Cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia in gastroparesis: mimic or misfortune?
Biliary dyskinesia and gastroparesis are associated with upper abdominal discomfort and dyspeptic symptoms in the absence of structural abnormalities. We hypothesized that the similarity in symptoms would trigger testing and surgical treatment for biliary abnormalities in a significant number of patients, with refractory symptoms ultimately demonstrating impairment of gastric function. The study was designed as a retrospective review of patients seen between April 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. Patients were identified using diagnosis code for gastroparesis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 536.3). Demographic information, duration, etiology and severity of disease, coexisting psychiatric illness, pain and functional gastrointestinal disorders, medication use, and abdominal surgery with a focus on cholecystectomy were abstracted from the medical records. A total of 131 patients were identified. Women predominated (77.86%), and the idiopathic form of gastroparesis was the most common etiology. A total of 59 (45%) patients had undergone cholecystectomies. Although symptomatic cholelithiasis was the primary indication, more than one-third of these patients underwent surgery for biliary dyskinesia (n = 19) or chronic acalculous cholecystitis (n = 2). In this subgroup, improvement was either absent (n = 13) or transient only (n = 8), lasting for 1.0 ± 0.6 months. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy were younger compared with the rest of the group; all other variables did not show significant differences. Considering the overlap and correlation between gastric and gallbladder function, we should raise the threshold for biliary dyskinesia and reassess the appropriateness of surgical therapy, especially in patients with coexisting dyspeptic symptoms.


Alterations in conformational state of albumin in plasma in chronic hemodialyzed patients.
In chronic hemodialyzed (CH) patients the balance between production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense system is disturbed and shifted towards oxidative conditions. The properties of albumin in CH patients were studied before hemodialysis (HD) and post-HD. Two oxidants were applied, organic t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH) and inorganic hydroperoxide (H2O2), for oxidation of albumin molecules. By comparison, albumin from healthy donors was also modified by both oxidants. The thiol content in albumin was determined by the Ellman method. Albumin properties were evaluated with the spin labelling technique using two covalently bound spin labels, maleimide (MSL) and iodoacetamide (ISL), and fatty acid spin probe, 16-doxylstearic acid (16-DS). A decrease in thiols level in HD albumin was greater than in control albumin. The t-BOOH modified the microenvironment at the binding site of MSL and ISL in control albumin molecules to a greater extent than hydrogen peroxide. Control albumin treated with t-BOOH and H2O2 showed an increase in the mobility of 16-DS. However, no changes were observed in albumin from CH patients treated with either of the oxidizing agents. Both oxidants induced strong conformational changes in albumin from healthy volunteers, but were less effective or ineffective in modification of albumin derived from CH patients. These results show that albumin from CH patients is highly modified in vivo and is not vulnerable to oxidation in the same way as normal albumin.


Chromosomally Integrated Human Herpesvirus 6: Models of Viral Genome Release from the Telomere and Impacts on Human Health.
Human herpesvirus 6A and 6B, alongside some other herpesviruses, have the striking capacity to integrate into telomeres, the terminal repeated regions of chromosomes. The chromosomally integrated forms, ciHHV-6A and ciHHV-6B, are proposed to be a state of latency and it has been shown that they can both be inherited if integration occurs in the germ line. The first step in full viral reactivation must be the release of the integrated viral genome from the telomere and here we propose various models of this release involving transcription of the viral genome, replication fork collapse, and t-circle mediated release. In this review, we also discuss the relationship between ciHHV-6 and the telomere carrying the insertion, particularly how the presence and subsequent partial or complete release of the ciHHV-6 genome may affect telomere dynamics and the risk of disease.


Concise Reviews: Stem Cells and Kidney Regeneration: An Update.
Significant progress has been made to advance stem cell products as potential therapies for kidney diseases: various kinds of stem cells can restore renal function in preclinical models of acute and chronic kidney injury. Nonetheless this literature contains contradictory results, and for this reason, we focus this review on reasons for apparent discrepancies in the literature, because they contribute to difficulty in translating renal regenerative therapies. Differences in methodologies used to derive and culture stem cells, even those from the same source, in addition to the lack of standardized renal disease animal models (both acute and chronic), are important considerations underlying contradictory results in the literature. We propose that harmonized rigorous protocols for characterization, handling, and delivery of stem cells in vivo could significantly advance the field, and present details of some suggested approaches to foster translation in the field of renal regeneration. Our goal is to encourage coordination of methodologies (standardization) and long-lasting collaborations to improve protocols and models to lead to reproducible, interpretable, high-quality preclinical data. This approach will certainly increase our chance to 1 day offer stem cell therapeutic options for patients with all-too-common renal diseases. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:82-92.


The impact of contact patterns on epidemic dynamics.
In social networks, individuals have relationships with their neighbor nodes (acquaintance contacts) and also randomly contact other nodes without direct links (stranger contacts). However, these two types of contact patterns are rarely considered together. In this paper, we propose a modified SIS (Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible) model in which a node not only contacts neighbor nodes but also randomly contacts other nodes in the network. We implement the model on a scale-free network and study the influence of different types of contact patterns on epidemic dynamics as well as three possible strategies people adopt when disease outbreaks. The results show that a greater preference for acquaintance contacts makes a disease outbreak less likely. Moreover, the best protective strategy to control the disease is to adjust both the contact number and the contact pattern. In addition, the epidemic is more likely to be controlled when individuals take more information into consideration.


Antifungal Activity of Endophytic Aspergillus terreus Extract Against Some Fungi Causing Mucormycosis: Ultrastructural Study.
Endophytes fungi are applied as favorable safe antifungal agents as well as natural bioactive compounds reservoir. In the current study, the inhibitory effect of endophytic fungus was explained by direct antifungal activity against fungi causing mucormycosis, ultrastructural, and determination of active compounds in fungal extract. Endophytic Aspergillus terreus was isolated from healthy Moringa oleifera leaves and identified morphologically and genetically, and was recorded in gene bank with accession number MW444551.1. Phytochemical analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) of ethyl acetate crude extract (EACE) of A. terreus were performed. GC-MS results of EACE of A. terreus revealed that fungal extract contains 16 major bioactive compounds with extensive pharmaceutical activities. Furthermore, EACE of A. terreus revealed a promising antifungal activity against fungi causing mucormycosis as Rhizopus oryzae, Mucor racemosus, and Syncephalastrum racemosum, where inhibition zones of EACE (10 mg/ml) were 20, 37, and 18 mm, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EACE was 0.3125 toward M. racemosus, while 1.25 and 2.5 mg/ml against R. oryzae and S. racemosum, respectively. In the same context, treated R. oryzae, M. racemosus, and S. racemosum with EACE of A. terreus revealed elevation of membrane lipid peroxidation which approves membrane leakage. Furthermore, ultrastructure changes were observed which established alteration in both sporangium and hyphal structures; cell membrane and cytoplasm leakage. In conclusion, endophytic A. terreus has an outstanding antifungal activity against fungi causing mucormycosis.


Note: Design and realization of a portable edge illumination X-ray phase contrast imaging system.
We discuss a portable edge illumination x-ray phase contrast imaging system based on compact piezoelectric motors, which enables its transportation to different environments, e.g., hosting different x-ray source technologies. The analysis of images of standard samples reveals an angular sensitivity of 270 ± 6 nrad, which compares well with the 260 ± 10 nrad reported for previous systems based on stepper motors, demonstrating that system portability can be achieved without affecting phase sensitivity. The results can also be considered a test of the performance of the piezoelectric motors, and as such could be of interest to researchers planning their use in other imaging systems.


Human neural stem cells.
'Human neural stem cells' jointly drafted and agreed upon by experts from the Chinese Society for Stem Cell Research, is the first guideline for human neural stem cells (hNSCs) in China. This standard specifies the technical requirements, test methods, test regulations, instructions for use, labelling requirements, packaging requirements, storage requirements, transportation requirements and waste disposal requirements for hNSCs, which is applicable to the quality control for hNSCs. It was originally released by the China Society for Cell Biology on 30 August 2022. We hope that publication of the guideline will facilitate institutional establishment, acceptance and execution of proper protocols, and accelerate the international standardization of hNSCs for clinical development and therapeutic applications.


A 64-Year-Old Man With Germline BRCA2-Mutated Breast Cancer: Known and Unknown Aspects of Male Breast Cancer.
Male breast cancer is a rather uncommon and understudied disease. It accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers, but in recent decades its frequency has been on the rise. Clinical trials of breast cancer have traditionally excluded men. Due to the lack of large-scale prospective studies, most published data come from single-institution, small-cohort studies, and treatment recommendations are based on the extrapolation of data from clinical trials enrolling only women. Although to some extent etiology, diagnosis, and treatment characteristics can be similar, male breast cancer exhibits some distinct features. Men tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at an older age and at a more advanced stage. A better understanding of the biologic features, clinically relevant differences, effective treatments, and outcomes of male breast cancer is crucial to appropriately manage these patients. We present a male breast cancer case with a germline BRCA2 mutation and discuss the epidemiologic, pathologic, and clinical characteristics along with treatment and follow-up recommendations in view of our recent understanding of this disease.


Pulmonary clearance of [99mTc]DTPA and [99mTc]albumin in smokers.
We measured the pulmonary clearance of [99mTc]DTPA and [99mTc]albumin for 3 h in 10 non-smokers and 10 healthy smokers. Seven of the non-smokers had a monoexponential clearance of [99mTc]DTPA with a mean half-life of 66 +/- 18 min. The other three had a biexponential clearance of [99mTc]DTPA with a fraction of radio-activity clearing rapidly (fF) of 14 +/- 4%. Eight smokers had biexponential clearance of [99mTc]DTPA. The half-life of the fast and slow clearance components was 12 +/- 5 and 62 +/- 11 min respectively. The fF was 56 +/- 25%. Two of the smokers showed a monoexponential clearance of [99mTc]DTPA with a half-life of 72 and 55 min. All non-smokers had monoexponential clearance curves for [99mTc]albumin, compared with seven smokers. The half-life was 279 +/- 43 min in non-smokers and 236 +/- 64 min in smokers. The difference in half-life was not significant. In three smokers, the clearance curves of [99mTc]albumin were significantly better described by a bi-exponential equation. The fF was 22 +/- 9%. The effects of smoking on the clearance of [99mTc] albumin appear to be qualitatively similar to those on the clearance of [99mTc]DTPA. Clearance of [99mTc]albumin seems less sensitive to the effects of smoking than clearance of [99mTc]DTPA.


