Depletion of intracellular GTP results in nuclear factor-kappaB activation and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in human endothelial cells.
The expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on the surface of endothelial cells plays an important role in immune-mediated processes. The induction by the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1beta is regulated by nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). We studied the effect of an inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor, mycophenolic acid (MPA), on constitutive and IL-1beta-induced expression of ICAM-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Unexpectedly, pretreatment with MPA enhanced the constitutive expression and potentiated the induction of ICAM-1 by IL-1beta, as detected by flow cytometry. Northern blot analysis revealed an increase in ICAM-1 mRNA levels in cells treated with MPA. This was associated with an increase in phosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha (an inhibitor of NF-kappaB), nuclear translocation of the NF-kappaB subunits p50 and p65 and their binding to DNA as detected by Western blotting, confocal microscopy, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The up-regulation of ICAM-1 by MPA was prevented by high doses (100 microM) of guanine or guanosine but not by physiological doses (0.1 microM), indicating that guanylates are involved in endothelial responses to IL-1beta. Cultivation of HUVECs in the absence of guanine enhanced further ICAM-1 expression during IMPDH inhibition. These results demonstrate that cytokine-mediated endothelial ICAM-1 expression can be modulated by IMPDH inhibition. We believe this represents a novel interaction between endothelial guanylate metabolism, NF-kappaB activation, and adhesion molecule expression.


Potential of magnetic resonance lymphography with intrapulmonary injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine for visualization of the pulmonary lymphatic basin in dogs: preliminary results.
To evaluate a new approach of magnetic resonance (MR) lymphography with intraalveolar injection of a conventional extracellular contrast agent (gadopentetate dimeglumine) for imaging lymphatic basin draining from specific portions of the lung. Three-dimensional T1-weighted spoiled gradient-recalled echo MR sequence images were acquired serially before and for 40 minutes after intraalveolar injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine in a total of 14 anesthetized beagle dogs. Six of these dogs received 1 mL undiluted and low-concentration (75%) contrast agent into the same portion of the right caudal lobe during a 7-day interval. In all dogs, including these 6 dogs, MR lymphography was repeated with injection of the low-concentration contrast agent into different lung regions at 7-day intervals to evaluate the differences of the visualized draining lymphatic station. Lymphatic enhancement was quantified by percent increases of signal intensity against precontrast. Postmortem examination of the lymphatic anatomy was performed in 7 of these animals. In all dogs, the lymphatic station draining from the injection sites was visualized within 5 minutes after contrast injection. The maximum percent increase of signal intensity of the same middle tracheobronchial lymph nodes was significantly greater with a low-concentration (75%) contrast agent than with an undiluted one in the same 6 dogs (n = 6, 247.6 +/- 30.5% vs. 204.2 +/- 33.8%; P < 0.01). Different lymphatic stations draining from the different injection sites were visualized in all dogs. In a total of 12 MR studies that showed extended nodal enhancement after injection of the low-concentration contrast agent, the enhancement peak of the most proximal nodes (n = 12) from the injection sites appeared earlier than that of their distant nodes (n = 12), with a maximum percent increase of signal intensity of 249.8 +/- 42.4%. The visualized lymph nodes were found in the appropriate locations postmortem, with significant correlation for nodal sizes (r = 0.965; P < 0.0001). MR lymphography with low-concentration gadopentetate dimeglumine can quickly and sufficiently visualize the drainage lymphatic station from specific lung portions, and may have the potential of sentinel node mapping in lung cancer.


Brain abscess due to listeria monocytogenes: A case report and literature review.
Listeria monocytogenes infective encephalitis is a rare phenomenon, which is more common in people with changed eating habits and immunodeficiency. To the best of our knowledge, listeria brain abscess is even more rare. In this case report, we summarized the clinical characteristics of listeria brain abscess, in order to explore the diagnosis and treatment of Listeria brain abscess, and raise awareness and attention to the disease. A 64-years-old female patient presented to our institution with 4 days of right arm and leg weakness, the salient past history of the patient was nephrotic syndrome, membranous nephropathy diagnosed 6 months prior, for which she was prescribed glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. Listeria monocytogenes was cultured in the blood of the patient. Comprehensive medical history and imaging features, she was diagnosed as listeria brain abscess. The patient underwent ampicillin combined with meropenem but not surgery. The patient recovered without complications. At a 3-month follow-up visit, the condition was better than that before treatment. Listeria brain abscess is an unusual form of listeriosis, its clinical manifestations lack specificity. Early accurate diagnosis and standardized treatment can effectively promote the recovery of neurological function as well as reduce the morbidity and mortality and improve the prognosis.


c-Src-dependent nongenomic signaling responses to aldosterone are increased in vascular myocytes from spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Aldosterone plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. We previously demonstrated that nongenomic signaling by aldosterone in vascular smooth muscle cells occurs through c-Src-dependent pathways. Here we tested the hypothesis that upregulation of c-Src by aldosterone plays a role in increased mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation, [3H]-proline incorporation, and NADPH-driven generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby inducing cell growth, collagen production, and inflammation, respectively, in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats. The time course of c-Src phosphorylation by aldosterone was shifted to the left in vascular myocytes from hypertensive animals. Aldosterone rapidly increased phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase with significantly greater effects in cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats versus control cells (P<0.05). Aldosterone increased NADPH oxidase activity with significantly greater responses in vascular smooth muscle cells from hypertensive animals (P<0.05). These events were associated with enhanced [3H]proline incorporation (index of collagen synthesis) in cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats (P<0.05). The NADPH oxidase activity increase, collagen synthesis, c-Src, and MAP kinase phosphorylation induced by aldosterone were significantly reduced by eplerenone (selective mineralocorticoid receptor blocker) and PP2 (selective c-Src inhibitor). In conclusion, nongenomic signaling by exogenous aldosterone, mediated through c-Src, is increased in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats. Upregulation of c-Src signaling may be important in the profibrotic and proinflammatory actions of aldosterone in this genetic model of hypertension.


The structure of the amyloid-beta peptide high-affinity copper II binding site in Alzheimer disease.
Neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer disease (AD) is believed to be related to the toxicity from reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in the brain by the amyloid-beta (Abeta) protein bound primarily to copper ions. The evidence for an oxidative stress role of Abeta-Cu redox chemistry is still incomplete. Details of the copper binding site in Abeta may be critical to the etiology of AD. Here we present the structure determined by combining x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory analysis of Abeta peptides complexed with Cu(2+) in solution under a range of buffer conditions. Phosphate-buffered saline buffer salt (NaCl) concentration does not affect the high-affinity copper binding mode but alters the second coordination sphere. The XAS spectra for truncated and full-length Abeta-Cu(2+) peptides are similar. The novel distorted six-coordinated (3N3O) geometry around copper in the Abeta-Cu(2+) complexes include three histidines: glutamic, or/and aspartic acid, and axial water. The structure of the high-affinity Cu(2+) binding site is consistent with the hypothesis that the redox activity of the metal ion bound to Abeta can lead to the formation of dityrosine-linked dimers found in AD.


Developing a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Method for Simultaneous Determination of Oxytetracycline, Tinidazole and Esomeprazole in Human Plasma.
A high performance liquid chromatography method had been developed and validated for rapid simultaneous separation and determination of three anti-helicobacter drugs, oxytetracycline (OXY), tinidazole (TIN) and esomeprazole (ESM) in human plasma within 6 minutes. Drugs extraction method from plasma was based on protein precipitation technique. Separation was carried out on a Equisil BDS C18 column (5 μm, 150 × 4.60 mm) using a mobile phase of acetonitrile: 0.025 M KH2PO4 (25: 75, v/v) adjusted to pH 3.50 with ortho-phosphoric acid at ambient temperature. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and maximum absorption was measured using Diode Array (DAD) detector at 285 nm. The retention times of OXY, TIN and ESM were recorded to be 2.68, 3.52 and 5.17 minutes, respectively, indicating a shorter analysis time. Limits of detection were also reported to be 0.10, 0.07 and 0.04 μg/mL for OXY, TIN and ESM, respectively, showing a high degree of the method sensitivity. The method was then validated according to FDA guidelines for the determination of the drugs clinically in human plasma specially regarding pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies.


Anterior spinal artery syndrome and aortic dissection.
Anterior spinal artery syndrome, usually resulting in flaccid paraplegia, is a rare but disastrous complication that can occur after surgery of aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. Spinal cord infarct as the initial clinical presentation of aortic dissection is a very rare finding. A 42-year-old male patient who comes to the emergency department due to severe chest pain associated with presyncope and paraplegia of the lower limbs in the context of type A aortic dissection. Recognizing this atypical clinical presentation of aortic dissection and knowing how to approach it is critical for an early diagnosis and to minimize the risk of spinal cord ischemia during surgery.


Extreme right-handedness, older brothers, and sexual orientation in men.
Two of the most consistent correlates of sexual orientation in men are handedness and fraternal birth order (i.e., number of older brothers). In the present study, the relationship among handedness, older brothers, and sexual orientation was studied in 4 samples of heterosexual and gay or bisexual men (N = 944). Unlike previous studies, which have only observed an increased rate of non-right-handedness in gay or bisexual men relative to heterosexual men, an elevated rate of extreme right-handedness was found in gay or bisexual men relative to heterosexual men. The results also demonstrated that older brothers moderate the relationship between handedness and sexual orientation. Specifically, older brothers increase the odds of being gay or bisexual in moderate right-handers only; in both non-right-handers and extreme right-handers, older brothers do not affect (or decrease) the odds of being gay or bisexual. The results have implications for an early neurodevelopmental origin to sexual orientation in men.


