Changes in serum albumin during treatment of chronic hepatitis B with lamivudine: effects of response and emergence of drug resistance.
In chronic hepatitis B patients treated with lamivudine, the incidence of drug resistance increases with the duration of therapy. The effect of drug resistance on hepatic synthetic function is not well defined. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of lamivudine therapy on hepatic synthetic function in patients with moderately severe chronic hepatitis B and, particularly, to determine the effect of drug resistance. Hepatic synthetic function was assessed using serial measurements of serum albumin in 38 patients (26 with cirrhosis) in an open-label treatment program. An initial antiviral response (hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA undetectable by hybridization assay) occurred in all patients, and nine of 22 (41%) hepatitis B e antigen-positive cases underwent hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion. Among 29 patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA at the end of observation, the mean serum albumin concentration rose from 39.9 +/- 0.7 to 43.2 +/- 0.6 g/L, corresponding to a yearly increase of 1.85 g/L (p < 0.001). This was largely attributable to an increase among cirrhotic patients. Nine patients (24%) developed resistance to lamivudine, all after 12 months of treatment. Among them, the mean serum albumin concentration had increased from 39.6 +/- 1.2 to 42.9 +/- 0.8 g/L before resistance emerged, but then decreased to 39.3 +/- 1.7 g/L (p = 0.01) at the time of reappearance of HBV DNA. Suppression of viral replication by lamivudine improves hepatic synthetic function in chronic hepatitis B patients, but emergence of drug resistance is associated with a rapid decline in serum albumin, at least to pretreatment levels.


Stipatosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by esparto (Stipa tenacissima) fibers.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis may be defined as an immunological pulmonary disease caused by a variety of antigens reaching the lungs through inhaled organic and inorganic dusts derived from different sources, although they are usually occupational. Farmer's lung and pigeon breeder's lung are probably the most well-known types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis worldwide. Esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima), which is a grammineous plant which is commonly found in the Mediterranean countries, has a wide variety of uses. Esparto fiber is used for the manufacturing of ropes, hemp sandals, rush mats and parkets; for decorative stucco plates, used on walls and ceilings. Esparto supports a large industry in Spain. The first reports referring to esparto dust as a cause of respiratory disease did not appear until the 1960s, and it was first described as a byssinosis-like disorder. The first cases reported, in which immunologic and challenge tests were used to confirm this association, were described 14 years ago and referred as hypersensitivity pneumonitis nominated as stipatosis. Later, a large number of cases of esparto dust-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis were reported by different authors, so that esparto may be nowadays considered as the main substance causing extrinsic allergic alveolitis in Spain. Afumigatus has been revealed to be the main inducing cause of stipatosis but probably is not the only one since other microorganisms could be implicated. On the other hand esparto fibers may also cause occupational asthma. In this article the prominent clinical findings of this disease as well as the results of serologic, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and specific inhalation tests are shown. A complete historical review of esparto-induced allergic respiratory disease is also described.


Metformin: the updated protective property in kidney disease.
Metformin is a frontline hypoglycemic agent, which is mainly prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus with obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that metformin also exerts protective effects against various kidney diseases. Some postulate that kidney disease is actually a metabolic disease, accompanied by nonresolving pathophysiologic pathways controlling oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, lipotoxicity, fibrosis, and senescence, as well as insufficient host defense mechanisms such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and autophagy. Metformin may interfere with these pathways by orchestrating AMPK signaling and AMPK-independent pathways to protect the kidneys from injury. Furthermore, the United States Food and Drug Administration declared metformin is safe for patients with mild or moderate kidney impairment in 2016, assuaging some conservative attitudes about metformin management in patients with renal insufficiency and broadening the scope of research on the renal protective effects of metformin. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which metformin imparts renal protection and its potential in the treatment of various kidney diseases.


Pardaxin, an ionophore neurotoxin, induces PC12 cell death: activation of stress kinases and production of reactive oxygen species.
Pardaxin (PX) is an ionophore neurotoxin that induces neurotransmitter release at subcytotoxic concentrations and causes necrotic cell death at higher concentrations. Since cell survival, physiological processes, and cell death are under the control of signaling pathways converging to MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and p38 isoenzymes), we determined the interaction of PX with these enzymes. We report that PX (5 microM) transiently stimulated MAPKs. While the activation of ERKs was rapid (min), the stimulation of JNK and p38 was delayed (hr). At toxic concentrations of PX ( < 20 microM) the activation of JNK and p38 was fast and a sharp increase in radical oxygen species (ROS) was measured before cell disintegration was observed. PX (5 microM) also induced dopamine release without significant leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), indicating a physiological effect in the absence of cytotoxicity. On the basis of these findings, we propose a model in which there is a balanced relationship between PX stimulation of MAPKs and the physiological/pathological effects of this toxin. Although under physiological conditions ERKs activation is responsible for the regulation of survival-related processes, under pathological conditions JNK and p38 are stimulated, most probably in correlation to cell death. The fine correlation between these kinases is likely disturbed by PX and remains to be further investigated.


A specialist peer mentoring program for university students on the autism spectrum: A pilot study.
The provision of peer mentoring may improve tertiary education outcomes of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study evaluated the pilot year of the Curtin Specialist Mentoring Program (CSMP), a specialised peer mentoring program for university students with ASD aimed at improving self-reported well-being, academic success and retention in university studies. A single group pre-test, post-test design was employed. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations were undertaken with 10 young adults with ASD to explore the effectiveness and acceptability of the CSMP program. Students completed a battery of questionnaires focused on general anxiety, state communication apprehension, perceived communication competence, and communication apprehension both prior to, and five months after commencing enrolment in the CSMP. Information regarding academic success and retention was also obtained. Interviews with participants provided further insight into their experience of the program. Students enrolled in the CSMP showed significant improvement in social support and general communication apprehension assessment scores. Interviews revealed key features of the CSMP that may have contributed to these positive outcomes. The current study provides preliminary evidence that a specialised peer mentoring program can improve the well-being of students with ASD, and highlights the importance of interventions which are individualised, flexible, based on a social model, and target environmental factors such as social support.


Current advancement on the isolation, characterization and application of lignin.
The most critical issues faced by the world nowadays is to provide the sustainability of consumption for energy and natural resources. Lignin is said to be one of the alternative new discoveries best-suited lignocellulosic biomass due to its low cost, sufficient availability and environmentally safe. The valuable properties exhibited by lignin can give broader applications usage such as in composite materials, wood industries, polymer composite industries, pharmaceutical and corrosion inhibitor industries. Many biomass wastes resources, isolation processes and treatments are undergoing development in order to enhance the producing new lignin-based materials on an industrial scale. Therefore, this review discussed on the current knowledge on the structure and chemistry of isolation of lignin from different sources using various common methods, its characterization, properties and its applications.


Hailfinder. Tools for and experiences with Bayesian normative modeling.
Bayes Nets (BNs) and Influence Diagrams (IDs), new tools that use graphic user interfaces to facilitate representation of complex inference and decision structures, will be the core elements of new computer technologies that will make the 21st century the Century of Bayes. BNs are a way of representing a set of related uncertainties. They facilitate Bayesian inference by separating structural information from parameters. Hailfinder is a BN that predicts severe summer weather in Eastern Colorado. Its design led to a number of novel ideas about how to build such BNs. Issues addressed included representation of spatial location, categorization of days, system boundaries, pruning, and methods for eliciting and checking on the appropriateness of conditional probabilities. The technology of BNs is improving rapidly. Especially important is the emergence of ways of reusing fragments of BNs. BNs and IDs are not just important design tools; they also represent a major enhancement of the understanding about how important intellectual tasks typically performed by people should and can be performed.


Mastication as a tool to prevent cognitive dysfunctions.
Mastication as we all know has always been related to its primary function of digestion, but little do we know that it produces an enhancing effect on general health, especially the cognitive performance related aspects of memory. Recent studies have shown its association with activation of various brain regions, however little is known about its effects on neuronal activity in these specified regions. According to the enormous evidences collected so far, mastication has proved to be effective in conducting huge amount of sensory information to the brain, and maintaining learning and memory functions of hippocampus. Therefore it is essential that we maintain normal occlusion and preserve the masticatory function as long as possible to prevent the attenuation of hippocampus, caused by occlusal disharmony and reduced mastication. We provide an overview on how mastication activates various cortical areas of the brain and how an increase in the cerebral blood oxygen level of hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) accentuates the learning and memory process. We also justify why maintaining and establishing a normal occlusion is important from neurological point of view.


The Electrome of a Parasitic Plant in a Putative State of Attention Increases the Energy of Low Band Frequency Waves: A Comparative Study with Neural Systems.
Selective attention is an important cognitive phenomenon that allows organisms to flexibly engage with certain environmental cues or activities while ignoring others, permitting optimal behaviour. It has been proposed that selective attention can be present in many different animal species and, more recently, in plants. The phenomenon of attention in plants would be reflected in its electrophysiological activity, possibly being observable through electrophytographic (EPG) techniques. Former EPG time series obtained from the parasitic plant Cuscuta racemosa in a putative state of attention towards two different potential hosts, the suitable bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and the unsuitable wheat (Triticum aestivum), were revisited. Here, we investigated the potential existence of different band frequencies (including low, delta, theta, mu, alpha, beta, and gamma waves) using a protocol adapted from neuroscientific research. Average band power (ABP) was used to analyse the energy distribution of each band frequency in the EPG signals, and time dispersion analysis of features (TDAF) was used to explore the variations in the energy of each band. Our findings indicated that most band waves were centred in the lower frequencies. We also observed that C. racemosa invested more energy in these low-frequency waves when suitable hosts were present. However, we also noted peaks of energy investment in all the band frequencies, which may be linked to extremely low oscillatory electrical signals in the entire tissue. Overall, the presence of suitable hosts induced a higher energy power, which supports the hypothesis of attention in plants. We further discuss and compare our results with generic neural systems.


