Effect of intraoperative intracameral 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose viscoelastic during trabeculectomy.
To evaluate the effect of intraoperative intracameral injection of 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure (IOP) following trabeculectomy in eyes with uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma in a prospective randomized manner. Thirty consecutive eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma scheduled for trabeculectomy were randomized to conventional trabeculectomy without HPMC injection (group I; n = 15) or to intracameral injection of 2% HPMC during trabeculectomy (group II; n = 15). All patients were observed serially on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 and months 1, 3, and 6 postoperatively. The main outcome measure was restoration of anterior chamber depth to preoperative level with IOP of less than 21 mm Hg with no additional antiglaucoma medication or surgery. The anterior chamber depth decreased from 2.5 +/- 0.53 to 1.5 +/- 0.94 mm on postoperative day 1 in group I and increased slightly from 2.4 +/- 0.43 to 2.5 +/- 0.36 mm on postoperative day 1 in group II (P = .04). Overall, the IOP decreased to 5.0 +/- 2.8 mm Hg in group I (87% reduction) and 9.0 +/- 4.6 mm Hg in group II (70% reduction). Two eyes developed postoperative flat anterior chamber and related complications in group I, whereas none of the eyes in group II developed such complications. Intracameral injection of 2% HPMC during trabeculectomy helps to maintain anterior chamber depth and reduces incidence of complications related to shallow anterior chamber depth following trabeculectomy.


The immunology of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is represents the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease and is still a major medical challenge because of unsolved issues related to the etiologic and pathogenetic questions. Intensive research has been conducted over the last years that focused on the inappropriate activation of the immune system: although T cells have long been deemed to play a central role in the origin and propagation of joint inflammation, data accumulated so far have widened this perspective recognizing the contribution of other cells, as well as the major histocompatibility complex class II proteins and a composite set of costimulatory signals responsible for the production of proinflammatory cytokines and other soluble mediators implicated in tissue destruction typical of the disease. This paper will provide an insight into the immune system in RA, dissecting cellular and humoral aspects both in serum and in synovium of patients.


Injection drug use, multiple hepatitis virus infections, and migration: a German study.
This article examines infection with viral hepatitis A, B, and C and socioethnic factors in a population of injection drug users seeking treatment. The study was conducted between 2001 and 2003 in a rural German hospital; selected sociodemographic and drug-related data as well as a serology for hepatitis A, B, and C were obtained from 1499 patients. Statistical analyses were performed by univariate analysis of variance and post hoc Scheffé tests or with the chi(2) test and Bonferroni adjustment. Ethnic minority patients manifested a more severe course of addiction and showed a higher frequency of infection with hepatitis A, B, and C. Low-threshold culture-sensitive drug user treatment programs should be implemented and evaluated. The study's limitations are noted.


Technology-enhanced simulation-based learning in orthodontic education: A scoping review.
Technology-enhanced simulations seem to be effective in dentistry, as they can support dental students to improve competencies in simulated environments. However, implementation of this technology in orthodontic education has not been reviewed. This scoping review aimed to comprehensively summarize the use of technology-enhanced simulations in orthodontic practice. A systematic search was conducted to identify literature on technology-enhanced simulation-based learning in orthodontic education published from 2000 to 2021. The search was conducted up to September 2021 to identify articles from Scopus, Embase, PubMed, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, Google Scholar and the reference lists of identified articles. The search identified 177 articles. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles of 14 digital simulators were included in this review. The findings demonstrated an increasing use of technology-enhanced simulations in orthodontic education. They were designed in several formats, including three-dimensional virtual format, augmented reality, virtual reality, automaton, haptic, and scenario-based simulations. These simulations were implemented in varied areas of orthodontics including diagnosis and treatment planning, bracket positioning, orthodontic procedures, facial landmark, removable appliance and cephalometric tracing. Most included articles demonstrated the development process without outcome evaluation. Six studies provided outcome evaluations at reaction or learning levels. None of them provide the evaluation at behaviour and results levels. Insufficient evidence has been generated to demonstrate the effectiveness of technology-enhanced simulations in orthodontic education. However, high-fidelity computer-based simulations together with robust design research should be required to confirm educational impact in orthodontic education.


Molecular typing and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of enteropathogenic and shigatoxin producing Escherichia coli isolated from food handlers in three areas of Kenya.
To determine the aetiology, epidemiology and sanitary factors of carriage of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) in food-handlers working in tourist hotels in three popular tourist destinations in Kenya. Cross sectional laboratory based study. Three tourist destinations of Nairobi, Malindi and Diani in Kenya. Food handlers who were working in hotels frequented by tourists in the three study sites. Overall, during the period of April 2003 to May 2004, a total of 1399 food handlers stool samples were collected and analysed. EPEC expressing the eaeA gene and STEC expressing the stx2 gene were detected in 11/1399 (0.8%) and 2/1399 (0.1%) of the study subjects respectively. The mean age of the subjects from whom EPEC and STEC were isolated was similar (32.6 years) to those from whom no EPEC and STEC were isolated (32.5 years). Prior use of antibiotics, water source and toilet types were not significantly associated with the isolation of EPEC and STEC (p>0.05). There were 11 resistance patterns with six isolates (6/13, 46.2%) showing multidrug resistance. High prevalence of resistance was observed to co-trimoxazole (55.6%), chloramphenicol (33.3%), ampicillin (22.2%) and tetracycline (22.2%). High concentrations of antibiotics were required to achieve MIC90 for tetracycline, (>64 mg ml(-1)) and ampicillin (>256 mg ml(-1)). Cluster analysis of the Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis profiles revealed that the EPEC and STEC isolates belonged to two main genotypes with 11 distinct DNA fragment profiles. This is the first report in Africa on the isolation of STEC from food handlers working in tourist hotels. These food handlers who carry the STEC and EPEC could potentially infect tourists and other people through food or water contamination in the hotel settings and thus our findings are of great public health importance.


Nutritional status affects 20-hydroxyecdysone concentration and progression of oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.
Drosophila egg production depends upon the nutritional available to females. When food is in short supply, oogenesis is arrested and apoptosis of the nurse cells is induced at mid-oogenesis via a mechanism that is probably controlled by ecdysteroid hormone. We have shown that expression of some ecdysone-response genes is correlated with apoptosis of egg chambers. Moreover, ecdysteroid injection and application of juvenile hormone induces and suppresses the apoptosis, respectively. In this study, we investigated which tissues show increases in the concentration of ecdysteroids under nutritional shortage to begin to link together nutrient intake, hormone regulation and the choice between egg development or apoptosis made within egg chambers. We measured ecdysteroid levels in the whole body, ovaries and haemolymph samples by RIA and found that the concentration of ecdysteroid increased in all samples. This contributes to the idea that nutritional shortage leads to a rapid high ecdysteroid concentration within the fly and that the high concentration induces apoptosis. Low concentrations of ecdysteroid are essential for normal oogenesis. We suggest there is threshold concentration in the egg chambers and that apoptosis at mid-oogenesis is induced when the ecdysteroid levels exceed the threshold. Starvation causes the ovary to retain the ecdysteroid it produces, thus enabling individual egg chambers to undergo apoptosis and thus control the number of eggs produced in relation to food intake.


Magnolin protects against contrast-induced nephropathy in rats via antioxidation and antiapoptosis.
Magnolin is the major active ingredient of the herb Magnolia fargesii which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. Oxidative stress and apoptosis are involved in the pathogenesis of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). We hypothesize that Magnolin could protect against CIN through antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties. To test whether Magnolin could attenuate CIN, oxidative stress and apoptosis, in vivo and in vitro, we utilized a rat model of ioversol-induced CIN and a cell model of oxidative stress in which HK2 cells were treated with H2O2. Rats were assigned to 4 groups (n = 6 per group): control group, ioversol group (ioversol-induced CIN), vehicle group (CIN rats pretreated with vehicle), and Magnolin group (CIN rats pretreated with 1 mg/kg Magnolin). The results showed that magnolin ameliorated the renal tubular necrosis, apoptosis, and the deterioration of renal function (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Magnolin reduced the renal oxidative stress, suppressed caspase-3 activity, and increased Bcl-2 expression in vivo and in vitro. Magnolin might protect CIN in rats through antioxidation and antiapoptosis.


Baetimyces, a new genus of Harpellales, and first report of Legeriomyces ramosus from the northeastern Iberian Peninsula.
Baetimyces, belonging to the Legeriomycetaceae, is described here as a new genus. Its single species, B. ancorae, has been found growing in the hindgut of mayfly nymphs of the genus Baetis (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) inhabiting a Pyrenean Mountains canal-stream from the northeastern region of the Iberian Peninsula. The new genus is characterized by having trichospores with two thick appendages of unequal length, and by zygospores perpendicularly and medially attached to the zygosporophore. The new genus may be related to Glotzia, Legeriomyes, and Zygopolaris, and similarities with these and other genera are compared and discussed. The new species often coexists in the same gut with Legeriomyces ramosus, which is reported for the first time in Spain.


