Single-molecule conductance of functionalized oligoynes: length dependence and junction evolution.
We report a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the length dependence and anchor group dependence of the electrical conductance of a series of oligoyne molecular wires in single-molecule junctions with gold contacts. Experimentally, we focus on the synthesis and properties of diaryloligoynes with n = 1, 2, and 4 triple bonds and the anchor dihydrobenzo[b]thiophene (BT). For comparison, we also explored the aurophilic anchor group cyano (CN), amino (NH2), thiol (SH), and 4-pyridyl (PY). Scanning tunneling microscopy break junction (STM-BJ) and mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ) techniques are employed to investigate single-molecule conductance characteristics. The BT moiety is superior as compared to traditional anchoring groups investigated so far. BT-terminated oligoynes display a 100% probability of junction formation and possess conductance values which are the highest of the oligoynes studied and, moreover, are higher than other conjugated molecular wires of similar length. Density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations are reported for oligoynes with n = 1-4 triple bonds. Complete conductance traces and conductance distributions are computed for each family of molecules. The sliding of the anchor groups leads to oscillations in both the electrical conductance and the binding energies of the studied molecular wires. In agreement with experimental results, BT-terminated oligoynes are predicted to have a high electrical conductance. The experimental attenuation constants βH range between 1.7 nm(-1) (CN) and 3.2 nm(-1) (SH) and show the following trend: βH(CN) < βH(NH2) < βH(BT) < βH(PY) ≈ βH(SH). DFT-based calculations yield lower values, which range between 0.4 nm(-1) (CN) and 2.2 nm(-1) (PY).


Pulmonary insults due to transfusions, radiation, and hyperoxia.
Pulmonary insults caused by transfusion, radiation, and hyperoxia share many clinical features with insults caused by serious pulmonary infections. The major objective in evaluating these patients is to establish the diagnosis with as much certainty as possible. Unfortunately, there are no clinical aspects or laboratory tests that are pathognomonic for these diseases; therefore, it is often necessary to rely on a knowledge of those features which help to distinguish these disorders from infectious etiologies. For example, patients suffering from transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) experience onset of insult within 6 hours of a transfusion and have the presence of leukoagglutinins in their serum. Patients with radiation injuries frequently have roentgenographic infiltrates that conform to the ports of radiation. Despite extensive animal and human studies, factors distinguishing hyperoxic injury from infectious disorders remain poorly defined. These clinical features and others are reviewed to identify the essential components in the diagnosis of TRALI, acute radiation pneumonitis, and hyperoxic pneumonitis.


Diagnostic value of a guaiac occult blood test and faecal alpha 1-antitrypsin.
This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of a faecal occult blood test and faecal alpha 1-antitrypsin in the investigation of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms or iron deficiency anaemia. One hundred and seventy nine patients with either iron deficiency anaemia (n = 67), changed bowel habit and aged > 39 years (n = 107), or a history suggestive of melaena (n = 5) provided faecal samples. After investigation, 32 patients had a diagnosis of possible gastrointestinal bleeding and 139 patients had no evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Eight patients had a cause of enteric protein loss in the absence of gastrointestinal bleeding and were excluded from subsequent analysis. The faecal alpha 1-antitrypsin test was diagnostically more accurate than the guaiac test in identifying probable gastrointestinal bleeding (82% and 72% respectively, p < 0.05). This faecal alpha 1-antitrypsin test was also more specific (83% and 72% respectively, p < 0.05), but was not significantly more sensitive (78% and 72% respectively). The sensitivity of these tests was insufficient to recommend their use for most patients in this study.


Alexithymia among Jordanian university students: Its prevalence and correlates with depression, anxiety, stress, and demographics.
The aim of the article is to identify the prevalence, levels, and associated factors of alexithymia among Jordanian university students. Using stratified cluster random sampling, data were collected from 492 students using Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The prevalence of alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress were 24.6, 28.5, 38.4, and 22.6%, respectively, and were all higher among females. Alexithymia correlated with five factors: depression, anxiety, stress, female gender, and satisfaction with life. There is a need for screening and interventional programs that prevent or alleviate the symptoms of alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress among university students.


Spin waves in a one-dimensional spinor bose gas.
We study a one-dimensional (iso)spin 1/2 Bose gas with repulsive delta-function interaction by the Bethe Ansatz method and discuss the excitations above the polarized ground state. In addition to phonons the system features spin waves with a quadratic dispersion. We compute analytically and numerically the effective mass of the spin wave and show that the spin transport is greatly suppressed in the strong coupling regime, where the isospin-density (or "spin charge") separation is maximal. Using a hydrodynamic approach, we study spin excitations in a harmonically trapped system and discuss prospects for future studies of two-component ultracold atomic gases.


A diversified family of 12-kDa proteins with a high amino acid sequence similarity to macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF).
Two isoforms of a bovine-brain-derived 12-kDa protein (designated p12a and p12b) whose N-termini have a high amino acid sequence similarity with the glycosylation-inhibiting factor (GIF) and macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) were purified to homogeneity. The complete amino acid sequence of bovine p12a (pI 9.5) was determined by Edman degradation of the intact molecule and overlapping fragments generated by proteolytic cleavage. The p12a isoform has nine and ten conservative substitutions versus human GIF (hGIF) and human MIF (hMIF), respectively. Molecular filtration revealed that both isoforms of p12 exist as monomers in aqueous solution. Circular dichroism spectra indicate that both isoforms of p12 consist of 39 +/- 3% alpha helix, 23 +/- 3% beta structure and 15 +/- 3% beta turns. Although the N-terminal parts of p12a and p12b have weak amino acid sequence similarity with that of glutathione S-transferase (GST) neither isoform of p12 was bound to a GST-affinity gel nor had GST activity. Despite a high amino acid sequence similarity with human MIF neither of the p12 isoforms inhibited migration of the mouse monocyte-macrophage cells P338D1.


Effect of Patient-Focused Clinical Pathway on Anxiety, Depression and Satisfaction of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
Coronary artery diseases (CAD) are associated with psychological problems such as anxiety and depression in patients. Thus, management of these problems can consider as an important intervention by health care workers, especially nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of patient-focused clinical pathway on anxiety, depression and satisfaction of patients with CAD. In this quasi-experimental study, 138 patients suffering from CAD in a coronary care unit of a referral teaching hospital affiliated to Semnan University of Medical Sciences in Semnan, Iran, were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The participants were assigned to two groups: Clinical pathway (CP) and routine (RUT) care. The level of anxiety and depression of patients were measured in admission and discharge in both groups. Also, the level of patients' satisfaction was measured at the time of discharge. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Prevalence rates of anxiety and depression in total of patients were 7.2% and 8.7%, respectively. In terms of anxiety, the mean of difference between pretest and posttest scores in the CP group (0.52 ± 1.39) was higher compared to the RUT group (-0.17 ± 1.69) and there was a significant difference between the two group (P = 0.009). In terms of depression, the mean of this difference in the CP group (0.75 ± 2.05) was higher compared to the RUT group (0.00 ± 1.08), as there was a significant difference between the two group (P = 0.024). Also, the mean of patients' satisfaction scores in the CP group (3.69 ± 0.39) was higher compared to the RUT group (3.45 ± 0.47) and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.002). According to the positive effects of CP on patients with CADs, it can be considered as a useful, safe and simple instrument for the improvement of patients' outcomes. Thus, the findings of this study can provide a new insight in patient care for clinical nurses.


Radioimmunoassay for rat B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP-45).
Rat BNP-45 is the main circulating form of BNP in rat plasma. To understand the role of BNP in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the quantitative determination of the peptide in plasma and tissues is necessary. An assay using rBNP-45 as the standard in conjunction with antisera directed against this peptide has not been described in the literature, though some investigators have reported values ranging from 0.73-2.0 pmol/L using either BNP-26 or BNP-32 as the standard peptide. Unfortunately, these forms of BNP do not exist in rat plasma. In our studies, we have developed a specific RIA for rBNP-45 using rBNP-45 as the standard peptide and Tyro-rBNP-45 as the radioligand. We have used two specific antisera for assay purposes; one against rBNP-45, and the second to a peptide composed of the first 20 amino acids of rBNP-45 (rBNP[1-20]). The recovery of various amounts of rBNP-45 added to control plasma was 50-80% depending on the method of extraction and purification. The interassay and intraassay coefficients of variation were 12% and 6% respectively. Values obtained were similar for blood sampled by either cardiac puncture, decapitation, or aortic puncture. The method was used to measure rBNP-45 in the plasma of normal (WKY) and Spontaneously Hypertensive (SHR) rats. The values obtained were 5.46 +/- 0.43 and 19.6 +/- 2.36 pmol/L respectively. The rat atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP[99-126]) values in the same extracts were 23.2 +/- 0.45 and 51.6 +/- 3.16 pmol/L.


Node differentiation dynamics along the route to synchronization in complex networks.
Synchronization has been the subject of intense research during decades mainly focused on determining the structural and dynamical conditions driving a set of interacting units to a coherent state globally stable. However, little attention has been paid to the description of the dynamical development of each individual networked unit in the process towards the synchronization of the whole ensemble. In this paper we show how in a network of identical dynamical systems, nodes belonging to the same degree class, differentiate in the same manner, visiting a sequence of states of diverse complexity along the route to synchronization independently on the global network structure. In particular, we observe, just after interaction starts pulling orbits from the initially uncoupled attractor, a general reduction of the complexity of the dynamics of all units being more pronounced in those with higher connectivity. In the weak-coupling regime, when synchronization starts to build up, there is an increase in the dynamical complexity, whose maximum is achieved, in general, first in the hubs due to their earlier synchronization with the mean field. For very strong coupling, just before complete synchronization, we found a hierarchical dynamical differentiation with lower degree nodes being the ones exhibiting the largest complexity departure. We unveil how this differentiation route holds for several models of nonlinear dynamics, including toroidal chaos and how it depends on the coupling function. This study provides insights to understand better strategies for network identification or to devise effective methods for network inference.


