Physicochemical parameters and modes of interaction associated with the micelle formation of a mixture of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide and cefixime trihydrate: effects of hydrotropes and temperature.
The interaction between an antibiotic drug (cefixime trihydrate (CMT)) and a cationic surfactant (tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB)) was examined in the presence of both ionic and non-ionic hydrotropes (HTs) over the temperature range of 300.55 to 320.55 K. The values of the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the TTAB + CMT mixture were experienced to have dwindled with an enhancement of the concentrations of resorcinol (ReSC), sodium benzoate (NaBz), sodium salicylate (NaS), while for the same system, a monotonically augmentation of CMC was observed in aq. 4-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) solution. A gradual increase in CMC, as a function of temperature, was also observed. The values of the degree of counterion binding (β) for the TTAB + CMT mixture were experienced to be influenced by the concentrations of ReSC/NaBz/NaS/PABA and a change in temperature. The micellization process of TTAB + CMT was observed to be spontaneous (negative standard Gibbs free energy change (ΔG0m)) at all conditions studied. Also, the values of standard enthalpy change (ΔH0m) and entropy change (ΔS0m) were found negative and positive, respectively (with a few exceptions), for the test cases indicating an exothermic and enthalpy-entropy directed micellization process. The recommended interaction forces between the components in the micellar system are electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. In this study, the values of ΔC0m were negative in aqueous NaBz, ReSC, and PABA media, and positive in case of NaS. An excellent compensation scenario between the enthalpy and entropy for the CMT + TTAB mixed system in the investigated HTs solutions is well defined in the current work.


Urban Road Network Expansion and Its Driving Variables: A Case Study of Nanjing City.
Developing countries such as China are undergoing rapid urban expansion and land use change. Urban expansion regulation has been a significant research topic recently, especially in Eastern China, with a high urbanization level. Among others, roads are an important spatial determinant of urban expansion and have significant influences on human activities, the environment, and socioeconomic development. Understanding the urban road network expansion pattern and its corresponding social and environmental effects is a reasonable way to optimize comprehensive urban planning and keep the city sustainable. This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamics of urban road growth and uses spatial statistic models to describe its spatial patterns in rapid developing cities through a case study of Nanjing, China. A kernel density estimation model is used to describe the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of the road network. A geographically weighted regression (GWR) is applied to generate the social and environmental variance influenced by the urban road network expansion. The results reveal that the distribution of the road network shows a morphological character of two horizontal and one vertical concentration lines. From 2012 to 2016, the density of the urban road network increased significantly and developed some obvious focus centers. The development of the urban road network had a strong correlation with socioeconomic and environmental factors, which however, influenced it at different degrees in different districts. This study enhances the understanding of the effects of socio-economic and environmental factors on urban road network expansion, a significant indicator of urban expansion, in different circumstances. The study will provide useful understanding and knowledge to planning departments and other decision makers to maintain sustainable development.


Treadmill vs. overground walking: different response to physical interaction.
Rehabilitation of human motor function is an issue of growing significance, and human-interactive robots offer promising potential to meet the need. For the lower extremity, however, robot-aided therapy has proven challenging. To inform effective approaches to robotic gait therapy, it is important to better understand unimpaired locomotor control: its sensitivity to different mechanical contexts and its response to perturbations. The present study evaluated the behavior of 14 healthy subjects who walked on a motorized treadmill and overground while wearing an exoskeletal ankle robot. Their response to a periodic series of ankle plantar flexion torque pulses, delivered at periods different from, but sufficiently close to, their preferred stride cadence, was assessed to determine whether gait entrainment occurred, how it differed across conditions, and if the adapted motor behavior persisted after perturbation. Certain aspects of locomotor control were exquisitely sensitive to walking context, while others were not. Gaits entrained more often and more rapidly during overground walking, yet, in all cases, entrained gaits synchronized the torque pulses with ankle push-off, where they provided assistance with propulsion. Furthermore, subjects entrained to perturbation periods that required an adaption toward slower cadence, even though the pulses acted to accelerate gait, indicating a neural adaptation of locomotor control. Lastly, during 15 post-perturbation strides, the entrained gait period was observed to persist more frequently during overground walking. This persistence was correlated with the number of strides walked at the entrained gait period (i.e., longer exposure), which also indicated a neural adaptation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that the response of human locomotion to physical interaction differs between treadmill and overground walking. Subjects entrained to a periodic series of ankle plantar flexion torque pulses that shifted their gait cadence, synchronizing ankle push-off with the pulses (so that they assisted propulsion) even when gait cadence slowed. Entrainment was faster overground and, on removal of torque pulses, the entrained gait period persisted more prominently overground, indicating a neural adaptation of locomotor control.


Immunocytochemical detection of GLUT2 at the rat intestinal brush-border membrane.
We have proposed a new model of intestinal sugar absorption in which high sugar concentrations promote rapid insertion of the facilitative transporter GLUT2 into the brush-border membrane so that absorptive capacity is precisely regulated to match dietary intake during the assimilation of a meal. However, location of GLUT2 at the brush border by immunocytochemistry has been problematical. We report that control of rapid GLUT2 trafficking and the use of an antibody to a sequence within the large extracellular loop of GLUT2 permits localization of GLUT2 at the brush border. To reveal brush-border GLUT2 fully, it is necessary to digest the sugar chain at the glycosylation site close to the antigenic site. In this way, we have demonstrated by immunocytochemistry PKC-dependent changes in the regulation of brush-border GLUT2 in rat jejunum that correspond to those seen by Western blotting. The functional and immunocytochemical data are now reconciled.


The relationship between the expression of TN and the efficiency of posterior spinal V osteotomy in patients with traumatic kyphosis.
This study was conducted with the aim to investigate the relationship between Tetranectin (TN) and efficiency of posterior spinal V osteotomy in patients with traumatic kyphosis. Ninety-two patients with traumatic kyphosis admitted in our hospital from February 2014 to June 2016 were included whose serum TN levels were examined by ELISA. Using the mean level of TN as cut-off value, patients were classified into TN high level group (group I) and TN low level group (group II). The observation indexes, including operation time, intra-operational loss of blood, Cobb angle, postoperative complications and recurrence rate of kyphosis within post-operational 6 months were recorded for comparison. TN level was significantly higher in group I [(6.19 ± 0.33) μmol/L] than that in group II [(5.29 ± 0.34) μmol/L] (P < .05). There was no significant difference in average age, sex, lesion site and average time from injury to operation between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Compared to group II, operation time in group I was significantly shortened (5.02 ± 1.15 VS 4.58 ± 0.53, P = .023), the intra-operational loss of blood decreased (2418.56 ± 362.06 VS 2235.84 ± 325.63, P = .013), post-operational Cobb angle decreased (11.10 ± 1.31 VS 6.93 ± 1.04, P = .000), and the incidence of postoperative complications (nail-breaking, rod-breaking and looseness) and recurrence rate decreased (18.8% VS 4.5%, P = .036; 10.4% VS 0.0%, P = .028). Serum TN level is proved to be related to the efficiency of posterior spinal V osteotomy in patients with traumatic kyphosis, and may serve as a possible indicator for clinical treatment.


