Reversal in Output Current Direction of 4H-SiC/Cu Tribovoltaic Nanogenerator as Controlled by Relative Humidity.
Tribovoltaic nanogenerators (TVNG) represent a fantastic opportunity for developing low-frequency energy harvesting and self-powered sensing, by exploiting their real-time direct-current (DC) output. Here, a thorough study of the effect of relative humidity (RH) on a TVNG consisting of 4H-SiC (n-type) and metallic copper foil (SM-TVNG) is presented. The SM-TVNG shows a remarkable sensitivity to RH and an abnormal RH dependence. When RH increases from ambient humidity up to 80%, an increasing electrical output is observed. However, when RH rises from 80% to 98%, the signal output not only decreases, but its direction reverses as it crosses 90% RH. This behavior differs greatly from that of a Si-based TVNG, whose output constantly increases with RH. The behavior of the SM-TVNG might result from the competition between the built-in electric field induced by metal-semiconductor contact and a strong triboelectric electric field induced by solid-liquid triboelectrification under high RH. The authors also demonstrated that both SM-TVNG and Si-based TVNG can work effectively as-is even fully submerged in deionized water. This mechanism can affect other devices and be applied to design self-powered sensors working under high RH or underwater.


Estimation of volume densities of hepatocytic peroxisomes in a model fish: catalase conventional immunofluorescence versus cytochemistry for electron microscopy.
Accurately accessing changes in the intracellular volumes (or numbers) of peroxisomes within a cell can be a lengthy task, because unbiased estimations can be made only by studies conducted under transmission electron microscopy. Yet, such information is often required, namely for correlations with functional data. The optimization and applicability of a fast and new technical proceeding based on catalase immunofluorescence was implemented herein by using primary hepatocytes from brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario), exposed during 96 h to two distinct treatments (0.1% ethanol and 50 µM of 17α-ethynylestradiol). The time and cost efficiency, together with the results obtained by stereological analyses, specifically directed to the volume densities of peroxisomes, and additionally of the nucleus in relation to the hepatocyte, were compared with the well-established 3,3'-diaminobenzidine cytochemistry for electron microscopy. With the immuno technique it was possible to correctly distinguish punctate peroxisomal profiles, allowing the selection of the marked organelles for quantification. By both methodologies, a significant reduction in the volume density of the peroxisome within the hepatocyte was obtained after an estrogenic input. The most interesting point here was that the volume density ratios were quite correlated between both techniques. Overall, the immunofluorescence protocol for catalase was evidently faster, cheaper and provided reliable quantitative data that discriminated in the same way the compared groups. After this validation study, we recommend the use of catalase immunofluorescence as the first option for rapid screening of changes of the amount of hepatocytic peroxisomes, using their volume density as an indicator.


Osteogenesis and mineralization of mesenchymal stem cells in collagen type I-based recombinant peptide scaffolds.
Recombinant peptides have the power to harness the inherent biocompatibility of natural macromolecules, while maintaining a defined chemistry for use in tissue engineering. Creating scaffolds from peptides requires stabilization via crosslinking, a process known to alter both mechanics and density of adhesion ligands. The chemistry and mechanics of linear scaffolds from a recombinant peptide based on human collagen type I (RCP) was investigated after crosslinking. Three treatments were compared: dehydrothermal treatment (DHT), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDIC), and genipin. With crosslinking, mechanical properties were not significantly altered, ranging from 1.9 to 2.7 kPa. However, the chemistry of the scaffolds was changed, affecting properties such as water uptake, and initial adhesion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genipin crosslinking supported the lowest adhesion, especially during osteoblastic differentiation. While significantly altered, RCP scaffold chemistry did not affect osteoblastic differentiation of hMSCs. After four weeks in vitro, all scaffolds showed excellent cellular infiltration, with up-regulated osteogenic markers (RUNX2, Osteocalcin, Collagen type I) and mineralization, regardless of the crosslinker. Thus, it appears that, without significant changes to mechanical properties, crosslinking chemistry did not regulate hMSC differentiation on scaffolds from recombinant peptides, a growing class of materials with the ability to expand the horizons of regenerative medicine. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1856-1866, 2017.


Visualizing heavy fermions emerging in a quantum critical Kondo lattice.
In solids containing elements with f orbitals, the interaction between f-electron spins and those of itinerant electrons leads to the development of low-energy fermionic excitations with a heavy effective mass. These excitations are fundamental to the appearance of unconventional superconductivity and non-Fermi-liquid behaviour observed in actinide- and lanthanide-based compounds. Here we use spectroscopic mapping with the scanning tunnelling microscope to detect the emergence of heavy excitations with lowering of temperature in a prototypical family of cerium-based heavy-fermion compounds. We demonstrate the sensitivity of the tunnelling process to the composite nature of these heavy quasiparticles, which arises from quantum entanglement of itinerant conduction and f electrons. Scattering and interference of the composite quasiparticles is used to resolve their energy-momentum structure and to extract their mass enhancement, which develops with decreasing temperature. The lifetime of the emergent heavy quasiparticles reveals signatures of enhanced scattering and their spectral lineshape shows evidence of energy-temperature scaling. These findings demonstrate that proximity to a quantum critical point results in critical damping of the emergent heavy excitation of our Kondo lattice system.


Targeted adriamycin delivery to MXT-B2 metastatic mammary carcinoma cells by transferrin liposomes: effect of adriamycin ADR-to-lipid ratio.
In the protein-targeted therapy for cancer, transferrin (Tf) is used to reach a selective and specific target in cancer cells. Tf is used conjugated to chemotherapeutic drugs, insulin, toxins, antibodies, polymers, nanoparticles, lipoplexes and liposomes. Using this latter approach, hydrophobically derivatized Tf was incorporated to liposomal bilayers. The biological activity of Tf-liposome was tested using MXT-B2 cells, a metastatic mammary carcinoma cell line. In Tf binding assays, the Scatchard analysis indicated 4.5x10(5) Tf receptors/cell. In cell growth assays, Tf-liposomes stimulated cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, up to a maximum of 32% of the total free Tf stimulation. Following this, we prepared Tf-liposomes encapsulating adriamycin (ADR) at two different ADR-to-lipid ratios. In vitro cytotoxicity assays against MXT-B2 cells gave IC(50) values 2.1-times lower for Tf-liposomal ADR in comparison to control liposomal ADR. However, similar IC(50) values were found for low ADR-to-lipid ratio Tf-liposomal ADR, as well as for control liposomal ADR. The free Tf added in excess increased the IC(50) value of Tf-liposomal ADR by 51%, while the IC(50) value of control liposomal ADR was unaffected, supporting a receptor-mediated mechanism of targeting by Tf. In addition, the lower IC(50) value is correlated with a higher total of ADR accumulation in the cells.


Genetic disruption of protein kinase A anchoring reveals a role for compartmentalized kinase signaling in theta-burst long-term potentiation and spatial memory.
Studies of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular model of memory storage, implicate cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms of LTP. The anchoring of PKA to AKAPs (A kinase-anchoring proteins) creates compartmentalized pools of PKA, but the roles of presynaptically and postsynaptically anchored forms of PKA in late-phase LTP are unclear. In this study, we have created genetically modified mice that conditionally express Ht31, an inhibitor of PKA anchoring, to probe the roles of anchored PKA in hippocampal LTP and spatial memory. Our findings show that at hippocampal Schaffer collateral CA3-CA1 synapses, theta-burst LTP requires presynaptically anchored PKA. In addition, a pool of anchored PKA in hippocampal area CA3 is required for spatial memory. These findings reveal a novel and significant role for anchored PKA signaling in cellular mechanisms underlying memory storage.


The cloned C-terminal region of a Trypanosoma cruzi P ribosomal protein harbors two antigenic determinants.
A DNA strategy was designed to characterize the antigenic site(s) within a lambda gt11 cloned 35-amino-acid antigenic peptide, identified with antibodies from patients with chronic Chagas' heart disease (cChHD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as the C-terminal portion of a Trypanosoma cruzi P ribosomal protein. The 198-bp cDNA insert was digested with AluI, resulting in two DNA segments that were recloned in lambda gt11. To identify specific antigenic determinants, the recombinant phage and the purified recombinant antigens were probed with sera from clinically characterized subjects. Chronic ChHD and SLE sera defined a linear epitope common to both diseases within the 15 C-terminal residues of the parasite P ribosomal protein. It is also shown that the cloned 35-amino-acid peptide contained an antigenic site unique to cChHD.


Exposure to hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) disturbs the gut barrier function and gut microbiota in mice.
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) is the substitute for perfluoro octanoic acid (PFOA), and recently it has been detected in environmental water samples worldwide and has multiple toxicities. However, whether it will affect the intestines and gut microbiota remains unclear. In this study, in order to evaluate the gut toxicity of HFPO-DA in mammals, male mice were orally exposed to 0, 2, 20, 200 μg/L HFPO-DA, respectively, for 6 weeks. Our results showed that HFPO-DA exposure caused colonic inflammation which was coupled with increased TNF-α levels in serum and increased mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, p65, TLR4, MCP-1 of the colon in mice after exposure to 200 μg/L HFPO-DA. We also found that HFPO-DA exposure induced the decreased mRNA expression levels and protein levels of MUC2 and ZO-1, which means the dysfunction of gut barrier in the colon. In the ileum, we found that HFPO-DA exposure induced the increased mRNA expression levels of various inflammatory factors, but no obvious changes was found to barrier function. Additionally, HFPO-DA exposure caused the imbalance of cecal gut microbiota and changes of cecal microbiota diversity. Taken together, all these results indicate the potential gut toxicity of HFPO-DA and is perceived as a major problem of health risk that affects the inflammation, gut barrier dysfunction, and gut microbiota disturbance in mammals.


