[Effects of langchuangping granule on the expression of B lymphocyte activating factor in the peripheral blood B cells of BXSB lupus nephritis mice].
To explore the expressions of B lymphocyte activating factor (BAFF) in the serum and peripheral blood B cells (PBBCs) of BXSB lupus nephritis mice, and to investigate the efficacy of Langchuangping Granule (LG). Eighteen 11-week-old male BXSB lupus mice were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., the lupus control group, the hormone treatment group, and the LG treatment group, 6 in each group. Besides, another 6 C57BL/6 male mice were recruited as the normal control group. The mice were given with normal sodium (10 mL/d), methylprednisolone (at the daily dose of 5 mg/kg), LG (at the daily dose of 4 g/kg), and the normal saline (10 mL/d) respectively by gastrogavage for 4 weeks. The urine protein, ds-DNA, and body weight were determined. The serum soluble BAFF (sBAFF), the expressions and changes of BAFF-mRNA in the PBBCs were detected using ELISA and RT-PCR respectively. The activity index (AI) and 24 h urine albumin excretion quantitation of renal pathological activities were observed. The correlation between ds-DNA and sBAFF were analyzed. The level of sBAFF in serum, the BAFF mRNA level in PBBCs, 24 h urinary albumin excretion, and serum ds-DNA content increased more obviously in lupus mice than in the normal mice. After being treated by methylprednisolone or LG, the sBAFF and BAFF mRNA expressions decreased more obviously than before treatment, showing statistical difference (P<0.05). But there was no statistical difference in the sBAFF level or the BAFF mRNA expression (P>0.05). There was positive correlation between sBAFF and AI (r=0.8098, P<0.01), 24 h urinary albumin excretion (r=0.8220, P<0.01), and ds-DNA (r=0.8535, P<0.01). BAFF plays an important role in the occurrence and development of lupus nephritis. It can be used in monitoring the disease progress and predicting its recurrence. It is one of ideal targets for treating lupus nephritis. LG could attenuate the renal injury via suppressing BAFF level. It is worth further clinical application.


Characterization of the infarct pattern caused by vulnerable aortic arch atheroma: DWI and multidetector row CT study.
Aortic arch atheroma (AAA) has been accepted as a possible embolic source in patients with ischemic stroke, especially cryptogenic stroke. However, despite its well-known role as a risk factor for stroke, research focused on the mechanism or characteristics of stroke caused by AAA is insufficient. In this study, we aimed to evaluate clinical and radiological characteristics including lesion pattern on DWI in acute stroke patients associated with vulnerable AAA detected by multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT). From September 2008 through May 2011, patients who presented with acute ischemic stroke and underwent MDCT were found in a prospective stroke registry. Patients without evident stroke etiology were included and classified by presence of vulnerable AAA. Vulnerable AAA was defined as (i) at least 6 mm thick adjacent to the aortic wall; (ii) ulcerated plaque, or (iii) soft plaque. Soft plaque was defined as the presence of clearly visualized area of hypoattenuation (<80 Hounsfield units) suggestive of thrombus. The patients without vulnerable AAA were classified as no/simple AAA group. The characteristics of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) lesions were analyzed in terms of the number and size of the lesions, and the involved vascular territories. A total of 63 cryptogenic stroke patients were included in this study. Vulnerable AAA was observed in 15 (23.8%) patients. The patients with vulnerable AAA were older than those with no/simple AAA (p = 0.026). DWI analysis revealed that the vulnerable AAA group had a greater chance of having multiple and small lesions in multiple vascular territories that were mainly located in cortical and border-zone regions than the no/simple AAA group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.34) and multiple small lesions in multiple vascular territories (odds ratio 33.18; 95% confidence interval 4.26-258.45) were independently associated with vulnerable AAA. Vulnerable AAA is independently associated with a DWI pattern characterized by multiple small scattered lesions in multiple vascular territories in conjunction with age. It may help determine stroke mechanism quickly and easily, and provide more information about the pathomechanism of vulnerable AAA-related stroke.


Aflatoxin B1 levels in groundnut and sunflower oils in different Sudanese states.
In this article, the level of contamination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in groundnut and sunflower oils was determined. The 241 oil samples were collected from Khartoum, Gezira, Kordofan and Algadarif states of Sudan and assessed for AFB1 using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). AFB1 levels in groundnut oil samples ranged from 0.5 to 70 µg/kg and were 0.7 to 35 µg/kg in sunflower oil samples. High contamination was found in unrefined samples. It was concluded that AFB1 levels in oil samples indicated that growing, harvesting, handling and storage of the crops were not done properly.


Craniofacial morphology in Chinese and Swedish children with Angle Class I and Class II occlusal relations.
The purpose of this study was to compare the craniofacial morphology of a group of Chinese children from northern China with a group of Swedish children. Each ethnic group comprised 20 boys and 20 girls with Class I occlusion, and 20 boys and 20 girls with Class II occlusion. The ages of the children ranged from eight to ten years. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were used for the recording of a number of skeletal, dental, nasopharyngeal airway, and hyoid bone variables. The results of the comparisons of the two ethnic groups showed that the antero-posterior dimensions of the anterior cranial base and the maxilla in the Chinese children were significantly smaller than the corresponding dimensions in the Swedish children. The mean values of anterior and posterior face heights, inclination of the upper incisors, and protrusion of the lower incisors, were significantly greater in the Chinese than in the Swedish samples. In the median plane, the size of the nasopharyngeal airway was significantly greater in the Chinese than in the Swedes. This difference was due to the fact that the soft tissues covering the posterior nasopharyngeal wall were thinner in the Chinese children than in the Swedish children. In general, the ethnic differences were the same in the Class I and the Class II groups. The differences in some of the dental and skeletal characteristics found between northern Chinese and Caucasian-children are similar to previously described differences between southern Chinese and Caucasian children.


Nonlinear polarization transfer and control of two laser beams overlapping in a uniform nonlinear medium.
A scheme for polarization control using two laser beams in a non-linear optical medium is studied using both co- and counter-propagating beam geometries. In particular, we show that under certain conditions it is possible for two laser beams to exchange their polarization states. A model accounting for a more realistic, 2D propagation geometry is presented. The 2D model produces drastically different results (compared to the 1D propagation geometry), creating difficulties for implementing polarization control in a realistic setting. A proposal for overcoming these difficulties by reducing the non-linear optical medium to a thin slab is presented.


An atypical case of Canavan disease with stroke-like presentation.
Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy caused by a deficiency of aspartoacylase. The disease has a severe course, with death occurring in the first few years of life. Atypical patients with mild courses have been reported, but acute presentations similar to stroke have not been well described. We present a boy who presented at 4 months of age with seizures after an episode of cardiopulmonary arrest is discussed. He was initially thought to have an ischemic watershed stroke based on his initial clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging. However, biochemical and follow-up radiologic evaluation were consistent with mild Canavan disease. DNA sequencing of the ASPA gene indicated one known mutation (A305E) and a novel mutation, L30V. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal the atrophy which would have been expected with watershed ischemia. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated elevated N-acetyl aspartate to creatinine and N-acetyl aspartate to choline ratios. At 4 years of age, he was normocephalic, with mild clumsiness, speech delay, and seizures. This child's unusual acute presentation, along with his prolonged mild course, raises questions about the relationship between biochemical signs of abnormal aspartoacylase function and clinical findings. This patient highlights the need for long-term clinical follow-up of children with mild Canavan disease to clarify the significance of these biochemical abnormalities.


Kelvin-wave cascade on a vortex in superfluid 4He at a very low temperature.
A study by computer simulation is reported of the behavior of a quantized vortex line at a very low temperature when there is continuous excitation of low-frequency Kelvin waves. There is no dissipation except by phonon radiation at a very high frequency. It is shown that nonlinear coupling leads to a net flow of energy to higher wave numbers and to the development of a simple spectrum of Kelvin waves that is insensitive to the strength and frequency of the exciting drive. The results are likely to be relevant to the decay of turbulence in superfluid 4He at very low temperatures.


[Persistent Disturbance of Consciousness after Clipping of an Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm due to Pseudohypoxic Brain Swelling].
A patient developed persistent disturbance of consciousness after uneventful clipping of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm under general anesthesia. Pseudohypoxic brain swelling (PHBS) was suspected because computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed diffuse brain swelling, especially in the bilateral basal ganglia and thalami. Steroid pulse therapy in addition to antiedematous drugs and anticonvulsant improved the consciousness. Anesthesiologists should pay attention to PHBS in a case of persistent disturbance of consciousness after uneventful craniotomy.


Current understanding of signal amplification in phototransduction.
The studies of visual signal transduction, or phototransduction, have played a pivotal role in elucidating the most general principles of G protein signaling, particularly in regards to the concept of signal amplification, i.e., the process by which activation of a relatively small number of G protein coupled receptors is transformed into a robust downstream signaling event. In this essay, we summarize our current quantitative understanding of this process in living rods of lower and higher vertebrate animals. An integration of biochemical experiments in vitro with electrophysiological recordings from intact rod photoreceptors indicates that the total number of G protein molecules activated in the course of a light response to a single photon is ~16 in the mouse and ~60 in the frog. This further translates into hydrolysis of ~2000 and ~72 000 molecules of cGMP downstream of G protein, respectively, which represents the total degree of biochemical amplification in the phototransduction cascade.


