[Glasgow Benefit Plot for evaluation of stapedectomy result].
In a group of 153 patients, the result of unilateral stapedectomy was evaluated using Glasgow Benefit Plot. Pure tone average at frequencies 0.5; 1; 2; and 3 kHz of operated and non-operated ear were used to distribute patients to pre- and post-operative groups. In 26 (79%) of 33 patients with unilateral hearing loss, bilateral normal hearing was achieved. Thirty one (46%) of 68 patients with asymmetric bilateral hearing loss and 37 (71%) of 52 patients with symmetric bilateral hearing loss had unilateral normal hearing after the operation. Twenty (29%) patients of the group III had bilateral symmetrical hearing loss after surgery. Stapedectomy was less beneficial for 17 (25%) of 68 patients with asymmetric hearing bilateral loss and 15 (29%) 52 of patients with symmetric bilateral hearing loss, who still had asymmetric hearing loss after the operation. Evaluation of hearing tests using the Glasgow Benefit Plot enables to evaluate patient's hearing disability and to predict possible benefit from surgery for individual cases.


[Strengthen the cancer surveillance to promote cancer prevention and control in China].
Cancer is a major chronic disease threatening the people's health in China. We reviewed the latest advances on cancer surveillance, prevention and control in our country, which may provide important clues for future cancer control. We used data from the National Central Cancer Registry, to describe and analyze the latest cancer statistics in China. We summarized updated informations on cancer control policies, conducting network, as well as programs in the country. We provided important suggestions on the future strategies of cancer prevention and control. The overall cancer burden in China has been increasing during the past decades. In 2014, there were about 3 804 000 new cancer cases and 2 296 000 cancer deaths in China. The age-standardized cancer incidence and mortality rates were 190.63/100 000 and 106.98/100 000, respectively. China has formed a comprehensive network on cancer prevention and control. Nationwide population-based cancer surveillance has been built up. The population coverage of cancer surveillance has been expanded, and the data quality has been improved. As the aging population is increasing and unhealthy life styles persist in our country, there will be an unnegligible cancer burden in China. Based on the comprehensive rationale of cancer control and prevention, National Cancer Center of China will perform its duty for future precise cancer control and prevention, based on cancer surveillance statistics.


Corrosion and strength of dental low-gold brazing materials.
Previous studies have shown the clinical feasibility of using three alternatives to dental casting gold alloys Type 3. In the present study brazed specimens of these alternatives were evaluated using a corrosion test and a tensile test according to a proposed ISO Standard (ISO/DIS 9333). Brazed specimens of a high-gold alloy were used as a reference. Furthermore, the microstructure of the brazed joints and the fracture surface characteristics were monitored. The present study revealed that none of the specimens exhibited any visual sign of chemical attack after suspension in the test solution for 7 days. The tensile strength testing resulted in stresses at fracture point that met the requirements of the proposed ISO Standard. All fractures were of the ductile type. Cohesive failures were seen in all specimens except in the reference alloy (JS C) specimens. No clear relationship between fracture surface appearance and tensile strength was found. Distinct demarcation lines between brazing and parent materials were seen. Based on the present results there seems to be no reason to reject the use of brazed constructions made of the alternative alloys Midas, Rajah, and Albacast.


Polyvalent and monoclonal antibodies identify major immunogenic proteins specific for human herpesvirus 7-infected cells and have weak cross-reactivity with human herpesvirus 6.
Hyperimmune rabbit and mouse sera raised to human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)-infected cells and an immune human serum identified 20[35S]methionine-[35S]cysteine-labelled proteins specific for HHV-7-infected cord blood mononuclear cells, ranging in apparent M(r) from 136K to 30K. The major proteins had apparent M(r) values of 121K, 100K, 87K, 85K, 60K, 51K, 46K, 42K, 40K and 36K. The human serum also identified seven [3H]glucosamine-labelled glycoproteins, with apparent M(r) values of 100K, 89K, 82K, 67K, 63K, 53K and 41K. Four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for HHV-7-infected cells were derived. Two reacted with a family of five antigenically related polypeptides (87K, 85K, 70K, 61K and 57K in apparent M(r)), designated as the p85 complex. Two reacted with 121K and 51K M(r) proteins designated as p121 and p51, respectively. Human sera react with high frequency with the p85 complex and to a lesser extent with p121; hence these two proteins appear to be immunodominant for both humans and laboratory animals. The hyperimmune mouse serum and some of the MAbs showed some cross-reactivity with HHV-6A(U1102)- and 6B(Z29)-infected cells. The implications of cross-reactivity with respect to the human immune response to HHV-6 and -7 infections and prevalence analyses are discussed.


Serum transforming growth factor-alpha level can be a parameter for evaluating liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in patients with liver cancer.
Sensitive and reliable laboratory parameters are necessary to evaluate the degree of liver regeneration serially in patients after partial hepatectomy for liver cancer. We evaluated the serum levels of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), both of which are potent mitogens for hepatocytes, in 22 hepatectomized patients with liver cancer: 10 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 12 patients with metastatic liver tumors. Ten patients who underwent laparotomy for nonhepatic surgery were also studied as surgical controls. The serum TGF-alpha and HGF levels were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Both the serum TGF-alpha and HGF levels increased after partial hepatectomy. However, there was no correlation between the levels of TGF-alpha and HGF. The maximal level of TGF-alpha achieved in each case correlated significantly with the resected liver volume and the increased volume of the remaining liver. Hepatocyte growth factor showed no such correlations. After nonhepatic surgery, the HGF level also increased significantly, while the TGF-alpha level did not. These results suggest that the serum TGF-alpha level varies depending on the regenerative stimulus to the liver, and that its increase corresponds with the degree of liver regeneration that occurs in patients after partial hepatectomy for liver cancer. In contrast, it is unlikely that the serum HGF level reflects liver regeneration. In conclusion, the serum TGF-alpha level can be used as a parameter for evaluating liver regeneration in patients who have undergone partial hepatectomy.


13C-13C NMR spin-spin coupling constants in saccharides: structural correlations involving all carbons in aldohexopyranosyl rings.
13C-13C Spin-spin coupling constants (JCC) have been measured in a group of aldohexopyranoses and methyl aldopyranosides singly labeled with 13C at different sites to confirm and extend prior correlations between JCC magnitude and sign and saccharide structure. Structural correlations for 2JC1,C3, 2JC2,C4, 2JC4,C6, and 2JC1,C5 have been confirmed using density functional theory calculations to test empirical predictions. These geminal couplings depend highly on the orientation of C-O bonds appended to the terminal coupled carbons, but new evidence suggests that 2JCCC values are also affected by intervening carbon structure and C-O bond rotation. 3JC1,C6 and 3JC3,C6 values show Karplus-like dependences but also are affected by in-plane terminal hydroxyl substituents. In both cases, rotation about the C5-C6 bond modulates the coupling due to the alternating in-plane and out-of-plane O6. 3JC3,C6 is also affected by C4 configuration. Both 3JC1,C6 and 3JC3,C6 are subject to remote effects involving the structure at C3 and C1, respectively. New structural correlations have been determined for 2JC3,C5, which, like 3JC3,C6, shows a remote dependence on anomeric configuration. Investigations of dual pathway 13C-13C couplings, 3+3JC1,C4 and 3+3JC2,C5, revealed an important additional internal electronegative substituent effect on 3JCC in saccharides, a structural factor undocumented previously and one of importance to the interpretation of trans-glycoside 3JCOCC in oligosaccharides.


Clinical-associated characteristics and microbiological features of bloodstream nontyphoidal salmonella infection in adult patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Bloodstream nontyphoidal salmonella (NTS) infection is rare, but its associated characteristics and microbiological features in immunocompromised patients are worth paying attention to, particularly for those receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). No studies so far have analyzed post-transplant bloodstream NTS infection. Therefore, we reviewed 423 adult patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic SCT from 2003 to 2014. Nine out of four hundred twenty-three patients (2.13%) developed post-transplant bloodstream NTS infection, including two patients who had subsequent or combined metastatic infections. The median age at SCT was 35 years (interquartile range, 29-46) among the nine patients with bloodstream NTS infection. Male patients were predominant (78%). The median onset of bloodstream NTS infection was at 315 days after SCT (range, 207-629). Multivariate analysis revealed that extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (OR 8.054, p = 0.003) and nonmyeloablative transplant conditioning (OR 4.604, p = 0.037) were significant associated characteristics for NTS infection. Currently, there are no published data analyzing and exploring post-transplant bloodstream NTS infections in adult allogeneic hematopoietic SCT. Our study determined the associated characteristics and microbiological features for this infection.


Comprehensive analysis of the RSK gene family in acute myeloid leukemia determines a prognostic signature for the prediction of clinical prognosis and treatment responses.
The prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains poor although the basic and translational research has been highly productive in understanding the genetics and pathopoiesis of AML and a plethora of targeted therapies have been developed. Consequently, it is crucial to deepen the knowledge of molecular pathogenesis underlying AML for the advancement of new treatment options. A RSK gene family-related signature was constructed to investigate whether RSK gene family members were useful in predicting the prognosis of AML patients. The relationship between the RSK gene family-related signature and the infiltration of immune cells was further assessed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. The 'oncoPredict' package was used to analyze relationships between the RSK gene family-related signature and the sensitivity to drugs or small molecules. Patients were classified into two groups using the RSK gene family-related signature following the median risk score. Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in patients with low-risk scores than that in patients with high-risk scores as showed by both training and validation datasets. Moreover, the signature was helpful in predicting 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS in training and validation datasets. In addition, it was identified that low-risk patients exhibited greater sensitivity to 20 drugs or small molecules and that high-risk patients had higher sensitivity to 38 drugs or small molecules. RSK gene family members, particularly RPS6KA1 and RPS6KA4, may help to predict prognosis for AML patients. Furthermore, RPS6KA1 may serve as a novel drug target for AML.