On the distinctiveness of Amapasaurus, its relationship with Loxopholis Cope 1869, and description of a new genus for L. guianensis and L. hoogmoedi (Gymnophthalmoidea/Ecpleopodini: Squamata).
Amapasaurus is a monotypic genus of forest lizards never accessed molecularly and, based on morphological similarities, suggested to be closely related to species of the former Leposoma parietale group Ruibal 1952, currently in the genus Loxopholis Cope 1869. Two other species, formerly allocated in Arthrosaura (A. guianensis and A. hoogmoedi), were tentatively moved to Loxopholis in an extensive molecular revision of Gymnophthalmoidea. Here we add mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data (12S, cyt b, ND4, c-mos and NT3) of Amapasaurus to previously published and new data of all Ecpleopodini genera (except for Adercosaurus), in order to test: i) the close relationship between Amapasaurus and Loxopholis and ii) the position of Loxopholis guianensis and Loxopholis hoogmoedi with three different phylogenetic methods, expanding the knowledge on the current taxonomy of Ecpleopodini. Concatenated analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear data (2303 bp) under Bayesian Inference, Maximum Likelihood and Maximum Parsimony methods recovered a strongly supported sister relationship between Amapasaurus tetradactylus Cunha 1970 and species of Loxopholis. Genetic divergence between Amapasaurus and this assemblage of Loxopholis is high in both mitochondrial (~18% for cyt b) and nuclear (~12% for c-mos) regions, supporting its generic distinctiveness. Differing from the current taxonomy of the Ecpleopodini tribe, our analyses recovered Lo. guianensis and Lo. hoogmoedi as a distinct clade that is sister to all other Loxopholis plus Amapasaurus. Supplemented by external and hemipenial morphology data available from the literature along with DNA sequences, we restrict Loxopholis to the species of the former parietale group of Leposoma and describe a new genus to allocate Lo. guianensis and Lo. hoogmoedi.


CHOLINESTERASE IN DENERVATED END PLATES AND MUSCLE FIBRES.
Parallel studies were made of cholinesterase activities and localizations in denervated rat and rabbit gastrocnemius muscle. Koelle's histochemical reaction was used for demonstrating the localization of cholinesterases. Enzyme activities in whole sliced muscle were measured by electrometric titration. The Cartesian ampulla-diver technique was used for cholinesterase activity determinations in end plate regions or in small pieces of the muscle fibre itself. No changes in the activity of cholinesterases (ChE) were found in the whole denervated muscle which would account for its chemical supersensitivity. The ChE distribution pattern was changed so that the end plate region became less active in the denervated muscle than in the normal one. The decrease in ChE activity in the end plates seems to be largely compensated for by an increase of this enzyme elsewhere in the muscle. A possible connection between the spatial spread of cholinesterase activity and the enlargement of the acetylcholine-sensitive surface is discussed.


Effect of vitamin A and zinc supplementation on gastrointestinal parasitic infections among Mexican children.
Gastrointestinal parasites continue to be an important cause of morbidity and stunting among children in developing countries. We evaluated the effect of vitamin A and zinc supplementation on infections by Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Entamoeba histolytica. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 707 children who were 6 to 15 months of age and from periurban areas of Mexico City, Mexico, between January 2000 and May 2002. Children, who were assigned to receive either vitamin A every 2 months, a daily zinc supplement, a combined vitamin A and zinc supplement, or a placebo, were followed for 1 year. The primary end points were the 12-month rates and durations of infection for the 3 parasites and rates of parasite-associated diarrheal disease as determined in stools collected once a month and after diarrheal episodes. G. lamblia infections were reduced and A. lumbricoides infections increased among children in the combined vitamin A and zinc group or the zinc alone group, respectively. Durations of Giardia infections were reduced among children in all 3 treatment arms, whereas Ascaris infections were reduced in the vitamin A and zinc group. In contrast, E. histolytica infection durations were longer among zinc-supplemented children. Finally, E. histolytica- and A. lumbricoides-associated diarrheal episodes were reduced among children who received zinc alone or a combined vitamin A and zinc supplement, respectively. We found that vitamin A and zinc supplementation was associated with distinct parasite-specific health outcomes. Vitamin A plus zinc reduces G. lamblia incidence, whereas zinc supplementation increases A. lumbricoides incidence but decreases E. histolytica-associated diarrhea.


Vicia faba Hypersensitivity and ASA Intolerance in a Farmer: A Case Report.
The IgE-mediated allergic reactions to food are caused, generally, by ingestion. However, they can be rarely induced by exposure to airborne food particles through the handling or the cooking. Vicia faba is a vegetable which belongs to Legumes or Fabaceae family, Fabales order. Allergic reactions after ingestion of legumes and cases of asthma after exposure to the cooking vapors have been reported in the literature. A paper assessed the volatile substances (insect repellents) released by V. faba. The authors demonstrated that this plant produces several chemical substances, such as small quantities of methyl salicylate. We describe a case of occupational allergy, induced by handling during picking up of fresh broad beans, in a farmer with history of adverse reaction after eating the cooked and raw vegetable.


Non-Born-Oppenheimer effects in molecular photochemistry: an experimental perspective.
Non-adiabatic couplings between Born-Oppenheimer (BO)-derived potential energy surfaces are now recognized as pivotal in describing the non-radiative decay of electronically excited molecules following photon absorption. This opinion piece illustrates how non-BO effects provide photostability to many biomolecules when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, yet in many other cases are key to facilitating 'reactive' outcomes like isomerization and bond fission. The examples are presented in order of decreasing molecular complexity, spanning studies of organic sunscreen molecules in solution, through two families of heteroatom containing aromatic molecules and culminating with studies of isolated gas phase H2O molecules that afford some of the most detailed insights yet available into the cascade of non-adiabatic couplings that enable the evolution from photoexcited molecule to eventual products. This article is part of the theme issue 'Chemistry without the Born-Oppenheimer approximation'.


The ileal digestibility of most amino acids is greater in red dog than in wheat middlings when fed to growing pigs.
The objective of this experiment was to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in 10 sources of wheat middlings and in 1 source of red dog. Ten diets that each contained 1 of the 10 sources of wheat middlings and 1 diet that contained red dog as the only source of protein and AA were formulated. An N-free diet was used to determine basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. Chromic oxide (0.4%) was added to all diets as an indigestible marker. Twelve pigs (BW: 29.23 ± 1.5 kg) were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. Pigs were allotted to a 12 × 8 Youden square design with 12 diets and eight 7-d periods. The initial 5 d of each period was the adaptation period, but ileal digesta were collected on the last 2 d of each period. Results indicated that the AID of CP in wheat middlings was 31.1 ± 6.9%, but the AID of CP in red dog (47.0%) was greater ( < 0.05) than the average AID of CP for wheat middlings. The AID of indispensable AA in wheat middlings ranged from 30.1 ± 5.4% for Lys to 67.7 ± 2.2% for His, and the AID of indispensable AA in red dog ranged from 53.7% in Val to 86.2% for Met. The average SID of CP in wheat middlings was 61.5 ± 5.1%, and there were no differences among the 10 sources of wheat middlings, but the SID of CP in red dog (78.5%) was greater ( < 0.05) than in wheat middlings. The SID of Arg, His, and Asp in wheat middlings was 81.4 ± 2.7%, 77.7 ± 2.1%, and 66.4 ± 2.7%, respectively, and no differences among sources of wheat middlings were observed for these AA. The SID of Met (73.6 ± 1.8%) and the SID of Ala (54.8 ± 4.9%) tended ( = 0.071 and = 0.090, respectively) to be different among sources of wheat middlings, and the SID of all other AA was different ( < 0.05) among the 10 sources of wheat middlings. There were no differences between red dog and wheat middlings for the SID of Arg, His, and Ser, and the SID of Cys was less ( < 0.05) in red dog than in wheat middlings, but for all other AA, the SID in red dog was greater ( < 0.05) than in wheat middlings. In conclusion, wheat middlings and red dog contain approximately the same quantities of AA, but the AID and SID of CP and most AA in red dog are greater than in wheat middlings.


Mild snake envenomation.
Snake bite envenomation typically requires treatment with effective first aid and antivenom. There is a spectrum of envenomation seen, which includes mild envenomation, but this has not been reported previously. We report two cases of mild envenomation and describe the changes in laboratory coagulation values. The patients had a benign clinical course without receiving antivenom. We strongly recommend that if clinicians are considering not treating any envenomated patients with antivenom, they do so only on expert advice.


The Interaction of Same-Sex Marriage Access With Sexual Minority Identity on Mental Health and Subjective Wellbeing.
Previous psychological and public health research has highlighted the impact of legal recognition of same-sex relationships on individual identity and mental health. Using a sample of U.S. sexual minority (N = 313) and heterosexual (N = 214) adults, participants completed a battery of mental health inventories prior to the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) examining identity revealed sexual minority participants living in states where same-sex marriage was banned experienced significantly higher levels of internalized homonegativity than sexual minority participants living in states where same-sex marriage was legal, even after controlling for state-level political climate. Mental health ANCOVAs revealed sexual minority participants residing in states without same-sex marriage experienced greater anxiety and lower subjective wellbeing compared to sexual minority participants residing in states with same-sex marriage and heterosexual participants residing in states with or without same-sex marriage. Implications for public policy and future research directions are discussed.


Luminescent Studies on Germanate Glasses Doped with Europium Ions for Photonic Applications.
Glass and ceramic materials doped with rare earth (RE) ions have gained wide interest in photonics as active materials for lasers, optical amplifiers, and luminescent sensors. The emission properties of RE-doped glasses depend on their chemical composition, but they can also be tailored by modifying the surrounding active ions. Typically, this is achieved through heat treatment (including continuous-wave and pulsed lasers) after establishing the ordering mechanisms in the particular glass-RE system. Within the known systems, silicate glasses predominate, while much less work relates to materials with lower energy phonons, which allow more efficient radiation sources to be constructed for photonic applications. In the present work, the luminescent and structural properties of germanate glasses modified with phosphate oxide doped with Eu3+ ions were investigated. Europium dopant was used as a "spectroscopic probe" in order to analyze the luminescence spectra, which characterizes the changes in the local site symmetries of Eu3+ ions. Based on the spectroscopic results, a strong influence of P2O5 content was observed on the excitation and luminescence spectra. The luminescence study of the most intense 5D0→7F2 (electric dipole) transition revealed that the increase in the P2O5 content leads to the linewidth reduction (from 15 nm to 10 nm) and the blue shift (~2 nm) of the emission peak. According to the crystal field theory, the introduction of P2O5 into the glass structure changes the splitting number of sublevels of the 5D0→7F1 (magnetic dipole) transition, confirming the higher polymerization of fabricated glass. The slightly different local environment of Eu3+ centers the results in a number of sites and causes inhomogeneous broadening of spectral lines. It was found that the local asymmetry ratio estimated by the relation of (5D0→7F2)/(5D0→7F1) transitions also confirms greater changes in local symmetry around Eu3+ ions. Our results indicate that modification of germanate glass by P2O5 allows control of their structural properties in order to functionalize the emissions for application as luminescent light sources and sensors.


