Population rates of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation/flutter in Canada.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained cardiac dysrhythmia and constitutes a major public health problem. AF significantly increases the risk of stroke, and anticoagulation has been shown to reduce this risk. However, Canadian data on the prevalence of AF and the use of warfarin in these patients are lacking. International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, codes for admissions to acute care hospitals in Canada were used to estimate the prevalence of hospitalization for AF between 1997/1998 and 1999/2000, and subsequent readmissions for stroke in all 10 provinces and overall in Canada. Warfarin use was obtained by linkage with drug benefit plans in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Ontario, for patients 65 years and older. The overall rate of hospitalization with AF between April 1, 1997, and March 31, 2000, was 582.7 per 100,000 population. The age- and sex-standardized rate rose from 513.4 to 555.3 during the three-year period of observation. The mean age was 74.4 years and 51.8% of patients were male. Of those discharged alive, 2.7% were readmitted for stroke within one year. Overall, less than one-half of the patients with AF filled a prescription for warfarin within 90 days of discharge, with only a small increase in warfarin use over the study time period. The rate of hospitalization with AF is increasing in Canada and is more frequent in men than in women across all age groups. Consistent with reports from other countries, warfarin use was lower than one might expect given its efficacy, with only a small increase in use over time.


Fixation of CO2 using the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway in the photoheterotrophic marine bacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae.
The ability of aerobic anoxygenic photoheterotrophs (AAPs) to gain additional energy from sunlight represents a competitive advantage, especially in conditions where light has easy access or under environmental conditions may change quickly, such as those in the world´s oceans. However, the knowledge about the metabolic consequences of aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis is very limited. Combining transcriptome and metabolome analyses, isotopic labelling techniques, measurements of growth, oxygen uptake rates, flow cytometry, and a number of other biochemical analytical techniques we obtained a comprehensive overview on the complex adaption of the marine bacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae DFL12T during transition from heterotrophy to photoheterotrophy (growth on succinate). Growth in light was characterized by reduced respiration, a decreased metabolic flux through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the assimilation of CO2 via an enhanced flux through the ethylmalonyl-CoA (EMC) pathway, which was shown to be connected to the serine metabolism. Adaptation to photoheterotrophy is mainly characterized by metabolic reactions caused by a surplus of reducing potential and might depend on genes located in one operon, encoding branching point enzymes of the EMC pathway, serine metabolism and the TCA cycle.


Comparative neurotoxicity of cadmium in growing and adult rats after repeated administration.
The effect of cadmium administration (Cd 0.4 mg/kg, ip, intraperitoneally, daily for 30 days) on its accumulation, contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in different brain regions in growing and adult rats was investigated. Cadmium was found to significantly increase the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in all the brain regions of adult rats while the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were significantly decreased in most of the brain regions of growing rats. The accumulation of cadmium in all the brain regions was significantly more marked in growing rats compared to adults after identical exposure. In conclusion, there was an age difference in both the accumulation of cadmium and 5-HT turnover in the brain regions. However, the regional neurochemical changes were not correlated with the magnitude of cadmium accumulation in both the groups.


Assessment of vitreous drug concentration in the porcine eye following intracameral injection or irrigation with moxifloxacin.
Posterior capsule rupture causes instant vitreous contamination, resulting in endophthalmitis. However, transfer of intracameral moxifloxacin (MFLX) to the vitreous has not been examined in detail. We investigated vitreous antibiotic concentrations following intracameral MFLX in both ruptured and intact posterior capsular eyes. Experiment 1: Intraocular lenses were inserted into 21 extracted porcine eyes by one of the following three methods: (1) Irrigation: Throughout surgery, 33-fold diluted MFLX irrigation solution (150 μg/mL) was used; (2) Bag and chamber flushing: After surgery, the anterior chamber and area behind the intraocular lenses were irrigated with 30-fold diluted MFLX (167 μg/mL) using a 5 mL syringe; (3) Simple injection: Tenfold diluted MFLX (50 μg in 0.1 mL) was injected intracamerally at the conclusion of surgery. The eyeballs were frozen and the anterior, central, and posterior portions of the vitreous were cubed. After defrosting, concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Experiment 2: The same procedure was conducted for 18 eyes in which the posterior capsule had been ruptured. Experiment 1: Transfer of intracameral MFLX to the anterior vitreous was approximately 1% (1.56-2.20 μg/mL) regardless of the administration method. Experiment 2: MFLX reached a high concentration in the vitreous with irrigation solution administration (maximum 30.22 μg/mL). The concentrations reached by simple injection or flushing were significantly less than those obtained by irrigation. With an intact posterior capsule, intracameral MFLX exhibited limited effects on vitreous concentration. Despite the fact that the risk of infection clearly increases in cases of ruptured capsule, no special infection prevention protocol has been proposed. It was confirmed that irrigation solution caused vitreous contamination in ruptured eyes within only a short irrigation time. In this case, intracameral administration did not necessarily achieve preventive concentrations for endophthalmitis, but it appears that an effective drug concentration can be achieved in the vitreous by the administration of irrigation solution.


Patterns of home care assessment and service provision before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada.
The objective was to compare home care episode, standardised assessment, and service patterns in Ontario's publicly funded home care system during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., March to September 2020) using the previous year as reference. We plotted monthly time series data from March 2019 to September 2020 for home care recipients in Ontario, Canada. Home care episodes were linked to interRAI Home Care assessments, interRAI Contact Assessments, and home care services. Health status measures from the patient's most recent interRAI assessment were used to stratify the receipt of personal support, nursing, and occupational or physical therapy services. Significant level and slope changes were detected using Poisson, beta, and linear regression models. The March to September 2020 period was associated with significantly fewer home care admissions, discharges, and standardised assessments. Among those assessed with the interRAI Home Care assessment, significantly fewer patients received any personal support services. Among those assessed with either interRAI assessment and identified to have rehabilitation needs, significantly fewer patients received any therapy services. Among patients receiving services, patients received significantly fewer hours of personal support and fewer therapy visits per month. By September 2020, the rate of admissions and services had mostly returned to pre-pandemic levels, but completion of standardised assessments lagged behind. The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with substantial changes in Ontario's publicly funded home care system. Although it may have been necessary to prioritise service delivery during a crisis situation, standardised assessments are needed to support individualised patient care and system-level monitoring. Given the potential disruptions to home care services, future studies should examine the impact of the pandemic on the health and well-being of home care recipients and their caregiving networks.


Detergent extraction identifies different VirB protein subassemblies of the type IV secretion machinery in the membranes of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
The VirB/D4 type IV secretion system of Agrobacterium tumefaciens translocates virulence factors (VirE2, VirF, and the VirD2-T-DNA complex) to plant cells. The membrane-bound translocation machinery consists of 12 proteins (VirB1-11 and VirD4) required for substrate translocation. Protein-protein interactions in the membranes were analyzed after extraction with the mild detergent dodecyl-beta-d-maltoside followed by separation under native conditions. Incubation of the membranes with increasing concentrations of the detergent differentially extracted virulence proteins. Separation of the solubilized proteins by blue native electrophoresis revealed cofractionation between two classes of protein complexes containing VirB7. The first class, consisting of major T-pilus component VirB2 and associated proteins VirB5 and VirB7, comigrated in the low molecular mass portion of the gel of about 100 kDa. The second class contains putative translocation complex core components VirB8, VirB9, and VirB10 in the high molecular mass portion of the gel larger than 232 kDa, as well as VirB7. Solubilized proteins were characterized further by gel filtration chromatography. This procedure separated T-pilus-associated proteins VirB2, VirB5, and VirB7 in the low molecular mass range from the other components of the translocation machinery and the substrates VirE2 and VirD2. Fractionation of VirB7-containing complexes (VirB7-VirB7 homodimers and VirB7-VirB9 heterodimers) suggested that they may link the T-pilus components to the core of the translocation machinery. Based on previously described VirB protein interactions and biochemical analysis of C58 wild type as well as of virB5 and virB6 deletion mutants, a model of T-pilus assembly in A. tumefaciens is suggested.


How effective are interventions with caregivers? An updated meta-analysis.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of interventions for family caregivers of older adults. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize the effects of 78 caregiver intervention studies for six outcome variables and six types of interventions. The combined interventions produced a significant improvement of 0.14 to 0.41 standard deviation units, on average, for caregiver burden, depression, subjective well-being, perceived caregiver satisfaction, ability/knowledge, and care receiver symptoms. Intervention effects were larger for increasing caregivers' ability/knowledge than for caregiver burden and depression. Psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic interventions showed the most consistent short-term effects on all outcome measures. Intervention effects for dementia caregivers were smaller than those for other groups. The number of sessions, the setting, care receiver age, caregiver age, gender, type of caregiver-care receiver relationship (spouse vs adult child), initial burden, and study characteristics moderated the observed effects. Caregiver interventions are effective, but some interventions have primarily domain-specific effects rather than global effects. The differences between intervention types and moderators suggest ways of optimizing interventions.


The outermost atomic layer of thin films of fluorinated polymethacrylates.
In this paper, we investigate the surface properties of a series of copolymers of perfluoroalkyl methacrylate (CH2 = C(CH3)COOCH2CnF(2n + 1), n = 1, 6, or 10) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) and of blends of perfluorooctyl-end-capped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and pure PMMA. The introduction of perfluoroalkyl groups significantly lowers the polymer surface energy as determined by the acid-base approach. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms a higher fluorine concentration in the surface region (the outer 3.8 nm) as compared to in the bulk. The fluorine density in the outermost atomic layer is quantitatively determined by low-energy ion scattering (LEIS). A linear relationship is found between the fluorine density in the outermost atomic layer and the surface energy of the partially fluorinated polymethacrylates, irrespective of the length of the perfluoroalkyl chain. This linearity confirms Langmuir's "principle of independent surface action". Deviation from this linear relationship exists for both highly and sparsely fluorinated polymethacrylates and can be ascribed to the local (surface) ordering of the fluorinated tails and MMA units, respectively. This study may offer one further step toward a deeper understanding of the correlations between macroscopic surface properties and microscopic surface chemical composition.


