Observer consistency in radiographic assessment of condylar resorption.
This study evaluates interobserver and intraobserver agreement with respect to the determination of the shape and surface of the condylar head on panoramic views. Detailed frames (n = 632) were made from preoperative and postoperative panoramic views of 158 consecutive patients, who underwent orthognathic surgery. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement were calculated by using Cohen's kappa. By using Cohen's kappa, the intraobserver agreement was determined to be reasonable or good for surface and shape of the condyle. The interobserver agreement was mediocre or poor for surface and shape of the condyle. Because of the subjectivity of using panoramic views to determine the shape and surface of the condylar head, considerable interobserver disagreement is possible.


Application of stem cell-derived retinal pigmented epithelium in retinal degenerative diseases: present and future.
As a constituent of blood-retinal barrier and retinal outer segment (ROS) scavenger, retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is fundamental to normal function of retina. Malfunctioning of RPE contributes to the onset and advance of retinal degenerative diseases. Up to date, RPE replacement therapy is the only possible method to completely reverse retinal degeneration. Transplantation of human RPE stem cell-derived RPE (hRPESC-RPE) has shown some good results in animal models. With promising results in terms of safety and visual improvement, human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) can be expected in clinical settings in the near future. Despite twists and turns, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (iPSC-RPE) is now being intensely investigated to overcome genetic and epigenetic instability. By far, only one patient has received iPSC-RPE transplant, which is a hallmark of iPSC technology development. During follow-up, no major complications such as immunogenicity or tumorigenesis have been observed. Future trials should keep focusing on the safety of stem cell-derived RPE (SC-RPE) especially in long period, and better understanding of the nature of stem cell and the molecular events in the process to generate SC-RPE is necessary to the prosperity of SC-RPE clinical application.


Allergic conditions in 5-8-year-old Maltese schoolchildren: prevalence, severity, and associated risk factors [ISAAC].
Allergic conditions, especially asthma, seem to be increasingly common worldwide. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was the first study carried out worldwide using standardized questionnaires in order to create a reliable global map of childhood allergy. The Maltese Islands were one of the centres that participated in this study and in this article the data obtained from 3,506 5-8-year-old children from 24 state schools (78.5% response rate), and also data obtained from some added 'local' questions addressed to the same children, were analyzed in order to evaluate the problem of allergic conditions in Maltese schoolchildren. Of the participants, 19.1% were wheezers 'ever,' while 8.8% were current wheezers. Of the latter, 15.9% experienced nocturnal wheezing at least once a week and 13.3% had a wheezing episode of sufficient severity to limit speech. Nasal problems were present in 23.4% of these children, and in 20.7% of all respondents these symptoms persisted up to the year of answering the questionnaire. Hay fever had been diagnosed in 14.7% of all the children. Seven per cent of respondents had a recurrent, itchy rash (suggestive of eczema) for at least 6 months of their lives and 5.5.% had it currently. The prevalence of wheezing and eczema were slightly lower than the global mean, unlike rhinitis which in Malta was commoner than the world average. Multiple variables, such as gender, breast-feeding, passive smoking, family history of atopy, pets, soft furnishings, and living next to busy roads, were factors that affected the prevalence and severity of the allergic conditions studied. In conclusion, allergic conditions are very common in Maltese schoolchildren and cause great hardship to these same youngsters. The results of this study should serve as a stimulus to try to decrease this suffering through better management of these conditions, measures to control identified detrimental factors (such as passive smoking), and further research on asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema.


Simulation of protein conformational freedom as a function of pH: constant-pH molecular dynamics using implicit titration.
Solution pH is a determinant parameter on protein function and stability, and its inclusion in molecular dynamics simulations is attractive for studies at the molecular level. Current molecular dynamics simulations can consider pH only in a very limited way, through a somewhat arbitrary choice of a set of fixed charges on the titrable sites. Conversely, continuum electrostatic methods that explicitly treat pH effects assume a single protein conformation whose choice is not clearly defined. In this paper we describe a general method that combines both titration and conformational freedom. The method is based on a potential of mean force for implicit titration and combines both usual molecular dynamics and pH-dependent calculations based on continuum methods. A simple implementation of the method, using a mean field approximation, is presented and applied to the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. We believe that this constant-pH molecular dynamics method, by correctly sampling both charges and conformation, can become a valuable help in the understanding of the dependence of protein function and stability on pH.


Biologic Mechanisms Linked to Prognosis in Ovarian Cancer that May Be Affected by Aging.
The increase of both life expectancy of the Western industrialized population and cancer incidence with aging is expected to result in a rapid expansion of the elderly cancer population, including patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Although the survival of patients with EOC has generally improved over the past three decades, this progress has yet to provide benefits for elderly patients. Compared with young age, advanced age has been reported as an adverse prognostic factor influencing EOC. However, contradicting results have been obtained, and the mechanisms underlying this observation are poorly defined. Few papers have been published on the underlying biological mechanisms that might explain this prognosis trend. We provide an extensive review of mechanisms that have been linked to EOC prognosis and/or aging in the published literature and might underlie this relationship in humans.


[Effects and problems of intraarterial noradrenaline-induced hypertensive chemotherapy for liver metastasis of gastric cancer].
Intraarterial noradrenaline-induced hypertensive chemotherapy (NA-IHC) was performed on eight patients with liver metastasis of gastric cancer (3 synchronous and 5 metachronous). Mitomycin C was injected via the indwelling catheter placed in the proper hepatic artery, when the mean systolic blood pressure rose to 50 percent above the level in the untreated state by intravenous administration of noradrenaline. As the result, the response rate was 62.5% (CR: 1, PR: 4, NC: 2, PD: 1) and the 50% survival period was 792 days. On the other hand, another hematological metastasis developed in two cases in which liver metastases were effectively controlled. These results indicated both the effectiveness and the limits of NA-IHC as loco-regional chemotherapy. Therefore, we concluded that not only NA-IHC but also another systemic chemotherapy was necessary to treat the patient with liver metastasis of gastric cancer.


Effect of micronutrients on methylglyoxal-mediated in vitro glycation of albumin.
Nonenzymatic glycation of long-lived proteins has been implicated in several complications related to age and diabetes. Dicarbonyl compounds such as methylglyoxal (MGO) have been identified as the predominant source for the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in various tissues. We investigated the effect of 13 micronutrients on MGO-mediated in vitro glycation of bovine serum albumin (BSA), as formation of AGEs and protein carbonyls. BSA (10 mg/ml) was incubated at 37°C with 100 mM MGO for 24 hours, in presence of ascorbic acid, Trolox (water-soluble α-tocopherol analog), β-carotene, retinol, riboflavin, thiamin, folic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, zinc, iron, manganese, and selenium. Fluorescence was measured at the wavelength pair of 370 and 440 nm as an index of the formation of AGEs and spectra were recorded for promising interactions at λex=280 nm and λex=370 nm. Within four standard antiglycating agents, aminoguanidine showed highest inhibitory response for BSA glycation followed by quercetin, gallic acid, and tannic acid. Promising antiglycation potential was seen for Trolox, riboflavin, Zn, and Mn as evidenced by decrease in the formation of AGEs and protein carbonyls.


Validation of the Polish Version of the Washington 4-Digit Diagnostic Code for the Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
The aim of this paper is a quantitative assessment of FASD facial phenotype in the Polish population using the Polish version of the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code. The study covered 2 groups of children: 30 children aged 4-7 and 30 children aged 8-11 with a facial phenotype characteristic for the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The control group consisted of 60 children (4-11 years old) developing normally. We compared 3 facial features (small palpebral fissure lengths, smooth philtrum and thin upper lip). The repeatability, conformity and diagnostic accuracy of particular dysmorphic features of the study were assessed. Obtained values for palpebral fissure were "poor", "good" and "very good", for philtrum "good" and "very good" and for upper lip "good" and "very good". As for conformity, values for palpebral fissure were "moderate" and 'good", for philtrum - "good" and for upper lip also "good". In the experimental group, the FAS diagnostic criteria were met by 13 subjects, partial FAS criteria were met by 37 subjects and the criteria of static encephalopathy with no FAS phenotype were met by 2 subjects. None of the subjects in the control group met these criteria. The pictorial scale for the assessment of the facial dysmorphic features proved to be a useful tool in the clinical diagnostics of FAS in the Polish conditions. Due to the problems associated with the measurement of the palpebral fissure, it is necessary to verify the normal growth charts for the Polish population.


Selecting Bacterial Antagonists for Cucurbit Downy Mildew and Developing an Effective Application Method.
To identify new bacterial antagonists for cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, 163 bacterial isolates were recovered from different microenvironments of field-grown cucumber plants. In the greenhouse, 19 representative isolates were applied to cucumber plants as a foliar spray (FS); 7 isolates achieved the efficacy over 60% against CDM, with 5 (DS22, HS10, DP14, HP4, and DS57) identified as Bacillus pumilus, B. licheniformis, Enterobacter sp., Bacillus sp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, respectively. Strains DP14, DS22, and HS10 were assessed for their biocontrol effect on naturally occurring CDM in 2-year field trials (2010 and 2011), in which their overall efficacy relative to that of propamocarb was 106.25 to 117.17% with foliar spray plus root drench (FS+RD) but only 70.98 to 84.03% with FS. Coincidently, DP14 and HS10 applied as root drench (RD) alone also significantly reduced CDM. Under field conditions, DP14, DS22, and HS10 all successfully colonized cucumber leaves and the rhizosphere, and also significantly increased fruit yield by 37.60 to 51.03%, as well as nutrient levels. Taken together, Enterobacter sp. DP14, B. licheniformis HS10, and B. pumilus DS22 are plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria effective in controlling CDM in the field, whose efficacy increased with FS+RD compared with FS alone.