Significance of serum and bile tumor markers in the diagnostic approach of patients with malignant pancreatobiliary disease.
Serum and bile tumor markers are under intense scrutiny for the diagnosis of malignant disease. The purpose of our study was to report the usefulness of serum and bile tumor markers for the discrimination between benign and malignant pancreatobiliary diseases. Between March 2010 and May 2013, 95 patients with obstructive jaundice or history of biliary obstruction, were included in the study. During ERCP, bile samples were obtained for measurement of tumor markers CEA, CA19- 9, CA125, CA72-4 and CA242. Serum samples were taken before ERCP for the same measurements. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with malignant disease and patients with benign disease. Serum tumor marker levels were significantly higher in patients with malignant disease. Serum CA242 and CA19-9 exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy (76.8% and 73.7%, respectively). CA125 and CA72-4 levels in bile samples were significantly higher in patients with malignant disease. Bile CA125, CEA and CA72-4 achieved the best diagnostic accuracy (69, 65 and 65), respectively). The combined detection of CA19-9, CA242 in serum and CA125, CA72-4 in bile along with total bilirubin levels, showed the best diagnostic accuracy (81%). Serum and bile tumor markers, when studied alone, lack the diagnostic yield to discriminate benign from malignant pancreatobiliary diseases. In cases of diagnostic dilemmas the combination of serum and bile markers might be helpful.


[The changes of Wnt7b/β-catenin signaling pathway molecules in the differentiation of fetal alveolar epithelial type II cells].
To investigate the changes of Wnt7b/β-catenin signaling pathway molecules in the differentiation of fetal rat alveolar epithelial type II cells (fAEC2). Fetal rat lung tissues were extracted from pregnant SD rats (19 days), and then fAEC2 were isolated and purified. After fAEC2 were cultured for 48, 72, 96 hours, the morphological changes of fAEC2 and the expression of β-catenin were respectively observed by inverted microscope and immunofluorescence. The mRNA expressions of Wnt7b, cyclin D1, pulmonary surfactant C (SP-C) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein expressions of cyclin D1, nucleus β-catenin, SP-C and AQP5 were measured by Western blotting. β-catenin was expressed in cell membrane when fAEC2 were cultured for 48 hours; the expression of β-catenin decreased in cell membrane while enhanced in cytoplasm and nucleus at 72 hours; whole-cell β-catenin expression was lowered at 96 hours. The expressions of Wnt7b and cyclin D1 mRNAs were significantly raised at 72 hours and reduced obviously at 96 hours compared with 48 hours. SP-C mRNA expression level went down gradually with the extended culture time, and AQP5 mRNA level went up gradually. The protein expressions of cyclin D1 and nucleus β-catenin were significantly enhanced at 72 hours and weakened at 96 hours compared with 48 hours. SP-C protein expression was down-regulated with the prolonged culture time, and AQP5 protein expression was up-regulated. Wnt7b/β-catenin signaling pathway may play an important role in fAEC2 transdifferentiation.


Inferred influence of human lateral profile on limb load asymmetry during a quiet standing balance test.
Although the identification and characterisation of a participant's lateral profile during quiet standing have not received much research attention, they have the potential to greatly extend our understanding of upright stance stability control. This study further examines limb load asymmetries during quiet bipedal stance. During voluntary frontal-plane weight shifting for 2 min, 300 centre-of-pressure displacements on 14 blindfolded right-handed young adults were recorded. Four biomechanical indices were used to assess postural behaviour. These were the bias of time and the magnitude of the partial ground reaction forces from both legs, and the bias in the number and magnitude of microshifts influencing stability. Our study identifies a significant level of asymmetry in the quiet bipedal stance of right-handed people. This asymmetry is associated with the right-sided bias of the ground reaction force and the angle of inclination to the upright (vertical) centroidal line. We found that the initial lateralisation of the partial ground reaction forces from both feet, as well as the period of ground reaction force bias, are important elements in any clinical tests involving quiet bipedal stance.


HCV-Mediated Apoptosis of Hepatocytes in Culture and Viral Pathogenesis.
Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is associated with progressive liver injury and subsequent development of fibrosis and cirrhosis. The death of hepatocytes results in the release of cytokines that induce inflammatory and fibrotic responses. The mechanism of liver damage is still under investigation but both apoptosis and immune-mediated processes may play roles. By observing the changes in gene expression patterns in HCV-infected cells, both markers and the causes of HCV-associated liver injury may be elucidated. HCV genotype 1b virus from persistently infected VeroE6 cells induced a strong cytopathic effect when used to infect Huh7.5 hepatoma cells. To determine if this cytopathic effect was a result of apoptosis, ultrastructural changes were observed by electron microscopy and markers of programmed cell death were surveyed. Screening of a human PCR array demonstrated a gene expression profile that contained upregulated markers of apoptosis, including tumor necrosis factor, caspases and caspase activators, Fas, Bcl2-interacting killer (BIK) and tumor suppressor protein, p53, as a result of HCV genotype 1b infection. The genes identified in this study should provide new insights into understanding viral pathogenesis in liver cells and may possibly help to identify novel antiviral and antifibrotic targets.


Review of fetal cardiovascular and metabolic responses to diabetic insults in the pregnant ewe.
Studies with pregnant sheep are reviewed, which were designed to investigate whether short-term episodes of maternal hyperglycemia or hyperketonemia were detrimental to the fetus, whether ketones can cross the ovine placenta, and whether the combination of maternal hyperglycemia and hyperketonemia would contribute to an increased risk of fetal morbidity. It is concluded that acute increases in maternal ketones appear to be more detrimental to the fetus than acute increases in maternal glucose, as assessed by fetal cardiovascular, metabolic, and blood gas changes.


A quantitative study of the effect of ICL orientation selection on post-operative vault and model-assisted vault prediction.
Appropriate vault height of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation matters for it has risks of corneal endothelial cell loss, cataract formation and intraocular pressure elevation, which could lead to irreversible damage to optic nerve. Therefore, pre-operative prediction for an ideal vault height is a hotspot. However, few data exist regarding quantitative effect of ICL orientation on vault height. This study is aimed to quantitatively investigate the effect of ICL implantation orientation on vault height, and built a machine-learning (ML)-based vault prediction model taking implantation orientation into account. 473 consecutive case series treated with ICL implantation were retrospectively analyzed (408 were horizontally implanted, and 65 were vertically implanted). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between ICL orientation and achieved vault. ML was performed to develop a new vault height prediction model taking ICL orientation into account. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and net reclassification index (NRI) were obtained to assess the prediction ability. 95% of all the patients achieved 20/20 uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) or better. No complications including cataract formation, dispersion or optic nerve injury were observed in any cases. Sex, sphere power, cylinder power, axis, ICL size and ICL orientation were all significant risk factors associated to vault height, and age was positively co-related. Of note, ICL size and ICL orientation were the top-ranking risk factors. Comparing to conventional horizontal implantation, vertical implantation could reduce the achieved vault by 81.187 μm (p < 0.001). In regarding to different ICL sizes, vertical implantation had no good to vault reduction when using ICL of 12.1 mm. However, it could reduce the vault by 59.351 μm and 160.992 μm respectively when ICL of 12.6mm and 13.2 mm were implanted (p = 0.0097 and p = 0.0124). For prediction of vault height, ML based model significantly outperformed traditional multivariable regression model. We provide quantitative evidence that vertical implantation of ICL could effectively reduce the achieved vault height, especially when large size ICL was implanted, comparing to traditional horizontal implantation. ML is extremely applicable in development of vault prediction model.


Structural constitutive modeling of the anisotropic mechanical properties of human vocal fold lamina propria.
The anisotropic mechanical properties of the vocal fold lamina propria play an important role in voice production and control. The goal of this study is to develop a constitutive model capable of predicting lamina propria elastic moduli along both the longitudinal and transverse directions under different conditions of vocal fold elongation, which can be used as input to reduced-order phonation models based on linear elasticity. A structurally-based constitutive model that links microstructural characteristics of the lamina propria to its macromechanical properties is proposed. The model prediction has been shown to agree reasonably well with recent biaxial tensile testing results.


A review of spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defect.
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart malformation and can be detected during the prenatal and postnatal period, in childhood, and in adulthood. Spontaneous closure of VSD can be determined through a variety of methods-echocardiography, Doppler color flow imaging, angiography, auscultation, and cardiac catheterization-and can be proven by pathological evidence at necropsy. There are two major types of VSD, membranous and muscular, as well as the perimembranous variety, which comprises variable portions of the adjacent muscular septum but lacks the membranous septum. VSD appears either as an isolated cardiac defect without other abnormalities or with several complex malformations. It has long been recognized that VSD can close spontaneously, but the incidence of spontaneous VSD closure is still uncertain. Since necropsy study of the hearts with VSD has rarely been reported, information on morphological features of spontaneous VSD closure remains limited. In addition, the mechanisms for spontaneous VSD closure are not fully understood. Herein, we present a brief review of the incidence of spontaneous VSD closure, morphological characteristics of the closure, and the main mechanisms responsible for the closure.


Toward a model of family and political victimization: implications for treatment and recovery.
Political violence, in any of its ugly guises, has a devastating and long-lasting effect on its victims. This effect derives, in my view, from the concurrence of two factors: (1) the physical and emotional violence is perpetrated by the very agencies of society (such as the police and the armed forces) entrusted with the care and protection of individuals, with maintaining order in their world, with enforcing stability, and predictability; and (2) a context or a discourse that destroys or mystifies meanings so that recognition of that shift from protection to violence is blurred.


