Three new prodrugs for suicide gene therapy using carboxypeptidase G2 elicit bystander efficacy in two xenograft models.
Three new prodrugs, [prodrug 1: 4-[bis(2-iodoethyl)amino]-phenyloxycarbonyl-L-glutamic acid; prodrug 2: 3-fluoro-4-[bis(2-chlorethyl)amino]benzoyl-L-glutamic acid; and prodrug 3: 3,5-difluoro-4-[bis(2-iodoethyl)amino]benzoyl-L-glutamic acid] have been assessed for use with a mutant of carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2, glutamate carboxypeptidase, EC 184.108.40.206,) engineered to be tethered to the outer tumor cell surface (stCPG2(Q)3) as the activating enzyme in suicide gene therapy systems. All three of the prodrugs produce much greater cytotoxicity differentials between stCPG2(Q)3- and control beta-galactosidase (beta-gal)-expressing breast carcinoma MDA MB 361 and colon carcinoma WiDr cells (70- to 450-fold) than was previously observed (19- to 27-fold) with 4-[(2-chloroethyl)(2-mesyloxyethyl)amino]benzoyl-L-glutamic acid (CMDA). Prodrug 1 is the most effective antitumor agent in xenografts in mice inoculated with 100% stCPG2(Q)3-expressing MDA MB 361 cells, whereas prodrugs 2 and 3 are most effective when the percentage of stCPG2(Q)3-expressing cells is 50% or 10%. In nude mice bearing xenografts arising from inocula of 100% stCPG2(Q)3-expressing WiDr cells, prodrug 2 is the most effective antitumor agent. All three of the prodrugs produced histological evidence of substantial bystander cell killing in WiDr xenografts in which only 10% or 50% of the cells inoculated were expressing stCPG2(Q)3. We conclude that all three of the prodrugs are more effective therapeutically with stCPG2(Q)3 than is the previously described prodrug CMDA and, also, that the optimal choice of prodrug varies among different tumor types and that prodrugs, optimized for their bystander effect, are effective when only low percentages of cells in a tumor express CPG2.


Counter-urbanization revisited: the new map of population distribution in central and north-western Europe.
"The paper discusses the distribution of population within 11 north-western and central European countries from the mid-1950s to the late 1980s. While concentration into major metropolitan regions was widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, and counter-urbanization in the 1970s, the 1980s show diverging developments. In some countries, the major metropolitan regions have resumed their former growth, and in other countries their growth remains below or around the national average. The underlying causes are discussed, and it is suggested that the new information technologies make different distributions of population possible, with specific local conditions for economic activities then becoming decisive."


Cardiophrenic and costophrenic lymph node resection via subxiphoid approach only
When enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) are resected the impact on survival is still uncertain, but resection contributes to accurate staging and complete gross resection in advanced ovarian cancer. CPLN resection can be performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery or transabdominally through the subxiphoid or transdiaphragmatic routes. The subxiphoid approach is used to reach the prepericardiac nodes located in the anterior mediastinum. The transdiaphragmatic route is used to remove the costophrenic and supradiaphragmatic paracaval lymph nodes located in the middle and posterior mediastinum, respectively. However, the transdiaphragmatic approach necessitates diaphragm opening and, in most cases, liver mobilization. Costophrenic nodes can be resected through the subxiphoid route in appropriate patients without opening the diaphragm. Thus, the subxiphoid approach may be preferred to remove the costophrenic lymph nodes, in cases in whom diaphragm resection is not anticipated, and especially when the resection procedure is planned to include the prepericardiac nodes. In this video article, we present the method of resecting both prepericardiac and costophrenic lymph nodes using only the subxiphoid approach in a case of advanced ovarian cancer. The subxiphoid virtual space between the pericardium and diaphragm was developed. The observed and palpated CPLNs were dissected and excised from the prepericardiac and right latero-cardiac spaces. Thereafter, diaphragm peritoneum beneath the right costophrenic nodes was dissected. After identifying any enlarged costophrenic nodes by palpation, the sternal and costal diaphragmatic attachments were incised and the right latero-cardiac space was extended. When the single enlarged node was reached, it was grasped and pulled with curved-ring forceps and ultimately resected.


[Levetiracetam modifies the pattern of audiogenic locomotive response in Wistar and Krushinsky-Molodkina strain rats].
The novel antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (keppra, 80 mg/kg, i.p.) produces a pronounced anticonvulsant effect on all parameters of the audiogenic locomotion response in Wistar rats, leading to the prevention of acoustic seizures approximately in 50% animals. Keppra injection also led to a decrease in the intensity of single audiogenic convulsive episode, a twofold prolongation of the latency of motor reaction, and a change in the pattern of seizure reaction toward increasing number of rats with "one-wave" response. In contrast, a lack of sound resistant animals and the change from one- to two-wave audiogenic response were observed in Krushinsky-Molodkina strain rats.


Synthesis of a potent agonist of substance P by modifying the methionyl and glutaminyl residues of the C-terminal hexapeptide of substance P. Structure-activity relationships.
Analogues of [Orn6]-SP6-11 have been synthesized in which the Met11 residue is replaced by glutamate gamma-alkylesters. These analogues were tested in three in vitro preparations representative of NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3 receptor types. Substitution of the SCH3 group of the Met11 side chain by a COOR (R = methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, cyclohexyl) group results in analogues which are full agonists in NK-1 and NK-2 preparations but show little agonist activity in the NK-3 preparation. When the SCH3 group is replaced by a t-butyl ester group and the resulting analogue is a full agonist in all the above preparations and more active than the parent hexapeptide and SP-OCH3 at NK-1 receptors. It is concluded that for activity at NK-1 receptors methionine can be replaced by gamma-t-butyl glutamate without loss of activity, whilst at NK-2 and NK-3 receptors the above substitution increases the activity of [Orn6]-SP6-11. Other gamma-alkyl esters of the glutamic acid reduce its biological activity.


Dietary calcium salts as protective agents and laminin P1 as a biochemical marker in chemically induced colon carcinogenesis in rats.
To evaluate the protective effect of different calcium forms against colon carcinogenesis, Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet (24%) were supplemented with different chemical forms of dietary calcium and were intrarectally instilled with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU). Supplemental calcium was administered at 1.5% mineral (w/w of total diet) complexed with either carbonate, gluconate, or lactate in Groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The tumor incidence of colon cancer was compared with a control group (Group 1), fed the same diet without supplemental calcium. Colon carcinoma incidence was 31, 33, 13, and 7% in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Calcium had a significant protective effect against carcinogenesis, and the maximum protective effect was observed with gluconate and lactate forms. Laminin P1 blood level was measured as a tumor marker. Laminin P1 results were compared with the reference group (Group T), fed a standard diet and not NMU instilled. The serum laminin P1 level was significantly higher (p = 0.0001) in NMU-instilled Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 (0.24 +/- 0.03, 0.93 +/- 1.43, 0.84 +/- 1.33, and 0.41 +/- 0.34 mU/ml respectively) than in the Reference Group T (0.10 +/- 0.05 mU/ml).


Impact of breast surgery on survival in patients with distant metastases at initial presentation: a systematic review of the literature.
According to current treatment standards, patients with metastatic breast cancer at diagnosis receive palliative therapy. Local treatment of the breast is only recommended if the primary tumor is symptomatic. Recent studies suggest that surgical removal of the primary tumor has a favorable impact on the prognosis of patients with primary metastatic breast cancer. We performed a systematic review of the literature to weigh the evidence for and against breast surgery in this patient group. Ten retrospective studies were found in which the use of breast surgery in primary metastatic breast cancer and its impact on survival was examined. The hazard ratios of the studies were pooled to provide an estimate of the overall effect of surgery, and the results and conclusions of the studies were analyzed. A crude analysis, without adjustment for potential confounders, showed that surgical removal of the breast lesion in stage-IV disease was associated with a significantly higher overall survival rate in seven of the ten studies, and a trend toward a better survival in the three remaining studies. Surgery of the primary tumor appeared to be an independent factor for an improved survival in the multivariate analyses from the individual studies, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.47 to 0.71. The pooled hazard ratio for overall mortality was 0.65 (95% CI 0.59-0.72) in favor of the patients undergoing surgery. This systematic review of the literature suggests that surgery of the primary breast tumor in patients with stage-IV disease at initial presentation does have a positive impact on survival. In order to provide a definite answer on whether local tumor control in patients with primary metastatic disease improves survival, a randomized controlled trial comparing systemic therapy with and without breast surgery is needed.


Digital medicines for adherence support: A conceptual framework and qualitative study of adherence among chronically ill patients.
Digital medicine programs (DMPs) are emerging technologies that use sensor-enabled medicine to detect when patients have taken their medication and then provide feedback about adherence. We use qualitative methods to understand how patients change their behavioral patterns while participating in a DMP intervention. An influence diagram outlining the factors hypothesized to affect adherence in DMPs constructed from prior scientific research and expert input was created. Subsequently, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 patients to see if their experience supported the relationships outlined in the model. We identified three pathways by which DMPs are likely to change behavior around medication adherence: (1) providing patients and providers with accurate, personalized information about adherence; (2) improving patient-provider interactions by structuring them around this information; and (3) facilitating routines and habits for medication use. Chronically ill patients often fail to adhere to drug regimens. Patients in a DMP intervention used the DMP-provided information to better understand drug efficacy and collaborated with their physician to develop adherence strategies. DMPs can promote medication adherence among patients who are willing to use them and may be most effective if physicians are active partners in the DMP.