Technologies for the development of West Nile virus vaccines.
West Nile virus (WNV), an emerging mosquito-borne and zoonotic flavivirus, continues to spread worldwide and represents a major problem for human and veterinary medicine. In recent years, severe outbreaks were observed in the USA and Europe with neighboring countries, and the virus is considered to be endemic in an increasing number of areas. Although most infections remain asymptomatic, WNV can cause severe, even fatal, neurological disease, which affects mostly the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Several vaccines have been licensed in the veterinary sector, but no human vaccine is available today. This review summarizes recent strategies that are being followed to develop WNV vaccines with emphasis on technologies suitable for the use in humans.


DFT Model of Elemental Sulfur in Sulfolane Solutions.
The structure and the thermodynamic and optical (UV) properties of elemental sulfur solution in sulfolane (Sl) have been studied using density functional theory methods. The cyclic molecular form of sulfur (S8 "crown") was found using PBE1PBE/6-311+G(d,p) approximation in combination with a polarizable continuum model (the integral equation formalism variant) to exist in sulfolane medium as a Sl-S8-Sl solvate. It has been theoretically established that sulfur can form stable (S8)n clusters in concentrated solutions. An increase in the extent of association (n) of the sulfur cluster leads to a decrease in the extinction coefficient [TD-DFT(TPSSTPSS/6-311+G(d,p))] of the most intense absorption maximum lying at about 50,000 cm-1 while maintaining the shape of the remaining part of the spectrum. The observed pattern qualitatively expresses the spectral regularities of solutions with different concentrations of sulfur in sulfolane. It has been proposed that a model of the absorption spectrum of elemental sulfur suggests a minor contribution of the S12 molecular form (G298°((S12)2) - G298°((S8)3) ≈ -15.5 kJ mol-1). The findings of the study will provide deeper insights into the transformation of molecular forms of sulfur and more precisely analyze processes involving sulfur as an acting species using electronic spectroscopy.


Vertebral artery flow and spinal manipulation: a randomized, controlled and observer-blinded study.
Several studies have been published on the effect of cervical rotation alone upon blood flow in the vertebral arteries. However, we have not found articles addressing the question of how spinal manipulative therapy per se affects the vertebral artery flow. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether any changes occur in peak flow velocity in the vertebral artery after spinal manipulative therapy as measured using the latest Doppler ultrasound technology. A randomized, controlled and observer-blinded study at a university hospital vascular laboratory. Twenty university students with a "biomechanical dysfunction" in the cervical spine. We observed no change in peak flow velocity immediately after spinal manipulative therapy and found no correlation between peak flow velocity and systolic blood pressure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study comparing flow velocity in the vertebral artery before and after spinal manipulative therapy. We found no significant changes in otherwise healthy subjects with a biomechanical dysfunction of the cervical spine. Major changes in peak flow velocity might in theory explain the pathophysiology of cerebrovascular accidents after spinal manipulative therapy. However, in uncomplicated spinal manipulative therapy, this potential risk factor was not prevalent.


[A case of renal cell carcinoma with synchronous contralateral adrenal metastasis].
A 73-year-old female visited our department with right incidentally-found renal tumor, which was revealed by follow-up computed tomography (CT) on an annual physical check-up. CT also showed a left adrenal mass that was 4 cm. Further evaluation suggested right renal cell carcinoma and left adrenal metastasis. The patient, therefore, underwent right-adrenal-gland-sparing radical nephrectomy and left adrenalectomy. The pathology report indicated renal cell carcinoma with contralateral adrenal metastasis. A case of contralateral adrenal metastasis from renal cell carcinoma is not common clinically. Furthermore, whether ipsilateral adrenalectomy should be performed in such a case is still controversial at this stage.


Dr. Otto Schaefer-one of the founders of the 'Circumpolar Health Movement'.
It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Dr.Otto Schaefer. Many readers of this journal have fondmemories of Dr. Schaefer, who could be considered oneof the founders of the 'circumpolar health movement'. He was instrumental in the formation of the CanadianSociety and the International Union for CircumpolarHealth.


Enhancing Human-Robot Collaboration through a Multi-Module Interaction Framework with Sensor Fusion: Object Recognition, Verbal Communication, User of Interest Detection, Gesture and Gaze Recognition.
With the increasing presence of robots in our daily lives, it is crucial to design interaction interfaces that are natural, easy to use and meaningful for robotic tasks. This is important not only to enhance the user experience but also to increase the task reliability by providing supplementary information. Motivated by this, we propose a multi-modal framework consisting of multiple independent modules. These modules take advantage of multiple sensors (e.g., image, sound, depth) and can be used separately or in combination for effective human-robot collaborative interaction. We identified and implemented four key components of an effective human robot collaborative setting, which included determining object location and pose, extracting intricate information from verbal instructions, resolving user(s) of interest (UOI), and gesture recognition and gaze estimation to facilitate the natural and intuitive interactions. The system uses a feature-detector-descriptor approach for object recognition and a homography-based technique for planar pose estimation and a deep multi-task learning model to extract intricate task parameters from verbal communication. The user of interest (UOI) is detected by estimating the facing state and active speakers. The framework also includes gesture detection and gaze estimation modules, which are combined with a verbal instruction component to form structured commands for robotic entities. Experiments were conducted to assess the performance of these interaction interfaces, and the results demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach.


Low dopamine striatal D2 receptors are associated with prefrontal metabolism in obese subjects: possible contributing factors.
Dopamine's role in inhibitory control is well recognized and its disruption may contribute to behavioral disorders of discontrol such as obesity. However, the mechanism by which impaired dopamine neurotransmission interferes with inhibitory control is poorly understood. We had previously documented a reduction in dopamine D2 receptors in morbidly obese subjects. To assess if the reductions in dopamine D2 receptors were associated with activity in prefrontal brain regions implicated in inhibitory control we assessed the relationship between dopamine D2 receptor availability in striatum with brain glucose metabolism (marker of brain function) in ten morbidly obese subjects (BMI>40 kg/m(2)) and compared it to that in twelve non-obese controls. PET was used with [(11)C]raclopride to assess D2 receptors and with [(18)F]FDG to assess regional brain glucose metabolism. In obese subjects striatal D2 receptor availability was lower than controls and was positively correlated with metabolism in dorsolateral prefrontal, medial orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate gyrus and somatosensory cortices. In controls correlations with prefrontal metabolism were not significant but comparisons with those in obese subjects were not significant, which does not permit to ascribe the associations as unique to obesity. The associations between striatal D2 receptors and prefrontal metabolism in obese subjects suggest that decreases in striatal D2 receptors could contribute to overeating via their modulation of striatal prefrontal pathways, which participate in inhibitory control and salience attribution. The association between striatal D2 receptors and metabolism in somatosensory cortices (regions that process palatability) could underlie one of the mechanisms through which dopamine regulates the reinforcing properties of food.


New polyoxometalates containing hybrid polymers and their potential for nano-patterning.
Two new polyoxometalate (POM)-based hybrid monomers (Bu4 N)5 (H)[P2 V3 W15 O59 {(OCH2 )3 CNHCO(CH3 )CCH2 }] (2) and (S(CH3 )2 C6 H4 OCOC(CH3 )=CH2 )6 [PV 2Mo10 O40 ] (5) were developed by grafting polymerizable organic units covalently or electrostatically onto Wells-Dawson and Keggin-type clusters and were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques including ESI-MS and/or single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Radical initiated polymerization of 2 and 5 with organic monomers (methacryloyloxy)phenyldimethylsulfonium triflate (MAPDST) and/or methylmethacrylate (MMA) yielded a new series of POM/polymer hybrids that were characterized by (1) H, (31) P NMR and IR spectroscopic techniques, gel-permeation chromatography as well as thermal analyses. Preliminary tests were conducted on these POM/polymer hybrids to evaluate their properties as photoresists using electron beam (E-beam)/extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithographic techniques. It was observed that the POM/polymer hybrid of 2 with MAPDST exhibited improved sensitivity under EUV lithographic conditions in comparison to the MAPDST homopolymer resist possibly due to the efficient photon harvesting by the POM clusters from the EUV source.


Persistent QT Prolongation in a Child with Gitelman Syndrome and SCN5A H558R Polymorphism.
Gitelman syndrome (GS) is an inherited renal tubular disorder characterized by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and low urinary calcium excretion. While it is considered a benign disease, severe ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death related to the prolongation of the QT interval have been reported in rare cases. Herein we report a 13-year-old girl with GS who presented with persistent prolongation of the QT interval, even after being treated for hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Genetic analysis identified SCN5A H558R polymorphism, which modulates the function of myocardial sodium channel, and SLC12A3 A588V mutation, which causes GS. The SCN5A polymorphism and GS-related electrolyte disturbance might have contributed to the persistent QT prolongation in this patient. Although no ventricular arrhythmias were recorded in this case, careful cardiac surveillance should be applied for avoiding life-threatening cardiac events.


The road not taken: Common and distinct neural correlates of regret and relief.
Humans anticipate and evaluate both obtained and counterfactual outcomes - outcomes that could have been had an alternate decision been taken - and experience associated emotions of regret and relief. Although many functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have examined the neural correlates of these emotions, there is substantial heterogeneity in their results. We conducted coordinate-based ALE and network-based ANM meta-analysis of fMRI studies of experienced regret and relief to examine commonalities and differences in their neural correlates. Regionally, we observed that the experience of both regret and relief was associated with greater activation in the right ventral striatum (VS), which is implicated in tracking reward prediction error. At the network level, regret and relief shared the reward-sensitive mesocorticolimbic network with preferential activation of the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) for regret processing and medial cingulate cortex (MCC) for relief processing. Our research identified shared and separable brain systems subserving regret and relief experience, which may inform the treatment of regret-related mood disorders.


