Relationship between rice consumption and body weight gain in Japanese workers: white versus brown rice/multigrain rice.
Increasing obesity rates have driven research into dietary support for body weight control, but previous studies have only assessed changes in body weight of ±3 kg. We investigated the relationships between white or brown/multi-grain rice consumption and 1-year body weight gain ≥3 kg in Japanese factory workers (n = 437). Routine medical check-up data from a 1-year nutrition and lifestyle cohort study were analysed. Participants were divided into white rice and brown/multi-grain rice consumption groups and further classified by tertile of rice consumption. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed by tertile. At 1 year, high white rice consumption was significantly associated with increased risk of body weight gain ≥3 kg compared with low white rice consumption, maintained after adjustment for age, sex, and consumption of other obesogenic foods (p = 0.034). In the brown/multi-grain rice consumption group, however, there was no significant difference in risk between high and low consumption, even after multi-variate adjustment (p = 0.387). The consumption of white rice, but not brown rice/multi-grain rice, was positively correlated with the risk of a 1-year body weight gain of 3 kg or more. This suggests that brown rice/multi-grain rice consumption is useful for body weight control among Japanese workers.


Increased tissue factor activity of monocytes/macrophages isolated from canine renal allografts.
Kidney allografting was performed in a group of ten beagles, and viable leukocytes infiltrating the transplanted organs were isolated during episodes of acute rejection 5 or 6 days postoperatively. These infiltrate populations, consisting predominantly of lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages, were found to have significantly increased amounts of procoagulant activity relative to control leukocytes isolated from circulating blood and lymph. Using nonspecific esterase staining in an agar microclot assay, procoagulant activity in the infiltrate leukocytes was found to reside in monocytes/macrophages rather than other coisolated cell types. By contrast, control monocytes from blood had no activity in this microclot assay. Procoagulant activity in the infiltrate cells was characterized as tissue factor. Increased amounts of this activator of the extrinsic pathway, as found in infiltrate monocytes/macrophages, may initiate clotting reactions and fibrin deposition within allografts.


Calculation of the wetting parameter from a cluster model in the framework of nanothermodynamics.
The critical wetting parameter omega(c) determines the strength of interfacial fluctuations in critical wetting transitions. In this Brief Report, we calculate omega(c) from considerations on critical liquid clusters inside a vapor phase. The starting point is a cluster model developed by Hill and Chamberlin in the framework of nanothermodynamics [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95, 12779 (1998)]. Our calculations yield results for omega(c) between 0.52 and 1.00, depending on the degrees of freedom considered. The findings are in agreement with previous experimental results and give an idea of the universal dynamical behavior of the clusters when approaching criticality. We suggest that this behavior is a combination of translation and vortex rotational motion (omega(c)=0.84).


[Possibilities of conventional intravenous subtraction angiography].
Basing on the experiences collected with 127 patients, the pros and cons as well as the indications for intravenous angiography with conventional photographic subtraction technique (ISA) are discussed in comparison with rival procedures. ISA can be performed in every angiography unit without any additional investment, and its possibilities of use are identical with those of the DSA. As a matter of fact, it is a simple and safe method for visualising the renal arteries in the course of intravenous urography in the diagnostic evaluation of hypertension. For the first time, it has become possible to perform transvenous determination of the complete status of the arteries of the pelvis and legs, using a new technical system (simultaneous use of two film changers in the frontal plane--ISA aortoarteriography.


Hydrogen Sulfide and β-Synuclein Are Involved and Interlinked in the Aging Glaucomatous Retina.
Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, is a group of disorders characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Synucleins, a family of small proteins, have been of interest in studies of neurodegeneration and CNS. However, their roles and functions in glaucoma are still not completely understood and remain to be explored. Our previous studies showed that α-synuclein and H2S play a pivotal role in glaucoma. This study aims to (1) elucidate the potential roles and functions of synucleins in glaucoma throughout aging, (2) investigate the interaction between the synucleins and H2S, and better understand the mechanism of H2S in neuroprotection. The chronic IOP elevation model was carried out in 12 animals at different ages (3 months and 14 months), and RGCs were quantified by Brn3a staining. Mass spectrometric-assisted proteomics analysis was employed to measure synuclein levels and H2S producing proteins in retina. Secondly, the acute IOP elevation model was carried out in 12 juvenile animals, with or without intravitreal injection of GYY4137 (a H2S donor). RGCs were quantified along with the abundancy of synucleins. RGCs and β-synuclein (SNCB) are significantly changed in old animals. Under chronic IOP elevation, there is a significant RGC loss in old animals, whereas no significant change in young animals; SNCB is significantly downregulated and 3MST is significantly upregulated in young animals due to IOP, while no significant changes in old ones are notable. Under acute IOP elevation (approx. 55 mmHg), a significant RGC loss is observed; exogenous H2S significantly reduced RGC loss and downregulated SNCB levels. The present study indicates a strong link between ageing and SNCB regulation. In young animals SNCB is downregulated going along with less RGC loss. Furthermore, increasing endogenous H2S is effective to downregulate SNCB and is neuroprotective against acute IOP elevation.


Mental Disorders in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy: A Nationwide Population-based Study.
Using nationwide data from South Korea, we analyzed the prevalence of mental disorders among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who received radiotherapy (RT). Data were collected between January 2010 and December 2014, and 1,819 patients diagnosed with NPC who underwent RT were identified. We calculated the prevalence of the five most commonly diagnosed mental disorders and their incidences according to a time sequence based on the time of RT. Among 1,819 patients, 144 (7.9%) were diagnosed at least once with a mental disorder between one year before the start of RT and the last follow-up. Based on the first diagnosis, 51 (35.4%) patients experienced anxiety, and 46 (31.9%) suffered from depression. The frequency of mental disorders increased up to the beginning of RT and then declined. Before the start of RT, anxiety was most frequent, and depression occurred after the start of RT. The cumulative incidence of mental disorders in the older age group tended to be higher than that of the younger group (≥54 vs. <54 years, log-rank p=0.052). The proportion of mental disorders differed before and after the start of RT in patients with NPC. At the beginning of RT, mental disorders emerged most often during management. Early screenings and interventions for mental disorders were able to improve quality of life (QOL).


YMO1 suppresses invasion and metastasis by inhibiting RhoC signaling and predicts favorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Previous studies have shown that 4.1 proteins, which are deregulated in many cancers, contribute to cell adhesion and motility. Yurt/Mosaic eyes-like 1 (YMO1) is a member of 4.1 protein family but it is unclear whether YMO1 plays a role in tumor invasion. This study aimed to investigate the effects of YMO1 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and attempted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. YMO1 expression in HCC tissues and its correlation with clinicopathological features and postoperative prognosis was analyzed. The results showed that YMO1 was down-regulated in the highly metastatic HCC cell line and in human tumor tissues. Underexpression of YMO1 indicated poor prognosis of HCC patients. Restoration of YMO1 expression caused a significant decrease in cell migration and invasiveness in vitro. In vivo study showed that YMO1 reduced liver tumor invasion and metastasis in xenograft mice. YMO1 directly inhibited RhoC activation. YMO1 expression in HCC was regulated by PAX5. Analysis of YMO1 expression levels in human HCC patients revealed a significant correlation of YMO1 expression with PAX5 and RhoC. Our findings revealed that YMO1 predicts favorable prognosis and the data suggest that YMO1 suppresses tumor invasion and metastasis by inhibiting RhoC activity.


HGF induction of postsynaptic specializations at the neuromuscular junction.
A critical event in the formation of vertebrate neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) is the postsynaptic clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in muscle. AChR clustering is triggered by the activation of MuSK, a muscle-specific tyrosine kinase that is part of the functional receptor for agrin, a nerve-derived heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). At the NMJ, heparan sulfate (HS)-binding growth factors and their receptors are also localized but their involvement in postsynaptic signaling is poorly understood. In this study we found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), an HS-binding growth factor, surrounded muscle fibers and was localized at NMJs in rat muscle sections. In cultured Xenopus muscle cells, HGF was enriched at spontaneously occurring AChR clusters (hot spots), where HSPGs were also concentrated, and, following stimulation of muscle cells by agrin or cocultured neurons, HGF associated with newly formed AChR clusters. HGF presented locally to cultured muscle cells by latex beads induced new AChR clusters and dispersed AChR hot spots, and HGF beads also clustered phosphotyrosine, activated c-Met, and proteins of dystrophin complex; clustering of AChRs and associated proteins by HGF beads required actin polymerization. Lastly, although bath-applied HGF alone did not induce new AChR clusters, addition of HGF potentiated agrin-dependent AChR clustering in muscle. Our findings suggest that HGF promotes AChR clustering and synaptogenic signaling in muscle during NMJ development.


Nanostructured ruthenium oxide electrodes via high-temperature molecular templating for use in electrochemical capacitors.
Ruthenium oxide is a model pseudocapacitive materials exhibiting good electronic and protonic conduction and has been shown to achieve very high gravimetric capacitances. However, the capacitance of thermally prepared ruthenium oxide is generally low because of low protonic conductivity resulting from dehydration of the oxide upon annealing. High-temperature processing, however also produces the electrically conducting ruthenium oxide rutile phase, which is of great interest for electrochemical capacitors. Here, unusual electrochemical characteristics were obtained for thermally prepared ruthenium oxide when fabricated in the presence of alkyl-thiols at high temperature. The performance characteristics have been attributed to enhanced multifunctional properties of the material resulting from the novel processing. The processing method relies on a simple, solution-based strategy that utilizes a sacrificial organic template to sterically direct hierarchical architecture formation in electro-active ruthenium oxide. Thin films of the templated RuO(2) exhibit energy storage characteristics comparable to hydrous ruthenium oxide materials formed under dramatically different conditions. Extensive materials characterization has revealed that these property enhancements are associated with the retention of molecular-sized metal oxide clusters, high hydroxyl concentrations, and formation of hierarchical porosity in the ruthenium oxide thin films.