The impact of computed tomography on neuroradiologic practice.
To assess the impact of computed tomography (CT) of the head on neuroradiologic and diagnostic practice, we analyzed its capabilities, performance, and usage in our practice during the past 18 months. The results were compared to similar data on other neurodiagnostic tests, i.e., electroencephalography (EEG), A-mode echoencephalography, cerebral angiography, cerebral pneumography, and nuclide brain scanning. All diagnostic techniques except EEG were used less often as the capabilities of CT became known to our clinicians.


Grapefruit juice and its constituents augment colchicine intestinal absorption: potential hazardous interaction and the role of p-glycoprotein.
To investigate the potential interaction between grapefruit juice (GFJ) and the oral microtubule polymerization inhibitor colchicine, a P-gp and CYP3A4 substrate. Colchicine intestinal epithelial transport was investigated across Caco-2 cell monolayers in both AP-BL and BL-AP directions, in the absence/presence of known P-gp inhibitors (verapamil and quinidine). The concentration-dependent effects of GFJ and its major constituents (6'-7'-dihydroxybergamottin, naringin and naringenin) on colchicine Caco-2 mucosal secretion were examined. The effect of GFJ on colchicine intestinal-permeability was then investigated in-situ in the rat perfusion model, in both jejunum and ileum. Colchicine exhibited 20-fold higher BL-AP than AP-BL Caco-2 permeability, indicative of net mucosal secretion, which was reduced by verapamil/quinidine. Colchicine AP-BL permeability was increased and BL-AP was decreased by GFJ in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(50) values of 0.75% and 0.46% respectively), suggesting inhibition of efflux transport, rather than metabolizing enzyme. Similar effects obtained following pre-experiment incubation with GFJ, even though the juice was not present throughout the transepithelial study. 6'-7'-Dihydroxybergamottin, naringin and naringenin displayed concentration-dependent inhibition on colchicine BL-AP secretion (IC(50) values of 90, 592 and 11.6 microM respectively). Ten percent GFJ doubled colchicine rat in-situ ileal permeability, and increased 1.5-fold jejunal permeability. The data suggest that GFJ may augment colchicine oral bioavailability. Due to colchicine narrow therapeutic-index and severely toxic side-effects, awareness of this interaction is prudent.


mRNA: Vaccine or Gene Therapy? The Safety Regulatory Issues.
COVID-19 vaccines were developed and approved rapidly in response to the urgency created by the pandemic. No specific regulations existed at the time they were marketed. The regulatory agencies therefore adapted them as a matter of urgency. Now that the pandemic emergency has passed, it is time to consider the safety issues associated with this rapid approval. The mode of action of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines should classify them as gene therapy products (GTPs), but they have been excluded by regulatory agencies. Some of the tests they have undergone as vaccines have produced non-compliant results in terms of purity, quality and batch homogeneity. The wide and persistent biodistribution of mRNAs and their protein products, incompletely studied due to their classification as vaccines, raises safety issues. Post-marketing studies have shown that mRNA passes into breast milk and could have adverse effects on breast-fed babies. Long-term expression, integration into the genome, transmission to the germline, passage into sperm, embryo/fetal and perinatal toxicity, genotoxicity and tumorigenicity should be studied in light of the adverse events reported in pharmacovigilance databases. The potential horizontal transmission (i.e., shedding) should also have been assessed. In-depth vaccinovigilance should be carried out. We would expect these controls to be required for future mRNA vaccines developed outside the context of a pandemic.


Anti-HIV therapy update.
Recently there have been good and bad news from the anti-HIV drug development front. First the good news, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved tenofovir (Viread) for the treatment of HIV disease. This is welcome news for people who need a new drug to put together a second or third line regimen and may even be an important new choice for first line therapy. Additionally, a long awaited expanded access program for the fusion inhibitor T-20 (pentafuside) has been announced. The bad news is that the program is so small that it will provide drug to only 168 people in the United States, in the first stage of the program. This will be gradually increased as more drug becomes available but a wider expanded program is still a long way off.


The effect of prenatal counseling on breastfeeding self-efficacy and frequency of breastfeeding problems in mothers with previous unsuccessful breastfeeding: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Breastfeeding is one of the most important interfering factors in infants' health. Monitoring mothers' performance and providing them with the feedback helps to increase their self-efficacy, interest in learning, and level of performance. The present research evaluates the effect of prenatal counseling on the breastfeeding self-efficacy and frequency of breastfeeding problems in mothers with previous unsuccessful breastfeeding. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 108 pregnant women with unsuccessful breastfeeding in Tabriz health centers during 2017-2018. The participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group had four prenatal counseling sessions and the controls only received routine care. Then, the mothers who gave birth to their children received a counseling session up to 4 months after the delivery. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy (BSES) questionnaire and the frequency of breast feeding problems checklist on the 15th day, and 2nd and 4th month were completed both by the intervention and control groups. The mean (SD) of breastfeeding self-efficacy was 119.3 (10.5), 128.3 (8.3) and 133.8 (10.3) in the intervention group and 105.3 (16.1), 105.7 (19.7) and 109.4 (24.7) in the control group on the 15th day, 2nd and 4th month after the delivery, respectively. There was a significant difference in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy between intervention and control group on the 15th day (p < 0.001), and 2nd (p < 0.001) and 4th (p < 0.001) month after the delivery. The frequency of breastfeeding problems on the 15th (p = 0.008), 2nd (p < 0.001) and 4th (p < 0.001) after the delivery was significantly different in most cases of the intervention group when compared to the controls. The results indicated that prenatal counseling can increase mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and solves most breastfeeding problems during postpartum period. IRCT20100109003027N19.


Stimulation by hydrogen peroxide of L-arginine metabolism to L-citrulline coupled with nitric oxide synthesis in cultured endothelial cells.
The effect of hydrogen peroxide on metabolism of L-arginine to L-citrulline in the biosynthesis of nitric oxide was investigated in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Addition of hydrogen peroxide (1-10 mM) to endothelial cells increased L-citrulline formation from L-arginine in a dose-dependent manner. Stimulation of L-citrulline formation was prevented by catalase (20 micrograms/ml), a hydrogen peroxide scavenger, but not by superoxide dismutase (SOD, 100 micrograms/ml), a superoxide anion scavenger. Pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine (10(-5) M) and NG-methyl-L-arginine (10(-4) M), potent inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, also inhibited L-citrulline formation induced by hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, and the removal of extracellular Ca2+ reduced the hydrogen peroxide-induced formation of L-citrulline. These findings show that hydrogen peroxide increases the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and stimulates the formation of L-citrulline from L-arginine coupled with nitric oxide synthesis in cultured endothelial cells.


Predicting Ascospore Release of Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi of Blueberry with Machine Learning.
Mummy berry, caused by Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi, causes economic losses of highbush blueberry in the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW). Apothecia develop from mummified berries overwintering on soil surfaces and produce ascospores that infect tissue emerging from floral and vegetative buds. Disease control currently relies on fungicides applied on a calendar basis rather than inoculum availability. To establish a prediction model for ascospore release, apothecial development was tracked in three fields, one in western Oregon and two in northwestern Washington in 2015 and 2016. Air and soil temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, leaf wetness, relative humidity and solar radiation were monitored using in-field weather stations and Washington State University's AgWeatherNet stations. Four modeling approaches were compared: logistic regression, multivariate adaptive regression splines, artificial neural networks, and random forest. A supervised learning approach was used to train the models on two data sets: training (70%) and testing (30%). The importance of environmental factors was calculated for each model separately. Soil temperature, soil moisture, and solar radiation were identified as the most important factors influencing ascospore release. Random forest models, with 78% accuracy, showed the best performance compared with the other models. Results of this research helps PNW blueberry growers to optimize fungicide use and reduce production costs.


Variability of the Pressure Measurements Exerted by the Tip of Laryngoscope During Laryngeal Sensory Testing: A Clinical Demonstration.
Clinicians often test laryngeal sensation by touching the laryngeal mucosa with the tip of a flexible laryngoscope. However, the pressure applied to the larynx by using this touch method is unknown, and the expected responses elicited by this method are uncertain. The variability in pressure delivered by clinicians using the touch method was investigated, and the subject responses to the touches were also reported. A fiberoptic pressure sensor passed through the working channel of a laryngoscope, with its tip positioned at the distal port of the channel. Two examiners each tested 8 healthy adults. Each examiner touched the mucosa covering the left arytenoid 3 times. The sensor recorded the pressure exerted by each touch. An investigator noted subject responses to the touches. From the recorded videos, the absence or presence of the laryngeal adductor reflex in response to touch was judged. Pressure values obtained for 46 of the 48 possible samples ranged from 17.9 mmHg to the measurement ceiling of 350.0 mmHg. The most frequently observed response was positive subject report followed by the laryngeal adductor reflex. Pressure applied to the larynx by using the touch method was highly variable, indicating potential diagnostic inaccuracy in determining laryngeal sensory function.


[Clinical and laboratory parameters in neonatal nosocomial sepsis].
Assess if certain clinical and laboratorial data are associated with Neonatal Nosocomial Sepsis (NNS). From March to June 2003, 343 premature neonates (PN) with clinical data suggestive of NNS were recruited; 60 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were studied. Laboratory tests included two blood cultures from different peripheral veins, complete blood count (CBC), serial C reactive protein (CRP), and buffy coat (BC) smear stained with acridine orange. Clinical data and laboratory test results were compared among neonates with and without pathogenic bacteria isolated in the blood culture. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests (chi2), odds ratios (OR), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. In 35/60 (58.3%) PN, a pathogenic bacteria was isolated in blood cultures. We did not identify signs and symptoms significantly associated with SNN. Thrombocytopenia (chi2 4.8 d.f. 1; p = 0.03; OR: 3.2, C.I. 95% 1.1-9.6); positive CRP (chi2 9.1 d.f. 1; p = 0.003; OR: 15.1 C.I. 95%. 1.7-130.6), and positive buffy coat smear (chi2 6.7 d.f. 1; p = 0.009; OR: 11 C.I. 95% 1.3-91.9) were associated with NNS. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Serratia marcescens were the most frequent isolated bacteria. The present study did not identify signs and symptoms associated with NNS. Nevertheless, thrombocytopenia, positive CRP and positive buffy coat smear were considered adequate predictive factors.


