Assessment of Shape Variation Patterns in Triatoma infestans (Klug 1834) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae): A First Report in Populations from Bolivia.
The morphological variations of four populations of geographically isolated Triatoma infestans located in the area of inter-Andean valleys and Chaco of Chuquisaca, Bolivia, were evaluated. Fifty-three females and sixty-one males were collected in the peri-domicile and analyzed with geometric morphometrics tools to study the patterns of the head and wing shape variation. The principal component analysis and canonical variate analysis revealed morphological variations between the populations studied, which were then confirmed by the permutation test of the differences between populations using Mahalanobis and Procustes distances. The multivariate regression analysis shows that the centroid size influences the shape of the heads and wings. T. infestans of the inter-Andean valleys are longer in the head and wings compared to the population of the Chaco. We propose that the geometric shape variation may be explained by geographical changes in climatic conditions, peri-domiciliar habitats, food source quality, and the use of insecticides.


Effects of lower-limb extensors' neuromuscular fatigue on the regularity of running movements: a crossover study.
Neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) reduces the musculoskeletal system's ability to produce force during activities like running. Analysis of motor behaviour's regularity may identify motor system deficits caused by fatigue. The present study investigated whether the NMF of lower limb extensors alters the regularity of running movement and whether this possible effect remains over time. Crossover study with two randomised conditions: NMF and control. Twelve healthy young males participated in this study. Hip, knee, and ankle angles (sagittal plane) and centre of mass (CoM) linear accelerations were assessed during treadmill running at self-selected speed in four assessment conditions: Baseline (pre-NMF), and after NMF (NMF condition) or after rest (control), at the 1st (Time_1), 10th (Time_10) and 20th (Time_20) minutes. Kinematics regularity was measured as Sample Entropy. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used (α = 0.05). NMF reduced regularity of lower limb joints during running, and these effects remained up to 20 minutes. No changes were observed in the CoM accelerations' regularity. The regularity reductions may be an adaptive solution for the motor system to maintain the task performance. The measure of regularity of the lower limb joints' motion is sensitive to NMF and can identify states with deficits in muscles' force production capacity in running.


Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor mRNAs in myasthenic thymuses: association with intrathymic pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis.
Reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction showed that the alpha-, beta- and gamma-subunit genes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in human skeletal muscle were expressed in myasthenia gravis (MG) thymuses (3 thymomas and 7 hyperplastic thymuses). A study of the expression of these subunit mRNAs in a variety of human tissues showed that alpha-subunit mRNA was expressed in human thymus and cerebral cortex, and that all three subunits were expressed only in human child thymus. Our results suggest that a complete AChR similar to extrajunctional (embryonic) muscle AChR is expressed in MG thymuses and that intrathymic AChR might be the primary antigen which induces autoimmune responses to muscle AChR.


Terahertz surface and interface emission spectroscopy for advanced materials.
Surfaces and interfaces are of particular importance for optoelectronic and photonic materials as they are involved in many physical and chemical processes such as carrier dynamics, charge transfer, chemical bonding, transformation reactions and so on. Terahertz (THz) emission spectroscopy provides a sensitive and nondestructive method for surface or interface analysis of advanced materials ranging from graphene to transition metal dichalcogenides, topological insulators, hybrid perovskites, and mixed-dimensional heterostructures based on 2D materials. In this review paper, we start with the THz radiation mechanisms under ultrafast laser excitation. Then we concentrate on the recent progresses of THz emission spectroscopy on the surface and interface properties of advanced materials, including transient surface photocurrents, surface nonlinear polarization, surface states, interface potential, and gas molecule adsorption/desorption processes. This novel spectroscopic method can not only promote the development of new and compact THz sources, but also provide a nondestructive optical method for surface and interface characterization of photocurrent and nonlinear polarization dynamics of materials.


Promoting better care for stigmatised patients.
This article discusses the role of nurses and nurse leaders in the prevention and resolution of patient stigmatisation. The multiple nurse, patient and environmental factors that contribute to difficulties in nurse-patient interactions are outlined. The antecedents and consequences of patient stigmatisation are discussed and leadership strategies for counteracting and preventing patient stigmatisation are explored. The reader is encouraged to reflect on the role of patient stigmatisation in nursing practice and consider ways to promote better care of stigmatised patients.


Strain effect on electronic structures of graphene nanoribbons: A first-principles study.
We report a first-principles study on the electronic structures of deformed graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). Our theoretical results show that the electronic properties of zigzag GNRs are not sensitive to uniaxial strain, while the energy gap modification of armchair GNRs (AGNRs) as a function of uniaxial strain displays a nonmonotonic relationship with a zigzag pattern. The subband spacings and spatial distributions of the AGNRs can be tuned by applying an external strain. Scanning tunneling microscopy dI/dV maps can be used to characterize the nature of the strain states, compressive or tensile, of AGNRs. In addition, we find that the nearest neighbor hopping integrals between pi-orbitals of carbon atoms are responsible for energy gap modification under uniaxial strain based on our tight binding approximation simulations.


Breast cancer in young women (< or = 35 years): Genomic aberrations detected by comparative genomic hybridization.
Sporadic breast cancer in young women is different from the one in older patients regarding pathological features and aggressiveness of the tumors, but the spectrum of genetic alterations are largely unknown. We used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to analyze DNA copy number changes in 88 tumor samples from women </=35 years of age. Findings were compared to histopathological data including tumor type, grading, lymph nodes and metastasis. Genomic gains clustered to chromosome arms 1q (64.8%), 8q (61.4%), 17q (50.0%), 20q (33.0%), 3q (20.5%), 1p (17.0%), 5p (17.0%) and 15q (17%). Losses were commonly located on 8p (19.3 %), 11q (11.4%), 16q (11.4%), 17p (11.4%) and 18q (10.2%). A comparison with published CGH data from breast carcinomas of similar type and grade showed the following differences: (1) gains were much more frequent than losses, and (2) losses on 8p22-p23 were more prevalent in patients with positive lymph node metastasis (p = 0.02), and Grade III tumors were associated with gains on the long arm of chromosome 8 (p = 0.01). Therefore, alterations in these genomic regions may be responsible for the reduced survival of patients with early onset breast cancer.


Diallyl trisulfide induces pro-apoptotic autophagy via the AMPK/SIRT1 signalling pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line.
Liver cancer is associated with a high mortality rate worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a large proportion of primary liver cancers, and most of its alterations currently remain untreatable. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), the main chemical constituent of allicin, affects tumour development by regulating cell apoptosis. Allicin-induced autophagy could contribute to apoptosis in HepG2 cells. We rigorously examined the autophagy-related mechanism of allicin-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. We treated HepG2 cells with DATS to explore the effect of DATS on pro-apoptotic autophagy in HepG2 cell lines and examine its specific molecular mechanism. HepG2 cells were treated with various concentrations of DATS for 24 and 48 h. Subsequently, cell viability was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and cell clone formation assay. The HepG2 cell apoptosis was measured using Hoechst 33258 staining and western blotting. Autophagy and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) signalling pathway were detected using western blotting. Our results indicated that DATS inhibited HepG2 cell growth. Moreover, the ability of DATS to promote apoptosis in HepG2 cells increased with increasing concentration. We verified the phenomenon of DATS-induced autophagy in HepG2 cells and demonstrated that DATS treatment upregulated the protein expression of LC3-II/I. By measuring the expression of potential autophagy stimulators, we documented that DATS could induce pro-apoptotic autophagy by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 signalling pathway. DATS induced pro-apoptotic autophagy via the AMPK/SIRT1 signalling pathway in the human HCC HepG2 cell line. Our findings further implicate allicin as a potential therapeutic agent against liver tumours in clinical settings, providing a basis for combining allicin with an autophagy agonist for treating liver cancer.


Problematic alcohol use in young adults exposed to childhood trauma: The Trøndelag Health (HUNT) Study.
Problematic alcohol use (PAU) severely impacts the health, functioning, and long-term prospects of young people. Prior research indicates that childhood trauma exposure may be an important risk factor for PAU, but few longitudinal studies have looked at how specific trauma types influence this risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between childhood trauma exposure and PAU in a large, population-based cohort of young people. The study sample included 1,913 adolescents who participated in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) between 2006 and 2008 (age range: 12-20) and completed follow-up 10 years later as young adults (age range: 22-32). The results revealed an increased risk of PAU in young adults exposed to childhood trauma, especially direct physical violence, OR = 2.38, [95% CI 1.56, 3.64]. Young adults who had witnessed violence, OR = 1.55, [95% CI 1.11, 2.17], or experienced an accident, disaster, or other traumatic event, OR = 1.60, [95% CI 1.19, 2.15], also had higher odds of PAU compared to those without such experiences. These associations remained consistent after adjusting for symptoms of headaches and pain as well as posttraumatic and general psychological distress as reported by the participants in adolescence. Future prevention efforts targeting PAU among adolescents and young adults should address violence and other trauma exposure as potential drivers of problematic drinking.


Paraneoplastic erythrocytosis associated with an inactivating point mutation of the von Hippel-Lindau gene in a renal cell carcinoma.
The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene targets hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) for proteasomal degradation. Erythrocytosis due to inappropriate production of erythropoietin (EPO), one of the HIF target genes, is a classic albeit rare finding in patients with renal cancer. We report the clinical to molecular analysis in a patient in whom a thrombotic myocardial infarction was the first manifestation of a clear cell renal carcinoma associated with an elevated serum EPO level (109 U/L) and erythrocytosis (hemoglobin 200 g/L [20 g/dL]). The tumor strongly expressed EPO messenger RNA and the 2 regulatory subunits HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha. Sequence analysis of tumor tissue identified a point mutation of the VHL gene (nucleotide 701 T > C) with a predicted amino acid exchange (Leu163Pro). This structural change, although located at distance to the HIF-binding region, was found to inhibit binding of HIF-1alpha to VHL, thus leading to accumulation of HIF, which drives EPO production.