Achilles tendinitis and peritendinitis: etiology and treatment.
One hundred nine runners were treated conservatively without immobilization for overuse injury to the Achilles tendon. Treatment strategies were directed toward rehabilitation of the gastrocnemius/soleus muscle-tendon unit, control of inflammation and pain, and control of biomechanical parameters. One fair, 12 good, and 73 excellent results were reported, with a mean recovery time of 5 weeks. Followup was incomplete in 23 cases. The three most prevalent etiological factors were overtraining (82 cases), functional overpronation (61 cases), and gastrocnemius/soleus insufficiency (41 cases). The authors speculate that runners are susceptible to Achilles tendinitis with peritendinitis due to microtrauma produced by the eccentric loading of fatigued muscle, excess pronation producing whipping action of the Achilles tendon, and/or vascular blanching of the Achilles tendon produced by conflicting internal and external rotatory forces imparted to the tibia by simultaneous pronation and knee extension. Virtually all cases of Achilles tendon injury appear to result from structural or dynamic disturbances in normal lower leg mechanics and require active treatment regimens which attempt to establish normal function to prevent recurrence.


[Separation, purification and primary reverse cholesterol transport study of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide].
The authors designed to separate, purify and determine the monosaccharide composition of the polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris, and study its effect on reverse cholesterol transport in vivo by isotope tracing assay. Polysaccharides were separate and purify by ion exchange column Q-sepharose Fast Flow and size exclusion column Sephacryl S200HR; the molecular weight and monosaccharide composition of the polysaccharides were determined by high performance gel permeation chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography coming with pre-column derivation, respectively. Finally, three purified polysaccharides CMBW1, CMBW2 and CMYW1 were obtained, their total carbohydrate contents were 87%, 89%, 95%, respectively; their protein contents were 6.5%, 1.3%, 2.8%, respectively; their molecular weights were 772.1, 20.9, 13.2 kDa, respectively; CMBW1 was composed of mannose, glucosamine, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose with a molar ratio of 7.25: 0.17: 1.29: 0.23: 6.30: 11.08: 0.79; CMBW2 was composed of mannose, glucosamine, galactose and arabinose with a molar ratio of 2.40: 0.16: 2.92: 0.24; CMYW1 was composed of mannose, glucosamine, glucuronic acid and glucose with a molar ratio of 0.59: 0.57: 0.45: 25.61. Polysaccharide at 50 mg x kg(-1) could significantly improve the transport of 3H- cholesterol to blood and excretion from feces. All of the three purified polysaccharides CMBW1, CMBW2 and CMYW1 were heteropolysaccharide; and they could improve reverse cholesterol transport in vivo, the underlying mechanisms are being studied.


Ultrasound-guided ulnar nerve catheter placement in the forearm for postoperative pain relief and physiotherapy.
Consistent identification of peripheral nerves as well as placement of catheters for post-operative pain relief is possible with the aid of ultrasound. By blocking a single nerve rather than the entire extremity, pain can be eliminated without impairing motor function of the entire extremity, providing greater patient comfort. This report describes a case in which ultrasound-guided ulnar nerve catheter placement was performed in the forearm for post-operative pain relief following arthrolysis and tenolysis of the fifth finger. The ulnar nerve catheter allowed for excellent pain relief and completely painless physiotherapy without impairing motor function of the operated finger.


Kinetics of growth and phosphate uptake in pure culture studies of Acinetobacter species.
Acinetobacter has been found to be the major species responsible for mediating biological phosphate removal. The growth kinetics and phosphate uptake were investigated for an isolated Acinetobacter strain growing in a defined medium. The phosphate uptake is dependent on growth rate, temperature, and pH. Polyphosphate granules occurred in a balanced growth stage. The maximum phosphorus content in cells was 4.8% at the dilution rate of 12 day(-1). The specific phosphate uptake rate was found to be a quadratic polynomial function of the dilution rate. Increased calcium (up to 36 mg/L) and magnesium (up to 15 mg/L), and the addition of yeast extract (100 mg/L), primary effluent (20%), and fluoride (10 mg/L) did not affect phosphate uptake. Anaerobic conditioning (N(2) stripping), low pH (CO(2) stripping), and addition of sodium acetate under anaerobic conditions failed to stimulate immediate phosphate release. Nevertheless, After 21-24 h, the phosphate release was ca. 3, 5, and 15 mg P/g cell, respectively, for N(2) purging, the addition of acetate, and CO(2) purging. For two-stage completely stirred reactor operation, there was negligible phosphate overplus at the second reactor when phosphate was added, when the first reactor was subjected to phosphate limitation. When both phosphate and carbon limited the growth in the first reactor, there was slight phosphate accumulation under endogenous respiration conditions in the second reactor.


Mutational analysis of the mouse somatostatin receptor type 5 gene promoter.
We have previously characterized the structure of the murine somatostatin receptor type 5 gene (sst5). Initial transient transfection studies in pituitary somatolactotropes (GH(3)) mapped the promoter activity of this gene to a region 290 bp upstream of the transcription start site. The current study identifies the sst5 promoter region critical for basal activity. A series of deletions was generated, and promoter activity was localized to a region between -83 and -19. Similar promoter deletion patterns were evident in five pituitary cell types. Seven 10-bp transversion mutations encompassing the region between -83 and -19 were generated, and functional activity was assessed. Promoter activity was reduced by the mutations spanning -67 to -47 compared with the wild-type construct. Another mutation between -26 and -17 resulted in promoter activity reduction in GH(3) cells, but not TtT-97 thyrotropes. Deoxyribonuclease I protection analysis of the sst5 promoter region between -208/+47 was performed using GH(3) and TtT-97 nuclear extracts. The most striking protected regions, located between -61 and -41 and -25 and -3, correlated with functionally important regions identified by transfection studies. In summary, the mouse sst5 gene promoter has been characterized, and functional activity and nuclear factor interactions were mapped to two specific promoter regions. The region between -67 and -47 appears to contain a nucleotide sequence critical for basal transcriptional regulation of the mouse sst5 gene in pituitary cells.


Effects of atherogenic diet and atorvastatin treatment on gene expression profiles in the C57BL/6J mouse liver.
This study investigated the early and long-term effects of atherogenic diet on hepatic gene expression, and the restorative effects of atorvastatin in treating hypercholesterolemia. Two groups of female C57BL/6J mice were fed standard chow or atherogenic diet for 1-week early phase study and two other groups for 10 weeks. The fifth group had daily 10 mg/kg atorvastatin injections for 3 weeks from week 8 of the atherogenic diet. Gene expression profiling was carried out with Affymetrix GeneChips. One-week atherogenic diet elevated 38 and inhibited 127 gene expressions, while 10-week atherogenic diet elevated 165 and inhibited 281 genes by more than twofold. Atorvastatin could restore 78.2% and 68%, respectively, of the genes to normal levels. Genes in the Insig (insulin-induced gene)-SREBP (sterol regulatory element binding proteins) pathway were mostly inhibited by atherogenic diet at week 1 but elevated at week 10. Of these, 65.2% were restored by atorvastatin. In conclusion, lipid homeostatic mechanism coped well with short-term atherogenic diet. However, when such a diet was prolonged, the mechanism was no longer effective but entered into a pathological state in which lipogenic genes, especially those in the Insig-SREBP pathway, were upregulated. Atorvastatin could restore changes in the Insig-SREBP pathway that were induced by the atherogenic diet.


Correlating Li+-Solvation Structure and its Electrochemical Reaction Kinetics with Sulfur in Subnano Confinement.
Combining theoretical and experimental approaches, we investigate the solvation properties of Li+ ions in a series of ether solvents (dimethoxyethane, diglyme, triglyme, tetraglyme, and 15-crown-5) and their subsequent effects on the solid-state lithium-sulfur reactions in subnano confinement. The ab initio and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations predict Li+ ion solvation structures within ether solvents in excellent agreement with experimental evidence from electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy. An excellent correlation is also established between the Li+-solvation binding energies from the ab initio MD simulations and the lithiation overpotentials obtained from galvanostatic intermittent titration techniques (GITT). These findings convincingly indicate that a stronger solvation binding energy imposes a higher lithiation overpotential of sulfur in subnano confinement. The mechanistic understanding achieved at the electronic and atomistic level of how Li+-solvation dictates its electrochemical reactions with sulfur in subnano confinement provides invaluable guidance in designing future electrolytes and electrodes for Li-sulfur chemistry.


CT and MR imaging of chronic subdural hematomas: a comparative study.
QUESATIONS UNDER STUDY / PRINCIPLES: This study was designed to compare CT and MR appearances of chronic subdural haematomas as well as CT- and MR-guided measurements of haematoma thicknesses. CT and MR images of 48 chronic subdural haematomas of 34 patients were reviewed retrospectively. The thickness measurements and imaging characteristics of haematomas were compared. Levelling was observed in 25% of haematomas, and most of them (60%) had intrahaematomal membranes. All membranes could be delineated by MR imaging, whereas only 27% were defined by CT. Mixed density (52%) and T1 hyperintensity (59%) were commonly observed in membraned haematomas, but the difference was not statistically significant. Haematomas were measured significantly thicker on MR images. All patients had been treated with burr-hole cranio-tomy and irrigation. MR imaging is more sensitive than CT in determining the size and internal structures of chronic subdural haematomas.


Dual-Signal Luminescent Detection of Dopamine by a Single Type of Lanthanide-Doped Nanoparticles.
Detection of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, is vital for understanding its roles in mammals and disease diagnosis. However, commonly available methods for dopamine detection typically rely on a single signal readout, which can be susceptible to interference by internal or external factors. Here, we report a dual-signal detection of dopamine based on label-free luminescent NaGdF4:Tb nanoparticles. In the presence of dopamine, the NaGdF4:Tb nanoparticles exhibit luminescence quenching under the excitation of 272 nm, while they give enhanced luminescence under 297 nm excitation, realizing both turn off and turn on detection of dopamine. The nanoparticle-based dual-signal sensors exhibit high sensitivity, with a detection limit of ∼30 nM, and good selectivity, which offers the possibility to identify potential interferents in the samples. We further demonstrate that the dual-signal response results from different energy-transfer processes within the nanoparticles under the excitation of different light. The new strategy demonstrated here should pave the way for the development of multiresponse nanosensors based on lanthanide-doped luminescent nanomaterials.


