Dynamic particle tracking via temporal focusing multiphoton microscopy with astigmatism imaging.
A three-dimensional (3D) single fluorescent particle tracking strategy based on temporal focusing multiphoton excitation microscopy (TFMPEM) combined with astigmatism imaging is proposed for delivering nanoscale-level axial information that reveals 3D trajectories of single fluorospheres in the axially-resolved multiphoton excitation volume without z-axis scanning. Whereas other scanning spatial focusing multiphoton excitation schemes induce optical trapping interference, temporal focusing multiphoton excitation produces widefield illumination with minimum optical trapping force on the fluorospheres. Currently, the lateral and axial positioning resolutions of the dynamic particle tracking approach are about 14 nm and 21 nm in standard deviation, respectively. Furthermore, the motion behavior and diffusion coefficients of fluorospheres in glycerol solutions with different concentrations are dynamically measured at a frame rate up to 100 Hz. This TFMPEM with astigmatism imaging holds great promise for exploring dynamic molecular behavior deep inside biotissues via its superior penetration, reduced trapping effect, fast frame rate, and nanoscale-level positioning.


REAL-Select: full-length antibody display and library screening by surface capture on yeast cells.
We describe a novel approach named REAL-Select for the non-covalent display of IgG-molecules on the surface of yeast cells for the purpose of antibody engineering and selection. It relies on the capture of secreted native full-length antibodies on the cell surface via binding to an externally immobilized ZZ domain, which tightly binds antibody Fc. It is beneficial for high-throughput screening of yeast-displayed IgG-libraries during antibody discovery and development. In a model experiment, antibody-displaying yeast cells were isolated from a 1:1,000,000 mixture with control cells confirming the maintenance of genotype-phenotype linkage. Antibodies with improved binding characteristics were obtained by affinity maturation using REAL-Select, demonstrating the ability of this system to display antibodies in their native form and to detect subtle changes in affinity by flow cytometry. The biotinylation of the cell surface followed by functionalization with a streptavidin-ZZ fusion protein is an approach that is independent of the genetic background of the antibody-producing host and therefore can be expected to be compatible with other eukaryotic expression hosts such as P. pastoris or mammalian cells.


Immunohistochemical Evaluation and Clinicopathological Correlation of Mer and Axl Tyrosine Kinase TAM Receptors in Cutaneous Melanoma.
Malignant melanoma (MM) is potentially the most dangerous form of skin tumor. In the last few years, the so-called TAM receptors, a unique family of tyrosine kinase (TK) receptors, have become increasingly important. To evaluate Mer and Axl TAM receptor expression to find clinicopathological features that could explain the biological behavior of MM. Clinicopathological data were obtained from an MM electronic database at our Institute. We reviewed 24 cutaneous MM specimens. TAM receptor expression was assayed using immunohistochemistry. Combinative semiquantitative scoring was used for the evaluation of TAM receptor expression (MerTK and AxlTK). Appropriate statistical methods were used to evaluate a possible correlation between TAM receptor expression and the clinicopathological variables of the MM samples (univariate analysis and multivariate analysis). MerTK and AxlTK were expressed differently in the MM samples, with a major expression of the first receptor. The cells of the tumor microenvironment contributed to the majority of the total score. A significant association was found between AxlScore and the site of the tumor and between AxlScore and the variable ulceration; another correlation was found between MerScore and the following characteristics: pathological stage of the tumor (pT), sex, ulceration, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. All correlations between the expression of MerTK and AxlTK with the clinical and histological variables of MM should be validated in a large group of people in order to increase the validity and the impact of our observations, with subsequently therapeutic implications in the era of the "targeted therapy."


Accuracy of predicted ear canal speech levels using the VIOLA input/output-based fitting strategy.
The Visual Input/Output Locator Algorithm (VIOLA) is a software-assisted method for prescribing amplification targets and selecting a hearing aid to match the targets. Although the procedure calls for selection and fitting of hearing aids in terms of their pure-tone input/output functions in a coupler, it is assumed that a hearing aid that matches the coupler prescription targets will produce specific amplified speech levels in the patient's ear canal. This investigation evaluated the validity of that assumption. Six hearing aids were evaluated. They were representative of linear and compression processing as well as single- and 2-channel designs. The "subject" was a KEMAR manikin with realistic assumed hearing loss and loudness perception characteristics. Each hearing aid was configured to match the subject's VIOLA prescription as closely as possible. Predicted ear canal speech levels were determined using the prescription rules and modified by the differences between coupler prescription targets and coupler performance of the actual hearing aids. With the subject wearing each hearing aid coupled to an unvented earmold, continuous speech was presented in the sound field and measured, after amplification, in the ear canal. The match between observed and predicted levels of amplified speech indicated the validity of the VIOLA assumptions under examination. The match between predicted and observed levels was good for soft speech input levels. As speech input levels increased, the differences between observed and predicted levels also increased, with the largest differences seen for loud speech inputs. When differences were seen between observed and predicted levels, they were always in the direction of lower than predicted ear canal levels. The differences between observed and predicted levels were attributed to the effects of limiting, effects of compression ratio in wide range compression, the individual subject's field-to-microphone transfer function, and the subject's individual real-ear-to-coupler level difference. Ear canal speech levels were reasonably close to predicted values, and the deviations from predicted levels were plausibly accounted for by consideration of hearing aid performance. Thus, the approach used by the VIOLA procedure holds considerable promise for extending clinical control over the complex and interactive parameters of nonlinear hearing aids. The results of this study indicate that selection and fitting of hearing aids using the current VIOLA procedure usually will result in the generation of lower than predicted ear canal speech levels, especially for loud speech inputs. However, the accuracy of the procedure could be improved substantially by modification of the software to account for the effects of limiting and those of the compression ratio in systems with compression thresholds lower than the level of unamplified loud speech.


Modified Julia fluoroolefination: selective preparation of fluoroalkenoates.
The modified Julia olefination reaction has been applied to develop a stereoselective synthesis of fluoroalkenoate derivatives from a fluorobenzothiazolyl sulfone and aldehydes or a ketone. The olefination reaction can be achieved by using a variety of bases. DBU and DBU in the presence of MgBr2 were found to be the most efficient systems to prepare either (Z)- or (E)-alkenoates in moderate to excellent stereoselectivity.


The Effect of an Extract of Sappanwood, Protosappanin A and Protosappanin B on Osteogenesis in Periodontitis.
Sappanwood is widely used in the prevention and treatment in diseases due to its ability to seal blood vessels, dissipate stasis, and relieve pain. Important monomer components of sappanwood, Protosappanin A (PA) and Protosappanin B (PB) have anti-tumour and antimicrobial medicinal properties. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and osteogenic differentiation effects of a crude extract of Sappanwood (ESP), PA and PB against periodontitis in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Oil Red O staining was used to assess the ability of adipocytes to differentiate. Alizarin Red staining was used to assess the capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts. Third-passage PDLSCs were grown in either basic medium alone or basic media with varying doses of ESP (0.0625 mg/mL, 0.03125 mg/mL and 0.125 mg/mL), PA and PB (2.5 µM, 5 µM, 10 µM). The CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell proliferation. Real Time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbnent Assay (ELISA) assay were used to measure gene expression. The capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts was evaluated using Alizarin Red staining, and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity. The development of lipid droplets and mineralized nodules was examined using Oil Red O staining and Alizarin Red staining. Flow cytometry revealed that PDLSCs were CD29 (98.23%) and CD44 (98.81%) positive, but CD34 (0.16%) and CD45 (0.09%) negative. CCK-8 assay showed that ESP at three concentrations (0.03125 mg/mL, 0.0625 mg/mL and 0.125 mg/mL) and 2.5 µM, 5 µM and 10 µM PA and PB had no cytotoxicity at 5 and 7 days (p < 0.05). qRT-PCR and ELISA assay indicated that ESP, PA and PB downregulated the inflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-4 and elevated the mRNA expression of osteogenesis cytokines RUNX2 , OSX and OCN in PDLSCs (p < 0.05). Alizarin red staining, and ALP staining and activity showed that ESP, PA and PB increased mineralized nodules and the ALP content of in PDLSCs (p < 0.05). ESP, PA and PB can reduce the inflammatory response and amplify the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Therefore, ESP, PA and PB may have potential pharmacological effects in controlling the progression of periodontitis and promoting periodontal tissue regeneration.


The prognosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.
Dementia with Lewy bodies is the second most common form of neurodegenerative dementia, yet scarce evidence is available about its prognosis and natural history, which are crucial to inform clinical practice and research. Patients with dementia with Lewy bodies might have a less favourable prognosis, with accelerated cognitive decline, shorter lifespan, and increased admission to residential care than patients with Alzheimer's disease. Health-care costs and, importantly, caregiver burden, are also reported to be higher in dementia with Lewy bodies than in Alzheimer's disease. It is probable that causative factors for this less favourable prognosis are the increased prevalence and early emergence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies, and the challenge of accurate diagnosis. Evidence concerning quality of life and hospital admission rates is limited, despite their clinical and economic relevance.


Three-dimensional architecture of the intrinsic tongue muscles, particularly the longitudinal muscle, by the chemical-maceration method.
Muscle bundles of the transverse and vertical muscles of the tongue become flat when they enter the longitudinal muscle layers of the tongue, where they form a tunnel-like structure that surrounds the longitudinal muscle of the tongue. However, the three-dimensional architecture of longitudinal muscle fibers of the tongue has not been clarified. In the present study, we evaluated the function of the intrinsic muscles of the tongue by studying the three-dimensional architecture of the longitudinal muscle. Muscle bundles of the longitudinal muscle of the anterior part of a rabbit's tongue were exposed by the chemical-maceration and modified chemical-maceration methods and examined by scanning electron microscopy. In the longitudinal muscle of the tongue, muscle bundles running in the anteroposterior direction were arranged at regular intervals. These muscle bundles bifurcated or ramified at a sharp angle at each level from the superficial layer to the deep layer and joined or fused with adjacent muscle bundles. In addition, these ramified muscle bundles ran obliquely into shallower or deeper layers of the muscle, as well as in the same plane. Consequently, the longitudinal muscle of the tongue as a whole had a three-dimensional mesh-like structure. The transverse and vertical muscles of the tongue entered this mesh-like structure of muscle bundles of the longitudinal muscle as flat muscle bundles. The transverse and vertical muscles showed no ramification in the center of the tongue, where there is no longitudinal muscle. These results suggest that the three intrinsic muscles of the tongue are interlaced with one another and are bound tightly in the longitudinal muscle. This structure may enable the dorsum of the tongue to harden for pressing food during mastication and shifting the food posteriorly for swallowing.