Serial crystallography at synchrotrons and X-ray lasers.
Serial crystallography was developed for the use at free-electron lasers but the approach has recently also been adapted to synchrotron sources. Here we discuss how the synergy between the two X-ray sources will facilitate a wide application of the technique in microcrystallography, room-temperature structure determination and time-resolved studies.


Vitreous fluorophotometric evaluation of diabetics.
Vitreous fluorophotometry measurements taken from diabetic patients with different degrees of retinopathy and from normal volunteers were used to evaluate the integrity of the blood-ocular barrier. The contributions of lens and retinal fluorescence to the measured vitreous fluorescence were investigated. Lens autofluorescence was significantly higher for diabetics than for age-matched normals, and in age-matched diabetics the lens autofluorescence increased significantly with the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Natural ocular fluorescence was corrected for by subtracting baseline values from all vitreous measurements. Analysis of the baseline-corrected vitreous fluorescence values showed that both degree of retinopathy and age significantly affected the measured fluorescence. In age-matched groups, vitreous fluorescence values were greater in diabetics than in normals, and these values increased with the progression of retinopathy. Our results suggest that clinical vitreous fluorophotometry may be useful in evaluating the activity and predicting the progression of diabetic retinopathy.


Social Learning and Cultural Evolution in Artificial Life.
We describe the questions and discussions raised at the First Workshop on Social Learning and Cultural Evolution held at theArtificial Life Conference 2016 in Cancún, Mexico in July 2016. The purpose of the workshop was to assemble artificial life researchers interested in social learning and cultural evolution into one group so that we could focus on recent work and interesting open questions. Our discussion related to both the mechanisms of social learning and cultural evolution and the consequences and influence of social learning and cultural evolution on living systems. We present the contributions of our workshop presenters and conclude with a discussion of the more important open questions in this area.


Primary Exploration of Efficacy of Community-Family Management Mode under Internet-Based Mobile Terminal Monitoring in Elderly Patients with Stable Coronary Heart Disease.
To explore the efficacy of community-family management mode under Internet-based mobile terminal (MT) monitoring in stable coronary heart disease (CHD) in the elderly. A total of 86 patients with stable CHD treated in our hospital from May 2018 to May 2021 were selected as the study objects for the retrospective study and were divided into the control group (routine intervention) and the research group (community-family management mode intervention under Internet MT monitoring) according to the health management modes, with 43 cases each, and the health behaviors and control of CHD were compared between the two groups. No statistical between-group differences in general information were observed (P > 0.05); 6 months after intervention, the control of laboratory indexes including blood pressure, blood glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in patients was obviously better in the research group than in the control group (P > 0.05); after intervention, the scores on rehabilitation knowledge level and secondary prevention behavior were obviously higher in the research group than in the control group (P > 0.05); 6 months after intervention, the scores on physical limitation, anginal stabilization, anginal frequency, disease perception, and treatment satisfaction were obviously higher in the research group than in the control group (P > 0.05); compared with the control group within 1 year of intervention, the readmission rate of the research group was significantly lower (P > 0.05); and compared with the control group, the total score of CQQC and scores on physical strength, condition, general life, and social mentality were significantly better in the research group (P > 0.05). Community-family management mode under Internet-based MT monitoring is the valid continuation of clinical nursing for elderly patients with stable CHD, which plays an effective role in terms of daily monitoring indexes, stabilizing condition, improving disease cognition, reducing the readmission rate, and improving the prognostic quality of life of patients.


Self-estimates of intelligence: interaction effects of the comparison to a specific reference group and neuroticism.
An experiment that investigated the interaction effect of Neuroticism and the comparison to different reference groups on self-estimates of intelligence is reported. University students (100 men, 15 women) were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and asked to rate their own intelligence on a one-item measure, in IQ points, having been provided with reference values for either the general population or a student sample. Analysis of data confirmed that the accuracy of self-estimates of intelligence was influenced by the variation of the instruction. Participants provided more accurate estimations when confronted with comparison information about fellow students than about the general population. Persons scoring high on Neuroticism estimated their intelligence lower, but only when their estimation was based on a general reference group. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.


Presentation of Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 3 Mimicking Wilson Disease: Molecular Genetic Diagnosis and Response to Treatment.
Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) is an autosomal recessive disorder of cholestasis of hepatocellular origin, typically seen in infancy or childhood caused by a defect in the ABCB4 located on chromosome 7. Here we report on an older patient, aged 15, who presented with biochemical testing that led to an initial consideration of a diagnosis of Wilson disease (WD) resulting in a delayed diagnosis of PFIC3. Diagnosis of PFIC3 was later confirmed by molecular studies that identified novel mutations in the ABCB4 gene. Cholestasis due to PFIC3 can cause elevated hepatic copper and increased urine copper excretion that overlap with current diagnostic criteria for WD. Molecular diagnostics are very useful for establishing the diagnosis of PFIC3. Ursodeoxycholic acid ameliorates cholestasis in PFIC3, and may help mediate a reduction in hepatic copper content in response to treatment.


Early post-traumatic seizures in children: clinical and radiological aspects of injury.
To determine the type and outcome of early post-traumatic seizures in children and the factors associated with it. A prospective observational study on all consecutive children with head injuries at the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur between November 1993 and December 1994. The onset, type and frequency of seizures occurring within the first week of injury were documented. Using inpatients as a cohort, logistic regression analysis was used to determine clinical and radiological variables significantly associated with seizures. The outcome 6 months post-injury was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Fifty-three of 966 children (5.5%) developed seizures within the first week of trauma. Seven (13.2%) occurred within 1 h of injury, 30 (56.6%) between 1 and 24 h and 16 (30.2%) after 24 h. Factors significantly associated with early post-traumatic seizures were female sex, age less than 2 years, loss of consciousness for more than 24h and acute subdural haematoma (P<0.01). Children with seizures had a poorer outcome (death or severe disability) than inpatients without seizures (21/53 vs 19/182, P<0.001). The outcome was worst in children with recurrent partial seizures, who had a longer injury-seizure interval and were more likely to have focal neurologic deficits compared to those with sporadic or generalized seizures. Anticonvulsant prophylaxis to minimize the adverse effects of early seizures in head injury should be considered for young children (less than 2 years old) with subdural haematoma and a prolonged duration of coma. Prompt and effective control of recurrent seizures is recommended.


Reference Range of Hydroxychloroquine Blood Levels That Can Reduce Odds of Active Lupus and Prevent Flares.
Recent data show that lower hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) doses are associated with a two- to six-fold higher risk of lupus flares. Thus, establishing an effective reference range of HCQ blood levels with upper and lower bounds for efficacy may support individualizing HCQ dosing to prevent flares. HCQ levels in whole blood and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) were measured during the baseline visit and again during a standard of care routine follow-up visit. Active cross-sectional lupus at baseline was defined as SLEDAI ≥6; a within subject flare was defined as a subsequent three-point increase in SLEDAI with clinical symptoms requiring therapy change. We examined associations between active lupus and HCQ blood levels at baseline and flares and HCQ levels during 6 to 12-month routine lupus follow-up visits using mixed regression analysis. Among 158 baseline patient visits, 19% had active lupus. Odds of active lupus were 71% lower in patients with levels within a 750 to 1,200 ng/mL range (adjusted odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.96). Using convenience sampling strategy during a pandemic, we longitudinally followed 42 patients. Among those patients, 17% flared during their follow-up visit. Maintaining HCQ levels within 750 to 1,200 ng/mL reduced the odds of a flare by 26% over a nine-month median follow-up. An effective reference range of HCQ blood levels, 750 to 1,200 ng/mL, was associated with 71% lower odds of active lupus, and maintaining levels within this range reduced odds of flares by 26%. These findings could guide clinicians to individualize HCQ doses to maintain HCQ levels within this range to maximize efficacy.


Cost-Effectiveness of Thrombolytic Therapy, Compared with Anticoagulants Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Albania.
The study aim is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of thrombolytic treatment in acute MI comparing with anticoagulants therapy and between each other thrombolytic (SK, r-Pa). We used a prospective registry of all patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction in intensive care units in Tirana. The average drugs cost was calculated for the hospitalization period in Albanian money (ALL). Survival and life quality were estimated by phone contact 1 year after acute MI. Anticoagulant group cost is 23865.3 ALL (170.5€), SK group cost is 54148.63 ALL (386.7€), r-Pa group has a cost of 92184.90 ALL (658.5€). In the group treated with SK the hospital survival is 100%, while in the control group 88.8%. Reteplase group has a lower period of stay in hospital than SK group 13.04 days vs. 17.97 days, mean age in group treated with r-Pa is 64.29 ± 10.03 approximate with anticoagulant group mean age 64.17 ± 11.08; differ significantly with SK group mean age 56.75 ± 10.04. Survival after 1 year was 96.4% for r-Pa and 96.9% SK. SK and r-Pa are successful thrombolytics with high effectiveness. It is gained a higher survival with the thrombolytic treatments. Reteplase is well tolerated in older patients than SK, is easier to apply than Streptokinase, but has higher cost.


