A snapshot of the electrochemical reaction layer by using 3 dimensionally resolved fluorescence mapping.
The coupling between electrochemistry and fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy (FCLSM) allows deciphering the electrochemical and/or redox reactivity of electroactive fluorophores. This is demonstrated with phenoxazine electrofluorogenic species frequently used in bioassays by mapping the variation of fluorescence intensity with respect to the distance from the electrode. The electrochemical conversion of resorufin dye (RF) to non-fluorescent dihydroresorufin (DH) leads to a sharp decrease of the fluorescence signal in the vicinity of the electrode. In contrast, the direct reduction of resazurin (RZ) to DH leads to an unexpected maximum fluorescence intensity localized further away from the surface. This observation indicates that the initial electron transfer (heterogeneous) is followed by a chemical comproportionation step (homogeneous), leading to the formation of RF within the diffusion layer with a characteristic concentration profile. Therefore, in situ FCLSM affords a direct way to monitor such chemical reactivity in space and to decipher a new redox pathway that cannot be resolved solely by electrochemical means.


Health effects of air pollutant mixtures (volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, sulfur and nitrogen oxides) - a review of the literature.
The health risks associated with individual air pollutant exposures have been studied and documented, but in real-life, the population is exposed to a multitude of different substances, designated as mixtures. A body of literature on air pollutants indicated that the next step in air pollution research is investigating pollutant mixtures and their potential impacts on health, as a risk assessment of individual air pollutants may actually underestimate the overall risks. This review aims to synthesize the health effects related to air pollutant mixtures containing selected pollutants such as: volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, sulfur and nitrogen oxides. For this review, the PubMed database was used to search for articles published within the last decade, and we included studies assessing the associations between air pollutant mixtures and health effects. The literature search was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A number of 110 studies were included in the review from which data on pollutant mixtures, health effects, methods used, and primary results were extracted. Our review emphasized that there are a relatively small number of studies addressing the health effects of air pollutants as mixtures and there is a gap in knowledge regarding the health effects associated with these mixtures. Studying the health effects of air pollutant mixtures is challenging due to the complexity of components that mixtures may contain, and the possible interactions these different components may have.


[Physical activity levels among Colombian adults: inequalities by gender and socioeconomic status].
Worldwide studies show inequalities in physical activity levels related to socio-demographic characteristics. In Colombia, among the countries in Latin America with the highest inequality, the evidence related to inequalities in physical activity is limited. It is imperative to identify disparities in physical activity in the country, to guide the design of public policies aimed at promoting physical activity. 1) To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of meeting physical activity recommendations; 2) to assess inequalities by gender and socioeconomic status in meeting physical activity recommendations, and 3) to assess the trends in physical activity prevalence within a five-year period. A secondary analysis of data from the 2010 National Nutrition Survey was conducted. The sample included 27,243 adults. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure leisure time and transport domains. Socioeconomic status was measured by the Sisben level. Compared to men, women were less likely to meet physical activity recommendations in all domains. Compared to adults from high socioeconomic-status households, low socioeconomic-status adults had a lower prevalence of meeting physical activity recommendations during leisure time and the highest prevalence of using a bicycle for transport. The factors associated with meeting physical activity recommendations differed by gender and physical activity domain. Household and individual variables explained 13.6% of the inequalities observed by gender, and 23.2% of the inequalities by socioeconomic status. In a five-year period, the prevalence of physical activity in leisure time decreased, while the physical activity of walking for transport increased and biking for transport did not change. Future interventions to increase physical activity levels in Colombia must consider inequalities by gender and socioeconomic status. Of special concern is the low prevalence of meeting physical activity recommendations during leisure time in both women and in the low socioeconomic status population.


Intracranial Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Presenting as Neurosurgical Pathologies.
There are many infectious and inflammatory processes affecting the central nervous system that can simulate other neurosurgical pathologies (e.g. tumor) and may precipitate a brain biopsy for definitive diagnosis if not suspected a priori. The challenge for the healthcare team is to recognize imaging features that support a nonsurgical pathology to avoid unnecessary interventions. This review aims to give a general overview of some common inflammatory and infectious entities that affect the central nervous system, with illustrative examples and highlighting important pearls and pitfalls.


Outer Retinal Dysfunction in the Absence of Structural Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis.
Recent evidence suggests structural changes distal to the inner retina in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The functional correlates of these proposed structural abnormalities remain unclear. We investigated outer retinal function and structure in MS patients, and quantified to what extent outer retinal structure influenced function in these patients. Outer retinal function was assessed using the full-field and multifocal electroretinogram (ERG/MF-ERG), whereas retinal structure was assessed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results were compared with preexisting normative data. The relationships between electrophysiology parameters and the OCT values corresponding to the proposed cellular origins of the ERG and MF-ERG were analyzed. Most electrophysiological responses were delayed in MS patients, independently of optic neuritis (ON). Inner retinal thickness and volumes were reduced, and inner nuclear layer volume marginally increased, in eyes with previous ON; all other OCT parameters were normal. OCT results correlated with ERG amplitudes, but not with ERG peak times or any MF-ERG parameters. We recorded outer retinal dysfunction without detectable abnormalities of the corresponding retinal layers in MS patients, not ascribable to retrograde degeneration following ON. The findings complement a growing body of literature reporting primary retinal abnormalities distal to the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer complex in MS patients, with our data suggesting that this may be a more widespread phenomenon than previously thought. ERG may be of more utility in detecting retinal dysfunction in MS patients than MF-ERG. Analysis of peak times, rather than response amplitudes, is recommended.


Studies on the lipopolysaccharide of a virulent and an avirulent strain of Vibrio vulnificus.
Vibrio vulnificus is a marine bacterium associated with both primary septicemias and wound infections in humans. The lipopolysaccharides of a virulent and an avirulent strain of Vibrio vulnificus were compared with respect to their chemical constituents and electrophoretic characteristics. 2-Keto-3-deoxyoctonic acid, a normal constituent of the lipopolysaccharide of typical Enterobacteriaceae, was not found in the lipopolysaccharide of either strain. Hexadecenoate (C16:1) was the predominant fatty acid of the lipid A moiety of the lipopolysaccharides and of the membrane phospholipids of both strains. Hydroxy fatty acids composed 44% of the total fatty acids of the lipid A of the avirulent and 40% of those in the virulent strain. In addition, odd-numbered fatty acids were detected in both lipopolysaccharides. The electrophoretic profile was similar for both strains, but demonstrated no "ladder-like" pattern characteristic of "smooth" lipopolysaccharides. The result of this study showed no significant differences between the lipopolysaccharides of the virulent and avirulent strains of Vibrio vulnificus. The possible role for lipopolysaccharide in pathogenesis of Vibrio vulnificus infections is discussed.


[Clinical observation of long-time needle retaining at Baihui (GV 20) on post-stroke cognitive disorder of qi deficiency and blood stasis].
To observe the clinical efficacy of long-time needle retaining at Baihui (GV 20) on post-stroke cognitive disorder of qi deficiency and blood stasis. A total of 70 patients (3 cases dropping) with post-stroke cognitive disorder of qi deficiency and blood stasis were randomized into an observation group (34 cases) and a control group (33 cases). Neurological routine treatment and western medicine rehabilitation therapy were given in the control group as the basic treatment, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, long-time needle retaining at Baihui (GV 20) was applied in the observation group. The treatment was given once every other day, 3 times a week for a total of 4 weeks. The National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and qi deficiency blood stasis syndrome scale score were observed before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, the NIHSS scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (both P<0.01), and the MMSE and MoCA scores were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the scores in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all P<0.01). After treatment, the scores of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were lower than those before treatment (all P<0.01). The scores of the shortness of breath, facial color, tongue pulse and dizziness in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the degree of spontaneous sweating between the two groups (P>0.05). The total effective rate was 94.1% (32/34) in the observation group, which was higher than 75.8% (25/33) in the control group (P<0.05). Long-time needle retaining at Baihui (GV 20) is safe and effective in treating with post-stroke cognitive disorder of qi deficiency and blood stasis.


CID1067700, a late endosome GTPase Rab7 receptor antagonist, attenuates brain atrophy, improves neurologic deficits and inhibits reactive astrogliosis in rat ischemic stroke.
Increasing evidence suggests that Ras-related in brain 7 (Rab7), an endosome-localized small GTPase contributes to cerebral ischemic brain injury. In the present study, we investigated the role of Rab7 in ischemic stroke-induced formation of astrogliosis and glial scar. Rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO); the rats were injected with the Rab7 receptor antagonist CID1067700 (CID). Primary astrocytes were subjected to an oxygen and glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/Re) procedure; CID was added to the cell culture media. We found that Rab7 was significantly elevated over time in both the in vivo and in vitro astrocytic injury models, and administration of CID significantly down-regulated the glial scar markers such as glial fibillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurocan and phosphacan. Moreover, administration of CID significantly attenuated the brain atrophy and improved neurologic deficits in tMCAO rats, and protected astrocytes against OGD/Re-induced injury. Further, CID downregulated the protein levels of Lamp1 and active cathepsin B in astrocytes after OGD/Re or tMCAO injury; CID inhibited the co-localization of cathepsin B and Rab7, Lamp1 and Rab7; CID decreased OGD/Re-induced increase in lysosomal membrane permeability and blocked OGD/Re-induced release of cathepsin B from the lysosome into the cytoplasm in astrocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that Rab7 is involved in ischemic stroke-induced formation of astrogliosis and glial scar. CID administration attenuates brain atrophy and improves neurologic deficits and inhibits astrogliosis and glial scar formation after ischemic stroke via reducing the activation and release of cathepsin B from the lysosome into the cytoplasm.


Eltrombopag in long-term management of pediatric thrombocytopenia.
Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist that may be effective in a broad range of thrombocytopenias of distinct etiology. We have observed rapid, robust, and sustained responses to eltrombopag in two young patients with refractory thrombocytopenia, one with primary immune thrombocytopenia and the other with Evans syndrome.


