[Arthroscopy of the metacarpophalangeal joints].
With the advancements in arthroscopic technique, arthroscopy has become feasible in most human joints, even those as small as the finger joints. The metacarpophalangeal joints are very well suited for arthroscopy and arthroscopic therapy. Good results have been reported on arthroscopic synovectomy of the metacarpophalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Osteochondral lesions in degenerative arthritis, loose bodies and foreign bodies can well be treated. Arthroscopic arthrolysis for capsular contracture and treatment of post-traumatic lesions have been performed successfully. The arthroscopic assistance in the treatment of intraarticular fractures and the capsular shrinkage for instability have been described. However, metacarpophalangeal joint arthroscopy has not been popularised up to now and its role in clinical practice remains to be established. Existing indications will be discussed with respect to our own experience.


Occupational Health Problems among Dentists in Croatia.
To assess the health status among dentists in Croatia regarding the symptoms of musculoskeletal, dermatological, sight, hearing and neurological disorders. The anonymous online survey was conducted among 506 Croatian dentists. It was found that over 78.18% of the surveyed dentists experienced work related pain in upper back, 76.97% of them in lower back. Work-related skin problems were reported by 29.29% of dentists. Vision problems were reported by 46.87% and hearing problems by 19.03% of participants. Neurological disorders were reported by 15.76% of dentists. This study is the first to report on the overall health status of Croatian dentists and, unfortunately, it showed undesirable results. Numerous health hazards, increased professional requirements and limited ergonomics in the work environment of Croatian dental practitioners cause various health disorders, and the prevalence of occupational diseases is very high.


Genetics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A review of current state.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular disease. HCM is a highly complex and heterogeneous disease regarding not only the number of associated mutations but also the severity of phenotype, symptom burden, and the risk of complications, such as heart failure and sudden death. The penetrance is incomplete and it is age and gender dependent. It is accepted as a disease of the sarcomere. Sixty percent of HCM cases carry mutations in 1 of 8 sarcomere protein genes, mainly non-sense MYBPC3 and missense MYH7 variants. Young patients with severe phenotype and other clinical features are included in proposed scores for prediction of high positive genetic result. The number of genes reported as disease-causing has increased in the last few years, in some cases without robust evidence. Currently available in silico tools are not always useful for differentiation between benign and deleterious variants. There is enough information on genotype-phenotype correlations to start understanding the mechanisms of the disease. Genetic and environmental modifiers have been explored with some interesting insights from miRNA studies with potential as biomarkers and therapeutic agents. There is an additional value of genetic testing in HCM for prognosis. Knowledge about genetics and functional studies are the basis of near future therapies.


Maternal depressive symptoms and participation in early intervention services for young children.
Many young children with developmental delay who are eligible for early intervention (EI) services fail to receive them. We assessed the relationship between depressive symptoms in mothers, a potentially modifiable risk, and receipt of EI services by their eligible children. We conducted multivariable analyses of a nationally representative sample of children eligible for EI services at 24 months using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed at 9 and 24 months. Birthweight <1,000 g, genetic and medical conditions associated with developmental delay, or low scores on measures of developmental performance defined EI eligibility. Service receipt was ascertained from parental self-report. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic and child risk. Among the 650 children who were eligible to receive EI services as infants, 33.2% of children whose mothers were depressed received services compared to 27.0% whose mothers were not depressed (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 0.8, 4.0). Among the 650 children who became eligible to receive services as toddlers, 13.0% of children whose mothers were depressed received services compared to 2.6% whose mothers were not depressed (aOR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5, 14.6). Among children receiving EI services, prevalence of depressive symptoms was 23.0% for mothers whose children became eligible as infants and 57.5% for mothers whose children became eligible as toddlers. Depressive symptoms in mothers of children eligible to receive EI services did not appear to limit participation. EI programs may be an appropriate setting in which to address maternal depressive symptoms.


Normal-appearing white matter in patients with phenylketonuria: water content, myelin water fraction, and metabolite concentrations.
To prospectively assess relative water content (RWC), myelin water fraction (MWF), and hydrogen 1 magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy findings in the white matter (WM) of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). This study was approved by the institution's investigational review board, and informed consent was obtained. T2 water relaxation data were acquired by using a 48-echo measurement in a transverse plane through the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum in 16 patients (six men, 10 women; age range, 18-40 years) with PKU and 16 age- and sex-matched control subjects. MR spectroscopy was performed in a voxel (94x70x15 mm) above the ventricles. WM in control subjects (defined as normal WM) was compared with normal-appearing WM (NAWM) and diffuse WM lesions in patients with PKU by using a Student t test. Patients with PKU had two forms of NAWM: (a) areas that looked normal on intermediate-weighted (IW) and T2-weighted MR images and long T2 maps and (b) areas that looked normal on IW and T2-weighted MR images but were hyperintense on long T2 maps. Both forms of NAWM showed increased RWC (up to 2.5%, P<.001) and reduced MWF (up to 56%, P<.001) relative to normal WM; these changes paralleled those seen in diffuse WM lesions. Approximately 9% of the water in diffuse WM lesions was in a reservoir with a long T2 time of 200-800 msec. Myoinositol concentrations were reduced by 14% (P=.003) in patients with PKU. In patients with PKU, NAWM and diffuse WM lesions have altered RWC and MWF relative to normal WM, and diffuse WM lesions show a redistribution of water into an extracellular reservoir with a long T2 time.


Cultural variations in the socialization of young children's anger and shame.
Tamang and Brahman Nepali children have culturally specific emotion scripts that may reflect different emotion socialization experiences. To study emotion socialization, the child-adult interactions of 119 children (3-5 years old) were observed and 14 village elders were interviewed about child competence in Tamang and Brahman villages. Tamang rebuke the angry child but reason with and yield to the child who appears ashamed. Brahmans respond to child anger with reasoning and yielding but ignore shame. Tamang practices are consistent with their view that competent children are socially graceful and never angry. Brahman practices appear to be consistent with the privileges and duties of high caste status. The roles of cultural heritage, religious differences, and majority and minority status in emotion socialization are discussed.


Phylogeography of a cryptic speciation continuum in Eurasian spadefoot toads (Pelobates).
Cryptic phylogeographic diversifications provide unique models to examine the role of phylogenetic divergence on the evolution of reproductive isolation, without extrinsic factors such as ecological and behavioural differentiation. Yet, to date very few comparative studies have been attempted within such radiations. Here, we characterize a new speciation continuum in a group of widespread Eurasian amphibians, the Pelobates spadefoot toads, by conducting multilocus (restriction site associated DNA sequencing and mitochondrial DNA) phylogenetic, phylogeographic and hybrid zone analyses. Within the P. syriacus complex, we discovered species-level cryptic divergences (>5 million years ago [My]) between populations distributed in the Near-East (hereafter P. syriacus sensu stricto [s.s.]) and southeastern Europe (hereafter P. balcanicus), each featuring deep intraspecific lineages. Altogether, we could scale hybridizability to divergence time along six different stages, spanning from sympatry without gene flow (P. fuscus and P. balcanicus, >10 My), parapatry with highly restricted hybridization (P. balcanicus and P. syriacus s.s., >5 My), narrow hybrid zones (~15 km) consistent with partial reproductive isolation (P. fuscus and P. vespertinus, ~3 My), to extensive admixture between Pleistocene and refugial lineages (≤2 My). This full spectrum empirically supports a gradual build up of reproductive barriers through time, reversible up until a threshold that we estimate at ~3 My. Hence, cryptic phylogeographic lineages may fade away or become reproductively isolated species simply depending on the time they persist in allopatry, and without definite ecomorphological divergence.


No evidence for direct thermal carryover effects on starvation tolerance in the obligate blood-feeder, Glossina morsitans morsitans.
Thermal stress during development can prime animals to cope better with similar conditions in later life. Alternatively, negative effects of thermal stress can persist across life stages and result in poorer quality adults (negative carryover effects). As mean temperatures increase due to climate change, evidence for such effects across diverse taxa is required. Using Glossina morsitans morsitans, a species of tsetse fly and vector of trypanosomiasis, we asked whether (i) adaptive developmental plasticity allows flies to survive for longer under food deprivation when pupal and adult temperatures are matched; or (ii) temperature stress during development persists into adulthood, resulting in a greater risk of death. We did not find any advantage of matched pupal and adult temperature in terms of improved starvation tolerance, and no direct negative carryover effects were observed. There was some evidence for indirect carryover effects-high pupal temperature produced flies of lower body mass, which, in turn, resulted in greater starvation risk. However, adult temperature had the largest impact on starvation tolerance by far: flies died 60% faster at 31°C than those experiencing 25°C, consequently reducing survival time from a median of 8 (interquartile range (IQR) 7-9) to 5 (IQR 5-5.25) days. This highlights differences in temperature sensitivity between life stages, as there was no direct effect of pupal temperature on starvation tolerance. Therefore, for some regions of sub-Saharan Africa, climate change may result in a higher mortality rate in emerging tsetse while they search for their first blood meal. This study reinforces existing evidence that responses to temperature are life stage specific and that plasticity may have limited capacity to buffer the effects of climate change.


