MR imaging of congenital anomalies of the thoracic veins.
Congenital anomalies of the thoracic veins are infrequent but important developmental abnormalities. Thoracic venous anomalies can be classified as systemic or pulmonary. Systemic venous anomalies are often incidental findings, whereas pulmonary venous anomalies are more likely to manifest with cyanosis and to be associated with congenital cardiac abnormalities, especially atrial septal defect. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides excellent delineation of the abnormal vessels and associated cardiac defects. Conventional spin-echo (SE) techniques show blood flow as a signal void and are sufficient for demonstrating the aberrant venous anatomy in most cases. Gradient-echo images show flowing blood as high signal intensity and are useful for clarifying the course of anomalous veins when vessel walls are difficult to visualize on SE images. Phase-contrast images are valuable for ascertaining the direction of blood flow and thus provide a physiologic method of distinguishing the vertical vein of anomalous pulmonary venous return from a left superior vena cava. MR imaging is useful for delineating both the thoracic venous and accompanying intracardiac anomalies and is a valuable, complementary technique to echocardiography, angiography, and computed tomography in the evaluation of patients with these abnormalities.


Thermal performance of dual flow slotted fin mini channel heat sink using Al2O3-H2O and TiO2-H2O: a numerical and experimental approach.
To overcome the extensive heat generation inside the microprocessors nanofluids have gained importance because of their better thermophysical properties as compared with air and water. This work proposes a two-pronged strategy for thermal performance enhancement of mini channel heat sinks. Firstly, a novel dual flow slotted fin mini channel heat sink flow configuration is proposed. Secondly, a detailed numerical investigation is performed to assess heat transfer enhancement property of Al2O3-H2O and TiO2-H2O nanofluids. Considering the first step, fin spacing, number of slots, slot thickness and slot angle are investigated in detail yielding to the selection of best structural parameters. Two slots per fin of 0.5 mm thickness at an angle of 45° is selected because it provides better thermal performance as compared with water. Further, numerical assessment of nano fluid behavior was carried out at volumetric concentrations of 0.005% and 0.01%. For the case of novel dual flow slotted fin mini channel heat sink, maximum numerical and experimental advantages in all targeted system properties is observed for Al2O3-H2O nano fluid at volumetric concentration of 0.01%, as compared with water. Al2O3-H2O nano fluid provides better thermal performance both numerically and experimentally as compared with TiO2-H2O nanofluids. Increment in the pressure drop is noted with increasing volumetric concentrations.


Integrated care pathways: outcome from inpatient rehabilitation following nontraumatic spinal cord lesion.
Integrated care pathways (ICPs) map the predicted course of an episode of patient care. They detail the expected interventions during the episode and document departures from the expected pathway (variance). This study describes the use of an ICP to audit the rehabilitation of patients with nontraumatic spinal cord injury admitted between 1997 and 1999. The ICPs and outcomes of 85 patients with nontraumatic spinal cord injury admitted to the Neurorehabilitation Unit at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London were analysed. Data extracted included diagnosis, level of the lesion and duration of stay. The numbers and categories of goals and the rates of goal achievement were extracted and the variance patterns analysed. An average of 28 patients were admitted each year. The level of disability on admission and the duration of stay decreased over the three-year period, while the average patient age increased from 48 to 54 years. None of these changes were statistically significant. On average each patient had three new goals set each week. Ninety per cent of all goals were achieved; this was not dependent on the category of goal. Sixteen patients (19%) accounted for 58% of all nonachieved goals. These patients tended to have acute-onset disability. The number of variances fell from 15 to 7 over the three-year period. The pathway enables monitoring of the rehabilitation process. As the Unit becomes more experienced there is a trend to shorter, more focused admissions with fewer variances. Specific groups of patients with particular needs can be identified. Future patients benefit from closure of the 'audit loop' and the implementation of clinical change based on information obtained from the ICP.


Effect of Intracameral Ophthalmic Cefuroxime Solution (Aprokam®) in the Prophylaxis of Cataract Surgery in Patients with Keratoplasty.
Development of endophthalmitis during cataract surgery is one of the most severe complications and it may also result in blindness and globe loss. To evaluate the effect of an ophthalmic cefuroxime solution (Aprokam®) that is prophylactically used in phacoemulsification surgery performed due to cataract that eventually occurs in patients with or without penetrating keratoplasty. Case-control study. In this retrospective study, patients who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty and for whom phacoemulsification surgery was performed due to cataract and an intracameral ophthalmic cefuroxime solution (Aprokam®) was administered for prophylaxis were evaluated in comparison with patients with cataract without keratoplasty. The following parameters were evaluated: postoperative anterior chamber reaction, intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell density, and central corneal thickness alterations. A total of 42 patients (18 males, 24 females) with keratoplasty and 42 patients (17 males, 25 females) without keratoplasty were included in this study. An increase in visual acuity was observed in all the patients after cataract surgery (p<0.001). The mean corneal endothelial cell densitys were determined to be 2437.20±148.5 cells/mm2 preoperatively in the study group and 2807.1±152.4 cells/mm2 preoperatively in the control group. The mean corneal endothelial cell densitys were determined to be 2103.85±196.5 cells/mm2 after the first postoperative month (p<0.001) in the study group and 2755.92±182.7 cells/mm2 in the control group (p=0.17). The mean central corneal thickness in the study group were 565.78±11.5 μm preoperatively and 584.65±12.7 μm after the first postoperative month (p<0.001). No difference was observed in the control group in terms of preoperative and postoperative central corneal thickness and endothelial cell density. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the intraocular pressure, anterior chamber reaction. There was no significant effect of the prophylactic intracameral use of ophthalmic cefuroxime solution (Aprokam®) on the endothelial cells which was used in patients with keratoplasty for whom cataract surgery was performed.


Invited review: Translating kisspeptin and neurokinin B biology into new therapies for reproductive health.
The reproductive neuropeptide kisspeptin has emerged as the master regulator of mammalian reproduction due to its key roles in the initiation of puberty and the control of fertility. Alongside the tachykinin neurokinin B and the endogenous opioid dynorphin, these peptides are central to the hormonal control of reproduction. Building on the expanding body of experimental animal models, interest has flourished with human studies revealing that kisspeptin administration stimulates physiological reproductive hormone secretion in both healthy men and women, as well as patients with common reproductive disorders. In addition, emerging therapeutic roles based on neurokinin B for the management of menopausal flushing, endometriosis and uterine fibroids are increasingly recognised. In this review, we focus on kisspeptin and neurokinin B and their potential application as novel clinical strategies for the management of reproductive disorders.


In situ synthesis and characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotube/Prussian blue nanocomposite materials and application.
An effective and facile in situ electroless deposition approach for the fabrication of multi-walled carbon nanotube-supported Prussian blue nanoparticle (MWNTs/PB NP) composite nanomaterials is demonstrated in this article. The coverage of PB NPs on MWNTs is tunable by varying the experimental parameters, such as the initial molar concentration of FeCl3 + K3[Fe(CN)6], the relative concentration of FeCl3 + K3[Fe(CN)6] to MWNTs, and the temperature and duration of the heat treatment. This method involves a simple mixing process followed by a mild heating process and does not need the exhaustive surface oxidation process of MWNTs. TEM, FTIR, UV, and XRD are all used to characterize the MWNTs/PB composite materials. In addition, the electrochemical behavior of PB and catalysis of the reduction of H2O2, are investigated. The novel method is expected to be applicable for preparation of other coordination polymer/MWNTs composites and finds use in applications for electronic nanodevices.


Candidates for liver transplantation with alcoholic liver disease: Psychosocial aspects.
In Europe, 30% to 50% of liver transplantations are currently due to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In the United States, this percentage is 17.2%. Post-transplant survival and other predictors of clinical course do not differ significantly from those in other types of transplanted patients, as long as there is no relapse of drinking. However, 20%-25% of these patients lapse or relapse to heavy drinking post-operatively, which has been associated with an increased risk of liver damage and mortality. It is therefore crucial to design specific selection and follow-up strategies aimed at this particular type of patient. Several good and poor prognosis factors that could help to predict a relapse have been suggested, among them the duration of abstinence, social support, a family history of alcoholism, abuse diagnosis versus alcohol dependence, non-acceptance of diagnosis related to alcohol use, presence of severe mental illness, non-adherence in a broad sense, number of years of alcoholism, and daily quantity of alcohol consumption. In this article, we discuss these and other, more controversial factors in selecting ALD patients for liver transplantation. Abstinence should be the main goal after transplantation in an ALD patient. In this article, we review the several definitions of post-transplant relapse, its monitoring and the psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment.


Longitudinal development of antisocial behaviors in young and early adolescent Puerto Rican children at two sites.
This report provides descriptive longitudinal findings over three waves of a study designed to assess the development of antisocial behaviors in young and early adolescent Puerto Rican children at two sites. Through the use of standard assessment measures, representative samples of Puerto Rican children of both genders 5 to 13 years of age and their adult caretakers were interviewed at two sites: the South Bronx in New York City (n = 1,138) and the Standard Metropolitan Areas in Puerto Rico (n = 1,353; N = 2,491). Although no differences in prevalence between the two sites were apparent at baseline, analyses of the longitudinal data show that site differences emerge over time, with a decrease in risk of antisocial behavior over time in the Standard Metropolitan Areas relative to the Bronx. The decreased risk of these disorders in the Standard Metropolitan Areas corroborates the low rates in Puerto Rico reported in previous research. Future analyses of these data are needed to identify the risk and protective factors associated with this difference.