Type of kindergarten and other potential determinants of overweight in pre-school children.
The study aimed to assess the relationship of various types of kindergarten differing in length of care and food availability with the development of overweight in pre-school children. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2002 in Stuttgart, Germany, as part of the school entrance examination. Height and weight of 2140 children (participation 70.2%) were measured and information on type of kindergarten and other potential determinants of overweight was collected by a parental questionnaire. Change in relative body mass index (BMI) position between the ages of 4 and 6 years was assessed using medical records. The prevalence of overweight or change in relative BMI position did not differ according to the type of kindergarten. For the prevalence of overweight in German children, adjusted odds ratios (OR) comparing institutions that open only in the morning with those opening in the morning and afternoon or for the full day were 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40, 1.83) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.25, 1.58), respectively. Parental BMI and duration of television watching were positively associated, and maternal educational status and duration of breast-feeding were negatively associated, with overweight and/or change in relative BMI position. The prevalence of overweight was substantially higher among non-German than among German children (adjusted OR 2.17 (95% CI 1.53, 3.07)). These data show no association between different types of kindergarten and the development of overweight in early childhood. Duration of television watching and breast-feeding, as well as the relatively high prevalence of overweight in ethnic minorities, deserve further attention.


RSK2 is required for TRAF6 phosphorylation-mediated colon inflammation.
Inflammation is a complex biological host reaction to tissue damage, infection and trauma. Extensive study of the inflammatory response has led to the identification of several protein kinases that are essential for signaling and could be potential therapeutic targets. The RSK family of kinases has multiple cellular functions. In our study, we found that RSK2 is a mediator for inflammation signaling and interacts with TRAF6. In vitro kinase assay results indicated that RSK2 strongly phosphorylates TRAF6 at serines 46, 47 and 48. Ectopic overexpression of TRAF6 or knocking down RSK2 expression confirmed that RSK2 is a positive regulator of TRAF6 K63 ubiquitination. TRAF6 is also required for RSK2 ubiquitination. TRAF6 bridges the TNF receptor superfamily and intracellular signaling for the induction of proinflammatory cytokines. We developed a colon inflammation model using RSK2 wild type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. As expected, F4/80 and CD3 infiltration were significantly upregulated in WT mice compared to RSK2 KO mice. Furthermore, inflammation signaling, including Ikkα/β, p38 and JNKs, was dramatically upregulated in WT mice. Colon tissue immunoprecipitation results further confirmed that TRAF6 K63 ubiquitination was lower in RSK2 KO mice. Overall, these results indicate that phosphorylation of TRAF6 (S46, 47, 48) by RSK2 is required for TRAF6 K63 ubiquitination and inflammation signaling.


[Determination of the resistance to organophosphate, carbamate, and pyrethroid insecticides in Panamanian Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes].
The susceptibility of Anopheles albimanus to organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroid insecticides was unknown in the Panama communities of Aguas Claras, Pintupo and Puente Bayano, located in the Amerindian Reservation of Madungandi. This region is considered a malaria transmission area, where An. albimanus is the main vector. The resistance to organophosphate insecticides, carbamates and pyrethroids was evaluated in field populations of the Anopheles albimanus in Panama. Progeny of An. albimanus collected in three localities in the indigenous Madugandi region were exposed to bioassays of susceptibility to organophosphate insecticides (fenitrothion, malathion and chlorpyrifos), the carbamate (propoxur) and pyrethroids (deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin, cyfluthrin and cypermethrin). The protocols were in accordance with those established for adult mosquitoes by World Health Organization. The three strains of the An. albimanus were resistant to the pyrethroid insecticides deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin, cyfluthrin and cypermethrin. Susceptibility remained for the organophosphate insecticides fenitrothion, malathion, chlorpyrifos, and the carbamate insecticide propoxur. The results provided important information to the vector control program, contributing to the application of new strategies on the use of insecticides, and thereby lengthening the life of the insecticide in use.


Molting in Salmonella Enteritidis-challenged laying hens fed alfalfa crumbles. II. Fermentation and microbial ecology response.
The objective of this study was to examine microbial population shifts and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) responses in the gastrointestinal tract of Salmonella Enteritidis-challenged molted and nonmolted hens fed different dietary regimens. Fifteen Salmonella-free Single Comb Leghorn hens (>50 wk old) were assigned to 3 treatment groups of 5 birds each based on diet in 2 trials: 100% alfalfa crumbles (ALC), full-fed (FF, nonmolted) 100% commercial layer ration, and feed withdrawal (FW). A forced molt was induced by either a 12-d alfalfa diet or FW. In all treatment groups, each hen was challenged by crop gavage orally 4 d after molt induction with a 1-mL inoculum containing 10(6) cfu of Salmonella Enteritidis. Fecal and cecal samples (d 4, 6, 8, 11, and necropsy on d 12) were collected postchallenge. Microbial population shifts were evaluated by PCR-based 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplification and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and SCFA concentrations were measured. Total SCFA in fecal and cecal contents for FW molted hens were generally lower (P < or = 0.05) in the later stages of the molt period when compared to ALC and FF treatment groups. The overall trend of SCFA in cecal and fecal samples exhibited similar patterns. In trials 1 and 2, hens molted with ALC diet generally yielded more similar amplicon band patterns with the FF hens in both fecal and cecal samples by the end of the molting period than with FW hens. The results of these studies suggest that ALC molted hens supported microflora and fermentation activities, which were more comparable to FF hens than FW hens by the end of the molting period.


Evaluation of the root canal shaping ability of two rotary nickel-titanium systems.
The aim was to investigate the canal shaping abilities of the twisted file (TF) and GT series X file (GTX) systems. Sixty mesial root canals of mandibular molars with curvatures of 15-50° were divided randomly into two groups of 30 canals each. The teeth were sectioned horizontally at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apex. Root canals were prepared with TF and GTX files, respectively, and the shaping abilities of the systems were evaluated at three levels (coronal, middle and apical) based on the comparison of pre- and post-instrumentation photographs using AutoCAD software. Preparation time was also assessed. Data from the two groups were compared statistically using the Student's t-test. There was no significant difference between the rotary systems in terms of change in root canal cross-sectional area, root canal transportation, centring ability or minimum dentine thickness. Remaining dentine thickness at the coronal and middle levels was similar in the TF and GTX groups, but GTX instruments left significantly less dentine than TF instruments on the mesial aspects of root canals at the apical level. Root canal preparation with TF instruments required significantly less time than with GTX instruments. The TF and GTX NiTi rotary instruments showed similar shaping abilities, but root canal preparation was more rapid with the TF than with the GTX system.


An HIV risk-reduction intervention in an adolescent correctional facility: lessons learned.
Adolescents are now being described as the generation most at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Incarcerated young women remain a group at even greater risk, with markedly higher HIV seroprevalence rates compared with their male counterparts. In preparing for a longitudinal, randomized, controlled trial, our research team conducted a pilot project with incarcerated adolescent women. The purpose of this report is to offer clinicians and researchers interested in working with this population some insights on how to approach young women in detention and the logistics of carrying out a program in a correctional facility.


Not all players are equally motivated: The role of narcissism.
Research on motivational climates consistently demonstrates that mastery-focused climates are associated with positive outcomes and ego-involving performance climates lead to maladaptive outcomes. However, the role of personality within such a framework has been largely ignored. To redress this imbalance, we examined the potential role of narcissism in moderating the effects of different motivational climates on leader-inspired extra effort in training. Training is where rugby players spend most of their rugby time and we were keen to examine the combination of personality and climate that might maximise the yield of such training environments. Female rugby players (n = 126) from 15 clubs completed measures of narcissism, motivational climate and effort. Moderated regression analyses revealed that narcissism moderated the relationship between motivational climate and effort. Increases in either performance or mastery climates were associated with increases in effort for narcissists; no such relationship was revealed for low narcissists. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering personality within rugby training environments, as it is clear that not every player will respond the same way to specific training conditions. Coaches who understand this and are able to tailor individualised motivational climates will likely gain the greatest benefits from their different players.


A low-cost bio-inspired integrated carbon counter electrode for high conversion efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells.
A novel bio-inspired Pt- and FTO-free integrated pure carbon counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has been designed and fabricated using a porous carbon sheet as a conducting substrate and ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) as the catalytic layer. A rigid, crustose lichen-like, integrated carbon-carbon composite architecture with a catalytic layer rooted in a porous conducting substrate was formed by a process of polymer precursor spin coating, infiltration and pyrolysis. The integrated pure carbon CE shows very low series resistance (R(s)), owing to the high conductivity of the carbon sheet (sheet resistance of 488 mΩ □(-1)) and low charge-transfer resistance (R(ct)), due to the large specific surface area of the OMC layer that is accessible to the redox couple. The values of R(s) and R(ct) are much lower than those of a platinized fluorine-doped thin oxide glass (Pt/FTO) electrode. Cells with this CE show high solar-to-electricity conversion efficiencies (8.11%), comparable to that of Pt/FTO based devices (8.16%).


Gas exchange in man during combined +Gz acceleration and exercise.
Gravity and acceleration from head to foot (+Gz) handicap gas exchange by shifting blood from thorax to dependent veins and creating a ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch in the lung. At 1 G leg exercise improves V/Q matching. Gas exchange was measured in six subjects +1, +2, and +3 Gz during rest and two levels of exercise, either unloaded pedaling or 600 kpm/min. The VO2 for pedaling was clearly related to G level, but work efficiency was unaffected. Acceleration lowered resting Pao2 while raising VE/VO2, HR, AaDo2, VD, and VD/VT. Unloaded pedaling returned VE/VO2 and HR toward their 1-G values. In contrast, at 3 G each increase in VO2 caused a fall in Pao2 and a rise in AaDo2. The VD showed no further change with exercise, while VD/VT decreased at all G levels. It thus appears that only some of the effects of acceleration are counteracted by exercise, probably by the peripheral muscle pump. Any accompanying rise in VO2 adds to the stress of acceleration, due to limitations on gas transport.