Randomized trial of three types of gastrojejunostomy in unresectable periampullary cancer.
A gastrojejunostomy with duodenal partition was designed to clarify whether so-called circulus vomiting exists and, if so, its clinical significance, by comparing it with two other types of gastrojejunostomy commonly used for gastric bypass in unresectable periampullary cancer. Forty-five patients with unresectable periampullary cancer complicated by gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) were recruited into this study between May 1992 and November 1995. They were randomized to receive one of the three types of gastrojejunostomy. The anastomosis in type I gastrojejunostomy was performed at the jejunum 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. Type II was similar to type I except that in type II a duodenum partition was done by linear stapler 1 cm beyond the pylorus. Type III gastrojejunostomy was performed at the Roux-limb jejunum 60 cm distal to biliojejunostomy. "Food reentry" was noted in three (21%) of the type I patients, as determined by upper gastrointestinal (UGI) study. Of the three, one patient had severe circulus vomiting, one had anorexia, and one had no major symptoms. When patients were evaluated immediately after oral diet intake resumed, the incidence (27%) of clinical GOO symptoms and mean value of gastric emptying time (GET1/2, 118.1 +/- 39.2 min) were significantly lower in type II patients than in types I and III patients. When evaluated I month after operation, the incidence (7% and 17%, respectively) of clinical symptoms of GOO and mean value of GET1/2 (42.0 +/- 23.0 and 35.6 +/- 5.4 min, respectively) were significantly lower in both type II and type III patients than in type I patients. The type II patients resumed oral diet after operation 3.5 days earlier than type I patients, p < 0.05. Circulus vomiting induced by food reentry does exist if the gastrojejunostomy is performed as the type I gastrojejunostomy in this study. The newly designed type II gastrojejunostomy with duodenal partition is an easy, safe, and effective gastric bypass and avoids the problem of food reentry.


Nanomedicine-driven therapeutic interventions of autophagy and stem cells in the management of Alzheimer's disease.
Drug-loaded, brain-targeted nanocarriers could be a promising tool in overcoming the challenges associated with Alzheimer's disease therapy. These nanocargoes are enormously flexible to functionalize and facilitate the delivery of drugs to brain cells by bridging the blood-brain barrier and into brain cells. To date, modifications have included nanoparticles (NPs) coating with tunable surfactants/phospholipids, covalently attaching polyethylene glycol chains (PEGylation), and tethering different targeting ligands to cell-penetrating peptides in a manner that facilitates their entry across the BBB and downregulates various pathological hallmarks as well as intra- and extracellular signaling pathways. This review provides a brief update on drug-loaded, multifunctional nanocarriers and the therapeutic intervention of autophagy and stem cells in the management of Alzheimer's disease.


Experimental generation of Laguerre-Gaussian beam using digital micromirror device.
A digital micromirror device (DMD) modulates laser intensity through computer control of the device. We experimentally investigate the performance of the modulation property of a DMD and optimize the modulation procedure through image correction. Furthermore, Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams with different topological charges are generated by projecting a series of forklike gratings onto the DMD. We measure the field distribution with and without correction, the energy of LG beams with different topological charges, and the polarization property in sequence. Experimental results demonstrate that it is possible to generate LG beams with a DMD that allows the use of a high-intensity laser with proper correction to the input images, and that the polarization state of the LG beam differs from that of the input beam.


Low molecular weight heparin is useful in adult COVID-19 inpatients. Experience during the first Spanish wave: observational study.
The intensity of the thromboprophylaxis needed as a potential factor for preventing inpatient mortality due to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) remains unclear. To explore the association between anticoagulation intensity and COVID-19 survival. Retrospective observational study in a tertiary-level hospital in Spain. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) status was ascertained based on prescription at admission. To control for immortal time bias, anticoagulant use was analyzed as a time-dependent variable. 690 patients were included (median age, 72 years). LMWH was administered to 615 patients, starting from hospital admission (89.1%). 410 (66.7%) received prophylactic-dose LMWH; 120 (19.5%), therapeutic-dose LMWH; and another 85 (13.8%) who presented respiratory failure, high D-dimer levels (> 3 mg/l) and non-worsening of inflammation markers received prophylaxis of intermediate-dose LMWH. The overall inpatient-mortality rate was 38.5%. The anticoagulant nonuser group presented higher mortality risk than each of the following groups: any LMWH users (HR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.40-3.15); the prophylactic-dose heparin group (HR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.57-3.64); and the users of heparin dose according to biomarkers (HR 6.52; 95% CI, 2.95-14.41). 3.4% of the patients experienced major hemorrhage. 2.8% of the patients developed an episode of thromboembolism. This observational study showed that LMWH administered at the time of admission was associated with lower mortality among unselected adult COVID-19 inpatients. The magnitude of the benefit may have been greatest for the intermediate-dose subgroup. Randomized controlled trials to assess the benefit of heparin within different therapeutic regimes for COVID-19 patients are required.


Dissecting the pathways coordinating patterning and growth by plant boundary domains.
Boundary domains play important roles during morphogenesis in plants and animals, but how they contribute to patterning and growth coordination in plants is not understood. The CUC genes determine the boundary domains in the aerial part of the plants and, in particular, they have a conserved role in regulating leaf complexity across Angiosperms. Here, we used tooth formation at the Arabidopsis leaf margin controlled by the CUC2 transcription factor to untangle intertwined events during boundary-controlled morphogenesis in plants. Combining conditional restoration of CUC2 function with morphometrics as well as quantification of gene expression and hormone signaling, we first established that tooth morphogenesis involves a patterning phase and a growth phase. These phases can be separated, as patterning requires CUC2 while growth can occur independently of CUC2. Next, we show that CUC2 acts as a trigger to promote growth through the activation of three functional relays. In particular, we show that KLUH acts downstream of CUC2 to modulate auxin response and that expressing KLUH can compensate for deficient CUC2 expression during tooth growth. Together, we reveal a genetic and molecular network that allows coordination of patterning and growth by CUC2-defined boundaries during morphogenesis at the leaf margin.


Extensive perinephric abscess complicated by herpes simplex virus 1 reactivation.
A 43-year-old man, admitted with a swollen right thigh, was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis. On day 6 he became septic. A CT scan demonstrated a right-sided hydronephrosis and a large retroperitoneal collection. Blood cultures and perinephric pus grew Escherichia coli resistant to amoxicillin only. On day 12 a vesicular rash appeared on the neck and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) grew on culture. On day 15 an upper leg collection was seen on CT scan. Thigh tissue specimens grew extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E coli and HSV-1 was also detected by polymerase chain reaction in the tissue. On day 18 the patient died. This case illustrates an unusual presentation and complication of a perinephric abscess. In critically ill patients herpes simplex reactivation and emergence of multiresistant organisms may occur resulting in treatment failure.


Risk Assessment and Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Women during Pregnancy and Puerperium (SAVE): An International, Cross-sectional Study.
The clinical burden of obstetric venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk is inadequately established. This study assessed the prevalence and management of VTE risk during pregnancy and postpartum outside the Western world. This international, noninterventional study enrolled adult women with objectively confirmed pregnancy attending prenatal care/obstetric centers across 18 countries in Africa, Eurasia, Middle-East, and South Asia. Evaluations included proportions of at-risk women, prophylaxis as per international guidelines, prophylaxis type, factors determining prophylaxis, and physicians' awareness about VTE risk management guidelines and its impact on treatment decision. Data were analyzed globally and regionally. Physicians ( N = 181) screened 4,978 women, and 4,010 were eligible. Of these, 51.4% were at risk (Eurasia, 90%; South Asia, 19.9%), mostly mild in intensity; >90% received prophylaxis as per the guidelines (except South Asia, 77%). Women in Eurasia and South Asia received both pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxes (>55%), while pharmacological prophylaxis (>50%) predominated in Africa and the Middle-East. Low-molecular-weight heparin was the pharmacological agent of choice. Prophylaxis decision was influenced by ethnicity, assisted reproductive techniques, caesarean section, and persistent moderate/high titer of anticardiolipin antibodies, though variable across regions. Prophylaxis decision in at-risk women was similar, irrespective of physicians' awareness of guidelines (except South Asia). A majority (>80%) of the physicians claimed to follow the guidelines. More than 50% of women during pregnancy and postpartum were at risk of VTE, and >90% received prophylaxis as per the guidelines. Physicians are generally aware of VTE risk and comply with guidelines while prescribing prophylaxis, although regional variations necessitate efforts to improve implementation of the guidelines.


[The importance of the risk factor "obesity" during delivery, postpartal and for the newborn (author's transl)].
The course of delivery and labor, the post partum period and the postpartal condition of the newborn were reviewed in 315 obese patients with a bodyweight of 90 kg or more at delivery. The results were compared with those of a group of 315 patients with a body-weight of less than 90 kg, choosed by random and evaluated by statistic (t-test, x2-test). In the group of obese gravidae we found a significant higher rate of cases with induction of labor, protracted deliveries, breech presentation and operative deliveries. Also the rate of manual removal of the placenta, post partum uterine infections and disorders in the milk secretion was significant higher in this group. Post partum abnormal glucose tolerance tests ocurred abnormal more frequently in the obese patients. The weight of the infants of obese mothers was higher as in the control group. Significant higher were the perinatal mortality and the cases of fetal death in utero in the obese group compared to the non obese group.


Four tetrazolate-based 3D frameworks with diverse subunits directed by inorganic anions and azido coligand: hydro/solvothermal syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties.
Four tetrazolate (tz(-))-based magnetic metal-organic frameworks, [Cu5(μ3-OH)2(SO4)2(tz)4]n (), {[Cu3(tz)4Cl2]·1.4CH3OH}n (), [Cu(N3)(tz)]n () and {[Cu5(tz)9]Cl·4H2O}n (), were hydro/solvothermally synthesized, and structurally and magnetically characterized. Structural analyses reveal that the former two samples exhibit the same eight-connected topological framework assembled from different subunits. Hourglass-shaped {Cu5(μ3-OH)2}(8+) cores in are periodically extended by mixed μ3-/μ4-tz(-) and μ4-SO4(2-) heterolinkers, while the linear {Cu3(μ-Cl)2}(4+) blocks in are repeatedly intersected by ditopic μ3-tz(-) connectors. In contrast, the square grid-shaped network of is constructed from linear {Cu(μ1,1-N3)}(+) chains and μ3-tz(-) linkers. Complex consists of trigonal-prismatic {Cu8(μ3-tz)6}(10+) subunits, which are interlinked into hexagonal microporous architecture by mirror-symmetry μ4-tz(-) ligands. Thus, the various subunits of are significantly tuned by the co-coordination of the inorganic anions and/or the azido co-ligand, and the backbone extensions are directed by the polytopic tetrazolate ligand. Magnetically, different ordering arrangements of the non-zero magnetizations produced in the local Cu(II)5 and Cu(II)3 subunits eventually lead to unusual ferrimagnetic and canted antiferromagnetic properties in and . Strong antiferromagnetic couplings mediated by the mixed tz(-) and/or azido bridges result in overall S = 0 spin ground-states of and .


