Familial subungual keratoacanthoma in association with ectodermal dysplasia.
Described is the first report of familial SUKA, occurring in two of three sisters with ectodermal dysplasia, a rare, hereditary disorder involving ectodermally derived organ systems. Although rare, SUKA should be considered when assessing rapidly growing nailbed lesions. Differentiation from subungual squamous cell carcinoma is essential. Tumor excision and curettage and close postoperative follow-up are recommended, with conservative amputation reserved for tumor recurrences. If the diagnosis of SUKA is confirmed in a female, an association with ectodermal dysplasia should be sought.


[Correlation between bladder echography and urodynamic examination in patients with multiple sclerosis].
Ultrasonography take a predominant place in the evaluation of urologic complications in SM patients. SM can cause urinary disorders according to entity and level of the primary lesion with important repercussion on the upper urinary tract. Aim of this work is to value the sensibility of ultrasonography in the identification of bladder wall abnormalities indicative of involvement of upper urinary tract, correlated with urodynamic evaluation. Since 1993 we performed 116 urological ultra sound in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. We considered pathologic bladders with wall abnormalities or with stones, considering those abnormalities as secondary to altered emptying of the bladder. 65 patients showed wall abnormalities while 51 patients had any alteration evaluated with ultrasonography. In the first group the amplitude of uninhibited detrusor contractions was 74 cmH2O, while in the second group it was 61 cm H2O: the difference was statistically significant. Furthermore the incidence of upper tract alterations was significantly higher in the first group (p = 0.005), even in absence of signs of renal failure. Thus, ultrasonography demonstrated a high sensibility in detecting bladder conditions possibly conducive to upper urinary tract deterioration.


Diagnosis, treatment and outcome of parathyroid cancer. A report of eight patients.
Eight patients presented parathyroid cancer between 1963 and 1990. There were seven women and one man with a median age of 55.5 years (range 34-81). At admission the median serum calcium concentration was 3.75 mmol/l (range 3.0-5.0), and four patients presented with a hypercalcaemic crisis. Six patients had a pathological bone resorption and five had reduced kidney function or urinary stones. All cases were treated by en bloc resection of the tumour and affected adjacent structures. One patient with a local lymph node metastasis died after seven months, and one in whom it was impossible to remove the tumour died after 14 months. Two patients had recurrences three and nine years after the operation, respectively. The first was treated with mithramycin, but died 33 months later, the other was reoperated on and was still normocalcaemic 2-9 years after diagnosis.


Directional Doping and Cocrystallizing an Open-Shell Ag39 Superatom via Precursor Engineering.
Metal precursors employed in the bottom-up synthesis of metal nanoclusters (NCs) are of great importance in directing their composition and geometrical structure. In this work, a silver nanocluster co-protected by phosphine and thiolate, namely, [Ag39(PFBT)24(TPP)8]2- (Ag39, PFBT = pentafluorobenzenethiol, TPP = triphenylphosphine), was isolated and structurally characterized. It adopts a three-layered Ag13@Ag18@Ag8S24P8 core-shell structure. The Ag13@Ag18 kernel is unusual in multilayer noble metal NCs. By introducing a copper precursor in the synthesis, a bimetallic nanocluster [Ag37Cu2(PFBT)24(TPP)8]2- (Ag37Cu2) with an identical structure to Ag39 apart from two outer Ag atoms being substituted by Cu atoms was obtained. Astoundingly, the Cu precursor used in the synthesis was found to be critical in determining the final structure. The alteration of the Cu precursor led to the cocrystallization of the above alloy nanocluster with a Ag14 nanocluster, namely, [Ag37Cu2(PFBT)24(TPP)8]2-·[Ag14(PFBT)6(TPP)8] (Ag37Cu2·Ag14). The electronic structure analyzed by theoretical calculation reveals that Ag39 is a 17-electron open-shell superatom. The optical absorption of Ag39, Ag37Cu2, and Ag37Cu2·Ag14 was compared and studied in detail. This work not only enriches the family of alloy metallic nanoclusters but also provides a metal NC-based cocrystal platform for in-depth study of its crystal growth and photophysical property.


Domino reaction of 3-(2-formylphenoxy)propenoates and amines: a novel synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines from salicaldehydes, ethyl propiolate, and amines.
A novel synthesis of Hantzsch-type N-substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines from salicaldehydes, ethyl propiolate, and amines has been developed. Salicaldehydes were treated with ethyl propiolate in the presence of N-methylmorpholine to give ethyl 3-(2-formylphenoxy)propenoates. Three equivalents of ethyl 3-(2-formylphenoxy)propenoates reacted with 1 equiv of amines under trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) catalyst to furnish the corresponding N-substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines in good to excellent yields, recovering the starting material salicaldehydes. A possible mechanism for the domino process was proposed. Furthermore, the products can be easily derived via further transformations and three of them exhibited strong fluorescence (Phif = 0.36-0.63).


Inhibition of cellular proliferation by the Wilms tumor suppressor WT1 requires association with the inducible chaperone Hsp70.
The Wilms tumor suppressor WT1 encodes a zinc finger transcription factor that is expressed in glomerular podocytes during a narrow window in kidney development. By immunoprecipitation and protein microsequencing analysis, we have identified a major cellular protein associated with endogenous WT1 to be the inducible chaperone Hsp70. WT1 and Hsp70 are physically associated in embryonic rat kidney cells, in primary Wilms tumor specimens and in cultured cells with inducible expression of WT1. Colocalization of WT1 and Hsp70 is evident within podocytes of the developing kidney, and Hsp70 is recruited to the characteristic subnuclear clusters that contain WT1. The amino-terminal transactivation domain of WT1 is required for binding to Hsp70, and expression of that domain itself is sufficient to induce expression of Hsp70 through the heat shock element (HSE). Substitution of a heterologous Hsp70-binding domain derived from human DNAJ is sufficient to restore the functional properties of a WT1 protein with an amino-terminal deletion, an effect that is abrogated by a point mutation in DNAJ that reduces binding to Hsp70. These observations indicate that Hsp70 is an important cofactor for the function of WT1, and suggest a potential role for this chaperone during kidney differentiation.


Hepatocyte growth factor gene therapy for pancreatic islets in diabetes: reducing the minimal islet transplant mass required in a glucocorticoid-free rat model of allogeneic portal vein islet transplantation.
Islet transplantation for diabetes is limited by the availability of human islet donors. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent beta-cell mitogen and survival factor and improves islet transplant outcomes in a murine model. However, the murine model employs renal subcapsular transplant and immunodeficient mice, features not representative of human islet transplantation protocols. Therefore, we have developed a more rigorous, marginal-mass rat islet transplant model that more closely resembles human islet transplantation protocols: islet donors are allogeneic Lewis islets; recipients are normal Sprague Dawley rats; islets are delivered intraportally; and immunosuppression is accomplished using the same immunosuppressants employed by the Edmonton group. We demonstrate that 1) surprisingly, the Edmonton immunosuppression regimen induces marked insulin resistance and beta-cell toxicity in rats, 2) adenovirus does not adversely affect islet transplant outcomes, 3) the Edmonton immunosuppressants may delay or block rejection of adenovirally transduced islets, and more importantly, 4) pretransplant islet adenoviral gene therapy with HGF markedly improves islet transplant outcomes, 5) this enhanced function persists for months, and 6) HGF enhances islet function and survival even in the setting of immunosuppressant-induced insulin resistance and beta-cell toxicity. This approach may enhance islet transplantation outcomes in humans.


The $10 trillion value of better information about the transient climate response.
How much is better information about climate change worth? Here, I use PAGE09, a probabilistic integrated assessment model, to find the optimal paths of CO(2) emissions over time and to calculate the value of better information about one aspect of climate change, the transient climate response (TCR). Approximately halving the uncertainty range for TCR has a net present value of about $10.3 trillion (year 2005 US$) if accomplished in time for emissions to be adjusted in 2020, falling to $9.7 trillion if accomplished by 2030. Probabilistic integrated assessment modelling is the only method we have for making estimates like these for the value of better information about the science and impacts of climate change.


High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of diltiazem and six of its metabolites in human urine.
The use of the calcium antagonist diltiazem (I) is increasing, particularly in treating unstable angina. This study describes a simple and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of I and six of its metabolites in urine. Diltiazem and its conjugated and unconjugated metabolites were assayed in the urine of patients treated with a dose of 120 mg po of diltiazem tid. Sensitivity of the method was 100 ng/mL for I and the metabolites desacetyldiltiazem (II), N-desmethyldesacetyldiltiazem (IV), O-desmethyldesacetyldiltiazem (V), O-desmethyl-N-desmethyldesacetyldiltiazem (VII), N-oxide desacetyldiltiazem (III), and O-desmethyl-N-oxide desacetyldiltiazem (VI). In the urine of patients, the extent of conjugation of six metabolites was greater than 80%.


The Epidemiology of Hospital-Referred Head Injury in Ardabil City.
Background and Purpose. Trauma is the leading cause of death for youth in developing countries. Given the prevalence of head trauma (HT) in society and its complication and burden, the epidemiologic study of head trauma is necessary and is the main aim of this study. Materials and Methods. This retrospective population-based survey describes the epidemiology of head injury in a defined population in Ardabil city. It includes all 204 patients with head injury referred to the University Hospital of Ardabil, Iran, during 2013-2014. Data were collected by a checklist and analyzed by statistical methods in SPSS.19. Significance level p < 0.05 was considered. Results. Of all registered cases, 146 (71.6%) were male and the rest of them were female. Most of HT patients lived in Ardabil city (60.8%). The mean age of patients was 22.6 ± 25.9 and most of victims were young. 24.5% of traumatic patients have injuries in severe to critical level (grade 3-4). The most cause of trauma was accidents (41.7%). Most of injuries occurred in night (55.9%) and in summer season (42.2%). Causes were traffic accident in 41.7%. Conclusion. Results showed that the leading cause of head trauma especially in the warm seasons is accidents and so, designing programs to reduce road accidents can dramatically reduce the rate of trauma in the future in Ardabil province.


