Neuromuscular fatigue is not different between constant and variable frequency stimulation.
This study compared fatigue development of the triceps surae induced by two electrical stimulation protocols composed of constant and variable frequency trains (CFTs, VFTs, 450 trains, 30 Hz, 167 ms ON, 500 ms OFF and 146 ms ON, 500 ms OFF respectively). For the VFTs protocol a doublet (100 Hz) was used at the beginning of each train. The intensity used evoked 30% of a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and was defined using CFTs. Neuromuscular tests were performed before and after each protocol. Changes in excitation-contraction coupling were assessed by analysing the M-wave [at rest (Mmax) and during MVC (Msup)] and associated peak twitch (Pt). H-reflex [at rest (Hmax) and during MVC (Hsup)] and the motor evoked potential (MEP) during MVC were studied to assess spinal and corticospinal excitability of the soleus muscle. MVC decrease was similar between the protocols (-8%, P<0.05). Mmax, Msup and Pt decreased after both protocols (P<0.01). Hmax/Mmax was decreased (P<0.05), whereas Hsup/Msup and MEP/Msup remained unchanged after both protocols. The results indicate that CFTs and VFTs gave rise to equivalent neuromuscular fatigue. This fatigue resulted from alterations taking place at the muscular level. The finding that cortical and spinal excitability remained unchanged during MVC indicates that spinal and/or supraspinal mechanisms were activated to compensate for the loss of spinal excitability at rest.


Atorvastatin dose-dependently promotes mouse lung repair after emphysema induced by elastase.
Emphysema results in a proteinase - antiproteinase imbalance, inflammation and oxidative stress. Our objective was to investigate whether atorvastatin could repair mouse lungs after elastase-induced emphysema. Vehicle (50 μL) or porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) was administered on day 1, 3, 5 and 7 at 0.6 U intranasally. Male mice were divided into a control group (sham), PPE 32d (sacrificed 24 h after 32 days), PPE 64d (sacrificed 24 h after 64 days), and atorvastatin 1, 5 and 20 mg treated from day 33 until day 64 and sacrificed 24 h later (A1 mg, A5 mg and A20 mg, respectively). Treatment with atorvastatin was performed via inhalation for 10 min once a day. We observed that emphysema at day 32 was similar to emphysema at day 64. The mean airspace chord length (Lm) indicated a recovery of pulmonary morphology in groups A5 mg and A20 mg, as well as recovery of collagen and elastic fibers in comparison to the PPE group. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) leukocytes were reduced in all atorvastatin-treated groups. However, tissue macrophages were reduced only in the A20 mg group compared with the PPE group, while tissue neutrophils were reduced in the A5 mg and A20 mg groups. The redox balance was restored mainly in the A20 mg group compared with the PPE group. Finally, atorvastatin at doses of 5 and 20 mg reduced nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) compared with the PPE group. In conclusion, atorvastatin was able to induce lung tissue repair in emphysematous mice.


Type II odontoid fracture in elderly patients treated conservatively: is fracture healing the goal?
Analysis of functional outcome of elderly patients with type II odontoid fractures treated conservatively in relation to their radiological outcome. A total of 50 geriatric patients with type II odontoid fractures were treated with Aspen/Vista collars. On admission, each patient was assessed assigning ASA score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS-pre) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). From 12-15 months after treatment, functional evaluations were performed employing a second modified Rankin Scale (mRS-post) together with Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Smiley-Webster pain scale (SWPS). Radiological outcome was evaluated through dynamic cervical spine X-rays at 3 months and cervical spine CT scans 6 months after treatment. Three different conditions were identified: stable union, stable non-union and unstable non-union. Surgery was preferred whenever a fracture gap > 2 mm, an antero-posterior displacement > 5 mm, an odontoid angulation > 11° or neurological deficits occurred. Among the 50 patients, 24 reached a stable union, while 26 a stable non-union. Comparing the two groups, no differences in ASA (p = 0.60), CCI (p = 0.85) and mRS-pre (p = 0.14) were noted. Similarly, no differences in mRS-post (p = 0.96), SWPS (p = 0.85) and NDI (p = 0.51) were observed between patients who reached an osseous fusion and those with a stable fibrous non-union. No effects of age, sex, ASA, mRS-pre, fracture dislocation and radiological outcome were discovered on functional outcome. At logistic regression analysis, female sex and high values of CCI emerged associated with worse NDI. In geriatric type II odontoid fractures, pre-injury clinical status and comorbidities overcome imaging in determining post-treatment level of function. Hard collar immobilization led to a favourable functional outcome with mRS-post, NDI and SWPS values diffusely encouraging whatever a bony union or a fibrous non-union was obtained. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.


A highly selective bicyclic fluoroionophore for the detection of lithium ions.
The macrobicyclic molecule, 21-(9-anthrylmethyl)-4,17,13,16-tetraoxa-1,10,21-triazabicyclo [8.8.5]tricosane-19,23-dione, I, was designed, synthesized and characterized as a fluoroionophore for the selective, optical detection of lithium ions. Compound I is based on a bridged diazacrown structure, which provides a semirigid binding framework. Binding takes place by electrostatic interactions between the oxygen atoms of the crown and the cation and is transduced to fluorescence emission from an attached anthracene fluorophore. In a 75:25 dichloromethane/tetrahydrofuran solvent mixture, I acts as an intramolecular electron transfer "off-on" fluorescence switch, exhibiting a greater than 190-fold enhancement in fluorescence emission intensity in the presence of lithium ions. The relative selectivity of I for lithium ions over sodium, potassium and ammonium ions was found to be log K(Li+,Na+) approximately -3.36, log K(Li+,K+) approximately -1.77 and log K(Li+,NH4+) approximately -2.78.


Albumin and amino acid levels as markers of adequacy in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
Similar to previous findings in HD patients, a markedly decreased serum albumin level has been found to be a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality in CAPD patients. However, a slight decrease in serum albumin levels (to about 30 g/L if measured with nephelometry or the bromcresol purple method) does not always seem to reflect impaired nutritional status or to be associated with an increased morbidity or mortality in CAPD patients. A low serum albumin level among CAPD patients is related to dialysate albumin loss, comorbidity, age, and a low dietary protein intake. The possible relation between the dialysis dose (as assessed by small solute clearances) and serum albumin levels among CAPD patients is much less established and needs further study, although serum albumin tends to increase in prospective studies of increased peritoneal dialysis dose. Although the plasma levels of amino acids seem to be lower in CAPD patients compared to HD patients, this does not reflect the intracellular amino acid pattern in muscle which is less abnormal in CAPD patients, possibly because of the sustained hyperinsulinemia during CAPD, resulting in an increased intracellular to extracellular gradient. It is at present not established to what extent the amino acid abnormalities are related to the dialysis dose. Malnourished and hypoalbuminemic CAPD patients should be recommended to increase the protein intake, and if this is not effective, the dialysis dose should be increased. Furthermore, the use of amino acid-based peritoneal dialysis solutions is a promising new tool for the treatment of malnourished CAPD patients and may become an important component of CAPD therapy in the future. On the other hand, if the nutritional status deteriorates in spite of these efforts, the patient should be transferred to hemodialysis if possible.


Superlubricious surface mimicking articular cartilage by grafting poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) on orthopaedic metal bearings.
Aseptic loosening of the artificial hip joint with osteolysis due to the wear particles from polyethylene cup has remained as a serious issue. To reduce this wear and develop a novel artificial hip joint system, we produced a superlubricious metal-bearing material: for this, we grafted a 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer onto the surface of a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) alloy. For ensuring long-term benefit retention of poly(MPC) on the Co-Cr-Mo alloy for application as a novel artificial hip joint system, several issues must be considered: strong bonding between poly(MPC) and Co-Cr-Mo surface, high mobility of free end groups of the poly(MPC) layer, and high density of the introduced poly(MPC). Considering these issues, we introduced a 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPSi) intermediate layer and a photoinduced graft polymerization technique to create a strong covalent bond between the Co-Cr-Mo substrate and the poly(MPC) chain via the MPSi layer. The thickness and density of the poly(MPC) layer on the surface increased with the MPC concentration and photoirradiation time. The grafted poly(MPC) layer successfully provided super-lubricity to the Co-Cr-Mo surface. The poly(MPC)-grafted crosslinked polyethylene/poly(MPC)-grafted Co-Cr-Mo or cartilage/poly(MPC)-grafted Co-Cr-Mo bearing interface mimicking natural joints showed an extremely low friction coefficient of 0.01, which is as low as that of natural cartilage interface. A superlubricious metal-bearing surface would enable the development of a novel biocompatible artificial hip joint system-artificial femoral head for partial hemiarthroplasty and metal-on-polymer/metal type for total hip arthroplasty.


Temporal trends and regional variation of heart transplantation in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Historically, intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) has been considered an important factor in choosing potential recipients of organ transplants among many transplant centers. This study evaluated the temporal changes at the national and regional levels in the proportion of heart transplantation in children with IDD. Children younger than 19 years in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database who received heart transplants from 2010 to 2021 were included in this study. The patients were grouped into only definitive intellectual disability, both definitive intellectual and motor disability, only definitive motor disability, and no developmental disability. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine the proportion of heart transplants in each category for the whole cohort and each geographic transplant region. There were 4273 pediatric heart transplant recipients included in the study. From 2010 to 2021, the percentages of pediatric heart transplants increased from 3.8% (95% CI, 0.01-0.05) to 5.8% (95% CI, 0.03-0.08) in children with only definitive intellectual disability (OR 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02-0.1, ptrend < .002), from 3.4% (95% CI, 0.01-0.05) to 6.6% (95% CI, 0.04-0.09) in children with both definitive intellectual disability and motor disability (OR 0.09; 95% CI, 0.05-0.13, ptrend < .001), and from 5.2% (95% CI, 0.02-0.07) to 8.3% (95% CI, 0.05-0.1) in children with only definitive motor disability (OR 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02-0.09, ptrend < .002). There were several regional differences in the proportion of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who received heart transplants. There is increasing inclusion of children diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities in heart transplantation. A review of the current allocation policies may address the marked geographic variations found in this study.


