate conditions, which strongly affected Italy and, in particular, Tuscany, where the olives were harvested. This study represents an interesting example of how pigment content can be significant in characterizing olive oils. Moreover, this is the first report of pigment quantification in extra-virgin olive oils produced in Tuscany.


Cavernous malformation of the hypoglossal nerve: case report and review of the literature.
To describe a patient who presented with a hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by a cavernous malformation, review the literature on cavernous malformations associated with cranial nerves and the differential diagnosis of hypoglossal palsy. Partial resection of the lesion was achieved and the diagnosis of cavernous malformation proven histologically. Involvement of a cranial nerve by a cavernous malformation is very uncommon and the facial nerve is the example most frequently reported. This case report adds another possible site for this rare occurrence.


Stuttering related and psychosocial predictors of impact of stuttering.
To investigate the psychosocial factors having an impact on persons with a stuttering problem. The correlation study was conducted from October 2016 to February 2018 at hospitals, speech clinics and educational institutes of Lahore. The sample comprised of young adults aged 16-30 years of either gender with stuttering problem. Data was collected using Stuttering Severity Instrument-4, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale-Urdu, Big Five Measure-20, Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering and the Urdu version of the shortened form of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 78 subjects, 66(84.6 %) were males and 12 (15.4 %) were females. There were 21(27%) subjects aged 16-19 years and 57(73%) with age range of 20-30 years. The overall mean age was 21.96±3.89 years. Mean age of onset was 4.59±1.29 years, while gradual onset and progressive stuttering was reported by 74(94.9 %). The Bilingual users 49(63%) reported to have frequent stuttering. Among the 43(55.1%) who had received treatment, 30(38%) received speech therapy and 26(33.3%) reported dissatisfaction. Stuttering severity and social anxiety were significantly positively correlated with all domains of impact of stuttering (p<0.05). Age, and duration were negatively correlated with day-to-day communication (p<0.05) and previous speech treatment showed negative association with impact on general knowledge about stuttering (p<0.05). Avoidance coping strategy had a significant relationship with all domains of impact (p<0.05). Severity of stuttering and social anxiety were found to have repercussions on people who stuttered, while avoidance coping was practised more to deal with the negative impact on reactions toward stuttering and quality of life.


Effect of dentine cutting efficiency on the lateral force created by torque-controlled rotary instruments.
To study the impact of dentine cutting efficiency of rotary instruments on the lateral force they create when instrumenting simulated root canals in bovine dentine. Lateral cutting efficiency of austenitic files (ProTaper Universal) was compared to that of counterparts of a reported identical geometrical design with a martensite phase component (ProTaper Gold) in bovine dentine disks (n = 6). Instrument shapes were studied using digital microscopy. The intracanal lateral force exerted by the two systems in simulated premolars (n = 9) made from bovine incisor roots containing a standardized narrow root canal of 16 mm length was monitored using a testing apparatus equipped with a torque-controlled endodontic motor/handpiece. Data were compared using parametric statistics, alpha error = 0.05. The geometrical design of the two systems under investigation was found to be identical. The martensitic nickel-titanium rotary files had a significantly (t-test, P < 0.05) higher lateral cutting efficiency than austenitic counterparts. This difference, however, did not impact the lateral force that was created when instrumenting simulated premolar root canals. Furthermore, lateral force peaks were generated with the progressively tapered instruments under investigation towards the full working length. Even though a glide path was prepared, the first instrument in the full-length sequence (S1) created the highest lateral force (anova/Tukey's HSD, P < 0.05). The current experimental set-up allows the study of the lateral force generated during root canal instrumentation. This force was not influenced by the dentine cutting efficiency of the instruments under investigation, but rather by their geometrical design.


Thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness explain the associations of COVID-19 social and economic consequences to suicide risk.
The social and economic consequences of COVID-19 and related public health interventions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus have been proposed to increase suicide risk. However, no research has examined these relations. This study examined the relations of two COVID-19 consequences (i.e., stay-at-home orders and job loss) to suicide risk through thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and loneliness. Online data from a nationwide community sample of 500 adults (mean age = 40) from 45 states were collected between March 27 and April 5, 2020. Participants completed measures assessing thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, loneliness, and suicide risk, as well as whether they (a) were currently under a stay-at-home order and (b) had experienced a recent job loss due to the pandemic. Results revealed a significant indirect relation of stay-at-home order status to suicide risk through thwarted belongingness. Further, whereas recent job loss was significantly correlated with suicide risk, neither the direct relation of job loss to suicide risk (when accounting for their shared relations to perceived burdensomeness) nor the indirect relation through perceived burdensomeness was significant. Results highlight the potential benefits of interventions targeting thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness to offset suicide risk during this pandemic.


[Mathematical dynamical models for personalized medicine].
One of the necessary conditions to perform any personalized medicine is to obtain good individual predictions. In addition to the numerous markers available (omics data), the methods used to analyze the data are very important too. We are presenting an example of mathematical dynamical mechanistic model that could be used for adapting the antiretroviral treatment in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus. The interest of this type of approach is to build a model based on biological knowledge about the interaction between markers and therefore to allow for a better predictive power.


Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Digital Subtraction Angiography for Postclipping Aneurysm Obliteration Detection.
Background and Purpose- Digital subtraction angiography has been used as the gold standard to confirm successful aneurysmal obliteration after aneurysm clipping procedures using titanium or cobalt alloy clips. Computed tomographic angiography is a newer, less invasive imaging technique also used to confirm successful aneurysmal obliteration; however, its use compared with digital subtraction angiography remains controversial. Methods- A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases through November 6, 2017, for studies that evaluated postclipping aneurysm obliteration with both computed tomographic angiography and digital subtraction angiography. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) were calculated using the bivariate random-effects model. Results- Out of 6916 studies, 13 studies met inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. A total of 510 patients with 613 aneurysms were included. Compared with digital subtraction angiography, which detected 87 residual aneurysms, computed tomographic angiography detected 58 resulting in a pooled sensitivity of 69% (95% CI, 54%-81%) and a pooled specificity of 99% (95% CI, 97%-99%). This corresponded to LR+ of 55.5 (95% CI, 23.6-130.9) and LR- of 0.31 (95% CI, 0.20-0.48). Univariate meta-regression revealed that the pooled sensitivity was worse in prospective designs ( P interaction <0.05), and the pooled specificity was better in higher-quality studies and for postoperative aneurysm diameters of <2 mm ( P interaction <0.001 for both). Conclusions- This meta-analysis revealed that computed tomographic angiography had a favorable LR+ but not a favorable LR-. Thus, this imaging modality may be applicable to rule in, but not rule out, residual aneurysms after clipping.


Epilepsy rehabilitation: evaluating specialized versus general agency outcome.
This 1982 study was a retrospective comparison of vocational outcome between eight state rehabilitation agencies and the University of Washington Epilepsy Center's Vocational Unit for the years 1977-1978. Hypotheses included: (a) A significantly higher portion of those with epilepsy will find employment through a specialized (i.e., Epilepsy Center) versus a general rehabilitation program. (b) A specialized program will have a significantly lower proportion of program dropouts. (c) Those finding jobs through a specialized program will earn higher salaries and have better job retention than those employing a general agency program. On several comparisons the specialized program outperformed the general agencies--higher proportion of successful job placements and lower proportions of dropouts and those remaining in process (all chi2 tests significant at the p less than 0.001 level). Placement rates for specialized programs have traditionally approximated 50%, whereas these state agencies placed from 9 to 21%. Salary level and job retention differences were inconclusive. Data implications are discussed.


Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass as a safe method of surgical revascularization. The step towards hybrid procedures.
Coronary artery disease is nowadays responsible for approximately 15% of hospitalizations in Poland. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) represents an attractive alternative to a sternotomy, and at the same time provides better life quality and facilitates quick rehabilitation. To evaluate whether MIDCAB can be performed with similar early and mid-term results as off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) and therefore can be considered as a safe stage in hybrid revascularization. In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 73 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery) between 2013 and 2016 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow. Thirty-eight (52.1%) MIDCAB and 35 (47.9%) OPCAB patients were enrolled. Short-term results did not significantly differ between groups and similar 30-day mortality was observed (MIDCAB 2.6% vs. OPCAB 2.9%, p = 1). The median follow-up period was 21 months. There were no statistical differences in terms of overall survival or cardiac mortality between groups (94.7% vs. 88.6%, p = 0.42; 2.6% vs. 2.9%, p = 1, respectively). The rate of hospitalization due to cardiac causes was similar in both groups (7.9% vs. 5.1%, p = 1) and there were no differences in current exacerbation of angina or heart failure, with median NYHA class I and CCS class I in both groups. Despite higher technical difficulty, MIDCAB procedures can be performed with similar safety results as OPCAB procedures. No differences in terms of mortality, repeat revascularization or recurrent angina are observed.


