Regulatory interaction of the Galpha protein with phospholipase A2 in the plasma membrane of Eschscholzia californica.
Plant heterotrimeric G-proteins are involved in a variety of signaling pathways, though only one alpha and a few betagamma isoforms of their subunits exist. In isolated plasma membranes of California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), the plant-specific Galpha subunit was isolated and identified immunologically and by homology of the cloned gene with that of several plants. In the same membrane, phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) was activated by yeast elicitor only if GTPgammaS (an activator of Galpha) was present. From the cholate-solubilized membrane proteins, PLA(2) was co-precipitated together with Galpha by a polyclonal antiserum raised against the recombinant Galpha. In this immunoprecipitate and in the plasma membrane (but not in the Galpha-free supernatant) PLA(2) was stimulated by GTPgammaS. Plasma membranes and immunoprecipitates obtained from antisense transformants with a low Galpha content allowed no such stimulation. An antiserum raised against the C-terminus (which in animal Galphas is located near the target coupling site) precipitated Galpha without any PLA(2) activity. Using non-denaturing PAGE, complexes of solubilized plasma membrane proteins were visualized that contained Galpha plus PLA(2) activity and dissociated at pH 9.5. At this pH, PLA(2) was no longer stimulated by GTPgammaS. It is concluded that a distinct fraction of the plasma membrane-bound PLA(2) exists in a detergent-resistant complex with Galpha that can be dissociated at pH 9.5. This complex allows the Galpha-mediated activation of PLA(2).


[Short-term prognostic factors in children with acute liver failure].
To investigate the factors that influence the short-term (6 months) prognosis in children with acute liver failure. The clinical information of 53 children with acute liver failure treated between June 2008 and September 2013 was retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into survival group (n=21) and death group (n=32) according to their outcomes. The liver function parameters and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify major factors affecting the short-term prognosis in these patients. There were significant differences between the death and survival groups in the indices of international normalized ratio (INR), blood ammonia and serum albumin (Alb), and complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and multiple organ failure (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum Alb, INR, and hepatic encephalopathy were the major factors affecting the short-term prognosis of acute liver failure (OR=0.616, 75.493 and 1210.727 respectively; P<0.05). INR, hepatic encephalopathy and serum Alb are the major factors that influence the short-term prognosis in children with acute liver failure.


Treatment procedures for anal fistulous cryptoglandular abscess--how to get the best results.
Up to date anal fistulous cryptoglandular abscess is a subject of controversial scientific discussions and the number of medico legal cases dealing with treatment procedures is growing . In principal, there is a dispute whether it is reasonable to perform a primary fistulotomy at the time of abscess drainage or to wait for a secondary fistulotomy. The purpose of this study was to compare studies focussing on the treatment of anal fistulous abscess with regard to different treatment procedures, their outcome (recurrence, incontinence, follow-up) and factors influencing outcome (primary or recurrent fistulous abscess, comorbidity, exclusion criteria, anaesthesia, microbiology, antibiotics, search for internal opening, classification). A Medline search included the terms: fistulous abscess, anal abscess, horseshoe abscess, anorectal sepsis, and perianal infection/abscess. In 63 (1964-2004) studies we found 35 different treatment methods: the most often used procedures were incision and drainage (I+D; n = 35) and incision and drainage and primary fistulotomy (I+D+pF; n = 23). Only in ten studies the treatment has been restricted for primary anal fistulous abscess; the remaining studies investigated primary and recurrent anal fistulous abscess. There was a considerable lack of information on morbidity, microbiology, and exclusion criteria. In only 16/63 studies patients were routinely diagnosed and treated under general anaesthesia. We found nine different classifications of fistulous abscess. There is a wide range of recurrence after different treatment procedures: up to 88% after I+D and 21% after I+D+pF. The incontinence rate after I+D ranged from 0-26%, after I+D+pF 0-52%. However, in many studies there was no information on incontinence available. A true comparison of different treatment methods is not available. This is mainly due to either a lack of information on important factors influencing outcome, even unclear definitions in some instances. Recent randomized studies have been criticized for missing information and flaws in the randomization procedure. The choice of treatment, e.g., primary or secondary fistulotomy, depends on the clinical experience of the surgeon on duty, the hospital structure (staff, equipment, and anaesthesia), the patient's history and the local anatomical circumstances. On the basis of up to date knowledge there is no reason to condemn primary or secondary fistulotomy without more clinical studies and without knowing the individual situation.


[Endemic struma and its relation to various drinking water factors in 4 communities of the Suhl district].
By means of anamnestic and clinical examinations carried out on 1,055 test persons of all age groups in four adjacent communities of the County of Suhl an average frequency of struma of 53.9% was stated. The strumata of the size stage I with a diffuse condition and a preference of the younger age groups and the female sex prevailed. The prophylactic and medicamentous measures of the combat against struma introduced up to 1984 are to be estimated as ineffective. The distinctly greater formation of struma (64.6%) which is to be proved in one community might be caused by a correlating significantly higher nitrate content of the drinking water with existing considerable deficiency of iodine. No connection could be found between the frequency of struma and the calcium and magnesium content of the drinking water as well as the hardness of water and the consumption of potassium permanganate. Within the framework of a complex combat against goitre an improvement of the iodised common salt prophylaxis, measures for the decrease of the nitrate content in drinking water and soil as well as a more effective registration and treatment of the strumata are necessary.


Mucormycosis of the Frontal Sinus: A Rare Case Report and Review.
Mucormycosis of the frontal sinus are rarely seen in day to day clinical practice. Although this fungus is commonly found in the environment, the disease is usually prevented by the immune system and is hence rare. Well-recognized risk factors for the disease include diabetes mellitus, leukemia, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, blood dyscrasias, and immunosuppressive therapy in organ transplantation, renal disease, sepsis, and severe burns. The disease is primarily found in those who are immunocompromised, but it may also manifest in immuno competent persons. Current therapy for the invasive disease includes early surgical debridement, antifungal therapy management of underlying predisposing factors. Early recognition of the disease and treating the underlying cause of mucormycosis, such as diabetes, are key to improving outcomes. The antifungal treatment of choice for mucormycosis is amphotericin B, although very high doses are required because of the relative resistance of the fungus to the drug. Here, we present a case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis of frontal sinus in a diabetic patient, who was managed by systemic antifungals, surgical debridement, and obliteration procedures.


Mothers' awareness of anorectal malformations: a pointer to delayed diagnosis in a developing country.
Delay in the presentation of babies with anorectal malformations (ARMs) to the pediatric surgeon accounts for a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In countries lacking proper guidelines for screening and newborn physical examination, a lot of responsibility is placed on parents and caregivers; with mothers often being the first to note abnormalities in their babies. The aim of the study was to assess the awareness of mothers about ARM and their knowledge about normal or abnormal appearance of the anus. A descriptive cross-sectional study involving mothers attending immunization clinics at two hospitals in a developing country was conducted using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were obtained on sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of ARM, and knowledge of appearance of the anus by requesting mothers to identify if three pictures of the perineum were normal or abnormal. A total of 365 mothers participated in the study with age ranging from 17 to 42 years. Only 71 (19.5%) mothers had ever heard about ARM. A picture of a girl with ARM and rectoperineal fistula was correctly identified by 66 (18.1%) and that of a boy with ARM and rectoperineal fistula by 71 (19.5%) mothers. A higher proportion (25.0%) of the mothers who were older than 30 years were aware of ARM than those younger than 30 years (16.0%), (p = 0.035). Participants with tertiary education were more likely to be aware of ARM than those with 12th grade or less education (31.1 vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001). Skilled workers were also more likely to be aware of ARM than unskilled workers and artisans (41.1 vs. 8.1%, p < 0.001). The predominant technique of "checking" the anus by the mothers was "inspection of their baby's perineum." Level of awareness of ARMs was low among women interviewed. Educational intervention targeting young mothers from low socioeconomic class is suggested.


The kappa agonist fedotozine modulates colonic distention-induced inhibition of gastric motility and emptying in dogs.
Gastric motor disturbances, associated with a delay in gastric emptying, occur in patients with the irritable bowel syndrome. The influence of fedotozine and kappa agonists on the cologastric reflex produced by nonpainful colonic distention was evaluated in conscious dogs. Colonic distention was applied in dogs fitted with either strain gauges or gastric cannula to assess its influence on gastrointestinal motility and gastric emptying, respectively. Colonic distention delayed the occurrence of gastric migrating motor complex by 141%, an effect blocked by intravenous fedotozine, U 50,488 (25 and 50 micrograms/kg), and hexamethonium (0.5 mg/kg) but not by D-Ala2, N-methyl, Phe4, Gly5-ol enkephalin (1, 5, and 10 micrograms/kg), granisetron (50 and 100 micrograms/kg), or bretylium tosylate (5 mg/kg). Nor-binaltorphimine hydrochloride (1 mg/kg intravenously) eliminated the suppressive action of fedotozine. Colonic distention reduced the 1-hour gastric emptying of solids by 40.1%, an effect blocked by fedotozine and U 50,488 (50 and 100 micrograms/kg); nor-binaltorphimine hydrochloride (1 mg/kg) antagonized the blocking effect of fedotozine. Fedotozine acts through kappa receptors to block the colonic distention-induced delay on gastric motility and emptying. The cologastric reflex involves nicotinic ganglionic receptors but not adrenergic pathway and 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptors.


