Beyond colour perception: auditory-visual synaesthesia induces experiences of geometric objects in specific locations.
Our brain constantly integrates signals across different senses. Auditory-visual synaesthesia is an unusual form of cross-modal integration in which sounds evoke involuntary visual experiences. Previous research primarily focuses on synaesthetic colour, but little is known about non-colour synaesthetic visual features. Here we studied a group of synaesthetes for whom sounds elicit consistent visual experiences of coloured 'geometric objects' located at specific spatial location. Changes in auditory pitch alter the brightness, size, and spatial height of synaesthetic experiences in a systematic manner resembling the cross-modal correspondences of non-synaesthetes, implying synaesthesia may recruit cognitive/neural mechanisms for 'normal' cross-modal processes. To objectively assess the impact of synaesthetic objects on behaviour, we devised a multi-feature cross-modal synaesthetic congruency paradigm and asked participants to perform speeded colour or shape discrimination. We found irrelevant sounds influenced performance, as quantified by congruency effects, demonstrating that synaesthetes were not able to suppress their synaesthetic experiences even when these were irrelevant for the task. Furthermore, we found some evidence for task-specific effects consistent with feature-based attention acting on the constituent features of synaesthetic objects: synaesthetic colours appeared to have a stronger impact on performance than synaesthetic shapes when synaesthetes attended to colour, and vice versa when they attended to shape. We provide the first objective evidence that visual synaesthetic experience can involve multiple features forming object-like percepts and suggest that each feature can be selected by attention despite it being internally generated. These findings suggest theories of the brain mechanisms of synaesthesia need to incorporate a broader neural network underpinning multiple visual features, perceptual knowledge, and feature integration, rather than solely focussing on colour-sensitive areas.


Parallel Line Sign-A New MRI Sign Associated With Chronic Sacroiliitis: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Associations.
Purpose: The purpose is to demonstrate the existence of the parallel line sign (PLS), a dark line parallel to the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), and determine its prevalence, characteristics, and associations. Methods: 200 consecutive SIJ MRIs referred by rheumatologists were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of the PLS. Presence and extent of imaging features of sacroiliitis (bone marrow edema, fatty infiltration, erosions, sclerosis, and ankylosis) were evaluated. Results: Prevalence of PLS was 11.5% (23/200), with 9 subjects having bilateral PLS, resulting in 32 SIJs showing a PLS. Every PLS involved the synovial portion of the SIJ, and almost all (31/32, 96.9%) involved the iliac (rather than sacral) side of the SIJ. Every PLS occurred with at least one established imaging feature of sacroiliitis. Presence of a PLS was associated with higher prevalence of erosions (78.3% vs 36.7% in those without PLS, P < .001), greater extent of SIJ involvement by erosions (3.6 ± 1.3 vs 2.3 ± 1.1 quadrants of the SIJ involved, P < .001), and higher density of erosions per centimeter (88.9% vs 46.2% with >2 erosions/cm, P = .001). There was higher prevalence of bone marrow edema, fatty infiltration, and sclerosis in those with PLS compared to those without PLS (P = .001, P < .001, and P = .006, respectively). Extent of involvement by any of these features was not significantly different between the two groups (P = .22, P = .16, and P = .46, respectively). Conclusions: The PLS is associated with imaging features of chronic sacroiliitis, especially erosions. Knowledge of the existence of the PLS may help avoid misdiagnosis of an insufficiency fracture and increase confidence in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis.


Protein interaction network for Alzheimer's disease using computational approach.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is the sixth leading cause of death in old age people. Despite recent advances in the field of drug design, the medical treatment for the disease is purely symptomatic and hardly effective. Thus there is a need to understand the molecular mechanism behind the disease in order to improve the drug aspects of the disease. We provided two contributions in the field of proteomics in drug design. First, we have constructed a protein-protein interaction network for Alzheimer's disease reviewed proteins with 1412 interactions predicted among 969 proteins. Second, the disease proteins were given confidence scores to prioritize and then analyzed for their homology nature with respect to paralogs and homologs. The homology persisted with the mouse giving a basis for drug design phase. The method will create a new drug design technique in the field of bioinformatics by linking drug design process with protein-protein interactions via signal pathways. This method can be improvised for other diseases in future.


[Acute myeloid leukaemia in adults: therapeutic possibilities today and new agents in the future].
Advances in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia are still modest. Through emerging knowledge in molecular genetics we gain new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. The first targeted therapies have emerged, but failed to show a breakthrough effect. The outcome of standard chemotherapy has improved due to improvements in supportive care and slight modifications in the protocols, but we still hope to augment the results of intensive chemotherapy applied in our young and fit patients, by adding targeted therapeutic agents. Possibilities of old and frail patients were even less: they could only receive cytotoxic agents with low efficacy but severe side effects. This group of patients can already benefit from new therapies, like hypomethylating agents. The review summarizes current approved therapies and gives insight into ongoing development of new agents, which will hopefully enrich our therapeutic possibilities in the near future.


Root coverage with free gingival autografts--a clinical study.
To assess the percentage of root coverage with autogenous free gingival grafts. Ten non-smoking patients with Miller's class I or class II recessions were included in the study. The clinical parameters such as recession depth, recession width, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and width of the keratinized gingiva were recorded at the baseline, at the end of 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the surgical procedure. Autogenous free gingival grafts harvested from the palatal mucosa were used to cover the denuded roots. Four out of ten sites showed 100% root coverage. A mean percentage of 80.3% of root coverage was achieved.


Experimental quantum natural gradient optimization in photonics.
Variational quantum algorithms (VQAs) combining the advantages of parameterized quantum circuits and classical optimizers, promise practical quantum applications in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum era. The performance of VQAs heavily depends on the optimization method. Compared with gradient-free and ordinary gradient descent methods, the quantum natural gradient (QNG), which mirrors the geometric structure of the parameter space, can achieve faster convergence and avoid local minima more easily, thereby reducing the cost of circuit executions. We utilized a fully programmable photonic chip to experimentally estimate the QNG in photonics for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. We obtained the dissociation curve of the He-H+ cation and achieved chemical accuracy, verifying the outperformance of QNG optimization on a photonic device. Our work opens up a vista of utilizing QNG in photonics to implement practical near-term quantum applications.


"Collaboration Toward One Collective Goal": A Mixed-Methods Study of Short-Term Learning Outcomes and Long-Term Impacts Among Students Participating in an Undergraduate Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Course.
Background: Research shows positive learning outcomes for students participating in service learning. However, the impacts of undergraduate student participation in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) courses are minimally studied. Methods: We used a triangulation mixed-methods design approach to analyze short- and long-term (1-5 years post-course) data collected from 59 undergraduate students across 5 cohorts of a CBPR course (2014-19). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data and descriptive statistics and frequencies were generated to analyze the quantitative data. Results: We developed five key themes based on short-term qualitative data: integration of CBPR and traditional research skills; importance of community engagement in research; identity; accountability; and collaboration. Themes from qualitative course evaluations aligned with these findings. Long-term qualitative data revealed that former students gained research knowledge, research skills, and professional skills and then applied these in other settings. This aligns with quantitative findings, where >79% of respondents reported that course participation "extensively" improved their research skills. Post-course, students still reflected on the importance of community engagement in research and reported a substantially enhanced likelihood of civic engagement. Discussion/Conclusions: Students gained critical knowledge and skills that positively impact their ability to engage in community-based work well after the end of course participation. Some students reported considering research-oriented careers and graduate programs for the first time after course participation. Collaborative learning experiences with community partners and members encouraged students to reflect on research designs that center community voices. We stress here that community partnerships require extensive cultivation, but they can create opportunities to translate findings directly back to communities and provide numerous benefits to undergraduate students. We hope that our findings provide the information needed to consider pilot testing practice-based CBPR courses in a variety of public health training contexts.


Role of the PAR4 thrombin receptor in stabilizing platelet-platelet aggregates as revealed by a patient with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome.
Individuals with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) lack platelet dense granules and have no ADP-autocrine response. Despite these platelet deficiencies, HPS patients exhibit a surprisingly mild bleeding phenotype. We hypothesize that activation of the PAR4 thrombin receptor compensates for the lack of an ADP-autocrine response by the P2Y12 ADP receptor in individuals with HPS. Here, we determine that PAR4 activation by thrombin occurs well after ADP release from dense granules in normal individuals. However, the signal from PAR4 stabilizes platelet-platelet aggregate formation in the absence of P2Y12 activation by ADP. Thus, the strong signal emanating from PAR4 during platelet aggregation would provide an explanation for the mild bleeding diathesis of HPS.


Proteogenomics Reveal the Overexpression of HLA-I in Cancer.
An accurate quantification of HLA class I gene expression is important in understanding the interplay with the tumor microenvironment of antitumor cytotoxic T cell activities. Because HLA-I sequences are highly variable, standard RNAseq and mass spectrometry-based quantification workflows using common genome and protein sequence references do not provide HLA-I allele specific quantifications. Here, we used personalized HLA-I nucleotide and protein reference sequences based on the subjects' HLA-I genotypes and surveyed tumor and adjacent normal samples from patients across nine cancer types. Mass spectrometry using data dependent acquisition data was validated to be sufficient to estimate HLA-A protein expression at the allele level. We found that HLA-I proteins were present in significantly higher levels in tumors compared to adjacent normal tissues from 41 to 63% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients, and this was driven by increased levels of HLA-I gene transcripts. Most immune cell types are universally enriched in HLA-I high tumors, while endothelial and neuronal cells showed divergent relationships with HLA-I. Pathway analysis revealed that tumor senescence and autophagy activity influence the level of HLA-I proteins in glioblastoma. Genes correlated to HLA-I protein expression are mostly the ones directly involved in HLA-I function in immune response and cell death, while glycosylation genes are exclusively co-expressed with HLA-I at the protein level.