[Sclerosis of esophageal varices. Results of 10 years experience].
Before they give their results, the authors, whose experience of sclerosis of oesophageal varices under the oesophagoscope has so far involved 157 patients, deal specifically with the problems facing the anaesthetist and resuscitator when this technique is used, tolerance of the product injected and possible accidents. Firstly, they point out the unsuitability of the patients referred to them by their medical or surgical colleagues. By implication therefore, treatment should only be undertaken with the assistance of a team of experienced resuscitators and every precaution taken to mitigate the effects of possible accidents to these patients who are particularly at risk. These cases are mainly characterized by serious haemorrhages (seven cases described, one resulting in death). Oesophageal injury is, on the other hand, the exception where trained personnel are involved (2 minor mucosal tears out of more than 800 oesophagoscopies). Finally, secondary parietal oesophageal necrosis occurs. Quininaemia assessment after injection of quinine-urea confirms that the product is being efficiently eliminated. Overall results reveal a survival rate of 61 p. 100 after more than a year and 20 p. 100 after more than than three years. These figures underline the limitations of therapeutic possibilities and the serious prognosis for this result of portal hypertension. This leads the authors to express a wish that the procedure should be used as a measure to prevent haemorrhage as soon as the presence of varices is realized. On the other hand, they reject on practical grounds emergency sclerosis of oesophageal varices, as a direct heamostatic method, since, according to their statistics, this almost invariably results in failure.


Doxorubicin and dactinomycin therapy for advanced sarcomas.
Doxorubicin and dactinomycin were administered to 25 patients with advanced sarcomas. Twenty-one were evaluable for response. There were six responses (two complete and four partial) (28%) and eight improvements. Responders survived longer than nonresponders, while those with improvements had intermediate survival. Toxic effects included leukopenia in 35% of administered courses, mucositis in 50% of the patients, and congestive heart failure in 21% of the patients. Plasma doxorubicin kinetics did not correlate with excess toxic effects in four patients studied. The response rates and durations of survival obtained with this combination are comparable to those obtained with doxorubicin alone. The marked increase in toxicity makes this combination less desirable than treatment with doxorubicin alone.


Paroxysmal positional vertigo in the elderly.
In a retrospective study of 806 patients 70 years of age or older complaining of dizziness, 328/806 (40.7%) patients gave a history strongly suggestive of paroxysmal positional vertigo. This prevalence was higher than in other age groups of 7,269 patients seen in our Dizziness Clinic (33.7% in patients 50 years of age or younger; 26.6% in patients 40 years of age or younger). In 158/328 patients, the paroxysm was elicited and nystagmus occurred; in 135/158 patients, the observed nystagmus, during the paroxysm, was identified and in 131/135 patients, it was of the type described by Barany. It is concluded that: (a) the prevalence of paroxysmal positional vertigo increases with advancing age; (b) the usually observed nystagmus, during the paroxysm, in the elderly is of the type described by Barany, and similar to the nystagmus observed in other age groups.


Tension cost correlates with mechanical and biochemical parameters in different myocardial contractility conditions.
Tension cost, the ratio of myosin ATPase activity to tension, reflects the economy of tension development in the myocardium. To evaluate the mechanical advantage represented by the tension cost, we studied papillary muscle contractility and the activity of myosin ATPase in the left ventricles in normal and pathophysiological conditions. Experimental protocols were performed using rat left ventricles from: (1) streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control Wistar rats; (2) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive and untreated Wistar rats; (3) deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-treated, nephrectomized and salt- and DOCA-treated rats; (4) spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats; (5) rats with myocardial infarction and shamoperated rats. The isometric force, tetanic tension, and the activity of myosin ATPase were measured. The results obtained from infarcted, diabetic, and deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-treated rats showed reductions in twitch and tetanic tension compared to the control and sham-operated groups. Twitch and tetanic tension increased in the N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-treated rats compared with the Wistar rats. Myosin ATPase activity was depressed in the infarcted, diabetic, and deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-treated rats compared with control and sham-operated rats and was increased in N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-treated rats. These parameters did not differ between SHR and WKY rats. In the studied conditions (e.g., post-myocardial infarction, deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-induced hypertension, chronic N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester treatment, and streptozotocin-induced diabetes), a positive correlation between force or plateau tetanic tension and myosin ATPase activity was observed. Our results suggest that the myocardium adapts to force generation by increasing or reducing the tension cost to maintain myocardial contractility with a better mechanical advantage.


Extracellular vesicle-mediated transfer of constitutively active MyD88L265P engages MyD88wt and activates signaling.
The link between inflammation and cancer is particularly strong in Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma wherein the majority of patients harbor a constitutively active mutation in the innate immune-signaling adaptor myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88). MyD88Leu265Pro (MyD88L265P) constitutively triggers the myddosome assembly providing a survival signal for cancer cells. Here, we report detection and a functional role of MyD88 in the extracellular vesicles (EVs) shed from WM cells. MyD88L265P was transferred via EVs into the cytoplasm of the recipient mast cells and macrophages, recruiting the endogenous MyD88 that triggered the activation of proinflammatory signaling in the absence of receptor activation. Additionally, internalization of EVs containing MyD88L265P was observed in mice with an effect on the bone marrow microenvironment. MyD88-loaded EVs were detected in the bone marrow aspirates of WM patients thus establishing the physiological role of EVs for MyD88L265P transmission and shaping of the proinflammatory microenvironment. Results establish the mechanism of transmission of signaling complexes via EVs to propagate inflammation as a new mechanism of intercellular communication.


[Medical college students' self-appraisal of physical development].
The first-year students of a Moscow medical college based on 11 forms studied the specific features of their physical and functional development, by measuring the basic anthropometric indices--height and weight, chest circumference and excursion, lung capacity, the data of dynamometry, spirometry, a test of 10 squats per 10 sec, and breath-holding time. The findings characterize the physical and functional development of adolescents from this group and are a convincing basis for them to develop an individual long-term program for molding a healthy lifestyle.


Central portalization correlates with fibrosis but not with risk factors for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in steatotic chronic hepatitis C.
Concomitant steatosis in chronic hepatitis C is associated with fibrosis and unfavorable treatment outcome. Central zone injury in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) manifests as central portalization, with centrizonal microvessels and ductular reaction. We investigated whether central portalization in steatotic HCV biopsies would identify patients with metabolic risk factors for NASH. Liver biopsies with chronic hepatitis C and >10% steatosis (n = 65) were evaluated for the degree of steatosis, zonation of steatosis, fibrosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score. The presence of centrizonal microvessels, sinusoidal capillarization, ductular reaction, and CK7 positive intermediate-phenotype hepatocytes were evaluated by CD34 and CK7 immunostain. The degree of steatosis and fibrosis showed a positive correlation. Additional positive correlations were noted between centrizonal angiogenesis and NAFLD activity score and central portalization and fibrosis. However, neither central portalization nor zonation of steatosis identified patients with metabolic risk factors for NASH. Therefore, central portalization cannot be used as a surrogate marker to identify patients with metabolic risk factors for NASH in steatotic HCV biopsies. The mechanism of centrizonal injury in steatotic HCV hepatitis is not solely attributable to the metabolic risk factors for NASH.


A dynamic study of the effect on the maxillofacial complex of the face bow: analysis by a three-dimensional finite element method.
In order to investigate the effects of a face bow on the maxillofacial complex, we applied an analysis by a finite element method. To create a skull model, we measured an adult skull sample, and constructed a left lateral model without a mandible with 11 bones of 11 types, 30 sutures, and 3 synchondroses. The numbers of elements and nodes in the model were 1,207 and 1,539, respectively. The numbers of elements in the face bows used were 16 for the short type and 22 for the long one, respectively. Both of them were directly connected to the first molar tooth. To establish the constraining conditions, a symmetrical condition at the center of the model was chosen, and the basal part of the occipital bone was completely fixed. Each 1 kg loading was applied in three directions: 30 degrees post-superior, 0 degree posterior, and 30 degrees post-inferior. The results from this face bow loading experiment showed that the direction of displacement and the stress distribution were significantly different among the kinds of the face bows and the loading directions. For the short type face bow, simple compression appeared due to the post-superior loading and bending deformation due to the posterior and post-inferior ones. For the long type face bow, some bending deformations appeared, including anterior-elongation and posterior compression due to the post-superior loading. Post-inferior bending due to posterior loading and post-inferior bending and inferior displacement due to the post-inferior loading also appeared. Thus it is feasible to dynamically control the maxillofacial complex form by changing the type of the face bow and the direction of the loading traction.


Single-blind comparison of penbutolol and long-acting propranolol in general practice.
A multi-centre, single-blind trial was carried out in general practice to compare the therapeutic efficacy, tolerance and compliance of penbutolol and long-acting propranolol, both given once daily, in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Two hundred and twenty-two patients (111 patients in each treatment group) completed the 8-week treatment period. On completion, diastolic blood pressure was under control in 60% of patients receiving penbutolol and in 55% of patients receiving long-acting propranolol. Tolerance of the trial medications was good. At the final assessment, 88.3% of patients receiving penbutolol and 93.7% of patients receiving long-acting propranolol indicated no problems on direct questioning. Side-effects, as elicited from a 24-item symptoms list, were similar for both treatments and were generally minimal. Compliance was good in both treatment groups.