Variations in physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, phenolic and volatile profiles, and sensory attributes of tea-flavored Chardonnay wine during bottle aging.
A novel Chardonnay wine flavored with either green tea or black tea was subjected to bottle aging for 9 months, and the physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, volatile content and sensory properties were monitored. There were 272 phenolic and non-phenolic compounds characterized in the aged Chardonnay wines, including newly formed 9, 1, 3 and 8 phenolic compounds and 10, 6, 1 and 6 non-phenolic compounds after aging for 1, 3, 6 and 9 months, respectively. For all the aged wines, catechin was determined as the most abundant phenolic compound, and epigallocatechin mainly contributed toward the antioxidant power. A total of 54 volatile compounds were identified in the aged Chardonnay wines, including 17 odor-active compounds. The aging process diminished floral and fruity odors, but intensified green odor. The consumer study revealed the highest consumer liking for 1% (w/v) black tea infused wine. This study revealed the quality and bioactivity of this novel flavored wine type during aging which is critical to understand the shelf-life and functionality of the product.


Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the plant-specific PLATZ gene family in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum).
Plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding (PLATZ) proteins belong to a novel class of plant-specific zinc-finger-dependent DNA-binding proteins that play essential roles in plant growth and development. Although the PLATZ gene family has been identified in several species, systematic identification and characterization of this gene family has not yet been carried out for Tartary buckwheat, which is an important medicinal and edible crop with high nutritional value. The recent completion of Tartary buckwheat genome sequencing has laid the foundation for this study. A total of 14 FtPLATZ proteins were identified in Tartary buckwheat and were classified into four phylogenetic groups. The gene structure and motif composition were similar within the same group, and evident distinctions among different groups were detected. Gene duplication, particularly segmental duplication, was the main driving force in the evolution of FtPLATZs. Synteny analysis revealed that Tartary buckwheat shares more orthologous PLATZ genes with dicotyledons, particularly soybean. In addition, the expression of FtPLATZs in different tissues and developmental stages of grains showed evident specificity and preference. FtPLATZ3 may be involved in the regulation of grain size, and FtPLATZ4 and FtPLATZ11 may participate in root development. Abundant and variable hormone-responsive cis-acting elements were distributed in the promoter regions of FtPLATZs, and almost all FtPLATZs were significantly regulated after exogenous hormone treatments, particularly methyl jasmonate treatment. Moreover, FtPLATZ6 was significantly upregulated under all exogenous hormone treatments, which may indicate that this gene plays a critical role in the hormone response of Tartary buckwheat. This study lays a foundation for further exploration of the function of FtPLATZ proteins and their roles in the growth and development of Tartary buckwheat and contributes to the genetic improvement of Tartary buckwheat.


A Commonly Used Photosynthetic Inhibitor Fails to Block Electron Flow to Photosystem I in Intact Systems.
In plant science, 2,4-dinitrophenylether of iodonitrothymol (DNP-INT) is frequently used as an alternative to 2,5-dibromo-6-isopropyl-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (DBMIB) to examine the capacity of plastoquinol and semiquinone to reduce O2. DNP-INT is considered to be an effective inhibitor of the photosynthetic electron transfer chain (PETC) through its binding at the Q0 site of Cyt-b6f. The binding and action of DNP-INT has been previously characterized spectroscopically in purified Cyt-b6f complex reconstituted with Plastocyanin, PSII membranes and plastoquinone, as well as in isolated thylakoids based on its property to block MV-mediated O2 consumption. Contrary to the conclusions obtained from these experiments, we observed clear reduction of P700+ in samples incubated with DNP-INT during our recent investigation into the sites of oxygen consumption in isolated thylakoids. Therefore, we carried out an extensive investigation of DNP-INT's chemical efficacy in isolated thylakoids and intact leaves. This included examination of its capacity to block the PETC before PSI, and therefore its inhibition of CO2 fixation. P700 redox kinetics were measured using Dual-PAM whilst Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MIMS) was used for simultaneous determination of the rates of O2 evolution and O2 consumption in isolated thylakoids and CO2 fixation in intact leaves, using two stable isotopes of oxygen (16O2, 18O2) and CO2 (12C, 13C), respectively. Based on these investigations we confirmed that DNP-INT is unable to completely block the PETC and CO2 fixation, therefore its use may produce artifacts if applied to isolated thylakoids or intact cells, especially when determining the locations of reactive oxygen species formation in the photosynthetic apparatus.


What Do Laser-Induced Transient Techniques Reveal for Batteries? Na- and K-Intercalation from Aqueous Electrolytes as an Example.
Technological advancement has been revolutionized by rechargeable batteries, without which the use of various modern devices would not be possible. Aqueous Na ion batteries have lately garnered much attention, being recognized as a promising alternative to the commonly used Li ion batteries for the large-scale energy storage systems. However, further improvement and optimization of such systems require a more detailed understanding of intercalation mechanisms. In this work, we for the first time demonstrate the implementation of the laser-induced current transient (LICT) technique for in situ characterization of battery systems and investigate the interface between Na2Ni[Fe(CN)6] model battery electrodes and aqueous electrolytes in contact with aqueous electrolytes. Quite counterintuitively, the LICT method revealed that at the quasi-steady-state the electrode surface stays positively charged within the potential range where the intercalation/deintercalation of sodium as well as of potassium is possible, evidencing that the intercalation mechanism of the alkali-metal cations should be rather complex. Furthermore, the specific shape of the observed current transients indicates that the interfacial processes of intercalation/deintercalation have at least three different relaxation time constants. The relaxation behavior is highly influenced by the nature of the alkali-metal cations-most likely through their different solvation energy. In addition, we outline how the laser-based experiments can intensify detailed in situ investigations of battery systems.


The effects of seasonal variation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and fat mass on a diagnosis of vitamin D sufficiency.
The effect of season on vitamin D status is often overlooked in studies of optimal vitamin D concentrations and in clinical practice. We aimed to determine the effects of seasonal variation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] on a previously selected minimum concentration for vitamin D sufficiency (50 nmol/L) and to determine whether fat mass modifies these effects. A cross-sectional study evaluated 1606 healthy postmenopausal women and 378 older men from Auckland, New Zealand, who were undergoing single measurements of 25(OH)D. Concentrations of <50 nmol 25(OH)D/L were seen in 49% (range: 23%-74%) of women and 9% (range: 0%-26%) of men when measured, but 73% of women and 39% of men were predicted to have trough 25(OH)D concentrations < 50 nmol/L, according to the demonstrated seasonal variation. The predicted duration of 25(OH)D concentrations < 50 nmol/L was 250 d/y in women and 165 d/y in men. Seasonal variation significantly affects the diagnosis of vitamin D sufficiency, which requires seasonally adjusted thresholds individualized for different locations. Clinicians should consider the month of sampling and the amount of body fat when interpreting 25(OH)D measurements.