Preoperative continuation of aspirin administration in patients undergoing major abdominal malignancy surgery.
In contrast to that in a nonoperative setting, it has been shown that perioperative administration of aspirin did not decrease the rate of death or myocardial infarction but increased major bleeding risk. Since these conflicting results might be due to concurrent use of anticoagulants and a lower thrombotic risk of patients, this cohort study was carried out for patients at a high thrombotic risk without concurrent use of anticoagulants. Medical records for patients who underwent major abdominal malignancy surgery and who were on a preoperative antiplatelet regimen were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to perioperative antiplatelet management: administration of all preoperative antiplatelet agent-suspended (no aspirin) group and only aspirin administration-continued (aspirin) group. The incidence of symptomatic thromboembolic events, frequency of exogenous blood transfusion within 30 days after surgery and the amount of intraoperative bleeding were compared between the two groups. After propensity score matching, 105 patients of each group were matched. The incidence of perioperative thromboembolic events in the no-aspirin group was significantly higher than that in the aspirin group [7/105 (6.7%) vs 0/105 (0%), 95% CI 1.44-∞, P = 0.016]. In contrast, neither the frequency of exogenous transfusion [21.0% vs 11.4%, 95% CI 0.88-4.38 P = 0.110] nor the amount of intraoperative bleeding [median (interquartile range), ml: 230 (70-500) vs 208 (50-500), P = 0.325] was different between the two groups. Although the sample size is relatively small, our findings suggest that continuation of aspirin administration is likely to reduce the thrombotic risk but unlikely to increase the bleeding risk of patients who undergo major abdominal surgery for malignancy.


The impact of the duration of mechanical ventilation on the respiratory outcome in smokers undergoing cardiac surgery.
To determine the impact of the duration of mechanical ventilation on the rate of pulmonary complications in smokers undergoing cardiac surgery. Retrospective analysis of 2163 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery between September 1993 and August 1999. Based on a 3-month preoperative smoking cessation, patients were classified as smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. Their postoperative pulmonary complications were compared and related to the duration of mechanical ventilation. Postoperative pulmonary complications were twice as common in smokers (29.5%) as non-smokers (13.6%) and ex-smokers (14.7%). Although smokers required a longer duration of mechanical ventilation, this was not statistically significant. Smokers had a higher rate of increase in postoperative pulmonary complications beyond 6 h of mechanical ventilation (P<0.002). Prolonged mechanical ventilation in active smokers undergoing cardiac surgery is associated with a significant increase in the respiratory morbidity. Surgical strategies that allow early extubation may improve the respiratory outcome in smokers.


Development and applications of the heterostructures synthesis based on CdS nanowires.
Semiconducting nanowire heterostructures are of particular interest because of their fascinating properties and potential applications in the field of nanoscale science. CdS, with a direct bandgap of 2.42 eV, is considered to be an excellent material for various optoelectronic applications in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. On account of this, the diverse heterostructures based on CdS nanowires have drawn great attention owing to their novel properties. Here, we focus on recent routes used to synthesize diverse heterostructures based on CdS nanowires and the emergent properties of the one-dimensional nanowires heterostructures, and discuss their potential applicability in different fields. In particular, the mechanisms of various synthetic methods for the heterostructure based on the CdS nanowires are discussed detailedly.


Whole-Genome Sequencing of Nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica Isolates Obtained from Various Meat Types in Ghana.
Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 16 nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica isolates obtained from locally produced meats in Tamale, Ghana, which are commonly consumed by most natives as an important protein source. The draft genomes will help provide a molecular snapshot of Salmonella enterica isolates found in these retail meats in Tamale.


Development of albumin microspheres containing Sp H1-DNA complexes: a novel gene delivery system.
This study investigated the stability and transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA (pDNA) and sea urchin sperm histone H1 (Sp H1) complexes embedded in albumin microsphere formulations. Sp H1 increased the stability and transfection efficiency of pDNA, while providing a favourable sustained pDNA release profile. Encapsulating Sp H1-complexed pDNA into albumin microspheres further protected the pDNA from physical stress and heparin treatment. When compared with free pDNA encapsulated in albumin microspheres, the Sp H1-pDNA microsphere formulations exhibited decreased hydrophilicity, slower pDNA release profiles, protection against heparin-induced degradation of embedded pDNA and increased stability against physical stress. These results indicate that complex formation of pDNA with Sp H1 facilitates intracellular DNA transfer and that albumin microspheres-Sp H1-pDNA gene delivery formulations are suitable for controlled-release delivery of pDNA while offering protection of the pDNA from degradation and maintaining pDNA biological activity.


The endocytic uptake pathways of targeted toxins are influenced by synergistically acting Gypsophila saponins.
The expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is upregulated in many human tumors. We developed the targeted toxin SE, consisting of the plant toxin saporin-3 and human EGF. The cytotoxic effect of SE drastically increases in a synergistic manner by a combined treatment with Saponinum album (Spn), a saponin composite from Gypsophila paniculata L. Here we analyzed which endocytic pathways are involved in the uptake of SE and which are mandatory for the Spn-mediated enhancement. We treated HER14 cells (NIH-3T3 cells transfected with human EGF receptor) with either chlorpromazine, dynasore, latrunculin A, chloroquine, bafilomycin A1 or filipin and analyzed the effect on the cytotoxicity of SE alone or in combination with Spn. We demonstrated that SE in combination with Spn enters cells via clathrin- and actin-dependent pathways and the acidification of the endosomes after endocytosis is relevant for the cytotoxicity of SE. Notably, our data suggest that SE without Spn follows a different endocytic uptake pathway. SE cytotoxicity is independent of blocking of clathrin or actin, and the decrease in endosomal pH is irrelevant for SE cytotoxicity. Furthermore, Spn has no influence on the retrograde transport. This work is important for the better understanding of the underlying mechanism of Spn-enhanced cytotoxicity and helps to describe the role of Spn better.


A fine structural analysis of the epidermis of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L.
A fine structural analysis of the cuticle, epidermal epithelium, and underlying fibrous tissue of the earthworm is presented. The extreme scarcity or absence of fibroblasts in this animal is pointed out. This finding is further evidence for the epithelial origin of the cuticular fibers, and suggests that at least some of the collagenous connective tissue fibers in the interior of this animal are epithelial in origin. The junctional specializations that unite epithelial cells in the epidermis and intestine are described. Of special interest is the fact that the septate desmosome rather than the tight junction is found in these epithelia. It is shown that the septa are not extensions of the plasma membrane across the intercellular gap. Finally, the nature of the small ellipsoidal bodies that are embedded in the outer layer of the cuticle is discussed.


Pulmonary gas exchange during exercise in patients with chronic obliterative pulmonary hypertension.
The effect of exercise on pulmonary gas exchange was investigated in 7 patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting from primary pulmonary hypertension or recurrent pulmonary emboli. During supine bicycle exercise averaging 2.4 times baseline O2 consumption there was a significant fall in the arterial PO2 (64 +/- 1.1 to 56 +/- 5.4) and widening of the alveolar-arterial gradient for O2 (50 +/- 4.6 to 62 +/- 5.5). Measurement of the distribution of ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) ratios by the multiple inert gas technique demonstrated no increase in VA/Q inequality. The increased hypoxemia was due to the fall in the mixed venous PO2 and its impact on the end-capillary blood of the shunt and low VA/Q units present at both rest and exercise. A concomitant shift in the mean VA/Q ratio for the normal lung units mitigated but could not eliminate the fall in the arterial PO2. We conclude that the increased hypoxemia seen during exercise in these patients is due to the widened arterial-venous O2 difference expected with exercise and its effect on the mild VA/Q inequality characteristic of this disorder.


A single-institution review of image-guided brachytherapy for vaginal malignancies using customized molded applicators and interstitial needles.
To review a single-institution's pattern of practice, dosimetry results, and clinical outcomes for patients with unresectable malignancies of vagina, vulva, or urethra, receiving brachytherapy using customized vaginal moulds with or without interstitial needles. Twenty-one consecutive patients were reviewed. Patients were treated using customized moulds with or without interstitial needles, implanted with a free-hand technique. Technical implementation, such as type of implant and imaging used were recorded. D90 and D98 of clinical target volume (CTV), D0.1cc of urethra, and D2cc and D0.1cc of bladder and rectum were analyzed. Any adverse clinical outcomes were reported. Eleven patients experienced endometrial cancer recurrences, one a cervical cancer recurrence and nine vaginal or peri-urethral primary disease. After a median follow-up of 3.5 years, local control was achieved in 14 patients (67%). Median D98 and D90 to CTV was 73.7 Gy and 78.3 Gy, respectively. One patient died from disease progression, one developed distant metastasis, and seven failed locally. Median D2cc to bladder was 64.8 Gy, with low-grade toxicity reported. Median D2cc to rectum was 62.9 Gy, with low-grade toxicity and one case of rectal proctitis was observed. Median urethral D0.1cc was 66 Gy, with no toxicity reported. One patient suffered from a sacral insufficiency fracture. It was presumed that vaginal mucosa proximal to CTV received the total dose, with two patients developing vaginal ulcers, which both resolved; 10 patients reported mild telangiectasia, fibrosis, or stenosis. A review of patients treated with a customized vaginal mould and interstitial needles showed acceptable doses to CTV, with local control achieved in 67% of patients, and reasonable doses to organs at risk (OARs) and acceptable toxicity.


[Abdominal compression as a method of resuscitation and assisted circulation].
Experiments on animals have been carried out to investigate the hemodynamic changes during manual abdominal compression (AC) under conditions of heart fibrillation and acute heart failure. The possibility to increase the efficacy of left ventricular bypass (LVB) has been studied. Manual AC enhanced the pressure and blood flow in low-pressure compartments and increased aortic systolic and diastolic pressure. It has been also noted that LVB efficacy was increased in simultaneous assisted perfusion and abdominal compression. The first clinical data confirm the experimental findings.


Percutaneous retrieval of a Wallstent from the pulmonary artery following stent migration from the iliac vein.
Wallstents are being used increasingly in conjunction with balloon dilatation for treatment of iliac vein stenosis. Stent misplacement or migration is a complication of the procedure, and may be symptomatic and warrant repositioning or removal. We report the case of a patient whose iliac vein stenosis was managed with two overlapping Wallstents and was complicated by embolization of one stent into the right ventricle (RV) and the other to the pulmonary artery (PA). This article illustrates percutaneous endovascular removal of a migrated stent from the PA using a jugular and femoral approach.