Freezing Cell Pellets for Large-Scale Immunoprecipitation.
The advance, large-scale preparation of 108-109 adherent or suspension cells before the performance of immunoprecipitation can be advantageous given the time commitment required. The freezing of cells before lysis can preserve protein-protein interactions and posttranslational modifications that may otherwise become denatured and/or degraded upon initiation of cell lysis. This method can also be applied to the preparation of adherent or suspension cells on a smaller scale and is especially useful when multiple time points are being investigated over the course of several days or weeks. Cells are grown under optimal culturing conditions to promote a high degree of viability before being rinsed twice in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), scraped into a polypropylene tube, and pelleted by centrifugation. The resulting cell pellet is frozen and can be stored for several months at -80°C.


Growth and regulation of enzyme synthesis in the nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)-degrading bacterium Chelatobacter heintzii ATCC 29600.
In the aerobic bacterium Chelatobacter heintzii, growth and regulation of enzymes involved in nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) degradation have been investigated in chemostat culture during cultivation with glucose, NTA or mixtures thereof. In batch culture mu max with NTA was 0.18 h-1 and with glucose 0.22 h-1. Growth yields for both substrates were reduced at low dilution rates. During growth with NTA specific activity of the NTA monooxygenase (NTA-MO) exhibited a maximum at D = 0.03 h-1 and gradually decreased with increasing dilution rates. In glucose-grown cells the specific activity as well as immunologically detectable NTA-MO protein was always close to the detection limit. During cultivation with different mixtures of NTA and glucose at a dilution rate of 0.06 h-1, both substrates were utilized simultaneously, irrespective of the NTA/glucose ratio and the presence of excess ammonia. Synthesis of both NTA-MO and iminodiacetic acid dehydrogenase became induced when NTA contributed to more than approximately 1-3% of the total carbon in the substrate mixture supplied. However, NTA was also degraded when the proportion of NTA in the mixture was lower than 1%, which is consistent with the low constitutive level of expression for NTA-MO observed. Results are discussed with respect to NTA biodegradation during sewage treatment and in ecosystems.


Antioxidant activity of protocatechuates evaluated by DPPH, ORAC, and CAT methods.
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a worldwide consumed plant, principally after infusion of its dried sepals and calyces, which are usually discarded. Nevertheless, they represent a potential source of natural bioactive compounds, e.g. polyphenols, which could add value to this under-exploited plant. Protocatechuic acid (PA) was chosen as a model of the phenolic acids that can be extracted from H. sabdariffa. In order to modify PA hydrophilic character, which limits its use in lipid-rich food products, PA was esterified to C1-C18 alcohols, and the impact of lipophilization on its antioxidant activity was evaluated in both, an homogeneous (DPPH and ORAC methods) and an heterogeneous (CAT method) system. Results herein obtained showed that, depending on the grafted alkyl chain length, lipophilization could positively affect the antioxidant activity of PA in heterogeneous media; therefore, support its use as an innovative way to synthesize molecules with an improved antioxidant capacity and potential to be used as multifunctional preservatives in food.


Development of an Automatic Interpretation Algorithm for Uroflowmetry Results: Application of Artificial Intelligence.
To develop an automatic interpretation system for uroflowmetry (UFM) results using machine learning (ML), a form of artificial intelligence (AI). A prospectively collected 1,574 UFM results (1,031 males, 543 females) with voided volume>150 mL was labelled as normal, borderline, or abnormal by 3 urologists. If the 3 experts disagreed, the majority decision was accepted. Abnormality was defined as a condition in which a urologist judges from the UFM results that further evaluation is required and that the patient should visit a urology clinic. To develop the optimal automatic interpretation system, we applied 4 ML algorithms and 2 deep learning (DL) algorithms. ML models were trained with all UFM parameters. DL models were trained to digitally analyze 2-dimensional images of UFM curves. The automatic interpretation algorithm achieved a maximum accuracy of 88.9% in males and 90.8% in females when using 6 parameters: voided volume, maximum flow rate, time to maximal flow rate, average flow rate, flow time, and voiding time. In females, the DL models showed a dramatic improvement in accuracy over the other models, reaching 95.4% accuracy in the convolutional neural network model. The performance of the DL models in clinical discrimination was outstanding in both genders, with an area under the curve of up to 0.957 in males and 0.974 in females. We developed an automatic interpretation algorithm for UFM results by training AI models using 6 key parameters and the shape of the curve; this algorithm agreed closely with the decisions of urology specialists.


Image-based and machine learning-guided multiplexed serology test for SARS-CoV-2.
We present a miniaturized immunofluorescence assay (mini-IFA) for measuring antibody response in patient blood samples. The method utilizes machine learning-guided image analysis and enables simultaneous measurement of immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG responses against different viral antigens in an automated and high-throughput manner. The assay relies on antigens expressed through transfection, enabling use at a low biosafety level and fast adaptation to emerging pathogens. Using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as the model pathogen, we demonstrate that this method allows differentiation between vaccine-induced and infection-induced antibody responses. Additionally, we established a dedicated web page for quantitative visualization of sample-specific results and their distribution, comparing them with controls and other samples. Our results provide a proof of concept for the approach, demonstrating fast and accurate measurement of antibody responses in a research setup with prospects for clinical diagnostics.


Gingival Crevicular Blood Glucose Levels: Is it a Reliable Tool for Screening Diabetes in a Dental Office?
Periodontal disease is associated with gingival bleeding. Thus, the present study was aimed towards evaluating, whether the blood oozing during routine periodontal examination can be used for evaluating blood glucose levels. A total of 100 patients reporting to Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, within the age group of 25-55 years were enrolled. In fasting condition, gingival crevicular blood (GCB), finger-stick blood (FSB) was measured using a glucometer and venous blood (VB) glucose values were measured in the laboratory with glucose oxidase method. All the parameters thus recorded were then subjected to statistical analysis. When compared, the GCB glucose values, VB glucose values and the FSB glucose values measured with glucometer in the diabetic and nondiabetic group were found to be highly statistically significant (p = 0.000). Gingival crevicular blood collected during diagnostic periodontal examination can provide a valid and acceptable source for measuring blood glucose levels using a glucometer. In addition, the technique described is quick, safe, easy to perform and more acceptable to the patients. Dental surgeon can play an active role in screening of patients for glucose levels during routine periodontal examination and help to increase the frequency of diabetes screening in dental offices especially in undiagnosed diabetic cases which can be referred to the physician for appropriate management of the condition.


Three-Dimensional Graphene-Supported Ni3Fe/Co9S8 Composites: Rational Design and Active for Oxygen Reversible Electrocatalysis.
The development of low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts with a bicomponent active surface for reversible oxygen electrode reactions is highly desirable and challenging. Herein, we develop an effective calcination-hydrothermal approach to fabricate graphene aerogel-anchored Ni3Fe-Co9S8 bifunctional electrocatalyst (Ni3Fe-Co9S8/rGO). The mutually beneficial Ni3Fe-Co9S8 bifunctional active components efficiently balance the performance of oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR/OER), in which Co9S8 promotes the ORR and Ni3Fe facilitates the OER. This balance behavior has an obvious advantage over that of monocomponent Ni3Fe/rGO and Co9S8/rGO catalysts. Meanwhile, the additional synergy between porous rGO aerogels and Ni3Fe-Co9S8 endows the composite with more exposed active sites, faster electrons/ions transport rate, and better structural stability. Benefiting from the reasonable material selection and structural design, the Ni3Fe-Co9S8/rGO exhibits not only outstanding ORR activity with the high onset- and half-wave potentials ( Eonset = 0.91 V and E1/2 = 0.80 V) but also satisfactory OER activity with a low overpotential at 10 mA cm-2 (0.39 V). Moreover, rechargeable Zn-air cells equipped with Ni3Fe-Co9S8/rGO exhibit excellent rechargeability and a fast dynamic response.


Factors Affecting the Sexual Behavior of Korean University Students.
Recent incidents in Room n, sexual harassment by social leaders, and the #MeToo movement showed Korea's immature and distorted sexual culture. This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated the factors affecting the sexual behavior of Korean university students. The participants comprised 258 university students from S and C. The data collection period was from 29 November 2021 to 3 December 2021, and an online survey was conducted on sexual behavior, sexual attitudes, and subject characteristics. The collected data were analyzed using PASW Statistics 25.0. The average age of the participants was 21.38 ± 1.62 years old; the average age when they first watched a pornographic video on YouTube was 14.25 ± 2.55 years old. Sexual behavior was statistically significantly higher for men over 21 and under 14 when they first watched a pornographic video. As the age of the subjects increased, the younger the age of viewing pornographic videos and the thumbnail viewing path of the pornographic videos affected sexual behavior, with an explanatory power of 11.0% (F = 6.27, p < 0.001). Higher sexual attitudes in the communion and permissiveness domains showed greater influence on sexual behavior; the explanatory power was 24.0% (F = 10.02, p < 0.001). Korean university students must be educated on sex early to develop correct sexual attitudes and engage in correct and responsible sexual behaviors in their youth.