Improvements to REDCRAFT: a software tool for simultaneous characterization of protein backbone structure and dynamics from residual dipolar couplings.
Within the past two decades, there has been an increase in the acquisition of residual dipolar couplings (RDC) for investigations of biomolecular structures. Their use however is still not as widely adopted as the traditional methods of structure determination by NMR, despite their potential for extending the limits in studies that examine both the structure and dynamics of biomolecules. This is in part due to the difficulties associated with the analysis of this information-rich data type. The software analysis tool REDCRAFT was previously introduced to address some of these challenges. Here we describe and evaluate a number of additional features that have been incorporated in order to extend its computational and analytical capabilities. REDCRAFT's more traditional enhancements integrate a modified steric collision term, as well as structural refinement in the rotamer space. Other, non-traditional improvements include: the filtering of viable structures based on relative order tensor estimates, decimation of the conformational space based on structural similarity, and forward/reverse folding of proteins. Utilizing REDCRAFT's newest features we demonstrate de-novo folding of proteins 1D3Z and 1P7E to within less than 1.6 Å of the corresponding X-ray structures, using as many as four RDCs per residue and as little as two RDCs per residue, in two alignment media. We also show the successful folding of a structure to less than 1.6 Å of the X-ray structure using {C(i-1)-N(i), N(i)-H(i), and C(i-1)-H(i)} RDCs in one alignment medium, and only {N(i)-H(i)} in the second alignment medium (a set of data which can be collected on deuterated samples). The program is available for download from our website at http://ifestos.cse.sc.edu .


Attenuation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) signaling by selenium in breast cancer cells via downregulation of ERalpha gene expression.
Numerous studies have shown that selenium provides beneficial effects as a cancer chemoprevention agent. Although long-term intervention trials failed to confirm selenium protection against breast cancer in humans because of insufficient cases, the evidence of effective selenium chemoprevention in animal mammary tumor models or human breast cancer cells is substantial and convincing. The present study demonstrates that the selenium compound methylseleninic acid (MSA) inhibits estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) signaling in ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells as evidenced by decreased estradiol-dependent cell growth and gene expression. MSA diminishes estradiol induction of endogenous ER-regulated pS2 and c-myc genes as well as the expression of an ER-regulated reporter gene. A major mode of MSA action on ER signaling is through a downregulation of ERalpha gene expression that precedes a decrease in ERalpha protein level. This study provides a mechanism driven rationale for using selenium as a chemopreventive agent for women at high risk for developing breast cancer or as a therapeutic strategy for ER-positive breast cancer.


Match-Play External Load and Internal Load in NCAA Division II Women's Soccer.
Choice, EE, Tufano, JJ, Jagger, KL, and Cochrane-Snyman, KC. Match-play external load and internal load in NCAA Division II women's soccer. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): e633-e639, 2023-The purpose of this study was to describe average match-play demands for NCAA DII women's soccer, including positional and time-specific differences, and relationships between variables. External load was assessed using total distance, relative distance, sprint distance, number of power plays, peak speed, and Player Load. Internal load was assessed using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Mixed factor analysis of variance was used to assess time by position (midfielder, forward, or defender) for dependent measures. Correlations were assessed between separate pair groups. Average match-play demands included 9,463 ± 2,591 m total distance, 172 ± 48 m·min -1 relative distance, 531 ± 301 m sprint distance, peak speeds of 26 ± 1.6 kph, 46.71 ± 21.75 power plays, and 457.84 ± 121.78 AU Player Load. Significant ( p < 0.05) positional differences were found for total distance, Player Load, match load, and peak speed. Significant, moderate correlations were found between relative distance and match load, and sRPE and total distance, Player Load, and power plays (all p < 0.001). Results indicate there are positional differences within a women's DII soccer team, with midfielders accumulating the longest distances (10,509 ± 2,913 m) and greatest Player Load (527.79 ± 130.5 AU) and match load (576 ± 343 AU), forwards running the fastest peak speeds (26.8 ± 1.5 kph), and defenders maintaining most consistent performance. Match-play external and internal load data should be monitored by player position and half for DII women's soccer.


Blockage of axonal transport induced by acute, graded compression of the rabbit vagus nerve.
Rapid axonal transport in rabbit vagus nerve was studied during and after graded nerve compression. Proteins of the rapid axonal transport were labelled by micro-injection of 3H-leucine into the nodose ganglion and the cervical vagus nerve was subjected to graded compression by a small "mini-cuff" applied directly to the exposed nerve trunk. The results showed that even slight trauma to the nerve, in this model represented by a pressure at 50 mmHg applied for two hours, may induce accumulation of axonally transported proteins at the level of compression. This transport block was, however, reversible within one day. 200 mmHg and 400 mmHg applied for two hours similarly induced a block of axonal transport persisting up to at least one and three days respectively after the compression. Time for recovery of normal transport was correlated with the magnitude of the pressure applied to the nerve. The results indicate that axons may survive, that is not undergo Wallerian degeneration, after blockage of rapid axonal transport persisting at least one day after the compression trauma.


Obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension: epidemiology, mechanisms and treatment effects.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disorder of breathing during sleep. A growing body of evidence suggests that OSA is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, although the extent of this risk and underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. However, there is clearer evidence from epidemiological and pathophysiological research of a causal link between OSA and hypertension. The acute hemodynamic and autonomic perturbations that accompany obstructive apneas during sleep, with associated repeated arousals and intermittent hypoxemia, appear to result in sustained hypertension. In addition to the metabolic and humoral effects from obesity, OSA appears to predispose individuals to autonomic imbalance characterized by sympathetic overactivity and altered baroreflex mechanisms as well as alterations to vascular function. Treatment of OSA restores normal sleep architecture and generally mitigates the acute hemodynamic effects of OSA. Treatment of symptomatic OSA, particular at the severe end of the spectrum, appears to be associated with improvements in blood pressure, both during sleep and wakefulness, and there may also be additional gains in subjects who are hypertensive and/or resistant to antihypertensive medications. The severe group appears to be particularly at risk for developing fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure appears to markedly reduce that risk. Future treatment studies will need to be extended for greater than the current average of 1-2 months in order to more fully evaluate any time dependent improvements in blood pressure, and consequent cardiovascular risk.


Neurological Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Single Centre Study from North East India.
Neurological manifestations although common in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), are often not recognized due to their diversed and varied presentation. Therefore, the study was planned to highlight the pattern of neurological involvement in SLE to help in early recognition. To study the pattern of neurological involvement in SLE and its correlation with disease activity and different investigation. This hospital based prospective observational study was carried out from August 2009 to July 2010. Diagnosed cases of SLE [based upon American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria] who presented with neurological manifestations at the time of diagnosis or develop during the course of the disease were included in the study. They were assessed clinically and investigated with neuroimaging and neurophysiological tests as applicable. In total, 52 consecutive patients with SLE were evaluated, 92% were female. The most common age group was 21 to 25 years. Nervous system involvement was found in 19 (36.54%) patients. Cognitive impairment was the most frequent manifestation, present in 11 (57.89%) patients followed by seizure disorder in eight patients (42.1%). Peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed in eight (42.1%), acute confusional state in six (31.57%) and headache and depression was diagnosed in five (26.31%) patients each. Less common manifestations were psychosis, movement disorder and aseptic meningitis. Percentage of neurological manifestations directly correlated with disease activity. A significant difference was found in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score between the patients with Neuro Psychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE) and those without NPSLE (32.42±16.34 Vs 17.3±10.6). Neurological involvement in SLE is seen relatively early in the course of the disease with cognitive impairment being the most common manifestation and correlate with disease activity.


The enduring predictive significance of early maternal sensitivity: social and academic competence through age 32 years.
This study leveraged data from the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (N = 243) to investigate the predictive significance of maternal sensitivity during the first 3 years of life for social and academic competence through age 32 years. Structural model comparisons replicated previous findings that early maternal sensitivity predicts social skills and academic achievement through midadolescence in a manner consistent with an enduring effects model of development and extended these findings using heterotypic indicators of social competence (effectiveness of romantic engagement) and academic competence (educational attainment) during adulthood. Although early socioeconomic factors and child gender accounted for the predictive significance of maternal sensitivity for social competence, covariates did not fully account for associations between early sensitivity and academic outcomes.


Novel mastreviruses identified in Australian wild rice.
Most known mastreviruses (family Geminiviridae) infect members of the grass family, Poaceae. Although the greatest number of grass-infecting mastrevirus species have been discovered in Africa, it is apparent that the ten grass-infecting mastrevirus species that have so far only been discovered in south-east Queensland have a degree of diversity that rivals that observed in Africa. In this study, we have used a deep sequencing approach to identify two new mastrevirus species, tentatively named rice latent virus 1 and 2 (RLV 1 and 2), from two, undescribed wild rice species (Oryza AA genome group) in Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. The sequences of these new viruses had less than 70% identity with any previously identified mastrevirus, and therefore their discovery vastly expands the known diversity of monocot-infecting mastreviruses in Australia. This study also highlights the potential risks of novel crop pathogens emerging from uncultivated grass species, as the wild rice hosts are very closely related to domesticated rice.


What interventions should we add to weight reducing diets in adults with obesity? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of adding drug therapy, exercise, behaviour therapy or combinations of these interventions.
Evidence is needed for the effectiveness of interventions given with reducing diets for obese adults: drug therapy, exercise, or behaviour therapy. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials in any language. We searched 13 databases and handsearched journals. Trials lasted 1 year or more. One investigator extracted data and a second checked data extraction. Trial quality was assessed. Adding orlistat to diet was associated with weight change for up to 24 months (-3.26 kg, 95% CI, -4.15 to -2.37 kg), and statistically significant beneficial changes were found for total and LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and glycaemic control. Adding sibutramine to diet was associated with a 12 month weight change of -4.18 kg (95% CI, -5.14 to -3.21 kg), and statistically significant beneficial effects on high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides (TGs), but an increase in diastolic blood pressure. Adding exercise to diet, or to diet and behaviour therapy, was associated with improved weight loss for up to 36 months and improvements in HDL, TGs and blood pressure. Adding behaviour therapy to diet, or to diet and sibutramine together, was associated with improved weight loss for up to 18 months. Adding drugs, exercise or behaviour therapy to dietary advice was each associated with similar weight change. Adding orlistat, sibutramine, exercise, or behaviour modification to dietary advice can improve long-term weight loss.


Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia associated with dermatomyositis.
We report the case of a female patient who at presentation fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of dermatomyositis and also had an autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. Although autoimmune haemolysis is a well recognized feature of a number of autoimmune disorders, it has not previously been described in association with dermatomyositis.


Wheat bran extract alters colonic fermentation and microbial composition, but does not affect faecal water toxicity: a randomised controlled trial in healthy subjects.
Wheat bran extract (WBE), containing arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides that are potential prebiotic substrates, has been shown to modify bacterial colonic fermentation in human subjects and to beneficially affect the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) in rats. However, it is unclear whether these changes in fermentation are able to reduce the risk of developing CRC in humans. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of WBE on the markers of CRC risk in healthy volunteers, and to correlate these effects with colonic fermentation. A total of twenty healthy subjects were enrolled in a double-blind, cross-over, randomised, controlled trial in which the subjects ingested WBE (10 g/d) or placebo (maltodextrin, 10 g/d) for 3 weeks, separated by a 3-week washout period. At the end of each study period, colonic handling of NH3 was evaluated using the biomarker lactose[15N, 15N']ureide, colonic fermentation was characterised through a metabolomics approach, and the predominant microbial composition was analysed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. As markers of CRC risk, faecal water genotoxicity was determined using the comet assay and faecal water cytotoxicity using a colorimetric cell viability assay. Intake of WBE induced a shift from urinary to faecal 15N excretion, indicating a stimulation of colonic bacterial activity and/or growth. Microbial analysis revealed a selective stimulation of Bifidobacterium adolescentis. In addition, WBE altered the colonic fermentation pattern and significantly reduced colonic protein fermentation compared with the run-in period. However, faecal water cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were not affected. Although intake of WBE clearly affected colonic fermentation and changed the composition of the microbiota, these changes were not associated with the changes in the markers of CRC risk.


Detection of hepatitis B virus antigens in paraffin-embedded liver specimens from the Amazon region, Brazil.
Hepatic viscerotomy of paraffin-preserved old specimens, collected in the period from 1934 to 1967, were analyzed by immunohistochemical assays to detect hepatitis B, hepatitis D, dengue and yellow fever virus antigens. The material belongs to the Yellow Fever Collection, Department of Pathology, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the cases were diagnosed at that time according to clinical aspects and histopathological findings reporting viral hepatitis, yellow fever, focal necrosis and hepatic atrophy. From the 79 specimens, 69 were collected at the Labrea Region and the other 10 in difFerent other localities in the Amazon Region. The five micra thick histological slices were analyzed for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) by immunoperoxidase technique. An immunofluorescence assay was applied to the detection of hepatitis D, yellow fever and dengue virus antigens. Nine (11.4%) histological samples were HBsAg reactive and 5 (6.3%) were HBcAg reactive. The oldest reactive sample was from 1934. Viral antigens related to the other pathologies were not detected in this study. Our results confirm that the methodology described may be used to elucidate the aetiology of hepatitis diseases even after a long time of conservation of the specimens.


Anti-inflammatory activity of bupropion through immunomodulation of the macrophages.
Depression might manifest itself with a chronic inflammation in different tissues and organs independent of the central nervous system. Psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and fibromyalgia are among these disorders accompanying the depression. The treatment options for these conditions are a combination of the anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory agents. Bupropion has been widely utilized as an anti-depressant. It has been preferred among the patients with Crohn's disease and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory role, as well. In this study, we aimed to decipher its target in the immune system. Macrophages were activated in the presence of LPS and increasing concentrations of the bupropion. TNF-α, IL-6, GM-CSF, and IL-12p40 cytokines' production levels were measured by ELISA to compare it to the control groups. These cytokines have been associated with the aggressive inflammation in different tissues. Moreover, p38 and PI3K proteins' phosphorylated levels were measured to examine whether bupropion acts through these pathways or not. Our results suggest that bupropion had anti-inflammatory action on the activated macrophages and its mechanism of action was partially dependent on p38 but independent of PI3K pathways.


Basal lamina formation by cultured microvascular endothelial cells.
The production of a basal lamina by microvascular endothelial cells (MEC) cultured on various substrata was examined. MEC were isolated from human dermis and plated on plastic dishes coated with fibronectin, or cell-free extracellular matrices elaborated by fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, corneal endothelial cells, or PF HR9 endodermal cells. Examination of cultures by electron microscopy at selected intervals after plating revealed that on most substrates the MEC produced an extracellular matrix at the basal surface that was discontinuous, multilayered, and polymorphous. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that the MEC synthesize and deposit both type IV collagen and laminin into the subendothelial matrix. When cultured on matrices produced by the PF HR9 endodermal cells MEC deposit a subendothelial matrix that was present as a uniform sheet which usually exhibited lamina rara- and lamina densa-like regions. The results indicate that under the appropriate conditions, human MEC elaborate a basal lamina-like matrix that is ultrastructurally similar to basal lamina formed in vivo, which suggests that this experimental system may be a useful model for studies of basal lamina formation and metabolism.


"Essential Not Optional": Spiritual Care in Australia during a Pandemic.
This paper focuses on the impact of COVID19 in Australia. Three areas were investigated: professionalism, contrasting hospital and aged care services and "business as usual"? Impact was low overall, the timing being pre-second wave impact. Two areas of weakness were highlighted: depleted spiritual care teams due to standing down non-professional staff and uncertainty about the role of Chaplains in the care of other staff. Further study of second wave impact is recommended.


Health-related Factors Associated with Adherence to Breast Cancer Screening.
In Belgium, an effective preventive program for breast cancer exists but as in many countries to few women participates in the screening. This study aims to describe the factors that affect the participation in the national breast cancer screening program. The participants were aged between 50 and 69 years and were recruited during an exhibition at the Brussels Exhibition Centre. Medical history and health-related parameters of the participants were recorded. In total, 350 women aged between 50 and 69 years participated. After adjustment for age and region, 81.5% of the participants had a mammography during the past 2 years. The multivariate analysis confirms the association between not having had a mammography and (a) having an older age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.25-0.87), (b) having diabetes (OR: 0.08-0.80), (c) having a family history of coronary heart disease (OR: 0.16-0.80), (d) not following a cholesterol diet or treatment (OR: 0.10-0.91) and (e) having a higher body mass index (OR: 0.39-0.97). Having had a mammogram was associated with adherence to cervical smear screening (OR: 2.74-11.21). Most of these associations are most likely related to socioeconomic status. However, the relationship with diabetes offers opportunities to increase the participation in breast cancer screening programs because these patients have regular contacts with their family physicians.


Case report: Meningioma associated with meningioangiomatosis mimicking invasive meningioma.
Meningioangiomatosis (MA) is a rare malformation or hamartomatous lesion in the central nervous system, characterized by a plaque-like mass within the leptomeninges and cerebral cortex. An even rarer condition is MA complicated with meningiomas. We herein report a case of meningioma associated with MA that might be erroneously interpreted as a higher-grade lesion or an invasion by preoperative radiologic and postoperative histological examinations.


Study of efficacy and safety of Jiaotai pill in the treatment of depression.
Depression is a common affective disorder characterized by marked and lasting melancholia, with corresponding thought and behavior changes. Due to an accelerated pace of life and increased work pressure, the incidence of depression has risen sharply, causing great harm to family and social life. Jiaotai pill (JTP) is a Chinese herbal formula that is commonly prescribed for depression and insomnia in clinical treatment, and exhibits antidepressant effects as shown in animal experimental research. However, there are no standard clinical trials to confirm its efficacy in treating depression. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of JTP in the treatment of depression, so as to tap the clinical efficacy advantages of JTP and provide data support for its clinical application. A randomized, multicenter clinical trial with parallel groups was designed in this study. A total of 40 patients with depression were included and randomly divided to either the treatment or the control group with a ratio of 1:1. The patients received JTP plus fluoxetine or fluoxetine alone once per day for 8 weeks. The primary outcome included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score for patients and brain structure and function by functional magnetic resonance imaging. The secondary outcomes included Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome integral scale scores, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, blood metabonomics, urine metabonomics. The results of this trial will find changes in brain structure, brain function, and metabolism in patients with depression, and provide critical evidence for JTP in the treatment of depression.


A new method based on pseudo-Zernike polynomials to analyze and extract dynamical and spectral information from the 2DIR spectra.
Ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy is a relatively new methodology, which has now been widely used to study the molecular structure and dynamics of molecular processes occurring in solution. Typically, in 2DIR spectroscopy the dynamics of a system is inferred from the evolution of 2DIR spectral features over waiting times. One of the most important metrics derived from the 2DIR is the frequency-frequency correlation function (FFCF), which can be extracted using different methods, including center and nodal line slope. However, these methods struggle to correctly describe the dynamics in 2DIR spectra with multiple and overlapping transitions. Here, a new approach, utilizing pseudo-Zernike moments, is introduced to retrieve the FFCF dynamics of each spectral component from complex 2DIR spectra. The results show that this new method not only produces equivalent results to more established methodologies in simple spectra but also successfully extracts the FFCF dynamics of individual component from very congested and unresolved 2DIR spectra. In addition, this new methodology can be used to locate the individual frequency components from those complex spectra. Overall, a new methodology for analyzing the 2D spectra is presented here, which allows us to retrieve previously unattainable spectral features from the 2DIR spectra.