Effect of radiation on cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (II) and DNA in aqueous solution.
The radiolysis of cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (II) (cis-PDD) was studied in order to better understand the mechanisms by which it acts as a radiation sensitizer. The Pt(I) intermediate formed by e- aq reduction of cis-PDD loses both chlorides rapidly, interacts with O2 to form a Pt-oxygen adduct, reacts with the hydroxyl radical adduct of thymine and the peroxy radical of t-butanol, and disproportionates to platinum metal and trans-PDD. The Pt (III) intermediate formed by OH oxidation of cis-PDD likely disproportionates to cis-PDD and Pt(IV) complexes. In a biological model, radiation-induced 3H-thymine base residue release from DNA is found to be inhibited by cis-PDD.


Genetic Characterization and Detection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis by Molecular Approaches.
Angiostrongylus cantonensis constitutes a major etiologic agent of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. The detection methods for angiostrongyliasis mainly depend on morphology or immunology. A firmer diagnosis could be reached by directly detecting the parasite in the cerebrospinal fluid or through laboratory assays that are specific for Angiostrongylus-induced antibodies or the parasite's DNA. A. cantonensis detection could be carried out by larva release from the tissue upon pepsin digestion. However, the procedure requires live mollusks, which might complicate the analysis of large amounts of samples. Since morphological assays are limited, multiple molecular techniques have been put forward for detecting A. cantonensis, including PCR amplification of targets followed by fragment length or DNA sequence analysis. This allows rapid and accurate identification of A. cantonensis for efficient infection management and epidemiological purposes. In this study, we reviewed the current methods, concepts, and applications of molecular approaches to better understand the genetic characterization, molecular detection methods, and practical application of molecular detection in A. cantonensis.


Iridoid glucosides with insecticidal activity from Galium melanantherum.
The insecticidal activity of the endemic species Galium melanantherum was evaluated against Crematogaster scutellaris ants and Kalotermes flavicollis termites. Iridoid glucosides 1-7 were isolated for the first time as metabolites of the investigated plant, along with the coumarin scopolin. The main components of the extract were found to be the non-acetylated iridoids: geniposidic acid (1), 10-hydroxyloganin (2), deacetyldaphylloside (3), monotropein (4), deacetylasperulosidic acid (5) and scandoside (6), while asperulosidic acid (7) was present only in minute quantities. All isolated metabolites were identified on the basis of their spectral data. Laboratory bioassays revealed significant levels of toxicity for 1-4 against Kalotermes flavicollis termites and Crematogaster scutellaris ants.


Are American transplant centers willing to transplant prisoners.
The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is tasked with ensuring fair and equitable access to organs for patients seeking transplant. Despite UNOS' position statement clearly stating that prisoner status should not preclude transplant evaluation, prisoners continue to face significant barriers. The goal of this survey was to discover how many American transplant centers are willing to evaluate, list, and transplant prisoners. All adult kidney transplant centers listed as active on the UNOS website were contacted to participate in a survey asking if they were willing to evaluate, list, and transplant prisoners, and why or why not. A total of 122 centers responded. Forty-nine were willing to evaluate, 43 willing to list, and 42 willing to transplant prisoners. Fourteen centers said yes, but on a case-by-case basis only. Things they reported considering were type of crime, length of sentence, and likelihood of release. Frequently cited reasons for not treating inmates were: inadequate follow up (28), insurance/funding (16), transportation (12), medication compliance (9), security (8), patient safety (8), and lack of social support (5). Twenty-four centers refused to disclose their policy or did not have one. Prisoners continue to face barriers to evaluation, listing, and receiving kidney transplants. A lack of understanding of contraindications to transplant or a lack of knowledge about the prisoner system on behalf of transplant centers may contribute to these barriers. We feel as transplant professionals it is our responsibility to assist vulnerable patients in overcoming barriers to transplantation and work to ensure equitable access to organs, regardless of prisoner status.


Maternal and non-maternal factors associated with late embryonic and early fetal losses in dairy cows.
Defining factors associated with embryonic and/or fetal losses will be helpful in overcoming such problem, either by adjusting conditions or applying therapeutic approaches to high-risk cows. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between a number of maternal and non-maternal factors and the risk of late embryonic (LED) and early fetal death (EFD) in dairy herds. Additionally, we investigated the effect of treating pregnant cows either with GnRH on day 26 post-insemination, or GnRH on day 26 plus CIDR insertion between days 26 and 33 post-insemination, on the risk of LED/EFD. From 3826 pregnancies, diagnosed at day 30 post-insemination, 851 cows lost the pregnancy by day 70 post-insemination. A mixed-effects logistic model was constructed to assess the effect of cow breed, calving difficulty, postpartum problems, lactation number, days in milk, insemination number, actual 305-day milk production, temperature humidity index (THI) at insemination, estrus synchronization protocols, and other factors, on the risk of LED/EFD. Our findings indicated that Holstein X Brown Swiss crossbreed cows had a lower risk for LED/EFD than Holstein cows (P < 0.05). Cows that had postpartum problems, were inseminated for the first time, produced more milk, or were inseminated at THI ≥75, recorded higher risks of LED/EFD (P < 0.05). Calving difficulty, lactation number, and synchronization protocols were not found to be associated with LED/EFD. Moreover, treatment of the pregnant cows with GnRH on day 26 post-insemination plus CIDR insertion between days 26 and 33 post-insemination decreased the risk of LED/EFD. In conclusion, cows that had postpartum problems, were inseminated early postpartum, produced higher milk, and/or were inseminated at high THI, were under higher risk of LED/EFD. Treating such cows with GnRH on day 26 plus CIDR insertion between days 26 and 33 may decrease the possibility of the LED/EFD.


An examination of the structure and nomological network of trainee reactions: a closer look at "smile sheets".
Although D. L. Kirkpatrick (1959, 1996) popularized the concept of trainee reactions over 40 years ago, few studies have critically examined trainees' reactions to learning events. In this article, research on mood and emotion is used to develop a theoretical framework for research on trainee reactions. Two studies examine the factor structure of reactions and their nomological network. In Study 1, 178 undergraduate and 101 graduate students listened to a computer-delivered multimedia lecture. Results suggest that (a) reactions can be conceptualized as hierarchical, with overall satisfaction explaining associations among distinct reaction facets (enjoyment, relevance, and technology satisfaction), and (b) reactions are predicted by trainee characteristics. In Study 2, 97 undergraduates experienced the same lecture in 1 of 3 randomly assigned delivery technologies. Reactions were influenced by technology and were related to learning process (engagement) and outcomes (intentions regarding delivery technology, content, and learning). Both studies support the theoretical framework proposed.


Linking of assessment scales for women with urinary incontinence and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.
This study aimed to link the content of four most used questionnaires to assess the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire; King's Health Questionnaire; Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire and Bristol Female Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire) with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Linking the questionnaires content and the ICF was performed by two independent reviewers, with an excellent concordance level (k = 0.941), using the method described by Cieza et al. A total of 94 items were analyzed, in which 154 meaningful concepts were identified and linked to 48 ICF categories, of which 49% were from activities and participation component (d) and 36.8% from body functions (b). The scales are linked with the classification at different levels. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire was the most limited instrument. Bristol Female Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire and Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire presented greater agreement with the ICF, but the concepts in their items are mostly linked to body functions, denoting a biomedical vision. King's Health Questionnaire demonstrated greater affinity with the ICF, and most concepts were related to the activities and participation categories, approaching more effectively the biopsychosocial model. Implications for Rehabilitation Choosing the right instrument to assess the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence can be a difficult task, since the instruments have different approaches. The use of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a reference among health professionals involved in rehabilitation of women with urinary incontinence will promote unification of the language about this group functioning. The comparison among instruments presented here will help the professional to choose the one that provides the greatest amount of information in a consistent way, aiding the clinical decision-making process.


The Effect of Body Mass Index on Pelvic Floor Support 1 Year Postpartum.
Elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with the incidence, prevalence, and progression of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study investigated the effect of peripartum BMI on pelvic floor support 1 year postpartum (PP1y). One hundred eight nulliparous women had their BMI recorded and underwent POP assessments using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System at baseline, third trimester (36th to 38th week of pregnancy [G36-38w]), and PP1y. Pelvic organ prolapse was defined as ≥stage II. Women gained on average 1.9 kg between baseline and PP1y. After adjustment, increasing BMI PP1y was associated with increasing anterior wall descent (P < .0001) and higher odds of having POP PP1y (odds ratio: 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.97, P = .045). Trial of labor compared to unlabored cesarean delivery, POP G36-38w, and decreased fetal weight were independently associated with anterior vaginal wall laxity PP1y. Our finding suggests that postpartum BMI influences pelvic floor laxity 1 year after delivery. Postpartum weight reduction may serve as a strategy for POP prevention in some women.


Bifunctional role of transforming growth factor-beta during granulosa cell development.
Regulatory actions of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) on granulosa cell function were analyzed in cells cultured from the ovaries of diethylstilbestrol-implanted rats. In the presence of a suboptimal concentration of FSH (5 ng/ml) that increased LH receptors by 100-fold during a 72-h culture, TGF beta augmented this response in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal effect at 16 pM. In contrast, the growth factor inhibited the LH receptor response to an optimal dose of FSH (50 ng) by up to 50% and was inactive in the absence of gonadotropin. TGF beta also enhanced the formation of cAMP by 5 ng FSH and partially inhibited the effects of higher FSH concentrations. However, the actions of TGF beta were more prominent on LH receptor induction than on cAMP production with either low or high amounts of FSH. In addition, TGF beta had little effect on cAMP production stimulated by cholera toxin or forskolin, but amplified the actions of these ligands as well as that of 8-bromo-cAMP on LH receptor expression. TGF beta also modulated the steroidogenic activity of the granulosa cells, with increased production of progesterone in response to 5-100 ng FSH. The bifunctional actions of TGF beta on FSH-induced LH receptor formation were observed throughout a 96-h culture period. However, the presence of the growth factor was not required for the first 24 h of culture, indicating that TGF beta alters the later events involved in LH receptor formation. TGF beta augmented the stimulatory actions of 5 ng FSH on LH receptors in the absence or presence of insulin, but its inhibitory effect on these receptors was only observed in cells treated with insulin. These results indicate that TGF beta modifies FSH action during granulosa cell development in a biphasic manner. TGF beta can exert stimulatory or inhibitory effects depending upon the concentration of FSH and the presence of insulin, and these are due to alterations in cAMP action as well as cAMP production. Autocrine and/or endocrine actions of TGF beta during granulosa cell differentiation may be involved in the processes of follicle selection and development.


