Metastatic umbilical carcinoma: the Sister Joseph's nodule.
Metastatic umbilical carcinoma has been referred to by generations of physicians as Sister Joseph's nodule. Though not common, this characteristic lesion is important to recognize and properly evaluate. We present a case of an eighty-two-year-old woman with a Sister Joseph's nodule due to an unknown primary carcinoma, and we review the diagnostic and prognostic features of umbilical metastases.


Circulating tumor cells: a review of present methods and the need to identify heterogeneous phenotypes.
The measurement and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) hold promise for advancing personalized therapeutics. CTCs are the precursor to metastatic cancer and thus have the potential to radically alter patient treatment and outcome. Currently, clinical information provided by the enumeration of CTCs is limited to predicting clinical outcome. Other areas of interest in advancing the practice of pathology include: using CTCs for early detection of potential metastasis, determining and monitoring the efficacy of individualized treatment regimens, and predicting site-specific metastasis. Important hurdles to overcome in obtaining this type of clinical information involve present limitations in defining, detecting, and isolating CTCs. Currently, CTCs are detected using epithelial markers. The definition of what distinguishes a CTC should be expanded to include CTCs with heterogeneous phenotypes, and markers should be identified to enable a more comprehensive capture. Additionally, most methods available for detecting CTCs do not capture functionally viable CTCs. Retaining functional viability would provide a significant advantage in characterizing CTC-subtypes that may predict the site of metastatic invasion and thus assist in selecting effective treatment regimens. In this review we describe areas of clinical interest followed by a summary of current circulating cell-separation technologies and present limitations. Lastly, we provide insight into what is required to overcome these limitations as they relate to applications in advancing the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine.


Power Generation by a Limestone-Contained Putty.
A novel contact-separation triboelectric generator concept is proposed in this paper, which consists of a limestone-based mounting putty and a metallized polyester (PET/Al) sheet. This is an attempt to explore tacky materials for power generation and extend the operational frequency bandwidth compared to existing TriboElectric NanoGenerators (TENGs). Moreover, the proposed design is very cost-effective and easy to build. Unlike traditional TENGs, which generate power solely due to a charge developing on the surface, the putty also replies on charge developed inside the material. Parametric study was conducted to determine the optimal putty thickness in a shaker test at 40 Hz. It was found that a putty layer at 0.6 mm thick yielded maximum power generation. During the separation phase, the electrical breakdown between triboelectric layers allows most existing electrons to flow back from the ground due to rapid charge removal at the interface. We are able to achieve a peak power of 16 mW in a shaker test at 40 Hz with an electrical load of 8 MΩ, which corresponds to a power density of 25.6 W/m2. A peak power of 120 mW in a manual prototype generator is achieved, which operates at approximately 2 Hz. Since putty material has less tackiness than double-sided tape, we are able to expand the frequency bandwidth up to 80 Hz, which is significantly higher than a TENG (typically <10 Hz). The mounting putty material contains limestone with approximate 31 nm of mean grain size mixed with synthetic rubber materials. Elasticity from rubber and the nanohardness of calcite crystallites allow us to operate a putty generator repeatedly without the concern of grain fracture. Also, a durability test was conducted with up to 250,000 contact-separation cycles. In summary, comparable performance is achieved in the proposed putty generator to benefit energy harvesting and sensor applications.


Use of Mechanical Chest Compression for Resuscitation in Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest-Device Matters: A Propensity-Score-Based Match Analysis.
Devices for mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are recommended when high quality CPR cannot be provided. Different devices are available, but the literature is poor in direct comparison studies. Our aim was to assess whether the type of mechanical chest compressor could affect the probability of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 30-day survival in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) patients as compared to manual standard CPR. We considered all OHCAs that occurred from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2022 in seven provinces of the Lombardy region equipped with three different types of mechanical compressor: Autopulse®(ZOLL Medical, MA), LUCAS® (Stryker, MI), and Easy Pulse® (Schiller, Switzerland). Two groups, 2146 patients each (manual and mechanical CPR), were identified by propensity-score-based random matching. The rates of ROSC (15% vs. 23%, p < 0.001) and 30-day survival (6% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) were lower in the mechanical CPR group. After correction for confounders, Autopulse® [OR 2.1, 95%CI (1.6-2.8), p < 0.001] and LUCAS® [OR 2.5, 95%CI (1.7-3.6), p < 0.001] significantly increased the probability of ROSC, and Autopulse® significantly increased the probability of 30-day survival compared to manual CPR [HR 0.9, 95%CI (0.8-0.9), p = 0.005]. Mechanical chest compressors could increase the rate of ROSC, especially in case of prolonged resuscitation. The devices were dissimilar, and their different performances could significantly influence patient outcomes. The load-distributing-band device was the only mechanical chest able to favorably affect 30-day survival.


Hypothyroidism and cerebral infarction: a case report and literature review.
Thyroid hormone has been studied in cardiovascular disease but rarely in cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Recently, hypothyroidism has been suggested to be related to risk factors such as atherosclerosis but not directly to CVD. We reported a 52-year-old woman with acute ischemic stroke, and greatly improved general conditions after thyroid hormone replacement. Hypothyroidism is reported to be one of the causes of hypertension or elevated cholesterol levels, the established risk factors of CVD. Further studies of the possible association of thyroid hormone and CVD are warranted. Thyroid hormone might need to be surveyed in CVD patients especially if there are symptoms and signs of thyroid disorders.


Sterol-dependent regulation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 expression by sterol-regulatory element binding protein-2.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a member of the subtilases that promotes the internalization and degradation of LDL receptor in liver and thereby controls the level of LDL cholesterol in plasma. Here, we show that the expression of PCSK9 in HepG2 cells is completely dependent on the absence or presence of sterols. The minimal promoter region of the PCSK9 gene contains a sterol-regulatory element (SRE), which makes the transcription of PCSK9 dependent on sterols. Expression of nuclear forms of sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and SREBP-2 dramatically increased the promoter activity of PCSK9. In vitro-translated nuclear forms of SREBPs showed interactions with SRE, whereas mutations in SRE abolished their binding. In vivo studies in mice showed that Pcsk9 protein and mRNA were decreased significantly by fasting and increased by refeeding. However, supplementation with 2% cholesterol in the diet prevented the increase in Pcsk9. The amounts of Pcsk9 mRNA in livers of refed mice showed correlated regulation by the changes in the nuclear form of Srebp-2. In summary, it is suggested that the expression of PCSK9 is regulated by sterol at the transcriptional level in HepG2 cells and that both SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 can transcriptionally activate PCSK9 via SRE in its proximal promoter region in vitro. However, in vivo, it is suggested that the sterol-dependent regulation of PCSK9 is mediated predominantly by SREBP-2.


Potential microRNA therapies targeting Ras, NFkappaB and p53 signaling.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in mRNAs encoding downstream target genes. A large variety of cellular processes, including differentiation, development, apoptosis and cell cycle progression, are dependent on miRNA-mediated suppression of gene expression for their regulation. As such, it is unsurprising that these small RNA molecules are associated with signaling networks that are often altered in various diseases, including cancer. This review focuses on the function of miRNAs in three of the most well-documented signaling pathways that are dysregulated in tumors: the NFkappaB and Ras prosurvival signaling cascades and the tumor suppressor p53 pathway. Recent findings that connect these pathways through various miRNA families are reviewed, and support for using miRNA therapy as a novel method to counteract these tumor-promoting signaling events are presented.


Posthypnotic amnesia for autobiographical episodes: a laboratory model of functional amnesia?
Extreme variation in the accessibility of autobiographical memory is a major characteristic of functional amnesia. On the basis of its ability to temporarily disrupt the retrieval of memory material, posthypnotic amnesia (PHA) has been proposed as a laboratory analogue of such amnesia. However, most PHA research has focused on relatively simple, nonpersonal information learned during hypnosis. This experiment extended PHA to autobiographical memory by examining high- and low-hypnotizable subjects' explicit and implicit memory of two autobiographical episodes, one of which was targeted by a PHA suggestion. The effects of PHA were consistent with the major features of functional amnesia: PHA disrupted retrieval of autobiographical information, produced a dissociation between implicit and explicit memory, and was reversible. The nature of PHA's effect on autobiographical memory and the potential utility of a PHA paradigm for investigating functional amnesia are discussed.


A ten-year safety study of the oral androgen testosterone undecanoate.
Testosterone undecanoate (Andriol) is an oral androgen that provides the hypogonadal patient with the unmodified testosterone molecule. It was introduced in the mid-1970s. This is a report on the safety of this oral androgen. Of 35 men originally included in the study, 33 could be followed up for a minimum of 10 years. In them no alteration in the biochemical parameters of liver function could be detected. Upon annual measurements (7-9 hours after ingestion of testosterone undecanoate), serum levels of testosterone ranged between 5.4 +/- 1.9 and 6.5 +/- 1.9 nmol/L (normal range 8-24) and of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone between 3.2 +/- 1.8 and 3.5 +/- 1.7 nmol/L (normal range 0.8-2.5). These levels remained constant during the study period, indicating that there is no increased hepatic enzymatic breakdown of the androgen over time. Eight men were older than 50 years at the start of the study. Over the 10-year period in two of them a mild reduction in urine flow was measured, whereas in the other six this could not be demonstrated. Digital examination of the prostate did not reveal signs of prostate tumors. Testosterone undecanoate appears to be a safe oral androgen. A yearly checkup of the patient on therapy with this androgen seems adequate.