Advanced atherosclerosis in predialysis patients with chronic renal failure.
Atherosclerosis is advanced in hemodialysis patients as shown by increased intima-media thickness of carotid arteries (CA-IMT), although it is not established whether the advanced atherosclerosis results from hemodialysis treatment or from chronic renal failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hemodialysis and renal failure on CA-IMT in patients with chronic renal failure. CA-IMT was measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography in 110 patients with chronic renal failure before starting dialysis (CRF group), and compared with CA-IMT of 345 hemodialysis patients (HD group) and 302 healthy control subjects. They were all nondiabetic and the three groups were comparable in age and gender. As compared with the healthy control subjects, the CRF and HD groups had greater CA-IMTs, whereas CA-IMTs of the CRF and HD groups were not statistically different. There was no significant correlation between duration of hemodialysis and CA-IMT in the HD group. Multiple regression analysis in the total subjects indicated that presence of renal failure, but not being treated with hemodialysis, was a significant factor associated with increased CA-IMT independent of age, gender, blood pressure, smoking, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and non-HDL cholesterol levels. These results demonstrate that thickening of arterial wall is present in patients with chronic renal failure before starting hemodialysis treatment, and support the concept that advanced atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients is due not to hemodialysis treatment, but to renal failure and/or metabolic abnormalities secondary to renal failure.


Births in wild black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) in Northern Argentina.
Previous studies on births in nonhuman primates suggest that births are expected to occur at night to avoid predators. Here, we describe birth-related behaviors in wild black and gold howler monkeys, Alouatta caraya and address the various ideas proposed in the literature about the timing of births in group-living nonhuman primates. We collected data on females' birth-related behaviors through continuous focal observations and scan samples. Focal observations on females giving birth were taken for the remainder of the day after noticing a female was in labor. We recorded behaviors and the spatial distribution of the whole group using scan samples taken every 10 min from sunrise to sunset the same day of birth. We recorded five births at the continuous forest (CF) over a 25 months period (January 2004-December 2004 and September 2005-September 2006) and two births in the fragmented forest (FF) over a 13 months period (September 2005-September 2006). From these, four births were during daylight (two at CF and two at FF) and three during the night at CF. Our descriptions of A. caraya births contribute to a growing data set on the timing of parturition in wild nonhuman primates and suggest that a clear pattern of nocturnal births is not universal across nonhuman primate species.


[UPLC fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker for quality assessment of Danshen Injection].
Testing and analysis of chemical markers is currently the prevailing approach for quality assessment of traditional Chinese medicines. However,several important issues remain to be addressed,including the trade-off between accuracy and coverage. In this study,in order to give full play to the advantages of their respective methods and provide technical support for more comprehensively and rapidly evaluate the quality of Danshen Injection products,a fingerprint method was coupled with quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker( QAMS),with Danshen Injection as the carrier. Ultra performance liquid chromatography( UPLC) was used to establish the quantitative fingerprint. The UPLC fingerprints contained 13 common peaks,11 of which were identified by using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry( UPLC-QTOF-MS). Furthermore,with sodium danshensu as the internal reference substance,relative correction factors( RCFs) of protocatechuic aldehyde,caffeic acid,rosmarinic acid,lithospermic acid,and salvianolic acid B were calculated through slope analysis method,and the QAMS method was adopted to determine the contents of these 6 components. The UPLC fingerprint was employed to assess the consistency of 12 batches of Danshen Injection,which showed good batch-to-batch consistency with similarity higher than 0. 99. In the comparison of contents of the six constituents obtained by QAMS and external standard method( ESM),RSD was all less than 4. 3%,indicating the good accuracy of the QAMS method. The QAMS method developed in this study combined with UPLC fingerprint can comprehensively reflect the internal quality of Danshen Injection when only the reference substance sodium danshensu is consumed,with greatly reduced detection cost and time. It provides a technical basis for further improving the quality standard of Danshen Injection.


Spatial distribution and influencing factors of high-quality tourist attractions in Shandong Province, China.
Optimizing the spatial layout of high-quality tourist attractions is of great significance in the sustainable development of the tourism industry. This work employs the ArcGIS spatial analysis tool to study the form, equality, and density of the spatial distribution of the 892 3A+ tourist attractions (high-quality tourist attractions hereafter) in Shandong Province, China. It also examines the factors influencing the spatial distribution of tourist attractions from the perspectives of geographic features and landscapes, culture and heritage, socioeconomic development, and transportation. We therefore find the following: 1) High-quality tourist attractions in Shandong Province have obvious clustering in spatial distribution with the high-density areas mainly concentrated in Qingdao, Jining, Jinan, Tai'an and other cities. Influenced by resource endowment and economic development, the two major geographical areas in Central Shandong and Jiaodong Peninsula have the most concentrated distribution of high-quality tourist attractions. 2) The distribution of high-quality tourist attractions shows a southwest‒northeast clustering direction; Qingdao is a high-high clustering area, and Heze is a low-high clustering area with low uniformity of spatial distribution and obvious spatial divergence. 3) Tourist attractions show an obvious "N" type high-density distribution belt and nuclear density distribution across the three existing agglomeration centers in the Jining-Tai'an intersection, Binzhou-Dongying intersection, and Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay coast. 4) Topography, climate conditions, history and culture are intrinsic factors affecting the spatial distribution of tourist attractions, while socioeconomic and transportation conditions are external requirements for the development thereof; collectively, they constrain the spatial distribution of high-quality tourist attractions.


Nutrient Removal Potential of Headwater Wetlands in Coastal Plains of Alabama, USA.
Headwater streams drain over 70% of the land in the United States with headwater wetlands covering 6.59 million hectares. These ecosystems are important landscape features in the southeast United States, with underlying effects on ecosystem health, water yield, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and water quality. However, little is known about the relationship between headwater wetlands' nutrient function (i.e., nutrient load removal (RL) and removal efficiency (ER)) and their physical characteristics. Here, we investigate this relationship for 44 headwater wetlands located within the Upper Fish River watershed (UFRW) in coastal Alabama. To accomplish this objective, we apply the process-based watershed model SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) to generate flow and nutrient loadings to each study wetland and subsequently quantify the wetland-level nutrient removal efficiencies using the process-based wetland model WetQual. Results show that the calculated removal efficiencies of the headwater wetlands in the UFRW are 75-84% and 27-35% for nitrate (NO3-) and phosphate (PO4+), respectively. The calculated nutrient load removals are highly correlated with the input loads, and the estimated PO4+ ER shows a significant decreasing trend with increased input loadings. The relationship between NO3-ER and wetland physical characteristics such as area, volume, and residence time is statistically insignificant (p > 0.05), while for PO4+, the correlation is positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05). On the other hand, flashiness (flow pulsing) and baseflow index (fraction of inflow that is coming from baseflow) have a strong effect on NO3- removal but not on PO4+ removal. Modeling results and statistical analysis point toward denitrification and plant uptake as major NO3- removal mechanisms, whereas plant uptake, diffusion, and settling of sediment-bound P were the main mechanisms for PO4+ removal. Additionally, the computed nutrient ER is higher during the driest year of the simulated period compared to during the wettest year. Our findings are in line with global-level studies and offer new insights into wetland physical characteristics affecting nutrient removal efficiency and the importance of headwater wetlands in mitigating water quality deterioration in coastal areas. The regression relationships for NO3- and PO4+ load removals in the selected 44 wetlands are then used to extrapolate nutrient load removals to 348 unmodeled non-riverine and non-riparian wetlands in the UFRW (41% of UFRW drains to them). Results show that these wetlands remove 51-61% of the NO3- and 5-10% of the PO4+ loading they receive from their respective drainage areas. Due to geographical proximity and physiographic similarity, these results can be scaled up to the coastal plains of Alabama and Northwest Florida.