Structural insight into proline cis/trans isomerization of unfolded proteins catalyzed by the trigger factor chaperone.
Molecular chaperones often possess functional modules that are specialized in assisting the formation of specific structural elements, such as a disulfide bridges and peptidyl-prolyl bonds in cis form, in the client protein. A ribosome-associated molecular chaperone trigger factor (TF), which has a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) domain, acts as a highly efficient catalyst in the folding process limited by peptidyl-prolyl isomerization. Herein we report a study on the mechanism through which TF recognizes the proline residue in the unfolded client protein during the cis/trans isomerization process. The solution structure of TF in complex with the client protein showed that TF recognizes the proline-aromatic motif located in the hydrophobic stretch of the unfolded client protein through its conserved hydrophobic cleft, which suggests that TF preferentially accelerates the isomerization of the peptidyl-prolyl bond that is eventually folded into the core of the protein in its native fold. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that TF exploits the backbone amide group of Ile195 to form an intermolecular hydrogen bond with the carbonyl oxygen of the amino acid residue preceding the proline residue at the transition state, which presumably stabilizes the transition state and thus accelerates the isomerization. The importance of such intermolecular hydrogen-bond formation during the catalysis was further corroborated by the activity assay and NMR relaxation analysis.


Centrifugal analyzer determination of ascorbate in serum or urine with Fe3+/Ferrozine.
Measurement of serum ascorbate may be useful in long-term population studies because of the possible influence of ascorbate on numerous physiological factors. We describe an automated method for determining ascorbate in serum and urine by using the reduction of ferric iron by ascorbate and the formation of a color between the resulting ferrous iron and Ferrozine [3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-bis(4-phenylsulfonic acid)-1,2,4-triazine]. A centrifugal analyzer is used to rapidly and simultaneously measure ascorbate in the samples and standards and minimize interference from slower reacting substances in the sample. The method is highly precise and specific. Data are also presented on the stability of ascorbate in serum, urine, and aqueous solutions.


BIOFILM FORMATION OF Vibrio cholerae ON STAINLESS STEEL USED IN FOOD PROCESSING.
Vibrio cholerae represents a significant threat to human health in developing countries. This pathogen forms biofilms which favors its attachment to surfaces and its survival and transmission by water or food. This work evaluated the in vitro biofilm formation of V. cholerae isolated from clinical and environmental sources on stainless steel of the type used in food processing by using the environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Results showed no cell adhesion at 4 h and scarce surface colonization at 24 h. Biofilms from the environmental strain were observed at 48 h with high cellular aggregations embedded in Vibrio exopolysaccharide (VPS), while less confluence and VPS production with microcolonies of elongated cells were observed in biofilms produced by the clinical strain. At 96 h the biofilms of the environmental strain were released from the surface leaving coccoid cells and residual structures, whereas biofilms of the clinical strain formed highly organized structures such as channels, mushroom-like and pillars. This is the first study that has shown the in vitro ability of V. cholerae to colonize and form biofilms on stainless steel used in food processing.


Epidermoid cysts of testis.
Two cases of epidermoid cyst of testis are reported. The histogenesis is discussed, together with the histogenesis of identical cysts of the ovary and the spleen, and, for the gonadal lesions, a teratoid origin is considered the most likely developmental derivation. The prognosis is excellent after limited excision or orchidectomy.


[Epidermoid cancer of the esophagus: overview].
Numerous extrinsic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of esophageal cancer. The disease exhibits clinical symptoms only at the advanced stage, often when no further curative possibilities exist; this delay is one of the main causes of the poor prognosis still associated with esophageal cancer. To secure early diagnosis, contrast GI series and endoscopy should be performed immediately whenever esophageal symptoms are present. Initial assessment of esophageal cancer should in any case include thoraco-abdominal scan. Bronchoscopy is indicated when the tumor is localized in the middle third of the organ. Surgery has long been considered the only valid treatment for esophageal cancer. However, the rule today is a multidisciplinary approach which offers either curative or palliative treatment designed to optimize therapy and minimize side effects. Promising results have recently been obtained with a combination of radiotherapy-chemotherapy followed by esophagectomy.


Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty With Voltaic Arc Dermabrasion.
The aging to the upper eyelid complex includes skin laxity, resulting in rhytids, orbicularis oculi hypertrophy, and pseudohermitian of orbital fat and nowadays a high number of patients seeking cosmetic surgery. Excess and laxity of upper eyelid skin affect more than 90% of women, the impact of these problems on the patient's self-esteem can become important enough to affect quality of life in psychological and sociocultural terms.The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of blepharoplasty with an electrosurgical technology for treatment of skin laxity of upper eyelid, which produced a lid retraction and an elevation of the upper lid without complications.This retrospective evaluation was conducted from October 2008 to July 2015, where 80 patients (56 female and 24 male) were treated for excess and laxity of upper eyelid skin with voltaic arc dermabrasion.The outcome was that all patients displayed some aspects of tissue contraction that stretched the lax skin of the upper eyelids, resulting in cosmetic improvement.In conclusion this technique was predictable and useful to remove the laxity of upper eyelid skin minimal recurrence rates, and acceptable aesthetics.


[Structural fat grafting for rejuvenation of the dorsum of the hand].
In parallel with aging, increasing skin laxity and subcutaneous atrophy occur in many regions of the human body. Apart from the most obvious facial region, where most aesthetic operations for rejuvenation are done, also the dorsum of the hand is continuously visible in daily life. This region exhibits skin laxity, subcutaneous atrophy and age-related pigmentations in a comparable manner to the face. Autologous transplantation of fatty tissue (structural fat grafting, lipofilling) enables subcutaneous regeneration by refilling the subcutaneous space and hence reducing some of the age-related degenerative process. This paper illustrates the special operative technique on the hand in the form of a case report. Furthermore, 3D surface laser scanning permits an objective evaluation of the permanent volume effect over time. In the presented case a volume effect of 69% of the injected volume was measured after 6 months follow-up time. This amount of injected tissue seems to be integrated as a graft and results in a reduction of subcutaneous atrophy in terms of a true regeneration. Structural fat grafting of the dorsum of the hand is thus a method of regenerative medicine. Together with other methods which reduce the age-related pigmentations, it plays a key role in our treatment concept for rejuvenation of the hand.


Flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins from Limonium brasiliense inhibit the adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis to epithelial host cells by interaction with gingipains.
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a pathogen strongly involved in chronic and aggressive forms of periodontitis. Natural products, mainly polyphenols, have been described for advanced treatment of periodontitis by inhibition of the bacterial adhesion of P. gingivalis to the epithelial host cells. An acetone:water extract (LBE) from the rhizomes of Limonium brasiliense (Boiss.) Kuntze was tested under in vitro conditions for potential antiadhesive effects against P. gingivalis to human KB cells and for inhibition of the proteolytic activity of gingipains, the main virulence factor of P. gingivalis. LBE≤100μg/mL had no cytotoxicity against the bacteria and did not influence the cell physiology of human epithelial KB cells. At 100μg/mL LBE reduced the adhesion of P. gingivalis to KB cells significantly by about 80%. LBE at 20μg/mL reduced the proteolytic activity of the arginin-specific Rgp gingipain by about 75%. Chemical profiling of LBE indicated the presence of gallic acid, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate and samarangenins A and B as lead compounds. UHPLC by using MS and UV detection displays a suitable method for quality control of the extract for identification and quantification of the lead compounds.


Middle cerebral/umbilical artery resistance index ratio as sensitive parameter for fetal well-being and neonatal outcome in patients with preeclampsia: case-control study.
To evaluate the accuracy of middle cerebral/umbilical artery resistance index (C/U RI) ratio in predicting acidemia and low Apgar score at 5 minutes after birth in the infants of women with preeclampsia. This prospective case-control study performed at Kasr El Aini University Hospital included 50 pregnant women with preeclampsia with or without intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Thirty women with uneventful pregnancies, matched for age, parity, and gestational age, served as controls. Ultrasound and Doppler studies were carried out to estimate fetal weight (EFW) and determine fetal biophysical profile and resistance indices of the middle cerebral and umbilical arteries. C/U RI <1.0 was considered abnormal. Apgar scores were assessed at 5 minutes after birth, and fetal cord blood sampling to determine blood pH was done immediately after delivery. Apgar score <6 at 5 minutes, neonatal acidemia (pH<7.2), and/or neonatal admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) indicated neonatal morbidity. There were no significant differences in fetal biophysical profile, middle cerebral artery RI, or umbilical artery RI between the fetuses of women with preeclampsia and those in the control group. C/U RI <1.0 was found in significantly more fetuses of women with preeclampsia than in their controls (0.7-/+0.3 and 1.3-/+0.7, respectively; P<0.001). In the preeclampsia group, C/U RI was abnormal in 32 out of 38 fetuses with IUGR, and in only 5 out of 12 of fetuses without IUGR. Neonatal acidemia was found in 30 out of 38 newborns with IUGR and in 3 out of 12 of newborns without IUGR. Preeclampsia and C/U RI <1.0 carried a relative risk of 1.4 for neonatal morbidity (neonatal academia pH<7.2, 5-minute Apgar score <6, and/or admission to NICU). C/U RI had 64.1% sensitivity, 72.7% specificity, 89.2% positive predictive value, and 36.3% negative predictive value for neonatal morbidity. There was a strong correlation between the C/U RI and neonatal outcome in women with preeclampsia. C/U RI <1.0 may be helpful in the identification of newborns at risk of morbidity, irrespective of whether they are small or appropriate for their gestational age.