Using an Automated Speech Recognition Approach to Differentiate Between Normal and Aspirating Swallowing Sounds Recorded from Digital Cervical Auscultation in Children.
Use of machine learning to accurately detect aspirating swallowing sounds in children is an evolving field. Previously reported classifiers for the detection of aspirating swallowing sounds in children have reported sensitivities between 79 and 89%. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of using an automatic speaker recognition approach to differentiate between normal and aspirating swallowing sounds recorded from digital cervical auscultation in children. We analysed 106 normal swallows from 23 healthy children (median 13 months; 52.1% male) and 18 aspirating swallows from 18 children (median 10.5 months; 61.1% male) who underwent concurrent videofluoroscopic swallow studies with digital cervical auscultation. All swallowing sounds were on thin fluids. A support vector machine classifier with a polynomial kernel was trained on feature vectors that comprised the mean and standard deviation of spectral subband centroids extracted from each swallowing sound in the training set. The trained support vector machine was then used to classify swallowing sounds in the test set. We found high accuracy in the differentiation of aspirating and normal swallowing sounds with 98% overall accuracy. Sensitivity for the detection of aspiration and normal swallowing sounds were 89% and 100%, respectively. There were consistent differences in time, power spectral density and spectral subband centroid features between aspirating and normal swallowing sounds in children. This study provides preliminary research evidence that aspirating and normal swallowing sounds in children can be differentiated accurately using machine learning techniques.


Preparation of characterization of poly(ethylene glycol) vinyl sulfone.
Synthesis of the vinyl sulfone and chloroethyl sulfone derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is described. The chloroethyl sulfone (CES-PEG) is rapidly converted to the vinyl sulfone (VS-PEG) in the presence of base but is stable in water at neutral pH. Reactions with small molecules such as beta-mercaptoethanol and N alpha-acetyllysine show that the vinyl sulfone derivative is highly selective for reaction with sulfhydryl groups relative to reaction with amino groups. Also, VS-PEG is stable in water. These properties indicate that VS-PEG should be useful for selective attachment of PEG to protein cysteine groups. This hypothesis was verified by reacting VS-PEG with cysteine groups of reduced ribonuclease (RNase); the reaction is rapid and selective at pH 7-9. Reaction at lysine sites of unreduced RNase occurs slowly at pH 9.3 and is essentially complete after 100 h. Amino acid residues other than lysine and cysteine are not reactive toward VS-PEG. The covalent linkage between VS-PEG and lysine or cysteine groups is shown to be stable.


Prognostic value of histopathological tumour growth patterns at the invasion front of T1G3 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
The course of non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (BC) staged T1G3 is hardly predictable and treatment is subject of intensive debate. In muscle-invasive BC, the infiltrative growth pattern at the tumour invasion front was able to predict patients' survival, in contrast to the nodular and trabecular growth pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate this aspect in a series of primary T1G3 BC. The clinical and histopathological characteristics of patients with initial T1G3 BC treated between 1990 and 2007 at a single institute were retrospectively analysed. After independent blinded reassessment by two uropathologists, 205 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 6.7 years (range 0.4-13.2 years). All patients underwent transurethral resection of the bladder and opted for either initial cystectomy (19%) or repeat resection followed by adjuvant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation therapy (81%). In total, 34% of patients were cystectomized. The most common invasion subtype was nodular (43.9%), followed by infiltrative (42.0%) and trabecular (14.1%) growth patterns. Progression and recurrence-free survival did not differ. However, cancer-specific survival rate was statistically significantly worse in infiltrative (59.3%) than in nodular (91.1%) and trabecular (86.2%) subtypes. These results were detected in the patient subgroups with initial radical cystectomy (p<0.01) and a primary bladder-sparing approach (p=0.02). In multivariate analysis of cancer-specific survival, carcinoma in situ and growth pattern showed statistical significance. Tumour invasion pattern may be a strong predictor of cancer-specific survival and should be considered in counselling patients in selecting appropriate therapy for T1G3 BC.


On the Image Sensor Processing for Lane Detection and Control in Vehicle Lane Keeping Systems.
Lane keeping systems for a keeping a vehicle in the desired lane is key to advanced driving assistance system in autonomous vehicles. This paper presents a cost-effective image sensor with efficient processing algorithm for lane detection and lane control applications to autonomous delivery systems. The algorithm includes (1) lane detection by inverse perspective mapping and random sample consensus parabola fitting and (2) lane control by pure pursuit steering controller and classical proportional integral speed controller based on a nonholonomic kinematic model. The image sensor experiments conducted on a 1/10 scale model car maneuvering in a straight⁻curve⁻straight lane validate the better processing performance before, during, and after the turning section over previous work. The image sensor with the processing algorithm achieves the average lane detection error within 5% and maximum cross-track error within 9% in real-time. The development shall pave the way to cost-effective autonomous delivery systems.


Enhancing Neurosurgical Education in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Current Methods and New Advances.
Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a critical shortage of basic surgical services. Adequate neurosurgical services can have a far-reaching positive impact on society's health care and, consequently, the economic development in LMICs. Yet surgery, and specifically neurosurgery has been a long neglected sector of global health. This article reviews the current efforts to enhance neurosurgery education in LMICs and outlines ongoing approaches for improvement. In addition, we introduce the concept of a sustainable and cost-effective model to enhance neurosurgical resources in LMICs and describe the process and methods of online curriculum development.


Free living energy expenditure in post menopausal women before and after exercise training.
The aim of the study was to determine the effects of 8 weeks of moderate exercise training, on 24-hour free living energy expenditure in previously sedentary post-menopausal women. The experimental group (EX) included 9 women. Ten non-exercising control subjects (CON) were recruited to undergo pre- and post-testing. Estimated total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), total 24-hour heart beats (HB), total energy intake (TEI), resting metabolic rate, maximal oxygen consumption (VáO2max), body composition, and submaximal heart rate were measured before and after the exercise intervention. Body composition did not change (body fat % in CON 34.0 +/- 4.0% vs. 33.9 +/- 3.6% and EX 34.1 +/- 4.0% vs. 34.0 +/- 3.4%). Mean submaximal heart rate during steady-state exercise in EX was lower after training compared to CON (p < .05); however, VáO2max did not increase significantly (CON 1.96 +/- 0.23 vs. 1.99 +/- 0.24 l L O2/min and EX 1.86 +/- 0.39 vs. 1.94 +/- 0.30 L O2/min). Neither estimated TDEE (CON, 11.6 +/- 2.0 vs. 11.4 +/- 2.78 MJ; and EX 11.4 +/- 3.3 vs. 11.5 +/- 2.5 MJ, pre vs. post, respectively), RMR (CON 134.2 +/- 9.4 vs. 136.9 +/- 15.0 KJ/kgFFM/day, and EX 138.4 +/- 6.4 vs. 140.7 +/- 14.2 KJ/kgFFM/day, pre vs. post, respectively), TEI (CON 7.9 +/- 2.2 vs. 8.2 +/- 2.5 MJ, and EX 9.4 +/-1.6 vs. 8.3 +/- 2.8 MJ), nor HB (CON 110,808 +/- 12,574 vs. 107,366 +/- 12,864 beats, and EX 110,188 +/- 9,219 vs. 114,590 +/- 12,750 beats) change over 8 weeks in either group. These data suggest that a moderate exercise program may not impact on TDEE, RMR, TEI, or HB in previously sedentary, older women.


[Isolation of the bacteria Ureaplasma sp. in the reproductive tract of milking cows in Costa Rica].
This is the first report of Ureaplasma sp. from the reproductive tract of Costa Rican cows. Among 204 animals sampled from 11 dairy farms in the country's Central Plateau, the infection rate was 0-71%. Isolation was more frequent in vulvo-vestibular (38.7%) than in cervical swabs (23%). Ureaplasma was correlated with clinical granular vulvitis symptoms.


Congener-specific determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in shark and grouper livers from the northwest African Atlantic Ocean.
Concentrations of 24 individual PCB congeners have been measured in livers of groupers (Epinephelus marginatus) and eight shark species (Centroscymnus coelolepis, Centrophorus squamosus, Dalatias licha, Hydrolagus affinis, Deania profundorum, Centroscymnus cryptacanthus, Etmopterus princeps, Deania histricosa) collected between 1994 and 1995 from the northwest African Atlantic Ocean. The concentration range of the total PCBs was 39.4-4,723 ng/g (wet weight). The TEQs found were between 0.15 and 197 pg/g (wet weight). Analysis has revealed differences in PCB content and PCB profiles among the eight shark and grouper species. The location and depth at which the shark lives and the liver lipid content were related with their PCB liver concentrations. The PCB profiles were dominated by congeners 138 and 153, and among the most toxic congeners the order of abundance was PCB 77 > 126 > 169. Chiral PCBs 95, 132, 136, 149, and 174 were found to be racemic or nearly racemic in almost all the groupers (E. marginatus) studied. The PCB profiles of shark species and groupers were compared by principal component analysis. Samples were separated into groups according their trophic levels and geographical variations.


Decree No. 39-88, 25 March 1988.
This Decree declares the preservation of forests, reforestation, and the protection of drainage areas of rivers, lakes, and lagoons to be of national interest to Honduras. It requires the Executive to review contracts and authorizations for cutting wood in the 90 days after approval of the Decree and establishes a National Commission for the Preservation of Forests, Reforestation, and the Protection of the Drainage Areas of Rivers, Lakes, and Lagoons, composed of representatives of various agencies.


Homogeneous and Nanoparticle Gold-Catalyzed Hydrothiocyanation of Haloalkynes.
The first homogeneous and heterogeneous nanoparticle gold-catalyzed addition of sulfur nucleophiles to alkynes was developed. More specifically, gold-catalyzed hydrothiocyanation of haloalkynes gave good yields and good stereoselectivity of vinyl thiocyanates. Furthermore, a sulfur-based gold catalyst (PPh3AuSCN) has shown a unique reactivity in gold-catalyzed reactions such as the cyclization of N-propargylic amides.