[GENERAL PRINCIPLE OF THE CORPUS CALLOSUM INTERNAL STRUCTURE IN ADULT HUMAN].
The structure of the corpus callosum is a certain form of order of the nerve fibers, glial cells and blood microvessels and it is actually unexplored. We set the goal to understand the general constructive principle of the myeloarchitectonics of human corpus callosum. We used whole mounts of the corpus callosum (5 men and 5 women aged from 36 to 60 years) after their two-week fixation in 10% formalin solution. The next stage was to dissect plate sections of the corpus callosum brainstem in two mutually perpendicular planes. Some of them were subjected to impregnation in 1% osmium tetroxide solution, according to the method adopted in transmission electron microscopy. To prepare these plate sections of the corpus callosum for further study in the light microscope we used the method of plastination in epoxy resin. After complete polymerization plastinated mounts were used for making slices. For further research at high magnification light microscopy they were thinned up to 0.3 mm thickness and were subjected to coloration using 1% solution of methylene blue on 1% borax solution. They were studied using a binocular microscope МБС-9 and microscope "Konus" equipped with digital camera. It was found that the human corpus callosum consists of a number of transversely oriented bands of nerve fibers (commissural cords). Each of them consists of a tightly appressed stratified sections, fascicular rations, which are separated by interstitial layers. In turn, these interfascicular layers give short lateral spurs that divide fascicular rations into individual segments - subfascicular rations. Multiple cells containing interfascicular oligodendrocytes associated with individual subfascicular sets of nerve tracts are dispersed in the cluster order among myelinated nerve fibers of fascicular rations. Fundamentally important point is that the interstitial layers in the corpus callosum as a whole form a complex three-dimensional network structure which is subordinated to the nature of branching of blood microcirculation vessels of capillary type, being simultaneously the reticular system, performing extravascular circulation of fluid containing dissolved nutrients.


Suicide prevention through online gatekeeping using search advertising techniques: a feasibility study.
Nurturing gatekeepers is an effective suicide prevention strategy. Internet-based methods to screen those at high risk of suicide have been developed in recent years but have not been used for online gatekeeping. A preliminary study was conducted to examine the feasibility and effects of online gatekeeping. Advertisements to promote e-mail psychological consultation service use among Internet users were placed on web pages identified by searches using suicide-related keywords. We replied to all emails received between July and December 2013 and analyzed their contents. A total of 139 consultation service users were analyzed. The mean age was 23.8 years (SD = 9.7), and female users accounted for 80% of the sample. Suicidal ideation was present in 74.1%, and 12.2% had a history of suicide attempts. After consultation, positive changes in mood were observed in 10.8%, 16.5% showed intentions to seek help from new supporters, and 10.1% of all 139 users actually took help-seeking actions. Online gatekeeping to prevent suicide by placing advertisements on web search pages to promote consultation service use among Internet users with suicidal ideation may be feasible.


[Which prevention programs effectively reduce the risk of alcohol consumption in young people?].
Alcohol consumption among young people is a major public health problem and the Italian National Health Institute considers it the leading cause of death for people under 24 years old, mainly due to road accidents. This study summarizes the evidence emerging from three Cochrane Collaboration reviews, aiming to orient the choice of alcohol prevention programs for young people. The first review considered schemes implemented at school to prevent alcohol consumption under 18 years of age; the second concerned studies on programs to reduce alcohol abuse by means of social norms; the third examined 56 trials on schemes for preventing young people from drinking. In the first review, 6 of 11 alcohol prevention schemes showed some signs of efficacy, and 14 of 39 schemes to combat substance abuse generally induced a significantly alcohol use reduction. The second review included three specific programs for alcohol-related problems with a > 17-month follow-up and they were effective. In the third review, 15 of 39 schemes proved effective in the short-term, 9 of 12 with medium follow-up were no longer effective (and alcohol consumption even increased in 2), while 3 long-term trials and 2 of 3 community schemes proved effective. These Cochrane reviews did not assess all strategies for preventing alcohol abuse in the young which have been implemented in different countries, because many interventions has been conducted spontaneously without any evaluation of their efficacy. An international registry on substance abuse prevention measures is warranted, with shared criteria for assessing their effects, to orient public health policies.


[Acquired epidermolysis bullosa. A clinico-pathologic study].
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is an immunologically mediated mechano-bullous dermatosis presenting with a variety of clinical appearances. In mild cases the skin lesions, serous blisters, erosions and scars are restricted to the extremities. Scarring alopecia, dystrophy and even loss of nails as well as extensive erosions of mucous membranes may complicate severe cases. The characteristic histopathological feature is a subepidermal blister, which is located within the dermis by electron microscopy. Linear deposits of IgG and C3 along the basement membrane zone have been found on the dermal side of the lamina densa by immunoelectron microscopy. This close anatomical relationship with anchoring fibrils strongly suggests a functional disturbance of these anatomical structures, leading to dermolytic blistering. Treatment with sulphones, in combination with cortico-steroids in the more severe cases, has resulted in long-term improvement in two of our three patients.


Influence of polarity of solvents on the spectral properties of bichromophoric coumarins.
Absorption and fluorescence spectra of bichromophoric coumarins were investigated in different solvents and in polymer matrices. These bichromophoric coumarins were composed of a coumarin dimethylamino-substituted at position 7 or unsubstituted coumarin and phthalimide or a 1,8-naphthylimide linked with an iminomethyl bridge to the position 3 or 8 of the coumarin ring. Absorption spectra of 7-dimethylamino derivatives in position 3 of coumarin were quite similar, exhibiting broad bands around 430-440 nm like the parent compound 7-dimethylaminocoumarin-3-carbaldehyde. For coumarin derivatives substituted in position 8, the absorption maximum was shifted to shorter wavelength as for derivatives without position 7 dimethylamino substitution. The most intense fluorescence was observed for 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[(N-phtalimidoyl)iminomethyl]coumarin in polar solvent, while intense fluorescence was observed for 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[N-(1,3-dioxobenz[de]isoquinolinyl)iminomethyl]-coumarin in non polar solvent (chloroform), comparable with the fluorescence of 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. Spectral measurements of bichromophoric coumarins in polymer matrices revealed that the maxima lies in between those for chloroform and methanol yielding more intense fluorescence then in solutions. Completely different solvent effects were observed for 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[N-(1,3-dioxobenz[de]isoquinolinyl)imino-methyl]coumarin and 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[(N-phtalimidoyl)iminomethyl]coumarin. With addition of polar methanol the intensity of fluorescence decreases, yielding a Stern-Volmer-like constant of 0.54 dm³ mol⁻¹ for 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[N-(1,3-dioxo-benz[de]isoquinolinyl)iminomethyl]coumarin and an even higher one of 1.08 dm³·mol⁻¹ for 7-dimethylaminocoumarin-3-carbaldehyde compared to the rather low one of 0.024 dm³ mol⁻¹ for 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. Contrary to this, addition of methanol under identical conditions brings about an increase in fluorescence intensity of 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[(N-phtalimidoyl)iminomethyl]coumarin (about 60-fold). The reasons for these different solvent effects are discussed.


Effect of melatonin on lipid peroxidation, glutathione and glutathione-dependent enzyme activities in experimental otitis media with effusion in guinea pigs.
Melatonin plays a role in the prevention of oxidative damage. In the present study, we investigated whether the increased oxidative stress in experimental otitis media with effusion (OME) induced by histamine is reflected in erythrocytes and middle ear effusion fluid. Lipid peroxidation in effusion fluid was measured to determine the effects of melatonin on oxidative stress. Erythrocyte and middle ear effusion malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were measured in three groups of six guinea pigs each at 3 hr after the injection of 0.1 mL of histamine (or saline) into the middle ear. In erythrocyte and middle ear effusion samples, MDA levels showed a significant increase in guinea pigs with experimental OME group when compared with the control animals. Erythrocyte GPx, GST, GRd activities and GSH levels significantly reduced in experimental OME guinea pigs when compared with the control and melatonin-treated animals. Erythrocyte GPx activity also significantly increased after melatonin treatment when compared with the control group. These findings suggest that reactive oxygen species play a role in histamine-induced OME. Pretreatment with melatonin increases antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced formation of MDA, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, in histamine-induced OME.


Strategies to Reduce Congestion in the Resident Match: What Can Plastic Surgery Learn from Other Specialties?
Many medical specialties are experiencing congestion in the residency match process because of increasing competition amongst applicants to secure a training position. With rising application numbers for a stable number of positions, the result is an inefficient use of time and financial resources on behalf of both the residency applicants and programs. Solutions to address congestion in the match process have been proposed in the literature, and other specialties have implemented specialty-wide reforms. The Pubmed and Web of Science databases were queried using keywords related to the residency match and resident selection. The initial search yielded 372 results. Titles and abstracts were evaluated for inclusion and 93 articles met criteria for full-text evaluation. The bibliographies of these publications were reviewed for additional references. Numerous strategies to reduce congestion in the match were identified across specialties. Implemented reforms include a centralized preference signaling system, an interview cap, a staged or consortia match, and publication of transparent program-specific resident selection criteria. We discuss pros and cons of different strategies to reduce congestion in the match and summarize the effects that recent reforms have had on other specialties. Plastic surgery as a field is at a distinct advantage to be a leader in transforming the residency match process, as we are a small and historically innovative group. We hope to spark discussion amongst students, residents, and program faculty with the goal of creating a more efficient match process.


Multi-Joint Angles Estimation of Forearm Motion Using a Regression Model.
To improve the life quality of forearm amputees, prosthetic hands with high accuracy, and robustness are necessary. The application of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals to control a prosthetic hand is challenging. In this study, we proposed a time-domain CNN model for the regression prediction of joint angles in three degrees of freedom (3-DOFs, include two wrist joint motion and one finger joint motion), and five-fold cross validation was used to evaluate the correlation coefficient (CC). The CC value results of wrist flexion/extension motion obtained from 10 participants was 0.87-0.92, pronation/supination motion was 0.72-0.95, and hand grip/open motion was 0.75-0.94. We backtracked the fully connected layer weights to create a geometry plot for analyzing the motion pattern to investigate the learning of the proposed model. In order to discuss the daily updateability of the model by transfer learning, we performed a second experiment on five of the participants in another day and conducted transfer learning based on smaller amount of dataset. The CC results improved (wrist flexion/extension was 0.90-0.97, pronation/supination was 0.84-0.96, hand grip/open was 0.85-0.92), suggesting the effectiveness of the transfer learning by incorporating the small amounts of sEMG data acquired in different days. We compared our CNN-based model with four conventional regression models, the result illustrates that proposed model significantly outperforms the four conventional models with and without transfer learning. The offline result suggests the reliability of the proposed model in real-time control in different days, it can be applied for real-time prosthetic control in the future.