Prenatal Vitamin D Intake, Cord Blood 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, and Offspring Body Composition: The Healthy Start Study.
Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy may be associated with increased offspring adiposity, but evidence from human studies is inconclusive. We examined associations between prenatal vitamin D intake, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in cord blood, and offspring size and body composition at birth and 5 months. Participants included 605 mother-offspring dyads from the Healthy Start study, an ongoing, pre-birth prospective cohort study in Denver, Colorado, USA. Prenatal vitamin D intake was assessed with diet recalls and questionnaires, and offspring body composition was measured via air displacement plethysmography at birth and 5 months. General linear univariate models were used for analysis, adjusting for maternal age, race/ethnicity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), offspring sex, and gestational age at birth. Non-Hispanic white race, lower pre-pregnancy BMI, higher prenatal vitamin D intake, and summer births were associated with higher cord blood 25(OH)D. Higher 25(OH)D was associated with lower birthweight (β = -6.22, p = 0.02), but as maternal BMI increased, this association became increasingly positive in direction and magnitude (β = 1.05, p = 0.04). Higher 25(OH)D was also associated with lower neonatal adiposity (β = -0.02, p < 0.05) but not after adjustment for maternal BMI (β = -0.01, p = 0.25). Cord blood 25(OH)D was not associated with offspring size or body composition at 5 months. Our data confirm the hypothesis that vitamin D exposure in early life is associated with neonatal body size and composition. Future research is needed to understand the implications of these associations as infants grow.


Draft Genome Sequence of the Enteropathogenic Bacterium Campylobacter jejuni Strain cj255.
The enteropathogen Campylobacter jejuni is a global health disaster, being one of the leading causes of bacterial gastroenteritis. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of C. jejuni strain cj255, isolated from a chicken source in Islamabad, Pakistan. The draft genome sequence will aid in epidemiological studies and quarantine of this broad-host-range pathogen.


[Targeted effect of microRNA on nerve growth factor pathway and its functional network in patients with unstable angina].
To study microRNA profile alteration in unstable angina (UA) patients and its functional network via nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling pathway. Whole blood microRNAs were isolated from individuals with angiographically negative report (n=6) and UA patients (n=6), Taqman low-density microRNA array was performed to detect the microRNA profile, and SAM tool was conducted to calculate the differential expressed microRNA. Bioinformatic prediction tools (Targetsan, Miranda, Diana-microT) were used to obtain microRNA target genes. Targets'enriched pathways were analyzed by DAVID and biological function clusters were figured out by Panther database. The functional network of microRNAs by Cytoscape was costructed. In the study, 20 microRNAs were significantly upregulated in the UA group were observed. Their main target signaling pathways were NGF, their target genes' functional clusters were in signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell cycles, immunity and inflammation, neurogenesis, neuronal activity and apoptosis. To upregulate microRNAs in UA patients is a major way to inhibit NGF signaling pathways, whose function is to suppress cell proliferation and differentiation, immunity and inflammation, neuronal growth, etc., and to stabilize the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.


Hydrogen-Aluminum Clays: A Third Buffer Range Appearing in Potentiometric Titration.
Wyoming montmorillonite (bentonite, particles 2 to 0.2 micro in diameter) treated with hydrogen-ionsaturated resin shows, on titration in 1N KNO(3) with NaOH by a continuously recording instrument, a third buffer range between pH 5.5 and 7.6 in addition to the first range where exchangeable hydronium is neutralized and the second range where a reaction with exchangeable aluminohexahydronium, Al(OH(2))(6)(3+), occurs. The third range increases considerably when the hydrogen-ion-saturated clay is aged, and is attributed to basic aluminum compounds formed in the presence of negative charges of montmorillonite, comparable to "third range" buffering noted in aged, partially neutralized aluminum chloride solutions.


Identification and sequence of gene dicB: translation of the division inhibitor from an in-phase internal start.
The dicA1 mutation, located in the replication termination region of Escherichia coli at 34.9 min, confers a temperature-sensitive, division defective phenotype to its hosts. Previous analysis had suggested that dicA codes for a repressor of a nearby division inhibition gene dicB. We show now that gene dicB is part of a complex operon. Five open reading frames (ORFs 1 to 5) preceeded by a promoter sensitive to dicA repression are found within a 1500 bp segment, and are organized into two clusters separated by a long untranslated region. Evidence for expression of these ORFs was obtained from in vitro or in vivo translation of plasmid-coded genes. IPTG-dependent cell filamentation was obtained when either the entire or the C-terminal part of the fourth ORF was placed under control of the lac promoter. In both cases, a 7 KD protein corresponding to translation from an in-frame ATG of ORF4 (dicB) was made. We propose that this C-terminal protein is the division inhibitor synthesized in dicA1 mutants.


The role of antithrombin III in critical patients in obstetrics.
A preliminary study was conducted to detect significant differences between the inflammatory cytokines network recorded in mild and severe preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy. 36 patients were divided in two groups: (NP) normal pregnancy and (SPH) Severe Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Inflammatory cytokines (IL 6, TNF, IL 10), Antithrombin III (AT III), Protein C (PC) and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) plasma level and Organ Disfunction modified Score (ODS) were recorded. Results shows a difference (P<0,05 ) for AT III and other markers levels in the two groups and, inside of the SPH group, between Severe preeclampsia patients and HELLP syndrome patients. A correlation was found between coagulation natural inhibitors, specially antithrombin III, and the clinical scores. Performing a Caesarean section did not change these results. Based on results of the study we have designed a monitoring and a treatment protocol in our obstetric and general ICU. A multicentric study is now ongoing to validate the preliminary data on the substitutive treatment with AT III.


EBV‑BART‑6‑3p and cellular microRNA‑197 compromise the immune defense of host cells in EBV‑positive Burkitt lymphoma.
The present study aimed to identify the association between Epstein‑Barr virus (EBV) microRNA (miRNA) and cellular miRNA in compromising the immune system, which contributes to the development of Burkitt lymphoma (BL). The present study selected cellular miR‑197 as the focus of the experiments due to the previous report that it is differentially expressed and the observation that interleukin‑6 receptor (IL‑6R) is a virtual target of miR‑197 and EBV‑BamHI A region rightward transcript (BART)‑6‑3p. In the present study, IL‑6R was confirmed as a target of cellular miR‑197 using a luciferase assay, and the negative regulatory association between miRNA (miR‑197 and EBV‑BART‑6‑3p) and mRNA (IL‑6R) was confirmed by the observation that IL‑6R was downregulated in EBV‑positive Burkitt lymphoma and that miR‑197 was upregulated. Additionally, mimics of EBV‑BART‑6‑3p and miR‑197 were introduced into lymphoma cells, and it was found that EBV‑BART‑6‑3p and miR‑197 synergistically reduced the expression of IL‑6R. These findings improved current understanding of the role of miR‑197/ EBV‑BART‑6‑3p and their target, IL‑6R, in the development of EBV‑positive BL, and they may offer potential as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of EBV‑positive malignancies.


Local anesthesia and anxiolytic techniques for oculoplastic surgery.
This study discusses local anesthetic agents, administration techniques, ancillary considerations, and safety precautions for oculoplastic surgery including eyelid, lacrimal, orbital, and temporal artery biopsy procedures. Methods for reducing patient apprehension and discomfort including systemic premedication, topical pre-anesthetic, visual, auditory and tactile distraction techniques, regional blocks, small gauge needles, warmed lidocaine, and buffered lidocaine are discussed.


Expression profiling shows differential molecular pathways and provides potential new diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal serrated adenocarcinoma.
Serrated adenocarcinoma (SAC) is a recently recognized colorectal cancer (CRC) subtype accounting for 7.5 to 8.7% of CRCs. It has been shown that SAC has a poorer prognosis and has different molecular and immunohistochemical features compared with conventional carcinoma (CC) but, to date, only one previous study has analyzed its mRNA expression profile by microarray. Using a different microarray platform, we have studied the molecular signature of 11 SACs and compared it with that of 15 matched CC with the aim of discerning the functions which characterize SAC biology and validating, at the mRNA and protein level, the most differentially expressed genes which were also tested using a validation set of 70 SACs and 70 CCs to assess their diagnostic and prognostic values. Microarray data showed a higher representation of morphogenesis-, hypoxia-, cytoskeleton- and vesicle transport-related functions and also an overexpression of fascin1 (actin-bundling protein associated with invasion) and the antiapoptotic gene hippocalcin in SAC all of which were validated both by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Fascin1 expression was statistically associated with KRAS mutation with 88.6% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity for SAC diagnosis and the positivity of fascin1 or hippocalcin was highly suggestive of SAC diagnosis (sensitivity = 100%). Evaluation of these markers in CRCs showing histological and molecular characteristics of high-level microsatellite instability (MSI-H) also helped to distinguish SACs from MSI-H CRCs. Molecular profiling demonstrates that SAC shows activation of distinct signaling pathways and that immunohistochemical fascin1 and hippocalcin expression can be reliably used for its differentiation from other CRC subtypes.


NEXAFS spectra of model sulfide chains: implications for sulfur networks obtained from inverse vulcanization.
Inverse vulcanization is a promising route to stabilize sulfur in lithium-sulfur batteries, but the resulting sulfur strand lengths in the materials are elusive. We address the strand length by characterization via sulfur near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. Theoretical predictions of NEXAFS spectra for model molecules containing strands with up to three sulfur atoms are verified by experiment. The near perfect agreement between simulation and experiment on the absolute energy scale allows for the predictions for larger chain lengths also. Inspection and interpretation of NEXAFS spectra from real battery materials on this basis reveals the appearance of single connecting sulfur atoms for very low sulfur content, and of longer strands when the sulfur fraction increases.