Office-based global cardiometabolic risk assessment: a simple tool incorporating nontraditional markers.
To facilitate comprehensive cardiometabolic risk assessment, we developed a simple 12-point checklist of traditional and emerging risk factors. We recently analyzed data from the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 22 (PROVE IT-TIMI 22) trial of 4162 high-risk patients hospitalized with recent acute coronary syndrome, and found that an increasing cardiometabolic risk factor count was associated with increasing risk of cardiovascular events over the next 2 years. In addition, we observed that the average number of risk factors a given patient had was 5, with some risk factors like obesity having clustering of additional risk factors, suggesting the need to assess the full list of risk factors to be able to provide comprehensive risk factor assessment and modification. We now have developed a 1-page patient encounter sheet to facilitate rapid assessment of these 12 cardiometabolic risk factors in a busy clinical office setting. It is hoped that with the simple risk assessment tool provided, clinicians would be able to comprehensively screen for and treat these traditional and nontraditional risk markers. As such, this could motivate both patients and physicians to work jointly toward reducing global cardiometabolic risk.


Nano-BaSO4: a novel antimicrobial additive to pellethane.
Hospital-acquired infections remain a costly clinical problem. Barium sulfate (BaSO4, in micron particulate form) is a common radiopacifying agent that is added to catheters and endotracheal tubes. Due to the recently observed ability of nanostructured surface features to decrease functions of bacteria without the aid of antibiotics, the objective of this in vitro study was to incorporate nano-barium sulfate into pellethane and determine the antimicrobial properties of the resulting composites. The results demonstrated for the first time that the incorporation of nano-barium sulfate into pellethane enhanced antimicrobial properties (using Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) compared to currently used pellethane; properties that warrant further investigation for a wide range of clinical applications.


Structural organization and expression of human MTUS1, a candidate 8p22 tumor suppressor gene encoding a family of angiotensin II AT2 receptor-interacting proteins, ATIP.
The Mitochondrial Tumor suppressor 1 (MTUS1) gene is a newly identified candidate tumor suppressor gene at chromosomal position 8p22. We report here that MTUS1 encodes a family of proteins whose leader member (ATIP1) was previously isolated in our laboratory as a novel interacting partner of the angiotensin II AT2 receptor involved in growth inhibition (Nouet, JBC 279: 28989-97, 2004). The MTUS1 gene contains 17 coding exons distributed over 112 kb of genomic DNA. Alternative exon usage generates three major transcripts (ATIP1, ATIP3 and ATIP4), each showing different tissue distribution. ATIP polypeptides are identical in their carboxy-terminal region carrying four coiled-coil domains. In their amino-terminal portion, ATIP polypeptides exhibit distinct motifs for localisation in the cytosol, nucleus or cell membrane, suggesting that MTUS1 gene products may be involved in a variety of intracellular functions in an AT2-dependent and independent manner. ATIP1 is ubiquitous and highly expressed in the brain. ATIP3 is the major transcript in tissues (prostate, bladder, breast, ovary, colon) corresponding to cancer types with frequent loss of heterozygosity at 8p22. Interestingly, ATIP4 is a brain-specific transcript highly abundant in the cerebellum and fetal brain. High evolutionary conservation of ATIP amino-acid sequences suggests important biological roles for this new family of proteins in tumor suppression and/or brain function.


Demographic characteristics and types of stroke in Southwestern Saudi Arabia, and the potential demand of neuro endovascular specialists.
To identify demographic characteristics, and types of stroke in Southwestern (Aseer) Region, Saudi Arabia. This study is a retrospective and hospital-based. The data of all stroke patients (n=562) admitted to the tertiary care hospital in the province, Aseer Central Hospital (ACH) within the period from January 2016 until December 2017 are included. The mean ± SD of stoke patients' age was 62.6 ± 17.0 years. Male patients were more than female patients (62.6% and 37.4%, respectively). The majority (93.2%) were Saudi, while 91.5% had below university education and 6.4% were smokers. Interestingly, only 2% of patients had a family history of stroke, while 68.1% were diabetic, 80.4% were hypertensive, 91.6% had high serum cholesterol level, and 10.7% had history of transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Despite the lack of awareness, and leading to delay in reaching health care facility, 58.1% of stroke patients, were arriving to emergency department (ED) in less than 24 hours (potential endovascular therapeutic window). In Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, stroke affects mainly those who are older, less educated, diabetic, hypertensive, with hypercholesterolemia and previous history of TIA. Associated factors for stroke differ significantly according to their nationality.


Phosphatidylserine exposure in B lymphocytes: a role for lipid packing.
Plasma membrane lipids are usually distributed asymmetrically, with phosphatidylserine (PS) confined to the inner leaflet. PS exposure at the outer leaflet occurs early in apoptosis, but it is also constitutive on some nonapoptotic cell populations where it plays a role in cell signaling. How PS is transported ("flopped") to the cell surface is unknown. Contrary to previous reports that normal murine B lymphocytes lack lipid asymmetry, we show that PS is normally restricted to the inner leaflet of these cells. PS exposure on normal B cells did, however, occur spontaneously ex vivo. Consistent with the hypothesis that loss of PS asymmetry is regulated by CD45, PS is constitutively exposed on viable, CD45-deficient B cells. We show that calcium-stimulated PS exposure in B cells is strain variable, ABCA1 independent, and both preceded by and dependent on a decrease in lipid packing. This decrease in lipid packing is concomitant with cell shrinkage and consequent membrane distortion, both of which are potently inhibited by blockers of volume-regulatory K+ and Cl- ion channels. Thus, changes in plasma membrane organization precede PS translocation. The data suggest a model in which PS redistribution may occur by a translocase-independent mechanism at energetically favorable sites of membrane perturbation where lipid packing is decreased.


The molecular anatomy of dynein.
Recent molecular, genetic and functional studies have led to an unparalleled growth in our understanding of dynein and the roles played by the various polypeptides of these massive macromolecular assemblies. Dyneins are highly complex 1-2MDa complexes that function as molecular motor and move the cargo to which they are attached towards the minus-end of a microtubule. Dynein motor function is a property of the heavy chains, whereas the intermediate chains are involved in attachment to the appropriate cargo. In order for useful work to be obtained, motor and cargo-binding activities must be tightly controlled. Current data suggest that this is the role played by certain accessory light-chain proteins. The LC8 is highly conserved and found in many enzyme systems. This protein is essential in multicellular organisms. The dynein light chains Tctex1 and Tctex2 have been implicated in the non-Mendelian transmission of variant forms of mouse chromosome 17.


[Evaluation of liaison-clinical pathway for patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant therapy after curative operation--data from questionnaire survey of 56 clinics and 105 patients].
To evaluate the liaison-clinical pathway for patients with breast cancer introduced since May 2008, the data from a questionnaires survey of 56 clinics and 105 patients were reviewed. Half of the clinics specialized in internal medicine. 93% of physicians recognized the utility of the pathway while 24% made the most of the pathway. About 40% of the clinics wished to enlarge both the patient number and treatment materials. Half of the patients were employed. 55% of patients valued the pathway as helpful. And 29% of patients used the patient booklet at all times. 8% of patients replied they had complaints went to clinics. There has been no serious problem in using the pathway. Countermeasures to electronic health records in clinics, and responses to requests from each patient will be needed.


The Hippo Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic β-Cells: Functions and Regulations.
Hippo signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that critically regulates development and homeostasis of various tissues in response to a wide range of extracellular and intracellular signals. As an emerging important player in many diseases, the Hippo pathway is also involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes on the level of the pancreatic islets. Multiple lines of evidence uncover the importance of Hippo signaling in pancreas development as well as in the regulation of β-cell survival, proliferation, and regeneration. Hippo therefore represents a potential target for therapeutic agents designed to improve β-cell function and survival in diabetes. In this review, we summarize recent data on the regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway in the pancreas/in pancreatic islets, its functions on β-cell homeostasis in physiology and pathophysiology, and its contribution toward diabetes progression. The current knowledge related to general mechanisms of action and the possibility of exploiting the Hippo pathway for therapeutic approaches to block β-cell failure in diabetes is highlighted.


Near-field effects in Green's function retrieval from cross-correlation of elastic fields: experimental study with application to elastography.
In a lossless system, the causal and acausal Green's function for elastic waves can be retrieved by cross-correlating the elastic field at two positions. This field, composed of converging and diverging waves, is interpreted in the frame of a time-reversal process. In this work, the near-field effects on the spatio-temporal focusing of elastic waves are analyzed through the elastodynamic Green's function. Contrary to the scalar field case, the spatial focusing is not symmetric preserving the directivity pattern of a simple source. One important feature of the spatial asymmetry is its dependency on the Poisson ratio of the solid. Additionally, it is shown that the retrieval of the bulk wave speed values is affected by diffraction. The correction factor depends on the relative direction between the source and the observed field. Experimental verification of the analysis is carried out on the volume of a soft-solid. A low-frequency diffuse-like field is generated by random impacts at the sample's free surface. The displacement field is imaged using ultrasound by a standard speckle tracking technique. One important application of this work is in the estimation of the shear elastic modulus in soft biological tissues, whose quantification can be useful in non-invasive diagnosis of various diseases.


Rural health career pathways: research themes in recruitment and retention.
This paper describes stages in the research literature related to recruitment and retention of health professionals to rural health careers. Electronic databases accessed included Medline, CINAHL, Social Sciences and Humanities. Key search terms included 'high school', 'career choices', 'rural', 'attachment', 'recruitment' and 'retention'. We identified four stages: (1) making career choices; (2) being attached to place; (3) taking up rural practice; and (4) remaining in rural practice. This is termed the 'rural pipeline'. However, as some stages of the 'rural pipeline' refer specifically to the medical profession, we propose an extension of the notion of the medical 'rural pipeline' to include other professions such as nursing, midwifery and allied health. CONCLUSIONS. Utilising the 'rural pipeline' as a template for medicine, nursing and allied health would strengthen current approaches to the recruitment and retention of professionals in rural areas and provide a consolidated evidence base that would assist in policy development to improve availability and service provision of the rural health workforce. Future research that utilises a multidisciplinary approach could explore how the role and relationship between place and identity shape needs of career choices and would provide important information to advance the practical aspects supporting rural health career pathways.