Predictive accuracy of Goodsall's rule for fistula-in-ano
Successful treatment of fistula-in-ano is sometimes challenging due to difficulty in recognising the internal opening and the course of the fistula tract. Although Goodsall's rule was accepted in the past, as a method to determine the course of the fistula, recent data have shown conflicting results. To study the predictive accuracy of Goodsall's rule. A sample of 212 patients with simple fistulae were studied. Hydrogen peroxide was injected through the external opening and the appearance of air bubbles in the anal canal indicated the location of the internal opening. The morphological parameters including the site and number of internal and external opening/s and the course of the tract were recorded. The median age of the participants was 39 (range, 18-78) years. The majority (n=167, 78.8%) were males. Of the study group, 63 (29.7%) had inter-sphincteric fistulae, 114 (53.8%) transphincteric fistulae and 35 (16.5%) superficial fistulae. The overall predictive accuracy of Goodsall's rule in our patients was 78.3%. Predictive accuracy was significantly associated with type of fistulae with high predictive accuracy seen in superficial fistulae (97.1%) and inter-sphincteric fistulae (84.1%) compared to transphincteric fistulae (69.3%) (p=0.001). Predictive accuracy was significantly higher in those with an external opening in the midline (98.2%), (p<0.001). Although Goodsall's rule was not accurate in 22% of all fistulae, it can be used as a guide in locating the path of the tract and the internal opening in simple fistulae.


Double-blind evaluation of the safety and pharmacokinetics of multiple oral once-daily 750-milligram and 1-gram doses of levofloxacin in healthy volunteers.
The safety and pharmacokinetics of once-daily oral levofloxacin in 16 healthy male volunteers were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were randomly assigned to the treatment (n = 10) or placebo group (n = 6). In study period 1, 750 mg of levofloxacin or a placebo was administered orally as a single dose on day 1, followed by a washout period on days 2 and 3; dosing resumed for days 4 to 10. Following a 3-day washout period, 1 g of levofloxacin or a placebo was administered in a similar fashion in period 2. Plasma and urine levofloxacin concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by model-independent methods. Levofloxacin was rapidly absorbed after single and multiple once-daily 750-mg and 1-g doses with an apparently large volume of distribution. Peak plasma levofloxacin concentration (Cmax) values were generally attained within 2 h postdose. The mean values of Cmax and area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24) following a single 750-mg dose were 7.1 microg/ml and 71.3 microg x h/ml, respectively, compared to 8.6 microg/ml and 90.7 microg x h/ml, respectively, at steady state. Following the single 1-g dose, mean Cmax and AUC0-24 values were 8.9 microg/ml and 95.4 microg x h/ml, respectively; corresponding values at steady state were 11.8 microg/ml and 118 microg x h/ml. These Cmax and AUC0-24 values indicate modest and similar degrees of accumulation upon multiple dosing at the two dose levels. Values of apparent total body clearance (CL/F), apparent volume of distribution (Vss/F), half-life (t1/2), and renal clearance (CL[R]) were similar for the two dose levels and did not vary from single to multiple dosing. Mean steady-state values for CL/F, Vss/F, t1/2, and CL(R) following 750 mg of levofloxacin were 143 ml/min, 100 liters, 8.8 h, and 116 ml/min, respectively; corresponding values for the 1-g dose were 146 ml/min, 105 liters, 8.9 h, and 105 ml/min. In general, the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin in healthy subjects following 750-mg and 1-g single and multiple once-daily oral doses appear to be consistent with those found in previous studies of healthy volunteers given 500-mg doses. Levofloxacin was well tolerated at either high dose level. The most frequently reported drug-related adverse events were nausea and headache.


CD44 variant exon 6 expressions in colon cancer assessed by quantitative analysis using real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.
CD44 is a family of transmembrane glycoproteins that serve as a major receptor for hyaluronate and the splice variants play a very important role in tumor progression and metastasis. We examined the relationship between cancer progression and mRNA levels of CD44 variant exon 6 (CD44v6) in specimens of colon cancer at different diagnostic stages from 31 patients using real time RT-PCR analysis. Increased mRNA levels of CD44v6 were observed in 82% of the specimens in comparison with those in the corresponding non-cancerous tissue specimens. A statistically significant correlation between the CD44v6 expression and the cancerous state was found in most specimens at all Dukes stages. None of the other parameters were related to the expression in the cancerous specimens. Quantitative real time RT-PCR analysis showed that there was no correlation of CD44v6 expression with tumor progression, although CD44v6 is upregulated in transformation. Thus, CD44v6 expression may be a clinically useful indicator of colon cancer.


Physiological responses to 90 min of simulated dinghy sailing.
A dinghy sailing race protocol was developed from video analysis of elite Laser class sailors competing in fairly windy (> 12 knots) national level races. A dinghy sailing ergometer was constructed for use with a 90 min protocol. Subjects watched a video of a Laser dinghy skipper sailing (on-water) according to the protocol while themselves hiking (leaning out) from the ergometer and simulating their normal on-water movements in tandem with the video. This simulation was used to examine physiological responses to dinghy sailing and factors correlated with hiking performance in 10 of Australia's top 30 Laser dinghy sailors. Simulated dinghy sailing elicited a large blood pressure response but a low rate of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. During the 20 min upwind legs, the mean (+/- S.E.M.) systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 172 +/- 18 and 100 +/- 14 mmHg respectively, and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was 123 +/- 14 mmHg. Oxygen uptake during the simulated upwind legs was 1.12 +/- 0.22 1 min-1. Both blood pressure and VO2 were significantly lower during the 12 min reaching legs. The mean of the blood lactate concentrations measured 1 min following each of the upwind legs was 2.32 +/- 0.81 mM. Isometric knee extension strength (at 130 degrees) and the length to which subjects set the hiking strap on the ergometer were moderately related to upwind hiking performance (knee extension strength and upwind hiking strap tension, r = 0.62; hiking strap length and upwind righting moment, r = 0.66; both P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Tests for rheumatoid factor after myocardial infarction.
An investigation was carried out into the occurrence of positive tests for rheumatoid factor after myocardial infarction. Fifty-five patients, 41 males and 14 females, were studied in 56 separate admissions for acute myocardial infarction. Tests for thyroid antibodies were also performed on all patients. In 16 patients a positive rheumatoid factor test was obtained in the post-infarction period on at least one occasion. The reaction was usually a weak positive one, and in most cases had disappeared on discharge from hospital. Transient false positive tests for thyroid complement-fixing antibody were obtained in seven male patients.Positive tests tended to occur in older patients, with a previous history of infarction, and usually with more severe infarcts, as judged from the maximum level of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase obtained in the first 48 hours after infarction, and the occurrence of clinical cardiac failure. This is probably a relatively non-specific manifestation of tissue damage, the clinical importance of which is unknown.


Magnetic Behavior of Volborthite Cu_{3}V_{2}O_{7}(OH)_{2}·2H_{2}O Determined by Coupled Trimers Rather than Frustrated Chains.
Motivated by recent experiments on volborthite single crystals showing a wide 1/3-magnetization plateau, we perform microscopic modeling by means of density functional theory (DFT) with the single-crystal structural data as a starting point. Using DFT+U, we find four leading magnetic exchanges: antiferromagnetic J and J_{2}, as well as ferromagnetic J^{'} and J_{1}. Simulations of the derived spin Hamiltonian show good agreement with the experimental low-field magnetic susceptibility and high-field magnetization data. The 1/3-plateau phase pertains to polarized magnetic trimers formed by strong J bonds. An effective J→∞ model shows a tendency towards condensation of magnon bound states preceding the plateau phase.


Adsorption-Hydration Sequence Method for Methane Storage in Porous Material Slurry.
Porous materials are deemed to be capable for promoting hydrate formation, while for the purpose of hydrate-based gas storage, those systems containing porous materials often cannot meet the requirement of high storage density. To increase the storage density, an adsorption-hydration sequence method was designed and systematically examined in this study. Methane storage and release in ZIF-8 slurries and fixed beds were investigated. The ZIF-8 retained 98.62%, while the activated carbon lost 62.17% of their adsorption capacities in slurry. In ZIF-8 fixed beds, methane storage density of 127.41 V/Vbed was acquired, while the gas loss during depressurization accounted for 21.50% of the gas uptake. In the ZIF-8 slurry, the storage density was effectively increased with the adsorption-hydration sequence method, and the gas loss during depressurization was much smaller than that in fixed beds. In the slurry, the gas uptake and gas loss decreased with the decrease of the chilling temperature. The largest gas uptake and storage density of 78.84 mmol and 133.59 V/Vbed were acquired in the slurry with ZIF-8 content of 40 wt.% at 268.15 K, meanwhile, the gas loss just accounted for 14.04% of the gas uptake. Self-preservation effect was observed in the slurry, and the temperature for the slowest gas release was found to be 263.15 K, while the release ratio at 10 h reached to 43.42%. By increasing the back pressure, the gas release rate could be effectively controlled. The gas release ratio at 1.1 MPa at 10 h was just 11.08%. The results showed that the application of adsorption-hydration sequence method in ZIF-8 slurry is a prospective manner for gas transportation.


Structure of the elastase-cathepsin G inhibitor of the leech Hirudo medicinalis.
The leech Hirudo medicinalis contains three different groups of proteinase inhibitor proteins, the thrombin-specific hirudin, the bdellins directed against trypsin, plasmin and acrosin, and the eglins which were discovered only recently. We are interested in the eglins mainly for two reasons: (i) They form strong complexes with the granulocytic elastase and cathepsin G with Ki values close to 1 x 10(-10) mol/l. Due to this property they are potential candidates for the therapeutic treatment of various diseases. (ii) Although the eglins do not contain a disulfide bridge to stabilize the tertiary structure, they are highly resistant to denaturation by acidification and by heat as well as to proteolytic degradation.


