Face lifts with hidden scars: the vertical U incision.
The authors present their latest development of a strictly vertical retroauricular incision to minimize a sequela of a face lift, namely, a visible scar. The temporal preauricular vertical incision and the retroauricular vertical incision form two parallel arms of a U-shaped incision. Anteriorly, a downward rotation flap is made to maintain the horizontal temporal line at the right level, and posteriorly, the scalp is incised vertically, followed by extensive superficial retroauricular undermining. In both temporal and retroauricular areas, skin and scalp undergo a redistribution rather than resection, which is extremely limited. The authors' experience with 100 patients who were operated on with vertical U incisions since April of 2000 is described. A total of 35 patients were evaluated after a 6-month follow-up by using clinical and photographic examinations. There were very few complications because the extensive retroauricular flap has good viability. There were no problems with sensitivity, hair loss, or scar spreading, and the hairline was not displaced. The quality of the scar was excellent in the majority of cases. We experienced only a few hypertrophic but well-hidden scars. This approach can also be used in secondary cases when the primary scar is of good quality. The neck pull is as effective as that in the classic approach with a traverse retroauricular incision. The nondetectability of the retroauricular scar is of special interest in young patients and in men. The authors believe there is no contraindication for this technique. It does not significantly prolong the operating time. It includes a large undermining in the retroauricular area (6 cm from the sulcus), but this dissection is easily performed in the superficial plane. In addition to using fibrin glue in the undermined areas, the authors drain the neck. They do not use dressings. Recovery was fast, and there were only two instances of hematomas and two instances of subcutaneous cervical fluid collections in which patients required treatment.


Feeding corn during the last 12 days of gestation improved colostrum production and neonatal activity in goats grazing subtropical semi-arid rangeland.
The objectives were to investigate if partial substitution of a grazing diet with a supplemental high-starch feed during the last 12 d of gestation improved colostrum yield and neonatal activity in goat does grazing semi-arid rangeland. For the first objective, 25 pregnant does were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) grazing only (control; n = 11), and 2) grazing plus 0.6 kg/d of supplemental corn (as fed), a high starch feed, during the last 12 ± 1.0 d before parturition (SC; n = 14). Colostrum was collected at parturition and again at 1, 3, 6, and 10 h postpartum for yield and composition. In all goats, blood concentrations of glucose and plasma progesterone were determined. Total colostrum yield/10 h was greater (P = 0.002) in the SC does (1,102 ± 144 g) than in control does (405 ± 50 g). From 6 to 10 h postpartum, contents of colostrum protein and solids not fat were less (P ≤ 0.012) whereas lactose contents were greater (P = 0.035) in the SC does than in control does. Concentration of glucose in the blood at parturition was greater (P = 0.037) in the SC does (160 ± 13 mg/dL) than in control does (115 ± 12 mg/dL). A significant decrease (P = 0.001) in plasma progesterone concentrations occurred 1 d before parturition in control does, whereas the decrease (P = 0.008) occurred 3 d before parturition in SC does. For the second objective, 20 does (10 per group) and their single kids were randomly assigned to the same treatments as above for evaluation of dietary treatment on neonatal activity. Kid activity was assessed using videos recorded during the first 90 min after birth. Frequency of low-pitched bleats was greater (P < 0.001) in kids of SC does than in kids of controls. Frequencies and durations of teat seeking from 30 to 90 min after birth and of suckling activity were greater (P ≤ 0.015) in kids of SC does than in kids of controls. Duration of parturition was longer (P = 0.001) in control does (58 ± 10.2 min) than in SC does (21 ± 2.8 min). Finally, percentage of fetal malpresentation was greater (P = 0.036) in control does (33.3%) than in SC does (9.0%). We conclude that partial substitution of the grazing diet with a high-starch feed, corn, during the last 12 d of gestation improved colostrum yield and neonatal activity in goats grazing subtropical semi-arid rangeland.


Exploring the relation between masculinity and mental illness stigma using the stereotype content model and BIAS map.
The current research explored the association of masculinity and stigma toward mental illness using theoretical predictions stemming from the stereotype content model and BIAS map. Two correlational studies (Ns = 245, 163) measured stereotypes, emotions, and behavioral intentions in relation to masculine, feminine, and gender-neutral disorders. Participants perceived masculine disorders as lacking personal warmth and competence. Masculine disorders also elicited more negative emotions and behavioral intentions. Two experimental studies (Ns = 161, 431) manipulated personal warmth, sex, and type of disorder in descriptions of people with mental illness. Low warmth and stereotypically masculine disorders consistently elicited negative emotions and behavioral intentions, but sex had limited effects. Overall, the results supported the theoretical models and illustrated the importance of warmth and symptomatic behavior in explaining the masculinity-stigma relation.


Risk factors for cutaneous human papillomavirus seroreactivity among patients undergoing skin cancer screening in Florida.
Little is known about the risk factors for cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. To investigate factors associated with cutaneous HPV seropositivity, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 411 patients undergoing routine skin cancer screening examinations. Serum antibodies were measured and evaluated for 36 cutaneous HPV types in the genera alpha, beta, gamma, mu, and nu. Associations of demographic and lifestyle factors with cutaneous HPV seropositivity were estimated using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated using logistic regression. The seroprevalence of 1 cutaneous HPV type was 96% and 90% for men and women, respectively. Seroprevalence was highest for HPV types 4 (46%), 1 (37%), and 8 (31%) in men and for types 4 (47%), 63 (34%), and 1 (33%) in women. Independent associations of demographic and skin cancer risk factors with genus-specific HPV seropositivity differed by sex. For example, white skin, inability to tan, and lifetime residency in Florida were factors associated with genus-specific HPV seropositivity in men. Heavy smoking, sunscreen use, and green eye color were associated with genus-specific HPV seropositivity in women. Seroreactivity to cutaneous HPV types was highly prevalent in our study population. Different risk factors were independently associated with genus-specific cutaneous HPV seropositivity in men and women.


When scoring algorithms matter: effects of working memory load on different IAT scores.
In most process accounts of the Implicit Association Test (IAT), it is assumed that compatible and incompatible IAT blocks require different amounts of working memory capacity (WMC) and recruit executive functions such as task switching and inhibition to different extents. In the present study (N= 120), cognitive load during the completion of an IAT was experimentally manipulated by means of an oral random-number generation secondary task. Cognitive load led to slower latencies and more errors, especially in the incompatible block. However, different IAT scores, including conventional scores and D-scores, were affected differentially by the load manipulation: scores based on raw data of task performance such as latencies and errors were increased whereas scores that use transformations such as log-latency scores and D-scores were decreased. A number of analyses shed light on the reasons for the unexpected dissociation between scoring algorithms. Remarkably, external correlations of the IAT scores were not affected by the experimental manipulation.


The Relationship between Vitamin D Status and Visceral Fat Accumulation in Males with Type 2 Diabetes.
Vitamin D deficiency may play an important role in obesity. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between vitamin D status and visceral fat accumulation in males with type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 adult males with type 2 diabetes in Qinhuangdao. The nutritional status of vitamin D was assessed by circulating levels of 25(OH)D, vitamin D deficiency <30 nmol/L, vitamin D insufficiency 30-50 nmol/L and vitamin D sufficiency >50 nmol/L. Accumulation of visceral fat was defined as visceral fat area ≥100 cm2. The prevalence of visceral fat accumulation was 35.9%. The prevalence of visceral fat accumulation was 14.6%, 45.1% and 50.0% in type 2 diabetes with vitamin D sufficiency, vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency, respectively. In multiple logistic regression analysis, subjects with vitamin D insufficiency [OR=4.255, p=0.012] and vitamin D deficiency [OR=6.122, p=0.022] were more likely to have visceral fat accumulation compared with subjects with vitamin D sufficiency. Visceral fat accumulation linked to the cluster of cardiometabolic risk factor in males with type 2 diabetes. There was a significant correlation between vitamin D status and visceral fat accumulation in males with type 2 diabetes.


A matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry reference database for the identification of Histoplasma capsulatum.
The isolation of the pathogenic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum from cultures together with the visualization of typical intracellular yeast in tissues are the gold standard methods for diagnosis of histoplasmosis. However, cultures are time-consuming, require level 3 containment and experienced personnel, and usually call for an additional confirmation test. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS) has been established as a suitable tool for microbial identification in several clinical laboratories. A reference database has been constructed for the identification of H. capsulatum by MALDI-ToF MS by using six H. capsulatum strains previously identified by molecular methods. For validation, 63 fungal strains belonging to the Collection of the Spanish National Centre for Microbiology were tested against the new reference database combined with other commercial and in-house databases. In a blind assay, all H. capsulatum strains (n = 30) were correctly identified by the database and 86.6% had scores above 1.7. Considering both phases of the fungus for the same strain, the most reliable results were obtained with the mycelial phase, with only 13.3% of isolates having scores below 1.7. The new database was able to identify both morphological phases of the fungus. MALDI-ToF technology yields a prompt and simple identification from H. capsulatum yeast forms and early mycelial cultures. It allows for reducing response time and decreasing risk in fungus manipulation.


The larvicidal activity of cyclosporin A against Schistosoma mansoni in mice.
Treatment of BALB/c or MF1 mice with cyclosporin A (CsA) around the time of infection with Schistosoma mansoni conferred almost complete protection. The migration kinetics of L-[75Se]selenomethionine-labelled infective cercariae were investigated by compressed tissue autoradiography. Similar levels of skin penetration were achieved by cercariae in control and drug-treated individuals. CsA arrested 87-94% of the worms in the skin and ultimately all of these died in this site. Few worms (7-14%) migrated from the skin to the lungs and none completed migration to the liver. Nevertheless, the autoradiograms revealed a limited degree of lateral cutaneous migration by the worms present in the skins of CsA-treated mice. Results of perfusion recovery experiments carried out during the course of infection reinforced the tracking data.