A review of cardiorespiratory fitness-related neuroplasticity in the aging brain.
The literature examining the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and the brain in older adults has increased rapidly, with 30 of 34 studies published since 2008. Here we review cross-sectional and exercise intervention studies in older adults examining the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and brain structure and function, typically assessed using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Studies of patients with Alzheimer's disease are discussed when available. The structural MRI studies revealed a consistent positive relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and brain volume in cortical regions including anterior cingulate, lateral prefrontal, and lateral parietal cortex. Support for a positive relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and medial temporal lobe volume was less consistent, although evident when a region-of-interest approach was implemented. In fMRI studies, cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults was associated with activation in similar regions as those identified in the structural studies, including anterior cingulate, lateral prefrontal, and lateral parietal cortex, despite heterogeneity among the functional tasks implemented. This comprehensive review highlights the overlap in brain regions showing a positive relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness in both structural and functional imaging modalities. The findings suggest that aerobic exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness contribute to healthy brain aging, although additional studies in Alzheimer's disease are needed.


Objective analysis of microtia reconstruction in Indian patients and modifications in management protocol.
An ideal ear, with representation of all anatomic landmarks, is the aim of any reconstructive surgeon embarking on reconstructing the ear in a microtia patient. The literature is abundant with the description of techniques, but these have been reported mainly in Caucasian and Oriental population. There have been very few publications on results in the population belonging to the Indian subcontinent. In spite of strictly adhering to the recommended techniques of reconstruction, the results obtained in these patients have often been marred by problems that are not reported with the Oriental or Caucasian populations. This may necessitate a relook into the management strategy of these cases. Hindering the assessment of the results, their reporting and auditing the improvement obtained by such change in the management strategy, is the lack of a standardized method for assessment of the outcome. Hence, an attempt was made in a series of patients who underwent microtia reconstruction to assess the outcome using a new tool based on the attained definition of anatomical components of the reconstructed pinna. Further effort was made to document the modifications in the technical execution of the reconstruction during the period of the study. A retrospective review of 44 patients and a prospective analysis of 11 patients, who underwent ear reconstruction for microtia from December 2003 to September 2014 at a tertiary care teaching hospital, was undertaken. Taking a cue from Nagata's description of an 'ideal reconstructed ear' which should show all the anatomical components, we developed an objective grading system to assess our results. The technique had undergone several changes during these years combining the principles of three universally accepted methods, that is, those described by Nagata, Brent, and Firmin. These changes, as well as the reasons behind them, were documented. On objectively measuring and analysing the replication of normal morphologic characteristics of the reconstructed ears, we documented progressive improvement of our results. Good or excellent results could be achieved in 70% of cases in the second group compared to a poor outcome in more than 2/3(rd) of the cases carried out during the initial period. Based on these results and the changes adopted in our practice we propose suggestions for management of microtia cases in the Indian population. An objective, weighted grading system has further enabled us to critically evaluate the outcomes and to further improve upon the existing results. Our amalgamation of the salient features of the established techniques as well as changes made based on our experience has enabled us to get good results more consistently in our attempts at microtia reconstruction. We believe that the adoption of such amalgamated methods will be more suitable in Indian patients.


An ultrasensitive FET biosensor based on vertically aligned MoS2 nanolayers with abundant surface active sites.
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanolayers are one of the most promising two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials for constructing next-generation field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors. In this article, we report an ultrasensitive FET biosensor that integrates a novel format of 2D MoS2, vertically-aligned MoS2 nanolayers (VAMNs), as the channel material for label-free detection of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The developed VAMNs-based FET biosensor shows two distinctive advantages. First, the VAMNs can be facilely grown using the conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, permitting easy fabrication and potential mass device production. Second, the unique advantage of the VAMNs for biosensor development lies in its abundant surface-exposed active edge sites that possess a high binding affinity with thiol-based linkers, which overcomes the challenge of molecule functionalization on the conventional planar MoS2 nanolayers. The high binding affinity between 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid and the VAMNs was demonstrated through experimental surface characterization and theoretical calculations via density functional theory. The FET biosensor allows rapid (within 20 min) and ultrasensitive PSA detection in human serum with simple operations (limit of detection: 800 fg mL-1). This FET biosensor offers excellent features such as ultrahigh sensitivity, ease of fabrication, and short assay time, and thereby possesses significant potential for early-stage diagnosis of life-threatening diseases.


[Role of endothelin-1 and its receptors on hypertrophy or proliferation of cultured cardial cells].
To investigate the role of endothelin-1 and its receptors on hypertrophy or proliferation of cultured cardial cells. Cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts were isolated by trypsin digestion method, DNA and protein synthesis were measured by 3H-dexyribonucleotidethymine (3H-TdR) and 3H-Leucine (3H-Leu) incorporation, while protein content was measured by Bradford method. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA expression of cardiomyocyte was measured by reverse transcripted-polymerase chain reaction. Selective endothelin (ET) receptor subtype antagonists BQ123 and BQ788 were used to block ET(A) receptors (ET(A)R) and ET(B)R respectively and to observe the effects of the two receptors during cardiac hypertrophy. ET-1 significantly increased the 3H-TdR and 3H-Leu incorporation rate of cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner and increased protein content. Furthermore, ET-1 promoted the ANP mRNA expression of cardiomyocyte. ET(A)R antagonist remarkably blocked these effects, while ET(B)R antagonist had no obvious effect. ET-1 can induce the hypertrophy for cardiomyocytes and the proliferation for cardiac fibroblasts. These effects are mediated by ET(A)R.


Only above barrier energy components contribute to barrier traversal time.
A time of arrival operator across a square potential barrier is constructed. The expectation value of the barrier time of arrival operator for a sufficiently localized incident wave packet is compared with the expectation value of the free particle time of arrival operator for the same wave packet. The comparison yields an expression for the expected traversal time across the barrier. It is shown that only the above barrier components of the momentum distribution of the incident wave packet contribute to the barrier traversal time, implying that below the barrier components are transmitted without delay. This is consistent with the recent experiment in attosecond ionization in helium indicating that there is no real tunneling delay time [P. Eckle et al., Science 322, 1525 (2008)].


Multi-objective fractional-order particle swarm optimization algorithms for data processing of multi-wavelength pyrometer.
This paper focuses the algorithm of the true temperature inversion for high-temperature targets with unknown emissivity by transforming multi-spectral true temperature inversion into multi-objective minimum optimization. Two improved fractional-order particle swarm optimizations (IFOPSO), high-order nonlinear time-varying inertia weight (Hntiw) IFOPSO and global-local best values (Glbest) IFOPSO, are proposed to obtain the true temperature by solving the multi-objective minimum optimization. Combining the inherent advantages of fractional-order calculus to jump out of the local extreme value, the Hntiw IFOPSO algorithm is proposed by replacing the linear time-varying inertia weights with nonlinear functions related to the total number of iterations and the current number of iterations. The Glbest IFOPSO algorithm is designed by using the global local optimal inertia weight and acceleration constant to update the particle velocity and position values, which improves the multi-objective optimization ability and the accuracy of the true temperature inversion. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified by the simulation with typical spectral emissivity models and the measured data from rocket tail flame.


Axodendritic sorting and pathological missorting of Tau are isoform-specific and determined by axon initial segment architecture.
Subcellular mislocalization of the microtubule-associated protein Tau is a hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Six Tau isoforms, differentiated by the presence or absence of a second repeat or of N-terminal inserts, exist in the human CNS, but their physiological and pathological differences have long remained elusive. Here, we investigated the properties and distributions of human and rodent Tau isoforms in primary forebrain rodent neurons. We found that the Tau diffusion barrier (TDB), located within the axon initial segment (AIS), controls retrograde (axon-to-soma) and anterograde (soma-to-axon) traffic of Tau. Tau isoforms without the N-terminal inserts were sorted efficiently into the axon. However, the longest isoform (2N4R-Tau) was partially retained in cell bodies and dendrites, where it accelerated spine and dendrite growth. The TDB (located within the AIS) was impaired when AIS components (ankyrin G, EB1) were knocked down or when glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β; an AD-associated kinase tethered to the AIS) was overexpressed. Using superresolution nanoscopy and live-cell imaging, we observed that microtubules within the AIS appeared highly dynamic, a feature essential for the TDB. Pathomechanistically, amyloid-β insult caused cofilin activation and F-actin remodeling and decreased microtubule dynamics in the AIS. Concomitantly with these amyloid-β-induced disruptions, the AIS/TDB sorting function failed, causing AD-like Tau missorting. In summary, we provide evidence that the human and rodent Tau isoforms differ in axodendritic sorting and amyloid-β-induced missorting and that the axodendritic distribution of Tau depends on AIS integrity.


Fertility, fecundity and twinning: a comparison of the trends in births and twinning in Australia from 1854 to 1982.
The trends in births and in twinning in Australia are compared from 1854 to 1982. Until about 1930 the twinning rate increased as births fell. The two rates then became concordant. The relationship of fecundity to twinning is discussed. Comparison with other countries is made. The period embraces the demographic transition when changing contraceptive practices would have had a variable effect on twinning.