[Applications and uses of static and dynamic measurement of posture (posturography)].
Posturography is a very useful clinical instrument to quantify, analyze, and document postural sway and to differentiate patterns of instability that are typical for the different types of lesions encountered within the cerebellum and to differentiate cerebellar ataxia from spinal ataxia. An objective method of measurement like this is most valuable for follow-up studies and the surveillance of therapeutic efficacy. The method of recording short, medium, and long latency reflexes in leg muscles after a sudden tilt of a movable platform toe-up is not only totally atraumatic and fast, but more importantly it gives significant hints towards the possible site of a central lesion in the sensory-motor system.


Effect of CYP2C19 Gene Polymorphisms on Proton Pump Inhibitor, Amoxicillin, and Levofloxacin Triple Therapy for Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori.
BACKGROUND The effects of PPI are variable owing to the CYP2C19 polymorphisms. However, whether the polymorphisms could affect the Hp eradication efficacy of triple therapy is still not clear. The present study aimed to assess the effects of CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms on proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin, and levofloxacin triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication. MATERIAL AND METHODS We randomly assigned 160 Hp-positive patients with chronic gastritis to 2 groups to receive either 20 mg bid omeprazole (OAL group, n=80) or 10 mg bid rabeprazole (RAL group, n=80), combined with 1000 mg bid amoxicillin and 500 mg qd levofloxacin. The 2 groups were treated for 10 days. The CYP2C19 genotypes included wild-type, M1 mutant gene (*2, the mutation of exon 5), and M2 mutant gene (*3, the mutation of exon 4) identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFIP). According to CYP2C19 genotype combinations, the patients were divided into extensive metabolizer (EM), intermediate metabolizer (IM), and poor metabolizer (PM) subgroups. The eradication efficacy of Hp was evaluated by 14C-UBT at 28 days after treatment. RESULTS The trial was completed by 155 patients. Hp eradication rates in OAL and RAL groups were 78.2% and 88.3%, respectively, on per-protocol (PP) analysis, indicating no significant difference (P>0.05). Regarding CYP2C19 genotypes, eradication rates of 60.7%, 84.2%, and 100% were obtained for EM, IM, and PM subgroups, respectively, of the OAL group. EM group eradication rates were significantly lower than IM and PM group values (P<0.05). In the RAL group, no such difference was observed (P>0.05). Hp eradication rates were significantly lower in the EM subgroup of the OAL group compared with that of the RAL group. CONCLUSIONS Hp eradication rates were higher in the RAL group than in OAL-treated patients. Interestingly, omeprazole-based therapy was significantly affected by the CYP2C19 genotype, unlike the rabeprazole-based therapy.


Synthesis of eight-arm, branched oligonucleotide hybrids and studies on the limits of DNA-driven assembly.
Oligonucleotide hybrids with organic cores as rigid branching elements and four or six CG dimer strands have been shown to form porous materials from dilute aqueous solution. In order to explore the limits of this form of DNA-driven assembly, we prepared hybrids with three or eight DNA arms via solution-phase syntheses, using H-phosphonates of protected dinucleoside phosphates. This included the synthesis of (CG)8TREA, where TREA stands for the tetrakis[4-(resorcin-5-ylethynyl)phenyl]adamantane core. The ability of the new compounds to assemble in a DNA-driven fashion was studied by UV-melting analysis and NMR, using hybrids with self-complementary CG zipper arms or non-self-complementary TC dimer arms. The three-arm hybrid failed to form a material under conditions where four-arm hybrids did so. Further, the assembly of TREA hybrids appears to be dominated by hydrophobic interactions, not base pairing of the DNA arms. These results help in the design of materials forming by multivalent DNA-DNA interactions.


The Mureş-Uzhgorod-Debrecen study: a comparison of hospital stroke services in Central-Eastern Europe.
Stroke mortality is extremely high in Central-Eastern European countries. The high rate of risk factors and differences in health care services might be among the factors resulting in high stroke morbidity and mortality in this region. As only few prospectively collected information are available from this region, we decided to evaluate some characteristics of stroke services in neurological departments of a Romanian, a Ukrainian and a Hungarian city in the framework of the Mureş-Uzhgorod-Debrecen comparative epidemiological study. We registered demographic data, the absence or presence of the most important risk factors, and clinical signs on admission and at discharge. We recorded the application of various diagnostic methods, stroke treatment and recommendations for secondary prevention. Follow-up is planned after 30 days and after 1 year. The paper summarizes the methodology of this prospective epidemiological study of stroke patients hospitalized in neurological departments in Târgu Mureş, Uzhgorod and Debrecen, three Central-Eastern European cities in Romania, Ukraine and Hungary, respectively.


Widespread gpa-4 promoter-driven expression during Caenorhabditis elegans development.
The gpa-4 promoter-driven expression is described as specific for ASIL and ASIR chemosensory neurons in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, yet this was mostly examined in adult animals. Here we used a recombination-mediated reporter to test the previously used gpa-4 promoter expression. This reporter highlights all cells in which the gpa-4 promoter has been active at one point or another during development. We show that the gpa-4 promoter is indeed active in ASI, yet to our surprise, thispromoter drives also expression in many other cell types, including the somatic gonad, the seam cells, a subset of tail and head neurons, and muscle cells, demonstrating a widespread activity of this transgenic gpa-4 promoter during embryonic and post-embryonic development.


Critical role of DNA checkpoints in mediating genotoxic-stress-induced filamentous growth in Candida albicans.
The polymorphic fungus Candida albicans switches from yeast to filamentous growth in response to a range of genotoxic insults, including inhibition of DNA synthesis by hydroxyurea (HU) or aphidicolin (AC), depletion of the ribonucleotide-reductase subunit Rnr2p, and DNA damage induced by methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) or UV light (UV). Deleting RAD53, which encodes a downstream effector kinase for both the DNA-replication and DNA-damage checkpoint pathways, completely abolished the filamentous growth caused by all the genotoxins tested. Deleting RAD9, which encodes a signal transducer of the DNA-damage checkpoint, specifically blocked the filamentous growth induced by MMS or UV but not that induced by HU or AC. Deleting MRC1, the counterpart of RAD9 in the DNA-replication checkpoint, impaired DNA synthesis and caused cell elongation even in the absence of external genotoxic insults. Together, the results indicate that the DNA-replication/damage checkpoints are critically required for the induction of filamentous growth by genotoxic stress. In addition, either of two mutations in the FHA1 domain of Rad53p, G65A, and N104A, nearly completely blocked the filamentous-growth response but had no significant deleterious effect on cell-cycle arrest. These results suggest that the FHA domain, known for its ability to bind phosphopeptides, has an important role in mediating genotoxic-stress-induced filamentous growth and that such growth is a specific, Rad53p-regulated cellular response in C. albicans.


[Molecular analysis of two pedigrees with hereditary F VII deficiency].
To identify the mutation of coagulation factor VII (F VII) gene in two pedigrees with hereditary F VII deficiency. F VII gene mutations were analysed in two propositi and their family members by direct DNA sequencing. Allele specific PCR and PCR combined with restricted enzyme digestion were used to confirm the detected mutations. Two gene mutations were detected in the propositus of pedigree A: G to C transition at position 6390 resulting in Trp40Cys and G to A at 11496 resulting in Arg353Gln, both are heterozygotes. The heterozygosity for polymorphism Arg353Gln was confirmed with the restriction enzyme Msp I digestion in his mother. In the propositus of pedigree B, there was a T to G transition at position 11482 resulting in His348Gln, heterozygosity of which was confirmed with Nsp I digestion in the propositus and his daughter. G to T transition at position 11514 resulting in Thr359Met was also found in the propositus of pedigree B, and the heterozygosity for Thr359Met was confirmed with allele specific PCR in the propositus and his son. Three missense mutations were found in two pedigrees with hereditary F VII deficiency. A novel Trp40Cys mutation was reported for the first time.


Curcumin Nanotechnologies and Its Anticancer Activity.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Curcumin is a well-established anticancer agent in vitro but its efficacy is yet to be proven in clinical trials. Poor bioavailability of curcumin is the principal reason behind the lack of efficiency of curcumin in clinical trials. Many studies prove that the bioavailability of curcumin can be improved by administering it through nanoparticle drug carriers. This review focuses on the efforts made in the field of nanotechnology to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. Nanotechnologies of curcumin come in various shapes and sizes. The simplest curcumin nanoparticle that increased the bioavailability of curcumin is the curcumin-metal complex. On the other hand, we have intricate thermoresponsive nanoparticles that can release curcumin upon stimulation (analogous to a remote control). Future research required for developing potent curcumin nanoparticles is also discussed.


Calmodulin inhibitors produce phase shifts of circadian rhythms in vivo and in vitro.
The effect of calmodulin inhibitors on the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity and on the rhythm of suprachiasmatic nuclear (SCN) neuron firing rate recorded in vitro from hypothalamic slices was examined. Trifluoperazine produces changes in a dose-dependent manner in the phase of the activity rhythm, with phase advances throughout most of the subjective day extending into the subjective night. These phase changes in the activity rhythm occur rapidly and without induction of locomotor activity at the time of treatment. Similarly, trifluoperazine and the naphthalenesulfonamide W-7 produce changes in phase delays in the subjective night extending into early subjective day. The effects are greater with respect to amplitude when measured acutely after treatment than in the next cycle, and both the acute and next-day effects are greater than those observed in vivo, indicating that data from in vitro studies need to be interpreted with caution. These observations indicate that calmodulin inhibitors affect rhythms directly in vivo by altering SCN neuron pacemaker function, as this reflects involvement of calcium-calmodulin binding with activation of a calmodulin-dependent kinase, either to alter intracellular cAMP levels or to alter gene expression directly to modulate the phase of the SCN clock.