Antiplasmodial Activity and Cytotoxicity of Plants Used in Traditional Medicine of Iran for the Treatment of Fever.
Malaria is the most serious parasitic disease and one of the oldest recorded diseases in the world. Because of the resistance of malaria parasites to current drugs, it is necessary to discover new antiplasmodial drugs. Traditional medicine is one of the important sources of new antiplasmodial drugs. In this study, twenty methanolic extracts from different parts of sixteen medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Iran for the treatment of "Nobeh fever" and/ or fever were screened for in-vivo antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei and cytotoxic effect on Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBK). Eleven species (55%) were found to have antiplasmodial activity. Methanolic extract from Rosa damascena Mill. reduced parasitemia by 57.7% compared to untreated control mice at intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injection doses of 10 mg/Kg per day for 4 days. This is the first report that mentioned in-vivo antiplasmodial activity of Rosa damascena Mill.


Hyperthermia inhibits the motility of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells through the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common types of malignant tumor and the leading cause of cancer‑associated mortality worldwide. The chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine (GEM) is used as a first‑line chemotherapeutic agent for advanced PC. However, the acquisition of drug resistance is a major limitation of the clinical effect of GEM and commonly leads to increased metastasis. The occurrence of epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been demonstrated to be the underlying mechanism of acquired resistance. It has been reported that heat treatment is able to inhibit EMT in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. In the present study the effect of hyperthermia on the sensitivity of GEM‑resistant PC cells was investigated. First a GEM‑resistant PC cell line PANC‑1 (PAN/GEM) was developed and it was demonstrated that drug resistant PAN/GEM cells exhibited significantly increased migratory and invasive abilities compared with control PANC‑1 cells using a Transwell assay. EMT was induced in resistant PAN/GEM cells, followed by reduced epithelial marker epithelial (E)‑cadherin expression and increased mesenchymal marker Vimentin expression compared with control PANC‑1 cells. Next, the Transwell assay demonstrated that the hyperthermia at 42˚C for 1 h combined with GEM significantly attenuated migration and invasion in drug resistant PAN/GEM cells, while GEM alone treatment did not significantly affect the migration and invasion. Additionally, EMT in PAN/GEM cells was reversed by hyperthermia, as demonstrated by the restoration of E‑cadherin and downregulation of mesenchymal markers Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9. Furthermore, an MMP2 inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)2 and MMP9 inhibitor TIMP1 were used to treat PAN/GEM cells and it was demonstrated that both inhibitors increased the inhibition of hyperthermia treatment combined with GEM on cell invasion, suggesting an association between cell invasion and MMP2, and MMP9. Additionally, proliferation of PAN/GEM cells following hyperthermia was assessed using an MTT assay. The results demonstrated that proliferation in PAN/GEM cells treated with hyperthermia was significantly inhibited by GEM compared with GEM alone treated cells, indicating that hyperthermia enhanced the inhibition of GEM on cell growth and resensitized the drug‑resistant cells to GEM. Overall, the results of the present study suggested that hyperthermia is able to resensitize GEM‑resistant PANC‑1 cells to GEM by reversing EMT via the regulation of EMT‑associated factors, therefore inhibiting cell migration and invasion.


Reconstructable Uterus-Derived Materials for Uterus Recovery toward Efficient Live Births.
Uterine factor infertility is increasingly common in modern society and has severely affected human life and health. However, the existing biomaterial scaffold-mediated systems remain limited in efficient uterus recovery, leading to low pregnancy rate and live births. Here, reconstructable uterus-derived materials (RUMs) are demonstrated by combining uterus-derived extracellular matrix and seeded chorionic villi mesenchymal stem cells for uterus recovery, achieving highly efficient live births in rats with severe uterine injury. The RUMs can be designed into different states (such as, liquid RUMs and solid RUMs) and shapes (such as, cuboid, triangular-prism, and cube) in terms of requirements. The RUMs can effectively prevent intrauterine adhesion, and promote endometrial regeneration and muscle collagen reconstruction, as well as, accelerate wound healing by constructing a physical barrier and secreting cytokines, allowing efficient uterus recovery. The injured uterus nearly achieves complete recovery after treating with the RUMs and has normal pregnancies for supporting fetal development and live births, similar to the normal rats. The study provides a regenerative medicine therapeutics for uterine factor infertility.


Cerebral blood flow correlates of higher brain dysfunctions in corticobasal degeneration.
To investigate clinicoanatomic correlations of higher brain dysfunctions in corticobasal degeneration, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was semiquantitatively measured with single-photon emission computed tomography in 9 patients with corticobasal degeneration and 12 age-matched control subjects. The patients showed significant reductions of relative tracer uptake in widespread cortical areas, as well as the basal ganglia and thalamus. Interhemispheric difference of hypoperfusion was significant in the sensorimotor and posterior parietal cortices. Asymmetric limb apraxia and cortical sensory disturbance corresponded to either sensorimotor cortical or posterior parietal cortical hypoperfusion or both. Compared with the patients without dementia, those with dementia showed significant reductions of relative rCBF in the inferior prefrontal region in the more affected hemisphere. The unique correlation of cortical signs with regional hypoperfusion may be useful in distinguishing between corticobasal degeneration and other neurodegenerative diseases.


Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis presenting as upper limb weakness in a 35 year old female: a case report.
Chiropractors regularly assess and provide treatment for a variety of neuromuscular complaints. Many of these respond well to conservative care however some represent conditions that must be referred for further evaluation. This article chronicles the management of a patient who presented with upper limb weakness and was subsequently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Chiropractors should be informed of the nature and presentation of this disease to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.


[Operative long-term results in delayed radius head dislocation in childhood].
Only some cases and no long term follow-ups are reported in literature concerning the problem of delayed luxations of the radial head in children. 21 cases (19 acquired and 2 inherited) were treated in our hospital by operative procedure 12.5 months after the accident on the average. Disregarding one early and one late resection of the radial head we reconstructed the joint reposition and annular ligament plasty and if necessary correction osteotomy of the ulnar or shortening of the radius. Follow-up examination took place between 2 and 16 years after the operation, 7.9 years on the average. A reluxation was observed in 2 cases, a subluxation in 1 case. 2 patients showed a wrong axis and 4 patients signs of a beginning radio-humeral arthrosis, but most results were good or satisfactory. Therefore a reconstruction of a luxation of the radial head in children is recommended in delayed cases (sometimes in combination with a correction osteotomy of the ulna or radius) in contrast to other authors.


Melatonin: the smart killer: the human trophoblast as a model.
Melatonin has both the ability to induce intrinsic apoptosis in tumor cells while it inhibits it in non-tumor cells. Melatonin kills tumor cells through induction of reactive oxygen species generation and activation of pro-apoptotic pathways. In contrast, melatonin promotes the survival of non-tumor cells due to its antioxidant properties and the inhibition of pro-apoptotic pathways. In primary human villous trophoblast, a known pseudo-tumorigenic tissue, melatonin promotes the survival through inhibition of the Bax/Bcl-2 pathway while in BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line melatonin induces permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane leading to cellular death. These findings suggest that the trophoblast is a good model to study the differential effects of melatonin on the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. This review describes the differential effects of melatonin on the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in tumor and non-tumor cells and presents the trophoblast as a novel model system in which to study these effects of melatonin.


[Early diagnosis and rapid treatments of gastrointestinal fistula].
Traditional treatments of gastrointestinal fistula include early drainage, maintaining nutrition and then resection of fistula at the proper time,which usually take three to four months or even longer. Rapid treatments of gastrointestinal fistula mean promoting rapid spontaneous closure of tract fistula and early primary resection of fistula within two weeks after fistula occurrence. Early diagnosis is the premise of early management, and fistulography and abdominal CT scan are important early diagnostic methods. Most of fistula could close spontaneously in the maintaining stage. To promote the rapid closure, however, special measures including sufficient drainage, somatostatin and total parenteral nutrition in the early stage should be implemented to avoid intra-abdominal collection of intestinal fluid and infection, control further leakage of intestinal fluid and improve nutritional status. In the late stage,when leakage of intestinal fluid could be controlled, recombine human growth hormone (rhGH) and enteral nutrition should be administered in place of somatostatin and total parenteral nutrition respectively. The fistula can reach rapid spontaneous closure in both stages. Fibrin glue and rhGH used at the same time can improve the curative rate and shorten the treatment time even more. In the 1960s and 1970s, early primary resection of the fistula and re-anastomosis often resulted in anastomosis failure. The reasons for this included poor nutritional status, uncontrolled secretion of intestinal fluid, severe intra-abdominal infection and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. Such stage management policy has been proposed, developed and persisted since late 1960s. Nowadays, the advance of medical science provided the possibility to change or improve the current policy. Our research proved that early resection of the primary fistula and re-anastomosis of the small bowel could be performed successfully in some selected patients whose general conditions are good and intestinal adhesion were not severe within ten to fourteen days after fistula occurrence. More studies are still needed to define the indications and contradictions for early resection of the primary gastrointestinal fistula, and prove the feasibility and rationality of rapid treatments of gastrointestinal fistula.


Technology-enhanced distance education: from experimentation to concerted action.
Despite the rush to embrace technology-enhanced learning (TEL), descriptions of how schools of nursing move toward systemwide implementation of this type of teaching are scarce. There is a wide gap between sporadic dabbling by individual instructors in specific courses and adoption and implementation of TEL throughout a program. This article describes the experiences of a group of nursing faculty who helped move one school of nursing from experimentation with TEL in distance education to concerted action toward a strategic schoolwide plan. J Prof Nurs 17:135-140, 2001.


