[Measurement of 11 benzophenone ultraviolet-filters in cosmetics by high performance liquid chromatography].
A sample preparation and analytical method with liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed to detect 11 benzophenone ultraviolet-filters in cosmetics. The target compounds were extracted by the mixed solutions of tetrahydrofuran (TH)/methanol/water or dichloromethane/water at proper ratios. The extracts were centrifuged and filtered to remove matrix compounds, and then analyzed by HPLC. The separation of analytes was carried out on a Diamonsil-C18 column (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution (containing 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate) as mobile phase A and methanol containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid as mobile phase B. The spiked recoveries of the method (n = 7) were 93.4%-103.8% with the relative standard deviations of 0.1%-4.2%. The limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 4.0-30 μg/g and the limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 15 to 100 μg/g. The method was applied to the determination of 42 cosmetic samples randomly purchased from the supermarket in Dalian. Five benzophenone series were always detected, in which the content of benzophenone-3 in sunscreen cream and the content of benzophenone-2 in perfume were very high and reached 2 785 μg/g and 2 106 μg/g, respectively. The results showed that the developed method is efficient, reliable and sensitive, which can be applied to the determination of benzophenones in cosmetics.


Free movement of Tritrichomonas foetus in a liquid medium: a video-microscopy study.
The present paper describes in detail the complex movement of the protozoon Tritrichomonas foetus. By the use of analogue and digital video techniques, we were able to analyze frame by frame the beatings of the anterior flagella and discuss their role in the movement of the cell. We also measured the productive displacement of the cell during one flagellar beating cycle. The obtained data were digitally improved and compared to analogue quantifications. It is shown that during 1 s of recorded movement, T. foetus performs 4 complete anterior flagella beating cycles (with active-like and recovery-like beatings). In each cycle the cell swims +/- 6.5 microns forwards, after the recovery of +/- 1.5 microns of receded movement. These observations led us to conclude that the estimated average speed of T. foetus is 25 microns/s, and that all flagella participate in the cell movement. The recurrent flagellum continuously contribute to the forward movement of the protozoon. The cell also performs rotational movements. The obtained results led us to suggest a model for the movement of T.foetus.


Sex Hormone Metabolism and Threatened Abortion.
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in sex hormone metabolism in patients with threatened miscarriage. MATERIAL AND METHODS We recruited 73 women in early pregnancy (6-8 weeks of gestation) and divided them into the following 2 groups based on whether they had vaginal bleeding: group A (n=34), the threatened abortion group; and group B (n=39), the normal pregnancy group. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T) serum levels were tested and sex hormone metabolites in the urine were detected using gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). As the control, data for sex hormones and their metabolites were obtained in normal women of childbearing age without pregnancy (group C: n=23). RESULTS E2 and T serum levels were lower in women with threatened miscarriage (group A). Estrone (E1), E2, estriol (E3), 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE1), 4-methoxyestrone (4-MeOE1), 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2), and 4-methoxyestradiol (4-MeOE2) levels were significantly lower in group A (P=0.001, 0.003, 0.009, 0.001, 0.012, 0.032, and 0.047, respectively.). Urine levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A2), and the metabolite of (A2) were also significantly lower in group A (P=0.007, 0.009, and 0.011, respectively). The 2-OHE1/E1, 4-OHE1/E1, 2-MeOE1/E1, and 2-MeOE2/E2 ratios were lower in group B, whereas the 2-OHE2/E2, 4-OHE2/E2, and 4-MeOE2/E2 ratios were dramatically lower in all pregnant women (groups A and B) than in group C. CONCLUSIONS Deficiency in DHEA and abnormal levels of sex hormone metabolites may cause a reduction in the activity of estrogens in women with threatened abortion. These alterations may result in bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy.


A pilot study of D-cycloserine in subjects with autistic disorder.
The authors assessed the effects of D-cycloserine on the core symptom of social impairment in subjects with autism. Following a 2-week, single-blind placebo lead-in phase, drug-free subjects with autistic disorder were administered three different doses of D-cycloserine during each of three 2-week periods. Measures used for subject ratings included the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and Aberrant Behavior Checklist. Significant improvement was found on the CGI and social withdrawal subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist. d-Cycloserine was well tolerated at most of the doses used in this study. In this pilot study, D-cycloserine treatment resulted in significant improvement in social withdrawal. Further controlled studies of D-cycloserine in autism appear warranted.


V/Q scanning using SPECT and SPECT/CT.
Planar ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scanning is often used to investigate pulmonary embolism; however, it has well-recognized limitations. SPECT overcomes many of these through its ability to generate 3-dimensional imaging data. V/Q SPECT has higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy than planar imaging and a lower indeterminate rate. SPECT allows for new ways to display and analyze data, such as parametric V/Q ratio images. Compared with CT pulmonary angiography, SPECT has higher sensitivity, a lower radiation dose, fewer technically suboptimal studies, and no contrast-related complications. Any nuclear medicine department equipped with a modern hybrid scanner can now perform combined V/Q SPECT with CT (using low-dose protocols) to further enhance diagnostic accuracy. V/Q SPECT (with or without CT) has application in other pulmonary conditions and in research.


Identification and Quantitation of Bioactive and Taste-Related Dipeptides in Low-Salt Dry-Cured Ham.
The reduction of salt in meat products influences the natural mechanisms of proteolysis occurring in their processing, and could affect the final characteristics of the product in terms of texture and flavor due to its effect on the activity of enzymes. In the present study, the quantitation of dipeptides PA, GA, VG, EE, ES, DA, and DG in low-salt Spanish dry-cured ham was carried out using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry instrument. The developed methodology demonstrated the advantages of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography in the removal of salt as a clean-up/separation step before ionization. This resulted in a value of 44.88 μg/g dry-cured ham for GA dipeptide, and values ranging from 2 to 8 μg/g dry-cured ham for VG, EE, ES, DA, and DG dipeptides. PA showed the lowest concentration with a value of 0.18 μg/g dry-cured ham. These outcomes prove the remarkable activity of muscular dipeptidyl peptidases during dry-curing as well as confirming the presence of these dipeptides which are related to certain taste attributes (e.g., 'bitter' or 'umami'). Such dipeptides have also been confirmed as anti-inflammatory and potential cardiovascular protectors using in vitro assays, with the advantage of dipeptides small size increases their chance to resist both gastrointestinal digestion and intestinal/bloodstream transport without being degraded or modified.


A method for imputing the impact of health problems on at-work performance and productivity from available health data.
To develop a method for imputing the work performance and productivity impact of illness and treatment from available data. Using data from four studies of musculoskeletal disorders (eg, osteoarthritis) and pain, we modeled the relationships between scores from the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), a validated measure of health-related limitations in work performance and productivity, and a series of validated health measures (eg, a pain scale). The 15 health and 5 WLQ variables were significantly associated in 115 of 116 study-specific models (P < 0.05). Fifteen commonly collected health variables may be used to predict WLQ impact (increase or decrease) for samples with musculoskeletal pain and physical impairments to help fill information gaps.


Performance of Plain Woven Jute Fabric-Reinforced Polyester Matrix Composite in Multilayered Ballistic System.
The ballistic performance of plain woven jute fabric-reinforced polyester matrix composites was investigated as the second layer in a multilayered armor system (MAS). Volume fractions of jute fabric, up to 30 vol %, were mixed with orthophthalic polyester to fabricate laminate composites. Ballistic tests were conducted using high velocity 7.62 mm ammunition. The depth of penetration caused by the bullet in a block of clay witness, simulating a human body, was used to evaluate the MAS ballistic performance according to the international standard. The fractured materials after tests were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that jute fabric composites present a performance similar to that of the much stronger Kevlar™, which is an aramid fabric laminate, as MAS second layer with the same thickness. The mechanism of this similar ballistic behavior as well as the comparative advantages of the jute fabric composites over the Kevlar™ are discussed.


[Effect of Qibai Pingfei capsule medicated serum on protein expressions of KATP channel in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells via nitric oxide].
To investigate the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) protein expressions during different periods under hypoxia condition and explore the effect of Qibai Pingfei capsule medicated serum (hereinafter referred to as QBPF) on the correlation between the protein expressions of KATP channel and nitric oxide in rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells(PASMCs). Qibai Pingfei capsules were given to SD rats via continuous gavage for 10 days to obtain QBPF. Primary rats PASMCs were cultured by the direct adherent culture method. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression levels of KATP channel (Kir6.1 and SUR2B) in PASMCs. Then the noncompetitive inhibitor of NO synthase--Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME) and KATP channel inhibitor--glyburide(GLYB) were applied respectively to evaluate the effect of QBPF on the protein expressions of KATP channel. The protein expressions of Kir6.1 and SUR2B were increased after 6-hour hypoxia treament, peaked at the 24-hour hypoxia treament, and decreased in both 48-hour and 72-hour hypoxia groups. Especially, QBPF could further up-regulate the Kir6.1 and SUR2B protein expressions under 24-hour hypoxia condition; however, such up-regulation effect could be blocked by KATP channel inhibitor GLYB and NO specific inhibitor L-NAME, indicating that QBPF played the role of opening KATP channel. The regulatory mechanism was probably associated with up-regulating KATP channel protein expression via NO relative pathway, involving pulmonary vasodilation, and thus relieving the occurence and development of COPD.


A right atrial mass in the presence of a permanent pacemaker electrode in a patient with polycythemia vera.
A case of a huge right atrial mass that developed 2 years after a permanent pacemaker implantation is described. The patient had a history of polycythemia vera, which is known to present a high tendency towards the development of thrombosis. In light of this fact, we suggest that in similar cases a full echocardiography follow-up should be performed, and long-term anticoagulant therapy should be considered in selected cases.