Cooperative effects in vitro on fibroblast and keratinocyte functions related to wound healing by transforming growth factor-beta and a low molecular weight fraction from hemolyzed blood.
Blood or its constituents, respectively, contain a.o. substances such as TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta), PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) and other factors, which beneficially influence wound healing. Patients with perivascular disturbances and consequently with inadequate supply of the affected tissue cells often suffer from poor healing of dermal wounds. Here, various cellular functions in situations of poor supply and related to wound healing, such as proliferation, colony formation, and migration of fibroblasts, and of monolayer formation by keratinocytes were emulated in vitro by supplementing cultures with reduced amounts of serum. Computer-aided image analysis allowed to quantify the cellular reactions under normal and serum-deprived medium conditions and under the influence of a low molecular weight fraction manufactured by dialysis of hemolyzed calf blood (HD, Solcoseryl) and of TGF-beta. Both preparations are in use for the treatment of poorly healing wounds. While HD preferentially normalized the reduced viability of fibroblasts, the keratinocyte activity was enhanced by TGF-beta. Restoration of fibroblast and keratinocyte functions proved most effective when combining HD with TGF-beta.


[Myocardial imaging with 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) in essential hypertension: does the 123I-MIBG imaging have the ability to predict its prognosis?].
To study myocardial norepinephrine (NE) activity in essential Hypertension 9HT) and to clarify its prognostic significance, we performed myocardial imaging with 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) and 201Tl at rest in 16 patients with HT and 9 normal subjects. In addition to ordinary tomograms, whole body images were obtained in both 123I-MIBG and 201Tl imaging. From the whole body image, a ratio of myocardial radionuclide accumulation to total injected dose was calculated (%Uptake). And Uptake Ratio (%Uptake of 123I-MIBG/%Uptake of 201Tl) was used as an index of myocardial 123I-MIBG uptake. Reduction of myocardial 123I-MIBG during 3 hours was calculated and expressed as washout rate (WOR). From the Bull's-eye map, the extent of defect was quantitatively assessed (Defect Score) and the homogeneity of the radionuclide distribution within the myocardium (CV) was calculated. In 123I-MIBG imaging, defect appeared in 12 patients with HT (75%), but in normal subject no one showed defect. Patients with HT were divided into two groups according to left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) responses to exercise stress which were obtained by 99mTc blood pool imaging. Group 1 consisted of 8 patients who showed EF elevation (5-10%) by exercise and group 2 consisted of 6 patients with depression of EF (-4-6%) by exercise. Rest EF, peak filling rate, exercise heart rate, exercise blood pressure and left ventricular mass were identical between two groups. Uptake Ratio in Group 2 (0.67 +/- 0.04) was significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than those in Group 1 (0.75 +/- 0.05) and normal subject (0.75 +/- 0.06). And in Group 2, WOR of 123I-MIBG was greater than that of Group 1. In Group 2, defect of 123I-MIBG appeared in all patients, but in Group 1 defect developed in 50%, besides Defect Score was significantly greater in Group 2 than in Group 1 (3.8 +/- 1.4 vs. 1.5 +/- 1.8, p < 0.05). The unhomogeneity of 123I-MIBG distribution was significantly greater in Group 2 (CV; 30 +/- 5%) than in Group 1 (21 +/- 4%) and in normal subjects (18 +/- 4%). These results suggested that quantitative analysis of 123I-MIBG imaging may be helpful for assessing the prognosis of HT.


Hypothalamus and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: potential implications in sleep disorders.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects both motor and non-motor functions, including sleep regulation. Emerging evidence suggests that the hypothalamus, a brain region that plays a critical role in sleep-wake regulation, may be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS-related sleep disturbances. In this review, we have summarized results of studies on sleep disorders in ALS published between 2000 and 2023. Thereafter, we examined possible mechanisms by which hypothalamic dysfunctions may contribute to ALS-related sleep disturbances. Achieving a deeper understanding of the relationship between hypothalamic dysfunction and sleep disturbances in ALS can help improve the overall management of ALS and reduce the burden on patients and their families.


Chromosome mapping in Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34.
Mutants and mobilizing plasmids were developed as genetic tools in Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34. In order to map the chromosome, spontaneous and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS)-induced mutants (mostly auxotrophs) were isolated. Another source of mutants was provided by the phenomenon of temperature-induced mortality and mutagenesis that is observed at 37 degrees C and is characteristic of many metallotolerant strains of A. eutrophus. Plasmid pULB113 (RP4::miniMu) was used to map the available mutations. Twenty-five loci were ordered in a circular map. pMOL50, a rearranged derivative of plasmid pMOL28, which was obtained in a survivor at 37 degrees C and displayed chromosome mobilizing activity (Cma+), was also used to mobilize chromosomal markers: resulting linkages were stronger than with pULB113, allowing confirmation of the circularity of the A. eutrophus CH34 chromosome with a small number of crosses.


The passive, human calf muscles in relation to standing: the short range stiffness lies in the contractile component.
Using short duration perturbations, previous attempts to measure the intrinsic ankle stiffness during human standing have revealed a substantial stabilizing contribution (65-90% normalized to load stiffness 'mgh'). Others regard this method as unsuitable for the low-frequency conditions of quiet standing and believe the passive contribution to be small (10-15%). This latter view, consistent with a linear Hill-type model, argues that during standing, the contractile portion of the muscle is much less stiff than the tendon. Here, for upright subjects, we settle this issue by measuring the stiffness of the contractile portion of the passive calf muscles using low-frequency ankle rotations. Using ultrasound we tracked the changes in muscle contractile length and partitioned the ankle rotation into contractile and extra-contractile (series elastic) portions. Small ankle rotations of 0.15 and 0.4 deg show a contractile to series elastic stiffness ratio (K(ce)/K(se)) of 12 +/- 9 and 6.3 +/- 10, respectively, with both elements displaying predominantly elastic behaviour. Larger, 7 deg rotations reveal the range of this ratio. It declines in a non-linear way from a high value (K(ce)/K(se) = 18 +/- 11) to a low value (K(ce)/K(se) = 1 +/- 0.4) as rotation increases from 0.1 to 7 deg. There is a marked transition at around 0.5 deg. The series elastic stiffness (K(se)/mgh) remains largely constant (77 +/- 13%) demonstrating the contractile component origin of passive, short range stiffness. The linear Hill-type model does not describe the range-related stiffness relevant to the progression from quiet standing to perturbed balance and movement and can lead to inaccurate predictions regarding human balance.


Immunohistochemical study of cyst structures in chick ultimobranchial glands.
In order to clarify the functional significance of cyst structures located in ultimobranchial glands, chick ultimobranchial glands of various ages were investigated by an immunoperoxidase method using anti-calcitonin, anti-somatostatin and anti-19S-thyroglobulin antisera. At hatching, the cysts were consistent features of the chick ultimobranchial glands. With aging, they gradually increased in volume and number. In adult chickens, a major portion of ultimobranchial glands was occupied by cysts of various sizes, shapes and luminal contents. Some cyst epithelium consisted of calcitonin-positive cells alone, and a portion of the cystic contents was intensely immunoreactive to the calcitonin antiserum. Neither cyst epithelium nor luminal contents were stained with the 19S-thyroglobulin or the somatostatin antiserum. The present study indicates that some cyst structures of chick ultimobranchial glands are related to the synthesis, secretion and accumulation of calcitonin.


Vision 20/20: Automation and advanced computing in clinical radiation oncology.
This Vision 20/20 paper considers what computational advances are likely to be implemented in clinical radiation oncology in the coming years and how the adoption of these changes might alter the practice of radiotherapy. Four main areas of likely advancement are explored: cloud computing, aggregate data analyses, parallel computation, and automation. As these developments promise both new opportunities and new risks to clinicians and patients alike, the potential benefits are weighed against the hazards associated with each advance, with special considerations regarding patient safety under new computational platforms and methodologies. While the concerns of patient safety are legitimate, the authors contend that progress toward next-generation clinical informatics systems will bring about extremely valuable developments in quality improvement initiatives, clinical efficiency, outcomes analyses, data sharing, and adaptive radiotherapy.


Regulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection by diet-modulated gut microbiota.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection has claimed millions of lives since late 2019, yet there are still many unexplored areas in its pathogenesis and clinical outcomes. COVID-19 is a disease that can affects multiple systems, some of which are overlapped with those modulated by gut microbiota, especially the immune system, thus leading to our concentration on analyzing the roles of microbiota in COVID-19 pathogenesis through the gut-lung axis. Dysbiosis of the commensal intestinal microbes and their metabolites (e.g., SCFAs) as well as the expression and activity of ACE2 in the gut could influence the host's immune system in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, it has been known that the elderly and individuals diagnosed with comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, etc.) are more susceptible to gut flora alterations, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and death. Thus, in this review we will focus on analyzing how the gut microbiota regulates the immune system that leads to different responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since diet is a major factor to modulate the status of gut microbiota, dietary influence on COVID-19 pathogenesis will be also discussed, aiming to shed light on how diet-modulated gut microbiota regulates the susceptibility, severity, and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.


Vertebral Artery Dissection and Cord Infarction - an Uncommon Cause of Brown-Séquard and Horner Syndromes.
This case report illustrates the neuroanatomy and neurovascular anatomy of the cervical spinal cord by exploring the pathophysiology of cervical cord infarction secondary to vertebral artery injury. The spinal cord is made up of several important tracts, including the dorsal column medial lemniscus system, corticospinal tracts, and the anterolateral system. Injury to one or more of these pathways can result in localizing neurological symptoms. Also contributing to the complexity of spinal vascular pathophysiology is the considerable variation to the cervical cord vascular anatomy. Understanding spinal cord function and neuroanatomy can aid in prompt diagnosis and management of ischemic cord lesions. In combination with a thorough clinical exam, advanced imaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging, can not only localize the injury but also potentially help predict functional outcome.