Senecavirus a 3D Interacts with NLRP3 to Induce IL-1β Production by Activating NF-κB and Ion Channel Signals.
Senecavirus A (SVA) infection induces inflammation in animals, such as fever, diarrhea, vesicles and erosions, and even death. The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) plays a pivotal role in inflammatory responses to combat microbes. Although SVA infection can produce inflammatory clinical symptoms, the modulation of IL-1β production by SVA infection remains unknown at present. Here, both in vitro and in vivo, SVA robustly induced IL-1β production in macrophages and pigs. Infection performed in NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing three (NLRP3) knockdown cells indicated that NLRP3 is essential for SVA-induced IL-1β secretion. Importantly, we identified that the 1 to 154 amino acid (aa) portion of SVA 3D binds to the NLRP3 NACHT domain to activate NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and IL-1β secretion. In addition, the SVA 3D protein interacts with IKKα and IKKβ to induce NF-κB activation, which facilitates pro-IL-1β transcription. Meanwhile, 3D induces p65 nucleus entry. Moreover, SVA 3D induces calcium influx and potassium efflux, which triggers IL-1β secretion. Ion channels might be related to 3D binding with NLRP3, resulting in NLRP3-ASC complex assembly. We found that 3D protein expression induced tissue hemorrhage and swelling in the mice model. Consistently, expression of 3D in mice caused IL-1β maturation and secretion. In the natural host of pigs, we confirmed that 3D also induced IL-1β production. Our data reveal a novel mechanism underlying the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome after SVA 3D expression, which provides clues for controlling pig's inflammation during the SVA infection. IMPORTANCE Inflammation refers to the response of the immune system to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections or other foreign particles in the body, which can involve the production of a wide array of soluble inflammatory mediators. The NLRP3 inflammasome is one of the best-characterized inflammasome leading to IL-1β production and maturation. Senecavirus A (SVA) is an oncolytic virus that can cause fever, vesicles and erosions, severe fatal diarrhea, and even the sudden death of piglets. In this study, we demonstrated that 1 to 154 aa of SVA polymerase protein 3D interacts with the NACHT domain of NLRP3 to induce IL-1β production via the NF-κB signaling pathway and ion channel signal. Our study unveils the mechanism underlying the regulation of inflammasome assembly and production of IL-1β in response to SVA infection that will help better understand the modulation of host inflammation in pathogens invasion and development of the vaccine.


Determination of itraconazole and its photodegradation products with kinetic evaluation by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.
A simple and reproducible UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of itraconazole (ITZ) and its photodegradation products formed during exposure to UV-A radiation was developed. Chromatographic separations were carried out using an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm particle size). The column was maintained at 40°C, and eluted under gradient conditions from 100% to 50% of eluent A over 13 min, at a flow rate of 0.3 mL min-1 . Eluent A was 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water; eluent B was 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile. The linear regression analysis for the calibration curve showed a good linear correlation over the concentration range 0.0066-0.15 mg mL-1 with determination coefficient > 0.99. The activities of some photocatalysts during degradation process of ITZ were compared. It was found that indirect photodegradation of ITZ was more effective than direct photolysis. Under our experimental conditions the photodegradation rate constant depended on the applied catalysts with catalytic activity decreasing in the following pattern: FeCl3 > TiO2 /FeCl3 > TiO2 . The kinetic analysis of the photodegradation data revealed that the degradation of the ITZ follows first-order kinetics. The photodegradation products of ITZ were identified, and their fragmentation pathways, derived from MS/MS data, were proposed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


The electric generator in photosynthesis of green plants. I. Vectorial and protolytic properties of the electron transport chain.
Light induces the generation of an electrochemical potential difference across the functional membrane of photosynthesis of green plants. Experimental results on the electrochemical phenomena have been largely interpreted in terms of a vectorial alternating electron hydrogen transport system as originally hypothesized by Mitchell. We asked whether or not the reaction coordinate of the electron transport crosses the membrane, and whether or not the protolytic reactions at either side of the membrane can be understood from the protolytic properties of the redox components involved. For this we studied the flash-light-induced protolytic reactions in the outer and the inner aqueous phase of the chloroplast inner disk membranes. Four sites of protolytic reactions were identified, two at either side of the membrane. One of these sites had to be attributed to the reduction of the terminal electron acceptor at the outer side of the membrane. Evidence is presented for the coupling of the other sites to the oxidation of water at the inner side of the membrane, to the reduction of plastoquinone at the outer side and its oxidation at the inner side, respectively. These results support Mitchell's hypothesis for the generation of an electrochemical potential difference by a vectorial electron transport system.


Multiple risk expert systems interventions: impact of simultaneous stage-matched expert system interventions for smoking, high-fat diet, and sun exposure in a population of parents.
Three stage-based expert system interventions for smoking, high-fat diet, and unsafe sun exposure were evaluated in a sample of 2,460 parents of teenagers. Eighty-four percent of the eligible parents were enrolled in a 2-arm randomized control trial, with the treatment group receiving individualized feedback reports for each of their relevant behaviors at 0, 6, and 12 months as well as a multiple behavior manual. At 24 months, the expert system outperformed the comparison condition across all 3 risk behaviors, resulting in 22% of the participants in action or maintenance for smoking (vs. 16% for the comparison condition), 34% for diet (vs. 26%), and 30% for sun exposure (vs. 22%). Proactive, home-based, and stage-matched expert systems can produce significant multiple behavior changes in at-risk populations where the majority of participants are not prepared to change.


The effects of a high carbohydrate diet on cortisol and salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) during a period of increase exercise workload amongst Olympic and Ironman triathletes.
The present study observed the effects of a 6-day high carbohydrate (H-CHO) diet on salivary cortisol and IgA during a period of increased exercise workload. Thirty-two competitively trained male triathletes were randomly allocated into a self-selected (SS), or an H-CHO (12 g CHO kgbm (-1) . day (-1)) dietary group. In addition to their training regimes, all subjects performed a 1-hour running exercise bout at 70 % V.O (2max) . d (-1), for six days. Saliva samples were taken pre, immediately post, and morning post-exercise bout on days 1, 4, and 6. The concentrations of s-IgA and cortisol were determined by ELISA assays. There was a significant (p < 0.001) interaction between Group x Time for cortisol, with a marked increase in concentrations occurring in the SS dietary group pre to post exercise, and pre to morning post-exercise (p < 0.01). Conversely, a significant (p = 0.009) Group x Time interaction reflected higher post exercise s-IgA concentrations (p < 0.005) than pre exercise in the H-CHO diet group. Blood glucose concentration decreased pre to post exercise in the SS diet group (p < 0.01), whilst remaining stable in the H-CHO group. It is concluded that the consumption of a high CHO diet throughout a 6-day period of overtraining had a favourable effect on markers of immune activity and thereby reduced the susceptibility of these endurance athletes to upper respiratory tract infection URTI.


[Diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis by culture and Macchiavella's staining technique].
The author modified and tested staining according to Macchiavelli for detection of C. trachomatis in tissue cultures. As compared with IF staining by the monoclonal antibody the author found a high sensitivity (95.7%) and specificity (99.0%) of this method. Giemsa staining evaluated in passing light has a lower sensitivity (85.5%) and lower specificity (94.1%). The advantage of Macchiavelli staining is also the low price of the chemicals used. Imunofluorescent staining with the monoclonal antibody remains also now the reference method and is most reliable. For some materials which are obtained with difficulty (e.g. punctates etc.) the author recommends to use the IF technique.


A comparison of glaucoma patients identified through mass screening and in routine clinical practice.
To study differences between glaucoma patients identified through a population screening and glaucoma patients diagnosed in routine clinical practice (self-selected patients). A total of 402 individuals with newly detected open-angle glaucoma were identified through a large population screening programme that ran from October 1992 to January 1997. The screening programme was attended by a total of 32918 citizens of Malmö, Sweden, aged between 57 and 79 years. Citizens who had visited the Eye Department of Malmö University Hospital in the year before the screening of their birth cohort were not invited to participate (n = 4117). Among the latter, we identified 354 patients with open-angle glaucoma through a retrospective examination of patient records. At detection, 52.9% of the glaucoma patients identified through screening had normal tension glaucoma (NTG), defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) < 21 mmHg in both eyes, compared to 13.5% of the self-selected patients (p < 0.0001). Mean IOP at the time of diagnosis was 22.9 mmHg in the screened group and 32.5 mmHg in the self-selected group. Pseudoexfoliation was present in 16.4% of the screened group and 44.0% of the self-selected group (p < 0.01). Bilateral disease was present in 40.1% of the screened group and 34.6% of the self-selected group (p = 0.1160). Median MD (mean deviation from the age-corrected normal visual field) in the worse eye was -8.0 dB in the screened group and -16.2 dB in the self-selected group (p < 0.0001). Visual acuity was lower in the self-selected group, which was also on average slightly more myopic. Of the patients detected through screening, 62% had seen an ophthalmologist previously, 17% within the preceding 2-year period. Normal tension glaucoma was four times as common in patients identified through population screening as in self-selected patients, suggesting that patients with NTG are easily overlooked in clinical practice. Even though the patients detected through population screening had lower mean IOP, lower prevalence of pseudoexfoliation, better visual fields and a lower incidence of bilateral disease than self-selected patients, many still had considerable damage. Special efforts, such as glaucoma screening, are needed if manifest glaucoma, and especially NTG, is to be detected at an earlier stage than it currently is.


Dead end jobs or a path to economic well being? The consequences of non-standard work among people with disabilities.
How do non-standard jobs affect the economic well-being of workers with disabilities, and what happens when non-standard workers use disability lawsuits to challenge discrimination and improve their economic opportunities? This study uses data from the Current Population Survey, the Survey of Income and Program Participation, and a Lexis search of legal cases to help answer these questions. Temporary employment, independent contracting, and part-time employment are almost twice as likely among workers with disabilities as among those without disabilities. Non-standard workers with disabilities receive lower pay and fewer benefits due both to the types of job they hold, and disability gaps within job types, which contribute to their high poverty rates. They would continue to have high poverty rates even if these pay gaps were eliminated, however, because they work fewer hours than non-standard workers without disabilities and are concentrated in lower-paying occupations. In attempting to improve their opportunities through disability lawsuits, non-standard workers prevail in only a small minority of cases. Several policy implications of the lawsuits and survey data are discussed.