Divergent mechanisms of action of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1-beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in mouse cremasteric venules.
1. Protein synthesis dependency and the role of endogenously generated platelet activating factor (PAF) and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) in leukocyte migration through interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)- and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)-stimulated mouse cremasteric venules was investigated using established pharmacological interventions and the technique of intravital microscopy. 2. Based on previously obtained dose-response data, 30 ng rmIL-1beta and 300 ng rmTNFalpha were injected intrascrotally (4 h test period) to induce comparable levels of leukocyte firm adhesion and transmigration in mouse cremasteric venules. 3. Co-injection of the mRNA synthesis inhibitor, actinomycin D (0.2 mg kg(-1)), with the cytokines significantly inhibited firm adhesion (49+/-13.6%) and transmigration (67.2+/-4.2%) induced by IL-1beta, but not TNFalpha. 4. In vitro, TNFalpha (1-100 ng ml(-1)), but not IL-1beta, stimulated L-selectin shedding and increased beta(2) integrin expression on mouse neutrophils, as quantified by flow cytometry. 5. The PAF receptor antagonist, UK-74,505 (modipafant, 0.5 mg kg(-1), i.v.), had no effect on adhesion induced by either cytokine, but significantly inhibited transmigration induced by IL-1beta (66.5+/-4.5%). 6. The LTB(4) receptor antagonist, CP-105,696 (100 mg kg(-1), p.o.), significantly inhibited both IL-1beta induced adhesion (81.4+/-15.2%) and transmigration (58.7+/-7.2%), but had no effect on responses elicited by TNFalpha. Combined administration of the two antagonists had no enhanced inhibitory effects on responses induced by either cytokine. 7. The data indicate that firm adhesion and transmigration in mouse cremasteric venules stimulated by IL-1beta, but not TNFalpha, is protein synthesis dependent and mediated by endogenous generation of PAF and LTB(4). Additionally, TNFalpha but not IL-1beta, can directly stimulate mouse neutrophils in vitro. The findings provide further evidence to suggest divergent mechanisms of actions of IL-1beta and TNFalpha, two cytokines often considered to act via common molecular/cellular pathways.


Management of heparin resistance due to antithrombin deficiency in a Chinese pregnant woman: a case report.
Untreated individuals with antithrombin (AT) deficiency are at higher risk of thrombosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present recommendations are mostly empirical for treating patients with AT deficiency during pregnancy because of the absence of guidelines. We report a rare case of heparin resistance due to AT deficiency in a pregnant 32-year-old Chinese woman. We also reviewed the English medical literature for AT deficiency and its association with thromboembolism and treatment. This patient suffered two early miscarriages because of thrombosis due to AT deficiency. The patient was administered the combination of adequate low molecular weight heparin with fresh frozen plasma and warfarin because of her heparin resistance. She delivered a healthy female newborn without any adverse effects of the anticoagulation therapy. Our findings suggest that the combination of adequate low molecular weight heparin with fresh frozen plasma and warfarin is effective for preventing thrombus during pregnancy.


[Purification of prostatic acid phosphatase from human seminal plasma].
Prostatic acid phosphatase has been isolated from human seminal plasma. The purification method utilizes gel filtration on Sephadex G100, ammonium sulfate precipitation and a series of chromatographical steps including concanavalin A Sepharose 4B, anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The final product appears homogenous when analyzed by gel filtration on Sephadex G100. It gives one major band on SDS polyacrylamide gels. The specific activity is similar to that obtained by other purification schemes. The yield of the method described above has allowed to set up a sensitive radioimmunoassay of prostatic acid phosphatase.


On-chip tunable long-period grating devices based on liquid crystal photonic bandgap fibers.
We design and fabricate an on-chip tunable long-period grating device by integrating a liquid crystal photonic bandgap fiber on silicon structures. The transmission axis of the device can be electrically rotated in steps of 45 degrees as well as switched on and off with the response time in the millisecond range. The strength of the loss peak is controlled electrically, and the spectral position of the loss peak is thermally tunable. This compact design results in a stable grating and permits this device to be more easily applied in practical systems.


Toxic psychosis induced by phenothiazine administration in patients with chronic renal failure.
Adverse reactions to phenothiazines have not been commonly recognized in patients with chronic renal failure. We wish to report a characteristic acute psychosis as a complication of phenothiazine use in such individuals. Four patients with chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis were given doses of chlorpromazine ranging from 100--1000 mg over time intervals varying from 2--7 days. All developed extreme restlessness, auditory and visual hallucinations, and episodes of belligerent behavior. A fifth patient treated with promethazine developed a similar psychosis. Each became ill shortly after the initiation of phenothiazine therapy. All improved slowly after cessation of the drug. Hemodialysis in four patients did not appear to affect the course of the illness. The use of phenothiazines in patients with chronic renal failure is cautioned.


Magnetophoresis of diamagnetic microparticles in a weak magnetic field.
Magnetic manipulation is a promising technique for lab-on-a-chip platforms. The magnetic approach can avoid problems associated with heat, surface charge, ionic concentration and pH level. The present paper investigates the migration of diamagnetic particles in a ferrofluid core stream that is sandwiched between two diamagnetic streams in a uniform magnetic field. The three-layer flow is expanded in a circular chamber for characterisation based on imaging of magnetic nanoparticles and fluorescent microparticles. A custom-made electromagnet generates a uniform magnetic field across the chamber. In a relatively weak uniform magnetic field, the diamagnetic particles in the ferrofluid move and spread across the chamber. Due to the magnetization gradient formed by the ferrofluid, diamagnetic particles undergo negative magnetophoresis and move towards the diamagnetic streams. The effects of magnetic field strength and the concentration of diamagnetic particles are studied in detail.


Linear stability of a horizontal phase boundary subjected to shear motion.
We investigate the stability of slowly smearing phase boundary that appears at the contact of two miscible liquids. A hydrodynamic flow is imposed along the boundary. The aim is to find out whether the slow diffusive smearing of a boundary can be overrun by faster mixing. The phase-field approach is used to model the evolution of the binary mixture. The linear stability in respect to 2D perturbations is studied. If the heavier liquid lies above the lighter liquid, the interface is unconditionally unstable due to the Rayleigh-Taylor and Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. The imposed flow accelerates the growth of the long-wave modes and suppresses the growth of the short-wave perturbations. Viscosity, diffusivity and capillarity reduce the growth of perturbations. If the heavier liquid underlies the lighter one, the interface can be stable. The stability boundaries are defined by the strength of gravity (density contrast) and the intensity of the imposed flow. Thinner interfaces are usually characterised by larger zones of instability. The thermodynamic instability, identified for the thicker interfaces with the thicknesses greater than the thickness of a thermodynamically equilibrium phase boundary, makes such interfaces unconditionally unstable. The zones of instability are enlarged by diffusive and capillary terms. Viscosity plays its stabilising role.


Genealogical discontinuities among Etruscan, Medieval, and contemporary Tuscans.
The available mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data do not point to clear genetic relationships between current Tuscans and the Bronze-Age inhabitants of Tuscany, the Etruscans. To understand how and when such a genetic discontinuity may have arisen, we extracted and typed the mtDNAs of 27 medieval Tuscans from an initial sample of 61, spanning a period between the 10th and 15th century AD. We then tested by serial coalescent simulation various models describing the genealogical relationships among past and current inhabitants of Tuscany, the latter including three samples (from Murlo, Volterra, and Casentino) that were recently claimed to be of Etruscan descent. Etruscans and medieval Tuscans share three mitochondrial haplotypes but fall in distinct branches of the mitochondrial genealogy in the only model that proved compatible with the data. Under that model, contemporary people of Tuscany show clear genetic relationships with Medieval people, but not with the Etruscans, along the female lines. No evidence of excess mutation was found in the Etruscan DNAs by a Bayesian test, and so there is no reason to suspect that these results are biased by systematic contamination of the ancient sequences or laboratory artefacts. Extensive demographic changes before AD 1000 are thus the simplest explanation for the differences between the contemporary and the Bronze-Age mtDNAs of Tuscany. Accordingly, genealogical continuity between ancient and modern populations of the same area does not seem a safe general assumption, but rather a hypothesis that, when possible, should be tested using ancient DNA analysis.


Two new mutations in the human E1 beta subunit of branched chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase associated with maple syrup urine disease.
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defective function of the mitochondrial branched chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKD) complex. Mutations in both alleles of any of three genes for component proteins result in the clinical phenotype. Two discrete mutant alleles for the E1 beta subunit of the decarboxylase component in a proband with MSUD are defined and parental origin of each allele identified. The maternal mutation, an A to T transversion at nucleotide 526 in the coding sequence, potentiates an asparagine to tyrosine change at position 126 (N126Y). The paternal mutant allele contains a C to T transition at nucleotide 970 introducing a stop codon (R274 ). Western blot analysis revealed a 75% reduction in the E1 beta-N126Y protein and an absence of the R274* truncated protein in proband cells. Both mutant proteins could be synthesized, imported into mitochondria, and processed in vitro. Functional analysis of the mutant proteins provided new information on the role of E1 beta in the activity of BCKD. In vivo the E1 beta-N126Y protein associated into macromolecular complexes indistinguishable from those formed with the wild type E1 beta protein. However, catalytic activity of these complexes in proband cells was < 1% of wild type activity. Alignment comparisons with other thiamin pyrophosphate-requiring enzymes suggests the N126Y substitution could interfere with interactions of the protein with the cofactor causing inactivity. The truncated E1 beta-R274* protein is unstable and not found in mitochondria from the patient derived cells.


Lycium barbarum Extracts Extend Lifespan and Alleviate Proteotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Lycium barbarum berry (Ningxia Gouqi, Fructus lycii, goji berry, or wolfberry), as a traditional Chinese herb, was recorded beneficial for longevity in traditional Chinese medical scriptures and currently is a natural dietary supplement worldwide. However, under modern experimental conditions, the longevity effect of L. barbarum berry and the underlying mechanisms have been less studied. Here, we reported that total water extracts of L. barbarum berry (LBE), which contains 22% polysaccharides and other components, such as anthocyanins, extended the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans without side effects on worm fertility and pharyngeal pumping. Interestingly, we found that the lifespan extension effect was more prominent in worms with shorter mean lifespan as compared to those with longer mean lifespan. Furthermore, we showed that the lifespan extension effect of LBE depended on deacetylase sir-2.1. Remarkably, LBE rescued heat shock transcription factor-1 (hsf-1) deficiency in wild-type worms with different mean lifespans, and this effect also depended on sir-2.1. In addition, we found that LBE extended lifespan and alleviated toxic protein aggregation in neurodegenerative worms with hsf-1 deficiency. Our study suggested that LBE may be a potential antiaging natural dietary supplement especially to individuals with malnutrition or chronic diseases and a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases characterized by hsf-1 deficiency.