Wu-Wei: Concept Analysis of a Conceptual Paradox.
The Taoist concept of wu-wei is explored through a concept analysis, as delineated by Walker and Avant. The paradoxical nature of wu-wei is explored through different uses, defining attributes, a model case, related and illegitimate cases, antecedents and consequences, and empirical referents. Practical applications for mental health nursing assessment and interventions are offered to show potential improved outcomes with the stance of wu-wei in practice. Wu-wei arises in the emptying of the vessel (oneself) of ego, thus allowing more skillful, adaptable, collaborative mental health nursing in the moment.


Imaging pulmonary inflammation with positron emission tomography: a biomarker for drug development.
Methods currently used to assess lung and airway inflammation are often poorly quantitative, invasive, nonspecific, or insensitive. Positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose [18F]FDG), on the other hand, is a noninvasive, highly sensitive imaging technique that can be used to quantify pulmonary inflammation. [18F]FDG, an analogue of glucose, is taken up by the same transporters that take up glucose into the cell; therefore, [18F]FDG uptake tracks cellular glucose transport, which is highly correlated to the rate of cellular glucose metabolism. Recent studies in animal models of neutrophilic lung inflammation, as well as in patients with inflammatory lung disease, indicate that increased [18F]FDG uptake by the lungs correlates with the number of activated neutrophils recovered from the lungs. Therefore, the in vivo measurement of pulmonary glucose metabolism is a measure of neutrophil burden within the lungs. We propose that FDG-PET imaging can be used as a measurable biomarker in the development of drug therapies targeting lung inflammation.


Depth-dependent plasticity in opsin gene expression varies between damselfish (Pomacentridae) species.
Phenotypic plasticity plays an important role in adapting the visual capability of many animal species to changing sensory requirements. Such variability may be driven by developmental change or may result from environmental changes in light habitat, thereby improving performance in different photic environments. In this study, we examined inter- and intraspecific plasticity of visual sensitivities in seven damselfish species, part of the species-rich and colourful fish fauna of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Our goal was to test whether the visual systems of damselfish were tuned to the prevailing light environment in different habitats and/or other aspects of their lifestyle. More specifically, we compared the opsin gene expression levels from individuals living in different photic habitats. We found that all species expressed rod opsin (RH1) used for dim-light vision, and primarily three cone opsins (SWS1, RH2B and RH2A) used for colour vision. While RH1 levels changed exclusively following a diurnal cycle, cone opsin expression varied with depth in four of the seven species. Estimates of visual pigment performance imply that changes in opsin expression adjust visual sensitivities to the dominant photic regime. However, we also discovered that some species show a more stable opsin expression profile. Further, we found indication that seasonal changes, possibly linked to changes in the photic environment, might also trigger opsin expression. These findings suggest that plasticity in opsin gene expression of damselfish is highly species-specific, possibly due to ecological differences in visual tasks or, alternatively, under phylogenetic constraints.


Autochthonous Bioaugmentation-Modified Bacterial Diversity of Phenanthrene Degraders in PAH-Contaminated Wastewater as Revealed by DNA-Stable Isotope Probing.
To reveal the mechanisms of autochthonous bioaugmentation (ABA) in wastewater contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), DNA-stable-isotope-probing (SIP) was used in the present study with the addition of an autochthonous microorganism Acinetobacter tandoii LJ-5. We found LJ-5 inoculum produced a significant increase in phenanthrene (PHE) mineralization, but LJ-5 surprisingly did not participate in indigenous PHE degradation from the SIP results. The improvement of PHE biodegradation was not explained by the engagement of LJ-5 but attributed to the remarkably altered diversity of PHE degraders. Of the major PHE degraders present in ambient wastewater ( Rhodoplanes sp., Mycobacterium sp., Xanthomonadaceae sp. and Enterobacteriaceae sp.), only Mycobacterium sp. and Enterobacteriaceae sp. remained functional in the presence of strain LJ-5, but five new taxa Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Ammoniphilus, Sporosarcina, and Hyphomicrobium were favored. Rhodoplanes, Ammoniphilus, Sporosarcina, and Hyphomicrobium were directly linked to, for the first time, indigenous PHE biodegradation. Sequences of functional PAH-RHDα genes from heavy fractions further proved the change in PHE degraders by identifying distinct PAH-ring hydroxylating dioxygenases between ambient degradation and ABA. Our findings indicate a new mechanism of ABA, provide new insights into the diversity of PHE-degrading communities, and suggest ABA as a promising in situ bioremediation strategy for PAH-contaminated wastewater.


PP2ACdc55 dephosphorylates Pds1 and inhibits spindle elongation in S. cerevisiae.
PP2ACdc55 (the form of protein phosphatase 2A containing Cdc55) regulates cell cycle progression by reversing cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)- and polo-like kinase (Cdc5)-dependent phosphorylation events. In S. cerevisiae, Cdk1 phosphorylates securin (Pds1), which facilitates Pds1 binding and inhibits separase (Esp1). During anaphase, Esp1 cleaves the cohesin subunit Scc1 and promotes spindle elongation. Here, we show that PP2ACdc55 directly dephosphorylates Pds1 both in vivo and in vitro Pds1 hyperphosphorylation in a cdc55 deletion mutant enhanced the Pds1-Esp1 interaction, which played a positive role in Pds1 nuclear accumulation and in spindle elongation. We also show that nuclear PP2ACdc55 plays a role during replication stress to inhibit spindle elongation. This pathway acted independently of the known Mec1, Swe1 or spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) checkpoint pathways. We propose a model where Pds1 dephosphorylation by PP2ACdc55 disrupts the Pds1-Esp1 protein interaction and inhibits Pds1 nuclear accumulation, which prevents spindle elongation, a process that is elevated during replication stress.


Clinical neurophysiology of prolonged disorders of consciousness: From diagnostic stimulation to therapeutic neuromodulation.
The identification of signs of awareness in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DoC) after severe brain injury is a challenging task for clinicians. Differentiating on behavioural examination the vegetative state (VS) from the minimally conscious state (MCS) can lead to a high misdiagnosis rate. Advanced neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques can supplement clinical evaluation by providing physiological evidence of brain activity. However, an open issue remains whether these empirical results are directly or indirectly associated with covert consciousness and limitations emerge for their diagnostic application at the single-patient level. On the therapeutic side, the efficacy of both non-invasive and invasive brain stimulation/modulation trials is matter of debate. The present review provides an updated analysis of the diagnostic and prognostic impact that the different neurophysiological techniques of stimulation [including short-latency evoked potentials, long-latency event related potentials (ERPs), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), TMS-EEG co-registration] offer in prolonged DoC. The results of the therapeutic stimulation techniques are also evaluated. It is concluded that TMS-EEG emerges as the most promising tool for differentiating VS from MCS whereas ERPs allow neurophysiologists to probe covert cognitive capacities of each patient. Significant behavioural improvements in prolonged DoC with brain stimulation techniques are still anecdotical and further treatment options are awaited.


Wide-field ganglion cells in macaque retinas.
To describe the wide-field ganglion cells, they were injected intracellularly with Neurobiotin using an in vitro preparation of macaque retina and labeled with streptavidin-Cy3. The retinas were then labeled with antibodies to choline acetyltransferase and other markers to indicate the depth of the dendrites within the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and analyzed by confocal microscopy. There were eight different subtypes of narrowly unistratified cells that ramified in each of the 5 strata, S1-5, including narrow thorny, large sparse, large moderate, large dense, large radiate, narrow wavy, large very sparse, and fine very sparse. There were four types of broadly stratified cells with dendritic trees extending from S4 to S2. One type resembled the parvocellular giant cell and another the broad thorny type described previously in primates. Another broadly stratified cell was called multi-tufted based on its distinctive dendritic branching pattern. The fourth type had been described previously, but not named; we called it broad wavy. There was a bistratified type with its major arbor in S5, the same level as the blue cone bipolar cell; it resembled the large, bistratified cell with blue ON-yellow OFF responses described recently. Two wide-field ganglion cell types were classified as diffuse because they had dendrites throughout the IPL. One had many small branches and was named thorny diffuse. The second was named smooth diffuse because it had straighter dendrites that lacked these processes. Dendrites of the large moderate and multi-tufted cells cofasciculated with ON-starburst cell dendrites and were, therefore, candidates to be ON- and ON-OFF direction-selective ganglion cells, respectively. We concluded that there are at least 15 morphoplogical types of wide-field ganglion cells in macaque retinas.


Primary hyperparathyroidism.
Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia seen in the outpatient setting (Bilezikian, 1992). Skeletal involvement is evident in most patients, even in the vast majority who show no symptoms. Bone histomorphometric studies reveal that the greatest bone diminution occurs in the radial shaft, the femoral neck is intermediate, and the spine is less affected (Parisien et al., 1990). An understanding of this condition is vital for the professional nurse so that effective nursing care can be provided to those who are at risk of developing rapid bone loss and other complications of primary hyperparathyroidism. This article reviews the medical diagnosis and nursing management of primary hyperparathyroidism.


