Dacron vascular biomaterial triggers macrophage ectoenzyme activity without change in cell membrane fluidity.
Biomaterials induce an inflammatory reaction characterized by a rapid recruitment at the implantation site of polymorphonuclear cells and macrophages. In the course of the inflammatory response, the cellular activation triggers expression of a number of enzymes, such as 5'-nucleotidase, which is widely distributed in animal cell membranes as an ectoenzyme. It is now well established that 5'-nucleotidase activity decreases following the contact of inflammatory cells with foreign particles. In this paper we investigate a possible correlation between the enzymatic activities and the dynamic properties of the cell membrane bilayer. Dacron pieces were introduced into rats' peritoneal cavities for a period of 6 h, after which the peritoneal cells were harvested, and various enzyme assays performed, including those for cytoplasmic, lysosomal, and ectoenzymes. In parallel, we studied cell membrane fluidity, using fluorescence polarization of 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH), and cellular ultrastructural alteration resulting from the cell-biomaterial interactions using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Our results show that: 1) macrophages spread around the Dacron fibers with cytoplasmic finger-like projections, but no phagolysosomes, 2) 5'-nucleotidase levels decrease with surgical trauma in comparison with the resident cell exudate, 3) implantation of biomaterials slightly modify the 5'-nucleotidase levels observed in the sham animal, 4) no differences in the anisotropy values indicating that membrane lipid order within the cells could not account for the observed decrease of 5'-nucleotidase activity. Thus, we can suggest that 5'-nucleotidase expression may reflect a particular feature of cell activation without a phagocytic process.


Andreev and Majorana bound states in single and double quantum dot structures.
We present a numerical study of the emergence of Majorana and Andreev bound states in a system composed of two quantum dots, one of which is coupled to a conventional superconductor, SC1, and the other connects to a topological superconductor, SC2. By controlling the interdot coupling we can drive the system from two single (uncoupled) quantum dots to double (coupled) dot system configurations. We employ a recursive Green's function technique that provides us with numerically exact results for the local density of states of the system. We first show that in the uncoupled dot configuration (single dot behavior) the Majorana and the Andreev bound states appear in an individual dot in two completely distinct regimes. Therefore, they cannot coexist in the single quantum dot system. We then study the coexistence of these states in the coupled double dot configuration. In this situation we show that in the trivial phase of SC2, the Andreev states are bound to an individual quantum dot in the atomic regime (weak interdot coupling) or extended over the entire molecule in the molecular regime (strong interdot coupling). More interesting features are actually seen in the topological phase of SC2. In this case, in the atomic limit, the Andreev states appear bound to one of the quantum dots while a Majorana zero mode appears in the other one. In the molecular regime, on the other hand, the Andreev bound states take over the entire molecule while the Majorana state remains always bound to one of the quantum dots.


[Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy with SK-GEL implant in the patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma].
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy with SK-GEL implant in the patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy with SK-GEL implant was performed in 5 eyes of 5 patients aged 65 to 78 (mean age 73 years +/- 5.4). Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma was recognized in all patients. In spite of the intensive pharmacological and laser treatment, sufficient reduction of an intraocular pressure was not obtained. The intraocular pressure before the surgery ranged between 24 and 43.4 mmHg (mean 31 mmHg +/- 7.6). Follow-up period lasted from 36 to 53 days (mean 46 days +/- 7.7). After the surgery, reduction of the intraocular pressure was observed in all subjects. At the moment of discharge from hospital the intraocular pressure ranged from 12 to 26 mmHg (mean 19.6 mmHg +/- 5.12), and at the last control appointment--from 14 to 16 mmHg (mean 14.9 mmHg +/- 0.72). Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy with SK-GEL implant can be taken into consideration, while planning glaucoma surgery in the patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.


Homopolymer adsorption on periodically structured surfaces in systems with incommensurable lengths.
Surface-induced selective adsorption of homopolymers on a generic level is numerically analyzed for freely jointed chains (with a fixed bond length) whose monomers are attracted by the sites of regular periodic patterns. In particular, the behavior of the specific heat, the gyration tensor, and the bond order tensor are investigated as functions of the temperature. The properties of the transition are related to the interplay of the characteristic lengths. The adsorption proceeds in two steps for certain incommensurabilities of the bond length and the lattice constant. The corresponding adsorption mechanisms are elucidated by looking at the evolution of the inter bond angle distribution upon adsorption. Moreover, the origin of two steps in contrast to adsorption in one step is traced back to entropic restrictions caused by a strongly reduced phase space of the polymer for certain values of the incommensurability.


PVO / NGO initiatives, Asia. Karmajibi Kallyan (KKS), Bangladesh and Save the Children Fund Australia (SCFA).
Karmajibi Kallyan (KKS) and Save the Children Fund Australia (SCFA) are implementing a program that integrates HIV/AIDS prevention and income generation activities aimed at the pre-adolescent girl servants of commercial sex workers in the Rajbari district of Bangladesh. The initial objectives of the program were to identify and establish alternative income generating activities for 150 girl servants; provide literacy education to these girls based on such topics as primary health care (HIV/AIDS prevention), credit, and small business management; and promote HIV/AIDS awareness in the wider community. Since implementation, the program has adjusted its objectives in order to meet the needs of the community. Many of the girls are much younger than the project originally planned for--most are only 7 or 8 years old--therefore, KKS and SCFA have begun identifying income generation possibilities for their mothers and encouraging the girls to focus on their education. They are also hoping to expand their literacy programs to other children in the community. For more information, please contact HIDNA (HIV/AIDS and International Development Network of Australia), ACFOA, Private Bag 3, Deakin ACT 2600, Australia; tel: +61 6 285 1816; fax: +61 6 285 1720; e-mail: email@example.com. (ECHIDNA, Bulletin No. 5, September 1995)


Interpenetrated metal-organic frameworks with enhanced photoluminescence for selective recognition of m-xylene from xylene isomers.
Two novel luminescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), [Zn3(TCA)2(BPB)2]n (DZU-101, where H3TCA = 4,4',4''-tricarboxyltriphenylamine and BPB = 1,4-bis(pyrid-4-yl)benzene) and [Zn3(TCA)2(BPB)DMA]n (DZU-102), based on the same ligands and metal ions were synthesized by regulating the amount of water in the solvothermal reaction system. Structural analyses show that the two MOFs have pillar-layered frameworks with Zn3 clusters connected by the TCA3- and BPB ligands. Interestingly, DZU-102 possessed a two-fold interpenetrated framework distinct from the individual network of DZU-101. As a result, DZU-102 showed a visual fluorescence color change from chartreuse to azure in m-xylene, while the fluorescence color was turquoise in p-/o-xylene with no change. Furthermore, compared with p/o-xylene, the fluorescence emission peak of DZU-102 in m-xylene suspension produced an obvious blue shift. Moreover, selective fluorescence sensing experiments were also carried out, which demonstrated that the degree of peak shift was related to the concentration of m-xylene, indicating the potential application of DZU-102 in fluorescence sensing of m-xylene from xylene isomers and further revealed the application of structural interpenetration for luminescence tuning of MOFs.


The histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A alters microRNA expression profiles in apoptosis-resistant breast cancer cells.
The development of drug resistance represents a major complication in the effective treatment of breast cancer. Epigenetic therapy, through the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) or demethylation agents, is an emerging area of therapeutic targeting in a number of ontological entities, particularly in the setting of aggressive therapy-resistant disease. Using the well-described HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) we demonstrate the suppression of in vitro clonogenicity in the previously described apoptosis-resistant MCF-7TN-R breast carcinoma cell line. Additionally, recent work has demonstrated that these agents can alter the expression profile of microRNA signatures in malignant cells. Using an unbiased microRNA microarray analysis, changes in miRNA expression of MCF-7TN-R cells treated with TSA for 24 h were analyzed. We observed significant up-regulation of 22 miRNAs and down-regulation of 10 miRNAs in response to TSA treatment. Our results demonstrate that the HDACi, TSA, exerts anticancer activity in the apoptosis-resistant MCF-7TN-R breast carcinoma cell line. This activity is correlated with TSA alteration of microRNA expression profiles indicative of a less aggressive phenotype.


[Status of discontinuity resection in septic diverticular complications. History or a still current procedure?].
Primary anastomosis is becoming increasingly favoured because of the shorter hospital stay even in emergency operations on the colon and rectum. This appears entirely justified when an objective of cost-effective medicine has been set. At our hospital between September 1985 and February 1999, 365 patients were operated on because of diverticular disease. The data from 346 of these patients were evaluated. 202 of these cases were elective; 144 were carried out on an emergency or urgent basis. In 223 cases, a primary anastomosis (Stage I and II according to Hinchey) and in 56 patients a double-barreled colostomy with a distal mucus fistula were performed. 57 patients had a too short rectum-sigma stump and were operated in two stages, according to Hartmann. Of 223 patients with a primary anastomosis, 6 (2.7%) developed an insufficiency of the anastomosis, whereby 3 (1.3%) of these patients subsequently died. Of the patients with Hartmann operation, 11 (19.3%) died due to the sequelae of peritonitis and only 2 patients died following insufficiency of the Hartmann's stump. Of the patients with a mucus fistula, 10 patients (17.9%) died as a result of complications of peritonitis. Of the 113 patients (21 died) with a discontinuity resection, 66 (71%) had their colostomy closed. There were no cases of anastomosis insufficiency and no patient died as a result of the colostomy closure. In the interest of the patients in septic diverticulitis the safest surgical procedure, the discontinuity resection, should be chosen.


Formulation and in vitro assessment of sustained release terbutaline sulfate tablet made from binary hydrophilic polymer mixtures.
In the present systematic study, a sustained release of terbutaline sulfate tablet (TBS) was developed and optimized by employing the hydrophilic polymers; chitosan and xanthan gum mixed with sodium bicarbonate as a release modifying agent. This formulation was developed using direct compression technology. In vitro release studies indicated rapid swelling and drug release in the initial period of the acid stage from a matrix composed of chitosan and xanthan gum solely. Addition of sodium bicarbonate to the matrix resulted in sustained drug release. Various formulation factors such as polymer to polymer ratio, polymer viscosity and particle size were altered and their effect on dissolution pattern was illustrated. Manufacturing variables such as compression force and lubricant percentage were investigated and found not to influence the drug release profile of the resulted tablets. The release mechanism follows Korsmeyer-Peppas equation with n value indicating non-Fickian diffusion. The release profiles were analyzed using statistical method (one-way ANOVA) and f2 metric values and found to be similar to the commercial product Bricanyl(®). Reproducible data were obtained when scale-up of the formulation was performed.


