Effect of impaired glycosylation on the biosynthesis of Semliki forest virus glycoproteins.
The glycoproteins of Semliki Forest virus, grown in chicken embryo cells, were labeled with radioactive sugars. The data indicate a high mannose content of the nonstructural precursor glycoprotein NSP 63. This protein can also be readily labeled with 2-deoxy-D-glucose. The envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2 are relatively rich in galactose, glucosamine, and fucose. Glycosylation can be impaired by 2-deoxy-D-glucose or D-glucosamine or by omission of sugars in the culture medium. Under these conditions characteristic changes in the electrophoretic profile of the viral polypeptides are observed: in the regions of glycoproteins NSP 97, NSP 63, and E1 and E2 new protein peaks can be detected. These polypeptides seem to be aberrant forms of the glycoproteins. When compared with the normal molecules they have lower molecular weights and contain less carbohydrates, especially mannose. Pulse-chase experiments indicate that the altered glycoproteins are degraded very slowly if at all. If, however, impairment is caused by omission of sugars in the culture medium, the radioactivity is chased after addition of glucose from the region between NSP 63 and E1 + E2 into the E1 + E2 peak. This suggests a completion of the carbohydrate chains under these conditions.


[Immune-efficacy of recombinant vaccinia HB vaccine on middle school students of Uigur nationality].
Immunization efficacy of HB vaccine which is gene engineering vaccine of vaccinia virus recombinant was studied. A total of 206 middle school students of Uygur nationality in Hami, Xinjiang was vaccinated. A varying dosage of 10 micrograms, 5 micrograms, and 2.5 micrograms and 0, 1, 2 months schedule was carried out. The results showed that a seroconversion rate of 100%, 92.4% and 83.5%, in respect to 10 micrograms, 5 micrograms and 2.5 micrograms dosages were found while the mIU/ml values were 129.25, 132.27 and 121.18 respectively. The difference between seroconversion rates of 10 micrograms and 2.5 micrograms was significant (P < 0.05), whereas, that between conversion rate due to 10 micrograms and 5 micrograms was not (P > 0.05). Results in a year after primary immunization showed seroconversion rates of the three groups being 97.10%, 89.80% and 76.00% (P < 0.05); mIU/ml value were 151.0, 95.2 and 71.6 (P < 0.01), showing that the 10 micrograms group gave superior results to the 5 micrograms and 2.5 micrograms groups.


Genetic diversity of inbred rye lines evaluated by RAPD analysis.
This study presents an attempt to supply breeders of hybrid rye with more genetic information on inbred lines, using molecular markers. Eighteen polymorphic loci detected by means of the RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique and mapped on 2R-7R rye chromosomes, were applied to study genetic similarities among forty inbred lines of rye. The lines were grouped in four main clusters revealed on dendrogram, which was generally consistent with the pedigree data. Mapped RAPD markers were shown to be a useful tool for phenetic studies in rye. Additionally, a system of 20 polymorphic fragments, detected by three primers, was developed for fingerprinting of rye lines. The system of RAPD markers, which was developed in this study, should be helpful in characterisation of rye genetic stocks used for breeding.


Indibacter alkaliphilus gen. nov., sp. nov., an alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a haloalkaline lake.
A novel Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, strain LW1(T), was isolated from a water sample collected at a depth of 3.5 m from Lonar Lake, Buldhana district, Maharashtra, India. The cell suspension was reddish-orange due to the presence of carotenoids. Strain LW1(T) was positive for catalase, oxidase, ornithine decarboxylase and lysine decarboxylase and negative for gelatinase, urease and lipase. Fatty acids were dominated by branched-chain fatty acids (>76 %), with a high abundance of iso-C(15 : 0) (48 %), anteiso-C(15 : 0) (7 %) and iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH (11 %). Strain LW1(T) contained MK-4 and MK-7 as the major respiratory quinones and phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major phospholipids. A blast sequence similarity search based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that members of the genera Belliella and Aquiflexum were the nearest phylogenetic neighbours with similarities of 91.8-92.3 %. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that strain LW1(T) formed a deep-rooted lineage distinct from the clades represented by the genera Belliella, Aquiflexum, Cyclobacterium, Echinicola and Algoriphagus. Based on the above-mentioned phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, it is proposed that strain LW1(T) represents a novel species in a new genus, Indibacter alkaliphilus gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain LW1(T)=KCTC 22604(T)=CCUG 57479(T)). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain LW1(T) is 42.7+/-1 mol%.


Supramolecular "Click Chemistry" for Targeting in the Body.
The fields of precision imaging and drug delivery have revealed a number of tools to improve target specificity and increase efficacy in diagnosing and treating disease. Biological molecules, such as antibodies, continue to be the primary means of assuring active targeting of various payloads. However, molecular-scale recognition motifs have emerged in recent decades to achieve specificity through the design of interacting chemical motifs. In this regard, an assortment of bioorthogonal covalent conjugations offer possibilities for in situ complexation under physiological conditions. Herein, a related concept is discussed that leverages interactions from noncovalent or supramolecular motifs to facilitate in situ recognition and complex formation in the body. Classic supramolecular motifs based on host-guest complexation offer one such means of facilitating recognition. In addition, synthetic bioinspired motifs based on oligonucleotide hybridization and coiled-coil peptide bundles afford other routes to form complexes in situ. The architectures to include recognition of these various motifs for targeting enable both monovalent and multivalent presentation, seeking high affinity or engineered avidity to facilitate conjugation even under dilute conditions of the body. Accordingly, supramolecular "click chemistry" offers a complementary tool in the growing arsenal targeting improved healthcare efficacy.


Preparation and application of N-doped carbon nanotube arrays on graphene fibers.
A new kind of carbon hybrid material with a unique structure and outstanding mechanical and functional properties is reported in this article. Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays with inside located Ni particles are in situ grown on the surface of phenolic carbon modified graphene fibers during their conversion from graphene oxide fibers. The carbon hybrid fibers exhibit not only high tensile strength and elongation at the break, but also excellent flexibility since the CNT arrays cover all the surface of the highly strong graphene fiber. This well-constructed carbon material would be suitable for catalysts, polymer composites, hydrogen storage, oxygen reduction reaction etc.


Effect of heat acclimation on metabolic adaptations induced by endurance training in soleus rat muscle.
Aerobic training leads to well-known systemic metabolic and muscular alterations. Heat acclimation may also increase mitochondrial muscle mass. We studied the effects of heat acclimation combined with endurance training on metabolic adaptations of skeletal muscle. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups: control (C), trained (T), heat-acclimated (H), and trained with heat acclimation (H+T) for 6 weeks. Soleus muscle metabolism was studied, notably by the in situ measurement of mitochondrial respiration with pyruvate (Pyr) or palmitoyl-coenzyme A (PCoA), under phosphorylating conditions ( V˙max ) or not ( V˙0 ). Aerobic performance increased, and retroperitoneal fat mass decreased with training, independently of heat exposure (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Citrate synthase and hydroxyl-acyl-dehydrogenase activity increased with endurance training (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), without any effect of heat acclimation. Training induced an increase of the V˙0 and V˙max for PCoA (p < .001 and p < .01, respectively), without interference with heat acclimation. The training-induced increase of V˙0 (p < 0.01) for pyruvate oxidation was limited when combined with heat acclimation (-23%, p < 0.01). Training and heat acclimation independently increased the V˙max for pyruvate (+60% p < 0.001 and +50% p = 0.01, respectively), without an additive effect of the combination. Heat acclimation doubled the training effect on muscle glycogen storage (p < 0.001). Heat acclimation did not improve mitochondrial adaptations induced by endurance training in the soleus muscle, possibly limiting the alteration of carbohydrate oxidation while not facilitating fatty-acid utilization. Furthermore, the increase in glycogen storage observed after HA combined with endurance training, without the improvement of pyruvate oxidation, appears to be a hypoxic metabolic phenotype.


An ex vivo porcine nasal mucosa explants model to study MRSA colonization.
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen able to colonize the upper respiratory tract and skin surfaces in mammals. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus ST398 is prevalent in pigs in Europe and North America. However, the mechanism of successful pig colonization by MRSA ST398 is poorly understood. To study MRSA colonization in pigs, an ex vivo model consisting of porcine nasal mucosa explants cultured at an air-liquid interface was evaluated. In cultured mucosa explants from the surfaces of the ventral turbinates and septum of the pig nose no changes in cell morphology and viability were observed up to 72 h. MRSA colonization on the explants was evaluated followed for three MRSA ST398 isolates for 180 minutes. The explants were incubated with 3×10(8) CFU/ml in PBS for 2 h to allow bacteria to adhere to the explants surface. Next the explants were washed and in the first 30 minutes post adhering time, a decline in the number of CFU was observed for all MRSA. Subsequently, the isolates showed either: bacterial growth, no growth, or a further reduction in bacterial numbers. The MRSA were either localized as clusters between the cilia or as single bacteria on the cilia surface. No morphological changes in the epithelium layer were observed during the incubation with MRSA. We conclude that porcine nasal mucosa explants are a valuable ex vivo model to unravel the interaction of MRSA with nasal tissue.


Management of severe cerebral edema in the metabolic encephalopathy of Reye-Johnson syndrome.
Fifteen critically ill children with the diagnosis of Reye-Johnson syndrome were treated with techniques developed to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion pressure and levels of circulating blood glucose. One child died, three sustained neurological deficit, and nine children (70%) recovered without significant neurological dysfunction. The technique developed during the period these children were treated, the indications for their use, and factors that can interfere with maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion in patients with increased intracranial pressure from metabolic encephalopathy are described. The results suggest that neurological damage in this syndrome results from neuronal injury secondary to inadequate cerebral perfusion and/or hypoglycemia, and that neurological dysfunction like hepatic dysfunction should produce minimal mortality and morbidity if cerebral perfusion and adequate levels of circulating blood glucose are sustained during the period of increased intracranial pressure and liver failure.