Crystal engineering of pharmaceutical co-crystals from polymorphic active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The carboxylic acid-primary amide supramolecular heterosynthon is exploited for the generation of pharmaceutical co-crystals that contain two active pharmaceutical ingredients that are polymorphic in their pure forms.


Likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules according to a proposed Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification merging suspicious and benign ultrasound features.
The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasound features of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and evaluate the likelihood of malignancy associated with each feature according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathology. With this analysis, we propose a new TI-RADS classification system. The likelihood of malignancy from ultrasound features were assessed in 1413 thyroid nodules according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathological findings. A score was established by attributing different weights to each ultrasound feature evaluated. Features positively associated with malignancy in bivariate analysis received a score weight of +1. We attributed a weight of +2 to features which were independently associated with malignancy in a multivariate analysis and +3 for those associated with the highest odds ratio for malignancy (> 10.0). Hence, hypoechogenicity (graded as mild, moderate or marked, according to a comparison with the overlying strap muscle), microcalcification and irregular/microlobulated margin received the highest weights in our scoring system. Features that were negatively associated with malignancy received weights of -2 or -1. In the proposed system a cutoff score of 2 (sensitivity 97.4% and specificity 51.6%) was adopted as a transition between probably benign (TI-RADS 3) and TI-RADS 4a nodules. Overall, the frequency of malignancy in thyroid nodules according to the categories was 1.0% for TI-RADS 3, 7.8% for TI-RADS 4a, 35.3% for TI-RADS 4b, and 84.7% for TI-RADS 5. A newly proposed TI-RADS classification adequately assessed the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules.


Copulation Activity, Sperm Production and Conidia Transfer in Aedes aegypti Males Contaminated by Metarhizium anisopliae: A Biological Control Prospect.
Dengue is the most prevalent arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti worldwide, whose chemical control is difficult, expensive, and of inconsistent efficacy. Releases of Metarhizium anisopliae--exposed Ae. aegypti males to disseminate conidia among female mosquitoes by mating represents a promising biological control approach against this important vector. A better understanding of fungus virulence and impact on reproductive parameters of Ae. aegypti, is need before testing auto-dissemination strategies. Mortality, mating competitiveness, sperm production, and the capacity to auto-disseminate the fungus to females up to the 5 th copulation, were compared between Aedes aegypti males exposed to 5.96 x 10(7) conidia per cm2 of M. anisopliae and uninfected males. Half (50%) of fungus-exposed males (FEMs) died within the first 4 days post-exposure (PE). FEMs required 34% more time to successively copulate with 5 females (165 ± 3 minutes) than uninfected males (109 ± 3 minutes). Additionally, fungus infection reduced the sperm production by 87% at 5 days PE. Some beneficial impacts were observed, FEMs were able to successfully compete with uninfected males in cages, inseminating an equivalent number of females (about 25%). Under semi-field conditions, the ability of FEMs to search for and inseminate females was also equivalent to uninfected males (both inseminating about 40% females); but for the remaining females that were not inseminated, evidence of tarsal contact (transfer of fluorescent dust) was significantly greater in FEMs compared to controls. The estimated conidia load of a female exposed on the 5th copulation was 5,200 mL(-1) which was sufficient to cause mortality. Our study is the first to demonstrate auto-dissemination of M. anisopliae through transfer of fungus from males to female Ae. aegypti during mating under semi-field conditions. Our results suggest that auto-dissemination studies using releases of FEMs inside households could successfully infect wild Ae. aegypti females, providing another viable biological control tool for this important the dengue vector.


The protective immunity against grass carp reovirus in grass carp induced by a DNA vaccination using single-walled carbon nanotubes as delivery vehicles.
To reduce the lethal hemorrhagic disease caused by grass carp reovirus (GCRV) and improve the production of grass carp, efficient and economic prophylactic measure against GCRV is the most pressing desired for the grass carp farming industry. In this work, a novel SWCNTs-pEGFP-vp5 DNA vaccine linked vp5 recombinant in the form of plasmid pEGFP-vp5 and ammonium-functionalized SWCNTs by a chemical modification method was prepared to enhance the efficacy of a vp5 DNA vaccine against GCRV in juvenile grass carp. After intramuscular injection (1, 2.5 and 5 μg) and bath administration (1, 10, and 20 mg/L), the ability of the different immune treatments to induce transgene expression was analyzed. The results showed that higher levels of transcription and expression of vp5 gene could be detected in muscle tissues of grass carp in SWCNTs-pEGFP-vp5 treatment groups compare with naked pEGFP-vp5 treatment groups. Moreover, antibody levels, immune-related genes, and relative percentage survival were significantly enhanced in fish immunized with SWCNTs-pEGFP-vp5 vaccine. In addition, we found that a good immune protective effect was observed in bath immunization group; which at a concentration of 20 mg/L could reach the similar relative percentage survival (approximately 100%) in injection group at a dose of 5 μg. All these results indicated that ammonium-functionalized SWCNTs could provide extensive application prospect to aquatic vaccine and might be used to vaccinate fish by intramuscular injection or bath administration method.


Value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of gallstone ileus.
Two patients are presented, both of whom were admitted to hospital because of abdominal pains. In both patients, ultrasonography showed gallstones in the lower abdomen and in the small bowel loops were found to be dilated. In both cases it was possible to diagnose the gallstone ileus by ultrasonography and to mark the abdomen as a guide to the surgeon.


A promoterless retroviral vector indicates that there are sequences in U3 required for 3' RNA processing.
We constructed a retrovirus vector in which all viral transcriptional signals are deleted during provirus formation. This vector would be safer and more useful in gene-transfer experiments. Construction of this vector involved the deletion of all of the U3 sequence except for 10 base pairs, required for integration, from the right-side long terminal repeat. We found that this deletion resulted in an inability to propagate virus efficiently. When we inserted sequences containing all of the signals for polyadenylylation of simian virus 40 late mRNA at the end of our vector, we were able to propagate virus efficiently. This result indicates that there are sequences in U3 upstream from AAUAAA that are essential for 3' processing of viral RNA.


Fundamentals, Advances, and Artifacts in Circularly Polarized Luminescence (CPL) Spectroscopy.
Objects are chiral when they cannot be superimposed with their mirror image. Materials can emit chiral light with an excess of right- or left-handed circular polarization. This circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is key to promising future applications, such as highly efficient displays, holography, sensing, enantiospecific discrimination, synthesis of drugs, quantum computing, and cryptography. Here, a practical guide to CPL spectroscopy is provided. First, the fundamentals of the technique are laid out and a detailed account of recent experimental advances to achieve highly sensitive and accurate measurements is given, including all corrections required to obtain reliable results. Then the most common artifacts and pitfalls are discussed, especially for the study of thin films, for example, based on molecules, polymers, or halide perovskites, as opposed to dilute solutions of emitters. To facilitate the adoption by others, custom operating software is made publicly available, equipping the reader with the tools needed for successful and accurate CPL determination.


The Evaluation of the Effect of Tolerogenic Probiotics on the Maturation of Healthy Dendritic Cells versus Immature Dendritic Cells.
Dendritic cells, (DCs) as one of the important immune cell populations, are responsible for the initiation, development, and control of acquired immune responses. Myeloid dendritic cells can be used as a vaccine for several autoimmune diseases and cancers. Tolerogenic probiotics with regulatory properties can affect the maturation and development of immature dendritic cells (IDC) into mature DCs with certain immunomodulatory effects. To assess the immunomodulatory effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii, as two tolerogenic probiotics, in the differentiation and maturation of myeloid dendritic cells. The IDCs were derived from the healthy donors in GM-CSF and IL 4 medium. Mature DCs (MDC) were produced with L. delbrueckii, L. rhamnosus, and LPS from IDCs. Real-Time PCR and flow cytometry were used to confirm the DC maturation and to determine DC markers as well as IDO, IL10, and IL12 expression levels, respectively. Probiotic-derived DCs showed a significant reduction in the level of HLA-DR (P≤0.05), CD86 (P≤0.05), CD80 (P≤0.001), CD83 (P≤0.001), and CD1a. Also, the expression of IDO (P≤0.001) and IL10 increased while IL12 expression decreased (P≤0.001). Our findings revealed that tolerogenic probiotics could induce regulatory DCs by reducing co-stimulatory molecules along with increasing the expression of IDO and IL10 during the differentiation process. Therefore, the induced regulatory DCs probably can be used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.


Detection of cross-reactive allergens in Kentucky bluegrass pollen and six other grasses by crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis.
Using crossed immunoelectrophoretic analysis of an aqueous extract of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG)pollen employing hyperimmune rabbit and sheep precipitating antibodies to KBG and various grasses we detected at least 33 antigenic components. The majority of these antigens were extractable from the pollen within a period of 14 min and possessed anodal electrophoretic mobility. The extensive recognition of antigens in the KBG extract by antibodies raised to false oat, and to the combined extracts of timothy, orchard, meadow, velvet and rye grasses indicate that these grasses contain many cross-reactive antigens. One of the KBG antigens with cathodal mobility--the major component of the previously isolated allergen C--was identified as immunologically identical to timothy Ag 30. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoretic analysis revealed differences in the extent to which IgE antibodies present in sera of individuals allergic to KBG bound to various antigens of KBG pollen. Those antigens that were recognized as allergens by all of the allergic sera examined were regarded as candidates for future isolation and characterization.


Rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing on blood cultures using MALDI-TOF MS.
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health problem requiring the early optimization of antibiotic prescriptions. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been shown to accurately identify bacteria from positive blood culture. Here, we developed a rapid detection of Escherichia coli resistance to amoxicillin (AMX) and cefotaxime (CTX) from positive blood culture based on MALDI-TOF MS. Potential sparing of broad-spectrum antibiotics was also evaluated. We tested 103 E. coli-positive blood cultures. Blood cultures were subculture 1-hour in antibiotic-free rich liquid media before further incubation with and without AMX for 2.5 h or CTX for 2 h. Protein extracts associated with an internal control were spotted on a MALDI-TOF target and spectra were analyzed with the MBT-ASTRA prototype software (Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Bremen, Germany). Bacterial growth ratio was calculated from the AUC spectra obtained in the presence and absence of the antibiotic and compared to a threshold which classified E. coli as susceptible or resistant. Results were interpreted with MICs determined using agar dilution method as reference technique. MBT-ASTRA recognized 95% and 84% of the AMX- and CTX-susceptible isolates, respectively. Overall, quantitative analysis of mass spectra allows susceptibility testing within 4 hours after the positivity of blood culture with E. coli. At the first report of positive blood culture, MALDI-TOF MS would then provide the prescribers with the bacterial identification and the susceptibility to AMX and CTX, thus limiting the use of broad-spectrum compounds.


[Effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20), etc. on serum IFN-gamma and IL-4 contents in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome].
To observe the effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20), etc. on serum IFN- gamma and IL-4 contents in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). A total of 24 male SD rats were equally randomized into control group, model group and acupuncture group. CFS model was established by bounding and forced swimming in cold water once daily for 14 days. Rats in the acupuncture group were treated by manual acupuncture stimulation of bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Baihui" (GV 20), and "Guanyuan" (CV 4), once daily for 14 days. Serum IFN-gamma and IL-4 contents were detected by ELISA. Compared with the control group, the contention of serum IFN-gamma and ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 were significant decreased in the model group (P<0.01). While in comparison with the model group, the contention of IFN-gamma and ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 were obviously increased in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found among the three groups in serum IL-4 levels (P>0.05). Manual acupuncture can inhibit CFS induced reduction of serum IFN-gamma level and the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 in CFS rats, suggesting a favorable adjustment of acupuncture intervention for CFS by balancing the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4.


Function and therapeutic potential of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 in fibrosis.
The transient receptor potential (TRP) protein superfamily is a special group of cation channels expressed in different cell types and signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1), an ion channel in this family that exists in the cell membrane and shows a different function from other TRP channels. TRPA1 usually has a special activation effect that can induce cation ions, especially calcium ions, to flow into activated cells. In this paper, we review the role of TRPA1 in fibroblasts. To clarify the relationship between fibroblasts and TRPA1, we have also paid special attention to the interactions between TRPA1 and inflammatory factors leading to fibroblast activation. TRPA1 has different functions in the fibrosis process in different organs, and there have also been interesting discussions of the mechanism of TRPA1 in fibroblasts. Therefore, this review aims to describe the function of TRP channels in controlling fibrosis through fibroblasts in different organ inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. We attempt to prove that TRPA1 is a target for fibrosis. In fact, some clinical trials have already proven that TRPA1 is a potential adjuvant therapy for treating fibrosis.


Ab initio equation of state of the organic molecular crystal: beta-octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine.
We apply a simple strategy for calculating from first principles a thermodynamically complete equation of state for molecular crystals using readily available quantum chemistry techniques. The strategy involves a combination of separate methods for the temperature-independent mechanical compression and the thermal vibrational contributions to the free energy. A first principles equation of state for beta-octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (beta-HMX) has been calculated for temperatures between 0 and 400 K and for specific volumes from 0.42 to 0.55 cm(3)/g, corresponding to relative volumes from 0.8 to 1.03. The calculated 300 K isotherm agrees very well with the experimentally measured pressure-volume relation. We also discuss thermodynamic properties of the material such as the volumetric thermal expansion coefficient, the Gruneisen parameter, and the specific heat (1.0 kJ/kg/K at 300 K and atmospheric pressure). The developed computational approach exhibits a reliable predictive power and is easily transferable to other molecular materials.


[Human acquired immunodeficiency virus infection of the nervous system].
Neurological manifestations of HIV infection are recognised at different phases of the evolution of the disease. During the late stages opportunistic neuro-meningeal infections and tumors develop as a result of the immuno-suppression. There exist, however, various manifestations which evolve independently of the immune state, and seem to be directly related to the virus itself. One can distinguish central neuro-meningeal syndromes and peripheral syndromes at the onset, or at later stages. Their prognostic implications are uncertain, but often severe, for example in the case of the subacute dementias which, in this setting, may lead to death in several months. There are also other manifestations which may be self limited or slowly evolving in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The neuropathological changes are known for the dementias as mentioned above, though the characteristics lesions due to HIV infection per se remain controversial. The presence of the virus in the nervous system has been established by in situ hybridization techniques, immunohistochemistry and culture. Studies on CSF have also allowed virological (cultures) and immunological studies to be carried out. The physiopathological mechanisms for the apparent neurological effects of this virus remain hypothetical. A better understanding of these mechanisms should lead to a rationalisation of therapeutic strategies, in a disorder which would seem to be an early and persisting viral infection of the nervous system.


Autonomic regulation in different hypertensive phenotypes - the HELIUS study.
Background: Hypertension can be classified into different phenotypes based on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) that carry a different prognosis and may therefore be differently associated with sympathetic activity. We assessed the association between cardiac autonomic function determined from continuous finger BP recordings and hypertensive phenotypes. Methods: We included 10,221 individuals aged between 18-70 years from the multi-ethnic HELIUS study. Finger BP was recorded continuously for 3-5 minutes from which cross-correlation baroreflex sensitivity (xBRS) and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined. Hypertension was classified into isolated systolic (ISH; ≥140/<90), diastolic (IDH; <140/≥90) and combined systolic and diastolic hypertension (SDH; ≥140/≥90). Differences were assessed after stratification by age (younger: ≤40, older: >40 years) and sex, using regression with correction for relevant covariates. For xBRS, values were log-transformed. Results: In younger adults with ISH, xBRS was comparable to normotensive individuals in men (ratio 0.92; 95%CI 0.84-1.01) and women (1.00; 95%CI 0.84-1.20), while xBRS was significantly lower in IDH and SDH (ratios between 0.67 and 0.80). In older adults, all hypertensive phenotypes had significantly lower xBRS compared to normotensives. We found a similar pattern for HRV in men, while in women HRV did not differ between phenotypes. Conclusions: In younger men and women ISH is not associated with a shift towards increased sympathetic control, while IDH and SDH in younger and all hypertensive phenotypes in older participants were associated with increased sympathetic control. This suggests that alterations in autonomic regulation could be a contributing factor to known prognostic disparities between hypertensive phenotypes.


[Reversing malignant phenotypes of liver cancer cell lines with antisense gene to human telomerase reverse transcriptase].
To explore the effect of antisense gene to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT) on reversing malignant phenotypes of liver cancer cell lines. Sense and antisense eukaryotic expressing vector of hTRT gene was transfected into human liver cancer line HepG(2) with the DOTAP liposomal transfection method. Changes of cellular malignant phenotypes through proliferation capacity, telomerase activity, cloning formation in soft agar, invasive capacity in Borden's chamber model and tumorigenicity in nude mice were examined. Sense and antisense eukaryotic expressing vector was successfully transfected into HepG(2). The obtained transfectants termed HepG(2)-sense (HepG(2)-S) and HepG(2)-antisense (HepG(2)-AS) stably produced sense and antisense hTRT, respectively. HepG(2)-AS showed an obvious decrease in growth and telomerase activity. HepG(2)-AS penetrated cells through Matrigel were decreased significantly compared with HepG(2) and HepG(2)-S. Cloning efficiency in soft agar and tumorigenicity in nude mice was also markedly inhibited in HepG(2)-AS. Antisense gene to hTRT can significantly suppress cancer cell growth, partially reverse malignant phenotypes of HepG(2), which indicates that hTRT may be a new target gene for antisense gene therapy of liver cancer.


Ephedrine for myasthenia gravis, neonatal myasthenia and the congenital myasthenic syndromes.
Myasthenia is a condition in which neuromuscular transmission is affected by antibodies against neuromuscular junction components (autoimmune myasthenia gravis, MG; and neonatal myasthenia gravis, NMG) or by defects in genes for neuromuscular junction proteins (congenital myasthenic syndromes, CMSs). Clinically, some individuals seem to benefit from treatment with ephedrine, but its effects and adverse effects have not been systematically evaluated. To assess the effects and adverse effects of ephedrine in people with autoimmune MG, transient neonatal MG, and the congenital myasthenic syndromes. On 17 November 2014, we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE. We also searched reference lists of articles, conference proceedings of relevant conferences, and prospective trial registers. In addition, we contacted manufacturers and researchers in the field. We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing ephedrine as a single or add-on treatment with any other active treatment, placebo, or no treatment in adults or children with autoimmune MG, NMG, or CMSs. Two review authors independently assessed study design and quality, and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. We collected information on adverse effects from included articles, and contacted authors. We found no RCTs or quasi-RCTs, and therefore could not establish the effect of ephedrine on MG, NMG and CMSs. We describe the results of 53 non-randomised studies narratively in the Discussion section, including observations of endurance, muscle strength and quality of life. Effects may differ depending on the type of myasthenia. Thirty-seven studies were in participants with CMS, five in participants with MG, and in 11 the precise form of myasthenia was unknown. We found no studies for NMG. Reported adverse effects included tachycardia, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and withdrawal symptoms. There was no evidence available from RCTs or quasi-RCTs, but some observations from non-randomised studies are available. There is a need for more evidence from suitable forms of prospective RCTs, such as series of n-of-one RCTs, that use appropriate and validated outcome measures.