[Optimizing condition for oligofectamine-mediated SP1 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides transfection into SV-40-PED cells].
To determine the optimizing parameters in transfecting the SV-40-PED cells mediated by oligofectamine. With a change of Decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs)/oligofectamine in ratio and the transfection time, the uptake rate and the mean fluorescence intensity of SP1 ODNs in the SV-40-PED cells were measured by flow cytometry to evaluate the transfection efficiencies. 4 microl oligofectamine with different concentrations of ODNs(2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 microl) were put into 100 microl of DMEM without serum and antibiotics. the (SV-40-PED) cells were transfected after 20 min at room temperature. the final concentration of SP1 decay ODNs were 50,100, 150, 200 and 250 nmol/L. Transfection effieiency was detected at 26 h after transfection. The intracellular distribution of SP1 ODNs was determined with a fluorescence microscope. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the supernatant was measured to assess the cytotoxicity. The uptake of SP1 ODNs into the SV-40-PED cells was significantly improved by oligofectamine. The cell appearance did not change much in the groups of 50, 100 and 150 nmol/L. In the groups of 200 and 250 nmol/L, the cell reverted after being shrinked and altered to round. At 26 h after the transfection, there was no marked change in the cell form at the concentration of 250 nmol/L. There was floatation at 48 and 72 h after the transfection. Under the fluorescence microscope, we observed fluorescent materials distributed in the cell nucleus in the successfully-transferred groups. We could see the nucleoli clearly in the groups of 200 nmol/L and 250 nmol/L. There was a stronger fluorescence intensity with a higher concentration and the fluorescent materials gathered at the cell nucleus. At the final concentration of 250 nmol/L, the LDH level was 137.12+/-3.92 U/L in the 72-h group, which was significantly higher those that in the 26-h group (49.61+/-17.13 U/L) and the 48-h group (120.26 +/- 8.42 U/L) (P<0.01). At 26 h after the transfection, there were no statistical differences at the above LDH levels in the different-concentration groups (P > 0.05). Transfection efficiency is the highest when the final concentration of the SP1 decoy ODNs is 250 nmol/L during the incubation of for 24 h in transfecting the SV-40-PED cells.


[The characteristics and treatment of empty sella combined cerebrospinal fluid leakage of nasal].
To study the feature and treatment method of patients with empty sella merger cerebro-spinal fluid leakage of nasal. There were 8 cases with empty sella merger cerebrospinal fluid leakage of nasal, 2 cases were accepted the repairing surgery of cerebrospinal fluid leakage one time, 4 cases were accepted the repairing surgery of cerebrospinal fluid leakage used endoscope 2 times, 1 case was accepted repairing surgery of cerebrospinal fluid leakage used endoscope merge craniotomy and ventricle celiac bypass, 1 case recurrences after repairing surgery of cerebrospinal fluid was recurred after conservative treatment. Some postoperative were stayed in bed for three weeks and lumbar drainage for 1 week. One case of cerebral hemorrhage after surgery was cured with craniotomy, followed for 2 years without recurrence. One case was recurred after conservative treatment. Two cases recurrences after surgery 3 years ago were accepted surgery again followed by one year without recurrence. One case who recurrence 1 year later was accepted repairing surgery of cerebrospinal fluid leakage used endoscope merge craniotomy and ventricle celiac bypass followed six months without recurrence. One cash after once surgery was followed half a year without recurrence. One case with recurrence 5 years later was accepted repairing surgery again. The patient with empty sella combined cerebrospinal fluid leakage of nasal was rare, the main method was endoscopic sinus surgery treatment, but it recurred usually. The patients with repeatedly recurrence can be considered to accepted the surgery of ventricle celiac bypass. It required long-term postoperative follow-up and review.


Parents' experiences of their children achieving bladder control.
Achieving bladder control is important for children and parents, but there is a shortage of knowledge about experiences from parents' points of view. The aim of this study was to describe parents' experiences of how their children achieved dryness. Twenty-two parents of 21 healthy children were interviewed about the process. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis. How children achieve dryness, as reported mainly by their mothers, seems to be influenced by knowing the time had come, implementing new daily routines, the child's willingness, and a desire to be like others.


[Rapid tracing of new patients with cancer through the nationwide network and registry of histo- and cytopathology in the Netherlands (PALGA) in order to freeze tumour material for molecular-epidemiological research].
To examine the viability of tracing new patients with a malignancy preoperatively through the Nationwide Network And Registry Of Histo- and Cytopathology in the Netherlands (PALGA) in order to obtain fresh-frozen tumour tissue for molecular-epidemiological research. Prospective. Gene expression analysis using the microarray technique has become an important tool in cancer research. To use this technique, however, it is necessary to have fresh-frozen tumour tissue. This study examines if a weekly search in the PALGA registration makes it possible to trace patients before they undergo tumour surgery and to ask the treating physician to reserve some tumour material to be frozen. In this case it was for the benefit of the 'tamoxifen-associated malignancies: aspects of risk' (TAMARISK)-study in which the clinical-pathological and molecular characteristics of malignancies of the uterine corpus following the use of tamoxifen were examined. Results. From July 2003 to October 2004 133 patients eligible for inclusion in the TAMARISK study were indicated by PALGA. Ultimately freshfrozen tissue from a uterine tumour was obtained for 83 of the 133 patients. For the majority of the patients that could not be included the information came too late or there was no certain histopathological diagnosis prior to the hysterectomy. The system developed through PALGA turned out to be very effective in practice and can also be of great value to other clinical epidemiological studies that involve molecular analyses of patients with relatively rare diseases.


Thermodynamics of insertion and self-association of a transmembrane helix: a lipophobic interaction by phosphatidylethanolamine.
Thermodynamic parameters for the insertion and self-association of transmembrane helices are important for understanding the folding of helical membrane proteins. The lipid composition of bilayers would significantly affect these fundamental processes, although how is not well understood. Experimental systems using model transmembrane helices and lipid bilayers are useful for measuring and interpreting thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, ΔS, and ΔC(p)) for the processes. In this study, the effect of the charge, phase, acyl chain unsaturation, and lateral pressure profile of bilayers on the membrane partitioning of the transmembrane helix (AALALAA)(3) was examined. Furthermore, the effect of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) on the thermodynamics for insertion and self-association of the helix in host membranes composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) was investigated in detail. Interbilayer transfer of the helix monomer from POPC to POPC/POPE (1/1) bilayers was unfavorable (ΔG = +4.5 ± 2.9 kJ mol(-1) at 35 °C) due to an increase in enthalpy (ΔH = +31.1 ± 2.1 kJ mol(-1)). On the other hand, antiparallel dimerization of the helices in POPC/POPE (1/1) bilayers was enhanced compared with that in POPC bilayers (ΔΔG = -4.9 ± 0.2 kJ mol(-1) at 35 °C) due to a decrease in enthalpy (ΔΔH = -33.2 ± 1.5 kJ mol(-1)). A greater thickness of POPC/POPE bilayers only partially explained the observed effects. The residual effects could be related to changes in other physical properties such as higher lateral pressure in the hydrocarbon core in the PE-containing membrane. The origin of the enthalpy-driven "lipophobic" force that modulates the insertion and association of transmembrane helices will be discussed.


In vivo motility of the unobstructed fallopian tube.
Current methods of recording the fallopian tube motility in vivo essentially measure the intraluminal pressure. Diametral change is another parameter which can provide additional useful information related to tubal function. A method for in vivo monitoring of diametral change without obstructing the lumen and based on the impedance measurement technique has been proposed. An in vitro comparison of wall displacement with transtubal electrical impedance change shows that the impedance changes reflect diametral changes. Another in vitro experiment in which the autorhythmicity of contractions was maintained by means of a perfusion bath indicates that the impedance changes are primarily due to the contraction of the circular muscles of the fallopian tube. These studies were followed up with long-term chronic implantations with dual probes on the isthmic and ampullar regions of the tube in female rabbits. Inpedance changes over periods as long as 6 mo could be readily obtained. Histological observations as well as fertility studies support the conclusion that the tube is minimally affected by the placement of the probes.


Optical properties of CsDNA films as a function of hydration.
The refractive indices of wet-spun films of CsDNA have been measured for light polarized parallel and perpendicular to the helical axis as a function of relative humidity (RH). These data have been combined with previously published data (Biopolymers 30 (1990) 877-887) for the volume per base pair and water content as a function of RH in order to extract the optical polarizabilities. This work was motivated by the study of Weidlich et al. (Biopolymers 26 (1987) 439-453) who reported a approximately 35% increase at the A-to-B transition in the parallel and perpendicular polarizabilities of NaDNA. In contrast, a much smaller increase in the polarizabilities of CsDNA is found near the A-to-B transition: approximately 12% for the perpendicular direction and < or = 4% for the parallel direction.


Effect of putrescine supplementation to in vitro maturation medium on embryo development and quality in cattle.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of putrescine supplementation to maturation medium during in vitro embryo production in cattle on maturation and embryo development/quality. Oocytes obtained from the ovaries of Holstein cattle were used in the study. Obtained cumulus-oocyte complexes were evaluated according to morphological structure, cytoplasmic features, and cumulus cell number, and only Category-I ones were used in the study. Before the in vitro maturation step, oocytes were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group (Putrescine group, n = 159), 0.5 mM putrescine was added to the maturation medium before in vitro maturation. No addition was applied to the maturation medium of the second group (Control group, n = 149). Cumulus expansion degrees of oocytes following maturation (Grade I: poor, Grade II: partial, and Grade III: complete) were determined. In addition, the meiosis of oocytes after maturation was evaluated by differential staining. Then the oocytes were left for fertilization with sperm and finally, possible zygotes were transferred to the culture medium. After determining the developmental stages and quality of the embryos after in vitro culture, only the embryos at the blastocyst stage were stained with the differential staining method to determine the cell numbers. When the cumulus expansion degrees of the groups were evaluated, the Grade III cumulus expansion rate in the putrescine group was higher than the control group (74.21% and 60.4%; respectively) and the Grade I expansion rate (11.95% and 26.17%; respectively) was found lower (p < .05). When the resumption of meiosis was evaluated according to the cumulus expansion degrees, it was determined that the rate of resumption of meiosis increased as the cumulus expansion increased. In addition, the cleavage rates of oocytes and reaching the blastocyst in the putrescine group were found to be higher than in the control group (p < .05). Moreover, inner cell mass, trophectoderm cells, and total cell counts were found to be higher in blastocysts obtained after the putrescine supplementation to the maturation medium compared to the control group (p < .05). As a result, it was determined that the putrescine supplementation to the maturation medium during in vitro embryo production in cattle increased the degree of cumulus expansion and the rate of resumption of meiosis. In addition, putrescine supplementation was thought to increase the rate of reaching the blastocyst of oocytes due to better cell development in embryos.