Rare maternal mRNAs code for regulatory proteins that control lineage-specific gene expression in the sea urchin embryo.
The prevalence of mRNAs coding for the sea urchin embryo regulatory factors P3A1 and P3A2 was measured by single-strand probe excess solution hybridization. P3A1 and P3A2 are not homologous proteins, though they both bind specifically to a particular cis-regulatory sequence. Interaction at this target site is known to be required for lineage-specific expression of an aboral ectoderm-specific gene and probably for several other genes as well. Genome blot hybridizations show that both factors are encoded by single-copy genes. Maternal mRNAs for both factors are present at less than 10(3) molecules per egg, which places them in the rare mRNA class. During development to the mesenchyme blastula stage, the amount of P3A1 mRNA (per embryo) increases severalfold while that of P3A2 remains approximately constant. Specification of the aboral ectoderm founder cells and of their initial patterns of gene expression must occur during early to mid-cleavage stage. Therefore, the regulatory proteins needed for this process must be produced by this stage. We show that the quantities of the P3A proteins that can be synthesized from the numbers of mRNA molecules present in the large blastomeres of the early embryo are sufficient to be functional, because these proteins will be accumulated in the nuclei. Thus maternal P3A1 or P3A2 proteins asre not required, nor were these detected in earlier studies. Furthermore, differential spatial (as well as temporal) distribution of both of these newly synthesized factor species could result from the unequal cleavage pattern utilized in the sea urchin egg.


Vitamin D deficiency and anemia risk in children: a review of emerging evidence.
There has been renewed scientific interest in the sequelae of vitamin D deficiency, given the emerging evidence on the diverse biologic functions of vitamin D, besides its fundamental role in bone and mineral metabolism. For the past decade, the evidence in the medical literature pointing to a relationship between anemia risk and vitamin D deficiency has been accumulating. This paper critically reviews the current evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to anemia risk in children. The synthesized evidence indicates that the studies, which were preponderantly conducted among the adult population, not only reported a bidirectional relationship between vitamin D deficiency and anemia but also showed a racial effect. In studies conducted among children, similar results were reported. Although the causal association of vitamin D deficiency with anemia risk (especially iron-deficiency anemia) remains debatable, the noncalcemic actions of the vitamin and its analogs hold prospects for several novel clinical applications. There is, however, unanimity in many reports suggesting that vitamin D deficiency is directly associated with anemia of chronic disease or inflammation. Despite the advances in unraveling the role of vitamin D in iron homeostasis, further research is still required to validate causality in the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and anemia, as well as to determine its optimal dosing, the ideal recipients for therapeutic intervention, and the preferred analogs to administer.


SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 inhibit IFN-alpha-induced expression of the antiviral proteins 2,5-OAS and MxA.
Although the use of IFN-alpha in combination with ribavirin has improved the treatment efficacy of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 20-50% of patients still fail to eradicate the virus depending on the HCV genotype. Recently, overexpression of HCV core protein has been shown to inhibit IFN signaling and induce SOCS-3 expression. Aim of this study was to examine the putative role of SOCS proteins in IFN resistance. By Western blot analysis, a 4-fold induction of STAT-1/3 phosphorylation by IFN-alpha was observed in mock-transfected HepG2 clones. In contrast, IFN-induced STAT-1/3 phosphorylation was considerably downregulated by SOCS-1/3 overexpression. In mock-transfected cells, IFN-alpha induced 2',5'-OAS and myxovirus resistance A (MxA) promoter activity 40- to 80-fold and 10- to 35-fold, respectively, and this effect was abrogated in SOCS-1/3 overexpressing cells. As detected by Northern blot technique, IFN-alpha potently induced 2',5'-OAS and MxA mRNA expression in the control clones. Overexpression of SOCS-1 completely abolished both 2',5'-OAS and MxA mRNA expression, whereas SOCS-3 mainly inhibited 2',5'-OAS mRNA expression. Our results demonstrate that SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 proteins inhibit IFN-alpha-induced activation of the Jak-STAT pathway and expression of the antiviral proteins 2',5'-OAS and MxA. These data suggest a potential role of SOCS proteins in IFN resistance during antiviral treatment.


In vitro effects of deoxyguanosine (dGuo) on thymic stromal cells. A discussion.
Different in vitro approaches have been used to enrich thymic epithelial cells for the analysis of their role in inducing tolerance. One widely used approach consists of the organ culture of mouse fetal thymic lobes (FTOCs) in the presence of 2'-deoxyguanosine (dGuo), that is thought to selectively eliminate both thymocytes and interdigitating cells/dendritic cells (IDCs/DCs) from the thymic cultured tissue. The dGuo-induced effects on rat thymic stromal cells appear to differ from those described in mouse. In this paper we present evidence supporting the presence of rat DCs in both thymic cultured fragments and thymic stromal cell primary cultures after dGuo treatment. Possible explanations for these contradictory results are discussed.


Oxygen-enriched Air Decreases Ventilation during High-intensity Fin-swimming Underwater.
Oxygen-enriched air is commonly used in the sport of SCUBA-diving and might affect ventilation and heart rate, but little work exists for applied diving settings. We hypothesized that ventilation is decreased especially during strenuous underwater fin-swimming when using oxygen-enriched air as breathing gas. Ten physically-fit divers (age: 25±4; 5 females; 67±113 open-water dives) performed incremental underwater fin-swimming until exhaustion at 4 m water depth with either normal air or oxygen-enriched air (40% O2) in a double-blind, randomized within-subject design. Heart rate and ventilation were measured throughout the dive and maximum whole blood lactate samples were determined post-exercise. ANOVAs showed a significant effect for the factor breathing gas (F(1, 9)=7.52; P=0.023; η2 p=0.455), with a lower ventilation for oxygen-enriched air during fin-swimming velocities of 0.6 m·s-1 (P=0.032) and 0.8 m·s-1 (P=0.037). Heart rate, lactate, and time to exhaustion showed no significant differences. These findings indicate decreased ventilation by an elevated oxygen fraction in the breathing gas when fin-swimming in shallow-water submersion with high velocity (>0.5 m·s-1). Applications are within involuntary underwater exercise or rescue scenarios for all dives with limited gas supply.


Assessing Patient's Values When Selecting Treatments for Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that results in nonscarring hair loss. There is currently only one Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for AA; as a result, a wide range of treatments are commonly administered. This study aimed to determine how patients with AA prioritize treatment characteristics when choosing a therapy. A cross-sectional national survey was distributed using the National Alopecia Areata Foundation's (NAAF) email list. This study was approved by the Mass General Brigham Institutional Review Board. Participants were asked to rank the importance of five treatment domains. Of the 1,074 completed surveys (completion rate 77.4%), most respondents were female (85.4%) and white (77.8%) with an average age of 49.3 ± 15.4 years. Respondents had AA for an average of 17.7 ± 15.4 years, with 90.0% experiencing current active hair loss. 95.6% of respondents considered the treatment's ability to achieve hair regrowth as important, 93.9% listed the availability of information about the treatment (e.g., via doctor or online) as important, 89.1% ranked the treatment side effects as important, 75.7% the cost, and 68.0% the convenience of use. A sub-analysis was performed examining responses between respondents who identify as white versus nonwhite, which showed that while the order of importance was the same between groups, a significantly larger proportion of nonwhite respondents attributed higher importance to cost (white: 73.8%, nonwhite: 82.4%; p = 0.006) and convenience (white: 65.3%, nonwhite: 77.3%; p < 0.001) than their white counterparts. These findings identify key domains that can serve as a starting point in shared decision-making between patients and physicians. This knowledge can streamline dermatologist delivery of key information and highlight areas of improvement for future therapeutics. Limitations include the nonrandomized NAAF population with most participants being white females. Future studies should confirm these findings in other patient populations.


Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of metabolites in rats after administration of prenylflavonoids from Epimediums.
The metabolites in rats after administration of icariside II, icariin, epimedin C and extracts of four Epimedium species were investigated. Feces, bile, plasma and urine samples were detected comprehensively using HPLC-ESI-MS(n) method. The structures of metabolites were identified on the basis of their characteristic fragmentations in MS(n) experiments. Totally, 54 metabolites were identified in these biosamples. Specific hydrolysis of 7-O glucosides in gut lumen and glucuronic acid conjugation in liver were considered as the main physiologic processes of prenylflavonoids. Icariside II and anhydroicaritin were the major intermediate products in forming of mono- and di-glucuronic acid conjugations in vivo. In general, this study revealed the possible metabolite profiles of prenylflavonoids in rats, and might aid the clinical use of different Epimedium species.


Brand versus generic prescribing: a perspective of the Indian cardiologists' viewpoint.
Pretested mail survey questionnaires consisting of four close-ended, six open-ended questions and an "anonymous prescribing" exercise were sent to 612 members of the Cardiological Society of India. This was done to assess their opinion regarding generic prescribing, to record the incidence of generic prescribing for digoxin and furosemide and to evaluate the extent of comprehension of novel terminology like bioequivalence, generic equivalence and therapeutic equivalence. The majority of the responders opted for brand prescribing and mentioned that substitution by a pharmacist was not acceptable. The reputation of the firm, availability and ease of remembering the name, cost and impact of medical representative were, in descending order, the reasons for the option of a specific brand name. The innovator's brand of digoxin (Lanoxin) was prescribed by 59% while 37% wrote the generic name. Lasix was the most often prescribed (77%) brand of furosemide. Comprehension of the novel terms was not related to years of practice or to the place of practice. The need for evaluation of brands encountered by the prescriber in future studies on brand versus generic prescribing has been emphasized.