Technical Note: Validation and implementation of a wireless transponder tracking system for gated stereotactic ablative radiotherapy of the liver.
Tracking soft-tissue targets has recently been cleared as a new application of Calypso, an electromagnetic wireless transponder tracking system, allowing for gated treatment of the liver based on the motion of the target volume itself. The purpose of this study is to describe the details of validating the Calypso system for wireless transponder tracking of the liver and to present the clinical workflow for using it to deliver gated stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). A commercial 3D diode array motion system was used to evaluate the dynamic tracking accuracy of Calypso when tracking continuous large amplitude motion. It was then used to perform end-to-end tests to evaluate the dosimetric accuracy of gated beam delivery for liver SABR. In addition, gating limits were investigated to determine how large the gating window can be while still maintaining dosimetric accuracy. The gating latency of the Calypso system was also measured using a customized motion phantom. The average absolute difference between the measured and expected positional offset was 0.3 mm. The 2%/2 mm gamma pass rates for the gated treatment delivery were greater than 97%. When increasing the gating limits beyond the known extent of planned motion, the gamma pass rates decreased as expected. The 2%/2 mm gamma pass rate for a 1, 2, and 3 mm increase in gating limits was measured to be 97.8%, 82.9%, and 61.4%, respectively. The average gating latency was measured to be 63.8 ms for beam-hold and 195.8 ms for beam-on. Four liver patients with 17 total fractions have been successfully treated at our institution. Wireless transponder tracking was validated as a dosimetrically accurate way to provide gated SABR of the liver. The dynamic tracking accuracy of the Calypso system met manufacturer's specification, even for continuous large amplitude motion that can be encountered when tracking liver tumors close to the diaphragm. The measured beam-hold gating latency was appropriate for targets that will traverse the gating limit each respiratory cycle causing the beam to be interrupted constantly throughout treatment delivery.


INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF OFFSPRING SIZE AND TIMING OF REPRODUCTION ON OFFSPRING REPRODUCTION: EXPERIMENTAL, MATERNAL, AND QUANTITATIVE GENETIC ASPECTS.
We demonstrate that egg size in side-blotched lizards is heritable (parent-offspring regressions) and thus will respond to natural selection. Because our estimate of heritability is derived from free-ranging lizards, it is useful for predicting evolutionary response to selection in wild populations. Moreover, our estimate for the heritability of egg size is not likely to be confounded by nongenetic maternal effects that might arise from egg size per se because we estimate a significant parent-offspring correlation for egg size in the face of dramatic experimental manipulation of yolk volume of the egg. Furthermore, we also demonstrate a significant correlation between egg size of the female parent and clutch size of her offspring. Because this correlation is not related to experimentally induced maternal effects, we suggest that it is indicative of a genetic correlation between egg size and clutch size. We synthesize our results from genetic analyses of the trade-off between egg size and clutch size with previously published experiments that document the mechanistic basis of this trade-off. Experimental manipulation of yolk volume has no effect on offspring reproductive traits such as egg size, clutch size, size at maturity, or oviposition date. However, egg size was related to offspring survival during adult phases of the life history. We partitioned survival of offspring during the adult phase of the life history into (1) survival of offspring from winter emergence to the production of the first clutch (i.e., the vitellogenic phase of the first clutch), and (2) survival of the offspring from the production of the first clutch to the end of the reproductive season. Offspring from the first clutch of the reproductive season in the previous year had higher survival during vitellogenesis of their first clutch if these offspring came from small eggs. We did not observe selection during these prelaying phases of adulthood for offspring from later clutches. However, we did find that later clutch offspring from large eggs had the highest survival over the first season of reproduction. The differences in selection on adult survival arising from maternal effects would reinforce previously documented selection that favors the production of small offspring early in the season and large offspring later in the season-a seasonal shift in maternal provisioning. We also report on a significant parent-offspring correlation in lay date and thus significant heritable variation in lay date. We can rule out the possibility of yolk volume as a confounding maternal effect-experimental manipulation of yolk volume has no effect on lay date of offspring. However, we cannot distinguish between genetic effects (i.e., heritable) and nongenetic maternal effects acting on lay date that arise from the maternal trait lay date per se (or other unidentified maternal traits). Nevertheless, we demonstrate how the timing of female reproduction (e.g., date of oviposition and date of hatching) affect reproductive attributes of offspring. Notably, we find that date of hatching has effects on body size at maturity and fecundity of offspring from later clutches. We did not detect comparable effects of lay date on offspring from the first clutch.


Analytical expressions to calculate relative amounts of phases in a three-component phase diagram.
The relative amounts of different phases in multiphase regions in the common three-component phase diagrams are usually estimated graphically using geometrical features of the diagram. The present contribution introduces algebraic expressions for the lines in the diagram, which allow these numbers to be calculated directly from the experimental results. The method is an extension of the classical methods, which were translated into convenient computer programs [Laughlin, R. G. The Aqueous Phase Behavior of Surfactants; Academic Press: New York, 1994] to calculate the amount of different phases for individual compositions. The introduction of analytical geometry allows simplified expressions to be used for the calculations and the amounts to be presented as continuous functions of the total composition.


Health risk associated with airborne particulate matter and its components in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Samples of PM2.5 and PM10 have been collected in all of four seasons at seven sites within the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The samples have been analysed for a range of trace elements. There is a large loading of wind-blown dust and the majority of elements are predominantly associated with coarse particles. Enrichment factors, however, show that some elements are markedly enriched above crustal abundance. Using mean data for the PM2.5 and PM10 fractions from each of the seven sampling sites, health risks have been estimated for particulate matter mass, the elements Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, As, Cd and V measured in this study, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using data from an earlier study within Jeddah. Cancer risks are calculated from mean airborne concentrations and cancer slope factors for the carcinogenic metals and PAH, but the cancer risks are relatively modest compared to the lifetime risk of mortality due to PM2.5 exposure. The risks associated with exposure to V and Mn are considered to be small, while concentrations of cadmium far exceed the European Union Limit Value and World Health Organisation guideline. Cadmium shows a very high crustal enrichment factor but is present predominantly in the coarse particle fraction suggesting that local soils and surface dusts are unusually enriched in Cd relative to the global average. Using national data for mortality rates, the excess mortality due to PM2.5 exposure has been calculated and amounts to over 1100 deaths annually for the city of Jeddah.


Ectopic ovary presenting as mesenteric abscess.
Ectopic ovary is a rare gynaecological condition that results in problems with menstruation and pregnancy and may develop into a malignant tumour. However, as the condition is often asymptomatic, diagnosis is difficult and frequently delayed. We report a case of a 42-year-old female who presented with a 10-day history of abdominal pain. The patient underwent surgery that confirmed the diagnosis of an ectopic ovary with an internal abscess. The findings of our study indicate that ectopic ovaries can present with an abscess. Ectopic ovaries should be included in the differential diagnosis of masses with internal abscesses.


Monitoring the Cell Cycle of Tumor Cells in Mouse Models of Human Cancer.
Cell division is obligatory to tumor growth. However, both cancer cells and noncancer cells in tumors can be found in distinct stages of the cell cycle, which may inform the growth potential of these tumors, their propensity to metastasize, and their response to therapy. Hence, it is of utmost importance to monitor the cell cycle of tumor cells. Here we discuss well-established methods and new genetic advances to track the cell cycle of tumor cells in mouse models of human cancer. We also review recent genetic studies investigating the role of the cell-cycle machinery in the growth of tumors in vivo, with a focus on the machinery regulating the G1/S transition of the cell cycle.


Identification of a mammary transforming gene (MAT1) associated with mouse mammary carcinogenesis.
We have developed an efficient in vitro transformation system using N-methyl-N-nitrosourea that allows us to study the role of hormones and growth factors in mouse mammary tumorigenesis. Utilizing this system, we reported earlier that mammary tumors induced in vitro with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea in the presence of mammogenic hormones (progesterone and prolactin) contain predominately an activated c-Ki-ras protooncogene with a G35 --> A35 transitional mutation in the 12th codon. Mammary tumors induced in the presence of another mitogen, lithium (Li), do not have a mutation in the c-Ki-ras protooncogene. By using an expression cloning system, a plasmid clone containing a 1.75-kb cDNA insert has been isolated from this group of tumors. Nucleic acid sequence analysis of the insert reveals that it has a short open reading frame of 61 amino acids and that it does not have sequence homology with any known gene. The gene, designated MAT1, can neoplastically transform NIH 3T3 cells and also the mammary epithelial cell line TM3. Expression of this gene occurs in normal mouse tissues including mammary gland and is overexpressed in the original mammary tumors as indicated by Northern blot analysis. In vitro transcription and translation of the clone shows a protein product of 6000 Da, which agrees with the predicted open reading frame.


Vancomycin Resistance in Enterococcus faecium from the Dallas, Texas, Area Is Conferred Predominantly on pRUM-Like Plasmids.
Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VREfm) is a significant public health concern because of limited treatment options. Genomic surveillance can be used to monitor VREfm transmission and evolution. Genomic analysis of VREfm has not been reported for the Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, TX, area, which is currently the 4th largest metropolitan area in the United States. Our study aimed to address this gap in knowledge by analyzing the genomes of 46 VREfm strains and 1 vancomycin-sensitive comparator collected during routine fecal surveillance of high-risk patients upon admission to a Dallas, TX, hospital system (August to October 2015). Thirty-one complete and 16 draft genome sequences were generated. The closed VREfm genomes possessed up to 12 extrachromosomal elements each. Overall, 251 closed putative plasmid sequences assigned to previously described and newly defined rep family types were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis identified 10 different sequence types (STs) among the isolates, with the most prevalent being ST17 and ST18. Strikingly, all but three of the VREfm isolates encoded vanA-type vancomycin resistance within Tn1546-like elements on a pRUM-like (rep17) plasmid backbone. Relative to a previously reported typing scheme for the vanA-carrying Tn1546, new variants of the Tn1546 were identified that harbored a combination of 7 insertion sequences (IS), including 3 novel IS elements reported here (ISEfa16, ISEfa17, and ISEfa18). We conclude that pRUM-like plasmids are important vectors for vancomycin resistance in the Dallas, TX, area and should be a focus of plasmid surveillance efforts. IMPORTANCE Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Vancomycin resistance is common in clinical isolates of the Gram-positive pathogen Enterococcus faecium. Among E. faecium strains, vancomycin resistance genes can be disseminated by plasmids with different host ranges and transfer efficiencies. Surveillance of resistance plasmids is critical to understanding antibiotic resistance transmission. This study analyzed the genome sequences of VREfm isolates collected from the Dallas, TX, area, with particular focus on the mobile elements associated with vancomycin resistance genes. We found that a single plasmid family, the pRUM-like family, was associated with vancomycin resistance in the majority of isolates sampled. Our work suggests that the pRUM-like plasmids should continue to be studied to understand their mechanisms of maintenance, transmission, and evolution in VREfm.