The Role of Circadian Rhythms in Postpartum Sleep and Mood.
Women often experience sleep disturbances and worsening sleep quality throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Circadian rhythms are closely linked to sleep problems and mood disorders. This systematic review provides a summary of studies of circadian rhythms and associated sleep problems and maternal distress, among postpartum women. Articles were idenitfied through a systematic literature search. Circadian rhythm disturbances were strongly correlated with depression, social factors and mothers`s exposure to light postpartum. Future research should include larger, prospective studies as well as randomized controlled trials for measuring effect of circadian rhythm interventions on postpartum mental health outcomes.


[Experimental study on repair of articular cartilage defect in large area with chondrocytes cultured on fascia].
To study the biological characteristic and potential of chondrocytes grafting cultured on fascia in repairing large defect of articular cartilage in rabbits. Chondrocytes of young rabbits were isolated and sub-cultured on fascia. The large defect of articular cartilage was repaired by grafts of freeze-preserved and fresh chondrocytes cultured on fascia, and free chondrocytes respectively; the biological characteristic and metabolism were evaluated by macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical observations, autoradiography method and the measurement of nitric oxide content 6, 12, 24 weeks after grafting. The chondrocytes cultured on fascia maintained normal growth feature and metabolism, and there was no damage to chondrocytes after cryopreservation; the repaired cartilage was similar to the normal cartilage in cellular morphology and biological characteristics. Chondrocytes could be cultured normally on fascia, which could be used as an ideal carrier of chondrocytes.


Anti-lipopolysaccharide factor evokes indirect killing of virulent bacteria in kuruma prawn.
Anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF) is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and a key effector molecule of the innate immune system in crustaceans. However, little is known about the role of its indirect killing against bacteria. The possible regulatory role of this peptide (M-ALF) in kuruma prawns, Marsupenaeus japonicus, was investigated. The activities of M-ALF were investigated by antimicrobial activity in vitro and by experimental infection Vibrio penaeicida in vivo with ALF-knock down in kuruma prawn by systemically silencing M-ALF gene through the injection of gene-specific long double-stranded RNA with RNA interference. Synthetic M-ALF had no direct antimicrobial activity against V. penaeicida, whereas ALF-silenced kuruma prawns had significantly higher mortality than untreated prawn after V. penaeicida infection. The data provide compelling evidence that M-ALF plays an indirect protective role against V. penaeicida infection, suggesting the idea that ALF acts as a cytokine-like regulatory molecule, as well as an effector molecule. M-ALF has no direct activity against V. penaeicida, but might be a key molecule in cytokine-like gene regulation in crustaceans.


A Mixed-Methods Study After Multiple Disasters: September 11, 2001, World Trade Center Terrorist Attacks and Hurricane Sandy.
The aim of this study was to use a mixed-method analysis to investigate the associations between qualitative themes found in written responses and quantitative reported level of stress after Hurricane Sandy. A survey was conducted among World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees 5-12 mo after Hurricane Sandy. This study included 1202 participants who completed the free-response section and answered the question on how stressful their experiences were with Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. Content analysis was used to generate qualitative data. Mixed-methods analysis was performed using a 1-way analysis of variance test for bivariate comparisons of qualitative thematic codes and the quantitative outcome of mean Sandy stress scores. Seven themes emerged from the qualitative analysis. The themes of lack of information, negative emotional response, and financial stress had higher quantitative mean Sandy stress scores compared with other themes. The theme of patriotism/gratitude had an overall lower quantitative Sandy stress scores than other themes. Qualitative and mixed-methods research on mental health outcomes after a disaster add new depth and findings to the existing literature. Using such methodologies to identify modifiable factors, such as improving communication during a disaster, may confer better mental health outcomes after a disaster.


AI co-pilot: content-based image retrieval for the reading of rare diseases in chest CT.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the newly developed Similar patient search (SPS) Web Service, which supports reading complex lung diseases in computed tomography (CT), on the diagnostic accuracy of residents. SPS is an image-based search engine for pre-diagnosed cases along with related clinical reference content ( https://eref.thieme.de ). The reference database was constructed using 13,658 annotated regions of interest (ROIs) from 621 patients, comprising 69 lung diseases. For validation, 50 CT scans were evaluated by five radiology residents without SPS, and three months later with SPS. The residents could give a maximum of three diagnoses per case. A maximum of 3 points was achieved if the correct diagnosis without any additional diagnoses was provided. The residents achieved an average score of 17.6 ± 5.0 points without SPS. By using SPS, the residents increased their score by 81.8% to 32.0 ± 9.5 points. The improvement of the score per case was highly significant (p = 0.0001). The residents required an average of 205.9 ± 350.6 s per case (21.9% increase) when SPS was used. However, in the second half of the cases, after the residents became more familiar with SPS, this increase dropped to 7%. Residents' average score in reading complex chest CT scans improved by 81.8% when the AI-driven SPS with integrated clinical reference content was used. The increase in time per case due to the use of the SPS was minimal.


Cellular density effect on RGD ligand internalization in glioblastoma for MRI application.
Cellular density is a parameter measured for glioma grade and invasiveness diagnosis. The characterization of the cellular density can be performed, non invasively, by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), since, this technique displays a good resolution. Nevertheless MRI sensitivity is critical. Development of smart contrast agents appears useful to increase MRI signal to noise ratio (SNR). Tumor invasiveness is correlated with high expression of integrins that can be targeted by RGD motif. In this study, MRI contrast agents or fluorescent probes linked to RGD-peptides were used, in a glioma model, to assess the relation between RGD uptake/signal improvement/cell density and consequently tumor invasiveness. Experiments were performed in vitro with U87-MG glioma cells. Flow cytometry and microscopy experiments with RGD and iRGD-alexa488 demonstrated that cell internalization was dependent on cell density. The internalization involved a clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Cytoskeleton and particularly the microtubules were concerned. Actin filaments played a minor role. The internalization was also dependent on the glycolysis and the oxidative phosphorylations. The cellular density modulated the importance of the endocytosis pathways and of the metabolism but not the cytoskeleton contribution. The internalization of the RGD-peptide associated to gadolinium chelate increased the SNR of U87 cells. Moreover, following the cell density augmentation, the SNR increased with a low amplitude but a trend was clearly determined. In conclusion, RGD-peptide internalization appeared, in vitro, as a marker of cellular density. In perspective, the combination of these peptides with contrast agents associated to more sensitive MRI techniques could improve the MRI signal allowing the characterization of cellular density for tumor diagnosis.


Frontotemporal Brain Sagging Syndrome as a Treatable Cause Mimicking Frontotemporal Dementia: A Case Report.
Frontotemporal brain sagging syndrome (FBSS) is a progressive disorder characterized by symptoms similar to the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), with a sagging appearance of the brain on imaging similar to that observed in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). The onset of behavioral and cognitive symptoms of FBSS is insidious and progressive, similar to those of FTD. Here, we report a case involving a 53-year-old man with progressive hypersomnolence, apathy, forgetfulness, and personality changes but without headache or auditory symptoms. The combination of frontotemporal dysfunction, hypersomnolence, and the appearance of a sagging brain on magnetic resonance imaging suggested a diagnosis of FBSS. Although a definite site of cerebrospinal fluid leakage could not be identified in our case, clinical symptoms and imaging findings were improved after an epidural blood patch. Considering FBSS as a differential diagnosis of FTD is important even in the absence of typical SIH symptoms, such as headache or auditory symptoms.


Effect of the La alloying addition on the antibacterial capability of 316L stainless steel.
316L stainless steel is widely used for fashion jewelry but it can carry a large number of bacteria and cause the potential risk of infection since it has no antimicrobial ability. In this paper, La is used as an alloying addition. The antibacterial capability, corrosion resistance and processability of the La-modified 316L are investigated by microscopic observation, thin-film adhering quantitative bacteriostasis, electrochemical measurement and mechanical test. The investigations reveal that the La-containing 316L exhibits the Hormesis effect against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli DH5α, 0.05 wt.% La stimulates their growth, as La increases, the modified 316L exhibits the improved antibacterial effect. The more amount of La is added, the better antibacterial ability is achieved, and 0.42 wt.% La shows excellent antibacterial efficacy. No more than 0.11 wt.% La addition improves slightly the corrosion resistance in artificial sweat and has no observable impact on the processability of 316L, while a larger La content degrades them. Therefore, the addition of La alone in 316L is difficult to obtain the optimal combination of corrosion resistance, antibacterial capability and processability. In spite of that, 0.15 wt.% La around is inferred to be the trade-off for the best overall performance.


Ethyl pyruvate inhibits oxidation of LDL in vitro and attenuates oxLDL toxicity in EA.hy926 cells.
Ethyl pyruvate (EP) exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The aim of our study was to investigate whether EP is capable of inhibiting the oxidation of LDL, a crucial step in atherogenesis. Additionally, we examined whether EP attenuates the cytotoxic effects of highly oxidized LDL in the human vascular endothelial cell line EA.hy926. Native LDL (nLDL) was oxidized using Cu2+ ions in the presence of increasing amounts of EP. The degree of LDL oxidation was quantified by measuring lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, relative electrophoretic mobilities (REMs), and oxidation-specific immune epitopes. The cytotoxicity of these oxLDLs on EA.hy926 cells was assessed by measuring cell viability and superoxide levels. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of highly oxidized LDL on EA.hy926 cells under increasing concentrations of EP in the media was assessed including measurements of high energy phosphates (ATP). Oxidation of nLDL using Cu2+ ions was remarkably inhibited by EP in a concentration-dependent manner, reflected by decreased levels of LPO, MDA, REM, oxidation-specific epitopes, and diminished cytotoxicity of the obtained oxLDLs in EA.hy926 cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of highly oxidized LDL on EA.hy926 cells was remarkably attenuated by EP added to the media in a concentration-dependent manner reflected by a decrease in superoxide and an increase in viability and ATP levels. EP has the potential for an anti-atherosclerotic drug by attenuating both, the oxidation of LDL and the cytotoxic effect of (already formed) oxLDL in EA.hy926 cells. Chronic administration of EP might be beneficial to impede the development of atherosclerotic lesions.