[Involvement of endogenous tachykinins in the development of jejunal mucosa injury induced by on-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs].
Previous studies have shown that tachykinins, the largest family of neuropeptides, affect the development of mucosal damage in the stomach and colon. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of tachykinins receptors antagonists on the development of the mucosa injury in the proximal and distal jejunum. Mucosal damage was induced by administration of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), indomethacin, celecoxib or combination of indomethacin plus celecoxib given intragastrically. NK-1 receptor antagonist (SR 140333), NK-2 receptor antagonist (SR 48968) and NK-3 receptor antagonist (SR 142801) were administered intraperitoneally twice, 30 min before treatment with NSAID and again 24 h later, 30 min before the end of the experiment. Administration of indomethacin, a relatively selective inhibitor for cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), induced mucosal lesions in the jejunum. Lesions area in the distal jejunum was 8-fold bigger than in the proximal jejunum. This effect was associated with a significant reduction in mucosal blood flow and an increase in mucosal concentration of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Celecoxib, selective inhibitor for COX-2 failed to induce mucosal lesions and did not affect the mucosal blood flow and IL-1beta concentration in the proximal and distal jejunum. In rats treated with a combination of indomethacin plus celecoxib, ulcers reached maximal area. This effect was associated with the highest concentration of mucosal IL-1beta and maximal reduction in mucosal blood flow. Administration of NK-1 receptor antagonist, SR 140333 reduced jejunal damage induced by indomethacin given alone or in combination with celecoxib. This effect was associated with significant reduction in mucosal concentration of IL-1beta. Effect of SR 140333 on mucosal blood flow was statistically insignificant. Neither NK-2 nor NK-3 receptor inhibitor affected mucosal blood flow, IL-1beta concentration area of NSAIDs-induced mucosal damage in the jejunum. Blockade of NK-1 receptor protects the jejunum against NSAIDs-induced mucosal injury and reduces local inflammation. This observation indicates the involvement of endogenous tachykinins in deleterious effects of NSAID.


Chemical Nanopatterns via Nanoimprint Lithography for Simultaneous Control over Azimuthal and Polar Alignment of Liquid Crystals.
Chemical nanopatterns down to 50 nm in feature size have been fabricated via nanoimprint lithography and used to simultaneously control azimuthal and polar orientation of liquid crystals (LCs). The polar orientation depends on the ratio of the homeotropic/planar surface potential areas, while the LC azimuthally orients along the direction of the silane patterns.


External cavity lasing pumped stimulated Brillouin scattering in a high Q microcavity.
Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in a microcavity is usually realized by employing a wavelength tunable external cavity diode laser (TECDL) as the pump source. In this Letter, we report the observation of SBS in a high Q microcavity based on a TECDL-free scheme. The microcavity is employed as a mode-reflecting mirror for constructing a fiber-ring laser and, simultaneously, pumped by the fiber-ring lasing with intrinsic resonance latching. Several regimes are observed in a microcavity with a diameter of ∼215 μm, such as single lasing pumped SBS and multiple regular lasing pumped SBSs (single or cascaded). The microwave signals from the beat notes of the composite output lasing are measured with full-width at half-maximum on the scale of kilohertz at ∼11 and ∼22 GHz, indicating the high coherence between the pump and the Brillouin lasing.


Omphalocoele, ten years experience at a tertiary care hospital.
Omphalocoele is a rare congenital anterior abdominal wall defect. We present 12 cases of Omphalocoele seen in our hospital. Further, we have discussed the clinical presentation, antenatal diagnosis, associated abnormalities and final outcome of the cases.


Additions to the revision of Dima Charpentier, 1825 (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Dimini) in the Balkan Peninsula, with the descriptions of five new species.
Complementary revisionary information is provided for the click-beetle genus Dima Charpentier, 1825 in the Balkan Peninsula. Five species are described as new for science: Dima bialookii sp. nov. (Greece), D. blazeji sp. nov. (Albania), D. gazureki sp. nov. (Albania), D. timfristosensis sp. nov. (Greece), and D. tomorrensis sp. nov. (Albania). The male of D. hirtipennis Platia, 2011 is described for the first time. Dima etoliensis Platia, 2012 syn. nov. is a subjective junior synonym of D. evritaniensis Schimmel Platia, 2008. New specimens and distributional data are reported for D. assingi Schimmel Platia, 2008, D. dalmatina Küster, 1844, D. elateroides Charpentier, 1825, D. evritaniensis, D. florinensis Platia, 2012, D. hirtipennis, D. hladilorum Schimmel, 1987, D. lebenbaueri Schimmel Platia, 2008, D. macedonica Schimmel, 1993, D. marvani Mertlik Dusanek, 2006, D. neumanni Platia, 2013, D. olympica Meschnigg, 1934, D. parnonensis Schimmel Platia, 2008, D. pecoudi Fleutiaux, 1944, D. pelikani Mertlik, Németh Kundrata, 2017, D. pelionensis Mertlik, Németh Kundrata, 2017, D. vailatii Schimmel Platia, 2008, and Dima sp. cf. orientalis Mertlik, Németh Kundrata, 2017. Morphological variability in D. hladilorum is discussed. Figures of habitus and main diagnostic features are provided for all new species, D. evritaniensis from Nerosirtis surroundings in Panetolikó Mts. (i.e., type locality of D. etoliensis syn. nov.), and for the male of D. hirtipennis. Additionally, we update the distribution maps for the genus Dima in the Balkans based on the new findings. Currently, 37 described species of Dima are known from the Balkan Peninsula. We discuss the morphological diagnostic characters for Dima species and call for the molecular phylogenetic study for this group.


In vitro mineralization of dual grafted polytetrafluoroethylene membranes.
The modification of biomaterials by radiation induced grafting is a promising method to improve their bioactivity. Successful introduction of carboxyl and amine functional groups on the surface of a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane was achieved by grafting of acrylic acid (AA) and 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride (AEMA) using simultaneous gamma irradiation grafting. Chemical characterization by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of amine and carboxylate functionalities and indicated that all protonated amines formed ion pairs with carboxyl groups, but not all carboxyl are involved in ion pairing. It was found that the irradiation doses (2, 5, or 10 kGy) affected the grafting outcome only when sulfuric acid (0.5 or 0.9 M) was added as a polymerization enhancer. The use of the inorganic acid successfully enhanced the total graft yield (GY), but the changes in the graft extent (GE) were not conclusive. Dual functional films were produced by either a one- or a two-step process. Generally, higher GY and GE values were observed for the samples produced by the two-step grafting of AA and AEMA. The in vitro mineralization in 1.5× simulated body fluid (SBF) induced the formation of carbonated hydroxyapatite as verified by FITR. All samples showed an increase in weight after mineralization with significantly larger increases observed for the samples which had the 1.5× SBF changed every third day compared to every seventh. For the dual functional samples, it was found that the sample grafted by the one-step method shows a significantly higher increase in weight despite a much lower GY compared to the sample prepared by the two-step method and this was attributed to the different architecture of grafted chains.


Variation of common carotid artery elasticity with intimal-medial thickness: the ARIC Study. Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities.
The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study is a prospective investigation of the etiology and natural history of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in four U.S. communities. The purpose of this work is to investigate the relationship between common carotid artery elasticity and intimal-medial thickness (IMT) in the four race-gender groups represented in the ARIC cohort. Noninvasive ultrasonic methods were used to measure IMT and the [systolic minus diastolic] diameter change (DC) of the left common carotid artery in 10,920 black and white, men and women between the ages of 45 and 64 y. The relationship between DC and IMT and IMT2 was examined after adjustment of DC for age, height, diastolic diameter, diastolic blood pressure and linear and quadratic terms for pulse pressure. This adjusted value of DC was used as an index of elasticity of the common carotid artery in the ARIC cohort with larger values of adjusted DC implying a more elastic vessel. The general behavior of adjusted DC with increasing IMT was observed to be qualitatively similar in all four race-gender groups. Adjusted DC remained nearly constant or increased slightly for values of IMT between approximately 0.4 and 0.8 mm, up to approximately the 90th percentile of IMT, and then decreased above the 90th percentile of IMT. Common carotid artery elasticity, defined as adjusted DC, varies with increasing IMT in the ARIC cohort in a manner consistent with results from previous studies in animals and human subjects addressing the variation of several elasticity indices with atherosclerotic involvement and risk factor exposure in the aorta, and brachial and radial arteries. Our results suggest that thicker common carotid artery walls in middle-aged U.S. populations are no stiffer than thinner walls, except for the thickest 10% of arteries. Since the distal common carotid artery frequently contains atheromatous plaques in this population, the lack of change in stiffness, indeed, the reduction in stiffness per unit thickness, may reflect the various stages of early common carotid atherosclerosis most often found in this population. These are characterized more by destruction of arterial wall structural elements than by changes such as widespread or circumferential sclerosis, which would strengthen and stiffen the artery.


Role of hydrogen bonding in ligand interaction with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ion channel.
Displacement of [3H]MK-801 (dizocilpine, 1) binding to rat brain membranes has been used to evaluate the affinities of novel dibenzocycloalkenimines related to 1 for the ion channel binding site (also known as the phencyclidine or PCP receptor) on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of excitory amino acid receptor. In common with many other agents having actions in the central nervous system, these compounds contain a hydrophobic aromatic moiety and a basic nitrogen atom. The conformational rigidity of these ligands provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the importance of specific geometrical properties that influence active-site recognition, in particular the role of the nitrogen atom in hydrogen-bonding interactions. The relative affinities (IC50s) of hydrocarbon-substituted analogues of 1 and ring homologated cyclooctenimines illustrate the importance of size-limited hydrophobic binding of both aryl rings and of the quaternary C-5 methyl group. Analysis of the binding of a series of the 10 available structurally rigid dibenzoazabicyclo[x.y.z]alkanes, by using molecular modeling techniques, uncovered a highly significant correlation between affinity and a proposed ligand-active site hydrogen bonding vector (r = 0.950, p less than 0.001). These results are used to generate a pharmacophore of the MK-801 recognition site/PCP receptor, which accounts for the binding of all of the known ligands.