Genetic diversity of Picea asperata populations based on RAPDs.
The genetic diversity of ten natural populations of Picea asperata Mast. were studied using RAPD markers. A total of 160 reproducible fragments were produced from the ten primers used. The mean number of fragments detected per individual was 114.7. Altogether 120 fragments were polymorphic among the ten populations, none of them were found to be population-specific. Nei's expected heterozygosity (H (e)) ranged from 0.233 to 0.269, and the average was 0.247. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that the coefficient of gene differentiation among populations, based on F (ST) and the unbiased estimate PhiST, equaled 0.224 and 0.290, respectively. Such high values indicate that there is significant differentiation among populations, which could result from several factors, including restricted gene flow between populations (Nm = 0.866). Founder events may be another factor attributing to the high level of genetic differentiation. In addition, it was discovered that the geographic distribution is not correlated with the genetic distances among the populations of P. asperata.


Heavy drinking and regular psychoactive drug use among gynecological outpatients.
Self-reported patterns of alcohol and drug use were examined in gynecological outpatients (n = 1967). Seventeen percent were heavy drinkers, 14% regularly used psychoactive drugs with the potential for nonmedical use, and over 3% both drank heavily and regularly used psychoactive drugs. Significantly higher alcohol intakes (mean usual number of drinks per occasion was 3.6 compared to 3.1, p less than 0.01) and more heavy drinkers (26% compared to 19%, based on quantity-frequency, p less than 0.01) were associated with regular psychoactive drug use. However, the relationship between other measures of alcohol use and regular psychoactive drug use varied as a function of age, marital status, and employment status. Regular psychoactive drug use was significantly elevated among outpatients who were in their fifties, retired/other (not housewives, employed, or looking for work, e.g. students or disabled), not married, or white. The risk of regular psychoactive drug use was more than 1.5 times higher among heavy drinkers than among nonheavy drinkers. It is estimated that there are over 35 million gynecologic office visits per year; therefore, increased case-finding in this population has the potential to reach large numbers of women at risk who otherwise might not be identified.


Organic Photoredox-Catalyzed Synthesis of δ-Fluoromethylated Alcohols and Amines via 1,5-Hydrogen-Transfer Radical Relay.
The hydrotrifluoromethylation of benzyl-protected homoallylic alcohol and amine derivatives catalyzed by 2,4,5,6-tetra(9 H-carbazol-9-yl)isophthalonitrile (4CzIPN) was developed. This reaction delivered δ-fluoromethylated free alcohols and amines with in situ deprotection of benzyl protecting group under mild irradiation conditions. 4CzIPN was found to be a competent metal-free photoredox catalyst for activating several types of fluoromethylation reagents including CF3SO2Cl, Togni's reagent, and 2-bromo-2,2-difluoroacetate via oxidative quenching and also CF3SO2Na through reductive quenching to allow direct hydrotrifluoromethylation of simple alkenes and Michael acceptors.


Long pentraxin PTX3 upregulates tissue factor expression in human endothelial cells: a novel link between vascular inflammation and clotting activation.
Inflammation is a major contributing factor to atherosclerotic plaque development and ischemic heart disease. PTX3 is a long pentraxin that was recently found to be increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Because tissue factor (TF), the in vivo trigger of blood coagulation, plays a dominant role in thrombus formation after plaque rupture, we tested the possibility that PTX3 could modulate TF expression. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells, incubated with endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) or the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, expressed TF. The presence of PTX3 increased TF activity and antigen severalfold in a dose-dependent fashion. PTX3 exerted its effect at the transcription level, inasmuch as the increased levels of TF mRNA, mediated by the stimuli, were enhanced in its presence. The increase in mRNA determined by PTX3 originated from an enhanced nuclear binding activity of the transacting factor c-Rel/p65, which was mediated by the agonists and measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The mechanism underlying the increased c-Rel/p65 activity resided in an enhanced degradation of the c-Rel/p65 inhibitory protein IkappaBalpha. In the area of vascular injury, during the inflammatory response, cell-mediated fibrin deposition takes place. Our results suggest that PTX3, by increasing TF expression, potentially plays a role in thrombogenesis and ischemic vascular disease.


Quantification and isotope abundance determination of 13C labeled intracellular sugar metabolites with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.
Metabolic flux analysis (MFA) using stable isotope labeled tracers is a powerful tool to estimate fluxes through metabolic pathways. It finds applications in studying metabolic changes in diseases, regulation of cellular energetics, and novel strategies for metabolic engineering. Accurate and precise quantification of the concentration of metabolites and their labeling states is critical for correct MFA results. Utilizing an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) system, an analytical method for simultaneously quantifying the concentration of sugar metabolites and their mass isotopologue distribution (MID) was developed. The method performs with good linearity and coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.99, while the detection limit ranged from 0.1 to 50 mg L-1. Seven sugar metabolites were detected in a labeled Brevibacterium flavum sample using the method. The detected quantities ranged from 6.15 to 3704.21 mg L-1, and 13C abundance was between 12.77% and 66.67% in the fermentation fluid and 16.28% and 91.93% in the bacterial body. Overall, the method is efficient, accurate, and suitable for analysis of labeled sugar metabolites in 13C MFA studies.


Familial pericentric inversion of chromosome 8.
Eight children from seven presumably unrelated families were identified independently as having an unbalanced recombinant chromosome resulting in the presence of extra material on the short arm of a chromosome 8. Parental chromosomes were analyzed, and one member of each couple (four fathers and three mothers) was found to carry a pericentric inversion of a chromosome 8 [inv(8)(p23q22)]. The propositi had an unbalanced recombinant chromosome [rec(8),dup q,inv(8)(p23q22)]. The affected infants all had developmental delay, congenital heart disease, and unusual appearance. A common origin of the pericentric inversion was suggested because of geographic location and Mexican--American ancestry of the seven families.


Effectiveness and acceptability of the physical exercise and dietary therapy in a healthy life center.
The high burden of eating disorders (EDs) and limited availability of treatment speaks of a need to explore new avenues for treatment delivery. To understand if new treatment avenues are helpful and acceptable to patients, we investigated the effectiveness of Physical Exercise and Dietary Therapy (PED-t) in participants with bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder, and acceptability when the PED-t was implemented in a Healthy Life Center in a municipal primary healthcare service. Exercise physiologists and one dietitian were trained in ED literacy and to run PED-t, before screening women for eligibility. Effectiveness (n = 16) of PED-t and participants' experiences (n = 8) were evaluated by a mixed methods study design. Results were analyzed by relevant statistics and reflexive thematic analysis. Of 19 eligible participants, 16 completed treatment. At post-treatment, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire global score, binge-eating frequency, and symptoms of depression were lower, and nine (56% of completers) were in remission. Participants' treatment experiences were classified into two overarching themes: "competence" and "emotional support." Participants reported high acceptance for PED-t, the local venue and group format, and felt that PED-t provided them with coping tools and increased mental strength. However, many also spoke of an unmet need to address emotional eating. Findings point to a potential for making an effective ED therapy more accessible, and that participants find the local low-threshold delivery within a group-format helpful. With small adjustments, the PED-t could emerge as a promising first-line treatment for bulimic EDs. Limited access to treatment for EDs, patients' high barriers to help-seeking, and the high rates of limited efficacy from psychotherapy speak of a need to explore new therapies and avenues for delivery. In this study, we build on findings from a controlled ED treatment trial and replicate the beneficial effects and find a high patient acceptance of "physical exercise and diet therapy" implemented in a real, non-clinical setting.


Rheology of granular liquids in extensional flows: Beyond the μ(I)-law.
The Granular Integration Through Transients (GITT) formalism gives a theoretical description of the rheology of moderately dense granular flows and suspensions. In this work, we extend the GITT equations beyond the case of simple shear flows studied before. Applying this to the particular example of extensional flows, we show that the predicted behavior is somewhat different from that of the more frequently studied simple shear case, as illustrated by the possibility of nonmonotonous evolution of the effective friction coefficient μ with the inertial number I. By the reduction of the GITT equations to simple toy models, we provide a generalization of the μ(I)-law true for any type of flow deformation. Our analysis also includes a study of the Trouton ratio, which is shown to behave quite similarly to that of dense colloidal suspensions.


[Application of digital technology in esthetic and functional rehabilitation of severely worn dentition].
Severely worn dentition seriously affects patient's esthetics and function. Its etiology is complex, differential diagnosis is difficult, treatment process involves multiple disciplines, and requires esthetic and functional rehabilitation. A "8-step sequential treatment" for the rehabilitation of severely worn dentition has been established. In recent years, digital technology has been increasingly applied to the esthetic and functional rehabilitation of severely worn dentition. This article will describe the application of digital methods in the 8-step sequential treatment of severely worn dentition.