Implications of involuntary outpatient commitment for community mental health agencies.
Mental health laws regarding involuntary commitment are under pressure for reform in many states. One popular proposal is to use direct involuntary commitment to outpatient treatment without initial hospitalization or preventive detention. This article reviews the empirical evidence concerning this approach, and discusses administrative and policy implications for community mental health agencies that will bear the burden of such reform.


The health equity characteristics of research exploring the unmet community mobility needs of older adults: a scoping review.
Unmet community mobility needs of older adults, published since the announcement of the UN sustainable development goals was synthesised to describe the health equity characteristics of research identifying unmet community mobility needs of older adults. Searches were conducted in March and April 2020, 2275 articles were screened and 100 identified for data extraction. Findings showed underrepresentation of articles considering rural settings [9%] and originating in the global South [14%]. Gender, disability, education, and transport / driving were identified as key health equity characteristics and only 10 articles provided detail on all four of these. External factors inhibiting community mobility included built environments, service availability, and societal attitudes. Internal factors included finances, fear and apprehension, and functional limitations. The need for standardised reporting of participant characteristics in the community mobility of older adults was highlighted. These characteristics are required by research consumers to judge equity dimensions, and the extent to which findings represent minority or marginalised groups. 15 after the UN pledge to reduce inequalities, peer reviewed primary research does not reflect a global drive to end discrimination, exclusion and reduce the inequalities and vulnerabilities that leave people behind.


The Philadelphia High-School STD Screening Program: key insights from dynamic transmission modeling.
The Philadelphia high-school STD Screening Program (PHSSP) represents an innovative approach to screening-based control of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The program has been associated with significant reductions in Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence in young females in Philadelphia. We sought to assess program cost-effectiveness in a manner that allowed us to quantify the impact of including males students in the screened population. We created a dynamic transmission model using a susceptible-infectious-resistant-susceptible framework. The model was parameterized using PHSSP program data, supplemented by available data from the medical and public health literature, and was used to project the impact of screening on disease burden, quality adjusted survival, and costs. A well-calibrated model suggests that high-school based screening is highly cost-effective in the Philadelphia context. Five important insights are gained through dynamic transmission modeling of the PHSSP: (i) the importance of screening males can be appreciated using a dynamic transmission model; (ii) the attractiveness of screening males is inversely related to equilibrium prevalence in males; (iii) including males enhances both effectiveness and economic attractiveness of screening; (iv) rebound in prevalence does not greatly diminish the cost-effectiveness of screening; and (v) increasing program expenditures via increased screening coverage decreases net societal costs, due to diminished disease transmission. The current PHSSP is highly cost-effective relative to other commonly accepted interventions. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this program are enhanced by including males. This, and other important attributes of the program, is best appreciated when a dynamic transmission model is used for program evaluation.


An electronic cardiac rehabilitation referral system increases cardiac rehabilitation referrals.
Although cardiac rehabilitation attendance is associated with improved clinical outcomes for patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it remains underutilized nationally. We sought to determine whether replacing traditional, paper-based referrals for cardiac rehabilitation for patients with AMI with an electronic referral system would increase utilization. We implemented the change from traditional, paper-based referrals to electronic referrals at the Massachusetts General Hospital on 10 December 2013. Using a segmented regression approach to control for other secular effects, we assessed an association between the intervention and inpatient referrals, total referrals, cardiac rehabilitation attendance at Massachusetts General Hospital, and the rate of inpatient referral to cardiac rehabilitation after AMI. We analyzed 1895 referral records over a 30-month period. After the intervention, the total referrals to our cardiac rehabilitation program increased by a factor of 1.8, largely attributable to a 17-fold increase in inpatient referrals (P<0.0001 for both). Even relative to pre-existing secular trends, switching to an electronic referral system was associated with an increase in referral volume for cardiac rehabilitation for patients with AMI. Electronic care innovations may improve the ability of provider organizations to provide guideline-oriented care for patients with coronary artery disease.


Telescopic crowns as attachments for implant supported restorations: a case series.
The use of dental implants to support mandibular or maxillary overdentures is a widely used treatment modality. Advantages are an increase in retention, an increase in chewing ability, and easy access for oral hygiene procedures. While telescopic and conical crowns have been used for decades to connect natural teeth to overdentures, not many cases have been reported in the literature of telescopic crowns placed on implants to support overdentures. This article describes 7 patients with overdentures supported by telescopic crowns who received 65 implants (ITI Straumann). The cases presented in this report have been in function for up to 4.5 years. During that time no adverse events were reported. The use of telescopic crowns as attachments for implant-supported overdentures may be a viable treatment option.


Influence of family history of diabetes on incidence and prevalence of latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult: results from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study.
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between family history of diabetes (FHD) and prevalence and incidence of latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult (LADA), type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. The results were based on cross-sectional data from 64,498 men and women (aged >or=20 years) who were in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, which included 128 cases of LADA, 1,134 cases of type 2 diabetes, and 123 cases of type 1 diabetes. In addition, prospective data on 46,210 subjects, which included 80 incident cases of LADA, observed between 1984 and 1986 and 1995 and 1997 were available. Patients with LADA had antibodies against GAD and were insulin independent at diagnosis. FHD was associated with a four times (odds ratio [OR] 3.92 [95% CI 2.76-5.58]) increased prevalence of LADA. Corresponding estimates for type 2 and type 1 diabetes were 4.2 (3.72-4.75) and 2.78 (1.89-4.10), respectively. Patients with LADA who had FHD had lower levels of C-peptide (541 vs. 715 pmol/l) and were more often treated with insulin (47 vs. 31%) than patients without FHD. Prospective data indicated that subjects with siblings who had diabetes had a 2.5 (1.39-4.51) times increased risk of developing LADA during the 11-year follow-up compared with those without. This study indicates that FHD is a strong risk factor for LADA and that the influence of family history may be mediated through a heritable reduction of insulin secretion.


Incorporation of a spectral model in a convolutional neural network for accelerated spectral fitting.
MRSI has shown great promise in the detection and monitoring of neurologic pathologies such as tumor. A necessary component of data processing includes the quantitation of each metabolite, typically done through fitting a model of the spectrum to the data. For high-resolution volumetric MRSI of the brain, which may have ~10,000 spectra, significant processing time is required for spectral analysis and generation of metabolite maps. A novel unsupervised deep learning architecture that combines a convolutional neural network with a priori models of the spectrum is presented. This architecture, a convolutional encoder-model decoder (CEMD), combines the strengths of adaptive and unbiased convolutional networks with models of magnetic resonance and is readily interpretable. The CEMD architecture performs accurate spectral fitting for volumetric MRSI in patients with glioblastoma, provides whole-brain fitting in 1 min on a standard computer, and handles a variety of spectral artifacts. A new architecture combining physics domain knowledge with convolutional neural networks has been developed and is able to perform rapid spectral fitting of whole-brain data. Rapid processing is a critical step toward routine clinical practice.


Radiation Therapy Following Total Keloidectomy: A Retrospective Study over 11 Years.
Radiotherapy treatment after keloidectomy is known to be an effective method for reducing the rate of recurrence. However, to date, the appropriate total radiation dose and fractionation have not yet been confirmed. The authors performed a retrospective analysis to identify the appropriate radiation dose and fractionation in post-keloidectomy radiotherapy. From May 2000 to February 2011, postoperative radiotherapy was performed on 39 lesions in 28 patients after total keloidectomy. The keloid lesions were confined to the ear lobes. Between May 2000 and May 2004, 14 keloids were treated with surgical excision, followed by a total radiation dose of 1,200 cGy in three fractions over four to five days (group 1). Between June 2004 to February 2011, 25 keloids were treated with surgical excision, followed by a total radiation dose of 1,500 cGy in three fractions over four to five days (group 2). Patients were given a survey asking them to report their experiences regarding reoperation, recurrence of symptoms, recurrence of the lesion, and satisfaction with the operation. Of the 28 patients who were treated, 20 underwent follow-up. Group 2 had more cases showing elevation with erythematous changes, whereas group 1 had more cases showing progressive stages of elevation than group 2. These differences were statistically significant. Moreover, a correlation was observed between the level of keloid elevation and the extent of symptoms. We suggest 1,500 cGy of radiation in three fractions following keloidectomy for ear lobe keloids. A further randomized study is needed to assess the recurrence of keloids after radiotherapy.


Benzaldehyde derivatives from Sarcodontia crocea.
Through bioactivity-guided fractionation, two volatile benzaldehyde derivatives ( 1 and 2) were isolated from a cellulose-matrix culture of the Basidiomycete Sarcodontia crosea (syn. S. setosa), where the fungus was grown on a growth medium-impregnated thick chromatographic paper. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated mainly by 2D NMR techniques as 4-(furan-3-yl)benzaldehyde and 4-(5-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)benzaldehyde, respectively. Compound 1 is a new natural product, while 2 has been synthesized previously. They are considered to contribute to the odor of the fungus, which is an important character for identification of the species. They were weakly antifungal toward several phytopathogenic fungi but less potent against bacteria in microdilution assays.