Validity and Reliability of Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II in the Iranian Elderly.
With increasing age, the prevalence of chronic diseases increases. Since health-promoting behaviors (HPB) are considered a basic way of preventing diseases, especially chronic diseases, it is important to assess HPB. This study examines the validity and reliability of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). This is a cross-sectional study which is conducted on 502 elderly individuals aged 60 and over in Tehran, Iran. In order to determine the validity, content and construct validity were used. The content validity index (CVI) was used to assess the content validity and to assess construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and item-total correlations were employed. For reliability, test-retest analysis was used, and the internal consistency of the HPLP-II was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha. For data analysis, SPSS-18 and Amos-7 software was used. The mean age of the subjects was 66.3 ± 5.3 years. The CVI for the revised HPLP-II and all its subscales was higher than 0.82. The CFA confirmed a six-factor model aligned with the original HPLP-II. Pearson correlation coefficients between the revised HPLP-II and their items were in range of 0.27-0.65. Cronbach's alpha of the revised HPLP-II was obtained as 0.78 and for their subscales were in the range of 0.67-0.84. Intraclass correlation coefficient was obtained 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.59-0.86, P < 0.001). The Iranian HPLP-II scale is an appropriate tool for assessing HPBs of the Iranian elderly.


Four-channel toroidal crystal x-ray imager for laser-produced plasmas.
The motion law of complex fluids under extreme conditions is an important aspect of high energy density physics research. It has been demonstrated that using multi-channel curved crystals and a framing camera to observe the laser-produced target pellets doped with tracer elements is an appropriate method for investigating this law. This paper presents a feasible design scheme for a multi-channel toroidal imager, with the ray trace model used to verify the rationality of the evaluation method and the aberration of single toroidal crystal imaging. We demonstrate that the field of view (FOV) consistency of the four-channel Ge(400) toroidal crystal imager is less than 50 µm, while the best spatial resolution is ∼4 µm and the FOV of each channel is >2.2 mm.


Signet-ring squamous cell carcinoma: a report of a rare variant and review of the literature.
Signet-ring squamous cell carcinoma is a rare histological subtype of squamous cell carcinoma. The distinct morphologic appearance of this variant can mimic metastatic adenocarcinoma and impose a diagnostic challenge. Unlike its glandular counterpart, signet-ring cell variant of squamous cell carcinoma has a poorly characterized histopathogenesis with no known prognostic implication. We describe an additional case and review the literature.


Sun Protection Behavior in Organ Transplant Recipients in Queensland, Australia.
Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have a high risk of skin cancer, and excessive sun exposure is a major contributing factor. To document the prevalence of sun protection and associated factors in OTRs in Queensland, Australia. Cross-sectional study of the frequency of wearing hats, long sleeves and using sunscreens among OTRs and factors associated with regular use. Adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Among 446 OTRs, 66, 49 and 39% wore a hat, sunscreen and long sleeves, respectively, mostly when outdoors. 52% regularly practiced multiple sun protection measures while 19% did not. Sunburn-prone skin (PR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.06-1.93) and frequent whole-body skin examinations (PR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.19-1.84) were independently associated with regular use of multiple sun protection measures. Findings are consistent with sun-conscious OTRs also having more regular skin screening and that having frequent skin examinations promotes sun-protective habits.


Relative costs of various preserved artificial tear solutions for the treatment of dry eye conditions.
Tear substitutes are one of the primary treatment modalities for dry eye conditions. The goal of this research was to determine the least costly preserved artificial tear product for treating patients with mild dry eye conditions. Eight manufacturers' samples of artificial tears were examined to determine the effect of bottle angle on the dispensing drop size, the average drop volume, the number of drops per bottle, the measured volume of a bottle compared with its advertised volume, and the approximate cost per year for dry eye treatment. Drop sizes (mass) were determined by weighing to the nearest milligram. The retail cost was assessed to determine the most economical tear substitute. For all samples tested, a smaller drop was produced when the bottle was held at a 45-degree angle as compared with a 90-degree angle from horizontal. At a 45-degree angle, Natural Tears Formula by Murine and Artificial Tears by Heath Pride produced the smallest drops, less than 0.030 g, closest to the volume of the lacrimal lake. Smaller drop size produced accordingly more drops per bottle. The measured total bottle volume averaged 3.5% more than the volumes stated on the labels. The most inexpensive sample based on cost per year of treatment was Natural Tears Formula by Murine at $11.29 annually. Cost comparison of commercial over-the-counter artificial tears is an important factor to patients being treated for a dry eye condition. Several factors are important when considering the economics of article tear substitutes: drop size, number of drops per bottle, the volume of the bottle, and the cost of treatment per year. Because this information may not be readily available to patients, it is of great importance that physicians educate their patients to make treatment of dry eye as affordable as possible. The least expensive artificial tear treatments could require prolonged use of the same bottle, which may be associated with contamination of the contents of that bottle over time. The potential contamination with the long-term use of artificial tears in a bottle is significant. Patients using the least expensive artificial tear treatments should be advised against prolonged use of the same bottle.


Hydrophobic interactions and clustering in a porous capsule: option to remove hydrophobic materials from water.
The investigation of hydrophobic interactions under confined conditions is of tremendous interdisciplinary interest. It is shown that based on porous capsules of the type {(pentagon)}(12){(linker)}(30) ≡ {(Mo)Mo(5)(12){Mo(2)(ligand)}(30), which exhibit different hydrophobic interiors-achieved by coordinating related ligands to the internal sites of the 30 {Mo(2)} type linkers-there is the option to study systematically interactions with different uptaken/encapsulated hydrophobic molecules like long-chain alcohols as well as to prove the important correlation between the sizes of the related hydrophobic cavities and the option of water encapsulations. The measurements of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra (e.g. ROESY, NOESY and HSQC) allowed the study of the interactions especially between encapsulated n-hexanol molecules and the hydrophobic interior formed by propionate ligands present in a new synthesized capsule. Future detailed studies will focus on interactions of a variety of hydrophobic species with different deliberately constructed hydrophobic capsule interiors.


[Negative result of exercise testing in patient with severe coronary artery disease].
The ECG stress test allows to determine possible presence of obstructive coronary atherosclerosis. The more severe the atherosclerotic lesion of coronary arteries the more likely a ST segment depression during the stress test. The article provides a description of a negative result of a stress test in a patient with multivessel coronary disease.


Biochemical and functional characteristics of fibrinogen interaction with endothelial cells.
Several observations indicate that endothelial cells interact with fibrinogen, fibrin, and their derivative products. The main biological function of fibrinogen on endothelial cells so far identified is its ability to promote adhesion, motility, and cytoskeletal organization of these cells. In other words, when fibrinogen is bound to a substratum, it behaves as a matrix protein like fibronectin, collagen, or vitronectin. Fibrinogen specifically binds to endothelial cells with low affinity and with a high number of binding sites. In addition, the putative fibrinogen receptor in endothelial cells appears to be related to the other extracellular matrix protein receptors.


Comprehensive Investigation of the Differences of the Roots of Wild and Cultivated Mirabilis himalaica (Edgew) Heim Based on Macroscopic and Microscopic Identification Using HPLC Fingerprint.
Mirabilishimalaica (Edgew) Heim (MH) is an important Tibetan medicine with demonstrated medicinal efficacy and promising developmental value. A previous study of MH was limited to vague morphological and microscopic descriptions, restricting its clinical application and further development as a medicine. The goal of this study was to comprehensively characterize wild and cultivated products of MH using macroscopic and microscopic identification using HPLC fingerprint. The results revealed that the cultivated and wild MH exhibited differences in macroscopic and microscopic characteristics and chemical components. This analysis can facilitate the establishment of a more comprehensive quality evaluation method for MH. These results provide the basis for clinical applications and the improvement of quality standards of MH as a step towards modernization of Tibetan medicine.


A Rare Incidental Diagnosis After Adenoidectomy: Sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. It most commonly affects the pulmonary and intrathoracic lymph nodes. Isolated nasopharyngeal involvement is very rare. Pediatric sarcoidosis and isolated nasopharyngeal involvement are rare entities. Symptoms of nasopharyngeal involvement can mimic adenoid hypertrophy. In this case report, we present a nine-year-old female who was diagnosed coincidentally with sarcoidosis with the adenoidectomy specimen.


Effect of Antigen Valency on Autoreactive B-Cell Targeting.
Many autoimmune diseases are characterized by B cells that mistakenly recognize autoantigens and produce antibodies toward self-proteins. Current therapies aim to suppress the immune system, which is associated with adverse effects. An attractive and more specific approach is to target the autoreactive B cells selectively through their unique B-cell receptor (BCR) using an autoantigen coupled to an effector molecule able to modulate the B-cell activity. The cellular response upon antigen binding, such as receptor internalization, impacts the choice of effector molecule. In this study, we systematically investigated how a panel of well-defined mono-, di-, tetra-, and octavalent peptide antigens affects the binding, activation, and internalization of the BCR. To test our constructs, we used a B-cell line expressing a BCR against citrullinated antigens, the main autoimmune epitope in rheumatoid arthritis. We found that the dimeric antigen construct has superior targeting properties compared to those of its monomeric and multimeric counterparts, indicating that it can serve as a basis for future antigen-specific targeting studies for the treatment of RA.


Posttraumatic stress disorder and breast cancer: Risk factors and the role of inflammation and endocrine function.
A breast cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing and stressful experience that can lead to chronic mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Greater than one-third of patients initially diagnosed with PTSD after a diagnosis of breast cancer continue to have persistent or worsening PTSD symptoms after 4 years. An emerging body of literature has indicated several key environmental and biological risk factors for PTSD among survivors of breast cancer. Well-recognized risk factors include having a history of childhood trauma, being nonwhite, obesity, younger age at the time of diagnosis, diagnosis with a higher stage of breast cancer, and short time since treatment. Of the emerging risk factors related to fear circuitry in the brain, 2 pathways of particular importance are the stress-driven activation of inflammatory pathways and the long-term effect of antiendocrine therapies. These central and peripheral responses during and after stress exposure are important because increased fear and anxiety can lead to the maintenance of PTSD and worse patient outcomes. Given the poor outcomes associated with PTSD and the high prevalence of breast cancer in women, more research to identify those women at heightened risk of PTSD after breast cancer is warranted to reduce the number of diagnoses and lessen the negative impact of this chronic mental health condition.


[Diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas in malignancy during pregnancy].
In four pregnant women, aged 28, 29, 30, and 35, malignancies were diagnosed: synoviosarcoma, gastric carcinoma, non-Hodgkin B cell lymphoma and undifferentiated adenocarcinoma in one of the labia vulvae, respectively. The first three women eventually died, the first before giving birth, the last woman was treated surgically and was alive without recurrence two years after treatment. Pregnancy can lead to diagnostic dilemma and delay as many symptoms of a malignancy are not recognised as such but are attributed to the pregnant state and because of reluctance to apply diagnostic tools which can be harmful to the foetus. It can also lead to therapeutic dilemma and delay because several therapies may also harm the foetus.


Prevalence of open-angle glaucoma in Greece: the Thessaloniki Eye Study.
To estimate the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in a population-based sample of subjects 60 years of age or older in Thessaloniki, Greece. Cross-sectional population-based study. Subjects randomly identified from municipality registers in Thessaloniki underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination. Glaucoma was defined in two ways. Definition 1 was based on the presence of both glaucomatous optic disk and confirmed glaucomatous visual field defect. Subjects also were classified as having glaucoma when the clinical judgment was strongly in favor of the presence of glaucoma even though the strict criteria were not fulfilled (definition 2). Of the 3,617 eligible subjects, 2,554 (71%) participated. The prevalence of OAG was 3.8% and 5.5% by definitions 1 and 2, respectively. The prevalence of primary OAG was 2.7% and 3.8% by definitions 1 and 2, respectively, and the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) was 1.1% and 1.7% by definitions 1 and 2, respectively. Pseudoexfoliation was present in 11.9% of participants, whereas 15.2% among those with pseudoexfoliation had PEXG. The prevalence of OAG in the Thessaloniki Eye Study (TES) is similar or slightly higher compared with other population-based studies in White persons. The overall slightly higher prevalence of OAG in the TES compared with other studies may be attributed to the high prevalence of PEXG in the TES.


Human REXO2 controls short mitochondrial RNAs generated by mtRNA processing and decay machinery to prevent accumulation of double-stranded RNA.
RNA decay is a key element of mitochondrial RNA metabolism. To date, the only well-documented machinery that plays a role in mtRNA decay in humans is the complex of polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) and SUV3 helicase, forming the degradosome. REXO2, a homolog of prokaryotic oligoribonucleases present in humans both in mitochondria and the cytoplasm, was earlier shown to be crucial for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, but its function in mitochondria has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we created a cellular model that enables the clear dissection of mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial functions of human REXO2. We identified a novel mitochondrial short RNA, referred to as ncH2, that massively accumulated upon REXO2 silencing. ncH2 degradation occurred independently of the mitochondrial degradosome, strongly supporting the hypothesis that ncH2 is a primary substrate of REXO2. We also investigated the global impact of REXO2 depletion on mtRNA, revealing the importance of the protein for maintaining low steady-state levels of mitochondrial antisense transcripts and double-stranded RNA. Our detailed biochemical and structural studies provide evidence of sequence specificity of the REXO2 oligoribonuclease. We postulate that REXO2 plays dual roles in human mitochondria, 'scavenging' nanoRNAs that are produced by the degradosome and clearing short RNAs that are generated by RNA processing.


Global knowledge of medicine: Experiences from Tuzla and Banjaluka, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
When English became lingua franca, a significant change in the language of scientific publication in Central and Eastern European countries occurred; many journals instead of the local language, and German, French or Russian used English. The shift occurred due to the intention of both the journal editors and contributors to achieve international recognition and inclusion of the journal in prestigious international medical databases. As a consequence, publications in English are cited on average six times more frequently than those in German, Japanese or French. In the Northern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), three medical journals are published in English. However, these journals are not yet included in the Medline indexing base. In unenviable socio-economic state such as B&H, one cannot expect enough quality submissions to recognized journals. Gross domestic product per capita in 2012 in B&H, neighboring Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia was 9,545; 21,314; 13,020 and 27,474 US$, respectively. Thus gross domestic expenditure on research and development in 2009 of about 0.02%, 0.85%, 0.923% and 1.86% in these states clearly shows incapability of B&H to support adequately recognized scientific research. Temporarily, the main goal for the majority of the medical professionals is to keep health of patients in modest circumstances, and reproduce new generations of qualified practitioners. For that reason, there is a long way to reach the noble point of "the internationally recognized evaluation criteria" for assessing scientific accomplishments.


Tracking Nanoelectrochemistry Using Individual Plasmonic Nanocavities.
We study in real time the optical response of individual plasmonic nanoparticles on a mirror, utilized as electrodes in an electrochemical cell when a voltage is applied. In this geometry, Au nanoparticles are separated from a bulk Au film by an ultrathin molecular spacer. The nanoscale plasmonic hotspot underneath the nanoparticles locally reveals the modified charge on the Au surface and changes in the polarizability of the molecular spacer. Dark-field and Raman spectroscopy performed on the same nanoparticle show our ability to exploit isolated plasmonic junctions to track the dynamics of nanoelectrochemistry. Enhancements in Raman emission and blue-shifts at a negative potential show the ability to shift electrons within the gap molecules.


Anti-inflammatory activity of Elaeagnus angustifolia fruit extract on rat paw edema.
The Elaeagnus angustifolia fruit has been traditionally used in Iranian herbal medicine to treat diarrhea and rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, the effects of E. angustifolia fruit extract on the acute and chronic phases of formalin-induced rat paw edema were examined. The acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effects of E. angustifolia fruit extract were investigated through the subcutaneous injection of 100 μL of formalin (2.5%) into a rat's hind paw. Thirty minutes before the procedure, the experimental groups were treated intraperitoneally with hydroalcoholic fruit extracts of E. angustifolia (concentrations of 100, 300, 700, and 1000 mg/kg); sodium salicylate (SS, 400 mg/kg) and distilled water were used as positive and negative control groups, respectively. Treatment with SS and the fruit extracts were performed daily for 8 days, and the degree of edema was measured by using mercury plethysmometer and digital caliper. In the acute anti-inflammatory study, the extract showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect in a dose-dependent manner. The results of 1000 mg/kg of the extract was significantly different compared with the negative control group (p<0.05) and was comparable to sodium salicylate (p<0.05). Results from the chronic study suggested that E. angustifolia extract significantly reduced paw edema and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. The results also showed that the measurement by digital caliper and mercury plethysmometer were both reliable and might be applied interchangeably (p<0.01). Phytochemical tests indicated that the hydroalcoholic fruit extract of E. angustifolia was positive for cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins. Based on our findings, the E. angustifolia fruit extract probably has acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activities to support its applications in folk medicine.


Fetal RhD genotyping by analysis of maternal blood. A case report.
Prenatal determination of fetal rhesus D (RhD) status is desirable in pregnancies in sensitized, RhD-negative women to prevent hydropic degeneration of the fetus. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on amniocytes or chorionic villi has been in use to demonstrate the RhD status of the fetus in sensitized pregnancies. A more advisable, noninvasive approach is to determine the fetal RhD group from fetal cells circulating in maternal blood. We report on a prenatal diagnosis where RhD-positive cells could be detected from peripheral blood of a sensitized, RhD-negative mother. The presence of an RhD-positive fetus was confirmed by subsequent amplification of fetal DNA obtained by chorionic villus biopsy. In sensitized pregnancies, the number of fetal cells in maternal blood seems to be high enough to be detected by PCR in every case.


[The normative legal regulation of social protection of disabled persons of able-bodied age].
The article presents results of analysis of normative legal documents and basic laws relating to social protection of the disabled of able-bodied age and also to development ofpublic policy concerning the given category ofpopulation. The purpose of actual study is to analyze main normative legal documents in the field of investigation of social protection of the disabled of able-bodied age as applied to experience of the Riazanskaia oblast. The actuality of study is determined by problem of social legal defense of the disabled as one of the most complicated and requiring from society both understanding and participation in this process of many specialized institutions and structures. The analysis of study results permits to conclude that the regional legislation in its total with standards of the Federal legislation contains regulations reflecting fundamental principles and norms of the Convention of the rights of the disabled. On application of currently in force legislation and in the process of legislative activity the state and public institutions of the Riazanskaia oblast seek the possibly most broad implementation of the rights of the disabled and securing access to social, political, civil, cultural and other integration into society.


The mechanism of antigenic drift in influenza viruses: analysis of Hong Kong (H3N2) variants with monoclonal antibodies to the hemagglutinin molecule.
Monoclonal antibodies to the hemagglutinin molecule of the Hong Kong variant, Mem/1/71 (H3N2), influenza virus were used to study antigenic drift in the H3N2 subtype of influenza viruses. Antigenic variants of Mem/1/71 (H3N2) were selected after a single passage of the virus in chick embryos in the presence of monoclonal antibody. The variants showed a marked reduction in the ability to react with the monoclonal antibody used in selection. The monoclonal antibodies could be divided into three groups based on their reactions with the variants, providing evidence for at least three nonoverlapping antigenic areas on the hemagglutinin molecule. Amino acid analysis of tryptic peptides of the hemagglutinin from these variants showed that a single amino acid substitution in the heavy polypeptide chain (HA1) of the hemagglutinin molecule accounted for the reduced antibody interactions, and that variants from each group exhibited sequence changes in different areas of the molecule. Sequence changes were also detected in the HA1 polypeptides of naturally occurring H3N2 variants, but in most cases the changes in the monoclonal antibody selected variants were different from the field strains. Antigenic analysis showed that most of the variants selected with monoclonal antibody could not be distinguished from parental viruses with heterogeneous sera, suggesting that they are probably epidemiologically irrelevant. One variant, however, could be distinguished from parental virus with heterogeneous sera. This variant showed a change in sequence at residue 144 of the HA1 polypeptide from glycine in the parent to aspartic acid in the variant. Similar substitutions have been found in naturally occurring variants at this position. These studies suggest that some amino acid substitutions are more important than other for producing viruses with epidemiological potential. Antigenic analysis of naturally occurring H3N2 strains with monoclonal antibodies established that two variants co-circulated in 1968; Hong Kong/1/68 being distinguishable from Aichi/2/68 in at least two antigenic areas. It would appear that there may have been two separate lineages of H3N2 viruses, Hong Kong/1/68 giving rise to variants in England and Aichi/2/68 to variants in USA and Australia.