Discrimination of Escherichia coli O157, O26 and O111 from other serovars by MALDI-TOF MS based on the S10-GERMS method.
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), causes a potentially life-threatening infection in humans worldwide. Serovar O157:H7, and to a lesser extent serovars O26 and O111, are the most commonly reported EHEC serovars responsible for a large number of outbreaks. We have established a rapid discrimination method for E. coli serovars O157, O26 and O111 from other E. coli serovars, based on the pattern matching of mass spectrometry (MS) differences and the presence/absence of biomarker proteins detected in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF MS). Three biomarkers, ribosomal proteins S15 and L25, and acid stress chaperone HdeB, with MS m/z peaks at 10138.6/10166.6, 10676.4/10694.4 and 9066.2, respectively, were identified as effective biomarkers for O157 discrimination. To distinguish serovars O26 and O111 from the others, DNA-binding protein H-NS, with an MS peak at m/z 15409.4/15425.4 was identified. Sequence analysis of the O157 biomarkers revealed that amino acid changes: Q80R in S15, M50I in L25 and one mutation within the start codon ATG to ATA in the encoded HdeB protein, contributed to the specific peak pattern in O157. We demonstrated semi-automated pattern matching using these biomarkers and successfully discriminated total 57 O157 strains, 20 O26 strains and 6 O111 strains with 100% reliability by conventional MALDI-TOF MS analysis, regardless of the sample conditions. Our simple strategy, based on the S10-spc-alpha operon gene-encoded ribosomal protein mass spectrum (S10-GERMS) method, therefore allows for the rapid and reliable detection of this pathogen and may prove to be an invaluable tool both clinically and in the food industry.


Time to pregnancy and multiple births.
Mothers of multiples are alleged to be more fecund than mothers of singletons. Some authors have suggested monitoring twinning rates for assessing temporal changes in a population's reproductive health. Using a nested case-control design, we estimated the odds of a multiple birth in relation to fecundity in the US Collaborative Perinatal Project inclusive of 8546 pregnant women who reported a known time-to-pregnancy (TTP) upon enrolment in the cohort, 1959-1966. Case mothers comprised 81 women giving birth to twins/triplets; control mothers comprised 243 women giving birth to singletons matched to case mothers on maternal age at a ratio of 3:1. The odds ratio (OR) for a multiple birth within 6 months of trying adjusting for maternal age and prior pregnancies was estimated using logistic regression. Discrete time Cox regression analysis was also utilized to estimate the fecundability OR. Women with a TTP of <or=6 months were more likely to have a multiple birth than women reporting a TTP of >6 months [OR=1.95; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.09-3.51]. Excluding pregnancies after 13+ months resulted in a loss of precision (OR=2.14; 95% CI=0.90-5.04). These data support higher fecundity among mothers of multiples than mothers of singletons.


[Thyroid tumors--moleculargenetic causes and choices for target therapy].
Thyroid tumors are the most common endocrine malignancy. The main genetic changes are point mutations in the RET proto-oncogene (somatic or germ-line) in medullary thyroid carcinoma and point mutations in BRAF and RAS genes or RET/PTC rearrangements in carcinomas developing from follicular cells. Moleculargenetic diagnosis of RET mutations in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma and their relatives is now the part of clinical approach. Currently, knowledge about genetic causes of thyroid tumors has begun applying into target gene therapy providing new therapeutic drugs and more individualized treatment. This review summarizes main genetic causes of thyroid tumors and their application in target gene therapy.


Assignment of LH XVI to chromosome 3 in the mouse.
We have presented evidence that the mouse loci comprising linkage group XVI are located on chromosome 3 distal to the my locus such that the order of genes is: Car-1, Car-2--my--ma--soc--Amy-1, Amy-2--Va. The genetic length for chr 3 is now estimated to be 82 recombination units. The genetic location of the breakpoint in the reciprocal translocation T(2:3)24H is placed between the Amy-1 and Va loci. A new simplified method for determining the Amy-1 and Amy-2 genotype of mice is presented.


Everything pectoralis major: from repair to transfer.
Background: Pectoralis major ruptures are increasing in incidence primarily due to an increase in awareness, activity level among young males between 20 and 40 years of age, and use of anabolic steroids. Although the majority of pectoralis major ruptures are acute injuries, many chronic ruptures are unrecognized and it is imperative to understand the proper evaluation of these injuries, as well as the appropriate treatment for acute and chronic ruptures.Purpose: Pectoralis major ruptures can lead to deformity and physical disability if left untreated. This review paper discusses both acute and chronic ruptures as well as indications for nonoperative treatment and operative treatment to give the reader the best understanding of this diagnosis and proper management.Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using a search of electronic databases. Search terms such as pectoralis major rupture, pectoralis major repair, pectoralis major tendon transfer, and pectoralis major nonoperative treatment were used. Case reports, systematic reviews, prospective and retrospective studies were included to provide a comprehensive review. The only exclusion criteria consisted of studies not published in English. This review article includes the anatomy and biomechanics of the pectoralis major muscle, proper evaluation of the patient, operative and nonoperative treatment of acute and chronic pectoralis major ruptures, and outcomes of the recommended treatment.Conclusion: Nonoperative treatment is indicated for patients with medical comorbidities, older age, incomplete tears, or irreparable damage. Patients treated non-operatively have been shown to lose strength, but regain full range of motion. Patients with surgery before 6 weeks reported better outcomes than patients with surgery between 6 and 8 weeks. The chronicity of the rupture (>8 weeks) increases the likelihood of reconstruction, involving the use of autografts or allografts. Patients treated with delayed repair had significantly better strength, satisfaction, and outcomes than patients with nonoperative treatment. The pectoralis tendon can also be transferred in patients with rotators cuff tears, atrophy, or significant functional limitation. Tendon transfers have been shown to have unpredictable outcomes, but overall satisfactory results.


Incorporating tiotropium into a respiratory therapist-directed bronchodilator protocol for managing in-patients with COPD exacerbations decreases bronchodilator costs.
Tiotropium is used in maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but there are no guidelines on when to start tiotropium following an exacerbation. To determine whether the addition of tiotropium to a respiratory-therapist-directed bronchodilator protocol affects bronchodilator costs for patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation. We retrospectively analyzed data on the number and type of bronchodilator treatments administered to all patients admitted for COPD exacerbation during the 3-month period (January through March 2006) after tiotropium was added to our bronchodilator protocol, and compared that data to a historical control period (January through March 2004) before tiotropium was available in our hospital. We compared the costs of bronchodilator treatments, baseline patient characteristics, comorbidities, concomitant medications, length of stay, adverse events, and in-hospital deaths. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and concomitant medications were similar in the 2004 control group (n = 181) and the 2006 intervention group (n = 174). The mean +/- SD number of bronchodilator treatments per admission was significantly higher in the control period (13.6 +/- 15.6) than in the intervention period (10.6 +/- 9.4). That difference correlated to a reduction in combination therapy (short-acting inhaled beta(2) agonist plus ipratropium), which decreased from a per-admission average of 6.7 +/- 14.2 in the control period to 1.9 +/- 5.1 in the intervention period. Calculated bronchodilator costs were significantly lower in the intervention period than in the control period. Length of stay also significantly decreased, from 6.5 +/- 5.0 d to 5.5 +/- 4.0 d. There were no adverse events related to tiotropium. Pulmonary-related in-hospital deaths were not significantly different between the 2 periods. Early addition of maintenance-treatment tiotropium to a respiratory-therapist-directed bronchodilator protocol for patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation reduced costs and produced no safety concerns.


Sexual orientation in the 2013 national health interview survey: a quality assessment.
Objective-This report presents a set of quality analyses of sexual orientation data collected in the 2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). NHIS sexual orientation estimates are compared with those from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Selected health outcomes by sexual orientation are compared between NHIS and NSFG. Assessments of item nonresponse, item response times, and responses to follow-up questions to the sexual orientation question are also presented. Methods-NHIS is a multipurpose health survey conducted continuously throughout the year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. Analyses in this report were based on NHIS data collected in 2013 from 34,557 adults aged 18 and over. Sampling weights were used to produce national estimates that are representative of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adult population. Data from the 2006-2010 NSFG and 2009-2012 NHANES were used for the comparisons. Results-Based on the 2013 NHIS data, 96.6% of adults identified as straight, 1.6% identified as gay/lesbian, and 0.7% identified as bisexual. The remaining 1.1% of adults identified as ''something else,'' stated ''I don't know the answer,'' or refused to answer. Responses to follow-up questions suggest that the sexual orientation question is producing little classification error. In addition, largely similar patterns of association between sexual orientation and health were observed for NHIS and NSFG. Analyses of item nonresponse rates revealed few data quality issues, although item response times suggest possible shortcutting of the question and comprehension problems for select respondents.


Evidence of direct complementary interactions between messenger RNAs and their cognate proteins.
Recently, the ability to interact with messenger RNA (mRNA) has been reported for a number of known RNA-binding proteins, but surprisingly also for different proteins without recognizable RNA binding domains including several transcription factors and metabolic enzymes. Moreover, direct binding to cognate mRNAs has been detected for multiple proteins, thus creating a strong impetus to search for functional significance and basic physico-chemical principles behind such interactions. Here, we derive interaction preferences between amino acids and RNA bases by analyzing binding interfaces in the known 3D structures of protein-RNA complexes. By applying this tool to human proteome, we reveal statistically significant matching between the composition of mRNA sequences and base-binding preferences of protein sequences they code for. For example, purine density profiles of mRNA sequences mirror guanine affinity profiles of cognate protein sequences with quantitative accuracy (median Pearson correlation coefficient R = -0.80 across the entire human proteome). Notably, statistically significant anti-matching is seen only in the case of adenine. Our results provide strong evidence for the stereo-chemical foundation of the genetic code and suggest that mRNAs and cognate proteins may in general be directly complementary to each other and associate, especially if unstructured.


Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Point-of-Care Diagnostics and Other Clinical Measurements.
One driving motivation in the development of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics is to conveniently and immediately provide information upon which healthcare decisions can be based, while the patient is on site. Ambient ionization mass spectrometry (MS) allows direct chemical analysis of unmodified and complex biological samples. This suite of ionization techniques was introduced a decade ago and now includes a number of techniques, all seeking to minimize or eliminate sample preparation. Such approaches provide new opportunities for POC diagnostics and rapid measurements of exogenous and endogenous molecules (e.g., drugs, proteins, hormones) in small volumes of biological samples, especially when coupled with miniature mass spectrometers. Ambient MS-based techniques are applied in diverse fields such as forensics, pharmaceutical development, reaction monitoring, and food analysis. Clinical applications of ambient MS are at an early stage but show promise for POC diagnostics. This review provides a brief overview of various ambient ionization techniques providing background, examples of applications, and the current state of translation to clinical practice. The primary focus is on paper spray (PS) ionization, which allows quantification of analytes in complex biofluids. Current developments in the miniaturization of mass spectrometers are discussed. Ambient ionization MS is an emerging technology in analytical and clinical chemistry. With appropriate MS instrumentation and user-friendly interfaces for automated analysis, ambient ionization techniques can provide quantitative POC measurements. Most significantly, the implementation of PS could improve the quality and lower the cost of POC testing in a variety of clinical settings.


Text-to-speech synthesis as an alternative communication means after total laryngectomy.
Total laryngectomy still plays an essential part in the treatment of laryngeal cancer and loss of voice is the most feared consequence of the surgery. Commonly used rehabilitation methods include esophageal voice, electrolarynx, and implantation of voice prosthesis. In this paper we focus on a new perspective of vocal rehabilitation utilizing alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) methods. 61 consecutive patients treated by means of total laryngectomy with or w/o voice prosthesis implantation were included in the study. All were offered voice banking and personalized speech synthesis (PSS). They had to voluntarily express their willingness to participate and to prove the ability to use modern electronic communication devices. Of 30 patients fulfilling the study criteria, only 18 completed voice recording sufficient for voice reconstruction and synthesis. Eventually, only 7 patients started to use this AAC technology during the early postoperative period. The frequency and total usage time of the device gradually decreased. Currently, only 6 patients are active users of the technology. The influence of communication with the surrounding world on the quality of life of patients after total laryngectomy is unquestionable. The possibility of using the spoken word with the patient's personalized voice is an indisputable advantage. Such a form of voice rehabilitation should be offered to all patients who are deemed eligible.


Sulfur speciation in untreated and alkali treated ground-granulated blast furnace slag.
Reduced sulfur species in ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) play an important role in immobilizing radionuclide contaminants in caustic cement-GGBFS mixtures via reductive precipitation reaction. However, sulfur (S) speciation and its stability in GGBFS have not been clearly understood. In this study, S speciation of GGBSF in alkaline radionuclide liquid waste simulant solutions was investigated using S K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Although S mineralogy was not detectable by XRD due to the amorphous nature in GGBFS, XANES analysis revealed that GGBSF contained high concentration of sulfoxide (~57%), followed by S(0) (~37%), sulfate (~3.81%), and sulfonate (~2.33%). When GGBFS was reacted with anoxic or oxygenated alkali solutions, it retained most of sulfoxide with some changes in the fraction of elemental S, sulfonate and sulfate, indicating the involvement of reduced S species in the reductive precipitation of radionuclides. This study shows the presence of intermediate S valence species in GGBFS.


Patterns of microbial diversity along a salinity gradient in the Guerrero Negro solar saltern, Baja CA Sur, Mexico.
The goal of this study was to use environmental sequencing of 16S rRNA and bop genes to compare the diversity of planktonic bacteria and archaea across ponds with increasing salinity in the Exportadora de Sal (ESSA) evaporative saltern in Guerrero Negro, Baja CA S., Mexico. We hypothesized that diverse communities of heterotrophic bacteria and archaea would be found in the ESSA ponds, but that bacterial diversity would decrease relative to archaea at the highest salinities. Archaeal 16S rRNA diversity was higher in Ponds 11 and 12 (370 and 380 g l(-1) total salts, respectively) compared to Pond 9 (180 g l(-1) total salts). Both Pond 11 and 12 communities had high representation (47 and 45% of clones, respectively) by Haloquadratum walsbyi-like (99% similarity) lineages. The archaeal community in Pond 9 was dominated (79%) by a single uncultured phylotype with 99% similarity to sequences recovered from the Sfax saltern in Tunisia. This pattern was mirrored in bop gene diversity with greater numbers of highly supported phylotypes including many Haloquadratum-like sequences from the two highest salinity ponds. In Pond 9, most bop sequences, were not closely related to sequences in databases. Bacterial 16S rRNA diversity was higher than archaeal in both Pond 9 and Pond 12 samples, but not Pond 11, where a non-Salinibacter lineage within the Bacteroidetes >98% similar to environmental clones recovered from Lake Tuz in Turkey and a saltern in Chula Vista, CA was most abundant (69% of community). This OTU was also the most abundant in Pond 12, but only represented 14% of clones in the more diverse pond. The most abundant OTU in Pond 9 (33% of community) was 99% similar to an uncultured gammaproteobacterial clone from the Salton Sea. Results suggest that the communities of saltern bacteria and archaea vary even in ponds with similar salinity and further investigation into the ecology of diverse, uncultured halophile communities is warranted.


[Emotional overload of health personnel of the Navarra Health Service during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic].
Health care workers faced unprecedented levels of emotional burden related to the COVID-19 pandemic.. This study aims to find out the self-perception of the state of emotional overload of the professionals of the Navarre Osasunbidea Health Service (SNS-O) at two moments during the pandemic and its associated factors. Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that includes the Emotional Overload Self-Assessment Scale sent by email to all SNS-O health professionals at two moments of the pandemic, in October 2020 and October 2021. Results of the global scale and of the subscales '"fear-anxiety"' and ""affective response"' were compared between the two moments of measurement according to position, field, area and service using ANCOVA models. The number of responding participants in the 2020 survey was 1 485 (11,3%) and 950 in the 2021 survey (7,3%). The mean difference for overall score between 2020 and 2021 was -1.87 (95% CI: -2.38, -1.35), indicating less worrying results with the passage of time since the start of the pandemic, with some differences accross occupational categories. The year 2020 had a great impact on the emotional overload that decreased the following year. One of the greatest fears of health personnel during their occupational exposure to epidemic infectious diseases continues to be the fear of contracting the disease and transmitting it to their family members and social environment. As the proximity to the patient and their environment increases, the probability of psycho-emotional affectation increases.


A magnetic double-shell microsphere as a highly efficient reusable catalyst for catalytic applications.
A novel magnetic double-shell Fe3O4@TiO2/Au@Pd@TiO2 microsphere composed of a Fe3O4 core and double TiO2 shells with Au and Pd nanoparticles encapsulated is created. The microsphere can be used as a highly efficient reusable catalyst with superior catalytic activity and stability and magnetic separable capability in reduction of 4-nitrophenol.


Anti-inflammatory property of the ethanol extract of the root and rhizome of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.
The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory property of the ethanol extract of the root and rhizome of Pogostemon cablin (ERP). The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using four animal models including xylene-induced mouse ear edema, acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeability, carrageenan-induced mouse pleurisy, and carrageenan-induced mouse hind paw edema. Results indicated that oral administration of ERP (120, 240, and 480 mg/kg) significantly attenuated xylene-induced ear edema, decreased acetic acid-induced capillary permeability, inhibited carrageenan-induced neutrophils recruitment, and reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema, in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathologically, ERP (480 mg/kg) abated inflammatory response of the edema paw. Preliminary mechanism studies demonstrated that ERP decreased the level of MPO and MDA, increased the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GRd), attenuated the productions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE₂ and NO, and suppressed the activities of COX-2 and iNOS. This work demonstrates that ERP has considerable anti-inflammatory potential, which provided experimental evidences for the traditional application of the root and rhizome of Pogostemon cablin in inflammatory diseases.


[Episodic hypertension in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome].
We report the case of a 17-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department on several occasions due to palpitations, tachycardia, syncope, short spells of dizziness and light-headedness with complete spontaneous recovery, and hypertension. The patient had been evaluated by several specialists, and multiple complementary examinations had revealed no abnormalities that could explain the symptoms. Due to suspicion of orthostatic intolerance or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome with hypertension, the patient underwent a 60-degree tilt table test, which confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was successfully treated with bisoprolol. The physiopathological mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of this syndrome are reviewed.


Sorption of Acid Black 1 dye onto bentonite - equilibrium and kinetic studies.
The present study shows sorption capacity of bentonite from the Slovak Jelšový Potok deposit for the anionic dye (Acid Black 1) from aqueous solutions and uses it as an effective and economical adsorbent for the removal of anionic dye. The laboratory experiments were carried out in batch method at 3 different sorbent doses (20, 10 and 5 g L-1) and an initial concentration of dye ranging from 1 to 1,000 mg L-1. The adsorption equilibria data were fitted by Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin isotherms. The Langmuir equation provided the best description for the sorption, indicating that adsorption occurred on a mono-layered surface. The maximum sorption capacity of bentonite has been estimated as 31.29 mg g-1. Moreover, the results showed that non-linear method could be a better way to obtain the isotherm parameters. The pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order equations have been applied for the determination of time effect on sorption/removal of dye from solution. The highest determination coefficient values were observed for the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemical character of the adsorption process. Acid Black 1 was probably bound through chemisorption by forming hydrogen bonds between the Si-OH and Al-OH groups in the bentonite and the -NH, -NH2 and -OH groups in the dye.


Acetylcholinesterase electrochemical biosensors with graphene-transition metal carbides nanocomposites modified for detection of organophosphate pesticides.
An acetylcholinesterase biosensor modified with graphene and transition metal carbides was prepared to detect organophosphorus pesticides. Cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize the electrochemical catalysis of the biosensor: acetylcholinesterase/chitosan-transition metal carbides/graphene/glassy carbon electrode. With the joint modification of graphene and transition metal carbides, the biosensor has a good performance in detecting dichlorvos with a linear relationship from 11.31 μM to 22.6 nM and the limit of detection was 14.45 nM. Under the premise of parameter optimization, the biosensor showed a good catalytic performance for acetylcholine. Compared to the biosensors without modification, it expressed a better catalytic performance due to the excellent electrical properties, biocompatibility and high specific surface area of graphene, transition metal carbides. Finally, the biosensor exhibits good stability, which can be stored at room temperature for one month without significant performance degradation, and has practical potential for sample testing.