Is white matter affected in adolescents with anorexia nervosa? A study using magnetization transfer imaging.
The aim of the study was to assess potential changes in structural integrity of the brain in adolescent patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) using the magnetization transfer imaging technique and re-evaluating after nutritional rehabilitation was accomplished. Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) was used for the detection and quantification of histological changes to the white matter of 9 adolescents diagnosed with AN at diagnosis and after weight gain. Using the MTR technique 6 regions were measured: the pons, left cerebellar hemisphere, amygdala, thalamus, corona radiata and white matter adjacent to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Scans from the patients with AN were also compared with scans from an age-matched subset of 9 healthy controls. Compared with control subjects, the MTR of participants with AN was no different either at the early stages of diagnosis (p=0.62) or after weight recovery (p=0.81). Similarly, comparison of MTR between patients with AN at diagnoses compared with MTR after weight recovery yielded no statistically significant difference (P=0.33). We conclude that MTR was not able to detect any neuropathological alterations in adolescent patients with AN at either diagnosis or after nutritional recovery and the achievement of weight gain.


Wnt/Tcf1 pathway restricts embryonic stem cell cycle through activation of the Ink4/Arf locus.
Understanding the mechanisms regulating cell cycle, proliferation and potency of pluripotent stem cells guarantees their safe use in the clinic. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) present a fast cell cycle with a short G1 phase. This is due to the lack of expression of cell cycle inhibitors, which ultimately determines naïve pluripotency by holding back differentiation. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway controls mESC pluripotency via the Wnt-effector Tcf3. However, if the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin controls the cell cycle of mESCs remains unknown. Here we show that the Wnt-effector Tcf1 is recruited to and triggers transcription of the Ink4/Arf tumor suppressor locus. Thereby, the activation of the Wnt pathway, a known mitogenic pathway in somatic tissues, restores G1 phase and drastically reduces proliferation of mESCs without perturbing pluripotency. Tcf1, but not Tcf3, is recruited to a palindromic motif enriched in the promoter of cell cycle repressor genes, such as p15Ink4b, p16Ink4a and p19Arf, which mediate the Wnt-dependent anti-proliferative effect in mESCs. Consistently, ablation of β-catenin or Tcf1 expression impairs Wnt-dependent cell cycle regulation. All together, here we showed that Wnt signaling controls mESC pluripotency and proliferation through non-overlapping functions of distinct Tcf factors.


Spinal cord injuries: overcoming barriers to seamless care for patients.
Patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often have complex needs that require multidisciplinary support in specialist centres. Optimal management depends on seamless transitions between service providers. Delays at any point potentially compromise clinical outcomes and efficient resource utilisation. The Spinal Advisory Working Group aims to develop and implement practical initiatives to improve SCI care, initially focusing on admission and discharge. A literature review identified few relevant papers. In addition, the generalisability of the findings of these papers to SCI centres in the UK is unclear. Therefore, further research is needed to, for example: establish best practice in the UK; quantify the associations between admission criteria and clinical and economic outcomes from a UK perspective; and determine the extent and impact of barriers that influence the transition of SCI patients between NHS care providers. Such research would enable the development of evidence-based strategies to overcome or minimise these barriers. In the meantime, pragmatic consensus guidelines would help standardise management, aid service optimisation, overcome inequities and, potentially, reduce bed blocking. The working group agreed that the robust inclusion and exclusion criteria developed by the Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre could form the basis of a consensus guideline, to be piloted across the five SCI centres represented by members of the group.


The conditions of possibilities for recovery: A critical discourse analysis in a Danish psychiatric context.
This paper explores the conditions for the possibilities of recovery in a Danish mental healthcare practice, expressed from the perspective of nurses. The results and discussion of the study help to make visible and explore the muddle of conceptualisations of recovery in mental healthcare practice. Few studies examine the possibilities of recovery for inpatients and outpatients in mental health centres from a nursing perspective. A qualitative design using a critical social constructionist frame of understanding, in which the real world is considered as a series of social constructions. A Fairclough-inspired critical discourse analysis was chosen as the analytical strategy. The analysis is comprised of ten interviews in mental health care and notes, written by nurses, in medical records of ten patients with a mental illness admitted to a mental healthcare centre in 2016-2017. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used as a guideline to secure accurate and complete reporting of the study (See Appendix S1). From the findings of the textual analysis and the analysis of the discourse practice, it seems clear that the social relations and structures relating to recovery in Danish psychiatry are steered and controlled by discourses that reflect, in general terms, the essence of the core of neoliberal ideology. Recovery is generally articulated from an overall discourse of neoliberalism with its embedded discourses of paternalism, biomedicine, self-care and holism. All these discourses coexist in nursing practice, but the paternalistic discourse becomes the framework for the conditions for the possibility of how recovery is expressed in practice. Nurses need to be supported to seek clarity in the understanding and operationalisation of a recovery-oriented approach, if the agenda is to be truly adopted and strengthened.


Safety evaluation of adenovirus type 4 and type 7 vaccine live, oral in military recruits.
Before the widespread adoption of vaccination, adenovirus type 4 and type 7 were long associated with respiratory illnesses among military recruits. When supplies were depleted and vaccination was suspended in 1999 for approximately a decade, respiratory illnesses due to adenovirus infections resurged. In March 2011, a new live, oral adenovirus vaccine was licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration and was first universally administered to military recruits in October 2011, leading to rapid, dramatic elimination of the disease within a few months. As part of licensure, a postmarketing study (Sentinel Surveillance Plan) was performed to detect potential safety signals within 42days after immunization of military recruits. This study retrospectively evaluated possible adverse events related to vaccination using data from the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch Defense Medical Surveillance System (DMSS) database. Among 100,000 recruits who received the adenovirus vaccine, no statistically significant greater risk of prespecified medical events was observed within 42days after vaccination when compared with a historical cohort of 100,000 unvaccinated recruits. In an initial statistical analysis of International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes, a statistically significant higher risk for 19 other (not prespecified) medical events occurring in 5 or more recruits was observed among vaccinated compared with unvaccinated groups. After case record data abstraction for attribution and validation, two events (psoriasis [21 vs 7 cases] and serum reactions [12 vs 4 cases]) occurred more frequently in the vaccinated cohort. A causal relation of these rare events with adenovirus vaccination could not be established given confounding factors in the DMSS, such as coadministration of other vaccines and incomplete or inaccurate medical information, for some recruits. Prospective surveillance assessing these uncommon, but potentially relevant, immune-related symptoms may be beneficial in defining potential causal association with adenovirus vaccination.


Impact of a research requirement in a dental school curriculum.
With reported shortages in full-time dental educators across the world, any exposure to teaching and/or research during dental school might increase a graduate's interest in an academic career. Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) has a mandatory research experience for all students enrolled in the Doctor of Dental Medicine program. Each year, the graduating class is surveyed about characteristics and outcomes of their research experience. The aim of this study was to use the resulting data for five years of graduating classes (2008 to 2012) to assess the impact of the research requirement. The results showed that 54 percent of these students had presented their research projects at a forum outside Harvard. Thirty-six percent had had their research published in peer-reviewed journals, 38 percent had manuscripts in preparation or submitted for review, and only 26 percent had no intention to publish their work. Overall, 81.5 percent felt positive about their research experience at HSDM. Only 48 percent said they would definitely have pursued research even if it was not compulsory, and 36 percent were uncertain. However, 83 percent said they would have some involvement in research during their careers, and only 10 percent were uncertain. Implementing a compulsory research experience may lead to increased numbers of graduates pursuing research in their careers and contributing to the scientific development of the dental profession.


[Risk factors for congenital heart disease in Chinese neonates: a Meta analysis].
To investigate the major risk factors for congenital heart disease (CHD) in Chinese neonates and to provide a reference for the prevention of CHD. A literature search was performed to collect the case-control studies on the risk factors for CHD in Chinese neonates published in 2001-2016. The relevant data were extracted accordingly. The quality of included studies was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using different models to analyze the same data. The publication bias was assessed by Egger's test. A total of 17 case-control studies involving 2 930 cases and 4 952 controls were included. The Meta analysis showed that the major risk factors for CHD in Chinese neonates were as follows: mother with advanced age (OR=2.649, 95%CI: 1.675-4.189), cold or fever (OR=4.558, 95%CI: 2.901-7.162), medication use in early pregnancy (OR=3.961, 95%CI: 2.816-5.573), passive smoking (OR=2.766, 95%CI: 1.982-3.859), abnormal childbearing history (OR=2.992, 95%CI: 1.529-5.856), noise exposure (OR=3.030, 95%CI: 1.476-6.217), radiation exposure (OR=2.363, 95%CI: 1.212-4.607), decoration (OR=4.979, 95%CI: 3.240-7.653), gestational diabetes (OR=5.090, 95%CI: 3.132-8.274), and pet raising (OR=2.048, 95%CI: 1.385-3.029). Mothers with advanced age, cold or fever, medication use in early pregnancy, passive smoking, abnormal childbearing history, noise exposure, radiation exposure, decoration, gestational diabetes, and pet raising may increase the risk of CHD in Chinese neonates.


Transient Arrest of Germinal Vesicle Breakdown Improved In Vitro Development Potential of Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Oocytes.
Germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) is the first milestone that an oocyte needs to achieve toward completing the maturation and gaining potential to fertilize. Significantly lower in vitro embryo production rate in buffaloes can be attributed to heterogeneity of GVBD occurrence among oocytes obtained from abattoir derived ovaries. Evidence from our earlier work had suggested that different qualities of buffalo oocytes differ significantly in their timing of GVBD. Besides, these oocytes also differ in terms of volume of Akt phosphorylation, which initiates the process of GVBD. With objective of synchronizing the oocytes for GVBD, immature buffalo oocytes were subjected to a two-step culture protocol, initially in the presence of GVBD inhibitors and subsequently, in vitro maturation (IVM) with added SC79 (activates Akt). Expression of developmentally important genes was assessed along with embryo development rate and blastocyst health to interpret the consequences. Oocytes subjected to a short GVBD inhibition period of 6 h followed by IVM with SC79 resulted in improved cleavage and blastocyst rates. Resultant blastocysts also possessed higher ICM: TE ratio. Further, GVBD inhibited oocytes displayed a sustained cytoplasmic maturation status in terms of reorganization of cortical granules (CGs), mitochondrial membrane potential, and glutathione levels during the period of inhibition. We conclude that a temporary GVBD arrest of buffalo oocytes and modulation of Akt improves the in vitro embryo development rate as well as quality of resultant embryos. Besides, our meiotic arrest protocol does not affect the cytoplasmic maturation. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 278-289, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Intestinal capillariasis in New World monkeys.
Two cases of intestinal capillariasis have been identified at necropsy in a squirrel monkey and a capuchin monkey born and raised in captivity. The parasites are described as far as possible from the histopathological slides or intestinal contents, and their relationship to other intestinal capillarids, especially those of primates, is discussed.