[Low dose of triptolide ameliorates podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by high dose of D-glucose via inhibiting Wnt3α/β-catenin signaling pathway activation].
To explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of triptolide(TP)on improving podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)induced by high dose of D-glucose(HG), the immortalized podocytes of mice in vitro were divided into the normal group(N), the high dose of D-glucose group(HG), the low dose of TP group(L-TP), the high dose of TP group(H-TP)and the mannitol group(MNT), and treated by the different measures respectively. More specifically, the podocytes in each group were separately treated by D-glucose(DG, 5 mmol·L⁻¹)or HG(25 mmol·L⁻¹)or HG(25 mmol·L⁻¹)+ TP(3 μg·L⁻¹)or HG(25 mmol·L⁻¹)+ TP(10 μg·L⁻¹)or DG(5 mmol·L⁻¹)+ MNT(24.5 mmol·L⁻¹). After the intervention for 24, 48 and 72 hours, firstly, the activation of podocyte proliferation was investigated. Secondly, the protein expression levels of the epithelial markers in podocytes such as nephrin and podocin, the mesenchymal markers such as desmin and collagen Ⅰ and the EMT-related mediators such as snail were detected respectively. Finally, the protein expression levels of Wnt3α and β-catenin as the key signaling molecules in Wnt3α/β-catenin pathway were examined severally. The results indicated that, HG could cause the low protein expression levels of nephrin and podocin and the high protein expression levels of desmin, collagen Ⅰ and snail in podocytes, and inducing podocyte EMT. On the other hand, HG could cause the high protein expression levels of Wnt3α and β-catenin in podocytes, and activating Wnt3α/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, L-TP had no effect on the activation of podocyte proliferation, the co-treatment of L-TP and HG could significantly recover the protein expression levels of nephrin and podocin, inhibit the protein expression levels of desmin, collagen I and snail in podocytes, thus, further improving podocyte EMT. And that, the co-treatment of L-TP and HG could obviously decrease the high protein expression levels of Wnt3α and β-catenin induced by HG in podocytes, and inhibit Wnt3α/β-catenin signaling pathway activation. On the whole, HG can induce podocyte EMT by activating Wnt3α/β-catenin signaling pathway; L-TP can ameliorate podocyte EMT through inhibiting Wnt3α/β-catenin signaling pathway activation, which may be one of the effects and molecular mechanisms in vitro.


ALTERNATIVE MODELS OF CHARACTER DISPLACEMENT AND NICHE SHIFT. I. ADAPTIVE SHIFTS IN RESOURCE USE WHEN THERE IS COMPETITION FOR NUTRITIONALLY NONSUBSTITUTABLE RESOURCES.
This paper analyzes the influence of the nutritional status of resources on the adaptive response to interspecific competition in a consumer of those resources. The two cases compared are that in which the resources are nutritionally perfectly substitutable (in the sense of Leon and Tumpson [1975]) and that in which the resources are nonsubstitutable. Each nonsubstitutable resource must be consumed at a certain rate for population growth to occur. Evolutionarily stable strategies of resource utilization are found using models of competition for two resources. If competition occurs solely via the consumer species's effects on resource density, the adaptive response in a consumer's resource-acquisition traits is: a) divergence away from its competitor's resource-acquisition traits if resources are perfectly substitutable and b) convergence towards the competitor's resource-acquisition traits if resources are nonsubstitutable. Exceptions to both of these generalizations may occur if competitor population density affects a consumer species's per capita growth rate independently of effects on resource density. Plants and herbivores often use nonsubstitutable resources. The lack of studies of adaptive responses to competition in these organisms may be responsible for the lack of documented examples of competitive convergence.


Highly dispersed gold on zirconia: characterization and activity in low-temperature water gas shift tests.
Gold-loaded zirconia and sulfated zirconia catalysts were tested in the low-temperature water gas shift reaction. The samples were characterized by N2 adsorption analysis, temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray diffraction, pulse-flow CO chemisorption, FTIR spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. A reference catalyst, Au/TiO2, provided by the World Gold Council was investigated for comparison. CO chemisorption and FTIR data indicate the presence of only highly dispersed gold clusters on the sulfated sample and both small clusters and small particles on the non-sulfated sample. Both gold-zirconia catalysts are much more active than the Au/TiO2 reference sample over all the temperature range investigated. The sample prepared on sulfated zirconia exhibits higher stability than the catalyst on unmodified zirconia. The prominent role in the water gas shift reaction of gold clusters in close contact with the support was deduced.


Subjective health complaints.
A variety of subjective illnesses with few or no objective findings have appeared at regular intervals as epidemics in our society under different labels. There are few or no objective findings that might explain the "disease" or the complaints go beyond what is regarded as "reasonable" by the physician. Muscle pain and other types of subjective health complaints are among the most frequent reason for encounters with general practitioners, and one of the major causes for sickness absence. The prevalence of subjective health complaints is very high, with at least 75% of the population reporting one or more subjective health complaints the past 30 days. From a statistical point of view, it is "normal" to have complaints. It is when they become intolerable that assistance is required. The difficult thing is that this threshold is individual and subjective. The psychiatric definitions of these complaints, therefore, refer only to the tip of an iceberg.


Integrin expression regulates neuroblastoma attachment and migration.
Neuroblastoma (NBL) is the most common malignant disease of infancy, and children with bone metastasis have a mortality rate greater than 90%. Two major classes of proteins, integrins and growth factors, regulate the metastatic process. We have previously shown that tumorigenic NBL cells express higher levels of the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) and that beta1 integrin expression is inversely proportional to tumorigenic potential in NBL. In the current study, we analyze the effect of beta1 integrin and IGF-IR on NBL cell attachment and migration. Nontumorigenic S-cells express high levels of beta1 integrin, whereas tumorigenic N-cells express little beta1 integrin. Alterations in beta1 integrin are due to regulation at the protein level, as translation is decreased in N-type cells. Moreover, inhibition of protein synthesis shows that beta1 integrin is degraded more slowly in S-type cells (SHEP) than in N-type cells (SH-SY5Y and IMR32). Inhibition of alpha5beta1 integrin prevents SHEP (but not SH-SY5Y or IMR32) cell attachment to fibronectin and increases SHEP cell migration. Increases in IGF-IR decrease beta1 integrin expression, and enhance SHEP cell migration, potentially through increased expression of alphavbeta3. These data suggest that specific classes of integrins in concert with IGF-IR regulate NBL attachment and migration.


Determination of total polyphenolic content in red wines by means of the combined He-Ne laser optothermal window and Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetry assay.
The He-Ne laser (632.8 nm) and the concept of optothermal window (OW), a variant of the open photoacoustic cell, were combined with the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetry assay to quantitate phenolics in four red wines. The total polyphenolic content in selected red wines varied between 786 and 1630 mg/L gallic acid equivalent (GAE) as determined by OW-Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetry, which compares well to 778 and 1614 mg/L GAE obtained for the same wines by means of classical spectrophotometry. The originality and merit of OW colorimetry used here is that, unlike what is encountered in conventional spectrometry, no intermediate dilution step is required when total polyhenolics are determined in red wine. The precision, defined as the closeness to each other of 256 replicate readings of the OW signal, is generally better than 2%.


[Evolution of the sensitivity of 235 strains of Helicobacter pylori from 1995 to 1998 and impact of antibiotic treatment].
The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of Helicobacter pylori to the antibiotics used in its eradication over a period of four years and to determine the influence of previous treatment on sensitivity. During the period from 1995 to 1998 we determined the sensitivity of 235 consecutive Helicobacter pylori isolates to amoxicillin, metronidazole, clarythromycin and tetracycline by means of E-test methodology. The MIC values found were related with the prior use of eradicating treatment. The percentage of resistant strains were as follows: 23.5% to metronidazole, 12.9% to clarythromycin and 0.7% to tetracycline; none of the strains was resistant to amoxicillin. There were no significant changes in percentage of resistance to the drugs studied over the 4-year period. Resistance to metronidazole and clarythromycin was significantly higher (p 5 0.03 and p < 0.001 respectively) in strains isolated from patients who had received previous treatment. Monitorization of H. pylori sensitivity to the drugs used in its eradication is particularly important in patients who have undergone prior treatment.


Construction of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in severe asthmatic bronchial epithelial cells: A bioinformatics study.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease caused by environment-host interactions. Bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) are the first line of defense against environmental toxins. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of BECs in severe asthma (SA) are not yet fully understood. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in the pathogenesis of SA. In this study, bioinformatics was used for the first time to reveal the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of BECs in SA. Five mRNA datasets of bronchial brushing samples from patients with SA and healthy controls (HC) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A combination of the Venn diagram and robust rank aggregation (RRA) method was used to identify core differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of core DEGs was performed to screen hub genes. The miRDB, miRWalk, and ENCORI databases were used to predict the miRNA-mRNA relationships, and the ENCORI and starBase v2.0 databases were used to predict the upstream lncRNAs of the miRNA-mRNA relationships. Four core DEGs were identified: carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5), interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2), trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). These 4 core DEGs indicated that SA was not significantly associated with sex. Enrichment analysis showed that the MAPK, Rap1, Ras, PI3K-Akt and Calcium signaling pathways may serve as the principal pathways of BECs in SA. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of the severe asthmatic bronchial epithelium was constructed. The top 10 competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) were FGD5 antisense RNA 1 (FGD5-AS1), metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), X inactive specific transcript (XIST), HLA complex group 18 (HCG18), small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16), has-miR-20b-5p, has-miR-106a-5p, hsa-miR-106b-5p, has-miR-519d-3p and Fms related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1). Our study revealed a potential mechanism for the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in BECs in SA.