Rapid Prediction of Fig Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined With Partial Least Square Regression.
Mid-infrared spectroscopy using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) correction was coupled with partial least square regression (PLSR) for the prediction of phenolic acids and flavonoids in fig (peel and pulp) identified with high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), with regards to their partitioning between peel and pulp. HPLC-DAD was used to quantify the phenolic compounds (PCs). The FTIR spectra were collected between 4,000 and 450 cm-1 and the data in the wavenumber range of 1.175-940 cm-1, where the deformations of O-H, C-O, C-H, and C=C corresponded to flavanol and phenols, were used for the establishment of PLSR models. Nine PLSR models were constructed for peel samples, while six were built for pulp extracts. The results showed a high-throughput accuracy of such an approach to predict the PCs in the powder samples. Significant differences were detected between the models built for the two fruit parts. Thus, for both peel and pulp extracts, the coefficient of determination (R2) ranged from 0.92 to 0.99 and between 0.85 and 0.95 for calibration and cross-validation, respectively, along with a root mean square error (RMSE) values in the range of 0.46-0.9 and 0.23-2.05, respectively. Residual predictive deviation (RPD) values were generally satisfactory, where cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside had the higher level (RPD > 2.5). Similar differences were observed based on the distribution revealed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), which showed a remarkable overlapping in the distribution of the samples, which was intense in the pulp extracts. This study suggests the use of FTIR-ATR as a rapid and accurate method for PCs assessment in fresh fig.


Scanning microfluorometric measurements of acriflavine-Feulgen-SITS-stained fibroblasts during G0-G1 transition.
For the characterization of nonproliferating cells, scanning microfluorometric measurements of mouse fibroblasts (L-929) during G0-G1 transition were carried out. Samples were taken at different time intervals after serum stimulation. Cells were stained for DNA using the acriflavine-Feulgen method and for protein with 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS). Considering that acid hydrolysis removes basic proteins, SITS fluorescence represents acidic proteins, which within the nucleus are to a large degree located in the nucleoli. From each preparation, nuclei were scanned at a 0.5 micrometer step size, measuring DNA and protein fluorescence successively. Fluorescence data of nucleoli were evaluated. The number of nucleoli reached a maximum two hours after stimulation. Both the total nucleolar area and fluorescence were found to increase, up to 8 and 11 hours, respectively, by a factor of four to five. This indicated that these fluorescence parameters can be used to distinguish between resting and cycling cells.


Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α protects mesenchymal stem cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced injury via autophagy induction and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for myocardial infarction. The survival rate of the grafted MSCs is limited by the conditions of hypoxia and low nutrient levels. In this study, we investigated the role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (Hif-1α) in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced injury in MSCs. Hif-1α was overexpressed or suppressed in MSCs by transfection with a Hif-1α expressing vector or Hif-1α-specific siRNA, respectively. Then MSCs were exposed to OGD, and the changes in cell viability, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were respectively monitored by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Additionally, expression levels of Beclin1, LC3 I and LC3 II, as well phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT and mTOR were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The results indicated that Hif-1α overexpression improved cell viability, reduced G1 phase cells accumulation, and suppressed apoptosis under OGD condition (P<0.05). Beclin1 expression and the LC3 II/LC3 I ratio were increased by Hif-1α overexpression, and were decreased by Hif-1α knock-down (P<0.05). In addition, PI3K, AKT and mTOR were inactivated by Hif-1α overexpression, and phosphorylated by Hif-1α knock-down (P<0.05). In conclusion, these data suggest that Hif-1α overexpression protects MSCs from OGD-induced injury via a mechanism in which autophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are implicated.


Post-breeding season migrations of a top predator, the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii), from a marine protected area in Alaska.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly being used as a conservation tool for highly mobile marine vertebrates and the focus is typically on protecting breeding areas where individuals are aggregated seasonally. Yet movements during the non-breeding season can overlap with threats that may be equally as important to population dynamics. Thus understanding habitat use and movements of species during the non-breeding periods is critical for conservation. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, is one of the largest marine mammal protected areas in the world and has the only enforceable protection measures for reducing disturbance to harbor seals in the United States. Yet harbor seals have declined by up to 11.5%/year from 1992 to 2009. We used satellite-linked transmitters that were attached to 37 female harbor seals to quantify the post-breeding season migrations of seals and the amount of time that seals spent inside vs. outside of the MPA of Glacier Bay. Harbor seals traveled extensively beyond the boundaries of the MPA of Glacier Bay during the post-breeding season, encompassing an area (25,325 km(2)) significantly larger than that used by seals during the breeding season (8,125 km(2)). These movements included the longest migration yet recorded for a harbor seal (3,411 km) and extended use (up to 23 days) of pelagic areas by some seals. Although the collective utilization distribution of harbor seals during the post-breeding season was quite expansive, there was a substantial degree of individual variability in the percentage of days that seals spent in the MPA. Nevertheless, harbor seals demonstrated a high degree of inter-annual site fidelity (93%) to Glacier Bay the following breeding season. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the threats that seals may interact with outside of the boundaries of the MPA of Glacier Bay for understanding population dynamics of seals in Glacier Bay.


Needling therapy for myofascial pain: recommended technique with multiple rapid needle insertion.
Myofascial trigger point (MTrP) is a major cause of muscle pain, characterized with a hyperirritable spot due to accumulation of sensitized nociceptors in skeletal muscle fibers. Many needling therapy techniques for MTrP inactivation exist. Based on prior human and animal studies, multiple insertions can almost completely eliminate the MTrP pain forthwith. It is an attempt to stimulate many sensitive loci (nociceptors) in the MTrP region to induce sharp pain, referred pain or local twitch response. Suggested mechanisms of needling analgesia include effects related to immune, hormonal or nervous system. Compared to slow-acting biochemical effects involving immune or hormonal system, neurological effects can act faster to provide immediate and complete pain relief. Most likely mechanism of multiple needle insertion therapy for MTrP inactivation is to encounter sensitive nociceptors with the high-pressure stimulation of a sharp needle tip to activate a descending pain inhibitory system. This technique is strongly recommended for myofasical pain therapy in order to resume patient's normal life rapidly, thus saving medical and social resources.


Psoriatic skin lesions contain a novel lipid neutrophil chemokinetic compound which is distinct from known chemoattractant eicosanoids.
1. Lipid extracts of scale from the lesions of the skin disease psoriasis were purified by high performance liquid chromatography (h.p.l.c.). Assay of fractions by an agarose microdroplet method showed the presence of a novel neutrophil chemokinetic compound which possessed the chromatographic properties of a monohydroxy fatty acid, yet was distinct from the chemoattractant eicosanoid, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, previously isolated in psoriasis. 2. The novel, material, termed compound X, was also detected in fractions collected on h.p.l.c. of extracts of chamber fluid samples obtained from abraded psoriatic lesions, but was not detectable in samples from clinically normal skin. 3. Comparison of the straight and reversed phase h.p.l.c. retention times of compound X with those of a range of standard monohydroxy fatty acids, together with further analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and assay of selected standards for neutrophil chemokinetic activity, failed to reveal the structural identity of compound X. 4. The finding of a further compound in psoriatic lesions, which stimulates neutrophil movement, highlights the complexity of inflammatory mediator production in this disease.


A tiered, integrated biological and chemical monitoring framework for contaminants of emerging concern in aquatic ecosystems.
The chemical-specific risk-based paradigm that informs monitoring and assessment of environmental contaminants does not apply well to the many thousands of new chemicals that are being introduced into ambient receiving waters. We propose a tiered framework that incorporates bioanalytical screening tools and diagnostic nontargeted chemical analysis to more effectively monitor for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). The framework is based on a comprehensive battery of in vitro bioassays to first screen for a broad spectrum of CECs and nontargeted analytical methods to identify bioactive contaminants missed by the currently favored targeted analyses. Water quality managers in California have embraced this strategy with plans to further develop and test this framework in regional and statewide pilot studies on waterbodies that receive discharge from municipal wastewater treatment plants and stormwater runoff. In addition to directly informing decisions, the data obtained using this framework can be used to construct and validate models that better predict CEC occurrence and toxicity. The adaptive interplay among screening results, diagnostic assessment and predictive modeling will allow managers to make decisions based on the most current and relevant information, instead of extrapolating from parameters with questionable linkage to CEC impacts. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:540-547. © 2015 SETAC.


Single Chain Nanoparticles in Catalysis.
Over the last six decades folded polymer chains-so-called Single Chain Nanoparticles (SCNPs)-have evolved from the mere concept of intramolecularly crosslinked polymer chains to tailored nanoreactors, underpinned by a plethora of techniques and chemistries to tailor and analyze their morphology and function. These monomolecular polymer entities hold critical promise in a wide range of applications. Herein, we highlight the exciting progress that has been made in the field of catalytically active SCNPs in recent years.


Quasi-continuous transition from a Fermi liquid to a spin liquid in κ-(ET)2Cu2(CN)3.
The Mott metal-insulator transition-a manifestation of Coulomb interactions among electrons-is known as a discontinuous transition. Recent theoretical studies, however, suggest that the transition is continuous if the Mott insulator carries a spin liquid with a spinon Fermi surface. Here, we demonstrate the case of a quasi-continuous Mott transition from a Fermi liquid to a spin liquid in an organic triangular-lattice system κ-(ET)2Cu2(CN)3. Transport experiments performed under fine pressure tuning have found that as the Mott transition is approached, the Fermi liquid coherence temperature continuously falls to the scale of kelvins, with a divergent quasi-particle decay rate on the metal side, and the charge gap continuously closes on the insulator side. A Clausius-Clapeyron analysis provides thermodynamic evidence for the extremely weak first-order nature of the transition. These results provide additional support for the existence of a spinon Fermi surface, which becomes an electron Fermi surface when charges are delocalized.