Low cost fabrication and assembly process for re-usable 3D polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic networks.
A method to easily manufacture and assemble a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based microfluidic device is described. The method uses low cost materials and re-usable laser cut polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) parts. In addition, the thickness of PDMS layers can be controlled and both PDMS layer surfaces are flat, which allows for multi-layer PDMS structures to be assembled. The use of mechanical clamping to seal the structure allows for easy cleaning and re-use of the manufactured part as it can be taken apart at any time. In this way, selected layers can be re-used or replaced. The process described can be easily adopted and utilised without the need for any costly clean room facilities or equipment such as oxygen bonders, making it ideal for laboratories, universities, and classrooms exploring microfluidics applications.


Seminal Plasma Promotes Neisseria gonorrhoeae Aggregation and Biofilm Formation.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the human-specific disease gonorrhea and is transmitted from person to person primarily via sexual contact. During transmission, N. gonorrhoeae is often exposed to seminal fluid and must adapt to this change in environment. Previous work demonstrated that seminal fluid facilitates N. gonorrhoeae motility and alters epithelial cell interactions. In this study, exposure to seminal fluid was found to decrease surface adherence of gonococci in a manner that was independent of Opa adhesin proteins or type IV pilus retraction. Semen was also shown to cause dispersal of bacteria that had previously established surface adherence. Although surface adherence decreased, interbacterial interactions were increased by seminal plasma both in long-term static culture and on a cell-to-cell basis over shorter time periods. The result of increased bacterium-bacterium interactions resulted in the formation of microcolonies, an important step in the N. gonorrhoeae infectious process. Seminal fluid also facilitated increased bacterial aggregation in the form of shear-resistant three-dimensional biofilms. These results emphasize the importance of the gonococcal response to the influx of seminal fluid within the genital niche. Further characterization of the N. gonorrhoeae response to semen will advance our understanding of the mechanisms behind the establishment of infection in naive hosts and the process of transmission. N. gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of the globally prevalent sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. An understudied aspect of this human-adapted pathogen is the change in bacterial physiology that occurs during sexual transmission. N. gonorrhoeae encounters semen when transmitted from host to host, and it is known that, when N. gonorrhoeae is exposed to seminal fluid, alterations in bacterial motility and type IV pilus arrangement occur. This work extends our previous observations on this modulation of gonococcal physiology by seminal fluid and demonstrates that seminal plasma decreases surface adherence, promotes interbacterial interactions, and enhances biofilm formation.


[Clinical study of tumor markers in prostatic cancer].
We measured prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), gamma-seminoprotein (gamma-Sm) and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels simultaneously in the serum of 52 patients with untreated prostatic cancer and 44 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy to assess the clinical usefulness of these tumor markers. PAP and PSA were measured by radioimmunoassay and gamma-Sm by enzyme immunoassay. The positive rates of PAP, gamma-Sm and PSA in patients with prostatic cancer were 50.0, 61.5 and 69.2%, respectively, and those in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy were 11.4, 13.6 and 13.6%, respectively. In patients with early stage prostatic cancer (stage A and B), the positive rates of PAP, gamma-Sm and PSA were 20.8, 41.7 and 54.2%. The efficiency of PSA was the highest among the three markers. The positive rate of the combination assay of PAP and PSA, that of gamma-Sm and PSA and that of PAP, gamma-Sm and PSA were slightly higher than that of the PSA assay alone. However, the efficiency of the PSA assay alone was higher than that of any combination. No significant correlation was found between histopathological grade and the level of each tumor marker. A significant correlation was found between PAP and gamma-Sm (r = 0.68, P less than 0.001), and between PAP and PSA (r = 0.61, P less than 0.001), but there was no correlation between gamma-Sm and PSA. These results suggest that PSA is the most useful marker and the combination assay of multiple markers is not so advantageous, at least for screening of prostatic cancer.


Anion-Ordering Phase Transitions in Biferrocenium and Ferrocenium Salts with the Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide Anion.
The bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide anion (Tf2N), which is a common component of ionic liquids, often exhibits disorder in the solid state. In this study, the phase transitions and crystal structures of the Tf2N salts of 1,1‴-dineopentyl-1',1″-biferrocene (=npBifc), 1',1″-biferrocene (=Bifc), ferrocene, and cobaltocene (1-4, respectively) were compared. All the salts exhibited phase transitions at low temperatures, which are accompanied by anion ordering, though the ordering was not complete in 2 and 3. X-ray crystallographic investigation revealed that the cations and anions in 1 and 2 adopted alternating arrangements and segregated columnar arrangements, respectively. The cation in 1 exhibited a symmetrical, average-valence structure in the room-temperature phase owing to rapid valence tautomerization, whereas the cation exhibited an unsymmetrical structure in the low-temperature phase. The cation in 2 exhibited an unsymmetrical, trapped-valence structure in both phases. The cation valence states in these salts were accounted for by the electrostatic interactions between the cations and anions. The crystal structures and phase behavior of the ferrocenium salt 3 were very different from those of 4.


Follow-up observations on the effect of human leukocyte interferon in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Follow-up data for 11 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with partially purified human leukocyte interferon is presented. The interferon preparation used was 0.1% pure and treatment consisted of 5 x 10(6) U given intramuscularly twice daily for 60 injections. One complete, three partial, and three minimal responses were observed in five of seven evaluable patients with nodular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Duration of response appears to be from 6 to 12 mo. One patient achieved a second partial response on retreatment with interferon in spite of having received chemotherapy in the interval between interferon treatments. No responses were seen in three patients with rapidly progressive diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. Dose-limiting toxicity is leukopenia, which necessitated modification or cessation of treatment in three patients. Nonhematologic toxicities consisted of fever, malaise, arthralgia, and loss of appetite. In conclusion, interferon has activity against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and prior treatment with chemotherapy does not preclude a response to interferon.


Identification of methyl triclosan and halogenated analogues in male common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from Las Vegas Bay and semipermeable membrane devices from Las Vegas Wash, Nevada.
Methyl triclosan and four halogenated analogues have been identified in extracts of individual whole-body male carp (Cyprinus carpio) tissue that were collected from Las Vegas Bay, Nevada, and Semipermeable Membrane Devices (SPMD) that were deployed in Las Vegas Wash, Nevada. Methyl triclosan is believed to be the microbially methylated product of the antibacterial agent triclosan (2, 4, 4'-trichloro-4-hydroxydiphenyl ether, Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number 3380-34-5, Irgasan DP300). The presence of methyl triclosan and four halogenated analogues was confirmed in SPMD extracts by comparing low- and high-resolution mass spectral data and Kovats retention indices of methyl triclosan with commercially obtained triclosan that was derivatized to the methyl ether with ethereal diazomethane. The four halogenated analogues of methyl triclosan detected in both whole-body tissue and SPMD extracts were tentatively identified by high resolution mass spectrometry. Methyl triclosan was detected in all 29 male common carp from Las Vegas Bay with a mean concentration of 596 microg kg(-1) wet weight (ww) which is more than an order of magnitude higher than previously reported concentrations in the literature. The halogenated analogs were detected less frequently (21%-76%) and at much lower concentrations (<51 microg kg(-1) ww). None of these compounds were detected in common carp from a Lake Mead reference site in Overton Arm, Nevada.


A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Methods for Reducing Local Anesthetic Injection Pain Among Patients Undergoing Periocular Surgery.
Various factors help minimize pain during the injection of local anesthetic. The majority of current evidence involves nonspecific injection sites. The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of all existing evidence for methods used to reduce injection pain specifically in the context of periocular procedures. A literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify all relevant experimental and observational studies from 1946 to 2018. Studies were included of patients undergoing periocular surgery under subcutaneous local anesthesia whereby outcomes were reported following a specific intervention intended to help reduce pain. Risk of bias was assessed using recognized tools. A subgroup meta-analysis was performed to indirectly compare pooled intervention-versus-control differences for various pain reduction interventions. Following the review of 2089 search results, 23 articles representing 1135 patients were included. The methods assessed in the studies included choice of anesthetic agent, buffering, warming, dilution, needle type, administration of an inhalational anesthetic, application of topical anesthetics, iontophoresis, skin cooling with ice, tactile distraction with vibration, and decreasing the rate of injection. Methods demonstrating best efficacy included solution modification (buffering, dilution, warming), skin cooling with ice, vibration, transconjunctival topical anesthetic before injection, and decreased rate of injection. Further study is warranted for modification of equipment factors, topical anesthetics, and strategies to reduce pain because of anesthetic infiltration.


Skin Lesions (non Neoplastic and Non Hansen Disease) in Jabalpur Area.
The paper deals with 588 cases of skin diseases studied histopathologically between 1968 and 1974. Neoplastic and Hansens's diseases have not been included in this study. The diseases have been studied with emphasis on their incidence, types and clinicopathological features. Psoriasis, lichen planus, vitiligo, chronic dermatitis, eczema, lupus vulgaris, mofluscum contagiosum etc. are reported in this paper. The results are presented and discussed.