Metabolic and kinetic analyses of influenza production in perfusion HEK293 cell culture.
Cell culture-based production of influenza vaccine remains an attractive alternative to egg-based production. Short response time and high production yields are the key success factors for the broader adoption of cell culture technology for industrial manufacturing of pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines. Recently, HEK293SF cells have been successfully used to produce influenza viruses, achieving hemagglutinin (HA) and infectious viral particle (IVP) titers in the highest ranges reported to date. In the same study, it was suggested that beyond 4 × 10(6) cells/mL, viral production was limited by a lack of nutrients or an accumulation of toxic products. To further improve viral titers at high cell densities, perfusion culture mode was evaluated. Productivities of both perfusion and batch culture modes were compared at an infection cell density of 6 × 10(6) cells/mL. The metabolism, including glycolysis, glutaminolysis and amino acids utilization as well as physiological indicators such as viability and apoptosis were extensively documented for the two modes of culture before and after viral infection to identify potential metabolic limitations. A 3 L bioreactor with a perfusion rate of 0.5 vol/day allowed us to reach maximal titers of 3.3 × 10(11) IVP/mL and 4.0 logHA units/mL, corresponding to a total production of 1.0 × 10(15) IVP and 7.8 logHA units after 3 days post-infection. Overall, perfusion mode titers were higher by almost one order of magnitude over the batch culture mode of production. This improvement was associated with an activation of the cell metabolism as seen by a 1.5-fold and 4-fold higher consumption rates of glucose and glutamine respectively. A shift in the viral production kinetics was also observed leading to an accumulation of more viable cells with a higher specific production and causing an increase in the total volumetric production of infectious influenza particles. These results confirm that the HEK293SF cell is an excellent substrate for high yield production of influenza virus. Furthermore, there is great potential in further improving the production yields through better control of the cell culture environment and viral production kinetics. Once accomplished, this cell line can be promoted as an industrial platform for cost-effective manufacturing of the influenza seasonal vaccine as well as for periods of peak demand during pandemics.


An analysis of factors contributing to a series of deaths caused by exposure to high environmental temperatures.
Autopsy reports at the Forensic Science Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, were reviewed for the 8 years from January 1991 to December 1998 for cases with unusual features in which deaths had been attributed to exposure to high environmental temperatures. Amphetamine-related hyperpyrexial deaths, anesthetic deaths caused by malignant hyperpyrexia, deaths of elderly incapacitated individuals during heat waves, and deaths of children trapped in the back of cars were excluded from the study. In 9 cases, where heat-related deaths had occurred (age range 21 to 77 years; M:F = 8:1). Predisposing factors included lack of familiarity with Australian environmental conditions, excessive clothing, prolonged sun exposure, acute alcohol intoxication, obesity, benztropine and trifluoperazine medication, and underlying dementia, alcoholic liver disease, and possibly epilepsy.


Haemodynamic response to head-up tilt in elderly hypertensives and diabetics.
To examine the haemodynamic mechanism associated with postural hypotension (PH) in elderly people, haemodynamic response to head-up tilt was studied in 14 elderly hypertensives and 13 elderly diabetics. Hypertensives and diabetics were divided into those with or without PH, defined as > or = 10 mmHg decline in mean blood pressure in response to head-up tilt. There was no significant change in cardiac output in hypertensives or diabetics with PH, whereas there was a significant increase during tilt in hypertensives without PH (p < 0.0001) and diabetics without PH (p = 0.0054). Hypertensives without PH showed a significant decrease in total peripheral resistance in response to head-up tilt (p = 0.0043). In hypertensives with PH and in both diabetic groups, there was no change in total peripheral resistance in response to head-up tilt. There was no difference in ejection fractions or heart rate responses between subjects with and without PH in either disease group. The difference in cardiac output change was not explained by myocardial changes observed at echocardiography nor by heart rate response nor by differences in total peripheral resistance. The results suggest that an increase in cardiac output in response to changing posture may be more important than vasoconstriction in protecting elderly subjects from PH.


Comparison of separated erythrocyte preparations and manual smears of bone marrow in showing micronucleus induction by clastogens and aneuploidogens in mouse.
The removal of nucleated cells from bone marrow cell suspensions by cellulose column separation and further purification in a Percoll gradient, coupled with slide preparation by a cytocentrifuge, produces uniform preparations of pure well-spread erythrocytes. The use of separated erythrocytes has been a considerable improvement in the in vivo micronucleus (MN) assay, because the optimal cell morphology and the possibility of scoring a high number of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) in a short time are factors contributing to the sensitivity of the assay. As the separation procedure may selectively retain cells containing MN, a study comparing the performance of the erythrocyte fractionation technique and standard manual smear preparation was conducted in male NMRI mice treated with a single injection of two clastogens (cyclophosphamide, 25 or 50 mg/kg, or methylmethane sulfonate, 40 or 80 mg/kg) or two aneuploidogens (colchicine, 0.5 or 1 mg/kg, or vincristine sulfate, 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg). Both the preparation methods were clearly able to detect the MN-inducing and toxic effects of the treatments. After treatment with cyclophosphamide and methylmethane sulfonate, the frequency of micronucleated PCEs (MNPCEs) was, respectively, 1.6 and 1.8 times higher in the fractionated erythrocytes than in whole bone marrow. Morphological characterization of the MN indicated that this phenomenon was due to improved identification of small micronuclei in the flat cytospun cells of the fractionated erythrocyte preparations. On the other hand, the purified erythrocyte slides contained only about half the number of MNPCEs observed in standard smears, in samples collected from mice treated with colchicine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Rotary Mtwo system versus manual K-file instruments: efficacy in preparing primary and permanent molar root canals.
To compare the cleaning ability and preparation time of rotary instruments (Mtwo) and conventional manual instruments (K-file) in preparing primary and permanent molar root canals. Access cavities were prepared in 70 primary and 70 permanent teeth and India ink was injected into 120 canals of selected molars. The teeth were randomly divided into two main subgroups (n=20) and three control groups (n=10). In each of these main subgroups, either the manual instrument (K-file) or the rotary system (Mtwo) was used to prepare root canals. After cleaning the canals and clearing the teeth, dye removal was evaluated with the help of a stereomicroscope. In addition, the time needed for root canal preparation was recorded by a chronometer. Statistical analyses were done using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and t tests. With regard to the cleaning ability of root canals, there were no significant differences between the K-file and Mtwo rotary system in primary and permanent teeth in the apical, middle or coronal third of the canals. Moreover, there were no significant differences between primary and permanent teeth prepared with K-files and rotary instruments. In all the groups, shorter times were recorded with the rotary technique. The working time was shorter in primary than in permanent teeth. The Mtwo rotary system showed acceptable cleaning ability in both primary and permanent teeth, and achieved results similar to those of K-files in less time.


New method for measuring the thermal conductivity.
A new experimental method is presented for measuring the thermal conductivity as a function of temperature. The basic innovation lies in extracting from the measured temperature profile of a sample in vacuo, the thermal conductivity of each individual cross-sectional sample element. The estimated experimental error is +/-1%. Not only is high accuracy achieved, but also a self-checking procedure offers the possibility of avoiding systematic errors. Measurements on two samples of type 304 stainless steel are presented. Three independent sets of measurements give consistent values for the thermal conductivity to well within the estimated error of +/-1%.


Fabrication of two-dimensional superposed microstructure by interference lithography.
In this paper, we report the basic theory and method of single exposure interference lithography (IL) to fabricate two-dimensional (2D) superposed microstructures. Distribution of six-beam interference intensities with different azimuth angle is discussed, and 2D superposed microstructures with different periodic constants are obtained by computer simulations. The experiment results using CHP-C positive photoresist show a 2D superposed photonic crystal composed of a periodically repeated hexagonal pattern of hexagonal lattice cells, which is in close agreement with the computer simulation. Fabrication of a superposed structure by single exposure IL paves the way for studying 2D photonic crystal fabrication, surface lasing, optical waveguides, and so on.


Clinical and microbiological effects of adjunctive local delivery of minocycline (Periocline®) in patients receiving supportive periodontal therapy: a pilot study.
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of adjunctive local delivery of minocycline (Periocline®) in patients receiving supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) after initial treatment. The participants were 16 men and 8 women (age, 20-65 years) who had at least 15 natural teeth, underwent SPT for more than 1 year due to chronic periodontitis, had 4 or more periodontal pocket sites deeper than 5 mm, and showed >25% gingival bleeding on probing (BoP). They were randomly assigned to the test and control groups. In the test group, mechanical debridement and local antibiotic delivery were performed for all periodontal sulci/pockets; in the control group, mechanical debridement and saline irrigation were performed. In patients who underwent SPT for more than 1 year, clinical and microbiological examinations were performed at baseline and 1 and 3 months after SPT. The clinical examination included an assessment of the periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and BoP. Microbial tests were performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction; the relative ratios of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum were determined. Both groups showed significant improvements in clinical parameters at 1 and 3 months from baseline; there were no significant changes between months 1 and 3. Intergroup differences were insignificant. The microbiological analysis revealed no significant differences in P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum ratios across time points. While intergroup differences were insignificant, there was a tendency for the P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum ratios to decrease in the test group. Mechanical debridement in patients receiving maintenance therapy resulted in clinically significant improvement; the effectiveness of additional local delivery of antibiotics was not significant. The ratios of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum showed a tendency to decrease in the test group, although it was not significant.