Influenza vaccination status and attitudes among restaurant employees.
Restaurant employees represent a substantial portion of the US workforce, interact closely with the public, and are at risk for contracting influenza, yet their influenza vaccination rates and attitudes are unknown. Assess influenza vaccination rates and attitudes among Seattle restaurant employees, to identify factors that could enhance the success of a restaurant-based vaccination program. In 2012, we invited employees of Seattle restaurants to complete an anonymous paper survey assessing participant demographics, previous influenza vaccination status, and personal attitudes toward influenza vaccination (using a 5-point scale). Sit-down, full service restaurants in or near Seattle, Washington, were eligible if they had no previous history of offering worksite influenza vaccinations and had more than 20 employees who were older than 18 years and spoke either English or Spanish. We invited staff in all restaurant positions (servers, bussers, kitchen staff, chefs, managers, etc) to complete the survey, which was available in English and Spanish. Of 428 restaurant employees surveyed, 26% reported receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine in 2011-2012 (response rate = 74%). Across 8 attitude statements, participants were most likely to agree that the vaccine is not too expensive (89%), and least likely to agree that it is relevant for their age group (25%), or normative at their workplace (13%). Vaccinated participants reported significantly more positive attitudes than unvaccinated participants, and Hispanics reported significantly more positive attitudes than non-Hispanic whites. Increasing influenza vaccination rates among restaurant employees could protect a substantial portion of the US workforce, and the public, from influenza. Seattle restaurant employees have low vaccination rates against seasonal influenza. Interventions aimed at increasing vaccination among restaurant employees should highlight the vaccine's relevance and effectiveness for working-age adults.


Falls in Diagnosis of Cutaneous Larva Migrans-a Case Report from Kosovo.
Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a dermatitis caused by hookworm larvae inoculation in the skin, most commonly acquired among individuals in tropical and sub-tropical areas or travelers who have visited those areas. The typical clinical presentation consists of itchy serpiginous lesion that advances. We are reporting a long time misdiagnosed case of a 37-year-old farmer from continental European region with a typical clinical presentation, and no history of traveling to endemic areas. We made the diagnosis of the CLM based on the patient's history of itchy skin that had advanced for a few months, and clinical characteristics of the lesion in the right gluteus region consisting of erythema, papula and vesicles, together with erythematous/livid serpiginous tracks that formed an irregular and capricious path. The patient was successfully treated with oral mebendazole twice daily for three days and local therapy.


[Relieving the obstruction caused by malignant tracheobronchial tumors under flexible endoscopy].
We evaluate the feasibility and the efficiency of electrosurgery in the treatment of the symptomatic malignant tracheobronchial tree obstructions (MTTO) when it is used with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy without general anesthesia. The aim of electrosurgery was to restore the permeability of the tracheobronchial tree to suppress symptoms. The operation lasted no more than 60 minutes, and a second operation was performed 8 days later if symptoms persisted. The patients received local anesthesia and light sedation (midazolm). 28 patients have been treated from june 1995 to june 1996 for following symptoms: dyspnea (22 cases), cough (1 case), dyspnea and cough (5 cases). All patients had malignant disease palliatively treated. The protocol has failed in one case, needing general anesthesia. 27 patients have had one session, 6 a second one week later. After the first session, dyspnea was improved in 22/27 cases (81.5%) and cough in 5/6 cases (83%). After the second session, dyspnea was globally improved in 26/27 cases (96%), without change for cough. Electrosurgery is a feasible and safe treatment which can implement immediately without general anesthesia, in MTTO. Its result are highly effective on dyspnea but less on cough, with reproducible effects and a well-tolerated procedure. Further investigations need to compare the different techniques.


Treatment of oromaxillary fistulae in nine standing horses (2002-2006).
There is minimal published information on equine oromaxillary fistulae that are unrelated to cheek teeth (CT) repulsion or on the conservative treatment of these atypical fistulae. To report equine oromaxillary fistulae unrelated to CT extraction and describe their management in standing horses. Case details of oromaxillary fistulae of atypical aetiology occurring at 2 referral centres between 2002-2006, including their treatment and response to treatment were examined. Nine cases of oromaxillary fistula were recorded, mainly in aged horses (median 22 years). Fistulae were associated with CT diastemata in 7 cases, fractured CT in one and a central defect in a worn CT in another. After removing food and exudate from the sinuses, 6 cases were treated successfully by filling the diastema or dental defect with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Following dental extraction, the other 3 cases were treated successfully by use of PMMA alveolar packing. Older horses can spontaneously develop oromaxillary fistulae, usually secondary to CT diastemata. In the absence of apical infection, this disorder can usually be treated successfully in standing horses by treating the sinusitis and sealing the oral aspect of the diastema with PMMA. Older horses with sinusitis should be assessed for the presence of CT diastemata and oromaxillary fistulae. If detected, these disorders can be treated successfully in the standing horse.


[Effects of Reminiscence Therapy on Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis].
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of reminiscence therapy on depressive symptoms in older adults with dementia using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from January 2000 to January 2018 were searched through Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), Korean Medical Database (KMbase), KoreaMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Ovid MEDLINE. Two researchers independently performed the search, selection, and coding. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.0 was used for meta-analysis, and Review Manager program 5.3 was used for quality assessment. Out of the 1,250 retrieved articles, 22 RCTs were selected for analysis. The overall effect size of reminiscence therapy for mitigating depressive symptoms in older adults with dementia was -0.62 (95% Cl: -0.92 to -0.31). The effect size was greater in older adults under 80, those with less disease severity, and those for whom the therapy session lasted less than 40 minutes. Reminiscence therapy is an effective non-pharmacological therapy to improve depressive symptoms in older adults with dementia. Because its effectiveness is also influenced by age, disease severity, and application method, it is necessary to consider treatment designs based on individual characteristics as well as methodological approaches.


What Is the Predictive Value of Animal Models for Vaccine Efficacy in Humans? Rigorous Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine Trials Can Be Instructive.
Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) challenge of rhesus macaques provides an invaluable tool to evaluate the clinical prospects of HIV-1 vaccine concepts. However, as with any animal model of human disease, it is crucial to understand the advantages and limitations of this system to maximize the translational value of SIV vaccine studies. Here, we discuss the importance of assessing the efficacy of vaccine prototypes using stringent SIV challenge regimens that mimic HIV-1 transmission and pathogenesis. We also review some of the cautionary tales of HIV-1 vaccine research because they provide general lessons for the preclinical assessment of vaccine candidates.


Influence of obesity on short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity and gastric diseases, the impact of obesity on short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer still remains unclear. Sixty-one consecutive obese patients with body mass index (BMI)≥30 kg/m2, who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, were compared with 76 non-obese patients with BMI<30 kg/m2. Short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed in both groups. Obesity was associated with a longer operative time and a greater estimated blood loss. The rate of conversion to open distal gastrectomy was similar between the two groups. There were no 30-day postoperative deaths in either group. There was no significant difference in the overall number or severity of 30-day postoperative complications between the two groups. Regarding long-term survival outcomes, there was no statistical difference in overall (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that BMI did not influence prognosis. Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy appears to be a safe and reasonable option for selected obese patients with gastric cancer and results in short- and long-term outcomes similar to those in non-obese patients.


Adsorption kinetics of malachite green onto activated carbon prepared from Tunçbilek lignite.
Adsorbent (T3K618) has been prepared from Tunçbilek lignite by chemical activation with KOH. Pore properties of the activated carbon such as BET surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, and pore diameter were characterized by t-plot based on N2 adsorption isotherm. The N2 adsorption isotherm of malachite green on T3K618 is type I. The BET surface area of the adsorbent which was primarily contributed by micropores was determined 1000 m2/g. T3K618 was used to adsorb malachite green (MG) from an aqueous solution in a batch reactor. The effects of initial dye concentration, agitation time, initial pH and adsorption temperature have been studied. It was also found that the adsorption isotherm followed both Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. However, the Freundlich gave a better fit to all adsorption isotherms than the Dubinin-Radushkevich. The kinetics of adsorption of MG has been tested using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. Results show that the adsorption of MG from aqueous solution onto micropores T3K618 proceeds according to the pseudo-second-order model. The intraparticle diffusion of MG molecules within the carbon particles was identified to be the rate-limiting step. The adsorption of the MG was endothermic (DeltaH degrees = 6.55-62.37 kJ/mol) and was accompanied by an increase in entropy (DeltaS degrees = 74-223 J/mol K) and a decrease in mean value of Gibbs energy (DeltaG degrees = -6.48 to -10.32 kJ/mol) in the temperature range of 20-50 degrees C.


Captopril or atenolol in essential hypertension.
Twenty-five patients with essential hypertension were randomly assigned to treatment with either captopril or atenolol. There were 15 males and 10 females and their mean age was 53 years, range 32-66 years. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced by atenolol 50-100 mg once daily. Captopril 25-50 mg 3 times daily caused a significant decrease in supine diastolic but not in systolic blood pressure. After the addition of hydrochlorothiazide (25-50 mg) to those who did not become normotensive (supine diastolic blood pressure less than 95 mm Hg) on captopril or atenolol alone, blood pressure was further reduced. Captopril combined with hydrochlorothiazide significantly reduced both supine and standing blood pressure by 31/17 mm Hg (p less than 0.01) and 33/18 mm Hg (p less than 0.001) respectively. Atenolol combined with hydrochlorothiazide caused a significant decrease of both recumbent and standing blood pressure by 21/10 mm Hg (p less than 0.01) and 23/13 mm Hg (p less than 0.05 systolic, p less than 0.001 diastolic). The reduction of systolic blood pressure was significantly better with the captopril/hydrochlorothiazide combination, while there was no difference between the groups as regards diastolic blood pressure reduction. Thus, hydrochlorothiazide potentiates the blood pressure lowering effect of captopril more than of atenolol. This could be due to a synergistic interaction between captopril and hydrochlorothiazide.


High-pressure liquid chromatographic assay of netilmicin in plasma.
A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the quantitative determination of netilmicin in plasma was developed. The procedures involve acetonitrile protein precipitation, methylene chloride extraction, and dansylation to form the fluorescent dansyl derivative of netilmicin, which is extracted into ethyl acetate and chromatographed on a reverse-phase column with aqueous acetonitrile as the mobile phase. A good linear relationship between peak height measurements and netilmicin concentrations was found. This method is sensitive and reproducible; a netilmicin concentration as low as 0.5 mug/ml can be measured with only 0.1 ml of plasma sample. The results of assays of plasma or serum samples by this high-pressure liquid chromatographic method correlate well with those obtained by microbiological assays.


