Individual and Environmental Determinants of Late-Life Community Disability for Persons Aging With Cardiovascular Disease.
The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of late-life community disability for adults 65 yrs and older with cardiovascular disease versus those without. This study also investigated the contributions of environmental and individual risk factors on late-life community disability for persons with cardiovascular disease. This is a secondary data analysis of the 2016 round of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. The study sample included community-dwelling Americans with cardiovascular disease (n = 1490) and without (n = 4819). Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between individual risk factors, environmental factors, and community disability for those with cardiovascular disease. Individuals with cardiovascular disease had a significantly higher prevalence of late-life community disability than those without (44.8% vs. 29.0%). For persons with cardiovascular disease, lack of transportation, home modification, and needing assistance with mobility increased the odds of community disability. Younger age and lower comorbidity were associated with decreased odds of community disability. When accounting for environmental factors in multivariate analyses, sex, race, and education were not significantly associated with community disability. Late-life community disability is highly prevalent for persons aging with cardiovascular disease. Intervention strategies to deter late-life community disablement should focus on improving access to transportation and improving the community environment in which older adults live.


[Testing the hydrodynamic properties of heart valve prostheses with a new test apparatus].
A new test apparatus for the testing of artificial heart valves makes it possible to realize both physiological flow through the valve during the flow period, and physiological pressure differences across the artificial valve during the closing phase, both for aortic and mitral valve positions, with freely selectable stroke volume and heart frequency. The major hydraulic parameters of the valve are measured directly (pressure drop, closing volume and closing time, leakage volume) or are calculated (e. g. energy loss). In association with the demonstration of the suitability of the HKP+ test apparatus for the measurement of hydraulic parameters in accordance with ISO 5840, the hydraulic properties of various types and sizes of valve with respect to pressure drop (resistance), together with their closing behaviour and leakage flow, are described for different fluids, and the correlations shown.


Active MAC-1 (CD11b/CD18) on DCs inhibits full T-cell activation.
The beta2 integrins are important for transendothelial migration of leukocytes as well as for T-cell activation during antigen presentation. Despite abundant expression of beta2 integrins on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), their functional relevance for antigen presentation is completely unclear. We show here that dendritic cells (DCs) from CD18-deficient mice, which lack all functional beta2 integrins, have no defect in antigen presentation. Moreover, DCs from normal mice express inactive beta2 integrins that do not become activated on contact with T cells, at least in vitro. Pharmacologic activation of beta2 integrins on DCs results in a significant reduction of their T cell-activating capacity. This effect is mediated by Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) on DCs because it could be reversed via blocking antibodies against CD18 and CD11b. Furthermore, the antigen-presenting capacity of macrophages, which express constitutively active beta2 integrins, is significantly enhanced on Mac-1 blockade. We therefore conclude that active CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) on APCs directly inhibits T-cell activation.


Development of a peptide reactivity assay for screening contact allergens.
Allergic contact dermatitis resulting from skin sensitization is a common occupational and environmental health problem. In recent years, the local lymph node assay (LLNA) has emerged as a practical option for assessing the skin sensitization potential of chemicals. In addition to accurate identification of skin sensitizers, the LLNA can also provide a reliable measure of relative sensitization potency; information that is pivotal in successful management of human health risks. However, even with the significant animal welfare benefits provided by the LLNA, there is still interest in the development of nonanimal test methods for skin sensitization testing. One characteristic of a chemical allergen is its ability to react with proteins prior to the induction of skin sensitization. The majority of chemical allergens is electrophilic and as such reacts with nucleophilic amino acids like cysteine or lysine. In order to determine if reactivity correlates with sensitization potential, 38 chemicals representing allergens of different potencies (weak to extreme) and nonsensitizers were evaluated for their ability to react with glutathione or three synthetic peptides containing either cysteine, lysine, or histidine. Following a 15-min reaction time for glutathione or a 24 h reaction period for the three synthetic peptides, the samples were analyzed by HPLC. UV detection was used to monitor the depletion of glutathione or the peptide following reaction. The results demonstrate that a significant correlation (Spearman correlation) exists between allergen potency and the depletion of glutathione (p = 0.001), lysine (p = 0.025), and cysteine (p = 0.020), but not histidine. The peptide with the highest sensitivity was cysteine (80.8%) whereas histidine was the least sensitive (11.5%). The data presented show that measuring peptide reactivity has utility for screening chemicals for their skin sensitization potency and thus potential for reducing our reliance on animal test methods.


Novel software for quantitative evaluation and graphical representation of masticatory efficiency.
Blending of chewing gums of different colours is used in the clinical setting, as a simple and reliable means for the assessment of chewing efficiency. However, the available software is difficult to use in an everyday clinical setting, and there is no possibility of automated classification of the patient's chewing ability in a graph, to facilitate visualisation of the results and to evaluate potential chewing difficulties. The aims of this study were to test the validity of ViewGum - a novel image analysis software for the evaluation of boli derived from a two-colour mixing ability test - and to establish a baseline graph for the representation of the masticatory efficiency in a healthy population. Image analysis demonstrated significant hue variation decrease as the number of chewing cycles increased, indicating a higher degree of colour mixture. Standard deviation of hue (SDHue) was significantly different between all chewing cycles. Regression of the log-transformed values of the medians of SDHue on the number of chewing cycles showed a high statistically significant correlation (r² = 0.94, P < 0.01). ViewGum eliminates drawbacks of previous two-colour chewing gum test methods by the simplicity of its application. The newly developed ViewGum software provides speed, ease of use and immediate extraction of clinically useful conclusions to the already established method of chewing efficiency evaluation and is a valid adjunct for the evaluation of masticatory efficiency with two-colour chewing gum.


p53 gene mutations are rare in human papillomavirus-associated colon cancer.
Recent studies suggest that infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common event in colon tumors. Infection by oncogenic HPV may result in functional inactivation of the p53 protein in absence of mutations. Thus far no studies have been made to examine the frequency of p53 mutations in HPV-associated colon cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between p53 mutations and HPV infection. The 'hot-spot' region of the p53 gene for mutations was analyzed by PCR-SSCP and direct sequencing in HPV-positive tumor samples. Only 2 mutations were identified in 56 samples. This rate was much lower than reported for sporadic colon tumors. Our results indicate an inverse relationship between p53 mutations and HPV infection and suggest that p53 inactivation caused by HPV infection may play a role in the pathogenesis of colon cancer.


Endomembrane trafficking overarching cell plate formation.
By contrast to other eukaryotic kingdoms, plant cytokinesis is an inside-out process. A coordinated action of cytoskeletal transitions and endomembrane trafficking events builds a novel membrane compartment, the cell plate. Deposition of cell wall polymers transforms the lumen of this membrane compartment into a new cross wall, physically separating the daughter cells. The characterization of tethering complexes acting at discrete phases during cell plate formation and upstream of vesicle fusion events, the presence of modulators directing secretion and recycling during cytokinesis, as well as the identification and temporal recruitment of the endocytic machinery, provides a starting point to dissect the transitions in endomembrane trafficking which shape this process. This review aims to integrate recent findings on endomembrane trafficking events which spatio-temporally act to construct the cell plate.


Characterization of fungus-specific microsatellite markers in the lichen-forming fungus Parmelina carporrhizans (Parmeliaceae).
Microsatellite loci were developed to study the lichen-forming fungus Parmelina (Parmeliaceae) in different habitats of western Europe and the Mediterranean for baseline studies to understand the effects of climate change on its distribution. • We cultured P. carporrhizans from ascospores for genomic sequencing with Illumina HiSeq. We successfully developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers and associated primer sets and assessed them with 30 individuals from two of the Canary Islands. The average number of alleles per locus was 8.8. Nei's unbiased gene diversity of these loci ranged from 0.53 to 0.91 in the tested populations. Amplification in two closely related species (P. tiliacea, P. cryptotiliacea) yielded only limited success. • The new microsatellite markers will allow the study of genetic diversity and population structure in P. carporrhizans. We propose eight markers to combine in two multiplex reactions for further studies on a larger set of populations.


Psychological mediators of psychological distress and quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease.
Using the Common Sense Model (CSM), this study aimed to examine the extent to which illness beliefs, coping styles, self-efficacy, and mindfulness mediate this relationship. Two hundred and sixty-one adults (198 females; 169 with Crohn's Disease) with IBD participated in this cross-sectional study. Measures used in this study were the short Crohn's Disease Activity Index, Ulcerative Colitis Lichtiger Index, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, New General Self-Efficacy Scale, Carver Brief COPE scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire, and the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scales. Using structural equation modelling, the final model indicated IBD symptoms had a significant direct influence only on illness perceptions (β = 0.66, p < .001). In turn, illness perceptions had a significant direct influence on depression and anxiety (β = 0.34, p < .001) and QoL (β = -0.67, p < .001), and was also linked to higher maladaptive coping (β = 0.28, p < .001) and lower self-efficacy (β = -0.49, p < .001), but not with mindfulness or adaptive coping (p > .05). Maladaptive coping (β = 0.46, p < .001) and mindfulness (β = 0.23, p < .001) were linked with increased distress. QoL was influenced by distress (β = -0.40, p < .001). Consistent with the predictions of the CSM, the relationships between IBD symptoms and depression and anxiety, and between IBD symptoms and quality of life, are statistically mediated via psychological variables including illness perceptions and maladaptive coping.