Genetically engineered crops: their potential use for improvement of human nutrition.
Great success has been achieved in increasing agriculture productivity to fulfill human needs during the second half of the 20th century. However, there will be much greater challenges in the future. Based on the current population growth rate of 1.4% per year, the world's population is forecast to increase from the current level of approximately six billion to nine to twelve billion in 50 years. In addition to continuously increasing demand for agricultural production, there is an urgent need to improve the nutritional quality of human diets for this rapidly growing human population. Malnutrition is still a worldwide health issue. Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in developing countries, and over-consumption of certain nutrients in developed countries (e.g., saturated fatty acids) is associated with high incidence of certain chronic diseases. Furthermore, there will be declining natural resources such as arable land and water, and the challenges to humans must be met without further degrading the environment. Biotechnology offers a valuable tool to help achieve these goals. This review focuses on the most recent advances in biotechnology, which promise to improve human nutrition by enhancing the nutrient density of plant foods. Issues relating to the safety of food products from genetically engineered crops are also discussed.


[Antigenic specificity of neuraminidase and structure of neuraminidase gene of influenza A(H1N1) serotype Hsw1N1 viruses isolated from man and animals].
The enzyme immunoassay and neuraminidase activity inhibition test using polyclonal and monospecific antineuraminidase sera were employed to establish the similarities and differences in the antigenic structure of neuraminidase of influenza A viruses (H1N1), serovariant Hsw1N1, isolated from man in Alma-Ata (USSR), 1984, New Jersey (USA), 1976, and Pazardjik (BPR), 1982, as well as from swine and birds. Oligonucleotide mapping revealed significant structural differences in the genes coding for neuraminidase of Hsw1N1 viruses. The experimental results indicate a high degree of the enzyme variability in this group of viruses.


Number of Daily Peritoneal Dialysis Exchanges and Mortality Risk in a Chinese Population.
We report outcomes on ≥ 4 compared with < 4 exchanges/day in a Chinese cohort on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Data were sourced from the Baxter (China) Investment Co. Ltd Patient Support Program database, comprising an inception cohort commencing CAPD between 1 January 2005 and 13 August 2015. We used cause-specific Cox proportional hazards and Fine-Gray competing risks (kidney transplantation, change to hemodialysis) models to estimate mortality risk on ≥ 4 compared with < 4 exchanges/day. We matched or adjusted for age, gender, employment, insurance, primary renal disease, size of CAPD program, year of dialysis inception, and treatment center. We modeled 100,022 subjects from 1,177 centers over 239,876 patient-years. Of these subjects, 43,185 received < 4 exchanges/day and 56,837 ≥ 4 exchanges/day. The proportion of patients on < 4 exchanges/day varied widely between centers. Those on < 4 exchanges/day were significantly older, more often female, of unknown employment, and from rural China. In the various models, ≥ 4 exchanges/day was associated with a significantly lower risk of death by 30% - 35% compared with < 4 exchanges/day. This beneficial effect was greatest in younger and rural patients. In this Chinese CAPD cohort, ≥ 4 exchanges/day was associated with significantly lower mortality risk than < 4 exchanges/day. Analyses are limited by residual confounding from unavailability of important prognostic covariates (e.g., comorbidity, socioeconomic factors) and data on residual renal function, peritoneal clearance, and transport status with which to judge the clinical appropriateness of CAPD prescription. Nonetheless, our study indicates this area as a high priority for further detailed study.


A culture of change or a change of culture?
As organizations find themselves having to respond to quick changes in rapid succession, at some point the question of whether or not the pace is too much to sustain comes into play. At Sarasota Memorial Hospital, early cultural assessment led to implementation strategies that helped to overcome some of the barriers of major change.


Electrical Cardiometry: A Reliable Solution to Cardiac Output Estimation in Children With Structural Heart Disease.
Comparison of cardiac output (CO) obtained using electric cardiometry (EC) and pulmonary artery catheterization (PAC) in pediatric patients with congenital structural heart disease. Prospective, observational study. A tertiary hospital. The study comprised 50 patients scheduled to undergo cardiac catheterization. CO data triplets were obtained simultaneously from the cardiometry device ICON (Osypka Medical, Berlin, Germany) and PAC at the following predefined time points-(1) T1: 5 minutes after arterial and venous cannulation and (2) T2: 5 minutes postprocedure; the average of the 3 readings was calculated. Reliability analysis and Bland-Altman analysis were performed to determine the limits of agreement, mean bias, and accuracy of the CO measured with EC. The measured EC-cardiac index 4.22 (3.84-4.60) L/min/m2 and PAC-cardiac index 4.26 (3.67-4.67) L/min/m2 were statistically insignificant (p value>0.05) at T1. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean bias of 0.0051 L/min/m2 and precision limits of±0.4927 L/min/m2. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.789 and Cronbach's alpha was 0.652, indicating good reproducibility and internal consistency between the two techniques. Postcatheterization analysis also revealed strong agreement and reliability between the two techniques. This study demonstrated that cardiac indices measured in children with a variety of structural heart diseases using EC reliably represent absolute values obtained using PAC. EC technology is simple and easy to use and offers noninvasive beat-to-beat tracking of CO and other hemodynamic parameters in children with structurally abnormal hearts.


Recommended Practices and Benchmark Activity for Hydrogen and Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Water Splitting and Fuel Cells.
Electrochemical energy storage by making H2 an energy carrier from water splitting relies on four elementary reactions, i.e., the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, the central objective is to recommend systematic protocols for activity measurements of these four reactions and benchmark activities for comparison, which is critical to facilitate the research and development of catalysts with high activity and stability. Details for the electrochemical cell setup, measurements, and data analysis used to quantify the kinetics of the HER, HOR, OER, and ORR in acidic and basic solutions are provided, and examples of state-of-the-art specific and mass activity of catalysts to date are given. First, the experimental setup is discussed to provide common guidelines for these reactions, including the cell design, reference electrode selection, counter electrode concerns, and working electrode preparation. Second, experimental protocols, including data collection and processing such as ohmic- and background-correction and catalyst surface area estimation, and practice for testing and comparing different classes of catalysts are recommended. Lastly, the specific and mass activity activities of some state-of-the-art catalysts are benchmarked to facilitate the comparison of catalyst activity for these four reactions across different laboratories.


Do antibiotic-impregnated external ventriculostomy catheters have a low infection rate in clinical practice? A retrospective cohort study.
External ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a source of significant morbidity and mortality. In previous trials, antibiotic-impregnated ventricular catheters have been associated with lower incidence of CSF infections. We undertook this retrospective observational study to evaluate whether the introduction of antibiotic-impregnated external ventricular drains (EVDs) in 2004 has decreased VRI in our neurosurgical unit. One hundred and fifteen patients underwent insertion of EVDs from January 2000 to March 2008. Data were collected for 99 patients with a total of 146 EVD insertions. The parameters studied were age, gender, ASA score, seniority of the surgeon, significant medical history, presence of trauma, concurrent surgeries, revisional surgery, use of peri-operative systemic antibiotic, use of antibiotic-impregnated external ventricular catheter, tunnelling of the catheter, duration of drainage and VRIs. Eleven patients developed new VRI (12%). Analysis comparing infection incidence for various co-morbidities shows that systemic sepsis was associated with higher infection rates (p = 0.037). Revisional surgery (p = 0.036) and longer duration of catheterization (p = 0.001) were also found to be associated with VRI. The Standard catheters and the antibiotic-impregnated catheters had similar infection rates. The antibiotic-impregnated catheters tended to be infection-free for longer but these differences were not statistically significant. The duration of catheterization was significantly higher for the antibiotic-impregnated catheter group. In both groups, the majority of infections were caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Our study demonstrates that there was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates for the Standard and antibiotic-impregnated external ventriculostomy catheters. The duration of catheterization was significantly higher for the Antibiotic-impregnated catheter group. The antibiotic-impregnated catheter infections tended to occur later as compared with the Standard catheter group.


Laser-Induced Microgrooves Improve the Mechanical Responses of Cemented Implant Systems.
The impact of a laser-induced microgroove (LIM) architecture on mechanical responses of two cemented implant systems was evaluated. One system consisted of two aluminum alloy rods bonded end-to-end by polymethylmethacrylate cement. The second system consisted of a custom-made, aluminum tibial tray (TT) cemented in an artificial canine tibia. Control specimens for each system were polished smooth at the cement interface. For LIM samples in the rod system, microgrooves were engraved (100 µm depth, 200 µm width, 500 µm spacing) on the apposing surface of one of the two rods. For TT system testing, LIM engraving (100 µm spacing) was confined to the underside and keel of the tray. Morphological analysis of processed implant surfaces revealed success in laser microgrooving procedures. For cemented rods tested under static tension, load to failure was greater for LIM samples (279.0 ± 14.9 N vs. 126.5 ± 4.5 N). Neither non-grooved nor grooved TT samples failed under cyclic compression testing (100,000 cycles at 1 Hz). Compared with control specimens, LIM TT constructs exhibited higher load to failure under static compression and higher strain at the bone interface under cyclic compression. Laser-induced microgrooving has the potential to improve the performance of cemented orthopedic implants.


Primary neuroendocrine tumor in brain.
The incidence of brain metastases for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is reportedly 1.5~5%, and the origin is usually pulmonary. A 77-year-old man presented to our hospital with headache and disturbance of specific skilled motor activities. Computed tomography (CT) showed a massive neoplastic lesion originating in the left temporal and parietal lobes that caused a mass edematous effect. Grossly, total resection of the tumor was achieved. Histological examination revealed much nuclear atypia and mitotic figures. Staining for CD56, chromogranin A, and synaptophysin was positive, indicating NET. The MIB-1 index was 37%. Histopathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as NET. After surgery, gastroscopy and colonoscopy were performed, but the origin was not seen. After discharge, CT and FDG-PET (fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography) were performed every 3 months. Two years later we have not determined the origin of the tumor. It is possible that the brain is the primary site of this NET. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this phenomenon.


Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in a Canadian First Nations (aboriginal) population: onset subtypes and HLA associations.
To determine onset subtypes and HLA associations of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in a First Nations (aboriginal) population; to determine whether population frequencies of HLA antigens may explain the distribution of subtypes of JRA in this population. All patients were children from Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario seen in a single pediatric rheumatology clinic between 1975 and 1996. Patients were identified from a clinic registry. Controls were adults of Algonkian Cree and Ojibway heritage. Class I and II major histocompatibility (HLA) typing was performed for First Nations patients and controls. There were a total of 74 First Nations patients with JRA. The relative frequency of rheumatoid factor (RF) positive polyarticular JRA was higher and that of pauciarticular JRA was lower in First Nations compared with Caucasian patients (42 versus 3% and 22 versus 58%, respectively; p = 0.00000). HLA-DRB1*04 (63%), 08 (43%), and 1402 (25%) were the most common DRB1 antigens among controls. The main subtypes of DRB1*04 were 0404 (33% of controls) and 0407 (23%). HLA typing was performed for 39 First Nations patients; 27 were Cree or Ojibway, 4 were from other tribes, and 8 were part First Nations. Among Cree and Ojibway, 59% of controls and 63% of patients with RF positive polyarticular JRA (n = 16) had HLA-DRB1 antigens bearing the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) shared epitope (OR 1.16, 95% CI: 0.38, 3.48). The OR for polyarticular RF positive JRA in those with DRB1*0802 and 0901 were 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02; and 1.24 and 5.83, 95% CI: 1.58, 28.38, respectively. There was a high frequency of the RA shared epitope represented by both HLA-DRB1*0404 and 1402 in this Algonkian population. This high frequency may explain the high frequency of RF positive polyarticular JRA. DRB1*0802 may be protective, whereas DRB1*0901 may increase the risk for this subtype of JRA.


Integrin-based diffusion barrier separates membrane domains enabling the formation of microbiostatic frustrated phagosomes.
Candida albicans hyphae can reach enormous lengths, precluding their internalization by phagocytes. Nevertheless, macrophages engulf a portion of the hypha, generating incompletely sealed tubular phagosomes. These frustrated phagosomes are stabilized by a thick cuff of F-actin that polymerizes in response to non-canonical activation of integrins by fungal glycan. Despite their continuity, the surface and invaginating phagosomal membranes retain a strikingly distinct lipid composition. PtdIns(4,5)P2 is present at the plasmalemma but is not detectable in the phagosomal membrane, while PtdIns(3)P and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 co-exist in the phagosomes yet are absent from the surface membrane. Moreover, endo-lysosomal proteins are present only in the phagosomal membrane. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching revealed the presence of a diffusion barrier that maintains the identity of the open tubular phagosome separate from the plasmalemma. Formation of this barrier depends on Syk, Pyk2/Fak and formin-dependent actin assembly. Antimicrobial mechanisms can thereby be deployed, limiting the growth of the hyphae.


Extremely high frequencies of alpha-globin gene deletion in Madang and on Kar Kar Island, Papua New Guinea.
Extremely high frequencies of the deletion form of alpha(+)-thalassemia (-alpha/), as studied by the DNA mapping technique, were found in the population of Madang, a coastal province in the north of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and in the population of Kar Kar, an island situated near Madang. Ninety-seven percent of the population tested from Madang and 89% of that from Kar Kar Island were either alpha(+)-thalassemia heterozygotes or homozygotes. By contrast, no examples of the deletion form were detected in the Eastern Highlands of PNG. The haplotype frequencies of alpha(+)-thalassemia (-alpha/) in Madang and Kar Kar Island were found to be 81.33% and 66.67%, respectively. A more detailed analysis of the gene deletion revealed that in both populations 96% were of the 4.2 kilobase (kb) type and 4% were of the 3.7-kb type. Thus, this group is the only example in which the 4.2-kb deletion is predominant over 3.7-kb defect. The presence in high frequencies of alpha(+)-thalassemia in the coastal area of Madang and on the neighboring island, where malaria has long been holoendemic or hyperendemic, and its virtual absence from the nonmalarious highlands of PNG suggest the role of malaria as the selective factor in maintaining alpha(+)-thalassemia. If this selective pressure is still operating, and since alpha(+)-thalassemia has no apparent homozygous disadvantage, the abnormal haplotype (-alpha/) will be in the process of fixation in this population.


Acetylcholinesterase activity in the freshwater shrimp Caridina nilotica as a biomarker of Roundup(®) herbicide pollution of freshwater systems in South Africa.
The use of Caridina nilotica whole-body acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity as a potential biomarker of Roundup(®) pollution of aquatic ecosystems was investigated. Forty days post hatch (dph) shrimps were exposed to different concentrations of 0.0, 4.3, 6.7, 10.5, 16.4, 25.6 and 40.0 mg/L in a 96 h acute toxicity test; and 0.0, 2.2, 2.8, 3.4, 4.3 and 5.4 mg/L in a 21 d chronic toxicity test. Whole-body AChE activities were determined at the end of the exposure periods by spectrophotometric assay of sample extract; activities were then normalized against protein contents in the samples and expressed in nanomoles of substrate hydrolyzed. Results of both tests showed that AChE activity was concentration-dependent. Mean AChE activities and standard deviations (±SD) for 96 h acute toxicity were 3.6239 (± 0.4185), 3.4157 (± 1.1842), 2.537 (± 1.3989), 2.4253 (± 1.4202), 2.4127 (± 1.9097), 2.0017 (± 1.1080) and 2.316 (± 0.4001) nmol/min/mg protein; while activity levels for 21 d test were 3.6907(± 0.3401), 2.8473 (± 0.713), 2.9134 (± 0.9879), 2.6738 (± 0.7117), 2.3019 (± 0.4464) and 2.1478 (± 0.864) nmol/min/mg protein. Reference basal AChE activity for 40 dph C. nilotica based on the two control groups was estimated as 3.6907 (± 0.3401) nmol/min/mg proteins. The present work provides ecotoxicological basis for the possible use of AChE activity in C. nilotica as a biomarker for monitoring Roundup(®) pollution in freshwater systems.


Augmenting Adaptive Machine Learning with Kinetic Modeling for Reaction Optimization.
We combine random sampling and active machine learning (ML) to optimize the synthesis of isomacroin, executing only 3% of all possible Friedländer reactions. Employing kinetic modeling, we augment machine intuition by extracting mechanistic knowledge and verify that a global optimum was obtained with ML. Our study contributes evidence on the potential of multiscale approaches to expedite the access to chemical matter, further democratizing organic chemistry in a data-motivated fashion.


Punitive laws, key population size estimates, and Global AIDS Response Progress Reports: An ecological study of 154 countries
UN global plans on HIV/AIDS have committed to reducing the number of countries with punitive laws criminalizing key populations. This study explores whether punitive laws are associated with countries' performance on targets set in the global plans. The study used chi-square tests of independence to explore associations between legal status, key population size estimates, and HIV service coverage for 193 countries from 2007 to 2014. We used data reported by countries on United Nations Global AIDS Progress Report (GARPR) indicators, and legal data from UNAIDS, UNDP, and civil society organizations. Due to lack of sufficiently reliable legal data, only men who have sex with men (MSM) could be studied. The study utilized public data aggregated at the national level. Correspondence with individual experts in a subset of countries stated the purpose of the study, and all responses were anonymized. A significantly larger proportion of countries that criminalize same-sex sexual behaviour reported implausibly low size estimates or no size estimates for MSM. This is consistent with findings in qualitative research that MSMs are marginalized and reluctant to be studied in countries where same-sex sexuality is criminalized. Size estimates are often used as the denominators for national HIV service coverage reports. Initially, countries that criminalized same-sex sexuality appeared to have higher HIV testing coverage among MSM than did countries where it is not criminalized. However, investigation of a subset of countries that have reported 90-100% HIV testing coverage among MSM found that most were based on implausibly low or absent size estimates. Criminalization of same-sex sexuality is associated with implausibly low or absent MSM size estimates. Low size estimates may contribute to official denial of the existence of MSM; to failure to adequately address their needs; and to inflated HIV service coverage reports that paint a false picture of success. To enable and measure progress in the HIV response, UN agencies should lead a collaborative process to systematically, independently and rigorously gather data on laws and their enforcement.


The effect of GABA on lumbar terminations of rubrospinal neurons in the cat spinal cord.
Although GABA and piperidine-4-sulphonic acid depolarize I a afferent terminations in the cat spinal cord by activation of bicuculline-sensitive GABA receptors, no evidence was obtained for a bicuculline-sensitive alteration by either gabamimetic of the electrical threshold of rubrospinal terminations in the spinal intermediate nucleus. The terminal axonal arborizations in the spinal cord of neurons in the red nucleus thus do not have GABA receptors similar to those on the cell bodies. The results are discussed in relation to the depolarizing action of GABA on some central neurons, and on neurons with peripheral cell bodies, and to probable differences in the intracellular chloride content of neurons having peripheral or central cell bodies, and thus of different embryological origin. A presynaptic depolarizing inhibitory process mediated by GABA appears to be confined to the terminals of primary afferent fibres in the mammalian central nervous system.


Reticulocytes in healthy pregnancy.
High reticulocyte counts are commonly found during pregnancy in non-anaemic Greek and Italian women, whereas in Anglo-Saxon women counts rarely rise above 2-0%. In this study, the Greek and Italian groups had peak mean values of 2-9%, although it occurred some weeks earlier in the Italian group. The Anglo-Saxon group's peak mean value was only 1-5%. The differences between the Anglo-Saxon and other groups are statistically highly significant and should be recognized when assessing haematological profiles in apparently normal women.