[The psychopathological text].
Starting from the different epistemological status of looking and hearing in the clinical field, the author stresses the importance of the modalities of approaching the psychopathological text, embodied in its context, and conceived as an intersubjective production rather than an individual phenomenon. The author contends that the psychopathological text can be read in three different ways: 1. Informative. First-hand reading provides cumulative information, conditioned by reader's limitations and imaginary endowment. Likelihood and truth provide its framework, but colliding with each other, being likelihood the first way of organizing perceptual data, whereas truth is to be seeked behind apparent phenomena. 2; Hermeneutical. Reading through interpretation entails deciphering the text according to certain definite rules. The logic of hermeneutics differs from oridinary linear logic in its stemming from joint intersubjective sintactic and semantic recreation. Interpretation provides a joint signification for the discourse, but, because of this very fact, it also makes the codes used to hinge and to create a different universe of signification, and allows for starting the whole process anew. This new universe gives rise to a different link between likelihood and truth, making at least possible, if not necessary, their simultaneous positive values. 3. Maieutical. When the new universes of significations built up by hermeneutical reading are articulated among them, and the system of articulations are set forth, another level is attained, in which meaning is created. Meaning, according to the author's proposal, is generated by the systems of transformations of former universes, both in their synchronic and diachronic processes. Thus, meaning, being open to any possible combinatory of transformations, provides the widest gamut of possibilities to produce sense-and change-in their widest acception.


Adult sports-related traumatic spinal injuries: do different activities predispose to certain injuries?
Sports injuries are known to present a high risk of spinal trauma. The authors hypothesized that different sports predispose participants to different injuries and injury severities. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of adult patients who experienced a sports-related traumatic spinal injury (TSI), including spinal fractures and spinal cord injuries (SCIs), encoded within the National Trauma Data Bank from 2011 through 2014. Multiple imputation was used for missing data, and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were estimated. The authors included 12,031 cases of TSI, which represented 15% of all sports-related trauma. The majority of patients with TSI were male (82%), and the median age was 48 years (interquartile range 32-57 years). The most frequent mechanisms of injury in this database were cycling injuries (81%), skiing and snowboarding accidents (12%), aquatic sports injuries (3%), and contact sports (3%). Spinal surgery was required during initial hospitalization for 9.1% of patients with TSI. Compared to non-TSI sports-related trauma, TSIs were associated with an average 2.3-day increase in length of stay (95% CI 2.1-2.4; p < 0.001) and discharge to or with rehabilitative services (adjusted OR 2.6, 95% CI 2.4-2.7; p < 0.001). Among sports injuries, TSIs were the cause of discharge to or with rehabilitative services in 32% of cases. SCI was present in 15% of cases with TSI. Within sports-related TSIs, the rate of SCI was 13% for cycling injuries compared to 41% and 49% for contact sports and aquatic sports injuries, respectively. Patients experiencing SCI had a longer length of stay (7.0 days longer; 95% CI 6.7-7.3) and a higher likelihood of adverse discharge disposition (adjusted OR 9.69, 95% CI 8.72-10.77) compared to patients with TSI but without SCI. Of patients with sports-related trauma discharged to rehabilitation, one-third had TSIs. Cycling injuries were the most common cause, suggesting that policies to make cycling safer may reduce TSI.


Hierarchical Mazes in Psychological Research.
Hierarchical mazes have been used in psychology for more than 100 years. During this time many different maze tasks have been created and used to test.cognitive processes and distinguish personality traits. Some of these mazes seem better than others to test different abilities. This article describes the most important mazes used in psychological research and the most important procedures used with these mazes. More than 20 different hierarchical mazes (including maze sets with more than 1 maze, e.g., those of Porteus and Elithorn) were analyzed and classified to different categories.


"A spinach with a V on it": what 3-year-olds see in standard and enhanced Blissymbols.
To aid young children in learning and using Blissymbols, the characters are often enhanced by the drawing of additional components. Thirty standard or 30 enhanced Blissymbols, designed to represent familiar actions (10), attributes (10), and objects/entities (10), were shown to 20 normal 3-year-old children, who were asked to guess what they mean. Their responses were examined to learn what children perceive when they see such symbols. They mainly identified perceptual features and related elements of symbols to something with which they were familiar. The number of their guesses that referred to the embellishments of the enhanced Blissymbols was twice as great as the number that referred to the standard Blissymbol base. The results are discussed in terms of the role of enhancements and possible applications to symbol introduction, as well as an early glimpse at emerging literacy.


[Economic evaluation of gemcitabine-cisplatin chemotherapy for non small-cell lung cancer patient in an outpatient setting].
This analysis was conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of gemcitabine-cisplatin chemotherapy for non small-cell lung cancer patients in an outpatient setting compared with the traditional inpatient setting. A cost-effective analysis was conducted from a societal perspective. The effects of treatment, which was measured as an adverse event rate, were abstracted from a published literature search and empirical data from one university hospital. The costs included both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs included hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and lab tests. Pharmaceutical costs were excluded in analysis because they were same for both options. Indirect costs included productivity loss of patients as well as care-givers. In order to determine the robustness of the results, sensitivity analysis on treatment protocol was conducted. Literature search showed no difference in adverse effect rates between inpatient treatment protocol and outpatient treatment protocol. Therefore, this analysis is a cost-minimization analysis. Cost-savings in the outpatient setting was 555,936 won for one treatment cycle. Our sensitivity analysis indicated that the outpatient chemotherapy still showed cost-savings, regardless of changes in treatment protocol. The outpatient gemcitabine-cisplatin chemotherapy for non small-cell lung cancer resulted in cost savings compared to inpatient chemotherapy. More importantly, outpatient chemotherapy could improve the utilization of health service resources in terms of available beds.


Quality Improvement Study With Low-Cost Strategies to Reduce Neonatal Admission Hypothermia.
Background Admission hypothermia is still an underappreciated major challenge for new-born survival in low-resource settings. The WHO recommends skin-to-skin contact as the simplest and safest way for maintaining the body temperature even during transportation. Quality improvement initiatives for hospitalised new-borns have shown benefits like a reduction in neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken in a resource-constrained public hospital in southern India with an aim to reduce neonatal hypothermia at admission to <20%. Method It was a prospective, quality improvement study undertaken over 20 weeks. All neonates born in the selected delivery room (DR), requiring transportation to the neonatal intensive care unit, were included. The primary outcome indicators were the mean axillary temperature of neonates measured upon arrival at the neonatal intensive care unit and the percentage of neonates with hypothermia at admission. Improving the thermoregulatory practices and ambient DR temperature to >25˚C, transportation by the kangaroo method, and a portable infant warmer (PIW) were implemented in three successive Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Result In the third PDSA cycle, the mean admission temperature (36.51˚C ±0.82) was significantly (p<0.0001) higher when compared with the baseline phase (35.41˚C ±1.09), and there was a significant (p<0.001) reduction in hypothermia (33.33%). The aim was achieved in the last two weeks of the third cycle with a reduction in hypothermia to 17.6%. Conclusion Implementation of appropriate thermoregulatory practices and low-cost strategies like the kangaroo method and PIW using quality improvement methodology significantly reduced admission hypothermia.


Quantitative analysis of cereulide toxin from Bacillus cereus in rice and pasta using synthetic cereulide standard and 13C6-cereulide standard - a short validation study.
A single laboratory validation study of a rapid and sensitive quantitative method for the analysis of cereulide toxin produced by Bacillus cereus using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry is presented. The analysis of this cyclic peptide toxin was validated for pasta and rice samples using a newly presented synthetic cereulide peptide standard, together with 13C6-cereulide that previously have not been commercially available. The use of cereulide standard was also compared to the most frequently used surrogate standard, the antibiotic valinomycin. The performance of the method was evaluated by analyzing spiked sample pools from different types of rice and pasta, as well as 21 individual rice and pasta samples from differently prepared meals. Inoculation of samples with three cereulide toxin-producing strains of Bacillus cereus was finally used to mimic naturally contaminated foods. The quantification range of the method was 1-500 ng/g (R2 = 0.999) and the limits of detection and quantification were 0.1 and 1 ng/g, respectively. The precision varied from 3% to 7% relative standard deviation and the trueness from -2% to +6% relative bias at different concentration levels in cooked rice and pasta.


The effect of IL-4 on the phenotype of a human B-cell lymphoma line (Farage) lacking immunoglobulin expression.
Farage cells do not express surface immunoglobulins (sIg) but display a high level of CD19, CD21, CD22, CD23, CD39, CD40 B-cell antigens, and various adhesion proteins, such as CD11a (LFA-1), CD29 (VLA-4), CD44, CD54 (ICAM-1), and CD58 (LFA-3). The phenotype of Farage resembled that of EBV-LCL but differed from the phenotype of Burkitt's lymphoma lines, which were CD39- CD44-, expressed a high level of CD38, and either lacked CD21 or were weakly positive. Exposure to IL-4 augmented the concentrations of CD23 and of adhesion proteins on the surface of Farage cells but diminished the expression of CD21, CD22, and CD38. IL-4 did not induce the expression of sIg on Farage cells and failed to affect the level of HLA-DR. IL-2 and TPA did not alter the level of CD21 and adhesion proteins on Farage cells. Although IL-4 induced unique changes of the antigenic pattern in Farage, no significant effect on the phenotype of Burkitt's lymphoma lines was detected after IL-4 treatment. The present study indicates that the responsiveness of B cells to IL-4 is not determined by the expression of sIg but rather is associated with the antigenic profile characteristic for non-germinal center B lymphocytes.


Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair without mesh fixation, early results of a large randomised clinical trial.
A new persistent groin pain is reported by a significant number of patients following laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP). Mesh fixation has been implicated as a possible cause, but is widely considered essential for mesh stabilization and early recurrence prevention. This study investigates whether any association exists between mesh fixation by metal tacks and the incidence of new groin pain or early hernia recurrence. A prospective multicenter double-blinded randomised trial was conducted between December 2004 and January 2006. Standardized TEP repair was performed with a rectangular 10 x 15cm polypropylene mesh. Hernia were randomized to either mesh fixation by metal tacks or left entirely unfixated. Clinical review by physical examination was performed by a separate blinded surgeon after a minimum of six months, with another review planned after two years. The incidence of new groin pain and recurrence were compared. Five hundred herniae in 360 patients were entered into the study. At the first wave of clinical follow-up (median eight, range 6-13 postoperative months) a new pain was reported by 38 versus 23% (p = 0.003), occurring at least once a week in 22 versus 15% (p = 0.049), or several times per week in 16 versus 8% (p = 0.009) for fixated versus unfixated repairs, respectively. Patients with bilateral repairs were five times more likely to report the unfixated side being more comfortable (p = 0.006). There was one recurrence in the fixated group (1/247) whilst none have yet occurred in the unfixated group. Fixation increased operative costs by approximately 375 AUD. Mesh fixation in TEP is associated with increased operative cost and chronic pain but no difference in the risk of hernia recurrence at six months was observed.