Costs and cost-effectiveness of LEEP versus cryotherapy for treating cervical dysplasia among HIV-positive women in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Cervical cancer incidence is significant in countries, such as South Africa, with high burdens of both HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is largely preventable if dysplasia is diagnosed and treated early, but there is debate regarding the best approaches for screening and treatment, especially for low-resource settings. Currently South Africa provides Pap smears followed by colposcopic biopsy and LEEP if needed in its public health facilities. We estimated the costs and cost-effectiveness of two approaches for treating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+) among HIV-infected women, most of whom were taking antiretroviral treatment, at a public HIV treatment facility in Johannesburg, South Africa. Method effectiveness was derived from an intention-to-treat analysis of data gathered in a clinical trial completed previously at the study facility. In the trial, women who were diagnosed with CIN2+ and eligible for cryotherapy were randomized to cryotherapy or LEEP. If women were CIN2+ at six months as determined via Pap smear and colposcopic biopsy, all women-regardless of their original treatment assignment-received LEEP. "Cure" was then defined as the absence of disease at 12 months based on Pap smear and colposcopic biopsy. Health service costs were estimated using micro-costing between June 2013 and April 2014. Capital costs were annualized using a discount rate of 3%. Two different service volume scenarios were considered, and results from an as-treated analysis were considered in sensitivity analysis. In total, 166 women with CIN2+ were enrolled (86 had LEEP; 80 had cryotherapy). At 12 months, cumulative loss to follow-up was 12.8% (11/86) for the LEEP group and 13.8% (11/80) for cryotherapy. Based on the unadjusted intention-to-treat analysis conducted for this economic evaluation, there was no significant difference in efficacy. At 12 months, 83.8% (95% CI 73.8-91.1) of women with CIN2+ at baseline and randomized to cryotherapy were free of CIN2+ disease. In contrast, 76.7% (95% CI 66.4-85.2) of women assigned to LEEP were free from disease. On average, women initially treated with cryotherapy were less costly per patient randomized at US$ 118.00 (113.91-122.10), and per case "cured" at US$ 140.90 (136.01-145.79). Women in the LEEP group cost US$ 162.56 (157.90-167.22) per patient randomized and US$ 205.59 (199.70-211.49) per case cured. In the as-treated analysis, which was based on trial data, LEEP was more efficacious than cryotherapy; however, the difference was not significant. Cryotherapy remained more cost-effective than LEEP in all sensitivity and scenario analyses. For this cost-effectiveness analysis, using an intention-to-treat approach and taking into consideration uncertainty in the clinical and cost outcomes, a strategy involving cryotherapy plus LEEP if needed at six months was dominant to LEEP plus LEEP again at six months if needed for retreatment. However, compared to other studies comparing LEEP and cryotherapy, the efficacy results were low in both treatment groups-possibly due to the HIV-positivity of the participants. Further research is needed, but at present choosing the "right" treatment option may be less important than ensuring access to treatment and providing careful monitoring of treatment outcomes.


A new ultrasound and clinical classification for management of prostatic abscess.
In literature, most of the published data regarding prostatic abscess (PA) are case reports, whereas there is no standardization of the diagnostic and therapeutic routines. The purpose of this study is a new classification of ultrasound imaging of PA with clinical features correlation. We retrospectively analysed the ultrasound database archives and performed a MEDLINE® research of the peer reviewed literature on diagnosis and case reports of PA using the terms "prostate and abscess". PA can be classified into five Types: Type I - PA is present focally in a prostate lobe (≤ 10 mm). Type II - PA is present in a prostate lobe (> 10 mm) and/or partially overcrosses the border of the midline prostatic glandular. Type III - PA is present in both glandular lobes form of multifocal areas (≤ 10 mm). Type IV - PA is present in both glandular lobes form of multifocal areas (> 10 mm). Type V - PA involving intra or extraprostatic structures (bladder, urethra, seminal vesicles and prostatic capsule). The different ultrasound imaging and diagnostic criteria are listed for each type and subtype. The sonographic pattern of PA is usually characteristic and easily differentiated from other glandular lesions. The purpose of the study was to associate the use of TRUS to a clinical standardized classification in order to facilitate PA diagnosis and localization directing the clinician treatment to the correct management and adequate therapeutic treatment.


Risk of hematologic toxicities in cancer patients treated with sunitinib: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The incidence and risk of unique toxicities associated with a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib, such as hypertension and thromboembolic events, have been previously reported. However, the incidence and risk of hematologic toxicities have been less well characterized. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis of trials to evaluate the risk of sunitinib-related hematologic toxicities. We searched Medline and the American Society of Clinical Oncology online database of meeting abstracts up to July 2012 for relevant clinical trials. Eligible studies included phase II and III trials and expanded access programs of sunitinib that reported adequate safety data profile reporting neutropenia, thrombocytopenia or anemia. The summary incidence, relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A total of 8,526 patients from 60 trials of sunitinib as a single agent revealed that the incidence of sunitinib-associated all-grade and high-grade (Grades 3 and 4) hematologic toxicities were, respectively: neutropenia: 42.1% and 12.8%; thrombocytopenia: 44.7% and 10.7% and anemia: 50.4% and 6.2%. Sunitinib-treated patients (2667 subjects from 10 randomized trials) had a significantly increased risk of all-grade (RR=3.58; 95% CI, 1.71-7.49) and high-grade (RR=3.32; 95% CI, 1.60-6.90) neutropenia, all-grade (RR=4.59; 95% CI, 2.76-7.63) and high-grade (RR=5.84; 95% CI, 2.22-15.41) thrombocytopenia and all-grade anemia (RR=1.15; 95% CI, 1.00-1.31). Sunitinib is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing all-grade and high-grade neutropenia and thrombocytopenia and all-grade anemia compared with control.


The "choking game": a new craze among Brazilian children and young people. Psychophysiological, behavioral and epidemiological characteristics of 'asphyxial games'.
The 'choking game' is a risk-taking behavior that has spread quickly among children and young people, causing dependence, accidents and even death, including in Brazil. These activities are performed in order to experience fleeting euphoric sensations, attracting numerous participants through the thousands of videos posted on YouTube. The problem of 'asphyxial games' can be observed in the Brazilian digital media, although there is a lack of scientific studies. Through a systematic review of the literature and complementary material, this paper aims to address the 'asphyxial games', warning about the psychophysiological and behavioral effects of these practices, while also presenting international epidemiological data. Sharing this information in academic circles is extremely important given the need to acquire more knowledge on the topic, train professionals and propose preventive measures that raise awareness among children and young people of the potential danger of voluntary fainting. It is equally important to raise awareness among parents and teachers so they can identify the warning signs that children may be engaging in these practices. And finally, it is also necessary to request government support to control exposure to videos that encourage the behavior.


Fortification of maize meal improved the nutritional status of 1-3-year-old African children.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a vitamin-fortified maize meal to improve the nutritional status of 1-3-year-old malnourished African children. A randomised parallel intervention study was used in which 21 experimental children and their families received maize meal fortified with vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine, while 23 control children and their families received unfortified maize meal. The maize meal was provided for 12 months to replace the maize meal habitually consumed by these households. Sixty undernourished African children with height-for-age or weight-for-age below the 5th percentile of the National Center for Health Statistics' criteria and aged 1-3 years were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Baseline measurements included demographic, socio-economic and dietary data, as well as height, weight, haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP). Anthropometric, blood and serum variables were measured again after 12 months of intervention. Complete baseline measurements were available for 44 children and end data for only 36. Changes in these variables from baseline to end within and between groups were assessed for significance with paired t-tests, t-tests and analysis of variances using the SPSS program, controlling for expected weight gain in this age group over 12 months. Relationships between changes in variables were examined by calculating correlation coefficients. The children in the experimental group had a significantly (P < or = 0.05) higher increase in body weight than control children (4.6 kg vs. 2.0 kg) and both groups had significant (P < or = 0.05) but similar increases in height. The children in the experimental group showed non-significant increases in haemoglobin and serum retinol, while the control children had a significant (P = 0.007) decrease in RBP. The change in serum retinol showed a significant correlation with baseline retinol (P = 0.014), RBP (P = 0.007) and weight (P = 0.029), as well as with changes in haemoglobin (P = 0.029). Despite a small sample size, this study showed positive effects of a vitamin-fortified maize meal on weight gain and some variables of vitamin A status in 1-3-year-old African children. The study confirmed the relationship between vitamin A and iron status. The results suggest that fortification of maize meal would be an effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies in small children in South Africa.


GnRH agonists in the treatment of endometriosis.
GnRH agonists, synthetic peptide analogs of GnRH, desensitize pituitary receptors for the native molecule, thus causing reversible hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Numerous clinical studies have suggested that these compounds are efficacious in the treatment of endometriosis, but it is not clear whether they are superior to the other drugs used in treatment of this disease. The frequency of recurrence of pain symptoms at the end of treatment is high and the data on recovery of fertility are conflicting. Long-term administration of GnRH agonists is a safe and well tolerated treatment but its role in the management of endometriosis is still not well defined.


The 'Compleat Physician' and Experimentation in Medicines: Everard Maynwaring (c.1629-1713) and the Restoration Debate on Medical Practice in London.
Restoration London saw a wave of publications by physicians advocating that the 'compleat physician' should be one who experimented and produced his own medicines. Only thus, they argued, could the medical hierarchy be restored and medical authority re-established on a defensible basis. This article seeks to explain the context for this unusual approach, and why it failed to attract mainstream physicians by the end of the century, by considering the sixty-year career of one of its leading advocates, Everard Maynwaring (c.1629-1713), a prolific medical author, and what his own failure to enter the medical establishment may show about the problems inherent in this model for the physician. A university-trained gentleman physician who converted to chymical medicine c.1660, Maynwaring published learned and relatively unpolemical texts to persuade both medical and lay audiences of the superiority of experimental medicine as a mode of learned practice, yet could not easily reconcile this with the advocacy and sale of his own chymical medicines (especially as he focused increasingly on a small group of 'universal medicines') without being branded an 'empirick'. Fragmentary evidence regarding his career suggests he became increasingly marginalised, and as an old man was reduced to advertising his cures like the 'empiricks' from whom he had sought to distance both himself and physicians in general.