The role of the journal club in surgical training.
The development of skills in critical appraisal of the medical literature is an important aspect of surgical training. At the Prince of Wales Hospital a journal club has been conducted for more than 5 years to improve the registrars' training in this area. A questionnaire was circulated regarding the success of the journal club at achieving adequate review of the important current literature, development of critical appraisal skills by registrars and providing a convivial social gathering. A total of 28 out of 39 current or previous journal club members responded to the questionnaire. Twenty-three of the respondents felt that the journal club provided a good to excellent review of current literature, 26 felt that the journal club facilitated development of critical appraisal skills and all 28 said that the journal club was a convivial social forum. Eight research projects developed from journal club reviews, 19 of the respondents reported that their clinical practice had changed, and 19 had been stimulated to further review a topic as a result of the journal club. Many of the respondents had specific criticisms of the journal club, and these have been used to improve the journal club format. The present study has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of our journal club. The journal club is a valuable component of surgical education.


Oxidation of an inhibitory substrate by washed cells (oxidation of phenol by Pseudomonas putida).
The specific uptake rate of phenol by washed cells of Pseudomonas putida grown on phenol in steady-state continuous culture at various dilution rates was studied. The Monod-Haldane-type equation was applied to fit the data and the best kinetic parameters were determined by nonlinear least-squares techniques. The values of the kinetic parameters were found to increase monotonically with the phenol concentration in the original chemostat. The relations between the values of kinetic parameters and phenol concentration in the chemostat were described by empirical equations. Then the equation governing the instant uptake of phenol by microorganisms in chemostat in the high conversion range of phenol was proposed. This equation together with the mass balance equations can be used to determine the stability range of continuous stirred tank biochemical reactors (CSTBR) utilizing phenol.


Motivated to win: Relationship between anticipatory and outcome reward-related neural activity.
Reward-processing involves two temporal stages characterized by two distinct neural processes: reward-anticipation and reward-outcome. Intriguingly, very little research has examined the relationship between neural processes involved in reward-anticipation and reward-outcome. To investigate this, one needs to consider the heterogeneity of reward-processing within each stage. To identify different stages of reward processing, we adapted a reward time-estimation task. While EEG data were recorded, participants were instructed to button-press 3.5s after the onset of an Anticipation-Cue and received monetary reward for good time-estimation on the Reward trials, but not on No-Reward trials. We first separated reward-anticipation into event related potentials (ERPs) occurring at three sub-stages: reward/no-reward cue-evaluation, motor-preparation and feedback-anticipation. During reward/no-reward cue-evaluation, the Reward-Anticipation Cue led to a smaller N2 and larger P3. During motor-preparation, we report, for the first time, that the Reward-Anticipation Cue enhanced the Readiness Potential (RP), starting approximately 1s before movement. At the subsequent feedback-anticipation stage, the Reward-Anticipation Cue elevated the Stimulus-Preceding Negativity (SPN). We also separated reward-outcome ERPs into different components occurring at different time-windows: the Feedback-Related Negativity (FRN), Feedback-P3 (FB-P3) and Late-Positive Potentials (LPP). Lastly, we examined the relationship between reward-anticipation and reward-outcome ERPs. We report that individual-differences in specific reward-anticipation ERPs uniquely predicted specific reward-outcome ERPs. In particular, the reward-anticipation Early-RP (1-.8s before movement) predicted early reward-outcome ERPs (FRN and FB-P3), whereas, the reward-anticipation SPN most strongly predicted a later reward-outcome ERP (LPP). Results have important implications for understanding the nature of the relationship between reward-anticipation and reward-outcome neural-processes.


RESPONSES TO SELECTION AMONG LIFE-HISTORY TRAITS IN A NONMIGRATORY POPULATION OF MILKWEED BUGS (ONCOPELTUS FASCIATUS).
Genetic parameters were assessed in the nonmigratory Puerto Rico population of the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, and compared with parameters estimated in a migratory population from Iowa (Palmer and Dingle, 1986). Offspring-parent regression analysis provided initial estimates of heritabilities and phenotypic and genetic correlations among wing length, head-capsule width, female age at first reproduction, fecundity for the first and second five days of reproduction by females, and clutch size for the first and second five days of reproduction by females. Replicated bidirectional selection for wing length was then imposed, with a direct response to selection revealing substantial additive genetic variance for this trait, as was also the case with the Iowa population. Assays for correlated response to selection yielded two further similarities to Iowa: a positive response in head-capsule width and no consistent response in age at first reproduction. In contrast to the results with Iowa bugs, neither regression analysis nor selection revealed statistically significant genetic correlations between fecundity measures and those of other traits. In both populations the potential exists for body-size characters to evolve together independently of age at first reproduction; but in the nonmigratory Puerto Rico bugs, fecundity does not contribute to a life-history syndrome involving genetic correlations among these traits.


Characterization of four toxins from Buthus martensi scorpion venom, which act on apamin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K+ channels.
Four peptidyl inhibitors of the small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK(Ca)) have been isolated from the venom of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensi. These peptides were identified by screening C18 HPLC fractions of the crude venom by means of mass analysis by matrix-assisted-laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and toxicological tests in mice. Edman degradation analysis of the purified peptides showed sequences of 28-31 amino acids including 6 cysteine residues. Three of the sequences were similar to the P01 peptides from Androctonus scorpions, showing 76% sequence similarity for the most closely related, named BmP01, and 46% for the other two, named BmP02 and BmP03. Like the P01 peptides, these molecules showed a low toxic activity in mice after intracerebroventricular injection, and competed (K0.5 > 1 microM) with iodinated apamin for binding to its receptor site from rat brain, which has been proved to be the SK(Ca) channels. The fourth toxin was structurally related to the P05/leiurotoxin I toxin family, with 90% similarity, and was named BmP05. This toxin exhibited a high toxic activity with lethal effects in mice. Due to its small representation in the venom [less than 0.01% (by mass)], its biological properties have been assessed on the synthetic analogue of BmP05, which was assembled on a solid phase by means of Fmoc methodology. The synthetic peptide was physicochemically identical to the natural peptide, as shown by comparison of their molecular masses and amino acid compositions, and by their coelution after coinjection on capillary electrophoresis. These results confirmed the primary structure of BmP05 including an amidated C-terminus. Similarly to natural BmP05, synthetic BmP05 produced toxic and lethal effects after intracerebroventricular injection in mice (LD50 = 37 ng), and was able to compete with iodinated apamin for binding to its receptor in rat brain (K0.5 = 20 pM).


Posttraumatic stress disorder and risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
To evaluate the association between antenatal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and spontaneous preterm delivery. We identified antenatal PTSD status and spontaneous preterm delivery in a retrospective cohort of 16,334 deliveries covered by the Veterans Health Administration from 2000 to 2012. We divided mothers with PTSD into those with diagnoses present the year before delivery (active PTSD) and those only with earlier diagnoses (historical PTSD). We identified spontaneous preterm birth and potential confounders including age, race, military deployment, twins, hypertension, substance use, depression, and results of military sexual trauma screening and then performed multivariate regression to estimate adjusted odds ratio (OR) of spontaneous preterm delivery as a function of PTSD status. Of 16,334 births, 3,049 (19%) were to mothers with PTSD diagnoses, of whom 1,921 (12%) had active PTSD. Spontaneous preterm delivery was higher in those with active PTSD (9.2%, n=176) than those with historical (8.0%, n=90) or no PTSD (7.4%, n=982) before adjustment (P=.02). The association between PTSD and preterm birth persisted, when adjusting for covariates, only in those with active PTSD (adjusted OR 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.61). Analyses adjusting for comorbid psychiatric and medical diagnoses revealed the association with active PTSD to be robust. In this cohort, containing an unprecedented number of PTSD-affected pregnancies, mothers with active PTSD were significantly more likely to suffer spontaneous preterm birth with an attributable two excess preterm births per 100 deliveries (95% CI 1-4). Posttraumatic stress disorder's health effects may extend, through birth outcomes, into the next generation.


Specialist palliative care staff's varying experiences of talking with people with intellectual disability about their dying and death: A thematic analysis of in-depth interviews.
The cognitive and communication challenges experienced by people with intellectual disability present difficulties for health professionals, particularly in the face of illness and dying. To explore the experiences of specialist palliative care staff in talking with people with intellectual disability about their dying and death, and factors that influence these conversations. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted on data from a larger qualitative semi-structured interview study. Twenty palliative care staff from health services across Australia were interviewed. Participants were employed in multidisciplinary specialist palliative care teams and had provided palliative care to dying persons with intellectual disability. Specialist palliative care staff did not consistently talk with people with intellectual disability about their dying and death. Conversations were influenced by (a) the perceived capacity of the person with intellectual disability, (b) experience and expertise of palliative care staff, (c) the relationship between palliative care staff and dying person and (d) values of palliative care staff and other caregivers (namely family members and paid carers). Specialist palliative care staff experience difficulties in talking with people with intellectual disability about their dying. Development of communication guidelines, resources and training for palliative care teams are urgently required to improve palliative care for this patient group. A more comprehensive research agenda on the needs of people with intellectual disability and their caregivers in palliative care is needed, with a particular focus on strategies to effectively communicate about dying and death.