Murine cytomegalovirus infection model in Balb/c mice--2. Pericarditis with myocardial involvement during virus infection.
Pericarditis with myocardial involvement was observed in mice infected with doses of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) designed to produce lethal, acute but non-lethal and asymptomatic infections. White spot was noted on the surface of the right ventricle from 4 to 6 days after MCMV infection. MCMV was isolated from the heart tissues as early as 2 days after infection. The virus titre reached a peak on day 6 and thereafter rapidly declined to undetectable level. Histopathological changes appeared on day 2 to 4 when necrosis of myocardial fibres occurred in the subpericardial region. This was followed by acute inflammatory cellular infiltration on day 6. After that organization of fibrin took place and fibrotic lesion and cellular infiltration could still be observed after 18 days. The pathological changes could only be seen in the right ventricle. Peroxidase-labelled antibody technique was carried out to detect MCMV antigen in the cardiac tissue. MCMV antigen was found in the pericardium only at the early stage of infection.


Dental Practitioner's Perception of the Compliance of Pediatric Patients to Orofacial Myotherapy Treatment Protocols: A Mixed Methods Study.
The success of orofacial myotherapy in children is dependent on patient compliance to treatment protocols recommended by practitioners, such as reporting for regular follow-ups to the clinic, wear of appliances, and practice of orofacial myotherapy exercises at home. Due to the availability of limited literature on the same, this mixed methods study focused on studying the perception of Indian dental practitioners toward pediatric patient compliance to orofacial myotherapy treatment protocols. A self-administered, digital questionnaire was emailed to members of the Foundation of Orofacial Myotherapy. Participants were asked to rate the pediatric patient compliance in their practice on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from Very Compliant to Not Compliant at all. Parameters assessed included patient attendance for clinical follow-ups, regular appliance wear, and the daily practice of exercises at home. Qualitative data were collected based on the participant's answers to open-ended questions on compliance barriers faced by them in practice. 39.5% of practitioners rated their patients to be compliant toward clinical follow-ups, while 27.9% of practitioners reported patients to be compliant to home schedule. Barriers to patient compliance reported by practitioners were lack of motivation of parent and child, absence of parental supervision, hectic patient schedule, peer pressure, and difficulty in performing exercises and wearing appliances. Patient compliance to orofacial myotherapy treatment protocols remains a problem area for dental practitioners. There is a need to conduct future studies to explore behavioral interventions which can help practitioners overcome the barriers to patient compliance reported in this study. The results of this study can help practitioners who are already practicing orofacial myotherapy or plan to do so in future, to identify problem areas in their own practice, in the context of pediatric patient compliance toward orofacial myotherapy treatment protocols and the potential measures that can be implemented by them to overcome the same. Gune NS, Katre AN. Dental Practitioner's Perception of the Compliance of Pediatric Patients to Orofacial Myotherapy Treatment Protocols: A Mixed Methods Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):222-228.


Does message framing affect changes in behavioural intentions in people with psoriasis? A randomized exploratory study examining health risk communication.
Message framing is important in health communication research to encourage behaviour change. Psoriasis, a long-term inflammatory skin condition, has additional comorbidities including high levels of anxiety and cardiovascular disease (CVD), making message framing particularly important. This experimental study aimed to: (1) identify whether health messages about psoriasis presented as either gain- or loss-framed were more effective for prompting changes in behavioural intentions (BI), (2) examine whether BI were driven by a desire to improve psoriasis or reduce CVD risk; (3) examine emotional reactions to message frame; and (4) examine predictors of BI. A two by two experiment examined the effects on BI of message frame (loss vs. gain) and message focus (psoriasis symptom reduction vs. CVD risk reduction). Participants with psoriasis (n = 217) were randomly allocated to one of four evidence-based health messages related to either smoking, alcohol, diet or physical activity, using an online questionnaire. BI was the primary outcome. Analysis of variance tests and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. A significant frame by focus interaction was found for BI to reduce alcohol intake (p = .023); loss-framed messages were more effective for CVD risk reduction information, whilst gain-framed messages were more effective for psoriasis symptom reduction information. Message framing effects were not found for BI for increased physical activity and improving diet. High CVD risk was a significant predictor of increased BI for both alcohol reduction (β = .290, p < .01) and increased physical activity (β = -.231, p < .001). Message framing may be an important factor to consider depending on the health benefit emphasised (disease symptom reduction or CVD risk reduction) and patient-stated priorities. Condition-specific health messages in psoriasis populations may increase the likelihood of message effectiveness for alcohol reduction.


[Isolated limb hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy for melanoma of the extremities].
To investigate the effect of isolated limb hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy for melanoma of the extremities. Limb isolated hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy was performed in 41 patients with malignant melanoma of the extremities, and then the primary lesions in 24 patients were removed at 14 - 21 days after chemotherapy. Tumor necrosis was examined by pathology. Among the 41 patients, 40 cases were followed up for 6-113 months, and one was lost. There was no local recurrence in those patients. 29 cases were followed up for more than 3 years, and 26 of them were surviving. Forteen cases were followed up for more than five years, among them 9 cases were surviving. The 3-year and 5-year survival rates of the whole group were 95.0% and 70.0%, respectively. The average reduction of the tumor volume was 55.6% after perfusion. The pathological examination showed that tumor necrosis was 90% - 100% (complete response) in 21 cases (87.5%) and 60% - 89% (partial response) in 3 cases (12.5%). The isolated limb hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy is an effective treatment of limb malignant melanoma. It can significantly reduce the local recurrence rate, and improve the 5-year survival rate, prognosis and the quality of life of the patients.


The Effect of Four Different Gonadotropin Protocols on Oocyte and Embryo Quality and Pregnancy Outcomes in IVF/ICSI Cycles; A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Despite the large number of papers published on the efficiency of different exogenous gonadotropins, no confirmed protocol exists. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of 4 exogenous gonadotropins in IVF/ICSI cycles. This study, performed from January 2014 to May 2014, recruited 160 women referred to Ghadir Mother and Child Hospital and Dena Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. The patients underwent standard downregulation and were randomly divided into 4 groups of A, B, C, and D and were administered hMG, hFSH, rFSH, and combined sequential hFSH/rFSH, respectively. Then, the duration of stimulation, number of oocytes and embryos as well as their quality, implantation rate, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in each group were evaluated. Group D patients required significantly fewer ampoules of FSH than did the women in groups A, B, and C (P=0.004). The duration of stimulation was significantly longer in group C than in groups A and D (P=0.030). The serum estradiol level was significantly higher in group D than in groups B and C (P=0.005). A significantly higher number of large-sized follicles was observed in group D than in group B (P=0.036). Our data revealed no statistically significant differences in the mean oocyte number, embryo quality, clinical pregnancy rate, or live birth rate between the hMG, hFSH, rFSH, and sequential hFSH/rFSH protocols. However, several differences in the duration of stimulation, serum estradiol levels, and number of large-sized follicles were detected between the groups. Trial Registration Number: IRCT201408116541N7.


Proteasome-dependent degradation of cyclin D1 in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced cell cycle arrest.
1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)), an active metabolite of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, induces cell death and inhibition of cell proliferation in various cells. However, the mechanism whereby MPP(+) inhibits cell proliferation is still unclear. In this study, we found that MPP(+) suppressed the proliferation with accumulation in G(1) phase without inducing cell death in p53-deficient MG63 osteosarcoma cells. MPP(+) induced hypophosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and rapidly down-regulated the protein but not mRNA levels of cyclin D1 in MG63 cells. The down-regulation of cyclin D1 protein was suppressed by a proteasome inhibitor, MG132. The cyclin D1 down-regulation by MPP(+) was also observed in p53-positive PC12, HeLa S3, and HeLa rho(0) cells, which are a subclone of HeLa S3 lacking mitochondrial DNA. Moreover, MPP(+) dephosphorylated Akt in PC12 cells, which was rescued by the pretreatment with nerve growth factor. In addition, the pretreatment with nerve growth factor or lithium chloride, a glycogen synthase kinase-3beta inhibitor, suppressed the cyclin D1 down-regulation caused by MPP(+). Our results demonstrate that MPP(+) induces cell cycle arrest independently of its mitochondrial toxicity or the p53 status of the target cells, but rather through the proteasome- and phosphatidylinositol 3-Akt-glycogen synthase kinase-3beta-dependent cyclin D1 degradation.


Pili annulati associated with hair fragility: cause or coincidence?
Pili annulati is a disorder that produces a spangled appearance to the hair, caused by alternating light and dark banding of hair shafts. This phenomenon is created by abnormal cavities in the cortex of the hair shaft, which produces lighter bands seen on clinical examination. Complications of pili annulati are limited; the most noteworthy complication is increased breakage secondary to weathering of the abnormal hair shafts. We report a case of a 14-year-old adolescent girl with pili annulati and progressive hair loss of 2 months' duration. Most of her hairs were notably short, spangled, and lusterless with light and dark banding observed with handheld magnification. Light microscopy demonstrated alternating light and dark bands, and the dark bands had the typical appearance of air-filled spaces. Gentler hair grooming practices were recommended, and at a follow-up visit, the appearance of the hair had improved with darker and longer shafts. This case should alert clinicians to look for pili annulati when hair fragility is present.