Performance and Mechanisms of Ultrafiltration Membrane Fouling Mitigation by Coupling Coagulation and Applied Electric Field in a Novel Electrocoagulation Membrane Reactor.
A novel electrocoagulation membrane reactor (ECMR) was developed, in which ultrafiltration (UF) membrane modules are placed between electrodes to improve effluent water quality and reduce membrane fouling. Experiments with feedwater containing clays (kaolinite) and natural organic matter (humic acid) revealed that the combined effect of coagulation and electric field mitigated membrane fouling in the ECMR, resulting in higher water flux than the conventional combination of electrocoagulation and UF in separate units (EC-UF). Higher current densities and weakly acidic pH in the EMCR favored faster generation of large flocs and effectively reduced membrane pore blocking. The hydraulic resistance of the formed cake layers on the membrane surface in ECMR was reduced due to an increase in cake layer porosity and polarity, induced by both coagulation and the applied electric field. The formation of a polarized cake layer was controlled by the applied current density and voltage, with cake layers formed under higher electric field strengths showing higher porosity and hydrophilicity. Compared to EC-UF, ECMR has a smaller footprint and could achieve significant energy savings due to improved fouling resistance and a more compact reactor design.


Prostaglandin-macromolecule interactions. I. Noncovalent binding of prostaglandins A1, E1, F2alpha, and E2 by human and bovine serum albumins.
The binding of tritiated prostaglandins (PGA1, PGE1, PGF2alpha, and PGE2) to human and bovine serum albumins was studied by equilibrium dialysis and batchwise gel equilibration with Sephadex G-25. During equilibrium dialysis (36 hours, 4 degrees C), about half of the PGEs, but not PGA and PGF2alpha, were transformed into dehydration products; by contrast, equilibration of the prostaglandins was attained in less than a half-hour by the batchwise use of Sephadex G-25 at 25 degrees C, with no detectable ligand instability. The values of the apparent association constants for albumin-prostaglandin interactions were inversely related to the protein concentration in the assay systems. "True" apparent association constants (NKo) were measured by extrapolation to zero protein concentration. The NKo values were estimated to be 9.4 X 10(4), 2.7 X 10(4), 9 X 10(3) and 6 X 10(3) M-1 for the interaction of human serum albumin with PGA1, PGE1, PGF2alpha and PGE2, respectively. Very similar values were found for the corresponding bovine serum albumin-Prostaglandin interactions. When comparable, the data obtained by both methods were in excellent agreement. Our results were also in agreement with published values for PGA1 and PGF2alpha, both of which are relatively stable in neutral aqueous phase. Batchwise gel equilibration appears to be a useful method, if thermodynamically valid data are desired in the presence of possible ligand and/or "receptor" instability. We conclude that albumin binding probably affords circulating PGA1 a modest protection from its clearance mechanisms.


[Comparison of the indirect immunofluorescent (IFAT), ELISA test and the comercial Chagatek test for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies detection].
Chagas disease is a public health problem in Colombia, particularly in the eastern region. Because of human migration from rural areas to urban centers, the possibility of transfusional transmission becomes increasingly important. However the risk can be minimized by a careful screening of blood donors by means of serological tests. Colombian blood banks use comercial, foreign serological tests for screening for T. cruzi infection. The purpose of the current study was to compare the IFAT and ELISA tests (both use antigen obtained from Colombian strains) with the comercially available Chagatek tests. Sera of blood donors were classified in two groups on the basis of the IFAT: group I, 15 positive patients and group II, 14 negative patients. Sera from each group were tested by the ELISA and Chagatek tests. The ELISA test detected 100% of the patients as positive in group I and 7% (1/14) of patients as positive in group II. The Chagatek test detected 93% (14/15) of the patients as positive in group I and 50% (7/14) in group II. The kappa index for concordance between the ELISA and IFAT tests was 0.93 (95% C.I.: 0.80-1.00); between IFAT and Chagatek 0.43 (95% C.I.: 0.26-0.62), and between ELISA and Chagatek 0.49 (95% C.I.: 0.31-0.67). These results highlighted the importance of using autochtonous Colombian strains as antigens in screening tests for blood donors.


Aberrations of centrosomes in adrenocortical tumors.
The frequent and generalized chromosomal imbalances that are characteristic of adrenocortical carcinomas suggest that incomplete chromosome segregation often takes place in these tumors. As a step towards elucidating the mechanism behind the multiple numerical chromosomal aberrations, we have evaluated a series of 14 such tumors for centrosome abnormalities using immunohistochemical detection of the gamma-tubulin centrosome component. The proportion of cells with more than the expected number of 2 centrosomes was moderately increased in the 4 adenomas (1-7%), while a high increase was observed in the 10 carcinomas (1-19%), as compared to the normal reference tissues (0.3%) (p<0.001). Similarly, the centrosome amplification tended to be more pronounced in the carcinomas where the aberrant cells carried 3 or 4 positive signals in 9 of the 10 tumors, and 6 signals were recorded in one tumor, while in the adenomas more than 3 signals was only recorded in one of the 4 cases. The findings demonstrate that centrosome amplifications occur frequently in both adrenocortical adenomas and carcinomas, thus supporting its role in driving the tumor development as opposed to being a consequence of it. Furthermore, the more pronounced occurrence in the malignant form as well as in the larger tumors, offers one likely explanation for the increasing generalized aneuploidy observed during the tumor development, and points to new therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring normal centrosome function.


Delayed Wound Healing in Heat Stable Antigen (HSA/CD24)-Deficient Mice.
Healthy individuals rarely have problems with wound healing. Most skin lesions heal rapidly and efficiently within one to two weeks. However, many medical and surgical complications can be attributed to deficiencies in wound repair. Open wounds have lost the barrier that protects tissues from bacterial invasion and allows the escape of vital fluids. Without expeditious healing, infections become more frequent. The CD24 gene encodes a heavily-glycosylated cell surface protein anchored to the membrane by phosphatidylinositol. CD24 plays an important role in the adaptive immune response and controls an important genetic checkpoint for homeostasis and autoimmune diseases in both mice and humans. We have previously shown that overexpression of CD24 results in increased proliferation and migration rates. To examine the role of CD24 in the wound healing process. An excisional model of wound healing was used and delayed wound healing was studied in genetically modified heat stable antigen (HSA/CD24)-deficient mice (HSA-/-) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Large full-thickness skin wounds, excised on the back of mice, exhibited a significant delay in the formation of granulation tissue, and in wound closure when compared to their WTHSA+/+ littermates. Wounds were histologically analyzed and scored, based on the degree of cellular invasion, granulation tissue formation, vascularity, and re-epithelialization. Additionally, in stitched wounds, the HSA-/- mice failed to maintain their stitches; they did not hold and fell already 24 hours, revealing erythematous wound fields. Re-expression of HSA, delivered by lentivirus, restored the normal healing phenotype, within 24 hours post-injury, and even improved the healing in WT, and in BalbC mice. Delayed wound-healing in the absence of HSA/CD24 suggests that CD24 plays an important role in this process. Increased expression of CD24, even in the normal state, may be used to enhance wound repair.


Tracking the evolutionary origin of the methicillin resistance gene: cloning and sequencing of a homologue of mecA from a methicillin susceptible strain of Staphylococcus sciuri.
The gene mecA, a central genetic determinant of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci of human origin, has an unknown extra species origin in these human pathogens. After screening isolates representing over 15 different species within the genus Staphylococcus we could identify only one--S. sciuri--in which each of over 150 independent isolates showed positive hybridization with a mecA-specific DNA probe isolated from a methicillin-resistant strain of S. aureus, (MRSA). Yet, the majority of these isolates showed no resistance to penicillin or methicillin. The mecA gene homologue was cloned and sequenced from a S. sciuri strain and the sequence of mecA was compared to that of the mecA of prototype strains of methicillin resistant S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Similarly to mecA of MRSA, the mecA homologue of S. sciuri was composed of a putative transglycosylase and a transpeptidase domain the latter showing all the conserved motifs typical of the active sites of the penicillin binding domain of transpeptidases. Overall similarity between the deduced amino acid sequences of mecA of MRSA and the mecA homologue of S. sciuri was 88%. On the other hand, comparison of the transpeptidase domain of the S. sciuri mecA to the corresponding domain alone of the MRSA mecA showed a similarity of 96% and an identity of 91%, while comparison of the putative transglycosylase domains of the two bacteria showed only a 80% similarity and 68% identity of amino acid sequences. Our data suggests that mecA of methicillin-resistant strains of staphylococci pathogenic to Man originated within the genus of Staphylococcus from an evolutionary relative of the mecA homologue that we have identified in S. sciuri and which may perform a normal physiological function in this bacterium unrelated to beta-lactam resistance.


Mental health and lived experience: The value of lived experience expertise in global mental health.
There is no disputing the current established global consensus that people with lived experience of a mental health condition ("people with lived experience") play an integral role in influencing policy and processes in global mental health. Specifically, the role they hold as agents of change through which they can lead and co-lead projects on mental health, alongside a multidisciplinary team, as recommended in the findings of the report of Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination (Thornicroft et al. [2022], "The Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health", Lancet, 400, 1438-1480). Immense value is associated with their unique expertise not learned through theoretical concept but based on real-life experience. Appreciating their involvement in processes is a human right, supported by international human rights instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities (2006). However, there remains an expectation that people with lived experience are expected to be involved in processes and service delivery without receiving remuneration for their expertise. This article will provide the basis for which processes must follow the principle of equity; that lived experience expertise ought to be equally compensated for based on equal pay for equal work. In closing, it will provide a recommendation for stakeholders on how to improve upon effective engagement with people with lived experience, leading to meaningful and authentic contributions.