Gender Differences in Marital Status Moderation of Genetic and Environmental Influences on Subjective Health.
From the IGEMS Consortium, data were available from 26,579 individuals aged 23 to 102 years on 3 subjective health items: self-rated health (SRH), health compared to others (COMP), and impact of health on activities (ACT). Marital status was a marker of environmental resources that may moderate genetic and environmental influences on subjective health. Results differed for the 3 subjective health items, indicating that they do not tap the same construct. Although there was little impact of marital status on variance components for women, marital status was a significant modifier of variance in all 3 subjective health measures for men. For both SRH and ACT, single men demonstrated greater shared and nonshared environmental variance than married men. For the COMP variable, genetic variance was greater for single men vs. married men. Results suggest gender differences in the role of marriage as a source of resources that are associated with subjective health.


A new method for estimating the prevalence of clonorchiasis in Korea: A proposal to replace arbitrary riverside sampling.
South Korea presently uses an arbitrary sampling method to monitor the prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis infection in the endemic areas of the country. However, the present method is not standardized and focuses primarily on individuals who reside nearest to the mainstream river. We propose a new sampling method that combines cluster sampling with proportionate quota sampling to ensure that the entire endemic area is accurately represented. We tested the new method in Okcheon-gun, South Korea, and determined that the C sinensis infection prevalence (8.9%) in 2013 was higher than that (6.9%) estimated in 2012 when the arbitrary method was used. Additionally, no difference was observed in the prevalence based on the distance from the riverside areas, including branches and creeks, between the areas <1 and >1 km away from the riversides. Therefore, health authorities should place equal emphasis on all regions within the endemic areas. Based on the findings, we recommend the following: the clonorchiasis prevalence rate must be measured using probability sampling, (clear guidelines on survey coverage should be provided to include the riverside areas and all areas nearby branch streams, and regional cohorts should be created for continuous monitoring of prevalence rates across the region.


Tolerogenic dendritic cells for reprogramming of lymphocyte responses in autoimmune diseases.
Dendritic cells (DCs) control immune responses by driving potent inflammatory actions against external and internal threats while generating tolerance to self and harmless components. This duality and their potential to reprogram immune responses in an antigen-specific fashion have made them an interesting target for immunotherapeutic strategies to control autoimmune diseases. Several protocols have been described for in vitro generation of tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) capable of modulating adaptive immune responses and restoring tolerance through different mechanisms that involve anergy, generation of regulatory lymphocyte populations, or deletion of potentially harmful inflammatory T cell subsets. Recently, the capacity of tolDCs to induce interleukin (IL-10)-secreting regulatory B cells has been demonstrated. In vitro assays and rodent models of autoimmune diseases provide insights to the molecular regulators and pathways enabling tolDCs to control immune responses. Here we review mechanisms through which tolDCs modulate adaptive immune responses, particularly focusing on their suitability for reprogramming autoreactive CD4+ effector T cells. Furthermore, we discuss recent findings establishing that tolDCs also modulate B cell populations and discuss clinical trials applying tolDCs to patients with autoimmune diseases.


Variation in the practice of wide local excision for melanoma in Ireland and the United Kingdom: a questionnaire survey.
Wide local excision (WLE) is standard practice in the management of melanoma, but no national or international guidelines exist regarding its technique. The aims of this study were to assess variation in the practice of WLE and to explore the effect of clinicians' specialty and grade on such variation. This was an international, anonymized, cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was distributed to the Irish Association of Dermatologists, British Association of Dermatologists, British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, Melanoma Focus, and BioGenoMEL members. Of 128 respondents, 57% were dermatologists and 38% plastic surgeons. Most (80%) were consultants. Almost all clinicians learned their technique from colleagues (99%) "on the job", while 21% also used textbooks/media as part of WLE training. There was significant variation in planning and performing WLE: 59% considered margins already achieved, 71% marked margins with the skin relaxed. For 1 cm WLE, 84% delineated 1 cm from the scar edge; with plastic surgeons more likely to mark from the scar midpoint (p < 0.05). Most followed a longitudinal/oblique axis on the limbs for WLE (81%). Only 40% sent "dog ears" for histology. Most (71%) incised along the marked line, 27% incised outside it. Most (79%) excised to deep fascia, 19% to the next biological margin. This study demonstrates significant variation among clinicians performing WLE, an essential component of melanoma management. We postulate that this could impact on patient outcomes. A consensus statement should be developed, to achieve more consistency in the practice of WLE.


Autonomic responses to heartburn induced by esophageal acid infusion.
Studies have shown that altered visceral perception and lower pain thresholds in patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and non-cardiac chest pain. Autonomic changes associated with the perception of heartburn in patients with GERD are poorly understood. A total of 12 GERD patients (six male, six female; mean age 37.2 +/- 2.7 years) and 12 controls (five male, seven female; mean age 32.8 +/- 2.2 years) were studied. The study protocol included a 20-min water infusion (6 mL/min), and 20-min acid infusion (0.1 N HCl, 6 mL/min). Spectral analysis of heart-rate variability (HRV) was used to assess autonomic functioning. The measured HRV indices included the power in the low-frequency (LF) band (0.04-0.15 Hz) reflecting sympathetic tone, and power in the high-frequency (HF) band (0.15-0.5 Hz) reflecting vagal tone, and the LF/HF ratio as an indicator of sympathovagal balance. The GERD group experienced more heartburn than controls with acid infusion. Between-group comparisons showed no significant changes in LF band power in any period. The HF band power was significantly lower in GERD patients during all infusion periods. The LF/HF ratio was significantly larger in GERD patients. The perception of heartburn induced by esophageal acid infusion is associated with a simultaneous increase in sympathetic modulation in patients with GERD. The autonomic responses with esophageal acid infusion are significantly different between healthy subjects and GERD patients.


In vitro interactions between Blastomyces dermatitidis and other zoopathogenic fungi.
The results of in vitro interactions between colonies of Blastomyces dermatitidis and six other zoopathogenic fungi are reported. The interactions were found to range from neutral with Histoplasma capsulatum and Candida albicans to strongly antagonistic with Microsporum gypseum, Pseudallescheria boydii, and Sporothrix schenckii, and including lysis by Cryptococcus neoformans. These observations suggest that interactions between zoopathogenic fungi may be one of the biotic factors likely to influence the occurrence of B. dermatitidis in natural systems.


The meaning of health: understanding functional limitations.
Results of psychometric studies of 14 questionnaire items commonly used to define chronic functional limitations due to poor health are reported. Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from 1,209 persons 14 years of age and older. Data were used to study: scalability of items; test-retest reliability of alternate forms of scales; validity of scales in relation to 13 health status variables and age; and precision of scales in detecting differences in health. Three scales pertaining to chronic limitations in mobility, physical activity, and social role activity functions satisfied the criteria of scalogram analysis. Four-month test-retest reliability estimates for alternate forms were very high. Strong associations (some curvilinear) were observed among functional limitation scales, and between these scales and survey measures of physical abilities, general health perceptions, health worry/concern, chronic disease conditions, and age. Measures of physical abilities and functional limitations appeared to define opposite ends of a function-dysfunction continuum. Statistical modeling of precision indicates that, due to the skewed distribution of scores, large sample sizes would be required to detect differences in functional limitations in studies using only a posttest.


Disorders of follicular ripening and ovulation in human.
The authors review literary data and own investigations indicating that anomalies of follicular ripening and ovulation carry a substantial risk of ensuing reproductive abnormalities. Absence of ovulation is conducive to sterility, while delay of the follicular maturation process predispose to the development of an overripe ovum. The degenerative changes that characterize overripeness are conducive to the occurrence of chromosome and anatomic anomalies in the fertilized ovum. The same process predisposes to early abortion and, presumably, to monozygous twinning. Delayed ovulation is predictably associated with corpus luteum inadequacy. Clinically, this phenomenon is frequently associated with postconception bleeding, occult abortion, extrauterine pregnancy and implantation on the lower uterine segment (placenta praevia). Multiple ovulation predisposes to heterozygous twinning.


Fast cloning inverted repeats for RNA interference.
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can induce post-transcriptional gene silencing in a wide variety of organisms. Commonly, inverted repeats are used to produce dsRNA to silence genes of interest. However, cloning inverted repeats still remains a rate-limiting step for widely applying this technique. Here we describe a pGEM-T-based vector, pGEM-WIZ, designed to produce inverted repeats for any Drosophila gene. pGEM-WIZ has a high efficiency in assembling inverted repeats and the repeats in this vector are stable in regular Escherichia coli strains. Furthermore, we have developed a method for rapid selection of clones with an inverted repeat based on size and relative copy number of the vector with or without an insert. This method further eases the cloning process. The inverted repeat cassette assembled in pGEM-WIZ can be easily transferred to commonly available expression vectors suitable for stably expressing inverted repeats in vitro and in vivo.