[Factors Influencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Crime Scene Investigators].
The purpose of this study was to verify the relationships among social support, resilience and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and especially to identify factors influencing PTSD in police crime scene investigators. A cross-sectional design was used, with a convenience sample of 226 police crime scene investigators from 7 Metropolitan Police Agencies. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires during July and August, 2015. Data were analyzed using t-test, χ²-test, Fisher's exact test, and binary logistic regression analysis with SPSS/WIN 21.0 program. The mean score for PTSD in police crime scene investigators was 13.69. 11 points. Of the crime scene investigators 181 (80.1%) were in the low-risk group and 45 (19.9%) in high-risk group. Social support (t=5.68, p<.001) and resilience (t=5.47, p<.001) were higher in the low-risk group compared to the high-risk group. Logistic regression analysis showed that resilience (OR=4.74, 95% CI: 1.57~14.35), and social support (OR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.23~3.69) are effect factors for PTSD low group. For effective improvement of PTSD in police crime scene investigators, intervention programs including social support and strategies to increase should be established.


Entangled local biologies: genetic risk, bodies and inequities in Brazilian cancer genetics.
Engaging recent social science work examining the truth making claims of science and biomedicine, this paper explores how biology is being localised in Brazilian cancer genetics. It draws from ethnographic fieldwork in urban regions of southern Brazil working with and alongside patients, families and practitioners in cancer genetic clinics. It examines how different sorts of 'local biologies' are articulated in the context of research, clinical practice and among implicated patient communities and the way these can 'recursively' move across different spheres and scales of social action to extend and transform the meaning of the biological. It shows how the mattering of the biological in Brazilian cancer genetics is fundamentally informed by questions of inequity and care, even while multiple local biologies may obscure rather than reveal the biopolitics of cancer. In an era of epigenetics this raises new opportunities and challenges for anthropological analysis as intervention.


A novel metalloproteinase, almelysin, from a marine bacterium, Alteromonas sp. No. 3696: purification and characterization.
We have discovered a novel metalloproteinase, which has high activity at low temperatures, from the culture supernatant of a marine bacterium. The strain was identified as Alteromonas sp. No. 3696. The metalloproteinase, named almelysin, was purified to homogeneity from the cultured supernatant at 10 degrees C by two column chromatographies. About 20 mg of purified almelysin was obtained from 18.4 liters of the culture supernatant. The molecular mass of almelysin was estimated to be 28 kDa by SDS-PAGE and the isoelectric point was 4.3. The optimum pH for activity of almelysin was pH 8.5-9.0 and 6.5 using casein and (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)acetyl(MOCAc)-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-(N3- [2,4-dinitrophenyl]-L-2,3-diaminopropionyl) [A2pr(Dnp)]-Ala-Arg-NH2 as substrates, respectively. Almelysin was stable between pH 7.5-8.0 and below 40 degrees C. The optimum temperature for the activity was observed to be 40 degrees C using both casein and MOCAc-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-A2pr(Dnp)-Ala-Arg-NH2 as substrates. The activity of almelysin was inhibited by such metallo chelators as EDTA and o-phenanthroline, while talopeptin, phosphoramidon, and SMPI, typical metalloproteinase inhibitors, had no effect. Almelysin primarily cleaved the Ala14-Leu15 bond and Phe24-Phe25 bond, and secondarily the Tyr16-Leu17 bond in oxidized insulin B-chain. However, almelysin could not cleave the His5-Leu6, His10-Leu11, and Gly23-Phe24 bonds, which were cleaved by other metalloproteinases. These results indicate that the substrate specificity of almelysin is different from other metalloproteinases. Interestingly, Alteromonas sp. No. 3696 strain produced another proteinase as well as almelysin at 25 degrees C.


Multidimensional perceptual unfolding of coping behaviors: a developmental perspective on preference assessment.
The purpose of the current study was to study grade level and gender differences in coping behaviors among Chinese students using a multidimensional scaling (MDS) single-ideal point model. In contrast to approaches that utilize the aggregated scores such as average scores, the MDS single-ideal point model makes use of individual items in a well-constructed coping instrument to examine typical coping behaviors preferred by adolescents of different grade levels and gender. The results revealed that college students developed a set of more specific coping responses than the middle school students. Moreover, college male students used more coping responses than the college female students. The article discusses the processes and issues in analyzing developmental differences via MDS single-ideal point models from the developmental perspective.


Quantum Dynamics with Short-Time Trajectories and Minimal Adaptive Basis Sets.
Methods for solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation via basis set expansion of the wave function can generally be categorized as having either static (time-independent) or dynamic (time-dependent) basis functions. We have recently introduced an alternative simulation approach which represents a middle road between these two extremes, employing dynamic (classical-like) trajectories to create a static basis set of Gaussian wavepackets in regions of phase-space relevant to future propagation of the wave function [J. Chem. Theory Comput., 11, 8 (2015)]. Here, we propose and test a modification of our methodology which aims to reduce the size of basis sets generated in our original scheme. In particular, we employ short-time classical trajectories to continuously generate new basis functions for short-time quantum propagation of the wave function; to avoid the continued growth of the basis set describing the time-dependent wave function, we employ Matching Pursuit to periodically minimize the number of basis functions required to accurately describe the wave function. Overall, this approach generates a basis set which is adapted to evolution of the wave function while also being as small as possible. In applications to challenging benchmark problems, namely a 4-dimensional model of photoexcited pyrazine and three different double-well tunnelling problems, we find that our new scheme enables accurate wave function propagation with basis sets which are around an order-of-magnitude smaller than our original trajectory-guided basis set methodology, highlighting the benefits of adaptive strategies for wave function propagation.


[Profile of candidates to the technical nursing course at a private school in the city of Sao Paulo].
The result showed the candidate's profile as they are adult; with age middle of 31.09 years old; familiar income are 9.65 minimum salary; single; predominant female; 12.5% with university course complete or incomplete; 43.8% have a children. The age of a children vary of 6-13 years old. The candidates refer affinity to work with patient of major risk and absence of affinity to pediatric patient. The work in oncology, demonstrated the positive way the personal learning and the negative, the personal and patient suffering.


[Pathogenesis of nervous system lesions in epidemic parotitis in children].
The authors studied antibodies to the nervous tissue in the blood (pair serum with an interval of 10 days) and in the CSF in 155 patients with epidemic parotitis and signs of neurotoxicosis, parotit meningitis and meningoencephalitis. Depending upon the intensivity of antibody elaboration 3 groups were distinguished. The first group (40 cases), with a high content of antibodies to the nervous tissue, was characterized by a prevalence of encephalitic forms (in 30 of the 40 cases). In the second group (32 cases) with a less antibody content there was a prevalence of meningitis, while meningoencephalitis was seen only in 3 cases. The third group (83 cases) with a low concentration or absence of antibodies was characterized by a mild course of the disease. This group included as well patients with neurotoxicosis. These data may indicate involvement of allergic mechanisms of a retarded type in the pathogenesis of remote lesions of the nervous system in epidemic parotitis.


Antimicrobial peptides in gastrointestinal inflammation.
Acute and chronic inflammations of mucosal surfaces are complex events in which the effector mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune systems interact with pathogenic and commensal bacteria. The role of constitutive and inducible antimicrobial peptides in intestinal inflammation has been investigated thoroughly over the recent years, and their involvement in various disease states is expanded ever more. Especially in the intestines, a critical balance between luminal bacteria and the antimicrobial peptides is essential, and a breakdown in barrier function by impaired production of defensins is already implicated in Crohn's disease. In this paper, we focus on the role of antimicrobial peptides in inflammatory processes along the gastrointestinal tract, while considering the resident and pathogenic flora encountered at the specific sites. The role of antimicrobial peptides in the primary events of inflammatory bowel diseases receives special attention.


The placebo effect during a double blind trial of recombinant alpha 2 interferon in multiple sclerosis patients: immunological and clinical findings.
A double-blind, placebo controlled trial of recombinant alpha 2 interferon in relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis patients was performed to assess the clinical and immunological responses to treatment. This study demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cell activity, known to be enhanced by interferon (IFN) treatment, increased during the first week of treatment in both the IFN and placebo treatment groups. After the first week of treatment NK cell activity returned to baseline levels in both groups, and subsequently declined in the IFN treatment group. Patients in both groups improved clinically, as evidenced by a reduction in the exacerbation rate. Furthermore, a similar incidence of adverse reactions to treatment were reported by both groups. The mechanism underlying the response to placebo is not known. However, it is unlikely that the long term clinical improvement (one year) in either group is related to the transient increase in NK cell activity.