Characterization of Initial Cell Adhesion on Charged Polymer Substrates in Serum-Containing and Serum-Free Media.
Charged substrates are expected to promote cell adhesion via electrostatic interaction, but it remains unclear how cells adhere to these substrates. Here, initial cell adhesion (<30 min) was re-examined on charged substrates in serum-containing and serum-free media to distinguish among various cell adhesion mechanisms (i.e., electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic interaction, and biological interaction). Cationic and anionic methacrylate copolymers were coated on nonionic nontissue culture-treated polystyrene to create charged substrates. Cells adhered similarly on cationic, anionic, and nonionic substrates in serum-free medium via integrin-independent mechanisms, but their adhesion forces differed (anionic > cationic > nonionic substrates), indicating that cell adhesion is not mediated solely by the cells' negative charge. In serum-containing medium, the cells adhered minimally on anionic and nonionic substrates, but they adhered abundantly on cationic substrates via both integrin-dependent and -independent mechanisms. These results suggest that neither electrostatic force nor protein adsorption is accountable for cell adhesion. Conclusively, the observed phenomena revealed a gap in the generally accepted understanding of cell adhesion mechanisms on charged polymeric substrates. A reanalysis of their mechanisms is necessary.


Distinguishing between selection and population expansion in an experimental lineage of bacteriophage T7.
Experimental evolution of short-lived organisms offers the opportunity to study the dynamics of polymorphism over time in a controlled environment. Here, we characterize DNA polymorphism data over time for four genes in bacteriophage T7. Our experiment ran for 2500 generations and populations were sampled after 500, 2000, and 2500 generations. We detect positive selection, purifying ("negative") selection, and population expansion in our experiment. We also present a statistical test that is able to distinguish demographic from selective events, processes that are hard to identify individually because both often produce an excess of rare mutations. Our "heterogeneity test" modifies common statistics measuring the frequency spectrum of polymorphism (e.g., Fu and Li's D) by looking for processes producing different patterns on nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations. Test results agree with the known conditions of the experiment, and we are therefore confident that this test offers a tool to evaluate natural populations. Our results suggest that instances of segregating deleterious mutations may be common, but as yet undetected, in nature.


Carcass, meat quality traits, and economic analysis of Nellore bulls fed with finishing feedlot diets containing mechanically processed corn silage.
Effects of mechanical processing (MP) of corn silage and its inclusion in feedlot diets on carcass and meat quality traits of Nellore (Bos indicus) were analyzed. Seventy-two bulls aged approximately 18 months and with an initial average body weight of 392.8 ± 22.3 kg were used. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, considering the concentrate-roughage (C:R) ratio (40:60 or 20:80), MP of silage and their interactions. After slaughter, hot carcass weight (HCW), pH, temperature, backfat thickness (BFT), and ribeye area (REA), yields of meat cuts (tenderloin, striploin, ribeye steak, neck steak, and sirloin cap), meat quality traits and economic analysis were evaluated. A lower final pH was found in the carcasses of animals consuming diets containing MP versus unprocessed silage (pH = 5.81 versus 5.93). Carcass variables (HCW, BFT, and REA) and meat cut yields were not affected by treatments. The C:R 20:80 increased the intramuscular fat (IMF) content by approximately 1%, without affecting moisture, ash, and protein contents. Meat/fat color (L*, a* and b*) and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) were similar among treatments. The results indicated that the MP of corn silage in finishing diets can provide better carcass pH results in Nellore bulls, without negatively influencing carcass weight, fatness, and meat tenderness (WBSF). The IMF content of meat was slightly improved using a C:R 20:80 and lower total costs per arroba produced (3.5%), daily costs per animal/day (4.2%), and cost per ton of feeds (5.15%) were found with MP silage.


Supramolecular recognition influences magnetism in [X@HV(IV) 8 V(V) 14 O54 ](6-) self-assemblies with symmetry-breaking guest anions.
Mixed-valence polyoxovanadates(IV/V) have emerged as one of the most intricate class of supramolecular all-inorganic host species, able to encapsulate a wide variety of smaller guest templates during their self-assembly formation process. As showcased herein, the incorporation of guests, though governed solely by ultra-weak electrostatic and van der Waals interactions, can cause drastic effects on the electronic and magnetic characteristics of the shell complex of the polyoxovanadate. We address the question of methodology for the magnetochemical analysis of virtually isostructural {V(IV/V) 22 O54 }-type polyoxoanions of D2d symmetry enclosing diamagnetic VO2 F2 (-) (C2v ), SCN(-) (C∞v ), or ClO4 (-) (Td ) template anions. These induce different polarization effects related to differences in their geometric structures, symmetry, ion radii, and valence shells, eventually resulting in a supramolecular modulation of magnetic exchange between the V(3d) electrons that are partly delocalized over the {V22 O54 } shells. We also include the synthesis and characterization of the novel [V(V) O2 F2 @HV(IV) 8 V(V) 14 O54 ](6-) system that comprises the rarely encountered discrete difluorovanadate anion as a quasi-isolated guest species.


[Surgical treatment of pleural mesothelioma].
Mesothelioma which is the primary tumor of the pleura has recently been subject to many researches because of its poor prognosis and the difficulties met in radical therapy. Between 1974-1986 total 46 patients with pleural mesothelioma were treated surgically at our center. Finally it was concluded that only the cases in stage I and with epithelial malignant pleural mesothelioma should be subjected to radical surgery. The remaining patients should be treated with conservative methods.


Different degrees of plant invasion significantly affect the richness of the soil fungal community.
Several studies have shown that soil microorganisms play a key role in the success of plant invasion. Thus, ecologists have become increasingly interested in understanding the ecological effects of biological invasion on soil microbial communities given continuing increase in the effects of invasive plants on native ecosystems. This paper aims to provide a relatively complete depiction of the characteristics of soil microbial communities under different degrees of plant invasion. Rhizospheric soils of the notorious invasive plant Wedelia trilobata with different degrees of invasion (uninvaded, low-degree, and high-degree using its coverage in the invaded ecosystems) were collected from five discrete areas in Hainan Province, P. R. China. Soil physicochemical properties and community structure of soil microorganisms were assessed. Low degrees of W. trilobata invasion significantly increased soil pH values whereas high degrees of invasion did not significantly affected soil pH values. Moreover, the degree of W. trilobata invasion exerted significant effects on soil Ca concentration but did not significantly change other indices of soil physicochemical properties. Low and high degrees of W. trilobata invasion increased the richness of the soil fungal community but did not pose obvious effects on the soil bacterial community. W. trilobata invasion also exerted obvious effects on the community structure of soil microorganisms that take part in soil nitrogen cycling. These changes in soil physicochemical properties and community structure of soil microbial communities mediated by different degrees of W. trilobata invasion may present significant functions in further facilitating the invasion process.


Clinical efficacy and safety of low-dose doxepin in Chinese patients with generalized anxiety disorder: A before-after study.
Clinical and animal studies have reported that low-dose doxepin may have positive effects on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); however, its effectiveness and clinical safety are less well understood. This study is a before-after study and aims to investigate the effectiveness and side effects of low-dose doxepin by evaluating Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores, hormones, blood glucose, serum lipids, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in patients with GAD. Forty-nine patients (20 males and 29 females) with GAD were randomly assigned to receive low-dose doxepin (6.25 mg-12.5 mg per day) for 12 weeks between February 2015 and March 2016. HAMA scores, fasting blood glucose (FBG) body weight, BMI, and some serum biochemical indexes, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and FBG, were assessed during pretreatment and post-treatment. Mean scores of HAMA decreased from 19.50 ± 1.22 to 8.50 ± 3.61 after low-dose doxepin treatment (P < .01). The serum levels of ACTH (4.33 ± 2.14 vs 6.12 ± 3.02 pmol/L), FT3 (4.78 ± 0.51 vs 5.15 ± 0.52 pg/mL), TC (4.55 ± 1.01 vs 5.93 ± 1.66 mmol/L), TG (1.69 ± 1.51 vs 3.39 ± 2.86 mmol/L), and LDLC (2.43 ± 0.88 vs 3.76 ± 1.25 mmol/L), and FBG (5.06 ± 0.43 vs 5.78 ± 0.81 mmol/L) were higher than that pretreatment with a significant difference (P < .01). Bodyweight (62.00 ± 7.45 vs 64.00 ± 6.44 kg, P = .23) and BMI (23.70 ± 2.35 vs 24.48 ± 2.11 kg/m2, P = .14) had no difference after treatment. These results suggest that low-dose doxepin has beneficial clinical efficacy and safety. Low-dose doxepin can ameliorate anxiety in GAD patients and has some effects on neuroendocrine systems and the metabolic activity of serum glucose and lipid.


Whole Grape Pomace Flour as Nutritive Ingredient for Enriched Durum Wheat Pasta with Bioactive Potential.
In this study, grape pomace is used as an ingredient to fortify pasta. The grape pomace phenolic component is highly accessible and available for metabolization in the human gut. Hence, grape pomace can be exploited as a source of polyphenols and fiber for sustainable and dietary beneficial food production. Analyses of soluble and bound phenols and volatile compounds in raw and cooked pasta were performed. In the uncooked pasta fortified with pomace, the content of soluble and bound phenolic molecules increased significantly. During the cooking process, the bound phenols were lost, while the soluble phenols doubled. The whole grape pomace flour as a pasta ingredient increased the fiber component by at least double, increased the soluble polyphenol component by at least 10 times, and doubled the isoprenoids (toco-chromanols and carotenoids) while maintaining the unaltered fatty acid content after cooking. In accordance with the polyphenol content, antioxidant activity resulted higher than that of the control pasta. Analysis of volatile compounds in fortified pasta, both uncooked and cooked, indicated an improvement in aromatic profile when compared to the control pasta. Our results show that durum wheat pasta fortified with whole pomace flour has bioactive potential for the reuse of food industry byproducts.


Do chronic pain patients 'Stroop' on pain stimuli?
Two experiments investigating the presence of information-processing biases on tasks of attention (Stroop task) and memory (free recall) in relation to mood states in chronic pain patients are reported. The first investigates whether previously reported attentional bias is a function of pain status or mood state. The second describes a more detailed examination of the roles of anxiety and depression in processing biases in chronic pain patients. Both studies compared interference time on an emotional Stroop task between chronic pain patients and controls. Other measures included self-report of pain, depression and anxiety. Neither study found evidence for an attentional bias, although a memory recall bias was demonstrated. Interference in attending to emotionally salient stimuli appears to be related to measures of anxiety and depression rather than pain per se. When added to the findings of other investigators, these results suggest that the presence of attentional biases in chronic pain patients can best be accounted for as arising from mood state rather than pain-patient status.