Toward characterization and definition of fibromyalgia severity.
There are no standard criteria for defining or assessing severity of fibromyalgia (FM) as a condition as fibromyalgia is associated with multiple symptom domains. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether patient self-reported severity of FM is associated with severity of pain and sleep interference and the presence of core co-morbidities. We recruited individuals >or= 18 years of age with a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of FM >or= 3 months and a current pain rating >2 on a 0-10 numeric rating scale (NRS). Patients completed a questionnaire by mail in which they self-rated their FM severity (very mild, mild, moderate, and severe), their current pain severity and extent of sleep interference (NRS; mild, 0-3; moderate, 4-6, severe, 7-10), and provided information (yes/no) on the presence of core comorbidities (symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, back pain, neck pain) and medication use for FM. The core symptoms of FM were stratified to assist with patient characterization. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore the relationship between self-reported FM severity and continuous variables (pain severity and sleep interference), and Mantel-Haenszel chi-square analysis was used to evaluate the trend in the proportions of patients reporting use of medications and core symptoms of FM by severity of FM. To complement patient-reported FM severity and to understand physicians' perspectives, a survey was performed among 28 physician specialists (rheumatology, neurology, anesthesiology/pain management, family practice, internal medicine, and psychiatry) to determine what they assessed when evaluating FM severity in clinical practice. The population (N = 129) of FM patients was predominantly female (89.1%), with a mean age of 49.4 +/- 11.0 years, and 81.4% reported duration >or= 2 years. Self-reported FM severity was moderate/severe in 86.0% of patients; mean current pain score was 6.40 +/- 2.19 (moderate), and mean sleep interference score was 7.28 +/- 2.23 (severe). Greater FM severity was significantly associated with higher levels of current pain and sleep interference (p < 0.0001), the proportion of patients reporting FM medication use (p = 0.0001), and the presence of core comorbidities (p < 0.05). Pain, functional disability, and fatigue severity were ranked as the top three criteria by the highest proportion of physicians when evaluating FM severity. With higher self-reported FM severity, patients have greater pain and sleep interference as well as increased frequency of core comorbidities. Further investigation into understanding FM severity is warranted.


Finite element modeling of grain size effects on the ultrasonic microstructural noise backscattering in polycrystalline materials.
The correlation between ultrasonic wave propagation and polycrystalline microstructures has significant implications in nondestructive evaluation. An original numerical approach using the finite element method to quantify in both time and frequency domains the ultrasonic noise scattering due to the elastic heterogeneity of polycrystalline microstructures is presented. Based on the reciprocity theorem, it allows the scattering evaluation using mechanical data recorded only on the boundary of polycrystal instead of within its volume and is applicable to any polycrystalline aggregate regardless of its crystallographic or morphological characteristics. Consequently it gives a more realistic and accurate access of polycrystalline microstructures than the classical analytical models developed under the assumption of single scattering and the Born approximation. The numerical approach is proposed within the same unified theoretical framework as the classical analytical models, so it is possible to validate it in the cases of idealized microstructures for which the considered analytical models remain relevant. As an original result, assuming single phase, untextured and equiaxed microstructures, two-dimensional (2D) theoretical formulas are developed and a frequency-dependent coefficient is found compared to the classical three-dimensional (3D) formulas. 2D numerical simulations are then performed for idealized microstructures composed of hexagonal grains with a uniform grain-size. Three grain sizes are considered herein and involve different scattering regions. Good comparisons are obtained between theoretical and numerical estimates of the backscattering coefficient, which validate the numerical approach. Effects of the grain boundary orientations are analyzed by modeling an irregular hexagonal grain morphology and a random grain morphology generated by an established Voronoi approach. The origin of the significant oscillation level of backscattering is then investigated and discussed.


Impact of increasing diabetes on coronary artery disease in the past decade.
We studied the coronary risk factors of hospitalized patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine of Kobe University Hospital in 1993, 1996, 1999 and 2003, and examined trends in the factors over the past decade. The prevalences of diabetes mellitus (DM) (24.7%, 33.6%, 41.1% and 44.7%, respectively) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (5.9%, 8.0%, 9.3% and 11.0%, respectively) steadily increased, whereas dyslipidemia (high total cholesterolemia, high triglyceridemia, or low high-density lipoproteinemia) and hypertension remained unchanged. We also revealed an increase in hemoglobin A1c levels (5.8%, 5.9%, 6.2% and 6.4%, respectively), in contrast to modest improvements in lipid levels and blood pressure levels. Additionally, patients with multi-vessel disease (MVD, stenosis in more than two major coronary vessels) significantly increased from 44.7% in 1993 to 58.8% in 2003 (p < 0.01). In 1993, DM and dyslipidemia were significant predictors for MVD (Odds Ratio: 2.72 and 2.68, respectively). On the other hand, in 2003, the significant predictor for MVD shifted to DM alone (Odds Ratio: 2.38). In conclusion, the prevalence rate of DM among CAD patients significantly increased in this decade, and the consequent increase in the prevalence of MVD should be recognized as the most important problem clinically.


Relations of negative and positive work experiences to employee alcohol use: testing the intervening role of negative and positive work rumination.
This study tested a model linking work experiences to employee alcohol use. The model extended past research in 3 ways. First, it incorporated both negative and positive work experiences. Second, it incorporated a previously unexplored cognitive intervening process involving negative and positive work rumination. Third, it incorporated several important dimensions of alcohol use (heavy use, workday use, and after-work use). Data were collected from a national probability sample of 2,831 U.S. workers. Structural equation modeling revealed that the conceptual model provided an excellent fit to the data. Negative work experiences were positively related to negative work rumination, which was positively related to heavy alcohol use, workday alcohol use, and after work alcohol use. Positive work experiences were positively related to positive work rumination, which was negatively related to heavy alcohol use and after work alcohol use, but was unrelated to workday alcohol use. The study also provided initial support for the psychometric properties and construct validity of the newly developed Negative and Positive Work Rumination Scale (NAPWRS).


Cytomegalovirus pneumonitis and lobar consolidation.
This report describes the occurrence of localized lobar consolidation caused solely by cytomegalovirus infection in two heart transplant recipients. This highly atypical and previously unreported radiographic manifestation of cytomegalovirus pneumonitis underscores the need for vigorous diagnostic evaluation of immunosuppressed patients since localized pneumonitis in the immunocompromised host does not exclude the possibility of opportunistic infection.


Effects of habitat and time of day on flock size of Turkey Vultures in Cuba (Cathartes aura).
In agricultural landscapes, the Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura feeds mainly on carcases of domestic animals. In spring 2017, data on 214 flocks of Turkey vultures were collected in a road survey in Cuba (in total 2384 km). Turkey Vultures were found to be common accross Cuba, but flock size varied between habitats, reaching a maximum of 43 in valleys and 31 in agricultural landscapes with domestic animal farms. Vultures were active throughout the day, but the time of day did not significantly affect flock size. This study corroborates previous studies which suggested that carrion resources located in agricultural habitats and river valleys is crucial for the continued survival of this still abundant species. Changes in Cuba's socio-political system in the near future will likely impact agricultural practices, and this in turn will likely affect Turkey Vultures. Our study may serve as a baseline against which future population changes and flocking behaviour of Turkey Vultures can be compared.


Hemorrhagic symptoms and bleeding risk in obligatory carriers of type 3 von Willebrand disease: an international, multicenter study.
We undertook an international, multicenter study to describe the clinical picture and to estimate the bleeding risk in a group of obligatory carriers of type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD). Obligatory carriers (OC) of type 3 VWD were identified by the presence of offspring with type 3 VWD or by being an offspring of a type 3 patient. Normal controls were age- and sex-matched with the obligatory carriers. A physician-administered standardized questionnaire was used to evaluate hemorrhagic symptoms at presentation. A score system ranging from 0 (no symptom) to 3 (hospitalization, replacement therapy, blood transfusion) was used to quantitate bleeding manifestations. Odds ratios were computed for each symptom. Ten centers participated to the study, enrolling a total of 35 type 3 VWD families, with 70 OC. A total of 215 normal controls and 42 OC for type 1 VWD were also included. About 40% of type 3 OC had at least one bleeding symptom compared to 23% of normal controls and 81.8% of type 1 OC (P < 0.0001 by chi-squared test), showing that type 3 OC clearly represent a distinct population from type 1 OC. The clinical situations associated with an increase of bleeding risk in type 3 OC were epistaxis [odds ratio 3.6; 90% confidence intervals (CI) 1.84-21.5], cutaneous bleeding (odds ratio 5.5; 90% CI 2.5-14.1) and postsurgical bleeding (odds ratio 16.3; 90% CI 4.5-59). The severity of bleeding score correlated with the degree of factor (F) VIII reduction in plasma. OC for type 3 VWD represent a distinctive population from type 1 OC. These patients, however, present with more frequent bleeding symptoms in comparison to normal controls, especially in case of significantly low FVIII. Desmopressin and/or tranexamic acid might be useful to prevent or treat bleeding in these cases.


Laser self-focusing in the presence of quasistatic axial direct current.
We try to understand the presence of a quasistatic magnetic field on the basis of the stability of the laser-plasma system. A general theoretical model of laser self-focusing in the absence of a quasistatic magnetic field (QMF) is extended to discuss self-focusing in the presence of a QMF. Various transverse intensity profiles under different axial collective electronic speeds V(z) are calculated. Numerical results indicate that for suitable laser power and plasma density, the increment in V(z) can lead to a further separation between the photon fluid and the electron fluid and hence a decrement in the energy of the laser-plasma system. This causes it to be possible for the system state without a QMF, or V(z) =0 state, to be not stable relative to some V(z) not equal 0 states.