National study on use of artificial intelligence in breast disease and cancer.
The aim of this study was to examine the thoughts, reservations, approaches and perspectives on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) held by physicians specializing in breast healthcare in our country. Our survey was sent to the members of the Federation of Turkish Breast Disease Associations (MHDF) by e-mail. The survey investigates the attitudes towards the use of AI in breast disease and cancer, including demographic characteristics of the participants, their daily practice and approaches, and their stance on the future. The questionnaire was sent to a total of 1,890 people via e-mail. 108 (40.1 %) participants believed that the use of AI in breast disease would improve their field of expertise moderately, 103 (38.3 %) expected this improvement to be considerable. 169 (70.3 %) respondents identified 'rapid diagnosis' as the most important advantage of AI. 123 (45.7 %) participants considered concerns about potential medical errors and liability issues to be the most worrying aspects of AI. According to our study, the use of AI technology in the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease and cancer seems to be beneficial for both physicians and patients. However, physicians have some concerns about possible medical errors and liability issues that AI might cause (Tab. 1, Ref. 25).


HIV-1 Vif, APOBEC, and intrinsic immunity.
Members of the APOBEC family of cellular cytidine deaminases represent a recently identified group of proteins that provide immunity to infection by retroviruses and protect the cell from endogenous mobile retroelements. Yet, HIV-1 is largely immune to the intrinsic antiviral effects of APOBEC proteins because it encodes Vif (viral infectivity factor), an accessory protein that is critical for in vivo replication of HIV-1. In the absence of Vif, APOBEC proteins are encapsidated by budding virus particles and either cause extensive cytidine to uridine editing of negative sense single-stranded DNA during reverse transcription or restrict virus replication through deaminase-independent mechanisms. Thus, the primary function of Vif is to prevent encapsidation of APOBEC proteins into viral particles. This is in part accomplished by the ability of Vif to induce the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of some of the APOBEC proteins. However, Vif is also able to prevent encapsidation of APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F through degradation-independent mechanism(s). The goal of this review is to recapitulate current knowledge of the functional interaction of HIV-1 and its Vif protein with the APOBEC3 subfamily of proteins and to summarize our present understanding of the mechanism of APOBEC3-dependent retrovirus restriction.


Evaluation of outbreak detection performance using multi-stream syndromic surveillance for influenza-like illness in rural Hubei Province, China: a temporal simulation model based on healthcare-seeking behaviors.
Syndromic surveillance promotes the early detection of diseases outbreaks. Although syndromic surveillance has increased in developing countries, performance on outbreak detection, particularly in cases of multi-stream surveillance, has scarcely been evaluated in rural areas. This study introduces a temporal simulation model based on healthcare-seeking behaviors to evaluate the performance of multi-stream syndromic surveillance for influenza-like illness. Data were obtained in six towns of rural Hubei Province, China, from April 2012 to June 2013. A Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered model generated 27 scenarios of simulated influenza A (H1N1) outbreaks, which were converted into corresponding simulated syndromic datasets through the healthcare-behaviors model. We then superimposed converted syndromic datasets onto the baselines obtained to create the testing datasets. Outbreak performance of single-stream surveillance of clinic visit, frequency of over the counter drug purchases, school absenteeism, and multi-stream surveillance of their combinations were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and activity monitoring operation curves. In the six towns examined, clinic visit surveillance and school absenteeism surveillance exhibited superior performances of outbreak detection than over the counter drug purchase frequency surveillance; the performance of multi-stream surveillance was preferable to signal-stream surveillance, particularly at low specificity (Sp <90%). The temporal simulation model based on healthcare-seeking behaviors offers an accessible method for evaluating the performance of multi-stream surveillance.


Rapid assessment of fetal hemoglobin concentration with the HemoCue system.
Successful treatment of severe fetal hemolytic disease depends on rapid and accurate measurement of fetal hemoglobin or hematocrit. The HemoCue is a portable hemoglobinometer that rapidly measures hemoglobin concentration. To evaluate the potential role of this instrument in fetal transfusion therapy, we measured hemoglobin concentration with the HemoCue and compared it with Coulter counter determination of hemoglobin in 39 fetuses. The HemoCue accurately measured fetal hemoglobin concentration (y = -0.3986 + 1.0276x; r = 0.97, P less than .001). This instrument is valuable for use with intravascular fetal transfusions.


Study of titanium oxide sol-gel condensation using small angle X-ray scattering.
Transparent gels prepared from an acid solution of TiOCl(2) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and water have been studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The sol-gel transformation of the titanium inorganic polymer was studied as a function of chemical composition of the sol and of the annealing time. Quantitative information was obtained by modeling the SAXS data with the Burford and Beaucage models. From the fits to the data, the radius of gyration of the primary particles, the so-called building blocks, the size xi of the homogeneous objects forming a fractal network in the gel, and the fractal dimension of the gel were obtained. We found fractal dimensions varying between D(f) = 1.75 and 2.2 and a radius of gyration of the building blocks equal to R(g) = 0.46 nm, which remained almost constant for all studied samples. The analysis of the homogeneous domain size xi as a function of the annealing time shows the existence of an incubation time preceding the rapid growth of the aggregates at high titanium concentration.


Long-term survival analysis of free flap reconstruction in patients with collagen vascular disorders.
Collagen vascular disorders (CVD) are inflammatory diseases that can affect the blood vessels and soft tissues. Patients with CVD are often immunosuppressed, prone to hyper-coagulation, and represent a challenging patient cohort for free tissue transfer. A retrospective review of patients with CVD who underwent free flap reconstructions from 2000-2020 was performed at our institution. Inclusion criteria were patients 18 years old or older with the clinical diagnosis of CVD, including rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud phenomenon, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and sarcoidosis. A time-to-event analysis was performed to identify predictors of surgical complications. A total of 78 patients and 96 free flaps were included. The most common CVD were rheumatoid arthritis (n=36) and Raynaud's phenomenon (n=9). Type of flap included abdominal-based flap (26%), trunk-based flaps (32.3%), and extremity-based flaps (19.8%). The mean age was 56.7±14.6 years, and the mean BMI was 27.5±5.9 kg/m2. Antibody positivity was present in 25.6% of patients; 59% were on chronic steroids, 6.4% were on chronic anticoagulation, 35.9% had radiation therapy, and 29.5% had chemotherapy. Nine percent of patients had a history of prior flap loss, and 11.5% had a history of DVT or arterial thrombosis. The flap loss rate was 3.8%. Steroid treatment was associated with an increased risk of major complications after adjusting for the type of flap HR 2.5(1.3-4.9), p= 0.01. Specifically associated with a higher risk of cellulitis, OR 5.1 (1.1-24.5), p=0.02, and abscess, OR 5.7 (1.2-27.1), p=0.01. Free flap reconstruction can be safely performed in patients with CVD. Perioperative optimization of steroids is important to promote wound healing and stabilize disease activity.