Utah optrode array customization using stereotactic brain atlases and 3-D CAD modeling for optogenetic neocortical interrogation in small rodents and nonhuman primates.
As the optogenetic field expands, the need for precise targeting of neocortical circuits only grows more crucial. This work demonstrates a technique for using Solidworks® computer-aided design (CAD) and readily available stereotactic brain atlases to create a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the dorsal region of area visual cortex 4 (V4D) of the macaque monkey (Macaca fascicularis) visual cortex. The 3-D CAD model of the brain was used to customize an [Formula: see text] Utah optrode array (UOA) after it was determined that a high-density ([Formula: see text]) UOA caused extensive damage to marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) primary visual cortex as assessed by electrophysiological recording of spiking activity through a 1.5-mm-diameter through glass via. The [Formula: see text] UOA was customized for optrode length ([Formula: see text]), optrode width ([Formula: see text]), optrode pitch ([Formula: see text]), backplane thickness ([Formula: see text]), and overall form factor ([Formula: see text]). Two [Formula: see text] UOAs were inserted into layer VI of macaque V4D cortices with minimal damage as assessed in fixed tissue cytochrome oxidase staining in nonrecoverable surgeries. Additionally, two [Formula: see text] arrays were implanted in mice (Mus musculus) motor cortices, providing early evidence for long-term tolerability (over 6 months), and for the ability to integrate the UOA with a Holobundle light delivery system toward patterned optogenetic stimulation of cortical networks.


Effect of laser wavelength on soil carbon measurements using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
We investigate the effect of laser wavelength on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) on the measurement of carbon in agricultural soils. Two laser wavelengths, 1064 nm and 532 nm, were used to determine soil carbon concentration. No chemical pretreatment, grinding, or pelletization was performed on soil samples to simulate in-field conditions. A multivariate calibration model with outlier filtering and optimized parameters in partial least squared regression (PLSR) was established and validated. The calibration model estimated carbon content in soils with an average prediction error of 4.7% at a laser wavelength of 1064 nm and 2.7% at 532 nm. The limit of detection (LOD) range for 532 nm was 0.34-0.5 w/w%, approximately half of the LOD range for 1064 nm laser wavelength. The improvement in prediction error and LOD of LIBS measurements is attributed to the increase in plasma density achieved at 532 nm.


[Diagnosis of food allergy].
The diagnosis of food allergy is one of the most difficult tasks in allergology, as only some of the hypersensitive reactions are of allergic origin, and even those that are allergic are not always IgE mediated. On the basis of the history, an attempt is made to determine the type of symptoms and the degree of severity, and identify eliciting foodstuffs. As diagnostic aids, prick tests and allergen-specific IgE tests have their limitations, since only IgE-mediated allergies can be identified. Diagnosis is based upon dietary elimination and subsequent challenge. Challenge must be repeated several times and a placebo controlled double blind approach be adopted. No foodstuff should be eliminated from the diet solely on the basis of prick test results.


Effects of metabolic inhibitors on hormone release, cyclic AMP levels, and oxygen consumption in rat pituitary cells in culture.
The metabolic inhibitors antimycin A (2 mumol/l), dinitrophenol (0.5 mmol/l), and iodoacetate (6 mmol/l) were tested for their effects on hormone release, cAMP levels, and oxygen consumption in clonal strains of rat pituitary cells (GH3 cells). Basal release of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) was reduced by all three inhibitors, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (1 mumol/l) and K+ (50 mmol/l) stimulated hormone release were blocked. Trifluoperazine, a calmodulin antagonist, inhibited basal GH and PRL release at concentrations up to 30 mumol/l and stimulated above 50 mumol/l. The stimulatory effect of 80 mumol/l trifluoperazine on basal hormone release was eliminated by antimycin A, dinitrophenol, and iodoacetate, whereas the inhibitory effect of antimycin A, dinitrophenol and iodoacetate on basal hormone was not affected by 30 mumol/l trifluoperazine. None of the inhibitors had any effect on the level of cellular cAMP (i.e. intracellular plus extracellular). Oxygen consumption of GH3 cells was blocked by antimycin A, reduced by 25% by iodoacetate and increased by about 100% by dinitrophenol. In contrast, hormone secretion stimulated by TRH and K+ was not accompanied by any measurable alteration in oxygen consumption. Trifluoperazine (greater than or equal to 80 mumol/l) reduced the basal oxygen consumption and blocked the stimulatory effect of dinitrophenol on oxygen consumption. In conclusion, inhibition of the energy generation of GH and PRL-producing cells severely affects the action of secretagogues, although stimulated hormone secretion may not be accompanied by any measurable increase in oxygen consumption. The cellular energy supporting hormone secretion is mostly generated via oxidative phosphorylation.


Simulation of Spatial Distribution of Multi-Size Bubbles in a Slab Continuous-Casting Mold Water Model.
In this paper, a fully coupled large eddy simulation model, including the volume of fluid model, the discrete phase model, the bubble-collision model, and the bubble-breakup model was used to simulate the spatial distribution of multi-size bubbles and its impact on the instantaneous two-phase flow in a slab continuous-casting mold. The influence of the bubble-interaction model on the bubbles' three-dimensional spatial distribution and size distribution, as well as on two-phase flow was discussed. By comparison with the velocity on the meniscus and the average bubble diameter inside a continuous-casting slab water model, the appropriate numerical model was recommended to accurately simulate the two-phase flow and characteristics of discrete bubbles. The submerged entry nozzle and the area around it saw bubble coalescence and breakage more frequently than other areas. The key interaction between the bubbles was their bouncing in the deep region of the mold. In the mold, the average bubble diameter was 0.741 mm, and 44.5% of the total number of bubbles had an approximately average diameter.


Current perspectives on ophthalmic mycoses.
Fungi may infect the cornea, orbit and other ocular structures. Species of Fusarium, Aspergillus, Candida, dematiaceous fungi, and Scedosporium predominate. Diagnosis is aided by recognition of typical clinical features and by direct microscopic detection of fungi in scrapes, biopsy specimens, and other samples. Culture confirms the diagnosis. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, or DNA-based tests may also be needed. Pathogenesis involves agent (invasiveness, toxigenicity) and host factors. Specific antifungal therapy is instituted as soon as the diagnosis is made. Amphotericin B by various routes is the mainstay of treatment for life-threatening and severe ophthalmic mycoses. Topical natamycin is usually the first choice for filamentous fungal keratitis, and topical amphotericin B is the first choice for yeast keratitis. Increasingly, the triazoles itraconazole and fluconazole are being evaluated as therapeutic options in ophthalmic mycoses. Medical therapy alone does not usually suffice for invasive fungal orbital infections, scleritis, and keratitis due to Fusarium spp., Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and Pythium insidiosum. Surgical debridement is essential in orbital infections, while various surgical procedures may be required for other infections not responding to medical therapy. Corticosteroids are contraindicated in most ophthalmic mycoses; therefore, other methods are being sought to control inflammatory tissue damage. Fungal infections following ophthalmic surgical procedures, in patients with AIDS, and due to use of various ocular biomaterials are unique subsets of ophthalmic mycoses. Future research needs to focus on the development of rapid, species-specific diagnostic aids, broad-spectrum fungicidal compounds that are active by various routes, and therapeutic modalities which curtail the harmful effects of fungus- and host tissue-derived factors.


Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysts Synthesized under Nanospace Confinement of Metal-Organic Framework.
The output energy capacity of green electrochemical devices, e.g., fuel cells, depends strongly on the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which requires catalysts. One of the desired features for highly efficient ORR electrocatalytic materials is the richness of well-defined activate sites. Herein, we developed a facile approach to prepare highly efficient nonprecious metal and nitrogen-doped carbon-based ORR catalysts based on covalent organic polymers (COPs) synthesized in situ in the nanoconfined space of highly ordered metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The MOF templet ensured the developed electrocatalysts possess a high surface area with homogeneously distributed small metal/nitrogen active sites, as confirmed by X-ray absorption fine structure measurements and first-principles calculations, leading to highly efficient ORR electrocatalytic activity. Notably, the developed COP-TPP(Fe)@MOF-900 exhibits a 16 mV positive half-wave potential compared with the benchmarked Pt/C.


Psychobiotics in diet: significance and applications of neuroactive and psychoactive microbial metabolites.
The brain governs psychiatric behavior of an individual by regulating certain neuroactive compounds produced within the body. These might also be produced by the microbes present in the gut, along with certain probiotic strains: the psychobiotics. A healthy diet including psychobiotics plays an important role in neurological functioning by producing a number of psychoactive compounds. Health benefits of probiotic microorganisms to the host and their psychoactive metabolites involved in the alternation of brain functioning are summarized in this article. The effect of diet on gut microbiota is highlighted, along with the possibility of probiotic bacteria as psychobiotics in the treatment or prevention of mental health-related disorders. The psychobiotic formulations seem to be a step toward precision probiotics development.


Human immunodeficiency virus postexposure prophylaxis at IBadan, Nigeria.
HIV infection from occupational and nonoccupational exposures can be prevented through risk assessment and management with antiretroviral drug therapy (ART). This study sought to examine the pattern of presentation and outcome of clients who were given postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. A retrospective review of case notes of clients presenting for HIV PEP from January 2005 to December 2006 was carried out. A total of 48 clients with a mean age of 27.9 +/- 12.3 years underwent PEP during the period under review. Rape constituted 50% of reasons for PEP, while needle pricks and blood splash into mucous membranes constituted 25% each. Among those who received therapy, 10 (23.8%) could not complete drug therapy because of side effects. Although no client was HIV positive after the recommended 6 months of follow-up, 8 (16.7%) clients did not complete attendance to the clinic during the period.