Physiological responses to water deficiency in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines with genetically different leaf pubescence.
Studying the relationship between leaf pubescence and drought resistance is important for assessing Triticum aestivum L. genetic resources. The aim of the work was to assess resistance of common wheat genotypes with different composition and allelic state of genes that determine the leaf pubescence phenotype. We compared the drought resistance wheat variety Saratovskaya 29 (S29) with densely pubescent leaves, carrying the dominant alleles of the Hl1 and Hl3 genes, and two near isogenic lines, i: S29 hl1, hl3 and i: S29 Hl2aesp, with the introgression of the additional pubescence gene from diploid species Aegilops speltoides. Under controlled conditions of the climatic chamber, the photosynthetic pigments content, the activity of ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes and also the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence used to assess the physiological state of the plants photosynthetic apparatus were studied in the leaves of S29 and the lines. Tolerance was evaluated using the comprehensive index D, calculated on the basis of the studied physiological characteristics. The recessive state of pubescence genes, as well as the introduction of the additional Hl2aesp gene, led to a 6-fold decrease in D. Under the water deficit influence, the fluorescence parameters profile changed in the lines, and the viability index decreased compared with S29. Under drought, the activity of ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and dehydroascorbate reductase in the line i: S29 hl1, hl3 decreased 1.9, 3.3 and 2.3 times, in the line i: S29 Hl2aesp it decreased 1.8, 3.6 and 1.8 times respectively, compared with S29. In a hydroponic greenhouse, line productivity was studied. Compared with S29, the thousand grains mass in the line i: S29 hl1, hl3 under water deficit was reduced. The productivity of the line i: S29 Hl2aesp was significantly reduced regardless of water supply conditions in comparison with S29. Presumably, the revealed effects are associated with violations of cross-regulatory interactions between the proteins of the trichome formation network and transcription factors that regulate plant growth and stress response.


The EPI bioassay identifies natural compounds with estrogenic activity that are potent inhibitors of androgenic pathways in human prostate stromal and epithelial cells.
The reactive stromal phenotype is an important factor for prostate cancer progression and may be a new target for treatment and prevention. A new high efficiency preclinical protocol, the EPI bioassay, reflects the interaction of endocrine, paracrine and immune, (EPI) factors on induced androgen metabolism in human prostate reactive stroma. The bioassay is based on co-culturing human primary prostate stromal cells and LAPC-4 prostatic adenocarcinoma cells in a downscaled format of 96-well-plates for testing multiple doses of multiple target compounds. Metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) with or without TGFβ1-induced stimulation (D+T) of the reactive stroma phenotype was assessed by increased testosterone in the media and PSA production of the epithelial prostate cancer cells. Using the non-metabolizable androgen R1881, effects from direct androgen action were distinguished from stromal androgen production from DHEA. Stromal cell androgenic bioactivity was confirmed using conditioned media from D+T-treated stromal cell monocultures in an androgen-inducible AR screening assay. We further showed that both agonists to estrogen receptor (ER), DPN (ERβ) and PPT (ERα), as well as estrogenic natural compounds including soy isoflavones attenuated D+T-induced PSA production. Studies with the pure ER agonists showed that activating either ERα or ERβ could inhibit both D+T-mediated and R1881-mediated PSA production with the D+T effect being more pronounced. In conclusion, natural compounds with estrogenic activity and pure ER agonists are very potent inhibitors of stromal conversion of DHEA to androgenic metabolites. More studies are needed to characterize the mechanisms involved in estrogenic modulation of the endocrine-immune-paracrine balance of the prostate microenvironment.


Generalizing on best practices in image processing: a model for promoting research integrity: Commentary on: Avoiding twisted pixels: ethical guidelines for the appropriate use and manipulation of scientific digital images.
Modifying images for scientific publication is now quick and easy due to changes in technology. This has created a need for new image processing guidelines and attitudes, such as those offered to the research community by Doug Cromey (Cromey 2010). We suggest that related changes in technology have simplified the task of detecting misconduct for journal editors as well as researchers, and that this simplification has caused a shift in the responsibility for reporting misconduct. We also argue that the concept of best practices in image processing can serve as a general model for education in best practices in research.


Nicardipine: perioperative applications in children.
Nicardipine is the first intravenously administered dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. Its primary physiological actions include vasodilatation with limited effects on the inotropic and dromotropic function of the myocardium. Several reports have documented its use in adult patients for pharmacological control of blood pressure. We present our experience with the perioperative use of nicardipine in children to treat intraoperative hypertension, as an agent for controlled hypotension during spinal fusion and LeFort I maxillary osteotomies and to treat postoperative hypertension. Dosing regimens and possible applications in paediatric anaesthesia are discussed.


Ultrasensitive video extensometer using single-camera dual field-of-view telecentric imaging system.
Video extensometer assesses mechanical properties of materials by measuring their length changes under different loadings with combined use of video recording and image processing. In this Letter, an ultrasensitive video extensometer implemented on a single-camera dual field-of-view (dual FOV) telecentric imaging system is proposed. The method integrates the idea of FOV separation and telecentric imaging, which can increase the strain resolution with an order of magnitude and enhance the strain accuracy significantly. Validation experiments indicate that the root mean square error of a video extensometer was effectively decreased from 25.2 to 4.4 microstrains after employing the proposed method. Time-varying thermal strains of Al alloy and alumina ceramic samples were also precisely measured by the established ultrasensitive video extensometer, confirming its accuracy and practicality.


[Post-necrotizing enterocolitis stenosis of the colon associated with cytomegalovirus infection. Description of a clinical case].
We report a case of an infant with a post-necrotizing enterocolitis stenosis, resolved with operative measures. The histologic finding of Cytomegalovirus in the resected sigmoid colon rise the question if the intestinal stricture was the proper consequence of a primary enteric viral infection or a superinfection in a transitory immunodeficiency after the acute phase of necrotizing enterocolitis.


Distraction epiphysiolysis as a method of limb lengthening. I. Experimental study.
The tibiae of 41 growing sheep were lengthened by distraction epiphysiolysis. The distraction apparatus was applied for varying periods of time to the proximal epiphysis of a tibia; the contralateral tibia was used as the control. Daily application of the distraction force initially induced a fracture within the growing cartilage, and then progressively increased the distance between epiphysis and metaphysis. In the newly created space, new bone tissue gradually formed, which in time developed into a neometaphysis with a new cortex. This neometaphysis gradually acquired radiographic characteristics resembling those of control tibia, and they were capable of supporting normal body weight. Elongation of the bone ranged between 30 and 100 mm. Except in one incident of sepsis, no significant changes were observed in the structures adjoining the elongation area, nor in the soft tissue. In general, bone growth was not affected, although premature fusion of the epiphysis occurred in a few cases.


Long-term outcome of vagus nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy using continuous assessment, with a note on mortality.
To examine the outcome of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for drug-resistant epilepsy using data from a National Health Service VNS clinic. Clinical records of patients implanted with VNS for epilepsy between1995 and 2010 were examined. Patients were selected for study who had at least one year of therapeutic stimulation (minimum 1 mA stimulator current) and follow-up by our service with analysable electronic records, providing continuous assessment of seizure control during available follow-up. Seizure status at each attendance was assessed and graded 1-4 (1=seizure free or <5 seizures/year; 2 =≥50%reduction in seizure frequency; 3=<50% reduction; 4=no improvement compared to baseline). Responders were those whose grades improved consistently (Grades 1,2 and 3). Of 464 patients, 171 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were divided into three groups: a) Responders (n = 81); b) non-responders (n = 80) and c) others (n = 10), the latter showing a late step-wise change (six improved; four deteriorated). After initial ramping up of current, groups were very stable over subsequent periods varying from one to 12 years (median 3.8 years). Sixteen patients died, 10 of non-epilepsy causes with 6 epilepsy-related deaths. There was a significant relation between epilepsy-related deaths and response (p < 0.00001). Patients with longer time as non-responders had more likelihood of suffering an epilepsy death than responders, though numbers were small. This study shows that meaningful data can be obtained retrospectively from routine clinic records. In this cohort about half of patients treated with VNS responded and the response generally remaining stable over time.


The complete chloroplast genome of Scutellaria scordifolia (Labiatae).
Scutellaria scordifolia Fisch. ex Schrank Li is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant of genus Scutellaria from the Labiatae family. The complete chloroplast genome of was 152,336 bp in length, which contained 133 complete genes including 87 protein-coding genes (87 PCGs), 8 ribosomal RNA genes (8 rRNAs), and 37 transfer RNA genes (37 tRNAs). The GC content of chloroplast DNA was 38.3%. The corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions were 36.3%, 32.5%, and 43.6%, respectively. Phylogenetic tree showed that the species from genus Scutellaria were divided into two monophyletic clades, and the divergence time of S. scordifolia was earlier than that of the other species.


Photooxidative Damage in Photosynthetic Activities of Chromatium vinosum.
The capacity of photosynthetic CO(2) fixation in the anaerobic purple-sulfur bacterium, Chromatium vinosum is markedly impaired by strong illumination (9 x 10(4) lux) in the presence of 100% O(2). In the absence of HCO(3) (-), decline in activity occurred gradually, with about 40% of the initial activity remaining after a 1-hour incubation. The addition of 50 millimolar HCO(3) (-) to the incubation medium resulted in a measurable delay (about 30 minutes) of the inactivation process. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase activity and light-dependent O(2) uptake (electron flow) or crude extracts prepared after pretreatment of the bacterial cells with O(2) and light were not affected but the photophosphorylation capacity of either bacterial cells or chromatophores was drastically reduced. The inhibition of photophos-phorylation in the chromatophore preparations was significantly reduced by the addition of either an O(2) (-) scavenger, Tiron, or an (1)O(2) scavenger, alpha-tocopherol. These results suggest that the active O(2) species, O(2) (-) or (1)O(2), might take part in the observed inactivation.The pretreatment of the bacteria with O(2) and light inhibited CO(2) assimilation through the Calvin-Benson cycle, while relatively stimulating the formation of aspartate and glutamate. It also inhibited the conversion of glycolate to glycine, resulting in a sustained extracellular excretion of glycolate. The inactivation of photosynthetic CO(2) fixation by intact cells was enhanced by low temperature, KCN, or methylviologen addition during the pretreatment with O(2) and light. The mechanism(s) of O(2)-dependent photoinactivation of photosynthetic activities in Chromatium are discussed in relation to the possible role of photorespiration as a means of producing CO(2) in the photosynthetic system.