Ex-Convicts in an Official Role of Peer-Supporters: Toward Convict Therapy.
The present paper focuses on the strengths-based role of the wounded healer, as exemplified by current or released incarcerated people who desist from crime and recover through professional practice of peer support, in the community or in prison. The paper has two purposes. One is to review criminological approaches and models related to peer-based rehabilitation and to encompass them under a single term proposed here-Convict Therapy. The second is to review research on peer support programs currently implemented in in various countries, in a bid to discern their hallmarks and strengths. This to enrich and promote the discourse, research, and practice of this evolving field, and to offer new research directions for examining the effectiveness of peer support in the long run, for the aid providers, the recipients, and the community.


Jetstream Atherectomy with Paclitaxel-Coated Balloons: Two-Year Outcome of the Prospective Randomized JET-RANGER Study.
The JET-RANGER study (NCT03206762) was a multicenter (11 US centers) randomized trial, core lab adjudicated, designed to demonstrate the superiority of Jetstream + Paclitaxel coated balloon (JET+PCB) versus angioplasty (PTA) + PCB in treating femoropopliteal (FP) arterial disease. The one-year primary endpoint of JET-RANGER has been recently published. The 2-year outcome data are presented in this report. There were 43 patients who completed the 1-year follow-up. Two were lost to follow-up and one died prior to the 2-year follow-up, resulting in 40 patients. Fifteen patients were randomized to PTA+PCB and 25 patients to JET +PCB. Kaplan Meier Survival analysis was performed to estimate the freedom from TLR. Bailout stenting was not considered a TLR in this analysis. Statistical significance was determined by a p-value < 0.05. Freedom from TLR was similar between the 2 groups at 2 years. There was also no significant difference in the change of ABI between the PTA + PCB and JET + PCB from baseline at 6-months, (p-value = 0.7890), 1-year (p-value = 0.4070), and 2-year (p-value=0.7410). There was also no statistical difference between the JET + PCB and PTA + PCB arms for RCC improvement by one or more category, (p-value= 1.000). There were no minor or major amputations for either arm throughout the 2-year follow up. One JET + PCB patient died before the 2-year specified window. JET + PCB had similar freedom from TLR and improvement in ABI and RCC at 2-year follow-up when compared to PTA + PCB with no difference in amputation or mortality between the 2 arms. NCT03206762.


Category-specific naming and modality-specific imagery.
Some attempts to explain category-specific disorders have stressed how different modality knowledge bases (i.e., visual knowledge vs motoric/functional knowledge) may underlie the distinction between living and nonliving things. This study examined 60 normal subjects for the relationship between picture naming in four subcategories (animals, fruit/vegetables, praxic and nonpraxic objects) and imagery vividness in seven modalities. Participants made more nonliving than living errors; and females made more nonliving errors than males. There was a significant correlation between naming of animals and fruits/vegetables and visual imagery vividness; however, this association was also significant for praxic and nonpraxic object naming. There was no evidence of associations between kinesthetic imagery and praxic object naming or gustatory/olfactory imagery and fruit/vegetable naming. These findings accord with the notion of a general association between visual imagery and picture naming, but provide no support for more specific links between modality-specific imagery vividness and naming in different categories.


Influence of chemistry, interfacial width, and non-isothermal conditions on spatially heterogeneous activated relaxation and elasticity in glass-forming free standing films.
We employ the Elastically Collective Nonlinear Langevin Equation (ECNLE) theory of activated relaxation to study several questions in free standing thin films of glass-forming molecular and polymer liquids. The influence of non-universal chemical aspects on dynamical confinement effects is found to be relatively weak, but with the caveat that for the systems examined, the bulk ECNLE polymer theory does not predict widely varying fragilities. Allowing the film model to have a realistic vapor interfacial width significantly enhances the reduction of the film-averaged glass transition temperature, Tg, in a manner that depends on whether a dynamic or pseudo-thermodynamic averaging of the spatial mobility gradient is adopted. The nature of film thickness effects on the spatial profiles of the alpha relaxation time and elastic modulus is studied under non-isothermal conditions and contrasted with the corresponding isothermal behavior. Modest differences are found if a film-thickness dependent Tg is defined in a dynamical manner. However, adopting a pseudo-thermodynamic measure of Tg leads to a qualitatively new form of the alpha relaxation time gradient where highly mobile layers near the film surface coexist with strongly vitrified regions in the film interior. As a consequence, the film-averaged shear modulus can increase with decreasing film thickness, despite the Tg reduction and presence of a mobile surface layer. Such a behavior stands in qualitative contrast to the predicted mechanical softening under isothermal conditions. Spatial gradients of the elastic modulus are studied as a function of temperature, film thickness, probing frequency, and experimental protocol, and a rich behavior is found.


[The anatomical plates of Antommarchi].
Mascagni, professor of anatomy in Florence, died in the same town in 1815, leaving manuscripts and drawings for an intended publication of a comprehensive complete anatomy with life-size figures. His prosector, Antommarchi, prepared the publication but was meanwhile called to Saint Helena. He left, taking with him three copies of Mascagni's plates. When he returned, he published these plates, printed from lithographs, under his own name in a monumental work which appeared from 1823 to 1826 under the title of: Planches anatomiques du corps humain exécutées d'après les dimensions naturelles.


[Antimalarial guidelines and therapy practices of the population of Bouake, Ivory Coast].
This survey of 162 households in the city of Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire was undertaken to study the behavior of the population in diagnosing and treating malaria. Findings indicate that awareness of symptoms and ability to evaluate the severity of malaria is high. In most cases, mild malaria is treated at home. In case of presumptive diagnosis of malaria, 87.6% of households undertake self-treatment, 9.3% seek institutional healthcare, 1.2% go to traditional healers, and 1.9% use traditional remedies. The most frequent drug for primary treatment is chloroquine (68.3%) which is generally obtained from pharmacies (98.8%). However, proper dosages are rarely used. If primary treatment fails, behavior is complex depending on the estimated severity of disease. Although many causes of malaria are mentioned, most people implicate mosquitoes (75.6%). In 95.1% of households surveyed, chloroquine prophylaxis was used for newborns. Most households (89.5%) practice mosquito bite protection but use of mosquito nets is low (4.9%). These results showing the preference for family-based management suggest that informational campaigns are needed to promote effective and consistent home treatment. Education is also needed to increase knowledge about mosquito nets and insecticides.


Water repellency on a fluorine-containing polyurethane surface: toward understanding the surface self-cleaning effect.
Surface geometrical microstructure and low surface free energy are the two most important factors for a self-cleaning surface. In this study, multiform geometrical microstructured surfaces were fabricated by casting and electrospinning polyurethanes with and without low surface energy segments. The effect of low surface energy on water repellency was evaluated. Low surface energy seems to make a more significant contribution to the static wetting behavior than do dynamic properties such as the improvement of sliding behavior. Sucking disk behavior was brought forward to explain the pinning state of a water droplet on hydrophobic surfaces with high water contact angles (>150 degrees ). A better understanding of the relationship between the static contact angle and the dynamic sliding property was provided.


Differential responses of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to anisotropic strain depends on disease status.
Primary dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a non-ischemic heart disease with impaired pumping function of the heart. In this study, we used human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) from a healthy volunteer and a primary DCM patient to investigate the impact of DCM on iPSC-CMs׳ responses to different types of anisotropic strain. A bioreactor system was established that generates cardiac-mimetic forces of 150 kPa at 5% anisotropic cyclic strain and 1 Hz frequency. After confirming cardiac induction of the iPSCs, it was determined that fibronectin was favorable to other extracellular matrix protein coatings (gelatin, laminin, vitronectin) in terms of viable cell area and density, and was therefore selected as the coating for further study. When iPSC-CMs were exposed to three strain conditions (no strain, 5% static strain, and 5% cyclic strain), the static strain elicited significant induction of sarcomere components in comparison to other strain conditions. However, this induction occurred only in iPSC-CMs from a healthy volunteer ("control iPSC-CMs"), not in iPSC-CMs from the DCM patient ("DCM iPSC-CMs"). The donor type also significantly influenced gene expressions of cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction markers in response to the strain conditions. Gene expression of connexin-43 (cell-cell interaction) had a higher fold change in healthy versus diseased iPSC-CMs under static and cyclic strain, as opposed to integrins α-5 and α-10 (cell-matrix interaction). In summary, our iPSC-CM-based study to model the effects of different strain conditions suggests that intrinsic, genetic-based differences in the cardiomyocyte responses to strain may influence disease manifestation in vivo.


A Comparative Study of Prison Inmates With and Without ADHD: Which Neuropsychological and Self-Report Measures are Most Effective in Detecting ADHD Within Correctional Services?
In this study we aimed to investigate the screening and diagnostic properties of various self-report instruments to identify measures which most effectively detect ADHD in a correctional sample. The sample consisted of 193 male high security prisoners in Sweden. We investigated if measures of ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, impulsivity, estimated IQ and working memory could differentiate participants with ADHD from those with ASPD or no diagnosis. Participants with ADHD obtained significantly higher total scores on all included measures. Although we found that some of the measures were more efficient in differentiating ADHD, mean values were generally elevated in the sample. Results demonstrate the importance of investigating psychometric properties in relevant samples to assure a measurement's usefulness in different contexts, in this case a correctional setting, where the high influence of unspecific behavioral indicators in these measurements might negatively affect their validity.