Prostatitis: a review of diagnosis and management.
Prostatitis, the most common urologic disease in men, afflicts between 25% and 50% of all adult men. It is a complex and not well understood condition, partially because of its often obscure pathogenesis. There are four prostatitis diagnostic and treatment categories: 1) acute bacterial prostatitis; 2) chronic bacterial prostatitis; 3) nonbacterial prostatitis; and 4) prostatodynia. This article reviews prostatic anatomy and pathogenesis, as well as diagnostic and treatment categories. This information can assist the primary care practitioner in the identification and management of this common and often puzzling condition.


Oxcarbazepine, topiramate, zonisamide, and levetiracetam: potential use in neuropathic pain.
Oxcarbazepine, topiramate, zonisamide, and levetiracetam are the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) most recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Based on the experience with carbamazepine, gabapentin, and lamotrigine, these newer AEDs are being investigated for the management of neuropathic pain. This article reviews preclinical and clinical data on the efficacy and tolerability of these 4 AEDs in the management of neuropathic pain, as well as the pharmacokinetics, drug-interaction potential, adverse effects, and dosing of these agents, with an emphasis on their use in older individuals. Relevant studies were identified through a MEDLINE search of the Englidh-language literature published between 1986 and May 2003, a review of the reference lists of identified articles, and abstracts from the annual meetings of the American Academy of Neurology (1986-2002) and the 2003 Annual Meeting of the American Pain Society. Search terms were oxcarbazepine, topiramate, zonisamide, and levetiracetam. Oxcarbazepine and topiramate have been effective in animal models of neuropathic pain. Thirty-four publications on the efficacy and tolerability of the 4 agents were identified (25 case reports/case series, 6 randomized parallel-group studies, and 3 randomized crossover studies). The 9 randomized studies were restricted to oxcarbazepine and topiramate, and 23 (68%) publications were available in abstract form only. These preliminary data suggest that the 4 newer AEDs may be useful in a wide variety of neuropathic pain syndromes; however, additional data, including full-length peer-reviewed reports, are necessary before their true analgesic potential in neuropathic pain can be determined. All 4 agents have pharmacodynamic interactions with other psychotherapeutic drugs, potentiating adverse central nervous system events such as sedation. With the exception of levetiracetam, these drugs also have pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs, although to a somewhat lesser extent than carbamazepine. These agents have some unique adverse effects not frequently monitored by clinicians, such as hyponatremia, nephrolithiasis, acute myopia with secondary angle-closure glaucoma, and weight loss. Based on preliminary data, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, zonisamide, and levetiracetam may be useful in the treatment of a wide variety of neuropathic pain syndromes, although full publication of the results of controlled trials is awaited. These agents are associated with specific adverse effects not commonly monitored by clinicians. Of the 4, levetiracetam appears to be easiest to use (ie, no need for dose adjustment in organ dysfunction, no need for laboratory monitoring) and best tolerated, and has not been associated with the unique toxicities seen with oxcarbazepine, topiramate, and zonisamide. The ultimate role of these agents in the therapeutic armamentarium against pain requires further research and experience. In the interim, these 4 agents should be used to treat neuropathic pain in the elderly only when carbamazepine, gabapentin, or lamotrigine cannot be used or when the response to the aforementioned agents is suboptimal.


Swimming Against the Tide: Primary Care Physicians' Views on Deprescribing in Everyday Practice.
Avoidable hospitalizations due to adverse drug events and high-risk prescribing are common in older people. Primary care physicians prescribe most on-going medicines. Deprescribing has long been essential to best prescribing practice. We sought to explore the views of primary care physicians on the barriers and facilitators to deprescribing in everyday practice to inform the development of an intervention to support safer prescribing. We used a snowball sampling technique to identify potential participants. Physicians were selected on the basis of years in practice, employment status, and practice setting, with an additional focus on information-rich participants. Twenty-four semistructured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to identify emergent themes. Physicians described deprescribing as "swimming against the tide" of patient expectations, the medical culture of prescribing, and organizational constraints. They said deprescribing came with inherent risks for both themselves and patients and conveyed a sense of vulnerability in practice. The only incentive to deprescribing they identified was the duty to do what was right for the patient. Physicians recommended organizational changes to support safer prescribing, including targeted funding for annual medicines review, computer prompts, improved information flows between prescribers, improved access to expert advice and user-friendly decision support, increased availability of non-pharmaceutical therapies, and enhanced patient engagement in medicines management. Interventions to support safer prescribing in everyday practice should consider the sociocultural, personal, relational, and organizational constraints on deprescribing. Regulations and policies should be designed to support physicians in practicing according to their professional ethical values.


The importance of veterinary policy in preventing the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic disease: examining the case of human african trypanosomiasis in Uganda.
Rapid changes in human behavior, resource utilization, and other extrinsic environmental factors continue to threaten the current distribution of several endemic and historically neglected zoonoses in many developing regions worldwide. There are numerous examples of zoonotic diseases which have circulated within relatively localized geographical areas for some time, before emerging into new regions as a result of changing human, environmental, or behavioral dynamics. While the world's focus is currently on the Ebola virus gaining momentum in western Africa, another pertinent example of this phenomenon is zoonotic human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), endemic to south and eastern Africa, and spread via infected cattle. In recent years, the ongoing northwards spread of this disease in the country has posed a serious public health threat to the human population of Uganda, increasing the pressure on both individual families and government services to control the disease. Moreover, the emergence of HAT into new areas of Uganda in recent years exemplifies the important role of veterinary policy in mitigating the severe human health and economic impacts of zoonotic disease. The systemic challenges surrounding the development and enforcement of veterinary policy described here are similar across sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the necessity to consider and support zoonotic disease control in broader human and animal health systems strengthening and associated development programs on the continent.


[Hepatitis C! Experience in diagnosis and medical treatment. A literature review].
Chronic hepatitis C can have physical, psychological or emotional effects on a person. The chronic infection can result in an advanced liver disease and/or influence daily life and self-perception. Today, the possibility to eliminate the virus exists but the therapy is difficult, a decrease in quality of life is known. Anyway, the sustained viral response isn't achievable for everyone. Care in Switzerland usually takes place in the outpatient clinics. Nurse participation to improve self-management is in discussion. For this specific work knowledge of patient's perception is crucial. A literature review was done to answer two questions: "What is the experience of the illness 'chronic hepatitis C'?" and additionally "What has to be managed when undergoing treatment?". A literature search was conducted in the databases of Pubmed and CINAHL. Seven qualitative studies were included. Diagnosis, contagion, illness, stigmatisation and fatigue are central themes and can influence each other. Discussion about treatment and the decision for it seems to be ambiguous. Patients feel reduced to their disease and demand for individual interventions especially for their experience with their illness. A targeted assessment seems important to appreciate their needs in each situation.


Abnormal morphological patterns of the left ventricular myocardium in the critical stenosis of the aortic valve and the intact ventricular septum.
The evaluation of prognostic factors in infants with critical stenosis of the aortic valve and intact ventricular septum is often misleading due to a complex interaction among lesions in the mitral and aortic valves, and the left ventricular myocardium. The clinical parameters on the left ventricular function, such as ejection fraction and left ventricular end-diastolic volume, are of particular interest as their effects on survival are very controversial. We performed a clinicopathologic analysis of two autopsied cases of this disease. Besides the morphological hallmarks of the aortic and mitral valves, these two cases showed two extreme types of pathology in the left ventricular myocardium, which might have significant impacts on the clinical evaluation of the left ventricular function. Case 1 showed endocardial fibroelastosis associated with abnormal intertrabecular spaces (so-called spongy myocardium), obscuring accurate estimation of the left ventricular end-diastolic volume. Case 2 showed ischemic necrosis of the apical part of the left ventricular myocardium. This infarct was associated with acute and chronic subendocardial ischemia and mild endocardial fibroelastosis. Aggravation of the left ventricular failure could be caused by the recent ischemic insult. The evaluation of the left ventricular function, therefore, should include the evaluation of the morphologic status of the myocardium as regards to whether there is ischemia, endocardial fibroelastosis or hypertrophied trabeculae in addition to stenotic lesions in the aortic and mitral valves.


Telemetry as a tool to measure sedative effects of a valerian root extract and its single constituents in mice.
Valeriana officinalis L. is a popular herbal treatment for mild sleep disorders. Clinical and non-clinical studies found contradictory results for valerian extracts and single constituents regarding the influence on sleep parameters. It was the aim of this study to investigate the sedative effects of a valerian root extract. Therefore, locomotor activity and core body temperature were recorded in male mice using radiotelemetry. A 70 % ethanolic extract prepared from the roots of V. officinalis (s. l.) and some of its single constituents, valerenic acid, linarin, and apigenin, were tested for effects on locomotion and body temperature over 180 minutes after oral administration. The extract was tested in a dose range of 250-1000 mg/kg, and only a dose of 1000 mg/kg valerian extract showed a mild short-term sedative effect with reduced locomotor activity between 66-78 min minutes after administration. Paradoxically, an increased activity was observed after 150 minutes after gavage. A dose of 1 mg/kg valerenic acid produced an intermittent stimulation of activity. However, a mild short-term sedative effect was found for linarin at 12 mg/kg and apigenin at 1.5 mg/kg. Considering the cumulative locomotor activity over the observation period of 180 min, it is concluded that neither the extract nor one of the compounds had considerable sedative effects. More precisely, the observed short-term changes in activity pattern indicate that valerian extract as well as the flavonoids linarin and apigenin are rather effective to reduce sleep latency than to act as a sleep-maintaining agent.