Diagnostic Approaches for COVID-19 and Its Associated Complications.
With almost 4 million deaths worldwide from the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficient and accurate diagnosis and identification of COVID-19-related complications are more important than ever. Scales such as the pneumonia severity index, or CURB-65, help doctors determine who should be admitted to the hospital or the intensive care unit. To properly treat and manage admitted patients, standardized sampling protocols and methods are required for COVID-19 patients. Using PubMed, relevant articles since March 2020 on COVID-19 diagnosis and its complications were analyzed. Patients with COVID-19 had elevated D-dimer, thrombomodulin, and initial factor V elevation followed by decreased factor V and factor VII and elevated IL-6, lactate dehydrogenase, and c-reactive protein, which indicated coagulopathy and possible cytokine storm. Patients with hypertension, newly diagnosed diabetes, obesity, or advanced age were at increased risk for mortality. Elevated BUN, AST, and ALT in severe COVID-19 patients was associated with acute kidney injury or other organ damage. The gold standard for screening COVID-19 is reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using sputum, oropharyngeal, or nasopharyngeal routes. However, due to the low turnover rate and limited testing capacity of RT-PCR, alternative diagnostic tools such as CT-scan and serological testing (IgM and IgG) can be considered in conjunction with symptom monitoring. Advancements in CRISPR technology have also allowed the use of alternative COVID-19 testing, but unfortunately, these technologies are still under FDA review and cannot be used in patients. Nonetheless, increased turnover rates and testing capacity allow for a bright future in COVID-19 diagnosis.


The impact of prenatal diagnosis on NTD surveillance.
Active and passive surveillance methods were utilized in an attempt to identify all neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies in South Carolina, a state previously identified to have a high prevalence of these defects (Greenberg et al., 1983). Sources of case ascertainment included maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) programmes, prenatal diagnosis (amniocentesis) programmes, physician offices, perinatal centres, hospital medical record departments, and vital records. One hundred and nine NTD cases were identified over 24 months, indicating a prevalence of 1.60 cases per 1000 recorded births and fetal deaths (surveillance 1 October 1992-30 September 1994). Fifty-three (49 per cent) of the 109 NTD-affected pregnancies were either spontaneously or electively aborted prior to 26 weeks' gestation. Only three (6 per cent) of these early termination NTD cases were recorded in vital records, while medical records recorded 40 cases (75 per cent). By monitoring MSAFP programmes and maintaining frequent contact with physician offices and perinatal centres, 85 per cent of these early termination NTD-affected pregnancies were identified. However, for complete ascertainment of NTD-affected pregnancies, the utilization of all of these ascertainment methods was necessary, as each ascertainment method identified NTD cases missed by the other methods. Consideration of the significant impact of prenatal diagnosis on NTD surveillance and the use of multiple ascertainment methods in an attempt at complete ascertainment is particularly important now because of the recent recommendation for the periconceptional use of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects and the need for epidemiological studies to monitor the effectiveness of this prevention.


Macrocycloadditions leading to conformationally restricted small molecules.
[reaction: see text] The Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition of alkynes and azides (click reaction) provides a robust method for the construction of macrocyclic small molecules via an intramolecular macrocycloaddition. A three-subunit system has been used to explore the tolerance of this macrocycloaddition to variations of stereochemistries and substituents.


[Causes of death among mentally retarded. Naerlandheimen Central Institution for the Mentally Retarded].
At Naerlandheimen Central Institution for mentally retarded a retrospective enquiry was conducted into causes of death. The enquiry included 186 deaths during the period from 1948 to January 1, 1990. The average age of deceased persons was 37.9 years. In approximately 40% of the cases infections were stated as the cause of death. All in all 32.5% of deaths were due to infections of the respiratory system, and diseases of the central nervous system constituted 8.9%. Cancer and coronary heart diseases, which dominate the statistics of causes of death in the average population, constituted respectively only 2.4% and 4.1% of the deaths.


[The relationship between sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) modulation proteins and postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction].
To investigate the relationship between sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ modulation proteins and postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction. Thirty-eight SPF male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group (n=12) and cardiac arrest (CA) group (n=26). CA was induced by intravenous bolus of potassium chloride (40 μg/g), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was conducted 8 minutes later. No CA was induced in control group except catheter placement for monitoring cardiopulmonary parameters after anesthesia. Invasive hemodynamic parameters were monitored for 1 hour after CPR. Echocardiogram was performed to evaluate cardiac function. Myocardial samples were harvested 5 minutes and 1 hour after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA2a), phosphorylated phospholamban (p-PLB) and rynodine receptor (RyR) were determined by Western Blot. ROSC rate of CA group was 92.3% (24/26), and mean recovery time was (68 ± 39) seconds. Cardiac function was significantly impaired in CA group at 1 hour after resuscitation, and ejection fraction, fraction shortening (FS), the maximal rate of left ventricular pressure increase/decline (± dp/dt max) were significantly decreased compared with those in control group [ejection fraction: 0.548 ± 0.060 vs. 0.809 ± 0.043, F=71.692, P=0.000; FS: (34.4 ± 4.4)% vs. (46.0 ± 3.5)%, F=55.443, P=0.000; + dp/dt max (mmHg/s): 4 718 ± 43 vs. 7 098 ± 394, P<0.01; - dp/dt max (mmHg/s): -3 824 ± 612 vs. -6 187 ± 473, P<0.01]. Compared with control group, the expression levels of p-PLB (gray value) was significantly decreased at 5 minutes and 60 minutes (5 minutes: 0.64 ± 0.15 vs. 1.29 ± 0.13, P<0.01; 60 minutes: 0.95 ± 0.08 vs. 1.30 ± 0.09, P<0.05) after resuscitation in CA group, while the level of sarcoplasmic SERCA2a (gray value) and RyR (gray value) showed no significant differences (SERCA2a 5 minutes: 1.01 ± 0.18 vs. 1.24 ± 0.07, 60 minutes: 1.03 ± 0.14 vs. 1.25 ± 0.06; RyR 5 minutes: 0.96 ± 0.13 vs. 0.97 ± 0.13, 60 minutes: 0.88 ± 0.14 vs. 0.99 ± 0.11, all P>0.05). The impairment of the p-PLB is closely related to postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction.


The catalytic domain of the mouse sos1 gene product activates Ras proteins in vivo and in vitro.
Nucleotide exchange factors (NEFs) which are structurally related to the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC25 gene product have recently been identified in mammals. One of these NEFs, cdc25, has been shown to activate RAS in yeast and to promote nucleotide exchange on RAS proteins in vitro. The cdc25 from mammals is expressed at high levels in brain tissue but not in a variety of other tissues examined. The vertebrate sos1 and sos2 gene products have a domain structurally related to the catalytic domain of the yeast CDC25NEF. The expression pattern of sos1 and sos2 is widespread, showing detectable levels of expression in all tissues examined, although the levels vary dramatically in various tissues. In this report we demonstrate that the catalytic domain of SOS1NEF can complement the loss of CDC25 function in yeast, can bind tightly to the nucleotide-free form of H-ras in vitro and can promote nucleotide exchange on the H-ras protein in vitro.


Autologous mixed leucocyte reaction and the polyclonal activation of bovine gamma/delta T cells.
Bovine gamma/delta T cells proliferate in response to stimulation with gamma-irradiated autologous monocytes in the autologous mixed leukocyte reaction (AMLR). Flow cytometric analyses indicated that the proliferating cells included three major subpopulations of bovine gamma/delta T cells, distinguished by the differential expression of the gamma/delta T cell receptor epitopes N6 and N7. Interleukin-2 and acid-labile interferon were produced in AMLR cultures but the cultured cells did not lyse any of a large variety of target cells, including monocytes, allogeneic lymphoblasts, transformed bovine B cells (BL3), bovine fibroblast and the natural killer cell targets D17 and K562, even in the presence of lectins or after co-stimulation in the AMLR with antibodies to WC1, the gamma/delta T cell lineage-specific cell-surface differentiation antigen. Ex vivo gamma/delta T cells did not display lymphokine-activated killing whereas populations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells containing alpha/beta T cells did.


Ofloxacin-Loaded Niosome-Laden Contact Lens: Improved Properties of Biomaterial for Ocular Drug Delivery.
Currently, bacterial conjunctivitis is managed by multiple antibiotic eye-drop solution, which is highly inefficient due to low ocular bioavailability and frequent dosing. Therapeutic soft contact lenses can be used to sustain the release of ocular drugs. However, the conventional soaking method (economic and widely used) showed low drug uptake and high burst release, and the optophysical properties of the contact lens were altered for clinical application. In this paper, novel ofloxacin-loaded niosomes were developed to increase the drug loading capacity of contact lenses while also sustaining ocular drug delivery. Ofloxacin-loaded niosomes were prepared by the thin film hydration technique with three levels of cholesterol. The niosome-laden contact lenses (OFL-Nio-L) led to improved optophysical properties (swelling, transmittance, oxygen permeability) and lysozyme adherence compared to the conventional soaked contact lens (CV-OFL-L). The in vitro drug release data of CV-OFL-L showed high burst release, while OFL-Nio-L lenses showed sustained release up to 48-96 h. In a rabbit tear fluid model, the OFL-Nio-100-L lens showed a high drug concentration at all-time points compared to the CV-OFL-L and eye-drop solution. The efficacy study in the rabbit model showed improved healing effect with OFL-Nio-100-L lens compared to frequent eye-drop therapy. In conclusion, the paper demonstrated the successful application of niosomes to deliver ofloxacin using contact lens without affecting the critical lens properties to substitute eye-drop therapy.


Specific high-affinity binding of fatty acids to epidermal cytosolic proteins.
Cytosol from rat, mouse, and human skin or rat epidermis was incubated with [3H]arachidonic acid, [14C]retinoic acid, [14C]oleic acid, [3H]leukotriene A4, [3H]prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or [3H] 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), and protein-bound ligands were separated using Lipidex-1000 at 4 degrees C to assess the binding specificity. The binding of oleic acid and arachidonic acid with rat epidermal cytosol was rapid, saturable, and reversible. Binding of oleic acid was competed out with the simultaneous addition of other ligands and found to be in the following order: arachidonic acid greater than oleic acid greater than linoleic acid greater than lauric acid greater than leukotriene A4 greater than 15-HETE = PGE1 greater than PGE2 = PGF2. Scatchard analysis of the binding with arachidonic acid, oleic acid, and retinoic acid revealed high-affinity binding sites with the dissociation constant in the nM range. SDS-PAGE analysis of the oleic acid-bound epidermal cytosolic protein(s) revealed maximum binding at the 14.5 kDa region. The presence of the fatty acid-binding protein in epidermal cytosol and its binding to fatty acids and retinoic acid may be of significance both in the trafficking and the metabolism of fatty acids and retinoids across the skin.