Development of ELISA to detect antibodies specific to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis with truncated 34 kDa proteins.
To develop ELISA to detect antibodies specific to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M. paratuberculosis), the carboxyl termini of the 34 kDa proteins of M. paratuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (M. avium) were expressed in Escherichia coli expression system. Antibodies specific to M. paratuberculosis were detected with the truncated 34 kDa protein of M. paratuberculosis in ELISA after pre-absorption of serum samples with the truncated 34 kDa protein of M. avium. All the serum samples from cattle confirmed to be infected with M. paratuberculosis were positive and those from healthy cattle were negative in the present ELISA system. These results indicate that the established ELISA detects antibodies specific to M. paratuberculosis with high specificity and sensitivity and is an useful tool for the screening of Johne's disease.


Dual Utilization of Lignocellulose Biomass and Glycerol Waste to Produce Fermentable Levoglucosan via Fast Pyrolysis.
Glycerol waste was combined with microwave to pretreat lignocellulose before fast pyrolysis. After pretreatment, most alkali and alkaline earth metals (87.9%) and lignin (52.6%) were removed, and a higher crystallinity was obtained. Comparatively, glycerol waste combined with microwave was proven to be more efficient than glycerol with conventional heating. During fast pyrolysis, higher content of levoglucosan in glycerol waste-pretreated products (27.5%) was obtained, compared with those pretreated by pure glycerol (18.8%) and untreated samples (5.8%). Production of fermentative toxic aldehyde and phenol by-products was also inhibited after glycerol waste treatment. Following mechanistic study had validated that microwave in glycerol waste solvent could effectively ameliorate structure and components of lignocellulose while selectively removing lignin. Notably, under the optimal condition, the levoglucosan content in pyrolytic products was enhanced significantly from 5.8% to 32.9%. In short, this study provided an archetype to dually utilize waste resources for ameliorating lignocellulose structure and precisely manipulating complex fast pyrolysis.


Short-Range Noncontact Sensors for Healthcare and Other Emerging Applications: A Review.
Short-range noncontact sensors are capable of remotely detecting the precise movements of the subjects or wirelessly estimating the distance from the sensor to the subject. They find wide applications in our day lives such as noncontact vital sign detection of heart beat and respiration, sleep monitoring, occupancy sensing, and gesture sensing. In recent years, short-range noncontact sensors are attracting more and more efforts from both academia and industry due to their vast applications. Compared to other radar architectures such as pulse radar and frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar, Doppler radar is gaining more popularity in terms of system integration and low-power operation. This paper reviews the recent technical advances in Doppler radars for healthcare applications, including system hardware improvement, digital signal processing, and chip integration. This paper also discusses the hybrid FMCW-interferometry radars and the emerging applications and the future trends.


Origin and propagation of elastogenesis in the developing cardiovascular system.
Ectomesenchyme derived from cardiac neural crest is critical to aorticopulmonary septation in the heart. However, any unique contribution of the cardiac ectomesenchyme to the extracellular matrix of the conotruncus has not been demonstrated previously. In this study the chronology and topography of soluble tropoelastin (STE) and the aldehyde-rich protein (ARP) of the elastic connective tissues have been examined in the chick embryo, stages 21-38, and in the quail-chick chimera, stages 24-35 (quail neural fold grafted onto a chick embryo). STE was located with immunofluorescence histochemistry, and ARP with Schiff's reagent. With these procedures prevenient sites of elastin synthesis are observed readily. The results show that the myocardium proper appears to have a role in the instigation of elastogenesis and in elastic fiber orientation; that the mesenchymal cells whose matrix contains elastic fibers are ectomesenchymal, of neural crest origin; and that elastin is deployed in an orderly proximal-distal sequence. It is hypothesized that elastogenesis is a critical event in aorticopulmonary septation.


Immunogenicity of a purified fragment of 17D yellow fever envelope protein.
Information on the immunogenic properties of purified flavivirus proteins may be useful in the development of recombinant or synthetic peptide vaccines. Using a monoclonal antibody, an attempt was made to purify the envelope (E) protein of 17D yellow fever virus (17D YF) by affinity chromatography. The purified material could not be identified as intact E protein but it did bear antigenic determinants of E as determined by selective reactivity with anti-E monoclonal antibodies. Rabbits immunized with this material produced antibodies that neutralized 17D YF and dengue-2 viruses in comparable titers, indicating that cross-reactive antigenic determinants were preserved. Immunization of mice resulted in protection against intracerebral challenge with 17D YF.


Mitigating consumer privacy breach in smart grid using obfuscation-based generative adversarial network.
Smart meters allow real-time monitoring and collection of power consumption data of a consumer's premise. With the worldwide integration of smart meters, there has been a substantial rise in concerns regarding threats to consumer privacy. The exposed fine-grained power consumption data results in behaviour leakage by revealing the end-user's home appliance usage information. Previously, researchers have proposed approaches to alter data using perturbation, aggregation or hide identifiers using anonymization. Unfortunately, these techniques suffer from various limitations. In this paper, we propose a privacy preserving architecture for fine-grained power data in a smart grid. The proposed architecture uses generative adversarial network (GAN) and an obfuscator to generate a synthetic timeseries. The proposed architecture enables to replace the existing appliance signature with appliances that are not active during that period while ensuring minimum energy difference between the ground truth and the synthetic timeseries. We use real-world dataset containing power consumption readings for our experiment and use non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) algorithms to show that our approach is more effective in preserving the privacy level of a consumer's power consumption data.


Conjunctival infiltrates and cytokines in an experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis rat model.
To characterize the histopathological and immunological findings of a rat model of allergic blepharoconjunctivitis (BC) and demonstrate its potential utility for the assessment of BC therapies. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) and topically challenged with OVA (BC group) or PBS (control group), while a corticosteroid group was pre-treated with triamcinolone acetate 24 h before the challenge. Morphological features were evaluated and tissues were harvested for histological, flow cytometry and cytokine analysis. The BC group rats developed eyelid excoriations, redness, and conjunctival edema 24 h after the OVA challenge, while corticosteroid pre-treated and PBS-challenged rats were unaffected. The BC features were reduced despite repeated challenges for 5 days. Massive immune cell infiltration was observed in conjunctivae of BC rats, while no significant infiltration was seen in the other groups. Populations of T cells, mono-macrophages, neutrophils, and NK cells made up more than 77% of CD45+7AAD- cells in the conjunctival tissues. T cell proportions were increased at 96 h compared to 24 h post-challenge, while macrophages decreased during the same time period. Eosinophils and intraepithelial neutrophils were detected in the BC rats, but not in the PBS and corticosteroid groups. BC eyes had significantly higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-2, while IL-4 and IL-6 levels were similar to controls. A robust BC response was detected in this rat model which was suppressed by corticosteroid pre-treatment. Immune cell composition and cytokine profiles changed over time.


Role of wake-promoting basal forebrain and adenosinergic mechanisms in sleep-promoting effects of ethanol.
Ethanol intake has significant impact on sleep. However, the cellular substrates responsible for sleep promotion following ethanol intake are unknown. The purine nucleoside, adenosine, is responsible for mediating many neuronal and behavioral responses to ethanol. Studies performed in cell cultures suggest that ethanol inhibits equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 to block the reuptake of adenosine resulting in increased extracellular adenosine. Adenosine also has a pivotal role in sleep regulation. Adenosine acts via A1 receptor to inhibit the wake-promoting neurons of the basal forebrain (BF) resulting in the promotion of sleep. Is ethanol-induced sleep associated with the inhibition of the BF wake-promoting neurons? Do adenosinergic mechanisms in the BF have a role in sleep-promoting effects of ethanol? To address these questions, we performed 3 experiments in Sprague-Dawley rats. First, we verified the effect of ethanol on sleep promotion. Second, we evaluated the effect of ethanol on c-Fos expression (a marker of neuronal activation) in the BF wake-promoting neurons and third we monitored the effects of A1 receptor blockade in the BF on ethanol-induced sleep. Significant increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep with a concomitant decrease in wakefulness was observed during the first 12 hours postethanol. REM sleep remained unaffected. Ethanol administration caused a significant decrease in the number of BF wake-promoting neurons with c-Fos immunoreactivity. Bilateral microinjections of a selective A1R receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine into the BF significantly attenuated sleep-promoting effects of ethanol. These results suggest that the inhibition of BF wake-promoting neurons by adenosinergic mechanism may be responsible for the sleep promoting effects of ethanol. We believe our study is the first to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the somnogenic effects of ethanol.


Phylogenomics unravels Quaternary vicariance and allopatric speciation patterns in temperate-montane plant species: A case study on the Ranunculus auricomus species complex.
The time frame and geographical patterns of diversification processes in European temperate-montane herbs are still not well understood. We used the sexual species of the Ranunculus auricomus complex as a model system to understand how vicariance versus dispersal processes in the context of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have triggered speciation in temperate-montane plant species. We used target enrichment sequence data from about 600 nuclear genes and coalescent-based species tree inference methods to resolve phylogenetic relationships among the sexual taxa of the complex. We estimated absolute divergence times and, using ancestral range reconstruction, we tested if speciation was enhanced by vicariance or by dispersal processes. Phylogenetic relationships among taxa were fully resolved with some incongruence in the position of the tetraploid R. marsicus. Speciation events took place in a very short time at the end of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (830-580 thousand years ago [ka]). A second wave of intraspecific geographical differentiation occurred at the end of the Riss glaciation or during the Eemian interglacial between 200 and 100 ka. Ancestral range reconstruction suggests a widespread European ancestor of the R. auricomus complex. Vicariance has triggered allopatric speciation in temperate-montane plant species during the climatic deterioration that occurred during the last phase of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition. Vegetation restructuring from forest into tundra could have confined these forest species into isolated glacial macro- and microrefugia. During subsequent warming periods, range expansions of these species could have been hampered by apomictic derivatives and by other congeneric competitors in the same habitat.