Occurrence of morphological and anatomical adaptive traits in young and adult plants of the rare Mediterranean cliff species Primula palinuri Petagna.
Cliffs worldwide are known to be reservoirs of relict biodiversity. Despite the presence of harsh abiotic conditions, large endemic floras live in such environments. Primula palinuri Petagna is a rare endemic plant species, surviving on cliff sites along a few kilometres of the Tyrrhenian coast in southern Italy. This species is declared at risk of extinction due to human impact on the coastal areas in question. Population surveys have shown that most of the plants are old individuals, while seedlings and plants at early stages of development are rare. We followed the growth of P. palinuri plants from seed germination to the adult phase and analysed the morphoanatomical traits of plants at all stages of development. Our results showed that the pressure of cliff environmental factors has been selected for seasonal habitus and structural adaptive traits in this species. The main morphoanatomical modifications are suberized cell layers and accumulation of phenolic compounds in cell structures. These features are strictly related to regulation of water uptake and storage as well as defence from predation. However, we found them well established only in adult plants and not in juvenile individuals. These findings contribute to explain the rare recruitment of the present relict populations, identifying some of the biological traits which result in species vulnerability.


Spectral analysis software improves confidence in plant and soil water stable isotope analyses performed by isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS).
Previous studies have demonstrated the potential for large errors to occur when analyzing waters containing organic contaminants using isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS). In an attempt to address this problem, IRIS manufacturers now provide post-processing spectral analysis software capable of identifying samples with the types of spectral interference that compromises their stable isotope analysis. Here we report two independent tests of this post-processing spectral analysis software on two IRIS systems, OA-ICOS (Los Gatos Research Inc.) and WS-CRDS (Picarro Inc.). Following a similar methodology to a previous study, we cryogenically extracted plant leaf water and soil water and measured the δ(2)H and δ(18)O values of identical samples by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and IRIS. As an additional test, we analyzed plant stem waters and tap waters by IRMS and IRIS in an independent laboratory. For all tests we assumed that the IRMS value represented the "true" value against which we could compare the stable isotope results from the IRIS methods. Samples showing significant deviations from the IRMS value (>2σ) were considered to be contaminated and representative of spectral interference in the IRIS measurement. Over the two studies, 83% of plant species were considered contaminated on OA-ICOS and 58% on WS-CRDS. Post-analysis, spectra were analyzed using the manufacturer's spectral analysis software, in order to see if the software correctly identified contaminated samples. In our tests the software performed well, identifying all the samples with major errors. However, some false negatives indicate that user evaluation and testing of the software are necessary. Repeat sampling of plants showed considerable variation in the discrepancies between IRIS and IRMS. As such, we recommend that spectral analysis of IRIS data must be incorporated into standard post-processing routines. Furthermore, we suggest that the results from spectral analysis be included when reporting stable isotope data from IRIS.


An investigation of FB interactions with poly(ethylene glycol) 6000, poly(ethylene glycol) 4000, and poly-epsilon-caprolactone by thermoanalytical and spectroscopic methods and modeling.
The interactions between flurbiprofen (FB) and different polymers are studied in order to improve the bioavailability of FB. FB-polymer phase diagrams [poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 4000, PEG 6000, and poly-epsilon-caprolactone] were constructed and compared with the modeling diagrams. Thermoanalytical methods (differential scanning calorimetry, thermomicroscopy) were used to construct the phase diagrams. Thermodynamic data were used to model the FB-polymer systems. The construction of the FB-polymer phase diagrams showed the existence of a stable invariant called "eutectic" characterized by (XE)exp, (TfE)exp, and (DeltaHfE)exp, the experimental eutectic composition, the experimental temperature, and the enthalpy of eutectic melting, respectively. Modeling confirmed the values for these parameters and was used to evaluate the different Flory-Huggins parameters chi for each FB-polymer mixture. chi values and the infrared spectra confirm that the interactions due to hydrogen bonds between FB and PEG 4000 are more numerous than between FB and PEG 6000 and also more numerous than between FB and poly-epsilon-caprolactone.


Recognising and Treating Depression in the Elderly.
Depression is a major contributor to healthcare costs and is projected to be the leading cause of disease burden in middle and higher income countries by the year 2030. Depression in later life is associated with disability, increased mortality, and poorer outcomes from physical illness. Its prevalence remains high throughout lifetime, with almost 14% of older adults living in the community estimated to have clinically relevant symptoms of depression worldwide. Recognizing depression in the elderly is not always easy. Medical illnesses are a common trigger for depression. Most depressed people welcome care, concern and support, but they may be frightened and may resist help. The treatment of depression demands patience and perseverance for the patient and physician. Sometimes several different treatments must be tried before full recovery. Each person has individual biological and psychological characteristics that require individualized care. The prognosis for recovery is equal in young and old patients, although remission may take longer to achieve in older patients. Depression is a highly treatable medical condition and is not a normal part of growing older. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and recognize the symptoms of the illness in the primary care.


The role of trauma symptoms in nonsuicidal self-injury.
Reports of traumatic events by individuals who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) are common; yet, evidence for the relation between traumatic events and NSSI is inconclusive. This review explores the thesis that trauma symptoms, rather than the experience of a traumatic event per se, underlie this relation, specifically suggesting that trauma symptoms might serve as a mediator. The literature indicates that self-injury plays an important functional role in coping with trauma symptoms such that self-injury can provide an escape from intrusive thoughts and aversive emotional states, as well as end dissociation and periods of numbness through the generation of feelings. Additionally, trauma symptoms have been shown to mediate the relation between the occurrence of traumatic events and NSSI. Taken together, trauma symptoms may play an important role in the development and maintenance of NSSI. The review concludes with treatment implications and future directions for research.


Study on soliton self-frequency shift in a Tm-doped fiber amplifier seeded by a Kelly-sideband-suppressed conventional soliton.
We experimentally present mid-infrared Raman soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS) process in a Tm-doped fiber amplifier using sideband-suppressed conventional solitons as seed pulses. The strong Kelly sidebands of the soliton oscillator were efficiently suppressed (more than 21 dB) using a home-made all-fiber Lyot filter (AFLF). As a result, the Raman solitons with a continuously tunable wavelength of 1.95-2.34 µm were achieved, with a high soliton energy conversion of >93% over the range of 1.95-2.24 µm. The conversion efficiency and tunable range of Raman solitons were both significantly improved, comparing to the same amplifier seeded with sideband-unsuppressed pulses.


Effect of spatial heterogeneities of water fluxes and application pattern on cadusafos fate on banana-cultivated andosols.
In tropical humid environments under intensive banana production, pesticide transfer in waters can be of particular concern due to heavy rainfall, steep slopes, and soils with high infiltration capacities. The transfer in percolation and runoff waters of the nematicide cadusafos was investigated during a three month field experiment. The spatial heterogeneity of the banana plantation was taken into account by measuring percolation fluxes both under the banana plants and in the interrows with a specially designed lysimeter device installed at 60 cm depth. At the field scale, 0.34% of the pesticide applied was transferred in percolation, 0.13% in runoff. Forty-nine percent of cadusafos losses occurred by percolation under the banana plants, 23% by interrow percolation, and 28% by runoff. Losses were highest during the three weeks following cadusafos application, and this is also when dissipation in the soil was highest (calculated half-life in the soil: 7d). After this period, losses of cadusafos were low, both in soil and waters. Under the banana plant, saturated fluxes carried most of the pesticide, despite total percolation fluxes being at least five-times higher than saturated ones. Although overall pesticide transfer in water was low (0.5% of applied), it was not negligible due to the frequency of pesticide application in these areas.


TRPM7 regulates the migration of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell by mediating Ca(2+) influx.
Ion channels are involved in various physiologic and pathologic processes, including the migration of tumor cells that is required for metastasis. To determine whether transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) Ca(2+) channels play an important role in the migration of tumor cells, we examined the potential function of TRPM7 channels in the migration of 5-8F and 6-10B human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. The migratory potential of 5-8F cells was significantly decreased by extracellular Ca(2+) chelator (EGTA), TRPM7 inhibitors (La(3+), 2-APB), or TRPM7 knockdown. Conversely, the addition of TRPM7 activator Bradykinin and overexpression of TRPM7 promoted the migration of 5-8F and 6-10B cells. Furthermore, the sustained Ca(2+) influx regulated by TRPM7 activated release of Ca(2+) stores via ryanodine receptors by a calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) mechanism. This study suggests, first, that Ca(2+) influx is required for the migration of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma 5-8F cells. Second, and more importantly, it identifies TRPM7 as a novel potential-regulator of the Ca(2+) influx that allows migration of 5-8F cells. TRPM7, therefore, might have potential as a prognostic indicator and as a therapeutic target in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.


Training, supervision and quality monitoring of the COMBINE Study behavioral interventions.
Current standards for clinical trials require that behavioral interventions be thoroughly specified, that clinicians be well trained and closely supervised and that performance be carefully monitored to ensure and document treatment fidelity. This article describes procedures developed and implemented for this purpose in the COMBINE Study, a multisite trial combining medications and behavioral interventions for alcohol dependence. Two behavioral treatments were tested in COMBINE: a Medical Management (MM) protocol to accompany the delivery of trial medications and a Combined Behavioral Intervention (CBI) designed as a comprehensive and flexible evidence-based psychotherapy. Information is provided concerning (1) screening and qualifications of practitioners, (2) training and certification in the interventions, (3) on-site supervision and coordination of the two treatments, (4) central monitoring and coding of treatment sessions and (5) maintenance and documentation of treatment fidelity. Both interventions were delivered with fidelity. Problems encountered and important choices made in the implementation of training and quality assurance for CBI and MM are briefly described.