Measurement of microbial DNA polymerase activity enables detection and growth monitoring of microbes from clinical blood cultures.
Surveillance of bloodstream infections (BSI) is a high priority within the hospital setting. Broth-based blood cultures are the current gold standard for detecting BSI, however they can require lengthy incubation periods prior to detection of positive samples. We set out to demonstrate the feasibility of using enzymatic template generation and amplification (ETGA)-mediated measurement of DNA polymerase activity to detect microbes from clinical blood cultures. In addition to routine-collected hospital blood cultures, one parallel aerobic blood culture was collected and immediately refrigerated until being transported for ETGA analysis. After refrigeration holding and transport, parallel-collected cultures were placed into a BACTEC incubator and ETGA time-course analysis was performed. Of the 308 clinical blood cultures received, 22 were BACTEC positive, and thus were initially selected for ETGA time course analysis. The ETGA assay detected microbial growth in all 22 parallel-positive blood cultures in less time than a BACTEC incubator and also yielded genomic DNA for qPCR-based organism identification. In summary, feasibility of detecting microbes from clinical blood culture samples using the ETGA blood culture assay was demonstrated. Additional studies are being considered towards development of clinically beneficial versions of this methodology.


Anthropometric and Motor Characteristics of South African National Level Female Soccer Players.
Data regarding anthropometric and motor characteristics of elite national level female soccer players are scarce. Determining these characteristics may likely assist in evaluating the specificity of current training programmes, identify players who might lack specific qualities deemed critical for the successful execution of their tactical roles, and benchmark norms for developing future playing talent. Therefore, the aims of this study were to describe anthropometric and motor characteristics of South African national level female soccer players (n = 37) and determine possible differences with regard to their playing position. The following measurements and tests were performed: anthropometry (body mass index and sum-of-skinfolds), the countermovement jump, sprints (10 m, 20 m and 40 m), upper body muscle endurance (push-ups) and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test - level 1. One-way analysis of variance revealed few differences in the main outcome variables. Fischer Least Significant Difference (LSD) showed that strikers had a greater body mass index than midfielders and defenders (both p = 0.04) and goalkeepers were heavier than defenders (p = 0.02). Goalkeepers were slower than strikers and defenders over 10 m (p = 0.01; p = 0.03) and 20 m (p = 0.001; p = 0.01). Midfielders were slower than strikers over 20 m (p = 0.02), and with strikers and defenders over 40 m (both p = 0.04). Defenders performed better than goalkeepers in the upper body muscle endurance test (p = 0.02). In conclusion, both strikers and defenders require speed to win ball possession, which may explain their fast sprint times. However, the similarity of certain motor characteristics across playing positions may suggest that conditioning coaches train players similarly, irrespective of their tactical position. The authors suggest that South African fitness professionals, particularly at a club level, develop physical conditioning programs specific to each field position. Furthermore, fitness assessments should occur on a continuous basis and comparisons should be made with existing normative data in order to guide the development of players over the course of their careers.


Practice guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease: an instrument for assessment.
The development of practice guidelines is problematic because guidelines that are too broad have no value and guidelines that are highly specific cannot address the nuances of every patient's illness. In this article, we present the hypothesis that practice guidelines that provide specific objectives for assessment and intervention in inflammatory bowel disease can be used to measure practice variation. These guidelines are proposed as 15 specific objectives with options for intervention. These objectives could be used as an instrument to quantify variations in clinical practice and to assess the benefits of practice guidelines.


Effect of surface sealants on marginal microleakage in Class V resin composite restorations.
Surface sealants may reduce or avoid problems related to the marginal interface. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage in resin composite Class V restorations sealed with an adhesive system (Xeno III [Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany]), a sealant for exposed dentin (Seal & Protect [Dentsply]), and two surface sealants (Fortify [Bisco, Lombard, IL, USA]; Optiguard [Kerr, Orange, CA, USA]). Fifty cavities with margins in enamel were prepared on crowns of bovine teeth and restored with an adhesive system (Prime and Bond NT/Dentsply) and resin composite (Esthet X/Dentsply). They were separated into four groups for the application of the surface sealants, and a control group (without surface sealing). Thermal cycling with baths of 5 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C and 55 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C were performed in 600 cycles. The teeth were made impermeable, except for a 3-mm window around the restoration and immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution for 8 hours. The crown was sectioned longitudinally and the cuts were analyzed by three independent evaluators, using a stereoscopic loupe with 10x magnification that attributed representative scores. Agreement among the examiners was evaluated by the Kappa test. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn Method showed that there was significant difference between the Control and Seal & Protect groups. The Seal & Protect group presented the lowest degree of microleakage, followed by the Optiguard and Xeno III groups. The highest scores were obtained in the Control group. The sealant materials evaluated presented different rates of effectiveness, and Seal & Protect was the most effective in decreasing the degree of marginal microleakage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Although surface sealants or covering agents have been used to diminish microleakage, they may present different rates of effectiveness with regard to reducing the degree of marginal leakage. (J Esthet Restor Dent 21:397-406, 2009).


Localization of sodium channels in intercalated disks modulates cardiac conduction.
It is well known that the sodium current (I(Na)) and the degree of gap-junctional electrical coupling are the key determinants of action potential (AP) conduction in cardiac tissue. Immunohistochemical studies have shown that sodium channels (NaChs) are preferentially located in intercalated disks (IDs). Using dual immunocytochemical staining, we confirmed the colocalization of NaChs with connexin43 in cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. In mathematical simulations of conduction using the Luo-Rudy dynamic model of the ventricular AP, we assessed the hypothesis that conduction could be modulated by the preferential localization of NaChs in IDs. Localization of I(Na) at the ID caused a large negative potential in the intercellular cleft, which influenced conduction in two opposing ways, depending on the degree of electrical coupling: (1) for normal and moderately reduced coupling, the negative cleft potential led to a large overshoot of the transmembrane potential resulting in a decreased driving force for I(Na) itself (self-attenuation), which slowed conduction; (2) for greatly reduced coupling (<10%), the negative cleft potential induced by I(Na) in the prejunctional membrane led to suprathreshold depolarization of the postjunctional membrane, which facilitated and accelerated conduction. When cleft potential effects were not incorporated, conduction was not significantly affected by the ID localization of I(Na). By enhancing conduction through the establishment of cleft potentials, the localization of NaChs in IDs might protect the myocardium from conduction block, very slow conduction, and microreentry under conditions of greatly reduced coupling. Conversely, by supporting moderately slow conduction, this mechanism could also promote arrhythmias.


Synthesis of 1-acyl-3-isopropenylbenzimidazolone derivatives and their activity against Botrytis cinerea.
A series of 1-acyl-3-isopropenylbenzimidazolone derivatives were synthesized, and their structures were characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR and elemental analysis. Their fungicidal activities against Botrytis cinerea were also evaluated by spore germination assay. The acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, 4-chlorophenyl acetic acid, and 2-chlorobenzoic acid derivatives exhibited strong fungicidal activity. This implied that benzimidazolones might be potential fungicide leading compounds.


Pathogen clearance and immune adherence "revisited": Immuno-regulatory roles for CRIg.
Rapid elimination of microbes from the bloodstream, along with the ability to mount an adaptive immune response, are essential for optimal host-defense. Kupffer cells are strategically positioned in the liver sinusoids and efficiently capture circulating microbes from the hepatic artery and portal vein, thus preventing bacterial dissemination. In vivo and in vitro studies have probed how complement receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily (CRIg), also referred to as Z39Ig and V-set and Ig domain-containing 4 (VSIG4), acts as a critical player in pathogen recognition and clearance. While recent data suggested that CRIg may bind bacterial cell wall components directly, the single transmembrane receptor is best known for its interaction with complement C3 opsonization products on the microbial surface. On Kupffer cells, CRIg must capture opsonized microbes against the shear forces of the blood flow. In vivo work reveals how immune adherence (IA), a process in which blood platelets or erythrocytes associate with circulating bacteria, plays a critical role in regulating pathogen capture by CRIg under flow conditions. In addition to its typical innate immune functions, CRIg was shown to directly and indirectly influence adaptive immune responses. Here, we review our current understanding of the diverse roles of CRIg in pathogen elimination, anti-microbial immunity and autoimmunity. In particular, we will explore how, through selective capturing by CRIg, an important balance is achieved between the immunological and clearance functions of liver and spleen.


Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up of bilateral, upper urinary tract infection (UTI) in a cat.
A case of bilateral, upper urinary tract infection caused by haemolytic E coli in a female Birman cat is presented. Ultrasonographic examination of the kidneys documented changes in size, outline, echogenicity and architecture. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of fluid from the renal pelvis was used to make the diagnosis. Fluid was submitted for culture and sensitivity and based on the results, antimicrobial therapy was initiated. The treatment was monitored over a 406-day follow-up period. Despite extensive treatment with specific antibiotics and supportive therapy, recurrence of urinary tract infection occurred.


Deferoxamine versus combined therapy for chelating liver, spleen and bone marrow iron in beta-thalassemic patients: a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging study.
We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the effect of iron chelation on liver, spleen and bone marrow. We examined 21 beta-thalassemic patients undergoing deferoxamine (DFO) (9/21) or combined therapy [DFO and deferiprone (L1), 12/21] with two abdominal MRI studies using T1-w/Pd-w/T2*-wGRE and T1-wTSE sequences. Changes in serum ferritin (DF%), and liver, spleen and marrow to paraspinous muscles signal intensity ratios (SI) in T1-wTSE sequence were calculated as D%=[(2(nd)value-1(st) value)/1(st) value] x100%. Negative DF% and positive D(SI)% indicated reduction of iron. Although 17/21 (80.9%) patients demonstrated reduction in ferritin, only 8/21 (38%), 7/21 (33.3%) and 7/21 (33.3%) patients had decreased liver, spleen and marrow iron. Patients undergoing combined therapy showed significantly greater reduction (Student's t-test, p < 0.05) or less increase (t-test, p <0.05) in iron stores. Combined therapy is more effective than DFO for removing and preventing liver, spleen and bone marrow iron accumulation in beta-thalassemic patients. Magnetic resonance imaging is valuable for organ-specific monitoring of chelation therapy.