Health effects of micronutrient fortified dairy products and cereal food for children and adolescents: A systematic review.
Micronutrient (MN) deficiencies cause a considerable burden of disease for children in many countries. Dairy products or cereals are an important food component during adolescence. Fortification of dairy products or cereals with MN may be an effective strategy to overcome MN deficiencies, but their specific impact on health in this age group is poorly documented. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis (registration number CRD42016039554) to assess the impact of MN fortified dairy products and cereal food on the health of children and adolescents (aged 5-15 years) compared with non-fortified food. We reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCT) using electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library; latest search: January 2018), reference list screening and citation searches. Three pairs of reviewers assessed 2048 studies for eligibility and extracted data. We assessed the risk of bias and applied GRADE to rate quality of evidence. We included 24 RCT (often multi MN fortification) with 30 pair-wise comparisons mainly from low- and middle income countries. A very small and non-significant increase of haemoglobin values emerged (0.09 g/dl [95%-CI: -0.01 to 0.18]; 13 RCT with iron fortification; very low quality of evidence). No significant difference was found on anaemia risk (risk ratio 0.87 [95%-CI: 0.76 to 1.01]; 12 RCT; very low quality), but a significant difference in iron deficiency anaemia favouring fortified food was found (risk ratio 0.38 [95%-CI: 0.18 to 0.81]; 5 RCT; very low quality). Similar effects were seen for fortified dairy products and cereals and different fortification strategies (mono- vs. dual- vs. multi-MN). Follow-up periods were often short and the impact on anthropometric measures was weak (low quality of evidence) Very low quality of evidence emerged for the improvement of cognitive performance, functional measures and morbidity. Fortification of dairy products and cereal food had only marginal health effects in our sample population from 5-15 years. Further evidence is needed to better understand the health impact of fortified dairy products and cereals in this age group. The study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 26 May 2016 (registration number CRD42016039554).


[The systematic approach in individual psychotherapy].
In this article, the author reviews basic theoretical concepts on the systemic approach. He shows the application of this approach in individual psychotherapy, when the subject's demand shows precise aspects of style and inner sense. As in family therapy, the intervention of the therapist, counter paradoxical, will evidence the function of the symptoms and its positive reframe. This therapeutic process, brief and focalised, offers to the subject, alienated in his family fantasy, an impulse on the way to autonomy.


Baicalin regulates the development of pediatric asthma via upregulating microRNA-103 and mediating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Pediatric asthma seriously endangers the well-being and health of children worldwide. Baicalin (BA) protects against diverse disorders, including asthma. Therefore, this study explored the mechanism of BA in pediatric asthma. The ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model was established to evaluate BA efficacy from aspects of oxidative stress, inflammation, blood cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and collagen deposition. Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRs) in BA-treated mice were analyzed. Effects of BA on PDGF-BB-induced smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were assessed. miR downstream mRNA and the related pathway were predicted and verified, and their effects on asthmatic mice were evaluated. BA effectively reversed OVA-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as decreased the number of total cells, eosinophils and neutrophils in BALF, and collagen deposition. miR-103 was significantly upregulated after BA treatment. BA inhibited the abnormal proliferation of PDGF-BB-induced SMCs, which was prevented by miR-103 knockdown. miR-103 targeted TLR4 and regulated the extent of NF-κB phosphorylation. In vivo, miR-103 inhibition weakened the alleviating effects of BA on asthma, which was then reversed after silencing of TLR4. We highlighted that BA has the potency to halt the pediatric asthma progression via miR-103 upregulation and the TLR4/NF-κB axis inhibition.


Systemic abnormalities associated with retinal vein occlusion in young patients.
To study the systemic abnormalities associated with retinal vein occlusion in patients aged ≤50 years with a particular emphasis on atherosclerotic diseases and thrombophilic disorders. Medical charts of patients, aged ≤50 years whose diagnoses were retinal vein occlusions during the period 1995-2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was the number of systemic abnormalities associated with these patients. Secondary outcomes included types of retinal vein occlusion and sites of occlusion. Atherosclerotic diseases were the most common systemic abnormalities associated with retinal vein occlusion and accounted for 55.1% of the patients in the study. Hypertension in 27.55%, diabetes mellitus in 16.33%, and 5.1% with dyslipidemia were noted. The number of thrombophilic disorders seemed to be less than expected and were noted in only 5.1%. Other systemic abnormalities included viral hepatitis infection, systemic lupus erythematosus, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Oral contraceptives were used by some patients. Atherosclerotic diseases remained the most commonly associated systemic diseases in the majority of these patients. Approach to these patients should include a screening for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and lipid abnormalities. Thrombophilia should also be considered where no obvious atherosclerotic diseases are found or if the patient is <40 years old, a history of thrombosis or a family history of thrombosis is possible.


Effects of dietary threonine in starting, growing, and finishing turkey toms.
The present study investigates the threonine requirements of British United Turkey (BUT) Big 6 turkey toms from 0 to 4, 8 to 12, and 16 to 20 wk of age. Growth, feed conversion, and carcass quality responses to increasing dietary threonine levels were measured. From 0 to 4 wk of age (57 g to 1.1 kg live weight), a dietary threonine level of about 0.95% (3.3 g/Mcal ME) was found to be adequate to obtain optimum growth and feed conversion. From 8 to 12 wk of age (4.0 to 8.6 kg live weight), there was no significant response to dietary threonine beyond the basal level of 0.69% (2.2 g/ Mcal ME). From 16 to 20 wk of age (13.1 to 18.7 kg live weight), a threonine level of about 0.58% (1.8 g/Mcal ME) appeared to be adequate to obtain optimum growth. For optimum breast meat deposition, a higher level in the range of 0.64% (2.0 g/Mcal ME) dietary threonine was required. The present findings may point to the importance of threonine as potentially third limiting amino acid after methionine and lysine in cereal-based turkey diets.


Control of hypertension with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril reduces glomerular proteinuria.
Recent experimental and clinical data have suggested that angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may decrease glomerular proteinuria by specific effects on the glomerulus. We studied a group of 15 adult patients with chronic renal failure and proteinuria due to various glomerulopathies. These patients had mild to moderate hypertension which was effectively controlled with conventional antihypertensive therapy. We then treated the patients with captopril, maintaining a similar dietary protein and salt intake. After 6 months of study, proteinuria was reduced significantly without reduction in inulin or para-aminohippurate clearance. This supports the concept that captopril may have salutary effects on the glomerulus, independently of its effect on systemic blood pressure.


The relationship between psychological resources, social resources, and depression: results from older spousal caregivers in Hong Kong.
The rapidly ageing population in Hong Kong has led to a major concern in providing care for the elderly. Due to the current social changes in Hong Kong, such as smaller family size, longer life spans, and increasing employment demands, spouses increasingly serve as the primary caregivers for older adults. To explore the mental health of older spousal caregivers, this study investigated the relationships between psychological resources, social resources, and depression. One hundred fifty-eight spousal caregivers aged 55 and above were recruited from 13 caregiver resource centres in Hong Kong. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the number of duties and psychological resources including purpose in life, caregiver burden, and personal wellbeing explained 56% of the variance in depression. Logistic regression analysis further indicated that purpose in life predicted the likelihood of depression reported by caregivers. Social resources did not significantly predict depression. Results suggest that mental health enhancement programs should be developed for Chinese spousal caregivers with a focus on purpose in life, burden, and personal wellbeing.


HLA-DR genotypes influence age at disease onset in children and juveniles with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
To investigate HLA-DR genotype in association with chronological age or calendar year of disease onset and the time trend of genotype frequencies from 1969 to 2009. Additionally, to examine genotype frequency in relation to B-cell-, islet cell antibodies (ICA)-, autoantibodies to insulin-, insulinoma antigen 2 (IA2)-, glutamic acid decarboxylase-antibody positivity, thyroid antibody positivity, thyroid diseases or coeliac antibody positivity. Genotype associations with gender and ethnicity are also analyzed. HLA-typed children and juveniles (n=1445) aged <or=20 years at disease onset from the German/Austrian DPV-database were examined. chi(2) statistics and mixed hierarchical logistic regression models were used to compare genotype frequencies and establish associations with age at disease manifestation, autoimmune antibodies/diseases, ethnicity and time trend. Subjects aged <6 years predominantly carried the genotype HLA-DR3/4 (25.2%), whereas in subjects aged >12 years the most prevalent HLA-DR genotype was X/X (18.1%). IA2 positivity was associated with HLA-DR4/X and HLA-DR3/4 positivity (P=0.011), and hypothyroidism was linked to HLA-DR4/4 (P=0.0103). More females carried the HLA-DR4/4 genotype (18.2 vs 12.7% P=0.0048) or were thyroid antibody positive (24.5 vs 14.7% P=0.0001). Larger numbers of <6 year olds were coeliac antibody positive than >12 year olds (14.8 vs 9.1% P=0.0037). No associations between migration background and B-cell-, thyroid- or coeliac-antibody positivity, and no time trend were found. HLA-DR genotype associated with age at disease onset, ICA positivity and hypothyroidism; female gender with thyroid antibody positivity and low age of diabetes onset with coeliac antibody positivity.


[Modification of phenylalanyl-tRNA-synthetase from Escherichia coli MRE600 by adenosine-5'-trimetaphosphate].
Modification of phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase from E. coli MRE600 by adenosine-5'-trimetaphosphate, phosphorylating analog of ATP was shown to bring about the enzyme inactivation in the reactions of tRNA aminoacylation and ATP-[32P]pyrophosphate exchange. ATP when added in the reaction mixture protects the enzyme against inactivation in both reactions and decreases the level of covalent attachment of the analog. Phenylalanine has no protective effect. tRNA exhibits slight protective effect. Adenosine-5'-trimetaphosphate modifies both types (alpha and beta) of subunits of phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase which is of alpha 2 beta 2 structure. ATP protects both types of the enzyme subunits against the covalent attachment of the analog. Disposition of the ATP-binding centers in the contact region of the nonequivalent subunits of the enzyme was proposed. The level of covalent attachment of the analog to the enzyme exceeds the number of the enzyme active sites that may be a consequence of the other nucleotide-binding center labeling.