Pigeons' preference for free choice: number of keys versus key area.
In concurrent-chains schedules, pigeons prefer terminal links that provide two keys correlated with reinforcers (free choice) over those that provide only one key (forced choice), terminal-link reinforcement rates being equal. With same-size keys, free choice provides a larger area available for pecking. Preferences were examined using terminal links that differed in key number only (one or two) or key size only (small and medium or medium and large), or that equated the area of the two free-choice keys with that of the forced-choice key. Medium (standard) keys were typically preferred to small keys, but indifference was typically obtained between medium and large keys. The size preference usually overrode free-choice preference with one medium key pitted against two small keys, but free-choice preference was reliably observed with one large key pitted against two medium keys. In other words, preferences were a joint function of key number and key area, implying that free-choice preference is not reducible to preference for larger key areas. Free-choice preference requires separate keys rather than larger areas; the relevant behavioral units are the discriminated operants correlated with each terminal-link key rather than classes defined by topographical features such as area or perimeter.


Microbiologic effects of atmospheric conditions used in operative laparoscopy.
We tested whether the atmospheric conditions used in operative laparoscopy were responsible for its low infection rate. A plexiglass chamber was used to recreate the atmospheric conditions in an operative laparoscopic procedure with CO2 pneumoperitoneum, including a CO2 atmosphere, gas flow and temperature control. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were exposed to this atmosphere and their growth compared to that on control plates exposed to standard culture conditions. The ratio of colony growth on experimental versus control plates was 1.08 +/- 0.19 SD for Staphylococcus and 1.13 +/- 0.66 SD for E coli. We noted no direct inhibitory effect of the pelviscopic atmosphere upon microbiologic growth. The factors responsible for pelviscopy's low infection rate remain obscure.


[Bilateral synchronous adrenal metastasis of renal adenocarcinoma].
Contribution of one case of renal adenocarcinoma with synchronous metastasis in both adrenal glands. Treatment was radical surgery with palliative resolution and steroid replacement therapy. Brief comments on this uncommon clinical situation and review of other author's experience.


The mutation frequency of feline immunodeficiency virus enhanced by 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine.
We have developed a host range system to measure the mutation frequency of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the feline homologue of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). When wild-type FIV was grown in the presence of a known mutagen, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BUdR), a dose-dependent increase of host range mutants was detected. Using this system, we have evaluated the effects of antiviral drugs upon the mutation frequency of FIV. Subinhibitory concentrations of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), the most common antiviral drug used in AIDS chemotherapy, increased the mutation frequency of FIV in a dose-dependent manner. Two other antivirals, 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI) and 2'3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC), did not show this effect.


[Relation of prolactin with nodular hyperplasia and carcinoma of the prostate].
The relationship between prolactin in NH and prostate carcinoma has several aspects: under normal conditions, prolactin enhances androgens output, increasing the Leydig cell susceptibility to LH. At the prostate level, it increases testosterone binding to the prostate epithelium and stimulates the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. On its own, it decreases prostatic protein degradation and increases the DNA synthesis index. With regard to Nodular Hyperplasia, once its hormone dependency is rated, it also appears to be stimulated by high levels of prolactin. The NH cell cultures with human prostate increase their growth, cell division, as well as the DNA synthesis. The aspects of the prolactin-prostate carcinoma interaction involve considering this hormone as a possible carcinogenic agent, emphasizing the existence of high plasma levels of this hormone in individuals with prostate carcinoma, where any androgen excess is considered a major factor at the genesis of this tumour, and prolactin increases indirectly its testicular synthesis. Also, prolactin itself stimulates the growth and development of carcinomatous human cell lines, increasing its effect in the presence of testosterone. For this reason, controlling this hormone levels becomes an element to have into consideration in the treatment and follow-up of these patients; also, the reevaluation of any drug therapy that, besides the initial goal pursued, does not maintain baseline prolactin levels. The association of anti-prolactin drugs has to be understood as a co-adjuvant therapy when there is androgenic deprivation, never as a single treatment.


Crystal structure of the I-domain from the CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1, alpha L beta 2) integrin.
We report the 1.8-A crystal structure of the CD11a I-domain with bound manganese ion. The CD11a I-domain contains binding sites for intercellular adhesion molecules 1 and 3 and can exist in both low- and high-affinity states. The metal-bound form reported here is likely to represent a high-affinity state. The CD11a I-domain structure reveals a strained hydrophobic ridge adjacent to the bound metal ion that may serve as a ligand-binding surface and is likely to rearrange in the absence of bound metal ion. The CD11a I-domain is homologous to domains found in von Willebrand factor, and mapping of mutations found in types 2a and 2b von Willebrand disease onto this structure allows consideration of the molecular basis of these forms of the disease.


Bradykinin-Potentiating Activity of a Gamma-Irradiated Bioactive Fraction Isolated from Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) Venom in Rats with Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity: Favorable Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory, Fibrogenic and Apoptotic Pathways.
Although doxorubicin (Dox) is a backbone of chemotherapy, the search for an effective and safe therapy to revoke Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity remains a critical matter in cardiology and oncology. The current study was the first to explore the probable protective effects of native and gamma-irradiated fractions with bradykinin-potentiating activity (BPA) isolated from scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) venom against Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats. Native or irradiated fractions (1 μg/g) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) twice per week for 3 weeks, and Dox (15 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on day 21 at 1 h after the last native or irradiated fraction treatment. Electrocardiographic (ECG) aberrations were ameliorated in the Dox-treated rats pretreated with the native fraction, and the irradiated fraction provided greater amelioration of ECG changes than that of the native fraction. The group pretreated with native protein with BPA also exhibited significant improvements in the levels of oxidative stress-related, inflammatory, angiogenic, fibrogenic, and apoptotic markers compared with those of the Dox group. Notably, the irradiated fraction restored these biomarkers to their normal levels. Additionally, the irradiated fraction ameliorated Dox-induced histological changes and alleviated the severity of cardiac injury to a greater extent than that of the native fraction. In conclusion, the gamma-irradiated detoxified fraction of scorpion venom elicited a better cardioprotective effect than that of the native fraction against Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats.


A model system for the investigation of urinary stone formation.
To develop an in vitro model system for the investigation of calcium oxalate urinary stones under conditions of spontaneous precipitation. Using a calcium-ion selective electrode and automatic titrator, a test solution was kept supersaturated with calcium oxalate and the rate of crystallization measured. During the spontaneous precipitation at constant supersaturation at 37 degrees C, the induction times required for the precipitation of calcium oxalate monohydrate were inversely proportional to the supersaturation of the solution. No transient phases were identified and the interfacial energy determined from kinetic analysis was 28.4 mJ/m2. The rates of precipitation showed a first-order dependence on the degree of supersaturation and were in good agreement with those reported for the in vivo formation of calcium oxalate monohydrate stones. This experimental model system allows precise measurements of the kinetics of calcium oxalate monohydrate. From the dependence of the rates of precipitation on supersaturation, a mechanism controlled by surface diffusion is suggested.


Detection, isolation, and experimental transmission of Mikrocytos mackini, a microcell parasite of Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg).
Denman Island disease, characterized by clinical signs of focal green lesions on the body surface or within the mantle, palps, and adductor muscle of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), is caused by a protozoan parasite of unknown taxonomic affiliations, Mikrocytos mackini. Detection of M. mackini was more sensitive and rapid by use of tissue imprints than histological sections. Of several isolation procedures investigated, centrifugation of homogenized infected tissues through a 15% sucrose solution enabled the isolation of the highest number of M. mackini with the lowest amount of oyster debris. Experimental transmission showed that oysters exposed to M. mackini by inoculation with isolated parasites had shorter prepatent periods and higher prevalences and intensities of infection than those incubated in homogenates from infected oysters (bath exposure) or those naturally exposed in the field. Experimental transmission was also used to propagate M. mackini in vivo in the laboratory year round. For the development of the disease, exposed oysters required prolonged incubation at low temperatures (about 10 degrees C).


Inflammasome-independent role of NLRP12 in suppressing colonic inflammation regulated by Blimp-1.
NLRP12 is a member of the Nod-like receptor (NLR). Previous studies have reported enhanced colitis-associated inflammatory responses in NLRP12-deficient mice. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of NLRP12 in DSS-stimulated proinflammatory response in dendritic cells and mice colitis, and the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the inflammation. Our results showed that down-regulation of NLRP12 is required for DSS-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α; that PR domain zinc finger protein 1 (also known as Blimp-1) induces NLRP12 down-regulation during DSS-induced proinflammatory response and colitis; and that TLR4 is implicated in the up-regulation of Blimp-1 that led to the down-regulation of NLRP12 expression in DSS-induced colitis. Taken together, the results suggest that the TLR4-Blimp-1 axis promotes DSS induced experimental colitis through the down-regulation of NLRP12.


Role of Faith healers: A barrier or a support system to medical care- a cross sectional study.
Faith healing is a method of treating illnesses through the exercise of faith rather than medical methods. The current study was done with the objective to find out demographic variables of faith healers, various conditions for which the people approach them, various practices and processes used and to look for scope of integrated approach to healthcare with faith healers. RHTC village was a sub center village of PHC Morad. Hence, for the study, all the villages which comes under PHC Morad were selected. The design of the study was a cross-sectional study. The study was a cross sectional study where faith healers were interviewed based on a semi structured questionnaire comprising of both close and open-ended questions. Absolute numbers. Different reasons for which the persons usually came for ranged from supernatural possession, unemployment, family problems etc., and various different processes were used by these healers to solve the problems included giving charms and amulets, personal sacrifices like "baddha" (Nischay/praan) and many others. The study concludes that faith healers in many conditions and situations became the first point of contact as the faith of the community in these faith healers is deeply rooted.