Completing asthma action plans by screen-sharing in video-consultations: practical insights from a feasibility assessment.
Supported self-management is a vital component of routine asthma care. Completion of an agreed personalised asthma action plan is integral to implementation of this care, and traditionally this requires a face-to-face consultation. We aimed to assess the practical feasibility and potential utility of using screen-sharing technologies to complete asthma action plans remotely. Assisted by people with diverse technological ability and using a range of devices, we tested the technological feasibility of completing action plans in remote consultations using two leading video-conference systems. We used a semi-structured topic guide to check functionality and lead feedback discussions. Themes were interpreted using the Model for ASsessment of Telemedicine applications (MAST). Discussions with ten participants (age 20-74 years) revealed that screen-sharing was practical on most devices. Joint editing of an action plan (as was possible with Zoom) was considered to encourage participation and improve communication. Attend Anywhere had less functionality than Zoom, but the NHS badging was reassuring. Most participants appreciated the screen-sharing and considered it enabled a meaningful discussion about their action plan. Online shared completion of action plans is feasible with only a few (potentially remediable) practical problems. These findings suggest this may be a fruitful approach for further study-made more urgent by the imperative to develop remote consultations in the face of a global pandemic.


Outage probability and channel capacity of an optical spherical wave propagating through anisotropic weak-to-strong oceanic turbulence with Málaga distribution.
The influence of anisotropic weak-to-strong oceanic turbulence on the performance of underwater optical communication (UWOC) systems is investigated in this paper. The Málaga distribution fading model is used to model the statistical distribution of a spherical wave propagating through anisotropic oceanic turbulence, which is a versatile model of weak-to-strong turbulence. First, the scintillation index for a spherical wave propagating in oceanic turbulence is formulated, and closed-form expressions for the outage probability and average channel capacity of the UWOC systems are then proposed in terms of Meijer's G function. The simulation results demonstrate that both the outage probability and the average channel capacity strongly depend on the parameters of oceanic turbulence, such as the ratio of temperature to the contribution of salinity to the refractive index spectrum, the rate of dissipation of kinetic energy per unit mass of fluid, and the rate of dissipation of mean-squared temperature; they are also related to system parameters such as wavelength and aperture diameter. Numerical results are provided to verify the accuracy of our proposed expressions for outage probability and average channel capacity, and perfect agreement is observed.


Bilateral internal mammary artery Y construct with multiple sequential grafting improves survival compared to bilateral internal mammary artery with additional vein grafts: 10-year experience at 2 different institutions†.
Utilization of bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMAs) has been shown to improve long-term outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. To achieve complete revascularization, BIMAs may be used as either sole conduits for revascularization through a Y-graft configuration (BIMA-Y) or deployed with additional grafts used in conjunction with BIMAs. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of two institutions that predominantly used either the BIMA-Y configuration or BIMA plus additional grafts to achieve optimal revascularization. From 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2010, 436 patients were revascularized using a non-sequential BIMA grafting at one institution (Group A), with veins being used for additional targets. At the second institution (Group B), 771 patients were revascularized using a BIMA-Y graft for all distal targets. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare unadjusted survival between the groups. Cox proportional hazards regression modelling was used to provide an adjusted comparison of survival between the groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the average number of anastomotic sites used in Group A and Group B (A = 4.0 ± 0.7 vs B = 4.0 ± 0.7; P = 0.24). Group A did not have a significantly greater in-hospital mortality (0.7% vs 1.0% P = 0.39), stroke (0.5% vs 0.8% P = 0.40), deep sternal wound infection (0.0% vs 0.6% P = 0.11) or reoperation for bleeding (1.6% vs 0.6% P = 0.10) than Group B. Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that at 14 years, Group B had a significantly improved survival compared to Group A (Group B = 88% vs Group A = 81%) with an overall reduction in mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.780, 95% confidence interval 0.448–0.849; P = 0.043). Utilization of the BIMA-Y configuration was associated with improved survival when compared to BIMA grafting with additional vein grafts. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of BIMA-Y grafting against other means of providing complete arterial revascularization.


In vitro stability of lyophilized and reconstituted recombinant activated factor VII formulated for storage at room temperature.
Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is indicated to treat bleeding episodes or prevent bleeding related to surgery in patients with hemophilia A or B who have antibodies to coagulation factors VIII or IX. The first-generation rFVIIa formulation is stable when stored under refrigeration. A new formulation has been developed for storage at room temperature, which may improve patients' access to treatment during bleeding episodes. These in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the stability of the new formulation of rFVIIa, both lyophilized and reconstituted, under the expected storage conditions, as well as at higher temperatures. The stability of the new rFVIIa formulation when stored under various conditions before and after reconstitution was evaluated in terms of retained activity (clotting assay), rFVIIa content (high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]), and rFVIIa degradation products (HPLC), including aggregates (dimer/oligomer). Activity was analyzed within specific limits representing the allowable minimum/maximum for each test parameter at the end of the product's shelf-life, as adopted by the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration. Before reconstitution, vials from 9 lots of the new rFVIIa formulation, 3 of each size (1, 2, and 5 mg/vial), were stored at refrigerated temperature (5 degrees C) and at room temperature (25 degrees C) for 24 months, and at 30 degrees C for 12 months. To simulate short-term exposure to temperatures higher than recommended, samples were stored at 40 degrees C for 6 months, followed by storage at 25 degrees C for 12 months. To simulate the home setting, in which the product may be alternately stored in and out of the refrigerator, samples were stored at 30 degrees C for 8 hours and then at 5 degrees C for 16 hours, repeated daily for 5 days. To analyze the effect of storage at extremely elevated temperatures, samples were exposed to temperatures of 50 degrees C, 60 degrees C, and 70 degrees C for 12 hours. After reconstitution, samples were maintained at 25 degrees C for up to 6 hours or at 5 degrees C for up to 24 hours. The specific activity and rFVIIa content of the new lyophilized formulation remained stable after storage for 24 months at 5 degrees C and 25 degrees C, and for 12 months at 30 degrees C; after 5 days of daily alternation between storage at 5 degrees C and 30 degrees C; and after storage for 6 months at 40 degrees C followed by 12 months at 25 degrees C. When stored at 50 degrees C and 60 degrees C for 12 hours, activity remained constant, whereas rFVIIa aggregates increased within the specified limits; after storage at 70 degrees C for 12 hours, rFVIIa activity decreased in parallel with the formation of aggregates, which exceeded the specified limit for the 5-mg product. After reconstitution, samples of all vial sizes of the new rFVIIa formulation retained their activity when stored at 25 degrees C for 6 hours and at 5 degrees C for 24 hours. In these in vitro experiments, the new lyophilized formulation of rFVIIa was stable when stored for 24 months at 25 degrees C, 12 months at 30 degrees C, 6 months at 40 degrees C, and 12 hours at 50 degrees C and 60 degrees C without compromise to its activity or rFVIIa content. The reconstituted product retained activity when stored at 25 degrees C for 6 hours and at 5 degrees C for 24 hours.


Spinal cord pathology in alpha-synuclein transgenic mice.
Accumulation of α-synuclein is observed in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Multiple System Atrophy. In previous studies with transgenic C57BL/6 mice overexpressing α-synuclein carrying the mutations A53T and A30P found in Parkinson's disease or with a parkin-null background, we reported severe mitochondrial impairments in neurons and to a larger extent in glial cells of the mesencephalon. Neuron death was not observed in the brain. Here we show that the mice show severe motor impairments in behavioral tests. In addition, these mice exhibit astrocytic cell death in the spinal cord, accompanied by extensive gliosis and microglial activation. This is shown by cell death staining and immunohistochemistry. Ultrastructural analyses revealed severe mitochondrial impairments not only in astrocytes, but also in oligodendrocytes and, to a small extent, in neurons. Thus, the transgenic mice show a profound pathology in glial cells of the spinal cord.


Influence of anodization on the adhesion of calcium phosphate coatings on titanium substrates.
Electrochemical deposition is an attractive technique for the deposition of calcium phosphate, especially hydroxyapatite, on titanium implants. However, the adhesion of these coatings to the titanium substrates needs to be improved for clinical use. It is demonstrated that anodization of a titanium alloy does marginally increase the adhesion of calcium phosphate coatings. Although scratch test measurements on coatings deposited at a constant potential appear to suggest that adhesion improves with increased thickness of the anodized layer, when a constant current is used to deposit the coatings their adhesion becomes independent of the thickness of the anodized layer. This apparent contradiction is explained by the thicker oxides acting as larger series resistors that reduce the magnitude of the current density when deposition is conducted at a constant potential. The resulting lower current density is responsible for increased adhesion of the calcium phosphate coating. It was also observed that surface roughness affects the interfacial adhesion strength between the coating and the titanium substrate, with a more adherent coating being formed over a rough surface. However, adhesion becomes independent of surface finish at levels smoother than 600 grit, suggesting that mechanical interlocking is not the sole force at play.


Photoinduced electron transfer in a mesogenic donor-acceptor-donor system.
A novel donor-acceptor-donor molecule consisting of two oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) (OPV4) units attached to a central perylene bisimide (PERY) core is described. This OPV4-PERY-OPV4 is the first mesogenic molecule that incorporates both p- and n-type semiconducting properties and possesses a liquid-crystalline mesophase, in which donor and acceptor functionalities self-assemble into an ordered material. Upon photoexcitation of the donor, a subpicosecond electron-transfer reaction occurs in OPV4-PERY-OPV4, both in solution and in (ordered) thin solid films. The lifetime of the charge-separated state is significantly longer in (ordered) thin films than in solution as a result of a reduction of geminate recombination by migration and spatial separation of charges in the film.