Development and Validation of the Faceted Inventory of the Five-Factor Model (FI-FFM).
The Faceted Inventory of the Five-Factor Model (FI-FFM) is a comprehensive hierarchical measure of personality. The FI-FFM was created across five phases of scale development. It includes five facets apiece for neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness; four facets within agreeableness; and three facets for openness. We present reliability and validity data obtained from three samples. The FI-FFM scales are internally consistent and highly stable over 2 weeks (retest rs ranged from .64 to .82, median r = .77). They show strong convergent and discriminant validity vis-à-vis the NEO, the Big Five Inventory, and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5. Moreover, self-ratings on the scales show moderate to strong agreement with corresponding ratings made by informants ( rs ranged from .26 to .66, median r = .42). Finally, in joint analyses with the NEO Personality Inventory-3, the FI-FFM neuroticism facet scales display significant incremental validity in predicting indicators of internalizing psychopathology.


Map of Visual Activity in the Infant Brain Sheds Light on Neural Development.
A new study reveals that despite their limited visual acuity, 7-week-old babies have a surprisingly advanced visual cortex, including the ability to integrate visual and vestibular motion information. Read the accompanying Research Article.


Stereotactic neurosurgery and computerized tomographic scanning.
The marriage of computerized tomographic (CT) scanning and stereotactic surgery opens up new technical possibilities, as it becomes feasible to introduce a probe into any lesion which is identified on a CT scan. The various CT stereotactic techniques are reviewed, and generally involve four variations. The head holder of a standard stereotactic apparatus can be adapted to the CT scanner to interdigitate the coordinates of both devices in a known relationship. Second, some types of CT scanners allow the visualization of the vertical coordinate. Third, a stereotactic microdrive can be incorporated into the scanner. Finally, a simple aiming device can be attached to the patient's head and repeated scans taken as the probe is advanced to the target. Various authors have reported the use of techniques for biopsy, aspiration of cysts or hematomas, insertion of radioisotopes, or as an adjunct to open surgery.


Relationship of job strain and iso-strain to health status in a cohort of women in the United States.
This study examined the relationships of job strain and iso-strain psychosocial work-environment exposures to health status in a cohort of working women in the United States. In a cross-sectional survey, 33689 women responded to the Karasek job content and the MOS SF-36 health status questionnaires. The psychosocial work-environment exposures were characterized using the job strain and iso-strain frameworks. Health status was assessed with the following 6 scales: physical functioning, vitality, freedom from pain, mental health, role limitations due to physical health, and role limitations due to emotional health. When compared with active work, high-strain work (high job demands and low job control) was associated with lower vitality, mental health, higher pain, and increased risks of both physical and emotional role limitations. Iso-strain work (high strain and low work-related social support) increased the risks further. Job insecurity was also associated with lower health status. The analyses supported the hypothesis that the psychosocial work environment is an important determinant of health status among working women. The findings suggest that incorporating social conditions at work into the measurement of psychosocial work-environment exposure improves the identification of high-risk work arrangements.


AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY 2018 POSITION STATEMENT ON INTEGRATION OF INSULIN PUMPS AND CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS.
This document represents the official position of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology. Where there are no randomized controlled trials or specific U.S. FDA labeling for issues in clinical practice, the participating clinical experts utilized their judgment and experience. Every effort was made to achieve consensus among the committee members. Position statements are meant to provide guidance, but they are not to be considered prescriptive for any individual patient and cannot replace the judgment of a clinician. AACE/ACE Task Force on Integration of Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Management of Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Chair George Grunberger, MD, FACP, FACE Task Force Members Yehuda Handelsman, MD, FACP, FNLA, MACE Zachary T. Bloomgarden, MD, MACE Vivian A. Fonseca, MD, FACE Alan J. Garber, MD, PhD, FACE Richard A. Haas, MD, FACE Victor L. Roberts, MD, MBA, FACP, FACE Guillermo E. Umpierrez, MD, CDE, FACP, FACE Abbreviations: AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists ACE = American College of Endocrinology A1C = glycated hemoglobin BGM = blood glucose monitoring CGM = continuous glucose monitoring CSII = continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion DM = diabetes mellitus FDA = Food & Drug Administration MDI = multiple daily injections T1DM = type 1 diabetes mellitus T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus SAP = sensor-augmented pump SMBG = self-monitoring of blood glucose STAR 3 = Sensor-Augmented Pump Therapy for A1C Reduction phase 3 trial.


Differential diagnosis of soft scalp lumps.
A 56-year-old man presented with a painless cyst on the top of his head which has been increasing in size in the last 6 months. Due to his learning disability, he could not be dissuaded from his belief that the lump was a sign of brain prolapse which led to increasing agitation in the next 2 weeks. A provisional diagnosis of benign lipoma was made and prompt excision was performed in his best interests. The lesion was more cystic and fluctuant than that of a lipoma and hence it was sent for histological diagnosis. The report came back as a trichilemmal cyst with no signs of proliferation. Cosmetic outcome was reasonable at follow-up after 3 months. The patient was scheduled for regular review every 6 months.


Block resection of the hepatoduodenal ligament for carcinoma of the bile duct and gallbladder. Surgical technique and a report of 11 cases.
Carcinoma of the bile duct and gallbladder often infiltrates the entire hepatoduodenal ligament. Therefore radical resection should include block resection of the hepatoduodenal ligament. Over the last two years, block resection of the hepatoduodenal ligament for carcinoma of the bile duct and gallbladder was performed in 11 patients. When the carcinoma was located in the hilar bile duct, a combination of hemihepatectomy including the caudate lobe and ligamentetomy, "hepato-ligamentectomy", was performed (six cases). When the carcinoma was in the lower bile duct, a combination of pancreatico-duodenectomy and ligamentectomy, "ligamento-pancreatectomy", was performed (three cases). In two extremely advanced cases a combination of both hepatectomy and pancreatectomy with ligamentectomy, "hepato-ligamento-pancreatectomy", was performed. To accomplish these procedures safely, double catheter bypass of the portal circulation, devised by the authors in 1986, proved very effective in maintaining sufficient hepatic circulation and preventing portal congestion during block resection of the hepatoduodenal ligament. Histological evidence of invasion of the carcinoma cells into the hepatoduodenal ligament was detected in 10 cases, and in half of them the hepatic artery or portal vein was involved. As of April 1988, five cases in whom curative resection was performed are still alive, the longest survival period being 18 months. Four cases died in the early postoperative period, three of the deaths being due to sepsis and one to respirator malfunction.


Diffuse pulmonary ossification in permanent vegetative state.
Diffuse pulmonary ossification (DPO) is a rare condition characterized by diffuse metaplastic bone formation in the lungs. Two patterns have been described: dendriform, with a coral-like network of bone spiculae along the alveolar septa; and nodular, with lobulated fragments in the alveolar spaces. Dendriform DPO is frequently associated with chronic pulmonary pathologies. We present here the first case of DPO associated with a long-lasting vegetative state. Micro-computed tomography (MicroCT) was applied to analyze the distribution of pulmonary ossification in volumes of lung samples. It showed a mean volume percentage of ossification of 0.79% and 3-D reconstructions permitted to reveal the branching pattern and internal cavities of some ossifications. The occurrence of DPO in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) may be favored by recurrent pulmonary infections, due to aspiration and immunological defects, and respiratory instability, due to brain damage and the fact of being bedridden. Fibrotic reactions probably represent a preliminary step in bone formation. Further studies could examine the incidence and clinical significance of DPO in subjects in PVS or patients who are bedridden for other reasons. MicroCT may facilitate analysis of more case histories, with greater sensitivity with respect to classic microscopic analyses.


Effect of dimethyl carbonate addition on ethanol-gasoline fuel blend.
The growing need for renewable and environmentally friendly sources of energy has motivated a lot of researchers to direct their efforts to meet these challenges. The use of renewable additives to gasoline, such as ethanol and methanol, has been a successful solution. However, blending ethanol into gasoline has some drawbacks, including increased gasoline volatility and significant changes in the distillation curve. This study investigated the effects of blending the eco-friendly dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with various concentrations into ethanol-gasoline fuel blend (E10) on some volatility parameters and octane number, which have not been previously reported in the literature. The fuel samples were formulated by mixing E10 with (0.0%, 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, 8.0%, and 10.0%) of dimethyl carbonate. The main properties of the fuel samples were measured such as distillation curve, and octane number. The distillation process was carried out in accordance with ASTM-D86 while vapor pressure was measured in accordance with ASTM-D5191. The obtained results revealed interesting outcomes that may spark the interest of refineries in this promising fuel additive. Addition of DMC to gasoline-ethanol blend was found to have insignificant impact on the volatility of fuel. The results demonstrate that addition of ethanol to gasoline causes a significant decrease in T50 by about 20 °C, while addition of 10 volume percent of DMC to E10 causes an increase in T50 by about 2 °C. The obtained results showed also that the addition of 10 vol% of DMC to E10 fuel blend considerably increases the RON and MON by about 4 and 3.5 points, respectively.