[Acute fatty liver of pregnancy].
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare complication of pregnancy which is potentially fatal to mother and child. A primigravida at term with gestational diabetes presented at hospital complaining mainly of nausea and vomiting. Test results were consistent with acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP). Due to the seriousness and rapid progression of the disease, we strove for a rapid delivery. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit, but was eventually able to leave hospital in a good condition with a healthy child. AFLP is a rare and potentially dangerous condition of pregnancy and requires multidisciplinary collaboration. Knowledge of clinical symptoms, early diagnosis, treatment and anticipation of expected complications is essential to prevent the death of mother and child. Diabetes gravidarum can complicate the making of the diagnosis. More research into potential early diagnostics or screening instruments and the long-term outcomes for mother and child is necessary.


Paroxetine use in medically ill patients.
Depression is a highly prevalent disorder in the adult population and often worsens the prognosis of comorbid medical illnesses. Recent research has illuminated biological mechanisms by which psychiatric and medical illnesses, as well as their treatments, may affect each other. The relationship between depression and ischemic heart disease is particularly well studied in this regard. The efficacy and safety of antidepressants in the treatment of depression in medically ill patients is an area of increasing interest. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often considered the treatment of choice in this clinical setting because of their demonstrated efficacy and safety. This article reviews published studies of SSRIs in the treatment of depression in patients with medical illnesses, with a focus on the contributions of paroxetine.


Agronomic Effectiveness of Granulated and Powdered P-Exchanged Mg-Al LDH Relative to Struvite and MAP.
Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) used to recover P from wastewater have recently been proposed as new slow-release fertilizers. Here, the use of P-exchanged Mg-Al LDHs as powdered or granulated fertilizer is explored and compared with monoammonium phosphate (MAP), a fully water-soluble fertilizer, and with struvite, a recycled phosphate fertilizer with lower solubility. First, these three fertilizers were compared in a 100-day incubation experiment using P diffusion visualization and chemical analysis to assess P release from either granules or powdered fertilizer in three different soils. By the end of the incubation, 74-90% of P remained within the LDH granule, confirming a slow release. Second, a pot experiment was performed with wheat (Triticum aestivum) in an acid and a calcareous soil. The granular treatment resulted in a considerably higher P uptake for MAP compared to LDH and struvite. For the powder treatments, the P uptake was less than for granular MAP and was largely unaffected by the chemical form. The LDHs and struvite showed a lower agronomic effectiveness than granular MAP, but the benefits of their use in P recycling, potential residual value, and environmental benefits may render these slow-release fertilizers attractive.


Life on Facebook: self-care in renal transplantation patients.
To analyze self-care in renal transplantation patients. Qualitative research, inspired in the post-structuralism. The empirical material was composed by the posts of a Facebook group of Renal Transplantation Patients, collected from February to May of 2016, totaling 53 posts from 35 participants. The research data were analyzed under the perspective of cultural analysis, using theories derived from Foucault. Self-care in renal transplantation patients was identified by the preoccupation with themselves and others, habits and lifestyles, restrictions and limitations that the disease imposes, such as lessons, ways of living and lifestyles after the procedure. This experience forces people that have been submitted to renal transplantation to reflect on the lifestyle they follow. The group also stimulates adhesion to treatment.


A perspective on benzene leukemogenesis.
Although benzene is best known as a compound that causes bone marrow depression leading to aplastic anemia in animals and humans, it also induces acute myelogenous leukemia in humans. The epidemiological evidence for leukemogenesis in humans is contrasted with the results of animal bioassays. This review focuses on several of the problems that face those investigators attempting to unravel the mechanism of benzene-induced leukemogenesis. Benzene metabolism is reviewed with the aim of suggesting metabolites that may play a role in the etiology of the disease. The data relating to the formation of DNA adducts and their potential significance are analyzed. The clastogenic activity of benzene is discussed both in terms of biomarkers of exposure and as a potential indication of leukemogenesis. In addition to chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchange, and micronucleus formation, the significance of chromosomal translocations is discussed. The mutagenic activity of benzene metabolites is reviewed and benzene is placed in perspective as a leukemogen with other carcinogens and the lack of leukemogenic activity by compounds of related structure is noted. Finally, a pathway from exposure to benzene to eventual leukemia is discussed in terms of biochemical mechanisms, the role of cytokines and related factors, latency, and expression of leukemia.


Hygienic practice during complementary feeding and its associated factors among mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months in Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia.
Complementary feeding is an important stage in a child's development as it provides the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. However, improper handling, storage, and preparation of complementary foods can result in contamination by microorganisms, leading to foodborne illnesses and malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine hygienic practices during complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-24 months in Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia. A community-based, cross-sectional study was undertaken among mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months from December 1-30, 2022. A total of 602 participants were recruited using a simple random sampling procedure. The hygienic practice of complementary feeding was assessed based on a related seven items questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha 0.72). Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 26. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the statistically significant factors associated with proper hygienic practice of complementary feeding. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis model were considered statistically significant. The study indicated that 42.0%, (95% confidence interval (CI): 38, 45.8) of the mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months had proper hygienic practices during complementary feeding. Mothers who could read and write (adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 3.36, 95% CI (1.53, 7.41)) and those who had completed primary school (AOR: 1.7, 95% CI (1.02, 2.85)), media exposure (AOR: 3.38, 95% CI (2.1, 5.4)), and attitude toward hygienic practice (AOR: 3.29, 95% CI (2.2, 4.91)) were independent predictors of hygiene practices during complementary feeding. This study found that the prevalence of hygiene practices during complementary feeding was relatively low. Being educated, access to media, and positive attitudes toward hygienic practices were predicting factors. As a result, strengthening training and counseling services for mothers regarding complementary feeding and processing is recommended.


HEADS UP: Design and Methods of a Louisiana State-Funded Surgical and Non-Surgical Weight Loss Program.
This paper describes the methodology, design and procedures used in the HEADS UP Project, an observational study to examine the feasibility of a state-funded weight loss program. HEADS UP offered two weight loss approaches: bariatric surgery or a non-surgical intervention composed of medical management, a low-calorie liquid diet and lifestyle change promotion. Participants were recruited through a multi-stage screening process, in-person interviews, and an initial low-calorie diet program. Eligible participants were entered into a lottery system, with 100 participants selected for the surgical group and 200 selected for the non-surgical group annually for five years. Anthropometric, clinical, and psychosocial assessments were completed at baseline and follow-ups. More than 6800 individuals completed the initial web screening. Screening procedures yielded 1412 participants (490 surgical and 922 non-surgical). Approximately 84% of the total participant population were female and 38% were Black. Participants had an average body mass index of 47.9 and 43 kg/m2 in the surgical and non-surgical groups, respectively. Recruitment and enrollment results of the HEADS UP study demonstrated significant interest in both the surgical and non-surgical treatment programs for obesity. These results support the feasibility of providing a state-funded weight loss program within a healthcare setting.


Effects of p38MAPK isoforms on renal mesangial cell inducible nitric oxide synthase expression.
Several related isoforms of p38MAPK have been identified and cloned in many species. Although they all contain the dual phosphorylation motif TGY, the expression of these isoforms is not ubiquitous. p38alpha and -beta2 are ubiquitously expressed, whereas p38gamma and -delta appear to have more restricted expression. Because there is evidence for selective activation by upstream kinases and selective preference for downstream substrates, the functions of these conserved proteins is still incompletely understood. We have demonstrated that the renal mesangial cell expresses the mRNA for all the isoforms of p38MAPK, with p38alpha mRNA expressed at the highest level, followed by p38gamma and the lowest levels of expression by p38beta2 and -delta. To determine the functional effects of these proteins on interleukin (IL)-1beta-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, we transduced TAT-p38 chimeric proteins into renal mesangial cells and assessed the effects of wild-type and mutant p38 isoforms on ligand induced iNOS expression. We show that whereas p38gamma and -delta had minimal effects on iNOS expression, p38alpha and -beta2 significantly altered its expression. p38alpha mutant and p38beta2 wild-type dose dependently inhibited IL-1beta-induced iNOS expression. These data suggest that p38alpha and beta2 have reciprocal effects on iNOS expression in the mesangial cell, and these observations may have important consequences for the development of selective inhibitors targeting the p38MAPK family of proteins.


Biosynthesis of erythromycin: origin of the methyl protons.
13C-Nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopy has been used to locate deuterium atoms incorporated biosynthetically into erythromycin from [3-13CD3]- and [3-13C]sodium propionate and L-[13CD3]- and L-[13C]methionine in Saccharopolyspora erythraea JCM 4748. The alpha-shifts of deuterated methyl groups were clearly observed in broad-band deuterium and proton-decoupled 13C-NMR spectra. The seven propionate-derived methyl groups and the four methionine-derived methyl groups were shown to undergo no exchange of methyl protons during the biosynthesis of erythromycin.