Non-specific adsorption of complement proteins affects complement activation pathways of gold nanomaterials.
The complement system is a key humoral component of innate immunity, serving as the first line of defense against intruders, including foreign synthetic nanomaterials. Although gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) are widely used in nanomedicine, their immunological response is not well understood. Using AuNMs of three shapes commonly used in biomedical applications: spherical gold nanoparticles, gold nanostars and gold nanorods, we demonstrated that AuNMs activated whole complement system, leading to the formation of SC5b-9 complex. All three complement pathways were simultaneously activated by all the AuNMs. Recognition molecules of the complement system interacted with all AuNMs in vitro, except for l-ficolin, but the correlation between these interactions and corresponding complement pathway activation was only observed in the classical and alternative pathways. We also observed the mediating role of complement activation in cellular uptake of all AuNMs by human U937 promonocytic cells, which expresses complement receptors. Taken together, our results highlighted the potential immunological challenges for clinical applications of AuNMs that were often overlooked.


The effects of oesophageal distension on diaphragm and laryngeal muscle activity in the anaesthetized cat.
The electromyographic (EMG) activities of diaphragm and laryngeal muscles were recorded during oesophageal distension in anesthetized cats. The responses to distension of the thoracic oesophagus differed from those evoked by distension of the cervical oesophagus. The crural component of the diaphragm (CD) was inhibited by distension of the thoracic oesophagus; distension of the cervical oesophagus did not affect CD EMG. Thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle EMG increased markedly and consistently in response to distension of the cervical oesophagus. Distension of the thoracic oesophagus only produced statistically significant increases in TA EMG with high distending volume (10 ml) at the level of the gastro-oesophageal junction. The main abductor of the vocal cords, the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) was either unchanged or decreased by oesophageal distension. The electrical activities of left paratendinous diaphragm, left costal diaphragm, internal intercostal and external intercostal muscles remained unchanged. The entire pattern would appear to constitute a means to aid passage of a bolus into the stomach, and simultaneously guard the respiratory tract from reflux or aspiration.


[Two cases of laryngoplasty performed under a general anesthesia applied using a laryngeal mask for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis].
In general, laryngoplasty for unilateral vocal cord paralysis is performed under local anesthesia because the patient's voice must be heard and the movement of the vocal cords visualized during the endoscopic procedure to ensure good results. We encountered two cases who could not endure a long operation under local anesthesia and the insertion of an endoscope because of their age and gag reflex. We thus performed a combined lateral cricoarytenoid muscle pull (LCA-pull) and a type I thyroplasty under general anesthesia applied using a laryngeal mask. Although the patients could not phonate during the operation, the laryngeal mask allowed the vocal cords to be observed. Both patients achieved in maximal phonation time over 13 seconds, and the postoperative mean flow rates improved to under 110 mL/s. The postoperative period perturbation quotient and amplitude perturbation quotient also improved to within the normal limits.


Clopidogrel versus Ticagrelor for Secondary Prevention after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
We sought to evaluate the outcomes of postoperative three-month dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) with exclusively arterial grafts. Between 2013⁻2016, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with either aspirin + clopidogrel (ASA + CPD group, n = 100) or aspirin + ticagrelor (ASA + TCG group, n = 169) was prescribed postoperatively in 269 NSTE-ACS patients after total arterial OPCAB. Patients with indications for other oral anticoagulants were excluded from the study. Three-month DAPT was completed in 259 patients (96%); ASA + CPD group (n = 94) vs. ASA + TCG group (n = 165). A one-to-one propensity score matching was performed. Unadjusted comparison between the groups showed no significant difference in overall survival (P = 0.253) and composite outcome of major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiovascular event (MACCE) and major bleeding (P = 0.276). The rate of freedom from composite outcome at one year in the ASA + CPD and ASA + TCG groups was 91 ± 3% and 93 ± 2%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, being in the ASA + TCG group did not increase the risk of the composite outcome of MACCE and major bleeding (P = 0.972, hazard ratio: 1.0, 95% confidence interval: 0.4⁻2.3). Propensity score-matched comparison (76 pairs) showed no significant difference in the overall survival (P = 0.423) and composite outcome between the groups (P = 0.442). In the setting of exclusive arterial grafting, post-OPCAB three-month DAPT showed acceptable outcomes in patients with NSTE-ACS. There was no significant difference in overall survival or composite outcome of MACCE and major bleeding between the ASA + CPD and ASA + TCG groups.


Fatal Leucocytozoon Infection in a Captive Grey-headed Parrot (Poicephalus robustus suahelicus).
A necropsy was conducted on a female grey-headed parrot (Poicephalus robustus suahelicus) that died following signs of depression, ruffled feathers, and inappetence. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of hemoprotozoa in the liver. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of Haemoproteus species, Plasmodium species, and Leucocytozoon species, was performed on frozen tissue samples collected at necropsy. The hemoprotozoa were identified by PCR analysis as Leucocytozoon species. Hemoprotozoa are rarely reported in African parrots, and this is the first report of a Leucocytozooon species infection in a Poicephalus robustus suahelicus.


Computer modeling of siphoning for CSF shunt design evaluation.
A computer model of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment and various shunt designs was developed to simulate CSF dynamics, particularly in the upright position in which siphoning is known to occur. This novel mathematical model of the CSF compartment incorporates negative pressure and volume components that permit simulation of siphoning. The model was tested with data from a previously reported animal experiment. The correspondence between the model simulation and the reported intracranial pressure and CSF shunt flow rate was very good. A simulation of a shunted hydrocephalic patient in the recumbent and upright position was then carried out to examine the effects of a standard shunt valve, an externally adjustable valve, a variable resistance valve, and an antisiphon device. The resulting pressure profiles, which conformed to previously reported data, indicate that this model would be useful for the evaluation of current and future shunt designs.


Effect of vibration on the activity of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system in the rat.
Rats were exposed to whole body vibration horizontally for four hours at 5 Hz frequency and 2 cm amplitude. Of the components of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system the free (spontaneous) and kaolin-activated kallikrein (prekallikrein) activities, the concentration of bradykinin, the bradykinin splitting total kininase activity, total kallikrein-inhibitor activity and the concentration of alpha 2-macroglobulin, a major plasma kallikrein inhibitor, were estimated. Results showed that in response to acute vibration plasma free kallikrein activity was increased significantly in association with a significant reduction of prekallikrein concentration. The concentrations of bradykinin and total kininase activity were significantly elevated, too. Neither total kallikrein-inhibitor activity nor the concentration of alpha 2-macroglobulin were changed indicating that the plasma kallikrein inhibitors did not play a role in the alterations of plasma free kallikrein and prekallikrein activities. During acute vibration the plasma kallikrein-kinin system was activated probably by the enhanced catecholamine secretion. We suggest that the biological importance of this phenomenon is in the defense against the impaired microcirculation caused by catecholamines.


Self-face Captures, Holds, and Biases Attention.
The implicit self-recognition process may take place already in the pre-attentive stages of perception. After a silent stimulus has captured attention, it is passed on to the attentive stage where it can affect decision making and responding. Numerous studies show that the presence of self-referential information affects almost every cognitive level. These effects may share a common and fundamental basis in an attentional mechanism, conceptualized as attentional bias: the exaggerated deployment of attentional resources to a salient stimulus. A gold standard in attentional bias research is the dot-probe paradigm. In this task, a prominent stimulus (cue) and a neutral stimulus are presented in different spatial locations, followed by the presentation of a target. In the current study we aimed at investigating whether the self-face captures, holds and biases attention when presented as a task-irrelevant stimulus. In two dot-probe experiments coupled with the event-related potential (ERP) technique we analyzed the following relevant ERPs components: N2pc and SPCN which reflect attentional shifts and the maintenance of attention, respectively. An inter-stimulus interval separating face-cues and probes (800 ms) was introduced only in the first experiment. In line with our predictions, in Experiment 1 the self-face elicited the N2pc and the SPCN component. In Experiment 2 in addition to N2pc, an attentional bias was observed. Our results indicate that unintentional self-face processing disables the top-down control setting to filter out distractors, thus leading to the engagement of attentional resources and visual short-term memory.


In-feed organic and inorganic manganese supplementation on broiler performance and physiological responses.
A trial was conducted to investigate the effects of supplemental levels of Mn provided by organic and inorganic trace mineral supplements on growth, tissue mineralization, mineral balance, and antioxidant status of growing broiler chicks. A total of 500 male chicks (8-d-old) were used in 10-day feeding trial, with 10 treatments and 10 replicates of 5 chicks per treatment. A 2×5 factorial design was used where supplemental Mn levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg Mn/kg diet) were provided as MnSO4∙H2O or MnPro. When Mn was supplied as MnPro, supplements of zinc, copper, iron, and selenium were supplied as organic minerals, whereas in MnSO4∙H2O supplemented diets, inorganic salts were used as sources of other trace minerals. Performance data were fitted to a linearbroken line regression model to estimate the optimal supplemental Mn levels. Manganese supplementation improved body weight, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with chicks fed diets not supplemented with Mn. Manganese in liver, breast muscle, and tibia were greatest at 50, 75, and 100 mg supplemental Mn/kg diet, respectively. Higher activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (total-SOD) were found in both liver and breast muscle of chicks fed diets supplemented with inorganic minerals. In chicks fed MnSO4∙H2O, ADG, FCR, Mn balance, and concentration in liver were optimized at 59.8, 74.3, 20.6, and 43.1 mg supplemental Mn/kg diet, respectively. In MnPro fed chicks, ADG, FCR, Mn balance, and concentration in liver and breast were optimized at 20.6, 38.0, 16.6, 33.5, and 62.3 mg supplemental Mn/kg, respectively. Lower levels of organic Mn were required by growing chicks for performance optimization compared to inorganic Mn. Based on the FCR, the ideal supplemental levels of organic and inorganic Mn in chick feeds were 38.0 and 74.3 mg Mn/kg diet, respectively.