Effect of 7-methylxanthine on human retinal pigment epithelium cells cultured in vitro.
To evaluate the effects of 7-methylxanthine (7-MX) on the growth of human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and to observe the changes in the expression of adenosine receptors (ADORs) in RPE cells upon 7-MX treatment. Human RPE cells (monolayer at about 80% confluence) were cultured in vitro in the presence or absence of 7-MX. Cell proliferation was evaluated with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis level were analyzed with flow cytometry. Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assay were used to examine the mRNA and protein expression of ADORs. 7-MX at low concentrations had no effect on the proliferation of RPE cells, whereas 100 µmol/l 7-MX slightly decreased cell proliferation at 48 h but without a statistically significant difference. The 7-MX treatment was performed at the low concentration of 10 μmol/l in the following experiments. The proportion of RPE cells in the G1 stage was slightly increased at 24 h (p=0.035) but decreased at 48 h (p=0.0045) upon 7-MX treatment; and the proportion was restored to normal at 72 h. No statistically significant change in apoptosis levels was found in RPE cells cultured with 7-MX. The expression of ADORA1, ADORA2A, and ADORA2B in RPE cells was inhibited by 7-MX treatment at 48 h, while the expression levels appeared to rebound at 72 h. 7-MX has little effect on the proliferation or apoptosis level of human RPE cells; however, in short-term treatment, 7-MX disturbs the proportion of cells in the G1 stage and inhibits the expression of ADORA1, ADORA2A, and ADORA2B.


Bayesian inference applied to macromolecular structure determination.
The determination of macromolecular structures from experimental data is an ill-posed inverse problem. Nevertheless, conventional techniques to structure determination attempt an inversion of the data by minimization of a target function. This approach leads to problems if the data are sparse, noisy, heterogeneous, or difficult to describe theoretically. We propose here to view biomolecular structure determination as an inference rather than an inversion problem. Probability theory then offers a consistent formalism to solve any structure determination problem: We use Bayes' theorem to derive a probability distribution for the atomic coordinates and all additional unknowns. This distribution represents the complete information contained in the data and can be analyzed numerically by Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling techniques. We apply our method to data obtained from a nuclear magnetic resonance experiment and discuss the estimation of theory parameters.


Inequities in Telehealth Use Associated with Payer Type During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a shift in health care delivery and compelled a heavier reliance on telehealth. The objective of this study was to determine if differences in coverage policies by payer type resulted in differential telehealth use during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this population-based cohort study of low-income Arkansans, Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in the traditional Primary Care Case Management (PCCM) program were compared with Medicaid beneficiaries covered through premium assistance in private Qualified Health Plans (QHPs). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of insurance claims records from June 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, for synchronous telehealth and mobile health (m-health) visits, as well as other forms of telehealth. To establish the baseline equivalence of enrollees in the two groups, propensity score matching design was used on demographic and geographic characteristics, Charlson Comorbidity Index, broadband availability, and prior service utilization. Results: Compared with enrollees in the PCCM program, Medicaid expansion enrollees in QHPs had higher odds of having had at least one telehealth visit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-1.42) during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Categorizing utilizations by domain, QHP enrollees were more likely to use synchronous telehealth (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.25-1.37) and m-health (aOR = 5.91; 95% CI: 4.25-8.21). A higher proportion of QHP enrollees also had at least one mental or behavioral health telehealth session (aOR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-1.19). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that within low-income populations, payer type was associated with inequitable access to telehealth during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Glioblastoma Mesenchymal Transition and Invasion are Dependent on a NF-κB/BRD2 Chromatin Complex.
Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most aggressive subtype of glioma, noted for its profound invasiveness and molecular heterogeneity. The mesenchymal (MES) transcriptomic subtype is frequently associated with therapy resistance, rapid recurrence, and increased tumor-associated macrophages. Notably, activation of the NF-κB pathway and alterations in the PTEN gene are both associated with this malignant transition. Although PTEN aberrations have been shown to be associated with enhanced NF-κB signaling, the relationships between PTEN, NF-κB and MES transition are poorly understood in GBM. Here, we show that PTEN regulates the chromatin binding of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins, BRD2 and BRD4, mediated by p65/RelA localization to the chromatin. By utilizing patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells and CRISPR gene editing of the RELA gene, we demonstrate a crucial role for RelA lysine 310 acetylation in recruiting BET proteins to chromatin for MES gene expression and GBM cell invasion upon PTEN loss. Remarkably, we found that BRD2 is dependent on chromatin associated acetylated RelA for its recruitment to MES gene promoters and their expression. Furthermore, loss of BRD2 results in the loss of MES signature, accompanied by an enrichment of proneural signature and enhanced therapy responsiveness. Finally, we demonstrate that disrupting the NFκB/BRD2 interaction with a brain penetrant BET-BD2 inhibitor reduces mesenchymal gene expression, GBM invasion, and therapy resistance in GBM models. This study uncovers the role of hitherto unexplored PTEN-NF-κB-BRD2 pathway in promoting MES transition and suggests inhibiting this complex with BET-BD2 specific inhibitors as a therapeutic approach to target the MES phenotype in GBM.


[An investigation of an accident of acute mixed gas poisoning].
An accident of mixed acute gas poisoning accident happened in a place in GuangDong in March 2018. To investigates three poisoning workers and related clinical data were summarized., we tested the field air and analyzed the accident reasons. This event due to the staff lack of occupational protection awareness and illegal operation. The working environment must be ventilated before limited space operation, and must be sure that the limited space is safe by toxic gas monitoring. In case of occupational acute gas poisoning, rescuers should help the persons who are poisoned reasonably and meanwhile their own safety.


Enhanced In Vitro Biocompatible Polycaprolactone/Nano-Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds with Near-Field Direct-Writing Melt Electrospinning Technology.
Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold is a common biological material for tissue engineering, owing to its good biocompatibility, biodegradability and plasticity. However, it is not suitable for osteoblast adhesion and regeneration of bone tissue due to its non-biological activity, poor mechanical strength, slow degradation speed, smooth surface and strong hydrophobicity. To improve the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of PCL scaffold, the PCL/nHA scaffolds were prepared by melting and blending different proportions of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) with PCL by the near-field direct-writing melt electrospinning technology in this study. The morphology, porosity, mechanical properties and in vitro biocompatibility of the PCL/nHA scaffolds were studied. The results showed that when the proportion of nHA was less than or equal to 25%, PCL/nHA composite scaffolds were easily formed in which bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells proliferated successfully. When the proportion of nHA was 15%, the PCL/nHA composite scaffolds had excellent structural regularity, good fiber uniformity, outstanding mechanical stability and superior biocompatibility. The PCL/nHA composite scaffolds were ideal scaffold materials, which would broaden their applications for bone tissue engineering.


High-Performance Flexible Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on AZO/ZnO/PVK/PEDOT:PSS Heterostructures Integrated on Human Hair.
Flexible optoelectronics is an emerging research field that has attracted a great deal of interest in recent years due to the special functions and potential applications of these devices in flexible image sensors, optical computing, energy conversion devices, the Internet of Things, and other technologies. Here, we examine the high-performance ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors using AZO/ZnO nanorods/PVK/PEDOT:PSS heterostructures integrated on human hair. Due to the precise interfacial energy-level alignment among all layers and superior mechanical characteristics of human hair, the as-obtained photodetector shows a fast response time, high photoresponsivity, and excellent flexibility. According to integrate 7 heterostructures as 7 display pixels, the flexible UV-image sensor has superior device performance and outstanding flexibility and can produce vivid and accurate images of Arabic numerals from 0 to 9. Different combinations of the two heterostructures can also be used to achieve flexible photon-triggered logic functions, including AND, OR, and NAND gates. Our findings indicate the possibility of using human hair as a fiber-shaped flexible substrate and will allow the use of hair-based hierarchical heterostructures as building blocks to create exciting opportunities for next-generation high-performance, multifunctional, low-cost, and flexible optoelectronic devices.


Photoluminescent Hybrids of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Carbon Quantum Dots as Cytocompatible Probes for in Vitro Bioimaging.
We present an approach to construct biocompatible and photoluminescent hybrid materials comprised of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (TO-CNCs). First, the amino-functionalized carbon quantum dots (NH2-CQDs) were synthesized using a simple microwave method, and the TO-CNCs were prepared by hydrochloric acid (HCl) hydrolysis followed by TEMPO-mediated oxidation. The conjugation of NH2-CQDs and TO-CNCs was conducted via carbodiimide-assisted coupling chemistry. The synthesized TO-CNC@CQD hybrid nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cryo-transmittance electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Finally, the interactions of TO-CNC@CQD hybrids with HeLa and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were investigated in vitro. Cell viability tests suggest the surface conjugation with NH2-CQDs not only improved the cytocompatibility of TO-CNCs, but also enhanced their cellular association and internalization on both HeLa and RAW 264.7 cells after 4 and 24 h incubation.


[Prevention in geriatric medicine].
The authors point out the actual relation of prevention in geriatric medicine, and specific traits of prevention and its significance in the care of the aged. They deal with circumstances which compel the necessity to think in categories of prevention also in geriatry. They draw attention to the significance of risk factors in the aged and preventive interventions which are currently preferred. They deal with the relations of morbidity, incapability and the mortality rate and their dynamic relation in the future. They emphasize the fact that in spite of progress in the diagnostics and therapy, it is difficult to achieve improvement of the state of health in the aged, unless there are applied intervention of health support and prevention in the diseases, the origin of which can possibly be averted. (Tab. 2, Ref. 26.)