Efficacy of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment for surgically managed fresh diaphyseal fractures of the lower extremity: multi-center retrospective cohort study.
There are no evidence on the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on surgically managed fresh fractures. We therefore performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study to investigate the effects of LIPUS on surgically managed fresh fractures. This study included patients surgically treated for diaphyseal fractures of the femur or tibia between August 2009 and July 2010 at 14 institutions. Outcome was the union period. We performed an overall comparison of the LIPUS group (78 cases) with the control group (63 cases), as well as subgroup analyses comparing outcomes for fracture sites, fracture types, soft tissue conditions, and fixation methods between the groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of distribution of cases by fracture site, fracture type, soft tissue condition, fixation method. Analyses comparing subgroups, however, showed significant differences between the two groups, particularly in relation to type C fractures, regardless of whether all cases or only closed-fracture cases were analyzed: there was an approximately 30 % reduction in the union period for type C fractures in the LIPUS group. There were also cases requiring reoperation due to lack of stability, even among the type C fractures. LIPUS is effective for surgically managed, fresh, type C comminuted diaphyseal fractures of the lower limbs when there is appropriate stability at the fracture site.


Methyl 1-cyclo-hexyl-6,7-dimeth-oxy-3,4-dihydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxyl-ate.
There are two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(19)H(25)NO(4). A single C-H⋯π inter-action and various inter-molecular contacts (2.65-2.83 Å) link the independent mol-ecules in the crystal structure. The N-containing six-membered ring assumes a twisted half-boat conformation.


Determinants for intrinsically disordered protein recruitment into phase-separated protein condensates.
Multivalent interactions between amino acid residues of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) drive phase separation of these proteins into liquid condensates, forming various membrane-less organelles in cells. These interactions between often biased residues of IDPs are also likely involved in selective recruitment of many other IDPs into condensates. However, determining factors for this IDP recruitment into protein condensates are not understood yet. Here, we quantitatively examined recruitment tendencies of various IDPs with different sequence compositions into IDP-clustered condensates both in vitro as well as in cells. Condensate-forming IDP scaffolds, recruited IDP clients, and phase separation conditions were carefully varied to find key factors for selective IDP partitioning in protein condensates. Regardless of scaffold sequences, charged residues in client IDPs assured potent IDP recruitment, likely via strong electrostatic interactions, where positive residues could further enhance recruitment, possibly with cation-pi interactions. Notably, poly-ethylene glycol, a widely used crowding reagent for in vitro phase separation, abnormally increased IDP recruitment, indicating the need for careful use of crowding conditions. Tyrosines of IDP clients also strongly participated in recruitment both in vitro and in cells. Lastly, we measured recruitment degrees by more conventional interactions between folded proteins instead of disordered proteins. Surprisingly, recruitment forces by an even moderate protein interaction (K d ∼ 5 μM) were substantially stronger than those by natural IDP-IDP interactions. The present data offer valuable information on how cells might organize protein partitioning on various protein condensates.


A review of microencapsulation methods for food antioxidants: Principles, advantages, drawbacks and applications.
Bioactivities and numerous health benefits against a number of oxidative stress related diseases have been attributed to the role of dietary antioxidants. The development of physical (spray drying, lyophilization, supercritical fluid precipitation and solvent evaporation), physico-chemical (coacervation, liposomes and ionic gelation) and chemical encapsulation techniques (interfacial polymerization and molecular inclusion complexation) enable to obtain healthier and acceptable bioactive compounds. This review focuses on the impacts of microencapsulation techniques on the encapsulation characteristics of food antioxidants. Additionally, this study also provides detailed information on the principles, effective parameters, advantages, disadvantages and applications of microencapsulation techniques.


Apicidin, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, has profound anti-growth activity in human endometrial and ovarian cancer cells.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) can inhibit proliferation, induce cell cycle arrest and stimulate apoptosis of cancer cells. Our purpose was to investigate the antiproliferative effects of a novel HDACI, apicidin, on the Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell line, the SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cell line and normal human endometrial epithelial cells. Endometrial and ovarian cancer cells were treated with various concentrations of apicidin, and the effects on cell growth, cell cycle, apoptosis and related measurements were investigated. MTT assays showed that all endometrial and ovarian cancer cell lines were sensitive to the growth inhibitory effect of apicidin, although normal endometrial epithelial cells were viable after the treatment with the same doses of apicidin that induced the growth inhibition of endometrial and ovarian cancer cells. Cell cycle analysis indicated that their exposure to apicidin decreased the proportion of cells in S-phase and increased the proportion in G0/G1 and/or G2/M phases of the cell cycle. Induction of apoptosis was confirmed by Annexin V staining of externalized phosphatidylserine and loss of the transmembrane potential of mitochondria. This induction occurred in concert with the altered expression of p21WAF1, p27KIP1, p16, cyclin A, and E-cadherin. Furthermore, apicidin treatment of these cell lines increased acetylation of H3 and H4 histone tails. These results suggest that apicidin exhibits the antiproliferative effects through selective induction of genes related to cell growth, malignant phenotype, and apoptosis. The findings raise the possibility that apicidin may prove particularly effective in the treatment of endometrial and ovarian cancers.


Charge neutralization process of mobile species at any distance from the electrode/solution interface. 2. Concentration gradients during potential pulse experiments.
The theoretical model presented in part 1 of this work is employed to simulate and fit experimental probe beam deflection (PBD) data of Fe(CN)6(3-)/Fe(CN)6(4-) and Fe3+/Fe2+ couples. Current and beam deviation dependency on time at constant potential (chronoamperometry and chronodeflectometry) is analyzed via a new treatment based on the migration and diffusion properties of all the species involved. The diffusion coefficients of electroactive species are obtained by fitting chronoamperometric curves. Those coefficients are then employed to simulate the respective chronodeflectometric profiles. The experimental data and the theoretical function are fitted by the minimum squares Simplex algorithm. The effect of working with systems in which both electroactive species are charged is discussed in detail. Specifically, the possibility of quantitative analysis of nonspecific techniques data is analyzed when a relative high concentration of supporting electrolyte is used. Such analysis widens the scope of techniques as PBD since in many cases the effect of supporting electrolyte species could be negligible as compared to the response of electroactive species. The variation of the refraction index with the concentration gradient of each soluble species is also discussed.


Proinsulin, insulin, and C-peptide in cystic fibrosis after an oral glucose tolerance test.
The beta-cell response to an oral glucose load was studied in 22 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) by means of insulin, C-peptide and proinsulin, and the results compared with those from 20 healthy sex and age matched controls. According to WHO criteria two had diabetes mellitus, eight had impaired glucose tolerance and twelve had normal glucose tolerance. All patients showed lower insulin and C-peptide levels than the controls at 30 minutes. However the insulin and C-peptide responses were sustained so that the areas under the curves were comparable between controls, CF patients with normal glucose tolerance, and CF patients with impaired glucose tolerance. By contrast, the area under the proinsulin curve was significantly higher in the CF patients with impaired glucose tolerance compared with both controls (p less than 0.05) and with the CF normal glucose tolerance group (p less than 0.02). In the CF patients with impaired glucose tolerance the proinsulin level was significantly elevated at 120 minutes (median 50 pmol/l) and at 180 minutes (29 pmol/l) as compared with the controls (24 and 19 pmol/l p less than 0.01) and with the CF patients with normal glucose tolerance (21 and 16 pmol/l p less than 0.01). These data confirm that impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes is frequent in cystic fibrosis. The elevated proinsulin immunoreactive material in CF patients with impaired glucose tolerance may partly compensate for the relative insufficient insulin response found in these patients.


Differences in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression from the luteinizing-granulosa cells of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer: implications for cycle outcomes.
Previous research has suggested a correlation between the subtle rise in progesterone induced by the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and cycle outcome in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The data suggest that patients who have <2-fold increase in progesterone levels will not conceive as a result of that IVF-ET attempt (poor responders). Further, if the luteinizing-granulosa cells of poor responders are placed in culture, their steroid hormone production will be significantly less than that of the luteinizing-granulosa cells of patients with a normal response to hCG (>3-fold; normal responders). Recent studies have demonstrated that steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) regulates the rate-limiting step in steroid hormone biosynthesis. The objective of the present study was to determine whether StAR expression differed in normal responders and poor responders undergoing IVF-ET. The luteinizing-granulosa cells of 6 patients were isolated after follicular aspiration and assayed for StAR expression. Three sets of cells were from patients exhibiting a normal response to hCG administration and 3 sets were from patients exhibiting a poor response. Data suggest a 17% drop in StAR protein in patients with a poor response to hCG administration when compared with those with a normal response. Although StAR protein was expressed in all 6 cellular extracts, expression appeared greatest in cells recovered from normal responders. Further, although two thirds of the patients with a normal response reported term pregnancies, no pregnancies were reported in the poor responders. Low levels of progesterone and absence of pregnancy may be due to a defect in the mechanism that converts granulosa and theca-lutein cells to luteal cells after the luteinizing hormone surge (or hCG administration). Data from the current study would suggest that the StAR protein may be involved.


Centrifugal elutriation and characterization of tumor cells from venous blood of tumor-bearing mice: possible relevance to metastasis.
Centrifugal elutriation was applied to separate blood-borne tumor cells using three mouse tumor systems, NFSA2ALM1, FSA1231, and FSA1233, syngeneic to C3H/HeJ mice. The tumor cells separated from venous blood were further characterized regarding cell cycle stage (DNA content), cell size, and clonogenicity in vitro. The majority of the blood-borne tumor cells were in G1 phase and dead or dying (not "clonogenic"). Clonogenic tumor cells were very few, e.g., 1.7 per mouse (NFSA2ALM1 bearing) or 0.3 per mouse (FSA1231 bearing) (i.e., a few clonogenic tumor cells of 10(8) blood-borne nucleated cells). The higher number of clonogenic blood-borne tumor cells of NFSA2ALM1 over FSA1231 was consistent with the clonogenic tumor cell release rates reported previously and paralleled spontaneous lung metastasis efficiencies of these tumors.