Factors associated with former smokers among female adolescents in rural Virginia.
We examined multiple ecological factors (individual, family, peer, school, and community) associated with female adolescent former smokers (FS), current smokers (CS), and never smokers (NS) in a sample of 2029 seventh to twelfth grade girls living in a rural area of Virginia. We were particularly interesting in examining variables related to FS. Compared to CS, FS reported lower levels of delinquency, less coping by taking drugs, less availability of cigarettes, and less alcohol and marijuana use. They also reported less depression, fewer suicidal thoughts, and fewer suicide attempts than CS. FS reported spending more time in community clubs, had higher self-esteem, obtained higher grades, had more parental monitoring, more parent attachment, and more school attachment than CS. Logistical regression analysis predicting current or former smoking status revealed significant effects on coping by taking drugs, alcohol use, depression, grades, parental monitoring, and perceived availability of cigarettes. The findings have implications for smoking intervention programs with adolescent girls in rural areas.


Contemplating abortion: HIV-positive women's decision to terminate pregnancy.
Research on pregnancy termination largely assumes HIV status is the only reason why HIV-positive women contemplate abortion. As antiretroviral treatment (ART) becomes increasingly available and women are living longer, healthier lives, the time has come to consider the influence of other factors on HIV-positive women's reproductive decision-making. Because ART has been free and universally available to Brazilians for more than two decades, Brazil provides a unique context in which to explore these issues. A total of 25 semi-structured interviews exploring women's pregnancy termination decision-making were conducted with women receiving care at the Reference Centre for HIV/AIDS in Salvador, Brazil. Interviews were transcribed, translated into English and coded for analysis. HIV played different roles in women's decision-making. In all, 13 HIV-positive women did not consider terminating their pregnancy. Influential factors described by those who did consider terminating their pregnancy included fear of HIV transmission, fear of HIV-related stigma, family size, economic constraints, partner and provider influence, as well as lack of access to pregnancy termination services and abortifacients. For some HIV-positive women in Brazil, HIV can be the only reason to consider terminating a pregnancy, but other factors are significant. A thorough understanding of all variables affecting reproductive decision-making is necessary for enhancing services and policies and better meeting the needs and rights of HIV-positive women.


Evaluation of enamel surface roughness after orthodontic bracket debonding with atomic force microscopy.
Achieving a smooth enamel surface after orthodontic bracket debonding is imperative. In this study, we sought to compare the enamel surface roughness values after orthodontic bracket debonding and resin removal using a white stone bur, a tungsten carbide bur, and a tungsten carbide bur under loupe magnification. Thirty sound premolars were randomly divided into 3 groups, and their buccal surfaces were subjected to atomic force microscopy to measure initial surface roughness. Brackets were bonded to the buccal surfaces and debonded after 24 hours. Resin remnants were removed using a white stone bur, a tungsten carbide bur, or a tungsten carbide bur under loupe magnification. The teeth were then subjected to atomic force microscopy again. The time required for composite removal was calculated. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, 1-way analysis of variance, and the Tukey test. Resin removal increased the enamel surface roughness compared with the initial values (P <0.001); however, no significant differences were noted among the 3 groups in this respect after resin removal. The mean times required for smoothing by the tungsten carbide bur and the tungsten carbide bur with a dental loupe were similar (P >0.05): significantly lower than the time with the white stone bur (both, P <0.001). The tungsten carbide bur is still recommended for composite removal.


Intelligence and personality variables of parents of autistic children.
Intelligence, occupation, and education levels of both parents, as well as personality characteristics of mothers, the primary nurturant adults, were investigated as related to early infantile autism. Our sample consisted of 50 sets of parents of disturbed children, 15 whose children had met Rimland 's stringent criteria for autism, 24 whose children, though not having met these criteria, had been diagnosed clinically as autistic, and 11 sets whose severely disturbed children were never diagnosed autistic. All parents were tested for intelligence. In addition, mothers' personality was tested via Human Figure Drawings and Eysenck's Personality Inventory. Rimland 's E-2 questionnaire was generally filled out by mothers. Results indicated that fathers of autists , but not mothers, were of significantly above-average intelligence. Mothers were significantly more neurotic on Eysenck's scale than mothers of disturbed nonautistic children, and significantly more introverted than his normative sample. Finally, there was a significant correlation between neuroticism of mothers and children's autism.


Peptide and Aptamer Decorated Delivery System for Targeting Delivery of Cas9/sgRNA Plasmid To Mediate Antitumor Genome Editing.
A multiple-functionalized targeting delivery system was prepared by self-assembly for efficient delivery of Cas9/sgRNA plasmids to targeted tumor cell nuclei. The Cas9/sgRNA plasmids were compacted by protamine in the presence of calcium ions to form nanosized cores, which were further decorated by peptide and aptamer conjugated alginate derivatives. With the help of the nuclear location signal peptide and AS1411 aptamer with specific affinity for nucleolin in the tumor cell membrane and nuclei, the delivery vector can specifically deliver the plasmid to the nuclei of tumorous cells for knocking out the protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2) gene to down-regulate focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The tumor cell apoptosis induced by genome editing is mitochondrial-dependent. In addition, FAK knockout results in negative regulation on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Meanwhile, favorable modulation on various proteins involved in tumor progression can be realized by genome editing. The enhanced E-cadherin and decreased MMPs, vimentin, and VEGF imply the desirable effects of genome editing on suppression of tumor development. Wound healing and transwell assays confirm that the genome editing system can suppress tumor invasion and metastasis in edited cells efficiently. The investigation provides a facile and effective strategy to fabricate multiple-functionalized delivery vectors for genome editing.


Iron homeostasis and toxicity in retinal degeneration.
Iron is essential for many metabolic processes but can also cause damage. As a potent generator of hydroxyl radical, the most reactive of the free radicals, iron can cause considerable oxidative stress. Since iron is absorbed through diet but not excreted except through menstruation, total body iron levels buildup with age. Macular iron levels increase with age, in both men and women. This iron has the potential to contribute to retinal degeneration. Here we present an overview of the evidence suggesting that iron may contribute to retinal degenerations. Intraocular iron foreign bodies cause retinal degeneration. Retinal iron buildup resulting from hereditary iron homeostasis disorders aceruloplasminemia, Friedreich's ataxia, and panthothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration cause retinal degeneration. Mice with targeted mutation of the iron exporter ceruloplasmin have age-dependent retinal iron overload and a resulting retinal degeneration with features of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Post mortem retinas from patients with AMD have more iron and the iron carrier transferrin than age-matched controls. Over the past 10 years much has been learned about the intricate network of proteins involved in iron handling. Many of these, including transferrin, transferrin receptor, divalent metal transporter-1, ferritin, ferroportin, ceruloplasmin, hephaestin, iron-regulatory protein, and histocompatibility leukocyte antigen class I-like protein involved in iron homeostasis (HFE) have been found in the retina. Some of these proteins have been found in the cornea and lens as well. Levels of the iron carrier transferrin are high in the aqueous and vitreous humors. The functions of these proteins in other tissues, combined with studies on cultured ocular tissues, genetically engineered mice, and eye exams on patients with hereditary iron diseases provide clues regarding their ocular functions. Iron may play a role in a broad range of ocular diseases, including glaucoma, cataract, AMD, and conditions causing intraocular hemorrhage. While iron deficiency must be prevented, the therapeutic potential of limiting iron-induced ocular oxidative damage is high. Systemic, local, or topical iron chelation with an expanding repertoire of drugs has clinical potential.


Contrast removal from coronary sinus for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy: a review.
The occurrence of contrast-induced-nephropathy (CIN) is related to the amount of contrast administration. Any removal of contrast from systemic circulation before reaching the kidneys might be beneficial using a device that removes contrast from a coronary sinus (CS). This manuscript aims to review the available literature regarding contrast removal from CS during coronary angiography or intervention for the prevention of CIN.


Reflex and local thermal control of rabbit ear blood flow.
We measured thermal conductance (K) of the ears of 12 New Zealand White rabbits during periods of core heating in which mean skin temperature and ear temperatures (Te) were controlled. Right Te was always held at 28 degrees C; left Te was 15, 20, 24, 28, 31, 33 degrees C in separate core heating periods. Core heating was obtained by perfusing a previously implanted intravascular heat exchanger with hot water. Blood temperature (Tbl) was measured with a thermocouple that had been previously placed in contact with the common carotid artery. During heating, K rose with rising Tbl, but the relation between K and Tbl depended on Te. At high Te, K rose rapidly in the initial stages of core heating and soon reached its maximal value. At cool Te, K rose slowly with rising Tbl until high Tbl was reached; then K rose rapidly to maximal values. The maximal value of K reached at high Tbl was independent of Te. The results suggest that local temperature affects ear blood flow by affecting the way that ear blood vessels react to sympathetic reflex signals.


Medicinal plants used in the promotion of animal health in Tanzania.
Plants with curative properties enjoy the highest consideration in indigenous systems of medicine throughout the world. This is especially true in the developing countries, where imported drugs are very expensive and are therefore inaccessible to the vast majority of the population. The author presents the results of an ethnobotanical study conducted in three main areas, namely the Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Mbeya regions of Tanzania. Special attention was paid to the use of plants for veterinary purposes. A total of 103 plant species within 48 families are collected for their curative properties in the field of veterinary medicine. The family which provided the greatest number of species was Compositae (13 species), followed by Euphorbiaceae (11 species) and Papillionaceae (9 species). A total of 38 different pathological states are treated, the most frequent being gastrointestinal disorders, followed by helminthosis, wounds and urethral infections.


Suppression of optical damage at 532 nm in Holmium doped congruent lithium niobate.
Optical damage experiments were carried out in a series of Holmium doped congruent lithium niobate (Ho:cLN) crystals as a function of dopant concentration and laser intensity. The light induced beam distortion was recorded with a camera and a detector under the pseudo-Z-scan configuration. At 532 nm, strong suppression of the optical damage was observed for the 0.94 mol. % doped crystal. Increased resistance to optical damage was also observed at 488 nm. The suppression of the optical damage is predominantly attributed to the reduction of the Nb antisites due to the holmium doping.