Pharmacological (or Synthetic) and Nutritional Agonists of PPAR-γ as Candidates for Cytokine Storm Modulation in COVID-19 Disease.
The cytokine storm is an abnormal production of inflammatory cytokines, due to the over-activation of the innate immune response. This mechanism has been recognized as a critical mediator of influenza-induced lung disease, and it could be pivotal for COVID-19 infections. Thus, an immunomodulatory approach targeting the over-production of cytokines could be proposed for viral aggressive pulmonary disease treatment. In this regard, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, a member of the PPAR transcription factor family, could represent a potential target. Beside the well-known regulatory role on lipid and glucose metabolism, PPAR-γ also represses the inflammatory process. Similarly, the PPAR-γ agonist thiazolidinediones (TZDs), like pioglitazone, are anti-inflammatory drugs with ameliorating effects on severe viral pneumonia. In addition to the pharmacological agonists, also nutritional ligands of PPAR-γ, like curcuma, lemongrass, and pomegranate, possess anti-inflammatory properties through PPAR-γ activation. Here, we review the main synthetic and nutritional PPAR-γ ligands, proposing a dual approach based on the strengthening of the immune system using pharmacological and dietary strategies as an attempt to prevent/treat cytokine storm in the case of coronavirus infection.


Large difference but high correlation between creatinine and cystatin C estimated glomerular filtration rate in Mesoamerican sugarcane cutters.
To explore the relationship between creatinine and cystatin C based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in actively working sugarcane cutters. This cohort study included 458 sugarcane cutters from Nicaragua and El Salvador. Serum samples were taken before and at end of harvest seasons and analysed for creatinine and cystatin C. Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formulas were used to calculate eGFRs based on creatinine (eGFRcr), cystatin C (eGFRcys) and both creatinine and cystatin C (eGFRcrcys) at each time point. Bland-Altman plots and paired t-tests were used to compare the difference between eGFRcr and eGFRcys, and the difference in eGFRs between before and at end of the harvest seasons. The mean eGFRcr was higher than eGFRcys in both cohorts; absolute difference 22 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI 21 to 23) in Nicaragua and 13 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI 11 to 15) in El Salvador. Correlations between eGFRcr and eGFRcys were high, with r=0.69, 0.77 and 0.67 in Nicaragua at pre-harvest, end-harvest and cross-harvest, and r=0.89, 0.89 and 0.49 in El Salvador. Creatinine increases among heat-stressed workers reflect reduced glomerular filtration as estimated using eGFRcys, a marker independent of muscle mass and metabolism. The discrepancy between eGFRcr and eGFRcys may indicate reduced glomerular filtration of larger molecules and/or systemic bias in CKD-EPI performance in this population.


Factors Influencing Resident Choice of Prosthodontic Residency Program.
The decision by prosthodontic residency program directors to employ the Match process highlights the need to understand applicant priorities that influence their choice of which programs to rank highly. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that were most important to residents when choosing from among nonmilitary based prosthodontics dental residency programs in the United States. Following completion of a pilot study, all currently enrolled prosthodontic residents at nonmilitary residency programs were invited to participate via the internet. The study consisted of a survey instrument asking residents to rank 26 possible factors that might impact an applicant's choice of residency program. In addition, the instrument collected other possible influencing variables including gender and debt load. Mean rank scores were compared to determine the most and least important factors. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare specific factors between the possible influencing variables. Two hundred and thirty residents completed the survey instrument, representing a 54.1% response rate of possible participants. With regard to factors influencing program choice, reputation of the residency program was the factor ranked the highest by participants, followed in descending order by the program director's personality, curriculum content, access to use of the latest digital technology, and opportunities for dental implant placement. Quality of schools for children, community outreach opportunities, and the ability to moonlight were ranked as the least important factors. Male and female residents ranked factors such as tuition/stipend, curriculum content, and community outreach opportunities significantly differently. Depending on debt load, residents ranked the factors tuition/stipend, ability to moonlight, curriculum content, and safety of the area where the program is differently. Current prosthodontic residents valued the reputation of the program as the most important factor when applying to residency. Participant gender and debt load influence the factors chosen by residents as more or less important. These data will assist prosthodontic educators position their programs in the best possible light to attract applicants to their programs.


Tailoring graphene layer-to-layer growth.
A layered material grown between a substrate and the upper layer involves complex interactions and a confined reaction space, representing an unusual growth mode. Here, we show multi-layer graphene domains grown on liquid or solid Cu by the chemical vapor deposition method via this 'double-substrate' mode. We demonstrate the interlayer-induced coupling effect on the twist angle in bi- and multi-layer graphene. We discover dramatic growth disunity for different graphene layers, which is explained by the ideas of a chemical 'gate' and a material transport process within a confined space. These key results lead to a consistent framework for understanding the dynamic evolution of multi-layered graphene flakes and tailoring the layer-to-layer growth for practical applications.


Anthropometry and strength relationship: male-female differences.
Based upon 303 students from the Complutense University at Madrid (100 males and 203 females), aged between 21 and 29 years, the results of nine anthropometric measurements and four strength tests were evaluated. Males and females were analyzed separately in order to determine whether the relationship of body typology to physical performance varies according to gender. Regarding strength, maximum gender differences were observed for pulling strength (females: 53% of male values), followed by hand grip (59%) and vertical jump (66%). In general, correlations among variables were significant (anthropometric, strength, and anthropometric/strength). Principal component analysis revealed, that for women the vertical jump could be interpretated as more dependent on trunk length than on height or body size. Body size was relevant with respect to static strength. For males the vertical jump appeared to be more related to longitudinal dimensions than for females, while static strength had more to do with body mass (weight) than with body size (height).


Exonucleases I, III, and V are required for stability of ColE1-related plasmids in Escherichia coli.
The stability of two ColE1-related plasmids (pRSF2124 and pMB9) was examined in strains of Escherichia coli multiply deficient in exonucleases I (sbcB), III (xthA), or V (recB recC). Any combination of exonuclease I, III, and V deficiency resulted in dramatically decreased stability of both pRSF2124 and pMB9. Inactivation of the RecF pathway by introducing either recF or recJ mutations to the recB recC subcB background resulted in nearly wild-type levels of stability for both plasmids. In contrast, the introduction of uvrD3 uvr-257, uvrE100, or recL152 into the recB21 recC22 sbcB15 strain did not affect plasmid stability. Furthermore, the amount of plasmid DNA recovered from pRSF2124 or pMB9 transformants of a xthA1 sbcB15 strain was strikingly reduced relative to that of a wild-type control. Taken together, these results suggest that some aspect of DNA repair is required for stable maintenance of ColE1-related plasmids in E. coli.


The differential diagnosis of hard metal lung disease.
Hard metal lung disease is usually easy to diagnose, on the basis of occupational history, chest X-ray appearance of interstitial lung disease and, if necessary, by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). However, other interstitial lung diseases may affect patients with an occupational history of exposure to cobalt. In hard metal disease, the hylar lymphnodes may enlarge due to high draining of hard metals from the lung tissue via lymphatic vessels. Also, the presence of Giant Cells (even if Langhan's type) in the BAL fluid of sarcoid patients may be high. We present four patients with a history of exposure to hard metals and whose chest X-rays suggest sarcoidosis, stage II; in each, a pulmonary biopsy was necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Final diagnosis was sarcoidosis in one (showing typical granulomata in the lung tissue), and hard metal disease in three: two of these had foreign body-type granulomata in the lung tissue. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) study was carried out on these four patients using specimens of BAL fluid, blood, urine, toenails, pubic hair and sperm. In the light of available data, the concentration of elements may not be useful in differentiating between sarcoidosis and hard metal pneumoconiosis. However, NAA on BAL fluid or other specimens may be helpful in confirming the presence of the offending agent in suspected cases when the occupational history is not clear.


A Case of Acute Psychosis Following Energy Drink Consumption.
Interest in energy drinks is increasing every day. Energy drink consumption is increasing proportionally. Users often utilize these drinks in order to enjoy, have fun and to increase performance and attention. However, consumption of the energy drinks sometimes may also cause adverse physical and psychological consequences. Unwanted physical results are in the more foreground, noticeable and visible but the data about psychological problems caused by energy drinks is accumulated over the years in the literature. In this case report, we describe the case of a young man with no psychiatric history who was hospitalized for psychotic symptoms following excessive consumption of energy drinks.


Concurrent amplification of Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever virus in a sylvatic focus of arboviruses in Southeastern Senegal, 2015.
Chikungunya (CHIKV), yellow fever (YFV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses circulate in sylvatic transmission cycles in southeastern Senegal, where they share common hosts and vectors. All three viruses undergo periodic amplifications, during which they are detected in mosquitoes and sometimes in hosts. However, little is known about their spatio-temporal patterns in years in which they undergo concurrent amplification. The aim of this study was to describe the co-amplification of ZIKV, CHIKV, and YFV, and the daily dynamics of these arboviruses and theirs vectors within villages in southeastern Senegal. Mosquitoes were collected monthly from July to December 2015. Each evening, from 6 to 9 PM, landing collections were performed by teams of 3 persons working simultaneously in 70 sites situated in forest (canopy and ground), savannah, agriculture, barren, and village (indoor and outdoor) land covers. Collections within villages were continued until 6 AM. Mosquitoes were tested for virus infection by virus isolation and RT-PCR. Seventy-five mosquito pools comprising 10 mosquito species contained at least one virus. Ae. furcifer and Ae. luteocephalus were infected by all three viruses, Ae. taylori by YFV and ZIKV, and remaining seven species by only, only YFV or only ZIKV. No single mosquito pool contained more than one virus. CHIKV was the only virus detected in all land cover classes and was found in the greatest number of sampling sites (32.9%, n = 70). The proportion of sites in which more than one virus was detected was less than 6%. Ae. aegypti formosus, Ae. furcifer, Ae. luteocephalus, Ae. minutus, Ae. vittatus, and An. gambiae were found within villages. These vectors were mainly active around dusk but Ae. furcifer was collected until dawn. All viruses save ZIKV were detected indoors and outdoors, mainly around dusk. Virus positive pools were detected over 2, 3 and 4 months for YFV, CHIKV and ZIKV, respectively. Our data indicate that the distribution of different vector species and different arboviruses vary substantially between sites, suggesting that CHIKV, YFV, and ZIKV may have different transmission cycles in Southeastern Senegal.