Naevus-associated lentigo maligna: coincidence or continuum?
Despite the high frequency of intradermal facial nevi in adults, the development of lentigo maligna (LM) within a preexisting nevus is considered exceptionally rare. Herein we describe an emblematic case of nevus associated facial LM and discuss whether such "collision" is coincidental or a consequence of malignant transformation.


Assessment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms and Sleep Quality Among Women in the Nurses' Health Study II.
Limited data exist on the association of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms with sleep quality. To prospectively investigate the association between GER symptoms and sleep quality. This prospective cohort study included data from the Nurses' Health Study II of female nurses in the US. Participants self-reported the frequency and duration of GER symptoms beginning June 2005, with updates every 4 years through June 2015. Follow-up was completed June 2019, and data were analyzed from November 15, 2022, to June 4, 2023. Frequency and duration of GER symptoms. Poor sleep quality was assessed in 2017 through a modified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which included difficulty in falling asleep, restlessness of sleep, daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbance, and sleep duration. Relative risk (RR) for poor sleep quality and individual components of poor sleep quality was estimated according to the frequency and duration of GER symptoms. Among 48 536 women (median age, 59 years [range, 48-69 years]), 7929 (16.3%) developed poor sleep quality during 4 years of follow-up. Compared with those with GER symptoms less than once a month, the multivariable RR for poor sleep quality among women with GER symptoms more than once a week was 1.53 (95% CI, 1.45-1.62). Women who had GER symptoms once or more a week for more than 7 years had an RR of 1.36 (95% CI, 1.30-1.43) compared with women who had not had GER symptoms once or more a week. The frequency and duration of GER symptoms were significantly associated with each individual component of poor sleep quality; for example, the multivariable RRs for GER symptoms 2 or more times per week compared with no GER symptoms were 1.49 (95% CI, 1.39-1.58) for difficulty in falling asleep, 1.47 (95% CI, 1.39-1.56) for excessive daytime sleepiness, and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.36-1.53) for restlessness of sleep. In this prospective cohort study of female nurses in the Nurses' Health Study II, the frequency and duration of GER symptoms were associated with subsequent risk of poor sleep quality. The findings suggest that effective treatment of GER disease may be important not only for improvement of symptoms but also for the reduction of comorbidities associated with poor sleep quality.


Combined Intravital Microscopy and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography of the Mouse Hindlimb to Study Insulin-induced Vasodilation and Muscle Perfusion.
It has been demonstrated that insulin's vascular actions contribute to regulation of insulin sensitivity. Insulin's effects on muscle perfusion regulate postprandial delivery of nutrients and hormones to insulin-sensitive tissues. We here describe a technique for combining intravital microscopy (IVM) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) of the adductor compartment of the mouse hindlimb to simultaneously visualize muscle resistance arteries and perfusion of the microcirculation in vivo. Simultaneously assessing insulin's effect at multiple levels of the vascular tree is important to study relationships between insulin's multiple vasoactive effects and muscle perfusion. Experiments in this study were performed in mice. First, the tail vein cannula is inserted for the infusion of anesthesia, vasoactive compounds and ultrasound contrast agent (lipid-encapsulated microbubbles). Second, a small incision is made in the groin area to expose the arterial tree of the adductor muscle compartment. The ultrasound probe is then positioned at the contralateral upper hindlimb to view the muscles in cross-section. To assess baseline parameters, the arterial diameter is assessed and microbubbles are subsequently infused at a constant rate to estimate muscle blood flow and microvascular blood volume (MBV). When applied before and during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, combined IVM and CEUS allow assessment of insulin-induced changes of arterial diameter, microvascular muscle perfusion and whole-body insulin sensitivity. Moreover, the temporal relationship between responses of the microcirculation and the resistance arteries to insulin can be quantified. It is also possible to follow-up the mice longitudinally in time, making it a valuable tool to study changes in vascular and whole-body insulin sensitivity.


Efficient and safe single-cell cloning of human pluripotent stem cells using the CEPT cocktail.
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are inherently sensitive cells. Single-cell dissociation and the establishment of clonal cell lines have been long-standing challenges. This inefficiency of cell cloning represents a major obstacle for the standardization and streamlining of gene editing in induced pluripotent stem cells for basic and translational research. Here we describe a chemically defined protocol for robust single-cell cloning using microfluidics-based cell sorting in combination with the CEPT small-molecule cocktail. This advanced strategy promotes the viability and cell fitness of self-renewing stem cells. The use of low-pressure microfluidic cell dispensing ensures gentle and rapid dispensing of single cells into 96- and 384-well plates, while the fast-acting CEPT cocktail minimizes cellular stress and maintains cell structure and function immediately after cell dissociation. The protocol also facilitates clone picking and produces genetically stable clonal cell lines from hPSCs in a safe and cost-efficient fashion. Depending on the proliferation rate of the clone derived from a single cell, this protocol can be completed in 7-14 d and requires experience with aseptic cell culture techniques. Altogether, the relative ease, scalability and robustness of this workflow should boost gene editing in hPSCs and leverage a wide range of applications, including cell line development (e.g., reporter and isogenic cell lines), disease modeling and applications in regenerative medicine.


Correlation between two methods of florbetapir PET quantitative analysis.
This study evaluated performance of a commercially available standardized software program for calculation of florbetapir PET standard uptake value ratios (SUVr) in comparison with an established research method. Florbetapir PET images for 183 subjects clinically diagnosed as cognitively normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) (45 AD, 60 MCI, and 78 CN) were evaluated using two software processing algorithms. The research method uses a single florbetapir PET template generated by averaging both amyloid positive and amyloid negative registered brains together. The commercial software simultaneously optimizes the registration between the florbetapir PET images and three templates: amyloid negative, amyloid positive, and an average. Cortical average SUVr values were calculated across six predefined anatomic regions with respect to the whole cerebellum reference region. SUVr values were well correlated between the two methods (r2 = 0.98). The relationship between the methods computed from the regression analysis is: Commercial method SUVr = (0.9757*Research SUVr) + 0.0299. A previously defined cutoff SUVr of 1.1 for distinguishing amyloid positivity by the research method corresponded to 1.1 (95% CI = 1.098, 1.11) for the commercial method. This study suggests that the commercial method is comparable to the published research method of SUVr analysis for florbetapir PET images, thus facilitating the potential use of standardized quantitative approaches to PET amyloid imaging.


Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for prednisolone inhibition of whole blood lymphocyte proliferation.
Mitogen-induced ex vivo whole blood lymphocyte proliferation (WBLP) is a widely used method to assess lymphocyte responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapy. A three-component complex model was developed to characterize effects of prednisolone on cell trafficking, transduction, and lymphocyte suppression. An oral dose (0.27 mg kg-1) of prednisone was given to 32 subjects. The study consisted of baseline and prednisone phases each with 32 h of sampling. Measurements included plasma prednisolone concentrations, in vitro and ex vivo WBLP, and lymphocyte cell counts during baseline and prednisone phases. The final model consists of a precursor-dependent indirect response model with a first-order periodic influx rate for lymphocyte trafficking. This accounts for the rebound phenomenon and the circadian rhythm seen in all individual ex vivo WBLP effect-time profiles. Prednisolone was modelled as inhibiting lymphocyte influx from the precursor to the blood pools. The direct suppressive effect of prednisolone on WBLP was modelled with the simple Imax model. A transduction step with rate constant kt was introduced to the simple Imax model to account for the delay ( approximately 4 h) in reaching the maximum inhibition. The IC50 values obtained ex vivo were circa 10 times lower than in vitro values (3.76 vs 38.8 ng ml-1), suggesting additional in vivo factors may have enhanced lymphocyte response to the inhibitory effect of prednisolone. This integrated PK/PD model enables evaluation of multicomponent direct and indirect inhibition of ex vivo WBLP by steroids and other immunosuppressants in relation to sex and race.


68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging in glomus laryngicum.
Glomus laryngicum (laryngeal paraganglioma) are extremely rare neoplasm of the larynx. We here present the 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT images of a 40-year-old male patient with glomus laryngicum. In this report, we have highlighted the potential utility and limitations of 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging in patients with glomus laryngicum.


Acanthamoeba keratitis successfully treated with prolonged propamidine isethionate and neomycin-polymyxin-gramicidin.
We report a case of Acanthamoeba castellanii keratitis that was successfully treated with intense propamidine isethionate and neomycin-polymyxin-gramicidin over 11 and nine days, respectively. The frequency with which the medications were applied, once every 30 minutes with each medication, has been surpassed only once before in reported cases. Additional medical treatment included topical miconazole 1% drops for five days and clotrimazole 1% drops for one day; the latter was discontinued due to corneal epithelial toxicity. Intense treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis with these medications has not been reported before for as long as 11 days. Our aggressive approach was successful, and no clinically detectable significant side effects were observed. There has been no recurrence to date.


[Prevalence of dyslipidemia and elevated cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].
The objectives of this study were to compare the frequency of dyslipidemia (DLP) and the elevated cardiovascular risk between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and a control group, to identify disease-related factors associated with the presence of DLP and to estimate the frequency of RA patients receiving treatment for DLP. This is a cross sectional study that included 409 RA patients and 624 controls. Cardiovascular (CV) risk was determined using the Framingham score, National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) adapted versions according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) guidelines. DLP was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII). The frequency of CV risk was similar in RA patients and controls, except when NCEP-EULAR adapted version for RA was applied (7% vs. 2%; p = 0.00002). A 43% of patients and 47% of controls had DLP (p = 0.15). RA patients with DLP tended to have extra-articular manifestations more frequently (36% vs. 24%; p = 0.01) and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (21 [13-35] vs. 18 [10-30] mm; p = 0.003). RA patients treated for DLP varied between 11% and 32% according to the definition used. Patients with RA showed an elevated CV risk only when the NCEP-EULAR definition was used. Among RA patients, those with higher ESR and the presence of extra-articular manifestations were more likely to show DLP. The vast majority of patients were not receiving treatment for DLP.