Short-Term Internet-Search Training Is Associated with Increased Fractional Anisotropy in the Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus in the Parietal Lobe.
The Internet search engine has become an indispensable tool for many people, yet the ways in which Internet searching may alter brain structure and function is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the influence of short-term Internet-search "training" on white matter microstructure using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Fifty-nine valid subjects (Experimental group, 43; Control group, 16) completed the whole procedure: pre- DTI scan, 6-day's training and post- DTI scan. Using track-based spatial statistics, we found increased fractional anisotropy in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus at post-test as compared to pre-test in experimental group. Within the identified region of the right superior longitudinal fasciculus, decreased radial diffusivity (RD), and unchanged axial diffusivity (AD) were observed. These results suggest that short-term Internet-search training may increase white-matter integrity in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus. A possible mechanism for the observed FA change may involve increased myelination after training, although this possibility warrants additional investigation.


Wide variation in the cyanobacterial complement of presumptive penicillin-binding proteins.
A genomic analysis of putative penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that are involved in the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall and are encoded in 12 cyanobacterial genomes was performed in order to help elucidate the role(s) of these proteins in peptidoglycan synthesis, especially during cyanobacterial cellular differentiation. The analysis suggested that the minimum set of PBPs needed to assemble the peptidoglycan layer in cyanobacteria probably does not exceed one bifunctional transpeptidase-transglycosylase Class A high-molecular-weight PBP; two Class B high-molecular-weight PBPs, one of them probably involved in cellular elongation and the other in septum formation; and one low-molecular-weight PBP. The low-molecular-weight PBPs of all of the cyanobacteria analyzed are putative endopeptidases and are encoded by fewer genes than in Escherichia coli. We show that in Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, predicted proteins All2981 and Alr4579, like Alr5101, are Class A high-molecular-weight PBPs that are required for the functional differentiation of aerobically diazotrophic heterocysts, indicating that some members of this class of PBPs are required specifically for cellular developmental processes.


Camp nursing: can children with asthma safely attend a regular outdoor day camp?
Although specialty camps are available nationwide for children with asthma, many families prefer to have their children attend regular camps. A retrospective descriptive study was undertaken to evaluate the needs of 156 children, ages 3-16 years, with asthma who attended a large, outdoor, nonspecialty, day camp in a suburban wooded setting. Findings indicate that 10.9% (n = 17) received scheduled daily asthma medication, and 12.2% (n = 19) required PRN asthma medication while attending camp. Twenty-one children (13.5%) presented, at least once, to the camp nursing office with respiratory complaints. Of a total of 35 visits to the camp nursing office for acute asthma problems, 20% (n = 7) required the child to leave camp. Nurses can encourage parents to learn about camp facilities and policies to enable them to carefully evaluate safety when considering a camp for their child with asthma.


Pathway-based analysis of rare and common variants to test for association with blood pressure.
Our goal is to test the effect of both rare and common variants in a blood pressure study. We use a pathway-based approach, gene-set enrichment analysis, to search for related genes affecting 4 phenotypes: systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, the difference between each of them and mean arterial pressure, which is a weighted linear combination of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Using the real Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 data, we consider both rare and common variants in our analysis and incorporate other covariates by using a recently proposed test statistic. Our study identified a commonly enriched gene set/pathway for the two derived phenotypes we analyzed: the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure, but none is identified with the individual blood pressure phenotypes. The gene CD47, in the enriched gene pathway/set, was reported in previous studies to be related to blood pressure. The findings are not surprising because the sample size we use in our analysis is small, and hence power to detect small but important effects is likely inadequate.


Development of reversible hypertension during disulfiram therapy.
An alcoholic patient had a gradual increase of BP while he was treated with disulfiram. The BP returned to normal after the disulfiram was withdrawn. Increased BP should be considered a possible side effect of long-term disulfiram therapy, especially in the presence of alcohol-induced liver damage.


Tobacco-use Cessation Counseling Service Usage.
Tobacco-use is common among elderly lung cancer patients and continued tobacco-use can impact prognosis. This study evaluates patterns of receipt of Tobacco-use Cessation Counseling (TCC) services among these patients. Using West Virginia Cancer Registry-Medicare linked database (2004-2007), we identified elderly patients with lung cancer (n = 922) and categorized them by receipt of TCC services. Hierarchical generalized logistic model was constructed and survival outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis, Log-Rank test, and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Majority of patients (76.7%) received TCC services. Unadjusted analysis showed favorable survival outcomes in patients who received TCC services. However, adjusted lung cancer mortality risk was no different between the groups (HR (95% CI) = 1.78 (0.87-3.64)). This study highlights the critical need to address disparities in receipt of TCC services among elderly. Although lung cancer preventive services are covered under the Medicare program, underutilization of these services is a concern.


Antibacterial Effect of Metronidazole vs Chlorhexidine Solutions in Treatment of Root Canals of Primary Anterior Teeth.
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antibacterial effect of 0.5% metronidazole, 2% chlorhexidine, and normal saline irrigant solutions against Enterococcus faecalis bacteria in the treatment of root canals of primary anterior teeth. This study was carried out on sixty nonvital primary anterior teeth of Egyptian children diagnosed with (early childhood caries) ECC. These teeth were classified equally into three groups according to irrigation materials. A fresh sample was collected from each root canal after access opening before and 3 days after irrigation with the help of a paper point. The number of organisms (E. faecalis) before and after irrigation was compared for each group. The bacterial count of E. faecalis was decreased in all groups however, these differences were statistically insignificant where (p <0.05). Both 0.5% metronidazole and 2.0% chlorhexidine appeared to be superior against E. faecalis bacteria as endodontic irrigants in pulpectomy anterior primary teeth with higher antibacterial efficacy compared to saline. The success of endodontic treatment depends on the removal of microbes, from the root canals and avoidance of reinfection thus; this study provides an insight on the effects of different irrigant solutions to further help dental practitioners in the endodontic management of primary dentition.


Obesity Increases the Risk of Postoperative Complications and Revision Rates Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 131,576 Total Hip Arthroplasty Cases.
The aim of our study is to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) and the risk of postoperative complications, mortality, and revision rates following primary total hip arthroplasty given other potentially confounding patient characteristics in a large cohort study. Using nationwide billing data for inpatient hospital treatment of the biggest German healthcare insurance, 131,576 total hip arthroplasties in 124,368 patients between January 2012 and December 2014 were included. Outcomes were 90-day mortality, 1-year revision procedures (with and without removal or exchange of implants), 90-day surgical complications, 90-day femoral fractures, and overall complications. The effect of BMI on outcome was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Risk-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. BMI had a significant effect on overall complications (30-34 in kg/m2: OR 1.1, CI 1.0-1.2, P = .014; 35-39: OR 1.5, CI 1.3-1.6, P < .001; ≥40: OR 2.1, CI 1.9-2.3, P < .001; <30: reference). The OR for 1-year revision procedures (30-34: OR 1.2, CI 1.1-1.4, P = .001; 35-39: OR 1.6, CI 1.4-1.8, P < .001; ≥40: OR 2.4, CI 2.1-2.7, P < .001; <30: reference) and 90-day surgical complications increased with every BMI category. For mortality and periprosthetic fractures there was a higher risk only for patients with BMI ≥40. BMI increases the risk of revision rates in a liner trend. Therefore, the authors believe that patients with a BMI >40 kg/m2 should be sent to obesity medicine physicians in order to decrease the body weight prior elective surgery.


Effect of isotonic and hypotonic lactated ringer's solutions with dextrose intravenously administered to dehydrated heifers.
To determine the effects of rapid infusion of essential fluids in a volume of hypotonic lactated Ringer's solution, the central venous pressure (CVP) and acid-base equilibrium were investigated in to mildly dehydrated heifers. Mild dehydration was induced in 9 Holstein heifers by withholding food and water until 7.0+/-5.7% of plasma volume had been lost. The heifers were randomly assigned to the ILG (lactated Ringer's + 5% dextrose), HLG (1/2 lactated Ringer's + 2.2% dextrose) or HRG (1/2 Ringer's + 2.5% dextrose) groups with 3 heifers in each group. Heifers received 30 ml/kg of one of the fluids, at a flow rate of 20 ml/kg/hr. The rapid intravenous (IV) infusions of HLG and HRG used in this study were found to be safe and effective in increasing plasma volume without increasing CVP, even though the infusion was given to the jugular vein at a dosage of 30 ml/kg. However, ILG infusion induced progressive increases in CVP, reaching 9.0+/-2.0 mmHg. No clinical signs, such as moist rales on auscultation, moist cough, jugular vein congestion, ophthalmoptosis, salivation or arrhythmia, were observed throughout the fluid infusion. The relative changes in base excess (rBE) for the ILG and HRG groups were significantly decreased until the end of fluid infusion. As for the HLG group, rBE slightly decreased until the end of the fluid infusion. Then the values significantly increased and exceeded the pre-infusion value at the end of the experiment. While IV infusion of HLG inhibited acidification caused by dilution, HRG infusion induced diluted acidification. It is suggested that HLG infusion should be examined as a treatment for cattle with dehydration and moderate metabolic acidosis, since rapid infusion of HLG may be more beneficial for rehydrating cattle with metabolic acidosis than current treatment.


Relapses of biliary acute pancreatitis in patients with previous attack of biliary pancreatitis and gallbladder in situ.
To evaluate relapse of acute pancreatitis in patients with biliary pancreatitis in whom coexisting diseases or patient refusal have excluded cholecystectomy. Forty-seven patients presenting a first episode of biliary acute pancreatitis underwent urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). ERCP with ES was successful in all but one patient (97.8%) who was then cholecystectomised. Complications related to the endoscopic procedure were reported in five patients (10.6%). During the follow-up period (median time 12 months; range 1-84 months), 10 patients (21%) suffered from biliary complications. Three patients (6.4%), all with lithiasis of the gallbladder, had relapses of acute pancreatitis, two of them within 2 months of the previous episode, and one about a year later after ingestion of a rich meal and alcoholic beverages. The first two were cholecystectomised. Two patients died during the follow-up period from unrelated diseases. In subjects who are at high risk for anaesthesia, endoscopic procedures may be utilised.