Antimicrobial effect and transdentinal diffusion of new intracanal formulations containing nitrofurantoin or doxycycline.
The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the antimicrobial effect and diffusion against E. faecalis of new intracanal medications on the external root surface. The medications tested were a placebo gel (PC); the new formulations with either 3% nitrofurantoin (NIT) or 3% doxycycline hydrochloride (DX) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel as positive control. The new formulations were tested using the traditional agar diffusion test (ADT) and an adapted agar diffusion method (AADM), where the teeth were filled with the medications and left to diffuse on agar surface seeded with E. faecalis. In the ADT, the larger zones of microbial growth inhibition were seen in DX, followed by CHX and NIT. In the AADM test only DX and CHX showed antimicrobial effect. Statistically significant differences between groups were observed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (2=47.126; p<0.001). The new intracanal formulations with DX and NIT have demonstrated antimicrobial effect against E. faecalis, but only DX was able to diffuse through the dentinal tubules and exert antimicrobial effect outside the roots.


Age-related differences in elastic properties of the upper arm vascular bed in healthy adults.
The significance of age-related changes in arterial stiffness has remained largely uncertain in healthy subjects. This appears to be partly due to difficulties in the interpretation of methods for measuring arterial stiffness in vivo. Therefore, a recently developed electrical bioimpedance method was used for studying elastic properties of a vascular bed as a function of age. In 66 healthy subjects, aged 22-82 years, we investigated the vascular bed of an upper arm segment. This vascular bed showed an age-related decrease in the venous blood volume (r = -0.31, p < 0.01) and in the distensibility, the inverse of stiffness, of the larger arteries (r = -0.38, p < 0.001). The distensibility of the arterial bed as a whole at normotensive blood pressure, however, appeared to increase with age (r = 0.32, p < 0.005). The arterial and venous blood volumes, arterial compliance and extravascular fluid volume were significantly higher in the males than in the females. Practically all investigated vascular properties appeared to be related with height, body mass or body mass index. We concluded that comparative studies concerning vascular properties should preferably be performed in subjects matched as to age, gender, height and body mass. In healthy subjects the smaller arteries adjust to the age-related decrease in large artery distensibility by means of an age-related increase in distensibility. These age-related changes in arterial distensibility are caused by changes in the females, and seem to be associated with age-related changes in body mass index rather than with aging per se.


Inter-organismal signaling and management of the phytomicrobiome.
The organisms of the phytomicrobiome use signal compounds to regulate aspects of each other's behavior. Legumes use signals (flavonoids) to regulate rhizobial nod gene expression during establishment of the legume-rhizobia N2-fixation symbiosis. Lipochitooligosaccharides (LCOs) produced by rhizobia act as return signals to the host plant and are recognized by specific lysine motif receptor like kinases, which triggers a signal cascade leading to nodulation of legume roots. LCOs also enhance plant growth, particularly when plants are stressed. Chitooligosaccharides activate plant immune responses, providing enhanced resistance against diseases. Co-inoculation of rhizobia with other plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can improve nodulation and crop growth. PGPR also alleviate plant stress by secreting signal compounds including phytohormones and antibiotics. Thuricin 17, a small bacteriocin produced by a phytomicrobiome member promotes plant growth. Lumichrome synthesized by soil rhizobacteria function as stress-sensing cues. Inter-organismal signaling can be used to manage/engineer the phytomicrobiome to enhance crop productivity, particularly in the face of stress. Stressful conditions are likely to become more frequent and more severe because of climate change.


The Stretta procedure for the treatment of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of GERD with excellent symptom control. However, an approach to the treatment of GERD that has less morbidity than surgery and obviates the need for drugs is desirable. The endoscopic delivery of temperaturecontrolled radiofrequency energy (RF) to the gastroesophageal junction (GE), termed Stretta (Curon Medical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), has recently been shown to be safe, well tolerated, and highly effective in patients with GERD. We review the basic principles, technique, potential mechanisms of action, and effectiveness of the Stretta procedure.


Spinal Meningeal Mass Lesion: A Rare Presentation of Primary Dural Follicular Lymphoma.
The differential diagnosis of a spinal intradural extramedullary mass lesion is broad and includes meningioma, schwannoma, neurofibroma, leptomeningeal metastasis, and myxopapillary ependymoma. Though rare, lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a dural mass lesion. A 38-year-old man presented with back pain that progressed over 1 month with associated focal tenderness over his mid to lower thoracic spine. He developed intermittent numbness of the bilateral lower extremities, nuchal rigidity, difficulty sleeping, and night sweats. A magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine demonstrated a dorsal intradural extramedullary enhancing lesion from T7 to T10 extending outside the spinal canal. Dural thickening across the entire circumference of the spinal cord was noted. Computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of the thoracic lesion was performed, and pathology was consistent with follicular lymphoma. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography:CT demonstrated no systemic disease. Bone marrow biopsy was negative for malignancy. Symptoms resolved with dexamethasone therapy. He was treated with bendamustine and rituximab with follow-up positron emission tomography:CT 2 months later demonstrating a complete response. Lymphoma can rarely present as an isolated dural lesion and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intradural extramedullary spinal mass lesions. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment can lead to complete response and resolution of symptoms.


Selection and characterization of llama single domain antibodies against N-terminal huntingtin.
Huntington disease is caused by expansion of a CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene that is translated into an elongated polyglutamine stretch within the N-terminal domain of the huntingtin protein. The mutation is thought to introduce a gain-of-toxic function in the mutant huntingtin protein, and blocking this toxicity by antibody binding could alleviate Huntington disease pathology. Llama single domain antibodies (VHH) directed against mutant huntingtin are interesting candidates as therapeutic agents or research tools in Huntington disease because of their small size, high thermostability, low cost of production, possibility of intracellular expression, and potency of blood-brain barrier passage. We have selected VHH from llama phage display libraries that specifically target the N-terminal domain of the huntingtin protein. Our VHH are capable of binding wild-type and mutant human huntingtin under native and denatured conditions and can be used in Huntington disease studies as a novel antibody that is easy to produce and manipulate.


Withania somnifera extract reduces gastric cancerous properties through inhibition of gankyrin in cellular milieu produced by Helicobacter pylori and Epstein Barr virus.
Helicobacter pylori and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) are group1 carcinogens and their role in Gastric cancer (GC) is well established. Previously we have shown that H. pylori and EBV appears to support aggressive gastric oncogenesis through the upregulation of oncoprotein Gankyrin. Natural plant active molecules have the potential to interrupt oncogenesis. Herein, we investigated the potential of Withania somnifera root extract (WSE) as a possible chemotherapeutic agent against host oncoprotein Gankyrin whose expression was altered by H. pylori and EBV-associated modified cellular milieu. The results show that WSE does not have any inhibitory effect on H. pylori and EBV-associated gene transcripts except for the lmps (lmp1, lmp2a, and lmp2B). Moreover, the WSE exert their anticancer activity via host cellular response and decreased the expression of cell-migratory (mmp3 and mmp7); cell-cycle regulator (pcna); antiapoptotic gene (bcl2); increased the expression of the proapoptotic gene (apaf1 and bax); and tumor suppressor (p53, prb, and pten). Knockdown of Gankyrin followed by the treatment of WSE also decreases the expression of TNF-ɑ, Akt, and elevated the expression of NFkB, PARP, Casp3, and Casp9. WSE also reduces cell migration, and genomic instability and forced the cells to commit programmed cell death. Moreover, molecular simulation studies revealed that out of eight active compounds of WSE, only four compounds such as withaferin A (WFA), withanoside IV (WA4), withanolide B (WNB), and withanolide D (WND) showed direct stable interaction with Gankyrin. This article reports for the first time that treatment of WSE decreased the cancerous properties through host cellular response modulation in gastric epithelial cells coinfected with H. pylori and EBV.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.


Exact decoherence to pointer states in free open quantum systems is universal.
In this Letter it is shown that exact decoherence to minimal uncertainty Gaussian pointer states is generic for free quantum particles coupled to a heat bath. More specifically, the Letter is concerned with damped free particles linearly coupled under product initial conditions to a heat bath at arbitrary temperature, with arbitrary coupling strength and spectral densities covering the Ohmic, sub-Ohmic, and supra-Ohmic regime. Then it is true that there exists a time t(c) such that for times t>t(c) the state can always be exactly represented as a mixture (convex combination) of particular minimal uncertainty Gaussian states, regardless of and independent from the initial state. This exact "localization" is hence not a feature specific to high temperature and weak damping limit, but is a generic property of damped free particles.


Contrast agents possessing high temperature sensitivity.
Contrast agents based on lanthanide tetra-propargyl DOTAM complexes suitable for temperature mapping by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are reported. Sensitivity values from 1.05 ppm/°C to 1.76 ppm/°C were determined which represents an improvement of 2-3 times over currently available lanthanide temperature-responsive contrast agents.


Colon polyp detection using smoothed shape operators: preliminary results.
Computer-aided detection (CAD) algorithms identify locations in computed tomographic (CT) images of the colon that are most likely to contain polyps. Existing CAD methods treat the CT data as a voxelized, volume image. They estimate a curvature-based feature at the mucosal surface voxels. However, curvature is a smooth notion, while our data are discrete and noisy. As a second order differential quantity, curvature amplifies noise. In this paper, we present the smoothed shape operators method (SSO), which uses a geometry processing approach. We extract a triangle mesh representation of the colon surface, and estimate curvature on this surface using the shape operator. We then smooth the shape operators on the surface iteratively. Throughout, we use techniques explicitly designed for discrete geometry. All our computation occurs on the surface, rather than in the voxel grid. We evaluate our algorithm on patient data and provide free-response receiver-operating characteristic performance analysis over all size ranges of polyps. We also provide confidence intervals for our performance estimates. We compare our performance with the surface normal overlap (SNO) method for the same data. A preliminary evaluation of our method on 35 patients yielded the following results (polyp diameter range; sensitivity; false positives/case): (10mm; 100%; 17.5), (5-10 mm; 89.7%, 21.23), (<5 mm; 59.1%; 23.9) and (overall; 80.3%; 23.9). The evaluation of the SNO method yielded: (10 mm; 75%; 17.5), (5-10 mm; 43.1%; 21.23), (<5 mm; 15.9%; 23.9) and (overall; 38.5%; 23.9).