The immunotherapeutic effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles as adjuvants on mice H22 live cancer.
The aim of this paper is to prepare Fe3O4 nanoparticles and study its immunotherapeutic effect as adjuvants on mice H22 live cancer. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by chemical coprecipitation route. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive Analysis (EDS) were used to characterize Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were compared with the common alum adjuvants for its ability to induce immunity to inhibit tumor growth rate by prophylactic and therapeutic studies. Results indicated that Fe3O4 nanopaticles adsorbed autovaccine took great advantages over the common alum adjuvants after subcutaneous injection, raised the mass inhibitory rate of tumor, boosted the activity of cytotoxicity and enhanced the level of IFN-gamma cytokine. Thus, we concluded that Fe3O4 nanoparticles as adjuvants had great potential for enhancing anti-tumor immune response.


Characterizing and optimizing (co-)pyrolysis as a function of different feedstocks, atmospheres, blend ratios, and heating rates.
(Co-)pyrolysis behaviors were quantified using TG and Py-GC/MS analyses as a function of the two fuels of sewage sludge (SS) and water hyacinth (WH), five atmospheres, six blend ratios, and three heating rates. Co-pyrolysis performance, gaseous characterizations and optimization analyses were conducted. Relative to N2 atmosphere, co-pyrolysis was inhibited at low temperatures in CO2 atmosphere, while the CO2 atmosphere at high temperatures promoted the vaporization of coke. The main (co-)pyrolysis products of SS and WH were benzene and its derivatives, as well as alkenes and heterocyclic compounds. Average apparent activation energy decreased gradually with the increased atmospheric CO2 concentration and was highest (377.5 kJ/mol) in N2 atmosphere and lowest (184.7 kJ/mol) in CO2 atmosphere. Significant interaction effects on the mean responses of mass loss, derivative TG, and differential scanning calorimetry were found for fuel type by heating rate and atmosphere type by heating rate.


Evaluation of hypoglicemic activity and healing of extract from amongst bark of "Quina do Cerrado" (Strychnos pseudoquina ST. HILL).
Evaluation the hypoglycemic and healing effects of the Strychnos pseudoquina. 33 Wistar rats were divided in the following groups, group 1 not sensitized with alloxan and untreated by aqueous extracts; group 2 sensitized with aloxana and untreated by aqueous extracts of Quina; group 3 sensitized by aloxana ad treated with the aqueous extract of quina. Diabetes was induced by alloxan diabetogenic drugs at a dose of 42 mg/kg of weight. The glycemias was evaluated by glycemic measuring Accu-check. To verify the healing, was made a longitudinal cut of 1 cm in the back of the mouse. The group 3 was treated with a microemulsion containing Strychnos pseudoquina. Wounds were macroscopically evaluated during pre-determined days after the cut (1st, 3rd, 7th, 9th, 14th). The glycemia levels in the group treated with Strychnos pseudoquina were lower than the group sensitized by alloxan and not treated with Strychnos pseudoquina. There was no difference between the healing of the wounds treated with quina and another groups. Strychnos pseudoquina presents hypoglycemic effect. Meanwhile the topical use of the microemulsion of Strychnos pseudoquina presents no macroscopically significant effect on the healing of wounds in diabetic rats.


Interplay of Halogen and Hydrogen Bonding through Co-Crystallization in Pharmacologically Active Dihydropyrimidines: Insights from Crystal Structure and Energy Framework.
A solvent-assisted grinding method has been used to prepare co-crystals in substituted dihydropyrimidines (DHPM) that constitutes pharmacologically active compounds. These were characterized using FT-IR, PXRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In order to explore the possibility of formation of halogen (XB) and hydrogen bonding (HB) synthons in the solid state, co-crystallization attempts of differently substituted DHPM molecules, containing nitro, hydoxy, and chloro substituents, with different co-formers, such as 1,4-diiodo tetrafluorobenzene (1,4 DITFB) and 3-nitrobenzoic acid (3 NBA) were performed. The XB co-crystals (C2aXB, C2bXB, and C2cXB) prefer the formation of C-I⋅⋅⋅O/C-I⋅⋅⋅S XB synthon, whereas the HB co-crystal (C2dHB) is stabilized by N-H⋅⋅⋅O H-bond formation. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that the percentage contribution of intermolecular interactions for XB co-crystals prefer equal contribution of XB synthon along with HB synthon. Furthermore, the interaction energy was analyzed using energy frameworks, which suggests that their stability, a combination of electrostatics and dispersion, is enhanced through XB/HB in comparison to the parent DHPMs.


Use of substrate-coated barium sulfate tablets in the evaluation of digestive enzyme deficiency.
In vitro and in vivo studies determined the effect of digestive enzymes on substrate-coated barium sulfate tablets. Fragmentation of the barium tablet core was detected radiographically after enzymatic digestion of the substrate material occurred. Preliminary studies in humans suggest that such tablets may be used in the diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.


Selective binding of (thio)sulfate and phosphate in water by quaternary ammonium functionalized oligo-ureas.
Recognition of (thio)sulfate and phosphate in aqueous solutions has been demonstrated by using oligo-urea-based receptors functionalized with quaternary ammonium groups. The ammonium groups allow for increased aqueous solubility while simultaneously providing positive coulombic interactions and stronger hydrogen bonding through an inductive effect. This simple and generally applicable modification provides an effective way to bolster the anion binding and water solubility of oligo-urea-based receptors. With a water soluble receptor 2, selective binding of adenosine phosphates was achieved at physiological pH.


High HL-A5 frequency in Behçet's disease.
HL-A antigens of 35 patients with Behçet's disease and 36 normal Japanese were determined by a standard microlymphocytotoxicity test. The frequency of HL-A5 among patients was significantly higher than the controls. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of other HL-A antigens.


Phenotype of triploid embryos.
The phenotypes of triploid fetuses and placentae are now well established and known to correlate with parental origin of the extra haploid set of chromosomes. In fetuses, it is not clear whether there is a direct parent of origin effect on the fetus itself or if the phenotypes are the result of growth differences influenced by abnormalities in growth and function of the placenta. Examining the phenotype of triploid embryos at an earlier stage in gestation, when the placenta effects may be less pronounced, could help clarify this question. A phenotype characteristic of triploidy in the embryonic period has been described; however, parental origin was not determined in these embryonic cases. In the present study, a population of triploid embryos is assessed to determine if there is a correlation between parental origin and phenotype. Parental origin was determined in 27 first trimester miscarriages. Digyny accounted for 19 cases and diandry for eight cases. Assessment of embryonic phenotype with parental origin showed no correlation between the phenotype of the embryo and parental origin of the extra haploid set. While there may be subtle effects of imprinting on embryonic development, they are not as obvious as they are in the mouse, consistent with the general trend of fewer imprinted genes in human beings compared with the mouse.


Risk Factors for Detection, Survival, and Growth of Antibiotic-Resistant and Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Household Soils in Rural Bangladesh.
Soils in household environments in low- and middle-income countries may play an important role in the persistence, proliferation, and transmission of Escherichia coli Our goal was to investigate the risk factors for detection, survival, and growth of E. coli in soils collected from household plots. E. coli was enumerated in soil and fecal samples from humans, chickens, and cattle from 52 households in rural Bangladesh. Associations between E. coli concentrations in soil, household-level risk factors, and soil physicochemical characteristics were investigated. Susceptibility to 16 antibiotics and the presence of intestinal pathotypes were evaluated for 175 E. coli isolates. The growth and survival of E. coli in microcosms using soil collected from the households were also assessed. E. coli was isolated from 44.2% of the soil samples, with an average of 1.95 log10 CFU/g dry soil. Soil moisture and clay content were associated with E. coli concentrations in soil, whereas no household-level risk factor was significantly correlated. Antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity were common among E. coli isolates, with 42.3% resistant to at least one antibiotic, 12.6% multidrug resistant (≥3 classes), and 10% potentially pathogenic. Soil microcosms demonstrate growth and/or survival of E. coli, including an enteropathogenic extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolate, in some, but not all, of the household soils tested. In rural Bangladesh, defined soil physicochemical characteristics appear more influential for E. coli detection in soils than household-level risk factors. Soils may act as reservoirs in the transmission of antibiotic-resistant and potentially pathogenic E. coli and therefore may impact the effectiveness of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions.IMPORTANCE Soil may represent a direct source or act as an intermediary for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant and pathogenic Escherichia coli strains, particularly in low-income and rural settings. Thus, determining risk factors associated with detection, growth, and long-term survival of E. coli in soil environments is important for public health. Here, we demonstrate that household soils in rural Bangladesh are reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant and potentially pathogenic E. coli strains and can support E. coli growth and survival, and defined soil physicochemical characteristics are drivers of E. coli survival in this environment. In contrast, we found no evidence that household-level factors, including water, sanitation, and hygiene indicators, were associated with E. coli contamination of household soils.


Role of Parathyroid Hormone and Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein in Protein-Energy Malnutrition.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is an endocrine peptide found exclusively in the parathyroid glands, whereas parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is expressed in a wide range of tissues and organs and exerts endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine actions. PTH and PTHrP have a similar homology, sharing the initial 13 amino acid residues at the N-terminus and binding to the same type 1 PTH receptor (PTH1R), which regulates calcium homeostasis. An abnormal increase in PTH production can occur in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, whereas PTHrP can be produced in large quantities by malignant cancer cells from solid organs. In addition to increased bone resorption and hypercalcemia, recent evidence suggests that excess PTH and PTHrP can result in protein-energy wasting, malnutrition, and cachexia. Through binding to PTH1R and activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A in white adipose tissue, PTH and PTHrP can stimulate the expression of thermogenic genes causing adipose tissue browning. This change results in an increase in resting energy expenditure, loss of muscle and fat mass, and weight loss. These findings provide a mechanistic link for the long-established relationship between hyperparathyroidism and myopathy, as well as cancer and cachexia. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the emerging evidence from both experimental and clinical studies on the role of PTH and PTHrP in protein-energy malnutrition.