The isotropic-nematic phase transition of tangent hard-sphere chain fluids--pure components.
An extension of Onsager's second virial theory is developed to describe the isotropic-nematic phase transition of tangent hard-sphere chain fluids. Flexibility is introduced by the rod-coil model. The effect of chain-flexibility on the second virial coefficient is described using an accurate, analytical approximation for the orientation-dependent pair-excluded volume. The use of this approximation allows for an analytical treatment of intramolecular flexibility by using a single pure-component parameter. Two approaches to approximate the effect of the higher virial coefficients are considered, i.e., the Vega-Lago rescaling and Scaled Particle Theory (SPT). The Onsager trial function is employed to describe the orientational distribution function. Theoretical predictions for the equation of state and orientational order parameter are tested against the results from Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. For linear chains of length 9 and longer, theoretical results are in excellent agreement with MC data. For smaller chain lengths, small errors introduced by the approximation of the higher virial coefficients become apparent, leading to a small under- and overestimation of the pressure and density difference at the phase transition, respectively. For rod-coil fluids of reasonable rigidity, a quantitative comparison between theory and MC simulations is obtained. For more flexible chains, however, both the Vega-Lago rescaling and SPT lead to a small underestimation of the location of the phase transition.


Development of a community health programme.
This formulation of the steps necessary to develop a community health programme is based on Ms Johnston's considerable experience in the "Dana Sehat" programme in Central Java, Indonesia. "Dana Sehat" means health funds and the programme is based on the concept of a community development programme, built upon a health insurance scheme. Further details on the Dana Sehat programme were given in CONTACT 31 "Community Health Care in Rural Java" and in an article by Dr Gunawan Nugroho in the WHO book "Health by the People", 1975. The following outline was first printed in CONTACT 43, February 1976.


The role of the lactadherin in promoting intestinal DCs development in vivo and vitro.
Lactadherin, as one of the immune components in the breast milk, might play a role in the intestinal immune system of newborn. Therefore, we investigated the effect of lactadherin-feeding in early time on the development of intestinal immune system compared with naturally rearing and artificially rearing (non-lactadherin). In the present study, we observed that the Peyer's Patches (PP) from the pups of artificially reared group with lactadherin added were characterized by an excess of OX62(+)CD4(+)SIRP(+) DC cells and a higher expression of CD3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+)T cells. Additionally, this study also demonstrated that IL-10 production was dramatically increased when lactadherin was present in culture medium compared with lactadherin-absent culture. These results suggested that lactadherin could adjust intestinal DCs activity, induce CD3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+)T cell differentiation, and enhance IL-10 production.


The concept of adequate causation and Max Weber's comparative sociology of religion.
Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, studied in isolation, shows mainly an elective affinity or an adequacy on the level of meaning between the Protestant ethic and the 'spirit' of capitalism. Here it is suggested that Weber's subsequent essays on 'The Economic Ethics of World Religions' are the result of his opinion that adequacy on the level of meaning needs and can be verified by causal adequacy. After some introductory remarks, particularly on elective affinity, the paper tries to develop the concept of adequate causation and the related concept of objective possibility on the basis of the work of v. Kries on whom Weber heavily relied. In the second part, this concept is used to show how the study of the economic ethics of India, China, Rome and orthodox Russia can support the thesis that the 'spirit' of capitalism, although it may not have been caused by the Protestant ethic, was perhaps adequately caused by it.


Paradoxical interaction between cancer and long-term postsepsis disorder: impairment of de novo carcinogenesis versus favoring the growth of established tumors.
Previous data have reported that the growth of established tumors may be facilitated by postsepsis disorder through changes in the microenvironment and immune dysfunction. However, the influence of postsepsis disorder in initial carcinogenesis remains elusive. In the present work, the effect of postsepsis on inflammation-induced early carcinogenesis was evaluated in an experimental model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). We also analyzed the frequency and role of intestinal T regulatory cells (Treg) in CAC carcinogenesis. The colitis grade and the tumor development rate were evaluated postmortem or in vivo through serial colonoscopies. Sepsis-surviving mice (SSM) presented with a lower colonic DNA damage, polyp incidence, reduced tumor load, and milder colitis than their sham-operated counterparts. Ablating Treg led to restoration of the ability to develop colitis and tumor polyps in the SSM, in a similar fashion to that in the sham-operated mice. On the other hand, the growth of subcutaneously inoculated MC38luc colorectal cancer cells or previously established chemical CAC tumors was increased in SSM. Our results provide evidence that postsepsis disorder has a dual effect in cancer development, inhibiting inflammation-induced early carcinogenesis in a Treg-dependent manner, while increasing the growth of previously established tumors.


Metabolism of 18-methoxycoronaridine, an ibogaine analog, to 18-hydroxycoronaridine by genetically variable CYP2C19.
18-Methoxycoronaridine, a newly developed ibogaine analog, has been reported to decrease the self-administration of morphine, cocaine, ethanol, and nicotine. It has also been reported to attenuate naltrexone-precipitated signs of morphine withdrawal. In this study, three metabolites of 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC) were separated and identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS-MS); the major metabolite was 18-hydroxycoronaridine (18-HC). The other two metabolites were elucidated as hydroxylated metabolites on the basis of their MS-MS spectra. Catalytic studies of 18-MC O-demethylase activity in human liver microsomes indicate that one high affinity enzyme is involved in this reaction (K(m) from 2.81 to 7.9 microM; V(max) from 0.045 to 0.29 nmol/mg/min). In cDNA-expressing microsomes, only CYP2C19 displayed significant 18-MC O-demethylase activity (K(m) 1.34 microM; V(max) 0.21 nmol/mg/min). S-Mephenytoin, a selective CYP2C19 inhibitor, inhibited 18-MC O-demethylation by 65% at a concentration of 2 times its K(I), and antibodies against rat 2C (human CYP2C8, 2C9, 2C19) inhibited 18-HC formation by 70%. Studies with other cytochrome P450 (P450)-selective chemical inhibitors and antibodies failed to demonstrate an appreciable role for other P450s in this reaction. In addition, in microsomes from five different human livers, 18-MC O-demethylation correlated with S-mephenytoin 4'hydroxylase activity but not with other P450 probe reactions. These data indicate that 18-HC formation is the predominant pathway of 18-MC metabolism in vitro in human liver microsomes and that this metabolic pathway is primarily catalyzed by the polymorphic CYP2C19. The apparent selectivity of this pathway for CYP2C19 suggests 18-MC as a potentially useful probe of CYP2C19 activity in vitro and in vivo.


Effect of hyperimmunization with an Escherichia coli J5 bacterin in adult lactating dairy cows.
To determine the effect of hyperimmunization with an Escherichia coli J5 bacterin on serum IgG2 concentration, incidence of clinical mastitis, and rate of survival to the end of the lactation period (ie, day 305) in adult lactating dairy cattle. Randomized controlled trial. 1,012 Holstein cows in their second lactation and greater. All cows were given 3 doses of the J5 bacterin; cows in the hyperimmunization group were given an additional 3 doses during the first 3 months of lactation. Blood was collected from a small sample of cows to determine anti-J5 IgG2 concentrations. Cows in the hyperimmunization group had higher mean serum anti-J5 IgG2 concentrations than did control cows 28 days after administration of the fourth, fifth, and sixth doses of the J5 bacterin. However, mean serum anti-J5 concentrations during the subsequent lactation were not significantly different between groups. The proportions of cows that developed clinical mastitis were not significantly different between groups. However, control cows were more likely to have severe clinical mastitis than were cows in the hyperimmunization group. The percentage of control cows that remained in the herd to day 305 was significantly lower than the percentage of cows in the hyperimmunization group that did. Results suggested that hyperimmunization of mature lactating dairy cattle was associated with increased serum anti-J5 IgG2 concentrations and decreased incidence of severe clinical mastitis, but did not alter survival rate of cows that developed severe clinical mastitis.


Hepatocyte growth factor gene-modified mesenchymal stem cells reduce radiation-induced lung injury.
Abstract Effective therapeutic strategies for radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) are lacking. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as gene therapy delivery vehicles, possess the ability to repair injured lung. In this study, we conducted MSC-based hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene therapy for RILI. Mice received single-dose radiation with 20 Gy of γ rays locally to the lung, and then were administered normal sodium, Ad-HGF-modified MSCs, or Ad-Null-modified MSCs. Ad-HGF-modified MSCs (MSCs-HGF) improved histopathological and biochemical markers of lung injury. MSCs-HGF could reduce secretion and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and increase the expression of antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10. It could also decrease expression levels of profibrosis factors transforming growth factor-β, Col1a1 (collagen type 1, α1), and Col3a1, and inhibit fibrosis progress. MSCs-HGF could promote proliferation of lung epithelial cells and protect them from apoptosis, and improve the expression of endogenous HGF and its receptor c-Met significantly. We also found that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 expression was increased in injured lung. These results suggest MSC-based HGF gene therapy not only reduces inflammation but also inhibits lung fibrosis.


Daucosterol Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of daucosterol on HCC by investigating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In this study, HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were treated with varying concentrations of daucosterol, and the corresponding inhibitory effects on HCC cells were examined via CCK-8 assays. Cell migration and invasion abilities were detected via transwell assays. β-Catenin and phospho (p)-β-catenin levels were analyzed via western blotting. Our results showed that daucosterol reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, daucosterol reduced the levels of β-catenin and p-β-catenin in HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. Furthermore, the Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor SB-216763 was used to treat HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells with daucosterol. Our results showed that co-treatment with daucosterol and SB-216763 abolished the effects of daucosterol on cell inhibition ratios, cell migration, and cell invasion. These findings indicated that daucosterol inhibited cell migration and invasion in HCC cells via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, our study highlights the use of daucosterol as a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.