Sulphate-reducing bacteria-mediated pyrite formation in the Dachang Tongkeng tin polymetallic deposit, Guangxi, China.
Mediation by sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is responsible for pyrite (FeS2) formation. The origin of the Dachang tin polymetallic ore field is related to the mineralisation of submarine hydrothermal vent sediments. Here, we investigated SRB in these ores via morphological, chemical, and isotopic analyses. Polarised and scanning electron microscopy indicated that trace SRB fossils in the metal sulphide ore were present in the form of tubular, beaded, and coccoidal bodies comprising FeS2 and were enclosed within a pyrrhotite (FeS) matrix in the vicinity of micro-hydrothermal vents. The carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) contents in the FeS2 synthesised by SRB were high, and a clear biological Raman signal was detected. No such signals were discerned in the peripheral FeS. This co-occurrence of FeS, FeS2, and the remains of bacteria (probably chemoautotrophic bacteria) was interpreted as the coprecipitation process of SRB-mediated FeS2 formation, which has, to the best of our knowledge, not been reported before. Our study also illustrates that combined energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and isotopic analysis can be used as a novel methodology to document microbial-mediated processes of mineral deposition in submarine hydrothermal vent ecology on geological time scales.


Coordinated and standardized production, purification and characterization of natural and recombinant food allergens to establish a food allergen library.
Reliable diagnosis of food allergy is dependent on the analytes used. Approaches based on well-defined individual molecules of either natural or recombinant origin are likely to replace those based on food extracts in the future. Therefore, a library comprising well-characterized authentic natural and recombinant allergens was formed within the EC funded IP EuroPrevall. The advantages and disadvantages of including either natural or recombinant proteins are summarized, together with inclusion criteria such as purity and the implications of both allergenic and nonallergenic impurities for the performance of diagnostic assays. In order to harmonize quality criteria of the individual food allergens included in the library, as suite of characteristics and associated methodologies used to define them, was agreed. The application of these methods and impact on the quality and performance of the final purified food allergens included in the EuroPrevall allergen library is discussed.


Optimization of Albumin Secretion and Metabolic Activity of Cytochrome P450 1A1 of Human Hepatoblastoma HepG2 Cells in Multicellular Spheroids by Controlling Spheroid Size.
Multicellular spheroids are useful as three-dimensional cell culture systems and for cell-based therapies. Their successful application requires an understanding of the consequences of spheroid size for cellular functions. In the present study, we prepared multicellular spheroids of different sizes using the human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells, as hepatocytes are frequently used for in vitro drug screening and cell-based therapy. Precise polydimethylsiloxane-based microwells with widths of 360, 450, 560, and 770 µm were fabricated using a micromolding technique. Incubation of HepG2 cells in cell culture plates containing the microwells resulted in the formation of HepG2 spheroids with average diameters of 195, 320, 493, and 548 µm. The cell number per spheroid positively correlated with its diameter, and the viability of HepG2 cells was 94% or above for all samples. The smallest HepG2 spheroids showed the highest albumin secretion. On the other hand, the metabolic activity of 7-ethoxyresorufin, a fluorometric substrate for CYP1A1, increased with increasing spheroid size. These results indicate that controlling spheroid size is important when preparing HepG2 spheroids and that the size of HepG2 spheroids greatly influences the cellular function of HepG2 cells in the spheroids.


Signature of tetrahedral Ge in the Raman spectrum of amorphous phase-change materials.
We computed the Raman spectrum of amorphous GeTe by ab initio simulations and empirical bond polarizability models. The calculated spectrum is in very good agreement with experimental data and contains the signatures of all the peculiar local structures of the amorphous phase revealed by recent ab initio simulations, namely, tetrahedral Ge and defective octahedral sites for a fraction of Ge (mostly 4-coordinated) and for all Te (mostly 3-coordinated) atoms. In particular, the spectrum above 190 cm{-1} is dominated by tetrahedral structures, while the most prominent peaks around 120 and 165 cm{-1} are mainly due to vibrations of atoms in defective octahedral sites. Finally, the peak around 75 cm{-1}, which dominates the spectrum in HV scattering geometry, is mostly due to vibrational modes involving threefold coordinated Te atoms.


Serum visfatin, vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
To evaluate serum concentrations of visfatin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate their possible role as early endothelial markers in PCOS. Forty-two women with PCOS and 42 controls, matched for age and weight, were included in the study. Serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, total testosterone (tT), Δ4-androstenedione (Δ4A), dehydroepinadrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), 17-OH-progesterone, sex hormone-binding protein (SHBG), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), visfatin, VEGF and MMP-9 were measured in all women; free androgen index (FAI) was calculated as well. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to examine if visfatin, tT or FAI can predict the clinical status (PCOS or control). LH, Δ4A, tT and FAI concentrations were higher in PCOS than in controls (p = 0.002, 0.029, 0.0005 and 0.014, respectively). Visfatin, VEGF and MMP-9 concentrations were higher in women with PCOS than controls (p = 0.019, 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). In ROC analysis, area under the curve (AUC) in the prediction of clinical status was 0.641 for visfatin (p = 0.026), 0.731 for tT (p = 0.001) and 0.666 for FAI (p = 0.010), with no difference among them (p = 0.117). Visfatin may induce the expression of pro-angiogenic factors, such as VEGF and MMP-9, in women with PCOS, inplying gradually development of endothelial dysfunction. Further studies are required to clarify these findings.


Understanding sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy is the direct injection of a sclerosing agent, such as hypertonic saline, into a visible vein or telangectasia. The solution is designed to irritate or dehydrate, change surface tension, or destroy the endothelial cells to produce initially a small thrombosis and then permanent fibrosis of the vein.


Culturally competent responses for identifying and responding to domestic violence in dental care settings.
Dental care providers can play an important role in identifying and preventing intimate partner violence. Many victims of domestic violence interact with dental care providers, including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, thus placing dental professionals in a unique position to screen for early identification and even primary prevention of abuse. An effective and successful response to intimate partner violence in a dental care setting involves creating a safe and culturally competent environment for screening and disclosure, giving supportive messages to victims, educating patients about abuse and connection to health, offering strategies to promote safety, and informing clients about relevant community resources.


Acute Caffeine Ingestion did not Enhance Punch Performance in Professional Mixed-Martial Arts Athletes.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport where competitors utilize strikes (punches, kicks, knees, and elbows) and submission techniques to defeat opponents in a cage or ring. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute caffeine ingestion on punching performance by professional MMA athletes. The study used a double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover design. Eleven professional MMA competitors (27.6 ± 4.3 years and 83.5 ± 7.8 kg of body weight) ingested a dose of caffeine (5 mg·kg-1) or placebo 60 min prior to three sets of punching. Each set consisted of 15 s, at which participants were asked to perform straight punches with maximum strength and frequency with his dominant arm. After each set, a 45 s recovery time was applied. Using a force transducer attached to a cushioned plate, the punch frequency, and mean and maximal punch force was measured. The readiness to invest in both physical (RTIPE) and mental (RTIME) effort was assessed prior to the protocol, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after. Caffeine ingestion did not result in increased punching frequency, mean and maximum punch force, RTIPE, RTIME, and RPE when compared to the placebo condition. Based on these results, acute caffeine ingestion did not improve punching performance in professional MMA athletes.


Long-term donors versus non-donor men: Iron metabolism and the atherosclerotic process.
The increased iron level and the labile iron pool (LIP) in circulating monocytes are connected to a higher frequency of cardiovascular events. The study investigates the relationship between LIP in circulating monocytes and markers of iron metabolism and atherosclerosis (inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and arterial elasticity) in long-term blood donors and non-donor volunteers. We found that donors had significantly higher LIP values than the control group (1.89 ± 0.47 μM vs. 1.50 ± 0.41 μM, p = 0.007). Despite the observed tendency for the donor group to have higher blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and HOMAR-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), the groups did not differ in inflammatory markers, markers of endothelial dysfunction and markers of impaired arterial elasticity. The donor group had significant changes in iron metabolism (higher serum Fe, ceruloplasmin, and TfR/Ft ratio (transferrin receptor/ferritin ratio) and lower hepcidin, ferritin, and CD163), indicating depletion of body iron stores and activation of iron turnover. LIP seems to be a good marker of iron turnover activity in these individuals despite the lack of a decrease in the hemoglobin concentration. We did not find a significant correlation between LIP levels and atherosclerosis progression in the two groups. However, further studies are needed to assess long-term donorship as a protective factor against atherosclerosis.


[Rapid Decision of ESBL from Blood Culture Positive Bottles (Using MALDI-TOF MS and Sysmex UF-5000)].
In recent years, the appearance of MALDI-TOF MS made it possible to identify bacterial species in a short time. However, the sensitivity test has not largely shortened the time. When ESBL is suspected by routine examination, we speculate that there are many institutions conducting the inspection method conforming to the CLSI inspection procedure. When carrying out bacteria identification, susceptibility test and ESBL confirmation test from blood culture-positive specimens, the expected examination days are required for about 3 to 4 days, which is not quick. We report on bacterial species identification by MALDI-TOF MS from blood culture positive specimen bottle and ESBL rapid decision with fully automated urine analyzer.