Impact of Spot Sign Etiology in Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage on Outcomes of Endoscopic Surgery.
The spot sign (SS) in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage has been reported to be a predictive factor of poor outcome; however, how SS is related with the clinical outcome remains unclear. We aimed to investigate how etiology associated with SS affects the clinical outcome of endoscopic surgery. We retrospectively analyzed data from 104 patients (43 women and 61 men, mean age: 64.2 ± 11.0 years) who underwent endoscopic surgery for supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage. The outcome variables analyzed were in-hospital mortality and modified Rankin scale score at 90 days from onset. The prevalence of intraventricular hemorrhage and the mean initial modified Graeb score were greater in SS-positive than in SS-negative patients (100% vs. 47.7%, P < 0.001, and 14.4 ± 5.4 vs. 10.6 ± 6.0, P = 0.03, respectively). Postoperative rebleeding occurred more frequently in SS-positive than -negative patients (25.0% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.045). The in-hospital mortality rate was 7.7% and was not significantly different between the groups (18.8% vs. 5.7%, P = 0.09). There was a significant unfavorable shift in modified Rankin scale scores at 90 days among SS-positive patients compared with SS-negative patients in an analysis with ordinal logistic regression (adjusted common odds ratio, 4.38; 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.79, P = 0.02). Intraventricular hemorrhage and postoperative rebleeding were considered to be associated with the poor outcome in patients with SS. The SS on computed tomography angiography may be valuable in predicting rebleeding and clinical outcome after surgery.


Evaluation of surveillance system for pneumonia in children below five years, Tema Metropolis, Ghana, 2012 - 2016.
We evaluated the pneumonia surveillance system in Tema Metropolis to determine whether it is meeting its objectives and to assess its attributes. Descriptive primary and secondary data analysis. We interviewed health staff on the system's operation and resources. We also extracted 2012-2016 surveillance dataset for under-five pneumonia cases and deaths from the District Health Information Management System for review. Health staff. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidelines for evaluating surveillance systems was used to assess system attributes. state of the pneumonia surveillance system in Tema. A suspected case was defined as fast breathing in any child < 5 years old. The case definition was easy to apply, even at the community level. From 2012 to 2016, a total of 3,337 cases and 54 deaths (case fatality rate 1.6%) was recorded from 13 (23.6%) of 55 health facilities. Two epidemics were missed by the district because data were not being analysed. There were no laboratory data on antimicrobial resistance. Although reporting timeliness increased from 28.1% in 2012 to 83% in 2016, data inconsistencies existed between reporting levels. The surveillance system for under-five pneumonia in Tema Metropolis is simple, stable, flexible, timely, but of low sensitivity and acceptability, and only partly meeting its objectives. Major shortcomings are lack of laboratory data, non-use of data and low representativeness. The study was supported by a grant to author DB by the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) -CDC CoAg 6NU2GGH001876.


Prevalence of Underlying Medical Conditions Associated With Severe COVID-19 Illness in Adult Cancer Survivors in the United States.
Cancer, and other underlying medical conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and obesity, are associated with increased risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness. We identified 6411 cancer survivors and 77 748 adults without a cancer history from the 2016-2018 National Health Interview Survey and examined the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with these conditions in the United States. Most survivors reported having 1 or more of the conditions (56.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 54.8% to 57.9%, vs 41.6%, 95% CI = 40.9% to 42.2%, in adults without a cancer history), and nearly one-quarter (22.9%, 95% CI = 21.6% to 24.3%) reported 2 or more, representing 8.7 million and 3.5 million cancer survivors, respectively. These conditions were more prevalent in survivors of kidney, liver, and uterine cancers as well as Black survivors and those with low socioeconomic status and public insurance. Findings highlight the need to protect survivors against COVID-19 transmission in health-care facilities and to prioritize cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their health-care providers in vaccine allocation.


The wireless monitoring of vital parameters: a design study.
This project shows the way vital parameters can be transmitted and visualized with no connecting cables necessary to the PDA. This was realized using a sensor developed with an integrated Bluetooth interface and a PDA, also equipped with Bluetooth. This radio connection can span up to 10 m, and parameters, such as pulse frequency, oxygen saturation in blood, ECG measurements and plethysmograms, can be transmitted. Using the software introduced in this work, the transmitted measurements can be displayed numerically or graphically on the PDA. The software simultaneously checks for any limits and sends a warning message if these limits are exceeded. All received data are additionally documented.


Trend in incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures among 40- to 69-year-old women: analysis of a large insurance claims database, 2000-2005.
To determine the trend in incidence of fractures among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women during the periods immediately before and after publication of the Women's Health Initiative and Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) II data. This was an ecological study using a claims database for multiple healthcare plans. The cohort of women aged 40 to 69 years was included. Diagnostic codes for fractures likely to be osteoporosis related and prescriptions for hormone therapy and other bone-modifying medications were identified. Annual incidence rates and trends in incidence over time for fractures and prescriptions were determined for the period 2000 through 2005. Enrollment among women aged 40 to 69 years increased from 919,389 in 2000 to 2,872,372 in 2005. A total of 43,017 new fractures were identified. There was a significant increasing trend in age-adjusted rates of radius and ulna, vertebra, ribs, hip, pelvis, multiple, and pathologic fractures during the period from 2003 through 2005 (P < 0.03). The incidence of each fracture type was significantly greater during 2004 to 2005 than 2000 to 2001 (P < 0.04). The use of estrogen, estrogen plus progestin, and other hormones declined over the period from 2000 to 2003, whereas the use of other bone-modifying drugs increased from 2003 through 2005. The incidence of fractures among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women increased significantly in the 3 years after publication of Women's Health Initiative and Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study II results. This trend followed a decline in the use of hormone therapy, concurrent with an increase in the use of other bone-modifying agents.


Environmental variables determining the distribution of an avian parasite: the case of the Philornis torquans complex in South America.
Philornis flies are the major cause of myiasis in nestlings of Neotropical birds, being of major concern in geographically-restricted and endangered bird species. Despite its relevance for the conservation of birds, there is little information about the environmental dimensions determining Philornis spp. geographical range. By using maximum entropy, we identified for the first time the macro-environmental variables constraining the abiotic niche of the P. torquans complex in South America, and provided a model map of its potential distribution based on environmental suitability. We identified the minimum temperature of the coldest month as the most relevant variable, associated with the largest decrease in habitat suitability in Brazil and northern South America. Furthermore, the mean temperature of the warmest quarter limited suitability mostly along with the Andean range. In addition, humidity and moisture are influential factors in most of Argentina, northern Chile, and coastal Peru. The geographical projection suggests that environments in most of central-eastern Argentina, and in a broad area in central Chile, are suitable for the presence of the P. torquans complex. Besides providing information about the ecology of Philornis spp., this study represents a tool for bird conservation and a reference for future work on the distribution of this genus.


Evidence for an autocrine role of activin B within rat anterior pituitary cultures.
Activins, dimers of inhibin beta subunits, are potent stimulators of FSH secretion in vivo and in vitro and of FSH beta mRNA expression in rat anterior pituitary cultures. In this study, we investigated the possibility that locally secreted activin B (beta B beta B) may function as an autocrine modulator of basal FSH secretion and expression based on the previous observation that beta B is expressed within gonadotropes. The incubation of cultured rat anterior pituitary cells with a m mouse monoclonal antibody specific for the activin B homodimer (MAb-activin B) significantly attenuated the basal secretion of FSH in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, without influencing LH secretion. Moreover, MAb-activin B selectively inhibited FSH beta mRNA accumulation without affecting either LH beta or alpha subunit mRNAs. The MAb-activin B completely blocked the stimulation of FSH secretion by exogenous activin B, but not by activin A, confirming its specificity. As previously shown, inhibin A and follistatin significantly suppressed basal FSH secretion in these cultures. This inhibitory effect, albeit of lower magnitude, was still evident even in the presence of the MAb-activin B which by itself suppressed basal FSH secretion. These data suggest that the secretion of activin B by the gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary may serve as an autocrine signal in the selective modulation of FSH expression and secretion. Furthermore, the inhibitory actions of inhibins and follistatins on gonadotropes may, in part, be explained by their ability to interfere with the actions of endogenous activin B.


Evidence for a sex difference in the basal growth hormone response to GABAergic stimulation in humans.
Evidence has been provided supporting the existence of a sex-related difference in the GH secretion following different GH-releasing stimuli. Since pharmacological activation of the endogenous gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) system results in increased basal GH release in humans, the present study was undertaken to investigate whether a sex difference is present in the GH response to GABAergic stimulation. Sixteen healthy subjects (8 women and 8 men) received orally 10 mg of baclofen, the direct GABAB agonist which freely crosses the blood-brain barrier. Blood samples were collected before (T = -30 and 0) and 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min after the drug administration for plasma GH measurements. Following baclofen administration, plasma GH rose in healthy males (F = 19.417, P less than 0.0001), but not in females (F = 1.67, NS). These results suggest that GABA modulation of human GH release is sex-dependent.


Comparative trial of oltipraz versus praziquantel in the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis in the Gabon.
The efficacy of oltipraz as a schistosomicidal drug was investigated in Gabonese children suffering from urinary schistosomiasis in the dosages of 1 X 25 mg/kg body weight, 1 X 35 mg/kg body weight, and 2 X 20 mg/kg body weight and compared to praziquantel, 2 X 30 mg/kg body weight. The study was undertaken in 165 patients, and follow-up investigations were carried out 6 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. Oltipraz showed less efficacy compared to praziquantel when dosages of 1 X 25 and 1 X 35 mg/kg body weight were given. However, oltipraz 2 X 20 mg/kg body weight was equivalent to praziquantel 2 X 30 mg/kg body weight. Parasitological cure was obtained in 79% of patients treated by oltipraz and 81% of patients treated by praziquantel. Side effects were insignificant in both treatment groups. Thus, the same parasitological cure could be achieved by oltipraz as well as by praziquantel, but with a lower dosage of oltipraz.