Permanent mastoid vent: a new treatment for persistent eustachian tube obstruction.
To date, there is no satisfactory treatment for persistent eustachian tube blockage or negative pressure in the middle ear. Conventional ventilation tubes are usually either occluded or extruded with time. A new treatment of percutaneous mastoid vent provides permanent ventilation to the middle ear cleft without putting a tube through the eardrum. A titanium tube is inserted through the skin into the mastoid antrum using the established technique of osseo-integration and hence becomes truly permanent. It can also be connected to a CPAP machine to re-inflate a collapsed eardrum. Initial trials consist of six vents inserted and followed up for 6-16 months. There was no sign of extrusion or a foreign body reaction. However, an inner Teflon tube is essential to keep the vent patent for permanent ventilation to the middle ear cleft.


Dynamic multivalent lactosides displayed on cyclodextrin beads dangling from polymer strings.
[reaction: see text] Lactose-appended cyclodextrin derivatives have been synthesized and threaded onto hydrophobic polymers in aqueous solution to form dynamic multivalent lactosides for binding to lectins. The threading process, which proceeds quickly, can be observed by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopies.


Improving conventional enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects; what is the appropriate target?
Nano-sized therapeutic agents have several advantages over low molecular weight agents such as a larger loading capacity, the ability to protect the payload until delivery, more specific targeting due to multivalency and the opportunity for controlled/sustained release. However, the delivery of nano-sized agents into cancer tissue is problematic because it mostly relies on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect that depends on the leaky nature of the tumor vasculature and the prolonged circulation of nano-sized agents, allowing slow but uneven accumulation in the tumor bed. Delivery of nano-sized agents is dependent on several factors that influence the EPR effect; 1. Regional blood flow to the tumor, 2. Permeability of the tumor vasculature, 3. Structural barriers imposed by perivascular tumor cells and extracellular matrix, 4. Intratumoral pressure. In this review, these factors will be described and methods to enhance nano-agent delivery will be reviewed.


The Impact of Dietary Factors on Indices of Chronic Disease in Older People: A Systematic Review.
There has been little evaluation of the evidence relating dietary factors to functional capacity in older adults. The aims were to i) conduct a systematic review of studies assessing dietary factors in relation to six key functional indicators which impact on quality of life in adults ≥65 yrs: non-fatal cardiovascular events, cognition, mental health, falls and fractures, physical health (muscle mass, strength) and frailty; and ii) assess if there was sufficient evidence to devise food-based dietary recommendations. Systematic review. Cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies were included together with intervention studies that evaluated food/drink interventions (excluding supplements). Evidence base statements were determined according to the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) levels of evidence criteria (Grades (A-excellent; B-good; C-satisfactory; D-poor). There was good evidence that the Mediterranean type diet (MD) reduced the risk of non-fatal cardiovascular events (Grade B) and reduced cognitive decline (Grade B). There was some evidence indicating that a MD decreases the likelihood of frailty (Grade C), consistent but weaker evidence that ≥3 servings/d of vegetables is associated with reduced cognitive decline (Grade D), a modest increase in protein may be associated with improved cognition (Grade C) and decreased frailty (Grade C), and that protein plus resistance exercise training in frail elderly may enhance physical strength (Grade C). It is recommended that older adults adopt the characteristics of a Mediterranean type diet such as including olive oil and eating ≥3 servings/d of vegetables to reduce their risk of chronic disease, impaired cognition and frailty. Consumption of dietary protein above the current dietary requirements would be recommended to reduce risk of frailty and impaired cognition. A modest increase in dietary protein when combined with resistance exercise would be recommended to help maintain muscle mass and strength and to enhance functional capacity.


A proposal for improving multicolor FISH sensitivity in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma using new combined criteria.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the diagnosis of melanoma makes use of specific fluorescent probes to detect selected chromosomal alterations on paraffin-embedded tissue samples. To date, interpretation of FISH data has been based on numerical values generated by 2 different computational algorithms that of Abbott and that of Gerami. To further evaluate the value of FISH in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma, we selected 163 clinically and histologically unequivocal cases of malignant melanoma in a cohort of 575 melanocytic tumors and analyzed FISH data using the criteria of Abbott, Gerami, and new combined criteria. Depending on the used criteria, FISH was positive in the unequivocal malignant melanoma in 69.3% (113/163) of cases using the Abbott criteria, 74.2% (121/163) of cases using the Gerami criteria, and 82.2% (134/163) of cases using the combined criteria of Abbott and Gerami. Although use of all 3 criteria was associated with 100% FISH negativity in a cohort of 30 unequivocal benign melanocytic nevi, use of the combined criteria revealed more FISH-positive cases in ambiguous benign melanocytic lesions than the criteria of Abbott or Gerami alone: Abbott, 125 of 367; Gerami, 146 of 367; combined, 161 of 367. Furthermore, we show that 66% (8/12) of FISH-negative cases of unequivocal melanoma are positive when analyzed by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), demonstrating that false-negative results remain despite the usage of the combined criteria for evaluation of FISH data. In these 8 FISH-negative aCGH-positive cases, copy number alterations were often located on chromosomes 9p, a chromosomal locus that is not targeted by the FISH probes currently used. In conclusion, the existing criteria for the evaluation of multicolor melanocytic FISH are limited by a nonnegligeable rate of false negativity that can be reduced by using newly proposed combined criteria but at the cost of increased detection of FISH positivity in ambiguous benign melanocytic lesions.


Acupuncture treatment for insulin sensitivity of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Our prospective pilot study of acupuncture affecting insulin sensitivity on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) combined with insulin resistance (IR) showed that acupuncture had a significant effect on improving the insulin sensitivity of PCOS. But there is still no randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of acupuncture on the insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS and IR. In this article, we present the protocol of a randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of true acupuncture on the insulin sensitivity of these patients compared with metformin and sham acupuncture. Acupuncture may be an effective therapeutic alternative that is superior to metformin and sham acupuncture in improving the insulin sensitivity of PCOS combined with IR. This study is a multi-center, controlled, double-blind, and randomized clinical trial aiming to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the insulin sensitivity in PCOS combined with IR. In total 342 patients diagnosed with PCOS and IR will be enrolled. Participants will be randomized to one of the three groups: (1) true acupuncture + metformin placebo; (2) sham acupuncture + metformin, and (3) sham acupuncture + metformin placebo. Participants and assessors will be blinded. The acupuncture intervention will be given 3 days per week for a total of 48 treatment sessions during 4 months. Metformin (0.5 g per pill) or placebo will be given, three times per day, and for 4 months. Primary outcome measures are changes in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and improvement rate of HOMA-IR by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin releasing test (Ins). Secondary outcome measures are homeostasis model assessment-β (HOMA-β), area under the curve for glucose and insulin, frequency of regular menstrual cycles and ovulation, body composition, metabolic profile, hormonal profile, questionnaires, side effect profile, and expectation and credibility of treatment. Outcome measures are collected at baseline, at the end of treatments, and 3 months after the last acupuncture treatment. On completion of the screening visit, randomization will be conducted using a central randomization system. This study will investigate the effects of acupuncture on the insulin sensitivity of PCOS and IR women compared with metformin and sham acupuncture. We will test whether true acupuncture with needles placed in skeletal muscles and stimulated manually and by electrical stimulation is more effective than metformin and sham acupuncture with superficial needle placement with no manual or electrical stimulation in improving the insulin sensitivity in PCOS women with IR. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02491333 ; Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-ICR-15006639. Registered on 24 June 2015.


Performance specifications for diagnostic x-ray equipment.
The specification of performance characteristics for diagnostic x-ray equipment involves an interplay between purchaser and supplier which often results in inadequate understanding of imaging requirements by the supplier, and unfulfilled expectations by the purchaser. A statement of performance specifications has been prepared and accompanies requests for bids distributed to suppliers. The statement is described in its general form; modifications bay be needed to adapt it to a specific radiographic system.


HPLC-PDA characterisation of Daphne gnidium L. (Thymemeacea) dyeing extracts using two different C-18 stationary phases.
Raw aqueous extracts and acid-hydrolysed extracts from leaves and stems of Daphne gnidium L. were investigated by HPLC-PDA under two different separation conditions. This approach provides improved characterisation of natural compounds, especially those with similar structures, thanks to better resolution of critical pairs which can be difficult to separate by modification of gradient parameters only. In the leaf extracts, the presence of luteolin-3',7-di-O-glucoside was found according to the results obtained for a standard sample. This compound is reported for the first time in this species. The presence of some other, previously reported flavonoids is confirmed. The stem extract is rich in coumarins and seems not to contain any significant amounts of flavonoids. Further investigation of hydrolysed extracts is a useful additional step in the indirect identification of flavonoid and coumarin glycosides.