Smart Bandaid Integrated with Fully Textile OECT for Uric Acid Real-Time Monitoring in Wound Exudate.
Hard-to-heal wounds (i.e., severe and/or chronic) are typically associated with particular pathologies or afflictions such as diabetes, immunodeficiencies, compression traumas in bedridden people, skin grafts, or third-degree burns. In this situation, it is critical to constantly monitor the healing stages and the overall wound conditions to allow for better-targeted therapies and faster patient recovery. At the moment, this operation is performed by removing the bandages and visually inspecting the wound, putting the patient at risk of infection and disturbing the healing stages. Recently, new devices have been developed to address these issues by monitoring important biomarkers related to the wound health status, such as pH, moisture, etc. In this contribution, we present a novel textile chemical sensor exploiting an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) configuration based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) for uric acid (UA)-selective monitoring in wound exudate. The combination of special medical-grade textile materials provides a passive sampling system that enables the real-time and non-invasive analysis of wound fluid: UA was detected as a benchmark analyte to monitor the health status of wounds since it represents a relevant biomarker associated with infections or necrotization processes in human tissues. The sensors proved to reliably and reversibly detect UA concentration in synthetic wound exudate in the biologically relevant range of 220-750 μM, operating in flow conditions for better mimicking the real wound bed. This forerunner device paves the way for smart bandages integrated with real-time monitoring OECT-based sensors for wound-healing evaluation.


Endotoxin concentration in treated water of all hemodialysis units in Greece and inquisition of influencing factors.
Mains and purified water samples from all hemodialysis centers in Greece were surveyed to assess hemodialysis water quality and the potential consequences on the dialysis population of any microbial and endotoxin contamination. Total heterotrophic bacteria counts were estimated employing the pour-plate method, the membrane filter technique, for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, enterococci and Pseudomonas spp., and the most probable number method for sulfite-reducing clostridia. Overall 170 paired samples were tested. Endotoxin concentrations were assayed in treated water samples, by the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate method, employing a chromogenic substrate. Endotoxin concentration varied from 0-30 EU/ml and exceeded 5 EU/ml in 30.6% of the centers. Endotoxin contaminated samples showed higher counts of total heterotrophic bacteria, fecal coliforms, enterococci and Pseudomonas spp. than the rest of the samples, though the difference was significant only for total heterotrophic bacteria and enterococci. Additionally, samples with endotoxin contamination derived from the mains water had significantly higher counts of fecal coliforms, enterococci and Pseudomonas spp. Endotoxin concentration was correlated with the presence of a deionization system, counts of fecal coliforms in supply water and counts of total coliforms, fecal coliforms and enterococci in treated water. These results demonstrate that hemodialysis centers in Greece need to monitor and preventively maintain the entire hemodialysis system, in order to ensure renal replacement therapy of good quality.


Human lung-resident macrophages express CB1 and CB2 receptors whose activation inhibits the release of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors.
Macrophages are pivotal effector cells in immune responses and tissue remodeling by producing a wide spectrum of mediators, including angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors. Activation of cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2 has been suggested as a new strategy to modulate angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We investigated whether human lung-resident macrophages express a complete endocannabinoid system by assessing their production of endocannabinoids and expression of cannabinoid receptors. Unstimulated human lung macrophage produce 2-arachidonoylglycerol,N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine,N-palmitoyl-ethanolamine, and N-oleoyl-ethanolamine. On LPS stimulation, human lung macrophages selectively synthesize 2-arachidonoylglycerol in a calcium-dependent manner. Human lung macrophages express cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2, and their activation induces ERK1/2 phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species generation. Cannabinoid receptor activation by the specific synthetic agonists ACEA and JWH-133 (but not the endogenous agonist 2-arachidonoylglycerol) markedly inhibits LPS-induced production of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, vascular endothelial growth factor-C, and angiopoietins and modestly affects IL-6 secretion. No significant modulation of TNF-α or IL-8/CXCL8 release was observed. The production of vascular endothelial growth factor-A by human monocyte-derived macrophages is not modulated by activation of cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2. Given the prominent role of macrophage-assisted vascular remodeling in many tumors, we identified the expression of cannabinoid receptors in lung cancer-associated macrophages. Our results demonstrate that cannabinoid receptor activation selectively inhibits the release of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors from human lung macrophage but not from monocyte-derived macrophages. Activation of cannabinoid receptors on tissue-resident macrophages might be a novel strategy to modulate macrophage-assisted vascular remodeling in cancer and chronic inflammation.


Pancreatic morphological abnormality that was challenging to differentiate from an ectopic pancreas: a case report.
Protrusion of the lateral contour of the pancreatic head is a pancreatic morphological abnormality, which is known as rare shape atypia. We present a rare case of protrusion of the lateral contour of the pancreatic head, which was challenging to distinguish from an ectopic pancreas. The patient was a 40-year-old man with a history of acute pancreatitis that occurred twice in the past. He complained of epigastric pain since the day before the visit; his blood workup showed high serum amylase level and a CT scan revealed a 25-mm-large mass with contrast effect from the anterior wall of the gastric pylorus to the duodenum and increased surrounding fatty tissue density. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a mass lesion in the gastric pylorus with continuity with the gastric wall and suspected partial continuity with the pancreatic head. Thus, the possibility of pancreatic morphological abnormality or an ectopic pancreas was considered. Following which, resection was attempted and intraoperative findings showed a wide extension of the pancreatic parenchyma from the pancreatic head to the anterior wall of the gastric pylorus to the duodenal bulb. Since the patient only had mild pancreatitis, the resection was judged to be too invasive and was completed by exploratory laparoscopy. Even if the findings on preoperative CT are suspicious for an ectopic pancreas or tumor, a pancreatic morphological abnormality, such as a protrusion of the lateral contour of the pancreatic head, should be included in the differential diagnosis.


N-Amino Pyridinium Salts in Organic Synthesis.
C-N bond forming reactions hold immense significance to synthetic organic chemistry. In pursuit of efficient methods for the introduction of nitrogen in organic small molecules, myriad synthetic methods have been developed, and methods based on both nucleophilic and electrophilic aminating reagents have received sustained research effort. In response to continued challenges - the need for substrate prefunctionalization, the requirement for vestigial N-activating groups, and the need to incorporate nitrogen in ever more complex molecular settings - the development of novel aminating reagents remains a central challenge in method development. N-aminopyridinums and their derivatives have recently emerged as a class of bifunctional aminating reagents, which combine N-centered nucleophilicity with latent electrophilic or radical reactivity by virtue of the reducible N-N bond, with broad synthetic potential. Here, we summarize the synthesis and reactivity of N-aminopyridinium salts relevant to organic synthesis. The preparation and application of these reagents in photocatalyzed and metal-catalyzed transformations is discussed, showcasing the reactivity in the context of bifunctional platform and its potential for innovation in the field.


Understanding the enzymatic activity of 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase and its mutant analogues: a computational study.
The effect of replacing arginine residues (Arg) with citrulline residues (Cit) in the binding site of 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4-OT) was investigated with force field molecular dynamics and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics studies. It is found that the Arg61Cit mutation has only minor effects on the k(cat) and K(M) values determined experimentally because of the flexibility of this residue. The decrease in k(cat) and increase in K(M) for the Arg11Cit and Arg39Cit mutations are due to the disruption of the binding site, which arises from repulsive interactions with neighboring residues. The results of this investigation shed new light on the effects of mutations in the binding site of 4-OT and consequently on how the enzyme binds the active substrate.


Butyrylcholinesterase activity and molecular components in thymus of healthy and merosin-deficient Lama2dy mice.
The laminin-alpha2 chain, referred to as merosin, forms part of the laminin-2 heterotrimer (alpha2beta1gamma1), which is principally expressed in the basement membrane of muscle. Nearly half of patients suffering from congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) have abnormalities in the laminin-alpha2 chain (LAMA2) gene, and the merosin-deficient Lama2dy mouse shows CMD. The expression of merosin in thymus, the abnormalities in the gland of Lama2dy mice, and the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in thymus prompted us to study the possible effects of the deficiency of merosin on thymus BuChE. We found that, while AChE activity decreased by approximately 50% in merosin-deficient thymus, the deficiency had little effect on BuChE activity. About 65% of thymus BuChE activity was extracted with a saline buffer and 30% with 1% Triton X-100. Sedimentation analyses and phenyl-agarose chromatography showed that thymus contained amphiphilic BuChE monomers (G(1)(A),44%) and dimers (G(2)(A),33%), and hydrophilic tetramers (G(4)(H),23%). Binding assays with various plant lectins revealed differences between the oligoglycans linked to BuChE tetramers and lighter components. The deficiency of merosin had no effect on the biosynthesis of thymus BuChE as judged by the lack of major changes between control and Lama2dy mice thymuses in the distribution of BuChE molecules and the level of lectin binding. The detoxifying action of BuChE, its role as a backup to AChE, and the relevance of the cholinergic dialogue between T cells and stromal cells for T lymphocyte proliferation, maturation and survival support a physiological function for BuChE in thymus.


Stable and selective formation of hoogsteen-type triplexes and duplexes using twisted intercalating nucleic acids (TINA) prepared via postsynthetic Sonogashira solid-phase coupling reactions.
Bulge insertions of (R)-1-O-[4-(1-pyrenylethynyl)phenylmethyl]glycerol (5) into the middle of homopyrimidine oligodeoxynucleotides (twisted intercalating nucleic acids, TINA) obtained via postsynthetic Sonogashira coupling reaction led to extraordinary high thermal stability of Hoogsteen-type triplexes and duplexes, whereas Watson-Crick-type duplexes of the same nucleotide content were destabilized. Modified oligonucleotides were synthesized using the phosphoramidite of (S)-1-(4,4'-dimethoxytriphenylmethyloxy)-3-(4-iodo-benzyloxy)-propan-2-ol followed by treatment of the oligonucleotide on a CPG-support with the Sonogashira-coupling reaction mixture containing different ethynylaryls. Bulged insertion of the pyrene derivative 5 into oligonucleotides was found to be the best among the tested modifications for binding to the Hoogsteen-type triplexes and duplexes. Thus, at pH 7.2 an oligonucleotide with cytidine content of 36% possessing two bulged insertions of 5 separated by three bases formed a stable triplex (T(m) = 43.0 degrees C), whereas the native oligonucleotide was unable to bind to the target duplex. The corresponding Watson-Crick-type duplex with the same oligonucleotide had T(m) of 38.0 degrees C at pH 7.2, while the T(m) of unmodified dsDNA was 47.0 degrees C. Experiments with mismatched oligonucleotides, luminescent properties, and potential applications of TINA technology is discussed.