[Myocardial revascularization with arterial grafts alone: our experience].
Bilateral internal mammary artery (IMA) grafting is recognized as a preferred method of myocardial revascularization. However, for multivessel coronary artery disease, saphenous veins often have to be added to complete myocardial revascularization. The right gastroepiploic artery (rGEA) has been recently recognized as a suitable arterial conduit to obtain with both IMAs a complete myocardial revascularization without conventional vein graft. From December 1985 to July 1990, 87 selected patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting using only the two IMAs and, from December 1988, the rGEA. There were a total of 220 coronary artery bypass grafts (mean 3.06/patient) and 267 coronary artery anastomoses (mean 1.21 anastomoses graft). There was one perioperative death (1.14%), 3 patients (3.5%) developed a perioperative myocardial infarction, and 7 patients (8.04%) needed a transitory inotropic pharmacological support. Two patients (2.29%) underwent reoperation for bleeding, and a third (1.14%) for sternal diastase. Fifty-five patients (63.2%) underwent postoperative angiography: 6/139 grafts (4.31%) (3 rGEA free, 2 rIMA free, 1 rIMA in situ) were occluded. After follow-up, ranging from 12 to 66 months (30.54 average), 77 patients (92.77%) were free from angina, one patient underwent reoperation 7 months later and a third died for sudden death 55 months after the operation. There were no gastric complications due to rGEA harvesting. Actually, bilateral IMA grafting is the best investment for the patient who needs myocardial revascularization. The rGEA is a promising conduit whose only concern could be the long-term patency; this will be resolved in the future. Up-to-date combined arterial graft utilizing the IMA and the rGEA can facilitate complete revascularization by arterial grafts safely and effectively.


Long-term comparison of the electrical characteristics of polyurethane and polyethylene insulated ventricular leads.
Two types of pacing leads with different insulation material, polyurethane, and polyethylene, were followed for 44 months with respect to their electrophysiological characteristics and complications. In 48 patients, 32 polyurethane leads (Lifeline 493-03) and 16 polyethylene leads (EMT 588 D) were implanted and connected in all cases to the same type of programmable ventricular inhibited (VVI) pulse generator (Programalith, Pacesetter). There was a significant fall during the follow-up in lead impedance with the polyurethane leads (495 +/- 62 to 444 +/- 58 ohms, P less than 0.01), whereas the corresponding measurements for the polyethylene leads were essentially unchanged (360 +/- 58 to 378 +/- 71 ohm, ns). The energy of the stimulation threshold tended to increase in the polyurethane group, whereas an opposite tendency was observed in the polyethylene group. Pacing and/or lead failures were not observed in any case. The observed fall in impedance with the polyurethane leads was seemingly of no clinical significance.


A libertarian critique of H. Tristram Engelhardt, Jr.'s The Foundations of Bioethics.
Although Engelhardt's The Foundations of Bioethics is an impressive work, it is plagued by problems of justification, conceptual confusion, and inconsistencies....A libertarian theory can arrive at the same basic requirements of mutual respect, autonomy, nonuse of force, and tolerance for a wide range of diverse life styles without relying on a lowest-common-denominator principle and without depriving fetuses, infants, and the mentally retarded of their status as persons. This can be done by taking a deontological approach to libertarian theory that denies that all moral beliefs are worthy of respect. Some beliefs, such as Engelhardt's belief that fetuses, infants, and the mentally retarded are nonpersons, simply fall beneath the floor of acceptable moral alternatives, even in a libertarian society, because such beliefs are based on a misunderstanding of personhood and violate the principle of mutual respect.


Plasma pharmacokinetics of intravenous and intramuscular furosemide in the camel (Camelus dromedarius).
Single bolus intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) doses of furosemide (1.5 mg kg(-1)) were administered in a crossover design to three female and three male adult, dromedary camels. Plasma furosemide concentrations were assayed by HPLC and sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations were measured using ion-selective electrodes. Plasma furosemide concentration-time plots indicated multi-compartment disposition, and there was considerable intersubject variability in the pharmacokinetic parameters. The mean (SD) i.v. terminal elimination half-life was 118 (67) minutes. The systemic clearance was 5.4 (1.2) ml min(-1) kg(-1). and the steady-state volume of distribution was 0.43 (0.14) litre kg(-1). The mean absorption time after i.m. dosing was 33 (62) minutes, while the absolute bioavailability was 71 (20) per cent. The glucuronide metabolite of furosemide was not detected in plasma. Clearance was lower, volume of distribution was larger, and half-life was longer compared with published data for dogs, horses, rats and humans. Plasma potassium and sodium concentrations were significantly diminished (P<0.05) by an average of 35.6 per cent (two to six hours post-dose) and 11.3 per cent (eight hours post-dose), respectively. Plasma chloride concentrations were not significantly affected by furosemide administration.


[Estimation of teeth preparation taper at manufacturing of metal-ceramic crowns].
The analysis of quality of teeth preparation was carried out at manufacturing of metal-ceramic crowns. The taper of 57 prepared teeth was assessed on working casts in vestibulo-oral and medio-distal projections by means of an original technique. In most cases excessive taper was observed, sometimes up to 50°. The taper was greater in vestibulo-oral plane than in medio-distal plane.


The benefits of authoritative feeding style: caregiver feeding styles and children's food consumption patterns.
This research tested the associations between caregiver feeding styles and children's food consumption patterns among African-American (AA) and Hispanic (H) caregivers and their preschool children. Participants were 231 caregivers (101 AA; 130 H) with children enrolled in Head Start. Caregivers completed questionnaires on authoritarian and authoritative feeding styles (Caregiver's Feeding Styles Questionnaire; CFSQ) and various aspects of children's food consumption patterns (availability of, feeding attempts for, and child's consumption of dairy, fruit, and vegetables). Simultaneous multiple regression analyses tested the unique contribution of feeding styles in predicting food consumption patterns. Authoritative feeding was positively associated whereas authoritarian feeding was negatively associated with the availability of fruit and vegetables. Authoritative feeding was also positively associated with attempts to get the child to eat dairy, fruit, and vegetables, and reported child consumption of dairy and vegetables. Authoritarian feeding was negatively associated with child's vegetable consumption. All results remained significant after controlling for child's gender and body mass index (BMI), and caregiver's ethnicity, BMI, and level of education. Overall, results provide evidence for the benefits of authoritative feeding and suggest that interventions to increase children's consumption of dairy, fruit, and vegetables should be targeted toward increasing caregivers' authoritative feeding behaviors.


[Effectiveness of oral vitamin B12 therapy for pernicious anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia].
We investigated the efficacy of oral vitamin B12 (B12) therapy in patients with B12-deficiency anemia. Between June 1994 and June 2000, 17 patients, who were diagnosed as having B12-deficiency anemia and gave their informed consent, were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 7 were further treated with a maintenance dose of methylcobalamin (1,500 micrograms daily for 7 days every 1-3 months). Correction of hematological and neurological abnormalities was prompt. The hemoglobin level and serum concentration of B12 were normalized within two months after starting the treatment. Recovery from neurological disturbance was observed within one month. To maintain a normal serum concentration of B12, a 7-day regime of administration was needed every month in 3 patients, every 2 months in 3 patients, and every 3 months in 1 patient. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of oral cobalamin therapy, and also that oral intermittent therapy is useful for maintaining a normal serum B12 concentration. Oral cobalamin therapy might be as effective as conventional injection therapy, and useful for long-term treatment.