3D topography of noncompact zone Golgi tubules in rat spermatids: a computer-assisted serial section reconstruction study.
In the Golgi apparatus, the 3D topography of saccules in the compact zones (CZs) is better understood than that of tubules in the noncompact zones (NCZs). The positioning of NCZ tubules relative to each other and to CZ saccules was studied in rat spermatids by computer-assisted serial section microscopy. Twenty-four (semi) serials (3-6 consecutive sections each) in total were collected from untreated tissues and from tissues treated for glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) cytochemistry as an alignment tool. The serials proceeded along either the cis-trans or the medial-lateral axes of the Golgi and collectively sampled all portions of this organelle. Selected serials were computer reconstructed and the final models displayed in red-green/red-blue stereo. In single thin sections, NCZ tubules typically appeared randomly oriented; however, in serial sections a high degree of organization was evident. Most tubules were traceable to the type of tubular networks (TNs) that interconnect equivalent CZ saccules (see review Rambourg and Clermont, 1990) Such TNs were present at consecutive saccular levels through each NCZ, were stacked like the saccules from which they originate, and in many regions were aligned from cis-trans. The cis-most of the TNs projected above the cis-pole of the stacked saccules and were penetrated by coated and uncoated ER buds. The function of the extensive NCZ tubular domain, consisting of the stacked and aligned TNs, will have to be addressed in future studies. However, the specific topography of the cis-most TNs make them candidates to serve as acceptor membranes in ER-Golgi transport.


The role of self-serving cognitive distortions in reactive and proactive aggression.
Aggression is often divided into reactive and proactive forms. Reactive aggression is typically thought to encompass 'blaming others' and 'assuming the worst', while proactive aggression relates to 'self-centeredness' and 'minimising/mislabelling'. Our aim was to evaluate relationships between reactive and proactive aggression and cognitive distortions and to test whether changes in these cognitions relate to changes in aggression. A total of 151 adolescents (60% boys; mean age 15.05 years, standard deviation 1.28) were enrolled in an evidence-based intervention to reduce aggression. Due to attrition and anomalous responses, the post-intervention sample involved 80 adolescents. Correlation and linear regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between cognitive distortions and aggression. Blaming others was related to reactive aggression before the intervention, while all cognitive distortions were related to proactive aggression both pre- and post-intervention. Changes in reactive aggression were uniquely predicted by blaming others, while changes in proactive aggression were predicted by changes in cognitive distortions overall. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show a relationship between changes in cognitive distortions and changes in aggression. Treatment of reactive aggression may benefit from focusing primarily on reducing cognitive distortions involving misattribution of blame to others. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Estimation of transient increases in bleeding risk associated with physical activity in children with haemophilia.
Although it is widely appreciated that vigorous physical activity can increase the risk of bleeding episodes in children with haemophilia, the magnitude of the increase in risk is not known. Accurate risk estimates could inform decisions made by children with haemophilia and their parents about participation in physical activity and aid the development of optimal prophylactic schedules. The aim of this study is to provide an accurate estimate of the risks of bleeding associated with vigorous physical activity in children with haemophilia. The study will be a case-crossover study nested within a prospective cohort study. Children with moderate or severe haemophilia A or B, recruited from two paediatric haematology departments in Australia, will participate in the study. The child, or the child's parent or guardian, will report bleeding episodes experienced over a 12-month period. Following a bleeding episode, the participant will be interviewed by telephone about exposures to physical activity in the case period (8 hours before the bleed) and 2 control periods (an 8 hour period at the same time on the day preceding the bleed and an 8 hour period two days preceding the bleed). Conditional logistic regression will be used to estimate the risk of participating in vigorous physical activity from measures of exposure to physical activity in the case and control periods. This case-control study will provide estimates of the risk of participation in vigorous physical activity in children with haemophilia.


Why We Still Use "Organic Causes": Results From a Survey of Psychiatrists and Residents.
The diagnostic category of "organic disorders" was officially removed from the psychiatric nosology in DSM-IV, published in 1994. Despite this change, physicians continue to use the term "organic causes" to refer to medical and neurological causes of psychiatric symptoms, and it remains part of the ICD-10 classification. In the context of increasing integration of psychiatric disorders within a medical and neuroscientific framework, the reasons behind the ongoing use of this term (reminiscent of mind-body dualism) have to be clarified. The authors conducted a survey of 391 Canadian psychiatrists and psychiatric residents to understand attitudes and beliefs related to this terminology and then applied qualitative and quantitative analyses. Results showed that the terminology is used by the majority (55.9%) of psychiatrists and residents for two main reasons: out of a habit that begins in residency training and because of the belief that other specialties do not fully understand alternative terminology. The authors found that some psychiatrists are concerned that their patients will not receive adequate investigation unless it is made clear through use of the "organic cause" term that other medical causes of psychiatric symptoms are suspected. Use of the "organic cause" term was predicted by being of younger age, performing emergency department calls, and finding alternative terminology difficult to use. These findings highlight the importance of reflecting on and discussing the effect of this terminology used in psychiatry.


Lower extremity hypothermia is beneficial during infra-renal aortic cross-clamping in pigs.
The effects of lower extremity hypothermia during aortic cross-clamping are unknown. To compare the effects of lower extremity hypothermia with normothermia during aortic cross-clamping, two groups of six (25-40 kg) anesthetized pigs had their aortas cross-clamped below the renal arteries for 2 h. The cold group had their lower extremities cooled during cross-clamping to a quadriceps muscle temperature of 28 degrees C by using convective cooling. The warm group had the quadriceps muscle temperature maintained at 38 degrees C with convective warming. Saline, 0.9%, was used to maintain the pulmonary capillary wedge pressures at 5 mm Hg in both groups. Reperfusion of the lower extremities resulted in a small but significant decrease in the blood temperature from 36.6 +/- 0.3 degrees C (mean +/- SE) to 35.6 +/- 0.3 degrees C 1 min after reperfusion in the cold group, but did not change the blood temperature in the warm group. Both the cardiac output and the lower extremity arterial flow were greater in the cold group at 1 and 5 min after cross-clamp release. Also one pig in the warm group required resuscitation with 1 mg of epinephrine intravenously to treat severe hypotension and myocardial depression after cross-clamp release. We conclude that hypothermia of the lower extremities may be beneficial for surgery involving aortic cross-clamping.


A case of Guillain-Barré syndrome developed minimal change nephrotic syndrome simultaneously.
A case who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and nephrotic syndrome (NS) simultaneously is reported. In this case, the onset of nephrotic change of proteinuria coincided with the development of the neurological disturbance. Analysis of renal biopsy by light, immunofluorescent and electron microscopy showed minor glomerular abnormalities. The occurrence of GBS in association with NS is rare, and moreover most cases in the previous reports had membranous nephropathy. Only 1 case had minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case beneficially treated with glucocorticoids, suggesting that immune disorder may play an important role in the association between MCNS and GBS.


An investigation of users' attitudes, requirements and willingness to use mobile phone-based interactive voice response systems for seeking healthcare in Ghana: a qualitative study.
In implementing mobile health interventions, user requirements and willingness to use are among the most crucial concerns for success of the investigation and have only rarely been examined in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to specify the requirements of caregivers of children in order to use a symptom-based interactive voice response (IVR) system for seeking healthcare. This included (i) the investigation of attitudes towards mobile phone use and user experiences and (ii) the assessment of facilitators and challenges to use the IVR system. This is a population-based cross-sectional study. Four qualitative focus group discussions were conducted in peri-urban and rural towns in Shai Osudoku and Ga West district, as well as in Tema- and Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Participants included male and female caregivers of at least one child between 0 and 10 years of age. A qualitative content analysis was conducted for data analysis. Participants showed a positive attitude towards the use of mobile phones for seeking healthcare. While no previous experience in using IVR for health information was reported, the majority of participants stated that it offers a huge advantage for improvement in health performance. Barriers to IVR use included concerns about costs, lack of familiarly with the technology, social barriers such as lack of human interaction and infrastructural challenges. The establishment of a toll-free number as well as training prior to IVR system was discussed for recommendation. This study suggests that caregivers in the socio-economic environment of Ghana are interested and willing to use mobile phone-based IVR to receive health information for child healthcare. Important identified users' needs should be considered by health programme implementers and policy makers to help facilitate the development and implementation of IVR systems in the field of seeking healthcare.


Sources of error in the determination of output voltage of pulse generators by pacemaker system analyzers.
The use of threshold or pacemaker system analyzers with widely different characteristics has introduced potential sources of error in the determination of the output voltage of pulse generators. This is further compounded by the availability of pulse generators with diverse waveform configurations and programmability capabilities. Because of this non-uniformity, the physician must have some rudimentary knowledge of waveform characteristics and appreciate the limitations of threshold or pacemaker system analyzers to avoid the unnecessary replacement of normally-functioning pulse generators.


Orthopedic In-Training Examination Question Metrics and Resident Test Performance.
First administered in November 1963, the orthopedic in-training examination (OITE) is now distributed to more than 4000 residents in over 20 countries and has become important for evaluation of resident fund of knowledge. Several studies have assessed the effect of didactic programs on resident performance, but only recently has it become possible to assess detailed testtaking metrics such as time spent per question. Here, we report the first assessment of resident OITE performance utilizing this full electronic dataset from two large academic institutions. Full 2015 OITE score reports for all orthopedic surgery residents at two institutions were anonymized and compiled. For every question answered by each resident, the resident year, question content or domain, question result (correct or incorrect), and answer speed were recorded. Data were then analyzed to determine whether resident year, result, or domain affected answer speed and whether performance in each subspecialty domain varied based on resident year in training. Data was available for 46 residents and 12,650 questions. Mean answer speed for questions answered correctly, 54.0±48.1 s, was significantly faster than for questions answered incorrectly, 72.2±61.2 s (P<0.00001). When considering both correct and incorrect answers, PGY-1s were slower than all other years (P<0.02). Residents spent a mean of nearly 80 seconds on foot and ankle and shoulder and elbow questions, compared to only 40 seconds on basic science questions (P<0.05). In education, faster answer speed for questions is often considered a sign of mastery of the material and more confidence in the answer. Though faster answer speed was strongly associated with correct answers, this study demonstrates that answer speed is not reliably associated with resident year. While answer speed varies between domains, it is likely that the majority of this variation is due to question type as opposed to confidence. Nevertheless, it is possible that in domains with more tiered experience such as shoulder, answer speed correlates strongly with resident year and percentage correct.