Extending Nontargeted Discovery of Environmental Chemical Exposures during Pregnancy and Their Association with Pregnancy Complications-A Cross-Sectional Study.
Nontargeted analysis (NTA) methods identify novel exposures; however, few chemicals have been quantified and interrogated with pregnancy complications. We characterized levels of nine exogenous and endogenous chemicals in maternal and cord blood identified, selected, and confirmed in prior NTA steps, including linear and branched isomers perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), monoethylhexyl phthalate, 4-nitrophenol, tetraethylene glycol, tridecanedioic acid, octadecanedioic acid, and deoxycholic acid. We evaluated relationships between maternal and cord levels and between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a diverse pregnancy cohort in San Francisco. We collected matched maternal and cord serum samples at delivery from 302 pregnant study participants from the Chemicals in Our Bodies cohort in San Francisco. Chemicals were identified via NTA and quantified using targeted approaches. We calculated distributions and Spearman correlation coefficients testing the relationship of chemicals within and between the maternal and cord blood matrices. We used adjusted logistic regression to calculate the odds of GDM and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy associated with an interquartile range increase in maternal chemical exposures. We detected linear PFOS, PFHxS, octadecanedioic acid, and deoxycholic acid in at least 97% of maternal samples. Correlations ranged between -0.1 and 0.9. We observed strong correlations between cord and maternal levels of PFHxS, linear PFOS, and branched PFOS (coefficient=0.9, 0.8, and 0.8, respectively). An interquartile range increase in linear and branched PFOS, tridecanedioic acid, octadecanedioic acid, and deoxycholic acid was associated with increased odds ratio (OR) of GDM [OR=1.33 (95% CI: 0.89, 2.01), 1.24 (95% CI: 0.86, 1.80), 1.26 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.73), 1.24 (95% CI: 0.86, 1.80), and 1.23 (95% CI: 0.87, 1.75), respectively]. Tridecanedioic acid was positively associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [OR=1.28 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.86)]. We identified both exogenous and endogenous chemicals seldom quantified in pregnant study participants that were also related to pregnancy complications and demonstrated the utility of NTA to identify chemical exposures of concern. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11546.


Traumatic Rupture of the Right Hemidiaphragm: Diagnosis aided by Computerized Tomography and Image Reformation: A Case Report.
Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm (TRD) poses a challenge to both radiologists and surgeons. They are uncommon and occur following blunt abdominal or lower thoracic trauma. The right side involvement is less common than the left side and is easily missed. Spiral computed tomography (Spiral CT) with image reformation is very useful in the diagnosis of TRD and in identifying associated injuries. Early diagnosis and repair reduces mortality and morbidity. We present the case of a 16 year old boy who was involved in a high speed traffic accident with blunt injury to his thorax and abdomen. He was referred from a peripheral hospital in Oman for further management at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. A spiral CT scan of thorax and abdomen with image reformation helped in the early diagnosis and management of the traumatic rupture of his right hemidiaphragm.


S100A8 and S100A9 promotes invasion and migration through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent NF-κB activation in gastric cancer cells.
S100A8 and S100A9 (S100A8/A9) are low-molecular weight members of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins. Recent studies have reported S100A8/A9 promote tumorigenesis. We have previously reported that S100A8/A9 is mostly expressed in stromal cells and inflammatory cells between gastric tumor cells. However, the role of environmental S100A8/A9 in gastric cancer has not been defined. We observed in the present study the effect of S100A8/A9 on migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. S100A8/ A9 treatment increased migration and invasionat lower concentrations that did not affect cell proliferation and cell viability. S100A8/A9 caused activation of p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was not affected by the NF-κB inhibitor Bay whereas activation of NF-κB was blocked by p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, indicating that S100A8/A9-induced NF-κB activation is mediated by phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. S100A8/A9-induced cell migration and invasion was inhibited by SB203580 and Bay, suggesting that activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB is involved in the S100A8/A9 induced cell migration and invasion. S100A8/A9 caused an increase in matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP12 expression, which were inhibited by SB203580 and Bay. S100A8/A9-induced cell migration and invasion was inhibited by MMP2 siRNA and MMP12 siRNA, indicating that MMP2 and MMP12 is related to the S100A8/A9 induced cell migration and invasion. Taken together, these results suggest that S100A8/A9 promotes cell migration and invasion through p38 MAPKdependent NF-κB activation leading to an increase of MMP2 and MMP12 in gastric cancer.


Identifying pollution hot spots from polychlorinated biphenyl residues in birds of prey.
Techniques for determining whether patterns of points are random, clustered, or dispersed are well established; however, when the magnitude of the attribute at each location is also important, the situation is more problematic. The concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the livers of Eurasian sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus and common kestrels Falco tinnunculus has been determined for birds from all over Great Britain for several decades and forms a unique database. When mapped, there appears to be clusters of high values in some parts of the country. If these clusters are truly significant, then they may indicate pollution hot spots and possibly help identify undocumented sources of contamination. What constitutes a cluster is open to debate. We know something about the foraging behavior of birds of prey, but we do not know how many pollution sources (hot spots) there are, how long they persist, or over what area they may disperse PCBs. We used a Monte Carlo simulation approach to determine whether the visually prominent clusters of high PCB residues were significant features or merely illusions. The five largest nonoverlapping clusters (defined in terms of the total PCB concentration) were identified at a range of spatial scales. In addition to the total concentration and the number of observations, the weighted centroid of the clusters and which individual birds were involved were also recorded. This enabled us to determine the scale over which the candidate hot spot was stable. Comparing the magnitude of the observed clusters with those from the trial simulations determined the probability of nonrandomness in the original data set (at each spatial scale). Results showed that some clusters do exist but, in the majority of cases, apparent clusters identified by eye could not be considered an actual aggregation of high concentrations following spatial analysis.


Semi-rigid thoracoscopy: initial experience from a tertiary care hospital.
Thoracoscopy is usually carried out using rigid metallic instruments. Recently, video flex-rigid or semi-rigid thoracoscopes have been introduced. These have the advantage of easy maneuverability, although the biopsy samples are smaller as compared to those with rigid thoracoscopy. We have looked at the usefulness of flex rigid thoracoscope in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural diseases, remained undiagnosed after thoracentesis and closed biopsy. Retrospective analysis of data of patients who underwent thoracoscopy for the evaluation of pleural disease. Thoracoscopy was done in 21 patients using a flex-rigid thoracoscope in our institution. The indication was pleural effusion with inconclusive or negative pleural fluid cytology and blind pleural biopsy in 18 of the 21 patients. Thoracoscopic biopsy was positive in 12 of the 18 patients (66.7%). Of the six who had a negative biopsy, the procedure indirectly helped in patient management in five. There were no significant procedure-related complications. Thoracoscopy with flex-rigid thoracoscope is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of pleural effusions with negative blind pleural biopsy and cytology.


Stable, soluble, model immune complexes made with a versatile multivalent affinity-labeling antigen.
We describe here the synthesis of a family of multivalent affinity-labeling antigens based on the soluble carbohydrate polymer Ficoll. Ficoll was derivatized successively with chloroacetate, ethylenediamine, and glutaric anhydride and finally esterified with 2,4-dinitrophenol. Prior to esterification, the polymer could also be derivatized with tyramine to allow trace iodination and with the monosaccharides galactose or mannose. The numbers of substituent groups could be controlled at several points in the synthesis. The resulting multiple dinitrophenyl esters on a Ficoll or glycosylated Ficoll polymer specifically cross-linked anti-dinitrophenyl antibodies to form covalently cross-linked antigen-antibody complexes. The glycosylated Ficolls were particularly made for studies of the influence of antigen structure on the behavior of immune complexes. The intermediates in the synthesis are suitable for other derivatizations as well. These model immune complexes are stable and soluble, they can be separated by size, and they overcome some of the limitations on the study of complexes imposed by previous techniques of preparing them.


An evoked potential study of the developmental time course of the auditory nerve and brainstem in children using cochlear implants.
Central auditory responses to electrical stimulation from a cochlear implant were studied in 75 pre-lingually deafened children and 11 adults. Electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR) latencies significantly decreased with duration of cochlear implant use and were not significantly affected by the age at implant activation. Significant decreases in early latency waves and interwaves occurred within the first 1-2 months of implant use, whereas longer term changes (6-12 months) were found for eV and eIII-eV, which measure activity in the more rostral brainstem. Comparisons to acoustically evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR) in children with normal hearing suggested shorter interwave EABR latencies, reflecting either distinct neural generators or increased neural synchrony, but similar rates of change in the later latency eV and eIII-eV with time in sound. In sum, normal-like development of the rostral auditory brainstem is promoted by cochlear implant use in children of a wide range of ages.