Quantitative immunohistochemistry of parvalbumin expression in the rat diaphragm.
Parvalbumin is a calcium-binding protein involved in the mechanism of Ca++ exchange between sarcoplasmic reticulum and the myofibrils. This characteristic promotes a direct correlation between the amount of parvalbumin and the velocity of contraction-relaxation of skeletal muscle fibers. To quantify the expression of parvalbumin in the rat diaphragm, transverse paraffin sections of this muscle were processed immunohistochemically using antiparvalbumin monoclonal antibody. The stained sections were inspected on an image analysis device to evaluate the intensity of the immunoreaction and to make morphologic measurements of the muscle fibers. The immunoreaction intensity data allowed the division of fibers in fast- and slow-twitch types. The rat diaphragm was characterized as a fast-twitch muscle due to the presence of 59.8% of fast-twitch fibers. The fibers' lesser diameter values showed that the slow-twitch fibers had a small diameter as compared to the fast-twitch ones (P < .001). The method used suggests that immunohistochemistry for parvalbumin assisted by image analysis is a feasible technique to separate fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle fibers in paraffin sections and to characterize their morphologic profiles.


Site-specific antibody modification and immobilization on a microfluidic chip to promote the capture of circulating tumor cells and microemboli.
We design and synthesize EpCAM antibodies with Fc-domain site-specific linkers that allow preferential alignment when coated on microfluidic devices for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from colorectal cancer patients. The aligned coating is shown to increase the capture efficiency of CTCs and microemboli by 1.6 and 3.0-fold, respectively (both P < 0.05).


PRDM1 expression on the epithelial component but not on ectopic lymphoid tissues of Warthin tumour.
To determine the role of PRDM1, a key molecule for modulating the immune cells, in Warthin tumour (WT) pathogenesis. Forty paraffin-embedded parotid tissues of patients (mean age: 62.08 ± 11.90) with WT were retrieved from the pathology archives of Qindu Hospital from January 2012 to December 2012. The PRDM1 expression was investigated in a cohort of WT by immunohistochemistry. PRDM1 was expressed only on the epithelial component but not on ectopic lymphoid tissue of the tumour. Statistically, PRDM1 expression rates between WT glandular epithelial cells (40/40 cases) and the tumour-adjacent tissues (0/9 cases), and WT germinal centres (0/34 cases) and tonsil tissues (10/10 cases) were significantly different (P < 0.001), respectively. The PRDM1 expression appeared to play an essential role in WT pathogenesis. A better understanding of it might give options for revealing possible novel management strategies.


The effect of thioredoxin and prochymosin coexpression on the refolding of recombinant alpaca chymosin.
The milk-clotting enzyme chymosin is a member of the group of aspartate proteinases. Chymosin is the main component of rennet traditionally obtained from the stomachs of dairy calves and widely used to coagulate milk in the production of various types of cheese. Another source of chymosin, which does not require the killing of animals, is based on recombinant DNA technology. Recombinant alpaca chymosin has a number of valuable technological properties that make it attractive for use in cheese-making as an alternative to recombinant bovine chymosin. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of coexpression of thioredoxin and prochymosin on the refolding of the recombinant zymogen and the activity of alpaca chymosin. To achieve this goal, on the basis of the pET32a plasmid, an expression vector was constructed containing the thioredoxin A gene fused to the N-terminal sequence of the marker enzyme zymogen, alpaca prochymosin. Using the constructed vector, pET-TrxProChn, a strain-producer of the recombinant chimeric protein thioredoxin-prochymosin was obtained. The choice of prochymosin as a model protein is due to the ability of autocatalytic activation of this zymogen, in which the pro-fragment is removed, together with the thioredoxin sequence attached to it, with the formation of active chymosin. It is shown that Escherichia coli strain BL21 transformed with the pET-TrxProChn plasmid provides an efficient synthesis of the thioredoxin-prochymosin chimeric molecule. However, the chimeric protein accumulates in inclusion bodies in an insoluble form. Therefore, a renaturation procedure was used to obtain the active target enzyme. Fusion of thioredoxin capable of disulfide-reductase activity to the N-terminal sequence of prochymosin provides optimal conditions for zymogen refolding and increases the yield of recombinant alpaca chymosin immediately after activation and during long-term storage by 13 and 15 %, respectively. The inclusion of thioredoxin in the composition of the chimeric protein, apparently, contributes to the process of correct reduction of disulfide bonds in the prochymosin molecule, which is reflected in the dynamics of the increase in the milk-clotting activity of alpaca chymosin during long-term storage.


Skeletal muscles and gut microbiota-derived metabolites: novel modulators of adipocyte thermogenesis.
Obesity occurs when overall energy intake surpasses energy expenditure. White adipose tissue is an energy storage site, whereas brown and beige adipose tissues catabolize stored energy to generate heat, which protects against obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Metabolites are substrates in metabolic reactions that act as signaling molecules, mediating communication between metabolic sites (i.e., adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and gut microbiota). Although the effects of metabolites from peripheral organs on adipose tissue have been extensively studied, their role in regulating adipocyte thermogenesis requires further investigation. Skeletal muscles and intestinal microorganisms are important metabolic sites in the body, and their metabolites play an important role in obesity. In this review, we consolidated the latest research on skeletal muscles and gut microbiota-derived metabolites that potentially promote adipocyte thermogenesis. Skeletal muscles can release lactate, kynurenic acid, inosine, and β-aminoisobutyric acid, whereas the gut secretes bile acids, butyrate, succinate, cinnabarinic acid, urolithin A, and asparagine. These metabolites function as signaling molecules by interacting with membrane receptors or controlling intracellular enzyme activity. The mechanisms underlying the reciprocal exchange of metabolites between the adipose tissue and other metabolic organs will be a focal point in future studies on obesity. Furthermore, understanding how metabolites regulate adipocyte thermogenesis will provide a basis for establishing new therapeutic targets for obesity.


Sensory perception and aging in model systems: from the outside in.
Sensory systems provide organisms from bacteria to humans with the ability to interact with the world. Numerous senses have evolved that allow animals to detect and decode cues from sources in both their external and internal environments. Recent advances in understanding the central mechanisms by which the brains of simple organisms evaluate different cues and initiate behavioral decisions, coupled with observations that sensory manipulations are capable of altering organismal lifespan, have opened the door for powerful new research into aging. Although direct links between sensory perception and aging have been established only recently, here we discuss these initial discoveries and evaluate the potential for different forms of sensory processing to modulate lifespan across taxa. Harnessing the neurobiology of simple model systems to study the biological impact of sensory experiences will yield insights into the broad influence of sensory perception in mammals and may help uncover new mechanisms of healthy aging.


Influence of ration form and nitrogen availability on ruminal fermentation patterns and plasma of growing bull calves.
Nine rations containing three forms (ground hay, .2 to 2 cm; chopped hay, 6 to 10 cm; or all concentrate) and three percents (30, 45, and 60%) of rumen degradable nitrogen were fed to 54 Holstein calves (3 X 3 factorial) between 8 and 20 wk of age. Rumen fluid samples were obtained at 8, 11, 14, 17, and 20 wk of age and plasma at 14 and 20 wk of age. Rumen fluid acetate concentration was greatest for ground hay and lowest for concentrate; propionate was greatest for concentrate and lowest for calves fed ground hay. Calves fed concentrate had highest valerate and total volatile fatty acid concentration, whereas lactate concentration and pH were least for concentrate. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen increased with increasing ruminally degradable protein feedstuffs in the ration. Plasma acetate was highest for chopped hay and lowest for concentrate, whereas calves fed concentrate and ground hay were comparable with higher propionate and glucose concentrations than calves fed chopped hay. Plasma urea nitrogen was highest for calves fed 60% ruminally degradable protein.


On the methods for studying the mechanisms and bioavailability of iron.
Studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in the absorption and bioavailability of iron are important to attempts made worldwide to control the high incidence of iron-associated disorders. The ultimate objective of these studies is to develop methods that are relevant to iron bioavailability and interactions in humans. However, a comprehensive understanding of the chemical and physiologic mechanisms that influence iron bioavailability is necessary to achieve this goal. Initial studies using in vitro and animal models offer the potential for flexibility and manipulation of experimental variables that could provide valuable information toward the understanding and improvement of food iron bioavailability.


Single-slit digital radiography: some practical considerations.
Clinical evaluation of an experimental digital chest unit using a solid-state linear detector array has provided information regarding the postpatient photon flux required for clinically acceptable images. Results from computer simulation show that energy subtraction imaging of the chest by the method of x-ray-tube voltage switching will be unsuccessful unless it can be demonstrated clinically that a much lower number of photons per pixel is acceptable in energy subtracted images. In addition, x-ray-tube loading limitations preclude imaging of the abdominal and pelvic regions with this technology.


Protective effects of mesenchymal stem cells with CXCR4 up-regulation in a rat renal transplantation model.
The homing of mesenchymal stem cells to injured tissue, which is important for the correction of conditions such as ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and immunolesions, has been performed previously, but with poor efficiency. Substantial improvements in engraftment are required to derive clinical benefits from MSC transplantation. Chemokines are the most important factors that control cellular migration. Stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is up-regulated during tissue/organ ischemia damage, and its cognate receptor, chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), is involved in stem cell migration. The aim of our study was to investigate CXCR4 expression in MSCs and to validate both its role in mediating migration to transplanted kidneys and its immunoregulatory effects in renal protection. Specifically, the present study was designed to investigate the short-term tissue homing of MSCs carrying genetically modified CXCR4 in a rat renal transplantation model. We tested the hypothesis that MSCs with CXCR4 over-expression can more efficiently regulate immunological reactions. Lentiviral vectors were used to over-express CXCR4 or to introduce a short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) construct targeting endogenous CXCR4 in rat MSCs. MSCs were labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). After cell sorting, recipient kidneys were regionally perfused; recipient animals were injected with transduced MSCs, native MSCs, or PBS via tail vein following renal transplantation; and the effects of MSC injection were observed.