Recurrent and troublesome variceal bleeding from parastomal caput medusae.
Variceal bleeding is common in chronic liver disease and is a frequent cause of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common site of varices is the lower oesophagus but they may occur at any location where there are portosystemic anastomoses and collateral vascular formation. Location of ectopic varices at the site of enterocutaneous stomas is rare. We report on three cases of recurrent and severe bleeding from parastomal varices, requiring hospital admission. The patients had chronic liver disease but of different aetiological factors. Variceal formation results from portal hypertension due to chronic liver disease. There are various treatment options for parastomal variceal bleeding, including local, medical, and surgical interventions. Management of parastomal variceal bleeding presents a recurring and difficult problem. Bleeding may be considerable and sometimes life threatening. This diagnosis must be considered in patients with chronic liver disease presenting with stomal bleeding, even where the variceal formation may not be readily visible.


Transcatheter mitral valve implantation using the Tendyne valve in a patient with prior transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a case report.
The presence of aortic and mitral disease in a patient who is not a suitable candidate for surgical correction poses significant challenges in the diagnostic workup as well as management plans. Percutaneous treatment can be staged to fix the aortic valve with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as a first step, followed by reassessment and percutaneous correction of mitral regurgitation (MR). A 65-year-old female with multiple co-morbidities presented with acute coronary syndrome and heart failure. She was diagnosed with three-vessel coronary artery disease and degenerative low-flow low-gradient severe aortic stenosis, along with severe degenerative MR with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35%. Because of the high surgical risk, she underwent multi-vessel percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation was done as a staged procedure, which partially improved her symptoms. Mitral regurgitation was not suitable for percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge repair. After a discussion by the heart team, she underwent transcatheter mitral valve implantation, for which the Tendyne mitral valve (Tendyne™; Abbott) was used through a transapical approach. There was no paravalvular leak, and the mean gradient across the valve was 2 mmHg. She was symptomatically better at follow-up and an echocardiogram showed a normally functioning aortic valve and Tendyne mitral valves. Transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation using the Tendyne valve is a feasible option for patients with prior TAVI. This can be considered an alternative treatment for MR in patients who are not suitable for edge-to-edge mitral repair.


[Th17 cells, a novel proinflammatory effector CD4 T cell population].
After more than 20 years of hegemony, the Th1-Th2 paradigm was recently shaken by the discovery of a novel population of CD4 effector T cells, the Th17 cells. Th17 effector cells produce IL-17 and IL-22 and thus have pro-inflammatory properties notably favoring neutrophils recruitment and thus control of extracellular bacteria mainly at the epithelium surface. Th17 cells appear also as the major inducer of organ specific autoimmune pathologies such as EAE or rheumatoid arthritis, a function previously attributed to Th1 effector cells. The discovery of Th17 cells further supports the notion that effector CD4 T cells responses are diverse in vivo and that fine tuning of these different effector cells is critical to maintain tissue integrity.


Tuberculosis of the Penis: A Review of the Literature.
Background. Tuberculosis of the penis (TBP) is rare. Aim. To review the literature. Method. Various internet data bases were searched. Literature Review. TBP could be primary or secondary, may develop following circumcision performed by a person who had pulmonary Tb, and may be transmitted to the penis from ejaculation, contamination from clothing, or from contact with endometrial secretions, following an earlier pulmonary Tb or Tb elsewhere. TBP presents with a painless/painful small nodule, ulcer, mass on penis which gradually enlarges, and induration/swelling of penis, with or without erectile dysfunction. Inguinal lymph nodes may or may not be palpable. The patient's voiding is normal. There may or may not be history of circumcision, pulmonary Tb, and BCG immunization. TBP mimics penile carcinoma, granulomatous syphilis penile ulcer, genital herpes simplex, granuloma inguinale, and HIV infection. Diagnosis is established by microscopic examination finding of granulomas +/-AFB in penile discharge or biopsy of lesion or culture of Tb organism from discharge or biopsy specimens or positive Elisa serology/PCR for Tb. PTBs respond to first- or 2nd-line anti-Tb 6-month treatment. Close contacts should be screened. Extrapulmonary Tb should be excluded. Conclusions. Clinicians should consider possibility of PTB in cases of penile lesions and erectile failure.


[Renal tuberculosis and renal adenocarcinoma: a misleading association].
The association of renal cancer and renal tuberculosis is uncommon. While the incidental discovery of renal cell carcinoma in a tuberculous kidney is a classical finding, the discovery of tuberculous lesions after nephrectomy for cancer is exceptional. The authors describe the case of a patient operated for renal cancer in whom histological examination revealed associated renal tuberculosis.


Comparison of the behavioral teratogenic potential of phenytoin, mephenytoin, ethotoin, and hydantoin in rats.
Pregnant Sprague-Dawley CD rats were orally administered either phenytoin (PHT, 200 mg/kg), mephenytoin (MPH, 100 mg/kg), ethotoin (ETH, 600 mg/kg), hydantoin (HYD, 1,200 mg/kg) or vehicle (propylene glycol) on days 7-18 of gestation. Mean (+/- S.E.) maternal serum concentrations of PHT, MPH, and ETH 1 hour after dosing on gestational day 18 were 16.0 +/- 3.3, 10.7 +/- 3.0, and 65.2 +/- 10.45, respectively, and free fractions were 16%, 18%, and 11% respectively. The free fraction for PHT is similar, but was lower for both MPH and ETH than that seen in humans. Preweaning mortality for PHT, MPH, ETH, HYD, and controls was 25%, 6.3%, 12.5%, 2.0% and 0.8%, respectively. The MPH and ETH-exposed animals weighed approximately 6.6% less than controls throughout the study; the other groups did not differ significantly. PHT offspring showed increased early locomotor activity. Only PHT-exposed animals (27%) exhibited abnormal circling behavior after weaning. PHT-circlers accounted for higher levels of activity in an open-field test and for longer straight channel swimming times. PHT-circlers and noncirclers differed from one another and controls on performance of a complex (Cincinnati) maze and on the development of the air-righting reflex. Offspring prenatally exposed to MPH showed an early delay in air-righting. ETH and HYD offspring were not consistently different from controls in behavior. The data suggest the following ordinal relationship among the drugs for behavioral teratogenesis: PHT much greater than MPH greater than ETH congruent to HYD congruent to CON. The effects of PHT are consistent with previous findings. Data on the other drugs suggest that other hydantoins do not possess the behavioral teratogenic efficacy of PHT and that PHT may be unique in its effects on CNS development.


Rhizomucor variabilis: a rare causative agent of primary cutaneous zygomycosis.
Rhizomucor variabilis is a rare cause of human infections. We report a case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis in an immunocompetent host. Although microscopy reveals the fungal aetiology, the need for species identification is highlighted to better understand the species and establish an epidemiological pattern as it is reported from restricted geographical locations.