Local leadership and the Affordable Care Act.
Local health departments are in key positions to lead in the education and implementation efforts to advance the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The first enrollment period is over, but the efforts to enroll the uninsured and advocate for expansion of Medicaid in the states that have not yet taken on this expansion will continue for years to come. Political climates may be unsupportive, but some actions may still be possible.


[Evaluating ground water vulnerability in West Lake Watershed by using DRASTIC model].
Supported by Blackland GRASS Geographic Information System (GIS), the basic and special environmental databases of West Lake Watershed were established. The vulnerability map of ground water pollution was calculated and drawn by integrating GIS and DRASTIC model. Comparing to the present situation of land use, critical area of ground water pollution had been determined. The residential area accounted for 14.7% of the high susceptible area, and wastewater in the residential area should be piped and treated first.


Threshold Concentration of Limonoids (Azamax) for Preventing Infestation by Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).
This study identified the threshold concentration of limonoids for the complete inhibition of oviposition of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) in grapes 'Itália.' Choice and no-choice experiments with the insect were performed. The three no-choice bioassays were conducted following a completely randomized design with 18 treatments (three densities of insects [one, two, or three females]×five concentrations of limonoids and control) and 20 replicates. In a free choice bioassay, two fruits per cage (a treatment grape and a control) were provided for ovipositing. Three densities of insects (one, two, or three females) were used, with 15 replicates. Bioassays were conducted at 25±2°C, 60±10% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. The inhibition of oviposition of C. capitata was concentration dependent, with infestation occurring at lower concentrations of azadirachtin (+3-tigloylazadirachtol) and complete inhibition occurring at concentrations at or exceeding 100 ppm azadirachtin (+28.5 ppm of 3-tigloylazadirachtol), maintaining protective effects even at the most densely populated treatment (three females per fruit). When the pest had a free choice of host grapes (treatment vs. control), severe inhibition was observed at concentrations≥50 ppm azadirachtin (+14.3 ppm of 3-tigloylazadirachtol). We conclude that a threshold concentration of 100 ppm azadirachtin (+28.5 ppm of 3-tigloylazadirachtol) is capable of preventing grape infestation. This concentration is likely to provide a reliable level of protection, as the experimental population density of three females per fruit usually does not occur in the field and wild flies usually have more host options.


Psychiatric Disorder in a Patient With Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome: A Case Report.
Patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) often suffer from pheochromocytoma and hypoglycaemia and are vulnerable to disorders associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), such as major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, etc. Features of pheochromocytoma even overlap with features of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, etc. These patients undergo multiple major surgeries under general anaesthesia at a very young age due to recurrent tumours that can affect their behavioural and emotional development. Depriving them of much-needed medical and emotional support negatively impacts their physical and psychological well-being. In this case report, we present the case of a 23-year-old woman with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) who underwent major surgeries such as partial pancreatectomy, adrenalectomy, osteotomy, and paraganglioma resection at an early age. She was neglected by her parents and spent her childhood in an abusive environment. All these factors could have increased her vulnerability to mental health problems. She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, unspecified trauma, stressor-related disorders, cannabis use disorder, and cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms. This report emphasises the role of medical comorbidity in a patient presenting with borderline personality disorder.


Examining Monosynaptic Connections in Drosophila Using Tetrodotoxin Resistant Sodium Channels.
Here, a new technique termed Tetrotoxin (TTX) Engineered Resistance for Probing Synapses (TERPS) is applied to test for monosynaptic connections between target neurons. The method relies on co-expression of a transgenic activator with the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel, NaChBac, in a specific presynaptic neuron. Connections with putative post-synaptic partners are determined by whole-cell recordings in the presence of TTX, which blocks electrical activity in neurons that do not express NaChBac. This approach can be modified to work with any activator or calcium imaging as a reporter of connections. TERPS adds to the growing set of tools available for determining connectivity within networks. However, TERPS is unique in that it also reliably reports bulk or volume transmission and spillover transmission.


Patient cueing, a type of diagnostic error.
Diagnostic failure can be due to a variety of psychological errors on the part of the diagnostician. An erroneous diagnosis rendered by previous clinicians can lead a diagnostician to the wrong diagnosis. This report is the case of a patient who misdiagnosed herself and then led an emergency room physician and subsequent treating physicians to the wrong diagnosis. This mechanism of diagnostic error can be called patient cueing.


Structural Transformation and Second-Harmonic-Generation Activity in Rare-Earth and d0 Transition-Metal Oxysulfides RE3NbS3O4 (RE = Ce, Sm, Gd, Dy).
Investigations of inorganic compounds with mixed anions have drawn much attention. Here, three oxysulfides, Sm3NbS3O4 (1), Gd3NbS3O4 (2), and Dy3NbS3O4 (3), are obtained by solid-state reactions. 1 and 2 crystallize in the polar space group Pna21, while 3 crystallizes in the centric space group Pnma. The anionic frameworks of 1 and 2 are built by isolated distorted [NbS2O4]7- octahedra, while [NbS3O4]9- is used for 3. 1 and 2 exhibit phase-matchable second-harmonic-generation (SHG) effects of about 0.3 and 0.4 × AGS at 2.1 μm. The [NbS2O4]7- octahedron was first used as a SHG-active motif for nonlinear-optical (NLO) materials. A systematic analysis of the transformation between these crystal structures, NLO performances, and magnetic behaviors, as well as first-principles theoretical studies, is presented. This work enriches the study on relatively rarely explored NLO-active metal oxysulfides.


Biomarkers for predicting spontaneous preterm birth: an umbrella systematic review.
To identify all systematic reviews investigating the role of maternal and fetal biomarkers for predicting spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). Medline and Web of Sciences databases were searched electronically. Studies exploring the association between maternal biomarkers and spontaneous delivery were considered suitable for inclusion. A synthesis of the systematic reviews was performed with the umbrella methodology. Statistical measures of association (Odd ratio, OR, relative risk, RR) and predictive accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios were used to synthesize results of the included studies. 21,614 articles were identified, 542 were assessed with respect to their eligibility for inclusion and 14 systematic reviews included. Cervical fibronectin was the biomarkers which showed the highest strength of association with the occurrence of SPTB (delivery within 24 h OR 7, 95%CI 3-17; delivery <7 days (OR 12, 95%CI 8-16). Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein, was associated with an OR of 4 and 3 for early and late SPTB. C-reactive protein had an OR of 2 (95%CI 1-2) and 8 (95%CI 4-16) when detected in maternal plasma and amniotic fluid, respectively. Among cytokines, interleukin-6 had an OR and an LR + for SPTB of 2 and 12 when detected in maternal serum. Cervical fetal fibronectin, alpha fetoprotein, C- reactive protein and interleukin 6 can have an overall good diagnostic accuracy in identifying pregnancies at risk of SPTB. Large prospective studies in different sub-set of women are needed to ascertain whether the combination of different serological and imaging marker can improve antenatal prediction of this condition.


Natural Standard--new integrative medicine database.
Natural Standard is a new and extremely easy-to-use database consisting of comprehensive evidence-based medicine monographs, and also news brief's on the subject of complementary/alternative medicine therapies. It does not yet contain a huge amount of material, but it is updated frequently, and new information is continuously added. The focus is on the therapeutic "bottom line" of treatment safety and effectiveness. Dosing, Precautions/Adverse Effects, Pregnancy/Lactation Data, and Interactions information is all clearly displayed along with a "Review of the Evidence" table and a discussion summarizing the overall therapeutic value of the treatment modality.


Establishing an infrastructure to support the development and delivery of clinical research in patients with kidney disease.
The UK Kidney Research Consortium (UKKRC) was established in 2007 to promote clinical research in adults and children affected by kidney disease. Clinical study groups (CSGs) are the core subgroups of UKKRC. The aim of the CSGs is to generate a portfolio of clinical studies that can and should be undertaken in the UK. Since 2007 the CSGs have helped develop and secure funding for 13 studies to a total value of £13443648. Funders include Kidney Research UK, Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). The studies address the full translational pathway. UKKRC is thus a unique structure that dovetails with the NIHR Renal Disorders Specialty Group to generate and deliver a portfolio of high-quality renal studies.


Curvature screening in draped mechanical metamaterial sheets.
We develop a framework to understand the mechanics of metamaterial sheets on curved surfaces. Here we have constructed a continuum elastic theory of mechanical metamaterials by introducing an auxiliary, scalar gauge-like field that absorbs the strain along the soft mode and projects out the stiff ones. We propose a general form of the elastic energy of a mechanism based metamaterial sheet and specialize to the cases of dilational metamaterials and shear metamaterials conforming to positively and negatively curved substrates in the Föppl-Von Kármán limit of small strains. We perform numerical simulations of these systems and obtain good agreement with our analytical predictions. This work provides a framework that can be easily extended to explore non-linear soft modes in metamaterial elasticity in future.


Cardiac surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest produces less systemic inflammatory response than low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass in newborns.
We sought to compare low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in respect to the influence on the systemic inflammatory response. Twenty-three infants weighing less than 10 kg and scheduled for repair of congenital malformations were enrolled in a randomized, controlled study. Eleven patients underwent cardiac surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (the DHCA group). Low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass was used in another 12 patients (the LF group). Interleukin 6 and 8 and anaphylatoxin C3a levels were measured 6 times perioperatively. Also, perioperative weight gain and a radiologic soft-tissue index were compared. All patients had an uneventful clinical course. Duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was 40 +/- 4 minutes; the bypass time was significantly shorter in the DHCA group (85 +/- 8 vs 130 +/- 19 minutes). However, the duration of the operation was similar in both groups (245 +/- 30 vs 246 +/- 30 minutes). During cardiopulmonary bypass (rewarming), the concentration of C3a (3751 +/- 388 vs 5761 +/- 1688 ng/mL, mean +/- SEM) was significantly lower in the DHCA group than in the LF group. The interleukin 8 level was significantly lower, and the interleukin 6 level had a tendency to be lower in the DHCA group compared with levels in the LF group. There was less weight gain on the first postoperative day in the DHCA group (65 +/- 61 vs 408 +/- 118 g). The soft-tissue index suggested reduced edema formation in the DHCA group. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest produces less systemic inflammatory response than low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass. In addition, there is an indication of less fluid accumulation postoperatively.


Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), also known as chronic lung disease, is the most common respiratory morbidity in preterm infants. "Old" or "classic" BPD, as per the original description, is less common now. "New BPD", which presents with distinct clinical and pathological features, is more frequently observed in the current era of advanced neonatal care, where extremely premature infants are surviving because of medical advancements. The pathogenesis of BPD is complex and multifactorial and involves both genetic and environmental factors. This review provides an overview of the pathology of BPD and discusses the influence of several prenatal and postnatal factors on its pathogenesis, such as maternal factors, genetic susceptibility, ventilator-associated lung injury, oxygen toxicity, sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and nutritional deficiencies. This in-depth review draws on existing literature to explore these factors and their potential contribution to the development of BPD.


Analytical characterization of Moringa oleifera seed oil grown in temperate regions of Pakistan.
The hexane-extracted oil content of Moringa oleifera seeds ranged from 38.00 to 42.00%. Protein, fiber, and ash contents were found to be 26.50-32.00, 5.80-9.29, and, 5.60-7.50%, respectively. Results of physical and chemical parameters of the extracted oil were as follows: iodine value, 68.00-71.80; refractive index (40 degrees C), 1.4590-1.4625; density (24 degrees C), 0.9036-0.9080 mg/mL; saponification value, 180.60-190.50; unsaponifiable matter, 0.70-1.10%; and color (1 in. cell), 0.95-1.10 R + 20.00-35.30 Y. Tocopherols (alpha, gamma, and delta) in the oil were up to 123.50-161.30, 84.07-104.00, and 41.00-56.00 mg/kg, respectively. The oil was found to contain high levels of oleic acid (up to 78.59%) followed by palmitic, stearic, behenic, and arachidic acid up to levels of 7.00, 7.50, 5.99, and 4.21%, respectively. The induction period (Rancimat, 20 L/h, 120 degrees C) of the crude oil was 9.99 h and reduced to 8.63 h after degumming. Specific extinctions at 232 and 270 nm were 1.70 and 0.31, respectively. Many parameters of M. oleifera oil indigenous to Pakistan were comparable to those of typical Moringa seed oils reported in the literature. The results of the present analytical study were also compared with those of different vegetable oils.


Exposure to a contextually neutral stressor potentiates fear conditioning in juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.
Organisms faced with stressors deploy a suite of adaptive responses in the form of behavioral, physiological and cognitive modifications to overcome the challenge. Interactive effects of these responses are known to influence learning and memory processes and facilitation is thought to be dependent, in part, upon contextual relevance of the stressor to the learning task. Predation is one such stressor for prey animals, and their ability to manage reliable information about predators is essential for adaptive antipredator strategies. Here, we investigated (i) the influence cortisol has on the ability of juvenile rainbow trout to learn and retain conditioned antipredator responses to predatory cues, and (ii) whether conditioned behavioral and physiological responses to predator cues are fixed or deployed in a threat-sensitive manner. Trout were fed cortisol-coated pellets minutes prior to a conditioning event where they were exposed to novel predator odor paired with chemical alarm cues (unconditioned stimulus). We tested for conditioned responses by exposing trout to predator cues after 2, 4 or 10days and subsequently documented physiological and behavioral responses. Both control and cortisol-fed trout learned the predator odor and responded 2 and 4days post conditioning. However, at 10days only cortisol-fed trout maintained strong behavioral responses to predator cues. Interestingly, we failed to find conditioned physiological responses to predator odor despite the presence of threat-sensitive cortisol responses to the unconditioned stimulus. Our findings suggest cortisol exposure prior to predator-learning may enhance retention of conditioned responses, even without a contextual link between stressor source and learning task.


Cotton leaf curl disease is associated with multiple monopartite begomoviruses supported by single DNA beta.
For bipartite begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) trans-replication of the DNA B component by the DNA A-encoded replication-associated protein (Rep) is achieved by virtue of a shared sequence, the "common region", which contains repeated motifs (iterons) which are sequence-specific Rep binding sites and form part of the origin of replication. Recently cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), a major constraint to cotton production on the Indian subcontinent, has been shown to be caused by a monopartite begomovirus ( Cotton leaf curl Multan virus [CLCuMV]) and a novel single-stranded DNA satellite molecule termed CLCuD DNA beta. The satellite molecule is trans-replicated by CLCuMV but does not possess the iteron sequences of this virus. We have investigated the ability of CLCuD DNA beta to interact with three further clones of monopartite begomoviruses, isolated from cotton, that have distinct Rep binding specificities. All three cloned viruses were capable of trans-replicating the satellite molecule and inducing CLCuD symptoms in cotton, indicating that the interaction between begomovirus and DNA beta is relaxed in comparison to the interaction between DNA A and DNA B components. Field surveys across all the cotton growing regions of Pakistan indicate that dual and multiple infections are the norm for CLCuD with no evidence of synergism. Despite the diversity of begomoviruses associated with CLCuD, only a single class of DNA beta has been detected, suggesting that this satellite has the capacity to be recruited by unrelated begomoviruses.


The perspectives of participants with traumatic brain injury on prospective memory rehabilitation incorporating compensatory and metacognitive skills training.
Patient feedback is rarely gathered systematically in cognitive rehabilitation research. This study examined the perceptions and experiences of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who participated in a trial of a 6-session educational program for the rehabilitation of prospective memory (PM) impairment. A mixed methods design was used with 47 participants with TBI who completed a compensatory strategy training program (COMP) or COMP plus metacognitive strategy training program (COMP-MST) delivered by an occupational therapist. Data were collected via a participant survey, extracts from progress notes, and audiotaped discussions about learnings from the program during the final session. Participants from both programs were highly satisfied and perceived improvements in everyday PM performance post-intervention. Elements that were highly valued include setting individualised client-centred goals, repetitive training of strategy use, establishing habits and routines, and receiving experiential, verbal, and written feedback.Changes including more therapy sessions were recommended. Both the COMP and COMP-MST programs were perceived as effective by participants with TBI in improving their PM performance in everyday life using compensatory strategies such as assistive technology. Routine collection of patient feedback on cognitive rehabilitation can provide valuable information to support person-centred implementation of clinical practice guidelines.


Sleep problems in healthy preadolescents.
Few data currently exist concerning the sleep problems of preadolescents. A parent report questionnaire concerning sleep habits and problems was developed. The questionnaires were completed by the parents of 1000 unscreened elementary school children attending the third, fourth, and fifth grades. The schools were randomly selected from an urban area. Of the 1000 questionnaires, 972 were completed and could be used for statistical analysis. Among the parents, 24% reported sleeping poorly and 12% regularly relied on sedatives to induce sleep. Sleep difficulties lasting more than 6 months were present in 43% of the children. In 14% (132 of 972), sleep latency was longer than 30 minutes, and more than one complete arousal occurred during the night at least two nights per week. The following variables were seen among the poor sleepers: lower parental educational and professional status, parents who were more likely to be divorced or separated, and more noise or light in the rooms were they slept. They also presented a higher incidence of somnambulism, somniloquia, and night fears (nightmares and night terrors) than the children who slept well. Boys who slept poorly were significantly more likely to have insomniac fathers (P less than .010). Regular use of sedatives was described in 4% (5 of 132) of the children who slept poorly. Among the "poor sleepers," 21% (33 of 132) had failed 1 or more years at school. School achievement difficulties were encountered significantly more often among the poor sleepers than among the children without sleep problems (P = .001). Of the families with children suffering from sleep problems, 28% expressed a desire for counseling.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Temporal correlation mechanisms and their role in feature selection: a single-unit study in primate somatosensory cortex.
Studies in vision show that attention enhances the firing rates of cells when it is directed towards their preferred stimulus feature. However, it is unknown whether other sensory systems employ this mechanism to mediate feature selection within their modalities. Moreover, whether feature-based attention modulates the correlated activity of a population is unclear. Indeed, temporal correlation codes such as spike-synchrony and spike-count correlations (r(sc)) are believed to play a role in stimulus selection by increasing the signal and reducing the noise in a population, respectively. Here, we investigate (1) whether feature-based attention biases the correlated activity between neurons when attention is directed towards their common preferred feature, (2) the interplay between spike-synchrony and rsc during feature selection, and (3) whether feature attention effects are common across the visual and tactile systems. Single-unit recordings were made in secondary somatosensory cortex of three non-human primates while animals engaged in tactile feature (orientation and frequency) and visual discrimination tasks. We found that both firing rate and spike-synchrony between neurons with similar feature selectivity were enhanced when attention was directed towards their preferred feature. However, attention effects on spike-synchrony were twice as large as those on firing rate, and had a tighter relationship with behavioral performance. Further, we observed increased r(sc) when attention was directed towards the visual modality (i.e., away from touch). These data suggest that similar feature selection mechanisms are employed in vision and touch, and that temporal correlation codes such as spike-synchrony play a role in mediating feature selection. We posit that feature-based selection operates by implementing multiple mechanisms that reduce the overall noise levels in the neural population and synchronize activity across subpopulations that encode the relevant features of sensory stimuli.


Kinetic study for Fe(NO3)3 catalyzed hemicellulose hydrolysis of different corn stover silages.
Five inorganic salts, ZnCl(2), FeSO(4), Fe(2)(SO(4))(3), FeCl(3) and Fe(NO(3))(3) were chosen as catalysts to determine their effects on hemicellulose hydrolysis in control silage (no silage additive), and the results indicated that Fe(NO(3))(3) was the most efficient catalyst for hemicellulose hydrolysis. The kinetics of Fe(NO(3))(3) catalyzed hydrolysis for control silage and acid silage (treatment with HNO(3)) were investigated at various pretreatment conditions. The results demonstrated that Saeman model was well consistent with Fe(NO(3))(3) catalyzed hydrolysis reaction for corn stover silage, and kinetic parameters for this model were developed by the Arrhenius equation. Optimum pretreatment conditions were 0.05 M Fe(NO(3))(3) at 150°C for 21.2 min for control silage and 12.7 min for acid silage, which obtained the maximum xylose yields 81.66% and 93.36% of initial xylan, respectively. The activation energies for hemicellulose hydrolysis in control and acid silage ranged from 44.35 to 86.14 kJ/mol and from 3.11 to 34.11 kJ/mol, respectively.