Microchip Nd:YAG dual-frequency laser interferometer for displacement measurement.
The dual-frequency laser interferometer is an indispensable instrument to measure length, position, deformation and other parameters with high precision and long measurement distance in the advanced manufacturing industry and scientific research. In general, the light source of interferometer is the dual-frequency He-Ne laser. The disadvantages of He-Ne laser include generally large size, more heat radiation to the environment, and limited service life, which limits its application. In this paper, we study a microchip Nd:YAG dual-frequency laser interferometer with a 17.4 MHz frequency difference, which is formed by the stress-induced birefringence in the microchip itself. The down-conversion mixer is designed to decrease the beat frequency to about 5 MHz in heterodyne signal preprocessing modular to meet the bandwidth of phase meter. The experimental results show that the microchip Nd:YAG dual-frequency laser interferometer has a displacement resolution of 10 nm and a measuring range of 500 mm. Due to the advantages of the microchip dual-frequency laser, such as small size (40×40×35 mm), good portability, less power consumption and almost infinite service life, the microchip Nd:YAG dual-frequency laser interferometer has broad application prospects.


Localization and extinction of bacterial populations under inhomogeneous growth conditions.
The transition from localized to systemic spreading of bacteria, viruses, and other agents is a fundamental problem that spans medicine, ecology, biology, and agriculture science. We have conducted experiments and simulations in a simple one-dimensional system to determine the spreading of bacterial populations that occurs for an inhomogeneous environment under the influence of external convection. Our system consists of a long channel with growth inhibited by uniform ultraviolet (UV) illumination except in a small "oasis", which is shielded from the UV light. To mimic blood flow or other flow past a localized infection, the oasis is moved with a constant velocity through the UV-illuminated "desert". The experiments are modeled with a convective reaction-diffusion equation. In both the experiment and model, localized or extinct populations are found to develop, depending on conditions, from an initially localized population. The model also yields states where the population grows everywhere. Further, the model reveals that the transitions between localized, extended, and extinct states are continuous and nonhysteretic. However, it does not capture the oscillations of the localized population that are observed in the experiment.


Was late-nineteenth-century nervous vomiting an early variant of bulimia nervosa?
We studied a wide variety of medical publications to find out whether late-nineteenth-century nervous or hysterial vomiting was clinically consistent with modern bulima nervosa. Since modern diagnostic criteria of bulimia nervosa my be time- and culture-bound, we made use of adapted criteria, focusing on the more overt, physical and behavioural features of the syndrome. In retrospect, it became obvious that only some of these specific diagnostic requirements were met. Indeed, late-nineteenth-century nervous or hysterical vomiters most likely have been non-organically-ill neurotics. However, their disorder was more closely associated with food abstinence in general and anorexia nervosa in particular than with overeating. Only in a few cases doctors made mention of recurrent episodes of binge eating, but there was no convincing evidence of any concern for body shape and weight. Obviously, late-nineteenth-century nervous or hysterial vomiting was still located at the crossing between classic hysteria, the 'new' clinical entity of anorexia nervosa, and forms of psychogenic vomiting.


[Characteristics and effect of three transforming growth factor-beta isoforms and their receptor(I) on scar formation].
To observe the differences in protein contents of three transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms, beta 1, beta 2, beta 3 and their receptor(I) in hypertrophic scar and normal skin and to explore their influence on scar formation. Eight cases of hypertrophic scar and their corresponding normal skin were detected to compare the expression and distribution of TGF-beta 1, beta 2, beta 3 and receptor(I) with immunohistochemistry and common pathological methods. Positive signals of TGF-beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3 could all be detected in normal skin, mainly in the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix of epidermal cells; in addition, those factors could also be found in interfollicular keratinocytes and sweat gland cells; and the positive particles of TGF-beta R(I) were mostly located in the membrane of keratinocytes and some fibroblasts. In hypertrophic scar, TGF-beta 1 and beta 3 could be detected in epidermal basal cells; TGF-beta 2 chiefly distributed in epidermal cells and some fibroblast cells; the protein contents of TGF-beta 1 and beta 3 were significantly lower than that of normal skin, while the change of TGF-beta 2 content was undistinguished when compared with normal skin. In two kinds of tissues, the distribution and the content of TGF-beta R(I) had no obviously difference. The different expression and distribution of TGF-beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 between hypertrophic scar and normal skin may be associated with the mechanism controlling scar formation, in which the role of the TGF-beta R (I) and downstream signal factors need to be further studied.


Metabolite profiling of non-sterile rhizosphere soil.
Rhizosphere chemistry is the sum of root exudation chemicals, their breakdown products and the microbial products of soil-derived chemicals. To date, most studies about root exudation chemistry are based on sterile cultivation systems, which limits the discovery of microbial breakdown products that act as semiochemicals and shape microbial rhizosphere communities. Here, we present a method for untargeted metabolic profiling of non-sterile rhizosphere soil. We have developed an experimental growth system that enables the collection and analysis of rhizosphere chemicals from different plant species. High-throughput sequencing of 16SrRNA genes demonstrated that plants in the growth system support a microbial rhizosphere effect. To collect a range of (a)polar chemicals from the system, we developed extraction methods that do not cause detectable damage to root cells or soil-inhabiting microbes, thus preventing contamination with cellular metabolites. Untargeted metabolite profiling by UPLC-Q-TOF mass spectrometry, followed by uni- and multivariate statistical analyses, identified a wide range of secondary metabolites that are enriched in plant-containing soil, compared with control soil without roots. We show that the method is suitable for profiling the rhizosphere chemistry of Zea mays (maize) in agricultural soil, thereby demonstrating the applicability to different plant-soil combinations. Our study provides a robust method for the comprehensive metabolite profiling of non-sterile rhizosphere soil, which represents a technical advance towards the establishment of causal relationships between the chemistry and microbial composition of the rhizosphere.


Participants' Experiences of the 2018-2019 Government Shutdown and Subsequent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefit Disruption Can Inform Future Policy.
The federal government shutdown from 22 December 2018 to 25 January 2019 created an unprecedented disruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study to begin to capture how the disruption affected food security and wellbeing among a small sample of California SNAP participants. We collected data from 26 low-income adults in four focus groups in four diverse California counties. We found that participants routinely struggle to secure an adequate and healthy diet in the context of high costs of living, the shutdown and benefit disruption added to participants' stress and uncertainty and exacerbated food insecurity, and it diminished some participants' faith in government. Participants reported that, while having additional benefits in January felt like a relief from typical end-of-month deprivation, the subsequent extended gap between benefit distributions and a lack of clarity about future benefits caused cascading effects as participants later had to divert money from other expenses to buy food and faced added uncertainty about future economic stability. Additionally, the shutdown highlighted challenges related to the availability, timing, and tone of communications between participants and SNAP agencies. Participants recommended that SNAP adjust benefit and eligibility levels to better address costs of living, improve customer service, and avoid future disruptions.


Cross-metathesis reaction of α- and β-vinyl C-glycosides with alkenes.
Cross-metathesis of α- and β-vinyl C-deoxyribosides and α-vinyl C-galactoside with various terminal alkenes under different conditions was studied. The cross-metathesis of the former proceeded with good yields of the corresponding products in ClCH2CH2Cl the latter required the presence of CuI in CH2Cl2 to achieve good yields of the products. A simple method for the preparation of α- and β-vinyl C-deoxyribosides was also developed. In addition, feasibility of deprotection and further transformations were briefly explored.


Novel Fungicide 4-Chlorocinnamaldehyde Thiosemicarbazide (PMDD) Inhibits Laccase and Controls the Causal Agent of Take-All Disease in Wheat, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici.
Our aim was to investigate the bioactivity and mode of action of a novel fungicide 4-chlorocinnamaldehyde thiosemicarbazide (PMDD). As a result of its efficacy against various plant pathogens, its protective fungicidal activity, and systemic transport after root treatment, PMDD could be a promising fungicide to control wheat root diseases. In a field assay, PMDD showed good control efficacy on wheat take-all disease. A biochemical study indicated that PMDD acts as a laccase inhibitor, a to date unique mode of fungicidal action. Moreover, a total of seven stable PMDD-resistant Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt) mutants were generated and demonstrated no cross-resistance with any commercial fungicides used for take-all disease control, and the gene expression profile further confirmed that laccase could be the target of PMDD. Taken together, we conclude that PMDD is a laccase inhibitor and could be used on wheat to control take-all diseases. The current study could strongly benefit the registration and application of PMDD.


Novel insight into the functions of N6‑methyladenosine modified lncRNAs in cancers (Review).
Emerging evidence has suggested that N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) modification, a typical RNA methylation modification, controls the fate of modified transcripts and is involved in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, such as metabolic disorders, nephropathology, osteoarthritis and malignant tumours. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), transcripts of >200 nt in length, have also been indicated to be involved in various diseases by participating in processes such as epigenetic modifications, transcriptional alternations and posttranslational regulation. Recent studies revealed that lncRNAs were widely modified by m6A, which has a critical role in various cellular processes that are associated with numerous disorders, particularly human cancers. The present review first examined functions of m6A modification of lncRNAs, including changing the lncRNA structure, mediating transcriptional regulation, affecting mRNA precursor splicing, and regulating lncRNA stability and translation. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanisms of m6A‑modified lncRNAs in cancers were summarized and the up‑to‑date detection methods and prediction tools for identifying m6A sites on lncRNAs were presented. In addition, viewpoints on potential future directions in the field were discussed, including more accurate detection methods, roles of lncRNAs‑encoded micropeptides in cancers, the relationship between m6A‑modified lncRNAs and the tumour microenvironment, and m6A‑modified lncRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in human cancer.


Instruments for assessing quality policies and strategies in health systems: a scoping review protocol.
The World Organization recommends to implement National Quality Policies and Strategies in health systems, but few instruments have been proposed to assess and monitor these quality interventions at the system level. This study will map and compare instruments for the assessment of quality policies and strategies in health systems around the world. This is a scoping review protocol developed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute's manual and guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. The search for articles will be performed in the following Embase, Medline/Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Searches will also be conducted on Google Scholar and grey literature (www.opengrey.eu). A descriptive analysis of studies mapped by analysis categories will be performed. The results will be presented through a narrative summary of the mapped findings to verify how the results correlate with the objective and research question of the review. The study does not require an ethical review due to its nature. The submission of results for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at a scientific conference is expected. LINK TO THE PROTOCOL RECORD IN THE OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK OSF: https://DOI.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2KMTS.