A chimeric satellite transgene sequence is inefficiently targeted by viroid-induced DNA methylation in tobacco.
In plants, transgenes containing Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) cDNA sequences were efficient targets of PSTVd infection-mediated RNA-directed DNA methylation. Here, we demonstrate that in PSTVd-infected tobacco plants, a 134 bp PSTVd fragment (PSTVd-134) did not become densely methylated when it was inserted into a chimeric Satellite tobacco mosaic virus (STMV) construct. Only about 4-5% of all cytosines (Cs) of the PSTVd-134 were methylated when flanked by satellite sequences. In the same plants, C methylation was approximately 92% when the PSTVd-134 was in a PSTVd full length sequence context and roughly 33% when flanked at its 3' end by a 19 bp PSTVd and at its 5' end by a short viroid-unrelated sequence. In addition, PSTVd small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) produced from the replicating viroid failed to target PSTVd-134-containing chimeric STMV RNA for degradation. Satellite RNAs appear to have adopted secondary structures that protect them against RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated degradation. Protection can be extended to short non-satellite sequences residing in satellite RNAs, rendering them poor targets for nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAi induced in trans.


[Open surgery of elderly patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy].
Thirty three patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) over age 80 who had undergone an open prostatectomy at our ward in the period of January of 1968-December of 1987 (20 years), were retrospectively studied for their complications before, during, or after the operation and prognosis. Preoperative complications were observed at a very high rate. When these complications may influence the prognosis, prudent care is required. The incidence of complications during or after the operation seemed also to be slightly high. This is probably because the number of patients with recurring urinary retention or those who had received cystostomy before the operation were relatively high among the elderly people. In such cases especially prudent care is required, for the prognosis may be poor. About 88% of the patients felt better post-operatively and had a good prognosis. In addition, there was no indication of the operation shortening their life. Consequently, an open prostatectomy was considered to be useful for elderly patients.


Increased healthy osteoblast to osteosarcoma density ratios on specific PLGA nanopatterns.
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) ([PLGA] 50:50 wt% PLA:PGA) films with a flat surface and with 27 nm, 190 nm, 300 nm, 400 nm, and 520 nm nanopatterns were fabricated using a cast-mold process. The nanopatterns were transferred from self-assembled polystyrene (PS) beads to PLGA films through polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds. The surface features, root-mean- square (RMS) roughness, and wettability of these PLGA surface features were studied by atomic force microscope (AFM) height scans, AFM z-sensor scans, and water contact angles, respectively. In order to evaluate the influence of the material topography alone (without changes in chemistry) for bone-cancer applications, both human healthy osteoblasts and human cancerous osteosarcoma cells were cultured on these PLGA surface features, and their densities were determined. Most importantly, compared to all other substrates, it was found that the 27 nm PLGA nanopatterns significantly increased the healthy osteoblast-to-osteosarcoma cell-density ratio. For these reasons, and since previous studies have highlighted that similar nanometer PLGA surface features decreased functions of other types of cancerous cells (specifically lung and breast), this study suggests that 27 nm PLGA nanopatterns should be further studied for a wide range of bone-cancer applications, particularly where healthy bone-cell functions need to be promoted over cancerous bone-cell functions.


Risk factors for hypertensive crisis: importance of out-patient blood pressure control.
The purpose of this study was to identify independent risk factors for development of hypertensive crisis. This was a retrospective, case-controlled study. Cases were 143 patients who presented during a 3-year period to the Emergency Department with the diagnosis of hypertensive crisis, defined as systolic pressure >/=180 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure >/=110 mmHg and symptoms of hypertensive emergency during the Emergency Department presentation. Controls were 485 patients with hypertension, matched to cases on the basis of age, sex and race, who were not admitted to the Emergency Department with an episode of hypertensive crisis during the study period. Co-morbid conditions were identified from computerized health system databases and medical records. Out-patient blood pressures were obtained from medical records from randomly selected out-patient clinic visits. The average blood pressure during Emergency Department presentation in patients with hypertensive crisis was 197 +/- 21/108 +/- 14 mmHg. Less successful out-patient systolic blood pressure control was an independent risk factor for hypertensive crisis [odds ratio (OR) 1.30 (1.18-1.42), per 10 mmHg, P < 0.001]. Higher out-patient diastolic blood pressures [OR 1.21 (0.99-1.43 per 10 mmHg, P = 0.07] and history of heart failure [OR 3.48 (0.94-12.94), P = 0.06] trended towards independence as risk factors. Less effective blood pressure control, based on out-patient systolic blood pressure measurements, is an independent risk factor for an Emergency Department presentation due to hypertensive crisis.


Catalytic route to the synthesis of optically active beta,beta-difluoroglutamic acid and beta,beta-difluoroproline derivatives.
Beta,beta-difluorinated amino acid derivatives were synthesized via Mg(0)-promoted defluorination of alpha-trifluoromethyl iminoester. Bromination of the difluoroenamine afforded the bromodifluoromethyl iminoester in good yield. Pd-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of the bromodifluoromethyl iminoester and the subsequent transformations provided optically active beta,beta-difluoroglutamic acid and beta,beta-difluoroproline derivatives.


Changes in Rotavirus Genotypes before and after Vaccine Introduction: a Multicenter, Prospective Observational Study in Three Areas of Japan.
In Japan, monovalent and pentavalent rotavirus (RV) vaccines were approved in 2011 and 2012, respectively. To monitor changes in the RV genotypes before and after vaccine introduction, we performed a prospective observational study among children (< 5 years) with gastroenteritis who tested RV-positive on antigen rapid tests. Stool samples were collected from 3 different sites in Japan: Tsu City, Mie Prefecture; Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture; and Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture. RV genotypes were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In Tsu City, G3P[8] was dominant (61.0-77.1%) before vaccine introduction, but decreased after introduction. Meanwhile, in an inverse proportion to the decrease in G3P[8], G1P[8] increased until the 2013/14 season, when a sudden predominance of G2P[4] (100%) occurred. A similar trend was observed in Kurashiki City in terms of the extent of reduction in G3P[8] and the emergence of G2P[4]. In Isumi City, G1P[8] was dominant (70.3%) before vaccine introduction, and G9P[8] became predominant (83.3%) in the 2013/14 season. To determine whether the genotype changes are attributable to vaccines or natural epidemiological changes, ongoing continuous monitoring of the RV genotypes is required.


Prevention of de novo hepatitis B infection from HbcAb-positive donors in living donor liver transplantation.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis is necessary to prevent de novo hepatitis B infection from HbcAb-positive donors. However, which protocol is more effective is somewhat controversial. Also, it is uncertain whether it is necessary to administer HBV prophylaxis for HbsAb-positive recipients. This study attempted to determine whether it is necessary to administer HBV prophylaxis for HbsAb-positive patients and to evaluate the efficacy of an HBIG monotherapy protocol. From May 1996 to July 2001, among 128 donors examined for HbcAb, 58 donors (45.3%) were HbcAb-positive. Eighteen HbcAb-positive grafts were transplanted to HbsAg-negative recipients. The 4 patients who died of unrelated causes were excluded from this study. Of 14 study cases, 12 recipients were HbsAb-positive, and 2 were HbsAb-naive. Prior to late 1998, we used HBV vaccination only for de novo infection prophylaxis. However, starting from December 1998, HBIG was administered from the time of the liver transplantation regardless of HBsAb positivity. The overall rate of de novo HBV infections from HbcAb-positive donors was 21.4% (3 of 14). All 3 recipients without HBIG prophylaxis presented with de novo HBV infections. Two were HbsAb-positive preoperatively. No de novo HBV infections occurred among recipients with HBIG prophylaxis. Therefore, it is essential to administer HBV prophylaxis even for vaccinated HbsAb-positive patients. HBIG monotherapy is effective to prevent de novo hepatitis B infections from HbcAb-positive donors in living donor liver transplantation.


Effects of spinal analgesics on spinal circulation: the safety standpoint.
Administration of spinal analgesics around the spinal cord requires safety assessment due to the possibility of inflicting neurotoxic damage. Thus, neurotoxicologic evaluation should be performed for effective, safer spinal antinociception. Every potential agent for spinal administration should be studied in animals for its effects on spinal blood flow or vessels before any attempt is made to administer the drug to humans. As the spinal cord normally has a marginal blood flow, excessive vasoconstriction might produce spinal cord ischemia and consequent neurologic dysfunction. This review therefore focuses on the effects on the spinal circulation induced by well-known spinal analgesics employed in the treatment of acute and chronic pain disorders.


Nicotine exposure alters in vivo human responses to endotoxin.
The alpha 7 nicotinic receptor is reportedly a key element in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Because a prototypical ligand for this receptor is nicotine, we studied the in vivo human response to bacterial endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the context of nicotine or placebo pretreatment. Twelve adult male normal subjects were studied prospectively. Six received overnight transcutaneous nicotine administration by application of a standard patch (7 mg). Six hours later, all subjects were given an intravenous dose of endotoxin (2 ng/kg) and were evaluated for an additional 24 h for circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers, vital signs and symptoms. The nicotine subjects had elevated blood levels of the nicotine metabolite, continine, prior to and throughout the 24-h post-endotoxin exposure phase. Subjects receiving nicotine exhibited a significantly lower temperature response as well as attenuated cardiovascular responses for 2.5-6 h after LPS exposure. In addition, increased circulating interkeukin (IL)-10 and cortisol levels were also noted in nicotine subjects. These data indicate an alteration in LPS-induced systemic inflammatory responses in normal subjects exposed to transcutaneous nicotine. In this model of abbreviated inflammation, nicotine exposure attenuates the febrile response to LPS and promotes a more prominent anti-inflammatory phenotype.