Decreased Synovial Fluid Ghrelin Level Is Associated With Acute Cartilage Injury in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear.
Ghrelin, an amino acid hormone secreted primarily from the stomach, can regulate bone metabolism, regulate inflammation via suppressing proinflammatory cytokines, and suppress expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). To measure synovial fluid levels of ghrelin in young patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear to assess the role of ghrelin as a potential biomarker for cartilage injury. Controlled laboratory study. This study included 120 patients who underwent ACL reconstructionbetween January 1, 2016, and May 31, 2021. We categorized 60 patients with acute cartilage injury (International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society grade 2 or 3) as the acute group and 60 patients with no acute cartilage injury as the nonacute group, with the healthy contralateral knee of each patient acting as the control group (n = 120). Synovial fluid samples were collected from the knees in the operating room before ACL reconstruction. We assessed the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin (IL)-6, MMP-1, MMP-9, and MMP-13, as well as serum ghrelin level and Mankin score, and results were compared between the 3 study groups with the Mann-Whitney U test. Lower serum ghrelin levels in the synovial fluid were found in the acute group compared with the nonacute group and healthy controls (232.4 vs 434.4 vs 421.5 pg/mL, respectively; P < .001). Ghrelin level in the synovial fluid was significantly and positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.4223; P < .0001), MMP-13 (r = 0.3402; P < .0001), and Mankin score (r = 0.1453; P = .0244). In patients with ACL injury, ghrelin synovial fluid was significantly differently expressed in patients with cartilage injury and no cartilage injury. Ghrelin synovial fluid has the potential to be a biomarker to predict acute cartilage injury in patients with ACL injury.


[Characteristics of the alveolar bone defects evaluated by cone-beam CT in periodontitis patients with orthodontic treatment history of Angle class Ⅱ malocclusion].
Objective: To evaluate the levels of alveolar bone defects by using cone-beam CT in periodontitis patients with history of orthodontic treatment and to find the special tooth positions, sites and periodontitis stages of alveolar bone defects, so as to provide reference for the formulation of clinical personalized diagnosis and treatment plans. Methods: Thirty patients who were diagnosed as Angle class Ⅱ malocclusion, treated by using labial fixed orthodontic appliances and also diagnosed as periodontitis (orthodontic group) were recuited from January 2009 to June 2019 at the School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University in the present study. They were aged (27.0±5.4) years old (ranged 18-41 years old). Another 60 periodontitis patients without a history of orthodontic treatment matched according to age, gender and severity of periodontitis were selected as control group (non-orthodontic group). They were aged (26.7±5.2) years old (ranged 18-41 years old). Cone-beam CT images were used to measure the heights of the alveolar bone defects at each tooth position of the patients. The difference in the heights of the alveolar bone defects between the orthodontic group and the non-orthodontic group at the same position of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bones were compared. The specificities of the defect heights in different positions of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bones and different sites of the same tooth position were analyzed among orthodontic group. The specificities of the different tooth positions of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bones of the different periodontitis stages among orthodontic group were compared. Results: The heights of the alveolar bone defects in the maxillary canine area and molar area, the mandibular incisor area, the canine area and the premolar area in the orthodontic group were higher than that in the non-orthodontic group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In orthodontic group, the most severe teeth in the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bone defects were the canine areas [(3.75±1.00), (3.83±1.10) mm]. Secondly, the more severe tooth positions of the maxillary alveolar bone height defects were the molar area [(3.67±0.84) mm] and the incisor area [(3.39±0.83) mm] and the more severe tooth positions of the mandibular alveolar bone defects were the incisor area [(3.73±1.42) mm] and the molar area [(3.54±0.81) mm]. The height of the alveolar bone defect in the mandibular incisor area was greater than that in the maxillary (P<0.05). The bone defect in the maxillary molar area was severer than that of the mandibular area (P<0.05). The alveolar bone defects in the buccal and lingual sides were mostly larger than that of the mesial and distal sides both in maxillary and mandibular positions except for the maxillary incisor area(P<0.05). The most severe alveolar bone defect position changed with the periodontitis stage. The most severe tooth position of the maxillary in stage Ⅰ periodontitis was in the molar area [(3.26±0.63) mm], whereas the incisor area was the most severe tooth of the mandible [(3.14±1.04) mm]. In addition, among maxillary incisor area, canine area, premolar area, molar area, the most severe alveolar bone defect height was the canine area in stage Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ mandibular (P<0.05). Conclusions: In periodontitis patients with a history of orthodontic treatment, the height of the alveolar bone defect was specific to the tooth positions and sites. With the periodontitis stage changing, the most severe defect position changed in both maxillary and mandibular alveolar bones. It is recommended to pay more attention to the alteration of alveolar bone in periodontitis patients with a history of orthodontic treatment and give timely targeted treatment plans.


A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc as an oral therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding milk-derived protein that has shown antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin, combined with vitamin E and zinc, for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 168 subjects aged 13-40 years old were randomly assigned to take either a capsule formulation containing lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc or placebo twice a day for 3 months. The primary outcome measure was a reduction in the number of acne lesions compared to placebo. A total of 164 subjects completed the study per protocol. The lactoferrin group (n = 82) showed a significant median percent reduction in total lesions as early as 2 weeks (14.5%, P = 0.0120), with the maximum reduction occurring at week 10 (28.5%, P < 0.0001) compared to placebo group (n = 82). Maximum reduction in comedones (32.5%, P < 0.0001) and inflammatory lesions (44%, P < 0.0001) was also seen at week 10 compared to placebo. Sebum scores were improved by week 12. No adverse events were observed during the trial. A twice daily regimen of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc significantly reduced acne lesions in people with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.


Tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene transfer induces cachexia and inhibits muscle regeneration.
Chronic disease states are associated with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines that have been demonstrated to lead to severe muscle wasting. A mechanistic understanding of muscle wasting is hampered by limited in vivo cytokine models which can be applied to emerging mouse mutants as they are generated. We developed a simple and novel approach to induce adult mouse skeletal muscle wasting based on direct gene transfer of an expression vector encoding the secreted form of the murine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (mTNFalpha). This procedure results in the production of elevated levels of circulating mTNFalpha followed by body weight loss, upregulation of Atrogin1, and muscle atrophy, including muscles distant from the site of gene transfer. We also found that mTNFalpha gene transfer resulted in a significant inhibition of regeneration following muscle injury. We conclude that in addition to being a potent inducer of cachexia, TNFalpha is a potent inhibitor of myogenesis in vivo.


[Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the stress of mandibular incisor with different level of alveolar bone].
By three-dimensional finite element analysis,the present research inquired about the stress on the surface of alveolar bone of mandibular incisor with different level of bone loss under different loadings. For the mandibular incisor without bone loss, the maximums of the von Mises stress under vertical and 15 degree oblique loading were 13.171 and 14.315 MPa respectively, both located in the apical region, and the lingual displacement of the tooth were 0.056 and 0.197mm respectively; under 30 degree oblique loading, the maximum of the von Mises stress was 15.262 MPa, located not only in the apical region but also on the crest, and the lingual displacement of the tooth was 0.324 mm. However, when vertical loading was applied on the mandibular incisor with half of the alveolar bone loss, the maximum of the stress increased significantly, located in the apical regions. And under oblique loadings, the value of the stress of this model increased dramatically,being three to five times over that of mandibular incisor without bone loss. Both of them concentrated on the crest. The scope of its distribution decreased from area to point. The significant lingual displacement happened, amounting to 2.850 mm. So when the loss of alveolar bone is not less than half,occlusal adjustment and splinting should be considered during the initial treatment of periodontal disease in order to avoid the significant change of the stress and alleviate the damage to the periodontal tissues.


Equine Hoof Canker: Bovine Papillomavirus Infection Is Not Associated With Impaired Keratinocyte Differentiation.
Impaired keratinocyte differentiation has recently been suggested as a key event in equine hoof canker development. Koilocytotic appearance of keratinocytes, one of the most characteristic morphological alterations in hoof canker tissue, is also a common marker for papillomavirus (PV) infection, and bovine PV-1 and/or -2 (BPV-1/2) has previously been detected in equine canker patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to correlate the frequency and severity of koilocytotic keratinocytes with BPV detection in hoof canker samples. Hoof tissue of 5/18 canker-affected horses and 2/6 control horses tested positive for BPV-1/2 DNA using polymerase chain reaction. Thus, no association between the presence of BPV-1/2 papillomaviral DNA and koilocytotic appearance was found. Proteins associated with but not specific for PV infection were also investigated. Using immunohistochemistry, specific adhesion molecules (E-cadherin and β-catenin) and intermediate filaments (keratins 6 and 14) important for intact epidermal barrier function and keratinocyte differentiation were documented in control samples (n = 6) and in hoof canker tissue samples (n = 19). Altered expression patterns of intermediate filaments and adhesion molecules were demonstrated in canker tissue, confirming the importance of incomplete keratinocyte differentiation, as well as the crucial role of keratinocyte differentiation in hoof canker.


Genetic differentiation between natural and hatchery stocks of Japanese scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) as revealed by AFLP analysis.
Japanese scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) is a cold-tolerant bivalve that was introduced to China for aquaculture in 1982. In this study, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to investigate levels of genetic diversity within M. yessoensis cultured stocks and compare them with wild populations. Six pairs of primer combinations generated 368 loci among 332 individuals, in four cultured and three wild populations. High polymorphism at AFLP markers was found within both cultured and wild M. yessoensis populations. The percentage of polymorphic loci ranged from 61.04% to 72.08%, while the mean heterozygosity ranged from 0.2116 to 0.2596. Compared with wild populations, the four hatchery populations showed significant genetic changes, such as lower expected heterozygosity and percentage of polymorphic loci, and smaller frequency of private alleles, all indicative of a reduction in genetic diversity. Some genetic structures were associated with the geographical distribution of samples; with all samples from Dalian and Japan being closely related, while the population from Russia fell into a distinct clade in the phylogenetic analysis. The genetic information derived from this study indicated that intentional or accidental release of selected Japanese scallops into natural sea areas might result in disturbance of local gene pools and loss of genetic variability. We recommend monitoring the genetic variability of selected hatchery populations to enhance conservation of natural Japanese scallop resources.