Genetic analysis of uterine adenosarcomas and phyllodes tumors of the breast.
Uterine adenosarcomas and breast phyllodes tumors (PTs) are morphologically similar, being composed of stromal projections in a leaf-like fashion lined by epithelial cells. Here, we investigated whether their histologic similarities would be mirrored at the genetic level. The previously reported repertoires of somatic genetic alterations found in 19 adenosarcomas and 22 PTs (six benign, six borderline, and 10 malignant) were compared. PTs significantly more frequently displayed mutations affecting MED12, the TERT gene promoter and bona fide cancer genes, whereas adenosarcomas harbored a higher rate of MDM2/CDK4 and TERT gene amplifications. Pathway analyses based on the genes affected by somatic genetic alterations in these tumors indicated that Wnt signaling likely plays a role in the biology of adenosarcomas and benign/borderline PTs. In conclusion, despite the differences at the gene level, PTs and adenosarcomas share remarkable morphologic similarities and enrichment for somatic genetic alterations affecting Wnt pathway-related genes.


[Clinical significance of S-(+)-ketamine].
Among anaesthetic drugs, ketamine occupies a special position. biochemically, ketamine is a racemate consisting of equal shares of two optical enantiomers. Pharmacological investigations show differences between those enantiomers in both qualitative and quantitative properties. Furthermore, clinical superiority of S-(+)-ketamine has been described in different therapeutic studies with regard to anaesthetic potency, the extent of analgesia, effects and side effects during and after the operation, and undiserable psychological dysfunction. On a neuropharmacological basis, the clinical superiority of S-(+)-ketamine is due to its effect on NMDA receptors in central nervous tissue, opioid receptors on both central and peripheral levels, and noradrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotoninergic mechanisms. The main problems associated with the ketamine racemate in clinical use are desirable psychological dysfunction and a prolonged period of arousal. There are grounds for the assumption that the use of S-(+)-ketamine will minimise those problems without reducing anaesthetic potency or restricting the advantages of ketamine anaesthesia.


Seasonal variation and atypical presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in pre-pubertal children.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is an enigmatic disorder of elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure. In adulthood, patients are typically obese women of childbearing age; however, in young children the clinical picture is strikingly different, indicating age-related differences in the aetiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. To investigate this phenomenon, we analysed the clinical details of 15 pre-pubertal children with the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Evaluating the date of initial presentation, we discovered a distinct seasonal variation. Ten patients presented between November and March, thus coinciding with the typical season of paediatric viral and bacterial infections in Germany. Therefore, we suggest an association between intracranial hypertension and possibly concurrent infections in these children. Moreover, eight children presented only with ophthalmologic findings without any other obvious symptoms, raising questions regarding the incidence of undetected cases, particularly in this age group.


Kriging with Unknown Variance Components for Regional Ionospheric Reconstruction.
Ionospheric delay effect is a critical issue that limits the accuracy of precise Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning and navigation for single-frequency users, especially in mid- and low-latitude regions where variations in the ionosphere are larger. Kriging spatial interpolation techniques have been recently introduced to model the spatial correlation and variability of ionosphere, which intrinsically assume that the ionosphere field is stochastically stationary but does not take the random observational errors into account. In this paper, by treating the spatial statistical information on ionosphere as prior knowledge and based on Total Electron Content (TEC) semivariogram analysis, we use Kriging techniques to spatially interpolate TEC values. By assuming that the stochastic models of both the ionospheric signals and measurement errors are only known up to some unknown factors, we propose a new Kriging spatial interpolation method with unknown variance components for both the signals of ionosphere and TEC measurements. Variance component estimation has been integrated with Kriging to reconstruct regional ionospheric delays. The method has been applied to data from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) and compared with the ordinary Kriging and polynomial interpolations with spherical cap harmonic functions, polynomial functions and low-degree spherical harmonic functions. The statistics of results indicate that the daily ionospheric variations during the experimental period characterized by the proposed approach have good agreement with the other methods, ranging from 10 to 80 TEC Unit (TECU, 1 TECU = 1 × 1016 electrons/m²) with an overall mean of 28.2 TECU. The proposed method can produce more appropriate estimations whose general TEC level is as smooth as the ordinary Kriging but with a smaller standard deviation around 3 TECU than others. The residual results show that the interpolation precision of the new proposed method is better than the ordinary Kriging and polynomial interpolation by about 1.2 TECU and 0.7 TECU, respectively. The root mean squared error of the proposed new Kriging with variance components is within 1.5 TECU and is smaller than those from other methods under comparison by about 1 TECU. When compared with ionospheric grid points, the mean squared error of the proposed method is within 6 TECU and smaller than Kriging, indicating that the proposed method can produce more accurate ionospheric delays and better estimation accuracy over China regional area.


Typification and Nomenclature Notes on Twenty-Nine Names in Asparagus (Asparagaceae).
Nomenclatural types for twenty-nine names belonging to the genus Asparagus are typified and discussed. The following names are lectotypified: A. altiscandens Engl. & Gilg, A. altissimus Munby, A. baumii Engl. & Gilg, A. benguellensis Baker, A. burchellii Baker, A. curillus Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb., A. deflexus Baker, A. duchesnei L.Linden, A. equisetoides Welw. ex Baker, A. fasciculatus Thunb., A. griffithii, Baker, A. homblei De Wild., A. kaessneri De Wild., A. lecardii De Wild., A. longicladus N.E.Br., A. longiflorus Franch., A. monophyllus Baker, A. palaestinus Baker, A. pastorianus Webb & Berthel., A. persicus Baker, A. poissonii H.Perrier, A. psilurus Welw. ex Baker, A. ritschardii De Wild., A. sapinii De Wild., A. scandens Thunb., A. schumanianus Schltr. ex H.Perrier, A. stellatus Baker, A. subfalcatus De Wild., and A. undulatus (L.f.) Thunb. (synonym of Dracaena undulata L.f.). A new name, Asparagus neofasciculatus, is proposed as a replacement name for A. fasciculatus Thunb., which is an illegitimate later homonym of A. fasciculatus R.Br. The original protologue of these names and the original materials are evaluated. Nomenclature remarks discussing the selection of type specimens are given for each name, and known isotypes or isolectotypes are also cited. This information could be utilized as a reference for future taxonomic and systematic studies on Asparagus around the world.


Ascorbic acid and hepatic drug metabolism.
Previous in vivo studies indicate that hepatic microsomal drug metabolism decreases in ascorbic acid deficiency and is augmented when high supplements of the vitamin are given to guinea pigs. Kinetic studies with O-demethylase indicate no significant change in the apparent Km of p-nitroanisole in normal, ascorbic acid-deficient animals, or in animals given high supplements of ascorbic acid. The decrease in drug metabolism activity caused by ascorbic acid deficiency is not due to increased lipid peroxidation, nor was phosphatidyl choline significantly altered quantitatively or qualitatively in microsomes from ascorbic acid-deficient animals. Microsomal cytochrome P-450 prepared from ascorbic acid-deficient livers is less stable to sonication, dialysis and treatment with metal chelators. The decrease in cytochrome P-450 and O-demethylase activity associated with dialysis could be prevented by the addition of ascorbic acid. The molar ratio of microsomal ascorbic acid to cytochrome P-450 (plus P-420) is in the order of 2:1. This ratio is maintained during ascorbic acid deficiency in liver and adrenal tissue, during dialysis, on storage and with a partial purification of the cytochrome, which suggests a close association between ascorbic acid and the cytochrome. In addition, ascorbic acid protects cytochrome P-450 and aniline hydroxy lase activity from inhibition by ferrous iron chelators such as alpha, alpha'-dipyridyl. The chelator binds to cytochrome P-450 and prevents formation of the reduced cytochrome P-450-CO spectrum; it in turn gives a reduced spectrum with the cytochrome at 450 nm. These studies suggest that there is an interaction between ascorbic acid and cytochrome P-450 involving the reduced form of the heme iron.


[Primary cardiac echinococcosis].
Cardiac echinococcosis is very rare, even in endemic regions. It has been reported that cardiac involvement is seen in about 0.5-3% of human echinococcosis cases. A case of cardiac isolated hydatid desease that caused sporadic syncopal episodes is illustrated.


Thermotropic behaviour of gamma-irradiated diacylphosphatidylcholine multibilayer vesicles: role of single radiolysis products.
The concentrations of two isomeric lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC), free palmitic acid (FPA) and glycerophosphorycholine (GPC), have been evaluated in multibilayer vesicles (MBV) of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (DPPC) at different absorbed doses, by 1H and 31P nmr. No evidence of cross-linking of lipid molecules has been found. The presence of radiolysis products of DPPC is by itself capable of justifying the thermotropic behaviour of irradiated MBV, as it appears with differential scanning calorimetry analysis. In fact, on increasing LPC concentration, the onset temperature of the main transition (MT) is proportionally shifted towards lower temperatures, without alteration of its width. A similar effect is also produced by LPC on the lower transition (LT). On the contrary, on increasing the FPA concentration, the MT width increases proportionally. Simultaneously, the LT is shifted towards higher temperatures and disappears above a certain FPA concentration. The overall effect of LPC and FPA on MT appears as a linear combination of the two effects. As far as LT is concerned, LPC and FPA compete with one another in determining whether it will be present or not and, if present, in determining its onset temperature. No GPC effect on the phase transitions could be detected within the limits of the composition of our irradiated MBV.


Effect of electrostatic polarization and bridging water on CDK2-ligand binding affinities calculated using a highly efficient interaction entropy method.
A new highly efficient interaction entropy (IE) method combined with the polarized protein-specific charge (PPC) force field is employed to investigate the interaction mechanism of CDK2-ligand binding and the effect of the bridging water. Our result shows that the computed binding free energies for five CDK2-ligand complexes using the IE method have a significantly linear correlation with the experimentally measured values with a correlation coefficient of 0.98 in consideration of the bridging water under the PPC force field. And the correlation coefficient is found to be slightly weaker with a value of 0.95 using the traditional normal mode (Nmode) method for calculation of entropy change. Importantly, the rank of the predicted binding free energies is significantly consistent with the experimental rank based on the IE method calculated entropy change using the PPC force field. However, without including the bridging water under PPC simulation, the correlation coefficient is below 0.83. For comparison, the result obtained from the simulation using the nonpolarized AMBER force field gives a much weaker correlation with the correlation coefficients of 0.44 and 0.45 using the Nmode method and IE method, due to the lack of electrostatic polarization. Furthermore, hydrogen bond analysis indicates that the bridging water makes a significant contribution to mediating the hydrogen bond network of protein-ligand binding and stabilizing the complex structure. The current study demonstrates that the new IE method is superior to the standard Nmode method in computing the binding free energy. And our results also emphasize the importance of electronic polarization and bridging water in MD simulations and free energy calculations.