Which brain lesions produce spasticity? An observational study on 45 stroke patients.
Spasticity is an important barrier that can hinder the restoration of function in stroke patients. Although several studies have attempted to elucidate the relationship between brain lesions and spasticity, the effects of specific brain lesions on the development of spasticity remain unclear. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of stroke lesions on spasticity in stroke patients. The present retrospective longitudinal observational study assessed 45 stroke patients using the modified Ashworth Scale to measure muscle spasticity. Each patient was assessed four times: initially (within 2 weeks of stroke) and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the onset of stroke. Brain lesions were analyzed using voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM) with magnetic resonance imaging images. Spasticity developed to a certain degree within 3 months in most stroke patients with spasticity. The VLSM method with non-parametric mapping revealed that lesions in the superior corona radiata, posterior limb of the internal capsule, posterior corona radiata, thalamus, putamen, premotor cortex, and insula were associated with the development of upper-limb spasticity. Additionally, lesions of the superior corona radiata, posterior limb of the internal capsule, caudate nucleus, posterior corona radiata, thalamus, putamen, and external capsule were associated with the development of lower-limb spasticity. The present study identified several brain lesions that contributed to post-stroke spasticity. Specifically, the involvement of white matter tracts and the striatum influenced the development of spasticity in the upper and lower limbs of stroke patients. These results may be useful for planning rehabilitation strategies and for understanding the pathophysiology of spasticity in stroke patients.


Layered structure analysis of GMR multilayers by X-ray reflectometry using the anomalous dispersion effect.
As a basic layered structure for giant magnetoresistive (GMR) heads, NiFe/Cu/NiFe/Ta/Si substrate was measured by X-ray reflectometry at Cu Kalpha, Cu Kbeta and Cu K-absorption-edge energies. The accuracy of both the Cu thickness and the interface width between the upper NiFe and the Cu layers was found to improve in the order Cu Kalpha < Cu Kbeta < Cu K-edge. The final thickness and interface width values obtained from Cu Kbeta reflectivity are in good agreement with those from the Cu K-edge. The anomalous-dispersion effect is useful in the more accurate analysis of the layered structure of transition metal multilayers because it causes a large difference in the refractive indices of specific elements near the absorption edge. The Kbeta X-rays, which can be produced from conventional X-ray sources, are also available for the accurate analysis of reflectivity measurements.


BLOC-1 and BLOC-3 regulate VAMP7 cycling to and from melanosomes via distinct tubular transport carriers.
Endomembrane organelle maturation requires cargo delivery via fusion with membrane transport intermediates and recycling of fusion factors to their sites of origin. Melanosomes and other lysosome-related organelles obtain cargoes from early endosomes, but the fusion machinery involved and its recycling pathway are unknown. Here, we show that the v-SNARE VAMP7 mediates fusion of melanosomes with tubular transport carriers that also carry the cargo protein TYRP1 and that require BLOC-1 for their formation. Using live-cell imaging, we identify a pathway for VAMP7 recycling from melanosomes that employs distinct tubular carriers. The recycling carriers also harbor the VAMP7-binding scaffold protein VARP and the tissue-restricted Rab GTPase RAB38. Recycling carrier formation is dependent on the RAB38 exchange factor BLOC-3. Our data suggest that VAMP7 mediates fusion of BLOC-1-dependent transport carriers with melanosomes, illuminate SNARE recycling from melanosomes as a critical BLOC-3-dependent step, and likely explain the distinct hypopigmentation phenotypes associated with BLOC-1 and BLOC-3 deficiency in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome variants.


The presence of licit and illicit drugs in police stations and their implications for workplace drug testing.
The presence of licit and illicit drug residues on surfaces was studied in 10 police stations and a central drug evidence store in New South Wales, Australia, with the results compared to similar surfaces in four public buildings (to establish a community baseline). The results of almost 850 workplace surface swabs were also compared to the outcome of drug analysis in urine and hair samples volunteered by police officers. Surfaces were swabbed with alcohol and the swabs were extracted and analysed by LC-MS/MS. Low level concentrations of the more commonly used drugs were detected at four public sites and one restricted access police office facility. Surface swabs taken in 10 city and country police stations yielded positive results for a broader suite of drugs than at background sites however 75-93% of the positive drug results detected in police stations were below 40ng, which is only slightly greater than the largest background result measured in the current study. This study indicates that contamination issues are more likely to be focussed in higher risk areas in police stations, such as counters and balances in charge areas, and surfaces within drug safes although front reception counters also returned surface contamination. All 64 urine samples collected in this study were negative, while only 2 of the 11 hair samples collected from donors resulted in trace concentrations for cocaine, but not its metabolite benzoylecgonine. Positive hair samples were only obtained from police donors in very high risk jobs, indicating that the exposure risk is low. Minor changes to the materials used as work surfaces, and some procedural changes in police stations and large evidence stores are suggested to decrease the likelihood of drugs contaminating work surfaces, thereby reducing the potential exposure of police officers to drugs in the workplace.


Short-term impact of a classical ketogenic diet on gut microbiota in GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome: A 3-month prospective observational study.
The classical ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate normocaloric diet used for drug-resistant epilepsy and Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency Syndrome (GLUT1 DS). In animal models, high fat diet induces large alterations in microbiota producing deleterious effects on gut health. We carried out a pilot study on patients treated with KD comparing their microbiota composition before and after three months on the diet. Six patients affected by GLUT1 DS were asked to collect fecal samples before and after three months on the diet. RT - PCR analysis was performed in order to quantify Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Clostridium perfringens, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium cluster XIV, Desulfovibrio spp. and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Compared with baseline, there were no statistically significant differences at 3 months in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. However fecal microbial profiles revealed a statistically significant increase in Desulfovibrio spp. (p = 0.025), a bacterial group supposed to be involved in the exacerbation of the inflammatory condition of the gut mucosa associated to the consumption of fats of animal origin. A future prospective study on the changes in gut microbiota of all children with epilepsy started on a KD is warranted. In patients with dysbiosis demonstrated by fecal samples, it my be reasonable to consider an empiric trial of pre or probiotics to potentially restore the «ecological balance» of intestinal microbiota.


Antitumor effects of combined therapy of recombinant heat shock protein 70 and hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles in an experimental subcutaneous murine melanoma.
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are recognized as significant participants in cancer immunity. We previously reported that HSP70 expression following hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles induces antitumor immunity. In the present study, we examine whether the antitumor immunity induced by hyperthermia is enhanced by administration of recombinant HSP70 protein into the tumor in situ. Hyperthermia was conducted using our original magnetite cationic liposomes (MCLs), which have a positive surface charge and generate heat in an alternating magnetic field (AMF) due to hysteresis loss. MCLs and recombinant mouse HSP70 (rmHSP70) were injected into melanoma nodules in C57BL/6 mice, which were subjected to AMF for 30 min. Temperature within the tumor reached 43 degrees C and was maintained by controlling the magnetic field intensity. The combined treatment strongly inhibited tumor growth over a 30-day period and complete regression of tumors was observed in 20% (2/10) of mice. It was also found that systemic antitumor immunity was induced in the cured mice. This study suggests that novel combined therapy using exogenous HSP70 and hyperthermia has great potential in cancer treatment.


A self-healing superamphiphobic coating for efficient corrosion protection of magnesium alloy.
Magnesium alloys have many excellent properties, but the poor corrosion resistance seriously hinders their widespread applications. Here, we report a self-healing superamphiphobic coating for efficient corrosion protection of magnesium alloy by the combination of a compact self-healing epoxy resin (SHEP) coating and a porous superamphiphobic coating. The coating shows (i) excellent superamphiphobicity with high contact angle, low sliding angle and robust impact/bounce behavior, (ii) excellent anti-corrosion performance as demonstrated by the potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and (iii) excellent self-healing performance as proved by the scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This is owing to synergistic effect of the bi-layer structure. Furthermore, the healed coating retained excellent anti-corrosion performance according to the immersion test and neutral salt spray test. This is because the SHEP layer can effectively drive repair of microstructure of the superamphiphobic layer, and then recover of superamphiphobicity. Therefore, the contact area and contact time of corrosive solutions with the pristine and healed coatings are limited, which efficiently prevents diffusion of corrosive substances such as water, chloride ions and oxygen. The self-healing superamphiphobic coating may find applications in protection of various metal alloys.


The role of insulators and transcription in 3D chromatin organization of flies.
The DNA in many organisms, including humans, is shown to be organized in topologically associating domains (TADs). In Drosophila, several architectural proteins are enriched at TAD borders, but it is still unclear whether these proteins play a functional role in the formation and maintenance of TADs. Here, we show that depletion of BEAF-32, Cp190, Chro, and Dref leads to changes in TAD organization and chromatin loops. Their depletion predominantly affects TAD borders located in regions moderately enriched in repressive modifications and depleted in active ones, whereas TAD borders located in euchromatin are resilient to these knockdowns. Furthermore, transcriptomic data has revealed hundreds of genes displaying differential expression in these knockdowns and showed that the majority of differentially expressed genes are located within reorganized TADs. Our work identifies a novel and functional role for architectural proteins at TAD borders in Drosophila and a link between TAD reorganization and subsequent changes in gene expression.


[Organizational stressors, exposure to critical incidents and organizational well-being among correctional officers].
The present study examined the predictors of burnout and psychological well-being in Italian correctional officers. The subjects were 188 correctional officers (138 men and 33 women) employed in four penitentiaries located in Piemonte (region in northwestern Italy). Participants completed a variety of questionnaire measures of burnout, psychological well-being (General Health Questionnaire), organizational stressors and exposure to critical incidents. Results showed that neither demographic variables (age and gender) nor the degree of inmates contact and length of service were related with burnout and psychological well-being. Emotional exhaustion was related with exposure to emotionally stressful situations (r = .23), having unjust reproaches (r = .19), unsupportive and punitive supervisors (r = .23), work-to-family conflict (r = .25), overtime work (r = .18), and exposure to insults (r = .18), threats (r = .18) and episodes of self-damaging behaviors of inmates (r = .14). Depersonalization was related with staffing adequacy (r = .17) and inmates' threats (r = .16). Personal accomplishment was related with work load (r = .18) and risk of being attacked (r = .18). Psychological well-being was related with unsupportive supervisors (r = .23), work-to-family conflict (r = .19), and inmates' threats (r = .13) and self-damaging behaviors (r = .13). Organizational well-being depends on organizational stressors as well as exposure to critical incidents.


Exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution in Canada.
Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with a greater risk of non-accidental, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in Canada. Research based on Canadian cohorts suggests that exposure to PM2.5 varies by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Studies of NO₂, another pollutant, indicate that persons of lower socioeconomic status and some visible minority groups have greater exposure in urban centres. National residential PM2.5 was estimated from a ~1 km² spatial layer for respondents to the 2006 Census long-form questionnaire. Weighted PM2.5 estimates from personal-level estimates were determined for white, Aboriginal, visible minority and immigrant populations, as well as for socioeconomic groups (household income, educational attainment) and stratified by urban core, urban fringe and rural residence. Descriptive statistics were provided for selected comparisons. In Canada, PM2.5 exposure was 1.61 μg/m³ higher for visible minority (versus white) populations, and 1.55 μg/m³ higher for immigrants (versus non-immigrants). When the relatively high percentages of these groups in large cities were taken into account, exposure differences in urban cores were much smaller. Exposure among urban immigrants did not decrease substantially with time since immigration (< 0.5 μg/m³ between any two years). In urban cores, residents of low-income households had marginally higher exposure (0.56 μg/m³) than did people who were not in low-income households. Differences between specific population groups in exposure to PM2.5 are due, at least in part, to higher percentages of these groups living in urban cores where air pollution levels are elevated.


A prospective randomized, controlled trial of eculizumab to prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury in pediatric kidney transplantation.
Ischemia-reperfusion injury has multiple effects on a transplanted allograft, including delayed or impaired graft function, compromised long-term survival, and an association with an increased incidence of rejection. Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody blocking terminal complement activation, has been postulated to be an effective agent in the prevention or amelioration of IRI. We performed a single-center prospective, randomized controlled trial involving 57 pediatric kidney transplant recipients between 2012 and 2016. The immunosuppressive protocol included two doses of alemtuzumab; half of the patients were randomized to receive a single dose of eculizumab prior to transplantation. Maintenance immunosuppression was based on a combination of low-dose tacrolimus and mycophenolate, without steroids. Eculizumab-treated patients had a significantly better early graft function, less arteriolar hyalinosis and chronic glomerulopathy on a protocol biopsies taken on day 30, 1 year, and 3 years after transplantation. In the eculizumab group, four non-vaccinated children lost their grafts during the course of a flu-like infection. Eculizumab is associated with better early graft function and improved graft morphology; however, there was an unacceptably high number of early graft losses among the eculizumab-treated children. While a promising strategy, the best approach to complement inhibition remains to be established.


Idiopathic Thyroid Abscess - A Rare Occurrence.
Thyroid abscesses are rare as the gland has a rich blood supply, well-developed capsule and is high in iodine. However, clinicians must be aware of this fact and make an early diagnosis as it can lead to serious morbidity if left untreated. Infection may involve one or both lobes of the thyroid gland, although the left lobe is more often affected and is successfully treated with surgery and antibiotics. This case study involves a 22-year-old woman with a history of painful swelling over the neck accompanied by low-grade fever without any underlying cause. Both the ultrasound and computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous mass within the left lobe of the thyroid gland. Fine needle aspiration revealed an abscess collection and culture Staphylococcus aureus had grown. She was successfully treated with intravenous and oral amoxicillin clavulanate and no surgical treatment was carried out. In conclusion, thyroid abscesses are rare as the gland is resistant to infection and must be differentiated from an infected branchial cleft cyst or sinus, infected thyroid tumour or lymphadenitis in the region of the thyroid in order to avoid serious morbidity if left untreated.


Use of and attitudes toward club drugs by medical students.
This study assesses medical students' use of and attitudes towards club drugs, classified as "Generation I" (i.e., cocaine and lysergic acid diethylamide), and "Generation II" (i.e., methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], ketamine, gamma hydroxybutyrate, methamphetamine, rohypnol, dextromethorphan) club drugs based on their initial widespread use in club settings. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 340 medical students. The prevalence of any club drug use was 16.8%, with MDMA (11.8%) and cocaine (5.9%) the most commonly used. Results discussed also include the relationship of age and gender to having ever used club drugs and to their attitudes regarding use. Additionally, the study identifies differences in patterns of use and attitudes toward Generation I versus Generation II club drugs based on age, gender, and participants' prior club drug use. Findings are compared to those of earlier studies about medical students and those in a similar age group in the general population.


Monopolar spindle-one-binder protein 2 regulates the activity of large tumor suppressor/yes-associated protein to inhibit the motility of SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Accumulating evidence implicates monopolar spindle-one-binder protein (MOB)2 as an inhibitor of nuclear-Dbf2-related kinase (NDR) by competing with MOB1 for interaction with NDR1/2. NDR/large tumor suppressor (LATS) kinases may function similarly to yes-associated protein (YAP) kinases and be considered as members of the Hippo core cassette. MOB2 appears to serve roles in cell survival, cell cycle progression, responses to DNA damage and cell motility. However, the underlying mechanisms involved remain unclarified. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the knockout of MOB2 by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein 9 promoted migration and invasion, induced phosphorylation of NDR1/2 and decreased phosphorylation of YAP in SMMC-7721 cells when compared with the blank vector-transduced cells. By contrast, the overexpression of MOB2 resulted in the opposite results. Mechanistically, MOB2 regulated the alternative interaction of MOB1 with NDR1/2 and LATS1, which resulted in increased phosphorylation of LATS1 and MOB1 and thereby led to the inactivation of YAP and consequently inhibition of cell motility. The results of the present study provide evidence of MOB2 serving a positive role in LATS/YAP activation by activating the Hippo signaling pathway.


Dopamine Functioning and Child Externalizing Behavior: A Longitudinal Analysis of Polygenic Susceptibility to Parenting.
This study investigated how genetic susceptibility may affect children's sensitivity to parenting practices in their development of externalizing behavior. We created a continuous polygenic index composed of 5 dopamine polymorphisms to investigate the moderating role of dopamine-related genes in shaping parent-child gene-by-environment (Gc×E) interactions. Accumulating research supports that differences in children's dopamine neurotransmission make certain children more susceptible to both negative and positive parenting practices, a "for-better and for-worse" effect. Data from a 3-wave longitudinal study (4 months between waves) on 190 at-risk families with children aged 4 to 8 were used to investigate whether a heightened polygenic index score amplified the associations between negative and positive parenting and later children's externalizing behavior. Parenting practices and child externalizing behavior were assessed by parent-reported questionnaires. Findings were not in line with the expectation that there was a stronger association between positive and negative parenting and later externalizing behavior for children with higher scores on the polygenic susceptibility index. Rather, children with a lower score on the polygenic susceptibility index showed more later externalizing behavior in response to positive parenting behavior, whereas for children with a higher score on the polygenic index, positive parenting was predictive of relatively lower levels of later child externalizing behavior. The results indicate that not only are children with higher but also lower scores on the polygenic index sensitive to parenting, they suggest that different phenotypical characteristics related to reward processing might underlie these genetic susceptibilities to parenting practices.


Fluoranthene-terminated terpyridine ensemble for fluorescence light up and ratiometric chemical sensor for multi toxic metals.
A novel π-electron rich fluoranthene embellished with a phenyl spacer and coupled with terpyridine (TS1) was developed through Diels-Alder reaction. Single crystal X-ray structure evidences the variations in dihedral angles between the fluoranthene and the phenyl unit responsible for development of non-coplanar interactions and stabilized by a wave-like molecular packing in the crystal lattice with weak π-π interaction of 4.125 Å. The peripheral terpyridine of TS1 endows an efficient binding with multiple metal ions by colorimetric and fluorometric methods. TS1 exhibits a ratiometric fluorescence response from sky blue to yellow colour upon the addition of Zn2+ ions with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.05 ppm. The other metal ions such as Cu2+, Co2+ and Fe2+ demonstrate fluorescence quenching behaviour with LODs of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.7 ppm, respectively. The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) shows the variation in TS1 emission behaviour upon metal ions interaction and quantitatively discriminates the metal ion concentrations. TS1 conferred a visual colorimetric change from colourless to magenta, enabling naked-eye detection of Fe2+ and showing clear discrimination between Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions for the real-time water samples. Furthermore, we have investigated the effect of TS1 in Zebrafish larvae/embryos and cytotoxicity in human urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma cells (UM-UC-3).


Pulmonary cysts associated with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with AIDS.
A diffuse, bilateral interstitial infiltrate is the most common radiographic finding in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, atypical roentgenographic patterns also exist. Chest radiographs of 100 consecutive AIDS patients with PCP were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of pulmonary air-filled cysts, or pneumatoceles, which were identified in 10% of the cases. The pneumatoceles were typically thin-walled with no intracystic material and no predilection for a particular area of the lung. They appear to behave like pneumatoceles due to other infectious processes. They were present on the initial radiograph or developed during treatment of PCP. Analysis of available follow-up radiographs indicated resolution of the pulmonary cysts within 7 months in most cases. The cause of these cysts is unknown, but a "check-valve" obstruction or, perhaps less likely, parenchymal necrosis may be involved. Rupture of these pulmonary cysts may lead to spontaneous pneumothorax.


Paratesticular myxoid liposarcoma in a 23-year old Nigerian.
Paratesticular liposarcomas are rare tumors and are usually seen in patients in middle age or older. Optimal treatment is radical orchidectomy. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy is added for advanced disease or recurrences. These practice guidelines often vary from the experience in developing countries.We present a 23-year old man who presented with paratesticular myxoid liposarcoma, after transscrotal orchidectomy for 'testicular tumor' without histology. He was subsequently managed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and complete tumor excision.A case of paratesticular myxoid liposarcoma in a young man is highlighted. Also noted is the fact that complete extirpation at primary surgery reduces the risk of local recurrence. The practice of transscrotal orchidectomy and non-submission of surgical specimens is highlighted and condemned.