PD-L1 Expression Correlates with Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer.
Programmed death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune regulatory molecule that limits antitumor immune activity. Targeting of PD-L1 and other immune checkpoint proteins has shown therapeutic activity in various tumor types. The expression of PD-L1 and its correlation with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer has not been studied extensively. Our goal was to assess PD-L1 expression in a cohort of breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pretreatment biopsies from 105 patients with breast cancer from Yale New Haven Hospital that subsequently received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were assessed for PD-L1 protein expression by automated quantitative analysis with a rabbit monoclonal antibody (E1L3N) to the cytoplasmic domain of PD-L1. In addition, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were assessed on hematoxylin and eosin slides. PD-L1 expression was observed in 30% of patients, and it was positively associated with hormone-receptor-negative and triple-negative status and high levels of TILs. Both TILs and PD-L1 measured in the epithelium or stroma predicted pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in univariate and multivariate analyses. However, because they are strongly associated, TILs and PD-L1 cannot both be included in a significant multivariate model. PD-L1 expression is prevalent in breast cancer, particularly hormone-receptor-negative and triple-negative patients, indicating a subset of patients that may benefit from immune therapy. Furthermore, PD-L1 and TILs correlate with pCR, and high PD-L1 predicts pCR in multivariate analysis.


Nourishing Immunity and Combatting Neuroinflammation: The Power of Immunonutrition and The Microbiome.
The gut-microbiome-brain axis plays a crucial role in the control of systemic metabolism and homeostasis. Recent research has shown that dietary habits and nutrients can affect immune system and inflammatory status by influencing various factors, including microbiome composition, microbial products release, gastrointestinal signaling molecules, and neurotransmitters. In addition, the gut microbiome affects the brain by altering levels of key brain transmitters, circulating cytokines, and short-chain fatty acids that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Immunonutrition, a newly born discipline, examines the relationship between diet, nutritional status, the immune system, inflammation, infection, injury, and healing. This review explores the relationship between nutrition and the immune system, focusing on immunonutrition and immunonutrients, the connections between nutrition, immunity, and the microbiome, microbiota-gut-brain communication, and potential nutritional interventions to improve neurological disorders. The manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the complex interplay between nutrition and the immune system, highlighting the many ways in which our diets can impact our health and wellbeing, particularly in the context of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.


Force-extension measurements on bacterial flagella: triggering polymorphic transformations.
Bacterial flagella can adopt several different helical shapes in response to varying environmental conditions. A geometric model by Calladine ascribes these discrete shape changes to cooperative transitions between two stable tertiary structures of the constituent protein, flagellin, and predicts an ordered set of 12 helical states called polymorphic forms. Using long polymers of purified flagellin, we demonstrate controlled, reversible transformations between different polymorphic forms. While pulling on a single filament using an optical tweezer, we record the progressive transformation of the filament and also measure the force-extension curve. Both normal and coiled polymorphic forms stretch elastically with a bending stiffness of 3.5 pN x microm(2). At a force threshold of 4-7 pN or 3-5 pN (for normal and coiled forms, respectively), a fraction of the filament suddenly transforms to the next, longer, polymorphic form. This transformation is not deterministic because the force and amount of transformation vary from pull to pull. In addition, the force is highly dependent on stretching rate, suggesting that polymorphic transformation is associated with an activation energy.


Anthocyanin-rich purple potato flake extract has antioxidant capacity and improves antioxidant potential in rats.
Anthocyanins from various vegetables and fruits have antioxidant activities, however, the bioactivities of coloured potato anthocyanins are not well studied. We examined the antioxidant capacities of pigmented fractions from purple potato flakes in vitro, and the antioxidant potentials of purple potato flakes in vivo. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of the pigmented fraction from Hokkai no. 92 (H92) potato flakes was higher than that from Kitamurasaki (KM) potato flakes. Extracts equivalent to 600 microg pigmented fractions from KM and H92 potato flakes inhibited linoleic acid oxidation in the order trolox>H92> or =KM>control. Rats were fed 25% KM or H92 potato flake diets for 4 weeks. The major anthocyanin was identified as petanin. Control rats were fed a diet with cornstarch instead of potato flakes for 4 weeks. The serum antioxidant potential level in the H92 group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The degree of hepatic lipid peroxidation in the H92 group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Hepatic Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) mRNA levels in the H92 group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Similar significant differences in Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD mRNA levels between the KM and control groups were found. The present results suggest that purple potato flakes have antioxidant functions with regard to radical scavenging activity and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation, and that they improve the antioxidant potentials in rats by enhancing hepatic Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD and GSH-Px mRNA expression.


Gender differences in pain, fatigue, and depression in patients with cancer.
A quick review of virtually any research topic documents the pervasiveness of sex and gender bias throughout all of science. A large portion of both animal and human research has been, and continues to be, done primarily with male subjects. This gender bias influences research results and often leads to inappropriate and questionable generalizations of research findings, usually from studies done with male participants to females. Needless to say, this bias exists in symptom management research on pain, fatigue, and depression in patients with cancer. This article reviews the evidence from the studies on gender differences in pain, fatigue, and depression in patients with cancer. It should be noted that research studies on gender differences in cancer-related pain, fatigue, and depression are minimal in number, are restricted to studies of the differences in prevalence rates and severity scores, and for the most part have yielded inconsistent results. Additional investigations are warranted to determine whether the gender differences in prevalence rates and severity of these symptoms represent clinically meaningful differences. If these gender differences are substantiated, these findings will guide the design of studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for these differences, as well as the development and testing of gender specific interventions to treat cancer-related pain, fatigue, and depression.


Radioactive iodine therapy strategies for distinct types of differentiated thyroid cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.
The management guidelines of radioactive Iodine (RAI) therapy for distinct types of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) were the same in clinical practice. However, in distinct types DTC, differences in RAI avidity and response existed and the effect of RAI therapy could not be equated. DTC patients' data in SEER database were extracted to perform retrospective analysis. The differences between case group and control group were compared by chi-square tests. We used Kaplan-Meier statistics and Cox regression analyses to investigate cancer-specific survival (CSS). Propensity score-matched was performed to make 1:1 case-control matching. 105195 patients who receiving total thyroidectomy were identified in SEER database. Compared to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (52.3%), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) (63.8%) and oncocytic carcinoma of thyroid (OCA) (64.4%) had higher rates of RAI therapy. In the multivariable Cox regression model, RAI therapy was independent prognosis factor in PTC but not in OCA and FTC. In subgroup analysis, RAI therapy could improve prognosis in PTC when gross extrathyroidal extension or lymph node metastases or early survival when distant metastases (DM) were presented. However, OCA and FTC patients with DM rather than regional lesions only could benefit from RAI therapy. High-risk patients receiving RAI therapy showed a better prognosis in PTC but not in OCA and FTC. RAI therapy was an effective treatment for DTC and should be considered individually in PTC, OCA and FTC patients. Our results provided further guideline for treatment selection in DTC.


Transient pseudo-isotachophoresis for sample concentration in capillary electrophoresis.
We show that many water miscible organic solvents such as acetonitrile, acetone and small alcohols can function as a terminating ion in transient isotachophoresis, which leads to sample concentration on the capillary. It is suggested that this method could be termed transient "pseudo-isotachophoresis" (pseudo-ITP). Because of their low conductivity, these water miscible organic solvents provide the high field strength necessary for band sharpening similar to that provided by the terminating ion. Salts, when present in such samples act briefly as leading ions, migrating rapidly in the organic solvent until they are slowed at the interface of the separation buffer. When the organic solvents are added to the sample, both the migrations as well as the stacking of the analytes are affected by the concentration of salts (leading ions) in the sample, similar to that observed in isotachophoresis. Our results show that this type of stacking offers good reproducibility and reliability for practical analysis. In practice, pseudo-ITP stacking is much easier to perform compared to that of true ITP with several added practical advantages as discussed.


The impact of introducing medical management on conservative and surgical management for early pregnancy miscarriage.
Medical management of miscarriage allows women to avoid the risks associated with surgical intervention. In 2011 the early pregnancy assessment service (EPAS) at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) in Sydney, Australia introduced medical management of miscarriage with single-dose 800 μg vaginal misoprostol. We sought to investigate the impact of the introduction of medical management had on the proportion of women having surgery and conservative management and to examine the success and complication rates of medical management. We undertook a retrospective cohort study that included all women diagnosed with a miscarriage from 12 months prior to and 18 months after the introduction of medical management. Successful management was defined as the absence of retained products of conception or endometrial thickness less than 15 mm on ultrasound at two weeks. The change in management choices over time, the success rates and complication rates were measured. Of 1102 women in the final analysis, 446 were in Group A (before medical management) and 656 in Group B (after medical management). Primary surgical procedures fell significantly for missed miscarriages from 68 to 48% (P < 0.001) and primary conservative management reduced for incomplete miscarriages (63-44%; P = 0.01). Overall 89 of 108 (82.4%) patients managed medically had a resolution within two weeks. One in ten presented with a complication. The introduction of medical management led to a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of women undergoing primary surgical management of missed miscarriage. Success and complication rates were similar to other studies.