Population genetics in minority children with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly emerging health threat in minority populations in the United States, with the African-American, Hispanic, and Native American populations at greatest risk. Clearly, environmental factors play a role in this disorder, but the ethnic predilection suggests a significant genetic component. Type 2 DM is a condition not well understood on a genetic basis. Familial clustering and ethnic variation have been documented. The populations of Africans living in diverse environments provide a unique opportunity to study type 2 DM as the mechanism is becoming more clear.


Cosensitized Quantum Dot Solar Cells with Conversion Efficiency over 12.
The improvement of sunlight utilization is a fundamental approach for the construction of high-efficiency quantum-dot-based solar cells (QDSCs). To boost light harvesting, cosensitized photoanodes are fabricated in this work by a sequential deposition of presynthesized Zn-Cu-In-Se (ZCISe) and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) on mesoporous TiO2 films via the control of the interactions between QDs and TiO2 films using 3-mercaptopropionic acid bifunctional linkers. By the synergistic effect of ZCISe-alloyed QDs with a wide light absorption range and CdSe QDs with a high extinction coefficient, the incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency is significantly improved over single QD-based QDSCs. It is found that the performance of cosensitized photoanodes can be optimized by adjusting the size of CdSe QDs introduced. In combination with titanium mesh supported mesoporous carbon as a counterelectrode and a modified polysulfide solution as an electrolyte, a champion power conversion efficiency up to 12.75% (Voc = 0.752 V, Jsc = 27.39 mA cm-2 , FF = 0.619) is achieved, which is, as far as it is known, the highest efficiency for liquid-junction QD-based solar cells reported.


Study of a newly developed high-performance liquid chromatography analyser for glycosylated haemoglobin measurements in blood containing haemoglobin variants in the Japanese population.
This study examined the new high-performance liquid chromatography analyser HLC-723GX (GX) and investigated its ability to both measure glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values and determine whether haemoglobin variants could cause interference with these measurements in the Japanese population. For the basic GX examination, the within- and between-run precision, linearity of measurements, correlation of HbA1c values with current systems and the interference of chemically modified haemoglobin were determined. GX interference caused by the haemoglobin variant was examined by analysing 39 clinical laboratory samples that contained haemoglobin variants. Good within- and between-run precision were found, with the coefficients of variation at ≤1.0%. A wide range of HbA1c measurement values were confirmed, with the HbA1c values strongly correlated with the results of the currently used HLC-723G8 system. Chemically modified haemoglobins were prepared by adding glucose, sodium cyanate, acetaldehyde or acetylsalicylic acid to normal blood samples. None of these samples had any influence on the HbA1c values determined by GX. GX analysis showed haemoglobin variants that eluted after HbA0 and were similar to HbD, or HbS had HbA1c values that were close to those measured by boronate affinity chromatography and immunoassay. GX found lower HbA1c values in blood that contained HbE or haemoglobin variants, which elute before or at nearly the same time as HbA0. GX is useful for the analysis of HbA1c samples that contain HbD, HbS, HbC and haemoglobin variants, even though the elution times are similar. However, a countermeasure is needed in order to avoid overlooking other haemoglobin variants in Japan.


Electron waiting times in mesoscopic conductors.
Electron transport in mesoscopic conductors has traditionally involved investigations of the mean current and the fluctuations of the current. A complementary view on charge transport is provided by the distribution of waiting times between charge carriers, but a proper theoretical framework for coherent electronic systems has so far been lacking. Here we develop a quantum theory of electron waiting times in mesoscopic conductors expressed by a compact determinant formula. We illustrate our methodology by calculating the waiting time distribution for a quantum point contact and find a crossover from Wigner-Dyson statistics at full transmission to Poisson statistics close to pinch-off. Even when the low-frequency transport is noiseless, the electrons are not equally spaced in time due to their inherent wave nature. We discuss the implications for renewal theory in mesoscopic systems and point out several analogies with level spacing statistics and random matrix theory.


Corticocortical connections of the cat sensory areas studied by means of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase.
Afferent association connections to each functional cortex, i.e., the auditory, sensorimotor, visual, and "association" cortex, were investigated in the cat with the method of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). After injections of HRP in various parts of the cerebral cortex, a large number of labeled cells were found within the same functional areas, while a small number of cells were labeled in other cortical areas. This demonstrates that small parts within the functionally uniform cortical area are strongly interconnected by means of short association fibers. Labeled cells were found both in the cortex of the gyral surfaces and sulcal walls. Corticocortical neurons in the walls of some sulci were also shown to send their axons to various sensory areas. Cells of the origin of association fibers were mostly pyramidal in shape, occurring mainly in layer III of the various cortical areas (about 70% of the total number). Following injections of HRP suspension into the visual cortex, however, the majority of labeled cells (82%) were found in layers V and VI of the Clare-Bishop area, some of them were polygonal in shape. Somal diameters of the labeled cells were 15.8-17.2 micron (mean) +/- 2.5-3.0 (SD).


Synergistic inhibition of lung cancer cell invasion, tumor growth and angiogenesis using aptamer-siRNA chimeras.
Early metastasis is one of the major causes of mortality among patient with lung cancer. The process of tumor metastasis involves a cascade of events, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor cell migration and invasion, and angiogenesis. To specifically suppress tumor invasion and angiogenesis, two nucleolin aptamer-siRNA chimeras (aptNCL-SLUGsiR and aptNCL-NRP1siR) were used to block key signaling pathways involved in lung cancer metastasis that are pivotal to metastatic tumor cells but not to normal cells under ordinary physiologic conditions. Through nucleolin-mediated endocytosis, the aptNCL-siRNA chimeras specifically and significantly knocked down the expressions of SLUG and NRP1 in nucleolin-expressing cancer cells. Furthermore, simultaneous suppression of SLUG and NRP1 expressions by the chimeras synergistically retarded cancer cell motility and invasive ability. The synergistic effect was also observed in a xenograft mouse model, wherein the combined treatment using two chimeras suppressed tumor growth, the invasiveness, circulating tumor cell amount, and angiogenesis in tumor tissue without affecting liver and kidney functions. This study demonstrates that combined treatment of aptNCL-SLUGsiR and aptNCL-NRP1siR can synergistically suppress lung cancer cell invasion, tumor growth and angiogenesis by cancer-specific targeting combined with gene-specific silencing.


In vitro bactericidal effects of 405-nm and 470-nm blue light.
The aim of this study was to determine the bactericidal effect of 405- and 470-nm light on two bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in vitro. It is well-known that UV light kills bacteria, but the bactericidal effects of UV may not be unique since recent studies indicate that blue light produces a somewhat similar effect. The effects of blue light seem varied depending on wavelength, dose and the nature of the bacteria, hence this study. Two common aerobes, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and anaerobic Propionibacterium acnes were tested. Each organism was treated with Super Luminous Diode probes with peak emission at 405 and 470 nm. Treatment was timed to yield 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 Jcm2 doses. Colony counts were performed and compared to untreated controls. The 405-nm light produced a dose dependent bactericidal effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (p < .05), achieving as much as 95.1% and nearly 90% kill rate for each, respectively. The 470-nm light effectively killed Pseudomonas aeruginosa at all dose levels, but only killed Staphylococcus aureus at 10 and 15 J cm2. With this wavelength, as much as 96.5% and 62% reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus was achieved, respectively. Neither of the two wavelengths proved bactericidal with anaerobic Propionibacterium acnes. The results indicate that, in vitro, 405- and 470-nm blue light produce dose dependent bactericidal effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus but not Propionibacterium acnes.


Influence of major antiepileptic drugs on attention, reaction time, and speed of information processing: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled withdrawal study of seizure-free epilepsy patients receiving monotherapy.
All major antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been reported to be associated with cognitive side effects. Uncertainty exists regarding the degree of cognitive effects, primarily because many studies do not adhere to basic standards of methodology and design. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of discontinuation of AEDs in patients receiving monotherapy on measures of attention, reaction time, and speed of information processing. The 150 subjects who had been seizure free>2 years on drug monotherapy went through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Each patient was included for 12 months or until seizure relapse. Cognitive function was assessed with the California Computerized Assessment Package at baseline and 7 months after discontinuation. The major finding in this study is that discontinuation of major AEDs significantly improved performance on tests that require complex cognitive processing under time pressure. The difference in speed of cognitive processing between the two groups on these tasks was between 24 to 43 ms. Simple tasks of attention and reaction time revealed no significant differences between the discontinuation group and the nondiscontinuation group. Most of the subjects in the study were medicated with carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproate (VPA). The outcome of discontinuation of CBZ was similar to the outcome for the total study population, whereas withdrawal of VPA revealed only a nonsignificant tendency in the same direction. The results suggest that seizure-free epilepsy patients receiving monotherapy can obtain improvement in cognitive function if they discontinue AED treatment.