Gene dosage and gene duplicability.
The evolutionary process leading to the fixation of newly duplicated genes is not well understood. It was recently proposed that the fixation of duplicate genes is frequently driven by positive selection for increased gene dosage (i.e., the gene dosage hypothesis), because haploinsufficient genes were reported to have more paralogs than haplosufficient genes in the human genome. However, the previous analysis incorrectly assumed that the presence of dominant abnormal alleles of a human gene means that the gene is haploinsufficient, ignoring the fact that many dominant abnormal alleles arise from gain-of-function mutations. Here we show in both humans and yeast that haploinsufficient genes generally do not duplicate more frequently than haplosufficient genes. Yeast haploinsufficient genes do exhibit enhanced retention after whole-genome duplication compared to haplosufficient genes if they encode members of stable protein complexes, but the same phenomenon is absent if the genes do not encode protein complex members, suggesting that the dosage balance effect rather than the dosage effect is the underlying cause of the phenomenon. On the basis of these and other results, we conclude that selection for higher gene dosage does not play a major role in driving the fixation of duplication genes.


Comparative assessment of angiotensin receptor blockers in different clinical settings.
Cardiovascular and renal disease can be regarded as progressing along a sort of continuum which starts with cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, etc), evolves with progression of atherosclerotic lesions and organ damage, and then becomes clinically manifest with the major clinical syndromes (myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, end-stage renal disease). The blood pressure control remains a fundamental mechanism for prevention of cardiovascular disease. The renin-angiotensin system is believed to play an important role along different steps of the cardiovascular disease continuum. Convincing evidence accumulated over the last decade that therapeutic intervention with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is effective to slow down or block the progression of cardiovascular disease at different steps of the continuum, with measurable clinical benefits. However, despite the shared mechanism of action, each ARB is characterized by specific pharmacological properties that may influence its clinical efficacy. Indeed, important differences among available ARBs emerged from clinical studies. Therefore, generalization of results obtained with a specific ARB to all available ARBs may be misleading. The present review provides a comparative assessment of the different ARBs in their efficacy on major clinical endpoints along the different steps of the cardiovascular disease continuum.


A 5' RNA element promotes dengue virus RNA synthesis on a circular genome.
The mechanisms of RNA replication of plus-strand RNA viruses are still unclear. Here, we identified the first promoter element for RNA synthesis described in a flavivirus. Using dengue virus as a model, we found that the viral RdRp discriminates the viral RNA by specific recognition of a 5' element named SLA. We demonstrated that RNA-RNA interactions between 5' and 3' end sequences of the viral genome enhance dengue virus RNA synthesis only in the presence of an intact SLA. We propose a novel mechanism for minus-strand RNA synthesis in which the viral polymerase binds SLA at the 5' end of the genome and reaches the site of initiation at the 3' end via long-range RNA-RNA interactions. These findings provide an explanation for the strict requirement of dengue virus genome cyclization during viral replication.


Recombinant tumor necrosis factor induces procoagulant activity in cultured human vascular endothelium: characterization and comparison with the actions of interleukin 1.
Human recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rTNF) was found to act directly on cultured human vascular endothelium to induce a tissue factor-like procoagulant activity (PCA). After a 4-hr incubation in rTNF (100 units/ml), serially passaged endothelial cells isolated from umbilical veins, saphenous veins, iliac arteries, and thoracic aortae demonstrated a dramatic increase (4- to 15-fold, 21 experiments) in total cellular PCA as measured with a one-stage clotting assay. rTNF-induced PCA was also expressed at the surface of intact viable endothelial monolayers. Induction of PCA by rTNF was concentration dependent (maximum, 500 units/ml), time dependent, reversible, and blocked by cycloheximide and actinomycin D, and it occurred without detectable endothelial cell damage. Actions of rTNF were compared with those of natural human interleukin 1 (IL-1) derived from stimulated monocytes and two distinct species of recombinant IL-1, each of which also induced endothelial PCA. The use of recombinant polypeptides and specific neutralizing antisera established the distinct natures of the mediators. The kinetics of the endothelial PCA responses to TNF and IL-1 were similar, demonstrating a rapid rise to peak activity at approximately equal to 4 hr, and a decline toward basal levels by 24 hr. This characteristic decline in PCA after prolonged incubation with TNF or IL-1 was accompanied by selective endothelial hyporesponsiveness to the initially stimulating monokine. Interestingly, the effects of TNF and IL-1 were found to be additive even at apparent maximal doses of the individual monokines. Endothelial-directed actions of TNF, alone or in combination with other monokines, may be important in the initiation of coagulation and inflammatory responses in vivo.


Comparison of collagen matrix treatment impregnated with platelet rich plasma vs bone marrow.
This study has reported the efficacy of an autologous bone marrow-impregnated collagen matrix experimentally and clinically. Then, it reflected that platelet rich plasma (PRP) was as good a source of growth factors as bone marrow and available in a less invasive procedure. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of a PRP-impregnated collagen matrix with that of a bone marrow-impregnated collagen matrix by quantifying wound size and capillary density using genetically diabetic db/db mice. Bone marrow cells were obtained from femurs of ddy mice. Then, a small amount of collagen matrix was immersed in bone marrow suspension. This is called a bone marrow-impregnated collagen matrix. PRP was obtained from healthy human blood and a small amount of collagen matrix was immersed in PRP. This is called a PRP-impregnated collagen matrix. A bone marrow-impregnated collagen matrix and PRP-impregnated collagen matrix were applied to excisional skin wounds on a genetically healing-impaired mouse (n = 6) and wounds were evaluated 6 days after the procedure. Wounds were divided into two groups: PRP (n = 6), in which a PRP-impregnated collagen matrix was applied; and bone marrow (n = 6), in which collagen immersed in a bone marrow suspension was applied. There was no significant difference between the PRP and bone-marrow groups in the rate of vascular density increase or wound size decrease. The present study suggested that the PRP-impregnated collagen matrix promotes repair processes at least as strongly as the bone marrow-impregnated collagen matrix. Given lower invasiveness, the PRP-impregnated collagen matrix would have advantages in clinical use.


Insights and efforts to control rabies in Zambia: Evaluation of determinants and barriers to dog vaccination in Nyimba district.
The current rabies control strategy in Zambia is based on dog vaccination, dog population control and dog movement restrictions. In Nyimba district of Zambia, dog vaccination coverage is low but the incidence of dog bites is high which places the community at risk of rabies infection. The renewed global interest eliminating rabies in developing countries has spurred interest to identify determinants and barriers of dog vaccination in an effort to reduce the overall disease burden. A mixed methods cross sectional design was used in the study. This consisted of three parts: Evaluation of medical records regarding dog bite injuries, implementation and analysis of a household survey and in-depth review of key informant interviews. Data was collected into a Microsoft Excel database and subsequently transferred to STATA for descriptive, inferential and thematic analysis. Dog vaccination coverage overall was 8.7% (57/655), with 3.4% (22/655) in urban areas, 1.8% (12/655) in peri-urban and 3.5 (23/655) in the rural regions. Financially stable households were more likely to have their dogs vaccinated. Only 10.3% (31/300) of the respondents had vaccinated their dogs and these had a reliable source of income as 6% (18/300) were peasant farmers, 2% (6/300) were dependants whose guardians were financially stable and 2.3% (7/300) were in steady employment. Important barriers to dog vaccination included cost, limited awareness of vaccination program and access. Current rabies control strategies in Nyimba district, Zambia, appear quite limited. Improvements in the regional dog vaccination program may provide benefits. Enhancement of educational efforts targeting behavioural factors may also prove useful. Finally, the cost of dog vaccination can be reduced with scaled up production of a local vaccine.


Probing self-associated intermolecular H-bonding using low-frequency SERS coupled with mid-IR SERS and DFT study: a case study of 2-MBA adsorbed on ZnO nanoparticles.
In the present study, low-frequency SERS is reported for the first time to investigate intermolecular interactions. Low-frequency SERS in the THz region (>50 cm-1) and the mid-IR region is used to probe the H-bonding interaction in 2-mercaptobenzoic acid (2-MBA) molecules adsorbed on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. The self-association due to H-bonding leads to dimer formation of 2-MBA through carboxylic acid groups. The characteristic Raman bands of the 2-MBA dimer, H-bonded O-H stretching and out-of-plane O-H bending modes, are observed. Subsequently, this dimer formation causes the evolution of two new low-frequency modes at 90 cm-1 (shear dimer in-plane bending) and 110 cm-1 (shear dimer stretching) of intermolecular H-bonding and a blue-shift of the torsional mode of (-COOH) + (-SH). In the THz region (50-200 cm-1) the vibrational modes are blue-shifted, while in the mid-IR region the symmetric out-of-plane O-H bending is red-shifted. The present work shows that SERS can be used to study intermolecular H-bonding of molecules at very low concentrations.


Two modular forms of the mitochondrial sorting and assembly machinery are involved in biogenesis of alpha-helical outer membrane proteins.
The mitochondrial outer membrane contains two translocase machineries for precursor proteins--the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM complex) and the sorting and assembly machinery (SAM complex). The TOM complex functions as the main mitochondrial entry gate for nuclear-encoded proteins, whereas the SAM complex was identified according to its function in the biogenesis of beta-barrel proteins of the outer membrane. The SAM complex is required for the assembly of precursors of the TOM complex, including not only the beta-barrel protein Tom40 but also a subset of alpha-helical subunits. While the interaction of beta-barrel proteins with the SAM complex has been studied in detail, little is known about the interaction between the SAM complex and alpha-helical precursor proteins. We report that the SAM is not static but that the SAM core complex can associate with different partner proteins to form two large SAM complexes with different functions in the biogenesis of alpha-helical Tom proteins. We found that a subcomplex of TOM, Tom5-Tom40, associates with the SAM core complex to form a new large SAM complex. This SAM-Tom5/Tom40 complex binds the alpha-helical precursor of Tom6 after the precursor has been inserted into the outer membrane in an Mim1 (mitochondrial import protein 1)-dependent manner. The second large SAM complex, SAM-Mdm10 (mitochondrial distribution and morphology protein), binds the alpha-helical precursor of Tom22 and promotes its membrane integration. We suggest that the modular composition of the SAM complex provides a flexible platform to integrate the sorting pathways of different precursor proteins and to promote their assembly into oligomeric complexes.