Can social network analysis assist in the prioritisation of contacts in a tuberculosis contact investigation?
To evaluate the effectiveness of social network analysis (SNA) in prioritising contacts in a tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation. We reviewed and analysed patient and contact investigation data from a large outbreak that occurred in Tokyo, Japan, between 2010 and 2012. Relevant data were extracted to create a social matrix, which was then analysed using SNA software to visualise the network and calculate SNA metrics (degree and betweenness) for all patients and contacts. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine whether degree and betweenness centrality scores could prioritise contacts for in-depth investigation by calculating the odds of latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) being diagnosed among contacts with high scores compared to those with low scores. The data on a total of 8 patients and 376 contacts, of whom 56 were diagnosed with LTBI, were analysed. Centrality scores did not show a statistically significant association with the risk of contacts being diagnosed with LTBI. However, contacts with high betweenness scores were more likely to be diagnosed with LTBI than contacts with lower scores (OR 2.88, 95%CI 1.31-5.83, P = 0.007). Our results showed the potential of a betweenness score in prioritising contacts during TB contact investigation.


PolyHaplotyper: haplotyping in polyploids based on bi-allelic marker dosage data.
For genetic analyses, multi-allelic markers have an advantage over bi-allelic markers like SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in that they carry more information about the genetic constitution of individuals. This is especially the case in polyploids, where individuals carry more than two alleles at each locus. Haploblocks are multi-allelic markers that can be derived by phasing sets of closely-linked SNP markers. Phased haploblocks, similarly to other multi-allelic markers, will therefore be advantageous in genetic tasks like linkage mapping, QTL mapping and genome-wide association studies. We present a new method to reconstruct haplotypes from SNP dosages derived from genotyping arrays, which is applicable to polyploids. This method is implemented in the software package PolyHaplotyper. In contrast to existing packages for polyploids it makes use of full-sib families among the samples to guide the haplotyping process. We show that in this situation it is much more accurate than other available software, using experimental hexaploid data and simulated tetraploid data. Our method and the software package PolyHaplotyper in which it is implemented extend the available tools for haplotyping in polyploids. They perform especially well in situations where one or more full-sib families are present.


Regression-Based Hyperparameter Learning for Support Vector Machines.
Unification of classification and regression is a major challenge in machine learning and has attracted increasing attentions from researchers. In this article, we present a new idea for this challenge, where we convert the classification problem into a regression problem, and then use the methods in regression to solve the problem in classification. To this end, we leverage the widely used maximum margin classification algorithm and its typical representative, support vector machine (SVM). More specifically, we convert SVM into a piecewise linear regression task and propose a regression-based SVM (RBSVM) hyperparameter learning algorithm, where regression methods are used to solve several key problems in classification, such as learning of hyperparameters, calculation of prediction probabilities, and measurement of model uncertainty. To analyze the uncertainty of the model, we propose a new concept of model entropy, where the leave-one-out prediction probability of each sample is converted into entropy, and then used to quantify the uncertainty of the model. The model entropy is different from the classification margin, in the sense that it considers the distribution of all samples, not just the support vectors. Therefore, it can assess the uncertainty of the model more accurately than the classification margin. In the case of the same classification margin, the farther the sample distribution is from the classification hyperplane, the lower the model entropy. Experiments show that our algorithm (RBSVM) provides higher prediction accuracy and lower model uncertainty, when compared with state-of-the-art algorithms, such as Bayesian hyperparameter search and gradient-based hyperparameter learning algorithms.


Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and its phenolic metabolites ameliorate intestinal diseases via modulating intestinal mucosal immune system: potential mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
The incidence of the intestinal disease is globally increasing, and the intestinal mucosa immune system is an important defense line. A potential environmental cause to regulate gut health is diet. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside is a natural plant bioactive substance that has shown rising evidence of improving intestinal disease and keeping gut homeostasis. This review summarized the intestinal protective effect of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in vivo and in vitro and discussed the potential mechanisms by regulating the intestinal mucosal immune system. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and phenolic metabolites inhibited the presence and progression of intestinal diseases and explained from the aspects of repairing the intestinal wall, inhibiting inflammatory reaction, and regulating the gut microbiota. Although the animal and clinical studies are inadequate, based on the accumulated evidence, we propose that the interaction of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside with the intestinal mucosal immune system is at the core of most mechanisms by which affect host gut diseases. This review puts forward the potential mechanism of action and targeted treatment strategies.


Challenges in Exploratory Methods for Tuberculosis Research in South Africa.
Haunted by a legacy of apartheid governance that left millions in material poverty, South Africa has among the highest tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and mortality rates in the world. Our Social Markers of TB research project shared a vision of working with ethnographic research methods to understand TB-infected persons, their families, care providers, and social networks. We argue that felt and enacted TB stigma and the related HIV-TB stigma impaired our ability to collect the necessary data for a full portrait of TB-infected persons and their lived conditions. To circumvent this limitation, each researcher improvised and augmented conventional anthropological methods with more creative, directed, and at times destabilizing methods. We present three case studies as useful illustrations of the complexities and challenges we encountered in our attempts to conduct ethically sound TB research. We discuss the implications of our call for "improvisation" for the politics of research and ethical oversight.


Glomus tumor of the stomach treated by laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: A case report.
Glomus tumor of the stomach is a rare submucosal mesenchymal tumor. The present study reports a patient with gastric glomus tumor treated by laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. A 39-year-old male was referred to Kochi Medical School Hospital for examination of a gastric submucosal tumor (SMT) initially diagnosed following a medical check-up. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a solitary, well-defined, submucosal lesion in the antrum of the stomach. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a hypoechoic solid mass primarily connected to the gastric muscular layer. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed a 1.5 cm, well-defined mass lesion demonstrating homogeneous strong enhancement in the gastric antrum. Subsequent EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration produced a clinical diagnosis of neuroendocrine neoplasm and the patient underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with regional lymph node dissection. Histopathology revealed solid proliferation of round, α-smooth muscle actin-immunopositive tumor cells with dilated vessels lined by endothelial cells without atypia, prompting a diagnosis of gastric glomus tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the seventh case of gastric glomus tumor treated by laparoscopy reported in English literature. The present case suggested that glomus tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis for SMT of the stomach.


Heme oxygenase-1 induction by hemin protects liver cells from ischemia/reperfusion injury in cirrhotic rats.
To investigate the potential protective effect of HO-1 on cirrhotic liver cells in rats. Male Wistar rats included in the current study were randomly divided into 5 groups as follows: normal (N) group; liver cirrhotic (LC) group; sham (S) group; I/R group and I/R + hemin group. The model for inducing liver cirrhosis in rats was established according to a previously published protocol. Following this the segmental hepatic ischemia reperfusion operation was carried out. The rats were treated with 30 micromol/kg hemin (HO-1 inducer, ferric portoporphyrin IX chloride) i.p. or 0.9% NaCl (control) 24 h and 12 h before hepatic ischemia for 30 min or sham laparotomy. Blood was collected for serum enzymatic measurement 6 and 12 h after reperfusion or sham laparotomy. HO-1, NF-kappaB and caspase-3 expressions were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. The expressions of proteins are inversely correlated to the gray values. HO-1 expression in the I/R + hemin group was increased significantly than I/R group at 6 h and 12 h after hepatic I/R (6 h: 112.0 +/- 8.3 vs 125.1 +/- 5.7, P < 0.01; 12 h: 120.8 +/- 11.0 vs 132.4 +/- 6.2, P < 0.01). Hemin improved serum manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) (6 h: 131.3 +/- 17.6 vs 107.0 +/- 13.9, P < 0.01; 12 h: 141.4 +/- 12.5 vs 118.3 +/- 10.2, P < 0.01), lessened liver cell injury, decreased caspase-3(6 h: 166.7 +/- 8.1 vs 145.5 +/- 14.6, P < 0.01; 12 h: 172.8 +/- 3.8 vs 148.0 +/- 6.5, P < 0.01) and NF-kappaB expression (6 h: 150.2 +/- 8.6 vs 139.7 +/- 6.0, P < 0.01; 12 h: 151.1 +/- 5.9 vs 148.1 +/- 5.3, P > 0.05) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (6 h: 413.3 +/- 104.1 vs 626.8 +/- 208.2, P < 0.01; 12 h: 322.2 +/- 98.8 vs 425.8 +/- 115.4, P < 0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (6 h: 665.2 +/- 70.1 vs 864.3 +/- 70.4, P < 0.01; 12 h: 531.1 +/- 98.6 vs 664.4 +/- 115.6, P < 0.01), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (6 h: 11.1 +/- 2.17 vs 13.5 +/- 2.01, P < 0.01; 12 h: 9.36 +/- 1.10 vs 10.8 +/- 1.62, P < 0.05) in the I/R + hemin group when compared with the I/R group. These results suggest that HO-1 plays an important role in protecting liver cells from hepatic I/R injury in cirrhotic rats by decreasing oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation.


Being an only or last-born child increases later risk of obesity.
Studies have suggested that number of siblings and birth order is associated with obesity. However, studies combining these exposures are needed. This study aimed at investigating obesity in children and young adults in regard to different combinations of family size and birth order. Two cohorts selected from the general population were investigated: The Copenhagen School Health Records Register (CSHRR) and a Draft Board (DB) sample with measured heights and weights in childhood (age 13 years) and young adulthood (age 19 years), respectively. Information on birth order, number of siblings, and relevant covariates were available on 29 327 children, as well as on 323 obese young men and 575 randomly selected controls of young men representing approximately 58 000. The relation between number of siblings and birth order, respectively, and having a Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score above or equal to the 95(th) percentile in childhood or having a BMI of at least 31.00 kg/m(2) in young adulthood was analysed using logistic regression analyses adjusted for relevant confounders. Only children had significantly higher odds of obesity both in childhood and in young adulthood compared with children with siblings, odds ratio (OR) =1.44 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.26-1.66) and OR=1.76 (95% CI: 1.18-2.61), respectively. No association between first-born status and obesity was found. The OR of last-born children being obese was also significantly increased in childhood, e.g. OR=1.93 (95% CI: 1.09-3.43) of obesity if last-born in a family of four children. This was not found in young adulthood. Additionally, higher spacing to previous sibling (average 1872 vs. 1303 days; p=0.026 in four children families) was observed in obese last-born compared to non-obese last-born children. Being an only or last-born child is associated with obesity. These associations may provide leads to targeted prevention of obesity in children.