Microtubule inhibitors elicit differential effects on MAP kinase (JNK, ERK, and p38) signaling pathways in human KB-3 carcinoma cells.
Microtubule inhibitors are widely used in cancer chemotherapy, but the signaling mechanisms that link microtubule disarray to destructive or protective cellular responses are poorly understood. Because members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family have been implicated in regulation of cell survival and cell death, we examined the extent and kinetics of activation of JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPKs in response to treatment of KB-3 carcinoma cells with several microtubule inhibitors. All four agents tested (vinblastine, vincristine, Taxol, and colchicine) caused significant (6- to 13-fold) activation of JNK, concomitant inactivation of ERK, and a reduction in basal p38 MAPK activity. JNK activation and ERK inactivation occurred prior to caspase 3 activation. The microtubule inhibitors also induced phosphorylation of Raf-1 kinase. SEK-1, upstream of JNK, was also activated and phosphorylated in response to the microtubule inhibitors, and sustained phosphorylation of three endogenous JNK substrates (c-Jun, ATF-2, and JunD) was observed. By comparison, the antitumor agent doxorubicin induced activation of JNK and p38 but had no effect on ERK activity or Raf-1. These data demonstrate that microtubule inhibitors elicit distinct and specific effects on MAPK-mediated signaling pathways and suggest in particular that coordinate and reciprocal alterations in JNK and ERK activities are important facets of the cellular response to microtubule disruption.


There is a hole in the lung!
Authors show a particular image of a "hole in the lung" caused by the previous chest drainage. It can be important for differential diagnosis and to underline the role of knowledge of the patient's history and imaging.


Fe/Mn multilayer nanowires as dual mode T1 -T2 magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.
To overcome the negative contrast limitations, and to improve the sensitivity of the magnetic resonance signals, the mesoporous silica coated Fe/Mn multilayered nanowires (NWs) were used as a T1 -T2 dual-mode contrast agents (CAs). The single component Fe and Mn NWs, and Fe/Mn multilayer NWs were synthesized by electrodeposition in the homemade anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates with the aperture of about 30 nm. The structural characterization and morphology of single component and multisegmented NWs was done by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The elemental composition of Fe/Mn multilayerd NWs was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray and energy-dispersive spectrometer. Vibrating sample magnetometer was used to test the magnetic properties, and 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner was used to measure the relaxation efficiency. Importantly, the MRI study indicated that the Fe/Mn multilayer NWs showed a significant T1 -T2 imaging effect, and have longitudinal relaxivity (r1 ) value, that is, 1.25 ± 0.0329 × 10-4 μM-1 s-1 and transverse relaxivity (r2 ), that is, 5.13 ± 0.123 × 10-4 μM-1 s-1 , which was two times of r1 value (0.654 ± 0.00899 × 10-4 μM-1 s-1 ) of Mn NWs, and r2 value (2.96 ± 0.0415 × 10-4 μM-1 s-1 ) of Fe NWs. Hence, Fe/Mn multilayer NWs have potential to be used as T1 -T2 dual-mode CAs.


Correlations between change in neural respiratory drive and heart rate variability in patients submitted to open-heart surgery.
Respiratory muscle dysfunction after open-heart surgery may influence the cardiopulmonary interactions. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between change in the neural respiratory drive (NRD) and change in heart rate variability (HRV) in patients submitted to open-heart surgery. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 32 participants. NRD was assessed via a surface electromyogram of the parasternal intercostal muscle (sEMGpara). Polar heart rate monitor was used to measure HRV during the deep breathing maneuver. Evaluations were performed on the day of admission and discharge. There were statistically significant differences in NRD and HRV indices between admission and discharge periods (P<0.05). The difference in peak root mean square of sEMGpara recorded during resting (ΔRMS sEMGpara tidal), during maximal inspiratory maneuver (ΔsEMGpara max), and its normalized values (ΔRMS sEMGpara%max) were significantly correlated with the difference in total power (ΔTotal power), mean of heart rate (ΔMeanHR), and mean of R to R intervals (ΔMeanRR) (r=-0.844, P=0.004, r=-0.835, P=0.005, and r=0.643, P=0.043, respectively). It can be concluded that NRD correlated well with HRV in patients who had undergone open-heart surgery.


Effect of osmotic stress on the developmental competence of germinal vesicle and metaphase II stage bovine cumulus oocyte complexes and its relevance to cryopreservation.
The effects of osmotic stress on germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) stage bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were evaluated by first exposing them to various anisotonic NaCl solutions (75, 150, 600, 1200, 2400, and 4800 +/- 5 mOsm/kg) for 10 min and then returning them to isotonic TL-Hepes solution (270 +/- 5 mOsm/kg) at 20 +/- 2 degrees C. Percentages of oocyte maturation, fertilization, polyspermy, cleavage, and blastocyst formation were measured as endpoints. Exposure to anisotonic conditions had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on the developmental competence of both GV and bovine MII COCs. Oocytes at the GV stage were more sensitive to anisotonic stress than MII oocytes (P < 0.05). None of the GV oocytes developed to the blastocyst stage after exposure to hypertonic conditions (2400 or 4800 mOsm solutions), while exposure to hypotonic conditions (75 or 150 mOsm solutions) resulted in significantly lower (P < 0.05) blastocyst formation (9% and 13%, respectively) compared to the isotonic control (25%). A dramatic decrease to 4% development to blastocyst was observed for MII oocytes following exposure to a 4800 mOsm solution. Blastocyst formation of MII oocytes which were exposed to 75, 150, 600, 1200, or 2400 mOsm solutions were similar (15%, 20%, 18%, 14%, and 13%, respectively; P > 0.05), but lower (P < 0.05) than those in the control group (29%). Exposing GV oocytes to anisotonic conditions increased polyspermic fertilization (P < 0.05), although MII oocytes were not similarly affected (P > 0.05). These data support the hypothesis that osmotic stress is detrimental to bovine oocytes and must be considered when developing optimized cryopreservation procedures for these cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 55:212-219, 2000.


Use of alternative medicine among patients with head and neck cancer.
To determine the prevalence of alternative medicine use in the population with head and neck cancer and correlate with demographics and tumor characteristics. Cross-sectional survey study. Two tertiary cancer centers. Two hundred consecutive outpatients with consecutive head and neck cancer. A 10- to 25-minute patient interview administered by primary investigator. Demographic markers (sex, age, education, household income, marital status, ethnic background, and geographic location); tumor characteristics (tumor site, pathology, staging, time since diagnosis, and incidence of recurrence); conventional mode of treatment; attitudes regarding alternative medicine, source of exposure to alternative medicine, therapeutic rationale, treatment efficacy, sources of information, and discussions with physicians about alternative medicine. Seventy-seven (38.5%) of 200 patients had used alternative medicine for some purpose, and 45 (22.5%) of 200 did so for head and neck cancer. Increased use of alternative medicine occurred among patients of younger age, having a postsecondary education, higher personal income, and Indo-Asian extraction. Of those patients using alternative anticancer therapy, increased use was noted among patients with tumors of the nasopharynx, nonsquamous cell carcinoma pathology, and recurrent disease. Conventional mode of treatment had no association with alternative medicine use. Physicians were believed to be the most knowledgeable about alternative medicine, while the usual proponents of alternative medicine were identified least frequently. Alternative cancer therapy use among patients with head and neck cancer was 22.5%, with increased use in younger, affluent, better educated patients, and those of Indo-Asian extraction. Patients view physicians as being knowledgeable about alternative medicine. Otolaryngologists should inform themselves about alternative medicine to counsel patients more effectively.


Synthesis and Evaluation of Structurally Diverse C-2-Substituted Thienopyrimidine-Based Inhibitors of the Human Geranylgeranyl Pyrophosphate Synthase.
Novel analogues of C-2-substituted thienopyrimidine-based bisphosphonates (C2-ThP-BPs) are described that are potent inhibitors of the human geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (hGGPPS). Members of this class of compounds induce target-selective apoptosis of multiple myeloma (MM) cells and exhibit antimyeloma activity in vivo. A key structural element of these inhibitors is a linker moiety that connects their (((2-phenylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)methylene)bisphosphonic acid core to various side chains. The structural diversity of this linker moiety, as well as the side chains attached to it, was investigated and found to significantly impact the toxicity of these compounds in MM cells. The most potent inhibitor identified was evaluated in mouse and rat for liver toxicity and systemic exposure, respectively, providing further optimism for the potential value of such compounds as human therapeutics.


Does industrial transfer policy mitigate carbon emissions? Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China.
In this paper, we identify the causal effects of the industrial transfer policy (ITP) on carbon emissions. Specifically, we treat the demonstration zones of undertaking industrial transfer in China as a quasi-natural experiment and evaluation its carbon mitigation effects using the difference-in-differences (DID) and matching DID strategies. Our findings suggest that the ITP exerts a significant negative impact on carbon emissions. In particular, both the DID and matching DID estimates indicate that the ITP leads to mitigate carbon emissions by approximately 4.9 and 4.7 million tons, respectively. We also investigate the heterogeneous carbon mitigation effects of the ITP. Moreover, various checks and falsification tests are also presented to confirm the causal effects, including the placebo test, concurrent events test, alternative measures of the ITP and carbon emissions, alternative estimation method and matching technique. The results indicate that our key conclusion, the carbon mitigation effect of the ITP is robust. These results indicate that policymakers should seize the carbon mitigation dividend of the ITP to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. Policymakers should also reduce the regional development differences, improve the level of opening to the outside world, strengthen the construction of green demonstration zones for industrial transfer to mitigate carbon emissions.