[Nosocomial epidemic outbreak of acute gastroenteritis by Norwalk-like virus].
From the notification of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak in a nursing home, an epidemiological study was started to determine the characteristics of the outbreak and its spreading pattern and to identify determining factors. A study of historic cohorts was performed and the case was defined by the presence of diarrhea and vomiting. Spatial aggregation in double rooms was analyzed by a binomial distribution and temporal aggregation was analyzed by a relative risks model. The variables in the study allowed us to calculate the adjusted relative risk; the odds ratio was calculated in relation to the meal on day January 30. We studied 95.9% residents. The total attack rate was 28.7% (31.8% employees, 30.1% permanent residents and 15.2% day residents). The attack rate in rotation health personnel was 45.2%. Spatial and temporal spread in double rooms was negative. There was a significant association with the disease in rotator employees (RR = 3.22; CI 95%, 1.30-7.99; p = 0.02). No association was found between eating and disease (OR = 1.5; CI 95%, 0.4-6.1; p = 0.46). Norwalk-like virus was isolated in four faecal samples. This epidemic outbreak had the characteristic of a nosocomial infection with a likely person-to-person transmission mechanism. The main factor contributing to the spread of the infection was the existence of employees in permanent contact with residents with an important physical and mental impairment, hence highly dependent on the care provided by these health workers.


[Immune response in experimental animals immunized with Burkholderia pseudomallei surface antigens].
The influence of the chromatographic fractions of B. pseudomallei surface antigenic complex (C, C1, D, H) on immune response in white rats and white mice was under study. These antigenic complexes were noted to produce perceptible stimulating effect on the immune system of white rats, in contrast to that of white mice. The immunization of the mice the above-mentioned fractions suppressed the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages (PM) and slightly enhanced cell-mediated immunity. In experiments on white rats, fraction C induced the growth of specific antibody titers and stimulated the phagocytic activity of PM, as well as the indices of delayed hypersensitivity (DH). Fraction D showed a lower level of the induction of the phagocytic activity of PM and was inactive in the manifestation of cell-mediated immunity, but induced a high level of humoral immunity. Antigenic complexes C1 and H increased the phagocytic activity of PM and DH characteristics with a low level of antibody production. The studied fractions of the causative agent of melioidosis decreased the content of bactericidal cationic proteins (BCP) in rat blood neutrophils, and in mice a decreased content of BCP in phagocytes was registered. The fractions increased the activity of myeloperoxidase in blood neutrophils in mice and rats. As revealed with the use of immunoelectrophoresis, SDS PAAG electrophoresis and immunoblotting, the surface antigenic complex contained proteins of 18, 22, 39 kD and glycoproteins 42, 55, 90 kD. The latter glycoprotein was found in all the fractions under study, having protective properties.


[Complications and management of percutaneous femoral arterial access].
Vascular access complications following endovascular procedures remain an important cause of morbidity when using a femoral approach. In this review, we describe the risk factors, clinical presentation and management of hematoma, retroperitoneal bleeding, pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulae and arterial thrombosis.


Information about task progress modulates cognitive demand avoidance.
People tend to avoid engaging in cognitively demanding tasks unless it is 'worth our while'-that is, if the benefits outweigh the costs of effortful action. Yet, we seemingly partake in a variety of effortful mental activities (e.g. playing chess, completing Sudoku puzzles) because they impart a sense of progress. Here, we examine the possibility that information about progress-specifically, the number of trials completed of a demanding cognitive control task, relative to the total number of trials to be completed-reduces individuals' aversion to cognitively effort activity, across four experiments. In Experiment 1, we provide an initial demonstration that presenting progress information reduces individuals' avoidance of cognitively demanding activity avoidance using a variant of the well-characterized Demand Selection Task (DST). The subsequent experiments buttress this finding using a more sophisticated within-subjects versions of the DST, independently manipulating progress information and demand level to further demonstrate that, 1) people prefer receiving information about temporal progress in a task, and 2) all else being equal, individuals will choose to engage in tasks that require greater levels of cognitive effort when the more demanding option confers information about their progress in a task. Together, these results suggest that progress information can motivate cognitive effort expenditure and, in some cases, override individuals' default bias towards demand avoidance.


Effectiveness of Greater Occipital Nerve Blocks in Migraine Prophylaxis.
Peripheral nerve blocks have been used in primary headache treatment since a long time. In this study, we aimed to examine the efficiency of greater occipital nerve (GON) block in migraine prophylaxis. Data from migraine without aura patients who had GON block were collected and divided into two groups: Group PGON (n=25), which included patients who were under medical prophylaxis and had GON block, and Group GON (n=53), which included patients who had only GON blocks. Migraine was diagnosed using International Headache Society (IHS) classification. Data of 78 patients were analyzed. Headache attack frequency, headache duration, and severity were compared between and within groups in a 3-month follow-up period. The decrease in headache parameters after GON block in both groups was significantly similar. Headache attack frequency decreased from 15.73±7.21 (pretreatment) to 4.52±3.61 (3rd month) in Group GON and from 13.76±8.07 to 3.28±2.15 in Group PGON (p<0.05). Headache duration decreased from 18.51±9.43 to 8.02±5.58 at 3rd month in Group GON and from 15.20±9.16 to 7.20±4.16 in Group PGON (p<0.05). Headache severity decreased from 8.26±1.32 to 5.16±2.64 in Group GON and from 8.08±0.90 to 5.96±1.20 in Group PGON (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in 3rd month after treatment (p>0.05). This study showed significant decreases in headache parameters in both groups. As GON blocks were performed in patients unresponsive to medical prophylaxis, a decrease in the headache parameters in Group PGON similar to that in Group GON can be attributed to GON blocks. Consequently, these results show that repeated GON blocks with local anesthetic can be an effective alternative treatment in migraine patients who are unresponsive to medical prophylaxis or who do not prefer to use medical prophylaxis.


[Bone diseases of the hip].
Hip pain is likely to be due to a local or regional bone disease when the hip joint is painless and of normal mobility by physical examination. Targeting the right diagnosis is easy in a patient affected by bone disease (osteoporosis, Paget's disease) or when the background of the patient is suggestive (malignancy, pregnancy). However it could be more tricky in most cases: transient osteoporosis of the hip, bone fissures, Paget's coxopathy, and tumoral cell osteolysis of bones surrounding the hip are the main causes, in addition to femoral head osteonecrosis, which is detailed in another chapter.


Inhibition of B virus in cell culture by 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine.
The antimetabolite 5-iodo 2'-deoxyuridine (IDU) interferes with B virus replication in monolayers of cynomolgous monkey kidney, KB and HEp 2 cells. To determine the effect of this clinically active nucleoside in laboratory antiviral screening systems, several methods were compared. Most of the methods used were capable of detecting the activity of IDU at low levels.


High School Students' Perceptions of School Personnel's Intentions to Help Prevent Teen Sexual and Dating Violence: Associations with Attitudes and Intended Behaviors.
Adolescents are at high risk for sexual and dating violence (SDV) at school, indicating need for both adolescents and school personnel to engage in bystander behavior to prevent SDV. Adolescents' perceptions of social norms about bystander behavior, including their perceptions about social norms among school personnel, may impact adolescents' own SDV attitudes and intended bystander behavior. Based on social norms theory, the current research examines adolescents who underestimate, accurately perceive, and overestimate school personnel's reactive (responding to a current situation) and proactive (spreading messaging about prevention) bystander behaviors. High school students (N = 3,404; mean age = 15.7; 87.2% White; 87% heterosexual) and school personnel (N = 1,150) from 25 schools completed surveys. Adolescents who underestimated school personnel's reactive and proactive bystander behavior had more accepting attitudes towards violence and less bystander behavior intentions. Correcting misperceived norms about bystander behavior may improve students' own bystander behavior.


Women and the practice and teaching of medicine in Bologna in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
When Bologna's political and intellectual elites had control over the university and associated institutions during the eighteenth century, a few women were allowed to participate in medical fields not typically associated with their gender. Laura Bassi could occasionally teach and debate on anatomy at the university, and the practical anatomist Anna Morandi Manzolini could make contributions to the research and teaching of anatomy. With the arrival of the French in Bologna in 1796, the control of the university and associated institutions passed from the local elite to the Ministry of Public Instruction in Milan. This article shows that a few women were awarded degrees in medicine, surgery, and pharmacy from the University of Bologna when the French were in control-however, these women, unlike Bassi and Morandi, were directed to fields deemed appropriate to their gender, such as the training of midwives, or apothecary practice within female institutions.


[Extraction of ferulic acid from enzymatic hydrolysate by ion-exchange adsorption].
Anion-exchange resin, D201 was used to prepare ferulic acid from the enzymatic hydrolysate of wheat-bran and the influence of adsorption and desorption operation was researched. The optimal technology is as follows: under the room-temperature, the concentration of ferulic acid in the extraction solution is 2000 mg/L to approximately 3000 mg/L, pH and flow velocity were kept around 9.0 and 1 ml/min respectively; elution solution is composed of ethanol: water: HCl in ratio 60:36:4 (v/v), and the velocity of elution is 1 ml/min. Under optimal conditions,the recovery percent of ferulic acid from enzymatic hydrolysate exceed 97% and the purification production is in evidence.