Host traits explain the genetic structure of parasites: a meta-analysis.
Gene flow maintains the genetic integrity of species over large spatial scales, and dispersal maintains gene flow among separate populations. However, body size is a strong correlate of dispersal ability, with small-bodied organisms being poor dispersers. For parasites, small size may be compensated by using their hosts for indirect dispersal. In trematodes, some species use only aquatic hosts to complete their life cycle, whereas others use birds or mammals as final hosts, allowing dispersal among separate aquatic habitats. We performed the first test of the universality of the type of life cycle as a driver of parasite dispersal, using a meta-analysis of 16 studies of population genetic structure in 16 trematode species. After accounting for the geographic scale of a study, the number of populations sampled, and the genetic marker used, we found the type of life cycle to be the best predictor of genetic structure (Fst): trematode species bound to complete their life cycle within water showed significantly more pronounced genetic structuring than those leaving water through a bird or mammal host. This finding highlights the dependence of parasites on host traits for their dispersal, suggesting that genetic differentiation of parasites reflects the mobility of their hosts.


Chemical Stability of the Botanical Drug Substance Crofelemer: A Model System for Comparative Characterization of Complex Mixture Drugs.
As the second of a 3-part series of articles in this issue concerning the development of a mathematical model for comparative characterization of complex mixture drugs using crofelemer (CF) as a model compound, this work focuses on the evaluation of the chemical stability profile of CF. CF is a biopolymer containing a mixture of proanthocyanidin oligomers which are primarily composed of gallocatechin with a small contribution from catechin. CF extracted from drug product was subjected to molecular weight-based fractionation and thiolysis. Temperature stress and metal-catalyzed oxidation were selected for accelerated and forced degradation studies. Stressed CF samples were size fractionated, thiolyzed, and analyzed with a combination of negative-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and reversed-phase-HPLC with UV absorption and fluorescence detection. We further analyzed the chemical stability data sets for various CF samples generated from reversed-phase-HPLC-UV and ESI-MS using data-mining and machine learning approaches. In particular, calculations based on mutual information of over 800,000 data points in the ESI-MS analytical data set revealed specific CF cleavage and degradation products that were differentially generated under specific storage/degradation conditions, which were not initially identified using traditional analysis of the ESI-MS results.


Congenital dermoid tumor in a child at initial myelomeningocele closure: an etiological discussion.
The authors report on a case of a full-term infant with lumbar myelomeningocele who was found to have an intramedullary mass at the time of surgical repair of the defect. The intramedullary mass was consistent with a dermoid tumor both macroscopically and microscopically. This case provides evidence that dermoid tumors occurring at the site of previous surgical myelomeningocele repair are not always a consequence of incomplete excision of the dermal elements.


Trends in the Management of Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Single Center Experience.
Management of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax is controversial. We sought to review our experience in the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) by comparing outcomes from video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with thoracotomy. A retrospective review of electronic and paper medical charts identified 104 consecutive operations performed at University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center for spontaneous pneumothorax management between the dates of January 2000 and January 2013. Follow-up phone calls were made to ensure absence of re-ocurrences outside of our hospital system. Eighty-eight patients (85%) underwent VATS repair with unilateral and contralateral recurrence rates of 7% and 11% respectively. Mean operative time was 97 minutes; mean postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. Mechanical pleurodesis/pleurectomy was performed in 94% of cases. Comparatively 16 patients (16%) underwent thoracotomy repair with unilateral and contralateral recurrence rates of 0.00% and 6% respectively. Mean operative time for the thoracotomy group was 188 minutes; mean postoperative hospital stay was 5 days. Mechanical pleurodesis was performed 12 times (75%). In our study, the VATS group had a significant reduction in operating room time (P = .001), a non-significant increase in unilateral recurrence (p = .587), and no reduction in postoperative length of stay. Contralateral recurrence rate did not vary between groups.


Effect of selenium on peripheral blood leucocytes of chickens infected with Eimeria.
Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary selenium (Se) on peripheral blood leucocytes of chickens infected with coccidia. Primary coccidial infection significantly increased blood leucocyte number at 6 days postinfection (PI) in three of four experiments when chicks were fed a corn-soy diet, and in all four experiments at 11 days PI. When chickens were fed a semipurified (SP) diet, coccidial infection did not affect the blood leucocytes number at 6 days PI but significantly increased blood leucocyte number at 11 days PI. In the primary infection, Se significantly decreased blood leucocyte number in four of six experiments at 6 days PI and significantly increased the blood leucocyte number in three of five experiments at 11 days PI. In the secondary infection, chickens had significantly more blood leucocytes than chickens given a primary infection at 8 or 24 hr after challenge. Selenium significantly increased blood leucocyte number at 8 hr after challenge in one experiment and produced numerically higher leucocyte number in three other experiments. The results of these studies indicate that dietary Se supplementation modifies the number of peripheral blood leucocytes in chickens infected with coccidia.


Silver and other metals in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
Disturbance in the functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can critically affect the health and even the life of the whole organism. Several factors, both exo- and endogenous may contribute to the dysregulation of homeostasis in the digestive system, including genetic background, ingestion of highly processed food, exposition to environmental pollution or chronic stress, and changes in gut microflora, to name just a few. An important number of these factors rely on metals, which often play a dual, stimulatory and inhibitory role in crucial physiological processes. In this paper, we focus on the structures incorporating silver, copper and other metals as future drugs against GI diseases. We critically review available literature for their effectiveness and potential application, and discuss clinical relevance of these findings.


The implementation checklist: A pragmatic instrument for accelerating research-to-implementation cycles.
Learning health systems require rapid-cycle research and nimble implementation processes to maximize innovation across disparate specialties and operations. Existing detailed research-to-implementation frameworks require extensive time commitments and can be overwhelming for physician-researchers with clinical and operational responsibilities, inhibiting their widespread adoption. The creation of a short, pragmatic checklist to inform implementation processes may substantially improve uptake and implementation efficiency across a variety of health systems. We conducted a systematic review of existing implementation frameworks to identify core concepts. Utilizing comprehensive stakeholder engagement with 25 operational leaders, embedded physician-researchers, and delivery scientists, concepts were iteratively integrated to create and implement a final concise instrument. A systematic review identified 894 publications describing implementation frameworks, which included 15 systematic reviews. Among these, domains were extracted from three commonly utilized instruments: the Quality Implementation Framework (QIF), the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Iterative testing and stakeholder engagement revision of a four-page draft implementation document with five domains resulted in a concise, one-page implementation planning instrument to be used at project outset and periodically throughout project implementation planning. The instrument addresses end-user feasibility concerns while retaining the main goals of more complex tools. This instrument was then systematically integrated into projects within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Delivery Science and Applied Research program to address stakeholder engagement, efficiency, project planning, and operational implementation of study results. A streamlined one-page implementation planning instrument, incorporating core concepts of existing frameworks, provides a pragmatic, robust framework for evidence-based healthcare innovation cycles that is being broadly implemented within a learning health system. These streamlined processes could inform other settings needing a best practice rapid-cycle research-to-implementation tool for large numbers of diverse projects.


Adult neurogenesis supports short-term olfactory memory.
Adult neurogenesis has captivated neuroscientists for decades, with hopes that understanding the programs underlying this phenomenon may provide unique insight toward avenues for brain repair. Interestingly, however, despite intense molecular and cellular investigation, the evolutionary roles and biological functions for ongoing neurogenesis have remained elusive. Here I review recent work published in the Journal of Neuroscience that reveals a functional role for continued neurogenesis toward forming short-term olfactory memories.


Toxicity of urban highway runoff with respect to storm duration.
The toxicity of stormwater runoff during various time-based stages was measured in both grab and composite samples collected from three highly urbanized highway sites in Los Angeles, California between 2002 and 2005. Stormwater runoff samples were tested for toxicity using three freshwater species (the water flea Ceriodaphnia dubia, the fathead minnow Pimephales promelas, and the green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitatum) and two marine species (the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and the luminescent bacteria Photobacterium phosphoreum using Microtox. Toxicity results varied substantially throughout the storm events for both freshwater and marine species toxicity tests. In general, however, the first few samples were found to be more toxic compared with those collected during later stages of each storm event. In most cases, more than 40% of the toxicity was associated with the first 20% of discharged runoff volume. Furthermore, on average, 90% of the toxicity was observed during the first 30% of storm duration. Toxicity identification evaluation results found copper and zinc to be the primary cause of toxicity in about 90% of the samples evaluated with these procedures. Surfactants were also found to be the cause of toxicity in less than 10% of the samples.


Apoptosis and proliferation of fibroblasts during postnatal skin development and scleroderma in the tight-skin mouse.
Tight-skin (Tsk) is a dominant gene mutation that causes a fibrotic skin disease in mice, similar to human scleroderma. Both conditions are characterized by increased numbers of dermal fibroblasts containing high levels of procollagen mRNA. Whether this fibroblast population arises from fibroblast growth or fibroblast transcriptional activation is debated. Proliferation and apoptosis of fibroblasts of normal and Tsk mice were studied in skin sections before, at onset, and in established fibrosis. Tissues sections were immunostained with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as proliferation marker. Apoptosis was investigated by in situ end-labeling of fragmented DNA and nuclear staining with propidium iodide. The expression of the apoptosis inhibitor Bcl-2 was investigated by immunohistochemistry. We demonstrate differences in fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis related to postnatal skin growth and development. Neonatal skin exhibits the highest levels of proliferation and apoptosis in fibroblasts. In contrast, low proliferation and absence of apoptosis characterizes adult fibroblasts. Skin fibroblasts express Bcl-2 only in newborns, and at other ages Bcl-2 was restricted to epithelial cells. Our results also suggest that neither increased fibroblast proliferation nor defective apoptosis accounts for the fibrotic phenotype of Tsk. Therefore, transcriptional activation of extracellular matrix genes appears more relevant in the pathogenesis of Tsk fibrosis.