Examining e-health.
As part of its continuing mission to serve trustees and staff of health foundations and corporate giving programs, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) convened a small group of representatives from foundations, healthcare organizations, and the technology field to share their experiences and expertise on electronic health (e-health). This roundtable, held April 28, 2002, in Chicago, Illinois, highlighted emerging opportunities and challenges for foundations that wish to fund e-health initiatives. This report summarizes some of the key points from the day's discussion, providing both an introduction for grantmakers new to this area and offering the perspectives of some funders already experienced in funding e-health activities.


Characterization of novel cell lines established from three human oral squamous cell carcinomas.
Human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (KOSCC-11, -25A, -25B, -25C, -25D, -25E, -33A, and -33B) were established by explantation culture from these oral squamous cell carcinomas. The histopathology of the primary tumors, in vitro growth characteristics, epithelial origin, in vitro anchorage-independency, in vivo tumorigenicity, the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, and the status of proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, DNA mismatch repair genes, and microsatellite instability were investigated in the cell lines. KOSCC-11 is a well-differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) derived from mandibular gingiva. KOSCC-25A, -25B, -25C, -25D, and -25E cell lines were derived from the same OSCC. KOSCC-33A and -33B were established from the same tumor that originated from the maxillary sinus. All tumor lines studied grew as monolayers and showed: i) epithelial origin by the presence of desmosome and keratin; ii) in vitro anchorage-independent growth ability; and iii) tumorigenic potential in nude mice. The cancer cell lines did not contain HPV DNA and did not express viral genes. Northern blot analysis revealed: i) overexpression of EGFR in four cell lines, ii) overexpression of c-H-ras in four cell lines, iii) overexpression of c-myc in three cell lines, iv) decreased expression of TGF-alpha in seven cell lines, and v) decreased expression of c-jun in five cancer cell lines compared with normal human oral keratinocytes. In all KOSCC cell lines and their corresponding tumor tissues, mutations were identified in highly-conserved functional regions of the p53 gene. The KOSCC-11 cell line contained a frameshift mutation and the other cell lines harbored an identical p53 mutation at codon 175 from CGC (Arg) to CTC (Leu). In five cell lines, a significant reduction of p21WAF1/Cip1 protein was evident. Cancer cell lines expressed higher level of Rb protein than normal human oral keratinocytes. DCC, a tumor suppressor gene, was not detected in KOSCC-25C. The KOSCC-33A cell line displayed microsatellite instability and showed a loss of hMSH2 expression. These well-characterized human OSCC cell lines should serve as useful tools for understanding the biological characteristics of oral cancer.


Patient preferences in the treatment of hemophilia A: A latent class analysis.
To examine subgroup-specific treatment preferences and characteristics of patients with hemophilia A. Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) Case 3 (four attributes: application type; bleeding frequencies/year; inhibitor development risk; thromboembolic events of hemophilia A treatment risk) conducted via online survey. Respondents chose the best and the worst option of three treatment alternatives. Data were analyzed via latent class model (LCM), allowing capture of heterogeneity in the sample. Respondents were grouped into a predefined number of classes with distinct preferences. The final dataset contained 57 respondents. LCM analysis segmented the sample into two classes with heterogeneous preferences. Preferences within each were homogeneous. For class 1, the most decisive factor was bleeding frequency/year. Respondents seemed to focus mainly on this in their choice decisions. With some distance, inhibitor development was the second most important. The remaining attributes were of far less importance for respondents in this class. Respondents in class 2 based their choice decisions primarily on inhibitor development, also followed, by some distance, the second most important attribute bleeding frequency/year. There was statistical significance (P < 0.05) between the number of annual bleedings and the probability of class membership. The LCM analysis addresses heterogeneity in respondents' choice decisions, which helps to tailor treatment alternatives to individual needs. Study results support clinical and allocative decision-making and improve the quality of interpretation of clinical data.


Rediscovering recovery: reconceptualizing underlying assumptions of citizenship and interrelated notions of care and support.
Over the last few decades, research, policy, and practice in the field of mental health care and a complementary variety of social work and social service delivery have internationally concentrated on recovery as a promising concept. In this paper, a conceptual distinction is made between an individual approach and a social approach to recovery, and underlying assumptions of citizenship and interrelated notions and features of care and support are identified. It is argued that the conditionality of the individual approach to recovery refers to a conceptualization of citizenship as normative, based on the existence of a norm that operates in every domain of our society. We argue that these assumptions place a burden of self-governance on citizens with mental health problems and risk producing people with mental health problems as nonrecyclable citizens. The social approach to recovery embraces a different conceptualization of citizenship as relational and inclusive and embodies the myriad ways in which the belonging of people with mental health problems can be constructed in practice. As such, we hope to enable social services and professionals in the field to balance their role in the provision of care and support to service users with mental health problems.


Randomized clinical trial of donor-site wound dressings after split-skin grafting.
The aim was to study which dressing material was best for healing donor-site wounds (DSWs) after split-skin grafting as there is wide variation in existing methods, ranging from classical gauze dressings to modern silicone dressings. This 14-centre, six-armed randomized clinical trial (stratified by centre) compared six wound dressing materials in adult patients with DSWs larger than 10 cm(2) . Primary outcomes were time to complete re-epithelialization and pain scores measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) over 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included itching (VAS, over 4 weeks), adverse events and scarring after 12 weeks rated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Between October 2009 and December 2011, 289 patients were randomized (of whom 288 were analysed) to either alginate (45), film (49), gauze (50), hydrocolloid (49), hydrofibre (47) or silicone (48) dressings. Time to complete re-epithelialization using hydrocolloid dressings was 7 days shorter than when any other dressing was used (median 16 versus 23 days; P < 0·001). Overall pain scores were low, and slightly lower with use of film dressings (P = 0·038). The infection rate among patients treated with gauze was twice as high as in those who had other dressings (18 versus 7·6 per cent; relative risk 2·38, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·14 to 4·99). Patients who had a film dressing were least satisfied with overall scar quality. This trial showed that use of hydrocolloid dressings led to the speediest healing of DSWs. Gauze dressing should be discontinued as they caused more infections. NTR1849 (http://www.trialregister.nl).


Comparative effectiveness of heel-specific medical devices for the prevention of heel pressure ulcers: A systematic review.
Pressure ulcers (PUs) impact on patient's quality of life and are costly for healthcare providers. Heels are a particular concern due to specific risk factors. Relative effectiveness of medical devices, e.g., dressings, off-loading devices, heel cushioning devices, to reduce PU development is unknown. Systematic review of the effectiveness of heel-specific medical devices for the prevention of heel PU (HPU)s. Database searches were performed from inception to June 2021 for RCTs. The primary outcome was incidence of new HPUs. Trials were assessed for risk of bias and data analysed with risk ratios, mean difference or hazard ratios as appropriate. Fifteen RCTs (4724 participants) were identified. Dressings, as constant low pressure (CLP) devices vs standard care: eight trials (very low quality) showed no-significant difference in effectiveness (RR 0.31, 95%CI 0.10 to 1.01). Off-loading devices vs standard care: three trials (low quality), showed significant reduction in development of Category≥1 HPUs (RR 0.20, 95%CI 0.05 to 0.80) two trials (medium quality), showed significant reduction in development of Category≥2 HPUs (RR 0.08, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.67). Comparisons between off-loading devices: two trials (low quality) showed no clear difference in HPU incidence. In a paediatric post-surgical population, one trial of off-loading device and one of a dressing (CLP device), both versus standard care, showed no clear difference in HPU incidence (RR 0.19 95%CI 0.02 to 1.55 and RR 0.89 95%CI 0.56 to 1.42 respectively). Off-loading devices may reduce HPU incidence, from low-quality evidence. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that dressings reduce HPU incidence.


The Effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris on Wound Healing: An Experimental In Vitro Evaluation.
A lot of remedies, mostly plant based, were mentioned in the Persian old pharmacopoeias for promoting of burn and wound healing and tissue repairing. The efficacy of most of these old remedies is unexplored till now. Adiantum capillus-veneris from Adiantaceae family is one of them that was used to treating of some kinds of chronic wounds. Methanol extract was fractionated to four different partitions that is, hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous. The potential of A. capillus-veneris fractions in wound healing or prevention of chronic wounds were evaluated through angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation, in addition to in vitro tests for protection against damage to fibroblasts by oxygen free radicals. The aqueous part of A. capillus-veneris promoted significant angiogenesis (P < 0.05) through both capillary-like tubular formations and proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro. In addition, in the tests for protection against damage to fibroblasts by oxygen free radicals, aqueous and butanol fractions showed significant protective effects in the concentrations 50, and 500 μg/ml (P < 0.05) in comparison with a control group. In the toxicity testing, it showed weak irritation in the Hen's egg test chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) bioassay at the vascular level on the CAM of the chicken and no significant cytotoxicity in the MTT assays on normal human dermal fibroblasts. Angiogenic effects and protective effects against oxygen free radicals suggested aqueous partition of A. capillus-veneris local application for prevention of late-radiation-induced injuries after radiation therapy and healing of external wounds similar to bedsores and burns.