Photoluminescence of blood by acidic hydrogen peroxide-A preliminary test.
In this study, the authors found that treating blood with 1 M HCl and 2% (w/v) 5-sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) in 1% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide mixture can produce photoluminescence of blood. SSA was added as a blood fixer. The photoluminescence was induced by irradiation of a forensic light source at 505 nm, which was detected using a 550 nm barrier filter. In this experiment, various level of acid and hydrogen peroxide were tested to find the optimal formulation of reagents, spot tests were conducted with diluted blood to test the sensitivity of this reagent, and impressions in blood left on porous/nonporous surfaces were enhanced. The sensitivity of this solution was slightly lower than Bluestar and was similar to leucocrystal violet or leucomalachite green on both porous/non-porous surfaces. The photoluminescence of blood treated with this reagent has been observed over 2 months. Using this reagent, it was possible to observe fingermarks or footwear impressions in blood on a black porous/non-porous surface. Through this, it was found that using this reagent could enhance bloodstains regardless of the porosity or color of the surface.


Sexual behavior, clinical outcomes and attendance of cervical cancer screening by HPV vaccinated and unvaccinated sexually active women.
Concerns were raised about HPV vaccination possibly leading to riskier sexual behavior. We assessed sexual behaviors, risk of sexually transmitted infection, and attendance to cervical cancer screening by HPV vaccinated and unvaccinated young women. In this analysis, 1475 questionnaires completed by women aged 17-29 years were included. The majority of respondents (67.9%) were vaccinated against HPV. The proportion of those vaccinated decreased with age: from 93.2% in those aged 17-19 to 72.9% in those aged 20-22, and 21.8% in 23-29-year olds. A higher proportion of unvaccinated respondents had at least one sexual intercourse under the age of 15 when compared to those vaccinated (30% vs. 23%, p < .0001). The number of sexual partners during the last 12 months was similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants. Vaccinated participants reported more condom use (45% versus 38%; p = .0002), and less sexually transmitted infections (10% versus 28%; p < .0001), and less anogenital condylomas (2.2% vs. 11.6%; p < .0001). A screening test has been reported by 51% and 77% of vaccinated and unvaccinated participants, respectively (p < .0001). The association between vaccination status and cervical cancer screening disappeared when adjusting for participants' age. The study results consolidate the existing body of data regarding the absence of an impact of HPV vaccination on sexual behavior or use of contraceptives.


Enhanced dewaterability of waste-activated sludge by combined cationic polyacrylamide and magnetic field pretreatment.
The potential function of combining magnetic field (MF) pretreatment with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) additive on enhancing the dewaterability of waste-activated sludge was investigated in the present work. Two reactors were involved in a specially designed experimental apparatus, one of which was built with MF accessories. Several parameters were conducted, including CPAM dosages, MF strengths and processing times, respectively. Capillary suction time (CST) and specific resistance to filtration (SRF) were used to evaluate sludge dewaterability. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentration was also determined in an attempt to identify the observed changes in dewaterability. It was indicated by the results that both CPAM conditioning and MF pretreatment on sludge can lower CST and SRF values. However, subjecting to a combination of MF pretreatment and CPAM conditioning, sludge dewaterability was significantly enhanced beyond the level observed of CPAM addition alone. The lowest CST and SRF values of 36.5 s and 0.75×10(12) m kg(-1), respectively, were obtained when sludge was co-conditioned by CPAM (at a dosage of 40 mg L(-1)) and MF (at an induction of 40 mT) for 30 min, suggesting the optimal condition for enhancing sludge dewaterability. It is also shown from the significant correlations between EPS, protein, polysaccharide and CST/SRF that the increment of EPS concentration in sludge supernatant may be the major reason for the enhancement of dewaterability.


Radiopaque markers equal gastrografin in the study of small bowel obstructions (SBO): a preliminary study.
To compare the diagnostic accuracy of a consolidated method (i.e.gastrografin) and a new one (i.e.radiopaque markers) in detecting complete intestinal obstruction. Twenty-one patients with suspected small bowel obstruction were enrolled and received at admission orally 100 ml of Gastrografin and 10 radiopaque markers at the same time. A series of plain abdominal radiograms was taked and evaluated to decide whether the obstruction was complete or not. The results of radiological evaluations were not disclosed to the surgeons responsible for the patient's treatment, therefore clinical decisions were assumed on clinical grounds only. In 16 out of the 21 enrolled patients both methods demonstrated only a partial obstruction; clinically none of them required surgery. Five patients showed complete bowel obstruction by the radiopaque markers method; out of those the gastrografin study showed a complete obstruction in four of them. All of them were operated on. In the fifth case it was not clear if the gastrografin had passed through the ileum-cecal valve or not. The unclear clinical picture induced to perform a TC that revealed that a small quantity of gastrografin had passed the ileo-cecal valve but there was a complete small bowel occlusion due to an internal hernia requiring a surgical treatment (thus implying a false negative picture). This preliminary study showed that both methods are effective in the early diagnosis of complete SBO. The use of radiopaque markers could avoid some false negatives of the gastrografin method and is significantly less expensive.


ASSESSMENT OF DOSES FROM INGESTION OF RADIONUCLIDES 40 K, 137CS, 226RA AND 232TH IN EDIBLE COMMERCIAL MUSHROOMS FROM TAIWAN.
This study analyzed activity concentration and annual effective dose of radionuclides 40K, 137Cs, 226Ra and 232Th of 44 mushrooms collected from local markets in Taiwan. The 40K activity concentrations were 1570 ± 150 Bq/kg-dw (Agaricus bisporus) > 1084 ± 183 Bq/kg-dw (Flammulina velutipe) > 736 ± 150 Bq/kg-dw (Lentinula edodes). The activity concentrations of 226Ra were 5.04 ± 2.43, 4.00 ± 2.40 and 3.43 ± 2.69 Bq/kg-dw, and 232Th were 3.96 ± 2.18, 3.86 ± 1.43 and 2.90 ± 1.99 Bq/kg-dw for F. velutipe, L. edodes and A. bisporus, respectively. In seven of the 44 samples, 137Cs activity concentrations were detected, and the samples had an average of 1.55 ± 1.75 Bq/kg-dw. The total annual effective dose ranged from 0.90 to 3.50 μSv/y, with an average of 1.94 ± 0.62 μSv/y at an ingestion rate of 0.235 kg-dw/y.


Multicolor Tunable Luminescence Based on Tb3+/Eu3+ Doping through a Facile Hydrothermal Route.
Ln3+-doped fluoride is a far efficient material for realizing multicolor emission, which plays an important part in full-color displays, biolabeling, and MRI. However, studies on the multicolor tuning properties of Ln3+-doped fluoride are mainly concentrated on a complicated process using three or more dopants, and the principle of energy transfer mechanism is still unclear. Herein, multicolor tunable emission is successfully obtained only by codoping with Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions in β-NaGdF4 submicrocrystals via a facile hydrothermal route. Our work reveals that various emission colors can be obtained and tuned from red, orange-red, pink, and blue-green to green under single excitation energy via codoping Tb3+ and Eu3+ with rationally changed Eu3+/Tb3+ molar ratio due to the energy transfer between Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions in the β-NaGdF4 host matrix. Meanwhile, the energy transfer mechanism in β-NaGdF4: x Eu3+/y Tb3+ (x + y = 5 mol %) submicrocrystals is investigated. Our results evidence the potential of the dopants' distribution density as an effective way for analyzing energy transfer and multicolor-controlled mechanism in other rare earth fluoride luminescence materials. Discussions on the multicolor luminescence under a certain dopant concentration based on single host and wavelength excitation are essential toward the goal of the practical applications in the field of light display systems and optoelectronic devices.


Mechanical properties of luting cements after water storage.
This study determined the effect of water storage on flexural strength (FS) and compressive strength (CS) of 12 luting cements from different material classes. In addition, the influence of the curing method on the mechanical properties was investigated. The materials examined were two zinc phosphate cements (Harvard cement and Fleck's zinc cement), two glass ionomer cements (Fuji I and Ketac-Cem), three resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Fuji Plus, Fuji Cem and RelyX Luting), four resin cements (RelyX ARC, Panavia F, Variolink II and Compolute) and one self-adhesive universal resin cement (RelyX Unicem). The samples were prepared and tested according to ISO specifications. Specimens for FS and CS were loaded to fracture at a constant crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. The mechanical properties were measured after the materials were stored in distilled water at a temperature of 37.0 +/- 1.0 degrees C for 24 hours and 150 days after mixing. In a one-way ANOVA, multiple mean value comparisons using Duncan's multiple comparison tests were performed. Resin cements had the highest flexural and compressive strengths, followed by self-adhesive universal resin cement. These materials were statistically stronger than resin-modified glass ionomer cements, glass ionomer cements and zinc phosphate cements.


Neuronal correlates of cognitive function in patients with childhood cerebellar tumor lesions.
While it has been shown that cerebellar tumor lesions have an impact on cognitive functions, the extent to which they shape distant neuronal pathways is still largely undescribed. Thus, the present neuroimaging study was designed to investigate different aspects of cognitive function and their neuronal correlates in patients after childhood cerebellar tumor surgery. An alertness task, a working memory task and an incompatibility task were performed by 11 patients after childhood cerebellar tumor surgery and 17 healthy controls. Neuronal correlates as reflected by alterations in functional networks during tasks were assessed using group independent component analysis. We were able to identify eight networks involved during task performance: default mode network, precuneus, anterior salience network, executive control network, visual network, auditory and sensorimotor network and a cerebellar network. For the most 'basic' cognitive tasks, a weaker task-modulation of default mode network, left executive control network and the cerebellar network was observed in patients compared to controls. Results for higher-order tasks are in line with a partial restoration of networks responsible for higher-order task execution. Our results provide tentative evidence that the synchronicity of brain activity in patients was at least partially restored in the course of neuroplastic reorganization, particularly for networks related to higher-order cognitive processes. The complex activation patterns underline the importance of testing several cognitive functions to assess the specificity of cognitive deficits and neuronal reorganization processes after brain lesions.