Synchronizabilities of networks: a new index.
The random matrix theory is used to bridge the network structures and the dynamical processes defined on them. We propose a possible dynamical mechanism for the enhancement effect of network structures on synchronization processes, based upon which a dynamic-based index of the synchronizability is introduced in the present paper.


Non-Conserved Residues in Clostridium acetobutylicum tRNA(Ala) Contribute to tRNA Tuning for Efficient Antitermination of the alaS T Box Riboswitch.
The T box riboswitch regulates expression of amino acid-related genes in Gram-positive bacteria by monitoring the aminoacylation status of a specific tRNA, the binding of which affects the folding of the riboswitch into mutually exclusive terminator or antiterminator structures. Two main pairing interactions between the tRNA and the leader RNA have been demonstrated to be necessary, but not sufficient, for efficient antitermination. In this study, we used the Clostridium acetobutylicum alaS gene, which encodes alanyl-tRNA synthetase, to investigate the specificity of the tRNA response. We show that the homologous C. acetobutylicum tRNA(Ala) directs antitermination of the C. acetobutylicum alaS gene in vitro, but the heterologous Bacillus subtilis tRNA(Ala) (with the same anticodon and acceptor end) does not. Base substitutions at positions that vary between these two tRNAs revealed synergistic and antagonistic effects. Variation occurs primarily at positions that are not conserved in tRNA(Ala) species, which indicates that these non-conserved residues contribute to optimal antitermination of the homologous alaS gene. This study suggests that elements in tRNA(Ala) may have coevolved with the homologous alaS T box leader RNA for efficient antitermination.


Impact of Co-Culturing with Fractionated Carbon-Ion-Irradiated Cancer Cells on Bystander Normal Cells and Their Progeny.
The purpose of this study was to compare the biological effects of fractionated doses versus a single dose of high-LET carbon ions in bystander normal cells, and determine the effect on their progeny using the layered tissue co-culture system. Briefly, confluent human glioblastoma (T98G) cells received a single dose of 6 Gy or three daily doses of 2 Gy carbon ions, which were then seeded on top of an insert with bystander normal skin fibroblasts (NB1RGB) growing underneath. Cells were co-cultured for 6 h or allowed to grow for 20 population doublings, then harvested and assayed for different end points. A single dose of carbon ions resulted in less damage in bystander normal NB1RGB cells than the fractionated doses. In contrast, the progeny of bystander NB1RGB cells co-cultured with T98G cells exposed to fractionated doses showed less damage than progeny from bystander cells co-cultured with single dose glioblastoma cells. Furthermore, inhibition of gap junction communication demonstrated its involvement in the stressful effects in bystander cells and their progeny. These results indicate that dose fractionation reduced the late effect of carbon-ion exposure in the progeny of bystander cells compared to the effect in the initial bystander cells.


Reporting errors in infectious disease outbreaks, with an application to Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1.
Effectively responding to infectious disease outbreaks requires a well-informed response. Quantitative methods for analyzing outbreak data and estimating key parameters to characterize the spread of the outbreak, including the reproductive number and the serial interval, often assume that the data collected is complete. In reality reporting delays, undetected cases or lack of sensitive and specific tests to diagnose disease lead to reporting errors in the case counts. Here we provide insight on the impact that such reporting errors might have on the estimation of these key parameters. We show that when the proportion of cases reported is changing through the study period, the estimates of key epidemiological parameters are biased. Using data from the Influenza A/H1N1 outbreak in La Gloria, Mexico, we provide estimates of these parameters, accounting for possible reporting errors, and show that they can be biased by as much as 33%, if reporting issues are not accounted for. Failure to account for missing data can lead to misleading and inaccurate estimates of epidemic parameters.


Subdermal Plexus Density as It Relates to Obesity and Wound Complications in Patients Undergoing Reduction Mammaplasty.
Reduction mammaplasty is one of the most common reconstructive procedures performed in plastic surgery. Multiple comorbidities play a role in postoperative wound healing complications; however, there are insufficient data on the subdermal plexus (SDP) as it relates to these comorbidities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and SDP of the superficial breast tissues and examine the association between SDP and postoperative complications. After Institutional Review Board approval, screening, and informed consent, patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty were selected. Tissue to be discarded was sent to pathology for analysis of immunohistochemistry directed against endothelial cells to determine the density of the SDP. Patients with BMI <35 and ≥35 kg/m2 were compared. Statistical analysis, including 2-tailed t test and Pearson correlation, was conducted. A significant difference in SDP density (standard deviation) was identified between patients with a BMI ≥35 versus <35 kg/m2 (2.65 capillaries/mm2 ± 1.8 vs 1.56 capillaries/mm2 ± 1.2; P = .033). Patients with no historical use of tobacco versus those who used tobacco showed a significantly increased SDP (2.11 capillaries/mm2 ± 1.6 vs 1.20 capillaries/mm2 ± 0.5; P = .009). A significant relationship between postoperative infection (1.00 capillaries/mm2 ± 1.1; P = .041) and hematoma/seroma (0.788 capillaries/mm2 ± 0.1; P = .003) was identified. No significant relationship was found between SDP and delayed wound healing, nipple-areolar complex complications, fat/flap necrosis, or symptomatic scar occurrence. There is a statistically significant increase in SDP seen with increasing BMI, which does not explain the higher rate of wound healing complications after reduction mammaplasty typically seen in the higher BMI patient population. The association between BMI and complications after reduction mammaplasty remains unclear.


Predictors and consequences of pregaming using day- and week-level measurements.
Drinking before going to a social event is common in adolescents and young adults and is associated with harmful outcomes, but information collected at the daily level is needed to better examine individual and contextual factors associated with pregaming. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pregaming in a diverse sample of college students; demographic differences in rates of pregaming; the degree to which pregaming is associated with higher volume drinking, intoxication, and consequences; and the importance of time-of-year and day-of-week. College students (N = 750) at three colleges completed past-week surveys throughout their freshman and sophomore years. Pregaming was reported by 3 out of 4 drinkers and occurred on 31% of 12,361 drinking days. Compared with nonpregaming days, participants drank approximately 2 more drinks on pregaming days; this increase accounted for a .040 higher estimated blood alcohol concentration. Using generalized estimating equations, we established that women, racial/ethnic minority students, and first-year students were more likely to pregame on a drinking day than males, non-Hispanic White students, and sophomore students, respectively. Men became more intoxicated on pregaming days and sophomores consumed more alcohol. Pregaming predicted higher positive and higher negative consequences, even after controlling for the number of drinks consumed. Pregaming was more common in the fall semester, in the early weeks of each semester, and on weekends. Prevention efforts targeting first-year students, the early weeks of the semester, and the hours before traditional party times may be effective at reducing this hazardous practice.


How to Escape from Primary Aldosteronism? News and Views on an Adrenal Disorder of Salt Retention.
The last years have seen substantial progress in primary aldosteronism (PA), which is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Many programs have been established around the world to meet the needs in healthcare and the management of patients with PA according to published guidelines and clinical protocols. Systematic analysis of emerging data and meticulous scientific work have informed us on the molecular basis of the disease and helped to characterize hereditary forms of PA. Techniques have been developed to better diagnose PA and to establish genotype-phenotype relationships and their impact on hypertension. Studies have been undertaken to stratify patients for risk factors and to ensure quality of best medical treatment. This review focuses on some clinically relevant problems in characterizing autonomous aldosterone secretion and discusses testing and management strategies. Besides, this review puts the emphasis on some colorful studies not to pale soon beside an ever evolving painting background.


[Ultrastructural features of cerebral nervous tissue under conditions of specific sensitization and desensitization of the body].
On the basis of a study of the ultrastructural traits of the brain matter under conditions of specific sensitization and desensitization of the organism, the author comes to the following conclusion. A sensitization of the organism by brain antigens is accompanied by a physiological activation of the nervous system cells, especially of their defense mechanisms. In specific desensitization when it is considered that there is a disappearance of increased sensitivity of the organism, an electronomicroscopic study of the brain revealed an expressed activation of the ultrastructures, both in the nervous and glial elements of the brain tissue.


Surgical implications of anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery.
We report a patient with exertional chest pain and anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery from the right coronary sinus. This patient also had circumflex coronary and right coronary artery stenoses. Following coronary bypass grafting of the circumflex and right coronary arteries in this patient, angina persisted and there was abnormal septal perfusion shown on the exercise thallium imaging despite patent grafts. The angina and perfusion defect were improved by bypass grafting of the unstenosed left anterior descending coronary artery in this patient. Thallium imaging may be useful in the preoperative assessment of patients with this anomaly.


[Comparison of testing methods for reticulated platelets].
To compare the accuracy, stability and sample cross-contamination of two independent methods of detecting the percentage of reticulated platelets in peripheral blood and establish a local normal reference range so as to provide methodological rationales in clinical laboratory. The percentages of reticulated platelets in peripheral blood of a healthy population were measured by Sysmex XE-5000 blood cell analyzer with polymethyl oxazine staining and flow cytometer with thiazole orange staining respectively. The correlation between the results of two methods was analyzed by Spearman's nonparametric correlation. Information about stability was obtained from measurements of the percentages of reticulated platelets in peripheral blood at designated time points. The analyses of accuracy, sample cross contamination and local normal reference range were performed routinely. The coefficient of variation (CV) of data was lower (16.2%) than that from flow cytometer (35.1%). The sample cross-contaminations of two methods were the same at around 5%. The percentage of reticulated platelets in peripheral blood was stable and consistent whereas the results of flow cytometer fluctuated at different time points within 4 h after blood sampling. The correlation of results obtained from two methods was significant (P < 0.01, r(2) = 0.923). The local normal reference range was 1.0% - 7.5% for Sysmex XE-5000 versus 3.0% - 10.5% for flow cytometer. Fully automatic blood cell analyze is more advanced than flow cytometer for its simple operation and stable data. And the former is an ideal first-choice for detecting the percentage of reticulated platelets in peripheral blood.