A novel polyadenylation signal mutation in the alpha 2-globin gene causing alpha thalassaemia.
In a family of Indian origin we have identified a deletion of two bases at the polyadenylation signal sequence of the alpha 2-globin gene (AATAAA-->AATA). Three individuals heterozygous for this mutation display an alpha o-thalassaemia-like phenotype. Single-stranded conformation analysis and automatic sequencing showed no additional mutations in either alpha 1- or alpha 2-globin genes. A previously described polyadenylation sequence mutation (AATAAA-->AATAAG), alpha TSaudi alpha, causes HbH disease in homozygotes. In this study the patients heterozygous for the AATA(-AA) mutation show a similar phenotype observed in the alpha TSaudi alpha heterozygotes. This confirms the observation that the inefficient transcriptional termination due to mutations of the polyadenylation sequence of the alpha 2-gene might interfere with the alpha 1-gene expression.


The effects of seston lipids on zooplankton fatty acid composition in Lake Washington, Washington, USA.
We collected suspended particulate matter (seston) and zooplankton samples from Lake Washington in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., over a 10-month period to investigate the effects of food availability on zooplankton fatty acid (FA) composition. The percentage of nutritionally critical omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the seston varied from 8% of the FA pool in midsummer to 30% during the spring diatom bloom. Zooplankton accumulated much higher percentages omega3 PUFA than was available in the seston. In particular, cladocerans preferentially accumulated eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5omega3), copepods accumulated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6omega3), and both copepods and cladocerans accumulated 18 carbon chain omega3 PUFAs (C18 omega3). By comparison, the FA of zooplanktivorous juvenile sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) were strongly dominated by EPA (12.5% +/- 2.1%) and DHA (28.2% +/- 8.7%). The saturated fatty acid and the arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4omega6) composition of Diaptomus ashlandi was strongly (r2 = 0.76) and moderately (r2 = 0.54) correlated with the prevalence of these FAs in the seston. Furthermore, the DHA content of Diaptomus was moderately correlated with the seston's DHA content (r2 = 0.45) and very strongly correlated with seston EPA (r2 = 0.89). Since EPA was the most prevalent PUFA in the seston and DHA was the most prevalent PUFA in Diaptomus, these results suggest that Diaptomus may synthesize DHA from the EPA in their food. In general, zooplankton species in Lake Washington were strongly enriched with those FA molecules that are most physiologically important for fish nutrition (i.e., ARA, EPA, and DHA), indicating a clear mechanism by which changes in seston composition influence fisheries ecology.


Interaction between two invasive organisms on the European chestnut: does the chestnut blight fungus benefit from the presence of the gall wasp?
The impact of invasive fungal pathogens and pests on trees is often studied individually, thereby omitting possible interactions. In this study the ecological interaction between the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica and the chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus was investigated. We determined if abandoned galls could be colonized by C. parasitica and thereby act as an entry point and a source of pathogen inoculum. Moreover we assessed the identity and diversity of other gall-colonizing fungal species. A total of 1973 galls were randomly sampled from 200 chestnut trees in eight Swiss stands. In a stand C. parasitica was isolated from 0.4-19.2% of the galls. The incidence of C. parasitica on the galls and the fungal diversity significantly increased with the residence time of D. kuriphilus in a stand. All but one C. parasitica cultures were virulent. The predominant fungus isolated from galls was Gnomoniopsis castanea whose abundance influenced negatively that of C. parasitica. This study shows that D. kuriphilus galls can be colonized by virulent strains of the chestnut blight fungus C. parasitica. This can have effects on the chestnut blight incidence even in chestnut stands where the disease is successfully controlled by hypovirulence. The gall wasp presence influences also the fungal species composition on chestnut trees.


Binding of semenogelin I to intact human spermatozoa studied by flow cytometry and surface plasmon resonance.
Approximately 1 in 10 couples is infertile. No definite cause can be found in about 25% of those cases. Studies have indicated that seminal vesicle secretion functions as an optimizer of fertilization. The Zn(2+) binding protein semenogelin I (SgI) represents a major fraction of the proteins present in seminal vesicle fluid, and it serves as a structural component of the coagulum that is formed after ejaculation. Cleavage of SgI by prostate-specific antigen results in liquefaction of the coagulum. Fragmented SgI has antibacterial effects and inhibits spermatozoa mobility. SgI has also been found complexed to eppin on spermatozoa, and this complex has been suggested to be of importance for fertility. Here, we used flow cytometry and surface plasmon resonance to study SgI regarding its association with spermatozoa and the interaction dependency on Zn(2+). The concentration of Zn(2+) in seminal plasma is approximately 100 times higher than in blood plasma, and the metal ion is known to change the structure of SgI. We found that SgI binds to spermatozoa in a concentration-dependent and saturable manner. In solution, SgI bound to spermatozoa in a non-Zn(2+)-dependent way, whereas immobilized SgI interacts with spermatozoa only in the presence of Zn(2+). It indicates that SgI must exhibit a specific structure or free flexibility to be able to interact with that ligand. Our results indicate that the association of SgI to spermatozoa is conformation dependent and specific. These findings could constitute a basis for the development of a male contraceptive.


DOP-PCR based painting of rye chromosomes in a wheat background.
To determine the appropriateness of chromosome painting for identifying genomic elements in rye, we microdissected the 1R and 1RS chromosomes from rye (Secale cereale L. var. King II) and wheat-rye addition line 1RS, respectively. Degenerate oligonucleotide primed - polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR) amplification of 1R and 1RS products from dissected chromosomes were used as probes to hybridize to metaphase chromosomes of rye, wheat-rye addition lines 1R and 1RS, translocation line 1RS.1BL, and allohexaploid triticale. The results showed that (i) the hybridization signal distribution patterns on rye chromosomes using 1R-derived DOP-PCR products as the probe were similar to those using 1RS-derived DOP-PCR products as the probe; (ii) 1R and (or) 1RS could not be distinguished from other rye chromosomes solely by the hybridization patterns using 1R- and (or) 1RS-derived DOP-PCR products as the probe; (iii) rye chromosomes and (or) rye chromosome fragments could be clearly identified in wheat-rye hybrids using either 1R- or 1RS-derived DOP-PCR products as the probe and could be more accurate in the nontelomeric region than using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). Our results suggested that 1R- and (or) 1RS-derived DOP-PCR products contain many repetitive DNA sequences, are similar on different rye chromosomes, are R-genome specific, and can be used to identify rye chromosomes and chromosome fragments in wheat-rye hybrids. Our research widens the application range of chromosome painting in plants.


Reproductive season-based plasticity in the size and strength of female crayfish (Faxonius obscurus) claws.
Animal weapons are morphological traits that improve the fighting ability of the wielder and are associated with competition. These traits are typically sexually dimorphic, with males possessing weaponry and females lacking weaponry. However, in some cases, like in many crustaceans, both males and females wield enlarged claws, which may function as weapons. Further, animal weapons may vary in their size, shape, and performance, with theory predicting that selection pressure for weaponry should be the highest when the importance of fights is the greatest, such as during a reproductive season. However, the degree and direction of selection may vary based on sex and season, with females potentially benefiting from wielding larger weapons during nonreproductive seasons. Crayfishes offer an ideal system to investigate how weapon phenotypes change across reproductive seasons since both males and females undergo a form alteration associated with reproduction. Thus, we investigated whether female Allegheny crayfish, Faxonius obscurus, claws change in size, shape, or pinching strength based on whether a female is in a reproductive or nonreproductive form. We found that female F. obscurus claws are larger and stronger during the reproductive season. These findings align with previous research on males of the same species. We discuss how predictions about the relationship between seasonality and weapon investment may differ based on sex.


A combined ONIOM quantum chemical-molecular dynamics study of zinc-uracil bond breaking in yeast cytosine deaminase.
A QM/MM method that combines ONIOM quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics is developed and applied to a step in the deamination of cytosine to uracil in yeast cytosine deaminase (yCD). A two-layer ONIOM calculation is used for the reaction complex, with an inner part treated at a high level for the chemical reaction (bond breaking) and a middle part treated at a lower level for relevant protein residues that are frozen in the quantum optimization. An outer layer (protein and solvent) is treated using MD. Configurations for the entire system are generated using MD and optimized with ONIOM. The method permits the use of high-level quantum calculations along with sufficient configurational sampling to approximate the potential of mean force for certain bond-breaking reactions. A previously proposed reaction mechanism for deamination (Sklenak, S.; Yao, L. S.; Cukier, R. I.; Yan, H. G. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 14879) requires breaking the bond between a catalytic zinc and the O4 of uracil in order to permit product release. Using an ONIOM approach, direct bond cleavage was found to be energetically unfavorable. In the work presented here, the combined ONIOM MD method is used to show that the barrier for bond cleavage is small, approximately 3 kcal/mol, and, consequently, should not be the rate-limiting step in the reaction.