Chlamydia pneumoniae stimulates IFN-gamma synthesis through MyD88-dependent, TLR2- and TLR4-independent induction of IL-18 release.
Recent studies suggest that inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and IFN-gamma is a prominent proinflammatory mediator in this context. However, it is unclear what stimuli are responsible for initial stimulation of IFN-gamma synthesis in the vessel wall. In the present study, we demonstrate that Chlamydia pneumoniae is an important stimulus for IFN-gamma synthesis, and this production depends on release of endogenous IL-18, IL-12, and IL-1, but not of TNF. The production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1beta from PBMC by sonicated C. pneumoniae was mediated through TLR2-dependent pathways. In contrast, C. pneumoniae stimulated the production of IL-18 through MyD88-dependent, TLR2-, TLR4-, and CD14-independent pathways, mediated by posttranscriptional mechanisms not involving de novo protein synthesis. In conclusion, C. pneumoniae is a potent stimulus of IFN-gamma production, in addition to the proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1beta, which may contribute to its proatherogenic effects. Most interestingly, C. pneumoniae is also a potent inducer of IL-18 production through pathways independent of TLR2 and TLR4.


Computerised decision support systems to promote appropriate use of blood products.
This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effect of computerised decision support systems (DSSs) on transfusion practice.


Symmetry effects in electrostatic interactions between two arbitrarily charged spherical shells in the Debye-Hückel approximation.
Inhomogeneous charge distributions have important repercussions on electrostatic interactions in systems of charged particles but are often difficult to examine theoretically. We investigate how electrostatic interactions are influenced by patchy charge distributions exhibiting certain point group symmetries. We derive a general form of the electrostatic interaction energy of two permeable, arbitrarily charged spherical shells in the Debye-Hückel approximation and apply it to the case of particles with icosahedral, octahedral, and tetrahedral inhomogeneous charge distributions. We analyze in detail how charge distribution symmetry modifies the interaction energy and find that local charge inhomogeneities reduce the repulsion of two overall equally charged particles, while sufficient orientational variation in the charge distribution can turn the minimum interaction energy into an attraction. Additionally, we show that larger patches and thus lower symmetries and wave numbers result in bigger attraction given the same variation.


Itk: the rheostat of the T cell response.
The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Itk plays a key role in TCR-initiated signaling that directly and significantly affects the regulation of PLCγ1 and the consequent mobilization of Ca(2+). Itk also participates in the regulation of cytoskeletal reorganization as well as cellular adhesion, which is necessary for a productive T cell response. The functional cellular outcome of these molecular regulations by Itk renders it an important mediator of T cell development and differentiation. This paper encompasses the structure of Itk, the signaling parameters leading to Itk activation, and Itk effects on molecular pathways resulting in functional cellular outcomes. The incorporation of these factors persuades one to believe that Itk serves as a modulator, or rheostat, critically fine-tuning the T cell response.


Mapping broadly reactive norovirus genogroup I and II monoclonal antibodies.
Noroviruses are responsible for most acute nonbacterial epidemic outbreaks of gastroenteritis worldwide. To develop cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for rapid identification of genogroup I and II (GI and GII) noroviruses (NoVs) in field specimens, mice were immunized with baculovirus-expressed recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) corresponding to NoVs. Nine MAbs against the capsid protein were identified that detected both GI and GII NoV VLPs. These MAbs were tested in competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to identify common epitope reactivities to GI and GII VLPs. Patterns of competitive reactivity placed these MAbs into two epitope groups (groups 1 and 2). Epitopes for MAbs NV23 and NS22 (group 1) and MAb F120 (group 2) were mapped to a continuous region in the C-terminal P1 subdomain of the capsid protein. This domain is within regions previously defined to contain cross-reactive epitopes in GI and GII viruses, suggesting that common epitopes are clustered within the P1 domain of the capsid protein. Further characterization in an accompanying paper (B. Kou et al., Clin Vaccine Immunol 22:160-167, 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/CVI.00519-14) revealed that MAb NV23 (epitope group 1) is able to detect GI and GII viruses in stool. Inclusion of the GI and GII cross-reactive MAb NV23 in antigen detection assays may facilitate the identification of GI and GII human noroviruses in stool samples as causative agents of outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis worldwide.


Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: Is there a link?
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is present in up to 0.1% of the general population. The incidence is higher in women and increases with age. The majority of the cases is asymptomatic and up to 85% are due to single gland adenoma. Parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice after localization of the hyperactive gland. Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) is the most common cancer of the thyroid and constitutes more than 70% of thyroid malignancies. PTC can present as a single nodule or can be Multifocal. The incidence is higher in women. Early treatment favors a good prognosis. PTC with PHPT has been reported in 2.3-4.3% of patients undergoing surgery for PHPT. The coexistence of parathyroid adenoma and incidental PTC is thought to be rare. The mechanisms underlying the relationship between PHPT and PTC have not been established. We suggest a possible hypothesis for the relationship based on shared embryological origin and genes, high parathyroid hormone (PTH), low 1,25 hydroxy vitamin D, hypercalcemia resulting in high levels of angiogenic growth factors. This promotes the formation of parathyroid adenomas and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Presence of these two diseases can complicate patient management due to untreated hypercalcemia, unrecognized thyroid cancer and need for second surgery if not screened for both diseases carefully.


Prediction of Bovine Serum Albumin-Water Partition Coefficients of a Wide Variety of Neutral Organic Compounds by Means of Support Vector Machine.
Support vector machine (SVM) was used to develop a quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) model that correlates molecular structures to their bovine serum albumin water partition coefficients (KBSA/W ). The performance and predictive aptitude of SVM are considered and compared with other methods such as multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods. A set of 83 natural organic compounds and drugs were selected and suitable sets of molecular descriptors were calculated. Genetic algorithm (GA) was used to select important molecular descriptors, and linear and nonlinear models were applied to correlate the selected descriptors with the experimental values of log KBSA/W . The correlation coefficients, R, between experimental and predicted log KBSA/W for the validation set by MLR, ANN and SVM are 0.951, 0.986 and 0.991, respectively. Results obtained document the reliability and good predictability of the nonlinear QSPR model to predict partition coefficients of organic compounds. Comparison between the values of statistical parameters demonstrates that the predictive ability of the SVM model is comparable or superior to those obtained by MLR and ANN.


Treatment methods following suicidal self-administration of IV organophosphate: What can additional lipid administration change?
Organic phosphor compounds are highly toxic and life-threatening compounds that are widely used in agriculture, households and gardens worldwide. While oral intakes are observed frequently, toxic effects can also be seen through contract or inhalation. However, toxic cases through the parenteral route have rarely been reported. We had three main aims: first, to present a male patient who self-administered 2ml of monocrotophos intravenously to commit suicide. Our second goal was to present the current multiple treatment methods, such as fast general support, antidote treatment, lipid emulsion treatment, and plasmapheresis along with the literature. Third, we aimed to emphasize that with these treatments, patients' intensive care needs, intermediate symptoms, and hospitalization periods can be decreased and thus mortality and morbidity increase can be prevented.


[Surgical delivery: comparison of two 5-year periods].
Operative delivery prevalence is considered in two periods: 1980-1985 and 1986-1990. Reduced prevalence of repeated cesarean section is reported for the second period as opposed to the first one. A larger prevalence of cesarean sections for anomalous presentation (breech presentation included), fetal distress. EPH gestosis, abruptio placentae is reported in the second half of '80's. Vacuum Extractor applications are reduced in the second period compared to the first one for with concern secondary uterine hypokinesia; larger V.E. applications are reported in the second period for fetal distress in the second stage of labor. Relatively rare forceps applications in both periods.


Hematometra after thermal balloon endometrial ablation in a patient with cervical incompetence.
Thermal balloon endometrial ablation is a relatively safe nonsurgical treatment for menorrhagia. Hematometra follows this procedure in <3 % of patients, but risk factors for this complication are unclear. A woman with a history of cervical incompetence during pregnancy later developed cervical occlusion and hematometra after thermal balloon endometrial ablation. Cervical occlusion did not recur after cervical dilatation and temporary placement of a catheter as a stent. The normal resistance of the internal cervical os may be an important factor in avoiding thermal damage to the cervix during thermal balloon endometrial ablation. This case suggests that a history of cervical incompetence may be a clinical indicator of decreased cervical resistance.


[Location of GbpC protein in Streptococcus mutans UA159].
To determine whether the glucan binding protein C (GbpC) with LPXAG motif is anchoring to the cell wall of the Streptococcus mutans UA159 (S. mutans UA159). S. mutans UA159 GbpC C terminal gene segment was amplified by PCR, the gene sequences and the deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed. In order to locate the GbpC of S. mutans, the study isolated the wall fraction following digestion of the cell wall by N-acetylmuramidase, and the GbpC was detected by Western blot analysis. GbpC S. mutans UA159 was located with gold particles. Furthermore, the dextran-dependent aggregation (ddag) phenotype of the S. mutans UA159 under stress condition was observed. S. mutans UA159 GbpC C-terminal LPXTG motif was replaced by LPXAG motif. GbpC was observed in the cell wall component and immunogold experiment showed that the gold particles distributed around the cell wall surface. S. mutans UA159 exhibited ddag+. GbpC with LPXAG motif was still anchoring to the cell wall.


Beyond evidence-based medicine: bridge-building a medicine of meaning.
Contesting that a debate on evidence-based health care has taken place, this article charts three paths to the future: continuing avoidance of debate by proponents of evidence-based medicine (EBM); conflict, which the EBM movement courts and critics have espoused, and dialogue. The last portal allows for integration, which would end the disagreement between EBM and its critics and make a debate unnecessary. In search of integration, I sketch a bridge whose construction requires not compromise but a win- win approach. The bridge is a medicine of meaning (MOM). Consolidating multiple pillars of evidence to unify questions that are not necessarily the same for protagonists and critics of EBM, a MOM contends that the purpose or meaning of medicine is always healing and helping, and each party finds meaning in medicine by contributing to this common purpose in its own distinctive way.