Inhibitory Receptor Expression Depends More Dominantly on Differentiation and Activation than "Exhaustion" of Human CD8 T Cells.
Under conditions of chronic antigen stimulation, such as persistent viral infection and cancer, CD8 T cells may diminish effector function, which has been termed "exhaustion." Expression of inhibitory Receptors (iRs) is often regarded as a hallmark of "exhaustion." Here we studied the expression of eight different iRs by CD8 T cells of healthy humans, including CTLA-4, PD1, TIM3, LAG3, 2B4, BTLA, CD160, and KLRG1. We show that many iRs are expressed upon activation, and with progressive differentiation to effector cells, even in absence of long-term ("chronic") antigenic stimulation. In particular, we evaluated the direct relationship between iR expression and functionality in CD8 T cells by using anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulation to stimulate all cells and differentiation subsets. We observed a striking up-regulation of certain iRs following the cytokine production wave, in agreement with the notion that iRs function as a negative feedback mechanism. Intriguingly, we found no major impairment of cytokine production in cells positive for a broad array of iRs, as previously shown for PD1 in healthy donors. Rather, the expression of the various iRs strongly correlated with T cell differentiation or activation states, or both. Furthermore, we analyzed CD8 T cells from lymph nodes (LNs) of melanoma patients. Interestingly, we found altered iR expression and lower cytokine production by T cells from metastatic LNs, but also from non-metastatic LNs, likely due to mechanisms which are not related to exhaustion. Together, our data shows that expression of iRs per se does not mark dysfunctional cells, but is rather tightly linked to activation and differentiation. This study highlights the importance of considering the status of activation and differentiation for the study and the clinical monitoring of CD8 T cells.


Fetal alcohol exposure alters proopiomelanocortin gene expression and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function via increasing MeCP2 expression in the hypothalamus.
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a precursor gene of the neuropeptide β-endorphin in the hypothalamus and is known to regulate various physiological functions including stress response. Several recent reports showed that fetal alcohol exposure programs the hypothalamus to produce lower levels of POMC gene transcripts and to elevate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to stressful stimuli. We investigated the role of methyl CpG binding protein (MeCP2) in the effects of prenatal ethanol on POMC gene expression and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed between GD 7 and 21 with a liquid diet containing 6.7% alcohol, pair-fed with isocaloric liquid diet, or fed ad libitum with rat chow, and their male offsprings were used at 60 days after birth in this study. Fetal alcohol exposure reduced the level of POMC mRNA, but increased the level of DNA methylation of this gene in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus where the POMC neuronal cell bodies are located. Fetal alcohol exposed rats showed a significant increase in MeCP2 protein levels in POMC cells, MeCP2 gene transcript levels as well as increased MeCP2 protein binding on the POMC promoter in the arcuate nucleus. Lentiviral delivery of MeCP2 shRNA into the third ventricle efficiently reduced MeCP2 expression and prevented the effect of prenatal ethanol on POMC gene expression in the arcuate nucleus. MeCP2-shRNA treatment also normalized the prenatal ethanol-induced increase in corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) gene expression in the hypothalamus and elevated plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone hormone responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. These results suggest that fetal alcohol programming of POMC gene may involve recruitment of MeCP2 on to the methylated promoter of the POMC gene to suppress POMC transcript levels and contribute to HPA axis dysregulation.


Synthesis, structure, DNA-binding properties and antioxidant activity of silver(I) complexes containing V-shaped bis-benzimidazole ligands.
A V-shaped ligand bis(2-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)benzylamine L(1) with its two derivatives bis(N-methylbenzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)benzylamine L(2) and bis(N-benzylbenzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)benzylamine L(3) have been prepared. Reaction of these shape-specific designed ligands with Ag(pic) (pic = picrate) afforded three novel complexes, namely, [Ag(2)L(1)(2)](pic)(2)1, [Ag(2)L(2)(2)](pic)(2)·2DMF 2 and [AgL(3)(pic)] 3. The ligands and complexes were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, UV-Vis, IR, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 is a dinuclear metallacycle with a 2-fold rotational symmetry in which two syn-conformational L(1) ligands are connected by two linearly coordinated Ag(I) atoms. Due to the strong interaction between two adjacent Ag(I) atoms, the coordination mode of the central Ag(I) atom can be described as T-shaped. Complex 2 consists of a centrosymmetric dinuclear pore canal structure assembled from two nearly linearly coordinated Ag(I) atoms and two L(2) ligands. The structure of complex 3 adopts a four-coordinate environment for AgN(2)O(2), with the counterion participating in an eight-shaped geometry. In order to explore the relationship between the structure and biological properties, the DNA-binding properties have been investigated by viscosity measurements, electronic absorption, and fluorescence. The results suggest that the ligands and complexes bind to DNA in an intercalation mode, and their binding affinities for DNA are also different. Moreover, the three Ag(I) complexes also exhibited potential antioxidant properties in vitro studies.


Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of an ambiguous cystic kidney disease in a resource limited setting: a case report.
Unilateral renal cystic disease is a rare condition that shares morphological similarities with multicystic dysplastic kidney, the former often distinguished from the latter on some clinical and histopathological grounds. However serious diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas set in when there is a considerable overlap in the distinguishing features between these entities. A 19-year-old African female presented with a chronic severe debilitating right lower quadrant abdominal pain refractory to analgesics. Biochemical investigations and imaging studies revealed a non-functional polycystic right kidney and no identifiable pelvicalyceal system or ureter but with preserved renal function. The marked overlap in clinical presentation between unilateral renal cystic disease and multicystic dysplastic kidney in this patient necessitated further investigation to pose an appropriate diagnosis. A right nephrectomy was performed and histopathological analysis of the resected kidney done, the results of which were more consistent with unilateral renal cystic disease. The post-operative course was favorable. Unilateral renal cystic disease with an ipsilateral non-functional kidney and an atretic pelvicalyceal system is a very rare condition that needs to be distinguished from multicystic dysplastic kidney in order to guide management and set prognosis. A suspicion of either of these diseases therefore warrants a thorough clinical evaluation and the appropriate combination of biochemical and imaging investigations.


Empiric treatments impair the diagnostic yield of BAL in HIV-positive patients.
To investigate the influence of empiric treatments prior to fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) on the diagnostic yield of BAL in HIV-positive patients with respiratory symptoms. We studied 123 consecutive FOBs with BAL in HIV-positive patients; 101 of these patients (82%) had received previous antimicrobial treatment from 1 to 60 days. Diagnostic yield of BAL for Pneumocystis carinii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and bacterial pneumonia was compared between patients with and without previous empiric treatments. A diagnosis was obtained in 85 patients (69%), of whom 17 (20%) had multiple infections. Diagnostic yield was higher in patients without previous treatment, 91% (20/22) compared with 64% (65/101), p < 0.03. Diagnostic yield was also higher for bacterial pneumonia: seven isolations from 22 patients not receiving previous empiric treatment (32%), compared with 11 of those who had (11%; p < 0.02). The duration of empiric treatment against P carinii in patients in whom it was isolated was significantly shorter than in those in whom P carinii was not detected (3.5 +/- 1.8 days compared with 5.2 +/- 2.4 days; p = 0.003). FOB permitted a change in treatment in 62% of patients with a final diagnosis. This study demonstrates that empiric treatments prior to FOB significantly impair the diagnostic yield of BAL in detecting common pathogens in HIV-infected patients with respiratory symptoms.


Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring technology: recent advances and evolving uses.
Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring has evolved over the last 25 years to become an important component of many types of orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures. From its foundations in VIII cranial nerve surgeries and scoliosis corrections surgeries, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring has expanded to incorporate nearly all spine procedures and many involving the brain and brainstem. Fundamental to this growth in the use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring has been the development of the technology used to perform the neurophysiological tests. Advancements in electronics and computer technology have resulted in significant improvements in the capacity, ease of use, quality and reliability of the equipment as well as the quality of and control over the acquired data. These technological advancements have resulted in remarkable improvements in not only the quality and availability of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, but also, as a consequence, patient care, and have arguably propelled the expansion of the use that intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring has seen over the last 10 years.


Use of longer sized screws is a salvage method for broken pedicles in osteoporotic vertebrae.
Screw loosening due to broken pedicles is a common complication resulting from the insertion of screws either with inadequate diameters or into an osteoporotic pedicle. In this novel in vitro study, we tried to clarify the contribution of the pedicle to screw fixation and subsequent salvage strategies using longer or larger-diameter screws in broken pedicles. Sixty L4 fresh-frozen lumbar vertebrae harvested from mature pigs were designed as the normal-density group (n = 30) and decalcified as the osteoporosis group (n = 30). Three modalities were randomly assigned as intact pedicle (n = 30), semi-pedicle (n = 15), and non-pedicle (n = 15) in each group. Three sizes of polyaxial screws (diameter × length of 6.0 mm × 45 mm, 6.0 mm × 50 mm, and 6.5 mm × 45 mm) over five trials were used in each modality. The associations between bone density, pedicle modality and screw pullout strength were analyzed. After decalcification for 4 weeks, the area bone mineral density decreased to approximately 56% (p < 0.05) of the normal-density group, which was assigned as the osteoporosis group. An appropriate screw trajectory and insertional depth were confirmed using X-ray imaging prior to pullout testing in both groups. The pullout forces of larger-diameter screws (6.5 mm × 45 mm) and longer screws (6.0 mm × 50 mm) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the semi- and non-pedicle modalities in the normal-density group, whereas only longer screws (6.0 mm × 50 mm) had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) pullout force in the non-pedicle modalities in the osteoporosis group. The pedicle plays an important role in both the normal bone density group and the osteoporosis group, as revealed by analyzing the pullout force percentage contributed by the pedicle. Use of a longer screw would be a way to salvage a broken pedicle of osteoporotic vertebra.