Suppression of XBP1S mediates high glucose-induced oxidative stress and extracellular matrix synthesis in renal mesangial cell and kidney of diabetic rats.
Recent evidences suggest that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was involved in multi pathological conditions, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). X-box binding protein 1(XBP1), as a key mediator of ER stress, has been proved having the capability of preventing oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of spliced XBP1 (XBP1S), the dominant active form of XBP1, on high glucose (HG)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in cultured renal mesangial cells (MCs) and renal cortex of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Real time PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate the mRNA and protein levels respectively. Transfection of recombinant adenovirus vector carrying XBP1S gene (Ad-XBP1S) was used to upregulate XBP1S expression. XBP1S siRNA was used to knockdown XBP1S expression. ROS level was detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescent probe assay. The results showed that HG treatment significantly reduced XBP1S protein and mRNA level in the cultured MCs while no obvious change was observed in unspliced XBP1 (XBP1U). In the mean time, the ROS production, collagen IV and fibronectin expressions were increased. Diphenylene-chloride iodonium (DPI), a NADPH oxidase inhibtor, prevented HG-induced increases in ROS as well as collagen IV and fibronectin expressions. Transfection of Ad-XBP1S reversed HG-induced ROS production and ECM expressions. Knockdown intrinsic XBP1S expression induced increases in ROS production and ECM expressions. Supplementation of supreoxide reversed the inhibitory effect of Ad-XBP1S transfection on ECM synthesis. P47phox was increased in HG-treated MCs. Ad-XBP1S transfection reversed HG-induced p47phox increase while XBP1S knockdown upregulated p47phox expression. In the renal cortex of diabetic rats, the expression of XBP1S was reduced while p47phox, collagen IV and fibronectin expression were elevated. These results suggested that XBP1S pathway of ER stress was involved in HG-induced oxidative stress and ECM synthesis. A downstream target of XBP1S in regulating ROS formation might be NADPH oxidase.


Meniscal Lesions in Geriatric Population: Prevalence and Association with Knee Osteoarthritis.
This study evaluated the prevalence of different types of meniscal lesions among elderly patients with knee pain. Moreover, this study assessed the relationship between meniscal lesions and the presence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in the elderly population. The radiographs and magnetic resonance images of one knee out of 306 patients with knee pain aged 65-89 years were reviewed for knee OA and meniscal lesions. The prevalence of different types of meniscal lesions was calculated, and the relationship between the prevalence of meniscal lesion types and the presence of radiographic knee OA was analyzed. Among 306 participants, 274 (89.5%) showed radiographic knee OA. We found one or more meniscal lesion(s) in 93% of the total subjects, in 94% of all patients with knee OA, and in 84% of all patients without knee OA. The prevalence of surgically target, possible-target, and nontarget lesions were 24%, 72%, and 69%, respectively. The prevalence of surgically target lesions was significantly higher in patients with knee OA than in those without it. The most common lesion observed was meniscal extrusion, followed by the horizontal and complex meniscal tears. Our results demonstrated that meniscal damage is considerably prevalent among elderly individuals with knee pain, especially in those with knee OA. The fact that surgically target and possible-target lesions constitute a substantial proportion of these lesions should be considered in the clinical approach to these patients.


Lithography-free wide-angle antireflective self-cleaning silicon nanocones.
Low-cost, wideband, and wide-angle antireflective layers are of prime importance to photovoltaic and other optoelectronic applications. We report a novel fabrication methodology of random textured silicon nanocones (SiNCs) array through metal-assisted chemical etching combined with oxidation. The optical properties of the fabricated structure are studied theoretically and experimentally. The random textured SiNCs array showed very promising broadband antireflective properties through the entire visible wavelength range at different incident angles up to ±60°. In addition, the nanostructures inherently could become self-cleaning due to the high contact angle. This random cheap textured SiNCs array increases the absorption efficiency of photodetectors and reduces its cost.


ES-62, an immunomodulator secreted by filarial nematodes, suppresses clonal expansion and modifies effector function of heterologous antigen-specific T cells in vivo.
ES-62 is a phosphorylcholine-containing glycoprotein secreted by filarial nematodes, which has previously been shown to possess a range of immunomodulatory capabilities. We now show, using a CD4+ transgenic TCR T cell adoptive transfer system, that ES-62 can modulate heterologous Ag (OVA)-specific responses in vivo. Thus, in contrast to the mixed IgG1-IgG2a response observed in control animals, ES-62-treated mice exhibited a Th2-biased IgG Ab response as evidenced by stable enhancement of anti-OVA IgG1 production and a profound inhibition of anti-OVA IgG2a. Consistent with this, Ag-specific IFN-gamma produced was suppressed by pre-exposure to ES-62 when T cells were rechallenged ex vivo. However, the response observed was not classical Th2, because although Ag-specific IL-5 production was enhanced by pre-exposure to ES-62, IL-13, and IL-4 were inhibited when T cells were rechallenged ex vivo. Moreover, such T cells produced lower levels of IL-2 and proliferated less upon Ag rechallenge ex vivo. Finally, pre-exposure to ES-62 inhibited the clonal expansion of the transferred Ag-specific CD4+ T cells and altered the functional response of such T cells in vivo, by modulating the kinetics and reducing the extent of their migration into B cell follicles.


Process limitations of a whole-cell P450 catalyzed reaction using a CYP153A-CPR fusion construct expressed in Escherichia coli.
Cytochrome P450s are interesting biocatalysts due to their ability to hydroxylate non-activated hydrocarbons in a selective manner. However, to date only a few P450-catalyzed processes have been implemented in industry due to the difficulty of developing economically feasible processes. In this study, we have used the CYP153A heme domain from Marinobacter aquaeolei fused to the reductase domain of CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium (BM3) expressed in Escherichia coli. This self-sufficient protein chimera CYP153A-CPRBM3 G307A mutant is able to selectively hydroxylate medium and long chain length fatty acids at the terminal position. ω-Hydroxylated fatty acids can be used in the field of high-end polymers and in the cosmetic and fragrance industry. Here, we have identified the limitations for implementation of a whole-cell P450-catalyzed reaction by characterizing the chosen biocatalyst as well as the reaction system. Despite a well-studied whole-cell P450 catalyst, low activity and poor stability of the artificial fusion construct are the main identified limitations to reach sufficient biocatalyst yield (mass of product/mass of biocatalyst) and space-time yield (volumetric productivity) essential for an economically feasible process. Substrate and product inhibition are also challenges that need to be addressed, and the application of solid substrate is shown to be a promising option to improve the process.


Nerve growth factor & TrkA as novel therapeutic targets in cancer.
In the past 20years, nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors TrkA & p75NTR were recognized to be overexpressed in the overwhelming majority of human solid cancers. Recent studies discovered the presence of overactive TrkA signaling due to TrkA rearrangements or TrkA fusion products in frequent cancers like colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, or acute myeloid leukemia. Thus, targeting TrkA/NGF via selective small-molecule-inhibitors or antibodies has gained enormous attention in the drug discovery sector. Clinical studies on the anti-cancer impact of NGF-blocking antibodies are likely to be accelerated after the recent removal of clinical holds on these agents by regulatory authorities. Based on these current developments, the present review provides not only a broad overview of the biological effects of NGF-TrkA-p75NTR on cancer cells and their microenvironment, but also explains why NGF and its receptors are going to evoke major interest as promising therapeutic anti-cancer targets in the coming decade.


Selective activation of miRNAs of the primate-specific chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC) in cancer and stem cells and possible contribution to regulation of apoptosis.
The human chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC) of 43 genes is a primate-specific miRNA cluster that may have biological significance in the genetic complexity of the primate. Despite previous reports on individual C19MC miRNA expression in cancer and stem cells, systematic studies on C19MC miRNA expression and biological functions are lacking. Cluster-wide C19MC miRNA expression profiling by microarray analysis showed wholesome C19MC activation in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, in multipotent adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and a unipotent human white pre-adipocyte cell line, only selected C19MC miRNAs were expressed. MiRNA copy number analysis also showed selective C19MC expression in cancer cells with expression patterns highly similar to those in MSCs, suggesting similar miRNA regulatory mechanisms in these cells. Selective miRNA expression also suggests complex transcriptional mechanism(s) regulating C19MC expression under specific cellular and pathological conditions. Bioinformatics analysis showed that sixteen of the C19MC miRNAs share the same "AAGUGC" seed sequence with members of the miR-302/-372 family, which are known cellular reprogramming factors. In particular, C19MC-AAGUGC-miRNAs with the nucleotides 2-7 canonical seed position as in miR-302/-372 miRNAs, may play similar roles as miR-302/-372 in induced pluripotency. A biased 3p-arm selection of the C19MC-AAGUGC-miRNAs was observed indicating that targets of the 3p species of these miRNAs may be biologically significant in regulating stemness. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis of the putative targets of the C19MC-AAGUGC-miRNAs predicted significant involvement of signaling pathways in reprogramming, many of which contribute to promoting apoptosis by indirect activation of the pro-apoptotic proteins BAK/BAX via suppression of genes of the cell survival pathways, or by enhancing caspase-8 activation through targeting inhibitors of TRAIL-inducing apoptosis. This work demonstrated selective C19MC expression in MSCs and cancer cells, and, through miRNA profiling and bioinformatics analysis, predicted C19MC modulation of apoptosis in induced pluripotency and tumorigenesis.


The impact of low back-related leg pain on outcomes as compared with low back pain alone: a systematic review of the literature.
Low back pain (LBP) with leg pain, especially with findings of nerve root involvement, is considered as a poor prognostic indicator although it seems to have a favorable natural resolution. It is unclear whether patients with LBP and leg pain are at the more severe end of the spectrum as compared with patients with LBP alone or whether they are a distinct subgroup that would perhaps benefit from early identification of the condition and more targeted interventions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of LBP-related leg pain on outcomes and use of health resources as compared with patients with LBP alone. Systematic review of studies reporting separate outcomes of patients with LBP and LBP with leg pain and synthesis of available evidence. Literature search of all English language peer-reviewed publications was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for the years 1994 to 2010. Of the papers retrieved, 9 were included in the review. The heterogeneity of studies allowed only narrative analysis of findings. All studies reported worse health outcomes and increased use of health care with radiation of leg pain distally and with neurological findings, with the exception of psychological outcomes. LBP with pain radiating to the leg appears to be associated with increased pain, disability, poor quality of life, and increased use of health resources compared with LBP alone. These findings argue for early identification of these cases by health care professionals and pursuing effective treatments.