Independent roles of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted and fractalkine in the vulnerability of coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
Monocyte chemotactic factors contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The present study aimed to elucidate the roles of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), Regulated on Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) and fractalkine on the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or unstable angina pectoris (UAP). Sixty patients with AMI, 60 patients with UAP, 60 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and 40 patients without coronary heart disease comprised the study group. Quantitative coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were performed. Concentrations and mRNA expression levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, MCP-1, RANTES and fractalkine were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. IVUS found that 51.3% of the AMI patients and 47.7% of the UAP patients had soft lipid plaques. Among the SAP patients, 52.4% had fibrous plaques and only 17.1% had soft plaques. AMI and UAP patients had larger plaque burden and vascular remodeling index than did the SAP patients (P<0.01). The averaged number of migrated monocytes was higher in AMI and UAP patients. Concentrations and mRNA expression levels of MCP-1, RANTES and fractalkine were significantly higher in AMI and UAP patients than in SAP patients (P<0.05-0.01). The plaque burden in UAP patients as measured with IVUS correlated well with monocytes chemotaxis (r=0.56, P<0.01). MCP-1, RANTES and fractalkine independently participate in the pathogenesis of plaque vulnerability and subsequent plaque rupture.


The in vitro immune response in the absence of serum and its proteins: stimulating activity of zymosan.
In the absence of serum and its components, zymosan, together with 2-mercaptoethanol present in the medium, stimulated the in vitro primary immune response. Zymosan was effective at a concentration of as low as 2.5 microgram/ml. Removal of macrophages using iron powder resulted in higher recoveries of plaque-forming cells in the presence of zymosan but not of fetuin. Since insoluble zymosan may be easily removed from the culture, the test system described might be suitable for the identification of specific control factors secreted by cells during the in vitro immune response.


24h-gene variation effect of combined bevacizumab/erlotinib in advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer using exon array blood profiling.
The SAKK 19/05 trial investigated the safety and efficacy of the combined targeted therapy bevacizumab and erlotinib (BE) in unselected patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although activating EGFR mutations were the strongest predictors of the response to BE, some patients not harboring driver mutations could benefit from the combined therapy. The identification of predictive biomarkers before or short after initiation of therapy is therefore paramount for proper patient selection, especially among EGFR wild-types. The first aim of this study was to investigate the early change in blood gene expression in unselected patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC treated by BE. The second aim was to assess the predictive value of blood gene expression levels at baseline and 24h after BE therapy. Blood samples from 43 advanced non-squamous NSCLC patients taken at baseline and 24h after initiation of therapy were profiled using Affymetrix' exon arrays. The 24h gene dysregulation was investigated in the light of gene functional annotations using gene set enrichment analysis. The predictive value of blood gene expression levels was assessed and validated using an independent dataset. Significant gene dysregulations associated with the 24h-effect of BE were detected from blood-based whole-genome profiling. BE had a direct effect on "Pathways in cancer", by significantly down-regulating genes involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway and mTOR signaling pathway. These pathways contribute to phenomena of evasion of apoptosis, proliferation and sustained angiogenesis. Other signaling pathways specifically reflecting the mechanisms of action of erlotinib and the anti-angiogenesis effect of bevacizumab were activated. The magnitude of change of the most dysregulated genes at 24h did not have a predictive value regarding the patients' response to BE. However, predictive markers were identified from the gene expression levels at 24h regarding time to progression under BE. The 24h-effect of the combined targeted therapy BE could be accurately monitored in advanced non-squamous NSCLC blood samples using whole-genome exon arrays. Putative predictive markers at 24h could reflect patients' response to BE after adjusting for their mutational status. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00354549.


Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, diabetes mellitus, and pregnancy.
A pregnancy complicated with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is described. Treatment consisted of primary ceasarean section, tubal ligation, and splenectomy with good results for mother and infant. Subsequent successful pregnancies may be anticipated if the thrombocytopenia-complicated pregnancy is managed as described.


The role of ultrasound in the management of peritonsillar abscess.
A distinction between a peritonsillar abscess and peritonsillitis is useful clinically, as the former requires surgical drainage while the latter merely requires treatment with antibiotics. To evaluate the diagnostic implications of performing ultrasonography of the tonsils in patients with clinically diagnosed peritonsillar abscess, 27 patients underwent ultrasound examination before needle aspiration of the abscess was performed. Ultrasound was able to detect peritonsillar abscess in 91 per cent of the cases (sensitivity rate), with a false negative rate of nine per cent and a false positive rate of 20 per cent. The specificity of the test was 80 per cent, and was able to differentiate abscess from peritonsillitis in 88.9 per cent. On the basis of these results we conclude that ultrasonography of the tonsils in patients thought to have peritonsillar abscess is a useful adjunct, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing unnecessary surgical drainage.


Coordination Chemistry of Disilylated Germylenes with Group 4 Metallocenes.
Reaction of the PEt3 adduct of a disilylated five-membered cyclic germylene with group 4 metallocene dichlorides in the presence of magnesium led to the formation of the respective germylene metallocene phosphine complexes of titanium, zirconium, and hafnium. Attempts to react the related NHC adduct of a disilylated four-membered cyclic germylene under the same conditions with Cp2TiCl2 did not give the expected germylene NHC titanocene complex. This complex was, however, obtained in the reaction of Cp2Ti(btmsa) with the NHC germylene adduct. A computational analysis of the structure of the group 4 metallocene germylene complexes revealed the multiple-bond character of the M-Ge(II) linkage, which can be rationalized with the classical σ-donor/π-acceptor interaction. The strength of the M-Ge(II) bond increases descending group 4.


Hijacking of the Host Ubiquitin Network by Legionella pneumophila.
Protein ubiquitination is critical for regulation of numerous eukaryotic cellular processes such as protein homeostasis, cell cycle progression, immune response, DNA repair, and vesicular trafficking. Ubiquitination often leads to the alteration of protein stability, subcellular localization, or interaction with other proteins. Given the importance of ubiquitination in the regulation of host immunity, it is not surprising that many infectious agents have evolved strategies to interfere with the ubiquitination network with sophisticated mechanisms such as functional mimicry. The facultative intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease. L. pneumophila is phagocytosed by macrophages and is able to replicate within a niche called Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV). The biogenesis of LCV is dependent upon the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system which delivers more than 330 effector proteins into host cytosol. The optimal intracellular replication of L. pneumophila requires the host ubiquitin-proteasome system. Furthermore, membranes of the bacterial phagosome are enriched with ubiquitinated proteins in a way that requires its Dot/Icm type IV secretion system, suggesting the involvement of effectors in the manipulation of the host ubiquitination machinery. Here we summarize recent advances in our understanding of mechanisms exploited by L. pneumophila effector proteins to hijack the host ubiquitination pathway.


[Are all animal and human organs and tissues endocrine in nature and are they secreting peptide hormones into blood?].
Endocrinology was born and developed as the science of endocrine glands and the human and animal diseases induced by the gland dysfunctions. The complex of endocrine glands included pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenals, pancreas and gonads. Further, it has been shown that certain brain structures, hypothalamus in particular, are also endocrine organs which secrete in blood a large number of various peptide hormones. Heart secretes in blood the peptide compound natriuretic hormone which regulates the sodium balance. Recent studies have been demonstrated that the adipose tissue cells adipocytes secrete in blood the peptide hormone leptine which stimulates utilization of lipids from the fat deposits in energy metabolism. Leptine is the product obese (ob) gene which is mainly expressed in white adipose tissue. The first natural compound named "hormone" was the peptide "secretin". It is secreted by not a traditional endocrine gland, but by the duodenal cells, and it controls the exosecretory function of the pancreas. The trend allows us to declare that, similarly to adipose tissue, heart and hypothalamus, all other human and animal tissues are probably also endocrine organs and able to secret in blood the peptide hormones still to be identified, which being informative polymers are better adapted to transmit the information than other chemical compounds, and hence, they are most efficient for regulatory functions.


Carcinoid tumor of the cystic duct: case report, literature review and comparison of surgical approaches.
We present the case of a 48-year-old female with a cystic duct carcinoid that was found incidentally upon laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient subsequently underwent excision of the cystic duct remnant. This is the tenth reported case of a cystic duct carcinoid and the second reported laparoscopic excision.


FCRLA is a resident endoplasmic reticulum protein that associates with intracellular Igs, IgM, IgG and IgA.
Fc receptor-like A (FCRLA) is an unusual member of the extended Fc receptor family. FCRLA has homology to receptors for the Fc portion of Ig (FCR) and to other FCRL proteins. However, unlike these other family representatives, which are typically transmembrane receptors with extracellular ligand-binding domains, FCRLA has no predicted transmembrane domain or N-linked glycosylation sites and is an intracellular protein. We show by confocal microscopy and biochemical assays that FCRLA is a soluble resident endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein, but it does not possess the amino acid sequence KDEL as an ER retention motif in its C-terminus. Using a series of deletion mutants, we found that its ER retention is most likely mediated by the amino terminal partial Ig-like domain. We have identified ER-localized Ig as the FCRLA ligand. FCRLA is unique among the large family of Fc receptors, in that it is capable of associating with multiple Ig isotypes, IgM, IgG and IgA. Among hemopoietic cells, FCRLA expression is restricted to the B lineage and is most abundant in germinal center B lymphocytes. The studies reported here demonstrate that FCRLA is more broadly expressed among human B lineage cells than originally reported; it is found at significant levels in resting blood B cells and at varying levels in all B-cell subsets in tonsil.