The phycobilisomes: an early requisite for efficient photosynthesis in cyanobacteria.
Cyanobacteria trap light energy by arrays of pigment molecules termed "phycobilisomes (PBSs)", organized proximal to "reaction centers" at which chlorophyll perform the energy transduction steps with highest quantum efficiency. PBSs, composed of sequential assembly of various chromophorylated phycobiliproteins (PBPs), as well as nonchromophoric, basic and hydrophobic polypeptides called linkers. Atomic resolution structure of PBP is a heterodimer of two structurally related polypeptides but distinct specialised polypeptides- a and ß, made up of seven alpha-helices each which played a crucial step in evolution of PBPs. PBPs carry out various light dependent responses such as complementary chromatic adaptation. The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the recent progress in this field and to highlight the new and the questions that remain unresolved.


Comparison of antioxidative properties of carbazole alkaloids from Murraya koenigii leaves.
A new dimeric carbazole alkaloid, 8,10'-[3,3',11,11'-tetrahydro-9,9'-dihydroxy-3,3',5,8'-tetramethyl-3,3'-bis(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)]bipyrano[3,2-a]carbazole (12), was isolated from the CH(2)Cl(2) extract of Murraya koenigii together with six known carbazole alkaloids, koenimbine (6), O-methylmurrayamine A (7), O-methylmahanine (8), isomahanine (9), bismahanine (10), and bispyrayafoline (11). Their structures were determined on the basis of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric (MS) data. The antioxidative properties of 12 carbazole alkaloids isolated from leaves of M. koenigii were evaluated on the basis of the oil stability index together with their radical scavenging ability against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. On the basis of the lag time to reach a steady state, the 12 carbazoles were classified into three groups. It is suggested that an aryl hydroxyl substituent on the carbazole rings plays a role in stabilizing the thermal oxidation and rate of reaction against DPPH radical.


Combustion synthesis of Eu(3+)-activated Y2Hf7O17 powders.
Eu3+ doped-Y2Hf7O17 nanopowders were synthesized by the chemical self-combustion method at low temperature. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were employed to analyze the phase composition and the characteristics of the nanopowders. The excitation and emission spectra were analyzed with a fluorescence photometer. Results show that nanoscale powders calcined at 800 degrees C have good luminescent properties. There are two peaks in the emission spectra. One is at 595 nm, and the other is at 614 nm. Analysis of X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra reveals that Y2Hf7O17 is cubic phase. The sample doped with 14 mol% Eu3+ has the maximum luminescent intensity.


Development and Use of a Real-Time Quantitative PCR Method for Detecting and Quantifying Equol-Producing Bacteria in Human Faecal Samples and Slurry Cultures.
This work introduces a novel real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocol for detecting and quantifying equol-producing bacteria. To this end, two sets of primers targeting the dihydrodaidzein reductase (ddr) and tetrahydrodaidzein reductase (tdr) genes, which are involved in the synthesis of equol, were designed. The primers showed high specificity and sensitivity when used to examine DNA from control bacteria, such as Slackia isoflavoniconvertens, Slackia equolifaciens, Asaccharobacter celatus, Adlercreutzia equolifaciens, and Enterorhabdus mucosicola. To demonstrate the validity and reliability of the protocol, it was used to detect and quantify equol-producing bacteria in human faecal samples and their derived slurry cultures. These samples were provided by 18 menopausal women under treatment of menopause symptoms with a soy isoflavone concentrate, among whom three were known to be equol-producers given the prior detection of the molecule in their urine. The tdr gene was detected in the faeces of all these equol-producing women at about 4-5 log10 copies per gram of faeces. In contrast, the ddr gene was only amplified in the faecal samples of two of these three women, suggesting the presence in the non-amplified sample of reductase genes unrelated to those known to be involved in equol formation and used for primer design in this study. When tdr and ddr were present in the same sample, similar copy numbers of the two genes were recorded. However, no significant increase in the copy number of equol-related genes along isoflavone treatment was observed. Surprisingly, positive amplification for both tdr and ddr genes was obtained in faecal samples and derived slurry cultures from two non-equol producing women, suggesting the genes could be non-functional or the daidzein metabolized to other compounds in samples from these two women. This novel qPCR tool provides a technique for monitoring gut microbes that produce equol in humans. Monitoring equol-producing bacteria in the human gut could provide a means of evaluating strategies aimed at increasing the endogenous formation of this bioactive compound.


Primary effusion lymphoma with central nervous system involvement in an HIV-negative homosexual male.
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that presents with body cavity effusions. It occurs chiefly in immunodeficient HIV-positive patients. The tumor cells generally express gene sequences of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Tumor cells of HIV-negative patients usually express HHV-8 gene sequences, but rarely those of EBV. We report a novel case of PEL in an HIV-negative homosexual male whose tumor cells expressed both HHV-8 and EBV gene sequences and who developed evidence of central nervous system involvement.


The Impact of Single-Container Malt Liquor Sales Restrictions on Urban Crime.
Many US cities have adopted legal restrictions on high-alcohol malt liquor sales in response to reports of crime and nuisance behaviors around retail alcohol outlets. We assessed whether these policies are effective in reducing crime in urban areas. We used a rigorous interrupted time-series design with comparison groups to examine monthly crime rates in areas surrounding alcohol outlets in the 3 years before and after adoption of malt liquor sales restrictions in two US cities. Crime rates in matched comparison areas not subject to restrictions served as covariates. Novel methods for matching target and comparison areas using virtual neighborhood audits conducted in Google Street View are described. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, sales of single containers of 16 oz or less were prohibited in individual liquor stores (n = 6). In Washington, D.C., the sale of single containers of any size were prohibited in all retail alcohol outlets within full or partial wards (n = 6). Policy adoption was associated with modest reductions in crime, particularly assaults and vandalism, in both cities. All significant outcomes were in the hypothesized direction. Our results provide evidence that retail malt liquor sales restrictions, even relatively weak ones, can have modest effects on a range of crimes. Policy success may depend on community support and concurrent restrictions on malt liquor substitutes.


A report on a contraceptive social marketing experiment in rural Kenya.
There is a recognized need for the development of nonmedical, grassroots family planning delivery systems. This report describes the results of a two-year experiment in rural Kenya in which local marketing resources were utilized to promote and distribute condoms through village stores. The impact of the extensive advertising campaign on the test market area was measured by comparison with a control area and by before, during, and after sample surveys. In addition to achieving a condom sales level of 0.21 pieces per capita after 12 months, the program had a marked impact on family planning knowledge and practice, although not on attitudes. The authors assess the program's performance in relation to its goals and suggest how such social marketing programs could have far-reaching significance in most developing countries.


Site-directed mutagenesis of the catalytic base glutamic acid 400 in glucoamylase from Aspergillus niger and of tyrosine 48 and glutamine 401, both hydrogen-bonded to the gamma-carboxylate group of glutamic acid 400.
Replacement of the catalytic base Glu400 by glutamine in glucoamylase from Aspergillus niger affects both substrates ground-state binding and transition-state stabilization. Compared to those of the wild-type enzyme, Km values for maltose and maltoheptaose are 12- and 3-fold higher for the Glu400-->Gln mutant, with kcat values 35- and 60-fold lower, respectively, for the same substrates. This unusually high residual activity for a glycosylase mutant at a putative catalytic group is tentatively explained by a reorganization of the hydrogen bond network, using the crystal structure of the related Aspergillus awamori var. X100 glucoamylase in complex with 1-deoxynojirimycin [Harris, E. M. S., Aleshin, A. E., Firsov, L. M., & Honzatko, R. B. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 1618-1626]. Supposedly Gln400 in the mutant hydrogen bonds to the invariant Tyr48, as does Glu400 in the wild-type enzyme. For Tyr48-->Trp A. niger glucoamylase kcat is reduced 80-100-fold, while Km is increased only 2-3-fold. Gln401 also hydrogen bonds to Glu400, but its mutation to glutamic acid has only a minor effect on activity. The Tyr48-->Trp and Glu400-->Gln glucoamylases share particular features in displaying unusually high activity below pH 4.0-which reflects lack of the wild-type catalytic base function- and unusually low binding affinity at subsite 2. Both mutants have lost 13-16 kJ mol-1 in transition-state stabilization energy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Severe Dengue Fever in Xishuangbanna, During the Dengue Outbreak in 2019.
Dengue poses a large burden on the public health systems worldwide. severe dengue (SD) could lead to more serious clinical symptoms and even death. This study aimed to identify the cause of SD in a clinical trial during the dengue outbreak in Xishuangbanna in 2019, and could provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of SD. Mosquito-borne viral (DENV, JEV, and CHIKV) infections were identified. The epidemiological factors and clinical symptoms of inpatients in Xishuangbanna were recorded. The IgG and IgM levels in the serum of dengue inpatients were evaluated, and secondary infections were identified. Then, the structural proteins (C/PrM/E) were sequenced and compared with those of the same type of DENV in the same area as before, and their structures were predicted by the SWISS-MODEL (expasy.org). The full-length viral genomes were sequenced and aligned with representative strains by BioEidt or MEGA 5.0. In this outbreak, the clinical symptoms were more serious in SD. The proportion of SD inpatients of male and Han nationality was larger than that of dengue fever (DF) inpatients (p < 0.05). DENV-2 infection was the majority in DF, with 45 inpatients. However, DENV-1 infection was the most common SD, with 54 inpatients. There were 3 DENV-3-positive inpatients in the DF group and 6 ZIKV-positive inpatients in the SD group. A secondary infection accounted for 76.47% (78 cases) of SD inpatients, but secondary infections were only in 20% (17 cases) of DF inpatients. In the three-dimensional structure of protein analysis, the C/PrM/E of DENV-1 and DENV-2 showed more stability than previous epidemic strains, while DENV-3 in 2019 showed a looser spatial structure. After a complete genome sequencing and analysis, all six DENV-2 strains belonged to cosmopolitan, five of which clustered into one branch. The GC/AT of the five strains decreased from 2014 to 2018. Compared with DF strains, SD strains had no mutations of commonness. SD may related to secondary heteromorphic dengue in Xishuangbanna in 2019. The coinfection of ZIKV could be another related factor for SD. The currently datas were very limited and only suggestive.