Assessment of mobilization of labile phosphorus and iron across sediment-water interface in a shallow lake (Hongze) based on in situ high-resolution measurement.
The internal loading of P is reported to be the main factor initiating algal blooms. However, there are only a few reports on the dynamic variation of labile P in the sediment and overlying water during the decomposition of algal. In addition, the widely perceived relationship between labile P and Fe was not supported by in situ obtained values in freshwater. Consequently, the in situ simultaneous measurement of diffusion gradients in thin-film techniques (DGT) was applied on a large scale to detect the mechanisms of labile P and Fe in a typical shallow lake (Lake Hongze). The newly developed ZrO-DGT and ZrO-Chelex DGT were combined to obtain the concentration of labile P and Fe. Results showed that decomposition of algal might be the main contributor for the concentration dots and peaks of labile P in sediment profiles, as well as for the high values on the horizontal heterogeneity index of labile P at the depth of 0-30 mm of the sediment. Moreover, there existed significant difference between the apparent diffusion fluxes of labile P and Fe across the sediment-water interface which obtained from June sampling and October sampling. The results of apparent diffusion flux in two periods indicated the sediments changed from "sink" to "source" for labile P, especially at Sites 4-8, 10, 13-14, and 18. However, the role of the labile Fe has no significantly variation in the values of the diffusion flux. This phenomenon also contributed to the poor relationship between labile P and Fe in the sediment which obtained from the October sampling. Accordingly, we conclude that algal decomposition might be essential for internal loading of P in this aquatic ecosystem, and that also be the reason for vicious circle of algal occurrence in the following year in the center of Lake Hongze.


Can Clinical Ethics Survive Climate Change?
The Ethics of Environmentally Responsible Health Care (2004) argued that the obligation to protect nature must be a core principle of bioethics and that the environmental harm of health-care practices should be taken seriously. In the two decades since, the accelerating pace of climate change and environmental decline has strengthened the moral case for reducing the environmental costs of health care. Nevertheless, mainstream bioethics has until recently neglected these vital issues. In response, a field of clinical environmental bioethics is emerging that applies concepts and measures of sustainability to such key clinical ethical issues as humanizing technology, setting limits, caring for the dying, respecting patient wishes, and allocating resources justly. Bioethical analysis of these and other issues can support just and humane health-care adaptation to climate change. Health-care adaptation in turn plays an important role in helping communities and nations adapt to the inevitable forward march of climate change. This essay offers two recommendations: (1) establish a climate transition commission for health-care adaptation to climate change with bioethics participation, and (2) strengthen advocacy for health-care reform by uniting it with climate activism.


Erectile dysfunction in men with chronic medical illness.
This study examined interrelationships of psychosocial variables found in a psychological evaluation for erectile disorder in 75 male veterans with chronic medical illness. Patients whose partners participated in the evaluation were compared with those whose partners were not involved, and agreement on measures between patients and partners was examined. Finally, a principal components analysis was performed to assess the primary dimensions underlying the variance in mental health and sexual functioning variables. Five factors were identified, accounting for 65.5% of the variance. Results of these analyses are discussed in order to obtain an understanding of the interrelationship between behavioral, psychological, and interpersonal variables in the onset and course of sexual dysfunction.


Individualized Characterization of the Distribution of Collagen Fibril Dispersion Using Optical Aberrations of the Cornea for Biomechanical Models.
The spatial distribution of collagen fibril dispersion has a significant impact on both corneal biomechanical and optical behaviors. The goal of this study was to demonstrate a novel method to characterize collagen fibril dispersion using intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced changes in corneal optical aberrations for individualized finite-element (FE) modeling. The method was tested through both numerical simulations and ex vivo experiments. Inflation tests were simulated in FE models with three assumed patterns of collagen fibril dispersion and experimentally on three rhesus monkey corneas. Geometry, matrix stiffness, and the IOP-induced changes in wavefront aberrations were measured, and the collagen fibril dispersion was characterized. An individualized corneal model with customized collagen fibril dispersion was developed, and the estimated optical aberrations were compared with the measured data. For the theoretical investigations, three assumed distributions of fibril dispersion were all successfully characterized. The estimated optical aberrations closely matched the measured data, with average root-mean-square (RMS) differences of 0.29, 0.24, and 0.10 µm for the three patterns, respectively. The overall features of the IOP-induced changes in optical aberrations were estimated for two ex vivo monkey corneas, with average RMS differences of 0.57 and 0.43 µm. Characterization of the fibril dispersion in the third cornea might have been affected by corneal hydration, resulting in an increased RMS difference, 0.8 µm. A more advanced corneal model with individualized distribution of collagen fibril dispersion can be developed and used to improve our ability to understand both biomechanical and optical behaviors of the cornea.


Guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole-aryl derivatives: structure tuning for spectrophotometric recognition of specific DNA and RNA sequences and for antiproliferative activity.
We present a systematic study of different guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole-aryl derivatives designed to interact with DNA or RNA both through intercalation of an aromatic moiety into the base stack of the nucleotide and through groove binding of a guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole cation. We varied 1) the size of the aromatic ring (benzene, naphthalene, pyrene and acridine), 2) the length and flexibility of the linker connecting the two binding groups, and 3) the total number of positive charges present at different pH values. The compounds and their interactions with DNA and RNA were studied by UV/Vis, fluorescence and CD spectroscopy. Antiproliferative activities against human tumour cell lines were also determined. Our studies show that efficient interaction with, for example, DNA requires a significantly large aromatic ring (pyrene) connected through a flexible linker to the pyrrole moiety. However, a positive charge, as in 12, is also needed. Compound 12 allows for base-pair-selective recognition of ds-DNA at physiological pH values. The antiproliferative activities of these compounds correlate with their binding affinities towards DNA, suggesting that their biological effects are most probably due to DNA binding.


Emulsifying properties of acidic subunits of soy 11S globulin.
The emulsifying properties of the acidic subunits (AS11S) isolated from soy glycinin (11S) have been studied. The isolated AS11S existed in solution mainly as a dimer species. Circular dichroic analysis indicated only a slight increase in aperiodic structure and no significant difference in beta-sheet structure when compared with those of soy 11S. At similar experimental conditions, the emulsifying properties of AS11S were superior to those of soy 11S and heat-denatured 11S. Emulsions prepared with 1% AS11S remained very stable without any visible oil separation for more than a month under gentle agitating conditions, whereas those prepared with 1% 11S collapsed and separated into phases within 2-3 days. The AS11S-stabilized emulsions were very stable below 0.15 M ionic strength. Studies on the rate of adsorption and surface tension reduction at the air-water interface showed that AS11S was significantly more surface active than soy 11S. It is proposed that, because the mass fraction of acidic subunits in soy 11S is approximately 60% and it is relatively easy to separate the acidic subunits from soy 11S, it may be industrially feasible to develop an economical process to isolate functional acidic subunits for use in emulsion-based food products.


Diet variability among pre-Dogon and early Dogon populations (Mali) from stable isotopes and dental diseases.
This article reports on diet variability in the Dogon Country (Mali) through a bio-archeological study of pre-Dogon and early Dogon human remains (7th century to 19th century AD) from collective burial caves in the Bandiagara Escarpment. Two hundred and twenty crania from collections curated in Leiden, Paris, and Bamako were studied for dental diseases. In a subset of teeth (n = 175), δ13 C and δ15 N were measured in bulk dentine samples. δ13 C and δ15 N values vary widely (-15.4 to -6.0‰ for δ13 C, 6.0-14.8‰ for δ15 N, n = 175), and indicate diets dominated by C4 -based foods with a focus on plants; animal products played a minor role. There are significant differences between the δ13 C values from older (pre-Dogon) and younger (Dogon) periods. Frequencies of caries, antemortem tooth loss, and abscesses increase significantly through time. Individuals from northern caves have more positive δ13 C and δ15 N values than southern ones. The temporal shifts are probably due to progressive diversification of foods, consistent with archeological evidence showing the addition of rice and vegetables to pearl millet. The geographical disparity is explained by a combination of climatic, environmental, and cultural factors. Last, intersite differences imply that different communities (or subsections thereof) disposed of their dead in different caves. Based on a large sample extending over a wider area and longer time frame than previous work, our study shows that diets in the Dogon Country were neither uniform nor continuous through time, as previously proposed. Our results attest to a complex history of settlement and foodways.


Developmental regulation of monoterpene biosynthesis in the glandular trichomes of peppermint.
Monoterpene production in peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) glandular trichomes is determined by the rate of biosynthesis, as determined by (14)CO(2) incorporation, and is restricted to leaves 12 to 20 d of age. Using oil glands isolated from peppermint leaves of different ages, in vitro assay of the eight sequential enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of the principal monoterpene (-)-menthol indicated that all but one biosynthetic enzyme had a very similar developmental profile. Activities were highest in leaves 12 to 20 d of age, with a sharp peak centered at 15 d. The exception, (-)-menthone reductase, the last enzyme of the pathway, exhibited a later peak of activity, which was centered at approximately 21 d. The correlation between in vitro enzyme activity and the rate of biosynthesis measured in vivo suggests that monoterpene formation is controlled mainly by the coordinately regulated activity of the relevant biosynthetic enzymes. Developmental immunoblotting of limonene synthase, which catalyzes the committed step of the pathway, demonstrated a direct correlation between enzyme activity and enzyme protein, suggesting that the dynamic time course for the remaining pathway enzyme activities also reflects the corresponding protein levels. RNA-blot analyses indicated that the genes encoding enzymes of the early pathway steps are transcriptionally activated in a coordinated fashion, with a time course superimpossible with activity measurements and immunoblot data. These results demonstrating coincidental temporal changes in enzyme activities, enzyme protein level, and steady-state transcript abundances indicate that most of the monoterpene biosynthetic enzymes in peppermint are developmentally regulated at the level of gene expression.