A standardized extract of Coleus forskohlii root protects rats from ovariectomy-induced loss of bone mass and strength, and impaired bone material by osteogenic and anti-resorptive mechanisms.
In obese humans, Coleus forskohlii root extract (CF) protects against weight gain owing to the presence of forskolin, an adenylate cyclase (AC) activator. As AC increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in osteoblasts that has an osteogenic effect, we thus tested the skeletal effects of a standardized CF (CFE) in rats. Concentrations of forskolin and isoforskolin were measured in CFE by HPLC. CFE and forskolin (the most abundant compound present in CFE) were studied for their osteogenic efficacy in vitro by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cAMP and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) assays. Femur osteotomy model was used to determine the osteogenic dose of CFE. In growing rats, CFE was tested for its osteogenic effect in intact bone. In adult ovariectomized (OVX) rats, we assessed the effect of CFE on bone mass, strength and material. The effect of forskolin was assessed in vivo by measuring the expression of osteogenic genes in the calvarium of rat pups. Forskolin content in CFE was 20.969%. CFE increased osteoblast differentiation and intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels in rat calvarial osteoblasts. At 25 mg/kg (half of human equivalent dose), CFE significantly enhanced calcein deposition at the osteotomy site. In growing rats, CFE promoted modeling-directed bone formation. In OVX rats, CFE maintained bone mass and microarchitecture to the level of sham-operated rats. Moreover, surface-referent bone formation in CFE treated rats was significantly increased over the OVX group and was comparable with the sham group. CFE also increased the pro-collagen type-I N-terminal propeptide: cross-linked C-telopeptide of type-I collagen (PINP : CTX-1) ratio over the OVX rats, and maintained it to the sham level. CFE treatment decreased the OVX-induced increases in the carbonate-to-phosphate, and carbonate-to-amide-I ratios. CFE also prevented the OVX-mediated decrease in mineral crystallinity. Nanoindentation parameters, including modulus and hardness, were decreased by OVX but CFE maintained these to the sham levels. Forskolin stimulated ALP, cAMP and cGMP in vitro and upregulated osteogenic genes in vivo. CFE, likely due to the presence of forskolin displayed a bone-conserving effect via osteogenic and anti-resorptive mechanisms resulting in the maintenance of bone mass, microarchitecture, material, and strength.


Completely automated system for determining halogenated organic compounds by multisyringe flow injection analysis.
A new, multisyringe flow injection setup was designed to develop the first completely automated flow methodology for the expeditious, accurate in-line determination of halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) in water. The target compounds are preconcentrated and isolated by solid-phase extraction. Following elution, previously organically bound halogens are released as free hydrogen halides by the combined action of UV light and a chemical oxidant for their subsequent spectrophotometric determination by reaction with Hg(SCN) 2 and Fe(3+). Optimizing the major hydrodynamic and chemical variables resulted in improved performance. Recovery of various HOCs was assessed, and potential interferents were examined. Under the selected operating conditions, the proposed method exhibits variable analytical performance depending on the particular sample volume used (e.g., a sample volume of 5 mL provides a linear working range of 140-2000 microg L(-1), a LOD of 100 microg L(-1), and a throughput of 9 samples h(-1)). The method was successfully used to determine total adsorbable organic halogens (AOX) in well water and leachates, and the results validated against an AOX reference method. The role of the proposed system in the environmental analytical field is critically discussed.


MR image-based geometric and hemodynamic investigation of the right coronary artery with dynamic vessel motion.
The aim of this study was to develop a fully subject-specific model of the right coronary artery (RCA), including dynamic vessel motion, for computational analysis to assess the effects of cardiac-induced motion on hemodynamics and resulting wall shear stress (WSS). Vascular geometries were acquired in the right coronary artery (RCA) of a healthy volunteer using a navigator-gated interleaved spiral sequence at 14 time points during the cardiac cycle. A high temporal resolution velocity waveform was also acquired in the proximal region. Cardiac-induced dynamic vessel motion was calculated by interpolating the geometries with an active contour model and a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation with fully subject-specific information was carried out using this model. The results showed the expected variation of vessel radius and curvature throughout the cardiac cycle, and also revealed that dynamic motion of the right coronary artery consequent to cardiac motion had significant effects on instantaneous WSS and oscillatory shear index. Subject-specific MRI-based CFD is feasible and, if scan duration could be shortened, this method may have potential as a non-invasive tool to investigate the physiological and pathological role of hemodynamics in human coronary arteries.


A Case of Cerebral Air Embolism After Dental Procedure.
Air embolism is a rare and life-threatening event that occurs when air enters the cardiovascular system, usually secondary to iatrogenic vascular procedures. We present a 58-year-old woman who underwent a dental procedure (devitalization of a tooth) under local anesthesia, with a sudden onset of coma during manipulation and documentation of air in the vessels of the right frontal convexity sulci. After cerebral air embolism was confirmed, she received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with resorption of the gas, but clinically she developed a super-refractory status epilepticus with a persistent coma. The slow clinical course required the exclusion of other etiologies of coma. The pathophysiology is not well known; however, it appears to be related to the injection of air by the high-speed dental drill through the soft tissue adjacent to the roots of the teeth, nearby the bloodstream. We highlight this event because of this unlikely association, which may delay diagnosis and the good results of hyperbaric medicine on prognosis.


Acute type B aortic dissection with multiple cholesterol embolism: an autopsy case report.
Most cases of cholesterol embolism are known to be triggered by cardiac catheterization, cardiovascular surgery, anticoagulation, or fibrinolytic therapy; however, spontaneous cases after aortic dissection are rare. In this report, we describe a case of cholesterol embolism after type B aortic dissection, which rapidly developed into multiple organ failure and death. A 65-year-old man with untreated hypertension was admitted to our hospital with sudden back pain and diagnosed with type B aortic dissection. The patient experienced a rapid progression of inflammation and developed respiratory and renal failure, despite computed tomography showing no obvious progression of dissection. We attributed them to a cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome, but steroid pulse therapy did not alleviate the symptoms. Finally, the patient died on Day 6 after admission, and an autopsy was performed, which revealed cholesterol crystal occlusions in the kidney, spleen, and the left lower leg. The lumen in the aorta is filled with atheroma and thrombus, and we suspect that aortic dissection triggered failure of the aortic plaques and released cholesterol crystals to distal arteries that led to cholesterol embolism. We experienced a patient with a type B aortic dissection that led to cholesterol embolism and rapid progression of respiratory and renal failure, resulting in death. The aortic dissection combined with cholesterol embolism was considered to trigger the subsequent severe inflammation, leading to rapid respiratory and renal failure. Our case points to the possibility that cholesterol embolism can extensively escalate inflammation after aortic dissection.


Molecular analysis confirms the long-distance transport of Juniperus ashei pollen.
Although considered rare, airborne pollen can be deposited far from its place of origin under a confluence of favorable conditions. Temporally anomalous records of Cupressacean pollen collected from January air samples in London, Ontario, Canada have been cited as a new case of long-distance transport. Data on pollination season implicated Juniperus ashei (mountain cedar), with populations in central Texas and south central Oklahoma, as the nearest source of the Cupressacean pollen in the Canadian air samples. This finding is of special significance given the allergenicity of mountain cedar pollen. While microscopy is used extensively to identify particles in the air spora, pollen from all members of the Cupressaceae, including Juniperus, are morphologically indistinguishable. Consequently, we implemented a molecular approach to characterize Juniperus pollen using PCR in order to test the long-distance transport hypothesis. Our PCR results using species-specific primers confirmed that the anomalous Cupressacean pollen collected in Canada was from J. ashei. Forward trajectory analysis from source areas in Texas and the Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma and backward trajectory analysis from the destination area near London, Ontario were completed using models implemented in HYSPLIT4 (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory). Results from these trajectory analyses strongly supported the conclusion that the J. ashei pollen detected in Canada had its origins in Texas or Oklahoma. The results from the molecular findings are significant as they provide a new method to confirm the long-distance transport of pollen that bears allergenic importance.


Exceptional among-lineage variation in diversification rates during the radiation of Australia's most diverse vertebrate clade.
The disparity in species richness among groups of organisms is one of the most pervasive features of life on earth. A number of studies have addressed this pattern across higher taxa (e.g. 'beetles'), but we know much less about the generality and causal basis of the variation in diversity within evolutionary radiations at lower taxonomic scales. Here, we address the causes of variation in species richness among major lineages of Australia's most diverse vertebrate radiation, a clade of at least 232 species of scincid lizards. We use new mitochondrial and nuclear intron DNA sequences to test the extent of diversification rate variation in this group. We present an improved likelihood-based method for estimating per-lineage diversification rates from combined phylogenetic and taxonomic (species richness) data, and use the method in a hypothesis-testing framework to localize diversification rate shifts on phylogenetic trees. We soundly reject homogeneity of diversification rates among members of this radiation, and find evidence for a dramatic rate increase in the common ancestor of the genera Ctenotus and Lerista. Our results suggest that the evolution of traits associated with climate tolerance may have had a role in shaping patterns of diversity in this group.


Ab initio calculations of thermochemical properties of methanol clusters.
Highly accurate ab initio calculations of binding enthalpies and entropies of gas phase clusters of methanol have been performed, yielding uncertainties smaller than 1 kJ/mol per hydrogen bond in the Gibbs free energy of reaction. This requires quantum chemical RIMP2 and CCSD(T) post-Hartree-Fock methods with basis sets up to aug-cc-pV5Z for energy calculations. An analysis of topological symmetry and hindered rotor effects proves necessary for reliable entropies. This approach goes beyond the rigid rotor plus harmonic oscillator method implemented in standard quantum mechanics software tools. The results demonstrate that (1) thermochemical methanol cluster properties can nowadays be obtained by ab initio methods with an accuracy comparable to or even better than that of the experimental data available, especially for larger species that cannot be studied directly by experiments and (2) cooperativity effects and state-dependent cluster distributions cause a strongly varying average enthalpy and entropy per bond as a function of temperature and density for methanol.


Predicted structures and superconductivity of LiYHn (n = 5-10) under high pressure.
The structures of LiYHn (n = 5-10) compounds in the pressure range of 0-300 GPa have been extensively explored using the CALYPSO structure prediction method based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm and first-principles calculation. Four stable structures (P21/m LiYH6, C2/c LiYH8, P1̄ LiYH9, R3̄m LiYH10) and three metastable phases (Pnma LiYH6, P1̄ LiYH8, Immm LiYH9) were predicted. They all exhibit metallic and superconducting behavior in their respective stable pressure ranges, and the predicted superconducting transition temperature Tc is within 22-109 K when the pressure is greater than 100 GPa. It was found that after doping Li into YHn (n = 6, 9, 10), the H2 units in the system increased, the electron-phonon coupling interaction weakened, and Tc decreased when the structural characteristics, electronic density of states distribution, and superconductivity of LiYHn and YHn (n = 6, 8, 9, 10) were compared. Systems that have a high density of H_s states and a low number of Y_d states at the Fermi level have stronger electron-phonon coupling (EPC) interactions and higher Tc.