Pasteurization of C1 inactivator in the presence of citrate salts.
Conditions have been determined under which the C1 inactivator (C1-INA) can be pasteurized to reduce the risk of transfusion hepatitis associated with its use for replacement therapy in patients with genetic or acquired deficiencies. Recovery of 90% of the biological and immunological activity of a C1-INA concentrate was achieved following heat treatment for 10 h at 60 degrees C in the presence of 3 M potassium citrate. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis in heparinized agarose was used to demonstrate the ability of the pasteurized C1-INA to bind heparin and to form a precipitation pattern with antibody which was almost indistinguishable from that of an unheated control. High pressure liquid chromatography and enhancement of the fluorescence of 1,8-anilinonaphthalene sulfonate were used to show that other proteins present in the concentrate were also stabilized.


Low frequency electrical and magnetic methods for non-destructive analysis of fiber dispersion in fiber reinforced cementitious composites: an overview.
Non-destructive analysis of fiber dispersion in structural elements made of Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) and Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (FRCCs) plays a significant role in the framework of quality control and performance prediction. In this paper, the research activity of the authors in the aforementioned field all over the last lustrum will be reviewed. A method based on the measurement of the inductance of a probe to be placed on the specimen will be presented and its progressive development will be described. Obtained correlation with actual fiber dispersion, as checked by means of destructive methods, as well as with the mechanical performance of the composite will also be presented, in an attempt to address the significance of the method from an engineering application perspective.


The impact of horizontal and vertical Luminance SNARC compatibility on affective judgments.
Research on the Spatial Quantity Association of Response Codes (SQUARC) has documented associations between spatial position and mental representations of quantity. Large quantities are associated with right and top, small quantities are associated with left and bottom. Resulting compatibility effects have largely been documented for response speed and judgment accuracy. Recently, employing luminance as quantity, Löffler et al. (2022) generalised such SQUARC compatibility effects to affective judgments, showing that horizontally SQUARC-compatible stimulus arrangements (i.e. bright on the right, dark on the left side) are liked more than SQUARC-incompatible arrangements. The present Experiment 1 (N = 296) replicated this horizontal compatibility effect, dz = .18, and generalised it to vertical luminance SQUARC compatibility (i.e. bright on the top, dark on the bottom), dz = .22. Experiments 2a-b (total N = 259; Experiment 2b preregistered) employed stimulus arrangements tilted by 45° to manipulate horizontal and vertical (in)compatibility simultaneously within the same stimulus, finding robust horizontal compatibility effects, but mixed evidence regarding vertical compatibility.


Pancreaticoduodenectomy without pancreaticojejunostomy.
A simple technique that maintains the endocrine function without the risk of pancreaticojejunostomy after Whipple's operation is described. The simple external drainage via a polyethylene tube of the pancreatic remnant without pancreaticojejunostomy has been tried and proven successful and safe.


High Prevalence of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection in China: Geographic Distribution, Clinical Characteristics, and Antimicrobial Resistance.
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) is traditionally defined by hypermucoviscosity, but data based on genetic background are limited. Antimicrobial-resistant hvKP has been increasingly reported but has not yet been systematically studied. K. pneumoniae isolates from bloodstream infections, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and intra-abdominal infections were collected from 10 cities in China during February to July 2013. Clinical data were collected from medical records. All K. pneumoniae isolates were investigated by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, string test, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene detection, capsular serotypes, virulence gene profiles, and multilocus sequence typing. hvKP was defined by aerobactin detection. Of 230 K. pneumoniae isolates, 37.8% were hvKP. The prevalence of hvKP varied among different cities, with the highest rate in Wuhan (73.9%) and the lowest in Zhejiang (8.3%). Hypermucoviscosity and the presence of K1, K2, K20, and rmpA genes were strongly associated with hvKP (P < 0.001). A significantly higher incidence of liver abscess (P = 0.026), sepsis (P = 0.038), and invasive infections (P = 0.043) was caused by hvKP. Cancer (odds ratio [OR], 2.285) and diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.256) appeared to be independent variables associated with hvKP infections by multivariate analysis. Importantly, 12.6% of hvKP isolates produced ESBLs, and most of them carried blaCTX-M genes. Patients with neutropenia (37.5% versus 5.6%; P = 0.020), history of systemic steroid therapy (37.5% versus 5.6%; P = 0.020), and combination therapy (62.5% versus 16.7%; P = 0.009) were more likely to be infected with ESBL-producing hvKP. The prevalence of hvKP is high in China and has a varied geographic distribution. ESBL-producing hvKP is emerging, suggesting an urgent need to enhance clinical awareness, especially for immunocompromised patients receiving combination therapy.


Regulation of photorespiration in leaves: evidence that the fraction of ribulose bisphosphate oxygenated is conserved and stoichiometry fluctuates.
Under steady-state conditions the combined system of the reductive photosynthetic cycle and the oxidative photorespiratory loop may be defined by two partitioning terms: the fraction of ribulose bisphosphate oxygenated and the fraction of glycolate carbon photorespired (the stoichiometry of photorespiration). A combination of physical and stereochemical methods [K.R. Hanson, and R. B. Peterson, (1985) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 237,300-310] has been used to estimate these partitionings for tobacco leaf discs. Inverted discs, as compared to normally oriented discs, were found to have greater net photosynthesis; their ratio of photorespiration to net photosynthesis was less, and less of their glycolate carbon was photorespired. An eightfold reduction of irradiance below that of full sunlight for inverted discs in normal air at 32 degrees C reduced both photosynthesis and photorespiration about threefold but had little effect on the partitioning of ribulose bisphosphate and glycolate. Increasing the temperature from 22 to 40 degrees C for inverted discs in normal air and 1000 microE m-2 s-1 irradiance had little effect on net photosynthesis but increased the ratio of photorespiration to net photosynthesis almost threefold; ribulose bisphosphate partitioning was little changed but the fraction of glycolate carbon photorespired more than doubled. If field-grown plants respond to temperature in a similar fashion, genetic intervention to reduce the increase in photorespiration stoichiometry with temperature could increase total daily carbon assimilation and hence improve crop yields.


Neural stem cells suppress the hearing threshold shift caused by cochlear ischemia.
Neural stem cells are multipotent progenitor cells that show self-renewal activity. In this study, we assessed the use of neural stem cells for ameliorating ischemia-reperfusion injury of the gerbil cochlea. Neural stem cells were injected into one inner ear through the round window 1 day after ischemic insult. Immunostaining for nestin showed that the distribution of neural stem cells was concentrated within the organ of Corti. Seven days after ischemia, the injury-induced auditory brainstem response threshold shift and progressive inner hair cell damage were markedly less on the neural stem cell-transplanted side. These results suggest that the transplantation of neural stem cells is therapeutically useful for preventing damage to hair cells that occurs after transient ischemia of the cochlea.


Potential role of post-treatment follow-up FDG-PET CT to detect mandibular osteoradionecrosis: A case report.
It was hypothesized that fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on post-treatment follow-up positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET CT; using PET CT to monitor and rule out recurrence and metastasis of head and neck carcinoma) would be useful for detecting and understanding the disease state of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw. The present study included 14 patients who developed mandibular ORN following radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer and underwent follow-up PET CT several times following RT. Areas exhibiting FDG uptake were retrospectively assessed on post-treatment follow-up PET CT images and were classified into three types: Spot type: Only spot accumulation of FDG; localized type: Accumulation of FDG restricted to within the bone resorption area; extensive type: Accumulation of FDG extending into surrounding soft tissue. PET classification at the time of clinical diagnosis of mandibular ORN in the 14 patients demonstrated the extensive type in 43%, localized type in 36% and spot type in 21%. An increased area of FDG uptake around the ORN was revealed retrospectively on post-treatment follow-up FDG PET-CT images in 50% of patients. Alterations in PET classification included spot type to localized type in 36% and localized type to extensive type in 14%. A significantly increased number of patients with extensive-type ORN (P=0.026) required surgery. Post-treatment follow-up FDG-PET CT may be useful for early detection and better understanding of ORN.


The molecular genetic basis of atrial fibrillation.
As the most common cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for stroke, heart failure, and premature death with considerable associated costs. However, no available treatment options have optimal benefit-harm profiles currently, reflecting an incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying this complex arrhythmia. Recently, molecular epidemiological studies, especially genome-wide association studies, have emphasized the substantial genetic component of AF etiology. A comprehensive mapping of the genetic underpinnings for AF can expand our knowledge of AF mechanism and further facilitate the process of locating novel therapeutics for AF. Here we provide a state-of-the-art review of the molecular genetics of AF incorporating evidence from linkage analysis and candidate gene, as well as genome-wide association studies of common variations and rare copy number variations; potential epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs) are also involved. We also outline the challenges in mechanism investigation and potential future directions in this article.


Pulmonary-renal syndrome in a newborn with placental transmission of ANCAs.
Despite clinical and experimental data suggesting a direct relationship between antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) and disease activity in patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), the causal relationship between perinuclear ANCAs specific for myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA) and disease manifestations has been controversial. We describe the case of a woman with a history of pulmonary-renal syndrome caused by MPA whose disease became clinically and serologically active during pregnancy. Forty-eight hours after delivery, the newborn developed pulmonary hemorrhage and abnormalities in renal function. The newborn's cord blood showed an immunoglobulin G MPO-ANCA level identical to that of the mother's serum, indicating passive transfer of the antibody to the neonate. Our findings represent the first human model supporting the interpretation that MPO-ANCAs were immunopathogenic.