Transparent microballoon dissection in the surgical treatment of brain tumors.
In spite of maximal microsurgical efforts, perilesional neural tissue can be injured by surgical instruments in the process of the separation and dissection of tumors. We hypothesized that transparent microballoon dissection could be helpful in the gentle separation of brain tissue from tumor by minimizing cerebral damage, and in separating sulcal and cisternal walls during surgical interventions on brain masses. We used the transparent microballoon dissection technique in 3 primary cases and 4 metastatic brain tumors that were verified with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Gentle separation of tumor from surrounding brain, reduction of cerebral damage, and separation of sulcal and cisternal walls were feasible in all patients. Postoperative CT and MRI showed satisfactory results in reducing perilesional cerebral damage. The transparent microballoon inflation technique is a useful microsurgical method for the gentle separation of tumors from surrounding brain tissue, minimizing cerebral damage, and separating sulcal and cisternal walls during surgical interventions for brain masses. Our conclusion is that using the microballoon dissection method may be suitable in microneurosurgical practice.


Structure and function of CD72 in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse.
Type I or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus develops in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse as a consequence of T cell mediated autoimmune attack on pancreatic beta cells. B lymphocytes are required for disease progression in NOD and loss of tolerance in the B cell compartment is one of the earliest manifestation of the autoimmune process. To understand how the fate and function of B lymphocytes may be regulated in the context of an organ specific autoimmune disease, the B cell co-receptor CD72 (Lyb-2) was examined in NOD mice. Mab that recognize a,b, and d alleles of CD72 reacted poorly with NOD B cells while western blots of B cell extracts show that CD72 is abundant in NOD B cells. Nucleotide sequencing of CD72 cDNA confirms that an uncommon allele, CD72c, is expressed in NOD. Functional studies using monoclonal antibodies indicate that the CD72c allele of NOD can serve as a positive regulator of B cell responses both as a single signal and in synergy with BCR or IL-4 stimulation. Since CD72c differs principally in the extra cellular or ligand binding portion of the molecule, interactions with its natural ligand in vivo may contribute to functional differences in mouse strains that express this allele. NOD and lupus prone strains share the CD72c allele and its functions may contribute to overlapping features of organ specific and systemic autoimmune disorders.


Identification and characterization of a novel freezing inducible gene, li16, in the wood frog Rana sylvatica.
The wood frog Rana sylvatica survives for weeks during winter hibernation with up to 65% body water frozen as ice. Natural freeze tolerance includes both seasonal and freeze-induced molecular adaptations that control ice formation, deal with long-term ischemia, regulate cell volume changes, and protect macromolecules. This report identifies and characterizes a novel freeze-inducible gene, li16, that codes for a protein of 115 amino acids. Northern blot analysis showed that li16 transcript levels rose quickly during freezing to reach levels 3.7-fold higher than control values after 24 h; immunoblotting showed a parallel 2.4-fold rise in Li16 protein. Regulatory influences on gene expression were assessed. Nuclear runoff assays confirmed that freezing initiated an increase in the rate of li16 transcription, and analysis of signal transduction pathways via in vitro incubation of liver slices implicated a cGMP-mediated pathway in li16 expression. Gene and protein expression in liver was also strongly stimulated by anoxia exposure, whereas the gene was less responsive to dehydration stress. The strong response of li16 to both freezing and anoxia, and the rapid down-regulation of the gene when oxygen was reintroduced, suggest that the Li16 protein may play a role in ischemia resistance during freezing.


Recording of electrical-evoked responses from a remote field in the vestibular part of the eighth nerve. A preliminary technical report.
The paper discusses the results of the author's own studies concerning the recording of electrical responses evoked from a remote field in the vestibular part of the eighth nerve. The studies are of experimental nature and they were carried out repetitively in guinea pigs. Particular attention is paid to an apparatus specially designed and constructed, permitting to obtain stimulation of adequate quality of vestibular organs, and to receive and average short (up to 10 ms) evoked vestibular potentials. Different variants of elimination of bioelectrical muscular disturbances and of the auditory pathway are proposed.


Distribution of biopsied gingival lesions according to the proceedings from the 2017 World Workshop classification: A three-year retrospective study.
The gingiva is a common site for neoplastic or non-neoplastic lesions. Neoplasms refer to progressive autonomous growth that can have either a benign or a malignant course. On the other hand, non-neoplastic lesions are mainly inflammatory, or occur as a reaction to some kind of irritation or lowgrade injury. Assessing the frequency distribution of gingival lesions is important to optimize oral health care services. The present study retrospectively analyzed the frequency distribution of gingival lesions on the basis of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. The secondary objective was to compare this system with the 1999 International Workshop classification system. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained histopathological slides of the gingival lesions reported over the last 3 years (2018-2020) were retrieved from the archive of the Division of Oral Pathology and Microbiology at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India. Correlating clinical, radiological and pathological details enabled the categorization of lesions according to the new classification system. In total, 73 gingival lesions were analyzed. Among these, reactive processes were the most frequent (39.73%), followed by inflammatory and immune conditions and lesions (26.03%), malignant tumors (21.92%), benign epithelial lesions (5.48%), and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) (5.48%). Genetic/developmental disorders were the least frequent (1.37%). However, as per the 1999 American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) system, the majority of lesions belonged to a non-specified category. The frequency distribution of biopsied gingival lesions according to the 2017 World Workshop classification in comparison with the previous classification system showed that differences between the 2 systems could be attributed to heterogeneous terminology rather than to real geographical variations.


The history of neurosurgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
The tradition of selfless charity for children in Toronto was established by Elizabeth McMaster, founder of the Hospital for Sick Children, or "Sick Kids," in 1875. The tradition of fortitude and perseverance in trying to cure children who were deemed incurable by others was sealed into the history of the Hospital by early pioneering surgeons, including Drs. Clarence Starr, A.W. Farmer, and William Gallie. Dr. William Gallie recognized the importance of neurosurgery for the future of the Hospital and encouraged Dr. William Keith to acquire training in pediatric neurosurgery in Chicago and London. Dr. Keith began the practice of pediatric neurosurgery at Sick Kids in 1935 and worked in the primordial phase of the subspecialty for the next 20 years until he was joined by Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick in 1955. In time, Dr. Hendrick was joined by Drs. Harold Hoffman and Robin Humphreys who led a decidedly strong pediatric neurosurgery unit between 1975 and 1995. During this epoch, the pediatric neurosurgery service grew to become one of the busiest and most progressive units in the world. Over the years, numerous neurosurgery fellows and faculty from all over the world have trained at or have visited Sick Kids to learn how pediatric neurosurgery is practiced in Toronto. The purpose of this article is to review the history of the individuals who founded the Hospital for Sick Children and its Division of Neurosurgery.


A survey of aspirin use in the pre-hospital treatment of suspected acute cardiac chest pain.
Recent large studies have demonstrated the value of early intervention with aspirin and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction for patients reaching hospital alive. Management of patients with suspected myocardial infarction prior to hospitalisation is an important area of acute cardiac care. Guidelines for good practice suggest the early administration of aspirin should be considered when an infarct seems likely. We have found aspirin less commonly used than other interventions prior to hospital admission in patients with suspected acute cardiac pain.


A permutation-based non-parametric analysis of CRISPR screen data.
Clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screens are usually implemented in cultured cells to identify genes with critical functions. Although several methods have been developed or adapted to analyze CRISPR screening data, no single specific algorithm has gained popularity. Thus, rigorous procedures are needed to overcome the shortcomings of existing algorithms. We developed a Permutation-Based Non-Parametric Analysis (PBNPA) algorithm, which computes p-values at the gene level by permuting sgRNA labels, and thus it avoids restrictive distributional assumptions. Although PBNPA is designed to analyze CRISPR data, it can also be applied to analyze genetic screens implemented with siRNAs or shRNAs and drug screens. We compared the performance of PBNPA with competing methods on simulated data as well as on real data. PBNPA outperformed recent methods designed for CRISPR screen analysis, as well as methods used for analyzing other functional genomics screens, in terms of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves and False Discovery Rate (FDR) control for simulated data under various settings. Remarkably, the PBNPA algorithm showed better consistency and FDR control on published real data as well. PBNPA yields more consistent and reliable results than its competitors, especially when the data quality is low. R package of PBNPA is available at: https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/PBNPA/ .


Diabetes mellitus is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective case-control study in hepatitis endemic area.
A number of case-control patient studies have been conducted to investigate the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite some controversial reports, it has been suggested that DM is associated with HCC. The previous studies on this subject vary in the selection of populations, sample sizes, methodology, and analysis results. Therefore, it is necessary to further delineate the involvement of DM, together with other related risk factors, in HCC with large sample size and strict analysis methodology. We conducted a hospital-based retrospective case-control study at Perking Union Medical College Hospital, China. A total of 1,568 patients with liver diseases were enrolled in the statistical study to evaluate the association of DM and other risk factors with HCC. Among these patients, 716 of them were diagnosed with benign liver diseases, and 852 patients were diagnosed as HCC. We utilized binary logistic regression and stepwise logistic regression to investigate the associations among DM, hypertension, fatty liver, cirrhosis, gallstone, HBV infection, HCV infection, and HCC. Statistical analysis through the stepwise regression model indicated that the prevalence of DM, male gender, cirrhosis, HCV infection, or HBV infection is higher in the HCC patient group compared to the control group. However, the prevalence of gallstone is negatively associated with HCC cases. DM co-exists with HBV infection, male gender, and age in the HCC cases. Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that DM may synergize with HBV infection in HCC development. DM is strongly associated with the increased risk of HCC regardless of the prevalence of HBV infection, HCV infection, cirrhosis, male gender, and age. However, the synergistic interaction between DM and HBV in HCC occurrence is significant. Therefore, DM patients with HBV infection represent a very high HCC risk population and should be considered for HCC close surveillance program.