Cutaneous blood flow abnormalities in hypertriglyceridemia.
An accelerated atherosclerosis, in particular of the coronary arteries, was documented in hypertriglyceridemia. The objective of the present study was to assess the cutaneous dynamic blood flow in hypertriglyceridemia, utilizing the optical noninvasive method of laser Doppler flowmetry. The cutaneous blood flow on the forearms was measured during the postischemic reactive hyperemia test in treated and non-treated patients with hypertriglyceridemia and healthy control subjects. The subjects were 32 patients with hypertriglyceridemia--15 untreated and 17 following 6-9 months of bezafibrate treatment--and 27 healthy control subjects. In untreated patients with hypertriglyceridemia, the peak flow was significantly lower than in both the treated group (p < 0.005) and control group (p < 0.02). Similarly, the area under the response-time curve of the untreated patients with hypertriglyceridemia was smaller (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). These parameters were similar in the treated group and the control group. The reaction was faster in the treated group, as compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). The control group exhibited a longer time to decay than the treated group (p < 0.01). Postischemic reactive hyperemia tests in patients with hypertriglyceridemia reveal cutaneous microcirculatory changes in the forearm. These changes may arise from several mechanisms, including functional abnormalities of the endothelium or vascular smooth muscle, or structural changes in the blood vessels that limit vasodilatation. These changes are reversible, and corrected when reducing the triglyceride levels, but other abnormalities are then present, suggesting a permanent damage. These dynamic measurements of cutaneous blood flow are sensitive indicators of atherogenesis, and can be employed for the evaluation of microvascular involvement and follow-up of patients with hypertriglyceridemia.


[Spatial and Temporal Distribution and Pollution Evaluation of Soluble Heavy Metals in Liujiang River Basin].
In the Liujiang River, soluble heavy metals Zn, Al, Co, As, Ni, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Hg, and Cd were monitored day and night to determine their temporal and spatial distribution as well as the sources of this pollution. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index method was then used to evaluate the environmental quality of the Liujiang River water body. The results showed that: ① For each river section (Lutang and Luowei), the amounts of soluble Al, Co, As, Ni, Cr, Mn, Pb, and Cd all met the Class Ⅲ water quality standard limit, as defined in the National Surface Water Quality Class Ⅲ Standard. The concentration of Zn and Cu was far below the standard limit, while the Hg content slightly exceeded the standard; the concentration of heavy metals in Liujiang River basin was highest in the normal season and lowest in the wet season. In terms of spatial distribution, the Luowei section had a higher heavy metal concentration. ② The single factor pollution indexes for elemental Hg, Cd, and As were higher in the Liujiang River basin. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index evaluation shows that the risk of heavy metal pollution in the water body exhibits certain seasonal variations (March > November > June), indicating that rainfall in different seasons may result in reduced drinking water safety in the study area. The water of the Lutang and Luowei sections generally exhibited a moderate level of heavy metal pollution. The comprehensive pollution index of the Luowei section was higher than that of the Lutang section, and the pollution level was relatively severe. Therefore, the Luowei section should be listed as a priority control section of the Liujiang River basin by the water environment management department; ③ After assessing the difference in heavy metal pollution between annual and monthly rainfall periods, it was found that the selection of rainy season or conventional season has no significant impact on the assessment of heavy metal pollution in rivers, when the mass concentration of Cu in the river is used. However, the presence of As, Mn, Pb, Al, Cr, and Ni elements in the river will cause significant differences in the evaluation of heavy metal pollution on an interannual scale; ④ Multivariate statistical analysis results show that Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, and Pb in the Liujiang River are mainly derived from industrial production activities; As and Zn are mainly derived from rainwater leaching of domestic pollution waste; Mn, Al, and Cu are mainly derived from the application of pesticides and fertilizers.


An exploration of the information needs of spouse/partner following acute myocardial infarction using focus group methodology.
This study aimed to explore spouse/partners' experience of the information received and required in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in-hospital recovery period. A dearth of information exists that uncovers the information needs of spouse/partners following AMI. Although information needs, emotional reactions, support and information provision are prevalent themes within the literature, there are few studies that specifically address these issues in this population. While survey methods abound, with more recent qualitative interviews apparent, focus group methodology is underused. The study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Using focus group techniques, 15 partners were interviewed. Emerging themes included: reactions to the event, feeling like a burden on the health service, the need for information and pulling apart - pulling together. Spouse/partners play a critical role in helping patients recover from acute cardiac events thus information and support for the latter are crucial. While spouse/partners commonly seek information as a problem-solving coping strategy, in an effort to regain personal control, spouses often lack information. This study identifies spouse/partner isolation and suggests that additional supports need to be in place to adequately deal with the challenges that AMI brings to family life. Suggested support mechanisms to enhance current provision are inclusion of spouse/partner in cardiac rehabilitation programs and hospital-based care, self-help groups supported and attended by professionals and telephone support systems.


CRISPR/Cas-based Aptasensor as an Innovative Sensing Approaches for Food Safety Analysis: Recent Progresses and New Horizons.
Food safety is one of the greatest public problems occurring around the world. Chemical, physical, and microbiological hazards could lead to food safety problems, which might occur at all stages of the supply chain. To tackle food safety problems and protect consumer health, specific, accurate, and rapid diagnosis techniques meeting various requirements are the imperative measures to ensure food safety. CRISPR-Cas system, a novel emerging technology, is effectively repurposed in (bio)sensing and has shown a tremendous capability to develop on-site and portable diagnostic methods with high specificity and sensitivity. Among numerous existing CRISPR/Cas systems, CRISPR/Cas13a and CRISPR/Cas12a are extensively employed in the design of biosensors, owing to their ability to cleave both non-target and target sequences. However, the specificity limitation in CRISPR/Cas has hindered its progress. Nowadays, nucleic acid aptamers recognized for their specificity and high-affinity characteristics for their analytes are incorporated into CRISPR/Cas systems. With the benefits of reproducibility, high durability, portability, facile operation, and cost-effectiveness, CRISPR/Cas-based aptasensing approaches are an ideal choice for fabricating highly specific point-of-need analytical tools with enhanced response signals. In the current study, we explore some of the most recent progress in the CRISPR/Cas-mediated aptasensors for detecting food risk factors including veterinary drugs, pesticide residues, pathogens, mycotoxins, heavy metals, illegal additives, food additives, and other contaminants. The nanomaterial engineering support with CRISPR/Cas aptasensors is also signified to achieve a hopeful perspective to provide new straightforward test kits toward trace amounts of different contaminants encountered in food samples.


Finding low-conductance sets with dense interactions (FLCD) for better protein complex prediction.
Intuitively, proteins in the same protein complexes should highly interact with each other but rarely interact with the other proteins in protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Surprisingly, many existing computational algorithms do not directly detect protein complexes based on both of these topological properties. Most of them, depending on mathematical definitions of either "modularity" or "conductance", have their own limitations: Modularity has the inherent resolution problem ignoring small protein complexes; and conductance characterizes the separability of complexes but fails to capture the interaction density within complexes. In this paper, we propose a two-step algorithm FLCD (Finding Low-Conductance sets with Dense interactions) to predict overlapping protein complexes with the desired topological structure, which is densely connected inside and well separated from the rest of the networks. First, FLCD detects well-separated subnetworks based on approximating a potential low-conductance set through a personalized PageRank vector from a protein and then solving a mixed integer programming (MIP) problem to find the minimum-conductance set within the identified low-conductance set. At the second step, the densely connected parts in those subnetworks are discovered as the protein complexes by solving another MIP problem that aims to find the dense subnetwork in the minimum-conductance set. Experiments on four large-scale yeast PPI networks from different public databases demonstrate that the complexes predicted by FLCD have better correspondence with the yeast protein complex gold standards than other three state-of-the-art algorithms (ClusterONE, LinkComm, and SR-MCL). Additionally, results of FLCD show higher biological relevance with respect to Gene Ontology (GO) terms by GO enrichment analysis.


Human skin gene expression doesn't correlate with protein expression? Unless both parameters are quantified.
Many cosmetic companies utilize in vitro gene array studies to display significant stimulation or inhibition of various human skin biomarkers to validate in vivo actions that are reported to enhance dermal health. This follows the central dogma of DNA-to-RNA results in protein expression; however, gene and protein expressions do not usually correlate. Unless both gene and protein expressions are quantified which require further investigational time and investment. Where data are available, this short commentary displays the in vitro comparison of four human skin biomarkers for the gene and protein expressions of the stimulation of collagen type I and elastin and the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3, when equol was tested. The results demonstrate a good correspondence between gene and protein expressions for the human skin biomarkers tested.


[Non-invasive diagnosis of pre- and postpartum urination disorders].
Postpartal disorders of urinary discharge due to birth trauma are frequently the cause of rising infections of the urinary tract during the puerperium. In diagnosis, noninvasive methods should be preferred. Bladder-emptying function was checked by means of uroflowmetry and sonographic measurement of residual urine in 83 patients at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the RWTH, Aachen, in the third trimester and post partum. A considerable restriction of urine flow was found both prepartally as well as on the third day post partum. In contrast, there was practically no disturbance of bladder emptying on the sixth day post partum. This function is restored more quickly in cases of cesarean section than in cases of vaginal delivery. As early as the third day post partum no further influence of subpartal analgesia could be demonstrated. The findings failed to show any difference between the group with vaginal/surgical delivery and that with spontaneous birth. Generous use of these noninvasive diagnostic methods to identify postpartal micturition disorders can be recommended.