Human glucocorticoid receptor cDNA contains sequences sufficient for receptor down-regulation.
Glucocorticoid receptors are ligand-dependent transcription factors that are subject to down-regulation by their cognate ligand; however, the mechanisms mediating this physiological response are not completely understood. Since analysis of the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) cDNA sequence revealed the presence of sequences with homology to both positive and negative glucocorticoid regulatory elements, we have examined the potential of hGR to bind to the hGR cDNA by Southwestern blot analysis. The data revealed that glucocorticoid receptors exhibited specific binding to their own cDNA. To determine whether this binding was of functional significance in the down-regulation of glucocorticoid receptors, we analyzed the effect of glucocorticoids on hGR protein levels from COS 1 cells transfected with an hGR cDNA expression vector. These transfected cells produced intact hGR that were capable of ligand-dependent regulation of a co-transfected glucocorticoid-responsive reporter gene. Glucocorticoid treatment of hGR-transfected cells resulted in down-regulation of hGR (assayed by both glucocorticoid binding capacity and hGR protein levels) within 24 h of steroid administration. To determine if the glucocorticoid-induced down-regulation of transfected hGR was compatible with effects at the levels of receptor gene expression and RNA stability, we examined hGR mRNA steady state levels. Reductions from 2- to 6-fold were observed in hGR mRNA levels following glucocorticoid treatment of transfected COS 1 cells. This down-regulation of transfected hGR mRNA could not be attributed to either the Rous sarcoma virus promoter, which drives hGR expression, or to other sequences present in the vector plasmid since transcription of a related plasmid containing a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene in place of the hGR cDNA was not regulated by glucocorticoids. Down-regulation of hGR mRNA by glucocorticoids in transfected cells occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner that is consistent with a glucocorticoid receptor-mediated process. Glucocorticoid-induced down-regulation of hGR mRNa steady state levels was not observed in COS 1 cells transfected with cDNAs encoding mutant hGR (defective in either steroid or DNA binding), which indicates that functional steroid and DNA binding domains of the expressed hGR were required for down-regulation. Interestingly, treatment of transfected COS 1 cells with the glucocorticoid antagonist RU486 also resulted in down-regulation of transfected hGR mRNA. Deletion analysis revealed that the region of the hGR cDNA that was responsible in part for the observed down-regulation in response to glucocorticoid was contained within a 1-kilobase restriction fragment (from base pair +527 to +1526).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Variable High-Pressure-Processing Sensitivities for Genogroup II Human Noroviruses.
Human norovirus (HuNoV) is a leading cause of foodborne diseases worldwide. High-pressure processing (HPP) is one of the most promising nonthermal technologies for the decontamination of viral pathogens in foods. However, the survival of HuNoVs after HPP is poorly understood because these viruses cannot be propagated in vitro In this study, we estimated the survival of different HuNoV strains within genogroup II (GII) after HPP treatment using viral receptor-binding ability as an indicator. Four HuNoV strains (one GII genotype 1 [GII.1] strain, two GII.4 strains, and one GII.6 strain) were treated at high pressures ranging from 200 to 600 MPa. After treatment, the intact viral particles were captured by porcine gastric mucin-conjugated magnetic beads (PGM-MBs) that contained histo-blood group antigens, the functional receptors for HuNoVs. The genomic RNA copies of the captured HuNoVs were quantified by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Two GII.4 HuNoVs had similar sensitivities to HPP. The resistance of HuNoV strains against HPP ranked as follows: GII.1 > GII.6 > GII.4, with GII.4 being the most sensitive. Evaluation of temperature and matrix effects on HPP-mediated inactivation of HuNoV GII.4, GII.1, and GII.6 strains showed that HuNoV was more easily inactivated at lower temperatures and at a neutral pH. In addition, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and minimal essential medium (MEM) can provide protective effects against HuNoV inactivation compared to H2O. Collectively, this study demonstrated that (i) different HuNoV strains within GII exhibited different sensitivities to high pressure, and (ii) HPP is capable of inactivating HuNoV GII strains by optimizing pressure parameters. Human norovirus (HuNoV) is a leading cause of foodborne disease worldwide. Noroviruses are highly diverse, both antigenically and genetically. Genogroup II (GII) contains the majority of HuNoVs, with GII genotype 4 (GII.4) being the most prevalent. Recently, GII.1 and GII.6 have emerged and caused many outbreaks worldwide. However, the survival of these GII HuNoVs is poorly understood because they are uncultivable in vitro Using a novel receptor-binding assay conjugated with real-time RT-PCR, we found that GII HuNoVs had variable susceptibilities to high-pressure processing (HPP), which is one of the most promising food-processing technologies. The resistance of HuNoV strains to HPP ranked as follows: GII.1 > GII.6 > GII.4. This study highlights the ability of HPP to inactivate HuNoV and the need to optimize processing conditions based on HuNoV strain variability and sample matrix.


[Determination of cholesterol in drainage oil by solid phase extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry].
An effective method was developed for the determination of cholesterol in drainage oil by solid phase extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPE-GC-MS). Firstly, the samples were purified by SPE on a column packed with silica. An extraction yield of 97% was obtained when a 20 mL of ethyl ether/n-hexane mixture (0.6: 99.4, v/v) was used for washing the SPE column, and 10 mL of the same solvent mixture (15: 85, v/v) for desorbing cholesterol from the SPE column. Then the final extract was determined by GC-MS with electron impact ion source. The cholesterol was characterized according to retention time and characteristic fragments (m/z 213, 275, 301, 368, 386), and was quantitatively determined by external standard method in selected ion monitoring mode. The fragment of m/z 386 was selected as the target ion, and m/z 213 and m/z 275 were used as the reference ions. The average recovery was from 91.7% to 101%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were below 6%, and the detection limit was 0.01 mg/L. A good linearity was obtained in the cholesterol concentration range of 0.24 - 6.0 mg/L with the correlation coefficient of 0.999 6. The proposed method can be used to determine the cholesterol content in oil accurately, and the detection result can be one of the criteria judging the existence of drainage oil in edible oil.


[The Caceres-USPHS (version HP-3) computer program. Evaluation of automatic analysis of 40,000 ECG (author's transl)].
The main features of Caceres-USPHS (version HP-3) program for automatic analysis of the ECG are reviewed. Our experience at the Ospedale Regionale di Udine has now reached a total of 40,000 tracings analyzed by such a program and with an HP 1530-A computer system. In a detailed study of 1,000 consecutive computer-analyzed tracings reviewed by three experienced cardiologists, 534 were normal and 466 abnormal. A high degree of specificity was detected in the normal group (only 1.5% of false negatives) while the sensivity was rather low. In the abnormal group there were 18.1% of false positives and while the agreement was 100% in complete bundle branch block and some types of infarction, it was 56% in atrial fibrillation and 47% in incomplete right bundle branch block. Program errors were more common in measurements and pattern recognition; they were unusual in the program logic (0.3%). A significant improvement over comparable data obtained one year previously was attributed to a better quality control in data recording and to increase physician acceptance of the program diagnostic criteria. On the current and past figures of accuracy, it is concluded that the version HP-3 of Caceres-USPHS program represents a step forward in computer-derived ECG interpretation. However more progress is still needed for a larger and more profitable clinical application of this ECG computer program.


Growth of segment principal moments of inertia between four and twenty years.
Although there have been numerous studies of the moments of inertia of the body segments using a variety of the techniques, few have reported the principal moments and none has considered the changes in the principal moments during childhood and adolescence. The purpose of this study was to use a mathematical model to determine the intraindividual changes and interindividual differences in the segment principal moments during growth. The body was modelled as 15 segments and composed of transverse elliptical zones of known density. Moments and products of inertia about the segment mass centroid were calculated and the principal moments and axes determined from the ellipsoid of inertia. A mixed longitudinal study of 12 boys over 9 yr for a total of 88 annual recordings covering the age range 4 to 20 yr was conducted. Polynomial regressions fitted to the intraindividual changes showed a similarity in the curves to 10 yr followed by a wide divergence of growth patterns. The changes in the principal moments across age follow the principles of cephalocaudad and distal to proximal development for all three axes. These changes are more accentuated than the changes for segment length, volume, or mass. The results were consistent with principal moments reported for cadavers and young male adult gamma radiation scans as well as estimates based on simplified models of the segments. The magnitude of the changes in principal moments with age makes it essential that appropriate parameters be used in the analysis or simulation of the movements of children and adolescents.


Neuropeptides modulating macrophage function.
The immune system and the neuroendocrine system affect each other via molecules and receptors shared by both systems. Neuroendocrine hormones may act either positively or negatively in regulating the activities of a key cell of the immune system, the macrophage. For example, adenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), somatostatin, and substance P are all capable of increasing the cytotoxicity of macrophages against tumor cells. However, ACTH and somatostatin, but not substance P, can also block the tumoricidal activity of macrophages induced by recombinant gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), a non-neuroendocrine immunomodulating hormone. In contrast, substance P increased tumoricidal activity, both independent of IFN-gamma and in addition to IFN-gamma. Neurotensin, alpha-endorphin, beta-endorphin, met-enkephalin, vasopressin, and substance K did not affect tumoricidal function, either alone or in combination with IFN-gamma. Substance P, but not the other neuropeptides, increased substantially the proportion of macrophages able to secrete superoxide ions, suggesting a possible influence on macrophage capacity to deal with microbial infection. Such positive and negative modulation of macrophage effector functions could contribute to the influence of cognitive stimuli in infection and neoplasia.


Effect of long-term treatment with platelet-activating factor on cytokine production by rat spleen cells.
The long-term in vivo effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) production of interleukin-1 and -2 (IL-1, IL-2) was investigated. Alzet infusion minipumps loaded with PAF or solvent were placed under the back skin of Sprague-Dawley rats and connected to the jugular vein. Lymphocytes from animals having received 1, 4.5 or 9 micrograms PAF/7 days showed an increased capacity to produce IL-1 and IL-2. In contrast, splenocytes from rats receiving 28 micrograms PAF/7 days exhibited decreased capacity to produce IL-1, whereas IL-2 was unaffected. The decrease in IL-1 synthesis induced by 28 micrograms PAF and the increase in IL-2 production evoked by 1 microgram PAF were not observed in rats treated daily with the PAF antagonist, BN 52021. Thus, PAF appears to play a role in the regulation of the immune response. The reversal of the effect of PAF by BN 52021 indicates that the mediator is acting via specific binding sites similar to those reported on other cell types. These data also suggest that PAF antagonists may be used as immunomodulatory drugs.