DNP-specific/class I MHC-restricted suppressor molecules bear determinants of the T cell receptor alpha- and beta-chains. The V beta 8+ chain dictates restriction to either K or D.
To examine in greater detail the relationship between DNP-specific/class I MHC-restricted suppressor molecules (SSF) that inhibit contact sensitivity to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene and the receptors on the T cells that produce them, we have generated two T cell hybridomas that can be induced to produce and secrete these molecules. In order to become activated to produce SSF, the Ts 15.15 and 15.31 cells required recognition of complexes of DNP/Dd on presenting cells. The suppressor molecules produced by each of the Ts hybrids had the same specificity, recognizing DNP/Dd on cells in the immune lymph node cell target population. The activation of the Ts hybrids was blocked when the cells were treated with the anti-V beta 8 antibody F23.1 before coculture with the DNP-presenting cells. Reduction of the 15.15 and 15.31 SSF followed by affinity chromatography on DNP-bovine-gamma-globulin-Sepharose beads indicated that these molecules are dimers and that one of the chains (Ag-binding(AgB] binds to cellfree DNP and one (non-Ag-binding (NAgB) chain) does not. The AgB chain was found to express an epitope bound by a mAb specific for a TCR alpha-chain-constant region determinant. Alternatively, the NAgB chain expressed an epitope bound by the anti-V beta 8 mAb F23.1. Active hybrid suppressor molecules were generated by combining the NAgB chain from a DNP-specific/H-2Kd-restricted SSF (produced by Ts hybridoma 3-10) with the AgB chain from Ts 15.31 and by combining the NAgB chain from Ts cell 15.15 with the 3-10 AgB chain. In each case, the class I MHC element (i.e., Kd or Dd) restricting the activity of these hybrid SSF correlated with the source of the V beta 8+, NAgB chain. Thus, these secreted immunoregulatory molecules have the Ag/MHC specificity of the T cells producing them and are structurally and serologically related to the TCR-alpha/beta. The results further suggest that for some hapten-specific/class I MHC-restricted TCR, the alpha-chain may have avidity for the hapten and the beta-chain may dictate the MHC restriction element (K or D) recognized by the receptor.


Ultrasmall Rhodium Nanozyme with RONS Scavenging and Photothermal Activities for Anti-Inflammation and Antitumor Theranostics of Colon Diseases.
Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), in which chronic inflammation is a well-recognized carcinogen, requires concurrent anti-inflammation and antitumor treatments in the clinic. Herein, we report polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated (PEGylated) ultrasmall rhodium nanodots (Rh-PEG NDs) can serve as a metallic nanozyme with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) scavenging properties as well as photothermal activities for anti-inflammation and antitumor theranostics in colon diseases. Benefiting from multienzyme activities against RONS, Rh-PEG NDs can decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), resulting in good anti-inflammatory effect on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. By virtue of high photothermal conversion efficiency (48.9%), Rh-PEG NDs demonstrate complete ablation of CT-26 colon tumor without any recurrence. Most importantly, Rh-PEG NDs exhibit good biocompatibility both at the cellular and animal levels. Our findings provide a paradigm to utilize metallic nanozymes for the potential management of colon diseases.


The ecosystem of health decision making: from fragmentation to synergy.
Clinicians, patients, policy makers, funders, programme managers, regulators, and science communities invest considerable amounts of time and energy in influencing or making decisions at various levels, using systematic reviews, health technology assessments, guideline recommendations, coverage decisions, selection of essential medicines and diagnostics, quality assurance and improvement schemes, and policy and evidence briefs. The criteria and methods that these actors use in their work differ (eg, the role economic analysis has in decision making), but these methods frequently overlap and exist together. Under the aegis of WHO, we have brought together representatives of different areas to reconcile how the evidence that influences decisions is used across multiple health system decision levels. We describe the overlap and differences in decision-making criteria between different actors in the health sector to provide bridging opportunities through a unifying broad framework that we call theory of everything. Although decision-making activities respond to system needs, processes are often poorly coordinated, both globally and on a country level. A decision made in isolation from other decisions on the same topic could cause misleading, unnecessary, or conflicted inputs to the health system and, therefore, confusion and resource waste.


Vagus nerve-mediated intestinal immune regulation: therapeutic implications of inflammatory bowel diseases.
The pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) involves immunological, genetic and environmental factors. Through its ability to sense environmental stimuli, the autonomic nervous system plays a key role in the development and persistence of IBDs. The vagus nerve (VN), which contains sensory and motor neurons, travels throughout the body to innervate the gut and other visceral organs in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. Recent studies show that the VN has anti-inflammatory effects via the release of acetylcholine, in what is known as the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAIP). In the gut immune system, the CAIP is proposed to be activated directly by signals from the gut and indirectly by signals from the liver, which receives gut-derived bioactive substances via the portal vein and senses the status of the gut. The gut-brain axis and liver-brain-gut reflex arc regulate a wide variety of peripheral immune cells to maintain homeostasis in the gut. Therefore, targeting the neural reflex by methods such as VN stimulation is now under investigation for suppressing intestinal inflammation associated with IBDs. In this review, we describe the role of the VN in the regulation of intestinal immunity, and we discuss novel therapeutic approaches for IBDs that target neuroimmune interactions.


Protein kinase CK2 regulates AKT, NF-κB and STAT3 activation, stem cell viability and proliferation in acute myeloid leukemia.
Protein kinase CK2 sustains acute myeloid leukemia cell growth, but its role in leukemia stem cells is largely unknown. Here, we discovered that the CK2 catalytic α and regulatory β subunits are consistently expressed in leukemia stem cells isolated from acute myeloid leukemia patients and cell lines. CK2 inactivation with the selective inhibitor CX-4945 or RNA interference induced an accumulation of leukemia stem cells in the late S-G2-M phases of the cell cycle and triggered late-onset apoptosis. As a result, leukemia stem cells displayed an increased sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. From a molecular standpoint, CK2 blockade was associated with a downmodulation of the stem cell-regulating protein BMI-1 and a marked impairment of AKT, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, whereas FOXO3a nuclear activity was induced. Notably, combined CK2 and either NF-κB or STAT3 inhibition resulted in a superior cytotoxic effect on leukemia stem cells. This study suggests that CK2 blockade could be a rational approach to minimize the persistence of residual leukemia cells.


Short communication: Effect of the addition of Bifidobacterium monocultures on the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of fermented goat milk.
The aim of the study was to use 3 monocultures of Bifidobacterium (Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis AD600, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12, and Bifidobacterium longum AD50) in fermented goat milk to assess the microbial, physicochemical, rheological, and sensory quality of beverages during a 3-wk storage period at 5°C. The results indicated that selected bifidobacteria may be used for production of fermented goat milk because they comply with the minimum standards specified by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization during the entire period of storage. However, goat milk fermented by Bif. longum AD50 had less than 106 cfu/g after 21 d of storage. The acidity, acetaldehyde content, viscosity, and hardness of fermented goat milk beverages depended on the strain and the storage period. Sensory properties were similar and acceptable, with a tendency for the quality to be reduced with an extended storage time. Depending on the monoculture of bifidobacteria used to manufacture fermented goat milk, the product had a different pH value. Titratable acidity in all fermented goat milk increased significantly along with the time of storage. Our study has shown that monocultures of bifidobacteria had a significant effect on the content of acetaldehyde, but the lowest effect over the entire storage period was observed in goat milk fermented by Bif. animalis ssp. lactis BB-12. This sample also had the lowest viscosity values compared with other samples and the best organoleptic properties during a 3-wk storage period.


Midfoot osteoarthritis: potential phenotypes and their associations with demographic, symptomatic and clinical characteristics.
To investigate the demographic, symptomatic, clinical and structural foot characteristics associated with potential phenotypes of midfoot osteoarthritis (OA). Cross-sectional study of 533 community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years with foot pain in the past year. Health questionnaires and clinical assessments of symptoms, foot structure and function were undertaken. Potential midfoot OA phenotypes were defined by the pattern of radiographic joint involvement affecting either the medial midfoot (talonavicular, navicular-1st cuneiform, or cuneiform-1st metatarsal joint), central midfoot (2nd cuneiform-metatarsal joint), or both medial and central midfoot joints. Multivariable regression models with generalised estimating equations were used to investigate the associations between patterns of midfoot joint involvement and symptomatic, clinical and structural characteristics compared to those with no or minimal midfoot OA. Of 879 eligible feet, 168 had medial midfoot OA, 103 central midfoot OA, 76 both medial and central midfoot OA and 532 no/minimal OA. Having both medial and central midfoot OA was associated with higher pain scores, dorsally-located midfoot pain (OR 2.54, 95%CI 1.45, 4.45), hallux valgus (OR 1.76, 95%CI 1.02, 3.05), flatter foot posture (β 0.44, 95%CI 0.12, 0.77), lower medial arch height (β 0.02, 95%CI 0.01, 0.03) and less subtalar inversion and 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion. Isolated medial midfoot OA and central midfoot OA had few distinguishing clinical characteristics. Distinct phenotypes of midfoot OA appear challenging to identify, with substantial overlap in symptoms and clinical characteristics. Phenotypic differences in symptoms, foot posture and function were apparent in this study only when both the medial and central midfoot were involved.


Should children be used as research subjects?
The authors explore the question of whether children should be used as research subjects. The position that children should be used as subjects in research can be justified as long as the dissent of children from and the assent of children to research is safeguarded is presented.