Adaptive genetic diversity and evidence of population genetic structure in the endangered Sierra Madre Sparrow (Xenospiza baileyi).
The magnitude and distribution of genetic diversity through space and time can provide useful information relating to evolutionary potential and conservation status in threatened species. In assessing genetic diversity in species that are of conservation concern, several studies have focused on the use of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs are innate immune genes related to pathogen resistance, and polymorphisms may reflect not only levels of functional diversity, but may also be used to assess genetic diversity within and among populations. Here, we combined four potentially adaptive markers (TLRs) with one mitochondrial (COI) marker to evaluate genetic variation in the endangered Sierra Madre Sparrow (Xenospiza baileyi). This species offers an ideal model to investigate population and evolutionary genetic processes that may be occurring in a habitat restricted endangered species with disjunct populations (Mexico City and Durango), the census sizes of which differ by an order of magnitude. TLRs diversity in the Sierra Madre Sparrow was relatively high, which was not expected given its two small, geographically isolated populations. Genetic diversity was different (but not significantly so) between the two populations, with less diversity seen in the smaller Durango population. Population genetic structure between populations was due to isolation and different selective forces acting on different TLRs; population structure was also evident in COI. Reduction of genetic diversity in COI was observed over 20 years in the Durango population, a result likely caused by habitat loss, a factor which may be the main cause of diversity decline generally. Our results provide information related to the ways in which adaptive variation can be altered by demographic changes due to human-mediated habitat alterations. Furthermore, our findings may help to guide conservation schemes for both populations and their restricted habitat.


Reinterpretation of the genetics of susceptibility of Aedes aegypti to Plasmodium gallinaceum.
Several studies have demonstrated a genetic basis for variation in susceptibility of Aedes aegypti to Plasmodium gallinaceum. Although 25 yr ago it was reported that P. gallinaceum susceptibility in Ae. aegypti is determined primarily by a single autosomal dominant gene, evidence for additional genetic factors has emerged. Two sublines, 1 refractory and 1 of intermediate susceptibility to P. gallinaceum, have been selected from the Moyo-In-Dry strain (MOYO) of Ae. aegypti. Prior to selection, the MOYO population was 20.3% refractory. Genetic crosses of the highly susceptible Rockefeller strain (ROCK) and the 2 selected sublines of the MOYO strain provide evidence for a complex mode of inheritance of Plasmodium susceptibility in Ae. aegypti.


Dual epidural catheter technique to provide opioid-free anaesthesia for an open abdominoperineal resection.
The peri-operative analgesic management of patients undergoing major elective colorectal surgery has an impact on patient recovery. An approach that favours an opioid-free strategy has demonstrated improved patient outcomes. Avoiding systemic opioids during and after abdominal surgery promotes early recovery of bowel function and early re-initiation of oral intake, shortens hospital length of stay, minimises postoperative complications, and may improve long-term outcomes. In this case report we describe an opioid-free anaesthetic technique, in line with current Enhanced Recovery After Surgery recommendations, for a patient undergoing an open abdominoperineal resection who reported experiencing severe side-effects to opioids in the past. Two epidural catheters were sited pre-operatively at the interspaces between the ninth and tenth thoracic and third and fourth lumbar vertebrae respectively, and used intra- and postoperatively. The utilisation of two epidural catheters not only ensured complete peri-operative analgesia, but also successfully attenuated the neuroendocrine stress response to surgery. The dual epidural catheter technique may be considered for extensive colorectal surgery when conventional opioid-based anaesthetic techniques are contraindicated.


Primary tonsillar tuberculosis - case report.
We report the case of a 44-year-old male patient with tonsillar tuberculosis (TB) diagnosed in the Department of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania. The patient addressed to our Clinic with intense odynophagia, referred otalgia, sore throat, fever periods and weight loss. During the ENT clinical exam, we identified an enlarged left tonsil, partially covered with yellowish-white plaque, with ulceration and bleeding spots localized on tonsillar inferior pole. A high suspicion of tonsillar malignancy was raised, and a biopsy was performed revealing extrapulmonary TB. Taking into consideration the normal chest X-ray, a primary tonsillar TB diagnosis was established. The patient was addressed to Department of Pneumophthisiology for anti-tuberculous therapy for six months. At the end of the treatment, the patient was symptoms-free.


A report on the complete mitochondrial genome of the trematode Azygia robusta Odhner, 1911, its new definitive host from the Russian Far East, and unexpected phylogeny of Azygiidae within Digenea, as inferred from mitogenome sequences.
New data on the complete mitochondrial genome of Azygia robusta (Azygiidae) were obtained by the next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of A. robusta had a length of 13 857 bp and included 12 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two non-coding regions. The nucleotide sequences of the complete mitochondrial genomes of two A. robusta specimens differed from each other by 0.12 ± 0.03%. Six of 12 protein-coding genes demonstrated intraspecific variation. The difference between the nucleotide sequences of the complete mitochondrial genomes of A. robusta and Azygia hwangtsiyui was 26.95 ± 0.35%; the interspecific variation of protein-coding genes between A. robusta and A. hwangtsiyui ranged from 20.5 ± 0.9% (cox1) to 30.7 ± 1.2% (nad5). The observed gene arrangement in the mtDNA sequence of A. robusta was identical to that of A. hwangtsiyui. Codon usage and amino acid frequencies were highly similar between A. robusta and A. hwangtsiyui. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on mtDNA protein-coding regions showed that A. robusta is closely related to A. hwangtsiyui (belonging to the same suborder, Azygiida) that formed a distinct early-diverging branch relative to all other Digenea. A preliminary morphological analysis of paratypes of the two azygiid specimens studied showed visible morphological differences between them. The specimen extracted from Sakhalin taimen (Parahucho perryi) was most similar to A. robusta. Thus, we here provide the first record of a new definitive host, P. perryi, for A. robusta and also molecular characteristics of the trematode specimens.


[Experience with thoracoscopy for rifle gunshot penetrating trauma of the chest; report of a case].
A 57-year-old man came to our hospital by ambulance for a chest injury by a rifle gunshot. He had a penetrating injury of the chest wall, hemopneumothorax and pulmonary laceration. He was managed with chest drainage, oxygen inhalation. His respiratory and cardiac status was stable. However, for the purpose to prevent the development of empyema or pneumonia, and to check the existence of damage of intrathoracic structures by the gunshot injury, thoracoscopy was performed next day. He discharged without postoperative complications 17 days after the injury. Open thoracotomy is reported to be required in only about 10-15% of patients with chest injuries. However, operative indication of the chest injuries may spread in the future with the spread of thoracoscopy and its low invasiveness.


TiO2 rutile nanorod arrays grown on FTO substrate using amino acid at a low temperature.
Vertically aligned single-crystalline TiO2 rutile nanorod arrays were synthesized on FTO transparent conductive substrates, via the hydrolysis of TiCl4 under the co-existence of amino acid catalysts. Using TiO2 seed nanocrystals (prepared from Ti(IV) ethoxide, calcined at 450 degrees C for 1 h), TiO, rutile nanorod arrays grew at a relatively mild temperature of 95 degrees C for 2 days. The growth speed and morphology of nanorod array were controllable by changing the type and concentration of amino acid. XRD analysis revealed that the TiO2 nanorod arrays were composed of highly crystalline rutile phase even without calcination. Preliminary dye-sensitized solar cell performance was also reported.


Pattern and outcome of children admitted for burns in Benin City, mid-western Nigeria.
Children are a vulnerable to burns, an injury, which is often preventable. A study of the profile of cases of children admitted for burns will provide background information to suggest locally doable preventive strategies as well as supply basic information for future reference. We studied the records of 62 children aged 0-16 years, admitted for burns, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, between January 2002 and December 2006. There were 34 male and 28 female children. Children under three years constituted 56.5%. Whereas the leading cause of burns in all the children was flame burns from kerosene explosions (52%), scalds were responsible for 68.6% of cases in those under three. The extent of burn injury ranged from 6 to 50% and most of them presented late. 64.6% were discharged within three weeks. Wound sepsis and post burn contractures were the most frequently encountered complications (19.4% and 9.7% respectively). There were two deaths (3.2%) related to sepsis. Particular attention to burn safety precautions in children (especially, in the >3 years age group), safer storage and dispensing of combustible chemicals particularly petroleum products is advocated. Fire safety awareness, correct first aid measures and early presentation in the hospital will reduce morbidity and mortality. Early physiotherapy and splinting strategies will reduce contractures. There is the need locally for the establishment of specialized burn centres both to treat these children and to stimulate interest in burn management.


Evidence Regarding Teaching and Assessment of Record-Keeping Skills in Training of Dental Students.
The aim of this study was to assess the literature on teaching and assessing dental students' record-keeping skills prior to qualification to practice independently as a dentist. A systematic literature review was performed using Ovid MEDLINE and SCOPUS. Keywords used in the search included dental, record, audit, education, and assessment. Electronic search results were screened for publications that targeted undergraduate dental training, related to a record-keeping education intervention, and were published in English and available in full text. Six studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed, and research findings were compared across the included studies. These six articles addressed the techniques used to teach and assess record-keeping skills in a pre-qualification context. The techniques included supervisor audits, peer audits, lectures, tutorials, research assignments, case reports, record-keeping templates, and checklists of required record components. The use of record audit as part of teaching and evaluation dominated these articles; it was used as the assessment method in five of the six studies. All methods of record-keeping training in studies published to date were found effective in improving student record-keeping skills. However, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether certain methods were more effective than others.


Local Radiotherapy Intensification for Locally Advanced Non-small-cell Lung Cancer - A Call to Arms.
Chemoradiotherapy, the standard of care for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), often fails to eradicate all known disease. Despite advances in chemotherapeutic regimens, locally advanced NSCLC remains a difficult disease to treat, and locoregional failure remains common. Improved radiographic detection can identify patients at significant risk of locoregional failure after definitive treatment, and newer methods of escalating locoregional treatment may allow for improvements in locoregional control with acceptable toxicity. This review addresses critical issues in escalating local therapy, focusing on using serial positron emission tomography-computed tomography to select high-risk patients and employing stereotactic radiotherapy to intensify treatment. We further propose a clinical trial concept that incorporates the review's findings.