The Intergluteal Fat Stripe in Patients With Hip Abductor Tears.
With a hip abductor tendon tear, widening of the intergluteal space, or "fat stripe," is a characteristic change seen in and around the gluteus medius and minimus. To determine the relationship of the intergluteal fat stripe in hips with pathologic abductor tears compared with the contralateral side and to evaluate the association of fat stripe size with hip-specific patient-reported outcome measures. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Of the 43 patients (42 female, 1 male; mean age, 56.6 years; range, 38-85 years) who underwent endoscopic gluteus medius repair, 19 met inclusion criteria of preoperative bilateral hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and 2-year follow up. A single board-certified fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon (J.F.), who was blinded to outcomes, evaluated the MRI scans to measure the intergluteal fat stripe on the operative and nonoperative sides. The 2-year postoperative International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) values were analyzed to determine their relationship to the size of the fat stripe. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t test, and associations were determined using Pearson product correlation as well as nonparametric measurements. The size of the intergluteal fat stripe differed significantly between the operative and nonoperative sides. The area of the fat stripe on the operative side was 645.73 ± 513.09 mm2, and on the nonoperative side it was 313.47 ± 360.71 mm2, an average of 332.36 mm2 greater than the nonoperative side (P = .02). The width of the fat stripe was 9.10 ± 4.60 mm on the operative side and 5.15 ± 3.87 mm on the nonoperative side, 3.95 mm greater than the nonoperative side (P < .01). There was no correlation between the width or area of the fat stripe on the operative side and iHOT-12 or mHHS values at 2-year follow-up. The study findings indicated that the intergluteal fat stripe is significantly wider and has a significantly larger area in hips with abductor tears compared with unaffected hips. This did not correlate with 2-year patient-reported outcomes.


Community care--the costs and quality.
There has been much debate in recent years about the implementation of community care policies for people with learning difficulties. The debate has centred on the following points: what the real costs and benefits of community care are, and to whom; what a community care service should look like; who should provide the service and how should it best be funded. This paper presents the results of a study comparing the costs and outcomes to clients of a variety of residential services for people with learning difficulties. The services evaluated range from traditional hospital services to small community based homes, run on 'ordinary life' principles. The purpose of the study was to collect information to aid policy makers and service providers in deciding how best to implement the community care initiative.


Encapsulin Based Self-Assembling Iron-Containing Protein Nanoparticles for Stem Cells MRI Visualization.
Over the past decade, cell therapy has found many applications in the treatment of different diseases. Some of the cells already used in clinical practice include stem cells and CAR-T cells. Compared with traditional drugs, living cells are much more complicated systems that must be strictly controlled to avoid undesirable migration, differentiation, or proliferation. One of the approaches used to prevent such side effects involves monitoring cell distribution in the human body by any noninvasive technique, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Long-term tracking of stem cells with artificial magnetic labels, such as magnetic nanoparticles, is quite problematic because such labels can affect the metabolic process and cell viability. Additionally, the concentration of exogenous labels will decrease during cell division, leading to a corresponding decrease in signal intensity. In the current work, we present a new type of genetically encoded label based on encapsulin from Myxococcus xanthus bacteria, stably expressed in human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and coexpressed with ferroxidase as a cargo protein for nanoparticles' synthesis inside encapsulin shells. mZip14 protein was expressed for the enhancement of iron transport into the cell. Together, these three proteins led to the synthesis of iron-containing nanoparticles in mesenchymal stem cells-without affecting cell viability-and increased contrast properties of MSCs in MRI.


Energy coupling in Escherichia coli DNA gyrase: the relationship between nucleotide binding, strand passage, and DNA supercoiling.
Binding of the nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue 5'-adenylyl-beta, gamma-imidodiphosphate (ADPNP) to Escherichia coli DNA gyrase can lead to a limited noncatalytic supercoiling of DNA. Here we examine the efficiency of coupling between ADPNP binding and the change in linking number either of positively or negatively supercoiled plasmid DNA or of small DNA circles. The coupling efficiency varies from 100% (delta Lk = -2 per gyrase tetramer, a stoichiometry of 1) with positively supercoiled substrates under certain reaction conditions to an undetectably low value with moderately negatively supercoiled substrates (sigma = -0.046) or small circular substrates. Furthermore, the rate of ADPNP binding to the gyrase-DNA complex is also dependent on the topological state of the DNA; the previously observed slow binding of ADPNP to the complex of gyrase with linear DNA is accelerated 16-fold when the substrate DNA is negatively supercoiled, suggesting a functional interaction between the nucleotide-binding and DNA-binding domains which is independent of the strand-passage process. The implications for the normal ATP-dependent supercoiling reaction of the enzyme are considered and the results discussed in terms of current mechanistic models for DNA gyrase action and the possible in vivo roles of the enzyme.


Co-ordinate regulation of distinct host cell signalling pathways by multifunctional enteropathogenic Escherichia coli effector molecules.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a major cause of paediatric diarrhoea and a model for the family of attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens. A/E pathogens encode a type III secretion system to transfer effector proteins into host cells. The EPEC Tir effector protein acts as a receptor for the bacterial surface protein intimin and is involved in the formation of Cdc42-independent, actin-rich pedestal structures beneath the adhered bacteria. In this paper, we demonstrate that EPEC binding to HeLa cells also induces Tir-independent, cytoskeletal rearrangement evidenced by the early, transient formation of filopodia-like structures at sites of infection. Filopodia formation is dependent on expression of the EPEC Map effector molecule - a protein that targets mitochondria and induces their dysfunction. We show that Map-induced filopodia formation is independent of mitochondrial targeting and is abolished by cellular expression of the Cdc42 inhibitory WASP-CRIB domain, demonstrating that Map has at least two distinct functions in host cells. The transient nature of the filopodia is related to an ability of EPEC to downregulate Map-induced cell signalling that, like pedestal formation, was dependent on both Tir and intimin proteins. The ability of Tir to downregulate filopodia was impaired by disrupting a putative GTPase-activating protein (GAP) motif, suggesting that Tir may possess such a function, with its interaction with intimin triggering this activity. Furthermore, we also found that Map-induced cell signalling inhibits pedestal formation, revealing that the cellular effects of Tir and Map must be co-ordinately regulated during infection. Possible implications of the multifunctional nature of EPEC effector molecules in pathogenesis are discussed.


Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) comprehend the referential character of the human pointing gesture.
The authors tested a dolphin's (Tursiops truncatus) understanding of human manual pointing gestures to 3 distal objects located to the left of, to the right of, or behind the dolphin. The human referred to an object through a direct point (Pd), a cross-body point (Px), or a familiar symbolic gesture (S). In Experiment 1, the dolphin responded correctly to 80% of Pds toward laterally placed objects but to only 40% of Pds to the object behind. Responding to objects behind improved to 88% in Experiment 2 after exaggerated pointing was briefly instituted. Spontaneous comprehension of Pxs also was demonstrated. In Experiment 3, the human produced a sequence of 2 Pds, 2 Pxs, 2 Ss, or all 2-way combinations of these 3 to direct the dolphin to take the object referenced second to the object referenced first. Accuracy ranged from 68% to 77% correct (chance = 17%). These results established that the dolphin understood the referential character of the human manual pointing gesture.


The Immunologic Profile of Vitamin D and Its Role in Different Immune-Mediated Diseases: An Expert Opinion.
Historically, vitamin D is recognized as an essential component for the maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. The immunomodulatory role of vitamin D in health and disease has gained much interest in recent years due to the many pathologies that share underlying immunological features where vitamin D has been shown to exert a potential role. Evidence from pre-clinical studies show that vitamin D elicits biological effects on both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Furthermore, in vivo studies have shown that administration of vitamin D can lead to changes in or the development of a range of immune-related diseases. This encourages the hypothesis that data derived from clinical and epidemiological studies connect vitamin D with the incidence and severity of many immune-mediated disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and infectious diseases. Since some other immune-mediated diseases share similar features to that of viral infection such as COVID-19, in this review, we examined these other areas and the role of vitamin D in these diseases.


[The retrospective analysis of different therapies on 150 elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.].
There is still no standard regiment for the treatment of advanced elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study is to explore the best method for the advanced elderly NSCLC patients by analyzing the efficacy and toxicity of cisplatin combined chemotherapy, docetaxel chemotherapy and the best support care (BSC). One hundred and fifty elderly NSCLC patients (>=65 years) with different treatments from March 2003 to March 2007 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The objective response rate (ORR) was 41.2% in cisplatin combined chemotherapy, which was significantly higher than 20.0% in docetaxel chemotherapy (P <0.05). Median survival time (MST) was 10.7 months, 9.2 months and 6.3 months, and one year survival rate was 39.7%, 36.7% and 17.3%, respectively in cisplatin combined chemotherapy, docetaxel chemotherapy and the best support care. MST was significantly longer (P <0.05) and one year survival rate was significantly higher (P <0.05) in the patients with chemotherapy than that with best support care. There was no significant difference of MST and one year survival between cisplatin combined chemotherapy and docetaxel chemotherapy (P >0.05). Grade 3-4 toxicity was more serious in cisplatin combined group than that in docetaxel group (P <0.05). Chemotherapy can prolong the survival time in elderly NSCLC patients. Even though the ORR is higher in cisplatin combined chemotherapy than that in docetaxel chemotherapy, there was no significant difference of MST and one year survival between cisplatin combined chemotherapy and docetaxel chemotherapy (P >0.05), which may due to the more serious toxicity. Docetaxel chemotherapy should be one of the standard regiment for the elderly NSCLC patients.