PLTP deficiency improves the anti-inflammatory properties of HDL and reduces the ability of LDL to induce monocyte chemotactic activity.
We reported that phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) deficiency decreased atherosclerosis in mouse models. Because the decreased atherosclerosis was accompanied by a significant decrease in plasma HDL levels, we examined the properties of PLTP knockout (PLTP0) HDL and tested its ability to prevent LDL-induced monocyte chemotactic activity in human artery wall cell cocultures. We isolated HDL and LDL from LDL receptor knockout/PLTP knockout (LDLr0/PLTP0) mice and from apolipoprotein B transgenic (apoBTg)/PLTP0 mice as well as their controls. PLTP0 HDL was relatively rich in protein and depleted in phosphatidylcholine. Turnover studies revealed a 3.5- to 4.0-fold increase in the turnover of protein and cholesteryl ester in HDL from PLTP0 mice compared with control mice. The ability of HDL from LDLr0/PLTP0 and apoBTg/PLTP0 mice to prevent the induction of monocyte chemotactic activity in human artery wall cell cocultures exposed to human LDL was dramatically better than that in controls. Moreover, LDL from PLTP0 mice was markedly resistant to oxidation and induced significantly less monocyte chemotactic activity compared with that in controls. In vitro, PLTP0 HDL removed significantly more oxidized phospholipids from LDL than did control HDL. We conclude that PLTP deficiency improves the anti-inflammatory properties of HDL in mice and reduces the ability of LDL to induce monocyte chemotactic activity.


Proprioceptive encoding of head position in the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Stratiomyidae).
Because the eyes of insects cannot be moved independently of the head, information about head posture is essential for stabilizing the visual world or providing information about the direction of gaze. We examined the external anatomy and physiological capabilities of a head posture proprioceptor, the prosternal organ (PO), located at the base of the neck in the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Family: Stratiomyidae). The PO is sexually isomorphic and is composed of two fused plates of about 130 mechanosensory hairs set in asymmetrical sockets whose orientation varies across the organ. A multi-joint mechanical coupling between the head, neck membrane, and contact sclerites deflects the hairs more or less to increase or decrease their level of excitation. The PO sensory afferents project to the central nervous system (CNS) via a pair of bilateral prosternal nerves (PN) to the fused thoracic ganglia. Simultaneous recording of spiking activity in the PN and videotaping of wind-induced and voluntary head movements around all three axes of head rotation reveal that a few PN afferents are active at rest, but activity increases tonically in response to head deflections. Activity is significantly modulated by change in head angles around the pitch (+/-40 degrees ), yaw (+/-30 degrees ) and roll (more than +/-90 degrees ) axes, although the dynamic range of spiking activity differs for each axis of rotation. Prosternal nerve afferents are bilaterally excited (inhibited) by pitch down (up); excited (inhibited) by head yaw toward the ipsilateral (contralateral) side; excited by roll down toward the ipsilateral side, but little inhibited by roll toward the opposite side. Although bilateral comparison of activity in PN afferents reliably encodes head posture around a given rotational axis, from the point of view of the CNS, the problem of encoding head posture is ill-posed with three axes of rotation and only two streams of afferent information. Furthermore, when the head is rotated around more than one axis simultaneously, mechanical interactions in the neck modify the responses to postural changes around the three rotational axes, which adds further ambiguity to reliable encoding of head posture. The properties of the PO in this relatively basal fly species are compared to those of higher flies and possible mechanisms of disambiguation are discussed.


Potential of light-harvesting proton pumps for bioenergy applications.
Concerns about the security and longevity of traditional energy sources have increased interest in alternative methods of energy production, particularly those which utilize abundantly available solar energy. Solar energy can be harvested either indirectly through the conversion of plant or algal byproducts into biofuels or directly using engineered microorganisms. Here we summarize the main features of light-harvesting proton pumps, which may provide a relatively simple way to boost the efficiency of energy-limited biological processes in fuel production. This family of proton pumps, which includes bacteriorhodopsin and proteorhodopsin, directly uses light energy to create a proton motive force (pmf) which can be used by other enzymes to facilitate active transport, regulate transmembrane proteins, or to generate ATP and NADH.


Pathophysiology of Cerebellar Degeneration in Mitochondrial Disorders: Insights from the Harlequin Mouse.
By means of a proteomic approach, we assessed the pathways involved in cerebellar neurodegeneration in a mouse model (Harlequin, Hq) of mitochondrial disorder. A differential proteomic profile study (iTRAQ) was performed in cerebellum homogenates of male Hq and wild-type (WT) mice 8 weeks after the onset of clear symptoms of ataxia in the Hq mice (aged 5.2 ± 0.2 and 5.3 ± 0.1 months for WT and Hq, respectively), followed by a biochemical validation of the most relevant changes. Additional groups of 2-, 3- and 6-month-old WT and Hq mice were analyzed to assess the disease progression on the proteins altered in the proteomic study. The proteomic analysis showed that beyond the expected deregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, the cerebellum of Hq mice showed a marked astroglial activation together with alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis and neurotransmission, with an up- and downregulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, respectively, and the downregulation of cerebellar "long-term depression", a synaptic plasticity phenomenon that is a major player in the error-driven learning that occurs in the cerebellar cortex. Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms associated with cerebellar degeneration in the Hq mouse model, including a complex deregulation of neuroinflammation, oxidative phosphorylation and glutamate, GABA and amino acids' metabolism.


Long-term changes in brain cholinergic system and behavior in rats following gestational exposure to lead: protective effect of calcium supplement.
Our earlier studies showed that lactational exposure to lead (Pb) caused irreversible neurochemical alterations in rats. The present study was carried out to examine whether gestational exposure to Pb can cause long-term changes in the brain cholinergic system and behavior of rats. The protective effect of calcium (Ca) supplementation against Pb toxicity was also examined. Pregnant rats were exposed to 0.2% Pb (Pb acetate in drinking water) from gestational day (GD) 6 to GD 21. The results showed decrease in body weight gain (GD 6-21) of dams, whereas no changes were observed in offspring body weight at different postnatal days following Pb exposure. Male offspring treated with Pb showed marginal alterations in developmental landmarks such as unfolding of pinnae, lower and upper incisor eruption, fur development, eye slit formation and eye opening on postnatal day (PND) 1, whereas significant alterations were found in the righting reflex (PNDs 4-7), slant board behavior (PNDs 8-10) and forelimb hang performance (PNDs 12-16). Biochemical analysis showed decrease in synaptosomal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and an increase in acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus on PND 14, PND 21, PND 28 and in the four-month age group of rats following Pb exposure. Significant deficits were also observed in total locomotor activity, exploratory behavior and open field behavior in selected age groups of Pb-exposed rats. These alterations were found to be maximal on PND 28, corresponding with the greater blood lead levels observed on PND 28. Addition of 0.02% Ca to Pb reversed the Pb-induced impairments in the cholinergic system as well as in behavioral parameters of rats. In conclusion, these data suggest that gestational exposure to Pb is able to induce long-term changes in neurological functions of offspring. Maternal Ca administration reversed these neurological effects of Pb later in life, suggesting a protective effect of calcium in Pb-exposed animals.


Surgical Treatment of Tattoo Complications.
With a continuing increase in the number of tattoos performed worldwide, the need to treat tattoo complications is growing. Earlier treatments of chronic inflammatory tattoo reactions were dominated by a medical approach, or with no active intervention. In this chapter, we will address modern surgical approaches applied to situations when medical treatment is inefficient and lasers are not applicable. Dermatome shaving is positioned as first-line treatment of allergic tattoo reactions and also indicated in a number of other tattoo reactions, supplemented with excision in selected cases. The methods allow fundamental treatment with removal of the culprit pigment from the dermis. The different instruments, surgical methods, and treatment schedules are reviewed, and a guide to surgeons is presented. Postoperative treatments and the long-term outcomes are described in detail. An algorithm on specialist treatment and follow-up of tattoo reactions, which can be practiced in other countries, is presented.


Essential roles of Caspase-3 in facilitating Myc-induced genetic instability and carcinogenesis.
The mechanism for Myc-induced genetic instability is not well understood. Here we show that sublethal activation of Caspase-3 plays an essential, facilitative role in Myc-induced genomic instability and oncogenic transformation. Overexpression of Myc resulted in increased numbers of chromosome aberrations and γH2AX foci in non-transformed MCF10A human mammary epithelial cells. However, such increases were almost completely eliminated in isogenic cells with CASP3 gene ablation. Furthermore, we show that endonuclease G, an apoptotic nuclease downstream of Caspase-3, is directly responsible for Myc-induced genetic instability. Genetic ablation of either CASP3 or ENDOG prevented Myc-induced oncogenic transformation of MCF10A cells. Taken together, we believe that Caspase-3 plays a critical, unexpected role in mediating Myc-induced genetic instability and transformation in mammalian cells.


Identification and selective inhibition of the channel mode of the neuronal GABA transporter 1.
The function of GAT1, the transporter for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, is characterized by expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and measurements of GABA-induced uptake of [3H]GABA, 22Na+, and 36Cl-, and GABA-evoked currents under voltage-clamp conditions. N-[4,4-Diphenyl-3-butenyl]-nipecotic acid (SKF-89976-A), a specific inhibitor of GAT1, is used in our system as a pharmacological tool. The GABA-evoked current can be decomposed into a transport current, which is coupled to the GABA uptake, and a transmitter-gated current, which is uncoupled from the GABA uptake. The transport current results from a fixed stoichiometry of 1 GABA/2 Na+/1 Cl- transported during each cycle, as determined by radioactive tracer flux measurements. The transmitter-gated current is mediated by an Na+-conductance pathway. As a competitive inhibitor for GABA uptake, SKF-89976-A can separate the two current components. The GABA uptake is blocked with a K(I) value of approximately 7 microM, whereas the uncoupled transmitter-gated current is inhibited with a K(I) value of approximately 0.03 microM. Thus, the results of this study not only identify the transport mode and the channel mode of GAT1 but also raise the possibility of separating these components in a physiological environment.