Magnetic euripi in corannulene.
Ab initio current densities induced by an external magnetic field have been computed for corannulene dianion, dication, and tetraanion. The pi-ring currents are found to be large with respect to benzene and to undergo remarkable changes in response to variations in the oxidation state. According to the results obtained here, the three corannulene ions plus the neutral species constitute a very special set that spans all of the possible patterns of rim and hub circulations: diatropic/hub-paratropic/rim (the dianion), paratropic/hub-paratropic/rim (the dication, assuming conformationally averaged current density), diatropic/hub-diatropic/rim (the tetraanion), and paratropic/hub-diatropic/rim (the neutral, as already reported by other authors). Orbital contributions and their breakdown into explicit contributions from virtual excitations have been analyzed. It is shown that the dianion and dication are both (2p) systems characterized by a single highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) rotationally allowed transition. For the dianion, this transition is responsible not only for the outer paratropic circulation but also for the inner diatropic circulation, a behavior that requires an extension of the few electron model based on orbital contributions to be fully rationalized. For the dication, the HOMO-LUMO transition provides a paratropic circulation localized on one indene subunit. However, because of the fast exchange of conformers, it is sensible to calculate an averaged current density field, which is characterized by con-rotating paratropic inner and outer ring currents. For the tetraanion, the calculated current pattern is in agreement with a previous indication, while the orbital analysis reveals that the HOMO and the HOMO - 1 contribute to both inner and outer circulations. Despite the small 6-31G** basis set employed to calculate current densities and magnetic properties, a satisfactory agreement between computed and available experimental (1)H and (13)C chemical shifts is found, providing a firm basis for the above conclusions. Remarkably, the "diamagnetic" corannulene dianion observed in NMR at low temperature is predicted to be a paramagnetic closed-shell species.


[The recent evolution of fertility in Italy. An analysis of parity-specific fertility tables].
Using age- and parity-specific fertility tables, the author analyzes the evolution of fertility change in Italy. "The application of this 'multidimensional' (age and parity) approach shows how profound the fertility decline has been, the intensity of the decline being in some way 'hidden' by the impact of past evolution when traditional measures are used." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND SPA)


Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts mortality better than neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in hemodialysis patients.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were established showing the poor prognosis in some diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and malignancies. The risk of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was higher than normal population. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between NLR, PLR, and all-cause mortality in prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients. Eighty patients were enrolled in study. NLR and PLR obtained by dividing absolute neutrophil to absolute lymphocyte count and absolute platelet count to absolute lymphocyte count, respectively. The patients were followed prospectively for 24 months. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Mean levels of neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet were 3904 ± 1543/mm(3), 1442 ± 494/mm(3), 174 ± 56 × 10(3)/mm(3), respectively. Twenty-one patients died before the follow-up at 24 months. Median NLR and PLR were 2.52 and 130.4, respectively. All-cause mortality was higher in patients with high NLR group compared to the patients with low NLR group (18.8 vs. 7.5 %, p = 0.031) and in patients with higher PLR group compared to patients with lower PLR group (18.8 vs. 7.5 %, p = 0.022). Following adjusted Cox regression analysis, the association of mortality and high NLR was lost (p = 0.54), but the significance of the association of high PLR and mortality increased (p = 0.013). Although both NLR and PLR were associated with all-cause mortality in prevalent HD patients, only PLR could independently predict all-cause mortality in these populations.


Long Term Effects of Energy-Restricted Diets Differing in Glycemic Load on Metabolic Adaptation and Body Composition.
A randomized controlled trial of high glycemic load (HG) and low glycemic load (LG) diets with food provided for 6 months and self-administered for 6 additional months at 30% caloric restriction (CR) was performed in 29 overweight adults (mean+/-SD, age 35+/-5y; BMI 27.5+/-1.5 kg/m(2)). Total energy expenditure (TEE), resting metabolic rate (RMR), fat and fat free mass (FFM), were measured at 3, 6 and 12 months. Changes in TEE, but not changes in RMR, were greater than accounted for by the loss of FFM and fat mass (P=0.001-0.013) suggesting an adaptive response to long-term CR. There was no significant effect of diet group on change in RMR or TEE. However, in subjects who lost >5% body weight (n=26), the LG diet group had a higher percentage of weight loss as fat than the HG group (p<0.05), a finding that may have implications for dietary recommendations during weight reduction.


The appearance of osseous PEComa on F-18 FDG PET/CT.
A 29-year-old male presented with a 6-month history of left hip pain. Radiography and CT demonstrated a 6-cm lytic lesion of the left acetabulum. F-18 FDG PET for staging of the biopsy-proven malignant PEComa demonstrated intense hypermetabolism corresponding to the lytic left acetabulum. The patient underwent left hemipelvectomy with reconstructive surgery. On a follow-up F-18 FDG PET scan 3 months after initial surgery, a left lung pleural-based 9-mm nodule with hypermetabolism (SUVmax 4.1) was discovered and pathologically proven to be metastases from the primary osseous PEComa.


Intramolecular dealkylation of chelating diamines with Ru(II) complexes.
N,N, N',N'-Tetraethylethylenediamine undergoes simple or double intramolecular dealkylation reactions in the presence of the complexes [RuCl2(diene)]n (diene = cod, nbd) or trans-[RuCl2(diene)(morfoline)2 at 80 degrees C to afford chelating amine ligands which contains one or two N-H functionalities.


The relationship between glenohumeral joint total rotational range of motion and the functional movement screen™ shoulder mobility test.
Side to side asymmetry in glenohumeral joint rotation correlates with injury risk in overhead athletes. The purpose of the current study was to identify the relationship between side-to-side asymmetries in glenohumeral joint total rotational range of motion and shoulder mobility test scores from the Functional Movement Screen™ in collegiate overhead athletes. The authors hypothesized that asymmetries of > 10° in glenohumeral total rotation would not be associated with asymmetrical findings in the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS) shoulder mobility test. Passive glenohumeral total rotational range of motion and the shoulder mobility test of the FMS were measured during pre-participation examinations in 121 NCAA male and female Division II collegiate overhead athletes from varied sports. Passive shoulder range of motion was measured in supine at 90° of abduction, with the humerus in the scapular plane using two measurers and a bubble goniometer. A Pearson Chi-square analysis, p<.05 was used to associate the presence of asymmetries in glenohumeral joint rotation and in the FMS shoulder mobility test in each subject. 40/114 (35.1%) athletes demonstrated asymmetries in total glenohumeral rotation. 45/114 (39.5%) athletes demonstrated asymmetries in the shoulder mobility test. Only 17 of the 45 subjects who demonstrated asymmetry on the shoulder mobility test also demonstrated glenohumeral joint rotation differences of > 10°. Athletes with asymmetries in rotation of > 10° were not any more likely to have asymmetries identified in the shoulder mobility test (95% CI=.555-2.658, P=.627). Glenohumeral joint range of motion is one of multiple contributors to performance on the FMS shoulder mobility test, and alone, did not appear to influence results. The FMS shoulder mobility test should not be used alone as a means of identifying clinically meaningful differences of shoulder mobility in the overhead athlete. Clinicians working with overhead athletes may consider using both assessments as a complete screening tool for injury prevention measures. Level 3.


Perplexing Case of Wilkie's Syndrome: A Rare Presentation in a Young Patient.
Wilkie's syndrome, also commonly known as superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, is an infrequent and rare cause of small bowel obstruction. It is caused by extrinsic compression of the duodenal segment of the intestine between the aorta and SMA, causing significant post-prandial abdominal pain and vomiting. The literature suggests the incidence of 0.01% to 0.3%. We present here an atypical presentation of SMA syndrome in which a young patient presented to our tertiary set-up with unusually constant abdominal pain and weight loss requiring invasive interventions.


Penetrating injuries to the frog (cuneus ungulae) and collateral sulci of the foot in equids: 63 cases (1998-2008).
Objective-To determine the outcome of penetrating injuries to the central region of the foot in equids and identify factors that may affect treatment and outcome. Design-Retrospective case series. Animals-63 equids (61 horses, 1 pony, and 1 mule). Procedures-Records of equids incurring puncture wounds through the frog (cuneus ungulae) or collateral sulci of the foot between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed. Evaluated factors that were hypothesized to affect outcome included signalment, degree of lameness, foot affected, duration between injury and admission, and treatment. Injuries were graded from 1 (< 1 inch; involving superficial corium only) to 4 (involving a synovial structure) on the basis of severity of penetration as determined by radiographic evidence or findings on synoviocentesis at the time of admission. Results-Overall, 60% (38/63) of equids returned to soundness. Thirteen equids were euthanized on the basis of synovial structure involvement and financial constraints. Of 35 equids that were treated conservatively, which may have included undergoing a surgical procedure with the horse standing, 32 (91.4%) returned to their previous level of soundness. Fifteen equids underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia, of which 6 (40%) became sound for intended use. Ten of 34 (29%) equids with synovial structure involvement regained soundness. Equids treated earlier after injury had a better prognosis. Equids with a hind foot injury had a more favorable outcome than those with a forefoot injury. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggested that penetrating injuries located centrally in the foot of equids without involvement of a synovial structure have a favorable prognosis, especially if managed early. Penetration of a synovial structure provided a poor prognosis.


Trends in in-hospital newborn male circumcision--United States, 1999-2010.
The publication of three recent studies showing that circumcision of adult, African, heterosexual men reduces their risk for acquiring human immunodeficiency virus infection and other sexually transmitted infections has stimulated interest in the practice of routine newborn male circumcision (NMC) and the benefits it might confer for HIV prevention. In the United States, rates of in-hospital NMC increased from 48.3% during 1988-1991 to 61.1% during 1997-2000. To monitor trends in in-hospital NMC during 1999-2010, CDC used three independent data sources (the National Hospital Discharge Survey [NHDS] from the National Center for Health Statistics, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample [NIS] from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Charge Data Master [CDM] from SDIHealth) to estimate rates of NMC. Each system collects discharge data on inpatient hospitalization.


Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and associated factors among Visceral Leishmaniasis infected patients in Northwest Ethiopia: a facility based cross-sectional study.
Visceral Leishmaniasis coinfection with HIV/AIDS has emerged as a series of disease pattern. It most often results in unfavorable responses to treatment, frequent relapses, and deaths. Scarce data is available regarding the prevalence of HIV and associated factors among Visceral Leishmaniasis coinfected patients. This study sought to determine the prevalence of HIV and associated factors among Visceral Leishmaniasis infected patients. Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from October, 2015 to August, 2016 in Northwest Ethiopia. Cluster sampling technique was used to select 462 Visceral Leishmaniasis infected patients. Serologic and parasitological test results have been used to diagnose Visceral Leishmaniasis. The HIV diagnosis was based on the national algorithm with two serial positive rapid test results. In case of discrepancy between the two tests, Uni-Gold TM was used as a tie breaker. Structured questionnaire was used to collect independent variables. Data was entered by using Excel and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. A total of 462 study participants were included in the study with a response rate of 92.4%. HIV and Visceral Leishmaniasis coinfection was found to be 17.75% with 95% CI; 14.30-21.40. Age ≥ 30 years (AOR = 22.58, 95% CI 11.34, 45.01), urban residents (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.16, 4.17) and daily laborer workers (AOR = 4.99, 95% CI 2.33, 10.68) were significantly associated with HIV and Visceral Leishmaniasis coinfection. HIV and Visceral Leishmaniasis coinfection in the Northwest Ethiopia was found to be low. Age, residence and employment were independently associated with HIV-VL coinfection in the Northwest Ethiopia. It is better to design interventions to prevent and control HIV-VL coinfection for productive age groups (age ≥ 30) and daily laborers.


Spinal deformities in children. The improving picture.
Significant advances have been made in knowledge of the natural history and treatment of spinal deformities. Early diagnosis remains the key to successful treatment. Newer techniques of bracing, electrical stimulation, and surgery have led to a satisfactory outcome in the majority of patients. Smaller scoliotic curves (less than 20 degrees) may be treated by observation, but for more significant curves prompt referral is best.


Arabidopsis chloroplastic ascorbate peroxidase isoenzymes play a dual role in photoprotection and gene regulation under photooxidative stress.
Though two types of chloroplastic ascorbate peroxidase (APX) located in the thylakoid membrane (tAPX) and stroma (sAPX) have been thought to be key regulators of intracellular levels of H(2)O(2), their physiological significance in the response to photooxidative stress is still under discussion. Here we characterized single mutants lacking either tAPX (KO-tAPX) or sAPX (KO-sAPX). Under exposure to high light or treatment with methylviologen under light, H(2)O(2) and oxidized proteins accumulated to higher levels in both mutant plants than in the wild-type plants. On the other hand, the absence of sAPX and tAPX drastically suppressed the expression of H(2)O(2)-responsive genes under photooxidative stress. Interestingly, the most marked effect of photooxidative stress on the accumulation of H(2)O(2) and oxidized protein and gene expression was observed in the KO-tAPX plants rather than the KO-sAPX plants. The present findings suggest that both chloroplastic APXs, but particularly tAPX, are important for photoprotection and gene regulation under photooxidative stress in Arabidopsis leaves.


Describing Polytopal Rearrangement Processes of Octacoordinate Structures. I. Renewed Insights into Fluxionality of the Rhenium Polyhydride Complex ReH5(PPh3)2(Pyridine).
Hydride ligands of transition metal polyhydride complexes with a high coordination number are prone to fluxionality leading to interesting structural dynamics. However, the underlying polytopal rearrangement pathways have been rarely studied. Based on quantum chemical calculations carried out in this work with density functional theory and coupled-cluster theory, two new fluxional mechanisms have been identified for the rhenium polyhydride complex ReH5(PPh3)2(pyridine) to jointly account for two consecutive coalescence events in the variable-temperature NMR spectra upon heating: lateral and basal three-arm turnstile rotation. The frequently cited pseudorotation in ReH5(PPh3)2(pyridine) (Lee et al. Inorg. Chem. 1996, 35, 695) turns out to be a three-step process including two lateral three-arm turnstile steps and one basal turnstile step in between. The new fluxional mechanisms discovered in this work may also exist in other transition metal polyhydrides.


[Omics biomarkers and early diagnostics].
One of main goals for omics sciences, such as transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, in medicine is biomarker discovery for diagnostics of common non-infectious diseases. The opinion paper discusses diagnostic parameters, which limit the use of the biomarkers, as well as a positive predictive value, and conditions providing possible application of the biomarkers for early diagnostics. Using some examples from proteomics, it is stated that omics technologies, which measure gene expression products, are more often used to discover prognostic and predictive biomarkers. These biomarkers help to classify already diagnosed patients to groups with different disease management.


Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Positivity Is Associated with Vascular Involvement in Behçet's Disease.
We investigated whether antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity is associated with vascular manifestations at diagnosis of Behçet's disease (BD) and poor outcomes during follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1060 patients with BD. Among them, 808 patients could be diagnosed with BD based on the revised version of the International Criteria for Behçet's Disease (ICBD) in 2014 (2014 ICBD criteria) and 588 patients could be diagnosed with BD based on the International Study Group (ISG) criteria proposed in 1990 (1990 ISG criteria). We examined the sites and patterns of vascular involvement in the BD patients at diagnosis and evaluated adverse outcomes during follow up, such as all-cause mortality, acute coronary syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis. Among the 808 patients with BD based on the 2014 ICBD criteria, the rate of ANCA positivity at diagnosis was 2.2%. ANCA-positive BD patients exhibited a higher frequency of overall vascular manifestations (22.2% vs. 6.1%) and higher frequencies of vascular involvement in the upper extremities and visceral arteries than ANCA-negative BD patients (5.6% vs. 0.1% and 5.6% vs. 0.1%). Among the 588 BD patients based on the 1990 ISG criteria, similarly, ANCA-positive BD patients exhibited a higher frequency of vascular manifestations than ANCA-negative BD patients. ANCA positivity, however, did not seem to be associated with poor outcomes in BD patients during follow up. ANCA positivity in BD patients was found to be associated with cross-sectional vascular involvement in the upper extremities and visceral arteries at diagnosis but was not predictive of poor outcomes during follow-up.


Facial erysipelas: report of a case and review of the literature.
The diagnosis of erysipelas is usually made clinically. Features that help distinguish erysipelas are acute onset, erythema, warmth, edema, pain, fever, and isolated regional involvement with clearly demarcated margins. High ASO titers and response to penicillin therapy are reassuring. Simple uncomplicated erysipelas or cellulitis in adults can usually be treated on an outpatient basis. Extensive facial involvement with fever and a toxic appearance warrants hospitalization. Facial cellulitis or erysipelas in children, unless quite limited, requires hospitalization because of the high risk of Hemophilus influenzae infection and sepsis. Hospitalized patients should show visible signs of resolution and be afebrile for at least 24 hours prior to discharge. They should be maintained on oral antibiotic therapy at home for an additional 7 to 10 days.


Nonspontaneous surface-induced nematic phase.
By means of a Landau-de Gennes mean field model, we predict the existence of a nonspontaneous surface nematic phase in a smectogenic compound in contact with a suitable solid substrate. In the bulk the system does not show any nematic phase, the latter being solely induced by the substrate-liquid crystal interaction. Depending on the strength of the surface potential, a prewetting line, terminating at a critical point, may appear. For strong enough coupling, a new surface smectic phase can be induced, accompanied by a reentrant behavior. Our analysis might explain some recent experimental results [T. Moses, Phys. Rev. E 64, 010702(R) (2001)]: to validate it we suggest possible further experimental investigations.


Left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema in acute multiple sclerosis.
We describe a young woman who developed left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema during fulminant onset of multiple sclerosis. One of the numerous plaques was located in the left inferior cerebellar peduncle near the dorsal motor vagal and solitary tract nuclei. Within two days pulmonary edema had cleared, and within three days left ventricular function was normal. To our knowledge, left ventricular failure has not earlier been verified in acute multiple sclerosis.


Comparison of the measurement of plasma testosterone and plasma oestrogens for the diagnosis of cryptorchidism in the horse.
The results of performing 1720 blood tests for equine cryptorchidism are described. Using the paired sample human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) stimulation test and measuring testosterone, 6.7 per cent of tests did not give a clear result. If only the testosterone concentration in the pre-hCG blood sample was used, this percentage rose to 14 per cent. The paired sample hCG stimulation test was 94.6 per cent accurate. A comparison was made between the paired hCG stimulation test and the measurement of conjugated oestrogen in a single sample. The latter did not give as many doubtfuls but gave false negatives in donkeys of all ages and in horses less than three years old. Measurement of conjugated oestrogen was found to be 96 per cent accurate when donkeys and young horses were excluded. It is, therefore, recommended as a simpler and more reliable test than the paired sample hCG test, but only in the older horse.


Cardiac Shock Wave Therapy Alleviates Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Myocardial Necroptosis by Modulating Autophagy.
Regulated necrosis (necroptosis) is crucially involved in cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). The aim of our study is to investigate whether shock wave therapy (SWT) is capable of exerting protective effects by inhibiting necroptosis during myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the possible role of autophagy in this process. We established a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model in vitro using HL-1 cells to simulate MIRI. MTS assays and LDH cytotoxicity assay were performed to measure cell viability and cell damage. Annexin V/PI staining was used to determine apoptosis and necrosis. Western blotting was performed to assess the changes in cell signaling pathways associated with autophagy, necroptosis, and apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected using DHE staining. Autophagosome generation and degradation (autophagic flux) were analysed using GFP and RFP tandemly tagged LC3 (tfLC3). HL-1 cells were then transfected with p62/SQSTM1 siRNA in order to analyse its role in cardioprotection. Our results revealed that SWT increased cell viability in the H/R model and decreased receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and RIPK3 expression. ROS production was also inhibited by SWT. Moreover, SWT decreased Beclin1 expression and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I following H/R. Simultaneously, in the tfLC3 assay, the SWT provoked a decrease in the cumulative autophagosome abundance. siRNA-mediated knockdown of p62 attenuated H/R-induced necroptosis, and SWT did not exert additive effects. Taken together, SWT ameliorated H/R injury by inhibiting necroptosis. SWT also relieved the blockade of autophagic flux in response to H/R injury. The restoration of autophagic flux by SWT might contribute to its cardioprotective effect on necroptosis following H/R injury.