Gender differences in the effects of cathinone and the interaction with caffeine on temperature and locomotor activity in the rat.
We have investigated gender differences in the effects of cathinone and the interaction with caffeine on temperature and movement activity in Wistar rats. Telemetry probes were implanted in rats under isoflurane anaesthesia, and 7 days later, temperature and activity were recorded in conscious unrestrained animals. Caffeine (10mg/lkg) or vehicle, and 30min later, cathinone (5mg/kg) or vehicle, were injected subcutaneously. Cathinone produced significant and marked increases in activity, and the response to cathinone was significantly greater in female animals. The combination of caffeine and cathinone causes a short lived potentiation followed by a prolonged inhibition of the activity response to cathinone. Cathinone alone had minor effects on temperature. However, the combination of caffeine and cathinone produced a significant acute rise in temperature only in male rats in the 90min after cathinone injection. Hence, cathinone caused greater increases in activity in female than in male rats. Secondly, caffeine produced an initial potentiation followed by a prolonged inhibition of the activity response to cathinone. Thirdly, cathinone in combination with caffeine significantly raised temperature acutely in male but not female rats. These differences highlight the need to carry out gender studies of the actions of stimulants.


Interelectronic angle densities of equivalent electrons in Hartree-Fock theory of atoms.
The interelectronic angle density A(theta12) is the probability density function that the angle thetaij (0 < or = thetaij < or = pi) subtended by the vectors ri and rj of any two electrons i and j becomes theta12. For equivalent electrons in atoms, it is shown that the density A(theta12) in the Hartree-Fock theory is given by a simple polynomial of cos theta12. Detailed expressions are reported for all LS terms arising from s2, pN (N = 2-6), dN (N = 2-10), and f(N) (N = 2,12) electron configurations. With no modifications, the present results apply as well to the interelectronic angle density A(theta12) in momentum space, where theta12 is the angle between two electron momenta.


[Clinical characteristics and variant analysis of five pedigrees with hereditary spastic paraplegia].
To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of five pedigrees affected with hereditary spastic paraplegia(HSP). Clinical data of the five pedigrees was collected, and high-throughput sequencing was carried out to detect potential variants. Sanger sequencing were used to verify the results. The probands of pedigree 1 and 2 were found to harbor heterozygous SPAST gene variants, namely c.1196C>T and c.1523T>A. The proband of pedigree 3 harbored compound heterozygous variants of FA2H gene (c.61G>C and c.688G>A). Proband from pedigree 4 harbored compound heterozygous variants of SPG11 gene (c.6812+4_6812+7delAGTA and c.915delT). The proband of pedigree 5 harbored compound heterozygous variants of SPG7 gene (c.1703_1704delAG and c.1937-1G>C). Based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics(ACMG) guidelines, all variants were predicted to be likely pathogenic. Among these, SPAST gene c.1523T>A, FA2H gene c.61.G>C, SPG11 gene splicing region c.6812+4_6812+7delAGTA, c.915delT, SPG7 gene c.1703_1704delAG and splicing region c.1937-1G>C variants were unreported previously. The probands of pedigrees 1 and 2 were diagnosed with autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4, for which pedigree 2 showed incompletely penetrance. Pedigrees 3, 4, and 5 were diagnosed with autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia type 35, 11 and 7, respectively. Above result provided a reference for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling for the affected pedigrees.


Gastric Hyperplastic Polyps Associated with Proton Pump Inhibitor Use in a Case without a History of Helicobacter pylori Infection.
A 56-year-old man with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was referred to our hospital. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed no evidence of any polypoid lesions in the stomach, and the patient had no history of Helicobacter pylori infection. He received omeprazole (20 mg) once daily for the GERD. EGD was performed at 1 year after the start of omeprazole administration, and this time, gastric hyperplastic polyps (GHPs) were detected. The GHPs increased in size as the omeprazole treatment continued, but they markedly decreased in size following omeprazole discontinuation. Thus, the administration of proton pump inhibitors may be a risk factor for the development of GHP independent of H. pylori infection.


Translocation of zinc from vacuole to nucleus during yeast meiosis.
A novel staining procedure employing the UV fluorochrome DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole X 2HCl) and dithizone (diphenylthiocarbazone) was developed for microcytochemical determination of sites of zinc localization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen. In vegetative cells vacuolar polyphosphate bodies stained with dithizone, whereas in sporulating cells nucleoli and centriolar plaques were dithizone-positive. Hence, dithizone not only permitted localization of zinc but also indicated zinc translocation from vacuolar to nuclear compartments during differentiation from the vegetative to sporulated state.


Multiscale porous titanium surfaces via a two-step etching process for improved mechanical and biological performance.
Titanium (Ti)-based dental implants with multiscale surface topography have attracted great attention as a promising approach to enhance fixation and long-term stability of the implants, through the synergistic effect of nano- and microscale surface roughness, for accelerated bone regeneration and improved mechanical interlocking. However, structural integrity and mechanical stability of the multiscale roughened Ti surface under deformation need to be considered because significant deformation of dental implants is often induced during the surgical operation. Therefore, in this study, a well-defined nanoporous structure was directly introduced onto micro-roughened Ti surfaces through target-ion induced plasma sputtering (TIPS) with a tantalum (Ta) target, following sand-blasted, large-grit and acid-etching (SLA). This two-step etching process successfully created multiscale surface roughness on Ti with a minimal change of the pre-formed microscale roughness. Moreover, TIPS allowed the Ti surface to possess good mechanical stability under deformation and improved hydrophilicity, through altering the surface chemistry of brittle and hydrophobic SLA-treated Ti without formation of the interface between nanoporous and microporous structures. The in vitro and in vivo tests confirmed that multiscale roughened Ti significantly enhanced osteoblast attachment, proliferation and differentiation, which eventually led to improved bone regeneration and osseointegration, compared to smooth and micro-roughened Ti.


Relationship between somatotype and blood pressure in a group of institutionalized Venezuelan elders.
Somatotype, as an indirect measure of estimating body composition, provides an easy and comprehensive picture of body shape. Multiple investigations have shown the existence of an association between somatotype components and cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of somatotype with blood pressure during ageing. The Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype and both systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were recorded. The sample included 809 healthy institutionalized elders (370 males and 439 females) from geriatric units in Caracas, Venezuela. Ages ranged from 60 to 102 years. Product-moment correlation coefficients between somatotype components and both blood pressure readings were calculated. Principal component analysis and homogeneity analysis by means of alternative least squares tests were also performed. Females were more endomorphic and mesomorphic than males. Males were more ectomorphic than females. SBP showed a downward tendency with age in males, while in females the tendency was for the SBP to increase. Correlations among variables were from low to moderate and ranged from -0.37 to +0.34 in males, and from -0.18 to +0.32 in females. Correlations tended to be stronger in the younger age group and differences between sexes were found. A negative tendency in the correlation between ectomorphy and both SBP and DBP was found, except for the oldest age group, for which the correlation was positive. Endomorphy and mesomorphy showed a stable correlation pattern with blood pressure in males, while in females this pattern was more irregular and less consistent. Individuals with high levels of SBP and DBP had mean somatotypes, which were similar to those of other male groups characterized by myocardial infarct, coronary heart disease and the risk of hypertension, indicating that these somatotypes may be associated with cardiovascular risk factors. In particular, our results indicate that individuals who present a cardiovascular risk profile are more endomorphic and mesomorphic and less ectomorphic than those with a lower cardiovascular risk profile.


Cardiopulmonary bypass: it's not the size, it's how you use it! Review of a comprehensive blood-conservation strategy.
Several of the manufacturers of cardiopulmonary bypass equipment have recently introduced new miniature cardiopulmonary bypass systems. New advancements in cardiopulmonary bypass technology are almost always of interest to the perfusion community. However, the question arises, what advantages do these systems offer over our present technology? The manufacturers claim that these new systems will add to our perfusion armamentarium by offering us an opportunity to further reduce priming volume and the surface area to which the blood is exposed. Our group, in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Boston Medical Center has been involved in the development of a comprehensive blood conservation strategy since 1994. Our published data clearly demonstrates improved clinical outcomes using coated circuit technology as part of a comprehensive blood conservation strategy. In an effort to clearly evaluate this new technology, in this article we review our current technique at Boston Medical Center.


Optical and Structural Properties of Si Nanocrystals in SiO2 Films.
Optical and structural properties of Si nanocrystals (Si-nc) in silica films are described. For the SiOx (x < 2) films annealed above 1000 °C, the Raman signal of Si-nc and the absorption coefficient are proportional to the amount of elemental Si detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A good agreement is found between the measured refractive index and the value estimated by using the effective-medium approximation. The extinction coefficient of elemental Si is found to be between the values of crystalline and amorphous Si. Thermal annealing increases the degree of Si crystallization; however, the crystallization and the Si-SiO2 phase separation are not complete after annealing at 1200 °C. The 1.5-eV PL quantum yield increases as the amount of elemental Si decreases; thus, this PL is probably not directly from Si-nc responsible for absorption and detected by Raman spectroscopy. Continuous-wave laser light can produce very high temperatures in the free-standing films, which changes their structural and optical properties. For relatively large laser spots, the center of the laser-annealed area is very transparent and consists of amorphous SiO2. Large Si-nc (up to ∼300 nm in diameter) are observed in the ring around the central region. These Si-nc lead to high absorption and they are typically under compressive stress, which is connected with their formation from the liquid phase. By using strongly focused laser beams, the structural changes in the free-standing films can be made in submicron areas.