Inoculating against the spread of Islamophobic and radical-Islamist disinformation.
We report the results of a preregistered study that tested the effectiveness of inoculating participants against Islamophobic and radical-Islamist disinformation. Participants in the experimental (inoculation) condition watched a video that explained common rhetorical markers of radical-Islamist and Islamophobic disinformation that had been identified in an analysis of YouTube content. The information was presented in a neutral context not involving Islam and focused on analysis of the misleading argumentation. The control group watched a video about an unrelated topic. Participants were then exposed to target videos with "gateway" content that constituted an entry point to potential Islamist or Islamophobic radicalization. Both videos contained numerous items of disinformation. Participants then answered a variety of questions such as how likely they were to share the video, their level of agreement, and their perceived accuracy of the video. Participants who had received the inoculation displayed less agreement with the video content, perceived the video as less reliable, and were less likely to share it in comparison with participants in the control group. The study provides support for the use of argument-based inoculation in combatting extremist messages.


Bicelle composition-dependent modulation of phospholipid dynamics by apelin peptides 1.
Apelin peptides are cognate ligands for the apelin receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). The apelinergic system plays critical roles in wide-ranging physiological activities including function and development of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Apelin is found in 13-55 residue isoforms in vivo, all of which share the C-terminal portion of the preproapelin precursor. Characterization of high-resolution structures and detergent micelle interactions of apelin-17 led to a two-step membrane-catalyzed binding and GPCR activation mechanism hypothesis recapitulated in longer isoforms. Here, we examine interactions of the apelin-13 and -17 isoforms with isotropic zwitterionic and mixed zwitterionic-anionic lipid bicelles to test for hallmarks of membrane catalysis in a more physiological membrane-mimetic environment than a micelle. Specifically, 1H and 31P relaxation and diffusion solution-state NMR techniques demonstrate that both apelin isoforms interact with both types of isotropic bicelles. Bicelle hydrodynamics were observed to be differentially modulated by apelin peptides, although these effects were minimal. Phospholipid headgroup 31P spin relaxation behaviour was, conversely, clearly perturbed. Perturbation of this nature was also observed in magnetically aligned bicelles by 31P solid-state NMR spectroscopy and spin relaxation experiments. This behaviour is consistent with an apelin-bicelle binding process allowing significant peptide mobility, facilitating membrane-catalyzed GPCR encounter.


Easy tissue expansion of prelaminated mucosa-lined flaps for cheek reconstruction in a canine model.
In head and neck reconstruction, there is sometimes the need for a skin flap lined with mucosa. The object of this study was to determine whether small pieces of mucosa grafted onto the undersurface of a skin flap can be expanded in a reasonable time to provide the material required to reconstruct a full-thickness cheek defect as a free flap. The study consisted of two phases: prelamination and expansion of the flap, and vascularized free-tissue transfer of the flap. Six adult mongrel dogs were used. First, a 5 x 10-cm flap based on the saphenous vessels was elevated on the lower leg, and then four 1 x 2-cm pieces of mucosa harvested from the tongue were grafted onto the undersurface of the flap. A tissue expander (5 x 10 cm) was then placed under the flap, and the incision was closed primarily. The expanders were initially filled with just enough normal saline to obliterate dead space immediately after surgery. The expansion was continued twice weekly for 3 weeks until sufficient expansion was obtained. Two of six flaps were followed for an additional 6 weeks after the 3-week expansion period to observe whether additional mucosa could be obtained. After measurement of the mucosal area, each flap was transferred as free flap to reconstruct an iatrogenic cheek defect. The increase of mucosal surface area was compared with the original graft, and differences were analyzed using the paired t test. All flaps were successfully expanded without any complications. Histologic evaluation revealed that grafted mucosa took well without evidence of graft necrosis, and the intergraft area was covered with histiocytes. Angiography revealed well-defined vascular structures covering the entire area of the flap. The new mucosal area (23.5 +/- 2.4 cm2) was significantly larger than the original mucosal graft (8.7 +/- 0.9 cm2) (p < 0.001). The net increase of the mucosal area was 172.9 +/- 32.4 percent. The increase of mucosal area in two flaps, following a 6-week consolidation period after 3 weeks of expansion, was only slightly greater (25.9 +/- 1.3 cm2) than those without the consolidation period (22.3 +/- 1.8 cm2). This increase of the mucosal area appears to be related to the amount of expansion, and not to the length of the consolidation period. The flaps were successfully transferred as free flaps to reconstruct the full-thickness cheek defects without major complications. Although a staged operation to allow flaps to mature is needed, the present procedure has the advantages of providing a mucosa-lined flap and allowing primary closure of the donor site. The authors conclude that expansion of this flap has great potential in reconstructive surgery.


Post-Roe emergency medicine: Policy, clinical, training, and individual implications for emergency clinicians.
In June 2022, the United States Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, removing almost 50 years of precedent and enabling the imposition of a wide range of state-level restrictions on abortion access. Historical data from the United States and internationally demonstrate that the removal of safe abortion options will increase complications and the health risks to pregnant patients. Because the emergency department is a critical access point for reproductive health care, emergency clinicians must be prepared for the policy, clinical, educational, and legal implications of this change. The goal of this paper, therefore, is to describe the impact of the reversal of Roe v. Wade on health equity and reproductive justice, the provision of emergency care education and training, and the specific legal and reproductive consequences for emergency clinicians. Finally, we conclude with specific recommended policy and advocacy responses for emergency medicine clinicians.


PPAR-γ as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease: evidence and uncertainty.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) is a key regulator of fatty acid metabolism, promoting its storage in adipose tissue and reducing circulating concentrations of free fatty acids. Activation of PPAR-γ has favorable effects on measures of adipocyte function, insulin sensitivity, lipoprotein metabolism, and vascular structure and function. Despite these effects, clinical trials of thiazolidinedione PPAR-γ activators have not provided conclusive evidence that they reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The apparent disparity between effects on laboratory measurements and clinical outcomes may be related to limitations of clinical trials, adverse effects of PPAR-γ activation, or off-target effects of thiazolidinedione agents. This review addresses these issues from a clinician's perspective and highlights several ongoing clinical trials that may help to clarify the therapeutic role of PPAR-γ activators in cardiovascular disease.


[Psychoneuroimmunology--regulation of immunity at the systemic level].
Innate and acquired immune reactions are controlled by their intrinsic regulatory mechanisms, ie. by an array of cytokines that mediate communication among cells of the immune system itself and with other cells and tissues, e. g. in areas of inflammation. In addition, the immune system is also subjected to systemic regulation by the vegetative and endocrine systems since immune cells express receptors for neurotransmitters and hormones. Neuroendocrine signals may enhance or suppress the immune reaction, accelerate or slow it, but do not affect specificity. Various stressful factors, including the psychosocial ones, affect immunity. In turn, cytokines generated by the immune system influence hormonal secretion and central nervous system, producing specific behavioral changes (the "sickness behavior") accompanying infectious and inflammatory diseases. That includes somnolence, loss of apetite, depression or anxiety and decrease of cognitive abilities, attention and memory. Local immune systems in skin and mucosa are also subjected to systemic neuroendocrine regulation and possess intrinsic neuroregulatory networks as well. These mechanisms render skin and respiratory and digestive tracts responsive to various forms of stress. Examples are neurodermitis, asthma and ulcerative colitis. In children, the immune and the neuroendocrine systems are still developing, particularly in fetal, neonatal and early infant periods, and exposure to stressful experiences at that time may result in late consequences in the form of deficient immunity or greater risks for allergic or autoimmune reactions. Recognition of the participation of neuroendocrine mechanisms in regulation of immunity helps us understand alterations and disturbances of immune reactions under the influence of stressful factors but so far has not produced reliable therapeutic implications. Psychosocial interventions involving the child and its family may be useful.


Annotated type catalogue of Bothriembryon (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Orthalicoidea) in Australian museums, with a compilation of types in other museums.
Type material of 41 Australian Bothriembryon taxa present in Australian museums is critically listed, indicating systematic issues that need to be resolved in further studies. Information on additional type material of 22 taxa in non-Australian museums is compiled. The seven fossil taxa known so far are included in this catalogue. Based on the current systematic position, 38 species are treated in this paper. Bothriembryon jacksoni Iredale, 1939, Bothriembryon notatus Iredale, 1939, Bothriembryon praecelsus Iredale, 1939 and Bothriembryon serpentinus Iredale, 1939 are elevated to species level. Bothriembryon gratwicki (Cox, 1899) is listed as status to be determined.


Initiation of a pediatric robotic surgery program: institutional challenges and realistic outcomes.
Few institutions have reported their experience initiating a pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) program, and results vary regarding the outcomes for robotic surgery in children. We present the initiation of our pediatric robotic surgery program, provide suggestions for overcoming institutional challenges, and perform a comparative analysis to illustrate realistic outcomes during the learning curve. Outcomes from consecutive children who underwent RAL surgery since the 2006 acquisition of the da Vinci® surgical system were retrospectively reviewed. To evaluate the safety and outcomes during the introduction of this new technology, we performed an outcome analysis of ureteral reimplantations comparing RAL cases to matched open controls. The first 50 RAL cases were performed over 20 months by two general and two urologic surgeons. Fourteen different procedures were performed successfully. The average patient age was 8.6 ± 5.7 years with 10 patients weighing less than 10 kg (20%). Three urologic cases were converted to traditional laparoscopy and two general surgery cases were converted to open. There were five mechanical failures. Initial outcomes comparing RAL and open ureteral reimplantations revealed similar length of stay, complications, and success with lower estimated blood loss in the RAL group. Overall OR time was 53% longer in the RAL reimplant group (361 ± 80 vs. 236 ± 58 min, p < 0.0001). Robotic surgery appears to be safe in pediatric patients for many procedures. Proper instruction and training precedes technological proficiency. The institutional learning curve may be magnified when there are multiple participating surgeons. Operative times for initial RAL cases can be expected to be greater than their open correlates.