Fibrous Dysplasia of the Clivus: Case Report and Literature Review.
Fibrous dysplasia is a benign, developmental bone disorder that causes fibrous replacement of normal skeletal tissue. This may lead to weakness, distortion, and tissue expansion. Fibrous dysplasia can occur anywhere in the body, including the craniofacial area. The clivus is a central skull bone formed by the bases of the sphenoid and occiput, respectively. The clivus is a rare, usually unrecognized, and seldom reported location for the development of fibrous dysplasia. Although fibrous dysplasia of the clivus (FDC) is usually discovered by incidental findings, it can sometimes present with clinical symptoms. In this case, we discuss a 30-year-old male who presents to the emergency room with headaches, altered mental status, and a prior presentation of location-related symptomatic epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging depicted a mass in the clivus, low in signal on T1 and mildly hypointense on T2 imaging. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) imaging, as recommended, revealed the classic presentation of FDC. In this paper, we discuss the significance of this condition and the importance of thorough investigation to rule out differential diagnoses that may present with similar acute symptoms as this patient.


Critical Theory, Culture Change, and Achieving Health Equity in Health Care Settings.
Achieving optimal health for all requires confronting the complex legacies of colonialism and white supremacy embedded in all institutions, including health care institutions. As a result, health care organizations committed to health equity must build the capacity of their staff to recognize the contemporary manifestations of these legacies within the organization and to act to eliminate them. In a culture of equity, all employees-individually and collectively-identify and reflect on the organizational dynamics that reproduce health inequities and engage in activities to transform them. The authors describe 5 interconnected change strategies that their medical center uses to build a culture of equity. First, the medical center deliberately grounds diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts (DEI) in critical theory, aiming to illuminate social structures through critical analysis of power relations. Second, its training goes beyond cultural competency and humility to include critical consciousness, which includes the ability to critically analyze conditions in the organizational and broader societal contexts that produce health inequities and act to transform them. Third, it works to strengthen relationships so they can be change vehicles. Fourth, it empowers an implementation team that models a culture of equity. Finally, it aligns equity-focused culture transformation with equity-focused operations transformation to support transformative praxis. These 5 strategies are not a panacea. However, emerging processes and outcomes at the medical center indicate that they may reduce the likelihood of ahistorical and power-blind approaches to equity initiatives and provide employees with some of the critical missing knowledge and skills they need to address the root causes of health inequity.


Polarization-dependent fluorescence of proteins bound to nanopore-confined lipid bilayers.
Lipid bilayers are essential structural component of biological membranes of all the living species: from viruses and bacteria to plants and humans. Biophysical and biochemical properties of such membranes are important for understanding physical mechanisms responsible for drug targeting. Binding events between proteins and the membrane may be ascertained by introducing fluorescence markers (chromophores) to the proteins. Here we describe a novel biosensing platform designed to enhance signals of these fluorescence markers. Nanoporous aluminum oxide membranes with and without gold (Au) surface coating have been employed for optical detection of bound conjugated streptavidin to biotinylated lipid bilayers-a model system that mimics protein docking to the membrane surface. Unexpectedly, it was found that fluorescence signals from such structures vary when pumped with E-polarized and H-polarized incident optical beams. The origin of the observed polarization-dependent effects and the implications for enhanced fluorescence detection in a biochip format are being discussed.


Fractures of the radial head and related instability and contracture of the forearm.
Displaced fractures of the radial head that require reduction or excision are often associated with longitudinal instability. Where possible (type II), these fractures should be stabilized with rigid internal fixation In cases in which the initial displacement reflects complete dissociation, supplemental stabilization and repair may be required. Particular attention must be paid to the posterolateral collateral ligament, the interosseous ligament of the forearm, and ligaments at the distal radioulnar joint.


Identification and Verification of Tumor Immune Microenvironment-Related Prognostic Genes in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma.
The tumor immune microenvironment is vital to kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) progression, and immunotherapies have been shown to be effective in the management of KIRC. However, the prognostic genes associated with the tumor immune microenvironment in KIRC have not been fully identified. We obtained the KIRC RNA sequencing data and the clinical characteristics from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. We screened the gene modules associated with the tumor immune microenvironment based on the ESTIMATE algorithm and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Univariate Cox analysis and the LASSO method were used to construct a prognostic model. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of our risk model. TIMER and Single-Sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) were used to explore the correlation between prognostic genes and immune cell infiltration. Fifty-four genes in modules were significantly associated with the overall survival (OS) time of patients with KIRC. Furthermore, 12 hub genes were selected to construct the prognostic model. The prognostic model showed superior accuracy in both TCGA and ICGC cohorts using ROC curve analysis. Systematic analysis of immune cell infiltration revealed that nine genes were significantly correlated with levels of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Our findings indicated that the tumor immune microenvironment was an important determinant of KIRC outcomes and revealed potential biomarkers for predicting patient OS and for targeted immunotherapies.


[Effect of intraventricular injection of somatostatin on pain threshold, and contents of the monoamines, xanthine, hypoxanthine in rats brain].
Using HPLC with electrochemical detection, we found that icv somatostatin (Som) 5 or 10 micrograms increased rat's pain threshold and contents of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in hippocampus, hypothalamus and brainstem, except the 5-HIAA content of brainstem in Som 5 micrograms group. However, the changes of NE among above three areas of brain were different, the NE contents of hypothalamus and brainstem significantly increased while that of hippocampus markedly decreased. After icv Som 20 micrograms, hypoxanthine and xanthine in hippocampus and hypothalamus decreased significantly, but encephaledema occurred. Som 40 micrograms icv caused necrotic changes of neurons in brain.


Advances in balloon dissection.
The use of a balloon as a dissecting tool was pioneered by Gauer and Kieturakis in the early 1990s.This newapplication of balloon dissection in surgery allows the creation of a working space in which a procedure is performed. This is combined with minimally invasive techniques that confer the advantages of shorter recovery and less pain for several different procedures.


Nickel chloride (NiCl2)-caused inflammatory responses via activation of NF-κB pathway and reduction of anti-inflammatory mediator expression in the kidney.
Nickel (Ni) or Ni compounds target a number of organs and produce multiple toxic effects. Kidney is the major organ for Ni accumulation and excretion. There are no investigations on the Ni- or Ni compounds-induced renal inflammatory responses in human beings and animals at present. Therefore, we determined NiCl2-caused alteration of inflammatory mediators, and functional damage in the broiler's kidney by the methods of biochemistry, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg caused the renal inflammatory responses that characterized by increasing mRNA expression levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) via the activation of nucleic factor κB (NF-κB), and decreasing mRNA expression levels of the anti-inflammatory mediators including interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). Concurrently, NiCl2 caused degeneration, necrosis and apoptosis of the tubular cells, which was consistent with the alteration of renal function parameters including elevated alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, and reduced activities of sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase), calcium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-ATPase), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the kidney. The above-mentioned results present that the activation of NF-κB pathway and reduction of anti-inflammatory mediator expression are main mechanisms of NiCl2-caused renal inflammatory responses and that the renal function is decreased or impaired after NiCl2-treated.


The influence of orthopedic corsets on the incidence of pathological fractures in patients with spinal bone metastases after radiotherapy.
Clinical care of unstable spinal bone metastases in many centers often includes patient immobilization by means of an orthopedic corset in order to prevent pathological fractures. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the incidence of pathological fractures after radiotherapy (RT) in patients with and without orthopedic corsets and to assess prognostic factors for pathological fractures in patients with spinal bone metastases. The incidence of pathological fractures in 915 patients with 2.195 osteolytic metastases in the thoracic and lumbar spine was evaluated retrospectively on the basis of computed tomography (CT) scans between January 2000 and January 2012 depending on prescription and wearing of patient-customized orthopedic corsets. In the corset group, 6.8 and 8.0 % in no-corset group showed pathological fractures prior to RT, no significant difference between groups was detected (p = 0.473). After 6 months, patients in the corset group showed pathological fractures in 8.6 % and in no-corset group in 9.3 % (p = 0.709). The univariate and bivariate analyses demonstrated no significant prognostic factor for incidence of pathological fractures in both groups. In this analysis, we could show for the first time in more than 900 patients, that abandoning a general corset supply in patients with spinal metastases does not significantly cause increased rates of pathological fractures. Importantly, the incidence of pathological fracture after RT was small.


Improving the antiviral efficacy and selectivity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor TSAO-T by the introduction of functional groups at the N-3 position.
Novel derivatives of the anti-HIV-1 agent, TSAO-T, bearing at the N-3 position a variety of polar, lipophilic, or aromatic groups linked to that position through flexible polymethylene linkers of different length, were prepared and evaluated for their anti-HIV activity. Several compounds (within the series of polar bearing groups) exhibited a 2-6-fold improved antiviral potency with regard to the lead compound, TSAO-T. Moreover, some of the most active N-3 TSAO derivatives retain antiviral activity against the TSAO-T-resistant HIV-1 strain (Glu138 --> Lys). Interestingly, the N-methylcarboxamide derivative 17 was 5- to 6-fold more active (IC50: 0.56 microM) against recombinant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase than the lead compound, thus becoming the most active TSAO derivative synthesized so far. On the other hand, the N-3 methylcarboxamide TSAO derivative 12 turned out to have the highest selectivity index yet reported for this class of compounds (around > or =12 000).


Bacterial adhesion capacity on food service contact surfaces.
The aim of this study was to analyse the adhesion of E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus on food contact materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate, silicone, aluminium, Teflon and glass. Surface roughness, streaming potential and contact angle were measured. Bacterial properties by contact angle and specific charge density were characterised. The bacterial adhesion analysis using staining method and scanning electron microscopy showed the lowest adhesion on smooth aluminium and hydrophobic Teflon for most of the bacteria. However, our study indicates that hydrophobic bacteria with high specific charge density attach to those surfaces more intensively. In food services, safety could be increased by selecting material with low adhesion to prevent cross contamination.