Atomic force microscopy analysis of enamel nanotopography after interproximal reduction.
Interproximal reduction (IPR) removes enamel and leaves grooves and furrows on the tooth surface, which may increase the risk of caries. The aims of this study were to assess the nanotopography of enamel surfaces produced by the most commonly used IPR instruments and to evaluate the effect of polishing after IPR. Enamel slabs were cut from the interproximal surfaces of healthy premolars and then treated with diamond burs, strips, or discs, or Sof-Lex polishing discs (3M ESPE, St Paul, Minn). All samples were cleaned by sonication in distilled water. The control group had no IPR performed and was subjected only to cleaning by sonication. The enamel surfaces were assessed using atomic force microscopy. The IPR instruments all produced surfaces rougher than the control sample; however, the samples that received polishing with Sof-Lex discs after enamel reduction were smoother than untreated enamel (P <0.05 for all comparisons). The larger grit medium diamond burs and medium strips generated rougher enamel surfaces than their smaller grit counterparts: fine diamond burs and fine strips (P <0.001). The difference in roughness generated by mesh and curved disks was not statistically significant (P = 0.122), nor was the difference caused by fine strips and mesh discs (P = 0.811) or by fine strips and curved discs (P = 0.076) (surface roughness values for medium bur, 702 ± 134 nm; medium strip, 501 ± 115 nm; mesh disc, 307 ± 107 nm; fine bur, 407 ± 95 nm; fine strip, 318 ± 50 nm; curved disc, 224 ± 65 nm). The smoothest surfaces were created by use of the entire series of Sof-Lex polishing discs after the enamel reduction (surface roughness, 37 ± 14 nm), and these surfaces were significantly smoother than the control surfaces (surface roughness, 149 ± 39 nm; P = 0.017). Different IPR instruments produced enamel surfaces with varied nanotopography and different degrees of roughness. Enamel surfaces treated with diamond-coated burs were the roughest, followed by diamond-coated strips and diamond coated discs. Polishing with Sof-Lex polishing discs after IPR reduced the enamel surface roughness, and this surface was even smoother than untreated enamel.


Nanomedicine delivery: does protein corona route to the target or off road?
Nanomedicine aims to find novel solutions for urgent biomedical needs. Despite this, one of the most challenging hurdles that nanomedicine faces is to successfully target therapeutic nanoparticles to cells of interest in vivo. As for any biomaterials, once in vivo, nanoparticles can interact with plasma biomolecules, forming new entities for which the name protein coronas (PCs) have been coined. The PC can influence the in vivo biological fate of a nanoparticle. Thus for guaranteeing the desired function of an engineered nanomaterial in vivo, it is crucial to dissect its PC in terms of formation and evolution within the body. In this contribution we will review the 'good' and 'bad' sides of the PC, starting from the scientific aspects to the technological applications.


South african papilionoid legumes are nodulated by diverse burkholderia with unique nodulation and nitrogen-fixation Loci.
The root-nodule bacteria of legumes endemic to the Cape Floristic Region are largely understudied, even though recent reports suggest the occurrence of nodulating Burkholderia species unique to the region. In this study, we considered the diversity and evolution of nodulating Burkholderia associated with the endemic papilionoid tribes Hypocalypteae and Podalyrieae. We identified distinct groups from verified rhizobial isolates by phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA and recA housekeeping gene regions. In order to gain insight into the evolution of the nodulation and diazotrophy of these rhizobia we analysed the genes encoding NifH and NodA. The majority of these 69 isolates appeared to be unique, potentially representing novel species. Evidence of horizontal gene transfer determining the symbiotic ability of these Cape Floristic Region isolates indicate evolutionary origins distinct from those of nodulating Burkholderia from elsewhere in the world. Overall, our findings suggest that Burkholderia species associated with fynbos legumes are highly diverse and their symbiotic abilities have unique ancestries. It is therefore possible that the evolution of these bacteria is closely linked to the diversification and establishment of legumes characteristic of the Cape Floristic Region.


Does Sugammadex Administration Affect Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Study.
The aim of this study is to assess the effect of sugammadex on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Eighty patients who were scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned to neostigmine (group N) or sugammadex (group S) for neuromuscular antagonism at the end of anesthesia. The incidence of PONV and antiemetic consumption were recorded. Nausea and vomiting were observed in 60% of the patients given sugammadex and 77.5% given neostigmine during the initial 24 hours postoperatively. The incidence of nausea and the need for rescue antiemetic were lower in group S than group N during all time intervals but there were no significant differences between the groups. Sugammadex seems to be effective in decreasing the incidence of PONV, severity of nausea, number of patients who suffered from nausea and vomiting, and need for rescue antiemetic, although there were no significant differences.


Upper airway occlusion during sleep in patients with Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
Sleep-induced periodic breathing has been suggested to lead to the development of occlusive apneas in patients with sleep apnea syndrome. If this were true, patients with Cheyne-Stokes respiration should also develop upper airway occlusion during sleep. To study this hypothesis, 6 nonobese patients with Cheyne-Stokes respiration lacking evidence for sleep apnea syndrome and anatomic upper airway abnormalities underwent polysomnography during daytime naps. A total of 463 apneas were analyzed in the 6 patients studied. In 1 patient, no evidence of upper airway occlusion was observed. In the remaining 5 patients, a varying frequency of upper airway occlusion resembling the pattern of mixed apnea was seen in 3 to 97% of the total apneas analyzed. The mean number (+/- 1 SD) of occluded inspiratory efforts per mixed apnea in these 5 patients was 1.69 +/- 0.59. These results show that patients with Cheyne-Stokes respiration may develop upper airway occlusion during sleep and are consistent with the contention that sleep-induced periodic breathing in patients with sleep apnea syndrome is primary to the development of occlusive apneas.


Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against etiological agents of Weil's disease.
Monoclonal antibodies against etiological agents of Weil's disease were produced by cell fusion technology. Twenty hybridomas were produced through the fusion of P3X63Ag8 .653 cells with spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized against Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae RGA strain and serovar copenhageni Shiromizu and M20 strains. Reactivities of the antibodies produced by the hybridomas were determined by the microscopic agglutination test. Among the five hybridoma antibodies to the RGA strain, two reacted specifically to serovar icterohaemorrhagiae, two reacted to serovar icterohaemorrhagiae at a high titer and serovar copenhageni at a low titer, and one reacted to serovars icterohaemorrhagiae, copenhageni, pyrogens, and canicola. Of the ten hybridoma antibodies to the Shiromizu strain, one reacted specifically to serovar copenhageni, seven reacted to both serovars copenhageni and icterohaemorrhagiae at almost the same titer, and two exhibited intermediate properties. Of the five hybridoma antibodies to the M20 strain, three reacted to both serovars copenhageni and icterohaemorrhagiae at almost the same titer, one reacted to serovar copenhageni at a low titer and serovar icterohaemorrhagiae at a high titer, and one reacted to serovars copenhageni, icterohaemorrhagiae, and pyrogens. The results revealed that each serovar has its own antigen(s) and their common antigens. In addition, 20 strains of leptospires were recently isolated and tested with three monoclonal antibodies characterized by different reactivities. Twenty strains were clearly identified by their antibodies, i.e., 16 strains were identified as serovar icterohaemorrhagiae and three strains were identified as serovar copenhageni. The remaining strain, which was not agglutinated by three antibodies, was identified as serovar autumnalis by an agglutination test with immune rabbit sera.


Identification based on quantitative measurements and aroma recombination of the character impact odorants in a Bavarian Pilsner-type beer.
Application of aroma extract dilution analysis on the volatiles isolated from a Bavarian Pilsner-type beer revealed 40 odor-active constituents in the flavor dilution (FD) factor range of 16-2048, among which ethyl octanoate, (E)-beta-damascenone, 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid, and 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone showed the highest FD factor of 2048. After quantitation of the 26 odorants showing FD factors > or =128 by stable isotope dilution analysis and determination of their odor thresholds in water, odor acitivity values (OAVs) were calculated. The results indicated ethanol, (E)-beta-damascenone, (R)-linalool, acetaldehyde, and ethyl butanoate with the highest OAVs, followed by ethyl 2-methylpropanoate and ethyl 4-methylpentanoate, which was previously unknown in beer. Finally, the overall aroma of the beer could be mimicked for the first time by recombining 22 reference odorants in the same concentrations as they occurred in the beer using ethanol/water as the matrix.


Avascular Necrosis of the Hip after the COVID-19 Pandemic.
It is clear that COVID-19 can have a wide range of effects on the body, and the musculoskeletal system is no exception. Studies are ongoing to better understand how the virus may impact the hip bone and joint tissue. However, it is known that COVID-19 can cause inflammation and damage to various parts of the body, including the bones and joints, which could lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. A retrospective analysis is done with ten patients admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19 and later complained of hip pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on the patients, and it was found that they had degenerative changes characterized by avascular necrosis (AVN) of the head of the femur. One of the patients had a history of previous surgery on the femur with a plate and screws and was doing well but developed AVN after contracting COVID-19. Observation among these groups shows a strong association between the history of COVID-19, high levels of IgG antibodies, the presence of joint abnormalities, and moderately severe symptoms. There is no evidence of identifying autoimmune, degenerative, or AVN diseases. This set of patients responded positively to supportive therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs used in empirical treatment, which subsided joint pain and acute inflammatory symptoms. It has been determined that there are significant musculoskeletal complications in COVID-19 patients, including AVN, which may be caused by the high use of steroids and microembolism leading to bone necrosis. Therefore, further studies and long-term follow-up are recommended.


Transitionless driving on adiabatic search algorithm.
We study quantum dynamics of the adiabatic search algorithm with the equivalent two-level system. Its adiabatic and non-adiabatic evolution is studied and visualized as trajectories of Bloch vectors on a Bloch sphere. We find the change in the non-adiabatic transition probability from exponential decay for the short running time to inverse-square decay in asymptotic running time. The scaling of the critical running time is expressed in terms of the Lambert W function. We derive the transitionless driving Hamiltonian for the adiabatic search algorithm, which makes a quantum state follow the adiabatic path. We demonstrate that a uniform transitionless driving Hamiltonian, approximate to the exact time-dependent driving Hamiltonian, can alter the non-adiabatic transition probability from the inverse square decay to the inverse fourth power decay with the running time. This may open up a new but simple way of speeding up adiabatic quantum dynamics.