Results of Treatment of Grades IV and V Vesicoureteral Reflux with Endoscopic Injection of Polyacrylate Polyalcohol Copolymer.
Here we report the results of a review of a prospectively maintained database of the use polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) injection to correct grades IV and V VUR. All children with grades IV and V primary VUR that presented with febrile urinary tract infection while on prophylaxis, in a 3-year period, were treated with a sub-ureteral injection of PPC. Institutional ethical approval was obtained. Exclusion criteria were incomplete bladder emptying documented on videourodynamic study, ureteral duplication, paraureteral diverticula, and poor ureteral emptying observed during fluoroscopy and previous open surgical or endoscopic treatment. Pre- and post-operative evaluation included urinalysis, renal and bladder ultrasonography, DMSA scan, and videourodynamic studies. Thirty-three children [36 renal units (RU)] were included with a median age of 57 months (range 7-108). There were 18 boys and 15 girls. Thirty RU had grade IV and 6 grade V VUR. Median follow-up time was 32 months (range 7-58). Reflux was cured in 32/36 RU with the first injection, but another two patients were reimplanted because of dilatation. Complications included early urinary tract infection in seven children, transient lower urinary tract symptoms in five children. Progressive ureteral dilatation was noted in four children and was treated with insertion of a double J stent. Two of these children eventually required an ureteroneocystostomy. The use of PPC to treat grades IV and V vesicoureteral reflux in young children has an overall success rate of 83.3%. Persistent ureteral dilatation was present in 11% associated with high injection volume. Future studies will attempt to maintain a high success rate reducing the volume of injection and the incidence of dilatation.


Pediatric-onset trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
There are five headache disorders composing the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA), and hemicrania continua). Little is known about these disorders in the pediatric population. The objectives of this study are to report the full age ranges of pediatric trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias and to determine if pediatric-onset trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias display similar signs and symptoms as adult onset. Search criteria in Medline Ovid, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were created by a librarian. The remainder of the steps were independently performed by two neurologists using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria for titles and abstracts were articles discussing cases of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias with age of onset 18 or younger, as well as any epidemiological report on trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (as age of onset data was often found in the results section but not in the title or abstract). Data extracted included age of onset, sex, and International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria for trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (including pain location, duration, frequency, autonomic features, restlessness) and some migraine criteria (photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea). Studies that did not meet full criteria for trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias were examined separately as "atypical trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias"; secondary headaches were excluded from this category. In all, 1788 studies were searched, 86 met inclusion criteria, and most (56) examined cluster headache. In cluster headache, onset occurred at every pediatric age (range 1-18 years) with a full range of associated features. Autonomic and restlessness features were less common in pediatric patients, while migrainous features (nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia) were found at similar rates. The sex ratio of pediatric-onset cluster headache (1.8, 79 male and 43 female) may be lower than that of adult-onset cluster headache. Data for other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, while more limited, displayed most of the full range of official criteria. The data for atypical trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias were also limited, but the most common deviations from the official criteria were abnormal frequencies and locations of attacks. Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias can start early in life and have similar features to adult-onset trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Specifically, pediatric-onset cluster headache patients display the full range of each criterion for cluster headache (except maximum frequency of six instead of eight attacks per day). However, cranial autonomic features and restlessness occur at a lower rate in pediatrics. Additional information is needed for the other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. As for expanding the ICHD-3 criteria for pediatric-onset trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, we have only preliminary data from atypical cases, which suggests that the frequency and location of attacks sometimes extend beyond the official criteria.Trial Registration: This study was registered as a systematic review in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020165256).


Interaction of toposome from sea-urchin yolk granules with dimyristoyl phosphatidylserine model membranes: a 2H-NMR study.
The yolk granule is the most abundant membrane-bound organelle present in sea urchin eggs and embryos. The major protein component of this organelle, toposome, accounts for approximately 50% of the total yolk protein and has been shown to be localized to the embryonic cell surface. Extensive characterization in several laboratories has defined a role for toposome in mediating membrane-membrane interactions. The current study expands the analysis of toposome-membrane interaction by defining toposome-induced changes to the lipid bilayer. The effect of toposome on the biophysical properties of phosphatidyl serine (PS) multibilayers was investigated using deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance and perdeuterated dimyristoyl PS (DMPS-d(54)). Toposome was found to have little effect on DMPS-d(54) chain orientational order in both the gel and liquid-crystalline phases. Timescales for DMPS-d(54) reorientation were investigated using quadropole echo decay. Echo decay times were sensitive to toposome in the liquid-crystalline phase but not in the gel phase. Additional information about the perturbation of bilayer motions by toposome was obtained by analyzing its effect on the decay of Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill echo trains. Collectively, these results suggest that toposome interacts peripherally with DMPS bilayers and that it increases the amplitude of lipid reorientation, possibly through local enhancement of bilayer curvature.


Intrinsic Low Thermal Conductivity and Phonon Renormalization Due to Strong Anharmonicity of Single-Crystal Tin Selenide.
Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals material tin selenide (SnSe) has recently attracted intensive interest due to its exceptional thermoelectric performance. However, the thermal properties and phonon transport mechanisms in its single-crystal form remain elusive. Here, we measured high-quality SnSe single crystals using nanoscale thermometry based on ultrafast optical spectroscopy and found that its intrinsic thermal conductivity is highly anisotropic in different crystallographic directions. To quantify phonon anharmonicity, we developed a new experimental approach combining picosecond ultrasonics and X-ray diffraction to enable direct measurement of temperature-dependent sound velocity, thermal expansion coefficient, and Grüneisen parameter. The measured Grüneisen parameter suggests an abnormally large temperature effect on phonon dispersion that contributes to over 90% of phonon frequency shifts. Furthermore, we performed ab initio calculations using different methods: in comparison with self-consistent phonon theory, the harmonic and quasi-harmonic models that have been widely used in current phonon calculations fail to accurately predict these important thermophysical properties at room temperature and below. Our study reveals an extremely strong intrinsic anharmonicity in SnSe that introduces phonon renormalization near room temperature. This study represents an important research benchmark in characterizing high-performance thermal energy materials and provides fundamental insight into advancing modern calculation methods for phonon transport theory.


Population pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and CYP3A5, MDR1 and IL-10 polymorphisms in adult liver transplant patients.
Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant widely used after liver transplantation, is characterized by a large inter-individual variability in its pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to perform population pharmacokinetic analysis of oral tacrolimus in liver transplant recipients and clarify the potential role of CYP3A5, MDR1 and IL-10 genetic polymorphisms in the variability of population pharmacokinetic parameters. Tacrolimus blood concentration data (n = 1106) were collected from 104 full liver transplant patients and were analysed using a non-linear mixed-effects modelling program (nonmem). The CYP3A5*3, MDR1 G2677T/A and C3435T genetic polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The IL-10 G-1082A variant was studied by allele-specific PCR method. The liver function in patients as indicated by the total bilirubin level (TBIL) and different CYP3A5*3 genotypes in donors (CYPD) and recipients (CYPR) were observed to influence tacrolimus pharmacokinetic parameter of apparent clearance (Cl/F). The final regression model can be expressed as Cl/F = 15.9 - 1.88 TBIL + 7.65 CYPD + 7.00 CYPR. The relative standard errors (%RSE) of the parameter estimation were lower than 30% and the residual variability of tacrolimus trough blood concentration was 2.81 ng/mL. No significant effect of MDR1 and IL-10 polymorphisms was observed on population pharmacokinetic parameter of tacrolimus within 175 days after liver transplantation. The TBIL in patients and CYP3A5*3 genetic polymorphism in both donors and recipients contribute to the inter-individual variability of oral tacrolimus apparent clearance in Chinese adult liver transplant patients.


The SAGE Model of Social Psychological Research.
We propose a SAGE model for social psychological research. Encapsulated in our acronym is a proposal to have a synthetic approach to social psychological research, in which qualitative methods are augmentative to quantitative ones, qualitative methods can be generative of new experimental hypotheses, and qualitative methods can capture experiences that evade experimental reductionism. We remind social psychological researchers that psychology was founded in multiple methods of investigation at multiple levels of analysis. We discuss historical examples and our own research as contemporary examples of how a SAGE model can operate in part or as an integrated whole. The implications of our model are discussed.


Arabidopsis RecQI4A suppresses homologous recombination and modulates DNA damage responses.
The DNA damage response and DNA recombination are two interrelated mechanisms involved in maintaining the integrity of the genome, but in plants they are poorly understood. RecQ is a family of genes with conserved roles in the regulation of DNA recombination in eukaryotes; there are seven members in Arabidopsis. Here we report on the functional analysis of the Arabidopsis RecQl4A gene. Ectopic expression of Arabidopsis RecQl4A in yeast RecQ-deficient cells suppressed their hypersensitivity to the DNA-damaging drug methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and enhanced their rate of homologous recombination (HR). Analysis of three recQl4A mutant alleles revealed no obvious developmental defects or telomere deregulation in plants grown under standard growth conditions. Compared with wild-type Arabidopsis, the recQl4A mutant seedlings were found to be hypersensitive to UV light and MMS, and more resistant to mitomycin C. The average frequency of intrachromosomal HR in recQl4A mutant plants was increased 7.5-fold over that observed in wild-type plants. The data reveal roles for Arabidopsis RecQl4A in maintenance of genome stability by modulation of the DNA damage response and suppression of HR.