Dynamics of breathers-like circular Pearcey Gaussian waves in a Kerr medium.
We introduce the propagation properties of the circular Pearcey Gaussian (CPG) waves in Kerr medium for the first time. The breathers-like structure and breathers-like groups structure (filamentions) of CPG waves will form due to the interaction between the linear waves and the nonlinear medium. The focusing characteristics in Kerr medium can be adjusted by the deviation factor and the initial input power of the CPG waves. By choosing appropriate input power, the imaginary part of the CPG waves can split into some wavelets during the propagation. It is worth noting that the distinctive stepwise focusing of the imaginary part of the CPG waves which can be applied to wave modulation. Furthermore, the numerical experiment results show good agreement with the numerical simulation results.


Frontal and lateral views of the brain reconstructed from EMI axial slices.
A computer program has been written to produce lateral and frontal views of the brain from transverse slices generated by the EMI scanner. The resulting images have markedly facilitated the planning of surgical exploration of intracranial lesions by graphically indicating their locations in a manner consistent with the familiar lateral and frontal radiographs. Our image is formed from a distribution of the average EMI density number along the directio, of projection. Incorporated in the program is a bone-searching algorithm which eliminated density from the cranium and extracranial air and water so that only brain is seen in the projection. Several enhancement algorithms are provided to enhance pathology. The images are displayed on the existing EMI viewer, where they are available for inspection and photography.


Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scoring of cleft patients treated within a regional cleft centre in the United Kingdom.
To assess static occlusal outcomes for patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) and cleft palate (CP) managed within a UK Regional Cleft Service and to compare with previously published Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scores from a non-cleft population of patients treated within a UK consultant-led hospital service. Retrospective multicentre study. Eight orthodontic hospital units within the Spires Cleft Service, UK. Patients born with CLP or CP between 1985 and 1995 treated within the service. Patients were assigned to groups by cleft type and whether they were treated by orthodontics only or a combination of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. PAR was recorded before and after treatment from study models. Data were collected for 171 patients included in the study. Median pre-treatment PAR was 42 and post-treatment 11. Median percentage change in PAR for all patients was 73%, although 12% of cleft patients had a PAR improvement that was worse or no different. Median change in PAR score was 71% for those treated with orthodontics only and 83% for those who had an osteotomy. Median PAR improvement for those treated with orthodontics only was 73% in the cleft lip group, 77% in the CP group, 66% in the unilateral CLP group and 53% in the bilateral CLP group. Median pre- and post-treatment PAR for the cleft group was higher and PAR reduction lower than those published for non-cleft patients. These data demonstrate high severity of malocclusion, complexity of orthodontic treatment and difficulty in achieving an ideal static occlusion for cleft patients. If PAR is to be used to assess orthodontic outcomes in cleft patients the findings of this study should be considered. A higher proportion of cases are likely to be classed as 'worse or no different', and a lower percentage change will be expected.


Recommendations for donor human leukocyte antigen assessment and matching for allogeneic stem cell transplantation: consensus opinion of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN).
The Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) conducts large, multi-institutional clinical trials with the goal of improving the outcomes of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for patients with life-threatening disorders. Well-designed HCT trials benefit from standardized criteria for defining diagnoses, treatment plans, and graft source selection. In this perspective, we summarize evidence supporting criteria for the selection of related and unrelated adult volunteer progenitor cell donors or umbilical cord blood units. These standardized criteria for graft source selection have been adopted by the BMT CTN to enhance the interpretation of clinical findings within and among future clinical protocols.


Influence of steeping duration, drying temperature, and duration on the chemical composition of sorghum starch.
The quest for high-quality starch that would meet the needs of manufacturers is ever increasing. This study investigated the effect of steeping duration, drying temperature, and duration on the chemical properties of sorghum starch, to possibly alter the characteristics of sorghum starch for food applications. Steeping duration, drying temperature, and drying time of starch isolation were optimized using a central composite design and nine parameters including pH, amylose content, moisture, protein, ash, crude fiber, fat, carbohydrate, and total energy determined. Results obtained showed that most of the parameters were majorly influenced by steeping and drying duration. Steeping duration significantly (p < .05) increased the moisture, protein, and ash content of the sorghum with a corresponding decrease in pH values. The obtained experimental and predicted values of the investigated parameters were similar, with statistical indices indicating the relative validity of the generated models [absolute average deviation (AAD between 0 and 0.20), bias factor (Bf , 1-1.02), and accuracy factor (Af , 1-1.21)]. The varying values of the parameters obtained indicates the potential use of the sorghum starches as thickeners, starch substitutes, and for other desired roles in food processing.


Granularity analysis for mathematical proofs.
Mathematical proofs generally allow for various levels of detail and conciseness, such that they can be adapted for a particular audience or purpose. Using automated reasoning approaches for teaching proof construction in mathematics presupposes that the step size of proofs in such a system is appropriate within the teaching context. This work proposes a framework that supports the granularity analysis of mathematical proofs, to be used in the automated assessment of students' proof attempts and for the presentation of hints and solutions at a suitable pace. Models for granularity are represented by classifiers, which can be generated by hand or inferred from a corpus of sample judgments via machine-learning techniques. This latter procedure is studied by modeling granularity judgments from four experts. The results provide support for the granularity of assertion-level proofs but also illustrate a degree of subjectivity in assessing step size.


Complex changes of circadian proteins expression in inflammatory bowel disease.
Recently, a possible role of circadian system in the pathogenesis of various gastrointestinal disorders gained an attention. The association of circadian system with immune system activity and reciprocal connection with intestinal microbiota indicate possible links with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The retrospective study provided a semiquantitative immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of 8 core circadian proteins (BMAL1, BMAL2, PER1, PER2, PER3, CLOCK, NPAS2 and TIMELESS) in the epithelial cells of intestinal mucosa in 24 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 26 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Samples from patients without history of IBD served as the control. The BMAL1 protein expression in intramucosal inflammatory cells was explored as well. The expression of 5 core circadian proteins (BMAL1, PER1, PER3, TIMELESS and NAPS2) was decreased in mucosal epithelium of patients with IBD in comparison with the control samples, whereas the expression of BMAL1 and PER1 was more noticeably decreased in UC patients and PER3, TIMELESS and NPAS2 in CD patients. There was a decreased BMAL1 expression in intramucosal inflammatory cells of IBD patients. Decreased core circadian proteins expression in colonic mucosa and in intramucosal inflammatory cells of IBD patients indicated a circadian rhythm deregulation as contributing factor in the development of IBD. To our knowledge, this is so far the most extensive immunohistochemical analysis performed on the samples of IBD patients evaluating the changes in circadian protein expression in the intestinal mucosa (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 31).


Heart Rate Variability Indices of Student Pilots Undergo Modifications During Flight Training.
INTRODUCTION: Heart rate variability (HRV) indicates the temporal fluctuation of the intervals between adjacent beats. HRV expresses neuro-cardiac activity and is generated by heart-brain interactions and dynamics related to the function of the autonomous nervous system and other components. To investigate this issue, we started a series of experiments by coupling the flight tasks of student pilots and their HRV.METHODS: Before each experimental session, the participating student was fitted with a five-electrode, three-channel Holter electrocardiogram monitor. We defined three time-phases for each training mission: before flight operations on the ground, during flight operations, and after flight operations on the ground. The HRV analysis was performed by quantifying some indices of the time domain and the frequency domain.RESULTS: The analysis of RR-wave intervals revealed two types of trends: 1) students whose RR intervals decreased during flight operations compared to before flight ground operations; and 2) students whose RR intervals increased during flight operations compared to before flight ground operations. These differences found in the RR intervals produced changes in the indices of both the time and frequency domains of the two students' samples.DISCUSSION: Flight training involves regular and advanced tasks and/or emergency situations. When this happens, the total power of the heart decreases because the RR intervals are forced toward low values. Flight activity involves continuous demanding tasks that can be potentially read by an analysis of the HRV; a high HRV ensures better management of tasks that require a greater commitment of cardiovascular function.Li Volsi G, Monte IP, Aruta A, Gulizzi A, Libra A, Mirulla S, Panebianco G, Patti G, Quattrocchi F, Bellantone V, Castorina W, Arcifa S, Papale F. Heart rate variability indices of student pilots undergo modifications during flight training. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(11):835-842.


Increased (CTG/CAG)(n) lengths in myotonic dystrophy type 1 and Machado-Joseph disease genes in idiopathic azoospermia patients.
An increase in CAG trinucleotide repeat length in the androgen receptor (AR) gene has been linked to idiopathic azoospermia. In order to test whether other (CAG/CTG)(n) loci are also affected, the (CAG/CTG)(n) frequency distribution at myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) loci, in addition to the AR gene, was investigated in 48 azoospermia patients and 47 controls. The median CAG repeat length in the AR gene was significantly longer in azoospermia patients than in controls (23 versus 21, P < 0.001). Significant differences were also noted in the upper tails of trinucleotide repeat length distributions at both DM1 and MJD loci between the two populations. At the DM1 locus, alleles of more than 18 repeats were observed only in azoospermia patients, and not in controls (P = 0.014). At the MJD locus, the frequency of normal alleles (ANs) with 29 or more CAG repeats was also much higher in azoospermia patients (29.2 versus 7.4%; P = 0.0001). However, the repeat length distribution at DRPLA and SCA8 loci did not differ in the two groups. These data indicated that, at least in a subset of azoospermia patients, there was an increase in the number of trinucleotide repeats in some disease loci. Thus, it is noteworthy to evaluate whether offspring of these azoospermia patients, if born by assisted reproductive technologies, have an increased risk of trinucleotide repeat diseases.