Diagnosis and management of tinea infections.
Tinea infections are caused by dermatophytes and are classified by the involved site. The most common infections in prepubertal children are tinea corporis and tinea capitis, whereas adolescents and adults are more likely to develop tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium (onychomycosis). The clinical diagnosis can be unreliable because tinea infections have many mimics, which can manifest identical lesions. For example, tinea corporis can be confused with eczema, tinea capitis can be confused with alopecia areata, and onychomycosis can be confused with dystrophic toenails from repeated low-level trauma. Physicians should confirm suspected onychomycosis and tinea capitis with a potassium hydroxide preparation or culture. Tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis generally respond to inexpensive topical agents such as terbinafine cream or butenafine cream, but oral antifungal agents may be indicated for extensive disease, failed topical treatment, immunocompromised patients, or severe moccasin-type tinea pedis. Oral terbinafine is first-line therapy for tinea capitis and onychomycosis because of its tolerability, high cure rate, and low cost. However, kerion should be treated with griseofulvin unless Trichophyton has been documented as the pathogen. Failure to treat kerion promptly can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.


Acute pancreatitis induced by short-term propofol administration.
The incidence of a drug-induced pancreatitis is rare and so far more than 85 different drugs have been reported to have induced pancreatitis. Some case reports consider a relationship between propofol and acute pancreatitis. However, in these cases a number of different drugs were coadministered, thus preventing a clear causal link being established. We report a case of a drug-induced acute pancreatitis that was most likely triggered by a single dosage of propofol. It occurred in a young girl who underwent elective magnetic resonance imaging. She developed pancreatitis within hours after exposure to propofol. Other possible triggers, e.g. gallstones or infection were ruled out. Physicians should consider pancreatitis as a potentially life-threatening adverse event associated with propofol sedation, which is nowadays extensively used.


[The early breakfast--an unknown pitfall in the treatment of type-I diabetes mellitus].
In 15 type I diabetics the mean postprandial rise in blood glucose levels, 90 min after breakfast at about 8 a.m. (the customary time for this meal in hospitals), was 62.2 +/- 34.3 mg/dl, but 90 min after a breakfast which had been put forward by about 1 1/2 hours it was only 2.6 +/- 18.6 mg/dl (P less than 0.001). Seven patients developed hypoglycaemia after the early breakfast, none after the late one. This finding suggests that, to avoid hypoglycaemia after an early breakfast, an additional small meal should be given at about 8:30 a.m. or the insulin content of the morning injection should be changed. The clear connection between the time of the morning insulin injection and the insulin action during the morning explains why, in uninstructed patients who--under their usual daily conditions of starting school or work--are forced to inject insulin early or to eat early, a state of hypoglycaemia may occur.


Integrated Lung and Tracheal mRNA-Seq and miRNA-Seq Analysis of Dogs with an Avian-Like H5N1 Canine Influenza Virus Infection.
Avian-like H5N1 canine influenza virus (CIV) causes severe respiratory infections in dogs. However, the mechanism underlying H5N1 CIV infection in dogs is unknown. The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in the lungs and trachea in H5N1 CIV-infected dogs through a next-generation sequencing-based method. Eighteen 40-day-old beagles were inoculated intranasally with CIV, A/canine/01/Guangdong/2013 (H5N1) at a tissue culture infectious dose 50 (TCID50) of 106, and lung and tracheal tissues were harvested at 3 and 7 d post-inoculation. The tissues were processed for miRNA and mRNA analysis. By means of miRNA-gene expression integrative negative analysis, we found miRNA-mRNA pairs. Lung and trachea tissues showed 138 and 135 negative miRNA-mRNA pairs, respectively. One hundred and twenty negative miRNA-mRNA pairs were found between the different tissues. In particular, pathways including the influenza A pathway, chemokine signaling pathways, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were significantly enriched in all groups in responses to virus infection. Furthermore, dysregulation of miRNA and mRNA expression was observed in the respiratory tract of H5N1 CIV-infected dogs and notably, TLR4 (miR-146), NF-κB (miR-34c) and CCL5 (miR-335), CCL10 (miR-8908-5p), and GNGT2 (miR-122) were found to play important roles in regulating pathways that resist virus infection. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to analyze miRNA and mRNA expression in H5N1 CIV-infected dogs; furthermore, the present findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying influenza virus infection.


A method for finding single-nucleotide polymorphisms with allele frequencies in sequences of deep coverage.
The allele frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are needed to select an optimal subset of common SNPs for use in association studies. Sequence-based methods for finding SNPs with allele frequencies may need to handle thousands of sequences from the same genome location (sequences of deep coverage). We describe a computational method for finding common SNPs with allele frequencies in single-pass sequences of deep coverage. The method enhances a widely used program named PolyBayes in several aspects. We present results from our method and PolyBayes on eighteen data sets of human expressed sequence tags (ESTs) with deep coverage. The results indicate that our method used almost all single-pass sequences in computation of the allele frequencies of SNPs. The new method is able to handle single-pass sequences of deep coverage efficiently. Our work shows that it is possible to analyze sequences of deep coverage by using pairwise alignments of the sequences with the finished genome sequence, instead of multiple sequence alignments.


A Photomechanical Film in which Liquid Crystal Design Shifts the Absorption into the Visible Light Range.
Liquid crystalline polymer networks (LCN) with azobenzene monomers bend reversibly under UV-light irradiation, combining photomechanical and photothermal effects. However, the harmful nature of UV-light limits their use in biology and soft robotics. Although visible light-absorbing tetra-ortho-fluoro-substituted azobenzenes exist, liquid crystalline monomers have never been prepared. Previously, such azobenzenes were added as photoactive additives (up to 10%) to otherwise passive liquid crystalline polymer networks. In this work, a molecular design of a liquid crystalline, polymerizable azobenzene switchable by visible light is presented. The monomer assembles in a highly fluid nematic phase, but polymerizes in a layered smectic C phase. The films are produced solely from the monomer without additional liquid crystalline components and are actuated with visible light. Bending experiments in air and under water differentiate photomechanical and photothermal effects. Remarkably, a 60 µm splay aligned film maintains its deformation for hours, slowly reverting over days. Monomer liquid crystallinity is characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), and polarized optical microscopy (POM); polymer films are analyzed using WAXS and DSC on a homogeneously aligned film. The synthetic procedure is high yielding and polymer film fabrication is scalable, which enables the use of safe and efficient photomechanical LCNs in soft robotics, engineering and biology.


A presenilin dimer at the core of the gamma-secretase enzyme: insights from parallel analysis of Notch 1 and APP proteolysis.
Notch receptors and the amyloid precursor protein are type I membrane proteins that are proteolytically cleaved within their transmembrane domains by a presenilin (PS)-dependent gamma-secretase activity. In both proteins, two peptide bonds are hydrolyzed: one near the inner leaflet and the other in the middle of the transmembrane domain. Under saturating conditions the substrates compete with each other for proteolysis, but not for binding to PS. At least some Alzheimer's disease-causing PS mutations reside in proteins possessing low catalytic activity. We demonstrate (i) that differentially tagged PS molecules coimmunoprecipitate, and (ii) that PS N-terminal fragment dimers exist by using a photoaffinity probe based on a transition state analog gamma-secretase inhibitor. We propose that gamma-secretase contains a PS dimer in its catalytic core, that binding of substrate is at a site separate from the active site, and that substrate is cleaved at the interface of two PS molecules.


Surgical exposure of an impacted maxillary canine and increasing a band of keratinized gingiva.
An adequate amount of keratinized gingival tissue that is under proper plaque control, is a fundamental requirement for periodontal health. When the teeth erupt uneventfully in the center of the alveolar ridge, an adequate amount of keratinized tissue will surround the erupted permanent tooth. Labially or buccally erupting teeth show reduced dimensions of the gingiva as abnormal eruption of permanent teeth restricts or eliminates the keratinized tissue between the erupting cusp and the deciduous tooth. A lack of attached gingiva poses a potential risk for gingival recession in labially or buccally erupted teeth due to the possibility of accumulation of plaque and/or traumatic tooth-brushing during subsequent orthodontic treatment. A good understanding between the orthodontist and periodontist along with proper management of periodontal tissues, can prevent these problems. Various surgical techniques can be employed to uncover impacted teeth. This paper discusses the validity of utilizing periodontal surgery to increase a band of keratinized tissue in a case of an impacted canine erupting from the alveolar mucosa.


Efficiency of boron application in an Oxisol cultivated with banana in the Central Amazon.
In the Amazon region, there is no information on the fertilization of banana plants with boron (B). Besides this, the extractant (hot water) currently used to test B concentrations has many limitations. The aim of this work was to study the effect of B on the fruit yield and quality of banana plants of the Cavendish (AAA) sub-group, grown in dystrophic Yellow Latosol (Oxisol or Xanthic Ferralsol), in the Amazonas State, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized split plot in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, composed of four B rates (0, 4, 8 and 12 kg ha-1) and two harvest cycles (sub-treatments), with four replicates. The B availability in the soil was determined by three extractants: Mehlich 3, hot water and KCl 1.0 mol L-1. The application of B influences the fruit yield, pulp/peel ratio, pulp resistance and B content in the leaves and fruits. The KCl 1.0 mol L-1 extractant was similar to the hot water in the evaluation of available B. To obtain maximum yield, it is necessary to apply 4.1 and 6.1 kg ha-1 of B in the first and second cycles, respectively.