Nursing and medical staff knowledge regarding the monitoring and management of accidental or exposure hypothermia in adult major trauma patients.
Recording a patient's vital signs is a basic requirement that in part informs clinical decision-making. Practice suggests that recording a trauma patient's temperature is occasionally overlooked in the emergency department. A staff survey was undertaken to gain an appreciation of knowledge and understanding of the issues that surround accidental or exposure hypothermia in trauma patients. Results demonstrate that nurses and doctors are unsure of how to define hypothermia and are not conversant with simple ways to prevent heat loss or rewarm patients. Complications from hypothermia such as coagulopathy and metabolic acidosis were seldom identified. Issues that limit staff recording temperature include patient access and acuity, lack of knowledge and confidence and access to temperature-measuring devices. These results emphasize the need for regular education. Implications for clinical practice were considered; an algorithm to guide staff on ways to improve the monitoring and management of temperature in trauma patients was developed. Opportunities for ongoing and further research were identified.


Fasting-induced selective mobilization of brown adipose tissue fatty acids.
This study was conducted to determine whether there is selective mobilization of fatty acids from brown adipose tissue. Rats were fed a fish-oil diet and then fasted for 0, 7, or 10 days followed by analysis of the fatty acid content and composition of triacylglycerols (TAG) and phospholipid (PL) in interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT). Fatty acids were selectively lost from IBAT triacylglycerols, the mobilization following the same structural rules as those previously demonstrated for white adipose tissue. Fractional mobilization increased with unsaturation at a given chain length and tended to decrease with chain length at a given unsaturation. However, linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) was mobilized significantly less than predicted by these structural rules. In IBAT phospholipid, fatty acids were also selectively lost but there was no such relationship between the fractional mobilization of a fatty acid and its structure. The fatty acids of the n-6 series were exceptional in their behavior because they displayed below average fractional mobilization. In fact, linoleic and arachidonic acids actually increased their mass in IBAT phospholipid during the fast. It is concluded that, in IBAT, fatty acids are selectively mobilized during a fast, and that fasting-induced remodeling of the fatty acid composition leads to the selective retention of linoleate in the case of TAG and all the n-6 fatty acids in the case of PL.


Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis isolates with resistance to metronidazole and tinidazole.
Clinical isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis were obtained from women consecutively enrolled in a study of partner notification. Testing of susceptibility to metronidazole and tinidazole was performed. Resistance to metronidazole and tinidazole was present in 17/178 (9.6%) and 1/178 (0.56%) strains, respectively. In vitro resistance was poorly correlated with clinical response to treatment.


Enterocytozoon bieneusi multiorgan microsporidiosis in a HIV-infected patient.
Multiorgan microsporidiosis due to Enterocytozoon bieneusi was diagnosed in an HIV-infected patient. The parasite was found and identified as E. bieneusi by transmission electron microscopy in stools, duodenal biopsy, nasal discharge and sputum. No clinical improvement or parasite eradication was obtained after albendazole therapy, but the patient remained alive 9 months after diagnosis.


High-Selectivity Planar Thermal Emitter with a Stable Temperature over 1400 K for a Thermophotovoltaic System.
A selective thermal emitter with superior thermal stability and perfect selective thermal emission in specific bands can facilitate the lifting of the thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion efficiency in TPV systems. Scalable planar selective thermal emitters with superior spectral selectivity and robust high-temperature stability are desired to meet the requirements of large-scale deployments of TPV systems. However, stably reradiating the available thermal photons at above 1273 K remains a significant challenge for selective thermal emitters. In this work, we demonstrated a high-selectivity planar thermal emitter based on the composite ceramic of ZrC and Al2O3. The prepared selective thermal emitter provides an emissivity of around 90% above the photon energy (0.6 eV) at 1423 K, a strong emission suppression effect below 0.6 eV, and superior thermal stability up to at least 1423 K. Therefore, the overall spectral efficiency can reach around 53%. Coupled with an InGaAs PV cell, the TPV system based on the selective thermal emitter demonstrates a predicted heat-to-electricity power conversion efficiency of 29.78% at 1423 K due to the matched spectral response of the emitter with the PV cell. Our work opens a new way forward for TPV systems based on planar selective thermal emitters.


Recurrent steroid cell tumor not otherwise specified with elevated testosterone and prolactin concentrations and impaired glucose metabolism: a case report.
Steroid cell tumor not otherwise specified (SCT-NOS) is a rare type of sex cord-stromal tumor with malignant potential. A 19-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic bilateral cystectomy, and postoperative pathology showed bilateral ovarian SCT-NOS. She had recurrence of the right tumor 8 years after the surgery, with shortened menstrual cycles, elevated testosterone and prolactin concentrations, and impaired glucose metabolism. We performed a laparoscopic right salpingo-oophorectomy. Testosterone and prolactin concentrations rapidly decreased and returned to the normal range after surgery. Subsequently, she had regular menstrual cycles and good glycemic control. The findings in our case suggest that there is a possibility of late recurrence in SCT-NOS. Therefore, we suggest that the postoperative follow-up period should be 10 years for this condition.


Production of proangiogenic cytokines during thalidomide treatment of multiple myeloma.
Recently a growing number of studies have suggested the efficacy of thalidomide (THAL) in the treatment of relapsed or resistant multiple myeloma. Some of these studies indicate that the thalidomide antimyeloma effect is associated with decreased vessel density. Here we first present our experience with THAL treatment and then focus on the determination of the role of proangiogenic cytokines during THAL therapy. Thirty relapsing or resistant multiple myeloma (MM) patients were treated with THAL at a median dose of 400 mg/daily. Eighteen responded to THAL therapy and 12 were resistant or intolerant to THAL. We determined the plasma level of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as the main biological parameters associated with tumour angiogenesis. In addition I1-6 and TNFalpha levels were also assayed. Assessment of peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) cytokine levels were done before and during THAL treatment at weeks 4 and 8 of therapy. In the responder group VEGF, bFGF I1-6 and TNFalpha concentrations were significantly decreased after four weeks of therapy both in PB and BM. In the non-responder group no significant changes in bFGF and VEGF levels were observed. However, a significant increase in IL-6 and TNF concentrations was evident. We conclude that the significant decrease of VEGF, bFGF, I1-6 and TNFalpha concentrations reflected response to THAL therapy. Also it seems that VEGF is a better marker of response to treatment than bFGF.


Polyp detection rate and pathological features in patients undergoing a comprehensive colonoscopy screening.
To identify the prevalence, and clinical and pathologic characteristic of colonic polyps among Iranian patients undergoing a comprehensive colonoscopy, and determine the polyp detection rate (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR). In this cross-sectional study, demographics and epidemiologic characteristics of 531 persons who underwent colonoscopies between 2014 and 2015 at Mehrad gastrointestinal clinic were determined. Demographics, indication for colonoscopy, colonoscopy findings, number of polyps, and histopathological characteristics of the polyps were examined for each person. Our sample included 295 (55.6%) women and 236 (44.4%) men, with a mean age of 50.25 ± 14.89 years. Overall PDR was 23.5% (125/531). ADR and colorectal cancer detection rate in this study were 12.8% and 1.5%, respectively. Polyps were detected more significantly frequently in men than in women (52.8% vs 47.2%, P < 0.05). Polyps can be seen in most patients after the age of 50. The average age of patients with cancer was significantly higher than that of patients with polyps (61.3 years vs 56.4 years, P < 0.05). The majority of the polyps were adenomatous. More than 50% of the polyps were found in the rectosigmoid part of the colon. The prevalence of polyps and adenomas in this study is less than that reported in the Western populations. In our patients, distal colon is more susceptible to developing polyps and cancer than proximal colon.


The M235T polymorphism in the angiotensinogen gene is associated with the risk of malignant hypertension in white patients.
Malignant hypertension can be considered an extreme phenotype of renin-mediated hypertension. Therefore, we compared the allelic frequencies of the angiotensinogen (AGT) M235T, angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) and angiotensin II-type I receptor (AT1R) A1166C polymorphisms in malignant hypertensive patients with hypertensive and normotensive controls. A total of 101 consecutive patients between 1995 and 2005 admitted to a large university hospital fulfilled the criteria for malignant hypertension. Seventy-five patients (74%) were compared with 150 hypertensive and 150 normotensive controls, randomly selected from a population study and individually matched on age, sex and ethnicity. The odds of malignant hypertension in white subjects with the TT genotype of the AGT M235T polymorphism was 14.3 (5.5-37) compared to hypertensive controls, and 9.4 (3.8-23.2) compared to normotensive controls. Adjustment for age, sex, smoking and antihypertensive therapy did not affect this association. The association of AGT M235T with malignant hypertension was not significant in blacks. In patients with malignant hypertension, the TT genotype was associated with more severe renal dysfunction and microangiopathic haemolysis. No differences were found in allele frequencies of the ACE I/D or the AT1R A1166C polymorphisms between study groups. The TT genotype of AGT M235T is associated with malignant hypertension in whites, carriers having an odds of approximately 10 to 1 compared to hypertensive and normotensive controls. These observations may provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of malignant hypertension and offer possibilities for identifying patients at risk. Larger association or linkage studies are needed for a more detailed risk assessment.


Glucose metabolic reprogramming in autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly targets and damages healthy tissue in the body. In recent decades, the incidence of autoimmune diseases has increased, resulting in a significant disease burden. The current autoimmune therapies focus on targeting inflammation or inducing immunosuppression rather than addressing the underlying cause of the diseases. The activity of metabolic pathways is elevated in autoimmune diseases, and metabolic changes are increasingly recognized as important pathogenic processes underlying these. Therefore, metabolically targeted therapies may represent an important strategy for treating autoimmune diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence surrounding glucose metabolic reprogramming and its potential applications in drug discovery and development for autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic sclerosis.