Contrasting intermolecular and intramolecular exciplex formation of a 1,4-dicyano-2-methylnaphthalene-N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine dyad.
An intramolecular exciplex is formed upon excitation of the cyclohexane solution of the 1,4-dicyano-2-methylnaphthalene-N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine dyad, but little if any intramolecular CT complex exists in the ground state of this substance in solution. In contrast, in the crystalline state, the dyad forms an intermolecular mixed-stack CT complex in the ground state and an intermolecular exciplex when it is photoexcited.


Differences in the Load-Velocity Profile Between 4 Bench-Press Variants.
To compare the load-velocity relationship between 4 variants of the bench-press (BP) exercise. The full load-velocity relationship of 30 men was evaluated by means of an incremental loading test starting at 17 kg and progressing to the individual 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in 4 BP variants: concentric-only BP, concentric-only BP throw (BPT), eccentric-concentric BP, and eccentric-concentric BPT. A strong and fairly linear relationship between mean velocity (MV) and %1RM was observed for the 4 BP variants (r2 > .96 for pooled data and r2 > .98 for individual data). The MV associated with each %1RM was significantly higher in the eccentric-concentric technique than in the concentric-only technique. The only significant difference between the BP and BPT variants was the higher MV with the light to moderate loads (20-70%1RM) in the BPT using the concentric-only technique. MV was significantly and positively correlated between the 4 BP variants (r = .44-.76), which suggests that the subjects with higher velocities for each %1RM in 1 BP variant also tend to have higher velocities for each %1RM in the 3 other BP variants. These results highlight the need for obtaining specific equations for each BP variant and the existence of individual load-velocity profiles.


Chylomicron protein content and the rate of lipoprotein lipase activity.
Chylomicrons isolated form rat intestinal lymph were incubated with plasma. Protein transfer to chylomicrons, reaction rate with purified lipoprotein lipase, and content of lipase cofactor were determined. While the overall protein content of chylomicrons was increased 3--4-fold, and the content of lipase cofactor increase 4-fold, reaction velocity of the activated particles with lipoprotein lipase was increased only 1.3-fold. Maximal rate of hydrolysis was achieved in the presence of much smaller quantities of activator than the lipoprotein particles were capable of binding, and chylomicrons were fully activated for triclyceride hydrolysis in the presence of only 10% plasma for triglyceride concentrations of up to 3 mg/ml. Cofactor protein was not rate-limiting for hydrolysis of triglyceride from chylomicrons. These results are discussed in the light of recent concepts of the regulation of lipoprotein lipase activity.


Gestational bisphenol S impairs placental endocrine function and the fusogenic trophoblast signaling pathway.
Exposure to bisphenolic chemicals during pregnancy occurs in > 90% of pregnancies. Bisphenolic compounds can cross the placental barrier reaching fetal circulation. However, the effects of emerging bisphenolic compounds, such as bisphenol S (BPS), on placental function remain untested. The aim was to determine if bisphenol A (BPA) or BPS, at an environmentally relevant dose, impairs placental function. Pregnant sheep were randomly distributed into three treatment groups (n = 7-8/group): control, BPA, and BPS. All animals received daily injections of corn oil (control), BPA, or BPS (0.5 mg/kg; s.c.; internal fetal doses were ~ 2.6 ng/mL unconjugated BPA and ~ 7.7 ng/mL of BPS) from gestational day 30-100. After a 20-day washout period, placentas were weighed and placentomes collected. Placental endocrine function was assessed on biweekly maternal blood samples. Gestational exposure to BPS, but not BPA, reduced maternal circulating pregnancy-associated glycoproteins without change in placental weight or placental stereology. BPS-exposed placentas had 50% lower e-cadherin protein expression, ~ 20% fewer binucleate cells, and ~ threefold higher glial cell missing-1 protein expression. BPA placentas were not affected highlighting the intrinsic differences among bisphenolic chemicals. This is the first study to demonstrate that gestational BPS can result in placental endocrine dysfunction and points to a dysregulation in the fusogenic trophoblast signaling pathway.


Sialography in metastases to lymph nodes of the parotid gland.
The subject of metastases to the lymph nodes of the parotid gland is reviewed and the sialographic features in two cases are described. The sialographic appearance in these cases is indistinguishable from that found in primary parotid neoplasms.


Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) modelling of the degradability rate constant of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by OH radicals in atmosphere.
The reaction with hydroxyl radicals (•OH) is an important way to remove the most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in atmospheric environment. Thus, the reaction rate constant (kOH) is important for assessing the persistence and exposure risk of VOCs, and is of great significance in evaluating the ecological risk of volatile organic chemicals. Fukui indices and bond order have a large effect on the degradation of VOCs, but so far, quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models for VOCs degradation have rarely been considered these two factors. In this study, these two momentous factors will be considered along with other relevant quantitative parameters. A total of 180 substances are divided into training set (144 substances) and test set (36 substances), which are used to build and validate quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models, respectively. Internal, external verification and y-randomization tests showed that the established model had excellent stability and reliability. The energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (EHOMO), the possibility of being attacked by radicals (f (0)n) and the breaking of chemical bonds (BOx) are the main factors affecting VOCs removal. Finally, the scope of the application domain was determined and the robustness of the model was further verified.


The Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway: An update on its regulation and possible role in cancer prevention and treatment.
Nrf2 acts as a sensor of oxidative or electrophilic stress and prevents genome instability. The activation of Nrf2 signaling induces ARE-dependent expression of detoxifying and antioxidant defense proteins. Nrf2-ARE signaling has become an attractive target for cancer chemoprevention. On the other hand, constitutive over-activation of Nrf2 in cancer cells has been implicated in cancer progression as well as in resistance to cancer chemotherapeutics. Two basic Nrf2 activation pathways were described. The canonical pathway is the primary mechanism of Nrf2 activation and is based on dissociation of Nrf2 from its inactive complex with the repressor protein Keap1 and the subsequent translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus. Numerous proteins which compete with Nrf2 for Keap1 binding stabilize Nrf2 and are involved in non-canonical pathways of Nrf2 activation. However, growing evidence indicates that the regulation of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE is more complex than was previously thought and that other molecular mechanisms are also involved. Among them is epigenetic regulation of Nrf2 and Keap1, which seems to be a particularly interesting subject for future studies. Nrf2 has become an important chemopreventive and therapeutic target, and many natural and synthetic chemicals have been described as its modulators. However, most small molecules which are either inducers or inhibitors of Nrf2 may provoke "off-target" toxic effects because of their electrophilic character. This review highlights Nrf2-ARE activation pathways and their role in cancer prevention and therapy. A critical evaluation of currently available Nrf2 inducers and inhibitors is also presented.


Energy Taxis toward Redox-Active Surfaces Decreases the Transport of Electroactive Bacteria in Saturated Porous Media.
The fate and transport of bacteria in porous media are essential for bioremediation and water quality control. However, the influence of biological activities like extracellular electron transfer (EET) and swimming motility toward granular media on cell transport remains unknown. Here, electroactive bacteria with higher Fe(III) reduction abilities were found to demonstrate greater retention in ferrihydrite-coated sand. Increasing the concentrations of the electron donor (1-10 mM lactate), shuttle (0-50 μM anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate), and acceptor (ferrihydrite, MnO2, or biochar) under flow conditions significantly reduced Shewanella oneidensis MR-1's mobility through redox-active porous media. The deficiency of EET ability or flagellar motion and inhibition of intracellular proton motive force, all of which are essential for energy taxis, enhanced MR-1's transport. It was proposed that EET could facilitate MR-1 to sense, tactically move toward, and attach on redox-active media surface, eventually improving its retention. Positive linear correlations were established among parameters describing MR-1's energy taxis ability (relative taxis index), cell transport behavior (dispersion coefficient and relative change of effluent percentage), and redox activity of media surface (reduction potential or electron-accepting rate), providing novel insights into the critical impacts of bacterial microscale motility on macroscale cell transport through porous media.


Cryopreservation of human platelets using dimethyl sulfoxide and glycerol-glucose: effects on "in vitro" platelet function.
The technique of freezing blood platelets could be very useful in the transfusion support of thrombocytopenic patients. The best method of platelet cryopreservation still remains an object of debate, though it has been suggested that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is more effective than glycerol-glucose as a cryopreservative. However, few studies have directly compared platelets cryopreserved with different methods. We compared "in vitro" function of platelets cryopreserved with 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or 3% glycerol-glucose at -140 degrees C. Platelet aggregation and release reaction were studied with a Lumi aggregometer, thromboxane B2 (TxB2) production by radioimmunoassay, and Ca++ movement by the Fura 2 method. Cryopreservation with both of the methods dramatically reduced the ability of platelets to release ATP and to aggregate in response to single agonists. In contrast, cryopreserved platelets maintained their ability to aggregate after stimulation with paired agonists and to produce TxB2. Cytoplasmic Ca++ increase induced by thrombin was observed in the glycerol-preserved platelets, while it was nearly absent in the DMSO-preserved ones. We suggest that cryopreservation with glycerol-glucose or DMSO induces similar defects of platelet function. The damage is severe, but platelets are still able to respond to strong stimulation.


Effect of met-enkephalin on acid secretion from gastric fistulas and Heidenhain pouches in dogs stimulated by pentagastrin, pentagastrin plus bethanechol, or a meal.
In dogs with denervated Heidenhain pouches and gastric cannulas the authors studied the action of met-enkephalin on acid secretion stimulated by a liquid meal, pentagastrin or pentagastrin + bethanechol. Serum gastrin levels were determined during the feeding experiments. Meal-stimulated and pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion from the gastric fistula were inhibited by met-enkephalin. A rise in pentagastrin-induced acid secretion was observed in the denervated stomach. No significant changes were observed in the postprandial acid response from the pouch to the meal, nor from the main stomach or the pouch during stimulation with pentagastrin + bethanechol. Gastrin release was decreased by met-enkephalin during the first hour following feeding and increased during the second hour. Our data indicate that met-enkephalin can either inhibit or stimulate acid secretion in dogs. The inhibition occurs only in the innervated fundic mucosa, and might be explained by a decrease in gastrin release and by a decrease in vagal tone.