Correlation between time from injury to surgery and the prevalence of ramp and hidden lesions during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A new diagnostic algorithm.
Anterior cruciate ligament tears (ACL) are associated with meniscal lesions, that could involve the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PHMM). A variety of techniques has been proposed to better visualise the postero-medial (PM) compartment. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of longitudinal tears of peripheral attachment of the PHMM during arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, and to describe a diagnostic algorithm. 115 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were enrolled for the study. An anterior and an intercondylar notch visualisation were ordinarily performed. A postero-medial (PM) portal was performed when the instability of the posterior horn was detected. Statistical significance was assessed by a Chi-squared or Fisher's Exact Test for categorical variables, and by a Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. We recorded a 9.6% prevalence of lesions of the peripheral attachment of PHMM. Nine ramp lesions and two hidden lesions were diagnosed. Patients treated within 6 months from injury, revealed a statistically significant correlation with a higher prevalence of these lesions. Ramp and hidden lesions are very common ACL rupture associated injuries. Our diagnostic algorithm is a valid and safe option to diagnose these kinds of lesions. A correlation between a longer time from injury than 6 months and a reduced prevalence of these lesions was recorded in our population. IV.


Theory-based cognitive-narrative intervention versus didactic education for promoting prompt care-seeking for acute myocardial infarction: A multisite mixed-methods randomized controlled trial.
Prolonged delays by patients in making care-seeking decisions remain a significant obstacle to the effective management of acute myocardial infarction. This study aimed to compare the effects of a theory-based cognitive-narrative intervention with those of didactic education over a 24-month period on the participants' attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding acute myocardial infarction, prehospital delay time, and the use of an ambulance. We also explored participants' engagement in the intervention. This study adopted a sequential mixed-methods design comprising a multisite randomized controlled trial and a qualitative study. Community-dwelling adult patients with a prior history of acute myocardial infarction in the past year were recruited from four hospitals in Hong Kong. They were randomly assigned to an 8-week theory-based cognitive-narrative intervention that involved a vivid experience of complex decision-making or didactic education. The Acute Coronary Syndrome Response Index questionnaire was administered at baseline (T0) and at 3- (T1), 12- (T2), and 24-month (T3) follow-up time points. Prehospital delay time and the use of an ambulance were evaluated for those participants who had recurrent acute myocardial infarction attacks during the study period. A total of 608 participants were randomly assigned to the theory-based cognitive-narrative intervention group (n = 304) or the didactic education group (n = 304). The intervention group reported greater improvements than the control group in their attitudes (β = -1.053, p = 0.002) and beliefs (β = -0.686, p = 0.041) regarding acute myocardial infarction and care-seeking at T1. These effects were sustained at T2 [attitudes (β = -0.797, p = 0.018); beliefs (β = -0.692, p = 0.047)] and T3 [attitudes (β = -0.717, p = 0.024); beliefs (β = -0.701, p = 0.032)]. Sixty-three participants experienced another acute myocardial infarction event by T2. The median delay times for the intervention and control groups were 3.13 h (interquartile range (IQR: 1.15-6.48)) and 4.82 h (IQR: 2.23-9.02), respectively. The prehospital delay time was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared with the control group (β = -0.07, p = 0.011). The qualitative findings echoed the quantitative findings, as participants indicated that the intervention helped them to understand the variable nature of the disease presentation, which enabled them to recognize the symptoms more readily. The novel cognitive-narrative intervention used in this study effectively improved the participants' attitudes and beliefs regarding acute myocardial infarction and reduced the prehospital delay time. This study was registered with the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform of the World Health Organization (ChiCTR-IIC-17010576) on February 2, 2017; the first participant was recruited on January 11, 2018.


Mechanisms of Diuresis for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure by Tolvaptan.
Tolvaptan, a vasopressin type 2 receptor antagonist, does not affect kidney circulation or cause worsening of renal function (WRF) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can be used to evaluate intravascular volume by calculating the ratio of extracellular water (ECW) to intracellular water (ICW). There have been no reports examining the mechanisms of tolvaptan-induced diuresis using BIA. We investigated whether tolvaptan decreases excess volume while maintaining intravascular volume in ADHF patients.Study patients included 29 ADHF patients (age 48-95, men 69%) diagnosed between April 2013 and May 2016 and who underwent BIA before and after treatment. Fifteen patients were treated with tolvaptan in addition to conventional diuresis therapy (tolvaptan group), and 14 patients were treated with conventional diuresis therapy only (control group). In the control group, the numerical value of serum creatinine (Cre) significantly increased from 0.89 ± 0.22 mg/ dL to 1.07 ± 0.29 mg/dL (P = 0.004), and the ECW/ICW significantly decreased from 0.696 ± 0.036 to 0.673 ± 0.032 (P = 0.004). These values were not significantly different from those obtained for the tolvaptan group. Furthermore, regression analysis showed a negative correlation between ΔCre and ΔECW/ICW, which are the differences between values before and after treatment (ΔCre = -0.002-5.668 × ΔECW/ICW, r2 = 0.306, P = 0.002).Our findings suggest that WRF is caused by a reduction in intravascular volume and that tolvaptan treatment can decrease the excess volume while maintaining intravascular volume.


Psychometric Testing of the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS): A New Pain Scale for Military Population.
The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS 2.0) is a pain assessment tool that utilizes a numerical rating scale enhanced by functional word descriptors, color coding, and pictorial facial expressions matched to pain levels. Four supplemental questions measure how much pain interferes with usual activity and sleep, and affects mood and contributes to stress. Psychometric testing was performed on a revised DVPRS 2.0 using data from 307 active duty service members and Veterans experiencing acute or chronic pain. A new set of facial representations designating pain levels was tested. Results demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.871) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.637 to r = 0.774) for the five items. Excellent interrater agreement was established for correctly ordering faces depicting pain levels and aligning them on the pain intensity scale (Kendall's coefficient of concordance, W = 0.95 and 0.959, respectively). Construct validity was supported by an exploratory principal component factor analysis and known groups validity testing. Most participants, 70.9%, felt that the DVPRS was superior to other pain rating scales. The DVPRS 2.0 is a reliable and valid instrument that provides standard language and metrics to communicate pain and related outcomes.


Estrogenic and DNA-damaging activity of Red No. 3 in human breast cancer cells.
Exposure to pesticides, dyes, and pollutants that mimic the growth promoting effects of estrogen may cause breast cancer. The pesticide DDT and the food colorant Red No. 3 were found to increase the growth of HTB 133 but not estrogen receptor (ER) negative human breast cells (HTB 125) or rat liver epithelial cells (RLE). Red No. 3, beta-estradiol, and DDT increase ER site-specific DNA binding to the estrogen response element in HTB 133 cells and increase cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Site-specific DNA binding by p53 in RLE, HTB 125, HTB 133, and MCF-7 cells was increased when they were treated with Red No. 3, which suggests that cellular DNA was damaged by this colorant. Red No. 3 increased binding of the ER from MCF-7 cells to the estrogen-responsive element. Consumption of Red No. 3, which has estrogenlike growth stimulatory properties and may be genotoxic, could be a significant risk factor in human breast carcinogenesis.


Assessment of potential drug interactions by characterization of human drug metabolism pathways using non-invasive bile sampling.
Characterization of the biliary disposition of GSK1325756, using a non-invasive bile sampling technique and spectrometric analyses, to inform the major routes of metabolic elimination and to enable an assessment of victim drug interaction risk. Sixteen healthy, elderly subjects underwent non-invasive bile capture using a peroral string device (Entero-Test(®)) prior to and following a single oral dose of GSK1325756 (100 mg). The device was swallowed by each subject and once the weighted string was judged to have reached the duodenum, gallbladder contraction was stimulated in order to release bile. The string was then retrieved via the mouth and bile samples were analyzed for drug-related material using spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques following solvent extraction. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) indicated that the O-glucuronide metabolite was the major metabolite of GSK1325756, representing approximately 80% of drug-related material in bile. As bile is the major clearance route for GSK1325756 (only 4% of the administered dose was excreted in human urine), this result indicates that uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are the major drug metabolizing enzymes responsible for drug clearance. The relatively minor contribution made by oxidative routes reduces the concern of CYP-mediated victim drug interactions. The results from this study demonstrate the utility of deploying the Entero-Test® in early human studies to provide information on the biliary disposition of drugs and their metabolites. This technique can be readily applied in early clinical development studies to provide information on the risk of interactions for drugs that are metabolized and eliminated in bile.


Arabidopsis acyl-CoA-binding proteins regulate the synthesis of lipid signals.
Plant lipid signals are crucial developmental modulators and stress response mediators. A family of acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs) participates in the lipid trafficking of these signals. Isoform-specific functions can arise from differences in their subcellular distribution, tissue-specificity, stress-responsiveness, and ligand selectivity. In lipid-mediated cell signaling, plant ACBPs are not merely transporters but are also important regulators via their interaction with lipid-metabolic enzymes and precursor lipids. In this Insight, the regulatory roles of plant ACBPs in the synthesis of various signaling lipids, including phosphatidic acid, sterols, oxylipins, and sphingolipids, are reviewed. We focus on the functional significance of these lipid signals in plant development and stress responses with an overview of recent work using reverse genetics and transgenic Arabidopsis.