Nephron-sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma.
Nephron-sparing surgery has become an established surgical treatment for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly in situations in which preservation of renal parenchyma is critical. However, due to the fear of local renal fossa recurrence with nephron-sparing surgery, radical nephrectomy has historically been the treatment of choice for patients with unilateral RCC and a normal contralateral kidney. Recently, increased incidence of low-stage, localized, solitary RCC has led to renewed interest in partial nephrectomy. With excellent disease-specific survival and recurrence rates comparable to that achieved with radical nephrectomy, nephron-sparing surgery can be confidently utilized in treating patients with stage T1 RCC lesions (<7 cm) and a normal contralateral kidney. The utility of nephron-sparing surgery in the context of adjunctive systemic immunotherapy remains to be explored.


Lack of Capacity is not an 'off Switch' for Rights and Freedoms: Wye Valley Nhs Trust V Mr B (By His Litigation Friend, the Official Solicitor) [2015] Ewcop 60.
Wye Valley NHS Trust v Mr B [2015] EWCOP 60 illustrates the extent to which the wishes, feelings, beliefs, and values strongly expressed by a person who lacks decision-making capacity are to be considered in determining his best interests. Whilst not going as far as a supported decision-making model, as endorsed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the case exemplifies the participative ethos of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the requirement that the person lacking capacity should participate as fully as possible in any decision affecting him.


Gender and the risk of falling: a sociological approach.
This paper reports a grounded theory study of the influence of gender on older people's perceptions of their risk of falling and their actions to prevent future falls. The incidence and rates of falls among older people, including injurious falls, are of much international concern. The risk of falling remains a major concern for older people since it increases with age, with those aged 85 years and over at greatest risk. However, research using a sociological approach to the topic is limited. An exploratory design, with grounded theory analysis, was used. Data were collected during 2001 through in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of 40 older people living in south east of England. Two core categories emerged: gendered meanings of risk and gendered responsibility. The social construction of the meaning of the risk of falling and of participants' actions was gendered. Older men and women had specific ways of talking about their 'risk' and identifying the risk factors for falling. Older men perceived themselves as 'responsible' and 'rational' individuals who expected to reduce their own risk of falling. Older women's expectations of themselves and of their peers explained their tendency to blame themselves or others for their falls. These perceptions influenced the actions they took to prevent future falls. Nurses and other healthcare professionals need to take account of the gendered meanings attached to falling by older men and women when carrying out risk assessments and giving advice on fall prevention.


The translocation and fractionation of rare earth elements (REEs) via the phloem in Phytolacca americana L.
Rare earth elements (REEs) are considered to be emerging contaminants due to their widespread use and lack of recycling. Phytolacca americana L. has great potential for REEs phytoextraction. Our understanding of REEs in P. americana focuses mostly on root absorption and xylem translocation, but the role of phloem translocation has received little attention. In this research, the translocation and fractionation of REEs from phloem to organs in P. americana were investigated. In addition, the effect of organic acids in the REEs translocation via phloem exudates was also examined. The results showed that REEs could transport bidirectionally via the phloem, and 86% of REEs exported from old leaves could move downwards to the root, whereas only 14% of them transported upwards to the young leaves. Heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) enrichment was found in the REEs fractionation processes both from phloem to leaf and from stem to root, indicating that HREEs were preferentially transferred not only down to roots, but also up to the young leaves. The concentration of oxalic acid in phloem exudates was much higher than other organic acids. 94.7% oxalic acid in phloem exudates was preferred to combine with REEs, especially HREEs. Additionally, the concentrations of HREEs had a high positive correlation with oxalic acid in phloem exudates, which demonstrated oxalic acid may play a significant role in the long-distance transport of HREEs in phloem. In conclusion, HREEs have higher translocation ability than light rare earth elements (LREEs) in both xylem and phloem of P. americana. As far as we know, this is the first report focused on the phloem translocation and redistribution of REEs in P. americana, which provides a valuable understanding of the mechanism for phytoremediation of REEs contaminated soils.


Association of sexual activity with colonization and vaginal acquisition of group B Streptococcus in nonpregnant women.
In a longitudinal cohort study of 1,248 nonpregnant young women recruited from three Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, health clinics in 1998-2000, the authors investigated risk factors associated with vaginal acquisition of group B Streptococcus (GBS). Rectal and vaginal swabs for GBS culture and demographic and behavioral interview data were obtained from the women at enrollment and at three 4-month intervals. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate risk factors for GBS acquisition among the 1,089 women with follow-up data. At enrollment, 365 (29.2%) of the 1,248 study participants were vaginally colonized with GBS. Of 767 women who were GBS-negative at enrollment, 344 (44.9%) acquired vaginal GBS colonization during follow-up. The following factors were independently associated with vaginal acquisition of GBS at the 0.05 significance level: African-American race (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2, 1.9), having multiple sex partners during the past 4 months (HR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.5), having frequent sexual intercourse during the past 4 months (HR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.2), and having sexual intercourse within the 5 days prior to the follow-up visit (HR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3, 2.0). These results show that sexual activity is an important risk factor for vaginal acquisition of GBS.


Differences in the binding of thyroid hormones and indoles by rat alpha 1-fetoprotein and serum albumin.
The transport of small molecules in the blood, normally assured by serum albumin in the adult, is not well known in the fetus since the albumin concentration is low in fetal serum and inversely related to the alpha 1-fetoprotein concentration. In order to investigate whether rat alpha 1-fetoprotein might be a fetal counterpart to albumin, the binding properties of these two proteins have been compared with respect to a series of molecules of biological importance, especially during fetal development: thyroid hormones and indole analogues. Though high-affinity binding of thyroxine was found with both rat alpha 1-fetoprotein and albumin, a significant difference in the number of binding sites for this hormone was found with the two proteins. Further, while rat serum albumin strongly bound L-tryptophan and indolyl-3-acetic acid (Ka approximately equal to 10(5) M-1), rat alpha 1-fetoprotein did not bind any of the indoles tested. These results are discussed with respect to the physiological and pharmacological significance of the transport role of these proteins.


Chronic cerebral effects of alcohol and drug abuse.
A minority of alcohol abusers develop severe cerebral dysfunction in the form of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. There is also evidence to suggest that cerebral dysfunction, particularly impaired abstracting ability, occurs in that larger population of heavy drinkers who do not go on to develop the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. There is no consistent evidence that long-term marijuana, hallucinogen, or sedative use causes lasting neuropsychological disturbance. The deficits in abstract thinking reported by some LSD studies are similar to deficits others have reported among alcoholics. Since the LSD studies were not controlled for alcohol use, their interpretation is difficult. It appears that cerebrovascular accidents occur more frequently and at a younger age among amphetamine abusers. There is no reliable information about possible other long-term effects of stimulants on the brain per se (i.e., nonvascular complications). Abuse of intravenous narcotics has been associated with case reports of transverse myelitis and encephalitis. It is not known whether this pathology is a direct or hypersensitivity effect of narcotic drugs, of adulterants, or of infection.


[Use of home blood pressure devices in France in 2004].
To estimate the number of devices for home blood pressure measurements in the French population in 2004 and to evaluate the use of these apparatus. The French League Against Hypertension Survey 2004 (FLAHS-2004) was performed cross-sectionally on 3707 subjects, part of a sample of 5476 subjects selected as being representative of the French metropolitan population for age (35 years and above), gender, socioeconomic status, and place of living. Subjects who declare to take an antihypertensive medication were classified as treated hypertensive patients. A questionnaire evaluating the condition of use of HBP device was given. In 2004, 24% of the French population above the age of 35 years was treated for hypertension, corresponding to an estimate of 7.5 million of subjects. 25% of treated hypertensives and 12% of untreated subjects had a tensiometer. A total of 4 millions of BP devices are owned in the general population with 43% by treated hypertensive patients. 67% of BP devices are wrist cuff. Medical doctors recommended home blood pressure monitoring in only 12% of subjects. In 2004, the number of subjects treated for hypertension is 1/4 of the general population over the age of 35 years in France. In this group of subjects, 1/4 possessed a tensiometer but in only 10% medical doctor recommended the use of home blood pressure monitoring.


[Allergenicity of wheat flour].
Food allergy to wheat flour is a pathology that is found less frequently than coeliac disease or respiratory allergy to flour; it seems however to be a constant argument. Our study used a panel of 28 patients diagnosed with food allergy to wheat flour. Our objective was to characterise the reactivity of type IgE and IgG antibodies of these patients with regard to the different classes of proteins of wheat flour so as to establish an antigenic profile of the allergens of wheat in the framework of food allergy to flour. Our results show the implication of different classes of wheat proteins and notably the major reserve proteins (gliadins and glutens) in food allergy.


Topographically Conductive Butterfly Wing Substrates for Directed Spiral Ganglion Neuron Growth.
Spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) degeneration can lead to severe hearing loss, and the directional regeneration of SGNs has shown great potential for improving the efficacy of auditory therapy. Here, a novel 3D conductive microstructure with surface topologies is presented by integrating superaligned carbon-nanotube sheets (SA-CNTs) onto Morpho Menelaus butterfly wings for SGN culture. The parallel groove-like topological structures of M. Menelaus wings induce the cultured cells to grow along the direction of its ridges. The excellent conductivity of SA-CNTs significantly improves the efficiency of cellular information conduction. When integrating the SA-CNTs with M. Menelaus wings, the SA-CNTs are aligned in parallel with the M. Menelaus ridges, which further strengthens the consistency of the surface topography in the composite substrate. The SA-CNTs integrated onto butterfly wings provide powerful physical signals and regulate the behavior of SGNs, including cell survival, adhesion, neurite outgrowth, and synapse formation. These features indicate the possibility of directed regeneration after auditory nerve injury.