Professionalism in pediatrics: statement of principles.
The purpose of this statement is to delineate the concept of professionalism within the context of pediatrics and to provide a brief statement of principles to guide the behavior and professional practice of pediatricians.


Mechanism of interactions of alpha-naphthoflavone with cytochrome P450 3A4 explored with an engineered enzyme bearing a fluorescent probe.
Design of a partially cysteine-depleted C98S/C239S/C377S/C468A cytochrome P450 3A4 mutant designated CYP3A4(C58,C64) allowed site-directed incorporation of thiol-reactive fluorescent probes into alpha-helix A. The site of modification was identified as Cys-64 with the help of CYP3A4(C58) and CYP3A4(C64), each bearing only one accessible cysteine. Changes in the fluorescence of CYP3A4(C58,C64) labeled with 6-(bromoacetyl)-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (BADAN), 7-(diethylamino)-3-(4'-maleimidylphenyl)-4-methylcoumarin (CPM), or monobromobimane (mBBr) were used to study the interactions with bromocriptine (BCT), 1-pyrenebutanol (1-PB), testosterone (TST), and alpha-naphthoflavone (ANF). Of these substrates only ANF has a specific effect, causing a considerable decrease in fluorescence intensity of BADAN and CPM and increasing the fluorescence of mBBr. This ANF-binding event in the case of the BADAN-modified enzyme is characterized by an S50 of 18.2 +/- 0.7, compared with the value of 2.2 +/- 0.3 for the ANF-induced spin transition, thus revealing an additional low-affinity binding site. Studies of the effect of TST, 1-PB, and BCT on the interactions of ANF monitored by changes in fluorescence of CYP3A4(C58,C64)-BADAN or by the ANF-induced spin transition revealed no competition by these substrates. Investigation of the kinetics of fluorescence increase upon H2O2-dependent heme depletion suggests that labeled CYP3A4(C58,C64) is represented by two conformers, one of which has the fluorescence of the BADAN and CPM labels completely quenched, presumably by photoinduced electron transfer from the neighboring Trp-72 and/or Tyr-68 residues. The binding of ANF to the newly discovered binding site appears to affect the interactions of the label with the above residue(s), thus modulating the fraction of the fluorescent conformer.


Purification and structure elucidation of antifungal and antibacterial activities of newly isolated Streptomyces sp. strain US80.
A new actinomycete strain, designated US80 and producing antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, was isolated from Tunisian oasis soil. Cultural characteristic studies strongly suggested that this strain belongs to the genus Streptomyces. The nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene (1517 pb) of Streptomyces sp. strain US80 exhibited close similarity (97-98%) with other Streptomyces 16S rRNA genes. Similarity of 98% was obtained with the 16S rRNA gene of Streptomyces roseoflavus, which produces the aminoglycoside antibiotic flavomycin. Study of the influence of different nutritional compounds on production of bioactive molecules showed that the highest antimicrobial activities were obtained when glucose at 1% (w/v) was used as sole carbon source in the presence of magnesium. Extraction of fermentation broth of Streptomyces sp. strain US80 and various separation and purification steps led to isolation of three pure active molecules. The chemical structure of these three compounds, named irumamycin (1a), X-14952B (1b) and 17-hydroxy-venturicidin A (1c), was established on the basis on their IR, ESI-MS, 1H and 13C/APT NMR data and by comparison with reference data from the literature.


Breast Cancer-Related Arm Lymphedema: Fluctuation over Six Months and the Effect of the Weather.
An understanding of normal fluctuation of lymphedema over time is important to identify real change, whether it is from response to treatment or worsening of the condition. The weather is another factor that possibly influences lymphedema but has had minimal investigation to date. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) fluctuated over a 6-month period and the influence of temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Women with unilateral BCRL (n = 26) and without BCRL (n = 17) were measured on nine occasions over 6 months using a standardized protocol. Measures included self-reported arm swelling, arm volume, and extracellular fluid with bioimpedance. Daily weather data were obtained for analysis of effects on lymphedema. Neither arm volume nor extracellular fluid varied significantly for women with lymphedema; coefficients of variation were 2.3% and 3.7%, respectively. Women without lymphedema had even less fluctuation, with coefficient of variation of 1.9% for arm volume and 2.9% for ECF. Correlation of weather and lymphedema data showed that temperature was the only aspect of the weather to have any effect on BCRL, with the maximum temperature on the day before measurement slightly affecting ECF (r = 0.27, p < 0.001), arm volume (r = 0.23, p < 0.001), and self-reported swelling (r = 0.26, p < 0.001). For women without lymphedema, the weather did not affect any measure. Established BCRL is relatively stable over a 6-month period. Temperature was the only aspect of the weather found to impact lymphedema.


Reported influences of backpack loads on postural deviation among school children: A systematic review.
Nowadays, a large number of students experience spinal pain quite early in life due to heavy school bag loads. Moreover, external forces in the form of school bags may influence the normal growth, development of children and adolescents, and also maintenance of alignment of their bodies, which can pose a huge threat to postural integrity under external load. Awareness about the appropriate load and placement of backpack is thought to be important in reducing musculoskeletal complications among children's. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the influence of postural deviations due to backpack load among school children's. Electronic databases were searched, and a reference list of retrieved articles were relevant to postural changes among school children with the backpack were screened. Reviewers graded the papers according to Lloyd-Smith's hierarchy of evidence scale. Papers were quality appraised using a modified Crombie tool. Twelve papers were identified for inclusion in this review. Methodological difference limited our ability to collate evidence. Most of the articles recommended that backpack load limit for school children should be 10-15% of body weight. However, the appropriate load limit for school children is limited due to lack of articles, the low hierarchy of evidence, and small sample size. This review constrains the use of published literature to inform good load limit of school pack among the school children.


ChatGPT and large language models in academia: opportunities and challenges.
The introduction of large language models (LLMs) that allow iterative "chat" in late 2022 is a paradigm shift that enables generation of text often indistinguishable from that written by humans. LLM-based chatbots have immense potential to improve academic work efficiency, but the ethical implications of their fair use and inherent bias must be considered. In this editorial, we discuss this technology from the academic's perspective with regard to its limitations and utility for academic writing, education, and programming. We end with our stance with regard to using LLMs and chatbots in academia, which is summarized as (1) we must find ways to effectively use them, (2) their use does not constitute plagiarism (although they may produce plagiarized text), (3) we must quantify their bias, (4) users must be cautious of their poor accuracy, and (5) the future is bright for their application to research and as an academic tool.


LPS-induced expression of the human IL-1 receptor antagonist gene is controlled by multiple interacting promoter elements.
Expression of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) can be induced by treatment of monocytes and macrophages with LPS. We have previously demonstrated that the most proximal 294 bp of the human IL-1ra promoter are sufficient for full basal activity and LPS responsiveness. In the present study, we demonstrate the presence of one inhibitory and three positive-acting LPS response elements (LRE) within this proximal 294-bp IL-1ra promoter fragment. By both 5'-deletional analysis and heterologous promoter studies, an element between -294 and -250 was found to mask the LPS response. By 5'-deletional analysis and heterologous promoter experiments, two positive-acting LRE were identified between -250 and -200 (LRE3) and -200 and -148 (LRE2) which exhibited cooperativity in that neither element alone was active. Furthermore, LRE2 also cooperated with a more proximal site between -148 and -31 (LRE1), which also was not active alone. LRE1 was identified as an NF-kappa B-binding site. Site-directed mutagenesis of this site, located between -93 and -84, resulted in a > 50% decrease in the LPS responsiveness of the 294-bp promoter. By electrophoretic mobility shift assays, with or without specific antisera to members of the rel/NF-kappa B family, the complex binding to LRE1 was shown to contain primarily NF-kappa B1/p50 and lesser amounts of RelA/p65. These results indicate that the net activation of the human IL-1ra promoter in response to LPS involves the functional interaction of at least four cis-acting DNA elements within the proximal 294 bp.


The Use, Safety, and Efficacy of Olanzapine in a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center Emergency Department Over a 10-Year Period.
Olanzapine is a second-generation antipsychotic increasingly used in emergency medicine for many indications. Literature on its use in children is sparse. Our objectives were to describe the use, safety, and efficacy of olanzapine in pediatric emergency patients. A structured chart review was performed of patients 18 years old or younger receiving olanzapine from 2007 to 2016 in the emergency department of a pediatric level I trauma center. A total of 285 children received olanzapine. Mean age was 16.4 years (range, 9-18 years); 121 were male (42.8%). Primary indications for olanzapine included agitation (n = 166, 58.3%), headache (n = 58, 20.4%), nausea/vomiting/abdominal pain (n = 37, 12.5%), unspecified pain (n = 20, 7%), and other (n = 4, 1.4%). Route of olanzapine administration was intramuscular (n = 160, 56%; median dose, 10 mg; range, 2.5-20), intravenous (n = 101, 36%; median dose, 5 mg; range, 1.25-5), and oral (n = 24, 8%; median dose, 10 mg; range, 5-10). For agitated patients, 28 (17%) received another sedative within 1 hour. For headache patients, 5 (8.6%) received another analgesic. For gastrointestinal complaints, 5 patients (13.5%) received another analgesic/antiemetic. Adverse respiratory events were hypoxia (pulse oximetry reading, in percentage, <92%; n = 7, 2.4%), supplemental oxygen placement (n = 9, 3.2%), and intubation (n = 2, 0.7%). No patient died or had a dysrhythmia. One patient experienced dystonia. Olanzapine seems safe when used for a variety of conditions in pediatric emergency patients. It may be effective for acute agitation, primary headache, and gastrointestinal complaints.