Risk of bowel fistula following surgical management of deep endometriosis of the rectosigmoid: a series of 1102 cases.
What are the risk factors and prevalence of bowel fistula following surgical management of deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectosigmoid and how can it be managed? In patients managed for deep endometriosis of the rectosigmoid, risk of fistula is increased by bowel opening during both segmental colorectal resection and disc excision and rectovaginal fistula repair is more challenging than for bowel leakage. Bowel fistula is known to be a severe complication of colorectal endometriosis surgery; however, there is little available data on its prevalence in large series or on specific management. A retrospective study employing data prospectively recorded in the North-West Inter Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis (CIRENDO) from June 2009 to May 2019, in three tertiary referral centres. One thousand one hundred and two patients presenting with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectosigmoid, who were managed by shaving, disc excision or colorectal resection. The prevalence of bowel fistula was assessed, and factors related to the complication and its surgical management. Of 1102 patients enrolled in the study, 52.5% had a past history of gynaecological surgery and 52.7% had unsuccessfully attempted to conceive for over 12 months. Digestive tract subocclusion/occlusion was recorded in 12.7%, hydronephrosis in 4.5% and baseline severe bladder dysfunction in 1.5%. An exclusive laparoscopic approach was carried out in 96.8% of patients. Rectal shaving was performed in 31.9%, disc excision in 23.1%, colorectal resection in 35.8% and combined disc excision and sigmoid colon resection in 2.9%. For various reasons, the nodule was not completely removed in 6.4%, while in 7.2% of cases complementary procedures on the ileum, caecum and right colon were required. Parametrium excision was performed in 7.8%, dissection and excision of sacral roots in 4%, and surgery for ureteral endometriosis in 11.9%. Diverting stoma was performed in 21.8%. Thirty-seven patients presented with bowel fistulae (3.4%) of whom 23 (62.2%) were found to have rectovaginal fistulae and 14 (37.8%) leakage. Logistic regression model showed rectal lumen opening to increase risk of fistula when compared with shaving, regardless of nodule size: adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for disc excision, colorectal resection and association of disc excision + segmental resection was 6.8 (1.9-23.8), 4.8 (1.4-16.9) and 11 (2.1-58.6), respectively. Repair of 23 rectovaginal fistulae required 1, 2, 3 or 4 additional surgical procedures in 12 (52.2%), 8 (34.8%), 2 (8.7%) and 1 patient (4.3%), respectively. Repair of leakage in 14 patients required 1 procedure (stoma) in 12 cases (85.7%) and a second procedure (colorectal resection) in 2 cases (14.3%). All patients, excepted five women managed by delayed coloanal anastomosis, underwent a supplementary surgical procedure for stoma repair. The period of time required for diverting stoma following repair of rectovaginal fistulae was significantly longer than for repair of leakages (median values 10 and 5 months, respectively, P = 0.008). The main limits relate to the heterogeneity of techniques used in removal of rectosigmoid nodules and repairing fistulae, the lack of accurate information about the level of nodules, the small number of centres and that a majority of patients were managed by one surgeon. Deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectosigmoid can be managed laparoscopically with a relatively low risk of bowel fistula. When the type of bowel procedure can be chosen, performance of shaving instead of disc excision or colorectal resection is suggested considering the lower risk of bowel fistula. Rectovaginal fistula repair is more challenging than for bowel leakage and may require up to four additional surgical procedures. CIRENDO is financed by the G4 Group (The University Hospitals of Rouen, Lille, Amiens and Caen) and the ROUENDOMETRIOSE Association. No financial support was received for this study. H.R. reports personal fees from ETHICON, Plasma Surgical, Olympus and Nordic Pharma outside the submitted work. The other authors declare no conflict of interests related to this topic.


A semiempirical model for adsorption of binary mixtures.
The statistical thermodynamics of polyatomic species mixtures adsorbed on two-dimensional lattices was developed based on generalization of the semiempirical approximation for the adsorption of single components [Romá, F. et al., Langmuir, 2006, 22, 3192-3197]. In this scheme, the partial adsorption isotherms are obtained using a correction function C[combining tilde], which relates to the conditional probability of finding the ith empty site to a lattice with i- 1 already vacant sites. This approximation allows us to write a new theoretical model using a combination of the correction functions corresponding to exact 1-D calculations and the Guggenheim-DiMarzio approach. Finally, comparisons with MC simulations and experimental data of methane-ethane and ethane-propylene mixtures on activated carbon are used to test the accuracy and reliability of the proposed model. The obtained results indicate that the new thermodynamic description is significantly better than the existing theoretical models developed to treat adsorption of interacting binary mixtures of polyatomics.


Molecularly targeted nanoparticles: an emerging tool for evaluation of expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products in a murine model of peripheral artery disease.
Molecular imaging with molecularly targeted probes is a powerful tool for studying the spatio-temporal interactions between complex biological processes. The pivotal role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and its involvement in numerous pathological processes, aroused the demand for RAGE-targeted imaging in various diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the use of a diagnostic imaging agent for RAGE quantification in an animal model of peripheral artery disease, a multimodal dual-labeled probe targeted at RAGE (MMIA-CML). PAMAM dendrimer was conjugated with Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) modified albumin to synthesize the RAGE-targeted probe. A control untargeted agent carried native non-modified human albumin (HSA). Bifunctional p-SCN-Bn-NOTA was used to conjugate the 64Cu radioisotope. Surgical right femoral artery ligation was performed on C57BL/6 male mice. One week after femoral artery ligation, mice were injected with MMIA-CML or MMIA-HSA labeled with 64Cu radioisotope and 60 min later in vivo microPET-CT imaging was performed. Immediately after PET imaging studies, the murine hindlimb muscle tissues were excised and prepared for gene and protein expression analysis. RAGE gene and protein expression was assessed using real-time qPCR and Western blot technique respectively. To visualize RAGE expression in excised tissues, microscopic fluorescence imaging was performed using RAGE-specific antibodies and RAGE-targeted and -control MMIA. Animals subjected to PET imaging exhibited greater MMIA-CML uptake in ischemic hindlimbs than non-ischemic hindlimbs. We observed a high correlation between fluorescent signal detection and radioactivity measurement. Significant RAGE gene and protein overexpression were observed in ischemic hindlimbs compared to non-ischemic hindlimbs at one week after surgical ligation. Fluorescence microscopic staining revealed significantly increased uptake of RAGE-targeted nanoparticles in both ischemic and non-ischemic muscle tissues compared to the control probe but at a higher level in ischemic hindlimbs. Ischemic tissue exhibited explicit RAGE dyeing following anti-RAGE antibody and high colocalization with the MMIA-CML targeted at RAGE. The present results indicate increased expression of RAGE in the ischemic hindlimb and enable the use of multimodal nanoparticles in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models, creating the possibility for imaging structural and functional changes with a RAGE-targeted tracer.


[A benign course of histiocytosis X].
A case is reported of an accurate diagnosis of chronic histiocytosis X initiated with lung affection. The disease is characterized by a benign course for 7 years in the absence of treatment in spite of associated viral infection (hepatitis B virus) which is suggested to be one of causative factors of histiocytosis X.


Examination of the Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ) in a large sample of credible and noncredible patients referred for neuropsychological testing.
The current study evaluated MSPQ sensitivity to noncredible PVT performance in the context of external incentive, and examined MSPQ false positive rates in noncompensation-seeking neuropsychology patients; and investigated effects of ethnicity/culture, gender, and somatoform diagnosis on MSPQ scores, and relationships with PVT and MMPI-2-RF data. MSPQ scores were compared in credible (n = 110) and noncredible (n = 153) neuropsychology referrals. Noncredible patients scored higher than credible patients. When the credible group was divided into those with somatoform orientation (n = 39) versus those without (n = 71), the credible nonsomatoform group scored lower than the other two groups, who did not differ from each other. MSPQ elevations were found in ethnic minorities, and in individuals who learned English as a second language or concurrently with another language. MSPQ elevations were also associated with chronic systemic diseases, neurologic illness, and substance abuse. Women scored higher than men, but men and women were equally represented among those patients scoring beyond cut-offs. MSPQ scores were minimally related to PVT data but were more strongly correlated with MMPI-2-RF scales, particularly over-report validity scales, RC1, and Somatic/Cognitive scales, with more widespread relationships observed in noncredible patients. A cut-off of 18 resulted in few false positives in credible nonsomatoform patients, and appears appropriate for identifying physical symptom over-report (due to malingering or somatoform orientations), with associated sensitivity of 29%. However, clinicians are cautioned regarding using the MSPQ in patients with systemic, neurologic, and substance abuse conditions, and in ethnic minorities and non-monolingual English-speakers.


Excited-state properties and emission spectra of nonplanar heterocyclic helicenes.
We discuss the electron-vibration coupling in mono-aza-[5]helicenes on the basis of a Franck-Condon analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the fluorescence and phosphorescence spectra measured in ethanol. The geometries of the initial states were obtained from time-dependent DFT (S(1)) and unrestricted DFT (T(1)) excited-state optimizations. In general, the position of the nitrogen atom has only a minor impact on the vibronic fine-structure in both absorption and emission. The shapes of the emission spectra from the lowest singlet and triplet states are found to be determined by contributions from multiple normal modes. The results of the calculations demonstrate how the interplay among these normal modes results in qualitatively and quantitatively different spectra for fluorescence and phosphorescence.


The relationship between health risks and work productivity.
We sought to provide evidence for the relationship between health risks and self-reported productivity, including health-related absence and impaired performance on the job. A cross-sectional analysis was implemented consisting of 2264 employees of a large national employer located in the Northeast. Participants responded to a health risk assessment and work productivity scale. Mean productivity loss was compared for individuals with different levels of risk factors using analysis of variance. Multivariate analyses, including logistic and linear regression, were used to determine the significance of health risks on productivity loss. Participants with more risk factors reported greater productivity loss (P < 0.001). The odds of any productivity loss were most significant for individuals with diabetes (absenteeism) and stress (presenteeism). In conclusion, higher risks are strongly associated with greater productivity loss, and different risks are associated with absenteeism than with presenteeism.


Consent, assent, and the importance of risk stratification.
Summary In law, consent allows the patient to determine what treatments they will accept or refuse. In this article, the common law of consent relating to anaesthesia is reviewed in order to highlight more recent changes to the standard of information provision and treatment of patients without capacity, and to form the basis of a critique of the current law. Practical and conceptual problems with the three core pillars of consent-voluntariness, capacity, and information-are analysed, along with the identification of logistical problems and contemporary theoretical challenges to the notion of patient autonomy as the basis of consent, concluding that 'assent' better describes the current legal position regarding treatment permission than 'consent'. In spite of this, the process of consent/assent is recognized as a major incentive towards data collection about patient-, operator-, and institution-specific risk, in order to better inform patients about the risks and benefits of treatment.