[Electro-vectorcardiographic study of ventricular extrasystole in arrhythmogenic dysplasia of the right ventricle].
The morphology of ventricular extrasystole (VES) in 46 cases of arrhythmogenic dysplasia of the right ventricle (ADRV) was correlated with the point of origin located by intracavitary mapping. The cases concerned 41 of left bundle-branch block (LBB) with various axes on the frontal plane (FP), 4 of right bundle-branch block (RBB), and 5 of atypical morphology (frontal plane shifted inferiorly and increased R from V1 to V6; on the horizontal plane, clockwise rotation of the loop oriented anteriorly and leftward). There is a good correlation with the site of origin: VESs which were LBB in appearance originated in the right ventricle (apex, septum, infundibulum); VESs which were RBB in appearance originated in the apex of the left ventricle, while the atypical VESs started in the upper posterior septum. A study of morphology may therefore also give an indication of the location of the disease.


Primary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Breast Metastatic to the Bones, Which Chemotherapy?
The primary neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the breast is defined as immunohistochemical expression of neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin and synoptophysin) in more than 50% of the neoplastic cells according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors in 2003 (Tumours of the Breast and Female Genital Organs, 2003, Lyon: IARC Press). It accounts for less than 5% of all cancers arising from the breast (Tumours of the Breast and Female Genital Organs, 2003, Lyon, France: IARC Press). However, based on the study conducted by Wang et al., the primary NEC of breast comprises less than 0.1% of all mammary carcinomas (Frankf Z Pathol, 73, 1963, 24). Because of the rarity of the disease and absence of the prospective trials, there is no standard treatment for primary NEC of the breast. Herein, we report the case of a middle age woman with primary NEC with bone metastasis.


Long-term outcome of laminectomy for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.
Although laminectomy is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of multilevel cervical stenotic lesions, postoperative kyphosis and neurological deterioration have been frequently reported after laminectomy. Hence, laminectomy without fusion is seldom performed nowadays. However, the clinical impression from the long-term follow-up of patients who had undergone laminectomy does not support that postoperative kyphosis is common in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). In this paper, the authors assessed the long-term outcome of laminectomy for cervical OPLL in terms of the changes in the cervical curvature and in the neurological status. The authors retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiological images in patients who had undergone cervical laminectomy between 1999 and 2009. The preoperative and the final follow-up status recovery rate were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale. The cervical global angle and range of motion (ROM) were measured preoperatively and at the last follow-up. The cervical spine was classified into 3 types: lordotic, straight, and kyphotic. A total of 34 patients were available for medical record review and telephone interviews. There were 28 men and 6 women, whose mean age at the time of surgery was 57.8 years. The mean follow-up period was 57.5 months. The mean preoperative JOA score was 10.7, and the JOA score at the last follow-up was significantly improved to 14.3 (p < 0.001) with a recovery rate of 56.3%. The JOA score at each postoperative follow-up point increased until 6 years postoperatively; thereafter, it gradually decreased. The mean preoperative global angle was -11.3° and the most recent global angle was -8.4°. The preoperative ROM was 33.9° and the most recent ROM was 27.4°. There was no statistical significance in the change of cervical curvature or ROM. Preoperatively, 29 of the 34 patients had a lordotic cervical curvature and 5 patients had a straight spine. At last follow-up, 24 patients had a lordotic curvature, 3 patients changed from lordosis to kyphosis, and 7 patients had a straight spine. One patient whose cervical curvature changed from lordosis to kyphosis during the follow-up period underwent cervical fusion 9 years after the laminectomy procedure. The long-term outcome of laminectomy for cervical OPLL is satisfactory in terms of the clinical and radiological aspects. The risk of postlaminectomy kyphosis was not high, raising the possibility that the OPLL itself may serve as a support for the spinal column.


Pediatric cataracts of different etiologies contain insoluble, calcified particles.
Our recent studies in mice suggest that a crucial event for the development of cataracts is the formation of calcium-containing deposits. To examine the generality of pathologic mineralization as a novel mechanism of cataract formation, we analyzed lens material from different human cataract surgeries. Human lens material was obtained from routine cataract surgeries performed on three patients with dense, white cataracts: a 10-month-old with congenital cataracts, a 9-year-old with a uveitic cataract, and a 17-year-old with a traumatic cataract. The aspirated material from the cataract surgeries contained insoluble material that could be isolated by centrifugation. Many particles within the insoluble fraction stained with Alizarin red, a dye that stains insoluble calcified material. The appearance of these human insoluble, Alizarin red-stained particles was similar to some of those detected in homogenates from cataractous mouse lenses. These results support the hypothesis that pathologic mineralization may have a mechanistic role in the formation of cataracts of different etiologies.


Temporal Bone Histopathology in NOG-Symphalangism Spectrum Disorder.
To describe the human temporal bone histopathology in NOG-related symphalangism spectrum disorder, a spectrum of congenital stape fixation syndromes caused by mutations in the NOG gene. To discuss implications for clinical management. A patient with a mutation in the NOG gene. Removal of temporal bones, postmortem temporal bone computed tomography, histologic processing, and review of temporal bones. Temporal bone histopathology and correlation with clinical, genetic, audiologic, and radiologic evaluations. Both temporal bones demonstrated fixation of the stapes footplate to the otic capsule because of a circumferential bridge of calcified cartilage. In the right ear (unoperated), there was no additional abnormality of the ossicles or ossicular joints. In the left ear, fenestrations of the stapes footplate and the lateral semicircular canal were seen, consistent with a history of stapedectomy and fenestration procedure. Severe loss of spiral ganglion neurons throughout the left cochlea accounted for the profound sensorineural hearing loss; there was a normal number of spiral ganglion neurons in the right ear. In both ears, the cochleae demonstrated grossly preserved organs of Corti. The temporal bone pathologic correlate for conductive hearing loss in this patient with a NOG mutation was circumferentially calcified cartilage bridging the stapedovestibular joint space. The temporal bone histopathology findings suggest that conductive hearing loss related to NOG mutation should be improved after stapedectomy; however, care must be taken in extrapolating to all patients with NOG mutations because there may be variability in the pathology, especially given the variability of NOG spectrum disorders.


Undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma of the liver. Clinical and pathologic study of 16 cases with emphasis on immunohistochemical features.
Undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma of the liver is a primitive mesenchymal neoplasm with predilection for individuals in the first 2 decades of life. In this study (10 boys, 6 girls), children in the age range of 6-10 years were most commonly affected (63%). Clinical features most frequently noted on presentation were abdominal pain or a palpable mass. In two cases there was cardiac involvement caused by invasion of the inferior vena cava with extension into the right atrium and ventricle; both children died of progressive dyspnea from tumor embolization to the lungs. One patient was a member of a kindred with the cancer family syndrome (Li-Fraumeni syndrome). There were 13 tumor-related deaths (86% mortality); on child was alive with recurrent tumor in the upper abdomen. Complete surgical resection was attempted in 10 of 15 children who underwent exploratory laparotomy; 2 were alive and well 1 and 5 years later, whereas 1 patient had a recurrence in the upper abdomen 3 years after diagnosis. Ultrastructural study (five cases) and immunohistochemistry (11 cases) supported a mesenchymal origin for the tumor, but failed to identify any diagnostic immunophenotype or specific line of differentiation. Coexpression of vimentin and cytokeratin was seen in three cases. Prompt detection of this aggressive tumor with complete surgical resection is the key to a successful outcome, but this is very difficult to achieve. Recent experience suggests that aggressive adjuvant chemotherapy may improve survival in some cases.


Femoral head osteochondritis dissecans in a child.
This case report describes an early-adolescent boy with an osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion of the left femoral head secondary to significant acetabular dysplasia and coxa valga of the proximal femur. Patient underwent left proximal femur varus osteotomy. Follow-up imaging demonstrates healing and resolution of the OCD lesion. Future plan for left hip is periacetabular osteotomy, following triradiate cartilage closure, to correct acetabular dysplasia. The aim of this case report is to support clinicians in the assessment and treatment of this rare condition.


Comparative analysis of electron-density and electron-localization function for dinuclear manganese complexes with bridging boron- and carbon-centered ligands.
Bonding in borylene-, carbene-, and vinylidene-bridged dinuclear manganese complexes [MnCp(CO)(2)](2)X (X = B-tBu, B = NMe(2), CH(2), C=CH(2)) has been compared by analyses based on quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), on the electron-localization function (ELF), and by natural-population analyses. All of the density functional theory based analyses agree on the absence of a significant direct Mn-Mn bond in these complexes and confirm a dominance of delocalized bonding via the bridging ligand. Interestingly, however, the topology of both charge density and ELF related to the Mn-bridge-Mn bonding depend qualitatively on the chosen density functional (except for the methylene-bridged complex, which exhibits only one three-center-bonding attractor both in -nabla(2)rho and in ELF). While gradient-corrected functionals provide a picture with localized two-center X-Mn bonding, increasing exact-exchange admixture in hybrid functionals concentrates charge below the bridging atom and suggests a three-center bonding situation. For example, the bridging boron ligands may be described either as substituted boranes (e.g., at BLYP or BP86 levels) or as true bridging borylenes (e.g., at BHLYP level). This dependence on the theoretical level appears to derive from a bifurcation between two different bonding situations and is discussed in terms of charge transfer between X and Mn, and in the context of self-interaction errors exhibited by popular functionals.


Combinatorial epigenetic mechanisms and efficacy of early breast cancer inhibition by nutritive botanicals.
Aberrant epigenetic events are important contributors to the pathogenesis of different types of cancers and dietary botanicals with epigenetic properties can influence early cancer development leading to cancer prevention effects. We sought to investigate potential combinatorial effects of bioactive dietary components including green tea polyphenols (GTPs) and broccoli sprouts (BSp) on neutralizing epigenetic aberrations during breast tumorigenesis. The combinatorial effects were evaluated in a breast cancer transformation cellular system and breast cancer mouse xenografts. Combined treatment with epigallocatechin-3-gallate in GTPs and sulforaphane in BSp resulted in a synergistic inhibition of breast cancer cellular growth. Further studies revealed this combination led to genome-wide epigenetic alterations. Combinatorial diets significantly inhibited tumor growth in breast cancer mouse xenografts. Collectively, these studies indicate that combined GTPs and BSp are highly effective in inhibiting early breast cancer development by, at least in part, regulating epigenetic mechanisms.