[Detection of apolipoproteins E5 and E7 by a widely used commercial ApoE IFE kit--evidence provided by genotyping].
The purpose of this study is to examine a possibility to detect apolipoprotein (apo) E5 and E7 isoproteins with a commercial kit widely used (Phenotyping Apo E IFE System, Jokoh Co. LTD., Tokyo) and to clarify the frequency of the rare alleles in Central Japan. A total of 1,445 subjects living in Central Japan (1,030 hemodialysis patients and 415 apparently healthy individuals) was phenotyped for apo E isoproteins with the kit using isoelectric focusing with immunoblotting. In 23 subjects, unique apo E4 isoproteins, which migrate more basically than apo E4 isoprotein, were found. These unique isoproteins were proved to be apo E5 or E7 isoproteins by PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism and with amplification refractory mutation systems, respectively. No significant differences in the frequencies of apo E5 or apo E7 alleles were observed between healthy individuals and hemodialysis patients (0.011 vs. 0.018, NS). The frequencies of apo E5 and E7 alleles were 0.001 and 0.005, respectively, in healthy individuals, and 0.003 and 0.005, respectively, in hemodialysis patients. These data in Central Japan were consistent with those in Western Japan (Matsunaga, et al, Clin Genet, 1995). These results indicate that the commercial kit is applicable to detect the rare alleles, apo E5 and E7 alleles and that the frequencies of the rare alleles in Central Japan are similar to those in Western Japan.


Characterizing the course of non-suicidal self-injury: A cognitive neuroscience perspective.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has received increasing recognition as a clinically significant phenomenon. Although in most individuals who engage in NSSI, this behavior is short-lived, for a significant proportion of these individuals, NSSI follows a chronic course. There is a need for research advancing our understanding of the mechanisms of risk for NSSI, and how these mechanisms may change over time to account for the persistence of this behavior. In the current paper, a conceptual framework is proposed for characterizing the processes underlying the transition from initial engagement in NSSI to a chronic trajectory of this behavior. In particular, a case is made for conceptualizing NSSI as a habitual behavior as defined within a cognitive neuroscience perspective, with support from the existing theoretical and empirical literature. Finally, potential mechanisms are articulated for the development of chronic NSSI within this conceptual framework and recommendations presented for empirically evaluating this conceptualization of NSSI in future research in this area.


New materials for ESR dosimetry.
New materials for electron spin resonance (ESR) dosimetry have been investigated with the aim to find systems more sensitive than L-alanine accepted as a standard for high dose determinations. Among the investigated systems ammonium tartrate, 2-methylalanine, salts of formic acids and dithionates have been found to be more sensitive than alanine by a factor 2-10. The lower limit applies to tissue equivalent materials, while much higher sensitivities were obtained with formates and dithionates containing heavier atoms. The increased sensitivity was mainly attributed to suitable ESR properties of the room temperature stable radicals as regards spectral shape (narrow lines, little or no hyperfine structure) and microwave saturation properties (short relaxation times). The radical structures have when necessary been clarified by ENDOR spectroscopy, while the saturation properties have been screened by pulsed ESR measurements.


Modeling hepatic insulin sensitivity during a meal: validation against the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp.
Recently, we proposed a model describing the suppression of endogenous glucose production (EGP) during a meal. It assumes that EGP suppression depends on glucose concentration and its rate of change and on delayed insulin action. Hepatic insulin sensitivity (S(I)(Lmeal)) can be derived from EGP model parameters. This model was shown to adequately describe EGP profiles measured with multiple tracer techniques; however, S(I)(Lmeal) has never been compared directly with its euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp counterpart (S(I)(Lclamp)). To do so, 62 subjects with different degrees of glucose tolerance underwent a triple-tracer mixed meal. Fifty-seven subjects also underwent a labeled ([3-(3)H]glucose) euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. From the triple-tracer meal data, virtually model-independent estimates of EGP were obtained using the tracer-to-tracee clamp technique, and the EGP model was identified in each subject. Model fit was satisfactory, and S(I)(Lmeal) was estimated with good precision. Correlation between S(I)(Lclamp) and S(I)(Lmeal) was good (r = 0.72, P < 0.001); however, S(I)(Lmeal) was lower than S(I)(Lclamp) (4.60 ± 0.64 vs. 8.73 ± 1.07 10(-4) dl·kg(-1)·min(-1) per μU/ml, P < 0.01). This difference may be due to different ranges of insulin explored during the two tests (ΔI(clamp) = 15.60 ± 1.61 vs. ΔI(meal)= 83.37 ± 10.71 μU/ml) as well as steady- vs. non-steady-state glucose and insulin profiles. In conclusion, the new EGP model provides an estimate of hepatic insulin sensitivity during a meal that is in good agreement with that derived in the same individuals with a hyperinsulinemic clamp. When used in conjunction with the minimal model, the approach potentially enables estimation of hepatic insulin sensitivity from a single-tracer labeled meal or oral glucose tolerance test.


Curcumin Suppresses IL-1β Secretion and Prevents Inflammation through Inhibition of the NLRP3 Inflammasome.
Turmeric is traditionally used as a spice and coloring in foods. Curcumin is the primary active ingredient in the turmeric, and compelling evidence has shown that it has the ability to inhibit inflammation. However, the mechanism mediating its anti-inflammatory effects are not fully understood. We report that curcumin inhibited caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion through suppressing LPS priming and the inflammasome activation pathway in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. The inhibitory effect of curcumin on inflammasome activation was specific to the NLRP3, not to the NLRC4 or the AIM2 inflammasomes. Curcumin inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome by preventing K+ efflux and disturbing the downstream events, including the efficient spatial arrangement of mitochondria, ASC oligomerization, and speckle formation. Reactive oxygen species, autophagy, sirtuin-2, or acetylated α-tubulin was ruled out as the mechanism by which curcumin inhibits the inflammasome. Importantly, in vivo data show that curcumin attenuated IL-1β secretion and prevented high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in wide-type C57BL/6 mice but not in Nlrp3-deficient mice. Curcumin also repressed monosodium urate crystal-induced peritoneal inflammation in vivo. Taken together, we identified curcumin as a common NLRP3 inflammasome activation inhibitor. Our findings reveal a mechanism through which curcumin represses inflammation and suggest the potential clinical use of curcumin in NLRP3-driven diseases.


Racial discrimination, multiple group identities, and civic beliefs among immigrant adolescents.
The present study tested the independent and interactive effects of multiple group identities (i.e., American and ethnic) and racial discrimination on civic beliefs among immigrant adolescents. Seventy-seven participants completed a questionnaire during after-school programs. Ethnic identity was positively associated with civic beliefs whereas racial discrimination was negatively related to civic beliefs, and racial discrimination moderated the relationships between multiple group identities and civic beliefs. Our findings highlight the importance of studying structural and individual factors jointly in the investigation of civic beliefs among immigrant adolescents. (PsycINFO Database Record


Changing trends in the outcome of urgent aneurysms surgery. A retrospective study on 170 patients treated in the years 1966-1990.
During the last 25 years 170 patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms were treated in our centre for vascular surgery with an overall mortality of 54%. We have subdivided these patients into three groups according to temporal factors: the 1st group includes 16 patients treated in the years 1966-1978; the 2nd group includes 93 patients treated from 1979 to 1987; the 3rd group includes patients from 1988 to 1990. In these years no selection of patients was made and everybody still alive was operated on. Starting from the second period, haemodynamical monitoring of the patients was performed with the adoption of the Swan-Ganz catheter in almost all cases. Mortality in the first period was 69%, in the second period 60% and in the third period 40%. There was no difference in the haemodynamical state in the three groups. The difference lies in the number of surgical interventions per year: 1.33 intervention per year in the first period; 11.625 interventions per year in the second period and 20 in the third. We conclude that an improvement in the survival rate of patients undergoing urgent aortic aneurysm repair is due to precise haemodynamical intraoperative monitoring and a well trained surgical team.


Dynamic Characterization of Cercal Mechanosensory Hairs of Crickets.
Previous dynamic characterizations of the cercal mechanosensory hairs of crickets have generally been limited to the first resonant frequency and associated deflection shape. A more complete description of the mechanical dynamics of these structures could be obtained by an experimental modal analysis. This paper describes a method by which a full experimental modal analysis, giving natural frequency, mode shape, and modal damping ratio, of these sense organs can be performed. Results of this analysis, employing an unmeasured moving-air excitation and non-contact vibration measurement with an output-only identification method are presented. Two distinct types of behaviour were observed, one of which was a good match for the behaviour expected based on the literature, and one of which was quite different. These two behaviours had distinct patterns of modal parameters. The method described in this paper has been shown to be able to estimate the modal parameters, including natural frequency, modal damping ratio, and normalized mode shape, for the first mode of cercal mechanosensory hairs of crickets. The method could practically be extended to higher modes and a wide variety of other sound and vibration sense organs with the selection of appropriate excitation and specimen supports.


Linking HIV and Viral Hepatitis Surveillance Data: Evaluating a Standard, Deterministic Matching Algorithm Using Data From 6 US Health Jurisdictions.
Accurate interpretations and comparisons of record linkage results across jurisdictions require valid and reliable matching methods. We compared existing matching methods used by 6 US state and local health departments (Houston, Texas; Louisiana; Michigan; New York, New York; North Dakota; and Wisconsin) to link human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis surveillance data with a 14-key automated, hierarchical deterministic matching method. Applicable years of study varied by disease and jurisdiction, ranging from 1979 to 2016. We calculated percentage agreement and Cohen's κ coefficient to compare the matching methods used within each jurisdiction. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for each matching method, as compared with a new standard that included manual review of discrepant cases. Agreement between the existing matching method and the deterministic matching method was 99.6% or higher in all jurisdictions; Cohen's κ values ranged from 0.87 to 0.98. The sensitivity of the deterministic matching method ranged from 97.4% to 100% in the 6 jurisdictions; specificity ranged from 99.7% to 100%; and positive predictive value ranged from 97.4% to 100%. Although no gold standard exists, prior assessments of existing methods and review of discrepant classifications suggest good accuracy and reliability of our deterministic matching method, with the advantage that our method reduces the need for manual review and allows for standard comparisons across jurisdictions when linking human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis data.