Health maintenance behaviors in advanced Parkinson's disease.
Co-morbidity in the older adult Parkinson's disease patient decreases functional status and quality of life, and increases the risk of permanent disability. Although many chronic conditions in the adult population can be prevented, or at least influenced by early detection and treatment many progressive neurologic disorders such as Parkinson's disease cannot. This pilot study describes the health maintenance and disease prevention behaviors of a group of patients with Parkinson's disease. Findings demonstrate that parkinsonians attend in a way similar to their peers without Parkinson's disease to most parameters of general health maintenance as established by the United States Preventive Task Force. In fact, in 11 out of 12 selective parameters, parkinsonians exhibit increased frequency of participation in the recommended behaviors. However, achievement of our national goals for health promotion and disease prevention will require additional efforts in this population. Emphasis should include the participation in Pap smears, mammograms, exercise, seat belt usage and adult immunizations, especially the pneumococcal vaccination. Neuroscience nurses can play an important role in reaching health promotion and disease prevention goals in persons with Parkinson's disease through patient education, advocacy, case management, anticipatory guidance and referrals to primary care providers.


First proof of concept of sustainable metabolite production from high solids fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass using a bacterial co-culture and cycling flush system.
To improve the lignocellulose conversion for ABE in high solids fermentation, this study explored the feasibility of cycling the process through the cellulolytic or/and solventogenic phases via intermittent flushing of the fermentation media. Five different flushing strategies (varying medium ingredients, inoculum supplement and cycling through phases) were investigated. Flushing regularly throughout the cellulolytic phase is necessary because re-incubation at 65 °C significantly improved glucose availability by at least 6-fold. The solvents accumulation was increased by 4-fold using corn stover (3-fold using miscanthus) over that produced by flushing only through the solventogenic phase. In addition, cycling process was simplified by re-incubating the flushed cellulolytic phase with no re-inoculation because the initial inoculum of Clostridiumthermocellum remained viable throughout sequential co-culture. This study served as the first proof of the cycling flush system applied in co-cultural SSC and the knowledge gained can be used to design a farm-scale flushing system.


[Initial experience using a new type extracorporeal lithotripter with an anti-miss-shot control device].
The results of clinical trial using a TOSHIBA piezolectric extracorporeal lithotripter are presented. The advantages of this machine are the installation of an anti-miss-shot control device (AMCD) to prevent miss-shots to the renal tissue and the improved ultrasound stone localization by an over-head type applicator. AMCD functions so that shock waves are generated only when the stone is in the focal region. Forty patients with urinary tract stone were treated by this machine from October 1989 to March 1990 at the Department of Urology, Tohoku University School of Medicine. Almost all patients could be treated with an analgesic only. The X-ray film obtained three months after ESWL treatment showed that 23 cases (57.5%) were stone-free and 10 cases (25.0%) had stone fragments of less than 4 mm. The successful rate of ESWL using this machine was 82.5%, the result was better than that using other piezolectric machines. No serious complication was observed, except mild hematuria in all cases. Milder postoperative hematuria suggested the decrease of renal tissue injury. It is concluded that the treatment with this machine is safe and seems to be more favorable than the conventional ones.


IL-17A acts via p38 MAPK to increase stability of TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 mRNA in human ASM.
Human airway smooth muscle (ASM) plays an immunomodulatory role in asthma. Recently, IL-17A has become of increasing interest in asthma, being found at elevated levels in asthmatic airways and emerging as playing an important role in airway neutrophilia. IL-17A predominantly exerts its neutrophil orchestrating role indirectly via the induction of cytokines by resident airway structural cells. Here, we perform an in vitro study to show that although IL-17A did not induce secretion of the CXC chemokine IL-8 from ASM cells, IL-17A significantly potentiates TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 protein secretion and gene expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Levels of IL-8 protein produced after 24 h of incubation with TNF-alpha were enhanced 2.7-fold in the presence of IL-17A, and conditioned media significantly enhanced neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. As IL-17A had no effect on the activity of NF-kappaB, a key transcriptional regulator of IL-8 gene expression, we then examined whether IL-17A acts at the posttranscriptional level. We found that IL-17A significantly augmented TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 mRNA stability. Interestingly, this enhanced stability occurred via a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. The decay of IL-8 mRNA transcripts proceeded at a significantly faster rate when cells were pretreated with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-203580 (-0.05763 +/- 0.01964, t(1/2) = 12.0 h), compared with vehicle (-0.01030 +/- 0.007963, t(1/2) = 67.3 h) [results are expressed as decay constant (means +/- SE) and half-life (t(1/2) in h): P < 0.05]. Collectively, these results demonstrate that IL-17A amplifies the synthetic function of ASM cells, acting via a p38 MAPK-dependent posttranscriptional pathway to augment TNF-alpha-induced secretion of the potent neutrophil chemoattractant IL-8 from ASM cells.


Characterization of a novel and functional human prolactin receptor isoform (deltaS1PRLr) containing only one extracellular fibronectin-like domain.
Prolactin (PRL)-dependent signaling occurs as the result of ligand-induced homodimerization of the PRL receptor (PRLr). To date, short, intermediate, and long human PRLr isoforms have been characterized. To investigate the expression of other possible human PRLr isoforms, RT-PCR was performed on mRNA isolated from the breast carcinoma cell line T47D. A 1.5-kb PCR fragment was isolated, subcloned, and sequenced. The PCR product exhibited a nucleotide sequence 100% homologous to the human long isoform except bp 71-373 were deleted, which code for the S1 motif of the extracellular domain. Therefore, this isoform was designated the deltaS1 PRLr. Northern analysis revealed variable deltaS1 PRLr mRNA expression in a variety of tissues. Transfection of Chinese hamster ovary cells with deltaS1 cDNA showed the isoform is expressed at the protein level on the cell surface with a molecular mass of approximately 70 kDa. Kinetic studies indicated the deltaS1 isoform bound ligand at a lower affinity than wild-type receptor. The deltaS1 PRLr was also shown to activate the proximal signaling molecule Jak2 upon addition of ligand to transfected cells, and, unlike the long PRLr, high concentrations of ligand did not function as a self-antagonist to signaling during intervals of PRL serum elevation, i.e. stress and pregnancy. Given its apparent widespread expression, this PRLr isoform may contribute to PRL action. Furthermore, the functionality of this receptor raises interesting questions regarding the minimal extracellular domain necessary for ligand-induced receptor signaling.


Usefulness of live/real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the characterization of ventricular septal defects in adults.
In this report, we present 12 patients (range 14-76 years, mean 40 +/- 22.7 years) who underwent surgical repair of a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Location, size, and surrounding anatomy of the VSD were assessed prior to intervention in all patients with live/real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE). In 9 patients, measurements of maximum dimension, circumference, and area by 3DTTE correlated well with the same measurements from intraoperative three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic (3DTEE) reconstruction. 3DTTE measurement of maximum dimension of VSDs also agreed well with maximum dimension by surgery in 10 patients. Live/real time 3DTTE accurately defined VSD location, size, and surrounding anatomy in all patients studied by us. VSD characterization by live 3DTTE agreed well with surgery descriptions and 3DTEE measurements.


[Serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae from clinical specimens].
Studies were made on 66 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae which were obtained from clinical specimens in 1991 through 1993 and showed 19 mm or less of disk inhibition zone diameter (DIZD) against 1 microgram oxacillin (MPIPC) disk. The studies included the determination of their serotypes, antimicrobial susceptibility, and comparison between microbroth dilution (MD) method and Kirby-Bauer (K-B) method. In the study of distribution of serotypes, additional 32 strains which showed 20 mm or more in DIZD were included for study. The results were as follows. 1) About 70% of 98 strains of S. pneumoniae were serotyped by 6 kinds of antisera. Among penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP), type 3 were 20.6%, type 19, 15.9%, type 6, 14.3%, type 18, 9.5%, type 14, 7.9%, and type 4, 1.6%. Among penicillin-intermediate S. pneumoniae (PISP), and penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP), type 19 were 60%, and type 18, 8.6%. In PISP and PRSP, more than half were type 19, which indicates they are distinctly different from PSSP in serotypical distribution. 2) As to the difference between screening by MPIPC disk and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by benzylpenicillin (PCG), among 66 MPIPC resistant strains, PSSP strains were 31 in number (47%). 3) MIC showed that PISP and PRSP strains were more resistant than PSSP against cefaclor (CCL), cefazolin (CEZ), cefotiam (CTM), cefotaxime (CTX), imipenem (IPM), minocycline (MINO), and erythromycin (EM), but no difference was found in the 2 groups of strains in MIC with clindamycin (CLDM) and ofloxacin (OFLX). 4) All type 3 strains formed mucoid colonies and were resistant to MINO and highly resistant to EM and CLDM. 5) By NCCLS, category of antimicrobial susceptibility is determined against CCL, EM, OFLX, in MD method and K-B method. Against these antibiotics, the complete agreement rates were 75.8%, 92.4% and 86.4% respectively.


Anti-tumor Effect of Activated Canine B Cells With Interleukin-21 and Anti-B Cell Receptor.
Recently, novel studies on the pivotal role of B cells in the tumor-microenvironment and anti-tumor immunity have been conducted. Additionally, Interleukin-21 (IL-21) and anti-B cell receptor (BCR) have been reported to stimulate B cells to secrete granzyme B, which exhibits cytotoxic effects on tumor cells. However, the direct anti-tumor effect of B cells is not yet fully understood in the veterinary field. This study is the first attempt in veterinary medicine to identify the immediate effect of B cells on tumor suppression and the underlying mechanisms involved. Canine B cells were isolated from peripheral blood and activated with IL-21 and anti-B cell receptor (BCR). The canine leukemia cell line GL-1 was co-cultured with B cells, and the anti-tumor effect was confirmed by assessing the changes in cell viability and apoptotic ratio. When B cells were activated with IL-21 and anti-BCR, the secretion of granzyme B and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) increased. Simultaneously, the viability of GL-1 cells decreased, and the apoptotic ratio increased, particularly when co-cultured with activated B cells. The results demonstrated the direct anti-tumor effect of granzyme B-and TRAIL and its enhanced potential of B cells to inhibit tumor cell growth after activation with IL-21 and anti-BCR. This study is the first study dealing with immunomodulation in the canine tumor micro-environment.