In silico virtual screening for the identification of novel inhibitors against dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DapB) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key enzyme of diaminopimelate pathway.
Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) is one of the most devastating infectious diseases afflicting a large number of human lives. In spite of the availability of several drugs for treating TB, emergence of drug-resistant strains of the pathogen has made treatment and eradication of TB a challenging task. Hence, there is an imperative need for new intervention strategies to target M. tb. The enzymes of the diaminopimelate pathway, involved in lysine biosynthesis as well as in cell wall biosynthesis, have been considered as important anti-TB drug targets. One such enzyme is dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DapB), catalyzing the reduction of 2,3-dihydrodipicolinic acid to 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-dipicolinic acid by utilizing NADH/NADPH as its cofactor. Here, we have generated an antisense knockdown mutant strain of dapB and demonstrated a crucial role of dapB in the in vitro and intracellular growth of M. tb. Further, in silico virtual screening was performed by employing a library of ~95,000 compounds for the identification of inhibitory molecules against DapB. The molecules with high docking scores were screened against the enzymatic activity of DapB to determine their IC50 values. Further, hit molecules that inhibited DapB were screened against the M. tb growth in broth culture and inside macrophages. The molecules exhibiting M. tb inhibition were also evaluated for their cytotoxicity against various mammalian cell lines. In summary, we have identified a lead molecule, B59, with an IC50 value of 11 µg/mL and MIC99 value of 20 µg/mL, which can be further optimized to develop potent inhibitory compounds against M. tb DapB. IMPORTANCE Non-compliance to lengthy antituberculosis (TB) treatment regimen, associated side effects, and emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) emphasize the need to develop more effective anti-TB drugs. Here, we have evaluated the role of M. tb dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DapB), a component of the diaminopimelate pathway, which is involved in the biosynthesis of both lysine and mycobacterial cell wall. We showed that DapB is essential for the in vitro as well as intracellular growth of M. tb. We further utilized M. tb DapB, as a target for identification of inhibitors by employing in silico virtual screening, and conducted various in vitro screening assays to identify inhibitors with potential to inhibit DapB activity and in vitro and intracellular growth of M. tb with no significant cytotoxicity against various mammalian cell lines. Altogether, M. tb DapB serves as an important drug target and a hit molecule, namely, 4-(3-Phenylazoquinoxalin-2-yl) butanoic acid methyl ester has been identified as an antimycobacterial molecule in our study.


Regulation of S1PR2 by the EBV oncogene LMP1 in aggressive ABC-subtype diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is found almost exclusively in the activated B-cell (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), yet its contribution to this tumour remains poorly understood. We have focused on the EBV-encoded latent membrane protein-1 (LMP1), a constitutively activated CD40 homologue expressed in almost all EBV-positive DLBCLs and which can disrupt germinal centre (GC) formation and drive lymphomagenesis in mice. Comparison of the transcriptional changes that follow LMP1 expression with those that follow transient CD40 signalling in human GC B cells enabled us to define pathogenic targets of LMP1 aberrantly expressed in ABC-DLBCL. These included the down-regulation of S1PR2, a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor that is transcriptionally down-regulated in ABC-DLBCL, and when genetically ablated leads to DLBCL in mice. Consistent with this, we found that LMP1-expressing primary ABC-DLBCLs were significantly more likely to lack S1PR2 expression than were LMP1-negative tumours. Furthermore, we showed that the down-regulation of S1PR2 by LMP1 drives a signalling loop leading to constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-K) pathway. Finally, core LMP1-PI3-K targets were enriched for lymphoma-related transcription factors and genes associated with shorter overall survival in patients with ABC-DLBCL. Our data identify a novel function for LMP1 in aggressive DLBCL. Copyright © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Allergic fungal airway disease: pathophysiologic and diagnostic considerations.
Fungal spores are ubiquitously present in indoor and outdoor air. A number can act as aeroallergens in Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-sensitized individuals and some thermotolerant fungi germinate in the lung where they can cause a combined allergic and infective stimulus leading to a number of clinical presentations characterized by evidence of lung damage. We discuss which biomarkers are useful in helping to guide diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of allergic fungal airway disease (AFAD). Diagnostic biomarkers, such as specific IgEs and fungal culture, for AFAD are limited by sensitivity, although this may be improved with novel agents such as specific IgEs to fungal components and quantitative PCR. Total IgE and hypereosinophilia are nonspecific and do not clearly relate to disease activity. High attenuation mucus and proximal bronchiectasis are specific, albeit insensitive markers of AFAD. Biomarkers that predict prognosis and treatment response are yet to be defined. This review summarizes the fungi involved and the current debate regarding the diagnostic criteria to define fungal-associated lung disease. We advocate the phasing out of the term allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and the use of a more inclusive term such as AFAD, together with a more liberal set of criteria based largely on IgE sensitization to thermotolerant fungi, which identifies those patients at risk of developing lung damage.


Development & use of antichlamydial monoclonal antibodies for rapid diagnosis of follicular conjunctivitis.
We developed four independent murine hybrid clones producing IgG class and genus specific monoclonal antibodies against the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia trachomatis, L2 serovar. All antibodies reacted with a single epitope of MOMP. In indirect immunofluorescence assay using one of the antibodies chlamydiae could be detected in 12 of 23 conjunctival scrapings from patients of follicular conjunctivitis. Giemsa staining could detect classical inclusion bodies in only 5 of these 23 smears. Antigen detection using these monoclonal antibodies may be used as a rapid diagnostic test in clinical and epidemiological screening for chlamydial infection.


[Epidemiologic features and the stepwise regression analysis of fatal motor vehicle accidents in Guangzhou].
This paper describes the epidemiologic features of 1,532 fatal motor vehicle crashes, and analyses of some crash-related factors by means of stepwise regression analysis as well. The crashes between motor vehicle and bicycle accounted for 39.49 percent. The 36.84 percent of drivers responsible for accidents were at the age of 20-24. The analysis of accident victim characteristics indicated that all age groups were at risk. Most victims were the people younger than 25 years old as well as aged 50 and over. About one-third of the victims were peasants. The analysis of stepwise regression suggested that the crashes were positively related to the quantity of automobile and the ratio between male and female.


Biochemical and Antioxidant Profiling of Raspberry Plant Parts for Sustainable Processing.
The optimization of innovation and food technological processes not only increases the profits of companies but also allows them to achieve the set goals of the green trajectory. This research aimed to collect data on the biochemical composition of different parts of the raspberry variety 'Polka', including the various morphological parts, to present the importance of differentiating plant parts in food processing, and to show the potential of usage for primary processing in different fields of the food industry. Fruits, stems (cane), leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots were evaluated according to their chemical composition and mineral (Ca, Mg, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) contents, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. In our study, the contents of inverted sugar, saccharose, and total sugar varied from 51.8 ± 2.46 %, 18.9 ± 0.31 %, and 69.7 ± 4,36 % in raspberry puree to 5.9 ± %, 1.51 ± %, 7.39 ± % in the seeds, respectively. The results regarding the mineral composition of various raspberry parts (mg/kg) indicated significant differences (p < 0.05). The contents of manganese and iron (57.6 ± 0.50; 36.9 ± 0.59) were the highest in all the parts in the plant. Manganese varied from 246 ± 10.32 in inflorescence to 40.1 ± 0.87 in the seeds. Iron fluctuated from 1553 ± 44.03 in the roots to 35.5 ± 0.15 in the seeds. The highest statistically significant boron content (p < 0.05) was found in the leaves (41.8 ± 0.33), while the lowest was in the seeds (7.17 ± 0.19). The total phenol content of the raspberry's distinct parts ranged from 6500 mg GAE/100 g DW to 1700 mg GAE/100 g DW. The inflorescence had the considerably highest total phenol content. Our study found that the highest amount of epicatechin is found in the roots (9162.1 ± 647.86 mg), while the fruits contain only 657.5 ± 92.99, and the lowest value is in the stems (130.3 ± 9.22). High levels of procyanidin B2 were found in the raspberry roots (7268.7 ± 513.98), while the stems had the lowest value-368.4 ± 26.05. The DPPH of the raspberry morphological parts ranged from 145.1 to 653.6 µmol TE/g FW, ABTS-from 1091.8 to 243.4 µmol TE/g FW, and the FRAP-from 720.0 to 127.0 µmol TE/g FW. The study revealed the importance of differentiating plant parts in production for the quality of the final product. Studies showed that raspberry plant parts represent a potential source of natural food ingredients, and can be a potential raw material for products rich in phenolic compounds or dietary fiber, which can provide healthy properties to food when used as an additive that may be economically attractive for consumers.


Perioperative Practices Concerning One Anastomosis (Mini) Gastric Bypass: A Survey of 210 Surgeons.
There is currently little evidence available on the perioperative practices concerning one anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) and no published consensus amongst experts. Even the published papers are not clear on these aspects. The purpose of this study was to understand various perioperative practices concerning OAGB/MGB. Bariatric surgeons from around the world were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based survey. Only surgeons performing this procedure were included. Two hundred and ten surgeons from 39 countries with a cumulative experience of 68,442 procedures took the survey. Surgeons described a large number of absolute (n = 55) and relative contraindications (n = 59) to this procedure in their practice. Approximately 71.0% (n = 148/208), 70.0% (n = 147/208) and 65.0% (n = 137/209), respectively, routinely perform a preoperative endoscopy, screening for Helicobacter pylori and ultrasound scan of the abdomen. A minority (35.0%, n = 74/208) of the surgeons used a constant bilio-pancreatic limb (BPL) length for all the patients with remaining preferring to tailor the limb length to the patient and approximately half (49.0%, n = 101/206) routinely approximate diaphragmatic crura in patients with hiatus hernia. Some 48.5% (n = 101/208) and 40.0% (n = 53/205) surgeons, respectively, do not recommend routine iron and calcium supplementation. This survey is the first attempt to understand a range of perioperative practices with OAGB/MGB. The findings will help in identifying areas for future research and allow consensus building amongst experts with preparation of guidelines for future practice.