Aedes albopictus in the United States: rapid spread of a potential disease vector.
Aedes albopictus, the Asian "tiger mosquito," was found in Houston, Texas, in 1985. Aedes albopictus is primarily a forest edge inhabiting species that has readily adapted to the container habitats produced by humans. Although not yet incriminated in the spread of any disease in the Americas, it has been repeatedly implicated in epidemic dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever transmission in Asia. It is a competent laboratory vector of La Crosse, yellow fever and other viruses, and can transovarially transmit at least 15 viruses. In 1986, Ae. albopictus was found in many other Texas counties, and in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. In 1987, infestations were discovered in Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and North Carolina. Aedes albopictus and other exotic species were intercepted in shipments of used tires entering the United States from Asia. All such tires must now be free of mosquitoes before entering the country. Control over the movement and storage of tires, a strong source reduction program, and intensive public education can solve the albopictus problem.


Diffusion of Hydration Water around Intrinsically Disordered Proteins.
Hydration water dynamics around globular proteins have attracted considerable attention in the past decades. This work investigates the hydration water dynamics around partially/fully intrinsically disordered proteins and compares it to that of the globular proteins via molecular dynamics simulations. The translational diffusion of the hydration water is examined by evaluating the mean-square displacement and the velocity autocorrelation function, while the rotational diffusion is probed through the dipole-dipole time correlation function. The results reveal that the translational and rotational motions of water molecules at the surface of intrinsically disordered proteins/regions are less restricted as compared to those around globular proteins/ordered regions, which is reflected in their higher diffusion coefficient and lower orientational relaxation time. The restricted mobility of hydration water in the vicinity of the protein leads to a sublinear diffusion in a heterogeneous interface. A positive correlation between the mean number of hydrogen bonds and the diffusion coefficient of hydration water implies higher mobility of water molecules at the surface of disordered proteins, which is due to their higher number of hydrogen bonds. Enhanced hydration water mobility around disordered proteins/regions is also related to their higher hydration capacity, low hydrophobicity, and increased internal protein motions. Thus, we generalize that the intrinsically disordered proteins/regions are associated with higher hydration water mobility as compared to globular protein/ordered regions, which may help to elucidate their varied functional specificity.


Molecular systematics of citrus-associated Alternaria species.
The causal agents of Alternaria brown spot of tangerines and tangerine hybrids, Alternaria leaf spot of rough lemon and Alternaria black rot of citrus historically have been referred to as Alternaria citri or A. alternata. Ten species of Alternaria recently were described among a set of isolates from leaf lesions on rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri) and tangelo (C. paradisi × C. reticulata), and none of these isolates was considered representative of A. alternata or A. citri. To test the hypothesis that these newly described morphological species are congruent with phylogenetic species, selected Alternaria brown spot and leaf spot isolates, citrus black rot isolates (post-harvest pathogens), isolates associated with healthy citrus tissue and reference species of Alternaria from noncitrus hosts were scored for sequence variation at five genomic regions and used to estimate phylogenies. These data included 432 bp from the 5' end of the mitochondrial ribosomal large subunit (mtLSU), 365 bp from the 5' end of the beta-tubulin gene, 464 bp of an endopolygalacturonase gene (endoPG) and 559 and 571 bp, respectively, of two anonymous genomic regions (OPA1-3 and OPA2-1). The mtLSU and beta-tubulin phylogenies clearly differentiated A. limicola, a large-spored species causing leaf spot of Mexican lime, from the small-spored isolates associated with citrus but were insufficiently variable to resolve evolutionary relationships among the small-spored isolates from citrus and other hosts. Sequence analysis of translation elongation factor alpha, calmodulin, actin, chitin synthase and 1, 3, 8-trihydroxynaphthalene reductase genes similarly failed to uncover significant variation among the small-spored isolates. Phylogenies estimated independently from endoPG, OPA1-3 and OPA2-1 data were congruent, and analysis of the combined data from these regions revealed nine clades, eight of which contained small-spored, citrus-associated isolates. Lineages inferred from analysis of the combined dataset were in general agreement with described morphospecies, however, three clades contained more than one morphological species and one morphospecies (A. citrimacularis) was polyphyletic. Citrus black rot isolates also were found to be members of more than a single lineage. The number of morphospecies associated with citrus exceeded that which could be supported under a phylogenetic species concept, and isolates in only five of nine phylogenetic lineages consistently were correlated with a specific host, disease or ecological niche on citrus. We advocate collapsing all small-spored, citrus-associated isolates of Alternaria into a single phylogenetic species, A. alternata.


Structure of the CLN3 gene and predicted structure, location and function of CLN3 protein.
The genomic sequence of the human CLN3 gene, which is defective in juvenile onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease) is being delineated using a variety of methods. A Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, YHC3 (for Yeast Homologue to human CLN3), which is highly similar to the human disease gene, has been identified by computer-aided homology searching. Topology predictions indicate the CLN3 protein contains six transmembrane segments. Most similarity between the human and yeast proteins lies either in the transmembrane segments or along one face of the predicted protein structure.


Blood is thicker than water: the management of hyperviscosity in adults with cyanotic heart disease.
Complications of chronic hypoxia, including erythrocytosis, hyperviscosity, abnormalities of hemostasis, cerebral abscesses, stroke, and endocarditis, are among the most common consequences of cyanotic heart disease in adults. The compensatory erythrocytosis of cyanotic heart disease can become pathologic by causing an increase in blood viscosity, thereby decreasing perfusion and resulting in decreased total oxygen delivery and increased risk of venoocclusive/hyperviscosity syndrome. Treatment of hyperviscosity secondary to erythrocytosis in cyanotic heart disease is controversial. Data is limited but suggest that phlebotomy has the potential to increase exercise capacity, reduce the symptoms of hyperviscosity, and reduce the potential risk of vasoocclusive disease in selected patients with polycythemia secondary to cyanotic heart disease. Unfortunately, repeated phlebotomy can quickly lead to iron deficiency, resulting in microcytic erythrocytes that induce higher viscosity than normocytic erythrocytes, which may increase the risk for venoocclusive events. There are limited data on the use of hydroxyurea to suppress erythrocytosis in this patient population. The authors conclude that until newer approaches to decreasing hematocrit without inducing iron deficiency are shown to be safe and efficacious, phlebotomy should only be used for the acute resolution of hyperviscosity symptoms. In addition, the use of hydroxyurea should be limited to patients with recurrent symptoms.


The Current Knowledge of the Role of PPAR in Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.
Strategies to improve the viability of steatotic livers could reduce the risk of dysfunction after surgery and increase the number of organs suitable for transplantation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are major regulators of lipid metabolism and inflammation. In this paper, we review the PPAR signaling pathways and present some of their lesser-known functions in liver regeneration. Potential therapies based on PPAR regulation will be discussed. The data suggest that further investigations are required to elucidate whether PPAR could be a potential therapeutic target in liver surgery and to determine the most effective therapies that selectively regulate PPAR with minor side effects.


An enhanced algorithm for improving real-time video transmission for tele-training education.
Tele-training in surgical education has not been effectively implemented. There is a stringent need for a high transmission rate, reliability, throughput, and reduced distortion for high-quality video transmission in the real-time network. This work aims to propose a system that improves video quality during real-time surgical tele-training. The proposed approach aims to minimise the video frame's total distortion, ensuring better flow rate allocation and enhancing the video frames' reliability. The proposed system consists of a proposed algorithm for Enhancing Video Quality, Distorting Minimization, Bandwidth efficiency, and Reliability Maximization called (EVQDMBRM) algorithm. The proposed algorithm reduces the video frame's total distortion. In addition, it enhances the video quality in a real-time network by dynamically allocating the flow rate at the video source and maximizing the transmission reliability of the video frames. The result shows that the proposed EVQDMBRM algorithm improves the video quality with the minimized total distortion. Therefore, it improves the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) average by 51.13 dB against 47.28 dB in the existing systems. Furthermore, it reduces the video frames processing time average by 58.2 milliseconds (ms) against 76.1, and the end-to-end delay average by 114.57 ms against 133.58 ms comparing to the traditional methods. The proposed system concentrates on minimizing video distortion and improving the surgical video transmission quality by using an EVQDMBRM algorithm. It provides the mechanism to allocate the video rate at the source dynamically. Besides that, it minimizes the packet loss ratio and probing status, which estimates the available bandwidth.


Prevalent musculoskeletal pain as a correlate of previous exposure to torture.
To research possible associations between previous exposure to specific torture techniques and prevalent pain in the head and face, back, and feet. 221 refugees, 193 males and 28 females, previously exposed to torture in their home country, were subject to a clinical interview at a rehabilitation clinic for torture victims. The interview focused on exposure to torture and somatic symptoms prevalent at examination. The mean number of times imprisoned was 2.3; the mean number of months imprisoned was 19.7; the mean duration from initial imprisonment to final release was 3.7 years; and the mean duration from final release to preliminary interview was 8.4 years. The most frequent physical torture method reported was beating (92.3%) and the main mental torture method was deprivation (84.6%). Pain in the head and face was found to be strongly associated with torture against head and face (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.49-10.20) and with the cumulative number of physical torture methods exposed to. Pain in the back was associated with sexual torture (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.07-7.12). Besides beating of the lower extremities (OR 5.98, 95% CI 2.47-14.48), the strongest predictor for pain in the feet was general abuse of the whole body (OR 5.64, 95% CI 1.93-16.45). In spite of many factors being potentially co-responsible for prevalent pain, years after the torture took place it presents itself as strongly associated with specific loci of pain, with generalized effects, and with somatizing.