Stroma adjacent to metastatic mature teratoma after chemotherapy for testicular germ cell tumors is derived from the same progenitor cells as the teratoma.
Metastatic mature teratoma is often present in postchemotherapy surgical specimens of lymph nodes from patients with pathological stage II or III testicular germ cell tumors. The stromal cells in these lesions have generally been considered "fibrosis" secondary to the chemotherapy and the necrosis it causes, although the frequent cytological atypia of the stromal cells suggests that they may be neoplastic. We studied 25 patients with pathological stage II or III testicular cancer who were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of retroperitoneal lymph nodes that contained metastatic mature teratoma with "fibrosis" to determine the reactive or neoplastic nature of the stromal cells. We compared the pattern of allelic loss using nine microsatellite DNA markers (D9S177, D9S303, D9S778, D9S171, D12S1015, D1S508, D2S156, D18S46, and D11S903) between the epithelial cells of the teratoma and the cells in the adjacent stroma. A laser capture microdissection technique facilitated preparation of genomic DNA from the epithelial components of teratoma, adjacent stromal cells, and normal lymph node tissue from each patient. Of the 25 patients, loss of heterozygosity was seen at a minimum of one focus in 22 (92%) of the teratoma specimens and 16 (64%) of the adjacent stroma. Of the 16 cases for which the stroma showed loss of heterozygosity, 8 cases showed the identical pattern of allelic loss in the epithelial cells of the adjacent teratoma at all nine DNA loci studied. The remaining eight cases showed similar allelic loss in at least one of the nine DNA loci analyzed. Interestingly, three cases showed loss of heterozygosity in the stroma that was not seen in the matching teratoma specimens. Our results indicate that the stromal cells adjacent to metastatic mature teratoma in postchemotherapy lymph node specimens frequently have genetic abnormalities similar to the metastatic teratoma. Concordant genetic alterations observed in teratoma and stroma suggest that both are derived from the same element of the original germ cell tumor or the same progenitor cell.


Genetic diversity of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale strains isolated from poultry in France.
Twenty-three strains of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale from various origins, associated with respiratory pathology of birds, were compared using plasmid profiles, ribotyping and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) in order to achieve a precise strain characterization as well as to highlight the relationships between these strains. No plasmid could be detected. These strains were poorly discriminated by ribotyping although different enzymes were used. The RAPD analysis has given reproducible DNA fingerprints and a good level of discrimination. This method can be used with only one or two primers to differentiate the O. rhinotracheale strains and could be used in epidemiological studies.


Anthrax lethal toxin: a weapon of multisystem destruction.
Lethal toxin (LT) is a major virulence factor secreted by anthrax bacteria. It is composed of two proteins, PA (protective antigen) and LF (lethal factor). PA transports the LF inside the cell, where LF, a zinc-dependent metalloprotease cleaves the mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) enzymes of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, thereby impairing their function. This disruption of the MAPK pathway, which serves essential functions such as proliferation, survival and inflammation in all cell types, results in multisystem dysfunction in the host. The inactivation of the MAPK pathway in both macrophages and dendritic cells leads to inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine secretion, downregulation of costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86, and ineffective T cell priming. The net result is an impaired innate and adaptive immune response. Endothelial cells of the vascular system undergo apoptosis upon LT exposure, also likely due to inactivation of the MAPK pathway. The activity of various hormone receptors such as glucocorticoids, progesterone and estrogen is also blocked, due to inhibition of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, thus affecting the body's response to stress. The present review summarizes the various disarming effects of Bacillus anthracis through the use of a single weapon, the lethal toxin.


Fecal microbiota transplantation - methods of treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections and other diseases.
Clostridium difficile is a serious epidemiological problem and particularly dangerous microorganism causing hospital infections. Currently, the treatment of C. difficile infections is the use of metronidazole or vancomycin. However, in some patients, recurrent infection difficult to treat occurs. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a new method used to treat the recurrent CDI. FMT consists in the infusion of the fecal suspension from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient with CDI to restore the natural intestinal microflora. FMT is safe and effective treatment of recurrent CDI. FMT is extensively described around the world, but to date only two randomized studies confirming the effectiveness of FMT have been conducted. This method was also applied in the treatment of diseases such as pseudomembranous colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The review describes the procedure for FMT and the current state of knowledge about the effectiveness of FMT in the treatment of recurrent CDI.


Functional expression of the murine Golgi CMP-sialic acid transporter in saccharomyces cerevisiae.
We have functionally expressed the murine Golgi putative CMP-sialic acid transporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using a galactose-inducible expression system, S. cerevisiae vesicles were able to transport CMP-sialic acid. Transport was dependent on galactose induction and was temperature-dependent and saturable with an apparent Km of 2.9 microM. Transport was inhibited by CMP, and upon vesicle disruption with Triton X-100 parameters were very similar to the previously described CMP-sialic acid transport characteristics observed with mammalian Golgi vesicles. CMP-sialic acid transport induction was specific as no transport of UDP-galactose was observed even though the latter putative transporter has a high degree of amino acid sequence identity with the CMP-sialic acid transporter. Together, the above results demonstrate that the previously described cDNA encoding the putative CMP-sialic acid transporter encodes the transporter protein per se and suggests that this heterologous expression system may be used for further structural and functional studies of other Golgi membrane transporter proteins.


[Preparation and in vitro release of quercetin nanocrystals self-stabilized Pickering emulsion].
A new quercetin nanocrystals self-stabilized Pickering emulsion(QT-NSSPE) was prepared by high-pressure homogenization combined with probe ultrasonic method. The influences of oil fraction, quercetin(QT) concentration, and pH of water phase on the formation of QT-NSSPE were investigated. On this basis, the QT-NSSPE prepared under optimal conditions was evaluated in terms of microstructure, stability, and in vitro release and the droplet size and drug loading were 15.82 μm and 4.87 mg·mL~(-1), respectively. The shell structure formed by quercetin nanocrystals(QT-NC) on the emulsion droplet surface was observed under a scanning electron microscope(SEM). X-ray diffraction(XRD) showed that the crystallinity of adsorbed QT-NC decreased significantly as compared with the raw QT. There were not significant changes of QT-NSSPE properties after 30 days of storage at room temperature. The in vitro release experiment confirmed that QT-NSSPE has a higher accumulative release rate than the raw QT. All these results indicated that QT-NSSPE has a great stability and a satisfactory in vitro release behavior, which is a promising new oral delivery system for QT.


A novel approach for documenting phosphenes induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Stimulation of the human visual cortex produces a transient perception of light, known as a phosphene. Phosphenes are induced by invasive electrical stimulation of the occipital cortex, but also by non-invasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)(1) of the same cortical regions. The intensity at which a phosphene is induced (phosphene threshold) is a well established measure of visual cortical excitability and is used to study cortico-cortical interactions, functional organization (2), susceptibility to pathology (3,4) and visual processing (5-7). Phosphenes are typically defined by three characteristics: they are observed in the visual hemifield contralateral to stimulation; they are induced when the subject s eyes are open or closed, and their spatial location changes with the direction of gaze (2). Various methods have been used to document phosphenes, but a standardized methodology is lacking. We demonstrate a reliable procedure to obtain phosphene threshold values and introduce a novel system for the documentation and analysis of phosphenes. We developed the Laser Tracking and Painting system (LTaP), a low cost, easily built and operated system that records the location and size of perceived phosphenes in real-time. The LTaP system provides a stable and customizable environment for quantification and analysis of phosphenes.


The EUPEMEN (EUropean PErioperative MEdical Networking) Protocol for Bowel Obstruction: Recommendations for Perioperative Care.
Mechanical bowel obstruction is a common symptom for admission to emergency services, diagnosed annually in more than 300,000 patients in the States, from whom 51% will undergo emergency laparotomy. This condition is associated with serious morbidity and mortality, but it also causes a high financial burden due to long hospital stay. The EUPEMEN project aims to incorporate the expertise and clinical experience of national clinical specialists into development of perioperative rehabilitation protocols. Providing special recommendations for all aspects of patient perioperative care and the participation of diverse specialists, the EUPEMEN protocol for bowel obstruction, as presented in the current paper, aims to provide faster postoperative recovery and reduce length of hospital stay, postoperative morbidity and mortality rate.


[Technique, indications, and results of "mini-percutaneous" nephrolithotomy].
In 1997, Jackman and Helal described a miniaturized PCNL technique in children using an 11 F introducer sheath: "mini-percutaneous" nephrolithotomy. Preliminary studies showed that the success rate of this new technique for stones less than 20 mm diameter was comparable to that of standard PCNL. Jackman reported a success rate of 85% in children. In adults, using a 13 F sheath, Chan reported a success rate of 94% in 17 patients and Jackman reported a success rate of 92% in 11 patients. With a 20 F sheath, Monga reported a success rate of 90% in 21 patients. All authors emphasized the value of a small calibre sheath (11 to 20 F) to decrease the morbidity and parenchymal lesions associated with conventional PCNL. However, no randomized prospective study has compared the morbidity of the two types of access. The repercussions of "mini-percutaneous" nephrolithotomy and conventional PCNL (11 F versus 30 F) on the renal parenchyma were recently evaluated. No significant difference in terms of parenchymal scarring was demonstrated. The volume of damaged renal parenchyma represented less than 1% of the total volume for the two types of access. There is therefore no advantage to use a small calibre nephrolithotomy exclusively 2 to preserve the renal parenchyma. This article reviews this new technique, its indications and its results.