Pentavalent Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Tc-99m (V)-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) has been used to image various kinds of tumors. However, from a review of the literature, it has never been applied to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Low uptake of Tc-99m (V)-DMSA has been demonstrated in normal liver tissue, thus, Tc-99m (V)-DMSA may be useful for the detection of HCC. Nine male patients with focal nodular HCC were studied with sequential X-ray CT, Tc-99m (V)-DMSA and Tc-99m phytate liver scan. Our data showed that eight patients had increased uptake of Tc-99m (V) DMSA in HCC. Four cases demonstrated higher Tc-99m (V) DMSA uptake in HCC than in adjacent liver, and four cases demonstrated HCC uptake equal to liver uptake. One case showed no uptake of Tc-99m (V) DMSA in HCC. The detection sensitivity of Tc-99m (V)-DMSA was 88.9%. From our early results, Tc-99m (V)-DMSA is a readily available tumor imaging agent that appears to accumulate in HCC.


In Situ Coupling Strategy for the Preparation of FeCo Alloys and Co4 N Hybrid for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution.
An in situ coupling approach is developed to create a new highly efficient and durable cobalt-based electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using a novel cyclotetramerization, a task-specific bimetallic phthalocyanine-based nanoporous organic framework is successfully built as a precursor for the carbonization synthesis of a nonprecious OER electrocatalyst. The resultant material exhibits an excellent OER activity with a low overpotential of 280 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and high durability in an alkaline medium. This impressive result ranks among the best from known Co-based OER catalysts under the same conditions. The simultaneous installation of multiple diverse cobalt-based active sites, including FeCo alloys and Co4 N nanoparticles, plays a critical role in achieving this promising OER performance. This innovative approach not only enables high-performance OER activity to be achieved but simultaneously provides a means to control the surface features, thereby tuning the catalytic property of the material.


Adhering towards tumorigenicity: altered adhesion mechanisms in glioblastoma cancer stem cells.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in adults with a high recurrence and mortality rate. GBM tumors contain a high degree of cellular heterogeneity, with cells exhibiting stem-like properties (cancer stem cells; CSCs) that are highly efficient at tumor initiation and are resistant to conventional therapies. CSCs interact with their tumor microenvironment by a large group of diverse cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) that participate in intercellular, intracellular and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Despite the initial description of CAMs as tumor suppressors, recent work has highlighted specific CAMs that are essential for CSC maintenance and tumor progression. This review will highlight recent findings that provide support for a context-specific role of CAMs in CSC function and GBM progression.


The importance of small samples in medical research.
Almost all bio-statisticians and medical researchers believe that a large sample is always helpful in providing more reliable results. Whereas this is true for some specific cases, a large sample may not be helpful in more situations than we contemplate because of the higher possibility of errors and reduced validity. Many medical breakthroughs have occurred with self-experimentation and single experiments. Studies, particularly analytical studies, may provide more truthful results with a small sample because intensive efforts can be made to control all the confounders, wherever they operate, and sophisticated equipment can be used to obtain more accurate data. A large sample may be required only for the studies with highly variable outcomes, where an estimate of the effect size with high precision is required, or when the effect size to be detected is small. This communication underscores the importance of small samples in reaching a valid conclusion in certain situations and describes the situations where a large sample is not only unnecessary but may even compromise the validity by not being able to exercise full care in the assessments. What sample size is small depends on the context.


Raman and infrared fingerprint spectroscopy of peroxide-based explosives.
A comparative study of the vibrational spectroscopy of peroxide-based explosives is presented. Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and hexamethyl-enetriperoxide-diamine (HMTD), now commonly used by terrorists, are examined as well as other peroxide-ring structures: DADP (diacetone diperoxide); TPTP [3,3,6,6,9,9-Hexaethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexaoxo-nonane (tripentanone triperoxide)]; DCypDp {6,7,13,14-Tetraoxadispiro [126.96.36.199]tetradecane (dicyclopentanone diperoxide)}; TCypDp {6,7,15,16,22,23-Hexaoxatrispiro[126.96.36.199.4.2] henicosane (tricyclopentanone triperoxide)}; DCyhDp {7,8,15,16-tetraoxadispiro [18.104.22.168] hexadecane (dicyclohexanone diperoxide)}; and TCyhTp {7,8,14,15,21,22-hexaoxatrispiro [188.8.131.52.5.2] tetracosane (tricyclohexanone triperoxide)}. Both Raman and infrared (IR) spectra were measured and compared to theoretical calculations. The calculated spectra were obtained by calculation of the harmonic frequencies of the studied compounds, at the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/cc-pVDZ level of theory, and by the use of scaling factors. It is found that the vibrational features related to the peroxide bonds are strongly mixed. As a result, the spectrum is congested and highly sensitive to minor changes in the molecule.


Evidence for an inflammatory bowel disease locus on chromosome 3p26: linkage, transmission/disequilibrium and partitioning of linkage.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two major forms of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are heritable, complex traits that appear to share some but not all susceptibility loci. We report that transmission/disequilibrium test analysis of a Crohn's disease genome scan dataset has detected an inflammatory bowel disease locus on chromosome 3p26 (nominal P=0.000052 and genome-wide corrected P=0.039 at D3S1297). An allele sharing method shows significant linkage (multipoint lod=3.69) in a larger, independent sample of inflammatory bowel disease-affected sibling pairs. A survey of 16 chromosome 3p26 short tandem repeat polymorphisms in a combined sample of 234 independent nuclear families with 324 IBD-affected sibling pairs shows significant linkage to chromosome 3p26 (multipoint lod=3.78) and significant transmission/disequilibrium test results at two adjacent markers (nominal P values in two different transmission/disequilibrium analysis methods=0.00011 and 0.0011 for the first marker, and 0.00071 and 0.00013 for the second marker). There is highly significant under-transmission of a common allele and modest over-transmission of other alleles at both markers. Families with no transmission to affected individuals of the under-transmitted alleles show significant linkage (multipoint lod=4.50) that is significantly greater in four simulation studies (P=0.0001, 0.0000625, 0.0000625 and 0.0000625, respectively) than the linkage evidence in families with transmission of the under-transmitted alleles (multipoint lod=0.12). Thus, the existence of an inflammatory bowel disease locus on chromosome 3p26 is supported by significant linkage, transmission/disequilibrium and partitioning of linkage evidence.


Activating the innate immune response to counter chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is endemic to several populous parts of the world, where resulting complicating cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma occur commonly. Licensed drugs to treat the infection have limited curative efficacy, and development of therapies that eliminate all replication intermediates of HBV is a priority. Areas covered: The recent demonstration that the activation of the innate immune response may eradicate HBV from infected hepatocytes has a promising therapeutic application. Small molecule stimulators of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) inhibit replication of woodchuck hepatitis virus in woodchucks and HBV in chimpanzees and mice. Early stage clinical trials using GS-9620, a TLR7 agonist, indicate that this candidate antiviral is well tolerated in humans. Using an alternative approach, triggering the innate immune response with agonists of lymphotoxin-β receptor caused efficient APOBEC-mediated deamination and degradation of viral covalently closed circular DNA. Expert opinion: Eliminating HBV cccDNA from infected individuals would constitute a cure, and has become the focus of intensive research that employs various therapeutic approaches, including gene therapy. Immunomodulation through innate immune activation shows promise for the treatment of chronic infection of HBV (CHB) and, used in combination with other therapeutics, may contribute to the global control of infections and ultimately to the eradication of HBV.


Ranked Sense Multiple Access Control Protocol for Multichannel Cognitive Radio-Based IoT Networks.
The widespread growth of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) and its dependence on the license-exempt Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) bands have made spectrum resources scarce. IoT can nonetheless get advantage from the Cognitive Radio (CR) technology to resolve the spectrum shortage issue. Since in CR networks the unlicensed Secondary Users (SUs) can exploit the white spaces in licensed channels of Primary Users (PUs) opportunistically. CR ad hoc networks are more useful in IoT due to ease of installation, low cost, and less complexity. However, CR ad hoc networks are prone to the rendezvous issue and hidden primary terminal problem. Moreover, the available channels in the CR system are not identical, PUs' and SUs' activities can diversify them as well. In this connection, channel selection by SUs is a complex balancing act since the transmission opportunities are space, frequency and time bounded. In this paper, we hence proposed a new Ranked Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (RSMA/CA) protocol for multichannel CR-based IoT networks. Our proposed RSMA/CA protocol not only resolves the hidden primary terminal problem but also avoids hidden and exposed terminal problems at the same time by mutual spectrum sensing. We suggest a new channel ranking mechanism to rank the available channels based on the long term qualities of the channels, PUs' return rate, and SUs' activities and tailor-made the algorithms in an existing scheme to make the rendezvous process more efficient. We analyze the performance of our proposed RSMA/CA in terms of normalized throughput through the Markov chain model and compared with that of the existing scheme. Simulation results show that our RSMA/CA protocol outperforms the existing scheme due to efficient rendezvous and access mechanisms.


Pneumothorax in patients with prior or current COVID-19 pneumonia.
As the number of COVID-19 cases emerge, new complications associated with the disease are recognized. We present three cases of spontaneous pneumothorax in patients with COVID-19. They show that a pneumothorax can occur during different phases of disease, in patients without a pulmonary disease history and is not necessarily associated to positive pressure ventilation or severity of COVID-19. Although the exact causative mechanisms remain unknown, this observation might imply that extensive alveolar destruction due to COVID-19 may lead to bulla formation resulting in subsequent pneumothorax.