Importance of CXC chemokine receptor 2 in alveolar neutrophil and exudate macrophage recruitment in response to pneumococcal lung infection.
Sustained neutrophilic infiltration is known to contribute to organ damage, such as acute lung injury. CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) is the major receptor regulating inflammatory neutrophil recruitment in acute and chronic inflamed tissues. Whether or not the abundant neutrophil recruitment observed in severe pneumonia is essential for protective immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections is incompletely defined. Here we show that CXCR2 deficiency severely perturbs the recruitment of both neutrophils and exudate macrophages associated with a massive bacterial outgrowth in distal airspaces after infection with S. pneumoniae, resulting in 100% mortality in knockout (KO) mice within 3 days. Moreover, irradiated wild-type mice reconstituted with increasing amounts of CXCR2 KO bone marrow (10, 25, 50, and 75% KO) have correspondingly decreased numbers of both neutrophils and exudate macrophages, which is associated with a stepwise increase in bacterial burden and a reciprocal stepwise decrease in survival in S. pneumoniae-induced pulmonary infection. Finally, application of the CXCR2 antagonist SB-225002 resulted in decreased alveolar neutrophil and exudate macrophage recruitment in mice along with increased lung bacterial loads after infection with S. pneumoniae. Together, these data show that CXC chemokine receptor 2 serves a previously unrecognized nonredundant role in the regulation of both neutrophil and exudate macrophage recruitment to the lung in response to S. pneumoniae infection. In addition, we demonstrate that a threshold level of 10 to 25% of reduced neutrophil recruitment is sufficient to cause increased mortality in mice infected with S. pneumoniae.


Cartilaginous tumours of soft tissue.
Tumours of soft tissue may manifest cartilaginous differentiation as a primary phenomenon (as in chondromas or extraskeletal myxoid and mesenchymal chondrosarcomas) or as a secondary metaplastic feature (most notably in extraskeletal osteosarcomas or malignant nerve sheath tumours). The literature regarding primary cartilaginous tumours is reviewed and their differential diagnosis discussed. Soft tissue chondromas are noteworthy for their tendency to show significant nuclear pleomorphism. Extraskeletal chondrosarcoma is much rarer than its osseous counterpart, accounting for only 1-2% of soft tissue sarcomas. Virtually all such sarcomas can be classified into the myxoid or mesenchymal subtypes, of which myxoid carries a better prognosis. Soft tissue neoplasms which may show focal cartilaginous metaplasia are covered more briefly.


Debates in Pancreatic Beta Cell Biology: Proliferation Versus Progenitor Differentiation and Transdifferentiation in Restoring β Cell Mass.
In all forms of diabetes, β cell mass or function is reduced and therefore the capacity of the pancreatic cells for regeneration or replenishment is a critical need. Diverse lines of research have shown the capacity of endocrine as well as acinar, ductal and centroacinar cells to generate new β cells. Several experimental approaches using injury models, pharmacological or genetic interventions, isolation and in vitro expansion of putative progenitors followed by transplantations or a combination thereof have suggested several pathways for β cell neogenesis or regeneration. The experimental results have also generated controversy related to the limitations and interpretation of the experimental approaches and ultimately their physiological relevance, particularly when considering differences between mouse, the primary animal model, and human. As a result, consensus is lacking regarding the relative importance of islet cell proliferation or progenitor differentiation and transdifferentiation of other pancreatic cell types in generating new β cells. In this review we summarize and evaluate recent experimental approaches and findings related to islet regeneration and address their relevance and potential clinical application in the fight against diabetes.


Olsalazine in the treatment of active ulcerative colitis: a placebo controlled clinical trial and assessment of drug disposition.
The efficacy, safety and disposition of olsalazine was assessed in patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis or proctitis in a double-blind placebo controlled trial. Thirty patients with a mild-to-moderate attack of ulcerative colitis were randomly allocated to olsalazine capsules, 1 g b.d., or placebo for 6 weeks. Good clinical response was found in six patients receiving olsalazine and in two receiving placebo. Improvement in sigmoidoscopic findings and histological appearance of rectal biopsies was also seen more often in olsalazine-treated patients. Plasma concentrations of olsalazine were significantly higher in patients who improved. Olsalazine showed an advantage over placebo which needs to be confirmed by further studies; it was safe in sulphasalazine-sensitive patients but appeared to cause watery diarrhoea in two patients.


Removal of retained introns regulates translation in the rapidly developing gametophyte of Marsilea vestita.
The utilization of stored RNA is a driving force in rapid development. Here, we show that retention and subsequent removal of introns from pre-mRNAs regulate temporal patterns of translation during rapid and posttranscriptionally controlled spermatogenesis of the fern Marsilea vestita. Analysis of RNAseq-derived transcriptomes revealed a large subset of intron-retaining transcripts (IRTs) that encode proteins essential for gamete development. Genomic and IRT sequence comparisons show that other introns have been previously removed from the IRT pre-mRNAs. Fully spliced isoforms appear at distinct times during development in a spliceosome-dependent and transcription-independent manner. RNA interference knockdowns of 17/17 IRTs produced anomalies after the time points when those transcripts would normally be spliced. Intron retention is a functional mechanism for forestalling precocious translation of transcripts in the male gametophyte of M. vestita. These results have broad implications for plant gene regulation, where intron retention is widespread.


[Change in characteristics of human mesenchymal stem cells during the in vitro culture -- c-myc gene expression and chromosome aberrations at the c-myc locus].
We investigated mRNA expression of c-myc and chromosome aberrations at the c-myc locus in the same passage number of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). To understand the sensitivity of mRNA expression and the induction of chromosome aberrations, we first tested them in hMSC and cancer cell lines (HeLa S3, HOS, and OUMS-27). The c-myc mRNA expressions in HeLa S3 and OUMS-27 were significantly higher than those in hMSC, but then those in HOS were not. On the other hand, c-myc aberrant cells detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in HeLa S3, HOS, and OUMS-27 were significantly higher than that in hMSC. Both analyses were performed in hMSCs derived from five donors for the culture period of 50 days. In hMSCs from one donor, the frequency of c-myc aberrant cells significantly increased at 20 and 50 days respectively, and each mRNA expressions had a tendency to increase, but there is no significant change among 3, 20 and 50 days. In hMSCs from the others, both endpoints did not change for 50 days. For safe use of somatic stem cells in the regenerative medicine, the investigation of characteristic change of them during the in vitro culture is important. In the present study, we showed the mRNA expressions and chromosome aberrations of hMSCs in in vitro culture as the first step for establishing of safety evaluation of tissue engineered medical devices using normal hMSCs.


Research progress of AMP-activated protein kinase and cardiac aging.
The process of aging is marked by a gradual deterioration in the physiological functions and functional reserves of various tissues and organs, leading to an increased susceptibility to diseases and even death. Aging manifests in a tissue- and organ-specific manner, and is characterized by varying rates and direct and indirect interactions among different tissues and organs. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with older adults (aged >70 years) accounting for approximately two-thirds of CVD-related deaths. The prevalence of CVD increases exponentially with an individual's age. Aging is a critical independent risk factor for the development of CVD. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation exerts cardioprotective effects in the heart and restores cellular metabolic functions by modulating gene expression and regulating protein levels through its interaction with multiple target proteins. Additionally, AMPK enhances mitochondrial function and cellular energy status by facilitating the utilization of energy substrates. This review focuses on the role of AMPK in the process of cardiac aging and maintaining normal metabolic levels and redox homeostasis in the heart, particularly in the presence of oxidative stress and the invasion of inflammatory factors.


Aggregation behavior of triple helical polysaccharide with low molecular weight in diluted aqueous solution.
It has been proven in our previous work that the lentinan triple helical chains with high weight-average molecular weight (M(w) = 1.71 x 10(6)) formed easily a self-entangle one, and no ordered aggregates were detected. In the present work, we used the ultrasonic method to degrade the lentinan triple helical chains to obtain a sample with a mean value of M(w) approximately 5.0 x 10(5) g/mol. Subsequently, its dilute aqueous solution properties were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The relaxation time distributions exhibited two modes (fast and slow) with different relaxation time scales. The fast mode was attributed to the relaxation of an individual triple helical lentinan, whereas the slow mode indicated the formation of large aggregates. On the basis of the scattering wave vector dependencies for the scattering intensity and for the amplitudes and characteristic times associated with the relaxation modes, the molecular parameters were calculated by combing static LS with DLS. The values of the radius of gyration for individuals (R(g)(indi)) and aggregates (R(g)(agg)) were 48.2 and 75.4 nm, and those of the hydrodynamic radius for individuals (R(h)(indi)) and aggregates (R(h)(agg)) were 14.9 and 98.4 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the structure-sensitive dimensionless parameter of individuals (rho(indi) = 3.23) and aggregates (rho(agg) = 0.766) indicated that the individual triple helical chains were stiff, whereas the aggregates existed as compact clusters. The aggregates consisted of short triple helical chains by packing close to form "faggot-like" assembly, and the ordered aggregates (near 10%) coexisted with the predominant triple helical chain in the aqueous solution. Atomic force microscopy provided straightforward evidence on the shape of the triple helical chains and their aggregates in water.


Efficacy and tolerability of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment in pre-dialysis patients: results of a multicenter study.
Chronic renal failure is characterized by a normochromic normocytic anemia, the severity of which generally increases during progression toward uremia. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHu-EPO) given subcutaneously (s.c.), the dose required to reach and maintain Hb levels within 10 and 11 g% and its effects, if any, on the progression of chronic renal failure. Eighty-four pre-dialysis patients (46 F, 38M, age 61.7+/-13.9 years) with Hb levels between 6 and 9 g% and serum creatinine ranging from 3 to 9 mg/dl were treated with s.c. rHu-EPO (2000 U/twice weekly). After 6 weeks, if Hb increase was below 1 g%, 1000 U of s.c. rHu-EPO were added at each administration (3000 U twice weekly). Once the Hb target was reached (10-11 g%), the rHu-EPO weekly dose was halved and administration reduced to once weekly. The patients showed a significant rise in mean Hb values (p<0.001) after 3 months. Mean Hb values were as follows: 8.00+/-0.77 g% (pretreatment), 9.35+/-1.0 (3rd month), 10.06+/-1.04 (6th month), 10.25+/-0.62 g% (12th month). The mean rHu-EPO doses were 4000 U/w (start of the study), 3592+/-1685 U/w (6th month), 2840-/+1178 U/w (12th month). Renal function was evaluated by plotting the reciprocal of serum creatinine values vs time with a two period comparison: period A (retrospective-8 mo); period B (prospective-12 mo). The residual renal function was not impaired by rHu-EPO therapy. Meanwhile, no relevant modifications were observed in mean blood pressure values. Low doses of s.c. rHu-EPO were well tolerated, safe and effective; this therapeutic approach should therefore be considered for the improvement of anemia in pre-dialysis patients. A slow and gradual correction of anemia induces an improved sense of well being and a more active of life style.