Quantum-based Modeling of Protein-ligand Interaction: The Complex of RutA with Uracil and Molecular Oxygen.
Modern quantum-based methods are employed to model interaction of the flavin-dependent enzyme RutA with the uracil and oxygen molecules. This complex presents the structure of reactants for the chain of chemical reactions of monooxygenation in the enzyme active site, which is important in drug metabolism. In this case, application of quantum-based approaches is an essential issue, unlike conventional modeling of protein-ligand interaction with force fields using molecular mechanics and classical molecular dynamics methods. We focus on two difficult problems to characterize the structure of reactants in the RutA-FMN-O2 -uracil complex, where FMN stands for the flavin mononucleotide species. First, location of a small O2 molecule in the triplet spin state in the protein cavities is required. Second, positions of both ligands, O2 and uracil, must be specified in the active site with a comparable accuracy. We show that the methods of molecular dynamics with the interaction potentials of quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics theory (QM/MM MD) allow us to characterize this complex and, in addition, to surmise possible reaction mechanism of uracil oxygenation by RutA.


Robotic Single-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Is Safe but Faces Technical Challenges.
For cholecystectomy, multiport laparoscopy is the recommended surgical approach. Single-port laparoscopy (SPL) was introduced to reduce postoperative pain and provide better cosmetic results, but has technical disadvantages. Robotic SPL (RSPL) was developed to overcome these disadvantages. In this prospective study, we aim to describe intraoperative results and postoperative outcomes of RSPL cholecystectomies and evaluate technical aspects of the technique. A prospective database of all patients who underwent a RSPL cholecystectomy between January 2012 and December 2014 was analyzed. Intraoperative results and postoperative complications were evaluated. A total of 27 patients underwent RSPL cholecystectomy. Median age was 59 (20-78) years and median body mass index was 25 (19-35) kg/m2. The majority of patients had American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II classification (67%) and 89% underwent surgery for cholecystolithiasis or cholecystitis. The median operating time was 81 (41-115) minutes. Conversion to a multiport procedure occurred in 2; one due to insufficient length of the robotic instruments. In the second and third patients, conversion to an open procedure was necessary due to inadequate exposure caused by liver cirrhosis and purulent ascites, respectively. In seven procedures, spill occurred due to rupture of the gallbladder. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients, including 1 bleeding (no reintervention), 1 peritonitis, and 2 wound infections. After a median follow-up of 33 (10-44) months, 5 (19%) trocar-site hernias were seen. RSPL cholecystectomy is feasible, however, encountered by technical challenges due to inadequate length of the nonwristed robotic instruments. A high incidence of gallbladder rupture and trocar-site hernias may limit its application.


[The clinical efficiency and safety of iodide-bromine balneotherapy in patients with coronary heart disease concurrent with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
to evaluate the efficiency of iodide-bromine balneotherapy (IBB) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) concurrent with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sixty-six patients with CHD, Functional Class HII stable angina on exertion concurrent with mild and moderate COPD were examined. Group 1 included 36 patients with CHD concurrent with mild and moderate COPD (a study group); Group 2 consisted of 30 patients (a control group). The groups were matched for age, gender, and concomitant abnormality. The patients from both groups undergone a complex clinical and instrumental study (clinical and biochemical study, echocardiography, 24-hour ECG monitoring, EchoCG, external respiration function (ERF) test. In both groups, CHD and COPD were treated by the generally accepted standards, Group I patients were additionally given IBB at a water temperature of 37 degrees C; the concentration of iodine and bromine was 10-15 and 30-40 m/I, respectively; the duration was 10-15 min for 2 consecutive days, followed by a rest day or every second day; the course comprised 10-12 sessions. After the course of IBB, there were significant reductions in the number of anginal attacks and the dose of nitrates weekly, the number of episodes of supraventricular and ventricular premature contractions, producing no impact on the cardiac conduction system. The duration of silent myocardial ischemia and the degree of ST-segment depression significantly reduced. No significant changes were obtained in the control group. ERF examination confirmed the safety of IBB used in patients with CHD and COPD. IBB has a beneficial antiischemic activity in patients with CHD concurrent with COPD, without producing a negative impact on ERF.


High prevalence of S. Stercoralis infection among patients with Chagas disease: A retrospective case-control study.
We evaluate the association between Trypanosoma cruzi infection and strongyloidiasis in a cohort of Latin American (LA) migrants screened for both infections in a non-endemic setting. Case-control study including LA individuals who were systematically screened for T. cruzi infection and strongyloidiasis between January 2013 and April 2015. Individuals were included as cases if they had a positive serological result for Strongyloides stercoralis. Controls were randomly selected from the cohort of individuals screened for T. cruzi infection that tested negative for S. stercoralis serology. The association between T. cruzi infection and strongyloidiasis was evaluated by logistic regression models. During the study period, 361 individuals were screened for both infections. 52 (14.4%) individuals had a positive serological result for strongyloidiasis (cases) and 104 participants with negative results were randomly selected as controls. 76 (48.7%) indiviuals had a positive serological result for T. cruzi. Factors associated with a positive T. cruzi serology were Bolivian origin (94.7% vs 78.7%; p = 0.003), coming from a rural area (90.8% vs 68.7%; p = 0.001), having lived in an adobe house (88.2% vs 70%; p = 0.006) and a referred contact with triatomine bugs (86.7% vs 63.3%; p = 0.001). There were more patients with a positive S. stercoralis serology among those who were infected with T. cruzi (42.1% vs 25%; p = 0.023). Epidemiological variables were not associated with a positive strongyloidiasis serology. T. cruzi infection was more frequent among those with strongyloidiasis (61.5% vs 42.3%; p = 0.023). In multivariate analysis, T. cruzi infection was associated with a two-fold increase in the odds of strongyloidiasis (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.07-4.64; p = 0.030). T. cruzi infection was associated with strongyloidiasis in LA migrants attending a tropical diseases unit even after adjusting for epidemiological variables. These findings should encourage physicians in non-endemic settings to implement a systematic screening for both infections in LA individuals.


The effect of biacromial and bideltoid distance on shoulder dystocia and birth weight in newborns
To evaluate the relationship between neonatal biacromial and bideltoid diameter (BDD), birth weight and shoulder dystocia (SD). This was a prospective observational study conducted on 161 pregnancies who applied to Private Lokman Hekim Hospital for follow-up between February 2021 and August 2021. Maternal height, weight, parity, and presence of SD in the second stage of labor were evaluated in the patients included in the study. The weight, height, head circumference, biacromial and BDD measurements of newborn babies were taken within the first two hours after birth. The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the biacromial and BDD and SD. The secondary purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the biacromial and BDD and macrosomia. The mean age and post-pregnancy body mass index of the participants were 31.3±4.4 years and 29.0±4.0 kg/m2, respectively, and 42.9% (n=69) delivered vaginally. The incidence of macrosomia was 6.8% (n=11) in all women and the incidence of SD was 7.2% (n=5) in women who had vaginal deliveries. The mean biacromial diameter (BAD) was 12.4±1.0 cm and the mean BDD was 18.2±1.7 cm. A correlation rate of 0.373 was found between SD and the BAD, and 0.484 between SD and the BDD. The correlation coefficients between macrosomia and the biacromial and BDD were 0.213 and 0.420, respectively. In cases in which the BDD was ≥21 cm, the sensitivity for SD was 100%, the specificity was 90.63%, and the accuracy was 91.30%. The cut-off point for the BAD was ≥14 cm, and the sensitivity and specificity for SD was 63.64% and 89.33%, respectively. The highest correlation for SD was obtained in cases in which there was a history of SD (0.648). The relationship between neonatal biacromial and BDD, and macrosomia and SD were significant. There was no difference between the correlation values of the two measurements in terms of SD. However, the correlation coefficient of the BDD was greater for macrosomia.


High transfection efficiency and cell viability of immune cells with nanomaterials-based transfection reagent.
Gene manipulation in non-adhesive cells, especially lymphocytes, was difficult due to their low efficiency and high toxicity. Electroporation was reported as a highly efficient method for human and mouse lymphocytes. However, this method requires expensive equipment and causes severe cell damage. Here, the authors present a simple and efficient method to deliver siRNA into lymphocytes with high efficiency and cell viability. This nanomaterials-based transfection reagent was simple and cost-effective and can perform multiple transfections, which further increase the overall efficiency. This method should be applicable for many cell lines and can be used to decipher gene functions of lymphocytes.


TC38, a teleost TFPI-2 peptide that kills bacteria via penetration of the cell membrane and interaction with nucleic acids.
Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI-2) is an analog of TFPI-1 and a potent endogenous inhibitor of tissue factor (TF)-mediated blood coagulation. Recent reports have proven that the C-terminal of TFPI-2 peptides in humans and several other vertebrates possesses antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In our previous study, we reported that the TFPI-2 peptide, TC38 in tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) was active against Micrococcus luteus. In this study, we further examine the antimicrobial spectrum, mechanism of action, and function of TC38 in tongue sole. Our results indicate that TC38 is active against the Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio ichthyoenteri, Vibrio litoralis, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus, as well as the fish Megalocytivirus, infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV). The mechanism of action of TC38 against V. vulnificus was explored. The results showed that TC38 killed V. vulnificus cells without lysis of the cell membrane. FITC-labeled TC38 was able to penetrate the cell membrane and bind to DNA and RNA, then disrupt cellular function, eventually leading to cell death. Administration of TC38 to tongue sole significantly improved its defense against V. vulnificus infection. Overall, these results indicate that TC38 is a novel peptide with a broad antimicrobial spectrum. Furthermore, the unique action of TC38 against V. vulnificus adds new insights to the mechanism of action of vertebrate TFPI peptides. Moreover, TC38 is an interesting antimicrobial agent that could be useful in the fight against pathogenic invasion in aquaculture.