Choriodecidual infection and preterm birth.
Of all U.S. births, 11% occur preterm. These infants are responsible for the majority of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Infants at highest risk are those born weighing < 1000 g and those born at <28 weeks gestation. Recent evidence suggests that the majority of these preterm births are caused by bacterial infections of the chorioamnion, with the organisms originating in the vagina. The mechanisms leading to preterm labor and rupture of membranes involve an inflammatory response involving increased production of cytokines, prostaglandins, and metalloproteases. Results of treatment trials to eradicate the infection and reduce preterm birth have been mixed.


A proposal for evaluating the validity of holistic-based admission processes.
BACKGROUND. Admission decisions require that information about an applicant be combined using either holistic (human judges) or statistical (actuarial) methods. For optimizing a defined measureable outcome, there is a consistent body of research evidence demonstrating that statistical methods yield superior decisions compared to those generated by judges. It is possible, however, that the benefits of holistic decisions are reflected in unmeasured outcomes. If such benefits exist, they would necessarily appear as systematic variance in raters' scores that deviate from statistically-based decisions. PURPOSE. To estimate this variance, we propose a design examining the interrater reliability of difference scores (i.e., the difference between observed committee rankings and rankings based on statistical approaches). METHODS. Example calculations and G study models are presented to demonstrate how rater agreement on difference scores can be analyzed under various circumstances. High interrater reliability of difference scores would support but not prove the assertion that the holistic process adds useful information beyond that achieved by much less costly statistical approaches. Conversely, if the interrater reliability of difference scores is near zero, this would clearly demonstrate that committee judgments add random error to the decision process. RESULTS. Evidence to conduct such studies already exists within most highly selective medical schools and graduate programs and the proposed validity research could be conducted on existing data. CONCLUSIONS. Such research evidence is critical for establishing the validity of widely used holistic admission approaches.


Resting-state fMR evidence of network reorganization induced by navigated transcranial magnetic repetitive stimulation in phantom limb pain.
Objectives Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising tool for treatment of chronic pain. We describe the use of navigated rTMS to treat a patient affected by phantom limb pain (PLP) and to modulate brain functional connectivity. We reviewed the literature on the use of rTMS as a tool for relieving central pain by promoting brain plasticity. Methods A 69-year-old patient came to our observation blaming severe pain (Visual Analog scale, VAS, score 9) to a phantom right lower limb. We mapped left primary motor area (PMA) by navigated TMS and assessed connectivity with resting-state functional MR (rsfMR). The patient underwent 30-days navigated rTMS treatment. We applied low-frequency stimulation (1 Hz) over the primary somatosensory area (PSA) and high-frequency stimulation (10 Hz) over PMA and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of the left hemisphere. Results This strategy allowed a pain relief with a reduction of 5 points of the VAS score after 1 month. Post-treatment rsfMR showed increased connectivity, mainly in the sensory-motor network and the unaffected hemisphere (P < 0.05). Discussion This report represents a proof-of-concept that navigated rTMS can be effectively used to stimulate selected brain areas in PLP patients in order to promote brain connectivity, and that rsfMR is a useful tool able to analyze functional results. In the literature, we found data supporting the assumption that, in patients affected by PLP, a reduced connectivity in interhemispherical and sensory-motor network plays a role in generating pain and that rTMS has the potential to restore impaired connectivity.


Outcome of structural heart disease diagnosed in utero.
The aim of the study was to review the outcome of fetuses with structural heart disease detected by echocardiography. A total of 99 fetuses with different types of cardiac defects, diagnosed at a median gestational age of 28.4 weeks (range 16-41 weeks), were included. The inclusion criteria were a structural heart defect confirmed postnatally or at post-mortem examination, and a complete, long-term follow-up in utero and after birth in the Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki, Finland from 1983 to 1999. Of 99 fetuses with in utero diagnosed cardiac anomalies, 6 (6%) showed normal cardiac status postnatally. Thirty-five percent of fetuses (n = 10) with heart disease diagnosed before 24 weeks of gestation were terminated. Of 83 fetuses, 7 (8%) with a heart defect died in utero at a median gestational age of 33 weeks. Chromosomal abnormality was found in 28% of cases. Fetuses with normal chromosomes had extracardiac anomalies in 40% of cases. Mortality due to chromosomal abnormality was 73% and from extracardiac anomaly 48%. Intrauterine heart failure was detected in 27% of fetuses and was frequently associated with univentricular heart (UVH) and intracardiac tumors, in 36 and 67%, respectively; 12 fetuses (13%) were found to have associated arrhythmia; 4 of these died. Of 76 live births (median gestational age 38 weeks, birth weight 2878 g), a total of 37 (49%) neonates died. Twenty-four neonates (32%) underwent cardiac surgery or invasive procedure; six infants (25%) died after the procedure. Neonatal mortality was highest in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and UVH (87, 64, and 50%, respectively). In long-term follow-up (median 3.8 years), 34 children of 76 live births (45%) were alive, 59% of them were without symptoms. Our data indicate that despite elective, planned delivery the prognosis for fetuses with in utero diagnosed heart defect was poor. The outcome was largely attributable to associated extracardiac malformations and chromosomal abnormalities.


Modulation of corneal epithelial cell functions by the neutrophil-derived inflammatory mediator CAP37.
To investigate the effect of CAP37, an inflammatory mediator in neutrophils, on three important events in corneal wound healing: proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) were treated with CAP37, and its effects on migration and proliferation were measured using the modified Boyden chemotaxis chamber and the proliferation assays (CyQUANT; Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR), respectively. Effects on adhesion were determined by measuring upregulation of adhesion molecules belonging to the selectin, integrin, and immunoglobulin superfamily using RT-PCR and flow cytometry. CAP37 promoted proliferation of HCEC in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. CAP37 was maximally chemotactic for HCEC over a range of 1.3 x 10(-8) to 5.2 x 10(-8) M. CAP37 upregulated intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, and integrin molecules alpha3 (CD49c) and beta1 (CD29). Data on migration and ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 upregulation were corroborated using primary human corneal epithelial cells. CAP37 modulated corneal epithelial cell proliferation and migration and upregulated adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte-epithelial and epithelial-extracellular matrix interactions.


Correlation of lung macrophage age and surface antigen in the hamster.
A monoclonal antibody specific for a surface antigen found on hamster lung macrophages has been produced. Macrophages obtained from LSH Syrian golden hamsters by pulmonary lavage have varying amounts of this antigen on their surface. We compared the age of alveolar macrophages (using 3H-thymidine) with the amount of surface antigen. Lung macrophages were obtained by repeated saline lavage at 1, 3, 5, and 10 days after 3H-thymidine injection. Monoclonal antibody was then reacted with these cells followed by fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated protein A. Cell size and fluorescence were analyzed by flow cytometry. A wide range of fluorescent intensity was observed; the cells were sorted into four subpopulations (SPs). SP1 had the lowest fluorescence per cell, and SP4 had the highest. The sorted cells were placed on glass slides, and autoradiographs were made. The percentage of labeled macrophages in each SP was determined. At 1 day after thymidine injection, cells with a paucity of antigen (SP1) were the most highly labeled; 12.5% of SP1 macrophages were labeled, but only 1.4 and 1.1% of SP3 and SP4 were labeled, respectively. The labeling was relatively even in all four SPs at 3 days, but at 5 days the labeling of cells in SP2 and SP3 was highest. By day 10, labeled macrophages had large amounts of surface antigen and were in SP3 and SP4. These findings suggest that pulmonary macrophages that have recently synthesized DNA lack surface antigen. As time passes, cells mature and more antigen is acquired. The amount of surface antigen reflects cell age and provides a useful tool to isolate and study macrophage SPs.


Biofiltration at composting facilities: effectiveness for bioaerosol control.
Biofiltration was evaluated as a method to control the airborne microorganisms released at composting facilities. Seven commercial composting plants were selected for this study because of their different operating conditions and biofilter designs. In all plants, the biofilters were originally designed for odor control. The concentrations of both Aspergillus fumigatus and mesophilic bacteria were measured in the air stream before and after passing through the biofilters and compared with the background concentrations in the surrounding area. Results showed that biofiltration achieved an average reduction greater than 90% and 39% in the concentrations of A. fumigatus and mesophilic bacteria, respectively. In all the plants, the airborne A. fumigatus concentration after the biofilter was lower than 1.2 x 10(3) cfu m(-3), independent of the inlet concentration, whereas the mesophilic bacteria concentration was dependent on the inlet concentration. The different behaviors of the two microorganism groups were thought to be due to the different aerodynamic characteristics of the particles that affected the capture by impact in the biofilter bed. The fungus, whose spores had a maximum of diameter size distribution between 2.1 and 3.3 microm, were more effectively captured in the biofilter than the bacteria, which had diameters mainly between 1.1 and 2.1 microm.


[In vitro antibacterial activities of telithromycin against clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae].
In vitro antibacterial activity of telithromycin (TEL) against the isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (212 isolates) derived from urine or genital secretion in 2002 (April to December) was examined in comparison with those of macrolides (erythromycin [EM], clarithromycin [CAM]), penicillins (penicillin G [PCG]), cephems (cefodizime [CDZM], cefixime [CFIX]), quinolones (levofloxacin [LVFX]), tetracyclines (minocycline [MINO]), and aminoglycosides (spectinomycin [SPCM]). The MIC of TEL was ranged from < or = 0.039 to 0.25 microg/mL and the MIC50 and MIC90 of TEL were respectively 0.125 and 0.25 microg/mL, which were the lowest values compared with those of other oral antibacterial agents measured. When compared TEL with other agents in the order of the MIC50 and MIC90, TEL was more superior to EM and CAM (both eight times), MINO (four times and twice), and LVFX (16 and 64 times). The MIC90 of TEL was superior in twice though the MIC50 was the same in comparison with CFIX. The CDZM resistant strain did not exist and SPCM also inhibit growth with 32 microg/mL or less that was the breakpoint MIC excluding one stock though the PCG sensitive strain was only 1.4% in the injection drug. However, clinical breakpoint MIC is not established, but the efficacy of TEL is prospective because of its high antibacterial activity to inhibit growth of all stocks for gonococcus with 0.25 microg/mL. It is expected that TEL can become an oral antibiotic recommended for treatment of gonococcus if dosage and administration are considered.