[The influence of solcoseryl on population and cellular parameters of HeLa and RD cultures].
Changes of population and cellular parameters of HeLa and RD cultures after introducing of solcoseryl in culture medium were studied by methods of scanning cytophotometry and cytomorphometry. Monolayer density, proliferation activity, the number of dead cells in a monolayer, the number of nucleoli in nuclei and distribution of cells in the populations by this parameter, RNA and DNA masses in nuclei and nucleoli, total volumes and surface areas of the nuclei and nucleoli were determined. It has been shown that solcoseryl differently affects the cultures both on population and on cellular levels of their organization. The results of multi-parametric analysis of the influence of solseryl on the cultures allow considering it as a biologically active compound with the features typical for cell and cell population growth regulating factors.


Relationship between lymphovascular invasion and clinicopathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is an important prognostic factor in various solid tumors, however, data on the association between LVI and thyroid carcinomas are limited. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between LVI and clinicopathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Six hundred seventy-eight patients diagnosed with PTC between 2012 and 2015 were included into the study. Patients were classified based on the presence or absence of LVI. Gender, age, ultrasonography (US), tumor size and multifocality, BRAFV600E mutation, perineural and capsular invasion, extrathyroid extension (ETE), nodal metastasis, and recurrences were evaluated, and risk analysis was performed for each parameter. The number of patients with LVI [LVI (+)] was 63, while the number of patients without LVI [LVI (-)] was 615. The female/male ratio was 564/114. LVI was present in 18.4% of male patients and in 7.4 % of female patients. In the age group between 17-25 years LVI was detected in 6/13 patients, and this result was statistically significant compared to other age groups (p = 0.004). Suspicious lymph nodes upon US, perineural or capsular invasion, ETE, tumor size, and nodal metastasis were significantly more frequent in LVI (+) group (p < 0.001). The frequency of BRAFV600E mutation was also significantly higher in LVI (+) group (p < 0.001). Overall, the presence of LVI was associated with gender, tumor size, age, lymph node metastasis, pathological lymph nodes, perineural and capsular invasion, ETE, and BRAFV600E mutation. These results suggest that in PTC patients undergoing thyroidectomy, the presence of LVI should be considered as an indicator of aggressive clinicopathological features and those patients should be followed up carefully for recurrences and metastasis.


Accurate ab initio pair potentials between helium and the heavier group 2 elements.
Interactions between the heavier Group 2 metals (Ca, Sr, and Ba) and helium were studied using the well-tempered model core potential method. Accurate pair potentials, calculated at the coupled-cluster level of theory with very large basis sets, were used in bound state calculations. Three bound rovibrational states were found for each complex. The pair-potential parameters were used to predict how each of the metal atoms would be solvated by a helium nanodroplet. The Ca atom is not fully solvated by the droplet and the interaction between the helium and the metal decreases from Ca to Ba. This agrees with the experimental observation that the spectra of these atoms in a nanodroplet are intermediate between the spectra of the free atoms and the spectra in liquid helium.


[Optimum body fat percentage cut-off in evaluation of overweight and obesity among adult people].
To discuss the optimum cut-off of body fat percentage among Chinese adult people according to current BMI cut-off, and compare with WHO standard of body fat percentage. A cross-sectional survey included plenty of hospitals throughout the country from September to December 2017, a total of 46618 residents' body composition data. BMI and BF% were measured by biological impedance analysis, took BMI established by WGOC as reference standard, and ROC curve analysis was used to determine the optimum BF% cut-off. Comparison between optimum cut-off and WHO standard was made by relevance rate, sensitivity, specificity and kappa index. Partial correlation, curve estimation and regression model were used to discuss the relationship between BMI and BF%. The average BMI and BF% was(24. 07±3. 16) and(21. 57±9. 16)% in males, and(23. 76±3. 38) and(27. 65±9. 94)% in females. The optimum BF% cut-off to evaluate obesity were 27. 4% in males, and 34. 3% in females. Compared with WHO standard, the optimum BF% cut-off above had a lower relevance rate and sensitivity, and a higher specificity and consistency. There was a statistical difference between BMI and BF% method when diagnosing obesity(P<0. 05). The partial correlation index r=0. 637, and curvilinear model was much suitable than linear model. Compared with BMI, BF% had poor accuracy and consistency to predict obesity. BMI method may cause more people to escape diagnosis, especially in aging males.


Measurement of the levels anxiety, self-perception of preparation and expectations for success using an objective structured clinical examination, a written examination, and a preclinical preparation test in Kerman dental students.
Examinations have an important role in evaluating students' learning outcomes and their mastery of a subject. Passing or failing an examination can have far-reaching consequences for the students. Therefore, it is not surprising that international studies consistently show that dental students report examinations and grades among the highest ranking stressors in dental schools. The aim of this research was to measure the levels of anxiety, self-perception of preparation and expectations for success using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), a written examination and a preclinical preparation test, and to examine the effects of the three predictive variables on the outcomes of assessments. The present research is a cross-sectional study. The population under consideration was students of Kerman Dental School in 2013. Examination anxiety was measured with Spielberger's state anxiety inventory. Preparation for the assessment (I am fully prepared = 4, I am prepared = 3, I'm not prepared = 2, I'm not fully prepared = 1) and expectation to succeed (I am quite successful = 4, I am successful = 3, I'm not successful = 2, I'm not quite successful = 1) were quantified with Likert scale. The questionnaire was completed during an OSCE, a written examination, a preclinical crown and bridge preparation test and a nonexamination situation. The study population consisted of 138 4th, 5th, and 6th year Kerman dental students (65 males and 73 females). The results showed that all the assessment methods induced a significant increase in state anxiety compared to baseline levels with the highest anxiety levels reported during an OSCE (62.4 ± 8.1, P = 0.04) and a written examination (48.8 ± 9.2, P = 0.04). The preparation levels in females were significantly higher than those in males in OSCE (P = 0.03) and written (P = 0.04). State anxiety was high in all the three assessment methods. OSCE induced more anxiety than other assessment formats. However, anxiety was not predictive of performance outcomes in contrast to preparation and expectation to succeed, which were good predictors of the outcome scores. Also, this study showed that despite a better answer to the assessment of (I prepared myself well for the test), the students showed high levels of state anxiety.


Immunosuppressive and glucocorticoid therapy for the treatment of ANCA-asssociated vasculitis.
ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic, potentially organ and life threatening chronic autoimmune disease. With current management strategies, such as high-dose glucocorticoids in combination with cyclophosphamide or rituximab, outcomes have progressively improved with overall remission rates of 70-90%. However, relapse rates after discontinuation of therapy are consistently high, and treatment-related toxicity, mainly driven by glucocorticoids, still determines morbidity and quality of life. Prevention of relapses while minimizing adverse events is a major goal of long-term treatment, but the optimal duration of maintenance therapy and the role and utility of glucocorticoids in this context remains controversial. This review of induction and maintenance treatment of AAV aims to offer practical advice on immunosuppressive therapies and patient care, addressing individual risk factors and their therapeutic implications. It will discuss benefits and harms of the use of glucocorticoids, particularly focusing on recent advances in steroid sparing concepts.


Rule-Based Information Extraction from Free-Text Pathology Reports Reveals Trends in South African Female Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes and Ki67 Expression.
Clinical information on molecular subtypes and the Ki67 index is critical for breast cancer (BC) prognosis and personalised treatment plan. Extracting such information into structured data is essential for research, auditing, and cancer incidence reporting and underpins the potential for automated decision support. Herewith, we developed a rule-based natural language processing algorithm that retrieved and extracted important BC parameters from free-text pathology reports towards exploring molecular subtypes and Ki67-proliferation trends. We considered malignant BC pathology reports with different free-text narrative attributes from the South African National Health Laboratory Service. The reports were preprocessed and parsed through the algorithm. Parameters extracted by the algorithm were validated against manually extracted parameters. For all parameters extracted, we obtained accurate annotations of 83-100%, 93-100%, 91-100%, and 92-100% precision, recall, F 1-score, and kappa, respectively. There was a significant trend in the proportion of each molecular subtype by patient age, histologic type, grade, Ki67, and race. The findings also showed significant association in the Ki67 trend with hormone receptors, human epidermal growth factors, age, grade, and race. Our approach bridges the gap between data availability and actionable knowledge and provides a framework that could be adapted and reused in other cancers and beyond cancer studies. Information extracted from these reports showed interesting trends that may be exploited for BC screening and treatment resources in South Africa. Finally, this study strongly encourages the implementation of a synoptic style pathology report in South Africa.


Characterization of a soluble library of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 membrane proteome with emphasis on c-di-GMP turnover enzymes.
Studies of protein-protein interactions in membranes are very important to fully understand the biological function of a cell. The extraction of proteins from the native membrane environment is a critical step in the preparation of membrane proteins that might affect the stability of protein complexes. In this work, we used the amphiphilic diisobutylene/maleic acid copolymer to extract the membrane proteome of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, thereby creating a soluble membrane-protein library within a native-like lipid-bilayer environment. Size fractionation of nanodisc-embedded proteins and subsequent mass spectrometry enabled the identification of 3358 proteins. The native membrane-protein library showed a very good overall coverage compared to previous proteome data. The pattern of size fractionation indicated that protein complexes were preserved in the library. More than 20 previously described complexes, e.g. the SecYEG and Pili complexes, were identified and analyzed for coelution. Although the mass-spectrometric dataset alone did not reveal new protein complexes, combining pulldown assays with mass spectrometry was successful in identifying new protein interactions in the native membrane-protein library. Thus, we identified several candidate proteins for interactions with the membrane phosphodiesterase NbdA, a member of the c-di-GMP network. We confirmed the candidate proteins CzcR, PA4200, SadC, and PilB as novel interaction partners of NbdA using the bacterial adenylate cyclase two-hybrid assay. Taken together, this work demonstrates the usefulness of the native membrane-protein library of P. aeruginosa for the investigation of protein interactions and membrane-protein complexes. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifiers PXD039702 and PXD039700.