[Effect of transarterial embolization on persistent type II endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair: a meta-analysis].
To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of transarterial embolization in persistent type II endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Eligible studies concerning treatment by transarterial embolization in patients with persistent type II endoleak after EVAR were identified from electronic database, cross-reference search and pertinent articles. All relevant studies were systematically reviewed and the data were extracted by two independent reviewers. The study endpoints were technical success, clinical success, mortality, and complications. A total of 56 studies were selected for comprehensive review. No randomized controlled trials were identified. Seven patient series, comprising 129 type II endoleaks, matched the selection criteria. The rate of technical success ranged from 69.7% to 100.0% (95% CI: 78.3% +/- 7.3%). During the follow-up, the clinical success rate was 100.0% in three studies using the criterion without increase of the aneurysm diameter by the end of followup; and in other 3 studies the disappearance rates of type II endoleak were 61.5%, 20.0%, and 78.9% respectively. No incidence of serious complications, rupture of aneurysmal sac, and intra-operational death were reported. Transarterial embolization is a main option in treating type II endoleak without serious complications. Despite the high rate of technical and clinical success of the procedure, long term follow-up and randomized contrast trials are needed to confirm the efficacy.


Consensus Tracking of Heterogeneous Discrete-Time Networked Multiagent Systems Based on the Networked Predictive Control Scheme.
This paper studies the problem of consensus tracking for heterogeneous discrete-time networked multiagent systems (NMASs) with network-induced communication delay. By introducing the networked predictive control scheme, novel consensus tracking protocols are designed to ensure that states of the NMASs follow the external reference signal. One of the agents is defined as the leader agent, all the other agents are defined as the followers, and the external reference signal is always known by the leader agent, both cases where the external reference signal is available and unavailable to the follower agents are discussed in this paper. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the novel consensus tracking protocols are proposed based on algebraic and graph theory. Numerical examples are given to validate the theoretical results.


Diffusion in a two-dimensional channel with curved midline and varying width: reduction to an effective one-dimensional description.
Diffusion in a narrow two-dimensional channel with a midline that need not be straight and a width that may vary is reduced to an effective one-dimensional equation of motion. This equation takes the form of the Fick-Jacobs equation with a spatially varying effective diffusivity. The effective diffusivity includes a contribution that comes from the slope of the midline as well as the usual term stemming from variations in the channel width along the length of the channel. Our derivation of our equation of motion is completely rigorous and is based on an asymptotic expansion in a small dimensionless parameter that characterizes the channel width. For a channel that has a straight midline or wall, our equation of motion reduces to Zwanzig's equation [R. Zwanzig, J. Phys. Chem. 96, 3926 (1992)]. Our derivation therefore provides a rigorous proof of the validity of the latter equation. Finally, the equation of motion is solved analytically for channels with curved midline and constant width.


Superconductivity in iron telluride thin films under tensile stress.
By realizing in thin films a tensile stress state, superconductivity of 13 K was introduced into FeTe, a nonsuperconducting parent compound of the iron pnictides and chalcogenides, with a transition temperature higher than that of its superconducting isostructural counterpart FeSe. For these tensile stressed films, superconductivity is accompanied by a softening of the first-order magnetic and structural phase transition, and also, the in-plane extension and out-of-plane contraction are universal in all FeTe films independent of the sign of the lattice mismatch, either positive or negative. Moreover, the correlations were found to exist between the transition temperatures and the tetrahedra bond angles in these thin films.


Caspofungin.
Caspofungin is a new antifungal drug meant for intravenous use. It has been shown to be comparable to other antifungal agents such as amphotericin B and fluconazole for empirical therapy in febrile neutropenic patients, oropharyngeal/esophageal candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis. Its efficacy has also been documented in children in small uncontrolled trials. The biggest assets of caspofungin are its excellent tolerability/safety profile and minimal drug interactions.


Mineral and endocrine metabolism during fracture healing in dogs.
The blood levels of parathormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), vitamin D metabolites, calcium, phosphate, magnesium and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were determined in 13 young dogs with experimental fractures of long bones. The parameters were measured before the fracture and during healing until the appearance of an early callus. Serum Ca levels were significantly reduced immediately after the fracture (10.95 +/- 0.30 mg/dl to 10.25 +/- 0.25 mg/dl; p less than 0.05). Significant rises in serum levels of PTH (0.99 +/- 0.10 ng/ml to 1.57 +/- 0.22 ng/ml; p less than 0.01); CT (0.14 +/- 0.01 ng/ml to 0.18 +/- 0.01 ng/ml; p less than 0.05); 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (13 +/- 2 ng/ml to 19 +/- 3 ng/ml; p less than 0.01) and AKP (153 +/- 24 U/l to 211 +/- 26 U/l; p less than 0.01) were noted during fracture repair. A reduction in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (22 +/- 2 ng/ml to 15 +/- 1 ng/ml; p less than 0.001) was noted at the same time. The parameters returned or tended to return to normal levels during callus development. The data demonstrate the changes in levels of Ca-regulating hormones in response to bone injury. This suggests that CT and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25-(OH)2-D) can be associated with the process of callus formation.


Therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer in a new era: The indication of vintage hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and the new medicines.
When advanced prostate cancer recurred during hormonal therapy and became the castration-resistant prostate cancer, "vintage hormonal therapy," such as antiandrogen alternating therapy or estrogen-related hormonal therapy, was widely carried out in Japan until 2013. This vintage hormonal therapy controlled the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer. When castration-resistant prostate cancer relapses during these therapies, chemotherapy using docetaxel has been carried out subsequently. Since new hormonal therapies using abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide, which improve the prognosis of castration-resistant prostate cancer, became available in Japan from 2014, therapeutic options for castration-resistant prostate cancer have increased. Furthermore, the improvement of the further prognosis is promising by using cabazitaxel for docetaxel-resistant castration-resistant prostate cancer and radium-223 for castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastasis. An increase in therapeutic options gives rise to many questions, including best timing to use them and the indication. Furthermore, physicians have to consider the treatment for the recurrence after having carried out chemotherapy. We want to argue the difference in hormonal therapy between Japan and Western countries, and problems when carrying out new treatments, and the importance of imaging in the present review article.


Polymerization of polypyrrole on single crystal platinum electrodes: a surface structure sensitive reaction.
This communication shows experimental results that clearly demonstrated the influence of the crystalline surface structure of the platinum electrode on the early stages of the electropolymerization of pyrrole in aqueous media. The platinum surface structure determines adhesion, coverage level, charge transfer properties as well as bulk properties of the synthesized film like morphology and the ion exchange kinetics during its reduction and oxidation. It is proven that the Pt(110) an Pt(111) surfaces are more suitable for obtain polypyrrole films with higher conductivity and charge-storage capacity than the Pt(100) surface.


Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease and subsyndromal depression.
To examine the feasibility and efficacy of a manual-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing depressive symptomatology in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Primary and Secondary Control Enhancement Therapy-Physical Illness (PASCET-PI) modified for youths with IBD was compared to treatment as usual (TAU), plus an information sheet about depression, without therapist contact using assessable patient analysis. Following assessment, participants 11 to 17 years old with IBD and mild to moderate subsyndromal depression were randomly assigned to PASCET-PI (n = 22) or comparison treatment (n = 19). Primary outcome measures at baseline (T1) and 12 to 14 weeks posttreatment (T2) were Children's Depression Inventory (child/parent report), Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children (K-SADS), Children's Global Assessment Scale, and Perceived Control Scale for Children. The PASCET-PI group showed significantly greater improvement in Children's Depression Inventory (child/parent report), Children's Global Assessment Scale, and Perceived Control Scale for Children posttreatment than the comparison group. Screening and treatment of depressive symptoms in pediatric settings is feasible. PASCET-PI may be an efficacious intervention for subsyndromal depression in adolescents with IBD, although comparison with a more active treatment is necessary to attribute the improvement to PASCET-PI. URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00446238.


SOST/Sclerostin Improves Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis and Inhibits MMP2/3 Expression After Injury.
Patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture are two times as likely to develop posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Annually, there are ∼900,000 knee injuries in the United States, which account for ∼12% of all osteoarthritis (OA) cases. PTOA leads to reduced physical activity, deconditioning of the musculoskeletal system, and in severe cases requires joint replacement to restore function. Therefore, treatments that would prevent cartilage degradation post-injury would provide attractive alternatives to surgery. Sclerostin (Sost), a Wnt antagonist and a potent negative regulator of bone formation, has recently been implicated in regulating chondrocyte function in OA. To determine whether elevated levels of Sost play a protective role in PTOA, we examined the progression of OA using a noninvasive tibial compression overload model in SOST transgenic (SOSTTG ) and knockout (Sost-/- ) mice. Here we report that SOSTTG mice develop moderate OA and display significantly less advanced PTOA phenotype at 16 weeks post-injury compared with wild-type (WT) controls and Sost-/- . In addition, SOSTTG built ∼50% and ∼65% less osteophyte volume than WT and Sost-/- , respectively. Quantification of metalloproteinase (MMP) activity showed that SOSTTG had ∼2-fold less MMP activation than WT or Sost-/- , and this was supported by a significant reduction in MMP2/3 protein levels, suggesting that elevated levels of SOST inhibit the activity of proteolytic enzymes known to degrade articular cartilage matrix. Furthermore, intra-articular administration of recombinant Sost protein, immediately post-injury, also significantly decreased MMP activity levels relative to PBS-treated controls, and Sost activation in response to injury was TNFα and NF-κB dependent. These results provide in vivo evidence that sclerostin functions as a protective molecule immediately after joint injury to prevent cartilage degradation. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.


Mice recognize recent urine scent marks by the molecular composition.
Male mice mark the territory with urine scent marks that are frequently renewed to maintain the territory ownership. We measured the response of male mice to small spots of urine deposed either 0, 5, 11, 22, 45, 90 min, or 24 h before testing and show that mice loose interest in sniffing scent marks as they become older and older. We asked what scent features tell a mouse how recent a scent mark is, and therefore, we studied the molecule-to-behavior relationship by correlating 6 behavioral variables--the number of sniffing acts, the latency to the first sniff, the number of urine marks, the latency to the first mark, the area of the marks, and the number of fecal pellets-to 2,4-dehydro-exo-brevicomin, linalool, 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole, 2,4-dimethylphenol, 4-ethylphenol, and 6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-one released from urine spots over the time, identified, and quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Canonical correlation between the molecular and the behavioral principal components was strong (R(1) = 0.96, P = 0.026). The principal component based on 2,4-dehydro-exo-brevicomin, linalool, and 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole correlated negatively with countermarking and positively with the sniffing behavior, suggesting a semantic feature of fresh male mouse urine.