Nuclear and mitotically enhanced epitope.
Salt-extracted proteins of taxol-stabilized microtubules from Chinese hamster ovary cells arrested at mitosis were used to immunize mice for hybridoma production. From a group of related monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), one, C9, recognized an epitope on antigens localized by immunofluorescence microscopy to interphase centrosomes and nuclei. The availability of the nuclear antigen was cell cycle-dependent; however, permeabilization of cells before fixation revealed that the antigen was present throughout the cell cycle. The nuclear antigen was exposed during prophase and was released from the nucleus upon nuclear envelope breakdown filling the cytoplasm of the mitotic cell. Antigenic material re-accumulated at daughter nuclei and was concealed during G1 phase. Detergent extraction of the cytoplasmic antigen from mitotic cells enabled localization of antigens to centrosomes, kinetochores, and the furrowing region/midbody. Immunoblot analysis of cells of a variety of species of origin identified an approximate 250 kD polypeptide as corresponding to the nuclear antigen, whereas polypeptides of 107/117 kD as well as approximately 250 kD accounted for the mitotic cytoplasmic antigens. No polypeptides could be associated with antigens at centrosomes, kinetochores, or midbodies. This MAb joins the antibody preparations previously reported that describe nuclear antigens, or epitopes on antigens, enhanced at mitosis.


Triphasic production of IFNγ by innate and adaptive lymphocytes following influenza A virus infection.
Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is a potent antiviral cytokine that can be produced by many innate and adaptive immune cells during infection. Currently, our understanding of which cells produce IFNγ and where they are located at different stages of an infection is limited. We have used reporter mice to investigate in vivo expression of Ifnγ mRNA in the lung and secondary lymphoid organs during and following influenza A virus (IAV) infection. We observed a triphasic production of Ifnγ expression. Unconventional T cells and innate lymphoid cells, particularly NK cells, were the dominant producers of early Ifnγ, while CD4 and CD8 T cells were the main producers by day 10 post-infection. Following viral clearance, some memory CD4 and CD8 T cells continued to express Ifnγ in the lungs and draining lymph node. Interestingly, Ifnγ production by lymph node natural killer (NK), NKT, and innate lymphoid type 1 cells also continued to be above naïve levels, suggesting memory-like phenotypes for these cells. Analysis of the localization of Ifnγ+ memory CD4 and CD8 T cells demonstrated that cytokine+ T cells were located near airways and in the lung parenchyma. Following a second IAV challenge, lung IAV-specific CD8 T cells rapidly increased their expression of Ifnγ while CD4 T cells in the draining lymph node increased their Ifnγ response. Together, these data suggest that Ifnγ production fluctuates based on cellular source and location, both of which could impact subsequent immune responses.


Exploring Ultimate Water Capillary Evaporation in Nanoscale Conduits.
Capillary evaporation in nanoscale conduits is an efficient heat/mass transfer strategy that has been widely utilized by both nature and mankind. Despite its broad impact, the ultimate transport limits of capillary evaporation in nanoscale conduits, governed by the evaporation/condensation kinetics at the liquid-vapor interface, have remained poorly understood. Here we report experimental study of the kinetic limits of water capillary evaporation in two dimensional nanochannels using a novel hybrid channel design. Our results show that the kinetic-limited evaporation fluxes break down the limits predicated by the classical Hertz-Knudsen equation by an order of magnitude, reaching values up to 37.5 mm/s with corresponding heat fluxes up to 8500 W/cm2. The measured evaporation flux increases with decreasing channel height and relative humidity but decreases as the channel temperature decreases. Our findings have implications for further understanding evaporation at the nanoscale and developing capillary evaporation-based technologies for both energy- and bio-related applications.


Exploiting the wall-induced non-inertial lift in electrokinetic flow for a continuous particle separation by size.
Separating particles from a heterogeneous mixture is important and necessary in many engineering and biomedical applications. Electrokinetic flow-based continuous particle separation has thus far been realized primarily by the use of particle dielectrophoresis induced in constricted and/or curved microchannels. We develop in this work a new electrokinetic method that exploits the wall-induced non-inertial lift in a straight uniform microchannel to continuously separate particles by intrinsic properties (e.g., size and surface charge). Such an electrically originated lift force arises from the asymmetric electric field distribution around a particle nearby a planar dielectric wall. We demonstrate this method through separating both a binary and ternary mixture of dispersed polystyrene microspheres by size in a T-shaped microchannel. A semi-analytical model is also developed to simulate and understand the particle separation process. The predicted particle trajectories in the entire microchannel agree reasonably well with the experimental measurements.


Characteristic numbers of granular activated carbon for the elimination of micropollutants from effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Adsorption on granular activated carbon (GAC) is a promising step to extend existing treatment trains in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and, thus, to reduce the concentration of micropollutants (MPs) (e.g. pharmaceuticals) in wastewater. It is common practice to use characteristic numbers when choosing GAC for a specific application. In this study, characteristic numbers were correlated for five different GACs, with measured adsorption capacities of these carbons for three pharmaceutical MPs (carbamazepine, diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole) and dissolved organic carbon of a WWTP effluent. The adsorption capacities were measured using rapid small scale column tests. Density of GAC showed the highest correlation to adsorption of MP. All other characteristic numbers (iodine number, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface and methylene blue titre) are not suitable markers for choosing an appropriate activated carbon product for the elimination of MPs from municipal wastewater.


An audit of the use of magnesium sulphate in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
Over the last decade there has been an increase in the use of MgSO4 for the prevention of seizures in women with severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. At the Rotunda Hospital it is regularly used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to audit the use of MgSO4 at the hospital, to determine whether the drug was being used according to the hospital's protocol and to observe its effectiveness in the prevention of eclampsia in our population. A retrospective chart review over the two years from 1/1/2000 to 31/12/2001 was undertaken. Outcome measures assessed were; Patient selection, Administration of the drug - whether recommended protocols were adhered, Effectiveness of therapy for seizure prophylaxis, Maternal and neonatal outcomes. There were 12,910 deliveries at the Rotunda hospital over this period of time. Fifty of these women were treated with MgSO4 (0.4%). Patient selection was appropriate in all cases. The correct loading dose of MgSO4 was administered in all cases, however MgSO4 levels were recorded in only 30 (60%) of women. There were no seizures in the treated group. Two women presented with seizures (one was antenatal the other post-natal period), both were treated with MgSO4. There were no maternal or neonatal mortality. Seventy two percent (36) of these women were delivered by lower segment caesarean section. The mean gestation at delivery was 36 weeks (range 28-41 weeks). Thirty eight percent (13) of babies required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. The mean birth weight at delivery was 2.54 kg (range 1.11-3.68 kg). MgSO4 use in the Rotunda hospital appears to be safe and effective for the prevention of seizures in women with severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Serum MgSO4 levels were only recorded in 60% of patients and the hospital's protocol was not adhered to regarding monitoring of patients on treatment. This needs to be addressed.


Top-down and bottom-up characterization of nitrated birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a with CZE hyphenated to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer.
Tyrosine (Tyr) residues of the major pollen allergen of birch Betula verrucosa, Bet v 1a, were nitrated by peroxynitrite. This modification enhances the allergenicity. Modified tyrosines were identified by analyzing intact allergen variants in combination with top-down and bottom-up approaches. Therefore, a laboratory-built sheath-liquid assisted ESI interface was applied for hyphenation of CE to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer to localize individual nitration sites. The major focus was on identification of primary nitration sites. The top-down approach unambiguously identified Tyr 5 as the most prominent modification site. Fragments from the allergen core and the C-terminal part carried up to three potential nitration sites, respectively. Thus, a bottom-up approach with tryptic digest was used as a complementary strategy which allowed for the unambiguous localization of nitration sites within the respective peptides. Nitration propensity for individual Tyr residues was addressed by comparison of MS signals of nitrated peptides relative to all cognates of homolog primary sequence. Combined data identified surface exposed Tyr 5 and Tyr 66 as major nitration sites followed by less accessible Tyr 158 whereas Tyr 81, 83 and 150 possess a lower nitration tendency and are apparently modified in variants with higher nitration levels.


[Ia antigens: markers of specific T suppressors immune to H-2 complex antigens].
Two antisera to Ia antigens, products of the H-2 complex I-Cd and I-JkEk subregions, respectively, have been obtained by immunisation of the F1 hybrids of recombinant strains of mice. These antisera are shown to display the 50 per cent cytotoxic effect in vitro in the presence of complement upon lymphocyte populations immune to the H-2 complex antigens and enriched for specific suppressor T cells (SSC) by fractionation on the monolayer of target cells. The specificity of anti-Ia cytotoxins is shown by the cross antibody absorption with T- and B-cells of mice originated from the recombinant H-2 haplotypes and bearing either particular I-Cd, I-Jk and I-Ek antigens, or their combinations. Anti-I-Cd cytotoxins are found to react with both B and T cells at a different rate, and the anti-I-JkEk serum contains two antibody types directed to I-Ek and I-Jk products, respectively, the latter being able to react preferently with T cells. Although both antisera do inactivate the in vitro SSC function in the presence of complement at a similar degree, the inactivating action of the anti-I-Cd serum, but not that of the anti-I-JkEk serum, occurs without complement. SSC are established to bear both Ia-antigens, I-J and I-C on the same cell, as demonstrated by the cross antibody absorption and variation of the H-2 origin of SSC. These two markers are suggested to function differently in the SSC immune to the H-2 antigens and the I-C antigen expression on the SSC surface is presumed to be required for their interaction with the inhibited responder T cells proliferating in MLC.