Mass-analyzed threshold ionization spectroscopy of pyridine. Structural distortion in the first excited state.
For the first time, vibrational spectra of the pyridine cation in the electronic ground state have been measured via several intermediate states (0(0), 16b0(2), 16b0(4), 6a0(1), 6b(1), 16a0(1), 10a0(1) and 12(1)) by Mass-Analyzed Threshold Ionization (MATI) spectroscopy. From the MATI spectra, the adiabatic ionization energy of pyridine has been determined to be 74,185 +/- 6 cm(-1) (9.1978 +/- 0.0008 eV). Several vibronic modes in the ionic ground state could be assigned for the first time. An intensity gain of vibrations having b1 symmetry could be observed by activating the ion ground state. Also, a breakdown of the "delta nu = 0 propensity rule" for the excitation via the 16b(2) and 16b(4) states of the first excited states are displayed in the recorded spectra. In conjunction with ab initio calculations these observations can be explained by a strong geometrical distortion along the 16b vibration in the first excited state, leading to a "boat distortion".


Rapid reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy and intracardiac volume overload in patients with resistant hypertension and hyperaldosteronism: a prospective clinical study.
We have shown previously that patients with resistant hypertension and hyperaldosteronism have increased brain natriuretic peptide suggestive of increased intravascular volume. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that hyperaldosteronism contributes to cardiac volume overload. Thirty-seven resistant hypertensive patients with hyperaldosteronism (urinary aldosterone > or = 12 microg/24 hours and plasma renin activity < or = 1.0 ng/mL per hour) and 71 patients with normal aldosterone status were studied. Both groups had similar blood pressure and left ventricular mass, whereas left and right ventricular end-diastolic volumes measured by cardiac MRI were greater in high versus normal aldosterone subjects (P<0.05). Spironolactone treatment (19 patients in the high aldosterone group and 15 patients from the normal aldosterone group participated in the follow-up) resulted in a significant decrease in clinic systolic blood pressure, right and left ventricular end diastolic volumes, left atrial volume, left ventricular mass, and brain natriuretic peptide at 3 and 6 months of follow-up in patients with high aldosterone, whereas in those with normal aldosterone status, spironolactone decreased blood pressure and left ventricular mass without changes in ventricular or atrial volumes or plasma brain natriuretic peptide. Hyperaldosteronism causes intracardiac volume overload in patients with resistant hypertension in spite of conventional thiazide diuretic use. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade induces rapid regression of left ventricular hypertrophy irrespective of aldosterone status. In subjects with high aldosterone, mineralocorticoid receptor blockade induces a prominent diuretic effect compared with a greater vasodilatory effect in subjects with normal aldosterone status.


Frequency-dependent secretion of pancreatic amylase, lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin during vagal stimulation in rats.
Pancreatic enzyme secretion in rats has been shown to be stimulated differentially by the intestinal hormones secretin and cholecystokinin. Since it is unknown if activation of neural mechanisms have similar effects, it was the aim of the present study to examine in anesthetized rats the output of the pancreatic enzymes amylase, lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin before (15 min), during, and after (30 min each) vagal stimulation (5 ms, 10 V) with different frequencies (0.5, 5, 10, and 50 Hz). At 5 Hz, a maximal stimulation of all four enzymes was observed, with a peak towards the end of the vagal stimulation period. At 0.5 Hz, amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin were released not only in smaller quantities but also in a different time pattern (trypsin and chymotrypsin), with a maximum early during vagal stimulation. Lipase secretion remained unchanged at 0.5 Hz. At 10 Hz, the output of amylase, lipase, and trypsin was quantitatively less compared to 5 Hz. In contrast to stimulation at 0.5 and 5 Hz, the maximal enzyme output was reached after cessation of vagal stimulation (amylase and lipase). Chymotrypsin release did not change in response to vagal stimulation at 10 Hz. A frequency of 50 Hz had no influence on the secretion of any of the four enzymes determined. These data demonstrate that activation of the vagus nerves can lead to a differential release of pancreatic enzymes. The exact regulatory mechanisms of action are as yet unknown and remain to be determined.


Clinical utility of serum holotranscobalamin as a marker of cobalamin status in elderly patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Early diagnosis of cobalamin deficiency is crucial, owing to the latent nature of this disorder and the resulting possible irreversible neurological damage. A normal serum cobalamin concentration does not reliably rule out a functional cobalamin deficiency and there does not at present seem to be any single diagnostic approach to achieve this diagnosis. A new marker for cobalamin status is the serum concentration of cobalamin bound to transcobalamin II (holoTC). Because methods suitable for routine use have been unavailable until recently, the clinical value of low holoTC is still uncertain. Furthermore, there is at the moment no gold standard or true reference method to diagnose subtle cobalamin deficiency, which makes evaluation of the clinical usefulness of holoTC and the estimation of sensitivity and specificity problematic. In this study, we aimed to assess whether low holoTC concentrations are congruent with other biochemical signs of cobalamin deficiency in a group of psychogeriatric patients. The findings in the present study show that holoTC is strongly related to serum cobalamin (0.68; p<0.001 in both patients and controls). Distribution of the different markers for cobalamin/folate status in the 33 patients with low levels of serum holoTC (below 40 pmol/l) showed that 17 patients had normal levels of the other markers for cobalamin status. This may indicate poor specificity of low holoTC for cobalamin deficiency. In 23 out of 176 patients with normal levels of holoTC we observed pathological levels of other markers for cobalamin deficiency. The use of holoTC in the present study group did not give significant additional information other than that given by serum cobalamin and therefore cannot be recommended in this clinical setting.


Influence of Ancillary Ligands in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have motivated many researchers to develop various sensitizers with tailored properties involving anchoring and ancillary ligands. Ancillary ligands carry favorable light-harvesting abilities and are therefore crucial in determining the overall power conversion efficiencies. The use of ancillary ligands having aliphatic chains and/or π-extended aromatic units decreases charge recombination and permits the collection of a large fraction of sunlight. This review aims to provide insight into the relationship between ancillary ligand structure and DSSC properties, which can further guide the function-oriented design and synthesis of different sensitizers for DSSCs. This review outlines how the new and rapidly expanding class of chelating ancillary ligands bearing 2,2'-bipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline, carbene, dipyridylamine, pyridyl-benzimidazole, pyridyl-azolate, and other aromatic ligands provides a conduit for potentially enhancing the performance and stability of DSSCs. Finally, these classes of Ru polypyridyl complexes have gained increasing interest for feasible large-scale commercialization of DSSCs due to their more favorable light-harvesting abilities and long-term thermal and chemical stabilities compared with other conventional sensitizers. Therefore, the main idea is to inspire readers to explore new avenues in the design of new sensitizers for DSSCs based on different ancillary ligands.


Isomerization-induced dynamic heterogeneity in a glass former below and above T(g).
We report the first molecular dynamics simulations of the effect of the photoisomerization of probe molecules on the nonequilibrium dynamics of a glassy or supercooled molecular material. We show that the isomerization of the probe molecules creates a new mobile dynamic heterogeneity inside the matrix. Together with these induced cooperative motions, we find an important increase of the diffusion coefficient leading to liquidlike diffusion below the glass-transition temperature. This result could explain the massive mass transport that leads to surface relief grating formation in azobenzene containing amorphous materials. We find that the isomerization process controls the heterogeneity and the non-gaussian parameter of the material, leading to extremely rapid variations of these quantities.


Mechanism and Kinetics of Methane Combustion, Part I: Thermal Rate Constants for Hydrogen-Abstraction Reaction of CH4 + O(3P).
The mechanism and kinetics of gas-phase hydrogen-abstraction by the O(3P) from methane are investigated using ab initio calculations and dynamical methods. Not only are the electronic structure properties including the optimized geometries, relative energies, and vibrational frequencies of all the stationary points obtained from state-averaged complete active space self-consistent field calculations, but also the single-point energies for all points on the intrinsic reaction coordinate are evaluated using the internally contracted multireference configuration interaction approach with modified optimized cc-pCVDZ basis sets. Our calculations give a fairly accurate description of the regions around the 3A″ transition state in the O(3P) attacking a near-collinear H-CH3 direction with a barrier height of 12.53 kcal/mol, which is lower than those reported before. Subsequently, thermal rate constants for this hydrogen-abstraction are calculated using the canonical unified statistical theory method with the temperature ranging from 298 K to 1000 K. These calculated rate constants are in agreement with experiments. The present work reveals the reaction mechanism of hydrogen-abstraction by the O(3P) from methane, and it is helpful for the understanding of methane combustion.


Effect of 3-bromopyruvic acid on human erythrocyte antioxidant defense system.
3-Bromopyruvate (3-BP) is a promising compound for anticancer therapy, its main mode of action being the inhibition of glycolytic enzymes, but this compound also induces oxidative stress. This study aimed at characterisation of the effect of 3-BP on the antioxidant defense system of erythrocytes. Suspensions of erythrocytes in PBS containing 5 mM glucose were treated with different concentration of 3-BP at 37°C for 1 h. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were estimated by standard colorimetric methods. The antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes was estimated using the 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS(•+)) decolorisation assay and ferricyanide reduction. The content of reduced and oxidized glutathione was estimated fluorimetrically with o-phtalaldehyde. 3-BP did not affect the integrity of the erythrocyte membrane (lack of changes in the osmotic fragility). However, it induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes, as evidenced by the decrease in the content of acid-soluble thiols and reduced glutathione (GSH). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were significantly decreased. 3-BP also decreased the transmembrane reduction of ferricyanide. Thus induction of oxidative stress in erythrocytes by 3-BP is due to depletion of glutathione and inhibition of antioxidant enzymes.