Evolution of animal-welfare education for veterinary students.
Animal-welfare education is an evolving component of the veterinary curriculum. Although different veterinary schools may cover different elements of the subject and teach it in many different ways, it is important to recognize that this multidisciplinary subject is evolving rapidly. For example, welfare science is beginning to examine the quantification of positive welfare or a good life in addition to evaluating harms associated with different husbandry systems. Although the curriculum is under continual pressure, the drivers (policy makers, student expectations, and trade requirements) for including animal welfare in the course are likely to increase. Some core components of an animal-welfare course are important to include in all veterinary curriculums. This would include an appreciation of the difference between welfare science, ethics, and standards.


Excited Biexcitons in Transition Metal Dichalcogenides.
The Stochastic Variational Method (SVM) is used to show that the effective mass model correctly estimates the binding energies of excitons and trions but fails to predict the experimental binding energy of the biexciton. Using high-accuracy variational calculations, it is demonstrated that the biexciton binding energy in transition metal dichalcogenides is smaller than the trion binding energy, contradicting experimental findings. It is also shown that the biexciton has bound excited states and that the binding energy of the L = 0 excited state is in very good agreement with experimental data. This excited state corresponds to a hole attached to a negative trion and may be a possible resolution of the discrepancy between theory and experiment.


New fluorescent method for the histochemical detection of dipeptidyl peptidase IV using glycyl-l-prolyl-2-anthraquinonyl hydrazide as substrate.
Glycyl-4-prolyl-2-anthraquinonylhydrazide (Gly-Pro-2-AH) was synthesized and used as a new fluorogenic substrate for the histochemical detection of dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity (DPP IV). The enzymatic hydrolysis liberates 2-anthraquinonyl hydrazine (2-AH). Further on, the primary reaction product reacts with an aromatic aldehyde to give an insoluble hydrazone. The final reaction product fluoresces orange-red when exited by green light (lambda(exc)=520-580 nm) and marks sites of enzymatic activity by an intensive fluorescence. This fluorescent method permits highly sensitive enzyme detection and causes only very low background tissue fluorescence. Thus enzyme locations in the capillary bed endothelium properly and sensitively stained, which has not been achieved by now. The new method is used successfully to demonstrate the enzyme in cryotome tissue sections from several rat organs.


Immunogenicity and Safety of 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Compared With 7-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Among Healthy Infants in China.
Immunogenicity and safety of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) were compared with 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in Chinese infants. Healthy infants aged 2 months were randomized to a double-blind 3-dose infant series plus 1 toddler dose of PCV7 or PCV13 at 3, 4, 5 and 12 months or open-label PCV13 at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months. Serotype-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding and functionality were measured 1 month after the infant series and after the toddler dose. Local reactions, systemic events and adverse events were assessed postvaccination. For the 7 common serotypes, serotype-specific binding IgGs elicited by PCV13 were noninferior to PCV7 after the 3-dose infant series; functional antibodies were comparable. For the 6 additional serotypes, PCV13 recipients had significantly higher serotype-specific IgGs and functional antibodies than PCV7 recipients after the infant series. The toddler dose boosted the immune response. Local reactions and systemic events were mild in severity and similar across groups. No new safety signals were identified. For the 7 common serotypes, serotype-specific binding IgG after 2 different 3-dose regimens of PCV13 were noninferior to PCV7 responses. PCV13 recipients had significantly higher immune responses to the 6 additional serotypes. PCV13 is expected to provide pneumococcal disease protection comparable to PCV7 for the common serotypes and further protection against disease caused by the 6 additional serotypes. Safety of PCV7 and PCV13 was comparable.


Postoperative Instructions Preoperatively-Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Teaching Model on Patient Satisfaction Regarding Instructions for Home Care.
Patients in the ambulatory setting often receive home care instructions, primarily in the postoperative phase. Patient's retention and understanding of these instructions is one determinant of postoperative outcomes. This article highlights how we designed and implemented a teaching strategy to better prepare patients for discharge from an ambulatory surgical setting. Our methods included developing a day of surgery plan for teaching patients their discharge instructions upon arrival, creating on-line teaching videos, and revising post discharge pain medication instructions. We used our patient satisfaction surveys to differentiate patients who were taught home care instructions in the preoperative phase day of surgery compared to those who received instructions in the postoperative phase. Our results indicate that doing home care instructions before surgery is the optimal time for patient teaching.


Comparative Cognition: Past, Present, and Future.
Comparative cognition is the field of inquiry concerned with understanding the cognitive abilities and mechanisms that are evident in nonhuman species. Assessments of animal cognition have a long history, but in recent years there has been an explosion of new research topics, and a general broadening of the phylogenetic map of animal cognition. To review the past of comparative cognition, we describe the historical trends. In regards to the present state, we examine current "hot topics" in comparative cognition. Finally, we offer our unique and combined thoughts on the future of the field.


A developmental study of girls with trisomy X.
Development of 11 girls (ages 2-10 years) with 47,XXX karyotype identified in a newborn survey is compared with eight girls having a mosaic sex chromatin pattern and with the normal siblings of each group. Delay in early motor development and speech, a mild intellectual deficit, and disturbance in interpersonal relationships occurred in one-third of the index cases, a higher frequency than in the comparison groups. two-thirds were considered normal and adequately adjusted. No consistent phenotype was found.


Identification of anticancer drugs associated with atrial fibrillation: analysis of the WHO pharmacovigilance database.
The explosion of novel anticancer therapies has meant emergence of cardiotoxicity signals including atrial fibrillation (AF). Reliable data concerning the liability of anticancer drugs in inducing AF are scarce. Using the World Health Organization individual case safety report database, VigiBase®, we aimed to determine the association between anticancer drugs and AF. A disproportionality analysis evaluating the multivariable-adjusted reporting odds ratios for AF with their 99.97% confidence intervals was performed for 176 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- or European Medicines Agency (EMA)-labelled anticancer drugs in VigiBase®, followed by a descriptive analysis of AF cases for the anticancer drugs identified in VigiBase®. ClinicalTrial registration number: NCT03530215. A total of 11 757 AF cases associated with at least one anticancer drug were identified in VigiBase® of which 95.8% were deemed serious. Nineteen anticancer drugs were significantly associated with AF of which 14 (74%) are used in haematologic malignancies and 9 (45%) represented new AF associations not previously confirmed in literature including immunomodulating agents (lenalidomide, pomalidomide), several kinase inhibitors (nilotinib, ponatinib, midostaurin), antimetabolites (azacytidine, clofarabine), docetaxel (taxane), and obinutuzumab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. Although cancer malignancy itself may generate AF, we identified 19 anticancer drugs significantly associated with a significant increase in AF over-reporting. This pharmacovigilance study provides evidence that anticancer drugs themselves could represent independent risk factors for AF development. Dedicated prospective clinical trials are now required to confirm these 19 associations. This list of suspected anticancer drugs should be known by physicians when confronted to AF in cancer patients, particularly in case of haematologic malignancies.


Animal models of restricted repetitive behavior in autism.
Restricted, repetitive behavior, along with deficits in social reciprocity and communication, is diagnostic of autism. Animal models relevant to this domain generally fall into three classes: repetitive behavior associated with targeted insults to the CNS; repetitive behavior induced by pharmacological agents; and repetitive behavior associated with restricted environments and experience. The extant literature provides potential models of the repetitive behavioral phenotype in autism rather than attempts to model the etiology or pathophysiology of restricted, repetitive behavior, as these are poorly understood. This review focuses on our work with deer mice which exhibit repetitive behaviors associated with environmental restriction. Repetitive behaviors are the most common category of abnormal behavior observed in confined animals and larger, more complex environments substantially reduce the development and expression of such behavior. Studies with this model, including environmental enrichment effects, suggest alterations in cortical-basal ganglia circuitry in the development and expression of repetitive behavior. Considerably more work needs to be done in this area, particularly in modeling the development of aberrant repetitive behavior. As mutant mouse models continue to proliferate, there should be a number of promising genetic models to pursue.


Utility of Hantzsch reaction for development of highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for determination of alfuzosin and terazosin in bulk, dosage forms and human plasma.
A highly sensitive, cheap, simple and accurate spectrofluorimetric method has been developed and validated for the determination of alfuzosin hydrochloride and terazosin hydrochloride in their pharmaceutical dosage forms and in human plasma. The developed method is based on the reaction of the primary amine moiety in the studied drugs with acetylacetone and formaldehyde according to the Hantzsch reaction, producing yellow fluorescent products that can be measured spectrofluorimetrically at 480 nm after excitation at 415 nm. Different experimental parameters affecting the development and stability of the reaction products were carefully studied and optimized. The fluorescence-concentration plots of alfuzosin and terazosin were rectilinear over a concentration range of 70-900 ng ml-1 , with quantitation limits 27.1 and 32.2 ng ml-1 for alfuzosin and terazosin, respectively. The proposed method was validated according to ICH guidelines and successfully applied to the analysis of the investigated drugs in dosage forms, content uniformity test and spiked human plasma with high accuracy.