Multiple human papillomavirus infections with high viral loads are associated with cervical lesions but do not differentiate grades of cervical abnormalities.
Multiple human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes often coexist within cervical epithelia and are frequently detected together in smears of different grades of cervical neoplasia. Describing the association between multiple infections and cervical disease is important in generating hypotheses regarding its pathogenesis. We analyzed the prevalence of multiple HPV infections and their attribution to cervical disease in a screening population of 999 consecutive BD SurePath liquid-based cervical cytology samples enriched with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (n = 100), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (n = 100), and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) (n = 97). HPV genotyping was performed only on cytology specimens using a broad-spectrum GP5(+)/6(+)-PCR/multiplex HPV genotyping (BSGP5(+)/6(+)-PCR/MPG) assay that detects and quantifies 51 HPV genotypes and 3 subtypes. Using a recently defined high viral load cutoff, the quantitative data were scored as high or low viral load. In the 36-month follow-up, 79 histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN2+) cases were identified. In the screening population, there was a trend of having more multiple infections at a younger age. Multiple HPV infections were common. Multiple HPV types were most prevalent in LSIL (75.9% of HPV positives), followed by HSIL (65.5%), ASCUS (64.6%), and negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) (36.8%). On average, 3.2 and 2.5 HPV types were detected per LSIL and HSIL sample, respectively. Multiple HPV types with high viral loads were most prevalent in LSIL (62.6% of high viral load positives), followed by HSIL (51.9%), ASCUS (40.7%), and NILM (19.3%). Patients with multiple high viral loads showed a 4- to 6-fold-higher risk of having cervical precancerous cytological lesions than did patients with single high viral loads. Compared to NILM, multiple infections, especially with multiple high viral loads, were significantly associated with cytological precancerous lesions. However, the presence of multiple infections did not distinguish low-grade from high-grade cytological lesions.


Evaluation of plateletcrit level from platelet indices as a prognostic marker in COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19 disease bears similarities to a wide range of diseases, from simple flu infections to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study, we aimed to elucidate the plateletcrit levels in patients with and without mortality who had been admitted to the intensive care unit because of pneumonia associated with SARS-CoV-2. In total, 434 patients were evaluated in this retrospective analysis. Their demographic data, comorbid diseases, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, platelet, lymphocyte, white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts; mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), hemoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) were obtained from the hospital's electronic database on the days of the patients' intensive care unit admissions. Afterwards, their PLR, PNR, and MPV/PLT ratios were calculated. APACHE II score, length of hospital stay, WBC count, PCT, PLR, NLR, and CRP levels affected mortality. Increases in hospital stay duration, APACHE II score, platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and CRP, as well as decreases in PCT percentage, were associated with mortality. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the success of PCT, PLR, and NLR in predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients and to determine cut-off values for mortality. It was determined that PCT, PLR, and NLR could correctly classify patients at rates of 58.9%, 59.2%, and 66.8% (moderate), respectively. The risk of mortality was higher in patients with PCT values of 0.188 or less, PLR values greater than 293.46, and NLR values greater than 9.49. In the COVID-19 patients evaluated in this study, plateletcrit indices could be utilized to predict mortality.


The safety and efficacy of MPR-CTU combined with precise intraoperative ultrasonography guided flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of renal cystic disease.
The safety and efficacy of multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) image post-processing technique-computed tomography (CT) urography (CTU) combined with precise intraoperative ultrasonography guided flexible ureteroscope in renal cyst incision and drainage in the treatment of cystic diseases of kidney were evaluated. A total of 68 patients were randomly divided into control and observation group (n=34). All the patients were treated with renal cyst incision and drainage under flexible ureteroscope. The control group was under ultrasound guidance. The observation group was combined with MPR-CTU, the safety and efficacy was compared. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the success rate and the time of cyst treatment (P>0.05). The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group. After 1 month follow-up, the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion MPR-CTU technique combined with intraoperative ultrasonography to guide cyst incision and drainage under flexible ureteroscope for renal cystic disease has a high safety and efficacy, and it is worthy of clinical application.


Acidic Ultrafine Tungsten Oxide Molecular Wires for Cellulosic Biomass Conversion.
The application of nanocatalysis based on metal oxides for biomass conversion is of considerable interest in fundamental research and practical applications. New acidic transition-metal oxide molecular wires were synthesized for the conversion of cellulosic biomass. The ultrafine molecular wires were constructed by repeating (NH4 )2 [XW6 O21 ] (X=Te or Se) along the length, exhibiting diameters of only 1.2 nm. The nanowires dispersed in water and were observed using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Acid sites were created by calcination without collapse of the molecular wire structure. The acidic molecular wire exhibited high activity and stability and promoted the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond. Various biomasses including cellulose were able to be converted to hexoses as main products.


3D Finite Element Study on: Bar Splinted Implants Supporting Partial Denture in the Reconstructed Mandible.
This study aimed to estimate the stress patterns induced by the masticatory loads on a removable prosthesis supported and retained by bar splinted implants placed in the reconstructed mandible with two different clip materials and without clip, in the fibula-jaw bone and prosthesis using finite element analysis. Two 3D finite element models were constructed, that models components were modeled on commercial CAD/CAM software then assembled into finite element package. Vertical loads were applied simulating the masticatory forces unilaterally in the resected site and bilaterally in the central fossa of the lower first molar as 100N (tension and compression). Analysis was based on the assumption full osseointegration between different types of bones, and between implants and fibula while fixing the top surface of the TMJ in place. The metallic bar connecting the three implants is insensitive to the clips material. Its supporting implants showed typical behavior with maximum stress values at the neck region. Fibula and jaw bone showed stresses within physiologic, while clips material effect seems to be very small due to its relatively small size. Switching loading force direction from tensile to compression did-not change the stresses and deformations distribution, but reversed their sign from positive to negative.


Estimation of apparent binding constant of complexes of selected acyclic nucleoside phosphonates with β-cyclodextrin by affinity capillary electrophoresis.
Affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) has been applied to estimation of apparent binding constant of complexes of (R,S)-enantiomers of selected acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs) with chiral selector β-cyclodextrin (βCD) in aqueous alkaline medium. The noncovalent interactions of five pairs of (R,S)-enantiomers of ANPs-based antiviral drugs and their derivatives with βCD were investigated in the background electrolyte (BGE) composed of 35 or 50 mM sodium tetraborate, pH 10.0, and containing variable concentration (0-25 mM) of βCD. The apparent binding constants of the complexes of (R,S)-enantiomers of ANPs with βCD were estimated from the dependence of effective electrophoretic mobilities of (R,S)-enantiomers of ANPs (measured simultaneously by ACE at constant reference temperature 25°C inside the capillary) on the concentration of βCD in the BGE using different nonlinear and linear calculation methodologies. Nonlinear regression analysis provided more precise and accurate values of the binding constants and a higher correlation coefficient as compared to the regression analysis of the three linearized plots of the effective mobility dependence on βCD concentration in the BGE. The complexes of (R,S)-enantiomers of ANPs with βCD have been found to be relatively weak - their apparent binding constants determined by the nonlinear regression analysis were in the range 13.3-46.4 L/mol whereas the values from the linearized plots spanned the interval 12.3-55.2 L/mol.


False positive results using calcitonin as a screening method for medullary thyroid carcinoma.
The role of serum calcitonin as part of the evaluation of thyroid nodules has been widely discussed in literature. However there still is no consensus of measurement of calcitonin in the initial evaluation of a patient with thyroid nodule. Problems concerning cost-benefit, lab methods, false positive and low prevalence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) are factors that limit this approach. We have illustrated two cases where serum calcitonin was used in the evaluation of thyroid nodule and rates proved to be high. A stimulation test was performed, using calcium as secretagogue, and calcitonin hyper-stimulation was confirmed, but anatomopathologic examination did not evidence medullar neoplasia. Anatomopathologic diagnosis detected Hashimoto thyroiditis in one case and adenomatous goiter plus an occult papillary thyroid carcinoma in the other one. Recommendation for routine use of serum calcitonin in the initial diagnostic evaluation of a thyroid nodule, followed by a confirming stimulation test if basal serum calcitonin is showed to be high, is the most currently recommended approach, but questions concerning cost-benefit and possibility of diagnosis error make the validity of this recommendation discussible.


Paradigm clash: empirically supported treatments versus empirically supported psychotherapy practice.
Lampropoulos argues that the concerns of opponents of empirically supported treatments (ESTs) can be addressed within the EST format. While this may be partially true, it does not address underlying paradigmatic concerns. I discuss paradigmatic differences and the Dodo verdict, and present an alternative to the EST paradigm. I argue that there are science-based forms of practice outside of the EST paradigm.


Conformationally Restricted Dipeptide-Based Nanoparticles for Delivery of siRNA in Experimental Liver Cirrhosis.
Liver cirrhosis is a major health problem with multiple associated complications. The presently available drug delivery systems showed moderate site-specific delivery of antifibrotic molecules to the diseased liver; therefore, research on more effective and selective delivery systems in the context of liver cirrhosis remains a necessity in clinical investigation. The aim of the present study was to develop a peptide-based targeted nanocarrier to deliver an oligonucleotide to the hepatic sinusoidal and perivascular regions of the cirrhotic liver. We have synthesized and characterized a conformationally restricted targeted pentapeptide (RΔFRGD), which contains an unnatural amino acid, α,β-dehydrophenylalanine (ΔF). The RΔFRGD self-assembled into spherical nanoparticles (NPs) and was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Next, we investigated the delivery potential of the pentapeptide-based NPs to make a stable complex with a well-established small interference RNA and studied its site-specific delivery in experimental liver cirrhosis. We used siNR4A1 of the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1), a well-known regulatory checkpoint for controlling liver fibrosis. Peptide NPs and their complex with siNR4A1 showed high biocompatibility against various mammalian cell lines. Hepatic tissue biodistribution analysis illustrated that targeted NPs predominantly accumulated in the cirrhotic liver compared to normal rats, specifically in sinusoidal and perivascular areas. A significant downregulation of the NR4A1 mRNA expression (-70%) andlower levels of the NR4A1/GAPDH ratio (-55%) were observed in the RΔFRGD-siNR4A1 nanocomplex-treated group in comparison to the RΔFRGD-vehicle group (RΔFRGD-Veh) at the gene and protein levels, respectively. In addition, in vivo inhibition of NR4A1 produced a significant aggravation in hepatic fibrosis compared with siRNA-vehicle-treated rats (+41% in the MT stain). The novel pentapeptide-based targeted delivery system can be further evaluated and validated for therapeutic purposes in various pathological conditions.