Network analysis reveals increased integration during emotional and motivational processing.
In recent years, a large number of human studies have investigated large-scale network properties of the brain, typically during the resting state. A critical gap in the knowledge base concerns the understanding of network properties of a focused set of brain regions during task conditions engaging these regions. Although emotion and motivation recruit many brain regions, it is currently unknown how they affect network-level properties of inter-region interactions. In the present study, we sought to characterize network structure during "mini-states" engendered by emotional and motivational cues investigated in separate studies. To do so, we used graph-theoretic network analysis to probe network-, community-, and node-level properties of the trial-by-trial functional connectivity between regions of interest. We used methods that operate on weighted graphs that make use of the continuous information of connectivity strength. In both the emotion and motivation datasets, global efficiency increased and decomposability decreased. Thus, processing became less segregated with the context signaled by the cue (potential shock or potential reward). Our findings also revealed several important features of inter-community communication, including notable contributions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, anterior insula, and thalamus during threat and of the caudate and nucleus accumbens during reward. Together, the results suggest that one way in which emotional and motivational processing affect brain responses is by enhancing signal communication between regions, especially between cortical and subcortical ones.


Assessment of planning abilities in individuals with mild cognitive impairment using an open-ended problem-solving task.
There is currently limited research evaluating planning abilities, a core subcomponent of executive functioning, in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the present study, we utilized the "Amap Task," an open-ended problem-solving task, to separately evaluate the formulation and execution components of planning ability in individuals with MCI. Thirty-seven cognitively healthy older adults and 37 individuals with MCI used a map layout of a university apartment to develop and write out a strategy (formulation stage) to successfully complete a list of tasks (e.g., retrieve and fill a water pitcher before placing it in the refrigerator). Subsequently, participants carried out the tasks in the apartment with the aid of their formulated plan (execution stage). MCI participants performed more poorly than older adult (OA) controls during both the formulation and execution stages on measures of task accuracy and task efficiency. However, both groups were able to adjust and improve task accuracy and efficiency from formulation to task execution. Finally, MCI participants took significantly longer to complete the task and adhered less to their formulated plans during task completion. Using an open-ended problem-solving task, the findings revealed that individuals with MCI experienced difficulties with both the formulation and execution components of planning. Like controls, participants with MCI were able to successfully modify their plan online, improving their performance from task formulation to task execution.


Mucolytic agents and mucociliary activity.
The three substances bromhexine, NA 872 (bromhexine metabolite VIII) and the beta 2-receptor agonist NAB 365 (clenbuterol) and their effect on the mucociliary activity have been studied in vivo in rabbits. The substances were given parenterally in increasing dosages and 519 records were obtained from 12 rabbits. Not even at dosages in excess of recommended human dosages has any effect on the mucociliary activity been observed for any of the substances during the first 30 minutes after administration. The conclusion to be drawn is that the three substances have no effect on the mucociliary activity in rabbit in vivo, but that this does not exclude an effect on mucociliary transport or clearance.


Correlation of Body Mass Index and Oxygen Saturation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients at a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. COPD is associated with clinically relevant pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations, including hypoxemia and weight loss. The correlation of body mass index (BMI) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) with COPD grades may provide a useful additional marker for understanding and managing the disease. The aim of the study was to study the correlation of BMI and oxygen saturation with COPD in patients presenting to a tertiary care center in Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 COPD patients visiting the Department of Medicine in Shree Birendra Hospital between 1 March 2019 and 28 February 2020. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used and data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Out of 145 COPD patients, 58 (40%) were underweight, 53 (36.55%) were of normal weight, 20 (13.79%) were overweight, and 14 (9.6%) were obese. The number of underweight patients was highest in COPD grade 4 and lowest in COPD grade 1. The proportion of subjects with underweight BMI and hypoxia increased with COPD severity, and both were statistically significant (p-values <0.01). Our study shows that BMI and oxygen saturation have an inverse association with COPD severity. The correlation of BMI and oxygen saturation with COPD grade could provide a supplementary marker of disease severity, which could be useful in the understanding of the disease process and subsequent management of COPD.


Evaluation of hair cortisol in the diagnosis of hypercortisolism in dogs.
Measurement of hair cortisol is a noninvasive technique used for several purposes in humans and in animals. To measure hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in dogs with spontaneous hypercortisolism (HC) and determine whether it can represent a useful diagnostic test for this syndrome. Twenty-two dogs with spontaneous HC before treatment, 28 sick control dogs (SCD), and 40 healthy dogs. In this prospective, observational clinical study, the HCC was measured by an RIA assay after extraction in HC dogs, in dogs with other chronic diseases, and in healthy dogs. The diagnostic accuracy of HCC was evaluated by subjecting data from dogs with HC and dogs with other chronic diseases to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Median (range) cortisol concentration in dogs with HC was 4.53 pg/mg (0.32-74.62 pg/mg) and was significantly higher than in SCD (1.49 pg/mg, 0.13-14.19 pg/mg) and healthy dogs (1.28 pg/mg, 0.34-5.38 pg/mg). Within the 3 groups, there was a large overlap of HCC. The area under the ROC curve was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67-0.92). A cut-off value of HCC of 1.93 pg/mg revealed 91% sensitivity and 61% specificity to diagnose HC. Hair cortisol concentrations are higher in dogs with HC compared to SCD and healthy dogs. It is a noninvasive technique that should be further investigated as a possible diagnostic procedure for the diagnosis of HC in dogs.


Glue embolization of a bleeding lingual artery pseudoaneurysm related to tongue surgery.
Postoperative lingual artery pseudoaneurysm associated with hemorrhage is a rare entity mainly found after tonsillectomy or laryngectomy. In this report, a symptomatic, lingual artery pseudoaneurysm after repeated base of tongue surgery was identified on computed tomography and successfully managed with catheter-directed glue-embolization.


Management of fecal incontinence - focus on a vaginal insert for bowel control.
Fecal incontinence, also referred to as accidental bowel leakage, is a debilitating condition that impacts quality of life in a significant number of women. Current treatments for fecal incontinence include behavioral modification, biofeedback, drug therapy, and invasive surgical procedures. However, these treatments have suboptimal efficacy due to patient adherence, variability of presentation across patients, cost, and additional health risks. A vaginal bowel control system (Eclipse™ System) was developed to offer a low-risk, effective, and patient-managed approach to treating accidental bowel leakage. The vaginal bowel control system consists of a vaginal insert and user-controlled, pressure-regulated pump. Once inflated, the balloon of the vaginal insert is directed posteriorly to occlude the rectum, allowing the woman to immediately regain control of bowel function. This article will introduce the design evolution and feasibility studies of the Eclipse System. In addition, this review will discuss the results from a recent clinical trial that demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the vaginal bowel control system in managing fecal incontinence and other symptoms of bowel dysfunction.


Applicability of the CIELAB and CIEDE2000 Formulae for Detection of Colour Changes in Colour-Changeable Chewing Gum for Evaluating Masticatory Function.
Mastication is one of the essential stomatognathic functions and is impaired when mandibulectomy is performed for removal of head and neck lesions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between perceived chewing ability {Masticatory Score (MS)} and objective mixing ability (∆E) in patients who had undergone marginal mandibulectomy. Twenty normal dentate subjects as control group and twenty mandibulectomy patients who had undergone marginal mandibulectomy and wearing a dentomaxillary prosthesis were enrolled. Perceived chewing ability MS and objective ∆E were evaluated using a food intake questionnaire and the colour-changeable chewing gum, respectively. They were instructed to chew the gum continuously for 100 strokes on their usual side. The chewed gum was measured using the CIELAB colour space defined by a colourimeter and L, a* and b* were obtained. The change in colour of the gum after chewing was calculated using CIELAB (∆Eab) and the CIEDE2000 (∆E00) formula. The relationships of a*, ∆Eab, and ∆E00 with MS score were analyzed using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. A correlation was found between perceived chewing ability (MS) and objective mixing ability (index of the masticatory function {∆E}) in marginal mandibulectomy patients. (∆E00 = 0.481, a* = 0.587, ∆Eab = 0.668). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the CIEDE2000 formula for calculation of colour difference can be used to evaluate masticatory function in patients who have undergone marginal mandibulectomy.


Pilot of an International Collaboration to Build Capacity to Provide Gynecologic Oncology Surgery in Botswana.
Gynecologic malignancies are the leading cause of cancer death among women in Botswana. Twenty-five percent of cervical cancers present at a stage that could be surgically cured; however, there are no gynecologic oncologists to provide radical surgeries. A sustainable model for delivery of advanced surgery is essential to advance treatment for gynecologic malignancies. A model was developed to provide gynecologic oncology surgery in Botswana, delivered by US-based gynecologic oncologists in four 2-week blocks per year. A pilot gynecologic oncology campaign was planned at a district hospital. Eligible patients were identified through the gynecologic oncology multidisciplinary clinic at the regional referral hospital, where gynecologic oncology treatment planning is provided. Local providers were invited to participate to build local surgical capacity. One US-based gynecologic oncologist, 2 gynecologists, and 2 surgeons working in Botswana participated in the pilot campaign. Sixteen operations were performed over 7 days. Indications included cervical cancer (4), ovarian cancer (3), vulvar cancer (1), complex atypical hyperplasia (1), pre-invasive cervical disease (2), and benign disease (3), as well as 2 obstetric emergencies. The only gynecologic oncology complication was a case of bleeding requiring transfusion and postoperative intensive care unit admission. Follow-up care was coordinated through the gynecologic oncology multidisciplinary clinic. Periodic gynecologic oncology campaigns in settings otherwise lacking local capacity to perform advanced surgery are a feasible model to create access and build local capacity. Strong local collaboration is essential. Future strategies to increase impact include recruitment of more gynecologic oncologists to increase service and training availability.