Thymus-derived rosettes are not "helper" cells.
Rosettes against SRBC were made from normal spleen cells. Although T rosettes tend to dissociate, they could be stabilized with 0.05% sodium azide. A clear separation of nonrosettes, T rosettes, and B rosettes was obtained by subjecting the suspension of splenic rosettes to velocity sedimentation at unit gravity. Each fraction was injected with either normal bone marrow cells or normal thymus cells with antigen into 650-R-irradiated hosts. Direct plaque-forming cells (PFC) were assayed in the spleens 7 days later. Synergism with thymus cells occurred only in the B-rosette fraction; PFC precursors therefore sedimented as B rosettes. Synergism with bone marrow cells occurred only in the nonrosette small lymphocyte fraction; helper cells therefore did not bind detectable numbers of sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Thus T rosettes are not helper cells in the direct PFC response of bone marrow B cells to SRBC.


Charge "mis-matched" hydrogen bonded frameworks for cation exchange and dye sorption.
Anionic hydrogen bonded frameworks were synthesised from di or tetra-amidinium hydrogen bond donor components and a charge "mis-matched" tecton possessing a 5- charge but only four hydrogen bond accepting groups. The net negative charge on the framework skeletons necessitates the presence of a cation in the framework channel. In one of the frameworks, the initially incorporated organic cation was rapidly displaced by smaller inorganic cations, or the cationic dye methylene blue. This facilitated the effective and selective removal of this dye from water.


Unprovoked atrial tachyarrhythmias in aging spontaneously hypertensive rats: the role of the autonomic nervous system.
Experimental models of unprovoked atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) in conscious, ambulatory animals are lacking. We hypothesized that the aging, spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) may provide such a model. Baseline ECG recordings were acquired with radiotelemetry in eight young (14-wk-old) and eight aging (55-wk-old) SHRs and in two groups of four age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Quantification of AT and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis were performed based on 24-h ECG recordings in unrestrained rats. All animals were submitted to an emotional stress protocol (air-jet). In SHRs, carbamylcholine injections were also performed. Spontaneous AT episodes were observed in all eight aging SHRs (median, 91.5; range, 4-444 episodes/24 h), but not in young SHRs or WKY rats. HRV analysis demonstrated significantly decreased low frequency components in aging SHRs compared with age-matched WKY rats (P < 0.01) and decreased low/high frequency ratios in both young (P < 0.01) and aging (P = 0.01) SHRs compared with normotensive controls. In aging SHRs, emotional stress significantly reduced the number of arrhythmic events, whereas carbamylcholine triggered AT and significantly increased atrial electrical instability. This study reports the occurrence of unprovoked episodes of atrial arrhythmia in hypertensive rats, and their increased incidence with aging. Our results suggest that autonomic imbalance with relative vagal hyperactivity may be responsible for the increased atrial arrhythmogenicity observed in this model. We also provide evidence that, in this model, the sympatho-vagal imbalance preceded the occurrence of arrhythmia. These results indicate that aging SHRs may provide valuable insight into the understanding of atrial arrhythmias.


Complex dynamics of isotropic 4-cyano-4-n-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) in linear and nonlinear dielectric relaxation studies.
A comprehensive presentation of the temperature evolution of "linear" and "nonlinear" dielectric relaxation in the isotropic phase of nematic liquid crystalline compound 5CB (4-cyano-4-n-pentylbiphenyl) is given. The "nonlinear" relaxation is related to the strong pretransitional rise in the lifetime of prenematic fluctuations. The "linear" relaxation has a clear non-Debye and non-Arrhenius form. In the immediate vicinity of the nematic clearing point it shows a weak pretransitional anomaly. Results obtained coincide with the complex liquid relaxation pattern found in transient grating optical Kerr effect studies [A. Sengupta and M. D. Fayer, J. Chem. Phys. 102, 4193 (1995); R. Torre et al., Philos. Mag. A 77, 645 (1997)]. The striking similarity to the behavior found in critical, binary mixtures suggests the extension of the "fluidlike" hypothesis for the isotropic-nematic transition to dynamic phenomena in the isotropic phase [P. K. Mukherjee. J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 10, 9191 (1998)]. The presence of both glassy and fluidlike features in isotropic 5CB coincides with the recent results of simulation analysis for the system of hard ellipsoids by Latz et al. [Phys. Rev. E 62, 5173 (2000)] and with the novel general picture for liquid-liquid transitions proposed by Tanaka [Phys. Rev. E 62, 6968 (2000)].


Modulating piezoelectricity and mechanical strength via three-dimensional gradient structure for piezoelectric composites.
Advanced flexible electronic devices make urgent demand for wearing comfort and data accuracy. Piezoelectric composites exhibit great potential, but mutually constrained mechanical strength and electrical output limit their further applications. Here, we design a gradient PMN-PT/PVDF nanocomposite via a non-equilibrium process integrated with a modified electrospinning and hot-pressing process to modulate the piezoelectric output and mechanical strength. The enhanced piezoelectric output together with the mechanical strength of the gradient structure are verified from both the experimental and simulation results. Ascribed to a unique three-dimensional gradient distribution, the prepared PMN-PT/PVDF nanocomposite exhibits an excellent mechanical strength (830 MPa) and piezoelectric performance (1.08 V), which are substantially higher than those of a randomly dispersed nanocomposite. The enhancement mechanism is revealed in terms of polarization, stress and crystallinity. These results of the gradient structure offer new opportunities to understand the structure-related mechanical and electrical behaviors of a nanocomposite, and support the design of a nanocomposite with overall performance.


Discovery of N-aryl sulphonamide-quinazoline derivatives as anti-gastric cancer agents in vitro and in vivo via activating the Hippo signalling pathway.
Hippo signalling pathway plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. In this work, we identified an N-aryl sulphonamide-quinazoline derivative, compound 9i as an anti-gastric cancer agent, which exhibited potent antiproliferative ability with IC50 values of 0.36 μM (MGC-803 cells), 0.70 μM (HCT-116 cells), 1.04 μM (PC-3 cells), and 0.81 μM (MCF-7 cells), respectively and inhibited YAP activity by the activation of p-LATS. Compound 9i was effective in suppressing MGC-803 xenograft tumour growth in nude mice without obvious toxicity and significantly down-regulated the expression of YAP in vivo. Compound 9i arrested cells in the G2/M phase, induced intrinsic apoptosis, and inhibited cell colony formation in MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells. Therefore, compound 9i is to be reported as an anti-gastric cancer agent via activating the Hippo signalling pathway and might help foster a new strategy for the cancer treatment by activating the Hippo signalling pathway regulatory function to inhibit the activity of YAP.


Insights into the evolving role of the gut microbiome in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: rationale and prospects for therapeutic intervention.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is diagnosed across the age spectrum and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of NAFLD is not entirely understood; however, recent evidence has implicated the intestinal microbiome. Through the effects on host appetite, energy expenditure, digestion, gene expression, intestinal permeability, as well as immune activation, a dysbiotic microbiome can contribute to the development and progression of the hepatocellular steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis seen in the context of NAFLD. As such, intestinal microbiota and products of their metabolism have been targeted as treatment approaches for NAFLD.


Seizures in oligodendroglial tumors.
Epilepsy develops in more than 70-90% of oligodendroglial tumors and represents a favorable indicator for long-term survival if present as the first clinical sign. Presence of IDH1 mutation is frequently associated with seizures in oligodendrogliomas, next to alterations of glutamate and GABA metabolism in the origin of glioma-associated epilepsy. Treatment by surgery or radiotherapy results in seizure freedom in about two-thirds of patients, and chemotherapy to a seizure reduction in about 50%. Symptomatic anticonvulsive therapy with levetiracetam and valproic acid as monotherapy are both evidence-based drugs for the partial epilepsies, and their effective use in brain tumors is supported by a large amount of additional data. Pharmacoresistance against anticonvulsants is more prevalent among oligodendrogliomas, occurring in about 40% despite polytherapy with two anticonvulsants or more. Toxic signs of anticonvulsants in brain tumors involve cognition, bone marrow and skin. Previous neurosurgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy add to the risks of cognitive dysfunction.


Anaesthetic assistant competencies: our experience.
The purpose of this article is to share our findings since introducing the recently-developed anaesthetic assistant competencies (NHS Education for Scotland 2006). The term 'anaesthetic assistant' will be used throughout this article to refer to those who support the anaesthetist during anaesthesia. It is in no way meant to be derogatory to any person practising currently in this speciality.


Predicting inpatient violence in acute psychiatric wards using the Brøset-Violence-Checklist: a multicentre prospective cohort study.
The Norwegian Brøset-Violence-Checklist (BVC) is one of the few instruments that is suitable for short-term prediction of violence of psychiatric inpatients by nursing staff in routine care. The instrument assesses the presence or absence of six behaviours or states frequently observed before a violent incident. We conducted a study to elucidate whether the predictive properties of the BVC are retained in other psychiatric settings than the original north-Norwegian validation dataset. During their admission period, 219 consecutive patients admitted to six acute psychiatric wards were assessed as to the risk for attack using a German version of the BVC (BVC-G). Data on preventive measures were concurrently collected. Aggressive incidents were registered using an instrument equivalent to the Staff Observation of Aggression Scale (SOAS-R). Fourteen attacks towards staff were observed with incident severity ranging from 5 to 18 of a possible 22 points. BVC-G sensitivity was 64.3%, the specificity 93.9%, the positive predictive value 11.1%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.88. In some false positive cases intense preventive measures had been implemented. The predictive accuracy of the BVC-G proved consistent with the Norwegian original.


Harvesting of the sural nerve with a tendon stripper.
The nerve most commonly used for peripheral nerve reconstruction is the sural nerve. The nerve can be dissected free through one long calf incision, by utilizing multiple small incisions, or by using a tendon stripper. We studied 12 above-knee amputation specimens harvesting the nerve in the ways described. We found that the length of nerve harvested averaged 32, 36, and 25 cm for the open, limited open, and stripper techniques, respectively. Epineurial damage occurred with the stripper, but no perineurial damage was documented histologically. We concluded that the closed method (stripper) of harvesting sural nerve would provide quality graft material, but of unpredictable length. When reliably long segments of nerve are required, at least a limited open or an open approach for harvest is recommended.