Comparison of contemporary occipitocervical instrumentation techniques with and without C1 lateral mass screws.
This study was designed to test the kinematic properties of three occiput-C2 instrumentation constructs with and without supplemental rigid C1 fixation. The results are compared with intact specimens and with constructs incorporating contemporary cabling techniques. Five unembalmed human cadaver specimens underwent range of motion (ROM) testing in the intact condition, followed by destabilization with odontoid osteotomy. Destabilized specimens then underwent ROM testing with each of seven occipitocervical instrumentation constructs, all incorporating occipital screws: C1 and C2 sublaminar cables with cable connectors, C2 pars screws +/- C1 lateral mass screws, C2 lamina screws +/- C1 lateral mass screws, and C1-C2 transarticular screws +/- C1 lateral mass screws. All seven constructs demonstrated significantly lower ROM in all loading modes than intact specimens (P < 0.05). With a single exception, the addition of C1 lateral mass screws to the screw-based constructs produced no significant change in ROM in any of the loading modes. Compared with intact specimens, constructs anchored by C1-C2 transarticular screws demonstrated the greatest decrease in ROM, and those anchored by sublaminar cables demonstrated the least decrease in ROM. Any of the tested screw-based constructs are likely to provide adequate support for the patient with an unstable craniocervical junction. Therefore, the choice of construct should be based on anatomic considerations. The routine incorporation of C1 lateral mass screws into occipitocervical instrumentation constructs does not seem necessary.


[Coincidence of Feulgen-achromasia, in situ hybridization and silver banding in four nucleolus organizers of Vicia sativa (author's transl)].
The results of three cytological techniques have been used to clear up the chromosomal locus and function of NOs in a commercial cultivar of Vicia sativa (2n=12) from Rumania. Karyotypic investigations after Feulgen-staining and arrangement of chromosomes in order of decreasing length of the long arm define chromosome I and chromosome III as SAT-chromosomes. The loci of the Feulgen-negative secondary constrictions coincide with those of the grain clusters after in situ rRNA/DNA hybridization and those of silver precipitation after ammoniacal silver staining. The median position of the weak secondary constriction in the long arm of chromosome I coincides with the position of the small grain cluster after in situ hybridization and the small silver dot after silver staining. The submedian position of the strong secondary constriction in the long arm of chromosome III coincides with the position of the big grain cluster and the big silver dot.


Effect of magnetic resonance imaging on a new electromagnetic implantable middle ear hearing device.
A 1.5-T magnetic resonance imager has been shown to be contraindicated for use in patients with pacemakers, cochlear implants, and neurostimulators. Our semi-implantable middle ear device uses a new adhesive bone cement. 4-META/MMA-TBB, for cementation of a 29-mg titanium-encased neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet to the incus. Five NdFeB magnets and four solid titanium cylinders were cemented onto the incus of five preserved human temporal bones and two cadaver heads. They were all inserted into a magnetic resonance imager and evaluated for possible disruption. Owing to the magnetic torque, the three magnets on the temporal bone were disrupted from the incus. The two cylinders on the temporal bones and the two cylinders and two magnets on the whole heads were not affected. The magnetic resonance imaging field did not affect the coercive force of the NdFeB magnets. The large torque produced by a magnetic resonance imager may disrupt the magnet-cement and cement-incus interfaces, causing dislodgement. We postulate that patients with implantable magnets on the incus should not undergo magnetic resonance imaging testing.


Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 inhibits Staphylococcus aureus infection of surgical implants in rats.
Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of community and hospital-acquired infections. Moreover, the clinical impact of S. aureus is on the rise because of the global increase in the incidence of multidrug-resistant strains and its growing prevalence as a major cause of surgical infections. As a result, there is a pressing need to identify new antistaphylococcal agents and preventative strategies that will help in the management of these types of infections. This report describes the successful use of a probiotic, Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14, and its secreted biosurfactant to inhibit surgical implant infections caused by S. aureus. L. fermentum RC-14 and its secreted biosurfactant both significantly inhibited S. aureus infection and bacteria adherence to surgical implants.


Electrospray-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (ELDI-MS) with an infrared laser for characterizing peptides and proteins.
An electrospray-assisted laser desorption/ionization source with an infrared OPO laser (IR-ELDI) was constructed and optimized for peptide and protein mass spectrometry analysis. Similar to ELDI with an ultraviolet laser, IR-ELDI generates multiply charged molecules for peptides and proteins measured under ambient sampling conditions. Both samples in the dried state and analyte solutions can be directly measured by IR-ELDI without the presence of a conventional MALDI matrix. However, the analysis of sample solutions is shown to greatly enhance the sensitivity of the mass spectrometry measurement, as a 100-fold sensitivity gain for peptide measurements was measured. The limit of detection of IR-ELDI was determined to be 250 fmol for bradykinin (1.1 kDa), 100 fmol for ubiquitin (8.6 kDa), and 500 fmol for carbonic anhydrase (29 kDa). IR-ELDI is amenable for MS and MSn analysis for proteins up to 80 kDa transferrin. IR-ELDI-MS may be a useful tool for protein sequencing analysis from complex biological matrices, with minimal sample preparation required.


Redox control of a dendritic ferrocenyl-based homogeneous catalyst.
The application of a dendrimer in a redox-switchable catalytic process is reported. A monomeric and the corresponding dendritic ferrocenylphosphane ligand were used to develop well-defined controllable catalysts with distinct redox states. The corresponding ruthenium(II) complexes catalyze the isomerization of the allylic alcohol 1-octen-3-ol. By adding a chemical oxidant or reductant, it was possible to reversibly switch the catalytic activity of the complexes. On oxidation, the ferrocenium moiety withdraws electron density from the phosphane, thereby lowering its basicity. The resulting electron-poor ruthenium center shows much lower activity for the redox isomerization and the reaction rate is markedly reduced.


Autoimmune disorders in diabetes.
The development of IDDM correlates with the presence of biologic markers pointing to the involvement of the immune system in the disease process. In addition to clinical observations of association of IDDM with other autoimmune disease and morphologic evidence of a mononuclear cell infiltration of the islets of Langerhans at the onset of the disease, anti-islet cell antibodies are detected in the serum of IDDM patients. Moreover, a strong genetic association with HL-A DR3 and DR4 identifies a genetic background compatible with autoimmune phenomena. Whether autoimmune phenomena are primary or secondary to an initial damage of the islets by infectious agents or other environmental factors is unknown. Whether or not the autoimmune response participates in the selective destruction of insulin-secreting cells has been a major issue in the past five years. The presence of T lymphocytes and anti-islet cell antibodies, which selectively inhibit or lyse insulin-secreting cells in vitro, strongly suggests that it may be the case. A definitive demonstration is difficult to provide in human IDDM. The development of animal models for IDDM has allowed useful insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for IDDM. In both the BB rat and the low-dose streptozotocin mouse model, the role of the immune system in the destruction of the islets of Langerhans is supported by the prevention of the disease by treatments interfering with the immune system. The BB rat develops a spontaneous autoimmune disease on a genetic background defined by the association with a major histocompatibility complex allele without any evidence for a role in initial damage of islets of a triggering infectious or chemical process. The low-dose streptozotocin model is an autoimmune IDDM secondary to the selective damage of islet cells by a toxin. The present scheme of an islet cell target and specific autoreactive T and B lymphocyte clones raises two major issues: what is the target antigen on islet cells and what is the role at the molecular level of class II major histocompatibility complex genes in susceptibility for IDDM? The first issue is presently being addressed in several laboratories using the hybridoma technology. The second issue is addressed at the biochemical level by studying restriction site polymorphism of major histocompatibility genes in susceptible individuals and IDDM patients, and at the functional level by studying the action of monoclonal antibodies to class II antigen on the development of IDDM in animal models. These steps are likely to be a prerequisite to antigen-specific immunotherapy in IDDM.


Basigin (CD147) is expressed on melanoma cells and induces tumor cell invasion by stimulating production of matrix metalloproteinases by fibroblasts.
EMMPRIN, which is identical to human basigin (CD147), interacts with fibroblasts and stimulates expression of MMPs, which play an important role in tumor invasiveness and metastasis. In the present study, we demonstrated that coculture of basigin-expressing human MM cells with dermal fibroblasts resulted in the induction of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MT1-MMP production by fibroblasts and of melanoma cell invasion through a reconstituted basement membrane. Antibody to basigin inhibited both the production of MMPs by fibroblasts and the invasiveness of melanoma cells. Expression of basigin and MMPs in MM and surrounding fibroblasts was examined immunohistochemically in 28 specimens from 18 MM patients without metastasis and 10 with metastasis, to investigate whether basigin plays a role in metastasis of MM in vivo. Basigin was expressed in melanoma cells but not in fibroblasts. MM with metastasis had significantly higher basigin expression compared to MM without metastasis. There were significant differences between MMs with and without metastasis in the expression of MMPs in both melanoma cells and fibroblasts. Expression of MMPs in fibroblasts was positively correlated with expression levels of basigin. These immunohistochemic findings indicate that MMPs might be expressed in fibroblasts as well as melanoma cells concomitantly with basigin, which was expressed in melanoma cells more frequently in MM with metastasis. Basigin is highly expressed in melanoma cells and may play an important role in their invasiveness and metastasis by stimulating surrounding fibroblasts to express MMPs.


CD19-redirected chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells: a promising immunotherapy for children and adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Relapsed and chemotherapy-refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) remain significant causes of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality for children and adults. Development of new molecularly targeted treatment strategies for patients with high-risk B-ALL is thus a major preclinical and clinical priority. Adoptive cellular therapy with patient-derived human T cells genetically engineered to express CD19 redirected chimeric antigen receptors (CD19 CAR T cells) is one immunotherapeutic modality that has recently demonstrated remarkable efficacy in re-inducing remission in patients with multiply relapsed B-ALL. Investigative teams at several major cancer centers are currently conducting phase I clinical trials in children and/or adults with relapsed/refractory B-ALL to assess the safety and to identify the maximally tolerated dose of each group's CD19 CAR T-cell product. All groups have reported major clinical toxicities associated with CD19 CAR T-cell treatment, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and macrophage activation syndrome, neurologic dysfunction and aplasia of normal B lymphocytes, while CD19 CAR T cells persist in vivo. Toxicities have generally been transient or manageable with supportive care measures. Some patients with life-threatening CD19 CAR T-cell induced sequelae have received anti-cytokine receptor antibody treatment to diminish CRS symptoms and/or corticosteroids to terminate CAR T-cell proliferation. Remarkably, 67-90% of children and adults with B-ALL treated with CD19 CAR T cells in these trials have achieved morphologic leukemia remission with many patients also in molecular remission. The duration of CD19 CAR T cell persistence in vivo has varied appreciably among treated patients and likely reflects differences in the CD19 CAR constructs utilized at each institution. CD19-positive and CD19-negative B-ALL relapses after CD19 CAR T-cell treatment have occurred in some patients. Phase II trials to assess the efficacy of CD19 CAR T-cell immunotherapy in larger cohorts of patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL are ongoing or planned.