Early-Life Stress Does Not Aggravate Spatial Memory or the Process of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Adult and Middle-Aged APP/PS1 Mice.
Life-time experiences are thought to influence the risk to develop the neurodegenerative disorder Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, early-life stress (ES) may modulate the onset and progression of AD. There is recent evidence by our group and others that AD-related neuropathological progression and the associated neuroimmune responses are modulated by ES in the classic APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model for AD. We here extend our previous study on ES mediated modulation of neuropathology and neuroinflammation and address in the same cohort of mice whether ES accelerates and/or aggravates AD-induced cognitive decline and alterations in the process of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), a form of brain plasticity. Chronic ES was induced by limiting bedding and nesting material during the first postnatal week and is known to induce cognitive deficits by 4 months in wild type (WT) mice. The onset of cognitive decline in APP/PS1 mice generally starts around 6 months of age. We here tested mice at ages 2-4 months to study acceleration and at ages 8-10 months for aggravation of the APP/PS1 phenotype. ES-exposed WT and APP/PS1 mice were able to perform the object recognition (ORT) and location tasks (OLT) at 2 months of age. Interestingly, at 3 months, ES induced impairments in the performance of the OLT in WT, but not in APP/PS1 mice. APP/PS1 mice exhibited alterations in hippocampal cell proliferation and differentiation, but ES exposure did not further change this. At 9 months, APP/PS1 mice exhibited impaired performance in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) task, as well as reductions in markers of the AHN process, which were not further modulated by ES exposure. In addition, we observed a so far unreported hyperactivity in ES-exposed mice at 8 months of age, which hampered assessment of cognitive functions in the ORT and OLT. In conclusion, while ES has been reported to modulate AD neuropathology and neuroinflammation before, it failed to accelerate or aggravate the decline in cognition or the process of AHN in APP/PS1 mice at ages 2-4 and 8-10 months. Future studies are needed to unravel how ES might affect the vulnerability to develop AD.


Germes is involved in translocation of germ plasm during development of Xenopus primordial germ cells.
Germes mRNA and protein are components of the germ plasm in Xenopus laevis. Previously, based on phenotypic observations of tailbud embryos expressing intact and mutant Germes, it was suggested that Germes is involved in the organization of germ plasm (Berekelya et al., 2007). Recently, to observe the germ plasm in a living embryo, we generated transgenic Xenopus expressing EGFP fused with a mitochondrial targeting signal, because germ plasm is enriched with mitochondria (Taguchi et al., 2012). Using this transgenic Xenopus, we demonstrate that Germes plays an essential role in the translocation of germ plasm from the cortex to the perinuclear region in primordial germ cells during early gastrulation.


Extended homozygosity is not usually due to cytogenetic abnormality.
Previous studies have reported frequent stretches of homozygosity in human subjects but have failed to clarify whether these are due to cytogenetic abnormalities or to autozygosity. Trios which had been typed for closely spaced SNPs spanning the genome were studied. Stretches of extended homozygosity were identified in the child members, as were occasions on which the child had been genotyped as not inheriting one parental allele. The number of times such transmission errors occurred within regions of extended homozygosity was compared with the chance expectation. Transmission errors occurred more rarely in regions of extended homozygosity than would be expected by chance. Regions of extended homozygosity are not generally due to cytogenetic abnormalities such as uniparental isodisomy. They reflect the Mendelian inheritance of haplotypes from a common ancestor. This may have implications for mapping disease genes.


Simulation studies of nanomagnet-based logic architecture.
We report a simulation study on interacting ensembles of Co nanomagnets that can perform basic logic operations and propagate logic signals where the state variable is the magnetization direction. Dipole field coupling between individual nanomagnets drives the logic functionality of the ensemble, and coordinated arrangements of the nanomagnets allow for the logic signal to propagate in a predictable way. Problems with the integrity of the logic signal arising from instabilities in the constituent magnetizations are solved by introducing a biaxial anisotropy term to the Gibbs magnetic free energy of each nanomagnet. The enhanced stability allows for more complex components of a logic architecture capable of random combinatorial logic, including horizontal wires, vertical wires, junctions, fanout nodes, and a novel universal logic gate. Our simulations define the focus of scaling trends in nanomagnet-based logic and provide estimates of the energy dissipation and time per nanomagnet reversal.


Weight Change over Ten Years Predicts Biological Aging in a Random Sample of 3070 U.S. Adults.
This investigation was designed to study the relationship between weight change over 10 years and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in a large sample of 3070 randomly selected U.S. adults, 36-70 years old. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data were used to examine the relationship between percent weight change and LTL. Potential mediating variables were controlled using partial correlation. After adjusting for age, race, year, and housing status, the association between percent weight change over 10 years and LTL was significant in women (F = 6.9, p = 0.0138). Adjusting for the demographic and several other covariates weakened the relationship slightly (F = 4.7, p = 0.0392). With all the covariates controlled, for each one percentage point increase in weight over the previous 10 years, telomeres were, on average, 3.48 base pairs (bp) shorter in women. Given that each one-year increase in age was associated with telomeres that were 15.0 bp shorter in women, the median weight change in U.S. women over the previous 10 years (an increase of 10.4%) was predictive of LTLs that were 36 bp shorter, on average, or an increase of 2.4 years of biological aging. Percent weight change over 10 years was not associated with LTL in U.S. men. Percent weight change over 10 years is a strong predictor of biological aging in U.S. women, but not in men.


Collective input impedance of micro-antenna based infrared detectors.
In this article, the author leverages the concept of "input impedance" to determine in a proper manner the collective resonances of infrared devices based on square arrays of micro-dipoles, commonly obtained by the scattered field of devices under illumination. With the aid of finite-element simulations, the resistive and capacitive nature of the odd and even resonant modes of individual micro-dipoles is first unveiled. Subsequently, the micro-dipoles are incorporated into an array with lattice parameters (ax, ay), and the dependence of the emerging collective odd and even resonant modes, on the transverse and longitudinal dipolar interaction, is evaluated. The opposite wavelength shift of these modes is unveiled and the physical mechanisms behind their behavior are discussed. By analyzing the absorbance spectra of the micro-antenna arrays, the equivalence of optical resonances counterpart, in the short and open-circuit configurations, with the odd and even modes is presented. Finally, the effect on the array's performance that results from introducing highly resistive nano-bolometers is optimized by exploiting the natural high-resistance of the collective even modes.


[Influence of estrogens and liposomes on the experimental purulent wounds healing].
Estrogens and liposomes positively influence current wounds healing. But a degree of their influence as separately, and in a combination with each other, on current of purulent wounds are investigated insufficiently. The purpose of research--to estimate dynamics of current of experimental purulent wounds of soft fabrics at use in complex treatment estrogens and liposomes. Modelled a purulent wound. All animals treated according to standard techniques. An animal of the first group to complex treatment added estrogens, the second--liposomes, the third--simultaneously estrogens and liposomes. Determined a level oxyproline, RNA, DNA, index RNA/DNA in wounds. Use in complex treatment of purulent wounds estrogens and liposomes leads to increase in synthesis of collagen, increase of biosynthetic activity and repair processes in the field of a wound in the second and a third phase of current wounds process which are more expressed at their combined application.


Regional cerebral blood flow in chronic hypertension. A correlative study.
Cerebral hypoperfusion has occasionally been reported during essential hypertension. We explored regional cerebral blood flow in a large series of neurologically asymptomatic hypertensive patients to determine relations among cerebral blood flow, concomitant main vascular risk factors, and the most common signs of end-organ damage. Regional cerebral blood flow was measured by the 133Xe inhalation method in 101 hypertensive patients without clinically apparent central nervous system involvement, including 39 mild to moderate untreated and 62 mild to severe treated patients. Compared with age- and sex-matched normal control subjects, cerebral blood flow was significantly reduced in untreated hypertensive patients (P < .01) and to a lesser extent in treated patients (P = .047). Both regional and global cerebral blood flow reductions were observed in approximately one third of patients in both groups. Analysis of variance failed to show significant correlations between cerebral blood flow and total cholesterol concentration, mean arterial blood pressure, duration of disease, or the presence of retinopathy or left ventricular hypertrophy. In the treated group, the quality of control of hypertension significantly influenced both global cerebral blood flow (P = .007) and cerebrovascular resistance (P < .0001). Focal or diffuse cerebral hypoperfusion is present even in neurologically asymptomatic hypertensive patients, especially when untreated; good control of blood pressure may preserve cerebral perfusion and reduce cerebrovascular resistance. Regional cerebral blood flow examination represents a relatively simple and low-cost technique to explore the perfusional condition of the brain, one of the main target organs of hypertensive disease.


Achilles tendon reflex in accidental hypothermia and hypothermic myxoedema.
The photomotogram (P.M.G.) of the Achilles tendon reflex was studied in 26 patients with hypothermia (rectal temperature 33.3 degrees C or less), 10 of whom also had myxoedema (serum protein bound iodine 2.8 mug/100 ml or less). No reflex could be elicited in eight (31%) of these patients, including three of those with myxoedema. Hypothermia increases both the contraction and the relaxation times of the reflex, the relaxation phase being particularly prolonged in those with myxoedema. In those patients from whom the reflex was elicited the ratio of the contraction time to the "half-relaxation time" in the P.M.G. was less than unity in six of the seven with myxoedema, and considerably greater than unity in eight of the 11 (73%) who were euthyroid. Thus, analysis of the Achilles tendon reflex P.M.G. correctly predicted the thyroid status in 14 of the 18 hypothermic patients in whom the Achilles tendon reflex was present (78%). The wider use of this rapid test of thyroid function would allow a more rational use of thyroid hormones in hypothermic patients and so lead to a better assessment of their value.


[The effect of pituitary injections on the isoenzyme composition of non-specific esterases in the tissues of the silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix].
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals differences in the isoenzymic spectra of non-specific esterases from various tissues of H. molitrix. Hypophyseal injections result in changes of the isoenzymic spectra of all the tissues studied. The pattern of changes depends on the tissue examined. Some of the isoenzymes are resistant to hypophyseal injections, whereas the other ones undergo changes which depend on the dose of the hormone.