Comparative proteomic analysis reveals drug resistance of Staphylococcus xylosus ATCC700404 under tylosin stress.
As a kind of opportunist pathogen, Staphylococcus xylosus (S. xylosus) can cause mastitis. Antibiotics are widely used for treating infected animals and tylosin is a member of such group. Thus, the continuous use of antibiotics in dairy livestock enterprise will go a long way in increasing tylosin resistance. However, the mechanism of tylosin-resistant S. xylosus is not clear. Here, isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics methods was used to find resistance-related proteins. We compared the differential expression of S. xylosus in response to tylosin stress by iTRAQ. A total of 155 proteins (59 up-regulated, 96 down-regulated) with the fold-change of >1.2 or <0.8 (p value ≤0.05) were observed between the S. xylosus treated with 1/2 MIC (0.25 μg/mL) tylosin and the untreated S. xylosus. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these proteins play important roles in stress-response and transcription. Then, in order to verify the relationship between the above changed proteins and mechanism of tylosin-resistant S. xylosus, we induced the tylosin-resistant S. xylosus, and performed quantitative PCR analysis to verify the changes in the transcription proteins and the stress-response proteins in tylosin-resistant S. xylosus at the mRNA level. The data displayed that ribosomal protein L23 (rplw), thioredoxin(trxA) and Aldehyde dehydrogenase A(aldA-1) are up-regulated in the tylosin-resistant S. xylosus, compared with the tylosin-sensitive strains. Our findings demonstrate the important of stress-response and transcription in the tylosin resistance of S. xylosus and provide an insight into the prevention of this resistance, which would aid in finding new medicines .


Online social networks for prevention and promotion of oral health: a systematic review.
To evaluate the impact of online social networks (OSN) as resources for promoting behaviour changes related to the prevention and promotion of oral health. This was a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials identified in databases (MEDLINE/Embase/Lilacs), published up until May 2022, and prepared according to Cochrane recommendations. Studies that used OSN (WhatsApp®, Telegram®, TikTok®, Facebook®, Twitter®, YouTube®, Instagram®, Soundcloud®, Flickr®, LinkedIn®, and Webradio®) were included. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021248045). In total, 3171 studies were evaluated, of which 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review and contained data on 1669 participants. The most frequently investigated OSN were WhatsApp®, followed by Telegram®, and YouTube®. All studies included were at high risk of bias. Data extraction allowed the meta-analysis of gingival index (GI) and oral health knowledge (OHK) outcomes for young people. Findings revealed that young people exposed to digital interventions via OSN showed a reduction in GI when compared with traditional educational interventions. This reduction occurred in all young people (standardized mean difference, -0.48; 95% CI, -0.75 to -0.21; p = 0.0006, I2 = 0%; very low certainty), including those who were undergoing orthodontic treatment (standardized mean difference, -0.58; 95% CI, -0.92 to -0.24; p = 0.0008, I2 = 0%; very low certainty). Furthermore, young people undergoing orthodontic treatment and exposed to OSN showed an increase in OHK when compared with participation in traditional educational interventions (standardized mean difference, +0.86; 95% CI, +0.46 to +1.26; p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%; very low certainty). OSN could be effective tools for improving oral health outcomes in young people.


Mannose-binding protein B allele confers protection against tuberculous meningitis.
Inhalation is the principal mode of entry for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans. Primary infection is usually restricted to the lungs and contiguous lymph nodes. In a subset of infected individuals, predominantly children, the infection is spread hematogenously to the meninges. The host factors that influence the development of tuberculous meningitis have not been well elucidated. The mannose-binding protein (MBP), a serum protein, is considered as an "ante-antibody." MBP has been shown to bind mycobacteria and acts as an opsonin in vitro. Although MBP plays a role in first-line host defense, it may under certain circumstances be deleterious to the host. In tuberculosis (TB), MBP may assist the spread of this intracellular pathogen. Therefore, we hypothesized that MBP genotypes that result in a phenotype of low MBP levels might be protective. We studied a well-defined South African population in which TB has reached epidemic levels. We found that the MBP B allele (G54D), which disrupts the collagen region of the protein and results in low MBP levels, was found in 22 of 79 (28%) of the TB-negative controls from the same community, compared with 12 of 91 (13%) of the patients with pulmonary TB (p < 0.017), and 5 of 64 (8%) of patients with tuberculous meningitis (p < 0.002). In addition, we found significantly lower serum MBP concentrations in TB-negative controls compared with postacute phase, fully recovered TB patients (p < 0.004). These findings suggest that the MBP B allele affords protection against tuberculous meningitis.


Saving Women, Saving Families: An Ecological Approach to Optimizing the Health of Women Refugees with S.M.A.R.T Primary Care.
More than 43 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced from their homes as a result of conflict and persecution, over 50% of whom are women and 41% are children. The United Nations estimates that two-thirds of the world's refugees have been in exile for over 5 years, and more than half are in urban environments, as opposed to camps. Therefore, long-term strategies for healthcare in receiving countries are needed. The unique challenges facing refugee women as they seek safe and stable living situations are compelling. A system that optimizes the health of women refugees has significant implications for the rest of the family.


Structural features, properties and regulation of the outer-membrane protein W (OmpW) of Vibrio cholerae.
The outer-membrane protein OmpW of Vibrio cholerae was studied with respect to its structure, functional properties and regulation of expression. On SDS-PAGE, the membrane-associated form of OmpW protein (solubilized by either 0.1 % or 2 % SDS at 25 degrees C) migrated as a monomer of 19 kDa that changed to 21 kDa on boiling. The protein was hyperexpressed in Escherichia coli in the histidine-tagged form and the purified His(6)-OmpW (heated or unheated) migrated as a 23 kDa protein on SDS-PAGE. Circular dichroism and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analyses of the recombinant protein showed the presence of beta-structures ( approximately 40 %) with minor amounts (8-15 %) of alpha-helix. These results were consistent with those obtained by computational analysis of the sequence data of the protein using the secondary structure prediction program Jnet. The recombinant protein did not exhibit any porin-like property in a liposome-swelling assay. An antiserum to the purified protein induced a moderate level (66.6 % and 33.3 % at 1 : 50 and 1 : 100 dilutions, respectively) of passive protection against live vibrio challenge in a suckling mouse model. OmpW-deficient mutants of V. cholerae strains were generated by insertion mutagenesis. In a competitive assay in mice, the intestinal colonization activities of these mutants were found to be either only marginally diminished (for O1 strains) or 10-fold less (for an O139 strain) as compared to those of the corresponding wild-type strains. The OmpW protein was expressed in vivo as well as in vitro in liquid culture medium devoid of glucose. Interestingly, the glucose-dependent regulation of OmpW expression was less prominent in a ToxR(-) mutant of V. cholerae. Further, the expression of OmpW protein was found to be dependent on in vitro cultural conditions such as temperature, salinity, and availability of nutrients or oxygen. These results suggest that the modulation of OmpW expression by environmental factors may be linked to the adaptive response of the organism under stress conditions.


The Implications of Laterality in Unilateral Cleft Lip Reconstruction: A Global Survey of Cleft Surgeons.
To explore the impact of directional laterality in complete Unilateral Cleft Lip (UCL) amongst the global cleft surgeon community. Cross-sectional survey study. Global distribution of online survey distributed in English and Spanish. Cleft surgeons from around the world. Survey participant perception of the impact of laterality on: (1) cleft presentation (2) surgical challenge and (3) surgical outcomes. Responses were received from 453 cleft surgeons located in 54 countries around the world. 221 (49%) had previously considered differences in patients presenting with a left- versus right-sided UCL. 95 (21%) considered right-sided clefts more difficult to reconstruct, 37 (8%) reported left-sided clefts to be more difficult and 321 (71%) reported no difference in difficulty between the cleft sides. Higher volume cleft surgeons, characterised by those reporting cleft as their principal area of practice and performing >20 cleft operations per year, were more likely to have both previously considered differences in laterality in cleft and to report right-sided unilateral cleft lip to be more difficult to primarily reconstruct. 395 (87%) did not consider surgical outcomes to be influenced by cleft laterality. This survey reports perceptions on cleft laterality from a large body of global surgeons and suggests a trend for increased difficulty in right-sided compared to left-sided cleft lip reconstruction, where such laterality-associated difficulty is perceived.


Protein kinase C-α activation promotes recovery of mitochondrial function and cell survival following oxidant injury in renal cells.
We demonstrated that nonselective PKC activation promotes mitochondrial function in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC) following toxicant injury. However, the specific PKC isozyme mediating this effect is unknown. This study investigated the role of PKC-α in the recovery of mitochondrial functions in oxidant-injured RPTC. Wild-type PKC-α (wtPKC-α) and inactive PKC-α mutants were overexpressed in RPTC to selectively increase or block PKC-α activation. Oxidant (tert-butyl hydroperoxidel; TBHP) exposure activated PKC-α in RPTC but decreased PKC-α levels in mitochondria following treatment. Uncoupled and state 3 respirations and activities of complexes I and IV in TBHP-injured cells decreased to 55, 44, 49, and 65% of controls, respectively. F(0)F(1)-ATPase activity and ATP content in injured RPTC decreased to 59 and 60% of controls, respectively. Oxidant exposure increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by 210% and induced mitochondrial fragmentation and 52% RPTC lysis. Overexpressing wtPKC-α did not block TBHP-induced ROS production but improved respiration and complex I activity, restored complex IV and F(0)F(1)-ATPase activities, promoted recovery of ATP content, blocked mitochondrial fragmentation, and reduced RPTC lysis to 14%. In contrast, inhibiting PKC-α 1) induced mitochondrial hyperpolarization and fragmentation; 2) blocked increases in ROS production; 3) prevented recovery of respiratory complexes and F(0)F(1)-ATPase activities, respiration, and ATP content; and 4) exacerbated TBHP-induced RPTC lysis. We conclude that 1) activation of PKC-α prevents mitochondrial hyperpolarization and fragmentation, decreases cell death, and promotes recovery of mitochondrial respiration and ATP content following oxidant injury in RPTC; and 2) respiratory complexes I and IV and F(0)F(1)-ATPase are targets of active PKC-α.