Role of complementary therapies in the understanding of primary healthcare professionals: a systematic review.
Objective To identify the understanding of the healthcare professionals in relation to the role of complementary therapies in primary health care. Method Systematic review by way of the following information sources: PubMed, CINAHL, PeriEnf, AMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, Psicoinfo and Psicodoc, using the keyword Primary Health Care alone, and associated with the following keywords: Medicinal Plants, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Anthroposophical Medicine. Results Twenty-two studies from 1986 to 2011 were included. We identified three styles of practice: conventional medicine, complementary therapies and integrative medicine. Positioning professional practices within these three styles may facilitate discussion of concepts of health care, enhancing the health care provided as a result. Conclusion The work process in primary care presents difficulties for conducting integrative and holistic health care, but this practice has been introduced over time by professionals who integrate conventional medicine and complementary therapies, concerned with the care and well-being of patients.


Sulfur-Doped Carbon Nitride Polymers for Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutant and Reduction of Cr(VI).
As a promising conjugated polymer, binary carbon nitride has attracted extensive attention as a metal-free and visible-light-responsive photocatalyst in the area of photon-involving purification of water and air. Herein, we report sulfur-doped polymeric carbon nitride microrods that are synthesized through thermal polymerization based on trithiocyanuric acid and melamine (TM) supramolecular aggregates. By tuning the polymerization temperature, a series of sulfur-doped carbon nitride microrods are prepared. The degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and the reduction of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) are selected as probe reactions to evaluate the photocatalytic activities. Results show that increasing pyrolysis temperature leads to a large specific surface area, strong visible-light absorption, and accelerated electron-hole separation. Compared to bulk carbon nitride, the highly porous sulfur-doped carbon nitride microrods fabricated at 650 °C exhibit remarkably higher photocatalytic activity for degradation of RhB and reduction of Cr(VI). This work highlights the importance of self-assembly approach and temperature-control strategy in the synthesis of photoactive materials for environmental remediation.


Cloning and characterization of the vitamin D receptor from Xenopus laevis.
The Vitamin D receptor (VDR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, mediates the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on mineral ion homeostasis. Although the mammalian and avian VDRs have been extensively studied, little is known about the VDR in lower vertebrate species. To address this, we have isolated the Xenopus laevis VDR (xVDR) complementary DNA. Overall, the xVDR shares 79%, 73%, 73%, and 75% identity at the amino acid level with the chicken, mouse, rat, and human VDRs, respectively. The amino acid residues and subdomains important for DNA binding, hormone binding, dimerization, and transactivation are mostly conserved among all VDR species. The xVDR polypeptide can heterodimerize with the mouse retinoid X receptor alpha, bind to the rat osteocalcin vitamin D response element (VDRE), and induce vitamin D-dependent transactivation in transfected mammalian cells. Northern analysis reveals two xVDR messenger RNA species of 2.2 kb and 1.8 kb in stage 60 Xenopus tissues. In the adult, xVDR expression is detected in many tissues including kidney, intestine, skin, and bone. During Xenopus development, xVDR messenger RNA first appears at developmental stage 13 (pre-neurulation), increasing to maximum at stages 57-61 (metamorphosis). Our data demonstrate that, in Xenopus, VDR expression is developmentally regulated and that the vitamin D endocrine system is highly conserved during evolution.


Performance of Multihospital Health Systems' Flagship Hospitals in the CMS Star Rating Program.
Using the Hospital Compare overall hospital quality star ratings and other publicly available data on acute care hospitals, we examined star ratings for the flagship hospitals of a set of multihospital health systems in the United States. We compared star ratings and hospital characteristics of flagship and nonflagship hospitals across and within 113 health systems. The system flagship hospitals had significantly lower star ratings than did nonflagship hospitals, and they did not generally have the highest star ratings in their own systems. Higher teaching intensity, larger bed size, higher uncompensated care, and higher disproportionate share hospital (DSH) patient percentage were all significantly associated with lower star ratings of flagship hospitals when compared with nonflagship hospitals across all health systems; the flagship hospital of a system was more likely to have the lowest star rating in its system if the difference in DSH percentage was relatively large between the flagship and nonflagship hospitals in that system.


Role of the fibrinolytic and matrix metalloproteinase systems in development of adipose tissue.
Obesity is a common disorder and related diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cancer are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Western-type societies. Development of obesity is associated with extensive modifications in adipose tissue involving adipogenesis, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix proteolysis. The fibrinolytic (plasminogen/plasmin) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) systems cooperate in these processes. A nutritionally induced obesity model in transgenic mice has been used extensively to study the role of the fibrinolytic and MMP systems in the development of obesity. These studies support a role of both systems in adipogenesis and obesity; the role of specific members of these families, however, remains to be determined.


Mycobacterium fortuitum complex in Sweden during an 11-year period.
Records of patients have been retrospectively examined studied during an 11-y period, from whom Mycobacterium fortuitum or M. chelonae was isolated in Sweden. Respiratory isolates were obtained from 71 patients. Clinical information was accessible in 52, chest X-ray was pathological in 51, and 42 had underlying diseases. Four skin and 4 urine isolates were observed. Two cases of osteitis and 2 bone marrow isolates of M. chelonae were found. One girl had a submandibular lymph node abscess with M. fortuitum. Of 2 HIV patients, 1 had positive blood cultures with M. fortuitum and the other positive sputum culture with M. chelonae. The broad spectrum of infections with M. fortuitum complex necessitates an integrated judgement of clinical and bacteriological data to determine the relevance of such isolates.


Distinct follicular and luteal transcriptional profiles in engineered human ectocervical tissue dependent on menstrual cycle phase.
To investigate genomic pathways that may influence physiology and infectivity during the menstrual cycle, RNA sequence analysis was performed on patient-matched engineered ectocervical tissue after follicular and luteal phase (LP) hormone treatments. We developed distinct cellular, molecular, and biological profiles in ectocervical epithelium dependent on the menstrual cycle phase. Follicular phase hormones were associated with proliferation, transcription, and cell adhesion, while LP samples expressed genes involved in immune cell recruitment, inflammation, and protein modifications. Additionally, our analysis revealed mucins not previously reported in ectocervical tissue, which could play an important role in fertility and disease prevention. This study provides insight into the phenomenon of increased LP vulnerability to infection and identifies potential targets for future research.


[Composition diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) community Al2 used for alfalfa silage].
Alfalfa is the most important forage grass that is difficult to ensile for good quality. Using silage inoculants are the important way for preservation of alfalfa silage. Through continuous restricted subcultivation, a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) community Al2 was selected from well-fermented alfalfa silage. Plate isolation and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), construction of 16S rDNA clone library were used to identify the composition diversity of Al2 community, with 7 strains detected, and they were all belonged to Lactobacillus. The composition ratios of the 7 strains were 55.21%, 19.79%, 14.58%, 3.13%, 3.13%, 3.13%, 1.03% according to 16S rDNA clone library. Al2-1i, Al2-2i, Al2-3i, corresponding to L. plantarum (99.9%), L. kimchii (99.4%), L. farciminis (100%) were detected by plate isolation. Among 3 isolates, Al2-1i had the highest ability of dropping pH and producing lactic acid, and the amount of lactic acid was reach to 18g/L at 24h cultivated in MRS media. The ability of dropping pH and producing lactic acid of Al2-3i was the lowest. From DGGE profiles, the dominant strains in Al2 community were L. plantarum and L. kimchii. L. plantarum was detected during the whole process, and L. kimchii was detected in the later phase.


The neuropsychological correlates of (sluggish) cognitive tempo scales in school-aged children.
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) is a neuropsychiatric construct including lethargy, behavioral sluggishness, and confusion. A growing number of studies in the literature suggest that this set of symptoms refers to neuropsychological constructs such as sustained attention. However, studies focusing on SCT and its neuropsychological correlates in developmental age are scarce. The present study aims to fill this gap. The Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI - Teacher and Parent versions, also including the school functioning scale, and the Child Concentration Inventory (CCI-2) were administered to a sample of 128 Italian primary-school children (57.6% F, mean age 8.81, SD 1.07); the neuropsychological constructs involved in the study were sustained attention and reaction times to two computerized tasks. Bivariate non-parametric correlation analyses yielded significant negative associations between teacher-referred SCT and measures of sustained attention (e.g., the Attentional Network Test and the Hearts and Flowers task) as well as CABI-T school-functioning scale; a small-to-moderate positive correlation was found between CABI-T SCT scores and mean reaction times, as a measure of the slowness of behavioral responses on the Attentional Network Test: this result would appear to represent a fine operationalization of the SCT-characteristic of behavioral sluggishness. Implications of these results for operationalizing the SCT construct in developmental age are discussed.


Structured Label Inference for Visual Understanding.
Visual data such as images and videos contain a rich source of structured semantic labels as well as a wide range of interacting components. Visual content could be assigned with fine-grained labels describing major components, coarse-grained labels depicting high level abstractions, or a set of labels revealing attributes. Such categorization over different, interacting layers of labels evinces the potential for a graph-based encoding of label information. In this paper, we exploit this rich structure for performing graph-based inference in label space for a number of tasks: multi-label image and video classification and action detection in untrimmed videos. We consider the use of the Bidirectional Inference Neural Network (BINN) and Structured Inference Neural Network (SINN) for performing graph-based inference in label space and propose a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) based extension for exploiting activity progression on untrimmed videos. The methods were evaluated on (i) the Animal with Attributes (AwA), Scene Understanding (SUN) and NUS-WIDE datasets for multi-label image classification, (ii) the first two releases of the YouTube-8M large scale dataset for multi-label video classification, and (iii) the THUMOS'14 and MultiTHUMOS video datasets for action detection. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of structured label inference in these challenging tasks, achieving significant improvements against baselines.


Vantage point - A 'wicked' problem.
SENIOR NURSES everywhere are facing a 'wicked' problem, wicked in the sense that it seems to defy resolution. The problem is this: the national shortage of nurses, particularly of those at band 5, is forcing us to use agency nurses so that we have enough staff to provide patient care safely.