The Association of Nutrition and Exercise Behaviors of Women with Diabetes in Pregnancy with Infant Breastfeeding Practices.
Background: Although breastfeeding confers significant benefits to infants, women with diabetes in pregnancy experience unique nutrition and health challenges, which may influence infant feeding practice. This study aimed to determine the association between nutrition and exercise behaviors of women with diabetes in pregnancy and breastfeeding at birth and 6 months. Methods: A secondary data analysis of a longitudinal study on maternal pregestational diabetes mellitus (DM) and gestational diabetes (GDM) and infant development was conducted. Women self-reported engaging in nutrition behaviors, such as using meal plans, and exercise health behaviors. Primary outcomes were exclusive breastfeeding at birth and any breastfeeding at 6 months. Logistic regression models adjusted for significant maternal-infant covariates. Results: Of n = 48 women with diabetes in pregnancy, 94% had GDM and 6% had pregestational type 1 or type 2 DM. Forty percent of women exclusively breastfed at birth and 68% partially or exclusively breastfed at 6 months (of n = 34 with complete 6-month data). Women who cooked their own meals had two times greater adjusted odds of exclusive breastfeeding at birth (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-5.11), and women who exercised during pregnancy had seven times greater adjusted odds of any breastfeeding at 6 months (AOR = 7.2, 95% CI = 1.10-42.8). Conclusion: Nutrition and exercise behaviors were associated with exclusive breastfeeding at birth and any breastfeeding at 6 months. Health behaviors to effectively manage diabetes during pregnancy may inform efforts to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration, and future studies in a larger sample are needed.


Cognitive insight and quality of life among psychiatric outpatients.
Past studies have focused primarily on clinical insight and less on cognitive insight among individuals with mental illness. This study examined the level of cognitive insight (CI) and its association with quality of life (QoL) among psychiatric outpatients (N = 400) in Singapore. The Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) consisting of two subscales (self-reflectiveness (SR) and self-certainty (SC)) was used to measure CI while the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to assess the subjective well-being of the individual. Socio-demographic correlates of CI, differences in SR, SC, and CI scores across diagnostic groups, and the association between insight and QoL were examined. Significant differences across diagnostic groups were found only for SR scores. Higher SR and overall CI scores were significantly associated with higher QoL in the environmental domain whereas higher SC scores were associated with lower QoL in the social relationships domain. An understanding of cognitive insight is necessary to produce a significant change in the underlying belief system of an individual. Together with clinical insight, these two forms of insight can be used to inform therapeutic approaches to increase awareness and improve the QoL of those with mental illnesses.


Surface-functionalized latex particles as controlling agents for the mineralization of zinc oxide in aqueous medium.
Polystyrene latex particles modified at the surface with different hydrophilic functional groups were prepared by miniemulsion polymerization and used as controlling agents in the crystallization of zinc oxide from aqueous medium. The effects of the chemical nature of the surface functionalization and the latex concentration on the crystal growth, morphology, and crystalline structure of the resulting zinc oxide were analyzed. Micro- and submicrosized crystals with a broad variety of morphologies depending on the functionalization were obtained. Among the different latexes studied, the acrylic-acid-derived particles were shown to be a convenient system for further quantitative investigations. In this case, as the additive concentration increases, the length-to-width ratio (aspect ratio) of the crystals decreases systematically. Preferential adsorption of the latex particles onto the fast-growing faces {001} of ZnO is assumed to follow a Langmuir-type isotherm, and interaction of the adsorbed particles with the growth centers will reduce the growth rate in [001]. This leads to a quantitative relationship linking the aspect ratio to the latex concentration at constant diameter and surface chemistry of the latex. The dependence of the aspect ratio on charge density of the latex can also be modeled by an algorithm in which attractive forces between the latex particle and the ZnO surface are balanced against repulsive forces of an osmotic nature. The latter are associated with the confined volume between the crystal and latex particle surfaces.


[Ideal screw entry point and optimal trajectory for anterior C1 lateral mass screw: an anatomical study].
To explore the ideal screw entry point and optimal trajectory for anterior C1 lateral mass screw internal fixation, and provide an anatomical basis for the technique of anterior C1 lateral mass screw placement. A radiographic analysis of the anatomy of the C1 lateral mass using Computed tomography, CT scan was performed in cervical spine of 56 healthy Chinese adults (28 males, 28 females; mean age, 36.5 years; age range, 18-55 years), by using the Mimics software to reconstruct the 3-D morphology of C1 lateral mass and measuring the inside, middle and outside effective height of the C1 lateral mass in front and back. Measuring the C1 lateral mass safe width with different extraversion angles range from 0° to 30° with a uniform interval of 5°, to find out the ideal extraversion angle. Measuring the range of sagittal angle, to find out the ideal sagittal angle. The inside (H1), middle (H3) and outside (H5) effective height of the C1 lateral mass in front is 6.67 mm, 12.09 mm, and 17.51 mm, the inside (H2), middle (H4) and outside(H6) effective height of the C1 lateral mass in back is 8.17 mm, 13.20 mm, and 18.22 mm. When the extraversion angle choose 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, and δ, the relative results of safe width (SW) of lateral mass were 4.73 mm, 5.36 mm, 5.90 mm, 6.33 mm, 6.44 mm, 5.70 mm, 4.38 mm, 6.95 mm averagely. The mean distance along the atlas anterior surface between the anterior tubercle and the screw entry point was 12.80 mm, the mean distance from the inferior border of the lateral mass to the screw entry point was 6.87 mm. The range of sagittal angle is 24.22° (-17.74°∼6.48°) . The ideal extraversion angle was 21.14°. The mean distance along the atlas anterior surface between the anterior tubercle and the screw entry point was 12.80 mm. The mean distance from the inferior border of the lateral mass to the screw entry point was 6.87 mm. The ideal sagittal angle is -5.63°. These measurements may facilitate anterior C1 lateral mass screw fixation decreasing the risk of injury to the spinal cord, vertebral artery, and internal carotid artery theoretically. Delineating the individual anatomy in each case with CT scan before surgery is recommended.


Exosome-mediated delivery of MALAT1 induces cell proliferation in breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Cancer-secreted exosomes have recently been recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication. The aim of this study was to determine the role of exosomal long noncoding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in breast cancer progression. Breast cancer specimens were obtained with informed consent from patients. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect MALAT1 expression, and cellular proliferation was measured using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. MALAT1 was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and associated with disease progression. Breast cancer exosomes promoted cell proliferation and exosome-mediated MALAT1 to induce cell proliferation. These findings indicated that exosomal MALAT1 could regulate cancer progression and represent a novel strategy for overcoming breast cancer.


Chromosomal translocations joining LCK and TCRB loci in human T cell leukemia.
A case of T lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) showing t(1;7)(p34;q34) as the sole karyotypic abnormality was investigated at the molecular level. Screening of a phage library of tumor DNA with a probe for the beta T cell receptor gene (TCRB), which maps to chromosomal band 7q34, resulted in the isolation of a clone containing DNA spanning the translocation breakpoint of the der(1) chromosome. This clone contained chromosome 1 DNA juxtaposed upstream of a D beta-J beta joint. Cloning of the corresponding germline region of chromosome 1 resulted in the isolation of a phage containing the breakpoint from the reciprocal, der(7), product, which showed chromosome 1 DNA joined downstream to a V beta segment. Comparison of germline and translocation clones demonstrated that breakage of chromosome 1 had occurred at the border of a tandem repeat of Alu sequences. To search for transcripts from DNA near the breakpoint, a chromosomal walk was initiated along chromosome 1. A probe consisting of chromosome 1 DNA from 24-30 kb upstream of the breakpoint hybridized to a transcript derived from the gene encoding the lymphocyte-specific tyrosine kinase p56lck, previously mapped to chromosomal band 1p34. The nonrandom nature of the breakpoints in this case was confirmed by the analysis of a second independent case of T-ALL containing a t(1;7) translocation, which was also found to show breakage within the LCK locus. The chromosomal breakpoint in the first case was localized 2 kb upstream of the lck upstream promoter and first nontranslated exon, while the breakpoint of the second case lay between the two alternative lck promoters, upstream of the second exon. Relative to normal thymus and activated T cells, levels of lck mRNA were greatly elevated in the first case and moderately elevated in the second. The existence of these translocations raises the possibility that alterations in the promoter region of the LCK locus may play a role in human cancer.