Effects of different fuchsin analogs on the Feulgen reaction.
The Feulgen reaction is used for cytophotometric quantitation of nuclear DNA. Schiff's reagents used in the Feulgen reaction usually are prepared from basic fuchsin, a variable mixture of four triaminotriphenylmethane analogs. The effect of the several fuchsin analogs on the quality of Schiff's staining of hydrolyzed DNA is not known. In this investigation Schiff's reagents prepared from relatively pure fuchsin analogs were used to determine whether different fuchsin analogs affect the absorbance of the Schiff's reagent-DNA complexes formed in solution. It has been determined that the complex formed by pararosaniline-Schiff's reagent and hydrolyzed DNA exhibits lower absorption than do corresponding complexes formed by Schiff's reagents prepared from magenta II or from new fuchsin.


Overexpression of Arabidopsis thaliana farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS1S) in transgenic Arabidopsis induces a cell death/senescence-like response and reduced cytokinin levels.
To investigate the contribution of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS) to the overall control of the mevalonic acid pathway in plants, we have generated transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing the Arabidopsis FPS1S isoform. Despite high levels of FPS activity in transgenic plants (8- to 12-fold as compared to wild-type plants), the content of sterols and the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity in leaves were similar to those in control plants. Plants overexpressing FPS1S showed a cell death/senescence-like phenotype and grew less vigorously than wild-type plants. The onset and the severity of these phenotypes directly correlated with the levels of FPS activity. In leaves of plants with increased FPS activity, the expression of the senescence activated gene SAG12 was prematurely induced. Transgenic plants grown in the presence of either mevalonic acid (MVA) or the cytokinin 2-isopentenyladenine (2-iP) recovered the wild-type phenotype. Quantification of endogenous cytokinins demonstrated that FPS1S overexpression specifically reduces the levels of endogenous zeatin-type cytokinins in leaves. Altogether these results support the notion that increasing FPS activity without a concomitant increase of MVA production leads to a reduction of IPP and DMAPP available for cytokinin biosynthesis. The reduced cytokinin levels would be, at least in part, responsible for the phenotypic alterations observed in the transgenic plants. The finding that wild-type and transgenic plants accumulated similar increased amounts of sterols when grown in the presence of exogenous MVA suggests that FPS1S is not limiting for sterol biosynthesis.


Communicating the Risks of Air Pollution to the Public: A Perspective from Jordan and Lebanon.
Communicating air pollution to the public is essential in reducing exposure to air pollutants through increasing awareness and promoting precautionary actions. However, one way to approach the public is through healthcare professionals who are considered public health leaders and could influence the public's opinion. The current study aimed to investigate the perception of health experts about communicating air pollution to the public. Personal interviews of 32 health professionals were conducted to report their opinions about communication of air pollution through an open-ended questionnaire. Interview questions were focused on 5 themes: common air pollutants and health risks, goals and barriers of communication, types of information to disseminate, target groups, and vehicles of communication. Interviewees agreed that air pollution should be communicated to the public. Major barriers to achieving effective communication were people's poor comprehension and lack of interest of policymakers. The levels of pollution, associated health risks, and ways to protect one's self were the most frequently reported types of information to distribute. Most interviewees focused on patients with pre-existing conditions and children as the main target groups. Further, social media and text messages were preferred as vehicles of communication. Although not all interviewees had a clear idea of how to develop and implement a communication system, most of them agreed on its importance in protecting the public. More emphasis on this topic and further investigations are expected to increase the interest of health care professionals in communicating the risks of air pollution and advocating for public health policies regarding air pollution.


Evaluation of Surface Roughness of Different Direct Resin-based Composites.
To evaluate surface roughness of different resin-based composites. Three resin composites, one nanohybrid, one nanoceramic, and one bulk-fill resin-based composite, were used in this study. Cylindrical Teflon mold and 8 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness disc specimens were prepared. For each composite material, 15 discs were fabricated, with a total of sixty discs were obtained (n = 60). A glass slide 1-2 mm thick was placed over the strip before curing with the light-curing unit to flatten the surfaces. The specimens were then cured for 40 s through the Mylar strip and the glass slide. Five specimens per each material received no finishing treatment after being cured under Mylar strips; these specimens served as a control. Ten specimens from each composite material were finished/polished with Eve discs at coarse, medium, fine, and superfine grits for 30 s (using stopwatch) each on the specimens. After polishing, the composite surfaces were assessed quantitatively by profilometry and qualitatively by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Tetric Evo Ceram and Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk-Fill specimens polished with Eve revealed slightly the same surface appearance as the Mylar strip. Eve discs scratched and exposed fillers of Ceram-x. Eve discs for Z250 surfaces exposed and scratched the filler particles but less than occurred with Ceram-x. Bulk-Fill and nanohybrid resin composites exhibit smoothest surfaces compared with nanoceramic and microhybrid resin composites after polishing.


[Trends in the therapy of cleft lip].
The treatment of cleft lips is a complex problem that need an interdisciplinary approach, involving the effort of many specialists. The constant improvement of plastic surgery has today reached highly qualified techniques that permit satisfactory results in most cases. We report our long experience, including more than 500 cases of cleft lips, stressing the right sequence and the basilar principles of their correction.


Third version of vendor-specific model-based iterativereconstruction (Veo 3.0): evaluation of CT image quality in the abdomen using new noise reduction presets and varied slice optimization.
To qualitatively and quantitatively compare abdominal CT images reconstructed with a newversion of model-based iterative reconstruction (Veo 3.0; GE Healthcare Waukesha, WI) utilizing varied presetsof resolution preference, noise reduction and slice optimization. This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board and was Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant. The raw datafrom 30 consecutive patients who had undergone CT abdomen scanning were used to reconstructfour clinical presets of 3.75mm axial images using Veo 3.0: 5% resolution preference (RP05n), 5%noise reduction (NR05) and 40% noise reduction (NR40) with new 3.75mm "sliceoptimization," as well as one set using RP05 with conventional 0.625mm "slice optimization" (RP05c). The images were reviewed by two independent readers in a blinded, randomized manner using a 5-point Likert scale as well as a 5-point comparative scale. Multiple two-dimensional circular regions of interest were defined for noise and contrast-to-noise ratio measurements. Line profiles were drawn across the 7 lp cm-1 bar pattern of the Catphan 600 phantom for evaluation of spatial resolution. The NR05 image set was ranked as the best series in overall image quality (mean difference inrank 0.48, 95% CI [0.081-0.88], p = 0.01) and with specific reference to liver evaluation (meandifference 0.46, 95% CI [0.030-0.89], p = 0.03), when compared with the secondbest series ineach category. RP05n was ranked as the best for bone evaluation. NR40 was ranked assignificantly inferior across all assessed categories. Although the NR05 and RP05c image setshad nearly the same contrast-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution, NR05 was generally preferred. Image noise and spatial resolution increased along a spectrum with RP05n the highest and NR40the lowest. Compared to RP05n, the average noise was 21.01% lower for NR05, 26.88%lower for RP05c and 50.86% lower for NR40. Veo 3.0 clinical presets allow for selection of image noise and spatial resolution balance; for contrast-enhanced CT evaluation of the abdomen, the 5% noise reduction preset with 3.75 mm slice optimization (NR05) was generally ranked superior qualitatively and, relative to other series, was in the middle of the spectrum with reference to image noise and spatial resolution. Advances in knowledge: To our knowledge, this is the first study of Veo 3.0 noise reduction presets and varied slice optimization. This study provides insight into the behaviour of slice optimization and documents the degree of noise reduction and spatial resolution changes that users can expect across various Veo 3.0 clinical presets. These results provide important parameters to guide preset selection for both clinical and research purposes.


Pathogenesis of growth failure in renal diseases.
This article reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms of growth failure in chronic renal disease. The neuro-endocrine control of growth hormone secretion and insulin-like growth factor gene expression subject to use of corticosteroids, uremia, and metabolic acidosis are presented. It has been shown in other non-growth hormone deficient conditions such as Turner's syndrome that the use of exogenous growth hormone increases linear growth but also accelerates closure of the growth plate with no significant difference in the final height of such children. An understanding of growth factors is especially important and timely because of the tendency these days to use growth hormone to overcome the growth impairment of children with chronic renal failure.


Development of a high-brightness and low-divergence lithium neutral beam for a Zeeman polarimetry on JT-60U.
A high-brightness and low-divergence neutral beam is obtained for a Zeeman polarimetry of edge plasmas on JT-60U. The electron density and the pitch angle of the magnetic field line, thus the plasma current density distribution, can be measured by the Zeeman polarimetry using the lithium beam. A thermionic ion source heated by an electron beam is developed in order to obtain the ion beam current extraction over 10 mA. The beam optics is designed after detailed numerical simulation taking the space charge effects into account because a low-divergence angle of the neutral lithium beam leads to a narrow spectrum of the beam emission. It is also necessary to keep the beam radius small for good spatial resolution due to a long beam line of 6.5 m. The newly developed ion gun is operated on a test stand which simulates the diagnostic arrangement on JT-60U. The ion beam current of 10 mA at a beam energy of 10 keV is successfully extracted from the ion source operated at the temperature over 1300 degrees C and focused by Einzel lens. The full width at half maximum radius of the ion beam at the neutralizer is about 9 mm. A sodium vapor neutralizer neutralizes the collimated ion beam fully at the temperature of 300 degrees C. The neutral beam profiles are measured at two locations of the beam line at Z=2.3 m (beam monitor position) and Z=6.5 m (plasma region). The half-width at half maximum radius of the neutral beam of 26 mm and the equivalent beam current of 3 mA with the beam divergence angle of 0.2 deg which is the half-angle divergence are obtained. Those parameters satisfy the requirements of the Zeeman polarimetry. Furthermore, a long pulse extraction with a current of 10 mA and duration of 50 s is attained.