Cilostazol attenuates cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Cerebral vasospasm is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, is a peripheral vasodilator, an anti-inflammatory, and causes antiplatelet aggregation. We investigated these effects on cerebral vasospasm after rat SAH. Thirty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: SAH + normal feed (SAH group; n=14), SAH + feed containing 0·1% cilostazol (cilostazol group; n=12) and sham-operated rats (sham group; n=12). The basilar arteries (BA) of all groups were analysed by measuring wall thickness, internal luminal perimeter and cross-sectional area on day 7. Immunohistochemical study with RM-4, an anti-rat macrophage/dendritic cells monoclonal antibody and ultrastructural study with transmission electron microscopy were performed. Although most animals in the SAH group presented with typical vasospasm, the means of inner perimeter and cross-section area of the BA in the cilostazol group were significantly greater than the SAH group (836 ± 134 μm versus 771 ± 125 μm and 39 177 ± 15 405 μm(2) versus 33 098 ± 13 871 μm(2), respectively). Wall thickness of the BA in the cilostazol group demonstrated significant decrease, compared with the SAH group (17·4 ± 2·3 versus 21·0 ± 2·7 μm). In immunohistological study, SAH induced an obvious increase in mean perivascular RM-4-positive cell count, whereas cilostazol significantly reduced it by 59%. Ultrastructural study depicted cilostazol markedly attenuating structural deterioration of the vascular wall due to SAH. This work demonstrates that cilostazol attenuates cerebral vasospasm after SAH in rat, possibly in part due to the anti-inflammatory effect.


Ocular responses to antidromic trigeminal stimulation, intracameral prostaglandin E1 and E2, capsaicin and substance P.
The role of nerve conduction was studied in acute experimental uveitis caused by antidromic trigeminal nerve stimulation, prostaglandin E1 and E2 (PGE1 and PGE2), capsaicin and substance P (SP). Systemic indomethacin was used to prevent formation of endogenous prostaglandins, and intracameral injection of tetrodotoxin (TTX) was used to block nerve conduction. 10 micrograms TTX prevented the miosis and reduced the rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) usually caused by antidromic trigeminal nerve stimulation. At a low dose of PGE1 the IOP rise was blocked by TTX. At higher doses of PGE1 and PGE2 the pressure effect was not blocked by TTX; the miotic effect was markedly diminished. Capsaicin caused a rise in IOP that was almost totally blocked by TTX, while the miosis at high doses seemed unaffected. At low doses, capsaicin-induced miosis could be abolished by TTX. SP caused miosis in TTX treated eyes similar to that in untreated eyes; the IOP rise was delayed by TTX. The results indicate that nerve conduction plays a role in the IOP reaction caused by low doses of PGE1 and by capsaicin and SP. The mechanism suggested is an axon reflex, elicited in the anterior uvea and resulting in transmitter release in the ciliary processes. Nerve conduction with release of SP or a similar substance in the iris seems to be required for the miotic effects of PGE1 and PGE2. SP and capsaicin are similar in not requiring nerve conduction to cause miosis, but the capsaicin effect probably requires presence of nerves, since denervated eyes--which respond to SP--have been reported no to respond to capsaicin does similar to those used here.


Checklist, new species and new records of Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia state, Brazil.
A checklist of Cerambycidae from three Brazilian localities of the Chapada Diamantina mountain range (Catolés, Piatã and Mucugê) is provided. These three localities are considered of great biological importance. A total of 38 species were collected, belonging to 29 genera, 18 tribes and two subfamilies. Ten new records for the state of Bahia are presented, and a new species, Desmiphora (Desmiphora) iwasarai (Desmiphorini, Lamiinae), is described and illustrated.


Cardiovascular magnetic resonance guided ablation and intra-procedural visualization of evolving radiofrequency lesions in the left ventricle.
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation has become a mainstay of treatment for ventricular tachycardia, yet adequate lesion formation remains challenging. This study aims to comprehensively describe the composition and evolution of acute left ventricular (LV) lesions using native-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) during CMR-guided ablation procedures. RF ablation was performed using an actively-tracked CMR-enabled catheter guided into the LV of 12 healthy swine to create 14 RF ablation lesions. T2 maps were acquired immediately post-ablation to visualize myocardial edema at the ablation sites and T1-weighted inversion recovery prepared balanced steady-state free precession (IR-SSFP) imaging was used to visualize the lesions. These sequences were repeated concurrently to assess the physiological response following ablation for up to approximately 3 h. Multi-contrast late enhancement (MCLE) imaging was performed to confirm the final pattern of ablation, which was then validated using gross pathology and histology. Edema at the ablation site was detected in T2 maps acquired as early as 3 min post-ablation. Acute T2-derived edematous regions consistently encompassed the T1-derived lesions, and expanded significantly throughout the 3-h period post-ablation to 1.7 ± 0.2 times their baseline volumes (mean ± SE, estimated using a linear mixed model determined from n = 13 lesions). T1-derived lesions remained approximately stable in volume throughout the same time frame, decreasing to 0.9 ± 0.1 times the baseline volume (mean ± SE, estimated using a linear mixed model, n = 9 lesions). Combining native T1- and T2-based imaging showed that distinctive regions of ablation injury are reflected by these contrast mechanisms, and these regions evolve separately throughout the time period of an intervention. An integrated description of the T1-derived lesion and T2-derived edema provides a detailed picture of acute lesion composition that would be most clinically useful during an ablation case.


Leptin Resistance: A Possible Interface Between Obesity and Pulmonary-Related Disorders.
Under normal physiological conditions, leptin regulates body weight by creating a balance between food intake and energy expenditure. However, in obesity, serum leptin levels increase and become defective to retain energy balance. Elevated serum leptin levels are regarded as an established marker of obesity. It is also reported that obese asthmatic patients have maximum serum leptin levels compared to other groups such as non-obese asthmatics, and normal obese and non obese subjects without asthma. In addition to having an appetite suppressing effect, leptin also regulates certain acute-phase protein expressions including α-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) in the liver. A1AT is a protease inhibitor that counterbalances the activity of the neutrophil elastase (NE) enzyme. A1AT reductions in obese-leptin resistant subjects lead to increased NE activity. The overactivity of NE degrades lung tissue proteins, which may lead to pulmonary disorders including asthma. On the basis of prior studies, it could be hypothesized that, in obese asthmatic patients, the highest degree of leptin failure/resistance might lead to the creation of an imbalance between NE and its inhibitor A1AT. To ascertain this, large scale prospective studies are warranted to assess the comparative serum leptin and A1AT levels and NE activity in asthmatic non-obese and obese patients, simultaneously. Such studies might help to devise novel interventional therapies for the treatment of pulmonary-related problems including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and other lung defects in susceptible obese subjects in the future.


Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor resets baroreceptor reflexes in conscious dogs.
The present experiments investigate whether the absence of tachycardia during lowering of blood pressure (BP) with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI) in salt-depleted dogs is due to an alteration in the activity of the baroreflex. Baroreflex activity was measured after pharmacological manipulation of BP using intravenous nitroglycerin or phenylephrine, and the heart period (R-R interval) relative to the arterial pressure pulse was recorded. The slope of the relationship between BP and R-R interval is a measure of the sensitivity of the baroreceptor reflex and displacement of the line indicates a change in the setpoint of BP. On normal sodium diet, the sensitivity and setpoint of the baroreflex were unaltered by the nonapeptide CEI given both intravenously and into a lateral cerebral ventricle. During salt depletion. however, intravenously but not centrally administered CEI altered the setpoint of the baroreflex without modifying the sensitivity. The alteration in the setpoint that occurred following intravenous CEI in the salt-depleted dog could well account for the fact that the fall in BP induced by CEI does not cause reflex tachycardia. These results indicate that circulating but not brain angiotensin II is essential for the maintenance of baroreflex function during sodium depletion and provide further evidence for the important interactions between angiotensin and the autonomic nervous system.


Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase Activation by Sulfhydryl-Reactive Small Molecules: Role of Cysteine-31.
Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) catalyzes plasma cholesteryl ester formation and is defective in familial lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency (FLD), an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by low high-density lipoprotein, anemia, and renal disease. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which compound A [3-(5-(ethylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-ylthio)pyrazine-2-carbonitrile], a small heterocyclic amine, activates LCAT. The effect of compound A on LCAT was tested in human plasma and with recombinant LCAT. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to determine compound A adduct formation with LCAT. Molecular modeling was performed to gain insight into the effects of compound A on LCAT structure and activity. Compound A increased LCAT activity in a subset (three of nine) of LCAT mutations to levels comparable to FLD heterozygotes. The site-directed mutation LCAT-Cys31Gly prevented activation by compound A. Substitution of Cys31 with charged residues (Glu, Arg, and Lys) decreased LCAT activity, whereas bulky hydrophobic groups (Trp, Leu, Phe, and Met) increased activity up to 3-fold (P < 0.005). Mass spectrometry of a tryptic digestion of LCAT incubated with compound A revealed a +103.017 m/z adduct on Cys31, consistent with the addition of a single hydrophobic cyanopyrazine ring. Molecular modeling identified potential interactions of compound A near Cys31 and structural changes correlating with enhanced activity. Functional groups important for LCAT activation by compound A were identified by testing compound A derivatives. Finally, sulfhydryl-reactive β-lactams were developed as a new class of LCAT activators. In conclusion, compound A activates LCAT, including some FLD mutations, by forming a hydrophobic adduct with Cys31, thus providing a mechanistic rationale for the design of future LCAT activators.