Dual-component amino-acid-mediated synaptic potentials: excitatory drive for swimming in Xenopus embryos.
The neuronal basis of the excitation received by motoneurones during swimming in curarized Xenopus embryos has been investigated further. Extracellular stimulation of axons in the fibre tracts of the spinal cord has been used to evoke unitary excitatory post-synaptic potentials (p.s.p.s) in motoneurones. The p.s.p.s. had a rise time of 3-5 ms and a long falling phase lasting up to 200 ms. These potentials consist of two components: a 'fast' p.s.p. which is insensitive to 50 microM-(+/-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) but is blocked by 2 mM-cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylic acid (PDA) and is therefore probably mediated by kainate/quisqualate receptors, and a 'slow' p.s.p. which is blocked by both APV and PDA and is therefore probably mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Paired intracellular recordings from motoneurones and interneurones have revealed a class of spinal cord interneurone which makes descending excitatory amino-acid-dependent synapses onto motoneurones and commissural interneurones. The p.s.p.s evoked by intracellular stimulation of these excitatory interneurones consist of 'fast' and 'slow' components identical in shape and pharmacological properties to those of the extracellularly evoked potentials. One neurone may, therefore, be able to release a transmitter which activates both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors on the same post-synaptic neurone generating fast and slow post-synaptic potentials. The excitatory interneurones play an important role in the generation of the swimming pattern in the curarized Xenopus embryo. Like motoneurones, they fire once per swimming cycle in phase with the ipsilateral motoneurones and receive a background excitation during swimming that is excitatory amino acid mediated. They are therefore part of the swimming rhythm generator. The temporal summation of the extracellularly evoked p.s.p.s shows that these excitatory interneurones are sufficient to generate the excitatory drive received by motoneurones during swimming.


Chryseobacterium viscerum sp. nov., isolated from diseased fish.
A taxonomic study was carried out on five Gram-staining-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, rod-shaped bacteria isolated from the gills and livers of five diseased rainbow trout. The five novel isolates were designated strains 687B-08(T), 445-08, 452-08, 453B-08 and 967B-08. In phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, the five novel strains appeared almost identical (99.0-100 % sequence similarity) and to belong to the genus Chryseobacterium. Strain 687B-08(T) (the strain selected to represent the five novel isolates) was found to be most closely related to Chryseobacterium oncorhynchi 701B-08(T) (98.9% sequence similarity), Chryseobacterium ureilyticum F-Fue-04IIIaaaa(T) (98.6%), Chryseobacterium indologenes ATCC 29897(T) (98.3%), Chryseobacterium jejuense JS17-8(T) (98.1%) and Chryseobacterium gleum ATCC 35910(T) (98.1%). In DNA-DNA hybridizations, DNA-DNA relatedness values of 99-100% were recorded between the five novel strains. Lower DNA-DNA relatedness values (21-57%) were recorded between strain 687B-08(T) and C. oncorhynchi 701B-08(T), C. ureilyticum F-Fue-04IIIaaaa(T) and the type strains of other closely related, established species of the genus Chryseobacterium. The predominant respiratory quinone of strain 687B-08(T) was MK-6 and the major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15:0), iso-C(17:1)ω9c, iso-C(17:0) 3-OH and C(16:1)ω6c. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 687B-08(T) was 38.6 mol%. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic evidence, the five novel strains isolated from rainbow trout represent a single, novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium viscerum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 687B-08(T) ( = CECT 7793(T) = CCUG 60103(T)).


Reconsideration of the role of competing responses in demonstrations of the interference effect (learned helplessness).
In Experiment 1a, rats trained to escape shock by performing a 2-s inactive response were less impaired on a subsequent 2-way shuttle response than their yoked counterparts that received inescapable shock. In contrast, in Experiment 1b, rats trained to escape shock by performing a longer duration inactive response were more impaired on the subsequent escape task than their inescapably shocked counterparts. In Experiment 2, the results of Experiments 1a and 1b were replicated, and the inactive responses performed during pretreatment by both the escapable and inescapable shock groups were assessed and correlated with test stage 2-way shuttle escape performance. These activity data indicate that inactivity during pretreatment shock in both escapable and inescapable shock groups was a highly reliable predictor of subsequent 2-way shuttle performance, irrespective of the pretreatment shock contingency to which these Ss were exposed.


[Expression and extracellular release of transferrin receptors on erythropoiesis].
One of the most important factors for the proliferation and hemoglobin synthesis of erythroid cells is iron atom. This atom is tightly bound to serum transferrin (Tf) and is taken up by erythroblasts and reticulocytes through transferrin receptor (TfR). Both Tf and TfR are reutilizable and have roles for the efficient intracellular accumulation of iron. In addition to the reutilization (recycling), the expression of TfR is also regulated by cytoplasmic iron concentration; the increase of iron downregulate the synthesis of TfR at the translational level and vice versa. This mechanism was recently explained by the binding between "iron responsive element (IRE)" in the 5' end of TfR mRNA and IRE binding protein by a transacting manner. Johnstone et al, and we found that TfR was externalized from sheep reticulocyte and human erythroleukemia cell, K562, respectively. Furthermore, we confirmed that this shed TfR was detected in blood and concluded that the quantitation of TfR in serum is a useful index for evaluating the erythropoiesis. The serum TfR was increased in iron deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia and polycythemia and was decreased in aplastic anemia. In renal anemia, it was increased after the administration of erythropoietin (Epo). By the in vitro liquid culture of peripheral blood stem cells using interleukin 3 and Epo, it was found that soluble TfR was derived from the erythroblasts during the maturation process.


Isolated head injury is a cause of shock in pediatric trauma patients.
Current trauma resuscitation protocols from the American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma, recommend intravascular volume expansion to treat shock after major trauma, assuming that hemorrhage is present. However, this assumption may not be correct. The purpose of this study was to identify the proportion of children with severe shock after trauma presenting with isolated head injury versus hemorrhagic injury. A retrospective review of all pediatric trauma patients (aged 0-15 years) was conducted over a 5-year period. Severe shock was defined as the presence of both an elevated blood lactate level and low blood pressure for age. Traumatic injuries were classified as hemorrhagic injuries, head injuries, combined hemorrhagic and head injuries, or other injuries, by analyzing International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnostic codes. A total of 31 (5%) of 680 pediatric trauma patients presented with severe shock. Among these 31 pediatric trauma patients, 9 (29%) had isolated head injury. Isolated head injury among children with shock was most frequently observed among children younger than 5 years (50%), and a decreased trend was noted with increasing age (23% for children 5-11 years and 0% for children 12-15 years [P = 0.03, Cochran-Armitage exact trend test]). Isolated head injury was observed in 29% of children 0 to 15 years of age with severe shock after trauma and in 50% of children younger than 5 years. Head injury is an important cause of severe shock in pediatric trauma, particularly among young children.


Failure of L-nitroarginine to inhibit the activity of aortic inducible nitric oxide synthase.
Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by a family of three isoenzymes: the endothelial, inducible and neuronal NO synthases. L-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is the most commonly used inhibitor of NO synthase activity. The goal of the present study was to evaluate to what extent L-nitroarginine (L-NA), the in vivo circulating metabolite of L-NAME, blocks NO production in the rat aorta depending on the NO synthase isoform expressed (and evidenced by Western blotting) and on the presence or absence of the extracellular NO synthase substrate L-arginine (100 microM, i.e. the plasma concentration). Intact [endothelium present (E+)] control aortic rings express mainly endothelial NO synthase. L-NA (30--100 microM) induced a dose-dependent contraction (due to blockade of the relaxant properties of NO) irrespective of the presence or absence of L-arginine. In deendothelialized (E-) control aortic rings, the three isoforms of NO synthase are virtually absent (as demonstrated by Western blotting) and L-NA does not elicit any contractile effect. E- aortic rings from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats express mainly inducible NO synthase. In these rings, L-NA induced a dose-dependent (0--100 microM) contraction in the absence of extracellular L-arginine, whereas L-arginine (100 microM) completely abrogated the contractile effect of the NO synthase inhibitor. Chronic L-NAME administration (50 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) elicited the aortic expression of inducible NO synthase, but to a lesser extent (about 5-fold) than in LPS-treated rat aorta. The average plasma concentration of L-NA was 50 +/- 10 microM in these rats. In E- rings from these L-NAME-treated rats, L-NA induced a similar contractile response (but smaller in magnitude) to that observed in LPS-treated rat aorta. Altogether, these data suggest that (1) in the presence of a physiological concentration of extracellular L-arginine, L-NA fails to inhibit inducible NO synthase, and (2) chronic L-NAME administration, at a dose commonly given to block NO production in vivo, leaves the activity of inducible NO synthase unaffected.


[Cytomegalovirus cholestasis in an immunocompetent host].
Primary infection or reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) can induce in immunocompromised patients a severe disease depending on the type of immuno-suppression, and can affect multiple organs. On the other hand, the infection is benign and mostly asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals who do not require antiviral treatment. Rare cases of primary infection have been documented. In this article, we report the case of a 21-year-old immunocompetent female patient with CMV cholestatic jaundice. The diagnosis was retained on all clinico-pathologic data after eliminating the autoimmune, surgical and other infectious causes. Resolution of cholestasis has been observed with ganciclovir.


Canopy spray application technology in specialty crops: a slowly evolving landscape.
Many specialty crops are susceptible to insects and diseases, and as such are reliant on regular canopy pesticide applications to achieve quality attributes required for salability. The majority of specialty crop producers continue to use antiquated pesticide application technologies for directed canopy spraying such as the radial air blast sprayer that has been associated with chemical wastage and off-target drift of around 40% and 15% of total applied spray volume, respectively. However, precision sprayers are available that result in remarkable improvements to these parameters. The wide-scale adoption of precision sprayers by specialty crop producers remains low. Reasons for the continued dominance of old technologies include risk averseness of farmers and regulatory bottlenecks. However, as farm labor becomes more expensive, less available, and consumers and regulations favor sustainably produced products, motivations to improve spray application efficiency are increasing. While there are many opportunities and future directions application technology may take, sensor-controlled sprayer technology that applies a proportionate amount of spray will likely be the primary technology of precision sprayers going into the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.


Beryllium sampling methods.
Three sampling methods for airborne beryllium are compared to validate observations made in a 1973 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) industrywide study of the beryllium industry which indicated that, in general, the three methods yielded different results for samples taken in the same environment. Under NIOSH contract a beryllium production facility was sampled in 1974 by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) personal total and personal respirable sampling methods over a period of one year. All samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Statistical analysis of the resulting data by NIOSH confirms the observations made in the 1973 study that samples collected by the three methods produced different results. No reliable relationship was found to exist which would permit conversion of the result obtained by one method to a result obtained by either of the alternate methods. It appears that, in general, for large numbers of samples taken under the same sampling conditions, the values determined by the personal respirable sampling method will be lower than those obtained by the AEC method and the values determined by the personal total sampling method will be greater.