Renal diseases with organized deposits: an algorithmic approach to classification and clinicopathologic diagnosis.
Most renal diseases with organized deposits are relatively uncommon conditions, and proper pathologic characterization determines the specific diagnosis. Different entities with specific clinical correlates have been recognized, and their correct diagnosis has an impact on patient management, treatment options, and determination of prognosis. The diagnosis of these conditions depends on careful evaluation of the findings by light microscopy together with immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The objective of this manuscript is to delineate an algorithmic approach helpful in the pathologic assessment of these conditions at the light microscopic level. In some diseases, the immunomorphologic parameters short of electron microscopy provide solid information to suggest or make a definitive diagnosis. Nevertheless, electron microscopy plays a crucial role, because the criteria to separate these entities often are heavily influenced by the electron microscopic findings. Accepted diagnostic criteria for each of these conditions are discussed. Information used for this manuscript is gathered from published data and the authors' experience. The most common of these conditions is amyloidosis, which may account for as many as 5% to 8% of all renal biopsies in some renal pathology practices. Fibrillary, immunotactoid, and cryoglobulinemic glomerulopathies together represent, at most, 1% of all renal biopsies performed for medical renal diseases. Diabetic fibrillosis also is uncommon. Glomerulopathies associated with fibronectin deposits and collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy are extremely rare. A systematic, algorithmic approach to the evaluation of the renal biopsies from patients with these disorders is very helpful to rule out certain conditions in the early stages of the evaluation of the biopsies. However, it is not uncommon for the final definitive diagnosis to be reached only after electron microscopic evaluation.


STC1 promotes cell apoptosis via NF-κB phospho-P65 Ser536 in cervical cancer cells.
Stanniocalin-1 (STC1) is a secreted glycoprotein hormone and involved in various types of human malignancies. Our previous studies revealed that STC1 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells through NF-κB P65 activation, but the mechanism is poorly understood. In our studies, we found overexpression of STC1 promoted cell apoptosis while silencing of STC1 promoted cell growth of cervical cancer. Phospho-protein profiling and Western blotting results showed the expression of NF-κB related phosphorylation sites including NF-κB P65 (Ser536), IκBα, IKKβ, PI3K, and AKT was altered in STC1-overexpressed cervical cancer cells. Moreover, PI3K inhibitor LY294002, AKT-shRNA and IκBα-shRNA could decrease the protein content of phospho-P65 (Ser536), phospho-IκBα, phospho-AKT and phospho-IKKβ while increasing the level of P65 compared to STC1 overexpression groups in cervical cancer cells. Also, PI3K inhibitor LY294002, AKT-shRNA and IκBα-shRNA elevated the percentage of apoptosis and suppressed the G1/S transition in those cells. Additionally, STC1 level was decreased in cervical cancer, especial in stage II and III. The results of immunohistochemistry for the cervical cancer microarray showed that a lower level of STC1, phospho-PI3K and P65 protein expression in tumor tissues than that in normal tissues, and a higher level of phospho-P65 protein expression in tumor tissues, which is consistent with the results of the Western blotting. These data demonstrated that STC1 can promote cell apoptosis via NF-κB phospho-P65 (Ser536) by PI3K/AKT, IκBα and IKK signaling in cervical cancer cells. Our results offer the first mechanism that explains the link between STC1 and cell apoptosis in cervical cancer.


Magnesium phosphate pentahydrate nanosheets: Microwave-hydrothermal rapid synthesis using creatine phosphate as an organic phosphorus source and application in protein adsorption.
Magnesium phosphate materials have aroused interest of researchers in recent years and are promising for biomedical applications due to their good biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this work, we report the microwave-hydrothermal rapid synthesis of magnesium phosphate pentahydrate nanosheets (MPHSs) using biocompatible creatine phosphate as an organic phosphorus source. This method is facile, rapid, surfactant-free and environmentally friendly. The as-prepared MPHSs have an obvious pH-dependent dissolution performance which can be used as an ideal pH-responsive nanocarrier for drug and gene delivery. Moreover, the MPHSs have a good cytocompatibility and a high ability to promote osteoblast MC-3T3 adhesion and spreading, as well as a relatively high protein adsorption ability using hemoglobin (Hb) as a model protein. Thus, the MPHSs are promising for the applications in biomedical fields such as protein adsorption and bone regeneration.


Asthma and allergic diseases in preschool children in Korea: findings from the pilot study of the Korean Surveillance System for Childhood Asthma.
This article was intended to introduce the Korean Surveillance System for Childhood Asthma (KSSCA) and also to determine the factors that increase the risk for the development of asthma and allergic diseases in preschool children in Korea based on the study results. The KSSCA pilot study was a web-based, cross-sectional survey that sampled 1002 parents with a biological child aged 2-6 years that visited the website and participated in the survey. This website consisted of a questionnaire designed to measure the history and prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases, the characteristics of dwelling, lifestyle, and the socioeconomic status of the subjects. Using logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between each risk factor and disease development were calculated. The rate of a family where a child had asthma was 7.4%, while 34.7% and 35.9% for allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, respectively. The OR (95% CI) that a child whose parents had an allergic disease and was also diagnosed with an allergic disease was 2.86 (2.20-3.72). Children who lived in the first floor or basement of apartments had a higher risk of atopic dermatitis, as well as children from socioeconomically vulnerable families. Upon analysis of allergic reaction tests and disease development, it was found that asthma was associated with the positive reaction of cockroaches and food, allergic rhinitis with mites, and atopic dermatitis with mold and food. The study indicated that genetic and some environmental or socioeconomic factors might be important in the development of asthma and allergic diseases among preschool children in Korea through the web-survey.


Bipolar diathermy-assisted coblation really affects post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage rate and white membrane in paediatric tonsillectomy.
Bipolar diathermy-assisted coblation really affects post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage rate and white membrane in paediatric tonsillectomy. this study aimed to evaluate the effect of bipolar diathermy-assisted coblation on post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) rate, operation time, the volume of blood loss during surgery, the time needed to return to a regular diet and the relationship between the thickness of the white membrane of tonsil fossa and the degree of postoperative pain in paediatric tonsillectomy. a total of 1684 patients subjected to tonsillectomy (TE) were enrolled in this study from June 2013 to December 2015. They were randomly divided into a coblation tonsillectomy (control) group and a bipolar diathermy- assisted coblation tonsillectomy (intervention) group. The surgeon reported data concerning the techniques, primary and second PTH, surgery time, the volume of blood loss during surgery, the time needed to return to a regular diet, the thickness of the white membrane of tonsil fossa and the degree of postoperative pain. complete data concerning the technique employed for tonsillectomy as applied in all patients: early and late PTH, surgery time, volume of blood loss during surgery, time needed to resume a regular diet, white membrane thickness of tonsil fossa and postoperative pain degree were collected in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the First Hospital in Qinhuangdao of China. In the control group, the primary and secondary PTH values were 2.6% and 5.8%, whereas in the intervention group, these values were 0.35% and 1.8%, respectively. The primary PTH rate in the control group was 7.43 times higher than that in the intervention group; the secondary PTH rate in the control group was 3.22 times higher than that in the intervention group (p <0.05). We found that the thickness of the white membrane of the homeostasis area of tonsillar fossa in the intervention group was thinner than that of the control group. The intraoperative blood loss in the control group and intervention group was 3.3 ? 1.6 mL and 2.1 ? 2.9 mL, respectively (p < 0.05). Surgery times in the control and intervention group was 17.4 ? 5.1 min and 16.3 ? 4.8 min, respectively (p < 0.05). The period required for resuming a regular diet in the control and intervention group was 5.4 ? 3.4 and 5.1 ? 6.2 days, respectively (p > 0.05). bipolar diathermy-assisted coblation can reduce post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) rate, operation time, the volume of blood loss during surgery and the white membrane thickness of tonsillar fossa. The thickness of the white membrane of tonsil fossa is positively correlated with postoperative pain degree. The time needed to resume a regular diet showed no significant differences between the two groups.


Antimicrobial therapy of Pseudomonas pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis. A prospective evaluation of netilmicin plus azlocillin versus netilmicin plus ticarcillin.
High-dose anti-Pseudomonas chemotherapy is mandatory in the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations in patients with advanced cystic fibrosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from their sputum. However, neither the regimen itself nor its objective evaluation have been optimized yet. In a prospective controlled evaluation 42 such exacerbations were treated for two weeks with netilmicin combined by randomisation with either azlocillin or ticarcillin. Other aspects of therapy were constant. The two therapy groups were comparable in all aspects. Both regimens produced similar improvements in clinical, radiological, laboratory, bacteriological and pulmonary function measurements. Concentrations of sputum bacteria were significantly reduced; transient eradication was documented in 29% and correlated with antibiotic susceptibility of the initially isolated Pseudomonas strains. The highly dosed antibiotics were well tolerated and emergence of resistance was rarely observed. It is concluded that both antibiotic combinations are beneficial and safe in cystic fibrosis. Monitoring of such intensive hospital treatment must include multiple parameters.


Pathological complete response rates with pertuzumab-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: A single-center experience.
Pertuzumab-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has demonstrated successful pathologic complete response (pCR) rates when administered to patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, locally advanced breast cancer and has become standard of care. This study aimed to identify pCR rates in patients receiving a variety of pertuzumab-based NAC regimens. The effect of the addition of an anthracycline and impact of anthracycline and taxane sequencing on pCR was also assessed. A retrospective, single-center review was conducted on patients with operable, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer that received one of five pertuzumab-containing NAC regimens followed by definitive surgery. Ninety-six patients were included in the analysis; overall, pCR was attained in 49 patients (51%). Of the 61 patients who received an anthracycline-containing NAC regimen, 30 (49%) attained a pCR. Of the 35 patients who received the non-anthracycline NAC regimen, 19 (54%) attained a pCR; difference in pCR was not statistically significant (p = 0.63). Anthracycline/taxane sequence analysis showed that of the patients attaining pCR with an anthracycline-containing NAC, 77% of patients received the taxane portion upfront (p = 0.17). Relative dose intensity of the anthracycline portion was similar irrespective of treatment sequence. However, relative dose intensity of the taxane portion was decreased with upfront anthracycline administration. These findings support current recommendations of adding pertuzumab to established regimens for treatment of locally advanced, HER2-positive, early stage breast cancer. The benefit of adding an anthracycline in the neoadjuvant setting remains unclear. Patients treated with the taxane portion of NAC upfront appeared to have a higher rate of pCR and better relative dose intensity than patients who received the anthracycline portion upfront, but differences were not statistically significant. These findings should be verified in a prospective clinical trial.