Effects of OP-1206 (prostaglandin E1) on nerve-conduction velocity in the dog cauda equina subjected to acute experimental compression.
The effect of OP-1206, a prostaglandin E1 derivative, on cauda equina function was analyzed in a model for acute cauda equina compression in the dog. An inflatable balloon was placed under the lamina of the seventh lumbar vertebra in the dog and muscle action potential area (MAP area) and nerve-conduction velocity (NCV) were monitored during 2 h of compression and 1.5 h of recovery. OP-1206 was infused systemically at three concentrations. Only the highest concentration (30 ng/kg/min) of OP-1206 could prevent the reduction in NCV. However, this concentration had no similar effect on the MAP area. The data suggest the potential therapeutic use of prostaglandin E1 analogues for the future treatment of intermittent claudication.


Ultrasensitive Multimodal Tactile Sensors with Skin-Inspired Microstructures through Localized Ferroelectric Polarization.
Multifunctional electronic skins have attracted considerable attention for soft electronics including humanoid robots, wearable devices, and health monitoring systems. Simultaneous detection of multiple stimuli in a single self-powered device is desired to simplify artificial somatosensory systems. Here, inspired by the structure and function of human skin, an ultrasensitive self-powered multimodal sensor is demonstrated based on an interlocked ferroelectric copolymer microstructure. The triboelectric and pyroelectric effects of ferroelectric microstructures enable the simultaneous detection of mechanical and thermal stimuli in a spacer-free single device, overcoming the drawbacks of conventional devices, including complex fabrication, structural complexity, and high-power consumption. Furthermore, the interlocked microstructure induces electric field localization during ferroelectric polarization, leading to enhanced output performance. The multimodal tactile sensor provides ultrasensitive pressure and temperature detection capability (2.2 V kPa-1 , 0.27 nA °C-1 ) over a broad range (0.1-98 kPa, -20 °C < ΔT < 30 °C). Furthermore, multiple simultaneous stimuli can be distinguished based on different response times of triboelectric and pyroelectric effects. The remarkable performance of this sensor enables real-time monitoring of pulse pressure, acoustic wave detection, surface texture analysis, and profiling of multiple stimuli.


Hydrocarbon contamination changes the bacterial diversity of soil from around Scott Base, Antarctica.
A combination of culture-independent and culturing methods was used to determine the impacts of hydrocarbon contamination on the diversity of bacterial communities in coastal soil from Ross Island, Antarctica. While numbers of culturable aerobic heterotrophic microbes were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher in the hydrocarbon-contaminated soil than control soil, the populations were less diverse. Members of the divisions Fibrobacter/Acidobacterium, Cytophaga/Flavobacterium/Bacteroides, Deinococcus/Thermus, and Low G+C gram positive occurred almost exclusively in control soils whereas the contaminated soils were dominated by Proteobacteria; specifically, members of the genera Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas and Variovorax, some of which degrade hydrocarbons. Members of the Actinobacteria were found in both soils.


Two Phases Inside the Bose Condensation Dome of Yb_{2}Si_{2}O_{7}.
Recent experimental data on Bose-Einstein condensation of magnons in the spin-gap compound Yb_{2}Si_{2}O_{7} revealed an asymmetric Bose-Einstein condensation dome [G. Hester et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 027201 (2019)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.123.027201]. We examine modifications to the Heisenberg model on a breathing honeycomb lattice, showing that this physics can be explained by competing anisotropic perturbations. We employ a gamut of analytical and numerical techniques to show that the anisotropy yields a field driven phase transition from a state with broken Ising symmetry to a phase that breaks no symmetries and crosses over to the polarized limit.


[Preoperative bowel preparation--is it useful?].
Mechanical cleansing of the colon prior to elective colorectal surgery is a dogmatically established belief in surgery. Polyethylene glycol was extensively used in the 1980's and 1990's but has been largely replaced by other laxative solutions such as sodium phosphate which are better tolerated by the patient. Evidence-based data in the surgical literature question the dogma of routine mechanical bowel cleansing (8 randomized controlled studies and 4 meta-analyses). These data show with a good level of evidence that mechanical bowel preparation is unnecessary and perhaps harmful.


The value of 'Trapezoid Rotation Test' by Contraves computerized rotary chair system.
Trapezoid Rotation Tests using the Contraves computerized rotary chair system were performed in 60 normal subjects and 213 patients with peripheral vestibular disorder. In normal subjects, directional preponderance was not observed. The so-called 'response decline phenomenon' by repeating the tests was not detected and the test results showed good reproducibility. On the other hand, the test results of patients were variable, in close relationship with the state of vertigo, and reflected patient's labyrinthine pathology so accurately that the inspection of the treatment course was possible by this testing system.


Fabrication and characterization of biodegradable nanofibrous mats by mix and coaxial electrospinning.
The aim of this study is to investigate an innovative tissue engineering scaffold with a controllable drug-releasing capability. The hypothesis is that the nanofibers fabricated by coaxial electrospinning could encapsulate and release sustainedly Tetracycline Hydrochloride (TCH). To testify the hypothesis, nanofibers were prepared by coaxial electrospinning from Poly(L-lactid-co-epsilon-caprolactone) [PLLACL]/2,2,2-Frifluoroethanol (TFE) solutions (as the shell solutions) and TCH/TFE solutions (as the core solutions). In addition, nanofibers of PLLACL-blend-TCH were also prepared as the control by mix electrospinning. The relationship between fibers morphologies and processed conditions in electrospinning were investigated. TCH release behaviors from the nanofibrous mats were studied. The antibacterial properties of aforementioned nanofibers were detected by the Escherichia coli growth-inhibiting tests. The results indicated that the nanofibers prepared by coaxial-electrospinning had the desired and controllable TCH encapsulation/release profile; thus, it could be utilized as both a drug encapsulation/release vehicle and a tissue engineering scaffold.


Selective light-triggered release of DNA from gold nanorods switches blood clotting on and off.
Blood clotting is a precise cascade engineered to form a clot with temporal and spatial control. Current control of blood clotting is achieved predominantly by anticoagulants and thus inherently one-sided. Here we use a pair of nanorods (NRs) to provide a two-way switch for the blood clotting cascade by utilizing their ability to selectively release species on their surface under two different laser excitations. We selectively trigger release of a thrombin binding aptamer from one nanorod, inhibiting blood clotting and resulting in increased clotting time. We then release the complementary DNA as an antidote from the other NR, reversing the effect of the aptamer and restoring blood clotting. Thus, the nanorod pair acts as an on/off switch. One challenge for nanobiotechnology is the bio-nano interface, where coronas of weakly adsorbed proteins can obscure biomolecular function. We exploit these adsorbed proteins to increase aptamer and antidote loading on the nanorods.


Mutational screening of RET, HRAS, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, AKT1, and CTNNB1 in medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Screening medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) for rearranged during transfection (RET) mutations becomes increasingly important for clinical assessment of the disease. The role of mutations in other genes including RAS (i.e. HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS), v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1), and CTNNB1 (β-catenin) is unknown or not fully explored yet for this disease. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) material was the primary source for screening 13 sporadic and inherited MTCs and matched non-tumor specimens. Multiplex PCR was included in the PCR protocol. Sequence analysis encompassed mutational hotspot regions in RET exons 5, 8, 10, 11, and 13 to 16; HRAS exons 1 and 2; KRAS exons 1 and 2; NRAS exons 1 and 2; BRAF exon 15; AKT1 exon 2, and CTNNB1 exon 3. We identified RET mutations in seven of 13 MTCs: five RET-positive cases revealed a mutation in exon 16 (M918T) and two a mutation in exon 10 (C618S and C620S). In four of the RET-positive cases, the mutation was inherited, out of which three were reportedly associated with a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome, i.e. MEN2A (C618S), MEN2A/familial MTC (FMTC) (C620S), and MEN2B (M918T). These cases reflect the known MEN2 genotype-phenotype correlation. Three of the five stage IVc MTCs were inherited RET-positive cases. Mutational screening in HRAS, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, AKT1, and CTNNB1 disclosed one sporadic RET-negative MTC (stage III) with mutation in HRAS codon 13 (G13R). Our study supports the clinical relevance of screening MTC patients for RET mutations. The role of RAS mutations, in particular HRAS mutations, in sporadic RET-negative MTC has not been fully explored yet. Mutations in BRAF, AKT1, and CTNNB1 are likely not to play a role in MTC.


Effects of abscisic Acid and ethylene on the gibberellic Acid-induced synthesis of alpha-amylase by isolated wheat aleurone layers.
Gibberellic acid-induced alpha-amylase synthesis in wheat aleurone layers (Triticum aestivum L. var Potam S-70) escaped from transcriptional control 30 h after addition of the hormone, as evidenced by the tissue's loss of susceptibility to cordycepin. Abscisic acid inhibited the accumulation of alpha-amylase activity when added to the tissue during this cordycepin-insensitive phase of enzyme induction. alpha-Amylase synthesis was not restored by the addition of cordycepin, indicating that the response to abscisic acid was not dependent upon the continuous synthesis of a short lived RNA. When ethylene was added simultaneously or some time after abscisic acid, the accumulation of alpha-amylase activity was sustained or quickly restored. The loss of susceptibility to cordycepin was completely prevented when aleurone layers were incubated with a combination of gibberellic and abscisic acids from the start of the induction period. This effect of abscisic acid was not reversed by ethylene. On the basis of these observations, it is suggested that abscisic acid inhibits both the transcription and translation of alpha-amylase mRNA, and that only the latter site of action is susceptible to reversal by ethylene.The rate of incorporation of [methyl-(14)C]choline into phospholipids was also inhibited by abscisic acid. Ethylene reversed this effect. The effects of abscisic acid and ethylene on phospholipid synthesis were not dependent upon the presence of gibberellic acid. No direct relationship was found between the control of alpha-amylase synthesis and membrane formation by abscisic acid and ethylene.