Recombinant Zika Virus Subunits Are Immunogenic and Efficacious in Mice.
Following the 2015 Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks in the South Pacific, Caribbean, and Americas, ZIKV has emerged as a serious threat due to its association with infantile microcephaly and other neurologic disorders. Despite an international effort to develop a safe and effective vaccine to combat congenital Zika syndrome and ZIKV infection, only DNA and mRNA vaccines encoding the precursor membrane (prM) and envelope (E) proteins, an inactivated-ZIKV vaccine, and a measles virus-based ZIKV vaccine are currently in phase I or II (prM/E DNA) clinical trials. A ZIKV vaccine based on a nonreplicating, recombinant subunit platform offers a higher safety profile than other ZIKV vaccine candidates but is still highly immunogenic, inducing high virus-neutralizing antibody titers. Here, we describe the production and purification of Drosophila melanogaster S2 insect cell-derived, soluble ZIKV E protein and evaluate its immunogenicity and efficacy in three different mouse strains. As expected, significant virus-specific antibody titers were observed when using formulations containing clinically relevant adjuvants. Immunized mice challenged with live virus demonstrate inhibition of virus replication. Importantly, plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs) indicate the high-titer production of neutralizing antibodies, a correlate of protection in the defense against ZIKV infection. ZIKV challenge of immunocompetent mice led to full protection against viremia with two doses of adjuvanted vaccine candidates. These data demonstrate a proof of concept and establish recombinant subunit immunogens as an effective vaccine candidate against ZIKV infection. IMPORTANCE The recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in French Polynesia, the Caribbean, and the Americas have highlighted the severe neuropathological sequelae that such an infection may cause. The development of a safe, effective ZIKV vaccine is critical for several reasons: (i) the difficulty in diagnosing an active infection due to common nonspecific symptoms, (ii) the lack of a specific antiviral therapy, and (iii) the potentially devastating pathological effects of in utero infection. Moreover, a vaccine with an excellent safety profile, such as a nonreplicating, noninfectious vaccine, would be ideal for high-risk people (e.g., pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, and elderly individuals). This report describes the development of a recombinant subunit protein vaccine candidate derived from stably transformed insect cells expressing the ZIKV envelope protein in vitro, the primary antigen to which effective virus-neutralizing antibodies are engendered by immunized animals for several other flaviviruses; the vaccine candidate elicits effective virus-neutralizing antibodies against ZIKV and provides protection against ZIKV infection in mice.


Supramolecular aggregation of mononuclear triorganophosphinegold(I) 2-mercaptobenzamides: solution structures, thermal decomposition, and photoluminescence.
The crystal structures of R3PAu[SC6H4C(=O)NH2-2], R = Et (1), Ph (2), and Cy (3) show linear coordination geometries for gold defined by sulfur and phosphorus atoms. Supramolecular aggregation via {...H-N-C=O}2 synthons lead to dimeric aggregates in each case. In (1) and (2), the aggregates are spherical, but steric effects exerted by cyclohexyl rings in (3) dictate a rodlike form; no Au...Au interactions were noted in the crystal structures. Solvent dependence in their NMR spectra is correlated with intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The compounds uniformly decompose under controlled conditions to give gold. The complexes excited by UV light produce strong blue-green luminescence. The configuration interaction singles (CIS) post-Hartree-Fock (HF) calculations for the compounds indicate that it is the charge transfer from the sulfur and pi-orbitals of SC6H4C(=O)NH2-2 to gold that produce the emission from gold. The assignment of the observed luminescence is presented in terms of the relaxed excited states of gold, in which the vibronic interactions for three p-orbitals of gold are taken into account.


Proposing a Novel, Three-level Definition of Periodontitis using Probing Depth, Clinical Attachment Loss and Bleeding on Probing: Analysis of a Rural Chinese Population.
To propose a novel, three-level (severe, moderate, mild) case definition using probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) for epidemiologic studies on periodontitis. Case definitions (DEF) 1-30 with PD, CAL and BOP were made. Based on data from epidemiologic research in Chengde (Hebei Province, China) in 1992, prevalence of periodontitis by DEF1-30 was calculated and compared with a reference (definitions by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology in 2012). Sensitivity, specificity, Youden Index, Cohen's kappa coefficient (CKC) and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated for the definitions selected. DEF1 and DEF18 for periodontitis, DEF2, DEF3, DEF19 for moderate and severe periodontitis, and DEF5, DEF13, DEF14, DEF21 and DEF25 for severe periodontitis, which were similar for estimation of periodontitis prevalence compared with the reference, were selected. DEF18 for periodontitis, DEF19 for moderate and severe periodontitis, and DEF5 for severe periodontitis were selected because they showed higher values for the Youden Index, CKC and AUC, and formed a three-level definition. A novel three-level case classification of periodontitis using three parameters of PD, CAL and BOP was proposed. The estimated periodontitis prevalence according to the novel proposed definition is close to the prevalence according to the CDC/AAP definition.


Semiclassical treatment of a Brownian ratchet using the quantum Smoluchowski equation.
Quantum effects in the noninertial Brownian motion of a particle in a one-dimensional ratchet potential are treated in the high temperature and weak bath-particle coupling limit by solving a quantum Smoluchowski equation for the time evolution of the Wigner function in configuration space. In particular, an analytical expression for the stationary average drift velocity for constant driving forces is presented including quantum corrections to any order in Planck's constant. The corresponding frequency response is determined using continued fractions in both the linear approximation holding for small ac driving amplitude and in the nonlinear regime for arbitrary driving amplitude exhibiting pronounced ac induced frequency dependence of the dc component of the average drift velocity. Moreover, Shapiro steps are apparent in the dc characteristics for strong ac driving just as in the dc current-voltage characteristics of a point Josephson junction.


Cell state transitions: catch them if you can.
The Company of Biologists' 2022 workshop on 'Cell State Transitions: Approaches, Experimental Systems and Models' brought together an international and interdisciplinary team of investigators spanning the fields of cell and developmental biology, stem cell biology, physics, mathematics and engineering to tackle the question of how cells precisely navigate between distinct identities and do so in a dynamic manner. This second edition of the workshop was organized after a successful virtual workshop on the same topic that took place in 2021.


5E, 8Z, 11Z, 14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid, a novel trans isomer of arachidonic acid, causes G1 phase arrest and induces apoptosis of HL-60 cells.
Trans arachidonic acid isomers (trans-AA) constitute a new group of trans fatty acids (trans-FA) generated in vivo via endogenous cis-trans isomerization stimulated by the NO2 radical. Because both NO2 and trans-FA have been implicated as causative factors in cancer, we studied the effect of the trans-AA isomers on proliferation and viability of human promyelocytic (HL-60) cells. The four trans arachidonic (trans-AA) acid isomers synthesized by us have been presently tested with respect to their competence to affect the proliferation and viability of human promyeolocytic HL-60 cells in culture. The data demonstrate that one of the isomers, 5,6-trans-AA, showed distinct activity by targeting cell progression through the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. The effects were time- and concentration-dependent: the cytostatic effect of 5E-AA was observed at 10 microM following 72 h of treatment. This effect was manifested as a perturbation of cell progression through G1 phase, indicating the 'on' activation of the G1 checkpoint as evidenced by the flow- and laser scanning-cytometry techniques. Apoptotic cells were identified by comparison of their morphology, DNA fragmentation, caspase activation and collapse of mitochondrial potential with control cells. These observations suggested that 5E-AA induced a mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. There was no evidence of cell-cycle phase specificity in induction of apoptosis by 5E-AA, as the cells showing highly fragmented DNA or caspase-3 activation were distributed in all phases of the cycle. The data suggest that 5E-AA may have at least two targets: one that is cell-cycle specific and associated with the observed arrest in the G1 phase and another, unrelated to the cell cycle, which is responsible for triggering apoptosis indiscriminately, regardless of cycle phase I.


Virulence genes in biofilm producer Enterococcus faecalis isolates from root canal infections.
Enterococcus faecalis is occurring in opportunistic infections involving the oral cavity. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of E. faecalis virulence genes in dental root canal isolates recovered from advanced chronic periodontitis patients. One hundred E. faecalis isolated from dental root canal during July 2015 to Oct 2016. After analysis of biofilm formation by the semi-quantitative determination in 96-well flat bottom polystyrene plates, the presence of asa, esp, efaA, ace, ebpR, gel and hyl gene were studied by PCR. Gelatinase and hemolytic activity were detected by phenotypic methods. Ninety-one percent of isolates had ebpR gene, 85% ace, 82% efaA, 81% gel, 56% esp, 33% asa1, 2% hyl and 0% cyl gene. Evaluation of biofilm formation by microtiter plate method presented 49% of the isolates as strong biofilm producer, 42% displayed moderate biofilm formation, and 10 % weak or no biofilm was observed. asa1, efaA, esp, and ebpR positive isolates had significantly higher biofilm formation than negative isolates, while no significant differences were found when comparing ace-positive and - negative isolates. Present study showed that the ace genes do not seem to be necessary nor sufficient for the production of biofilm in Enterococcus faecalis but the presence of asa1, efaA, esp, and ebpR correlates with increased biofilm formation of dental root canal isolates.


The importance of the nuclear positioning of the PPARG gene for its expression during porcine in vitro adipogenesis.
Proper expression of the PPARG gene, which encodes a key transcription factor of adipogenesis, is indispensable in the formation of mature adipocytes. The positioning of a gene within the nuclear space has been implicated in gene regulation. We here report on the significance of the PPARG gene's nuclear positioning for its activity during in vitro adipogenesis in the pig. We used an established system of differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue into adipocytes. The differentiation process was carried out for 7 days, and the cells were examined using the 3D DNA/immuno-FISH and RNA/DNA-FISH approaches. PPARG transcript level was measured using real-time PCR, and PPARγ activity was detected with colorimetric assay. Changes in the nuclear location of the PPARG gene were observed when we compared undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells with mature adipocytes. The gene moved from the nuclear periphery to the nuclear center as its transcriptional activity increased. The RNA/DNA-FISH approach shows that differences in primary transcript production correlated with the allele's nuclear positioning. Transcriptionally active alleles preferentially occupy the central part of the nucleus, while inactive alleles are found on the nuclear periphery. We also show that transcription of PPARG begins with one allele, but that both alleles are active in later stages of differentiation. Our results provide evidence that functionally distinct alleles of the PPARG gene are positioned in different parts of the cell nucleus. This confirms the importance of nuclear architecture to the regulation of PPARG gene transcription, and thus to the fate of the adipose cell.