Protein phosphorylation and synaptic transmission: receptor mediated modulation of protein kinase C in a rat brain fraction enriched in synaptosomes.
Aspects of protein phosphorylation related to events occurring during synaptic transmission were briefly reviewed. High resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis was used to study protein phosphorylation catalysed by protein kinase C in a fraction from rat brain enriched in synaptosomes. Incubation of 32P-labelled synaptosomes with 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate resulted in an increase in the phosphorylation of a 45 K polypeptide (generally known as B-50) and an 82 K polypeptide; other major phosphoproteins in the preparation were unaffected by this treatment. It appears therefore that the 45 K and 82 K polypeptides are the only significant substrates for protein kinase C in synaptosomes. Depolarisation of labelled synaptosomes by high K+ increased the phosphorylation of the 82 K polypeptide, synapsin I and several unknown phosphoproteins. Incubation of labelled synaptosomes with the cholinergic agonist carbachol resulted in a modest, but statistically significant, increase in the phosphorylation of the 45 K (B-50) and 82 K polypeptides. This effect was blocked by atropine. The results are discussed in relation to a possible role for the B-50 phosphoprotein in regulating the resynthesis of polyphosphoinositides following cholinergic stimulation.


[Empyema of the ureteral stump with multiple stones after nephrectomy].
A 64-year-old woman, who had undergone right nephrectomy because of right incomplete double pyeloureter and dysplastic kidney with a ureteral stone at the age of 25, presented with a chief complaint of repeated urinary tract infection associated with right lower abdominal pain. A diagnosis of empyema of the ureteral stump with multiple stones was made based on X-ray findings and cystoscopy. In December 1999, the right residual ureter and ureteral stones were removed. Histopathologically, non-specific inflammatory change and fibrosis of the wall were observed. The ureter including the stones should have been resected at the previous nephrectomy.


Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Labrador retriever.
Sex-linked muscular dystrophy associated with dystrophin deficiency has been reported in several breeds of dogs and is best characterized in the golden retriever. In this case report, a young, male Labrador retriever with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy is presented. Clinical signs included generalized weakness, lingual hypertrophy, and dysphagia. Electromyographic abnormalities including complex repetitive discharges were present. Serum creatine kinase concentration was dramatically elevated. Histopathological changes within a muscle biopsy specimen confirmed a dystrophic myopathy, and dystrophin deficiency was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining. While X-linked muscular dystrophy has not previously been reported in the Labrador retriever, a hereditary myopathy with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance has been characterized. A correct diagnosis and classification of these two disorders are critical for breeders and owners since both the mode of inheritance and the prognosis differ.


Thermodynamic instabilities in one-dimensional particle lattices: a finite-size scaling approach.
One-dimensional thermodynamic instabilities are phase transitions, not prohibited by Landau's argument because the energy of the domain wall which separates the two phases is infinite. Whether they actually occur in a given system of particles must be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis by examining the properties of the corresponding singular transfer integral (TI) equation. The present work deals with the generic Peyrard-Bishop model of DNA denaturation. In the absence of exact statements about the spectrum of the singular TI equation, I use Gauss-Hermite quadratures to achieve a single-parameter-controlled approach to rounding effects; this allows me to employ finite-size scaling concepts in order to demonstrate that a phase transition occurs and to derive the critical exponents.


Little words BIG impact: Perioperative communication for children with burns.
Anaesthetists are key members of teams caring for burn-injured children in almost every aspect of their management. Their role can involve initial resuscitation, intensive care, analgesia, and anaesthesia for multiple procedures both acutely and subsequently for scar management. As key members of burns management teams, effective communication with patients and their families as well as other members of the burn care team is vital. There is little guidance, however, addressing how the anaesthetist might communicate and optimise anaesthetic burns care of children pre-, intra-, and postoperatively. Advances in the understanding of the neurobiology of communication suggests that we need to consider positive (placebo) or negative (nocebo) subconscious processes. Learnable language structures GREAT (Greeting, Rapport, Expectations, Addressing concerns, Tacit agreement) and LAURS (Listening, Acceptance, Utilisation, Reframing, Suggestion) can facilitate any patient or family interaction ensuring children and their parents feel they are being heard and understood. Talking about finishing rather than starting when about to perform a potentially painful procedure can also facilitate burns care with children. Other strategies include the avoidance of nocebo communications or apologising before a painful procedure and, instead, focusing on therapeutic (placebo) alternatives. Children do not view pain in the same way as adults do, and techniques such as play therapy and hypnosis can be valuable adjuncts to traditional analgesia administration in burns care, with the added benefit of minimising side-effects. The use of regular time-outs during prolonged burns surgeries is a helpful communication strategy between the anaesthetist and other members of the burns team that can optimise patient safety. Communication is a core clinical skill in the practice of anaesthesia during paediatric burns care and is an area for future research.


The role of hypoxia in organophosphorus nerve agent intoxication.
Effectiveness of the standard therapy for organophosphorus (OP) anticholinesterase poisoning has been questioned because of the relative resistance of the cholinesterase (ChE) enzymes to reactivation by oximes (Harris et al., 1968). Because tissue hypoxia may be a significant lethal component of OP nerve agent intoxication, oxygen therapy should be beneficial. Although there have been no systematic investigations of the value of oxygen therapy in OP poisoning, it may improve the efficiency of ChE reactivation by the standard therapies of cholinolytics and oximes. Because tissue hypoxia may be generated by arterial hypoxemia due to respiratory failure, oxygen therapy should limit concomitant metabolic disturbances associated with anaerobiosis. This review addresses the interspecies variations and experimental model developments that should challenge neuroscientists to adopt an integrated, physiological approach to understanding the precise role of hypoxia in neurotoxicity. The significance of tissue hypoxia to protection and recovery of humans from OP nerve agent intoxication is also discussed.


[Anesthetic management of two patients with Brugada-type ECG and of different clinical severity].
Brugada syndrome is an arrhythmia syndrome characterized by typical electrocardiogram (Brugada-type ECG) and development of ventricular fibrillation (Vf) without any distinct structural heart diseases. The essential goal in the management of Brugada syndrome is to avoid the development of Vf. However, there has been no established consensus on pre-operative risk assessment of patients with Brugada-type ECG. We recently experienced two cases of anesthetic managements for patients with Brugada-type ECG. Based on these experiences and recent cardiological progress on the risk stratification of Brugada syndrome, we thoroughly discuss on the peri-operative managements for patients with Brugada-type ECG.


Synthesis and damage specificity of a novel probe for the detection of abasic sites in DNA.
The abasic site (apurinic/apyrimidinic site) is the most common lesion in DNA and is suggested to be an important intermediate in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. We have recently reported a novel assay for the detection and quantitation of abasic sites in DNA [Kubo, K., Ide, H., Wallace, S. S., & Kow, Y. W. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 3703-3708]. In this assay, the aldehyde group in an abasic site is first modified by a probe bearing a biotin residue, called the Aldehyde Reactive Probe (ARP) and then the tagged biotin is quantified by an ELISA-like assay. However, in the previous study, ARP was prepared only in a crude form, and no solid chemical data concerning the structure and specificity of ARP were reported. In this study, an improved method for the preparative synthesis of ARP has been established, and its structure has been unambiguously characterized using spectroscopic means. In order to elucidate the specificity of ARP to DNA damages, ARP was incubated with a variety of damaged bases or nucleosides and the reaction mixtures were analyzed by HPLC. Of the 14 compounds tested for their reactivity to ARP, 2-deoxyribose (a model compound for an abasic site) and 5-formyluracil reacted with ARP. Interestingly, compounds bearing a formamide group such as formamidopyrimidine and deoxyribosylformamide did not react with ARP, indicating that ARP is specific to damages having an alkyl or allyl aldehyde group. Furthermore, the ability of ARP synthesized by the defined chemical route to detect abasic sites has been substantiated using natural DNA containing abasic sites. Potential applications and limitations of the ARP assay are discussed.


[Study on the vertebro-basilar system in "moyamoya" disease].
Posterior circulation in 82 children of "moyamoya" disease are studied. Two aspects of "moyamoya" disease, (ie; occlusive lesion of cerebral vessels and the development of abnormal vascular network as collateral channel,) are also detected in the vertebrobasilar system. Among 82 cases, 49 cases showed the occlusion of posterior cerebral artery at their quadrigeminal segment. Twenty-three showed the more proximal occlusive lesions. Vertebral artery occlusion were found in 3 cases. As the occlusive lesion progresses, abnormal vascular network at the posterior portion of skull base developed. This network consists mainly of thalamogeniculate artery, posterior choroidal artery, and also of other thalamoperforators. Visual field defect as an ischemic symptom of occipital lobe was detected in 9 cases (11%). Superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis and encephalo-myo-synangiosis (temporal muscle graft), which were not considered to be so effective to the ischemia of the posterior circulation, were shown to exert indirect redistribution effect upon the vertebrobasilar system. However, this effect is such an indirect one that these surgical treatments cannot prevent the occurrence of ischemic stroke in the vertebrobasilar system. For this purpose, omentum transplantation to the occipital lobe may be needed as a method of direct revascularization.


Local and whole-network topologies reveal that pulvinar and semantic hub interactions correlate with picture vocabulary.
Evidence from cognitive neuroscience indicates that subcortical regions, especially the pulvinar region of the thalamus, are involved in semantic processing. In the current study, graph-based methods were used to investigate whether a cortical-subcortical network is involved in vocabulary processing. In addition to traditional resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analysis between local brain areas, we applied a novel method to validate the interaction between semantic network hubs and the pulvinar. Unlike the traditional rsFC, the new metrics assessed rsFC pattern similarity (rsFCS), which was calculated with a cosine similarity algorithm based on whole-network topological information. We also applied a support vector regression program based on left pulvinar connectivity patterns. A brain-behavior analysis was conducted based on 100 randomly selected unrelated participants from the Human Connectome Project S1200 database. After controlling for the visuospatial and attention test scores, the rsFC between the left middle temporal gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, and left pulvinar was significantly positively correlated with age-adjusted picture vocabulary scores. Similar results were confirmed based on the new rsFCS analysis. The support vector regression procedures also showed a clearly relationship between picture vocabulary scores and left pulvinar-related rsFCs. Our study verified a role for a subcortical-cortical network in vocabulary processing that is based on local and whole-network topologies.