Neural network diagnostic system for dengue patients risk classification.
With the dramatic increase of the worldwide threat of dengue disease, it has been very crucial to correctly diagnose the dengue patients in order to decrease the disease severity. However, it has been a great challenge for the physicians to identify the level of risk in dengue patients due to overlapping of the medical classification criteria. Therefore, this study aims to construct a noninvasive diagnostic system to assist the physicians for classifying the risk in dengue patients. Systematic producers have been followed to develop the system. Firstly, the assessment of the significant predictors associated with the level of risk in dengue patients was carried out utilizing the statistical analyses technique. Secondly, Multilayer perceptron neural network models trained via Levenberg-Marquardt and Scaled Conjugate Gradient algorithms was employed for constructing the diagnostic system. Finally, precise tuning for the models' parameters was conducted in order to achieve the optimal performance. As a result, 9 noninvasive predictors were found to be significantly associated with the level of risk in dengue patients. By employing those predictors, 75% prediction accuracy has been achieved for classifying the risk in dengue patients using Scaled Conjugate Gradient algorithm while 70.7% prediction accuracy were achieved by using Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm.


Orbital magnetic resonance imaging combined with clinical activity score can improve the sensitivity of detection of disease activity and prediction of response to immunosuppressive therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy.
The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the addition of orbital magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can provide improvement in sensitivity of detection of active disease and the prediction of the response to intravenous glucocorticoid therapy (ivGC), over clinical activity score (CAS) alone. A prospective case series was studied at our institution. Forty eight patients were examined by CAS and orbital MR imaging. The maximum of T2 relaxation times of extraocular muscles (maxT2RT) and other parameters were evaluated by MR imaging. Thirty five of 48 patients underwent ivGC. Twenty of 35 patients, whose CAS was 2 points or less, were evaluated for the response to ivGC. The correlation between CAS and maxT2RT was evaluated. Differentiation of active and inactive GO was performed by CAS and orbital MR imaging. The response to ivGC was evaluated by CAS, orbital MR imaging and ophthalmic parameters. As a result, CAS and maxT2RT showed significant positive correlation (r=0.58, p<0.0001), and 15 patients were positive by CAS and orbital MR imaging. However, 20 patients were positive by only MR imaging. In those 20 patients, there was significant improvement after ivGC. We concluded that orbital MR imaging combined with CAS could improve the sensitivity of detection of active disease and the prediction of the response to ivGC. In addition, even if only one parameter of CAS is positive, further examination with orbital MR imaging is advised.


Propylthiouracil hepatotoxicity. A review and case presentation.
Propylthiouracil (PTU) is widely used to treat patients with hyperthyroidism. In rare cases, this drug has been found to have severe toxic effects on the liver. The case of a 14-year-old girl treated with PTU for hyperthyroidism who developed jaundice, severe hepatocellular dysfunction, and hepatomegaly is reported. Her condition gradually deteriorated, and she developed paranoid ideation, profound lethargy, and peripheral edema. After three weeks of prednisone therapy, clinical and laboratory signs of improvement were observed. This patient was one of only five pediatric cases among the 16 reported cases of PTU liver toxicity reported to date. Her history and the fatal outcome in some reported cases demonstrate the high degree of sensitivity required to recognize this potential complication in patients treated with PTU, particularly since its immediate discontinuance and steroid-therapy intervention may lead to recovery.


Application of ozonation process in industrial wastewaters: textile, kraft E1 and whey effluents.
A large variety of organic and inorganic compounds can be found in wastewater from industrial processes. In this work, Advanced Oxidative Processes (AOPs) have been applied for the control of water pollution and the ozonation of different effluents was investigated. Wastewater from textile, kraft E1 and cheese manufacturing processes were chosen as examples of industrial effluents. The efficiency of substrate mineralization has been comparatively analyzed by the decrease in total organic carbon (TOC), color, and toxicity. The results revealed that the ozonation process can be a method for decolorization of effluent, but it is not effective for TOC reduction. The whey effluent was the most recalcitrant wastewater for ozone treatment which produced no TOC removal.


Construction of a novel JCV/SV40 hybrid virus (JCSV) reveals a role for the JCV capsid in viral tropism.
JC virus (JCV) is a common human polyomavirus that infects greater than 70% of the general population worldwide. JCV is also the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease of the CNS. Currently, little is known about the mechanisms that restrict JCV tropism to a few human cell types and tissues. In vivo, JCV can be detected in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in the CNS of patients with PML. The virus can also be detected in kidney, tonsil, and B lymphocytes of patients both with and without PML. In vitro, JCV can only be propagated in cultures of human fetal glial cells or in cell lines derived from this tissue. In contrast, the closely related monkey polyomavirus, SV40, has a broad tropism for primate cells, including those cells that are also susceptible to infection by JCV. We hypothesized that one potential block to infection is at the level of virus entry. To examine this, we constructed a JCV-SV40 chimeric viral genome that contains the regulatory region and the early genes of SV40 and the late structural genes of JCV. The hybrid virus (JCSV) induced SV40-like cytopathic effect in human glial cells and hemagglutinated human type O red blood cells similar to JCV. More importantly, the hybrid virus maintained the host range of JCV, suggesting that interactions between the virus capsid and host cell receptors contribute to JCV tropism.


Zeeman-Induced Valley-Sensitive Photocurrent in Monolayer MoS_{2}.
The control of the valley degree of freedom lies at the core of interest in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, where specific valley-spin excitation can be created using circularly polarized light. Measurement and manipulation of the valley index has also been achieved, but mainly with purely optical methods. Here, in monolayer MoS_{2}, we identify a response to the valley polarization of excitons in the longitudinal electrical transport when the valley degeneracy is broken by an out-of-plane magnetic field B_{z}. The spin information is also simultaneously determined with spin-sensitive contacts. In the presence of B_{z}, a significant modulation of the photocurrent is observed as a function of the circular polarization state of the excitation. We attribute this effect to unbalanced transport of valley-polarized trions induced by the opposite Zeeman shifts of two (K and K^{'}) valleys. Our interpretation is supported by the contrasting behavior in bilayer MoS_{2}, as well as the observed doping and spatial dependence of the valley photocurrent.


Touch in mental health nursing: an exploratory study of nurses' views and perceptions.
The aim of this study was to explore psychiatric nurses' perceptions of physical touch with people who experience mental health problems. A descriptive exploratory qualitative research design was used. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 10 registered psychiatric nurses who met the inclusion criteria and were randomly selected to participate in the study. Burnard's 14 stage-by-stage process of coding and categorization was used to analyse the data. Watson distinguished between two kinds of physical touch: instrumental and expressive. The findings indicated that physical touch was used in mental health nursing; however, it was only considered to be therapeutic to clients if used judiciously, with effective interpersonal skills. The participants in this study clearly identified the need to be sensitive to both the individual client needs, and honour their personal space and cultural background. A significant issue in this study was male participants concerns that touching female clients would be misinterpreted as a sexual advance. To protect themselves, male participants used touch in a cautious and minimal manner, and only in a public space, where others could view the interaction. In the absence of research on physical touch in mental health nursing there is a need for further research to explore in detail these findings.


Suicides in Poland--demographic aspect.
"The present paper contains a part of the results of a study conducted based on suicide statistics [in Poland].... Information contained in the...paper mainly concerns the 1990s (comparisons), the last 30 years (trends) and the years 1992-1993 (structure)."


A seat at the table: trend or illusion?
Responding to Nancy Tomes's conclusion that mental health consumers are beneficiaries but not primary causes of a new attentiveness to consumers' concerns, this review finds various historical and contemporary reasons for the mental health consumer movement to remain vigilant: the system's shallow acceptance of consumer self-determination; continued reliance on expedient coercive tactics rather than therapeutic engagement; the currently narrow reach of initiatives in self-direction; and the fragmentation of authority in the delivery of public services and supports needed by mental health consumers.


In vivo imaging of proteolytic activity in atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerotic plaque rupture, the most important cause of acute cardiovascular incidents, has been strongly associated with vascular inflammation. On the basis of the hypothesis that the inflammatory response and proteolysis lead to plaque rupture, we have examined the role of cathepsin B as a model proteolytic enzyme. Using western-type diet-fed apoE and apoE/endothelial NO synthase double knockout mice as models of atherosclerosis, we show (1) that cathepsin B is upregulated in atherosclerotic lesions characterized by high degrees of inflammation compared with normal aorta or silent lesions, (2) that intravenously injectable novel cathepsin B imaging beacons are highly activated within active atherosclerotic lesions and colocalize with cathepsin B immunoreactivity, and (3) that cathepsin B activity in atherosclerotic lesions can be imaged in whole animals by using a novel near-infrared tomographic imaging system. These studies indicate that cathepsin B, and potentially other proteases, may serve as a biomarker for vulnerable plaques when probed with beacons. The tomographic in vivo imaging method as well as catheter-based optical sensing methods could be readily adapted to screening and potentially to the molecular profiling of a number of proteases in vulnerable plaque in vivo.


Behavioral consequences of chelator administration in acute cadmium toxicity.
The conditioned flavor-aversion paradigm was used to assess the toxicity of acutely administered cadmium and the interaction of cadmium with the heavy-metal chelating agents dimercaprol (BAL) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). Shortly after consuming saccharin, rats received ip administration of cadmium either alone or in combination with sc administration of BAL or DMSA. Three days later they were given the choice between consuming saccharin or water, and saccharin preferences were recorded. When compared to rats receiving either nothing or the vehicle, rats receiving cadmium displayed significant reductions in saccharin preference (i.e., conditioned flavor aversions). BAL and DMSA were also capable of producing conditioned flavor aversions when given alone. Rats receiving cadmium in combination with either BAL or DMSA displayed significant, but not complete attenuations of conditioned flavor aversions when compared to the flavor aversions of rats receiving cadmium alone. Chelator-induced blockade of cadmium-induced flavor-aversion conditioning was not obtained when BAL or DMSA administration was delayed by 4 hr. Attenuation of cadmium-induced aversions by BAL and DMSA extends earlier findings of an attenuation of lead-induced flavor-aversion conditioning by these complexing agents, and thus demonstrates further the utility of the flavor-aversion conditioning paradigm in characterizing metal-chelator interactions.