Common gynecologic problems in adolescents.
Gynecologic problems are the most common reason adolescent girls see physicians. Therefore, physicians who see teenagers need to be prepared to deal with common gynecologic problems in this population, such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, abnormal vaginal bleeding, contraception, and sexually transmitted disease. This article will provide the primary care physician with information on these issues and advice on performing the gynecologic evaluation of the adolescent patient.


Seizing market shaping opportunities for vaccine cold chain equipment.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, supports immunisation programmes in eligible countries to reach children with lifesaving vaccines. Dramatic improvement in the scale and performance of current cold chain systems is required to extend the reach of immunisation services - especially for children living in remote locations - to advance progress towards full vaccine coverage. Achieving these improvements will require a healthier market for cold chain equipment where the products meet user needs, are sustainably priced, and are available in sufficient quantities to meet demand. Yet evidence suggests that the cold chain market has suffered from several failures including limited demand visibility, fragmented procurement, and insufficient information exchange between manufacturers and buyers on needs and equipment performance. One of Gavi's strategic goals is to shape markets for vaccines and other immunisation products, including cold chain equipment and in 2015, Gavi created a new mechanism - the Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) Optimisation Platform - to strengthen country cold chain systems by offering financial support and incentives for higher performing CCE. The main objective of the CCE Platform is to get more equipment that is efficient, sustainable, and better performing deployed to every health facility where it is required at an affordable price. To achieve these objectives, Gavi is putting in place tested market shaping approaches and tools adapted for the CCE market: the development of market strategies or 'roadmaps'; improvement of product performance through the development of target product profiles (TPPs); strategic engagement with CCE manufacturers and countries to enhance information sharing; and tailoring procurement tactics to the CCE market. These approaches and tools will allow for increased demand and supply of higher-performing, cost-effective and quality products. By strengthening immunisation systems with improved cold chain equipment, Gavi countries can begin to address the underlying problems limiting vaccine availability and improve the coverage and equity of vaccines.


Structure-activity studies of human IL-1 beta with mature and truncated proteins expressed in Escherichia coli.
IL-1 beta is synthesized as an inactive 31-kDa intracellular protein, which is then processed upon secretion to an active 17-kDa carboxyl-terminal fragment. To identify the minimal portion of IL-1 beta required for activity, we constructed several deletion mutants of mature IL-1 beta. These included three amino-terminal deletions of 10, 16, and 81 amino acids, two carboxyl-terminal deletions of 17 and 72 amino acids, and one internal fragment between amino acids 17 and 81. Expression of the mutants was monitored by Western blots and immunoprecipitation. With one exception, all of these mutants and the full length 17-kDa IL-1 beta were expressed as soluble protein in Escherichia coli and could be assayed for activity and receptor binding in lysates without further purification. Whereas the intact 17-kDa IL-1 beta retained full biologic activity (greater than 10(7) U/ml of lysate) and competed for binding with 125I-labeled IL-1 beta, none of the lysates containing IL-1 beta deletion mutant proteins had activity or competed for binding to receptor at significantly higher concentrations. The loss of function in the smallest C-terminal deletion mutant does not appear to be due to the direct involvement of these C-terminal residues in receptor binding because both monoclonal and polyclonal antisera directed to this region bind to IL-1 beta but do not neutralize its activity. Therefore, this region is probably indirectly involved in sustaining the structure of the receptor-binding site.


Effects of employing primary care doctors in hospital to improve the quality of care and health outcomes of rural patients: A systematic scoping review.
To describe effects of employing primary care doctors in hospital care and their roles in improving the quality of care and health outcomes of rural and remote patients. A systematic scoping review. Peer-reviewed publications were sourced from 3 online journal databases (PUBMED, SCOPUS and Web of Science). All study designs from peer-reviewed journals that discussed effects of employing primary care doctors in hospital care Interventions: employing primary care doctors in hospital care. Positive and negative consequences of employing primary care doctors in hospital care, and the roles of primary care doctors in improving the quality of care and health outcomes. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Positive outcomes included improved access to specialised treatment, improved continuity of care, reduced waiting list and admission rates, improved skills, competence and confidence of primary care doctors, and increased satisfaction from both health providers and patients/families. Negative consequences reported included increased prescriptions and poorly documented history and physical examinations. Employing primary care doctors in hospital care can fill the gaps in the delivery of acute care, emergency medicine and maternity care. Primary care doctors bring advanced clinical skills and a patient-centred approach to the hospital care. They also improve the quality of referrals leading to freed-up clinical capacity of tertiary hospitals to treat more serious conditions. The provision of acute or emergency care and secondary care in rural and remote areas should be directed towards patient-oriented not provider-oriented policies.


Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma with preceding syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVL) is a rare subtype of B-cell lymphoma presenting with neurological and dermatological lesions in addition to generalized symptoms such as fever and malaise. It may also be associated with variable manifestations of affected organs due to extranodal progression predominantly in the lumen of the small vessels. Here, we report a case of IVL with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) as the sole manifestation at the initial presentation. The present case suggests that hormonal disturbances may progress in advance in IVL, before generalized symptoms develop.


Unusual severe cases of type 1 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in conventionally reared pigs in South Korea.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes a loss of approximately US$ 70 million every year to the South Korean pork industry. There are two distinct genotypes: European (type 1) and North American (type 2). In South Korea, type 1 and type 2 PRRSV are widely distributed and have evolved continuously since the infection was first described. Here, we present two field cases of type 1 PRRSV infection with unusually severe pathogenicity. The first case farm was a two-site production system comprising farrow-to-grower and grower-to-finish units and was historically free from PRRSV infections. The PRRSV vaccine had not been used in both units. In October 2014, pigs in the grower-to-finish unit experienced severe respiratory distress with the mortality rate reaching to 22%. Despite antibiotic treatment, clinical signs were still noticed in most pigs. The second case farm was also a two-site production system, but had two separate farrow-to-grower units (unit A and unit B). Historically, type 1 PRRSV was continuously present in unit A, but unit B was free from PRRSV. Thus, all grower pigs of unit B were vaccinated before being moved to the grower-to-finish unit. In November 2014, severe respiratory distress was seen in pigs of the grower-to-finish unit. Significant respiratory distress was observed in only the grower herd moved from unit B, and the mortality of those pigs was ~50%. However, no disease was shown in the grower pigs from unit A. To our knowledge, the present study is the first observation of the cases of infection by highly pathogenic type 1 PRRSV in South Korea. The Korean type 1 PRRSV strains have undergone unique evolutionary dynamics for the last decade in this country. Although there are known to be three clusters of Korean type 1 PRRSV, their pathogenicity could not be categorized owing to their high level of genetic diversity. Therefore, further studies are needed to demonstrate the novel classification of Korean type 1 PRRSV strains according to their virulence factors.


Cinacalcet hydrochloride for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism.
Effective therapeutic strategies are warranted to reduce the burden of parathyroid hormone excess related morbidity and mortality. The calcimimetic agent cinacalcet hydrochloride is a promising treatment strategy in hyperparathyroidism. This review provides an overview of the pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, cost-effectiveness, safety and the efficacy profile of cinacalcet in the setting of primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism (p/sHPT). The authors searched PubMed database for English language articles related to cinacalcet in human subjects, published till Dec 2012 - focusing on the period between 2008 and 2012. The use of cinacalcet in pHPT can be considered on those hypercalcemic patients in whom parathyroidectomy is not performed. However, data on the impact of cinacalcet on hard clinical outcomes in pHPT are missing. Despite effective improvements of biochemical parameters of sHPT, the intention-to-treat-based analysis of the EVOLVE trial did not support the notion that cinacalcet significantly reduces the risk of death or major cardiovascular events in dialysis patients with moderate-to-severe sHPT. Considering the strong evidence indicating beneficial effects of cinacalcet in the setting of HPT, further randomized controlled trials are definitely warranted to evaluate whether calcimimetic treatment might improve mortality and cardiovascular risk in patients with parathyroid hormone excess over a broad spectrum of kidney function.


Recruitment of beta-catenin by wild-type or mutant androgen receptors correlates with ligand-stimulated growth of prostate cancer cells.
Prostate cancers respond to treatments that suppress androgen receptor (AR) function, with bicalutamide, flutamide, and cyproterone acetate (CPA) being AR antagonists in clinical use. As CPA has substantial agonist activity, it was examined to identify AR coactivator/corepressor interactions that may mediate androgen-stimulated prostate cancer growth. The CPA-liganded AR was coactivated by steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) but did not mediate N-C terminal interactions or recruit beta-catenin, indicating a nonagonist conformation. Nonetheless, CPA did not enhance AR interaction with nuclear receptor corepressor, whereas the AR antagonist RU486 (mifepristone) strongly stimulated AR-nuclear receptor corepressor binding. The role of coactivators was further assessed with a T877A AR mutation, found in LNCaP prostate cancer cells, which converts hydroxyflutamide (HF, the active flutamide metabolite) into an agonist that stimulates LNCaP cell growth. The HF and CPA-liganded T877A ARs were coactivated by SRC-1, but only the HF-liganded T877A AR was coactivated by beta-catenin. L-39, a novel AR antagonist that transcriptionally activates the T877A AR, but still inhibits LNCaP growth, similarly mediated recruitment of SRC-1 and not beta-catenin. In contrast, beta-catenin coactivated a bicalutamide-responsive mutant AR (W741C) isolated from a bicalutamide-stimulated LNCaP subline, further implicating beta-catenin recruitment in AR-stimulated growth. Androgen-stimulated prostate-specific antigen gene expression in LNCaP cells could be modulated by beta-catenin, and endogenous c-myc expression was repressed by dihydrotestosterone, but not CPA. These results indicate that interactions between AR and beta-catenin contribute to prostate cell growth in vivo, although specific growth promoting genes positively regulated by AR recruitment of beta-catenin remain to be identified.