Healthcare provision of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Germany.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis in older patients is the standard of care with a well-established supply density in Germany. In the near future, healthcare reform is planned that may affect TAVI capacities. Therefore, it is important to know how political regulations may interfere with access to services and what the need for TAVI will be in the future, based on demographic trends. The number of TAVI procedures (DRG F98A +F98) and the in-hospital main diagnoses of aortic stenosis (ICD I35) in 2021 were analyzed at the level of county or federal state based on anonymized data from hospital reports, according to § 21 of the German hospital reimbursement law. The number of TAVI and aortic stenosis cases was projected for 2035 based on data from the German Federal Statistical Office on demographic developments. With quality assurance data from hospitals in 2019 and a route planner, the travel time to the next hospital performing TAVI (OPS 5‑35a.0) was calculated, and the consequence of a politically suggested minimum volume cut-off was analyzed. In 2021, a total of 26,506 TAVI procedures were reported with a mean number of TAVI per 100,000 inhabitants of 32 (range between federal states from 25 to 42). Among the 66,045 diagnoses of aortic stenosis, there was a variation per 100,000 inhabitants from 64 to 108 (mean 79) between federal states. Compared to 2021, an additional 8748 (+13%) diagnoses of aortic stenosis and an increase of 4673 (+18%) TAVI procedures is to be expected in 2035. In 2019, 57% of German citizens could reach a TAVI hospital within 30 min and 91% within 60 min of driving time by car (mean time to hospital 31 min). Applying a minimum number of 150 TAVI/hospital per year would increase the driving time to hospital from 33 to 52 min in Saxony-Anhalt and instantly remove six out of eight hospitals from service in Hesse. Regulation of TAVI services by minimum volume numbers would arbitrarily interfere with access to services, in contradiction to the medical service assurance tasks of federal state governments. These issues should be considered in the upcoming healthcare system reform.


Computer simulations of transport through membranes: passive diffusion, pores, channels and transporters.
A key function of biological membranes is to provide mechanisms for the controlled transport of ions, nutrients, metabolites, peptides and proteins between a cell and its environment. We are using computer simulations to study several processes involved in transport. In model membranes, the distribution of small molecules can be accurately calculated; we are making progress towards understanding the factors that determine the partitioning behaviour in the inhomogeneous lipid environment, with implications for drug distribution, membrane protein folding and the energetics of voltage gating. Lipid bilayers can be simulated at a scale that is sufficiently large to study significant defects, such as those caused by electroporation. Computer simulations of complex membrane proteins, such as potassium channels and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, can give detailed information about the atomistic dynamics that form the basis of ion transport, selectivity, conformational change and the molecular mechanism of ATP-driven transport. This is illustrated in the present review with recent simulation studies of the voltage-gated potassium channel KvAP and the ABC transporter BtuCD.


Nucleophosmin is essential for c-Myc nucleolar localization and c-Myc-mediated rDNA transcription.
The transcription factor c-Myc has a critical role in cell proliferation and growth. The control of ribosome biogenesis by c-Myc through the regulation of transcription mediated by all three RNA polymerases is essential for c-Myc-driven proliferation. Specifically, in the nucleolus, c-Myc has been shown to be recruited to ribosomal DNA and activate RNA polymerase (pol) I-mediated transcription of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. In addition, c-Myc accumulates in nucleoli upon inhibition of the proteasome, suggesting nucleolar localization also has a role in c-Myc proteolysis. Nucleophosmin (NPM), a predominantly nucleolar protein, is also critical in ribosome biogenesis and, like c-Myc, is found overexpressed in many types of tumors. Previously, we demonstrated that NPM directly interacts with c-Myc and controls c-Myc-induced hyperproliferation and transformation. Here, we show that NPM is necessary for the localization of c-Myc protein to nucleoli, whereas c-Myc nucleolar localization is independent of p53, Mdm2 and ARF. Conversely, high transient NPM expression enhances c-Myc nucleolar localization, leading to increased c-Myc proteolysis. In addition, NPM is necessary for the ability of c-Myc to induce rRNA synthesis in the nucleolus, and constitutive NPM overexpression stimulates c-Myc-mediated rRNA synthesis. Taken together, these results demonstrate an essential role for NPM in c-Myc nucleolar localization and c-Myc-mediated rDNA transcription.


PlantExp: a platform for exploration of gene expression and alternative splicing based on public plant RNA-seq samples.
Over the last decade, RNA-seq has produced a massive amount of plant transcriptomic sequencing data deposited in public databases. Reanalysis of these public datasets can generate additional novel hypotheses not included in original studies. However, the large data volume and the requirement for specialized computational resources and expertise present a barrier for experimental biologists to explore public repositories. Here, we introduce PlantExp (https://biotec.njau.edu.cn/plantExp), a database platform for exploration of plant gene expression and alternative splicing profiles based on 131 423 uniformly processed publicly available RNA-seq samples from 85 species in 24 plant orders. In addition to two common retrieval accesses to gene expression and alternative splicing profiles by functional terms and sequence similarity, PlantExp is equipped with four online analysis tools, including differential expression analysis, specific expression analysis, co-expression network analysis and cross-species expression conservation analysis. With these online analysis tools, users can flexibly customize sample groups to reanalyze public RNA-seq datasets and obtain new insights. Furthermore, it offers a wide range of visualization tools to help users intuitively understand analysis results. In conclusion, PlantExp provides a valuable data resource and analysis platform for plant biologists to utilize public RNA-seq. datasets.


Optimizing Therapeutic Effect of Aurora B Inhibition in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with AZD2811 Nanoparticles.
Barasertib (AZD1152), a highly potent and selective aurora kinase B inhibitor, gave promising clinical activity in elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. However, clinical utility was limited by the requirement for a 7-day infusion. Here we assessed the potential of a nanoparticle formulation of the selective Aurora kinase B inhibitor AZD2811 (formerly known as AZD1152-hQPA) in preclinical models of AML. When administered to HL-60 tumor xenografts at a single dose between 25 and 98.7 mg/kg, AZD2811 nanoparticle treatment delivered profound inhibition of tumor growth, exceeding the activity of AZD1152. The improved antitumor activity was associated with increased phospho-histone H3 inhibition, polyploidy, and tumor cell apoptosis. Moreover, AZD2811 nanoparticles increased antitumor activity when combined with cytosine arabinoside. By modifying dose of AZD2811 nanoparticle, therapeutic benefit in a range of preclinical models was further optimized. At high-dose, antitumor activity was seen in a range of models including the MOLM-13 disseminated model. At these higher doses, a transient reduction in bone marrow cellularity was observed demonstrating the potential for the formulation to target residual disease in the bone marrow, a key consideration when treating AML. Collectively, these data establish that AZD2811 nanoparticles have activity in preclinical models of AML. Targeting Aurora B kinase with AZD2811 nanoparticles is a novel approach to deliver a cell-cycle inhibitor in AML, and have potential to improve on the clinical activity seen with cell-cycle agents in this disease. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(6); 1031-40. ©2017 AACR.


Direct Access to 3-Thioether-Substituted Dihydrofuro[2,3-b]benzofurans via Tandem Reactions of Sulfur Ylides and 2-Nitrobenzofurans.
The synthesis of 3-thioether-substituted dihydrofuro[2,3-b]benzofurans involving the [3 + 2] coupling of sulfur ylides with 2-nitrobenzofurans has been realized in moderate to good yields under mild conditions without any precious catalysts or additives. It is worth mentioning that the reutilization of the departed nitro-anion in the reaction process facilitates this new chemical transformation and presents a manner of high atom economy to provide products with a complex structure.


MicroRNA Nanotherapeutics for Lung Targeting. Insights into Pulmonary Hypertension.
In this review, the potential future role of microRNA-based therapies and their specific application in lung diseases is reported with special attention to pulmonary hypertension. Current limitations of these therapies will be pointed out in order to address the challenges that they need to face to reach clinical applications. In this context, the encapsulation of microRNA-based therapies in nanovectors has shown improvements as compared to chemically modified microRNAs toward enhanced stability, efficacy, reduced side effects, and local administration. All these concepts will contextualize in this review the recent achievements and expectations reported for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.


A case of penile basal cell carcinoma reconstructed by scrotal myofasciocutaneous flap.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cutaneous malignant tumor and usually arises from the facial skin and is diagnosed as the solid tumor. However, rarely it arises from genital skin and/or proceeds with ulcerative manner. We report a case of male basal cell carcinoma arising from penile base, which showed urinary disturbance. Tumor resection including total penectomy and skin resection was performed then scrotal myofasciocutaneous flap was used to cover the defect. Scrotal myofasciocutaneous flap was useful for covering the defect in the genital lesion. Moreover, this simple closure was helpful for early postoperative ambulation especially for aged male patients.


[3D-Visualisation of the middle ear by computer-assisted post-processing of helical multi-slice CT data].
Post-processing of CT-data allows non-invasive 3D-Visualisation of the middle ear for diagnosis and surgical planning. In this study different post-processing techniques and the clinical application of a 3D-postprocessing algorithm in a large number of patients are presented. 20 normal patients, 6 dissected temporal bones and 213 patients with suspected middle ear pathology were examined using a low-dosage Multi-Slice CT protocol. Virtual endoscopic views of the middle ear and 3D-images of the ossicles were generated using a standardised algorithm. Evaluation of the image quality was performed. The virtual views of the dissected temporal bones were compared to real views. In 32 patients high-quality 3D-models of the individual anatomical structures were generated and displayed using different visualisation techniques. The standardised and evaluated method enabled visualisation of the normal middle ear anatomy. Assessment of different pathologies, especially malformation, trauma, implants and postoperative alterations, was facilitated. The high-quality 3D-models allowed precise imaging of the anatomical structures. 3D-Visualisation of the middle ear using CT-data is beneficial for radiological diagnosis and surgical planning in cases of complex middle ear pathology as a complementary examination technique.