In situ photoemission study of the room temperature ferromagnet ZnGeP2:Mn.
The chemical states of the ZnGeP(2):Mn interface which shows ferromagnetism above room temperature have been studied by photoemission spectroscopy. Mn deposition on the ZnGeP2 substrate heated to 400 degrees C induced Mn substitution for Zn and then the formation of metallic Mn-Ge-P compounds. Depth profile studies have shown that Mn 3d electrons changed their character from itinerant to localized along the depth, and in the deep region, dilute divalent Mn species (<5% Mn) was observed with a coexisting metallic Fermi edge of non-Mn 3d character. The possibility of hole doping through Mn substitution for Ge and/or Zn vacancy is discussed.


Pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma. Is it an entity?
Two cases of pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma are reported. One of these was known to have been present for 5 years. Both patients are alive 1 and 2 years after surgery though the former has developed a solitary bone metastasis. The literature on 30 previously published cases is reviewed and it is concluded that, minor differences apart, this tumour is not substantially different from hepatocellular carcinomas in general. The slow growth and good prognosis relate to its extrahepatic location which may be explained by an origin from accessory lobes of the liver.


CLSI Methods Development and Standardization Working Group Best Practices for Evaluation of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests.
Effective evaluations of antimicrobial susceptibility tests (ASTs) require robust study design. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing has recognized that many published studies reporting the performance of commercial ASTs (cASTs) suffer from major design and/or analysis flaws, rendering the results difficult or impossible to interpret. This minireview outlines the current consensus of the Methods Development and Standardization Working Group of the CLSI Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing regarding best practices for systematic evaluation of the performance of an AST, including the analysis and presentation of essential data intended for publication.


Assessing perceptions of and responses to multiple health risks among the southern poor.
We explored perceptions of and responses to multiple health risks among people living in poverty in the southern United States. We conducted 12 focus groups and interviewed 66 focus group participants in 3 southern US cities (Birmingham, Alabama; Jackson, Mississippi; and Columbia, South Carolina). Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes. Study participants worried most about chronic health conditions and the costs to treat those conditions. Feelings of threat were influenced by family health history and race. Barriers to health-protective behaviors included time, work, family, apathy, and low response efficacy. Physical activity and checking blood pressure were the health-protective behaviors in which participants most often engaged. Our results will be useful for the development of interventions that target the southern poor. Intervention messages should address the barriers that poor people face when attempting to engage in health-protective behaviors and should help strengthen people's confidence in their ability to change their behaviors.


Gene signature driving invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung.
Though invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung (IMA) is pathologically distinctive, the molecular mechanism driving IMA is not well understood, which hampers efforts to identify therapeutic targets. Here, by analyzing gene expression profiles of human and mouse IMA, we identified a Mucinous Lung Tumor Signature of 143 genes, which was unexpectedly enriched in mucin-producing gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and breast cancers. The signature genes included transcription factors FOXA3, SPDEF, HNF4A, mucins MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC3, and an inhibitory immune checkpoint VTCN1/B7-H4 (but not PD-L1/B7-H1). Importantly, induction of FOXA3 or SPDEF along with mutant KRAS in lung epithelium was sufficient to develop benign or malignant mucinous lung tumors, respectively, in transgenic mice. FOXA3 and SPDEF induced MUC5AC and MUC5B, while HNF4A induced MUC3 in human mucinous lung cancer cells harboring a KRAS mutation. ChIP-seq combined with CRISPR/Cas9 determined that upstream enhancer regions of the mucin genes MUC5AC and MUC5B, which were bound by SPDEF, were required for the expression of the mucin genes. Here, we report the molecular signature and gene regulatory network driving mucinous lung tumors.


The dopaminergic system in the aging brain of Drosophila.
Drosophila models of Parkinson's disease are characterized by two principal phenotypes: the specific loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the aging brain and defects in motor behavior. However, an age-related analysis of these baseline parameters in wildtype Drosophila is lacking. Here we analyzed the DA system and motor behavior in aging Drosophila. DA neurons in the adult brain can be grouped into bilateral symmetric clusters, each comprising a stereotypical number of cells. Analysis of TH > mCD8::GFP and cell type-specific MARCM clones revealed that DA neurons show cluster-specific, stereotypical projection patterns with terminal arborization in target regions that represent distinct functional areas of the adult brain. Target areas include the mushroom bodies, involved in memory formation and motivation, and the central complex, involved in the control of motor behavior, indicating that similar to the mammalian brain, DA neurons in the fly brain are involved in the regulation of specific behaviors. Behavioral analysis revealed that Drosophila show an age-related decline in startle-induced locomotion and negative geotaxis. Motion tracking however, revealed that walking activity, and exploration behavior, but not centrophobism increase at late stages of life. Analysis of TH > Dcr2, mCD8::GFP revealed a specific effect of Dcr2 expression on walking activity but not on exploratory or centrophobic behavior, indicating that the siRNA pathway may modulate distinct DA behaviors in Drosophila. Moreover, DA neurons were maintained between early- and late life, as quantified by TH > mCD8::GFP and anti-TH labeling, indicating that adult onset, age-related degeneration of DA neurons does not occur in the aging brain of Drosophila. Taken together, our data establish baseline parameters in Drosophila for the study of Parkinson's disease as well as other disorders affecting DA neurons and movement control.


Nutrient intake risk factors of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
This study was conducted to assess the association between dietary nutrient intake and osteoporosis risk in post-menopausal women. Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a structured questionnaire was administered by a trained interviewer, which included information on sociodemographics, medical and reproductive history, and dietary intake. The study sample included 134 osteoporotic and 137 non-osteoporotic subjects between the ages of 52 and 68. Nutrient variables were classified into tertiles. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated which compared the highest tertile with the lowest tertile as a reference group. Odds ratios for osteoporosis were 1.47 (95% CI: 1.03-2.05) for total protein, 1.62 (95% CI: 0.51-3.92) for animal protein, and 2.98 (95% CI: 1.42-4.23) for sodium. Odds ratios for osteoporosis in the highest tertile were: 0.42 (95% CI: 0.23-0.83) for vegetable protein, 0.72 (95% CI: 0.51-0.90) for Ca, and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.49-0.88) for Fe, relative to the respective lowest tertile. These findings suggest that adequate nutrient intake may be important for prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.


Sarcophagine (beta-alanyl-L-tyrosine) synthesis in the fat body of Sarcophaga peregrina larvae.
The fat body of Sarcophaga peregrina larvae was found to have activity for synthesis of sarcophagine (beta-alanyl-L-tyrosine). This activity was due to a soluble enzyme (sarcophagine synthetase) that requires Mg2+ and ATP as cofactors. The enzyme activity decreased significantly after puparium formation and no sarcophagine synthesis was detected when fat body from white pupae was incubated in vitro with 3H-beta-alanine. This apparent loss of sarcophagine synthesis was found to be partly due to peptidase, which was induced in the fat body after puparium formation. The activity of sarcophagine synthetase itself in the lysate of pupal fat body, however, was found to be significantly lower than that in the lysate of larval fat body, suggesting the presence of a developmentally regulated mechanism of sarcophagine production.


How the COVID-19 pandemic changed cellular therapy at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
New York is at the epicenter of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (CUIMC/NYPH) had to make changes to its cellular therapy operations to ensure patient, donor, and staff safety and well-being. In this article, we discuss the process changes we instituted for cellular therapy clinical care, collection, processing, and cryopreservation to cope with the rapidly evolving pandemic.


The Role of Ultrasound in Evaluating the Effect of Urate-lowering Drugs in Gout Patients.
Gout is one of the most common inflammatory arthritis, where identification of MSU crystals in synovial fluid is a widely used diagnostic measure. Ultrasonography has a great sensitivity in detecting signs of MSU deposits, such as tophi and double contour (DC), as mentioned in the latest gout criteria, allowing early clinical diagnosis and therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in ultrasound of gout patients' knee and 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1) after initiation of urate-lowering therapy (ULT) drugs in the six-month period. Forty-three patients, fulfilling the ACR/EULAR 2015 criteria of gout with a score of >8, were enrolled; they were in between attacks and not on ULT for the last 6 months, or SUA concentration (SUA) of >6.0 mg/dL. Full examination, evaluation of joints pain by visual analog scale (VAS), ultrasonography (US) for tophus and DC at the knee, and MTP1 were performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months (M3, M6) after starting ULT. After 6 months of treatment, patients reached the target SUA level showed higher disappearance of DC sign (p<0.05) and a decrease in tophus size (p<0.05). The percentage of tophus size at 6th month was 26.4% and 3% for DC sign disappearance, which was more at MTP1. Ultrasound examination in screening for gout tophi or DC sign before starting ULT and during follow-up is important and complements clinical examination.


Differential expression of genes encoding TGFs beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3 during murine palate formation.
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) has been shown to have multiple effects on primary cultures of palate-derived cell types. We report the analysis, by in situ hybridization, of RNA expression for three different TGF beta isoforms (TGF beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3) during murine embryonic palate development. Differential expression of the three TGF beta genes is seen in the palatal shelves in mesenchymal and epithelial cells known to be involved in the morphogenesis of this organ. Taken together, these results suggest that the TGF beta s act as endogenous factors involved in the formation of the mammalian palate.