Alleviation effects of niacin supplementation on beef cattle subjected to heat stress: A metagenomic insight.
The objective of this study was to investigate the alleviation effects of niacin supplementation on beef cattle subjected to heat stress and to provide a theoretical basis for exploring the alleviation methods of heat stress environmental factors on the rumen of beef cattle. In the experiment, 36 Jinjiang bull cattle with a body weight of about 400 ± 20.0 kg were randomly divided into three treatments, each treatment contains four replicates, with three cattle in each replicate. Treatments included thermoneutral treatment (TN; temperature: 24-25°C, humidity: 45-55%), heat stress treatment, exposure to environmental temperature (HS; average THI: 82.74), and heat stress supplemented with niacin treatment (HN; high temperature + 800 mg/kg NA). Measured indicators were body temperature, respiratory rate, production performances, rumen fermentations, and microbial diversity. Results showed that adding niacin reduced the body temperature and respiratory rate (P < 0.05) but had no significant effect on the production performances compared with heat-stressed beef cattle. HS treatment significantly increased body temperature and respiratory rate (P < 0.01), while decreasing the content of acetic acid, butyric acid, and total volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05) compared with the TN treatment. Supplement of niacin did not affect ruminal fermentation parameters (P > 0.05) but had a decreased tendency on A/P (P < 0.1). Microbial diversity results showed that, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Desulfobacterota in the HS treatment was increased compared with TN and HN treatment (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum and Family_XIII_AD3011 group in the HN treatment significantly proliferated compared with the HS treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, niacin supplementation may alleviate heat stress by proliferating those bacteria belonging to the phylum Succiniclasticum, which may further contribute to the digestion of cellulose and the improvement of the metabolic function of Jinjiang cattle under heat-stress conditions.


Investigation of the colloidal interactions at play in combined acidification and rennet of different heat-treated milks.
The properties of gels obtained by combined acidification and rennet were investigated for milks heated at different temperature-time regimes using a high temperature short time (HTST) pilot plant system. Increasing amounts of heat-induced whey protein complexes were found in the soluble phase as a function of heating time/temperature, and only in the most extensively heated milk (i.e., 85 degrees C/300 s), these complexes were in quantities comparable to those reported in previous studies. Two levels of rennet were studied, and at the gelation pH, the amount of CMP released was 11 +/- 1% and 26 +/- 5% in the low and high rennet experiments, respectively. These two levels of rennet caused profound changes in the gelation behavior and in the structure development of the network. When a small amount of rennet was used, different heating temperature-time regimes did not affect the first stage of renneting. Increasing the extent of milk heat treatment and/or the level of rennet increased the pH of gelation and the stiffness of the gels. This work is the first to compare the effect of heating (using a pilot plant setup) and amount of rennet on the destabilization and interaction of casein micelles during aggregation by combined rennet and acidification.


Role of interstitial fluid pressurization in TMJ lubrication.
In temporomandibular joints (TMJs), the disc and condylar cartilage function as load-bearing, shock-absorbing, and friction-reducing materials. The ultrastructure of the TMJ disc and cartilage is different from that of hyaline cartilage in other diarthrodial joints, and little is known about their lubrication mechanisms. In this study, we performed micro-tribometry testing on the TMJ disc and condylar cartilage to obtain their region- and direction-dependent friction properties. Frictional tests with a migrating contact area were performed on 8 adult porcine TMJs at 5 different regions (anterior, posterior, central, medial, and lateral) in 2 orthogonal directions (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral). Some significant regional differences were detected, and the lateral-medial direction showed higher friction than the anterior-posterior direction on both tissues. The mean friction coefficient of condylar cartilage against steel was 0.027, but the disc, at 0.074, displayed a significantly higher friction coefficient. The 2 tissues also exhibited different frictional dependencies on sliding speed and normal loading force. Whereas the friction of condylar cartilage decreased with increased sliding speed and was independent of the magnitude of normal force, friction of the disc showed no dependence on sliding speed but decreased as normal force increased. Further analysis of the Péclet number and frictional coefficients suggested that condylar cartilage relies on interstitial fluid pressurization to a greater extent than the corresponding contact area of the TMJ disc.


[Effects of interval training on calcium transient and contractile function of single ventricular myocyte in myocardial infarction adult rats].
To investigate the effects of interval training on calcium transient and contractile function in ischemic ventricular myocytes of rats with myocardial infarction and their synchronization. Twenty-four male sprague-dawley rats in three years old, were randomly divided into three groups (n=8): sham-operated group(S), sedentary MI group(MI) and MI with interval training group (ME). The MI model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The rats in ME group started training 1 week after MI operation. The S model was established by threading only without ligation. ME model took one week adaptive training, 10 m/min and 30 min/d, then took subsequently 8-week aerobic interval training: 10 min×10 m/min, then reran the rats with 2 intensities 15 m/min×6 min and 25 m/min×4 min, 1 h/d, 5 d/week. After training 24 hours, the cardiomyocytes of all groups were isolated by using the Langendorff fusion system. The contractile function and calcium transient of single ventricular myocyte in myocardial infarction adult rats were detected by IonOptix. Calcium transients were measured as [Ca2+]i amplitude, departure velocity, ratio, TTB50%, TTP and TTP50%, return velocity and ratio amplitude. PTA, SL, ±dl/dtmax and SL shortening% were tested to evaluate contractility. Compared with S, the levels of [Ca2+]i amplitude, departure velocity, ratio amplitude and return velocity, SL shortening%, PTA and ±dl/dtmax of MI were decreased(P<0.01), the levels of TTP, TTP50% and TTB50% of MI were increased(P<0.01); Compared with MI, the levels of departure velocity, ratio amplitude, return velocity and [Ca2+]i amplitude of ME were increased(P<0.01), the levels of TTB50%, TTP and TTP50% of ME were decreased(P<0.01, P<0.05). The levels of SL shortening%, PTA and ±dl/dtmax of ME were increased(P<0.01, P<0.05). Interval training can improve calcium transient and contractile function of single ventricular myocyte in myocardial infarction adult rats.


Relationships between uterine health and metabolism in dairy cows with different dry period lengths.
The first objective of this study was to evaluate effects of dry period (DP) length and dietary energy source on ovarian activity, uterine health status, pregnancy rate, and days open in dairy cows in the second subsequent lactation after implementation of DP length and dietary treatments. The second objective was to determine relationships of uterine health status with ovarian activity, milk yield, energy balance (EB), and metabolic status in dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n = 167) were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 DP lengths (0-, 30-, or 60-d) and 1 of 2 early lactation diets (glucogenic or lipogenic diet) for 2 subsequent lactations. Milk samples were collected three times a week. At least two succeeding milk samples with concentration of progesterone ≥2 ng/mL were used to indicate the occurrence of luteal activity. Vaginal discharge was scored in wk 2 and 3 after calving to evaluate uterine health status and cows were classified as having a healthy uterine environment [HU, vaginal discharge score (VDS) = 0 or 1 in both wk 2 and 3], a recovering uterine environment (RU, VDS = 2 or 3 in wk 2 and VDS = 0 or 1 in wk 3), or a non-recovering uterine environment (NRU, VDS = 2 or 3 in wk 3). Cows were monitored for milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI), and blood was sampled weekly to determine metabolic status from calving to wk 3 postcalving. Dry period length was not related with uterine health status in early lactation, pregnancy rate, or days open in dairy cows. Independent of DP length, feeding a glucogenic diet shortened the interval from calving to onset of luteal activity (25.3 vs. 31.0 d, P = 0.04), but decreased pregnancy rate compared with a more lipogenic diet (68.2 vs. 78.1 d, P = 0.03). In the first 3 wk after calving, cows with a NRU had lower milk yield (36.8 vs. 36.8 vs. 32.4 kg for cows with a HU, RU, or NRU, respectively; P < 0.01) and lower DMI than cows with a HU or RU. Cows with a RU had lower plasma glucose and insulin concentrations than cows with a NRU or HU. In conclusion, DP length did not influence fertility measures and uterine health status in the second subsequent lactation after implementation of DP length treatments. Independent of DP length, feeding a glucogenic diet leaded to earlier ovulation postcalving, but decreased pregnancy rate compared with a more lipogenic diet. In addition, a healthy uterine environment was related to greater milk yield and better metabolic status, independent of DP length.


Characterization of a highly Al3+ -selective fluorescence probe based on naphthalimide-Schiff base and its application to practical water samples.
A new fluorescent Al3+ -probe, N-allyl-4-[3,3'-((2-aminoethyl)azanediyl)-bis(N´-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)propanehy-drazide)]-1,8-naphthalimide (L), was designed and synthesized based on 1,8-naphthalimide. The probe L contains 1,8-naphthalimide moiety as the fluorophore and a Schiff base as the recognition group. The structure of L was determined by single crystal X-ray. L emission at 526 nm increased on addition of Al3+ under excitation wavelength at 350 nm. L exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity fluorescence emission towards to Al3+ in ethanol/Tris-HCl buffer solution (1:1, v/v, pH = 7.2) as compared with other tested metal ions. A good linearity with a correlation coefficient (R2 ) of 0.99 was observed in the concentration range 2-10 μM. The binding constant and the detection limit of L for Al3+ were calculated to 2.6 × 104 M-1 and 0.34 μM, respectively. The results of experiments that including Job plot, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) light titration, fluorescence titration, ESI-MS and 1 H NMR titration, indicated a 1:1 stoichiometric complex between L and Al3+ . L was highly effective in monitoring Al3+ in real-life Yellow River and tap water samples.