Diet and capture of Hypostomus strigaticeps (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) in a small Brazilian stream: relationship with limnological aspects.
The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether variations in the limnological parameters of the Corumbataí river resulting from the discharge of a variety of wastes into its waters may be responsible for spatial shifts in the diet and capture of the armored catfish Hypostomus strigaticeps (Regan, 1907). Individuals were collected over a period of two years from two sites with similar physical, albeit distinct limnological characteristics. As a whole, the environmental variables (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and total coliforms and fecal coliforms) of the two sites were found to vary significantly. The food items found in the guts of these armored catfish (sediments, diatoms, fungi hyphae, chlorophytes, cyanophytes and non-identified material) ranked differently in samples from the two sites. In the more polluted (site B), diatoms and chlorophytes ranked higher in the diet than in that of individuals caught in the more preserved location (site A). This fact may be related to the greater amount of organic material found at site B, which provides favorable environmental conditions for such algae and, consequently, for algivorous fishes. Even so, fewer fish were captured at site B than at site A, suggesting that although food is more abundant in the more polluted site, its limnological conditions appear, on the whole, to be less beneficial than the conditions at site A.


Effects of different products of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) from a variety developed in southern Brazil on oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in vitro and ex vivo.
Antioxidant, anti-glycation and anti-inflammatory activities of fresh and conserved peach fruits (Prunus persica L. Batsch) were compared. Fresh peach pulps, peels, preserve peach pulps and the preserve syrup were prepared at equal concentrations. Rat liver, kidney and brain cortex tissue slices were pre-incubated with peach samples, subjected to oxidative stress with FeSO4 and hydrogen peroxide. Fresh peach pulps and peel conferred higher protection against cytotoxicity and oxidative stress than preserve peach pulps in most tissues. Release of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β was also significantly decreased by Fresh peach pulps and peel, followed by preserve peach pulps. Total phenolic determination and HPLC analysis of carotenoids showed that the content of secondary metabolites in Fresh peach pulps and peel is significantly higher than in preserve peach pulps, while the syrup had only small or trace amounts of these compounds. Fresh peach pulps and Peel demonstrated high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects preventing against induced damage.


Removal of unwanted facial hair.
Unwanted facial hair is a common problem that is seldom discussed in the primary care setting. Although men occasionally request removal of unwanted facial hair, women most often seek help with this condition. Physicians generally neglect to address the problem if the patient does not first request help. The condition may be caused by androgen overproduction, increased sensitivity to circulating androgens, or other metabolic and endocrine disorders, and should be properly evaluated. Options for hair removal vary in efficacy, degree of discomfort, and cost. Clinical studies on the efficacy of many therapies are lacking. Short of surgical removal of the hair follicle, the only permanent treatment is electrolysis. However, the practice of electrolysis lacks standardization, and regulation of the procedure varies from state to state. Shaving, epilation, and depilation are the most commonly attempted initial options for facial hair removal. Although these methods are less expensive, they are only temporary. Laser hair removal, although better studied than most methods and more strictly regulated, has yet to be proved permanent in all patients. Eflornithine, a topical treatment, is simple to apply and has minimal side effects. By the time most patients consult a physician, they have tried several methods of hair removal. Family physicians can properly educate patients and recommend treatment for this common condition if they are armed with basic knowledge about the treatment options.


Cardiovascular risk factors in non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects with microalbuminuria.
In subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, microalbuminuria has been associated with increased triglyceride and lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) concentrations and increased blood pressure. However, few studies have examined whether this association is present in subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). We measured lipids, lipoproteins, Lp(a), blood pressure, and albumin excretion in 234 subjects with NIDDM from the San Antonio Heart Study, a population-based study of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Seventy-two subjects had microalbuminuria (> or = 30 mg/dl). These subjects had increased systolic and diastolic blood pressures and higher fasting glucose concentrations relative to subjects without microalbuminuria. However, there were no significant differences between subjects with and without microalbuminuria with respect to lipids, lipoproteins, Lp(a), self-reported myocardial infarction, obesity, or body fat distribution. Subjects with diabetic retinopathy had increased microalbuminuria. In multivariate analysis both glycemia and blood pressure continued to be significantly related to the presence of microalbuminuria. We conclude that NIDDM subjects with microalbuminuria have elevated blood pressure and more severe glycemia but do not have a significantly more atherogenic pattern of lipids, lipoproteins, or Lp(a) than subjects without microalbuminuria.


SP-A and SP-D in host defense against fungal infections and allergies.
Innate immunity mediated by pattern recognition proteins is relevant in the host defense against fungi. SP-A and SP-D are two such proteins belonging to the class of collagen domain containing C-type lectins, or collectins. They bind to the sugar moieties present on the cell walls of various fungi in a dose dependent manner via their carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). SP-A and SP-D directly interact with alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes. We review these roles of SP-A and SP-D against various clinically relevant fungal pathogens and fungal allergens. SP-A and SP-D gene deficient mice showed increased susceptibility/ resistance to various fungal infections. Patients of fungal infections and allergies are reported with alterations in the serum or lung lavage levels of SP-A and SP-D. There are studies associating the gene polymorphisms in SP-A and SP-D with alterations in their levels or functions or susceptibility of the host to fungal diseases. In view of the protective role of SP-D in murine models of Aspergillus fumigatus infections and allergies, therapeutic use of SP-D could be explored further.


Insecticidal activity of N-arylalkylbenzhydrolpiperidines.
Benzhydrolpiperidine (BZP) insecticides represent a novel class of chemistry. Their specificity and efficacy as well as their low mammalian toxicity give them excellent potential for commercialization. Several N-arylalkylbenzhydrolpiperidines were tested for activity against a variety of insects in the laboratory and greenhouse. These tests were used to select compounds for field trials and determine rates of application for field tests. The BZP compounds have good activity against Lepidoptera, with modest Coleoptera activity. They are toxic by oral administration and have about 100-fold lower activity by topical exposure. A methyl carbamate BZP, F4265, was the most active compound, with LC50 values of 6 mg litre(-1) or less for most Lepidopteran species tested. F4265 was active in a variety of field trials at 112-224gAI ha(-1). Whole-plant testing methods conducted in the greenhouse were effective in determining field test rates.


Effects of aerosolized dexamethasone on acute subglottic injury.
Aerosolized dexamethasone was used in a two-phase study to determine the possible effects on acute subglottic injury in the ferret animal model. In phase 1, equivalent subglottic injuries were made in 10 animals by using the brush technique, and the animals were divided into two groups. The treatment group received aerosolized dexamethasone at 2, 4, and 6 hours postinjury. All animals were examined 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after the injury. The clinical condition of each animal was evaluated and their airways were measured. The animals were then painlessly killed and the larynges were frozen, sectioned, and photographed at 1-mm intervals. A computer-linked digitizer pad was used to measure the subglottic dimensions. The results show a trend for the treated animals to have a larger subglottic airway as compared to the untreated (control) group. The phase 1 study suggests that there may be an improvement in the subglottic airway when treated acutely with aerosolized dexamethasone. In phase 2, 20 additional animals were studied by using the same methods of injury and treatment as in phase 1. The subglottic airways of these animals were evaluated with histomorphometric analysis on fixed histologic sections. A statistically significant difference was found between the subglottic airways of the treated and untreated animals favoring treatment with aerosolized dexamethasone. Aerosolized dexamethasone appears to be beneficial in preserving the subglottic airway after injury, possibly secondary to decreasing the edema associated with injury.


The ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) of southern Kuril Islands, Russia.
We compiled a list of the ground beetles that have been confirmed to occur to date in the southern Kuril Islands, Russian Far East. The list includes 168 species, all of which are known from Kunashir Island and the species richness on the remaining islands ranges from 68 (Shikotan Island) to 21 species (Tanfil'eva Island). The species richness is shown to depend sublinearly on island area, this being unusual for island faunas (Triantis et al. 2011). A large part of data is published here for the first time on the records of ground beetles in the southern Kuril Islands with precise localities. This allows not only the taxonomic composition of the faunas, but also the composition of local faunas to be discussed.


Meaningful engagement: A crossfunctional framework for digital therapeutics.
Digital mental health interventions, or digital therapeutics, have the potential to transform the field of mental health. They provide the opportunity for increased accessibility, reduced stigma, and daily integration with patient's lives. However, as the burgeoning field continues to expand, there is a growing concern regarding the level and type of engagement users have with these technologies. Unlike many traditional technology products that have optimized their user experience to maximize the amount of time users spend within the product, such engagement within a digital therapeutic is not sufficient if users are not experiencing an improvement in clinical outcomes. In fact, a primary challenge within digital therapeutics is user engagement. Digital therapeutics are only effective if users sufficiently engage with them and, we argue, only if users meaningfully engage with the product. Therefore, we propose a 4-step framework to assess meaningful engagement within digital therapeutics: (1) Define the measure of value (2) Operationalize meaningful engagement for your digital therapeutic (3) Implement solutions to increase meaningful engagement (4) Iteratively evaluate the solution's impact on meaningful engagement and clinical outcomes. We provide recommendations to the common challenges associated with each step. We specifically emphasize a cross-functional approach to assessing meaningful engagement and use an adolescent-focused example throughout to further highlight developmental considerations one should consider depending on their target users.


Mild traumatic brain injury is associated with impaired hippocampal spatiotemporal representation in the absence of histological changes.
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) accounts for the majority of head trauma cases. Despite some lasting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral deficits, there are frequently no overt morphological defects, suggesting that changes may result from alterations in the physiology of individual neurons. We investigated hippocampal neural activity in rats during a working memory task to determine the effect of mTBI on cellular physiology. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g) underwent mTBI via lateral fluid percussion (1.5 atm), and were compared with sham-operated rats. The rats then underwent bilateral implantation of electrodes into the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal subfields and were trained to perform in a delayed nonmatch-to-place swim T-maze. Single-neuron activity was analyzed during task performance 30-90 days after trauma. There were no histological differences between control and mTBI rats. Stereological analysis demonstrated no neuronal loss. Nevertheless, rats subjected to mTBI demonstrated significantly poorer performance on the task with increasing delay. Examination of single-neuron spiking activity revealed no significant difference in firing rates or spike characteristics, but rats exposed to mTBI were found to have significantly fewer cells with activity spatiotemporally correlated with location in the maze ("task-specific cells," p<0.05 by Fisher's exact test). Memory deficits, including disorganized patterns of hippocampal neural activity after mTBI, were seen in rats. Because it is seen in the absence of clear morphological defects, these data suggest that functional impairment after mTBI may result from alterations in the activity of individual neurons.