[Occipital horn syndrome (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IX) with severe psychomotor retardation and muscle atrophy--a first Japanese case].
Occipital horn syndrome (OHS; Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IX) belongs to the category of the copper metabolism disorders and is at present being investigated biochemically as is Menkes disease. We report a case of OHS in a 34-year-old male, which we believe to be the first Japanese case. He had been noted to have psychomotor retardation since his early childhood and now presents severe psychomotor retardation and muscle atrophy. He shows characteristic facial appearance, hyperelasticity of the skin, joint subluxation and generalized muscular atrophy. Laboratory investigations revealed a low serum copper and ceruloplasmin level as well as intestinal non-absorption of copper. Radiologic imagings showed occipital exostoses and bladder diverticula. The activity of lysyl oxidase, a copper-dependent enzyme involved in cross-link formation in collagen, was decreased in a skin-biopsied specimen. Electronmicroscopic investigation of a muscle biopsy showed irregularity of the myofibrillar network and accumulation of the concentric laminated bodies in the subsarcolemmal regions.


Synthesis of a viral protein with molecular weight of 30,000 (p30) by leukemic cells and antibodies cross-reacting with Simian sarcoma virus p30 in serum of a chronic myeloid leukemia patient.
We studied a patient with a Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, who died in relapse after multiple transfusions and grafting with bone marrow from his monozygotic twin brother (referred to as "donor" in this paper). We present data indicating that this patient may have had a retro-virus infection that this virus is related to the group of exogenous primate type C retroviruses. Antibodies to simian sarcoma virus (SSV) M.W. 30,000 protein (p30) but not endogenous feline virus RD-114 could be found in patient but not donor serum. Patient but not donor cells were able to actively synthesize a p30 protein that could be precipitated with patient serum and rabbit anti-SSV p30 but not with donor serum or rabbit anti-RD 114 p30. Patient p30 resembles SSV p30 but not RD-114 p30 in peptide mapping by limited proteolysis and subsequent slab gel electrophoresis. Patient but not donor cells were able to actively synthesize a M.W. 78,000 protein that could be precipitated with goat anti-SSV. An enzyme with properties of reverse transcriptase was increased 30-fold ion patient cells when compared with donor and other control cells. Related to the presence of widespread infectious agents may be the finding that, in the course of the patient's disease, donor serum showed increasing amounts of possibly immunoregulatory (Cancer Research, submitted for publication) antibodies, reactive with autologous and, more effectively, with patient-derived cell membrane M. W. 80,000 protein (a possible idiotypic receptor structure) and M.W. 94,000 protein (a T-cell alloantigen).


An improved system for the palladium-catalyzed borylation of aryl halides with pinacol borane.
A highly efficient method for the palladium-catalyzed borylation of aryl halides with an inexpensive and atom-economical boron source, pinacol borane, has been developed. This system allows for the conversion of aryl and heteroaryl iodides, bromides, and several chlorides, containing a variety of functional groups, to the corresponding pinacol boronate esters. In addition to the increase in substrate scope, this is the first general method where relatively low quantities of catalyst and short reaction times can be employed.


The water-soluble fraction of bee venom produces antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects on rheumatoid arthritis in rats.
We recently demonstrated that bee venom (BV) injection into the Zusanli acupoint produced a significantly more potent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect than injection into a non-acupoint in a Freund's adjuvant induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model. However, the precise BV constituents responsible for these antinociceptive and/or anti-inflammatory effects are not fully understood. In order to investigate the possible role of the soluble fraction of BV in producing the anti-arthritic actions of BV acupuncture, whole BV was extracted into two fractions according to solubility (a water soluble fraction, BVA and an ethylacetate soluble fraction, BVE) and the BVA fraction was further tested. Subcutaneous BVA injection (0.9 mg/kg/day) into the Zusanli acupoint was found to dramatically inhibit paw edema and radiological change (i.e. new bone proliferation and soft tissue swelling) caused by Freund's adjuvant injection. BVA treatment also reduced the increase in serum interleukin-6 caused by RA induction to levels observed in non-arthritic animals. In addition, BVA therapy significantly reduced arthritis-induced nociceptive behaviors (i.e. nociceptive scores for mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia). Finally, BVA treatment significantly suppressed adjuvant-induced Fos expression in the lumbar spinal cord at 3 weeks post-adjuvant injection. In contrast, BVE treatment (0.05 mg/kg/day) failed to show any anti-inflammatory or antinociceptive effects on RA. The results of the present study demonstrate that BVA is the effective fraction of whole BV responsible for the antinociception and anti-inflammatory effects of BV acupuncture treatment. Thus it is recommended that this fraction of BV be used for long-term treatment of RA-induced pain and inflammation. However, further study is necessary to clarify which constituents of the BVA fraction are directly responsible for these anti-arthritis effects.


Metabolic Hydrogen Flows in Rumen Fermentation: Principles and Possibilities of Interventions.
Rumen fermentation affects ruminants productivity and the environmental impact of ruminant production. The release to the atmosphere of methane produced in the rumen is a loss of energy and a cause of climate change, and the profile of volatile fatty acids produced in the rumen affects the post-absorptive metabolism of the host animal. Rumen fermentation is shaped by intracellular and intercellular flows of metabolic hydrogen centered on the production, interspecies transfer, and incorporation of dihydrogen into competing pathways. Factors that affect the growth of methanogens and the rate of feed fermentation impact dihydrogen concentration in the rumen, which in turn controls the balance between pathways that produce and incorporate metabolic hydrogen, determining methane production and the profile of volatile fatty acids. A basic kinetic model of competition for dihydrogen is presented, and possibilities for intervention to redirect metabolic hydrogen from methanogenesis toward alternative useful electron sinks are discussed. The flows of metabolic hydrogen toward nutritionally beneficial sinks could be enhanced by adding to the rumen fermentation electron acceptors or direct fed microbials. It is proposed to screen hydrogenotrophs for dihydrogen thresholds and affinities, as well as identifying and studying microorganisms that produce and utilize intercellular electron carriers other than dihydrogen. These approaches can allow identifying potential microbial additives to compete with methanogens for metabolic hydrogen. The combination of adequate microbial additives or electron acceptors with inhibitors of methanogenesis can be effective approaches to decrease methane production and simultaneously redirect metabolic hydrogen toward end products of fermentation with a nutritional value for the host animal. The design of strategies to redirect metabolic hydrogen from methane to other sinks should be based on knowledge of the physicochemical control of rumen fermentation pathways. The application of new -omics techniques together with classical biochemistry methods and mechanistic modeling can lead to exciting developments in the understanding and manipulation of the flows of metabolic hydrogen in rumen fermentation.


Constructing a knowledge-based database for dermatological integrative medical information.
Recently, overuse of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs has produced incurable dermatological health problems. Traditional medical approaches have been studied for alternative solutions. However, accessing relevant information is difficult given the differences in information for western medicine (WM) and traditional medicine (TM). Therefore, an integrated medical information infrastructure must be utilized to bridge western and traditional treatments. In this study, WM and TM information was collected based on literature searches and information from internet databases on dermatological issues. Additionally, definitions for unified terminology and disease categorization based on individual cases were generated. Also a searchable database system was established that may be a possible model system for integrating both WM and TM medical information on dermatological conditions. Such a system will yield benefits for researchers and facilitate the best possible medical solutions for patients. The DIMI is freely available online.


Synthesis and characterization of nickel(II) phosphonate complexes utilizing pyridonates and carboxylates as co-ligands.
The synthesis and structures of five new nickel complexes containing phosphonate ligands are reported. The compounds utilize pivalic acid (HPiv) and 6-chloro-2-pyridonate (Hchp) as co-ligands with the resulting complexes being of formulas [Ni10(chp)4(Hchp)4.5(O3P(t)Bu)3(Piv)5(HPiv)2(OH)6(H2O)4.5](HNEt3)·0.5MeCN·2.5H2O 1, [Ni12(chp)12(Hchp)2(PhPO3)2(Piv)5(HPiv)2(OH)2(H2O)6](F)·4.5MeCN·2H2O 2, [Ni10(chp)6(O3PCH2Ph)2(Piv)8(F)2(MeCN)4] 3, [Ni10(chp)6(O3PMe)2(Piv)8(F)2 (MeCN)4]·5MeCN·2H2O 4, and [Ni10(chp)6(O3PCH2Nap)2(Piv)8(F)2(MeCN)2(H2O)2] 5. The metallic core of compounds 1 and 2 display tetra- and hexa-capped trigonal prismatic arrangements, while the metallic and phosphorus core of 3, 4, and 5 display three face-sharing octahedra. Variable temperature direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal dominant antiferromagnetic exchange interactions within each cluster, with diamagnetic spin ground states found.


The Relationship between Lumbar Puncture Opening Pressure and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in the Diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Is a Lumbar Puncture Always Necessary?
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) without an identified cause. Today, lumbar puncture (LP) is the most common method used for diagnosis by measuring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure to reflect intracranial pressure. This invasive examination has significant disadvantages, such as complications and negative experiences for patients. Therefore, noninvasive methods for ICP measurement are desired. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is widely used for the diagnosis and follow-up of IIH patients as it reflects papilledema. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between CSF pressure and OCT parameters and the ability of OCT in the diagnostic approach. In our study, patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of IIH with complete neuro-ophthalmological examinations, including visual acuity (VA), visual field, and OCT imaging within 24 hours before lumbar puncture, were retrospectively evaluated. CSF pressure, visual acuity LogMAR, mean deviation of visual fields, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured by OCT, and treatment protocols were obtained from our hospital data system. A total of 42 eyes of 21 patients were enrolled in the study. A statistically significant positive and moderate correlation was found between CSF pressure values and average RNFL thickness (r=0.507; P=0.001). The same relationship was demonstrated in all 4 quadrants: inferior, superior, nasal, and temporal. Increased peripapillary RNFL thickness in optic nerve head OCT may be correlated with increased ICP in IIH patients. A larger number of patients are needed to better understand the correlation between OCT parameters and CSF pressure in patients with IIH.