Workplace incivility in Japan: Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the modified Work Incivility Scale.
Although incivility is a common interpersonal mistreatment and associated with poor mental health, there are few studies about it in Asian countries. The aim of this study was to develop the Japanese version of the modified Work Incivility Scale (J-MWIS), investigate its reliability and validity, and reveal the prevalence of incivility among Japanese employees in comparison with data on Canadian employees. A total of 2,191 Japanese and 1,071 Canadian employees were surveyed, using either the J-MWIS or MWIS. Japanese employees additionally answered questions on civility, worksite social support, workplace bullying, psychological distress, intention to leave, and work engagement to investigate construct validity. At least one form of workplace incivility was experienced by both Japanese (52.3%) and Canadian (86.0%) employees in the previous month. Internal consistency reliability of the J-MWIS was acceptable (α=0.71-0.81), and correlation analyses also confirmed its construct validity as expected. Workplace incivility was associated with lower workgroup civility, lower supervisor and coworker support, higher workplace bullying, higher psychological distress, higher intention to leave, and lower work engagement. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the original three-factor model (supervisor incivility, coworker incivility, and instigated incivility) fitted moderately in both Japan and Canada data, though the privacy/overfamiliarity factor was additionally extracted from exploratory factor analysis for the J-MWIS. The results of this study suggested that the J-MWIS has moderate internal consistency reliability and good construct validity.


Effect of menstrual status on antibacterial activity and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor production by human uterine epithelial cells in culture.
The objective of this study was to examine the production of antibacterial factor(s) by uterine epithelial cells from pre- and postmenopausal women. Apical rinses from polarized epithelial cells recovered from women at the proliferative and secretory stages of the menstrual cycle were equally effective in killing Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, but those from postmenopausal women were not. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) concentrations of apical washes from premenopausal women were significantly higher than those obtained from postmenopausal women. SLPI production correlated with bactericidal activity with respect to menstrual status and time in culture. Anti-SLPI antibody significantly decreased bactericidal activity of premenopausal epithelial cell rinses. The endometrial epithelial cell line HEC-1A did not have a bactericidal effect, nor did it produce SLPI. In contrast, HEC-1B cells produced SLPI and a factor that inhibited bacterial growth. These results indicate that menstrual status (pre- vs. postmenopausal) influences the production of SLPI and bactericidal activity by uterine epithelial cells.


CPT-11 activates NLRP3 inflammasome through JNK and NF-κB signalings.
CPT-11 is widely used for cancer therapy as a chemotherapeutic agent. Despite its good efficacy, a large number of side effects appeared during decades of clinical application. Delayed diarrhea, at dose limiting toxicity, happens after 24h of treatment and the rate of occurrence is up to 90%. Although many investments have been made on this negative impact, the real molecular mechanism of delayed diarrhea is poorly understood. In this study, we have discovered that CPT-11 promotes macrophage infiltration into intestinal tissues and activates the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, resulting in a robust IL-1β response and colonic inflammation similar to DSS (dextran sodium sulfate) induced experimental colitis. CPT-11 plus LPS primed mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1 cells) staying in a highly activated status, showing increased caspase-1 activity and releasing great amounts of IL-1β and IL-18 as detected by ELISA and western blot. A further mechanism showed that JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways participated in inflammatory responses activated by CPT-11. These results prompted us to suggest that the NLRP3-IL-1β signaling pathway might play an important role in CPT11-induced colitis. Our findings provide a basis for developing novel strategies that improve clinical implications of CPT-11.


Towards patient-specific medializing calcaneal osteotomy for adult flatfoot: a finite element study.
Clinically in medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO), foot and ankle surgeons are facing difficulties in choosing appropriate surgical parameters due to the individual differences in deformities among flatfoot patients. Traditional cadaveric studies have provided important information regarding the biomechanical effects of tendons, ligaments, and plantar fascia, but limitations have been reached when dealing with individual differences and tailoring patient-specific surgeries. Therefore, this study aimed at implementing the finite element (FE) method to investigate the effect of different MCO parameters to help foot and ankle surgeons performing patient-specific surgeries. This study constructed FE models of a flatfoot and a healthy foot based on computed tomography (CT) images. After validating the FE models with experimental measurements, differences in plantar stress were compared between two models and a criterion was established for evaluating the performance of surgical simulations. Four MCO parameters were then studied through FE simulations. Results suggested that the transverse angle, β, and translation distance, d, affected surgical performance. Therefore, special attentions may be recommended when choosing these two parameters clinically. However, the sagittal angle, α, and osteotomy position, p, were found to have less effect on the MCO performance.


Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha and carbonic anhydrase IX overexpression are associated with poor survival in breast cancer patients.
Hypoxia is common in many solid tumors such as breast, head-neck, and soft tissue malignancies. Hypoxia causes overexpression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) which are associated with unfavorable prognosis in breast cancer. In our study, we evaluated HIF-1α and CA IX expression in patients with breast cancer. Between June 1996 and June 2008, 111 women with breast cancer were evaluated. Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status and Her2/ neu expression were evaluated by immunohistochemical methods. Her-2/neu expression was also assessed by FISH method when needed. Two groups were created: ER and PR positive, Her-2/neu negative (group 1, n=56); and ER and PR negative, Her-2/neu positive (group 2, n=55). HIF-1α and CA IX expressions were investigated in both groups and results were compared. In addition, we investigated the association between HIF-1α and CA IX expressions with stage, grade, lymph node metastasis, tumor size, menopause status and survival. Median patient age in group 1 was 52 years (range 34-77), and in group 2 47 years (range 27-83). HIF-1α expression was detected in 26 (46.4%) of group 1 and in 46 (83.6%) of group 2 patients (p=0.0001). CA IX expression was detected in 25 (46.4%) of group 1 and in 37 (67.3%) of group 2 patients (p7equals;0.0137rpar;. In group 1, median disease free survival (DFS) was 97 months and in group 2 46 months (p=0.0308). In group 1, median overall survival (OS) was 108 months and in group 2 75 months (p=0.0339). HIF-1α and CA IX overexpressions are observed more often in ER and PR negative, Her-2/neu positive breast cancer and are associated with poor survival.


CaMKII Signaling Stimulates Mef2c Activity In Vitro but Only Minimally Affects Murine Long Bone Development in vivo.
The long bones of vertebrate limbs form by endochondral ossification, whereby mesenchymal cells differentiate into chondrogenic progenitors, which then differentiate into chondrocytes. Chondrocytes undergo further differentiation from proliferating to prehypertrophic, and finally to hypertrophic chondrocytes. Several signaling pathways and transcription factors regulate this process. Previously, we and others have shown in chicken that overexpression of an activated form of Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) results in ectopic chondrocyte maturation. Here, we show that this is not the case in the mouse. Although, in vitro Mef2c activity was upregulated by about 55-fold in response to expression of an activated form of CaMKII (DACaMKII), transgenic mice that expressed a dominant-active form of CaMKII under the control of the Col2a1 regulatory elements display only a very transient and mild phenotype. Here, only the onset of chondrocyte hypertrophy at E12.5 is accelerated. It is also this early step in chondrocyte differentiation that is temporarily delayed around E13.5 in transgenic mice expressing the peptide inhibitor CaM-KIIN from rat (rKIIN) under the control of the Col2a1 regulatory elements. Yet, ultimately DACaMKII, as well as rKIIN transgenic mice are born with completely normal skeletal elements with regard to their length and growth plate organization. Hence, our in vivo analysis suggests that CaMKII signaling plays a minor role in chondrocyte maturation in mice.


Production of rabbit antibodies against carboxy-terminal epitopes encoded by bullous pemphigoid cDNA.
A partial cDNA clone (called BP cDNA) with coding sequences for the carboxy-terminal region of bullous pemphigoid (BP) antigen has been recently isolated and sequenced. In order to determine whether specific peptides encoded by the cDNA could be used to raise antibodies against BP antigen, fusion proteins derived from fragments of the BP cDNA and 17-mer or 19-mer synthetic peptides, corresponding to its deduced amino acid sequence, were used to generate rabbit antibodies. Three restriction enzyme fragments, 1179 bp (5' end), 264 bp (middle), and 546 bp (3' end), of the 1992 open reading frame (ORF) of BP cDNA were subcloned in frame into pEX plasmids to make beta-galactosidase fusion proteins FP1, FP2, and FP3, respectively. Fusion proteins of the predicted molecular weight, and which bound anti-beta-galactosidase antibodies, were produced, confirming the length of the predicted ORF. Rabbits immunized with FP1, but not FP3, produced antibodies, similar to authentic antibodies from BP patients, which: 1) bound the epidermal basement membrane at titers over 10,000, as determined by indirect immunofluorescence; 2) bound the basement membrane on the roof of 1 M NaCl-split skin; 3) immunoprecipitated the 230-kD BP antigen; and 4) bound the hemidesmosome, as determined by immunoelectron microscopy. Rabbits immunized with FP2 also produced lower titer BP-like antibodies. We further showed that short hydrophilic synthetic peptides, contained in FP1, could induce similar BP-like antibodies in rabbits at immunofluorescence titers up to 2560. These rabbit antibodies should prove useful for further studies on the function and structure of particular epitopes of BP antigen as well as on the pathophysiology of disease.