Two adult cases of IgM-associated mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.
Two adult patients with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with diffuse IgM deposition in the glomeruli are reported. Case 1 was a 25-year-old female with nephrotic syndrome who showed complete remission after treatment with prednisolone (PSL). Case 2 was a 46-year-old male with asymptomatic proteinuria who showed incomplete remission (0.5-1.0 g/24 hr) of urinary protein without any medication. In light microscopy, these patients revealed minimal or slight proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells without glomerular sclerosis and crescent formation. Deposition of IgM and C3 was observed in the glomerular mesangial areas and capillary walls by immunofluorescence. Electron-dense deposits were observed in the glomerular mesangial areas in these patients. Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis associated with diffuse IgM deposition in the glomeruli appears to have a benign clinical course. It has also been suggested that this disease has variant clinical courses since we recently experienced two other patients with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with focal IgM deposits who showed renal tubular dysfunction or chronic renal failure.


Application of a Taxonomy to Characterize the Public Health Workforce.
A public health workforce taxonomy was published in 2014 to provide a standardized mechanism for describing public health worker characteristics. The Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) used 7 of the taxonomy's 12 axes as a basis for its survey response choices, 3 of which are the focus of this analysis. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative utility, reliability, and accuracy of the public health workforce taxonomy in categorizing local and state public health workers using a survey tool. This specifically included the goal of reducing the number of responses classified as "other" occupation, certification, or program area by recoding responses into taxonomy categories and determining potential missing categories for recommendation to the advisory committee that developed the taxonomy. Survey questions associated with the occupation, certification, and program area taxonomy axes yielded qualitative data from respondents who selected "other." The "other" responses were coded by 2 separate research teams at the University of Michigan Center of Excellence in Public Health Workforce Studies and NORC at the University of Chicago. Researchers assigned taxonomy categories to all analyzable qualitative responses and assessed the percentage of PH WINS responses that could be successfully mapped to taxonomy categories. Between respondent self-selection and research team recoding, the public health workforce taxonomy successfully categorized 95% of occupation responses, 75% of credential responses, and 83% of program area responses. Occupational categories that may be considered for inclusion in the taxonomy in the future include disease intervention specialists and occupations associated with regulation, certification, and licensing. The public health workforce taxonomy performed remarkably well in categorizing worker characteristics in its first use in a national survey. The analysis provides some recommendations for future taxonomy refinement.


Revisiting the bound on axion-photon coupling from globular clusters.
We derive a strong bound on the axion-photon coupling g(aγ) from the analysis of a sample of 39 Galactic Globular Clusters. As recognized long ago, the R parameter, i.e., the number ratio of stars in horizontal over red giant branch of old stellar clusters, would be reduced by the axion production from photon conversions occurring in stellar cores. In this regard, we have compared the measured R with state-of-the-art stellar models obtained under different assumptions for g(aγ). We show that the estimated value of g(aγ) substantially depends on the adopted He mass fraction Y, an effect often neglected in previous investigations. Taking as a benchmark for our study the most recent determinations of the He abundance in H ii regions with O/H in the same range of the Galactic Globular Clusters, we obtain an upper bound g(aγ)<0.66×10(-10) GeV(-1) at 95% confidence level. This result significantly improves the constraints from previous analyses and is currently the strongest limit on the axion-photon coupling in a wide mass range.


Are your students learning in a safe environment?
Whenever numerous people gather in a limited area the chances for unsafe conditions exisitng increase. A school building is no exception. Each year the results of unsafe conditions in school settings show up in national accident statistics. By law, school districts are required to provide a safe school environment. Specifically, each teacher is responsible for providing a safe learning environment. To help teachers become more aware of a safe environment the authors have developed a self-awareness checklist.


[Oxygen requirements of the isolated dog pancreas].
This contribution reports about the oxygen requirement of the isolated perfused dog pancreas. A solution with the content of red blood corpuscles, a stroma-free hemoglobin solution or a perfusate--free from oxygen carriers--were applied. The oxygen requirement of the pancreas amounts to 0.59 ml/min . 100 g. The oxygen supply of the organ is possible with a flow of 0.50 ml/min . g and an oxygen partial pressure of 65 kPa (487.5 mmHg) also by means of a perfusate free from oxygen carriers.


How social media expression can reveal personality.
Personality psychology studies personality and its variation among individuals and is an essential branch of psychology. In recent years, machine learning research related to personality assessment has started to focus on the online environment and showed outstanding performance in personality assessment. However, the aspects of the personality of these prediction models measure remain unclear because few studies focus on the interpretability of personality prediction models. The objective of this study is to develop and validate a machine learning model with domain knowledge introduced to enhance accuracy and improve interpretability. Study participants were recruited via an online experiment platform. After excluding unqualified participants and downloading the Weibo posts of eligible participants, we used six psycholinguistic and mental health-related lexicons to extract textual features. Then the predictive personality model was developed using the multi-objective extra trees method based on 3,411 pairs of social media expression and personality trait scores. Subsequently, the prediction model's validity and reliability were evaluated, and each lexicon's feature importance was calculated. Finally, the interpretability of the machine learning model was discussed. The features from Culture Value Dictionary were found to be the most important predictors. The fivefold cross-validation results regarding the prediction model for personality traits ranged between 0.44 and 0.48 (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficients of five personality traits between the two "split-half" datasets data ranged from 0.84 to 0.88 (p < 0.001). Moreover, the model performed well in terms of contractual validity. By introducing domain knowledge to the development of a machine learning model, this study not only ensures the reliability and validity of the prediction model but also improves the interpretability of the machine learning method. The study helps explain aspects of personality measured by such prediction models and finds a link between personality and mental health. Our research also has positive implications regarding the combination of machine learning approaches and domain knowledge in the field of psychiatry and its applications to mental health.


Possible role for fundus autofluorescence as a predictive factor for visual acuity recovery after epiretinal membrane surgery.
To study the potential association between fundus autofluorescence, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and visual acuity in patients undergoing surgery because of epiretinal membranes. Prospective, interventional case series including 26 patients submitted to vitrectomy because of symptomatic epiretinal membranes. Preoperative evaluation consisted of a complete ophthalmologic examination, autofluorescence, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Studied variables included foveal autofluorescence (fov.AF), photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction line integrity, external limiting membrane integrity, central foveal thickness, and foveal morphology. All examinations were repeated at the first, third, and sixth postoperative months. The main outcome measures were logarithm of minimal angle resolution visual acuity, fov.AF integrity, and IS/OS integrity. All cases showing a continuous IS/OS line had an intact fov.AF, whereas patients with IS/OS disruption could have either an increased area of foveal hypoautofluorescence or an intact fov.AF, with the latter being associated with IS/OS integrity recovery in follow-up spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging. The only preoperative variables presenting a significant correlation with final visual acuity were baseline visual acuity (P = 0.047) and fov.AF grade (P = 0.023). Recovery of IS/OS line integrity after surgery, in patients with preoperative IS/OS disruption and normal fov.AF, can be explained by the presence of a functional retinal pigment epithelium-photoreceptor complex, supporting normal photoreceptor activity. Autofluorescence imaging provides a functional component to the study of epiretinal membranes, complementing the structural information obtained with optical coherence tomography.


Single-dose evaluation of a new enteric-coated aspirin preparation.
The bioavailability of a new enteric-coated tablet of aspirin (Ecotrin, Smith, Kline and French) was evaluated after single doses to eight volunteers. One tablet was administered to each subject on four occasions--twice after a light breakfast, once after a heavy breakfast and once after pretreatment with metoclopramide. The study utilized non-invasive techniques. The rate of absorption of aspirin was estimated by the time course of concentrations of salicylate in saliva, while the total bioavailability was determined by the recovery of total salicylate in urine. The urinary recovery of aspirin from all 32 trials was 575 +/- 25 mg (mean +/- standard error), representing 89% +/- 4% of the administered dose. The different treatments did not significantly alter the urinary recovery. The absorption of aspirin from the enteric-coated tablets was delayed and slow. Absorption was retarded by a heavy meal and hastened by pretreatment with metoclopramide. The effect of metoclopramide is consistent with the release of aspirin in the small intestine. Overall, the single-dose tests indicated satisfactory functioning of the enteric coating.


Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity of crocin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the antihyperglycemic and protective potential of crocin, a pharmacologically active constituent of Crocus sativus L., in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were administered crocin intraperitoneally at doses of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg of body weight for 6 weeks. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and total thiol (SH) groups were measured in the liver and kidney at the end of 6 weeks. Under our experimental conditions, crocin at a dose of 60 mg/kg was found to significantly reduce the blood glucose level in diabetic animals. In addition, there was a significant increase in TBARS levels and decreased total thiol concentrations in the liver and kidney of diabetic animals. Crocin, at doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg, appears to exert an antioxidative activity demonstrated by a lowering of lipid peroxidation levels in these organs. In conclusion, our findings suggest that crocin has the hypoglycemic and antioxidative properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetes and it may be useful in the management of diabetic patients.