Oral neutrophil levels: a screening test for oral inflammatory load in pregnancy in a medical setting.
A multitude of studies suggest an association between periodontal disease and adverse birth outcomes, but the findings have been equivocal. Although the evidence is controversial, it is biologically plausible, and the key link may be inflammation. Because periodontitis is at times either active or inactive, trying to correlate the presence of pockets, for example, to adverse outcome of pregnancy might be preordained to failure or at least confusion. Alternatively, if inflammatory activity associated with periodontitis could be measured, it might be possible to correlate oral inflammatory load (OIL) to adverse pregnancy outcomes more precisely, but given the low incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, large populations must be studied. This underscores the need to use a means for assessment of OIL that is reliable, reproducible, and so simple to perform that it does not require dental expertise and can be used for large numbers of patients attending obstetrics units. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that OIL can be measured in a cohort of pregnant females presenting for obstetric care and secondarily to ensure that there was a realistic correlation to the presence of periodontitis. Sixty-three pregnant females were recruited, and 15-second saline rinses were collected to measure OIL as represented by counts of oral neutrophil levels. Periodontal examinations were performed to determine the extent of the correlation between the presence of clinical markers of periodontitis, such as pockets and clinical attachment loss to the OIL. Using this small cohort of patients, a test for oral inflammatory disease could be administered successfully in a non-dental setting. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase (two-fold, P < 0.05) in oral neutrophil counts found in patients with periodontitis compared with those without periodontitis. The rinse assay can be used as a screening tool for oral inflammation, which was also related to the presence of periodontitis, in pregnant females attending a medical clinic.


Dietary Bamboo Charcoal Decreased Visceral Adipose Tissue Weight by Enhancing Fecal Lipid Excretions in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity.
Bamboo charcoal (BC) powder is prepared from thick bamboo stems via dry distillation and is often used for food coloring. Due to the unique structure of the micropores in bamboo stems, BC powder also serves as an indigestible carrier to prevent the absorption of toxic substances and nutrients from the digestive tract. This study evaluated the health-promoting function of BC, particularly its effects in decreasing visceral adipose tissue in a mouse model with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed either a low-fat (LF) diet (7% fat), HF diet (25% fat), or HF diet with 0.5% BC (HF-BC). After 80 days, the HF-BC diet was found to have decreased epididymal and mesenteric white adipose tissue weights compared to HFD. The inhibition of visceral fat accumulation by BC intake was partly due to enhanced fecal fatty acid excretion induced by its bile acid-binding and pancreatic lipase inhibition. Contrarily, the gut microbiota, known to influence systemic energy metabolism, did not change significantly between the HF and HF-BC groups. These results indicate that dietary BC inhibits visceral fat accumulation, which could reduce obesity development.


Effects of element complexes containing Fe, Zn and Mn on artificial morel's biological characteristics and soil bacterial community structures.
This study described the effects of elements (including Fe, Zn, Mn and their complexes) on the following factors in artificial morel cultivation: the characteristics of mycelia and sclerotia, soil bacterial community structures, yields and contents of microelements. The results indicated that the groups containing Mn significantly promoted mycelia growth rates, and all the experimental groups resulted in higher yields than the control (P<0.01), although their mycelia and sclerotia did not show obvious differences. It was also found that Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroides, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Nitrospirae were the dominated bacterial phyla. The Zn·Fe group had an unexpectedly high proportion (75.49%) of Proteobacteria during the primordial differentiation stage, while Pseudomonas also occupied a high proportion (5.52%) in this group. These results suggested that different trace elements clearly affected morel yields and soil bacterial community structures, particularly due to the high proportions of Pseudomonas during the primordial differentiation stage.


Isolation and characterization of a yeast mutant defective in cholinephosphotransferase.
A yeast mutant defective in cholinephosphotransferase (cpt) was isolated as a revertant from a choline-sensitive mutant, which exhibited lowered phosphatidylinositol synthesis. A block at the cholinephosphotransferase step in the mutant was indicated by the enzyme defect and the accumulation of CDP-choline in the cells with a decrease in phosphatidylcholine synthesis. The defect was due to a single recessive mutation in a nuclear gene. The residual activity in the mutant showed an increased apparent Km for CDP-choline and an altered sensitivity to Tween 20. Thus the structural gene may be affected in the mutant. The occurrence of an intact ethanolaminephosphotransferase in the mutant indicates the distinctness of the genes encoding cholinephosphotransferase and ethanolaminephosphotransferase in yeast. The present selection method was also effective for isolating mutants defective in the other steps of the CDP-choline pathway and choline transport.


Patient-centered outcomes in pediatric continuous kidney replacement therapy: new morbidity and worsened functional status in survivors.
Ongoing measures to improve pediatric continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) have lowered mortality rates, shifting the focus to survivor functional status. While septic acute kidney injury generates new morbidity in pediatric critically ill patients, acquired morbidities and functional status of CKRT population are unknown. We predicted that CKRT survivors are at risk for new morbidity and would have worse functional status at PICU discharge compared to baseline, and aimed to describe associated factors. Retrospective cohort study over 24 months of CKRT patients surviving to PICU discharge in a quaternary children's hospital. Functional outcome was determined by Functional Status Scale (FSS). FSS scores were higher at PICU and hospital discharge compared to baseline. Of 45 CKRT survivors, 31 (69%) had worse FSS score at PICU discharge and 51% had new morbidity (≥3 increase in FSS); majority qualified as moderate to severe disability (FSS ≥10). Four patients (9%) had new tracheostomy, 3 (7%) were ventilator dependent, and 10 (22%) were dialysis dependent. Most (23/45, 51%) required outpatient rehabilitation. Cumulative days on sedation, controlled for illness severity, were independently associated with worse FSS at PICU discharge (aOR 25.18 (3.73, 169.92)). In adjusted analyses, duration of sedation was associated with new morbidity, while neurologic comorbidity, percent fluid overload at CKRT start, and nonrenal comorbidity were associated with moderate to severe disability at PICU discharge when controlled for baseline FSS. CKRT survivors, with new morbidity and worse functional outcomes at PICU discharge, are a newly described vulnerable population requiring targeted follow-up. Deliberate decrease of sedation exposure in patients with decreased clearance due to organ dysfunction needs to be studied as a modifiable risk factor.


Variation in the resumption of cycling and conception by fecal androgen and estradiol levels in female Northern Muriquis (Brachyteles hypoxanthus).
We measured fecal androgen (T+DHT) and estradiol (E2) levels in female northern muriquis (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) at the Estação Biológica de Caratinga/RPPN Feliciano Miguel Abdala, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to evaluate the hormonal bases underlying individual variation in the resumption of cycling and conception. We found that androgen levels were significantly lower in females than in males, and that there were no consistent patterns in female androgen levels across precycling or cycling conditions. Females that resumed cycling earlier in the study (weeks 4-8) had higher precycling E2 levels and correspondingly lower precycling androgen/E2 ratios than females that resumed cycling later (weeks 12-16). There were no differences in female precycling androgen levels, but cycling females that conceived during or immediately after the study period had lower androgen levels and threefold higher E2 peaks than the one cycling female that failed to conceive. These results suggest that minimum E2 thresholds are necessary for both the resumption of ovarian cycling and conception. Individual variation in these components of fertility may be regulated by differences in E2 levels, which affect androgen/E2 ratios, rather than by androgen levels per se. Further research into the relative concentrations of T vs. DHT will be necessary to fully evaluate whether androgens affect cycling and conception in this species.


The Effects of Prolactin-Raising and Prolactin-Sparing Antipsychotics on Prolactin Levels and Bone Mineral Density in Schizophrenic Patients.
We aimed to investigate the effects of antipsychotics on prolactin levels in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and the effects of hyperprolactinemia on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients on long-term antipsychotics. In this study, we included eighty consecutive patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV, had been using the same antipsychotic for the last ten months, and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data on sociodemographic characteristics of the patients were collected through an information sheet. The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) were used to rate positive and negative symptoms of the patients. In addition, their body mass indices (BMI) were calculated. Prolactin levels were measured through luminescence immune assay and BMD measurements were made at lumbar and femoral sites using dual-energy x-ray absorbtiometry. Haloperidol (n=20) and risperidone (n=20) were assigned to prolactin-raising antipsychotic group, and olanzapine (n=20) and quetiapine (n=20) were assigned to prolactin-sparing antipsychotic group for this study. The effects of antipsychotics on BMD were compared among these groups. Hyperprolactinemia was determined in 60% of haloperidol using patients, 90% of risperidone using patients, 25% of olanzapine using patients and 10% of quetiapine using patients. Mean prolactin levels were found to be significantly higher in prolactin-raising antipsychotic using group (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in BMD values between the two groups, for the sites where the measurement was done. Lumbar spine and femoral neck T-scores and Z-scores in the prolactin-raising group significantly negatively correlated with the treatment durations and chlorpromazineequivalent doses (p<0.05). BMI and BMD values of both groups also displayed statistically significant positive correlations (p<0.05). The statistically significant differences in mean prolactin levels and numbers of patients with hyperprolactinemia between the treatment groups support the validity of classifying the antipsychotics as prolactin-raising and prolactin-sparing". The relationship of BMD with the treatment duration and doses in the prolactin-raising antipsychotic using group was deemed to be important, since it indicated that a decrease in BMD was to be expected in long-term antipsychotic treatment.