Attitudes of medical students and primary care physicians regarding input of older and younger patients in medical decisions.
This study was designed to determine whether medical students, residents, and fully trained physicians differ in their attitudes toward decision-making input by older and younger patients, whether they believe that physicians should have greater input than patients in medical decisions, whether physicians grant different decision-making authority to younger versus older patients, and whether physician gender affects attitudes toward patient input in medical decisions. Respondents (n = 818) were first- (n = 311) and third-year (n = 227) medical students and family practice and internal medicine residents (n = 120) and faculty (n = 160) from the University of Kansas Medical Center (n = 367) and The Ohio State University Hospital (n = 451) who completed the Beisecker Locus of Authority: Geriatrics Scale to assess attitudes regarding involvement in medical decision making for either a 25- or 75-year-old patient. Respondents were alternately assigned to one of the two patient age vignettes. Analyses included descriptive statistics, t tests, and four-way analysis of variance. Ninety percent of respondents believed that physicians should have greater input in decisions than patients. Female respondents advocated greater patient input than male respondents. As training and experience increased beyond medical school, there was an increased tendency toward belief in physician-only decision making. For the older patient, residents advocated the most patient input and faculty advocated the least. Level of training influenced belief in patient input when its interaction with patient age and institution were examined.


Major concerns and issues in burn survivors in Australia.
Burn injury significantly impacts the victim's long-term quality of life, both physically and psychosocially. This prospective, observational study aimed to assess the physical and psychological health status in adult burn survivors in Sydney Australia using the Burns Specific Health Scale-Brief Version (BSHS-B) questionnaire, together with analysis of the baseline demographic data collected from medical records. A total of 24 adult acute burn victims admitted consecutively to the Burns Unit at Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia between March 2007 and February 2009 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. The BSHS-B questionnaire (which includes nine domains or subscales) was administered to all 24 participants in person at time of discharge and by mail 6, 12, and 24 months post discharge. By 12 months, 11 participants dropped out and the final analysis was performed on the remaining 13 participants. The analyzed results showed that: 1) Perceived return to work was the only variable that continued to change with time at 12 months after discharge (P < 0.01); 2) At 12 months; return to work was significantly correlated with simple functional ability (P < 0.05), heat sensitivity (P < 0.01), and treatment regimes (P < 0.05), but no longer with affect and body image as demonstrated at 6 months. In summary, our findings have shown that the perception of returning to work changes significantly with time post discharge and this perception is affected by certain subscales of the BSHS-B. Given that return to work is one of the most important outcome concerns and issues of recovery for adult burn injury victims and families, it is essential that therapists be aware of the factors influencing return to work and address these factors through a comprehensive rehabilitation program.


Benefit of Wearing an Activity Tracker in Sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis causes many disabling symptoms, including fatigue and exercise limitations, which have been shown to improve by physical activity programs. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of continuous activity monitoring using an electronic activity tracker (AT) on exercise performance and fatigue of sarcoidosis patients, compared to controls (cohort study), and the effect of additional personal coaching (randomized trial) over a period of 3 months. Fifty-four sarcoidosis patients received an AT (Group Ia: 27 with coaching and Group Ib: 27 without). A historical group of sarcoidosis patients (Group II; n = 41) who did not follow a physical activity program served as controls. Exercise performance of patients wearing an AT (Group I) improved compared with controls (Group II), including the 6MWD, % predicted (∆4.4 ± 9.1 versus ∆0.7 ± 5.0, respectively), and fatigue levels decreased (∆-3.9 ± 5.7 versus ∆-1.8 ± 5.3). Patients with coaching (Group Ia) showed greater improvement of exercise capacity over time than patients without coaching (Group Ib) as shown by the Steep Ramp Test results (watts: ∆20.2 ± 33.8 versus ∆5.7 ± 26.4; and SRT, VO2max, % predicted: ∆1.6 ± 2.6 versus ∆0.7 ± 2.3). Sarcoidosis patients wearing an AT achieved improvement of exercise performance and reduction of fatigue. We therefore recommend encouraging sarcoidosis patients to wear an AT to stimulate physical activity and reduce fatigue. The additional benefit of coaching needs to be explored in future studies.


Glucose uptake in Trypanosoma vivax and molecular characterization of its transporter gene.
A gene, TvHT1, encoding a glucose transporter protein, has been cloned from the haemoflagellate protozoon, Trypanosoma vivax, which has an active Kreb's cycle in the mammalian stage. The deduced polypeptide is similar in amino acid sequence to other kinetoplastid hexose transporters from Trypanosoma brucei (THT1 and THT2), Trypanosoma cruzi (TcrHT1) and Leishmania (Pro-1). The similarity is higher with THT2 (expressed in T. brucei insect forms) than with the other isoforms. The kinetic properties of glucose uptake in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing TvHT1 and in trypanosomes show s a saturable transport mechanism typical of a facilitated carrier system, with a similar affinity for D-glucose as that of the T. brucei bloodstream form carrier, THT1 (Km = 0.548 +/- 0.01 mM, Vmax = 4.26 +/- 0.12 nmol.min-1.mg protein-1 in CHO cells and Km = 0.585 +/- 0.068 mM, Vmax = 88.5 +/- 6.2 nmol.min-1.mg protein-1 in T. vivax). The specificity of the TvHT1 protein for various D-glucose analogues, as judged by inhibition of 2-deoxy-D-arabinose-hexose transport, shows properties that are intermediate between those of THT1 on the one hand and TcrHT1 and THT2 on the other. As with the hexose transporters in the other members of Kinetoplastida, the TvHT1-encoded system differs from erythrocyte-type glucose transport by its moderate sensitivity to cytochalasin B and its capacity to transport fructose.


Magnetostructural relations from a combined ab initio and ligand field analysis for the nonintuitive zero-field splitting in Mn(III) complexes.
The zero-field splitting (ZFS) of a model monometallic Mn(III) complex is theoretically studied as function of a systematic symmetry lowering. First, we treat the octahedral case for which the standard S.D.S model Hamiltonian cannot be applied due to a zero-field splitting in the absence of anisotropy induced by the spin-orbit coupling between the two spatial components of the (5)E(g) state at second-order of perturbation. Next, the symmetry is lowered to D(4h) and D(2h) and the anisotropic spin Hamiltonian is extracted using effective Hamiltonian theory. A simple relation is derived between the ratio E//D/ and the applied rhombic and axial distortions. Moreover, it is shown that close to O(h) symmetry, the orbital mixing due to spin-orbit coupling can be accurately described with Stevens fourth-order operators. The calculated tendencies are interpreted within a refined Racah plus ligand field model and it is shown that the ZFS parameters in Mn(III) complexes follow special rules that are nonintuitive compared to other d(n) configurations. Finally, some angular distortions are applied to study their effect on the anisotropy.


Cleaning products and air fresheners: emissions and resulting concentrations of glycol ethers and terpenoids.
Experiments were conducted to quantify emissions and concentrations of glycol ethers and terpenoids from cleaning product and air freshener use in a 50-m3 room ventilated at approximately 0.5/h. Five cleaning products were applied full-strength (FS); three were additionally used in dilute solution. FS application of pine-oil cleaner (POC) yielded 1-h concentrations of 10-1300 microg/m3 for individual terpenoids, including alpha-terpinene (90-120), d-limonene (1000-1100), terpinolene (900-1300), and alpha-terpineol (260-700). One-hour concentrations of 2-butoxyethanol and/or d-limonene were 300-6000 microg/m3 after FS use of other products. During FS application including rinsing with sponge and wiping with towels, fractional emissions (mass volatilized/dispensed) of 2-butoxyethanol and d-limonene were 50-100% with towels retained, and approximately 25-50% when towels were removed after cleaning. Lower fractions (2-11%) resulted from dilute use. Fractional emissions of terpenes from FS use of POC were approximately 35-70% with towels retained, and 20-50% with towels removed. During floor cleaning with dilute solution of POC, 7-12% of dispensed terpenes were emitted. Terpene alcohols were emitted at lower fractions: 7-30% (FS, towels retained), 2-9% (FS, towels removed), and 2-5% (dilute). During air-freshener use, d-limonene, dihydromyrcenol, linalool, linalyl acetate, and beta-citronellol) were emitted at 35-180 mg/day over 3 days while air concentrations averaged 30-160 microg/m3. While effective cleaning can improve the healthfulness of indoor environments, this work shows that use of some consumer cleaning agents can yield high levels of volatile organic compounds, including glycol ethers--which are regulated toxic air contaminants--and terpenes that can react with ozone to form a variety of secondary pollutants including formaldehyde and ultrafine particles. Persons involved in cleaning, especially those who clean occupationally or often, might encounter excessive exposures to these pollutants owing to cleaning product emissions. Mitigation options include screening of product ingredients and increased ventilation during and after cleaning. Certain practices, such as the use of some products in dilute solution vs. full-strength and the prompt removal of cleaning supplies from occupied spaces, can reduce emissions and exposures to 2-butoxyethanol and other volatile constituents. Also, it may be prudent to limit use of products containing ozone-reactive constituents when indoor ozone concentrations are elevated either because of high ambient ozone levels or because of the indoor use of ozone-generating equipment.


Area Estimation of Deep-Sea Surfaces from Oblique Still Images.
Estimating the area of seabed surfaces from pictures or videos is an important problem in seafloor surveys. This task is complex to achieve with moving platforms such as submersibles, towed or remotely operated vehicles (ROV), where the recording camera is typically not static and provides an oblique view of the seafloor. A new method for obtaining seabed surface area estimates is presented here, using the classical set up of two laser devices fixed to the ROV frame projecting two parallel lines over the seabed. By combining lengths measured directly from the image containing the laser lines, the area of seabed surfaces is estimated, as well as the camera's distance to the seabed, pan and tilt angles. The only parameters required are the distance between the parallel laser lines and the camera's horizontal and vertical angles of view. The method was validated with a controlled in situ experiment using a deep-sea ROV, yielding an area estimate error of 1.5%. Further applications and generalizations of the method are discussed, with emphasis on deep-sea applications.