Highly Dispersed Pt Nanoparticles for the Production of Aromatic Hydrocarbons by the Catalytic Degrading of Alkali Lignin.
Aromatic hydrocarbons were produced from lignin, a complex natural amorphous polymer commonly regarded as by-product of the pulping process and from biofuel production. The catalytic decomposition of lignin using supported Pt catalysts was performed to produce small molecule hydrocarbons. Aromatic small-molecule hydrocarbon products were identified and quantified using GC/MS and GC-FID, which demonstrated that 27.6% of aromatic hydrocarbons were obtained from the activated carbon-supported Pt (Pt/AC) catalyst which had the highest Pt surface area.


Examining Medical Office Owners and Clinicians Perceptions on Patient Safety Climate.
An essential element of effective medical practice management is having a shared set of beliefs among members regarding patient safety climate. Recognizing the need for improving patient safety, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality began a series of surveys to assess medical practice members' attitudes and beliefs on patient safety climate. The aim of the study was to examine owners and clinicians perceptions of their medical practice's patient safety climate. We used the 2010-2011 Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture collected by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. We used hierarchical linear modeling to examine owners' and clinicians' perceptions of practice's patient safety climate while controlling for the nested nature of individuals within practices. Managers with ownership responsibility, clinicians with ownership responsibility, and staff clinicians have different perceptions of the practice's patient safety climate. In particular, managers with ownership responsibility have more positive perceptions of the patient safety climate, as compared with non-owners. Clinicians with ownership responsibility had less favorable views than managers in a similar role. Finally, staff clinicians have the most negative perceptions of patient safety climate as compared with individuals in the ownership positions. There is a statistically significant lack of agreement among medical office team members depending on their backgrounds and roles. Increasing the communication among organizational members about their practice's patient safety climate is a principal aim whether improvements in care quality are to be achieved.


Inhibition of arachidonic acid cascade attenuates the induction of c-Fos proteins by DOI, 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist, in the rat cortex.
Previous immunohistochemical studies have shown that c-Fos proteins induced by DOI, a 5-HT2A/2C agonist, are present in the population of cortical neurons, which are devoid of 5-HT2A receptors. A mechanism of the induction of c-Fos proteins expression by DOI is still unclear. However, the involvement of the 5-HT2A and AMPA, but not 5-HT2C receptors in this process has been reported. In the present study, we investigated whether arachidonic acid, a retrograde messenger, is involved in the above mechanism of c-Fos induction. Phospholipase A2 pathway, which leads to the subsequent generation of arachidonic acid and its metabolites, is known to be coupled to 5-HT2A receptor activation. The inhibition of arachidonic acid cascade both at the level of phospholipase A2 (by dexamethasone, 1.5 mg/kg) or at the level of cyclooxygenases that catalyze arachidonic acid biotransformation (by indomethacin, 3 mg/kg), decreased the number of c-Fos immunopositive cells after induction by DOI (8 mg/kg). Our results suggest that arachidonic acid cascade may be involved in the induction of c-Fos proteins by DOI in the rat parietal cortex.


Water for Agriculture: the Convergence of Sustainability and Safety.
Agricultural water is a precious and limited resource. Increasingly more water types and sources are being explored for use in irrigation within the United States and across the globe. As outlined in this chapter, the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) in the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) provide irrigation water standards for application of water to fruits and vegetables consumed raw. These rules for production and use of water will continue to develop and be required as the world experiences aspects of a changing climate including flooding as well as drought conditions. Research continues to assess the use of agricultural water types. The increased use of reclaimed water in the United States as well as for selected irrigation water needs for specific crops may provide increased water availability. The use of surface water can be used in irrigation as well, but several studies have shown the presence of some enteric bacterial pathogens (enterohemorrhagic E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes) in these waters that may contaminate fruits and vegetables. There have been outbreaks of foodborne illness in the U.S., South America, Europe, and Australia related to the use of contaminated water in fruit and vegetable irrigation or washing. Unreliable water supplies, more stringent microbial water standards, mitigation technologies and expanded uses of reclaimed waters have all increased interest in agricultural water.


MALDI-MS-based imaging of small molecules and proteins in tissues.
The direct analysis of tissues using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) enables both endogenous and exogenous compounds present in tissues to be detected with molecular specificity while maintaining their spatial orientation. This unique combination, coupled with excellent sensitivity and rapid analysis time, presents many potential advantages to a wide range of applications in diverse biological fields. Recent advances have shown how the technique can be applied to cancer research, neuroscience and pharmaceutical development. Examples include the use of unique protein profiles to classify human tumor tissues and predict patient outcomes, the discovery of protein changes in mouse cerebellum as a function of development, and the two-dimensional visualization of the distribution of a drug and first-pass metabolites in rat whole-body sections.


Fluoride-Controlled Riboswitch-Based Dampening of Gene Expression for Cloning Potent Promoters.
Bioreporter systems based on detectable enzyme activity, such as that of beta-galactosidase or luciferase, are key in novel bacterial promoter discovery and study. While these systems permit quantification of gene expression, their use is limited by the toxicity of the expressed reporter enzymes in a given host. Indeed, the most potent promoters may be overlooked if their activity causes a lethal overproduction of the reporter genes when screening for transcriptional activity of potential promoter sequences with the luxCDABE cassette. To overcome this limitation, a variation of the mini-CTX-lux plasmid has been designed which allows reduction of promoter activity via the addition of an adjacent fluoride riboswitch. The riboswitch adds a layer of regulation between the promoter and the reporter gene, allowing cloning of stronger promoters by weakening expression, while giving the potential to induce with fluoride to provide a good signal for weaker promoters, thus circumventing limitations associated with reporter toxicity. We noticed the riboswitch potential portability issues between species, suggesting caution when using riboswitches non-native to the species where it is being used. This study introduces a new molecular biology tool which will allow for the identification of previously unverifiable or uncharacterized potent promoters and also provides a cloning vector for translational fusion with luciferase in a plasmid compatible with many species such as from the genera Burkholderia and Pseudomonas.


Scaling properties of light scattering spectra for particles moving with helical trajectories.
This investigation indicates that model quasi-elastic light scattering spectra from particles moving on a helical trajectory exhibit nonscaling behavior. At low q light scattering samples the average progressive speed of the center of mass, while at large q it is the trajectory speed which is important. The extent of this non-scaling depends critically on the pitch and radius of the helix. For spherical scatterers the largest effect is seen when the ratio of the pitch to the radius is ~0.1. Interpreting data from such a system by using a point particle approximation would lead to a sizable underestimate of the speed of the scatterer. In the high q limit the scaling level of the model correlation functions is independent of the product of the curvature of the helix and q. The results for rotating disk-shaped ellipsoidal scatterers parallel those for spheres. The critical parameter for cases where the radius of the disk is large compared with the radius of the helix is the radius of the disk itself. When the radius of the disk is larger than the wavelength of the light the scaling behavior is determined primarily by rotational motion. Deviation from this behavior due to helical motion occurs only at extremely low values of q.


Self-reported sleep quality of patients with atrial fibrillation and the effects of cardioversion on sleep quality.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disturbance encountered in clinical practice and is associated with impaired quality of life. Data from the previous studies have shown that sleep quality (SQ), as a component of life quality, may also deteriorate in patients with AF. However, it remains unclear; we do not know whether SQ improves after sinus rhythm is maintained. Therefore, we aimed to examine the relationship between SQ and AF, as well as the effects of sinus rhythm restoration with direct current cardioversion (DCC) on SQ among patients with persistent AF. One hundred fifty-three patients with a diagnosis of nonvalvular AF and 150 age-matched control subjects with sinus rhythm were recruited. SQ was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study was designed with two stages. First, the difference in SQ between AF patients and age-matched controls was examined. Patients with global PSQI scores greater than 5 were defined as "poor sleepers." Thus, a higher global PSQI score indicated worsened SQ. Predictors of poor SQ were also analyzed using a regression model. Second, the effect of rhythm control on SQ was studied in patients with AF who were eligible for DCC. Of the 65 patients with persistent AF, 54 patients with successful cardioversion were followed for 6 months. The remaining 11 patients, whose cardioversion was unsuccessful, were not followed. After 6 months of follow-up, the PSQI scores of patients with sinus rhythm maintenance (n = 39) and patients with AF recurrence (n = 15) were reassessed. Changes in global PSQI scores (baseline vs after 6 months) were analyzed. The PSQI scores were significantly higher in the AF group compared to the control group (9.4 ± 4.6 vs 5.8 ± 4.1, P = 0.001, respectively). The prevalence of poor sleepers was significantly higher in the AF group (76%) than in the control group (45%) (P < 0.001 by the χ(2) test). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that AF (odds ratio [OR]: 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.00-5.55), age (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04), and diabetes mellitus (OR:1.79, 95% CI: 1.03-3.14) were independent predictors of poor SQ. In the second stage, the effect of rhythm control on the SQ of the 54 patients with successful DCC was analyzed. PSQI scores improved significantly between baseline and the 6 months in sinus rhythm maintenance group (8.7 ± 4.1 vs 7.2 ± 3.8, P < 0.001, respectively). However, in the AF recurrence group, the change in global PSQI scores between baseline and the sixth month was not statistically significant (9.8 ± 4.5 vs 9.2 ± 4.2, P = 0.56, respectively). Patients with AF have shorter sleep duration and poor SQ. Maintenance of sinus rhythm after DCC may have a favorable effect on the SQ of patients with AF. Nevertheless, AF is an independent predictor of poor SQ.