Complete genome sequence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strain 168.
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strain 168, a pathogenic strain prevalent in China, was isolated in 1974. Although this strain has been widespread for a long time, the genome sequence had not been determined. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of M. hyopneumoniae strain 168.


Microjoule-energy, 1 MHz repetition rate pulses from all-fiber-integrated nonlinear chirped-pulse amplifier.
We demonstrate generation of pulses with up to 4 microJ energy at 1 MHz repetition rate through nonlinear chirped-pulse amplification in an entirely fiber-integrated amplifier, seeded by a fiber oscillator. The peak power and the estimated nonlinear phase shift of the amplified pulses are as much as 57 kW and 22pi, respectively. The shortest compressed pulse duration of 140 fs is obtained for 3.1 microJ of uncompressed amplifier output energy at 18pi of nonlinear phase shift. At 4 microJ of energy, the nonlinear phase shift is 22pi and compression leads to 170-fs-long pulses. Numerical simulations are utilized to model the experiments and identify the limitations. Amplification is ultimately limited by the onset of Raman amplification of the longer edge of the spectrum with an uncompressible phase profile.


Tissue disposition of carbon disulfide. II. Whole-body autoradiography of 35S- and 14C-labelled carbon disulfide in pregnant mice.
Occupational exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) has been associated with an increased rate of spontaneous abortions. Animal experiments have shown that CS2 is embryotoxic and teratogenic. In the present study, the embryonal and foetal distribution of CS2 and its metabolites was studied after administration of 35S- or 14C-labelled CS2 to pregnant mice in different stages of gestation. CS2 and its metabolites passed the placenta at all stages of gestation. High levels of metabolites of CS2 were registered in the embryonic neuroepithelium. In mid and late gestation CS2 itself accumulated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the brain. 14C-labelled metabolites of CS2 showed affinity for bone and were retained in the liver even at long survival times (24 hours). These localizations may be of significance for some of the reported teratogenic effects of CS2, such as hydrocephalus, ossification defects and foetal liver injury, and support the idea that CS2 and/or its metabolites are embryotoxic and teratogenic by acting directly on embryonal and foetal structures.


An Ecological Approach to Disaster Mitigation: A Literature Review.
Disasters, whether natural or manmade, disrupt the functioning of communities, significantly impacting people's lives and health. To build community resilience, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends community preparedness, where multiple stakeholders work together. Disaster Preparedness Science Research (DPSR) similarly encourages the improvement of disaster relief outcomes. This literature review assesses the vulnerability of communities for prioritized intervention, summarizes disaster effects, and suggests the scope for improvement in disaster preparedness (DP). Twenty-one articles were reviewed based on disaster mitigation and economic factors from 90 studies identified through a PubMed search till September 2021. Vulnerable communities with higher hazard risks are identified by vulnerability indices (VI), including the Climate Risk Index, Environmental VI, and Socio-Economic VI. However, VI predicting one disaster may not predict another. Disaster behavioral response involves five phases. Disaster effects include medical, mental, environmental, and economic effects, as well as the unique recovery time from each domain effect. Medical effects include malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, heat stress, exacerbations of chronic conditions, infectious disease outbreaks, trauma, and death. Mental effects are post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, psychological distress, sleep problems, and suicides. Environmental effects include isolation, migration, injury to family members, life threats, and property damage. Loss of livelihood and property are associated with worse outcomes. Disaster recovery, which is seldom measured and not clearly defined, affects measurement and comparison across settings. A uniform validated VI, including multiple indicators assessing vulnerability to various disasters, is required. Livelihood restoration is integral to mental health recovery in some disaster types. Fund diversification, prioritized to the vulnerable and to each domain effect of disaster in the immediate post-disaster phase, expedites recovery. Later recovery investments focused on helping people rebuild their community enhance psychological outcomes. Promoting job insurance in highly vulnerable labor-based communities with high VI, wherein willing-to-pay is high, could facilitate faster recovery. DPSR should be encouraged.


Cyst-like lesion of a developing tooth induced by mandibular fracture.
A dentigerous cyst-like formation in the lower canine region caused by mandibular fracture in a 10-year-old boy is reported. His medical history revealed that he had been unconscious for about 2 weeks after traumatic head injuries sustained in a traffic accident, and a complicated mandibular fracture had been left untreated until his dentist diagnosed the lesion. Eleven months after trauma, a dentigerous cyst measuring 20 mm in diameter was found in the fracture area. The lesion was enucleated and the boy's postoperative recovery was uneventful. The mass completely enveloped the developing canine, and epithelial cells proliferated into the connective tissue. However, there was no distinct epithelial lining. Small round cell infiltrations and several vessels with thrombosis were noted in the cyst wall. The cause of cyst formation was considered to be infection of the canine tooth bud and the surrounding soft tissue.


Assessment of industrial effluent and its impact on soil and plants.
The present study deals with the assessment of industrial water of an electronic component manufacturing unit with electroplating and its subsequent effects on soil and plants receiving the effluent. The physico-chemical parameters of the effluent samples showed higher value than that of ground water. The treated effluent was within the permissible limit. Microtox test was conducted and determined the degree of toxicity of untreated, treated effluents as well as the water sample collected at effluent discharge point of receiving river (confluence point). The physico- mechanical parameters of the soil samples were not changed due to irrigation of the treated effluent, but the concentration of metals were comparatively higher than the control soil. Higher accumulation of metals was found in the plant parts in naturally growing weeds and cultivated crop plant irrigated with treated effluent. Elevated accumulation of metals in Eichhornia crassipes and Marsilea sp. growing along the effluent channel has been identified as a potential source of biomonitoring of metals particularly for Cu and Ca and can be utilised for the removal of heavy metal from wastewater.


[Chemical constituents of Rabdosia nervosa (Hemsl) C.Y. Wu et H. W. Li].
Three compounds were isolated from the stems and leaves of Rabdosa nervosa. On the basis of spectral analysis their structures were elucidated as lasiokaurin, ponicidin and oridonin respectively. These compounds were obtained from R. nervosa for the first time.


Phase transition from asymmetric to symmetric dimer structure on the Si(001) surface at high temperature.
The dimer configurations on the Si(001) surface at high temperatures have been investigated using the rocking curve of reflection high-energy electron diffraction. The Si(001) surface shows a displacive phase transition around 900 K, where a well-known asymmetric (tilted) dimer structure on the Si(001) at room temperature transforms to a symmetric dimer structure around 900 K. The metallic feature of the Si(001) surface above 900 K can be explained by the phase transition.


Development of Epoxy and Urethane Thermosetting Resin Using Chlorella sp. as Curing Agent for Materials with Low Environmental Impact.
In the current system, the disposal of plastic materials causes serious environmental pollution such as the generation of carbon dioxide and destruction of the ecosystem by micro-plastics. To solve this problem, bioplastics, biomass and biodegradable plastics have been developed. As part of our research, we have developed novel bioplastics called "cell-plastics", in which a unicellular green algal cell serves as a fundamental resource. The production of the cell-plastics would be expected to reduce environmental impact due to the usage of a natural product. Herein, to overcome the mechanical strength of cell-plastics, we used thermosetting epoxy and urethane resins containing Chlorella sp. as the green algae. We successfully fabricated thermosetting resins with a Chlorella sp. content of approximately 70 wt% or more. IR measurements revealed that the chemical structure of an epoxide or isocyanate monomer mixed with Chlorella sp. was modified, which suggests that the resins were hardened by the chemical reaction. In addition, we investigated the effect of thermosetting conditions such as temperature and compression for curing both resins. It was revealed that the Young's moduli and tensile strengths were controlled by thermosetting temperature and compression, whereas the elongation ratios of the resins were constant at low values regardless of the conditions.


Deciphering the Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor α and Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Targets in Alzheimer's Disease.
The most prevalent cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although the global AD rate is on a constant rise, medical research is yet to find a cure for this neurological condition. Current available therapeutic drugs for AD treatment only provide symptomatic alleviation. Therefore, it is essential to establish effective AD treatment strategies in addressing clinical needs. The development of disease-modifying treatments for use in the disease's early stages and the advancement of symptomatic drugs principally used in the disease's later stages are priorities in AD research. Given that the etiology of AD is difficult to comprehend, using a multimodal therapy intervention that targets molecular targets of AD-related degenerative processes is a practical strategy to change the course of AD progression. The current review article discussed PPAR-α (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α) and PDE5 (Phosphodiesterase type 5) targets with evidence for their preclinical and clinical importance. Furthermore, we support the targets with AD-related processes, functions, and remedial measures. A unique synergistic method for treating AD may involve the beneficial combinatorial targeting of these two receptors. Furthermore, we reviewed different PDE chemical families in this research and identified PDE5 inhibitors as one of the promising AD-related experimental and clinical disease-modifying medications. Lastly, we suggest jointly targeting these two pathways would be more beneficial than monotherapy in AD treatments.


Fluorescence spectroscopic study of the interaction of saporin with phospholipid vesicles.
Saporin-S6 (SO-6) is a type-1 ribosome-inactivating protein purified from the seeds of Saponaria officinalis. The fluorescence characteristics of SO-6 were studied in the presence and absence of phospholipids. The interaction of SO-6 with DMPG or DMPC vesicles results in a decrease in the fluorescence emission intensity of tryptophan without any shift in the emission maximal wavelength. The results of fluorescence titration indicate that DMPG/SO-6 saturation molar ratio is 100: 1, but the binding of DMPC with SO-6 does not reach a saturating plot. A shielding of the tryptophan fluorescence from quenching by acrylamide on interaction with the phospholipids was observed, and this shielding was more pronounced in the presence of DMPG. The interaction of SO-6 with DMPG vesicles is stronger in the liquid-crystalline phase than in the gel phase. Extrinsic fluorescence studies indicated that the interaction of the protein with DMPG vesicles does not modify the phase transition temperature of the lipid, but decreases the amplitude of the change of fluorescence anisotropy associated with the co-operative melting of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH)-labelled vesicles. These results indicate that both electrostatic and hydrophobic components are involved in the SO-6-lipid vesicle interaction.