Responsive hybrid self-assemblies in aqueous media.
Responsive copolymers have been prepared by grafting onto a poly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) backbone [PAM-co-PANa] poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) stickers [PNIPA] characterized by a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in water. From adsorption isotherms and DSC studies performed on PNIPA/silica mixtures, it was shown that PNIPA chains irreversibly interact with silica particles and that at low coverage they partially lose their responsiveness with temperature. When PNIPA is grafted onto a PAM-co-PANa backbone, which has no specific attraction to silica surfaces (only electrostatic repulsions), their binding process remains very similar to the one analyzed with PNIPA chains alone. Above critical copolymer and silica concentrations (Cp congruent with 1 g/L and CSi congruent with 30 g/L), hybrid networks can be formed following the rules of percolation theory. The viscoelastic properties of these networks are controlled by the concentration of inorganic cross links and the fraction of PNIPA grafts participating in bridges between particles, the others being involved in inelastic loops or pendant chains. For all of the mixtures investigated, an optimum weight ratio of RSi/PNIPA = 10-15 was found for the viscoelastic properties, in agreement with the saturation of silica beads by the copolymer. Because of the responsive behavior of PNIPA in aqueous solutions, graft copolymers are able to self-assemble with temperature, giving rise to a sol/gel transition upon heating. In the presence of added silica, hybrid aggregates (silica/PNIPA) coexist at high temperature with organic ones (PNIPA/PNIPA) with synergistic or antagonistic effects on the elastic properties depending on the proportion of PNIPA grafts per silica particle.


Transfection of rat embryo cells with mutant p53 increases the intrinsic radiation resistance.
Dominant oncogenic sequences have been shown to modulate the intrinsic radiation sensitivity of cells of both human and murine tumor cell lines. Whether transfection with candidate tumor-suppressor genes can modulate intrinsic radiation sensitivity is unknown. The data presented here demonstrate that transfection of rat embryo cells with a mutant p53 allele can increase the intrinsic radiation resistance of cells in vitro. First, transfection with mutant p53 resulted in transformed cellular morphology. Second, the transfected clone and the corresponding pooled population of transfected clones were more resistant to ionizing radiation in vitro. Last, analyses of the parameters of cell kinetics suggested that the radiobiological effects were unlikely to be due to altered parameters of cell kinetics at the time of irradiation, suggesting that mutant p53 altered the intrinsic radiation resistance of transfected cells by a more direct mechanism. Further experimentation will be necessary to develop a mechanistic approach for the study of these alterations.


rasiRNA pathway controls antisense expression of Drosophila telomeric retrotransposons in the nucleus.
Telomeres in Drosophila are maintained by the specialized telomeric retrotransposons HeT-A, TART and TAHRE. Sense transcripts of telomeric retroelements were shown to be the targets of a specialized RNA-interference mechanism, a repeat-associated short interfering (rasi)RNA-mediated system. Antisense rasiRNAs play a key role in this mechanism, highlighting the importance of antisense expression in retrotransposon silencing. Previously, bidirectional transcription was reported for the telomeric element TART. Here, we show that HeT-A is also bidirectionally transcribed, and HeT-A antisense transcription in ovaries is regulated by a promoter localized within its 3' untranslated region. A remarkable feature of noncoding HeT-A antisense transcripts is the presence of multiple introns. We demonstrate that sense and antisense HeT-A-specific rasiRNAs are present in the same tissue, indicating that transcripts of both directions may be considered as natural targets of the rasiRNA pathway. We found that the expression of antisense transcripts of telomeric elements is regulated by the RNA silencing machinery, suggesting rasiRNA-mediated interplay between sense and antisense transcripts in the cell. Finally, this regulation occurs in the nucleus since disruption of the rasiRNA pathway leads to an accumulation of TART and HeT-A transcripts in germ cell nuclei.


[Behavior of complement factors and plasma proteins in burns].
The behaviour of three complement components (C3, C4 and C3 activator), alpha 1, alpha 2, IgA, IgG, IgM, total proteins, and gamma globulins was followed 114 patients at the C.T.O. Turin, Burns Centre with burns covering from 15% to over 70% of the body surface. Forty-two died within a relatively short time. In the remaining 72, the parameters were studied almost daily for over 30 days, or even until a final cure was obtained. The complement data and, more particularly, the distinct increased in alpha-globulins made it clear that burns can be acute inflammations. In addition, initial immune depression is followed by a prompt response of the complement system (responsible for aspecific immunity). That this change is vital in the progress of the disease may be deduced from the fact that complement component levels were constantly below normal in the patients who died.


Vascular function and cardiovascular risk in a HIV infected and HIV free cohort of African ancestry: baseline profile, rationale and methods of the longitudinal EndoAfrica-NWU study.
People living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) have an increased susceptibility to develop non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Infection with HIV contributes to the development of CVD independent of traditional risk factors, with endothelial dysfunction being the central physiological mechanism. While HIV-related mortality is declining due to antiretroviral treatment (ART), the number of deaths due to CVD is rising in South Africa - the country with the highest number of PLHIV and the world's largest ART programme. The EndoAfrica study was developed to determine whether HIV infection and ART are associated with cardiovascular risk markers and changes in vascular structure and function over 18 months in adults from different provinces of South Africa. This paper describes the rationale, methodology and baseline cohort profile of the EndoAfrica study conducted in the North West Province, South Africa. In this case-control study, conducted between August 2017 and June 2018, 382 volunteers of African descent (276 women; 106 men), comprising of 278 HIV infected and 104 HIV free individuals were included. We measured health behaviours, a detailed cardiovascular profile, and performed biomarker analyses. We compared baseline characteristics, blood pressure, vascular function and biochemical markers between those infected and HIV free. At baseline, the HIV infected participants were older (43 vs 39 years), less were employed (21% vs 40%), less had a tertiary education (7% vs 16%) and their body mass index was lower (26 vs 29 kg/m2) than that of the HIV free participants. While the cardiovascular profile, flow-mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity did not differ, glycated haemoglobin was lower (p = 0.017) and total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, gamma-glutamyltransferase and tobacco use were higher (all p < 0.047) in PLHIV. Despite PLHIV being older, preliminary cross-sectional analysis suggests that PLHIV being treated with ART do not have poorer endothelial or vascular function compared to the HIV free participants. More detailed analyses on the baseline and follow-up data will provide further clarity regarding the cardiovascular profile of South Africans living with HIV.


A retrospective study of joint infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with joint infections. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11,734 SLE patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from January 1990 to December 2016. Twenty patients who developed joint infections were identified. Subjects without joint infections (designated as control patients) were selected from the pool of SLE patients using a 1:4 systematic sampling method. The median disease duration from SLE onset to joint infection was 23 months (range 4 to 156 months). The symptoms of patients with joint infections manifested as joint pain (all cases), swelling (14 cases), and fever (15 cases). All patients had oligo-arthritis, and the knee was the joint most commonly affected joint. There were 7 patients in the Salmonella group and 5 in the Staphylococcus aureus group. One patient was infected with Streptococcus, and 7 patients were infected with Mycobacterium. SLE patients with and without joint infections demonstrated significant differences (P < 0.05) regarding the following symptoms: pre-existing arthritis (65.0 vs 33.8%), gastrointestinal involvement (5.0 vs 26.3%), cardiac damage (5.0 vs 31.3%), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (80.0 vs 22.5%), and elevated SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score (≥5) (30.0 vs 77.5%). When an SLE patient presents with pre-existing arthritis and suddenly develops asymmetric oligo- or large-joint swelling and pain with elevated CRP levels and low disease activity, joint infections should be considered. Early treatment could protect the joint and improve functional outcomes.


The glucocorticoid system is required for the voluntary exercise-induced enhancement of learning and memory in rats.
Although it is well established that voluntary exercise can improve cognitive functions, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Glucocorticoids play an important role in learning and memory functions. This study addressed whether the glucocorticoid system would play a role in the exercise-induced enhancement of learning and memory. Intact rats or those that were either adrenalectomized or daily given the corticosterone-synthesis inhibitor metyrapone were allowed to freely exercise in a running wheel for 10 days. Control animals were kept sedentary for this period. After this period, they were trained and tested on a water-maze spatial task using three-trial per day for 5 consecutive days, succeeded by a probe trial two days later. Exercise increased plasma corticosterone levels, as assessed after this 10-day period. Both adrenalectomy and metyrapone slightly reduced running-wheel activity. Adrenalectomy reduced the plasma corticosterone levels to almost zero whereas metyrapone selectively blocked the exercise-induced increase in corticosterone levels. Exercise significantly improved performance during both training and retention of the water-maze task whereas this effect was absent in both adrenalectomized and metyrapone-treated rats. These findings indicate that the glucocorticoid system play a crucial role in the beneficial effects of voluntary exercise on cognitive functions in rats.


Prevention of necrosis of adjacent expanded flaps by surgical delay.
Although expanded flaps have been shown to survive longer than unexpanded flaps, flap necrosis still occurs, particularly when a deep back cut has been made. Overcautious design can avoid necrosis but leads to inefficient usage of the expanded flap. In this study, we tested a surgical delay method to prevent partial necrosis and maximize the use of the expanded flap. Ten patients with 13 expanders were included in this series. The surgical delay was performed 2 weeks before the final flap transfer. The survival of the delayed flaps was compared with that in previous cases without surgical delay. All 13 expanded flaps exhibited complete survival, which was significantly better than the 27.5% partial flap necrosis observed in nondelayed cases. Surgical delay can decrease the risk of necrosis in an expanded flap caused by a back cut and can thus maximize flap use.


Construction and Research of Multiple Stimuli-Responsive 2D Photonic Crystal DNA Hydrogel Sensing Platform with Double-Network Structure and Signal Self-Expression.
The stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogel has attracted wide attention in the fields of chemical and biological sensing. However, it is still a challenge to integrate characteristics with low-cost, high mechanical strength, and signal self-expression into a DNA hydrogel simultaneously. Herein, a stimuli-responsive 2D photonic crystal double network DNA hydrogel (2D PhC DN-DNA hydrogel) sensing platform is developed via combining the signal self-expression of 2D PhC array with the selective recognition of polyacrylamide (PAM)/DNA DN hydrogel. The change of DNA configuration induced by specific target triggers the change of 2D PhC DN-DNA hydrogel volume, leading to a shift of the Debye diffraction ring diameter. In order to verify the feasibility of this strategy, the 2D PhC DN-DNA hydrogel with C-rich sequences is chosen as a proof-of-concept. The results indicate that the hydrogel has good detection performance for pH and Ag+/Cys. And the Debye diffraction ring diameter of the hydrogel is correlated with the concentration of the Ag+/Cys in the range of 0.5-20 μM. Compared with previously pure DNA hydrogel sensing platform, the 2D PhC DN-DNA hydrogel features low-cost preparation process and label-free determination. Meanwhile, only a laser pointer and a ruler are needed for the determination of targets, which shows that the hydrogel has application prospect in the development of portable response equipment.