[Antibiotic resistance and virulence characteristics analysis of a carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae].
Objective: To characterize the antibiotic resistance and virulence in a carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Methods: A CRKP (designated K. pneumoniae C35) was isolated from a stool sample. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial agents were determined using the broth microdilution method. Whole-genome sequencing and genome analysis were performed to identify the antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. The genetic relationship among K. pneumoniae C35 and other CRKP isolates from our hospital was analyzed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing of core genomes. Conjugation experiments were carried out by filter mating to evaluate the transferability and efficiency of resistance genes. The virulence phenotype was determined by Galleria mellonella infection model. Results: K. pneumoniae C35 exhibited resistance to the majority of tested antibiotics, especially carbapenems, sulbactam, and polymyxins. SNP typing showed that K. pneumoniae C35 shared a high degree of sequence homology with several CRKP isolates from different wards. This ST11 CRKP carried 13 resistance genes, including blaKPC-2, blaCTX-M-199, mcr-1, and tet(A) variant. blaKPC-2 gene was located on an IncFⅡ plasmid with>69 800 bp in size, blaCTX-M-199 and mcr-1 genes were located on an IncI2 plasmid (>64 800 bp), and tet(A) variant was located on an unknown Inc-type plasmid (83 628bp). All these three plasmids were conjugative. K. pneumoniae C35 was found to harbor rmpA, rmpA2, and iucABCD aerobactin-related genes, and was considered to be classic carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-hvKP). The virulence potential of this strain was confirmed in a Galleria mellonella infection model. The survival rate of the larvae injected with strain C35 at 48 h after infection was significantly lower than that of negative control strain (16.7% vs 80.0%). Conclusion: Multiple conjugative plasmids are identified in a faecal CR-hvKP. The IncI2 plasmid co-carrying both blaCTX-M-199 and mcr-1 genes is firstly identified in CR-hvKP. The emergence of such strain should be alerted and active surveillance is warranted.


Cystine: helical computerized tomography characterization of rough and smooth calculi in vitro.
The classification of cystine stones into rough and smooth varieties has been suggested as an aid to choosing treatment for these difficult stones. Since the surface of stones is difficult to visualize preoperatively, we tested the hypothesis that the surface morphology of cystine stones correlates with their internal structure, as viewed by helical computerized tomography (CT). Cystine stones were examined visually and categorized into rough (15 stones) and smooth (16 stones) subpopulations of similar size. Each stone was scanned in a helical CT scanner (GE Quad Scanner) to assess radiological characteristics and to measure attenuation values. Scans were also performed using a microCT 20 high resolution laboratory scanner (Scanco Medical AG, Bassersdorf, Switzerland) at 34 microm voxel size and the percent of internal voids was determined. Mean helical CT attenuation values +/- SD for rough stones were lower than for smooth stones (702 +/- 206 vs 921 +/- 51 HU, p <0.002) and the radiological appearance of rough stones suggested radiolucent voids. Internal voids in rough stones were confirmed using micro CT. Rough cystine stones contained a higher percent of internal voids (0.30% vs 0.06%, p <0.0001). Rough cystine stones can be distinguished from smooth stones using helical CT in vitro, suggesting that it may be possible to distinguish these stones preoperatively. Since rough cystine stones have been reported to be susceptible to shock wave lithotripsy, the identification of this morphology of cystine stones in the patient using attenuation values and appearance on helical CT could be valuable for planning treatment.


[Test for dangerous limits of capacitor energy].
For dangerous limits of capacitor energy, according to national standards of medical device regulations' test requirement, we analysis it and list its test methods and requirement. According to capacitor energy's formation and characteristics, we put forward a simple method for its test and calculation.


Center-surround vs. distance-independent lateral connectivity in the olfactory bulb.
Lateral neuronal interactions are known to play important roles in sensory information processing. A center-on surround-off local circuit arrangement has been shown to play a role in mediating contrast enhancement in the visual, auditory, and somatosensory systems. The lateral connectivity and the influence of those connections have been less clear for the olfactory system. A critical question is whether the synaptic connections between the primary projection neurons, mitral and tufted (M/T) cells, and their main inhibitory interneurons, the granule cells (GCs), can support a center-surround motif. Here, we study this question by injecting a "center" in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb (OB) with a marker of synaptic connectivity, the pseudorabies virus (PRV), then examines the distribution of labeling in the "surround" of GCs. We use a novel method to score the degree to which the data fits a center-surround model vs. distance-independent connectivity. Data from 22 injections show that M/T cells generally form lateral connections with GCs in patterns that lie between the two extremes.


Evolutionary roots of the risk of hip fracture in humans.
The transition to bipedal locomotion was a fundamental milestone in human evolution. Consequently, the human skeleton underwent substantial morphological adaptations. These adaptations are responsible for many of today's common physical impairments, including hip fractures. This study aims to reveal the morphological changes in the proximal femur, which increase the risk of intracapsular hip fractures in present-day populations. Our sample includes chimpanzees, early hominins, early Homo Neanderthals, as well as prehistoric and recent humans. Using Geometric Morphometric methods, we demonstrate differences in the proximal femur shape between hominids and populations that practiced different lifestyles. We show that the proximal femur morphology is a risk factor for intracapsular hip fracture independent of osteoporosis. Changes in the proximal femur, such as the shortening of the femoral neck and an increased anterolateral expansion of the greater trochanter, are associated with an increased risk for intracapsular hip fractures. We conclude that intracapsular hip fractures are a trade-off for efficient bipedal walking in humans, and their risk is exacerbated by reduced physical activity.


Coronary Artery Pseudoaneurysm due to Medial Mucoid Degeneration Mimicking an Intra-atrial Mass.
Coronary artery aneurysms are frequently asymptomatic and may be difficult to diagnose by cardiac imaging. We herein present a case of a coronary artery aneurysm of the right coronary artery due to medial mucoid degeneration mimicking an intra-atrial mass on echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, with the cause being diagnosed after surgery.


Reduced DNA methylation and psychopathology following endogenous hypercortisolism - a genome-wide study.
Patients with Cushing's Syndrome (CS) in remission were used as a model to test the hypothesis that long-standing excessive cortisol exposure induces changes in DNA methylation that are associated with persisting neuropsychological consequences. Genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed in 48 women with CS in long-term remission (cases) and 16 controls matched for age, gender and education. The Fatigue impact scale and the comprehensive psychopathological rating scale were used to evaluate fatigue, depression and anxiety. Cases had lower average global DNA methylation than controls (81.2% vs 82.7%; p = 0.002). Four hundred and sixty-one differentially methylated regions, containing 3,246 probes mapping to 337 genes were identified. After adjustment for age and smoking, 731 probes in 236 genes were associated with psychopathology (fatigue, depression and/or anxiety). Twenty-four gene ontology terms were associated with psychopathology; terms related to retinoic acid receptor signalling were the most common (adjusted p = 0.0007). One gene in particular, COL11A2, was associated with fatigue following a false discovery rate correction. Our findings indicate that hypomethylation of FKBP5 and retinoic acid receptor related genes serve a potential mechanistic explanation for long-lasting GC-induced psychopathology.


(micro-C-meso-5,5,7,12,12,14-Hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-N-acetato-1kappa(5)N,N',N",N"',O:2kappaO')tetrachloro-1kappaCl,2kappa(3)Cl-cobalt(III)zinc(II).
The crystal structure of the title compound, [CoCl(C(18)H(37)N(4)O(2)){ZnCl(3)}], has been determined by X-ray diffraction.C-meso-5,5,7,12,12,14-Hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-N-acetate acts as a bridging ligand to coodinate with Co(III) and Zn(II) ions. The Co(III) ion is six-coordinate in a nearly octahedral environment provided by one Cl atom, four N atoms of the bridging ligand, and one O atom. The Zn(II) ion is four-coordinate in a distorted tetrahedral environment completed by three Cl atoms and an O atom of the bridging ligand.


Low part per trillion determination of reactive alkanethiols in wastewater by in situ derivatization-solid-phase microextraction followed by GC/MS.
A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) procedure for the simultaneous determination of volatile alkanethiols (i.e., methane-, ethane-, propanethiol) and dihydrogen sulfide in aqueous samples as stable thioethers followed by GC/MS determination was developed. Accordingly, N-ethylmaleimide as derivatization reagent in the aqueous phase was used for the first time, improving the analyte stability and method sensitivity in comparison to the determination of free forms. Thus, pH of the aqueous medium, reaction time, and derivatization reagent concentration have been evaluated, and the main parameters affecting the SPME process (i.e., coating selection, extraction mode and time profile, extraction and desorption temperatures) optimized. At the selected derivatization and extraction conditions, the proposed method provided no matrix effect either in the derivatization reaction or in the microextraction steps. RSD values were lower than 11% and LODs from 0.74 to 5.2 ng L(-1). The developed procedure was successfully applied to different water and wastewater samples, where dihydrogen sulfide and some of the target alkanethiols were identified at low-microgram per liter concentrations.


High-Throughput Sequencing-Based Investigation of Viruses in Human Cancers by Multienrichment Approach.
Viruses and other infectious agents cause more than 15% of human cancer cases. High-throughput sequencing-based studies of virus-cancer associations have mainly focused on cancer transcriptome data. In this study, we applied a diverse selection of presequencing enrichment methods targeting all major viral groups, to characterize the viruses present in 197 samples from 18 sample types of cancerous origin. Using high-throughput sequencing, we generated 710 datasets constituting 57 billion sequencing reads. Detailed in silico investigation of the viral content, including exclusion of viral artefacts, from de novo assembled contigs and individual sequencing reads yielded a map of the viruses detected. Our data reveal a virome dominated by papillomaviruses, anelloviruses, herpesviruses, and parvoviruses. More than half of the included samples contained 1 or more viruses; however, no link between specific viruses and cancer types were found. Our study sheds light on viral presence in cancers and provides highly relevant virome data for future reference.