Impact of feeding cover crop forage containing brassicas to steers during backgrounding on live animal performance, carcass characteristics, and meat color1.
Brassica cover crops are an option for producers to incorporate into their cropping system to improve soil health and also provide a feed resource for cattle. While brassica cover crops have been widely used for grazing cows, their use as a backgrounding feedstuff is relatively unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of feeding a brassica cover crop mixture during backgrounding on live animal performance and carcass characteristics. A total of 30 Angus-based steers were assigned to one of two dietary treatments during backgrounding 1) ad libitum access to a diet containing freshly cut brassica cover crop forage (CC) containing radish, turnip, rapeseed, rye grass, and a liquid supplement or 2) common Midwestern dry lot growing diet containing silage, soybean meal, grass hay, and a liquid supplement (CON). Steers were assigned to electronic feed bunks (Insentec RIC, Hokofarm Group; Marknesse, the Netherlands) for collection of individual feed intake. Diets were formulated to be nutritionally similar on a dry matter basis. Steers were paired by weight across treatments and pair fed. Dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated daily for steers in the CC treatment and the following day, CON steers were allowed access to an equal amount of dry matter using the Insentec RIC system. Steers were weighed weekly and backgrounded for 44 days before transitioning to a common finishing diet and weighed every 28 days. Steers were harvested at an estimated average backfat thickness of 1 cm. Standard carcass data were measured and strip loins and shoulder clods were collected. Instrumental and subjective color were measured on ground beef for 8 days and instrumental color was measured on strip steaks for 11 days. Treatment did not influence carcass characteristics, average daily gain, and DMI (P > 0.17). However, CON steers exhibited increased gain to feed ratio (P = 0.02). Additionally, a treatment by day interaction was observed for ground beef discoloration as the CC treatment displayed increased discoloration on days 4, 6, and 7 of case life (P < 0.01). These data indicate that brassicas may be utilized in a backgrounding diet without negatively impacting carcass characteristics but may decrease case life of ground beef.


Lucio Leprosy with Lucio's phenomenon, digital gangrene and anticardiolipin antibodies.
Lucio's phenomenon (LPh) is considered a necrotizing panvasculitis and a variant of leprosy Type 2 reaction, clinically characterised by necrotic-haemorrhagic lesions on the extremities and trunk. LPh is observed in diffuse lepromatous leprosy (DLL or Lucio-Latapí leprosy). This is a distinct form of lepromatous leprosy (LL) reported mainly in Mexico. Anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) has been rarely described in LPh. We report a case of Lucio-Latapí leprosy with LPh observed in a patient from the province of El Oro in Ecuador, who presented clinical manifestations of long standing DLL (non-nodular infiltration of the skin, collapse of the nasal pyramid, madarosis, atrophy of the earlobes), of LPh (necrotic-haemorrhagic macules with irregular shapes) and of APS (necrosis of the right big and second toe). Histopathology showed perineural and periadnexal foamy macrophages with numerous bacilli (diagnostic of LL) in the subcutis, a mild lobular panniculitis with a large subcutaneous vessel infiltrated by macrophages in the wall (typical of LPh) and vessels of the superficial and mid dermis occluded by thrombi but without signs of vasculitis (typical of occlusive vasculopathy as in APS). Our observations suggest that some cases of LPh may be associated with APS. Anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) should be tested in patients with LPh because this may have therapeutic implications.


Objective Measurements of Energy Balance Are Associated With Sleep Architecture in Healthy Adults.
We objectively measured body composition, energy expenditure, caloric intake, and sleep in a large, diverse sample of healthy men and women and determined how energy balance and diet associated with sleep physiology. Healthy adults (n = 50; 21-50 years) participated in an in-laboratory study involving two baseline sleep nights (BL1-2, 10 hours time-in-bed/night, 2200-0800 hours). Polysomnography was recorded on BL2. Demographic information, body composition, and energy expenditure measurements were collected at study admittance and on BL1. Daily food/drink intake was recorded both before (on BL1) and after (on BL2) the sleep measurement. Partial Pearson's correlations assessed the relationship between energy balance and sleep physiology variables. At baseline, greater fat-free mass associated with lower total sleep time (r = -0.52, p = .030), lower sleep efficiency (r = -0.53, p = .004), and greater wake after sleep onset (r = 0.55, p = .002). Higher body fat percentage (r = 0.39, p = .038) and being overweight (Body Mass Index [BMI] 25-30; p = .026) associated with more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Higher protein intake (r's = 0.46-0.52; p's < .001-.002) and lower carbohydrate intake (r's = -0.31 to -0.34; p's = .027-.046) on BL1 and BL2 associated with more REM sleep. Greater fiber consumption on BL1 and BL2 associated with more slow-wave sleep (SWS; r's = 0.33-0.35; p's = .02-.03). More SWS related to increased carbohydrate intake the following day (BL2, r = 0.32, p = .037). Body composition and diet were related to baseline sleep characteristics, including SWS and REM sleep duration and sleep maintenance. Future studies should further evaluate the influence of energy balance measures on sleep physiology, since dietary interventions may be useful in treating insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality, excessive sleepiness or other sleep disorders.


Gestational age can predict the need for prophylaxis with surfactant therapy.
Controversy exists as to whether prophylactic or rescue therapy with surfactant should be used in infants born at less than 30 weeks gestation. We developed the hypothesis that gestational age can be used to predict a need for prophylactic surfactant therapy. We designed this retrospective study to determine whether there was a gestational age below which one could accurately predict the need for prophylactic surfactant therapy in almost all infants and limit unnecessary treatment of infants. We conducted a retrospective study of infants born at 23-34 weeks' gestation to determine the frequency with which surfactant therapy was used in a rescue strategy at each gestational age, and to ascertain the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of gestational age as a predictor of the use of surfactant therapy. There was a significant inverse correlation between gestational age and the proportion of infants treated with surfactant (r = -0.923, p < 0.001). A gestational age cut-off of 26 completed weeks' had a positive predictive value of 85% and a specificity of 96% for the need for surfactant therapy. We conclude that gestational age can be used to predict a need for surfactant therapy in premature infants. At our institution, the failure to attain 26 completed weeks' gestation will accurately predict the need for surfactant therapy and will result in unnecessary treatment of very few infants. We suggest that each institution caring for very low birth weight infants should examine its population to determine the gestational age at which they can accurately predict the need for prophylaxis with surfactant therapy.


Cortical trapping of alpha-[(11)C]methyl-l-tryptophan, an index of serotonin synthesis, is lower in females than males.
One neural system that may exhibit gender differences is serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter implicated in the regulation of mood, cognitive processes, and impulse-control. However, most of the available evidence of gender-related differences in this system has been indirect and at times contradictory. The objective of the present study was to follow up on preliminary evidence that there are gender differences in brain regional 5-HT synthesis, as measured by trapping of alpha-[(11)C]methyl-l-tryptophan (alpha-[(11)C]MTrp). Sixty-minute dynamic scans were performed in healthy volunteers, 28 women and 31 men. Functional images of the brain trapping constant, used as a proxy for 5-HT synthesis, which correlate in the rat brain with tryptophan's conversion into 5-HT, were transferred to the standardized 3D space. The voxel based comparison was performed by Statistical Parametric Mapping with proportional normalization. There was lower normalized alpha-[(11)C]MTrp trapping in females than males throughout much of the cerebral cortex, including the left middle frontal gyrus, the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, the bilateral precentral gyrus, the left supramarginal gyrus, the bilateral inferior parietal lobule, the left superior temporal gyrus, the bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus, and the bilateral precuneus. There were no regions in which the normalized trapping was significantly higher in females than in males. Gender differences in sub-cortical sites were not found. Women, compared to men, may have lower rates of this tracer trapping, used as a proxy for 5-HT synthesis, throughout much of the cerebral cortex which is likely related to differences in 5-HT synthesis because relative differences in the normalized trapping should be the same as those in 5-HT synthesis. These differences may be related, at least in part, to previously suggested gender differences in affect, cognitive processes, and susceptibility to 5-HT-related neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders.


A first-principle calculation of the XANES spectrum of Cu(2+) in water.
The progress in high performance computing we are witnessing today offers the possibility of accurate electron density calculations of systems in realistic physico-chemical conditions. In this paper, we present a strategy aimed at performing a first-principle computation of the low energy part of the X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) spectrum based on the density functional theory calculation of the electronic potential. To test its effectiveness, we apply the method to the computation of the X-ray absorption near edge structure part of the XAS spectrum in the paradigmatic, but simple case of Cu(2+) in water. In order to keep into account the effect of the metal site structure fluctuations in determining the experimental signal, the theoretical spectrum is evaluated as the average over the computed spectra of a statistically significant number of simulated metal site configurations. The comparison of experimental data with theoretical calculations suggests that Cu(2+) lives preferentially in a square-pyramidal geometry. The remarkable success of this approach in the interpretation of XAS data makes us optimistic about the possibility of extending the computational strategy we have outlined to the more interesting case of molecules of biological relevance bound to transition metal ions.


Multiple tooth loss is associated with vascular cognitive impairment in subjects with acute ischemic stroke.
Emerging evidence shows that tooth loss is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a common consequence of ischemic stroke. This study investigated the association of tooth loss with VCI in patients with acute stroke. A total of 161 subjects with acute ischemic stroke were recruited. Within 1 wk after admission, fasting blood tests were undertaken and the number of teeth present was recorded. VCI was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The patients with loss of ≥ 8 teeth exhibited significantly lower MoCA values as compared to those with loss of ≤ 7 teeth (13.2 ± 6.6 vs. 17.3 ± 6.0, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that loss of ≥ 8 teeth (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2-7.9, p = 0.02) and stroke history (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.1-14.1, p = 0.04) were significantly associated with VCI (MoCA score ≤ 20.0). Within the limitations of this study, the current findings provide the first evidence that multiple tooth loss is independently associated with VCI in patients with acute ischemic stroke.