High hydrostatic pressure resistance of Campylobacter jejuni after different sublethal stresses.
To study the development of resistance responses in Campylobacter jejuni to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments after the exposure to different stressful conditions that may be encountered in food-processing environments, such as acid pH, elevated temperatures and cold storage. Campylobacter jejuni cells in exponential and stationary growth phase were exposed to different sublethal stresses (acid, heat and cold shocks) prior to evaluate the development of resistance responses to HHP. For exponential-phase cells, neither of the conditions tested increased nor decreased HHP resistance of C. jejuni. For stationary-phase cells, acid and heat adaptation-sensitized C. jejuni cells to the subsequent pressure treatment. On the contrary, cold-adapted stationary-phase cells developed resistance to HHP. Whereas C. jejuni can be classified as a stress sensitive micro-organism, our findings have demonstrated that it can develop resistance responses under different stressing conditions. The resistance of stationary phase C. jejuni to HHP was increased after cells were exposed to cold temperatures. The results of this study contribute to a better knowledge of the physiology of C. jejuni and its survival to food preservation agents. Results here presented may help in the design of combined processes for food preservation based on HHP technology.


[Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies].
To report our experience on percutaneous vascular foreign body retrieval and to analyse current techniques employed. From 1985 to 1991, 15 (0.18%) of 7,963 procedures performed in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory-Hospital São Paulo were intravascular foreign body retrieval: 9 (60%) intracath, 4 (26.8%) diagnostic catheters, one Swan Ganz catheter entrapped at superior cava vein and one fragment of angioplasty guide-wire in the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery. The snare technique was used in 11 cases, a endomyocardial bioptome device in 1 case and modified snare technique for the intracoronary wire fragment retrieval was used in 1 case. In two cases of embolized fragment in peripheral arteries, no attempt was done for retrieval. All (100%) of the 13 attempted procedures were successful. The two foreign bodies not removed had an uneventful follow-up. The snare technique for percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies is safe and has excellent results. The management peripheral fragments is not well defined yet.


5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptor density in the hippocampus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with disease duration.
To date, no study has evaluated the association between serotonin receptor density and clinical variables in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) using hippocampal tissue. We evaluated 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptor (5-HT1AR) density in hippocampal tissue from patients with TLE-HS. We analyzed the hippocampal tissue of 34 patients with pharmacoresistant unilateral TLE-HS. 5-HT1AR density was measured using semiquantitative western blotting. There was an association between higher density of 5-HT1AR and longer duration of epilepsy (Spearman correlation: P = 0.040; generalized linear model: P = 0.026). This study demonstrated that hippocampal 5-HT1AR density is associated with epilepsy duration in patients with TLE-HS. The authors postulate that this may represent a potential regulatory enhancement of endogenous serotonergic neurotransmission in response to prolonged and enduring epileptiform activity in the hippocampal tissue of patients with pharmacoresistant TLE-HS.


Unusually Short Be-Be Distances with and without a Bond in Be2 F2 and in the Molecular Discuses Be2 B8 and Be2 B7 (.).
Quantum-chemical calculations at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ level of theory show that beryllium subfluoride, Be2 F2 , has a bond dissociation energy of De =76.9 kcal mol(-1) , which sets a record for the strongest Be-Be bond. The synthesis of this molecule should thus be possible in a low-temperature matrix. The discus-shaped species Be2 B8 and Be2 B7 (-) possess the shortest Be-Be distance for a molecule in the electronic ground state, but there is no Be-Be bond. The cyclic species Be2 B8 and Be2 B7 (-) exhibit double aromaticity with 6σ and 6π electrons, which strongly bind the Be2 fragment to the boron atoms. The very short interatomic distance between the beryllium atoms is due to the Be-B σ and π bonds, which operate like spokes in a wheel pressing the beryllium atoms together. The formation of the Be-B bonds has effectively removed the electronic charge of the valence space between the beryllium atoms. Along the Be-Be axis, there are two cage critical points adjacent to a ring critical point at the midpoint, but there is no bond critical point and no bond path.


Conditioned and extinguished fear modulate functional corticocardiac coupling in humans.
Although the conditioned cardiac fear response is an important index of psychophysiological fear processing, underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. N = 22 participants underwent differential fear conditioning and extinction with face pictures as conditioned stimuli (CS) and loud noise bursts as aversive unconditioned stimulus (US) on Day 1 and a recall test 1 day later. We assessed ERPs, evoked heart period (HP), and time-lagged within-subject correlations of single-trial EEG amplitude and HP as index for corticocardiac coupling in response to the CS. Fear-conditioned stimuli (CS+) triggered cardiac deceleration during fear acquisition and recall. Meanwhile, only during Day 1 acquisition, CS+ evoked larger late positivities in the ERP than CS-. Most importantly, during Day 2 recall, stimulus-evoked single-trial EEG responses in the time window between 250 and 500 ms predicted the magnitude of cardiac fear responses 2 to 5 s later. This marker of corticocardiac coupling selectively emerged in response to not previously extinguished CS+ but was absent in response to CS- or previously extinguished CS+. The present results provide first evidence that fear conditioning and extinction modulate functional corticocardiac coupling in humans. Underlying mechanisms may involve subcortical structures enhancing corticocardiac transmission to facilitate processing of consolidated conditioned fear.


Computational studies on the sterol-like cyclization of a monodomain class II terpene cyclase.
Recently the first example of a class II terpene cyclase comprised of only a single domain was reported. Class II synthases are a diverse group of enzymes that catalyze exceptionally complex reactions, including the remarkable cyclization of steroids. This discovery of a single-domain enzyme being able to catalyze a steroid-like product contradicted the long-held tenet that complex class II cyclizations required double-domain enzymes. The proposed mechanism for the sterol-like cyclization of a monodomain class II terpene cyclase was studied computationally by using density functional theory (DFT). The complete pathway for the conversion of 5-geranyl-3,4-dihydroxybenzoate to the steroid-like pentacyclic product merosterolic acid A was elucidated. The formation of a tricyclic carbocation intermediate with three cyclohexane rings was found to be a concerted, but asynchronous, cyclization. The formation of the fourth ring proceeds with a low energy activation Friedel-Crafts reaction. Subsequent deprotonation of this pentacyclic system gave as the final product merosterolic acid. The overall conversion was found to be highly exothermic due to the conversion of three C-C double bonds to C-C single bonds.


Advanced zinc-air batteries based on high-performance hybrid electrocatalysts.
Primary and rechargeable Zn-air batteries could be ideal energy storage devices with high energy and power density, high safety and economic viability. Active and durable electrocatalysts on the cathode side are required to catalyse oxygen reduction reaction during discharge and oxygen evolution reaction during charge for rechargeable batteries. Here we developed advanced primary and rechargeable Zn-air batteries with novel CoO/carbon nanotube hybrid oxygen reduction catalyst and Ni-Fe-layered double hydroxide oxygen evolution catalyst for the cathode. These catalysts exhibited higher catalytic activity and durability in concentrated alkaline electrolytes than precious metal Pt and Ir catalysts. The resulting primary Zn-air battery showed high discharge peak power density ~265 mW cm(-2), current density ~200 mA cm(-2) at 1 V and energy density >700 Wh kg(-1). Rechargeable Zn-air batteries in a tri-electrode configuration exhibited an unprecedented small charge-discharge voltage polarization of ~0.70 V at 20 mA cm(-2), high reversibility and stability over long charge and discharge cycles.


Menopausal hormone therapy decisions: insights from a multi-attribute model.
A multi-attribute utility (MAU) decision model for menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was developed using structured interviews (n=40) to identify decision factors, and a telephone survey (n=97) to ascertain utility scores. Utility scores for individual factors and composite scores reflecting the HRT decision were compared according to HRT use. Composite utility scores (range of -1.0 to 1.0, with higher values supporting HRT use) were 0.55, -0.27, and -0.19 for the 48 HRT users, 23 former users, and 26 never users, respectively (P<0.0001). Among HRT current users, the main factors supporting use were concerns about heart disease, osteoporosis, and symptoms of menopause. Among former users, side effects weighed heavily against use, and among never users breast cancer concerns weighed heavily against use. Linear regression methods were used to identify the utilities most predictive of current HRT use. The decision model provided insight regarding how personal expectations and values influence HRT use.