Calcium regulates tertiary structure and enzymatic activity of human endometase/matrilysin-2 and its role in promoting human breast cancer cell invasion.
Human MMP-26 (matrix metalloproteinase-26) (also known as endometase or matrilysin-2) is a putative biomarker for human carcinomas of breast, prostate and other cancers of epithelial origin. Calcium modulates protein structure and function and may act as a molecular signal or switch in cells. The relationship between MMPs and calcium has barely been studied and is absent for MMP-26. We have investigated the calcium-binding sites and the role of calcium in MMP-26. MMP-26 has one high-affinity and one low-affinity calcium binding site. High-affinity calcium binding was restored at physiologically low calcium conditions with a calcium-dissociation constant of 63 nM without inducing secondary and tertiary structural changes. High-affinity calcium binding protects MMP-26 against thermal denaturation. Mutants of this site (D165A or E191A) lose enzymatic activity. Low-affinity calcium binding was restored at relatively high calcium concentrations and showed a K(d2) (low-affinity calcium-dissociation constant) value of 120 microM, which was accompanied with the recovery of enzymatic activity reversibly and tertiary structural changes, but without secondary structural rearrangements. Mutations at the low-affinity calcium-binding site (C3 site), K189E or D114A, induced enhanced affinity for the Ca2+ ion or an irreversible loss of enzymatic activity triggered by low-affinity calcium binding respectively. Mutation at non-calcium-binding site (V184D at C2 site) showed that C2 is not a true calcium-binding site. Observations from homology-modelled mutant structures correlated with these experimental results. A human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, transfected with wild-type MMP-26 cDNA showed a calcium-dependent invasive potential when compared with controls that were transfected with an inactive form of MMP-26 (E209A). Calcium-independent high invasiveness was observed in the K189E mutant MDA-MB-231 cell line.


Relationships of physician characteristics to performance quality and improvement.
The quality of ambulatory medical care provided by 1,135 physicians in five separate practice settings in the Midwest was measured using predetermined process criteria. Specialists performed better in their own areas of specialized training than did family/general practitioners or specialists performing outside their specialty areas. Physicians with fewer years of practice performed somewhat better than physicians with more years since medical school graduation. Board certification was not consistently related to performance. Performances of the physicians improved following quality assurance interventions in these sites. Differences in the rates of change in performance quality were not consistently related to any of the physician characteristics studied.


A nucleophilic gold complex.
Solid-state auride salts featuring the negatively charged Au- ion are known to be stable in the presence of alkali metal counterions. While such electron-rich species might be expected to be nucleophilic (in the same manner as I-, for example), their instability in solution means that this has not been verified experimentally. Here we report a two-coordinate gold complex (NON)AlAuPtBu3 (where NON is the chelating tridentate ligand 4,5-bis(2,6-diisopropylanilido)-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene) that features a strongly polarized bond, Auδ--Alδ+. This is synthesized by reaction of the potassium aluminyl compound [K{Al(NON)}]2 with tBu3PAuI. Computational studies of the complex, including quantum theory of atoms in molecules charge analysis, imply a charge at gold (-0.82) that is in line with the relative electronegativities of the two metals (Au: 2.54; Al: 1.61 on the Pauling scale). Consistently, the complex is found to act as a nucleophilic source of gold, reacting with diisopropylcarbodiimide and CO2 to give the Au-C bonded insertion products (NON)Al(X2C)AuPtBu3 (X = NiPr, 4; X = O, 5).


Difference Analysis Between Canine Adenovirus Types 1 And 2.
Canine adenoviruses (CAdVs) include type 1 (CAdV-1, virulent strain) and type 2 (CAdV-2, attenuated strain). In recent years, the incidences of CAdV infections are increasing. However, they are difficult to distinguish when the symptoms are untypical. It is pivotal to find the differences between the two virus types for scientific, epidemiological, and specific treatment. CAdV-1 (virulent strain) and CAdV-2 (attenuated strain) induced canine hepatitis (ICH) and tracheobronchitis (ITB), respectively, but the clinical symptom is not obvious. CAdV-1 and CAdV-2 have the same genome structure, diameter, morphological features, and cytopathic features, but the same character hinder the diagnose time of the serotypes. CAdV-1 and CAdV-2 have a difference in the genome sequence, coding proteins, viral activity, hemagglutination patterns. After infection, pathogenicity and transmission route are different between the two serotypes. Sequence alignment, PCR, Real time-PCR assay are useful methods to distinguish the two serotypes. The attenuated live CAdV-2 vaccine is currently used to protect against CAdV-1, but it also has a risk. The further research should focus on the pathogenicity mechanism and the useful vaccine for the two serotypes of canine adenovirus.


Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy evaluation of low density lipoprotein oxidation in the presence of quercetin, catechin, and alpha-tocopherol.
We investigated the changes in human LDL primary and secondary lipid oxidation products and modification of the apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) secondary structures during Cu2+-mediated oxidation by FTIR spectroscopy in the presence of catechin, quercetin, and alpha-tocopherol at physiological concentrations. Catechin- and quercetin-containing samples had slower rates and longer lag phases for conjugated diene hydroperoxide (CD) formation than alpha-tocopherol-containing samples; however, all antioxidant-treated LDL samples generated similar CD levels (P< 0.05). A lower maximum (98.4 nmol/mg LDL protein) of carbonyl compounds was produced in the quercetin- and catechin-treated samples than in alpha-tocopherol samples. Modification of the apoB-100 secondary structures corresponded closely to the formation of carbonyls and was hampered by the presence of antioxidants. Physiological concentrations of catechin and quercetin offered similar levels of protection against modification by carbonyls of the apoB-100 at advanced stages (carbonyls approximately 96.0 nmol/mg LDL protein) but not at the intermediate stages (carbonyls approximately 58.0 nmol/mg LDL protein) of LDL oxidation probably owing to differences in the protein-binding mechanisms of catechin and quercetin. Relationships between peroxide formation, carbonyl products, and LDL protein denaturation were shown by the FTIR approach. The FTIR technique provided a simple new tool for a comprehensive evaluation of antioxidant performance in protecting LDL during in vitro oxidation.


Clinical management for other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders.
Other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (OIIA-LPD), a category of immunodeficiency-associated LPD according to the World Health Organization classification, is associated with immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs). Several factors, including autoimmune disease (AID) activity, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, ISD usage, and aging, influence the development of OIIA-LPD, resulting in complicated clinical courses and outcomes. Most OIIA-LPD develops in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using methotrexate (MTX-LPD). The management of MTX-LPD is based on the clinical course, i.e., with/without regression, with/without relapse/regrowth event (RRE), LPD subtype, and ISDs for AIDs after LPD development. There are three clinical courses after ISD withdrawal: regressive LPD without relapse/regrowth (R-G), regressive LPD with RRE (R/R-G), and persistent LPD (P-G). The majority of EBV+ diffuse large B-cell lymphomas are classified in R-G, whereas classic Hodgkin lymphoma is generally classified in R/R-G. Polymorphic LPD (P-LPD) in MTX-LPD develops with heterogeneous pathological features similar to monomorphic LPD. Chemotherapy for MTX-LPD is selected according to that for de novo LPD, although the strategy for aggressive P-LPD and non-specific LPD is not well established. The absolute lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood has been suggested as a candidate marker for MTX-LPD development and RRE. Several clinical issues, including correct diagnosis among overlapping clinicopathological features in MTX-LPD and clinical management of LPD by ISDs other than MTX, require further investigation.


Collaborative study of mosaic tetrasomy 12p or Pallister-Killian syndrome (nineteen fetuses or children).
The difficulties in the diagnosis of Pallister-Killian syndrome are illustrated in this study of nineteen fetuses and children. Diagnosis based on clinical appearance alone is often difficult due to the broad spectrum of clinical anomalies not specific to this syndrome. Due to mosaicism, it is altogether necessary to examine several tissues for the presence of tetrasomy 12p, including circulating lymphocytes in which mosaicism can be as low as 1-3%, amniocytes, chorionic cells and skin fibro-blasts in which mosaicism ranges from 6-100%. When highly suspected on ultrasound examination, the diagnosis recommends prenatal cytogenetic studies because survivors are severely mentally retarded. All the cases are sporadic with only a single preliminary report of recurrence. The cytogenetic diagnosis is therefore helpful in order to reassure family members in regard to genetic counseling.


Gamma and pulse radiolysis study of pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine.
Pentoxifylline (Ptx) is a tri-substituted purine with anti-inflammatory properties which are thought to be due, in part, to oxygen radical scavenging. This paper reports an investigation of the reaction of Ptx with the hydroxyl radical [OH.], superoxide anion, azide radical and hydrogen peroxide generated by pulse and gamma-radiolysis, which was carried out to determine the scavenging properties of Ptx towards oxygen radicals. The superoxide anion, azide radical and hydrogen peroxide did not react with Ptx, whereas OH. reacted rapidly. In gamma-radiolysis, the action of OH. on Ptx at pH 7.4 gave rise to an end-product separated by high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry as C-8-OH-Ptx (yield 0.12 x 10(-6) mol J-1). The reaction of Ptx with OH. after pulse radiolysis at pH 7-7.4 occurred with a rate constant of (7.7 +/- 1.0) x 10(9) mol-1 s-1, forming time-dependent transient radicals. The initial spectrum (2 microseconds after the pulse) showed three maxima (310, 338 and 500 nm). A decrease in the absorbance around 500 nm and an increase around 310 nm reflected a first-order reaction, suggesting a unimolecular rearrangement. It was shown by redox titration that at least two OH-adducts were formed, one with reducing and the other with oxidizing properties. These results suggest that the reducing radical may be (C-8-OH-Ptx)(.).