Isolation perfusion of the liver.
Thousands of patients die annually from unresectable metastatic or primary hepatic cancers confined to liver. Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is a regional treatment strategy in which the vascular supply to the liver is isolated and perfused with a therapeutic regimen using an extracorporeal circuit consisting of a reservoir, heat exchanger, and oxygenator. Drug doses that would cause severe toxicities if delivered systemically can be confined to the liver by isolated hepatic perfusion, resulting in the ability to intensify treatment to the cancer-burdened region of the body. Agents and mechanisms commonly used in IHP include melphaIan, hyperthermia, and tumor necrosis factor. IHP appears to be efficacious for patients with advanced disease, as reflected by large tumor size, high number of lesions, or significant overall tumor burden in the liver. In addition, responses are observed for patients whose cancer is refractory to systemic and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that IHP has anti-tumor efficacy against primary hepatic neoplasms and metastases from various primary tumors, such as colorectal carcinoma, ocular melanoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. Current studies demonstrate that combining hepatic arterial infusion with floxuridine after IHP for patients with colorectal cancer metastases is associated with significant and durable response rates. Continued clinical evaluation is warranted for the use of IHP in the treatment of unresectable liver metastases.


Neotype designation of Oribatula nativa Tseng, 1984 (Acari, Oribatida, Oribatulidae).
The type material of oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Tseng's collections were lost, therefore, designation of neotypes is necessary to ensure stability in zoological nomenclature. The neotype and paraneotypes of Oribatula nativa Tseng, 1984 (Oribatida, Oribatulidae) are designated. This species is redescribed based on adult material collected from Taiwan.


Letter: OCCO*+, NNCO*+ and NNNN*+ radical cations.
Chemical ionization of a mixture of nitrogen and carbon monoxide produces three stable isobaric species at m/z 56: OCCO, OCNN and NNNN radical cations. Separated at increased resolution, these ions are readily identified by collisional activation. Neutralization-reionization experiments performed on two different mass spectrometers have not allowed the detection of any recovery signals for the corresponding neutrals.


Five-Canon Feedback: Triaging Errors in Writing With Classical Rhetoric.
Nurse educators may be asked to provide feedback on writing, encountering the challenge of determining which errors to address, when, and how. This Teaching Tips article, drawing on the author's experience in writing instruction, summarizes a novel framework for error triage: the five canons of classical rhetoric as described by the Roman rhetorician Quintilian. J Contin Nurs Educ. 2018;49(2):57-59.


Absolute stereostructures of cell adhesion inhibitors, macrosphelides H and L, from Periconia byssoides OUPS-N133.
Macrosphelide L has been isolated from a strain of Periconia byssoides originally separated from the sea hare Aplysia kurodai, and the absolute stereostructures of this material and macrosphelide H, previously undetermined, have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses using 1D and 2D NMR techniques and some chemical transformation. (R)-Methyl 3-p-bromobenzoyloxy-5-oxohexanoate has been synthesized for configurational assignments of macrosphelide H. These macrosphelides inhibited the adhesion of human-leukemia HL-60 cells to HUVEC.


Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation owing to neck burn.
The purpose of this paper is to present a case of severe atlantoaxial rotatory fixation owing to a previously unreported etiology, and to discuss its pathogenesis and management. Conservative measures were unable to prevent progression, thus requiring surgical intervention.


Association between Social Anxiety and Visual Mental Imagery of Neutral Scenes: The Moderating Role of Effortful Control.
According to cognitive theories, verbal processing attenuates emotional processing, whereas visual imagery enhances emotional processing and contributes to the maintenance of social anxiety. Individuals with social anxiety report negative mental images in social situations. However, the general ability of visual mental imagery of neutral scenes in individuals with social anxiety is still unclear. The present study investigated the general ability of non-emotional mental imagery (vividness, preferences for imagery vs. verbal processing, and object or spatial imagery) and the moderating role of effortful control in attenuating social anxiety. The participants (N = 231) completed five questionnaires. The results showed that social anxiety was not necessarily associated with all aspects of mental imagery. As suggested by theories, social anxiety was not associated with a preference for verbal processing. However, social anxiety was positively correlated with the visual imagery scale, especially the object imagery scale, which concerns the ability to construct pictorial images of individual objects. Further, it was negatively correlated with the spatial imagery scale, which concerns the ability to process information about spatial relations between objects. Although object imagery and spatial imagery positively and negatively predicted the degree of social anxiety, respectively, these effects were attenuated when socially anxious individuals had high effortful control. Specifically, in individuals with high effortful control, both object and spatial imagery were not associated with social anxiety. Socially anxious individuals might prefer to construct pictorial images of individual objects in natural scenes through object imagery. However, even in individuals who exhibit these features of mental imagery, effortful control could inhibit the increase in social anxiety.


Guidance of olfactory ensheathing cell growth and migration on electrospun silk fibroin scaffolds.
Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) is a potential treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, this process lacks extracellular matrix guiding cell growth, tissue morphogenesis, and remodeling. In order to solve this problem, we fabricated silk fibroin scaffolds (SFS) with different fiber diameters by electrospinning. The behaviors of OECs on 300 and 1800 nm SFS were studied by analyzing cell morphological feature, distribution, and proliferation. The results showed the 300 nm SFS with good potential to guide OECs growth. Subsequently, the properties of 300 nm SFS were further investigated along with PLL. With 300 nm SFS, the preservation of cell phenotype was confirmed by the presence of cell-specific markers, including nerve growth factor receptor p75 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. And the migration behaviors of OECs were also observed by Leica AF6000. In addition, migration tracks, turning behavior, migration distances, migration speeds, and forward migration indices were calculated. Furthermore, the expression of neurotrophic factors was assayed at transcription and protein levels using RT-PCR and ELISA. All these results indicated the diameter of the fiber played an important role in guiding cell adhesion, growth, and migration in vitro and the 300 nm SFS could be suitable to construct tissue-engineered scaffolds for SCI repair.


Airway macrophages display decreased expression of receptors mediating and regulating scavenging in early cystic fibrosis lung disease.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease is characterized by chronic inflammation, featuring neutrophil influx to the lumen. Airway macrophages (AMs) can promote both inflammation and resolution, and are thus critical to maintaining and restoring homeostasis. CF AM functions, specifically scavenging activity and resolution of inflammation, have been shown to be impaired, yet underlying processes remain unknown. We hypothesized that impaired CF AM function results from an altered expression of receptors that mediate or regulate scavenging, and set out to investigate changes in expression of these markers during the early stages of CF lung disease. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected from 50 children with CF aged 1, 3 or 5 years. BALF cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. Expression levels of surface markers on AMs were expressed as median fluorescence intensities (MFI) or percentage of AMs positive for these markers. The effect of age and neutrophilic inflammation, among other variables, on marker expression was assessed with a multivariate linear regression model. AM expression of scavenger receptor CD163 decreased with age (p = 0.016) and was negatively correlated with BALF %neutrophils (r = -0.34, p = 0.016). AM expression of immune checkpoint molecule SIRPα also decreased with age (p = 0.0006), but did not correlate with BALF %neutrophils. Percentage of AMs expressing lipid scavenger CD36 was low overall (mean 20.1% ± 16.5) and did not correlate with other factors. Conversely, expression of immune checkpoint PD-1 was observed on the majority of AMs (mean PD-1pos 72.9% ± 11.8), but it, too, was not affected by age or BALF %neutrophils. Compared to matched blood monocytes, AMs had a higher expression of CD16, CD91, and PD-1, and a lower expression of CD163, SIRPα and CD36. In BALF of preschool children with CF, higher age and/or increased neutrophilic inflammation coincided with decreased expression of scavenger receptors on AMs. Expression of scavenging receptors and regulators showed a distinctly different pattern in AMs compared to blood monocytes. These findings suggest AM capacity to counter inflammation and promote homeostasis reduces during initiation of CF airway disease and highlight new avenues of investigation into impaired CF AM function.


Reversible silencing of enhancers by sequences derived from the human IFN-alpha promoter.
The virus-responsive element of the IFN-alpha 1 promoter, VRE(IFN alpha), comprises two imperfect 19 bp repeats, repA and repB. VRE(IFN alpha), tetrameric repA, and tetrameric GAAAGT (a subsequence of repB) or tetrameric AAGTGA conferred inducibility on a reporter gene when placed upstream of a complete or truncated promoter. Induced transcription was weak with a minimal promoter (TATA box only), but was strongly stimulated by the SV40 enhancer placed immediately upstream of the inducible element. Surprisingly, under noninduced conditions, tetrameric repA, GAAAGT, and AAGTGA (but not VRE(IFN alpha)) completely silenced enhancement of constitutive transcription by the SV40 72 bp repeat when interposed between the latter and the TATA box; silencing was fully abrogated by induction.


Radar interferometry offers new insights into threats to the Angkor site.
The conservation of World Heritage is critical to the cultural and social sustainability of regions and nations. Risk monitoring and preventive diagnosis of threats to heritage sites in any given ecosystem are a complex and challenging task. Taking advantage of the performance of Earth Observation technologies, we measured the impacts of hitherto imperceptible and poorly understood factors of groundwater and temperature variations on the monuments in the Angkor World Heritage site (400 km2). We developed a two-scale synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) approach. We describe spatial-temporal displacements (at millimeter-level accuracy), as measured by high-resolution TerraSAR/TanDEM-X satellite images, to provide a new solution to resolve the current controversy surrounding the potential structural collapse of monuments in Angkor. Multidisciplinary analysis in conjunction with a deterioration kinetics model offers new insights into the causes that trigger the potential decline of Angkor monuments. Our results show that pumping groundwater for residential and touristic establishments did not threaten the sustainability of monuments during 2011 to 2013; however, seasonal variations of the groundwater table and the thermodynamics of stone materials are factors that could trigger and/or aggravate the deterioration of monuments. These factors amplify known impacts of chemical weathering and biological alteration of temple materials. The InSAR solution reported in this study could have implications for monitoring and sustainable conservation of monuments in World Heritage sites elsewhere.


Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of dinuclear chromium oxide clusters: Cr2On (n = 2, 4, 6) in solid argon.
Dichromium oxide clusters, Cr2O2, Cr2O4, and Cr2O6, have been prepared and characterized by matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. Laser-evaporated chromium atoms reacted with O2 in solid argon to form the previously characterized CrO2 molecules, which further reacted with chromium atoms to form Cr2O2 spontaneously on annealing. The Cr2O2 cluster is determined to have a chainlike CrOCrO structure. The rhombic ring isomer, which was predicted to be more stable than the CrOCrO structure, was not formed at the present experimental conditions. The Cr2O4 cluster was formed from the barrierless dimerization of the chromium dioxide molecules, which is characterized to have a planar D2h symmetry. TheCr2O6 cluster was produced under UV light irradiation. It is determined to have a singlet ground state with a nonplanar D2h symmetry.


A multidisciplinary approach to carotid paragangliomas.
The surgical management of carotid paragangliomas can be problematic. A multidisciplinary approach was used to include vascular surgery, otolaryngology, and neuroradiology to treat these patients over 9 years. From January 1992 to July 2001, a multidisciplinary team evaluated patients with carotid paragangliomas. Analyzed patient data included age, gender, diagnostic evaluation, tumor size, preoperative tumor embolization, operative exposure, need for extracranial arterial sacrifice/reconstruction, postoperative morbidity including cranial nerve dysfunction, and long-term follow-up. Twenty-five carotid paragangliomas in 20 patients underwent multidisciplinary evaluation and management. Average age was 51 years (range, 28-83 years), and 52% were male. Diagnostic evaluation included computed tomography in 76%, magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography in 52%, catheter angiography in 60%, and duplex ultrasonography in 16%. An extended neck exposure was required in 11 cases (44%), mandibulotomy was used once (4%), and mandibular subluxation was never required. The external carotid artery (ECA) was sacrificed in 8 cases (32%). The carotid bifurcation was resected in 1 patient (4%) requiring interposition reconstruction of the internal carotid artery. Preoperative tumor embolization was performed for 13 tumors (52%). Operative blood loss for patients undergoing preoperative embolization (Group I) was comparable to the nonembolized group (group II): group I lost 365 +/-180 mL versus 360 +/- 101 mL for group II (P = .48). This occurred despite larger tumors (group I - 4.2 cm versus group II - 2.1 cm, P = .03) and a higher mean Shamblin class (group I - 2.5 versus group II - 1.45, P = .001) for group I. There were no perioperative mortalities. Transient cranial nerve dysfunction occurred in 13 CBTs (52%), 2 (8%) of which remained present after 4 months. Patients with carotid paragangliomas benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach. Neuroradiology has been used for selective preoperative embolization, which has decreased estimated blood loss during excision of larger complex tumors. A combined surgical team of otolaryngology and vascular surgery provides for exposure of the distal internal carotid artery as high as the skull base, limited permanent cranial nerve dysfunction, and selective early division and excision of the external carotid artery for complete tumor resection.


Antibiotics in bone tissues. Methodological and practical aspects.
With regard to determination of antibiotic levels in bone, variance in results may be obtained as a consequence of type of the bones involved, degree of penetration of the drug used and of assay method performed. Measurements of antibacterial activity in bone from patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery were performed after preoperative treatment with doxycycline, lincomycin, clindamycin or cefuroxime. In performing the assay by the agar diffusion method, after extraction of the bone specimens in buffer according to classical systems, the concentrations of doxycyline were in the range of 0.05--0.6 microgram/g, clindamycin 0.4--4.9 microgram/g, lincomycin 1.7--2.9 microgram/g and of cefuroxine about 0.4 microgram/g. After electrophoresis in agarose-gel and followed by microbiological assay higher levels of these drugs were estimated possibly as a consequence of a diminution in the binding capacity of bone.


Antipsychotic prescribing patterns on admission to and at discharge from a tertiary care program for treatment-resistant psychosis.
Retrospective data were collected from 330 individuals who were treated at a tertiary care program for treatment-resistant psychosis between 1994 and 2010. The main objectives were to compare the use of antipsychotic monotherapy to polypharmacy and to characterize within-individual changes in treatment and symptomatology between admission and discharge. At admission, individuals who were prescribed only one antipsychotic were comparable to those who were prescribed at least two antipsychotics with regard to demographics and symptom severity. The use of psychotropic medications other than antipsychotics was also similar between the two groups. However, the magnitude of antipsychotic utilization was greater in individuals who were receiving antipsychotic polypharmacy. In addition, a greater proportion received excessive doses at admission. Similar findings were observed when the two antipsychotic prescribing practices were compared at discharge. Three important patterns were identified when investigating within-individual changes. First, fewer individuals were prescribed more than one antipsychotic at discharge. This was accompanied by a general decrease in the magnitude of antipsychotic utilization. Second, the number of individuals who were prescribed clozapine had increased by discharge. Most who were already prescribed clozapine at admission had their doses increased. Third, improvements in symptomatology were observed across all of the subscales included in the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS); 57.9% of individuals experienced a relative reduction in total PANSS scores exceeding 20%. Based on these findings, it is possible to alleviate symptom severity while reducing antipsychotic utilization when patients are treated at a tertiary care program for treatment-resistant psychosis.


Detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus-specific IgG antibodies in ruminants residing in Central and Western Macedonia, Greece.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus which causes lethal hemorrhagic fever in humans. Although, several reports regarding CCHFV antibody prevalence in humans exist in Greece, information about the current distribution is limited. The aim of the present study is to investigate the prevalence of CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies in cattle and sheep in Macedonia-Greece. The samplings were performed during spring 2013, in 5 regional units of Central Macedonia (Chalkidiki, Imathia, Kilkis, Pella and Thessaloniki) and in the 4 regional units of Western Macedonia (Grevena, Florina, Kastoria and Kozani). Specifically, sera from 538 cattle and 81 sheep underwent testing against CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies. Antiviral immune responses were observed in 31 cattle (6%, 95% CI: 4-8%) and in one sheep (1%, 95% CI: 0-8%). The total seroprevalence in the cattle sampled in Central Macedonia was 7% (28 out of 396, 95% CI: 5-10%). Within Central Macedonia, the highest seroprevalence was detected in Chalkidiki (38%, 95% CI: 23-56%), which was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to the overall seroprevalence detected in cattle. In Western Macedonia, the total seroprevalence in cattle was 2% (3 out of 142, 95% CI: 1-7%). The 3 seropositive cattle were residing in the regional unit of Grevena. The one IgG-positive sheep serum was obtained from an animal residing in Thessaloniki. In this regional unit, the prevalence in sheep (2%, 95% CI: 0-10%) was much lower compared to the prevalence in cattle (12%, 95% CI: 6-22%), but significance was not achieved (p=0.03). The here presented seroepidemiological study demonstrates high transmission risk to human in specific geographical areas, which should be communicated to national and local public health authorities, so as to intensify preventive measures for public health protection.


A computer-assisted protocol for endovascular target interventions using a clinical MRI system for controlling untethered microdevices and future nanorobots.
The possibility of automatically navigating untethered microdevices or future nanorobots to conduct target endovascular interventions has been demonstrated by our group with the computer-controlled displacement of a magnetic sphere along a pre-planned path inside the carotid artery of a living swine. However, although the feasibility of propelling, tracking and performing real-time closed-loop control of an untethered ferromagnetic object inside a living animal model with a relatively close similarity to human anatomical conditions has been validated using a standard clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system, little information has been published so far concerning the medical and technical protocol used. In fact, such a protocol developed within technological and physiological constraints was a key element in the success of the experiment. More precisely, special software modules were developed within the MRI software environment to offer an effective tool for experimenters interested in conducting such novel interventions. These additional software modules were also designed to assist an interventional radiologist in all critical real-time aspects that are executed at a speed beyond human capability, and include tracking, propulsion, event timing and closed-loop position control. These real-time tasks were necessary to avoid a loss of navigation control that could result in serious injury to the patient. Here, additional simulation and experimental results for microdevices designed to be targeted more towards the microvasculature have also been considered in the identification, validation and description of a specific sequence of events defining a new computer-assisted interventional protocol that provides the framework for future target interventions conducted in humans.


Improved secretion of heterologous proteins by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: effects of promoter substitution in alpha-factor fusions.
The effects of promoter strength on secretion of a heterologous protein, somatomedin-C (SMC), by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were studied by using the promoters of the MF alpha 1, ACT, and CYC1 genes to control expression of alpha-factor/SMC gene fusions. When a low-copy centromere vector was used to carry the gene fusions in yeast transformants, the greatest secretion was obtained with the MF alpha 1 promoter construction and the least with the CYC1 promoter construction. Unexpectedly, using two types of multicopy vectors, the greatest secretion was obtained with the CYC1 promoter construction and the least with the MF alpha 1 promoter construction. The decrease in secretion by the strongest promoter construction (MF alpha 1 promoter) on multicopy vectors was associated with a decrease in SMC mRNA during growth, a decrease in vector copy number, a decrease in vector stability, and a decrease in transformation frequency. The results demonstrate that, unlike in intracellular expression, promoter strength is not simply related to secretion expression levels. Selection against oversecreting cells during growth may explain the reduced secretion efficiency of strong promoter constructions.