Molecular cloning of complementary DNAs for two human endometrial proteins and cellular localization of their messenger RNAs.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and a human beta-lactoglobulin homologue (beta LG/PP14) are two major secretory proteins of the human endometrium. The genes coding for these two proteins are expressed in separate types of the endometrial cells, with the IGFBP-1 gene being expressed in the stromal and the beta LG/PP14 gene in the glandular epithelial cells. Although the biological reasons for the presence and expression of IGFBP-1 and beta LG/PP14 in human endometrial cells remain to be elucidated, the fact that these gene products are expressed in different endometrial cell types provides a unique opportunity to employ them as markers in studies on epithelial-to-stromal cell communication in the endometrium. The primary structures of these proteins have been deduced from their cloned cDNAs. beta LG/PP14 is highly homologous to all known beta-lactoglobulins from various species. For example, horse beta-lactoglobulin I monomer exhibits a 53% protein sequence identity with beta LG/PP14; they have the same number of amino acid residues, and their three-dimensional structures are predicted to be similar. This latter conclusion is inferred from the fact that the four cysteinyl residues that are responsible for the formation of intramolecular bridges in beta-lactoglobulins are spatially conserved in beta LG/PP14. The human protein is encoded by a 900-base pair-long mRNA that is expressed in the glandular epithelial cells of the endometrium in a cyclic manner; in addition, it is found in the mucosal epithelial cells of the fallopian tubes. Several lines of circumstantial evidence suggest that the expression of the beta LG/PP14 gene is regulated by progesterone; however, whether this regulation is elicited by the progesterone receptor at the transcriptional level has not so far been demonstrated. The IGFBP-1 protein sequence contains 259 amino acid residues, with the propeptide possessing a 25-amino acid-long signal peptide. The NH2-terminal sequence of this and other IGFBPs is very cysteine-rich, suggesting the possibility that this domain is involved in the binding of IGF-I and IGF-II ligands. A PEST region, a sequence that is found in proteins with short intracellular half-lives, is included in the middle half of the IGFBP-1 polypeptide. Among the IGFBPs, IGFBP-1 appears to be the only one with a PEST sequence. The carboxy-terminal end of IGFBP-1 contains an Arg-Gly-Asp tripeptide that is also found in IGFBP-2 and may function as a cell attachment recognition signal in these proteins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Parotid Gland Solitary Fibrous Tumor Presenting as a Long Duration Mass: A Case Report.
The solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a tumor of uncertain histogenesis, affecting deep soft tissues, particularly the pleura (pulmonary) and extrapulmonary sites including thighs, retroperitoneum, other serosal surfaces, and cranial and spinal meninges. SFT and hemangiopericytoma are now considered the same entity, with general agreement on referring to this group of tumors as "SFT." SFTs are generally benign tumors with small subsets of malignant ones. Moreover, they are well-circumscribed with a good prognosis after surgical resection. SFTs are uncommon in the head and neck and are quite rare in the parotid gland region. Here, we present a case of a 48-year-old female with SFT of the parotid gland region; the diagnosis was confirmed by positive immunohistochemical staining for Bcl-2, CD34, and STAT6. STAT6 immunohistochemistry is sensitive and specific for SFTs.


Temperature oscillations in liquid media caused by continuous (nonmodulated) millimeter wavelength electromagnetic irradiation.
Convection in liquids caused by 53-78 GHz millimeter wave irradiation with incident power density that ranged from 10 microW/cm2 to 1 W/cm2 was studied. Infrared thermography was used as an artifact-free method for recording surface-temperature dynamics during irradiation. It was found that continuous (nonmodulated) waves can produce a relaxation-type temperature oscillation in liquids with a relatively high stability of the period between temperature spikes. The temperature oscillation is due to the repetitive formation and dissipation of a torroidal type of convection vortex. When the vortex became stable during irradiation, we observed a temperature decrease following the initial temperature-rise phase, even though the irradiation was constantly maintained. This result constitutes a new process that can play a significant role in producing microwave bioeffects, including some so-called "nonthermal" effects and some effects that are inversely related to heating. Also, it can be considered as a newly discovered potential artifact in microwave bioeffects studies.


Lysomes in the rat sciatic nerve following crush.
Peripheral nerves undergoing degeneration are favorable material for studying the types, origins, and functions of lysosomes. The following lysosomes are described: (a) Autophagic vacuoles in altered Schwann cells. Within these vacuoles the myelin and much of the axoplasm which it encloses in the normal nerve are degraded (Wallerian degeneration). The delimiting membranes of the vacuoles apparently form from myelin lamellae. Considered as possible sources of their acid phosphatase are Golgi vesicles (primary lysosomes), lysosomes of the dense body type, and the endoplasmic reticulum which lies close to the vacuoles. (b) Membranous bodies that accumulate focally in myelinated fibers in a zone extending 2 to 3 mm distal to the crush. These appear to arise from the endoplasmic reticulum in which demonstrable acid phosphatase activity increases markedly within 2 hours after the nerve is crushed. (c) Autophagic vacuoles in the axoplasm of fibers proximal to the crush. The breakdown of organelles within these vacuoles may have significance for the reorganization of the axoplasm preparatory to regeneration. (d) Phagocytic vacuoles of altered Schwann cells. As myelin degeneration begins, some axoplasm is exposed. This is apparently engulfed by the filopodia of the Schwann cells, and degraded within the phagocytic vacuoles thus formed. (e) Multivesicular bodies in the axoplasm of myelinated fibers. These are generally seen near the nodes of Ranvier.


Both MHC and non-MHC genes regulate inflammation and T-cell response after traumatic brain injury.
Genetic regulation of autoimmune neuroinflammation is a well known phenomenon, but genetic influences on inflammation following traumatic nerve injuries have received little attention. In this study we examined the inflammatory response in a rat traumatic brain injury (TBI) model, with a particular focus on major histocompatibility class II (MHC II) presentation, in two inbred rat strains that have been extensively characterized in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE); DA and PVG. In addition, MHC and Vra4 congenic strains on these backgrounds were studied to give information on MHC and non-MHC gene contribution. Thus, allelic differences in Vra4, harboring the Ciita gene, was found to regulate expression of the invariant chain at the mRNA level, with a much smaller effect exerted by the MHC locus itself. Notably, however, at the protein level the MHC congenic PVG-RT1(av1) strain displayed much stronger MHCII(+) presentation, as shown both by immunolabeling and flow cytometry, than the PVG strain, dwarfing the effect of Ciita. The PVG-RT1(av1) strain had significantly more T-cell influx than both DA and PVG, suggesting regulation both by MHC and non-MHC genes. Finally, in terms of outcome, the EAE susceptible DA strain displayed a significantly smaller resulting lesion volume than the resistant PVG-RT1(av1) strain. These results provide additional support for a role of adaptive immune response after neurotrauma and demonstrate that outcome is significantly affected by host genetic factors.


Species-specific interaction of EA1 with the maize pollen tube apex.
The egg apparatus-secreted polymorphic EA 1 peptide is required for micropylar pollen tube (PT) guidance in maize, the last step of the PT journey during the double fertilization process in flowering plants. In a recent study we have shown that maize PTs are attracted in vitro by EA 1 and that their growth is arrested at high peptide concentrations. Moreover, we have also shown that maize PTs are guided in vitro in a species-preferential manner to the micropylar opening of transgenic Arabidopsis ovules secreting the EA 1-GFP fusion protein. In support of these findings, we have improved the ligand-receptor labeling assay and report here that the EA 1 peptide interacts in vitro with the maize PT apex in a species-specific manner. Bound peptide gets internalized in large vesicles and is degraded. This finding indicates that the pollen tube remains sensitive to the attractant by its rapid internalization.


Characterization of a mixed sphere and film waveguide at the 1-microm scale by 0.67-microm laser light propagation.
A mixed sphere array and film (MSF) waveguide [a mixed system with a polystyrene microsphere array and a poly(methyl methacrytate) thin film waveguide] was fabricated and characterized at a wavelength of 0.67 microm. The attenuation coefficients of the isolated linear thin-film waveguide and the isolated linear microsphere array were measured to be 0.54 dB/microm and 0.98 dB/sphere, respectively. In the MSF waveguide the attenuation coefficients of the thin-film waveguide and the polystyrene microsphere array were 0.61 dB/microm and 1.17 dB/sphere, respectively. A curvilinear MSF waveguide was also fabricated and characterized. Evanescent wave interaction between the thin-film waveguide and the microsphere array was expected.


Intracellular distribution of a cytoplasmic progesterone receptor mutant and of immunophilins cyclophilin 40 and FKBP59: effects of cyclosporin A, of various metabolic inhibitors and of several culture conditions.
The effect of cyclosporin A (CsA) on the intracellular distribution of a mutated NLS minus rabbit progesterone receptor (PRm) and the receptor-associated immunophilins, cyclophilin 40 (Cyp40) and FKBP59, was tested in Lc13 cells by indirect immunofluorescent staining. PRm, which is cytoplasmic in absence of progesterone, is shifted to the nucleus by the hormone as well as by CsA, but not by FK506 or Rapamycin [I. Jung-Testas, M.-C. Lebeau, E.E. Baulieu. C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris 318 (1995) 873-878]. However the time course of nuclear import due to CsA and its sensitivity to N-ethyl maleimide (NEM) and to a calmodulin inhibitor (W7) was different from those observed for the hormonal effect. Cyp40 in Lc13 cells is localized mainly in the nucleoli. CsA treatment increased nucleolar staining, while NEM and W7 caused it to decrease; after actinomycin D (1 microM) nucleolar staining of Cyp40 disappeared. FKBP59 is mainly cytoplasmic and concentrated in the perinuclear region, never in the nucleoli. CsA, actino D and W7 treatment did not influence FKBP59 localization. In serum-deprived medium FKBP59 was cytoplasmic, but when the culture medium was enriched (20% serum, insulin and EGF) FKBP59 became perinuclear and hsp 86 was partly shifted to the nucleus, but PRm remained cytoplasmic. CsA has an effect on PRm distribution, while it does not influence Cyp40 and FKBP59 localization. In presence of actino D the labelling of Cyp40 disappears from the nucleoli, while the distribution of PRm and FKBP59 is unaffected. Growth factors influence FKBP59 but not PRm or Cyp40. These results suggest that these proteins shuttle independently and that their association is transient.


Is it possible to predict the first year extent of pain and disability for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
To investigate prediction of the extent of suffering during the first year of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with patient characteristics found to be capable of predicting short term or longterm endpoint disability. Ninety-five patients with recently diagnosed RA, participating in a prospective clinical trial, were seen every 3 mo during 1 year. The 12 month and cumulative values of disability (Dutch version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire) and pain (visual analog scale) were related to demographic, clinical, laboratory, and psychological mood variables in correlation and regression analyses. Baseline values of disability and pain were related most strongly to 12 mo and cumulative values of disability; baseline pain was virtually the only important predictor of 12 mo and cumulative pain. Other baseline characteristics had virtually no additional predictive power. The short term disease course of RA in terms of disability and pain is most strongly related to the baseline values of these variables, and cannot reliably be predicted with frequently recognized longterm prognostic factors, such as rheumatoid factor status or sex.