Open loop optokinetic responses of the turtle.
Turtle eye movements were measured during full-field horizontal optokinetic stimulation under closed and open loop conditions. Because these animals display unyoked slow-phase eye movement behavior, open loop stimulation could not be presented to a paralyzed eye, while monitoring the position of the contralateral eye. The turtle's optokinetic reflex loop was opened electronically by a continuous adjustment of the pattern's position that effectively canceled the effect of the movement of the recorded eye. The highest open loop gains (2-3) were observed at low speeds (< 1 deg/sec), demonstrating a more limited speed range and lower gain in turtle than in the mammalian optokinetic system. These results in the intact animal can be correlated with the visual response properties of the turtle's pretectum and accessory optic system recorded in vitro.


Bio-Mediated Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Phosphate Nanoparticles Using Enterobacter aerogenes Cells for Antibacterial and Anticorrosion Applications.
The promising properties of Zinc Phosphate (ZnP) Nanoparticles (NPs) have made them come into prominence as one of the most favorable catalysts in various industries with ever- increasing applications. Among several proposed synthetic methods, biological methods have mostly been desired for their sheer person-environment compatibility in comparison with those of chemical and physical ones. Therefore, the synthesis of ZnP NPs via biological route was developed in this study. Herein proposed a facile, applicable procedure for ZnP NPs via biosynthesis route, which included precipitation of Zinc Nitrate (Zn(NO3)2.6H2O) and diammonium hydrogen phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4) in the presence of Enterobacter aerogenes as the synthetic intermediate. Investigation of the anti-corrosion behavior of the synthesized NPs was explored on carbon steel in the hydrochloric acid corrosive environment to provide deeper insight into their unique anti-corrosion properties. Additionally, their antibacterial activities were also examined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. The results of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnP NPs. Moreover, the examinations of both anti-corrosion and antibacterial properties, revealed that the synthesized NPs could be a promising anti-corrosion/antibacterial agent. ZnP NPs with an average size of 30-35 nm were successfully synthesized via the simple, suitable biological method. Results implied that these particles could be used as a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant and antibacterial agent instead of toxic and uneco-friendly ones.


[Echographic diagnosis for deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities].
Echographic examination of the femoral vein was carried out in two positions: first in supine position and then in standing position, in order to make a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities. The distance between the wall images of the femoral vein was measured on the line passing through the center of the femoral artery and crossing the common tangent line of the femoral artery and vein at right angle, and the ratio of this distance in supine position to that in standing position was named FEMORAL VEIN DISTENSIBILITY INDEX (FVDI). The FVDI was 2.83 +/- 0.83 in control group consisting of 14 healthy subjects, and 1.26 +/- 0.18 in DVT group consisting of 21 patients with 23 legs. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p less than 0.001). No statistical difference of the FVDI was, however, noted between the control group and the diseased group consisting of 19 contralateral, symptom-free legs. And no relation was confirmed between FVDI and venographical findings, namely site and extension of thrombotic occlusion. By introducing the FVDI, which reflects functional hemodynamics of the femoral vein, the echographic diagnosis for DVT has become easier and more accurate, presenting a diagnostic accuracy of 90.6% in this study.


Investigating TNT loss between sample collection and analysis.
Explosives residues are often collected from explosion scenes, and from surfaces suspected of being in contact with explosives, by swabbing with solvent-wetted cotton swabs. It is vital that any explosives traces present on the swabs are successfully extracted and detected when received in a laboratory. However, a 2007 proficiency test initiated by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) Expert Working Group on Explosives involving TNT-spiked cotton swabs highlighted that explosives may not always be detected from such samples. This paper outlines work performed to determine potential reasons for this finding. Cotton swabs were spiked using a solution of TNT and stored in nylon bags and glass vials for periods of 1, 2 and 4weeks. Simulated swab extracts were also prepared and investigated. The samples were stored in a freezer, or at room temperature either in the dark or exposed to daylight. Overall, the cotton swabs stored at room temperature and exposed to daylight showed a very rapid loss of TNT over time, whereas cotton swabs stored in the freezer, and all simulated swab extracts, gave high recoveries over time. These results will be of benefit for practicing forensic explosives laboratories and for persons undertaking cold-case reviews involving explosive-based samples.


Association of physical activity with trabecular microstructure and cortical bone at distal tibia and radius in young adult men.
The relationship between physical activity, trabecular microstructure, and cortical geometry in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bone has not previously been studied in men. The aim of this study was to investigate whether present (type and amount) and previous duration of physical activity were associated with trabecular microstructure and cortical cross-sectional area (CSA) in weight-bearing bone in young men. This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. Participants included a cohort of 829 Swedish men between 22.8 and 25.7 yr old (24.1 +/- 0.6 yr, mean +/- SD). Several microstructural trabecular and cortical traits were assessed with high-resolution three-dimensional peripheral quantitative computed tomography at distal tibia and radius. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information about physical activity amount (hours per year), duration (years), and type (strain score 0-3, based on ground reaction forces). Men with the highest physical activity strain score had higher tibial trabecular bone volume fraction (13.9Delta%) and trabecular number (12.7%) than men with the lowest strain score (P < 0.001). Men in the group with the longest duration of physical activity had higher tibial cortical CSA (16.1%) than the sedentary men (P < 0.001). Inclusion of all physical activity variables in a linear regression model revealed that strain score independently predicted trabecular bone volume fraction, and trabecular number (P < 0.001) and that duration of previous physical activity independently predicted cortical CSA (P < 0.001) of the tibia. In this large cohort of young men, the degree of mechanical loading due to type of physical activity was predominantly associated with trabecular microstructure, whereas duration of previous physical activity was mainly related to parameters reflecting cortical bone size in weight-bearing bone.


Effective uric acid reduction with probenecid and febuxostat in a patient with chronic kidney disease.
A 33-year-old male with poorly controlled chronic tophaceous gout and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 37 cc/min. His uric acid was 11 mg/dL despite maximal dosing of febuxostat. He had previously failed pegloticase infusions as well. This patient had a reduction in his uric acid level to less than 6 mg/dL following addition of probenecid to his febuxostat regimen. Most guidelines recommend against utilisation of probenecid therapy in patients with GFR <50, but there is no obvious contraindication to its use, provided renal calculi do not develop. Our case illustrates the synergistic effect probenecid can add to maximal xanthine oxidase inhibitor therapy for patients with refractory hyperuricaemia in a patient with CKD stage IIIb. With the approval of a new uricosuric medication, lesinurad, probenecid may remain a suitable alternative for patients with financial limitations to achieve target uric acid levels.


An outer membrane protein (porin) as an eliciting antigen for delayed-type hypersensitivity in murine salmonellosis.
The porin, an outer membrane protein of Salmonella typhimurium, was found to be a suitable antigen for eliciting delayed-type hypersensitivity in mouse salmonellosis. Histological examination of the reaction site revealed that the porin was superior to other antigenic preparations in eliciting a typical delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction consisting of mononuclear cell infiltration without polymorphonuclear cell contamination. This study indicates the importance of using a suitable protein antigen from S. typhi for human application.


Electrochemical method for the early detection of urinary-tract infections.
A method for detecting the presence of bacteria in urine based on measuring a change in potential between two electrodes was tested in a clinical microbiology laboratory. Initial tests were conducted with 13 bacteria commonly associated with urinary-tract infections; all of the test organisms were detected within 2--9 hours. A linear relationship was established between inoculum size and the time an increase in voltage was observed on a strip-chart recorder. No response was seen with sterile urine, but urine samples inoculated with Escherichia produced the expected positive response. One hundred twenty-eight urine specimens from hospitalized persons were simultaneously tested by the electrochemical detection method (ECDM) and by conventional bacteriologic procedures. Ninety-four per cent of 49 positive samples with counts of 10(5) organisms per ml. or more were detected within 4 hours and 100% at 10 hours with the ECDM. Twenty-nine specimens with counts less than 10(5) cells per ml. were detected in 3.5 to 9 hours; two samples (8%) in this group were positive within 4 hours. Fifty samples were negative for bacterial growth, and no increase in voltage was found with these samples.


Patients' blood pressure control and doctors' adherence to hypertension clinical practice guideline in managing patients at health clinics in Kuala Muda district, Kedah.
blood pressure (bP) control among Malaysian is poor and doctor's adherence to clinical practice guideline (cPG) has been a well-known factor that may improve it. this study was designed to evaluate patients' bP control, doctors' adherence to the latest hypertension cPG and their association. Factors associated with bP control and cPG adherence was also examined. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuala Muda district's health clinics. 331 medical records were selected using stratified random sampling and standard proforma was used for data collection. the latest edition of the Malaysian cPG on hypertension was employed to define related variables. A total of 160 patients (48.3%) had controlled bP and it was significantly associated with patients' age (adjusted Odds ratio, aOr= 1.03, 95% cI: 1.004, 1.05, p= 0.016) and systolic bP at presentation (aOr= 0.95, 95% cI: 0.93, 0.96, p< 0.001). About 60.7% of the medical records showed doctor's good level of cPG adherence. this adherence has significant association with presence of chronic kidney disease (aOr= 0.51, 95% cI: 0.31, 0.85, p= 0.007) and cardiovascular disease (aOr= 2.68, 95% cI: 1.04, 6.95, p= 0.030) in the patients and physicians' treatment intensification (aOr= 2.00, 95% cI: 1.26, 3.19, p= 0.009). However, no association was found between bP control and cPG adherence. Hypertension control in this study was poor and the prevalence of physicians with good level of cPG adherence was slightly above average. these findings are important for relevant stakeholders to strategise an action plan to improve hypertension management outcome.