Conversion of esculeoside A into esculeogenin B.
Conversion of the spirosolane-type glycoside, esculeoside A, a major component contained in the ripe tomato Lycopersicon esculentum fruits, into a solanocapsine-type sapogenol, esculeogenin B-2, (5alpha,22S,23R,25S)-22,26-epimino-16beta,23-epoxy-3beta,23,27-trihydroxycholestane, and esculeogenin B-1, (5alpha,22R,23S,25S)-22,26-epimino-16beta,23-epoxy-3beta,23,27-trihydroxycholestane, which are rare naturally occurring compounds was attained by acid hydrolysis with 2 N HCl in dioxane and water (1 : 1).


Seropositivity of Varicella zoster virus in vaccinated Korean children and MAV vaccine group.
In 2005, a single-dose varicella vaccination was incorporated into the national immunization program in Korea. Although the Oka strain is the most commonly circulating Varicella zoster virus (VZV) genotype in Korea, a domestically manufactured vaccine based on the MAV strain is widely distributed in Korea. High vaccination coverage was achieved, but breakthrough infections were frequently reported. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyze the maintenance of immunity after single-dose vaccination and to compare the immunity provided by the MAV and Oka vaccines. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of samples from 715 vaccinated Korean children were used to assess seropositivity rates against VZV. Additionally, fluorescent-antibody-to-membrane-antigen (FAMA) tests were performed in 35 individuals in the MAV vaccine group, and seropositivity rates against the Oka strain were determined. The progressive decrease of the seropositivity rate was demonstrated from ages 1 to 4 as follows: 65% in age 1, 59% in age 2, 53% in age 3, 49% in age 4. It then increased to 62% in age 5 and 70% in age 6. Both the MAV and Oka vaccine groups showed a progressive decrease of the seropositivity rate from the age of 1 to 4 years, but the MAV vaccine group had higher seropositivity rates. In FAMA test, the MAV group demonstrated 71% seropositivity against the Oka strain. This study indicates that immunity wanes after single-dose varicella vaccination and that the MAV vaccine is not inferior to the Oka vaccine in providing immunity against VZV. The MAV vaccine also induced cross-immunity against circulating Oka strain.


Psychosocial and Environmental Treatment Approaches for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Neurocognitive Disorders: an Update and Future Directions.
Nearly all persons with dementia will exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) at some point during the course of the disease. These symptoms often pose significant challenges for formal and informal caregivers, and their treatment is unclear. Current guidelines recommend implementing nonpharmacological interventions as the first-line approach to managing BPSD. Given the recent proliferation of research evaluating the use of nonpharmacological interventions for BPSD, there is a continuing need to reevaluate and synthesize the findings in this area. The current review examines the evidence for using psychosocial and environmental strategies, focusing on the past 3 years of research efforts and assessing how this research augments what is known from prior reviews. We conclude that the results in the recent literature concerning the efficacy of psychosocial and environmental treatment approaches to behavioral symptoms in dementia continue to be promising, yet results are also mixed. We recommend the consideration of music therapy and tailored activities when utilizing a nonpharmacological approach, as these appear particularly promising throughout the literature. We also find that multisensory stimulation and animal-assisted therapy warrant further evaluation. In contrast, in this and previous reviews, approaches such as bright light therapy and aromatherapy have consistently been shown to be ineffective and, thus, cannot be recommended with confidence based on the evidence. We discuss limitations of current research studies and make recommendations for future research in the area of psychosocial and environmental interventions for BPSD.


Differential effects of linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids on spatial and temporal mitochondrial distribution and activity in bovine oocytes.
Using specific stains and confocal microscope imaging, the patterns of mitochondrial distribution, mitochondrial inner membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels during bovine oocyte maturation were determined in the presence or absence of physiological concentrations of linoleic acid (LA; 100µM) or α-linolenic acid (ALA; 50µM). Mitochondrial distribution in control oocytes at 0h was mainly peripheral and changed to a diffused pattern after 1h of culture; this was maintained up to 24h. Mitochondrial clusters were observed during the early hours of maturation (1-4h); the majority of these were arranged in perinuclear fashion. LA supplementation resulted in: (1) delayed redistribution of the mitochondria from a peripheral to a diffuse pattern and a decreased percentages of oocytes showing perinuclear mitochondrial clusters, (2) decreased mitochondrial inner membrane potential at 1 and 24h compared with the control and (3) higher ROS levels, associated with a lower nuclear maturation rate. In contrast, ALA supplementation had no effect on mitochondrial distribution and activity and decreased ROS levels compared with the control; this was associated with an increased nuclear maturation rate. In conclusion, LA induced alterations in mitochondrial distribution and activity as well as increasing ROS levels, which mediate, at least in part, the inhibitory effect on oocyte maturation.


Relaxin and extracellular matrix remodeling: Mechanisms and signaling pathways.
Fibrosis is associated with accumulation of excess fibrillar collagen, leading to tissue dysfunction. Numerous processes, including inflammation, myofibroblast activation, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, play a role in the establishment and progression of fibrosis. Relaxin is a peptide hormone with well-known antifibrotic properties that result from its action on numerous cellular targets to reduce fibrosis. Relaxin activates multiple signal transduction pathways as a mechanism to suppress inflammation and myofibroblast activation in fibrosis. In this review, the general mechanisms underlying fibrotic diseases are described, along with the current state of knowledge regarding cellular targets of relaxin. Finally, an overview is presented summarizing the signaling pathways activated by relaxin and other relaxin family peptide receptor agonists to suppress fibrosis.


Immunological identity of rat liver cytosolic heme-binding protein with purified and recombinant liver fatty acid binding protein by western blots of two-dimensional gels.
We examined the degree of similarity between rat liver cytosolic heme-binding protein (HBP) and rat liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) purified from rat liver cytosol and recombinant L-FABP (rL-FABP). We compared 1) HBP, 2) L-FABP, and 3) rL-FABP prepared in three different laboratories and probed them with three different antisera also from different laboratories on Western blots. The objective was to determine whether the isoform pattern of the recombinant would resemble those of the purified rat liver proteins and whether heme is bound by the isoforms. To investigate the similarities, we compared the immunoreactivity of purified HBP, L-FABP, and rL-FABP by probing Western blots of 2-D gels with polyclonal antibodies raised against each of these proteins. All of the antibodies react with the same isoelectric species for each of the proteins. In addition, [55Fe]-heme binds equally well to the 2 major HBP isoforms.


The Eight and a Half Year Journey of Undiagnosed AD: Gene Sequencing and Funding of Advanced Genetic Testing Has Led to Hope and New Beginnings.
Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is one of the most prevalent de novo mutated genes in syndromic autism spectrum disorders, driving a general interest in the gene and the syndrome. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed developmental case study of ADNP p.Tyr719* mutation toward improvements in (1) diagnostic procedures, (2) phenotypic scope, and (3) interventions. Longitudinal clinical and parental reports. AD (currently 11-year-old) had several rare congenital anomalies including imperforate anus that was surgically repaired at 2 days of age. Her findings were craniofacial asymmetries, global developmental delay, autistic behaviors (loss of smile and inability to make eye contact at the age of 15 months), and slow thriving as she gradually matures. Comprehensive diagnostic procedures at 3 years resulted in no definitive diagnosis. With parental persistence, AD began walking at 3.5 years (skipping crawling). At the age of 8.5 years, AD was subjected to whole exome sequencing, compared to the parents and diagnosed as carrying an ADNP p.Tyr719* mutation, a causal recurring mutation in ADNP (currently ~17/80 worldwide). Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated mild generalized cerebral volume loss with reduced posterior white matter. AD is non-verbal, communicating with signs and word approximations. She continues to make slow but forward developmental progress, and her case teaches newly diagnosed children within the ADNP Kids Research Foundation. This case study emphasizes the importance of diagnosis and describes, for the first time, early motor intervention therapies. Detailed developmental profile of selected cases leads to better treatments.


Carbon dioxide capture and utilization: using dinuclear catalysts to prepare polycarbonates.
The copolymerization of epoxides, including cyclohexene oxide and vinyl-cyclohexene oxide with carbon dioxide are presented. These processes are catalyzed using a homogeneous di-zinc complex that shows good activity and very high selectivities for polycarbonate polyol formation. The polymerizations are investigated in the presence of different amounts of exogenous reagents, including water, diols and diamines, as models for common contaminants in any carbon dioxide capture and utilization scenario.


Safe zones for miniscrews in maxillary dentition distalization assessed with cone-beam computed tomography.
The purpose of this study was to assess the anatomic structure of the buccal alveolar bone in the infrazygomatic crest region with cone-beam computed tomography to locate safe zones for miniscrews in maxillary dentition distalization. The buccal alveolar bone was analyzed in 3 regions of 60 patients: between the maxillary second premolar and first molar (U5-U6), between the mesiodistal roots of the first molar (U6), and between the maxillary first and second molars (U6-U7). Alveolar bone thickness at the buccal side of the roots and the interradicular space at the buccal side of the roots were measured at the planes of 5, 7, 9, and 11 mm apically from the alveolar crest to the maxillary sinus floor. The buccal bone height was measured from the alveolar crest edge to the sinus floor. The buccal alveolar bone was thicker in the U6-U7 region than in the U6 and U5-U6 regions. The buccal alveolar bone thickness tended to get thicker from the alveolar crest to the sinus floor. The thickest buccal alveolar bone of 4.07 mm was observed at the plane of 11 mm of the U6-U7 region. The percentages for the height of bone from the crest edge to the sinus floor were smaller than 10 mm at the regions of U5-U6, U6, and U6-U7: 38%, 52%, and 43%, respectively. The interradicular space was smallest in the U6 region and largest in the U5-U6 region. The results of this study suggest that the U6-U7 region is the most ideal safe zone for placing miniscrews in the buccal alveolar bone in the infrazygomatic crest region for maxillary dentition distalization.