[Redo procedures in patients with pancreatic left resection].
Distal pancreatectomy is performed less frequently than pancreatic head resection. Secondary operations due to postoperative complications are surgically complex and demanding, hence often interdisciplinary approaches are pursued. We have analysed the indications and outcome of revision surgery and interventional procedures subsequent to pancreatic left resection. Between 2001 and 2009 we prospectively evaluated 61 patients regarding demographic factors, hospital stay, diagnosis, closure technique, redo operations and interventions, morbidity and mortality. Major complications without redo procedures were observed in 4 (9 %) of 44 patients. 8 (13 %) patients underwent early (7 +/- 8 days) postoperative revision procedures. A significant in-crease in hospital stay and mortality appeared in this group. Interventional procedures (7 x CT-guided abscess drains, 1 x haemorrhage with angio-graphic coiling, 1 x transgastral stenting of a pseudocyst) were performed significantly later (22 +/- 11 days p. o., p < 0,01) in 9 (15 %) patients. Pancreatic fistulas and related complications represent the most common indications for revisions, but can usually be controlled by interventional procedures. In contrast to secondary surgery, interventional revisions do not significantly increase the length of hospital stay or mortality. There was no benefit of any certain closure technique of the pancreatic remnant.


Proteomic insights into Acinetobacter baumannii drug resistance and pathogenesis.
Acinetobacter baumannii is an important opportunist pathogen, due to severe antibiotic resistance and nosocomial infection. The epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of A.baumannii have been extensively reviewed, but the pathogenesis and virulence remain unclear. Proteomics analysis has been applied to study the mechanism of drug resistance, biofilm, micronutrient acquisition, and the extracellular compartment. This review summarizes applications of proteomics in A. baumannii, aiming to summarize novel insights into the mechanism of A. baumannii pathogenesis and drug resistance.


Trisomy 18 and hepatic neoplasia.
A 2 9/12-year-old girl with trisomy 18 presented with a 3-week history of low grade fever, abdominal distention, and hepatosplenomegaly. Abdominal cytotomography (CT) scan showed hepatic infiltration with a tumor mass presumed to be hepatoblastoma. She deteriorated rapidly and died 3 weeks later. No autopsy and/or biopsy could be done.


The effects of aflatoxin on the reproductive system of roosters.
This study was conducted to determine the pathological changes in testes and epididymides and plasma testosterone levels of adult roosters during experimentally induced aflatoxicosis. In the study, 24 months of age, 32 Babcock breeder males were used, and they were divided into four groups each containing 8 animals. The groups were designed as follows; group 1: Control, no aflatoxin (AF), group 2: 5 ppm (parts per million) total aflatoxin (AF; B1, B2, G1, G2), group 3: 10 ppm AF and group 4: 20 ppm AF in the diet, and the birds were fed for 8 weeks. Grossly, it was seen that the testes of all AF-treatment groups birds were significantly (P < 0.001) atrophied when compared with those of control birds. Histopathologically, there was no spermatogenesis in the testes of 4, 5 and 6 cocks fed on a diet containing AF 5, 10 and 20 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, abnormal spermatozoa were observed in some of AF-treatment groups (in 2 cases in each of 5 and 10 ppm AF-treated groups, and in one case in 20 ppm AF-treated group). There were also mononuclear cell infiltration and/or focal lymphoid cell accumulation in the intertubular areas of the testes and epididymides in all AF-treatment groups. In conclusion, it has been shown that AF might totally or partially (dose related) suppress spermatogenesis, cause abnormality in spermatozoa and atrophy in testes. Furthermore, there was degeneration and desquamation in the epithelium and decrease in the size and thickness of the germinative layer of the seminiferous tubules, and lowered plasma testosterone levels in adult roosters.


Atrial natriuretic peptide is produced less in the intercaval sinus than in the pectinated right atrium.
To explain the lower atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations after total cavopulmonary connection than after the Fontan procedure, a prospective study was carried out in seven rats to count the specific granules of atrial natriuretic peptide by electronmicroscope. After fasting from water for 12 days, the quantity of specific granules in the right atrial appendage (pectinated part), intercaval sinus (smooth part), and superior vena cava were counted. The number of specific granules present in the pectinated part of right atrium was 97 +/- 19 in 20 cells, while in the intercaval sinus it was 23 +/- 19 (mean +/- SD). The difference was significant statistically (p < 0.0001). No granule was present in the superior vena cava. We conclude that the granularity of atrial natriuretic peptide is less in the intercaval sinus than the pectinated part of the right atrium.


PDM-OFDM 1-bit DSM 1024QAM/4096QAM signals at W-band transmission over 4.6-km wireless distance.
In this Letter, we propose the application of delta-sigma modulation (DSM) higher-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) technology in long-distance transmission of W-band wireless communication, and demonstrate, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the wireless transmission of millimeter wave signals in the W-band based on 1-bit DSM quantization using polarization-division-multiplexed orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (PDM-OFDM) 1024QAM/4096QAM for 4.6 km. We successfully achieved a bit error rate (BER) of 40-Gbit/s PDM-OFDM 1024QAM and 48-Gbit/s PDM-OFDM 4096QAM after 4.6-km wireless transmission, both lower than the soft decision forward error correction (SD-FEC) of 4.2 × 10-2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that up to 4096QAM signals have been quantized and transmitted based on 1-bit DSM in a 4.6-km-long distance W-band millimeter wave system.


Speech performance in adult patients undergoing Invisalign treatment.
To assess speech performance of adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Twenty-four adult patients with Invisalign (Invisalign group: 6 men, 18 women; average age; 34.88 years) and 20 adult patients with fixed labial appliances (fixed group: 5 men, 15 women; average age; 38.85 years) were evaluated. Speech was recorded immediately before delivery of the first set of clear aligners or bonding of labial appliances (T0), immediately after delivery or bonding (T1), and 2 months after delivery or bonding (T2). Speech was evaluated via a combination of three auditory analyses: (1) objective acoustic analysis through digital sonography, (2) semiobjective assessment by six speech and language pathologists, and (3) subjective assessment patient questionnaire. The objective acoustic analysis showed a statistically significant difference over time from T0 to T1, T1 to T2, and T0 to T2 for Invisalign patients. The semiobjective analysis revealed a significant speech alteration from T0 to T1 and T1 to T2 for both groups, and from T0 to T2 in the Invisalign group. The subjective analysis showed a significant difference between means of Invisalign and fixed group patient perception at both T1 and T2. Invisalign treatment significantly affected speech, and although patients experience some level of adaptation, speech does not return to normal after 2 months of treatment.


Chi-miR-30b-5p inhibits dermal papilla cells proliferation by targeting CaMKIIδ gene in cashmere goat.
During goat embryonic morphogenesis and postnatal initiation of hair follicle (HF) regeneration, dermal papilla (DP) cells play a vital role in hair formation. Growing evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in HF development and DP cell proliferation. However, the molecular mechanisms have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we utilized miRNA sequencing (miRNA-Seq) to identify differentially expressed miRNAs at different HF cycling stages (anagen and telogen). MiRNA-Seq has identified 411 annotated miRNAs and 130 novel miRNAs in which 29 miRNAs were up-regulated and 32 miRNAs were down-regulated in the anagen phase compared to the telogen phase. Target gene prediction and functional enrichment analysis indicated some major biological pathways related to hair cycling, such as Wnt signaling pathways, ECM-receptor interaction, VEGF signaling pathway, biosynthesis of amino acids, metabolic pathways, ribosome and oxidative phosphorylation. Also, we explored the function of chi-miR-30b-5p in regulating hair growth cycle. Similar to the HF cycling, DP cells were isolated from skin and used to investigate miRNA functions. The MTT and EdU assays showed that the viability and proliferation of DP cells were inhibited or promoted after the transfection of chi-miR-30b-5p mimic or inhibitor, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis revealed CaMKIIδ as a candidate target gene of chi-miR-30b-5p, and the dual-luciferase and western blot assay demonstrated that chi-miR-30b-5p bound to the 3'UTR of CaMKIIδ and further inhibited its translation. Chi-miR-30b-5p was found to be highly expressed in the telogen than that in the anagen phase and could inhibit the proliferation of DP cells by targeting CaMKIIδ. Our study provides new information on the regulatory functions of miRNAs during HF development.


Total serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3) thyroxine (T4) and thyrotropine (TSH) in school going children of Dibrugarh district: an endemic goitre region of Assam.
The Thyroid Status was studied by estimating the total serum levels of T3 and T4 by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and TSH by radioimmunometric Assay (IRMA) from 635 school children (8-20 years; male 129, female 506) of the Dibrugarh district: a chronic endemic goitrous region of India. The results were compared with the control group of 147 (male 48, female 99) of healthy medical students of the same geographical area. The average values of T3 and TSH of school children were found higher and T4 lower than the control; the difference were only significant for T3 and TSH. T3/T4 ratio is more in school children than the control. The findings of low T4 and high TSH indicate that the school children (Pubertal stage) from chronic iodine deficients areas suffer from poor thyroid status; the male seemed to have been affected more than the female. As age advances the thyroid status improves in female.


Refractive index and geometrical thickness measurement of thin optical samples by a transmitted Gaussian beam.
We describe a technique for simultaneously measuring the local geometrical thickness and the refractive index of semi-transparent thin plates by means of the diffractive properties of a transmitted Gaussian beam. The technique is based on measuring the semi-width of the transmitted beam and the shift of the Gaussian centroid caused by introducing a tilt on the sample under test. A homodyne technique is devised to accurately characterize the Gaussian beam. Our proposal does not require any prior information of the sample under study. We present analytical support of our technique and we give experimental results.