[Enrichment of the rats diet with docosahexaenoic acid and astaxanthin: physiological and biochemical efficiency].
To investigate the effect of enrichment of the rats diet with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ω-3 (220 mg docosahexaenoic acid per 1 kg of animal body weight per day) and astaxanthin (5 mg/kg body weight) on serum corticosterone concentration, physical fatigue, anxiety of rats after exhausting the load. During 30 days the rats of the test group received the diet in which the usual fat component comprising sunflower oil and lard (1:1) was completely replaced by the mixture of oils (high oleic sunflower (89%), coconut (6%), and marine oil from microalgae Schizochytrium sp. (5%) with a high content of docosahexaenoic acid with the addition of astaxanthin). Ratio of ω-6 and ω-3 PUFA in the lipid component of the experimental diet was 5.2:1 (n=12) and 135:1 in the diet of rats in the control group (n=12). DHA enrichment of the diet resulted in a significant 10-fold increase of the DHA liver content and ω-6 PUFA reducing (in particular of linoleic acid in 2.7-fold). No significant differences have been identified between the groups in terms of anxiety, estimated on the elevated plus maze at the beginning and on 24th day of the experiment. Results of the exhausting load on a treadmill (25th day) showed a significant reduction in physical fatigue in rats of the experimental group compared with the control group of rats: the number of contacts with the electrical grid was 4.2±0.9 versus 19.7±4.4, fulltime shock was 0.9±0.2 versus 3.3±0.8 sec. Significantly lower serum corticosterone concentration took place in the subjected to exhausting exertion animals receiving lipid module (15.0±3.9 ng/ml) compared to control animals (31.0±5.4 ng/ml). Thus, modification of the lipid component of the diet by its enrichment with DHA and astaxanthin led to decrease of the rat fatigue during exercise training (test treadmill) and prevent from the serum corticosterone raise, that indicates animal stress adaptation ability.


[Coordination mechanism and antioxidant activity of L-hydroxyproline zinc(II)].
The coordination compound of L-hydroxyproline (Hyp)-Zn (II) was synthesized with Hyp and zinc sulfate as raw materials in water medium, coordination Synthesizing Mechanism and Antioxidant Activity of Hyp-Zn(II) coordination compound has been researched. Compared with Hyp, the infrared spectrogram of Hyp-Zn (II) coordination compound emerge a new absorption peak at 1100 cm(-1). Conclusion could be obtained that there exists a coordination effect between Hyp and ZnSO4; TG and DSC curve of Hyp and Hyp-Zn(II) coordination compound were analysed. Compared with Hyp, the peak of Hyp-Zn(II) disappear at 290 degrees C and 375 degrees C. This phenomenon confirmed the front conclusion; At the NMR graph of Hyp-Zn(II) coordination compound, the disappearance of the alpha-carboxyl-hydrogen and alpha-hydroxyl-hydrogen's peak at 3.5-3.9 ppm could indicate that combination's position of Hyp is alpha-carboxyl and alpha-hydroxyl; Structure of Hyp-Zn(II) coordination compound were exosyndrome by the Atomic Force microscopy. It is showed that centr-atom Zn(II) was surrounded by several Hyp at Hyp-Zn(II) coordination compound's phase diagram; The proportion of Hyp-Zn(H) coordination compound was determined by dialysis experiment, the proportion is 4:1; Above-mentioned determination and exosyndrome indicated that the molecular formula of Hyp-Zn (II) coordination compound is Zn(Hyp)4.H2O. The results indicated that the Hyp-Zn(II) coordination compound can inhibit hydroxyl free radicals of Zn(II), and the Percentage of Inhibition is 75.5%; the total antioxidant activities of Hyp-Zn(II) coordination compound is 80.167 u/mL, the anti-superoxide activities of Hyp-Zn (II) coordination compound is 53.19 u/mL.


A defined roadmap of radial glia and astrocyte differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells.
Human gliogenesis remains poorly understood, and derivation of astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is inefficient and cumbersome. Here, we report controlled glial differentiation from hPSCs that bypasses neurogenesis, which otherwise precedes astrogliogenesis during brain development and in vitro differentiation. hPSCs were first differentiated into radial glial cells (RGCs) resembling resident RGCs of the fetal telencephalon, and modulation of specific cell signaling pathways resulted in direct and stepwise induction of key astroglial markers (NFIA, NFIB, SOX9, CD44, S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]). Transcriptomic and genome-wide epigenetic mapping and single-cell analysis confirmed RGC-to-astrocyte differentiation, obviating neurogenesis and the gliogenic switch. Detailed molecular and cellular characterization experiments uncovered new mechanisms and markers for human RGCs and astrocytes. In summary, establishment of a glia-exclusive neural lineage progression model serves as a unique serum-free platform of manufacturing large numbers of RGCs and astrocytes for neuroscience, disease modeling (e.g., Alexander disease), and regenerative medicine.


Parkinson disease in eldery patients: lessons from odour detection thresholds on olfacto-trigeminal interaction.
Human nasal chemosensation is mediated by two separate, though interacting sensory pathways: the trigeminal and olfactory systems. Trigeminal sensitivity and olfacto-trigeminal interactions have not yet been well studied in idiopathic Parkinsons disease (IPD). The aim of this study was to assess odour detection thresholds in elderly IPD patients, and compare them to the odour detection thresholds of healthy controls. Finally, we investigated potential interactions between trigeminal and olfactory sensitivity. 89 IPD patients aged over 65 and 89 matched healthy participants were enrolled in the study. Odour detection thresholds to 3 stimuli differentially activating olfactory and trigeminal afferents (Phenyl-ethyl alcohol, n-Butanol and Pyridine) were assessed, using an ascending staircase, binary forced-choice procedure. Detection threshold scores were able to discriminate between elderly IPD and controls. Pyridine was less effective than the two other odorants, suggesting that trigeminal pathway is less impaired than the olfactory system. We found that the detection thresholds were significantly different between IPD patients with good autonomy, and patients with impaired autonomy.


Chemical composition of virgin olive oils according to the ripening in olives.
The aim of this study was the classification of olive oil according to the stage of ripeness of the olives used for its manufacture. A discriminant analysis was applied taking as dependent variables the fatty acids, triglycerides and sterols profile. The evolution of parameters of quality of the oils during ripening of the fruit has also been studied in three successive crops. The results of the classification shows that 88.5% of selected original grouped cases are correctly classified (85.7% green, 80% spotted and 78.9% ripe) and furthermore the validation classified the 69.6% of the unselected original cases. The most discriminating variables have been: avenasterol, linolenic acid, β-sitosterol and gadoleico. Fig. 1 shows graphically the values of the canonical discriminant functions and the centroids of the intervals of three or the maturity index.


Getting to the root of fireworms' stinging chaetae-chaetal arrangement and ultrastructure of Eurythoe complanata (Pallas, 1766) (Amphinomida).
Amphinomid species are since long known to cause urtication upon contact with the human skin. Since it has been reported that amphinomid chaetae are hollow, it has repeatedly been suggested that poison is injected upon epidermal contact. To test predictions for the structural correlate of such a stinging device we studied the structure and formation of chaetae in the fireworm Eurythoe complanata (Amphinomida). Neither the structure of the chaetae nor their formation and their position within the parapodium provide evidence for their function as hollow needles to inject poison. The chaetae even turned out to be not hollow, but containing calcareous depositions. The latter most likely cause artificial ruptures of delicate chitin lamellae in the inner of the chaeta when treated with acidic fixatives. Inorganic calcium compounds harden the chaetae and make them brittle so that they break easily. Additional information on the structure of the chaetal sac, the site of formation and the acicula do not contradict the position of the Amphinomida within Annelida as revealed by phylogenomic studies.


Evaluating the ability of a trauma team activation tool to identify severe injury: a multicentre cohort study.
Sensitive decision making tools should assist prehospital personnel in the triage of injured patients, identifying those who require immediate lifesaving interventions and safely reducing unnecessary under- and overtriage. In 2014 a new trauma team activation (TTA) tool was implemented in Central Norway. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the new TTA tool to identify severe injury. This was a multi-center observational cohort study with retrospective data analysis. All patients received by trauma teams at seven hospitals in Central Norway between 01.01.2015 to 31.12.2015 were included. Severe injury was defined as Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15. Overtriage was defined as the rate of patients with TTA and ISS < 15, whilst patients with TTA and ISS > 15 were defined as correctly triaged. A total of 1141 patients were identified, of which 998 were eligible for triage criteria analysis. Median age was 35 years (IQR 20-58) and the male proportion was 67%. Mechanism of injury was predominantly blunt trauma (96%) with transport related accidents (62%) followed by falls (22%) the most common. Overall, median injury severity score (ISS) was low and severely injured patients (ISS > 15) comprised 13% of the cohort. Utility of specific TTA criteria were: physiology 20%, anatomical injury 21%, mechanism of injury (MOI) 53% and special causes 6%. Overtriage among all patients was 87%, and for those with physiologic criteria 66%, anatomical injury 82%, mechanism of injury 97% and special causes criteria 92%, respectively. Severe injury was infrequent and there was a substantial rate of overtriage. The ability of the TTA tool was relatively insensitive in identifying severe injury, but showed increased performance when utilizing physiologic and anatomical injury criteria. Many of the TTA mechanism of injury criteria might be considered for removal from the triage tool due to substantial rates of overtriage. This has relevance for the proposed development of national Norwegian TTA criteria.


The president's child immunization initiative--a summary of the problem and the response.
After only 24 days in office, President Bill Clinton announced a comprehensive childhood immunization initiative designed to assure that all children in the United States lead healthier lives by receiving age-appropriate immunizations against preventable diseases such as polio, mumps, measles, whooping cough, and diphtheria. As part of his economic stimulus proposal, the President requested $300 million for Fiscal Year 1993 to reinforce the nation's immunization infrastructure by providing funding for communities to extend clinic hours, provide more staff, and increase information and education efforts and for the planning and implementation of a national immunization tracking system. In its Fiscal 1994 budget request, the Administration asked for a doubling of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's immunization program funding to $667 million. In cooperation with key congressional committees, the Administration has also prepared legislation that would provide recommended childhood vaccines to States for free distribution to health care providers who serve children enrolled in Medicaid or who don't have health insurance that covers immunization services. Providers could not charge for the vaccine but could charge a fee for administration. State Medicaid programs would also be required to reimburse providers reasonably for vaccine administration. This measure is designed to improve universal access to immunization services by helping to remove financial barriers that impede children from being immunized at the appropriate age.


Reactions over catalysts confined in carbon nanotubes.
We review a new concept for modifying the redox properties of transition metals via confinement within the channels of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and thus tuning their catalytic performance. Attention is also devoted to novel techniques for homogeneous dispersion of metal nanoparticles inside CNTs since these are essential for optimization of the catalytic activity.