Modified methods of dialysis.
Dialysis modifications are described that are based on the use of a novel rotating dialysis bottle in one- or two-solvent systems. Advantages include complete mixing and rapid equilibrium of diffusing substances, favourable volume changes, economy of solvent and more effective removal of diffusible materials.


The effect of tyramine infusion and exercise on blood flow, coagulation and clot microstructure in healthy individuals.
The long term benefits of exercise on the cardiovascular status of a patient have been proven, however, their benefit/risk relationship with exercise intensity is unclear. Furthermore, many thromboembolic diseases such as myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke are associated with profound catecholamine release. In this study we explore the relationship between catecholamine release and hemodynamic changes and their effect on coagulation. Twelve healthy recreationally active males were recruited. Local anesthesia was given and catheters were placed under aseptic conditions, in the femoral artery and vein of the experimental leg. The first experiment involved tyramine infusion into the femoral artery at a dose of 1.0 μmol·min-1·L leg volume-1. The second experiment involved single leg knee-extensor exercise performed at 30 W for 15 min. Venous blood was collected at each time point to assess clot microstructure using the df biomarker. Tyramine infusion causes a local noradrenaline release in the leg. The increase in noradrenaline was associated with a significant increase in clot microstructure formation (df increased from 1.692 ± 0.029 to 1.722 ± 0.047, p = 0.016). Additionally moderate intensity single leg knee extensor exercise, which minimally alters sympathetic activity, also induced an increases in df (from 1.688 ± 0.025 to 1.723 ± 0.023, p = 0.001). This suggests that exercise can alter clot microstructure formation both via an increase in catecholeamine levels and by factors related to muscle activity per se, such as increased blood flow and consequent shear. These findings have implications for recommendations of exercise in patients at risk of cardiovascular events.


The experiences and perceived health benefits of individuals with a disability participating in sport: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
Sports participation has many physical and mental health benefits for individuals with a disability including improved functionality and reduced anxiety, yet a large proportion of individuals with a disability are inactive. To investigate the experiences and perceived health benefits of sport participation across four disability populations: children and adolescents, adults, elite athletes and veterans with a disability. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted. Eligible studies had participants who were children, adults, elite athletes or veterans with a physical, visual or intellectual disability. Data were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool and quality assessment involved the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD). Content, thematic and narrative synthesis techniques were used. Confidence in cumulative evidence was determined using GRADE-CERQual and Classes of Evidence. Several positive aspects of sport participation were highlighted across all four populations, including socialisation opportunities, pure enjoyment, a sense of freedom and providing an arena to challenge stereotypes. The paucity of research within the 'veterans with a disability' group limited analysis of experiences and benefits of sport in this population. This systematic review was the first to explore this phenomena, finding that overall sport is a beneficial experience for individuals with a disability. The positive aspects should be promoted when encouraging sport participation for children, adolescents, adults and elite athletes. More research is needed to explore these phenomena in veterans and to compare perceived benefits between populations to enable tailored promotion of sport.


Growth inhibitive effect of betulinic acid combined with tripterine on MSB-1 cells and its mechanism.
Marek's disease (MD), a highly infectious lymphoproliferative disease in chickens, is caused by a cell-associated oncogenic herpesvirus, Marek's disease virus (MDV). MSB-1 is a MD-derived lymphoblastoid cell line and can induce tumors when inoculated into susceptible chickens. Betulinic acid, which is present as one of the major effective components in many traditional Chinese medicines, has recently been reported to inhibit growth of cancer cells and employed as a potential anticancer agent. Tripterine, a major active compound extracted from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has now also shown anti-tumor activities in various cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic growth-inhibitive effect of betulinic acid combined with tripterine on MSB-1 cells and its mechanism. Viability of MSB-1 cells was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Cell apoptotic analysis was performed by fluorescence detection. NF-κB transcription activity was detected by measuring luciferase activity. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of p65, IκB and Meq. Our results showed that the proliferation in the combination group was significantly decreased as compared with that of monotherapy using betulinic acid or tripterine, accompanied by an induction of apoptosis, inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity and its targeting oncogenic gene Meq. The results suggest that the combination of betulinic acid and tripterine at lower concentration may produce a synergistic inhibitive effect on MSB-1 cells that warrants further investigation for its potential clinical applications.


Influence of plasmatic lipids on the hemorheological profile in healthy adults.
Some hemorheological parameters constitute risk factors for ischemic cardiovascular events. Most of these hemorheological factors are determined by the erythrocyte intrinsic properties and the high molecular weight plasmatic proteins, especially fibrinogen. The contribution of the plasmatic lipids to hemorheological factors is not well established. With this aim we determined hemorheological parameters in 112 healthy volunteers (62 males, 50 females) aged 35+/-10 years, range 19-54 years, members of our hospital staff. A complete set of rheological test was performed. Blood viscosity (BV) 230 sec(-1), plasma viscosity (PV), erythrocyte aggregation index (EAI), erythrocyte elongation index (EEI), hematocrit and fibrinogen. We also determined plasmatic lipids including total cholesterol (T-Ch) and its fractions (HDL-Ch, LDL-Ch, VLDL-Ch), triglycerides, lipoproteins (Apo B, Apo A(1), B/A(1)). Exclusion criteria were concomitant cardiovascular risk factors or any other associated pathology. Our results show a positive correlation between BV 230 sec(-1) and triglycerides (r=0.335) and negative with HDL-Ch (r=-0.451) (p=0.01), respectively; PV shows a positive correlation with T-Ch (r=0.297), LDL-Ch (r=0.298) and Apo B/A (r=0.290) (p=0.01). The EEI was negatively correlated with TG (p=0.05). Of all the rheological parameters evaluated, EAI is the factor which shows the highest significant correlation with plasmatic lipids: T-Ch (r=0.515), TG (r=0.303), LDL-Ch (r=0.507) and Apo B/A ratio (r=0.403); (p=0.01). These results suggest that plasmatic lipids contribute to modulate the blood rheological properties, slowing blood flow, favouring the development of atherothrombotics events, especially in stenotic areas or bifurcations in the vascular tree.


Positional behavior and vertebral morphology in atelines and cebines.
Atelines are of particular interest to primate evolutionary studies because they converge with hominoids in postcranial anatomy, including the vertebral column. Currently, our understanding of ateline vertebral morphology is limited to mainly qualitative descriptions and functional interpretations based on general categories of positional behavior. Even less is known about the vertebrae of other platyrrhines. This study more closely examines vertebral form and function in atelines and cebines by combining direct field observations of axial postures and movements, assessments of spinal loading regimes, and a detailed vertebral morphometric analysis. Field observations (Corcovado, Costa Rica) on Ateles geoffroyi, Alouatta palliata, Cebus capucinus, and Saimiri oerstedii were quantified in conjunction with a morphometric analysis of ateline and cebine lumbar vertebrae. Hylobates was also included for comparison. Compared to Cebus and Saimiri, atelines engage more frequently in postures and locomotor behaviors that induce pronounced bending loads on the spine. All atelines share lumbar adaptations for resisting bending, including ventrodorsally elongated vertebral bodies and perpendicularly oriented transverse processes. Among atelines, lumbar region lengths and vertebral bodies are shortest in Ateles and Brachyteles, longest in Alouatta (resembling Cebus), and intermediate in Lagothrix. Compared to Cebus and all atelines, Saimiri has a relatively longer lumbar region, longer and less ventrodorsally expanded vertebral bodies, and more ventrally oriented transverse processes. These features accentuate bending loads, but increase the sagittal flexibility required for leaping. Vertebral convergence between hylobatids and atelines is more readily interpretable as a product of shared spinal loading patterns than shared positional behaviors.


Emerging Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Diabetic Vascular Complications.
Chronic metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes are associated with accelerated rates of macrovascular and microvascular complications, which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Further understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms can aid in the development of novel drug targets and therapies to manage these disorders more effectively. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that do not have protein-coding potential are expressed in a tissue- and species-specific manner and regulate diverse biological processes. LncRNAs regulate gene expression in cis or in trans through various mechanisms, including interaction with chromatin-modifying proteins and other regulatory proteins and via posttranscriptional mechanisms, including acting as microRNA sponges or as host genes of microRNAs. Emerging evidence suggests that major pathological factors associated with diabetes such as high glucose, free fatty acids, proinflammatory cytokines, and growth factors can dysregulate lncRNAs in inflammatory, cardiac, vascular, and renal cells leading to altered expression of key inflammatory genes and fibrotic genes associated with diabetic vascular complications. Here we review recent reports on lncRNA characterization, functions, and mechanisms of action in diabetic vascular complications and translational approaches to target them. These advances can provide new insights into the lncRNA-dependent actions and mechanisms underlying diabetic vascular complications and uncover novel lncRNA-based biomarkers and therapies to reduce disease burden and mortality.


Luminance-evoked inhibition in primary visual cortex: a transient veto of simultaneous and ongoing response.
Large-scale changes in luminance are known to exert a significant suppressive or masking effect on visual perception, but the neural substrate for this effect remains unclear. In this report, we describe the results of experiments using in vivo intracellular recording to explore the impact of luminance transients on the responses of orientation-selective neurons in layer 2/3 of tree shrew primary visual cortex. By measuring changes in excitatory and inhibitory conductances, we find that instantaneous changes in luminance evoke strong cortical inhibition. When combined with visual stimuli that would otherwise yield strong excitatory responses, luminance transients produce significant reductions in excitation as well as increases in inhibition. As a result, luminance transients significantly delay the emergence of orientation tuned cortical responses, and virtually eliminate ongoing responses to effective stimuli. We conclude that cortical inhibition is a critical factor in luminance-evoked cortical suppression and the likely substrate for luminance-induced visual masking phenomenon.