Permissive proteolytic activity for visual cortical plasticity.
The serine protease, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is a key regulator of extracellular proteolytic cascades. We demonstrate a requirement for tPA signaling in the experience-dependent plasticity of mouse visual cortex during the developmental critical period. Proteolytic activity by tPA in the binocular zone was typically increased within 2 days of monocular deprivation (MD). This regulation failed to occur in glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65 knockout mice, an animal model of impaired ocular dominance plasticity because of reduced gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated transmission described previously. Loss of responsiveness to the deprived eye consequent to MD was conversely suppressed in mice lacking tPA despite normal levels of neuronal activity. Plasticity was restored in a gene dose-dependent manner, or by direct tPA infusion. Permissive amounts of tPA may, thus, couple functional to structural changes downstream of the excitatory-inhibitory balance that triggers visual cortical plasticity. Our results not only support a molecular cascade leading to neurite outgrowth after sensory deprivation, but also identify a valuable tool for further proteomic and genomic dissection of experience-dependent plasticity downstream of electrical activity.


Interactions between Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides and human milk oligosaccharides and their associations with infant cognition.
While ample research on independent associations between infant cognition and gut microbiota composition and human milk (HM) oligosaccharides (HMOs) has been reported, studies on how the interactions between gut microbiota and HMOs may yield associations with cognitive development in infancy are lacking. We aimed to determine how HMOs and species of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium genera interact with each other and their associations with cognitive development in typically developing infants. A total of 105 mother-infant dyads were included in this study. The enrolled infants [2.9-12 months old (8.09 ± 2.48)] were at least predominantly breastfed at 4 months old. A total of 170 HM samples from the mothers and fecal samples of the children were collected longitudinally. Using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning to assess cognition and the scores as the outcomes, linear mixed effects models including both the levels of eight HMOs and relative abundance of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium species as main associations and their interactions were employed with adjusting covariates; infant sex, delivery mode, maternal education, site, and batch effects of HMOs. Additionally, regression models stratifying infants based on the A-tetrasaccharide (A-tetra) status of the HM they received were also employed to determine if the associations depend on the A-tetra status. With Bacteroides species, we observed significant associations with motor functions, while Bif. catenulatum showed a negative association with visual reception in the detectable A-tetra group both as main effect (value of p = 0.012) and in interaction with LNFP-I (value of p = 0.007). Additionally, 3-FL showed a positive association with gross motor (p = 0.027) and visual reception (p = 0.041). Furthermore, significant associations were observed with the interaction terms mainly in the undetectable A-tetra group. Specifically, we observed negative associations for Bifidobacterium species and LNT [breve (p = 0.011) and longum (p = 0.022)], and positive associations for expressive language with 3'-SL and Bif. bifidum (p = 0.01), 6'-SL and B. fragilis (p = 0.019), and LNFP-I and Bif. kashiwanohense (p = 0.048), respectively. Our findings suggest that gut microbiota and HMOs are both independently and interactively associated with early cognitive development. In particular, the diverse interactions between HMOs and Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium species reveal different candidate pathways through which HMOs, Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides species potentially interact to impact cognitive development in infancy.


Biosystems Design to Accelerate C3-to-CAM Progression.
Global demand for food and bioenergy production has increased rapidly, while the area of arable land has been declining for decades due to damage caused by erosion, pollution, sea level rise, urban development, soil salinization, and water scarcity driven by global climate change. In order to overcome this conflict, there is an urgent need to adapt conventional agriculture to water-limited and hotter conditions with plant crop systems that display higher water-use efficiency (WUE). Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) species have substantially higher WUE than species performing C3 or C4 photosynthesis. CAM plants are derived from C3 photosynthesis ancestors. However, it is extremely unlikely that the C3 or C4 crop plants would evolve rapidly into CAM photosynthesis without human intervention. Currently, there is growing interest in improving WUE through transferring CAM into C3 crops. However, engineering a major metabolic plant pathway, like CAM, is challenging and requires a comprehensive deep understanding of the enzymatic reactions and regulatory networks in both C3 and CAM photosynthesis, as well as overcoming physiometabolic limitations such as diurnal stomatal regulation. Recent advances in CAM evolutionary genomics research, genome editing, and synthetic biology have increased the likelihood of successful acceleration of C3-to-CAM progression. Here, we first summarize the systems biology-level understanding of the molecular processes in the CAM pathway. Then, we review the principles of CAM engineering in an evolutionary context. Lastly, we discuss the technical approaches to accelerate the C3-to-CAM transition in plants using synthetic biology toolboxes.


Partially hydrolyzed guar gum suppresses the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension in a SU5416/hypoxia rat model.
This study investigated the effects of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) on the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension using a SU5416/hypoxia rat model. Our results demonstrated that PHGG treatment suppressed the development of pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling with an altered gut microbiota composition.


Public attitudes to laws for smoke-free private vehicles: a brief review.
As smoke-free car policy is a frontier domain for tobacco control, attitudes to smoke-free private car laws are briefly reviewed. Medline and Google Scholar searches for the period up to mid-November 2008, from English language sources, were undertaken. Studies were included that contained data from national and subnational populations (eg, in states and provinces), but not for smaller administrative units, eg, cities or councils. Jurisdiction, sample size and survey questions were assessed. One reviewer conducted the data extraction and both authors conducted assessments. A total of 15 relevant studies (from 1988) were identified, set in North America, the UK and Australasia. The available data indicates that, for the jurisdictions with data, there is majority public support for laws requiring cars that contain children to be smoke free. There appears to be an increase over time in this support. In five surveys in 2005 or since (in California, New Zealand and Australia), the support from smokers was 77% or more. The high levels of public (and smoker) support for smoke-free car laws found in the studies to date suggest that this can be a relatively non-controversial tobacco control intervention. Survey series on attitudes to such laws are needed, and surveys in jurisdictions where the issue has not been investigated to date.


Predicting G protein-coupled receptor downstream signaling by tissue expression.
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are central to how cells respond to their environment and a major class of pharmacological targets. However, comprehensive knowledge of which pathways are activated and deactivated by these essential sensors is largely unknown. To better understand the mechanism of GPCR signaling system, we integrated five independent genome-wide expression datasets, representing 275 human tissues and cell lines, with protein-protein interactions and functional pathway data. We found that tissue-specificity plays a crucial part in the function of GPCR signaling system. Only a few GPCRs are expressed in each tissue, which are coupled by different combinations of G-proteins or β-arrestins to trigger specific downstream pathways. Based on this finding, we predicted the downstream pathways of GPCR in human tissues and validated our results with L1000 knockdown data. In total, we identified 154,988 connections between 294 GPCRs and 690 pathways in 240 tissues and cell types. The source code and results supporting the conclusions of this article are available at http://tatonettilab.org/resources/GOTE/source_code/ CONTACT: email@example.com information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.


Dative Au→Al interactions: crystallographic characterization and computational analysis.
Hitherto unknown Au→Al interactions have been evidenced upon coordination of the geminal phosphorus-aluminum Lewis pair Mes2 PC(=CHPh)AltBu2 (Mes=2,4,6-trimethylphenyl). Four different gold(I) complexes featuring alkyl (Me), aryl (Ph, C6F5), and alkynyl (C≡CPh) co-ligands have been prepared. X-ray diffraction analyses show that P→Au→Al bridging coordination induces noticeable bending of the ligand (the PCAl bond angle shrinks by 13°). This new type of transition metal→Lewis acid interaction has been analyzed by DFT calculations.


Spontaneous anterior chamber hemorrhage from the iris: a unique cinematographic documentation.
A 54-year-old white female was observed with an apparent spontaneous idiopathic anterior chamber hemorrhage from the pupillary border of the iris. This event was documented by cinematography. A review of the literature concerning anterior chamber hemorrhage is presented and reports of spontaneous hyphema enumerated. The relationship of the entity of pupillary vascular tufts to the present report are discussed and etiologic factors considered. It is apparent that closer scrutiny of the pupillary border should be performed and iris angiography obtained in a variety of eyes to delineate normal and abnormal variants.


Dealers in Black Gold: Knowledge Attitude, and Practices Among Fecal Sludge Operators in Bengaluru, Southern Karnataka.
Fecal sludge management (FSM) is an unorganised sector, which is wrought with occupational health hazards for fecal sludge operators (FSOs). This study was conducted to identify the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding FSM among FSOs. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Anekal Taluk, Bengaluru Urban District, Karnataka and in Hosur, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. Snowball method of sampling was employed and, 60 participants were interviewed using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. The data has been described using measures of central tendency, frequencies, and percentages. All 60 participants were males with a mean age of 33.7 ± 7.9 years. Majority practised Hindu religion (98.3%) and 95.0% belonged to the scheduled castes; only 3.3% were illiterate. According to modified SLI, 45.0% belonged to high standard of living. The common occupational hazards reported were injuries, social stigma, and alcoholism. Although 91.7% felt that personal protective equipment (PPE) would protect against health hazards, 65.0% felt that it hampered work. Most (86.7%) felt that FSM was attached to social stigma. None reported the use of the full set of required PPE. All participants reported washing their hands and feet with only water at the end of each operation. The knowledge and practices followed by the FSOs were found to be inadequate in this study. Health awareness generation and provision of PPE must be employed to ensure sustained behaviour change.


QuateXelero: an accelerated exact network motif detection algorithm.
Finding motifs in biological, social, technological, and other types of networks has become a widespread method to gain more knowledge about these networks' structure and function. However, this task is very computationally demanding, because it is highly associated with the graph isomorphism which is an NP problem (not known to belong to P or NP-complete subsets yet). Accordingly, this research is endeavoring to decrease the need to call NAUTY isomorphism detection method, which is the most time-consuming step in many existing algorithms. The work provides an extremely fast motif detection algorithm called QuateXelero, which has a Quaternary Tree data structure in the heart. The proposed algorithm is based on the well-known ESU (FANMOD) motif detection algorithm. The results of experiments on some standard model networks approve the overal superiority of the proposed algorithm, namely QuateXelero, compared with two of the fastest existing algorithms, G-Tries and Kavosh. QuateXelero is especially fastest in constructing the central data structure of the algorithm from scratch based on the input network.