The PGL family proteins associate with germ granules and function redundantly in Caenorhabditis elegans germline development.
PGL-1 is a constitutive protein component of C. elegans germ granules, also known as P granules. Maternally supplied PGL-1 is essential for germline development but only at elevated temperature, raising the possibility that redundant factors provide sufficient function at lower temperatures. We have identified two PGL-1-related proteins, PGL-2 and PGL-3, by sequence analysis of the C. elegans genome and by a yeast two-hybrid screen for proteins that interact with PGL-1. PGL-3 is associated with P granules at all stages of development, while PGL-2 is associated with P granules only during postembryonic development. All three PGL proteins interact with each other in vitro. Furthermore, PGL-1 and PGL-3 are co-immunoprecipitated from embryo extracts, indicating that they are indeed in the same protein complex in vivo. Nevertheless, each PGL protein localizes to P granules independently of the other two. pgl-2 or pgl-3 single-mutant worms do not show obvious defects in germline development. However, pgl-1; pgl-3 (but not pgl-2; pgl-1) double-mutant hermaphrodites and males show significantly enhanced sterility at all temperatures, compared to pgl-1 alone. Mutant hermaphrodites show defects in germline proliferation and in production of healthy gametes and viable embryos. Our findings demonstrate that both PGL-2 and PGL-3 are components of P granules, both interact with PGL-1, and at least PGL-3 functions redundantly with PGL-1 to ensure fertility in both sexes of C. elegans.


Superficial small round-cell tumors with special reference to the Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors and the spectrum of differential diagnosis.
Superficial/cutaneous small round-cell tumors comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms including sarcoma, carcinoma, melanoma, and lymphomas. Among superficial sarcomas, the Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) represents a poorly understood rare variant, having a behavioral difference characterized by a relative favorable prognosis. Several problems are still to be resolved in superficial ESFT, including the differential diagnosis between ESFT of bone (intraosseous or periosteal) with superficial infiltration and superficial ESFT with bone infiltration, especially in the fingers. Our aim is to review the most common types of small round-cell tumors included in the differential diagnosis of superficial ESFT, analyzing the histopathology, phenotype, and molecular alterations of each entity.


A nonhuman primate toxicology and immunogenicity study evaluating aerosol delivery of AERAS-402/Ad35 vaccine: Evidence for transient t cell responses in peripheral blood and robust sustained responses in the lungs.
Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the only licensed vaccine for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB), provides only limited protection against certain forms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. While infection with Mtb can be treated with antibiotics, the therapy is expensive, toxic, and requires several months for treatment. In addition, the emergence of drug resistant strains limits the impact of antibiotics and underlines the importance of developing a more effective vaccine to control this disease. Given that pulmonary TB is the most common form of the disease, a vaccine capable of inducing lung-resident immunity may be advantageous for combating this infection. New advances in pulmonary delivery make this route of vaccination feasible and affordable. Here, we evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of an aerosolized Ad35-based vaccine, AERAS-402, delivered to the lungs in nonhuman primates as part of a GLP acute and chronic toxicology and safety study. In this study, animals received three high doses (1 x 10(11) vp) of AERAS-402 by inhalation via a nebulizer at 1-week intervals. Aerosol delivery of AERAS-402 resulted in an increase in relative lung weights as well as microscopic findings in the lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, bronchus-associated lymphatic tissue, and the naso-oropharynx that were consistent with the induction of an immune response during the acute phase. These findings resolved by the chronic phase and were considered to be non-adverse. Furthermore, we observed transient vaccine-specific immune responses in the peripheral blood as well as sustained high-level polyfunctional CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of vaccinated nonhuman primates. The data suggest that pulmonary delivery of Ad35-based vaccines can be safe and can induce potent lung-resident immunity.


Effect of pH on growth of mixed cultures in batch reactor.
This work has studied the effect of pH on specific growth rate mu, yield factor Y, and specific substrate consumption rate U for two mixed microbial populations (sludge A and B) in a batch reactor with a limiting substrate (phenol). The mathematical analysis of mu and U as a function of pH has been applied not only to the results of the present work but also to other published data. On the basis of the results obtained, the following remarks can be made: (a) The effect of pH on bacterial activity differed for the two sludges; (b) variations in pH of one unit more or less than optimum pH can give rise to appreciable variations in mu and U; and (c) with regard to the mixed populations used in this study, the mu or U and pH data for the range investigated can be suitably described by a parabolic relation.


Organization of actin filaments in early chick embryo ectoderm: an ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study.
By combining transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunocytochemistry at both light and TEM levels the organization of actin in early chick ectoderm has been demonstrated. Every cell is encircled by a ring of actin filaments which are associated with apically situated intercellular junctions. In this way the actin ring of each individual cell is connected to that of surrounding cells and a continuous network is formed. As clearly shown by immunofluorescence and SEM studies on intact and Triton X-100 treated whole-mount preparations this network extends throughout the entire layer, interrupted only at the blastoderm margins and the primitive streak. A more diffuse arrangement was sometimes seen at cell bases. It is suggested that the network extending throughout the ectoderm gives it stability and cohesion and is important in gross morphogenetic movements involving the entire layer. The less-organized arrangement at cell bases is associated more with movements of individual cells.


Tuber yield and quality characteristics of potatoes for off-season crops in a Mediterranean environment.
There is little research on evaluating the compatibility of potatoes for double cropping in southern Italy. The aim of this investigation was to assess tuber yield and some qualitative traits of tubers such as skin colour, tuber dry matter content and tuber nitrate content, both in winter-spring and in summer-autumn crops, as influenced by genotype and harvest time. Yield, skin colour and dry matter content of tubers were higher in the winter-spring crop than in the summer-autumn crop, attributable to the advantageous lag time in spring between solar radiation and temperatures and the disadvantageous lag in autumn. Spunta and Arinda performed well within each crop season, whereas Ninfa showed an important yield loss in autumn. In both off-season crops, delaying tuber harvest until leaf senescence increased yield and improved quality attributes such as tuber dry matter content and skin colour, whereas nitrate contents significantly decreased in the winter-spring crop and increased in the summer-autumn crop. Ninfa showed less tendency than Arinda and Spunta to accumulate nitrate in tubers in both off-season crops. It might be advantageous to examine in further research which mechanisms sustain compatibility to the autumn and assess other quality characteristics for the fresh market in the contrasting climatic conditions of the two off-season crops.


Coming to Terms with a Conundrum: A Case of Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech due to Corticobasal Degeneration?
Primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) is a progressive disorder impairing the motor speech act leaving linguistic function unattained. Although apraxia of speech frequently co-occurs with other neurodegenerative conditions, PPAOS defines a clinical syndrome where apraxia of speech is the sole or prominent symptom for much of the disease's natural history. Mounting evidence is beginning to fully define this disease as the epiphenomenon of 4-repeat (4R) tau pathology although other pathologic signatures have been reported. Indeed, PPAOS patients generally present a parkinsonian syndrome late into their natural history mostly qualifying for either corticobasal syndrome (CBS) or progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). This is starting to be reflected in diagnostic criteria for PSP, namely, in the PSP speech and language (SL) subcategory; however, this inclusion is not reflected for CBS. Here, we present a single case of a patient with PPAOS and her clinical follow-up lasting 6 years, from the time she sought our attention to her death which occurred 8 years into the disease. PPAOS was the only and prominent symptom for most of the illness with extrapyramidal signs overtly presenting in the last months of its course. Clinical evaluation, imaging, genetic, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers all pointed toward an underlying CBD pathology, albeit the eventual anatomopathological confirmation was not performed. Had her clinical course been more suggestive of PSP, she would have qualified for criteria as PSP-SL. Our case therefore suggests the hypothetic need to discuss the broadening of the existing CBS criteria to encompass isolated PPAOS.


Icariside II promotes the osteogenic differentiation of canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/S6K1 signaling pathways.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the osteogenic effects of icariside II (ICSII) on canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and the pathways by which these effects were induced. BMSCs were cultured and expanded to the fourth passage. The proliferative effects of ICSII were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The osteogenic response to ICSII in BMSCs in vitro was examined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays and Alizarin red staining. Using Western blot assays and real-time PCR (RT-PCR), we examined the expression of osteogenetic proteins/genes. We also evaluated changes in Akt and S6K1 phosphorylation levels, along with changes in the expression of osteogenesis proteins/genes after pretreatment with wortmannin (an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; PI3K) or rapamycin [a specific inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)] in the presence or absence of ICSII. Our results show that ICSII promotes the proliferation of BMSCs, while inhibiting ALP activity. We also found that calcium nodules form after BMSCs are treated with ICSII and osteogenetic medium for 21 days. ICSII significantly increased the expression of osteogenesis proteins/genes and elevated the phosphorylation levels of Akt and S6K1. Treatment with wortmannin or rapamycin attenuated the expression of p-Akt, p-S6K1, and osteogenesis proteins/genes. These results suggest that ICSII promotes the osteogenic differentiation of canine BMSCs via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/S6K1 signaling pathways.