Tuning heat transport via coherent structure manipulation: recent advances in thermal turbulence.
Tuning transport properties through the manipulation of elementary structures has achieved great success in many areas, such as condensed matter physics. However, the ability to manipulate coherent structures in turbulent flows is much less explored. This article reviews a recently discovered mechanism of tuning turbulent heat transport via coherent structure manipulation. We first show how this mechanism can be realized by applying simple geometrical confinement to a classical thermally driven turbulence, which leads to the condensation of elementary coherent structures and significant heat-transport enhancement, despite the resultant slower flow. Some potential applications of this new paradigm in passive heat management are also discussed. We then explain how the heat transport behaviors in seemingly different turbulence systems can be understood by this unified framework of coherent structure manipulation. Several future directions in this research area are also outlined.


Cucumibacter marinus gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium in the family Hyphomicrobiaceae.
A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic micro-organism, designated strain CL-GR60(T), was isolated from coastal seawater from the East Sea, Korea. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed a clear affiliation with the family Hyphomicrobiaceae. Phylogenetic analyses showed that strain CL-GR60(T) formed a robust cluster with the species of the genus Devosia at sequence similarity levels of 91.1-93.1 %; no other species in the family Hyphomicrobiaceae shared more than 90 % sequence similarity with strain CL-GR60(T). The strain grew optimally in the presence of 3-4 % sea salts at 30-35 degrees C and pH 7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The strain contained C(18 : 1)omega7c (54.7 %), 11-methyl C(18 : 1)omega7c (19.3 %), C(18 : 0) (14.4 %) as the predominant fatty acids. Ubiquinone-10 was the major quinone. The DNA G+C content was 62.9 mol%. On the basis of physiological data, fatty acid composition and results of phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain CL-GR60(T) represents a novel genus and species within the family Hyphomicrobiaceae, for which the name Cucumibacter marinus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Cucumibacter marinus is CL-GR60(T) (=KCCM 90027(T) =DSM 18995(T)).


Corpus-based error detection in a multilingual medical thesaurus.
Cross-language document retrieval systems require support by some kind of multilingual thesaurus for semantically indexing documents in different languages. The peculiarities of the medical sublanguage, together with the subjectivism of lexicographers' choices, complicates the thesaurus construction process. It furthermore requires a high degree of communication and interaction between the lexicographers involved. In order to detect errors, a systematic procedure is therefore necessary. We here describe a method which supports the maintenance of the multilingual medical subword repository of the MorphoSaurus system which assigns language-independent semantic identifiers to medical texts. Based on the assumption that the distribution of these semantic identifiers should be similar whenever comparing closely related texts in different languages, our approach identifies those semantic identifiers that vary most in distribution comparing language pairs. The revision of these identifiers and the lexical items related to them revealed multiple errors which were subsequently classified and fixed by the lexicographers. The overall quality improvement of the thesaurus was finally measured using the OHSUMED IR benchmark, resulting in a significant improvement of the retrieval quality for one of the languages tested.


Feasibility of implementing project Buhay: the first colorectal cancer screening promotion programme for Filipinos in Alaska.
This study assessed the feasibility of implementing Project Buhay (PB), the first colorectal cancer (CRC) screening promotion programme for Filipinos in Alaska and developed through university-community partnership. PB involved piloting two interventions: a group health education intervention and (GHEI) a video-based intervention (VBI) showing a mini-documentary of a Filipina from Alaska with CRC. Participants included self-identified Filipinos, aged 50 to 75 years who were not current in CRC screening. Data collected include recruitment, reach, implementation process, short-term outcomes, and implementation barriers. Results show that PB reached a total of three Alaskan communities and exposed almost 50 participants. GHEI and VBI participants were followed-up at three-month post-intervention, with 80% reporting their intention to get CRC screening within a year. The main barrier in implementing PB was its lack of funding and time, which lessened effectiveness and reduced community and participant reach. However, PB team's ability to make adjustments in implementation and leverage existing university and community assets led to the successful implementation of theinterventions. At the project's conclusion, there were positive implications for both the Filipino community in Alaska and project team, affirming the importance of university-community partnership.


Single administration of stem cell factor, FLT-3 ligand, megakaryocyte growth and development factor, and interleukin-3 in combination soon after irradiation prevents nonhuman primates from myelosuppression: long-term follow-up of hematopoiesis.
Preservation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell survival is required for recovery from radiation-induced myelosuppression. We recently showed that short-term injection of antiapoptotic cytokine combinations into mice soon after lethal gamma irradiation promoted survival. The present study investigated the hematopoietic response of cynomolgus monkeys to a single dose of stem cell factor, FLT-3 ligand, megakaryocyte growth and development factor, and interleukin-3 in combination (4F, each factor given intravenously at 50 microg/kg) administered 2 hours after 5-Gy gamma irradiation. Treated monkeys (n = 4) experienced no thrombocytopenia. Only 1 in 4 displayed a transient period of neutropenia (neutrophil [ANC] count < 0.5 x 10(9)/L), whereas all irradiated controls (n = 4) experienced neutropenia (5-12 days) and thrombocytopenia (platelet [PLT] count < 20 x 10(9)/L, 5-31 days). Treated animals exhibited an impressive 2-wave PLT response that peaked at days 8 and 22 after total body irradiation (TBI). Areas under the curve (AUC) of PLTs, ANCs, white blood cells (WBCs), and red blood cells (RBCs) between days 0 and 90 were significantly higher in treated animals than in controls. Humeral bone marrow-derived clonogenic activity was significantly spared at 24 hours and 4 days after TBI in treated monkeys. No apparent impairment of the hematopoietic status and stem cell pool, in terms of long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-ICs) and side population (SP) cells, was observed after 15 months. These results strongly suggest that the 4F cytokine combination, as a single dose regimen, could act as an emergency treatment for nuclear accident or terrorism victims.


Use of non-invasive neuroradiological methods in research of psychoactive drugs.
Non-invasive neuroradiological methods like magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), blood oxgenation level dependent (BOLD) imaging recently entered into the areas of research in psychiatry, psychoactive drug development, as well as in clinical practice. fMRI can identify the regions of the brain associated with various functions, can monitor recovery, progression, and response to treatment and MRS can be used to study brain chemistry and metabolism. BOLD-imaging provides an indirect indication of neuronal activity. Future developments of different neuroimaging techniques are promising not only in surgical planning, functional assessment in brain tumor management, monitoring functional changes, but also in discovery of pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and recognition of new pharmacological targets. Those techniques could be implemented in the process of drug discovery and identification of biomarkers which are clinically relevant for development of candidate drugs. Furthermore, those techniques establish the bridge between preclinical and clinical studies and allow the drug research in human in vivo.


An assessment of the efficiency of methods for measurement of the computed tomography dose index (CTDI) for cone beam (CBCT) dosimetry by Monte Carlo simulation.
The IEC has introduced a practical approach to overcome shortcomings of the CTDI100 for measurements on wide beams employed for cone beam (CBCT) scans. This study evaluated the efficiency of this approach (CTDIIEC) for different arrangements using Monte Carlo simulation techniques, and compared CTDIIEC to the efficiency of CTDI100 for CBCT. Monte Carlo EGSnrc/BEAMnrc and EGSnrc/DOSXYZnrc codes were used to simulate the kV imaging system mounted on a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator. The Monte Carlo model was benchmarked against experimental measurements and good agreement shown. Standard PMMA head and body phantoms with lengths 150, 600, and 900 mm were simulated. Beam widths studied ranged from 20-300 mm, and four scanning protocols using two acquisition modes were utilized. The efficiency values were calculated at the centre (εc) and periphery (εp) of the phantoms and for the weighted CTDI (εw). The efficiency values for CTDI100 were approximately constant for beam widths 20-40 mm, where εc(CTDI100), εp(CTDI100), and εw(CTDI100) were 74.7 ± 0.6%, 84.6 ± 0.3%, and 80.9 ± 0.4%, for the head phantom and 59.7 ± 0.3%, 82.1 ± 0.3%, and 74.9 ± 0.3%, for the body phantom, respectively. When beam width increased beyond 40 mm, ε(CTDI100) values fell steadily reaching ~30% at a beam width of 300 mm. In contrast, the efficiency of the CTDIIEC was approximately constant over all beam widths, demonstrating its suitability for assessment of CBCT. εc(CTDIIEC), εp(CTDIIEC), and εw(CTDIIEC) were 76.1 ± 0.9%, 85.9 ± 1.0%, and 82.2 ± 0.9% for the head phantom and 60.6 ± 0.7%, 82.8 ± 0.8%, and 75.8 ± 0.7%, for the body phantom, respectively, within 2% of ε(CTDI100) values for narrower beam widths. CTDI100,w and CTDIIEC,w underestimate CTDI∞,w by ~55% and ~18% for the head phantom and by ~56% and ~24% for the body phantom, respectively, using a clinical beam width 198 mm. The CTDIIEC approach addresses the dependency of efficiency on beam width successfully and correction factors have been derived to allow calculation of CTDI∞.


Stability of femoral neck osteotomies fixed by von Bahr screws or by compression hip screw.
Subcapital cadaveric femoral neck osteotomies were internally fixed either by a compression hip screw and a lag screw or by two von Bahr screws. The specimens were then subjected to mechanical testing. Continuously increasing axial compression loads were applied on the femoral head until failure and simultaneously the displacement of the osteotomies was measured. With loads up to 2 kN (about 3 times the body weight) no differences were found between the two groups in the displacement of the osteotomies.