Evidence supporting zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. in Wisconsin.
Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are the primary species of Cryptosporidium that infect humans. C. hominis has an anthroponotic transmission cycle, while C. parvum is zoonotic, infecting cattle and other ruminants, in addition to humans. Most cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in the United States have been caused by C. hominis, and this species is often reported as the primary cause of cryptosporidiosis in this country. However, outbreaks account for only 10% of the overall cryptosporidiosis cases, and there are few data on the species that cause sporadic cases. The present study identified the species/genotypes and subgenotypes of Cryptosporidium in 49 cases of sporadic cryptosporidiosis in Wisconsin during the period from 2003 to 2005. The species/genotype of isolates was determined by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 18S rRNA and Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein genes. The C. parvum and C. hominis isolates were subgenotyped by sequence analysis of the GP60 gene. Forty-four of 49 isolates were identified as C. parvum, and 1 was identified as C. hominis. Of the remaining isolates, one was identified as being of the cervine genotype, one was identified as being a cervine genotype variant, and two were identified as being of a novel human genotype, previously reported as W17. Nine different subgenotypes were identified within the C. parvum species, and two of these were responsible for 60% of the cases. In this study we found that most sporadic cases of cryptosporidiosis in Wisconsin are caused by zoonotic Cryptosporidium species, indicating that zoonotic transmission could be more frequently associated with sporadic cases in the United States.


Synthesis and reactivity of 9,10-bis(4-trimethylsilylethynylbuta-1,3-diynyl)anthracene derived chromophores.
9,10-Bis(4-trimethylsilylethynylbutadiynyl)anthracene is readily availabe from the reaction of anthraquinone and LiCCCCSiMe3 followed by reduction with Sn(II) and serves as a convenient building block via desilylation and palladium-mediated C-C coupling processes for the construction of further butadiynylanthracenes terminated by metal complexes, arenes, haloarenes and alkynyl functionalities.


Negative cross-reactivity of rabbit anti-Malassezia furfur antibodies with other yeasts.
Anti-Malassezia furfur monospecific polyclonal antibodies was produced by repeated immunization of rabbit with Malassezia furfur yeast cells mixed with Freud adjuvant. The antibody titres of respective rabbit's serum samples prior to and after each immunization against M. furfur were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence technique using the M. furfur whole yeast antigen fixed in Teflon coated slides. The highest anti-M. furfur antibody titre achieved was 1 in 1280 dilution. At 1:20 dilution, none of the respective serum samples taken at various stages of immunization gave positive immunofluorescent staining against any of the other species of yeasts tested in this study. Anti-M. furfur monospecific polyclonal antibodies produced in rabbit in this study has the potential for diagnostic application in immunohistochemical detection of M. furfur in human tissues.


[Hypertension in pregnancy].
In literature, there is not an unanimous agreement on the definition of hypertension in pregnancy. The most severe complications are pre-eclampsia and eclampsia which need an early diagnosis to be avoided. The problem of therapy is discussed: there is no evidence about the positive effect of a pharmacological treatment on the maternal and/or fetal clinical outcomes. In case of blood pressure < 180/110 mmHg, the alpha metil dopa is the first choice drug. Among calcium-antagonist drugs, the efficacy of nifedipine is proved; and in the pre-eclampsia, metil dopa, beta blockers and idralazine. Many questions are anyway still unsolved needing more studies.


Catabolism of L-tyrosine by the homoprotocatechuate pathway in gram-positive bacteria.
A metabolic pathway for L-tyrosine catabolism involves 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (homoprotocatechuic acid) as substrate for fission of the benzene nucleus. Cell extracts of an organism tentatively identified as a Micrococcus possessed the enzymes required for degrading homoprotocatechuate to succinate and pyruvate, and stoichiometry was established for several of these reactions. When the required coenzymes were added, cell extracts degraded L-tyrosine to the ring-fission product of homoprotocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase and also converted 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid into 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. This compound, in turn, gave stoichiometric amounts of the ring-fission product of homoprotocatechuate by the action of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent 3-hydroxylase coupled with homoprotocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase. Evidence is presented that this route for L-tyrosine catabolism is taken by five other gram-positive strains, including Micrococcus lysodeikticus and a species of Bacillus. Five other gram-positive bacteria from other genera employed the alternative homogentisate pathway.


[Hospital nuns attending indigent patients in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries].
Unacknowledged, the hospital nuns deserve to be studied. Their call (or vocation), tested by the selection during novitiate, sets them into hospital environment of XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries and is rarely refuted. Whatever their own religious families, they represent the majority of nurses. In spite of some conflicts, their increasing success in the service of hospitals depends on cheap, movable, flexible, docile and polyvalent communities.


Defects in dosage compensation impact global gene regulation in the mouse trophoblast.
Xist RNA, which is responsible for X inactivation, is a key epigenetic player in the embryogenesis of female mammals. Of the several repeats conserved in Xist RNA, the A-repeat has been shown to be essential for its silencing function in differentiating embryonic stem cells. Here, we introduced a new Xist allele into mouse that produces mutated Xist RNA lacking the A-repeat (XistCAGΔ5' ). XistCAGΔ5' RNA expressed in the embryo coated the X chromosome but failed to silence it. Although imprinted X inactivation was substantially compromised upon paternal transmission, allele-specific RNA-seq in the trophoblast revealed that XistCAGΔ5' RNA still retained some silencing ability. Furthermore, the failure of imprinted X inactivation had more significant impacts than expected on genome-wide gene expression. It is likely that dosage compensation is required not only for equalizing X-linked gene expression between the sexes but also for proper global gene regulation in differentiated female somatic cells.


The evolutionary arms race between NK cells and viruses: who gets the short end of the stick?
NK cells are innate lymphocytes that play a key role in the control of various viral infections. Recent studies indicate that NK cells may acquire some features of adaptive immune cells, including the formation of long-lived memory cells. A large and growing body of data indicates that NK cells regulate the adaptive immune response as well. The function and the activation status of NK cells are tightly regulated by signals induced by a broad range of inhibitory and activating cell surface receptors and cytokines released by other immune cells. Here, we review the function of mouse NK-cell receptors involved in virus control and in the regulation of the adaptive immune response. In addition, we discuss viral strategies used to evade NK-cell-mediated control during infection. Finally, the role of several activating Ly49 receptors specific for mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV), as well as some controversial issues in the field, will be discussed.


Hemochromatosis: discovery of the HFE gene.
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a common inherited disorder of iron metabolism affecting about 1 in 250 individuals. HH results in an increased absorption of iron at the baso-lateral surface of the enterocyte with aberrant regulation of ferroportin-mediated transfer of iron in turn brought on by a decrease in circulating hepcidin. The medical literature describes a colorful history of HH with important contributions from faculty at Saint Louis University.


[A therapeutic effect analysis of femur first principle and combined anteversion technique during total hip arthroplasty].
Objective: To investigate the situation of hip dislocation with the application of "femur first" principle and "combined anteversion technique" during total hip arthroplasty. Methods: A retrospective analysis has been done on the clinical data about 104 patients(133 hips)who were diagnosed as hip disease and were treated with total hip arthroplasty by the doctors from the Department of Joint Orthorpaedics of Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from June 2014 to June 2016, and all the prostheses applied in the operation were cementless ones.Among them, 65 patients were males, 39 females and their age was 46.6 years (ranging from 23 to 76 years) .And 29 of them underwent bilateral hip operations and 75 unilateral ones.Seventy-six cases of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in the terminal stage, 28 cases of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.Surgical approach: of all the operations, 103 hips were operated on with hardinge approach, 30 with posterolateral approach.During the operation, first of all, the femoral medullary cavity was broached and then the anteversion of intramedullary broacher was measured.After that, the anteversion of the acetabular cup was calculated as 37° minus the anteversion of the broacher, and the acetabular cup was implanted at that angle.The patients' prosthesis combined anteversion, range of motion of the hip joint, operation time, hemorrhage amount, and complications had been kept record.One, three, and six months respectively after the operation, all the patients received outpatient review, and took anteroposterior and lateral position X-ray examination.Harris hip score had been applied to evaluate their hip function before the operation and six months after the operation. Results: All the patients had been operated on smoothly, with the operation time of(57.6±14.5)minutes(36-115 minutes)and hemorrhage amount of (336.5±50.8)ml(180-620 ml). The operation finding showed that the combined anteversion by employing"femur first"principle and combined anteversion techniqueis was (36.6±6.8)°. Also, range of motion of the patients' hip conforms to the D'Lima criterion and no patients had experienced dislocation and some other serious complications.The follow-up ended at August 2017, which lasted for 12.2 months(6-18 months), and 88 cases(119 hips) were interviewed. The Harris hip score for the affected sides of the hip joints 6 months after the surgery was 94.6(86-100). Compared with the score of 29.8(12-43) before surgery, the t-test had proven its statistical significance(t=12.82, P=0.003). Conclusion: Based upon the "femoral first" principle and "combined anteversion technique" during total hip arthroplasty, these operations has been carried out well enough to meet the patients' needs of performing normal daily activities.


The diagnostic value of sialography and scintigraphy in salivary gland diseases.
The diagnostic value of sialographic and scintigraphic investigations was compared in 169 patients. In this group were 75 inflammatory diseases and 49 benign and malignant tumours. Sialograms and scintigrams were examined by different physicians who had no knowledge of the clinical data of the patients. The scintigraphic diagnosis was considered correct if any abnormal finding was noted. The sialographic diagnosis was considered correct if the actual disease was diagnosed. In spite of the less stringent requirements for a correct scintigraphic diagnosis the sialographic technique was found to be superior. Radioactivity uptake curves over the salivary glands did not improve the scintigraphic diagnostic accuracy.