Do current screening recommendations allow for early detection of lithium-induced hyperparathyroidism in patients with bipolar disorder?
Current screening recommendations for early detection of lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism propose an exclusive measurement of serum albumin-adjusted calcium (Aac) concentration as a single first step. However, longitudinal data in patients with recurrent affective disorders suggest that increases in serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in lithium-treated patients may not necessarily be accompanied by a parallel increase in the concentration of Aac. If true, patients with an isolated increase in iPTH concentration above the reference range might be missed following current screening recommendations. Therefore, this study set out to examine key parameters of calcium metabolism, including iPTH and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations in patients with bipolar disorder that was or was not managed with lithium. Sixty patients with bipolar disorder according to DSM-IV were enrolled, 30 of whom had received long-term lithium treatment (lithium group), whereas the other 30 patients were on psychopharmacological treatment not including lithium (non-lithium group) at the time of the study. Owing to exclusion criteria (e.g., lithium < 6 months, laboratory results indicative of secondary hyperparathyroidism), 23 bipolar patients composed the final lithium group, whereas 28 patients remained in the non-lithium group for statistical analyses. Patients in the lithium group showed a significantly higher concentration of iPTH compared to the non-lithium group (p < 0.05). Similarly, Aac concentrations were significantly increased in the lithium group compared to the non-lithium group (p < 0.05). However, in a multivariate linear regression model, group affiliation only predicted iPTH concentration (p < 0.05). In line with this, none of the four patients in the lithium group with an iPTH concentration above the reference range had an Aac concentration above the reference range. This study suggests that the biochemical characteristics between primary hyperparathyroidism and lithium-induced hyperparathyroidism differ substantially with regard to regulation of calcium homeostasis. As such, current screening practice does not reliably detect iPTH concentrations above the reference range. Therefore, further research is needed to elucidate the consequences of an isolated iPTH concentration above the reference range in order to develop the most appropriate screening tools for hyperparathyroidism in lithium-treated patients with bipolar disorder.


Gianotti-Crosti syndrome: a case report of a teenager.
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is a rare disease characterized by acral papular eruption with symmetrical distribution. It is a benign and self-limited disease; the symptoms disappear after two to eight weeks, without recurrences or scars. Skin lesions are usually asymptomatic. Prodrome might occur, suggesting upper respiratory infection, or constitutional symptoms. Diagnosis is eminently clinical, and this disease is associated with viral infections. Due to its rarity and low occurrence in adolescents and adults, we report a case of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome of a teenager.


Spin noise of electrons and holes in self-assembled quantum dots.
We measure the frequency spectra of random spin fluctuations, or "spin noise," in ensembles of (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) at low temperatures. We employ a spin noise spectrometer based on a sensitive optical Faraday rotation magnetometer that is coupled to a digitizer and field-programmable gate array, to measure and average noise spectra from 0-1 GHz continuously in real time with subnanoradian/sqrt[Hz] sensitivity. Both electron and hole spin fluctuations generate distinct noise peaks, whose shift and broadening with magnetic field directly reveal their g factors and dephasing rates within the ensemble. A large, energy-dependent anisotropy of the in-plane hole g factor is clearly exposed, reflecting systematic variations in the average QD confinement potential.


Cellulose Fast Pyrolysis Activated by Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds.
The conversion of inedible biomass by fast pyrolysis is a promising route for sustainable production of renewable fuels and value-added chemicals, but low selectivity toward desired products hampers its economic viability. Understanding the molecular-level reaction pathways of biomass fast pyrolysis could be the key to overcoming this challenge. However, the effects of intramolecular and interchain hydrogen bonds near the reaction center have not been thoroughly explored. In this work, the reaction pathways and kinetics of fast pyrolysis of cellulose, a major component of biomass, were investigated using the density functional theory. A new intramolecular hydroxyl-activated mechanism is presented for cellulose activation. Our calculations incorporating noncovalent interactions accurately captured the activation energy of 50.8 kcal mol-1, agreeable with the apparent activation energy measured experimentally. The findings of cellulose pyrolysis provide insights into the investigation of interactions during real-life biomass pyrolysis.


Neurodegeneration produced by intrahippocampal injection of paraquat is reduced by systemic administration of the 21-aminosteroid U74389F in rats.
The behavioural, electrocortical (ECoG) and neurodegenerative effects of intrahippocampal injection of paraquat, a well-known free radical producing agent, were studied in rats. Injection of paraquat (100 nmol) into one dorsal hippocampus produced limbic motor and ECoG seizures. These effects were accompanied at 24 h by severe damage to CA1, CA3 and CA4 hippocampal pyramidal neurones and dentate gyrus granule cells. In comparison to the cell number counted in control, untreated, side of the hippocampus, significant (P < 0.05) neuronal loss was observed in the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cell layers of the treated hippocampus. A lower dose of the herbicide (10 nmol) did not produce consistent motor and ECoG effects and in no instance was significant neuronal loss observed. A pretreatment with U74389F [21-4-(2,6-di-l-pyrrodinyl-4-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl-pregna-1,4,9 (11)triene-3,20-dione monomethansulfonate] (30 mg/kg i.p., 15 min before paraquat) completely protected rats from motor and ECoG epileptogenic effects induced by intrahippocampal paraquat (100 nmol). This dose of U74389F also reduced the hippocampal damage typically produced by paraquat and no significant neuronal loss was reported in the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cell layers. A lower dose of U74389F (10 mg/kg i.p.) did not afford any protection against the epileptogenic effects produced by paraquat (100 nmol); in these animals hippocampal damage was still evident though neuronal loss did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, the present data show that systemic administration of U74389F possesses neuroprotective effects against seizures and neurodegeneration typically elicited by intrahippocampal injection of paraquat.


Survey of the current practices of German football academies towards biological maturation assessment.
This study aimed to examine the importance assigned to assessing and considering biological maturation in thematic areas of player development and provide an overview of current practices in German football academies regarding its consideration in training and competition. An online survey was sent to 56 elite German football academies. A total of 46 responded to the questionnaire (82% response rate). Six participants provided incomplete information resulting in a total of 40 completed surveys in the period from March to May 2022. Only 20 of participants regularly carried out maturation assessments, despite 95% recognizing its importance for load management, 90% for player development, and 85% for injury prevention. There was no consistent approach to modifying training and competition formats based on maturity status, with a primary focus on gym-based sessions for load management. The survey results highlight limited implementation of maturation assessment and training modification based on maturity status in German elite youth football academies. Despite recognizing the importance of load monitoring, reporting to parents, and long-term player development in considering biological maturation, practices are not widespread. The predominant use of the maturity offset method suggests an opportunity to improve accuracy by exploring alternative measurement methods and increasing assessment frequency. Moreover, a lack of established procedures for incorporating maturity status into training and competition exists, hindering comprehensive consideration of biological maturation and injury risk prevention. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for inconsistent approaches in maturation assessment and load modification during training and competition.


Fishing for drifts: detecting buoyancy changes of a top marine predator using a step-wise filtering method.
In southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), fasting- and foraging-related fluctuations in body composition are reflected by buoyancy changes. Such buoyancy changes can be monitored by measuring changes in the rate at which a seal drifts passively through the water column, i.e. when all active swimming motion ceases. Here, we present an improved knowledge-based method for detecting buoyancy changes from compressed and abstracted dive profiles received through telemetry. By step-wise filtering of the dive data, the developed algorithm identifies fragments of dives that correspond to times when animals drift. In the dive records of 11 southern elephant seals from South Georgia, this filtering method identified 0.8-2.2% of all dives as drift dives, indicating large individual variation in drift diving behaviour. The obtained drift rate time series exhibit that, at the beginning of each migration, all individuals were strongly negatively buoyant. Over the following 75-150 days, the buoyancy of all individuals peaked close to or at neutral buoyancy, indicative of a seal's foraging success. Independent verification with visually inspected detailed high-resolution dive data confirmed that this method is capable of reliably detecting buoyancy changes in the dive records of drift diving species using abstracted data. This also affirms that abstracted dive profiles convey the geometric shape of drift dives in sufficient detail for them to be identified. Further, it suggests that, using this step-wise filtering method, buoyancy changes could be detected even in old datasets with compressed dive information, for which conventional drift dive classification previously failed.


Studies on the activating enzyme for iron protein of nitrogenase from Rhodospirillum rubrum.
Removal of ADP-ribose from the iron protein of nitrogenase by activating enzyme resulted in the activation of the inactive iron protein. A radioassay that directly measured the initial velocity of the activation was developed using iron protein radiolabeled with either [8-3H]- or [G-32P]ADP-ribose. The release of radiolabeled ADP-ribose by activating enzyme was linearly correlated with the increase in the specific activity of the iron protein as measured by acetylene reduction. Both ATP and MnCl2 were required for the activation of inactive iron protein. The optimal ratio of [MnCl2]/[ATP] in the radioassay was 2:1, and the optimal concentrations were 4 mM and 2 mM for [MnCl2] and [ATP], respectively. The Km for inactive iron protein was 74 microM and the Vmax was 628 pmol of [32P] ADP-ribose released min-1 microgram of activating enzyme-1. Adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, or uridine mono-, di-, or triphosphates did not substitute for ATP in the activation of native iron protein. Activating enzyme removed ADP-ribose from oxygen-denatured iron protein in the absence of ATP. ADP, ADP-ribose, pyrophosphate, and high concentrations of NaCl inhibited activating enzyme activity.


Pretreatment of cromolyn sodium prior to reperfusion attenuates early reperfusion injury after the small intestine ischemia in rats.
To investigate the effects of Cromolyn Sodium (CS) pretreated prior to reperfusion on the activity of intestinal mucosal mast cells (IMMC) and mucous membrane of the small intestine in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury of rats. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group (group S), model group (group M), high and low dosage of CS groups, (treated with CS 50 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg, group C1 and C2). Intestinal IR damage was induced by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 60 min. CS was intravenouly administrated 15 min before reperfusion. Ultrastructure and counts of IMMC, intestinal structure, the expression of tryptase, levels of malondisldehyde (MDA), TNF-alpha, histamine and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the small intestine were detected at the end of experiment. The degranulation of IMMC was seen in group M and was attenuated by CS treatment. Chiu's score of group M was higher than the other groups. CS could attenuate the up-regulation of the Chiu's score, the levels of MDA, TNF-alpha, and expression of tryptase and the down-regulation of SOD activity and histamine concentration. The Chiu's score and MDA content were negatively correlated, while SOD activity was positively correlated to the histamine concentration respectively in the IR groups. Pretreated of CS prior to reperfusion protects the small intestine mucous from ischemia-reperfusion damage, the mechanism is inhibited IMMC from degranulation.