Caloric Restriction and Formalin-Induced Inflammation: An Experimental Study in Rat Model.
Acute and chronic inflammations are difficult to control. Using chemical anti-inflammatory medications along with their complications considerably limit their use. According to Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM), there is an important relation between inflammation and Imtila (food and blood accumulation in the body); food reduction or its more modern equivalent Caloric Restriction (CR) may act against both Imtila and inflammation. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of 30% reduction in daily calorie intake on inflammation in rats. A total of 18 male rats (Rattus rattus) weighing 220 to 270 g were obtained. Then, the inflammation was induced by injecting formalin in their paws. Next, the rats were randomized by generating random numbers into two equal groups (9 + 9) putting on either normal diet (controls) or a similar diet with 30% reduction of calorie (cases). Paw volume changes were recorded twice per day by one observer in both groups using a standard plethysmometer for 8 consecutive days. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), complete blood count (erythrocyte, platelet, and white blood cell) and hemoglobin were compared between the groups. Decline of both body weight and paw volume was significantly more prominent in the case than in the control rats within the study period (P < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). Paw volume decrease was more prominent after day 3. On day 8, serum CRP-positive (1 or 2 +) rats were more frequent in ad libitum fed group comparing with those received CR (33.3% vs. 11.1%). This difference, however, was insignificant (P = 0.58). At the same time, mean ESR was significantly higher in the control rats comparing with that in the case group (29.00 ± 2.89 h vs. 14.00 ± 1.55 h; P = 0.001). Other serum parameters were not significantly different between the two groups at endpoint. Rats fed with a 30% calorie-restricted diet in comparison with to ad libitum fed controls for 8 days had significantly more prominent regression of inflammation.


Intermittent low dose irradiation enhances the effectiveness of radio- and chemo-therapy for human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29.
Low dose irradiation (LDIR) induces hormesis and adaptive response in organism and mammalian cell lines. Notably, LDIR generates distinct biological effects in cancer cells from normal cells, e.g., it may affect the growth of cancer cells via the activation of certain cell signaling pathway, which does not exist in normal cells. Therefore, LDIR is considered as a promising assistant method of clinical cancer therapy. In this study, we chose human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 as the experimental model, and investigated the differential biological effects between 250 mGy single dose LDIR and 250 mGy intermittent LDIR pretreatments in high dose irradiation (HDIR) radiotherapy and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based chemotherapy. Through the cell growth assays, we observed that 250 mGy intermittent LDIR pretreatment significantly increased the killing effect of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Western blotting results showed that intermittent LDIR pretreatment apparently activated the ATM/p53 (ataxia telangiectasia mutated, ATM) pathway in radiotherapy; it also activated ERK and p38MAPK pathways in chemotherapy. When we used chemical inhibitors to block the ATM/p53 or p38MAPK pathways, the intermittent LDIR induced cell growth inhibitions were reversed. However, blockage of ERK pathway could not affect the cell growth inhibiton in chemotherapy. Taken together, our findings evaluated the intermittent LDIR as a potential valuable method that can enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, especially in the radio- or chemo-resistant tumor types.


Early post-myocardial infarction exercise testing. Exercise response and clinical value.
Based on 7 previously published original papers the present review evaluates the response to an exercise test during early recovery from acute myocardial infarction. Selected exercise variables are related to the long-term survival of the patients. The conclusions can be summarized as the following: The exercise test can be carried out with sufficient safety. The exercise physiological response of the patients is dependent on their age, sex and reason to discontinue exercise. ST-segment depression is not significantly predictive of subsequent mortality. Other categories of the ST-segment response are of limited value as prognostic predictors. An exercise index of left ventricular function and exercise associated ventricular arrhythmias are independent, significant predictors of the long-term survival of the patients, regardless their age. These variables can identify a substantial number of patients with a very low subsequent death rate, irrespective of a clinical risk stratification. Different degrees of increased risk of dying can be determined by combining exercise and clinical variables. The prognostic significance of exercise induced ventricular arrhythmias is related to their frequency and the occurrence of repetitive ventricular premature beats.


The effect of diminazene aceturate on cholinesterase activity in dogs with canine babesiosis.
A clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effects of diminazene aceturate and its stabiliser antipyrine on serum pseudocholinesterase (PChE) and red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (RBC AChE) in dogs with babesiosis. The trial was conducted on naturally occurring, uncomplicated cases of babesiosis (n = 20) that were randomly allocated to groups receiving a standard therapeutic dose of diminazene aceturate with antipyrine stabiliser (n = 10) or antipyrine alone (n = 10). Blood was drawn immediately before and every 15 minutes for 1 hour after treatment. Plasma PChE showed a 4% decrease between 0 and 60 min within the treatment group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between the treatment and control groups at any of the time intervals for PChE. There was an increase in RBC AChE activity at 15 min in the treatment group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the treatment and control groups at any time interval for RBC AChE. In view of the difference in PChE, samples from additional, new cases (n = 10) of canine babesiosis were collected to identify the affect of the drug over 12 hours. No significant depression was identified over this time interval. The results suggests that the underlying mechanism in producing side-effects, when they do occur, is unlikely to be through cholinesterase depression.


A Primary Study on Down-Regulated miR-9-1 and Its Biological Significances in Methylmalonic Acidemia.
Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is a metabolic disorder, which is caused by a deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. MMA diagnosis is dependent on the method of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which is expensive, complicated, and time consuming. Currently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained considerable interest for its function as a novel class of non-invasive and sensitive biomarkers for the diagnosis of diseases. However, there has been no related report regarding its role in MMA. Our study first detected differentially expressed microRNAs in MMA and found that the expression of miR-9-1 was significantly down-regulated and changed sensitively after VitB12 treatment. Furthermore, we confirmed that miR-9-1 was able to suppress neuronal apoptosis induced by methylmalonate. Taken together, our results suggested that miR-9-1 may act as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of changes in MMA and provide new insights into the pathogenesis of MMA.


First demonstration of the effectiveness of inhibitors of cellular protein kinases in antiviral therapy.
Viral replication and pathogenesis involves many cellular protein kinases, and many specific inhibitors of such kinase have been developed for the treatment of noninfectious diseases. As expected, such drugs have been repeatedly demonstrated to inhibit viral replication in cultured cells. Cellular protein kinases have thus been considered for several years as potentially valid targets for antiviral therapy. However, until recently there was no proof of such activity in vivo. The three papers discussed herein demonstrate that inhibitors of cellular protein kinases are indeed effective for the treatment of virus-induced disease in animal models and human clinical trials.


Variational second-order Møller-Plesset theory based on the Luttinger-Ward functional.
In recent years there have been some rather successful applications of a new variational technique for calculating the total energies of electronic systems. The new method is based on many-body perturbation theory and uses the one-electron Green function as the basic "variable" rather than the wave function of traditional variational calculations. It is the purpose of the present work to promote the new methods within the realm of traditional theoretical chemistry by demonstrating their utility for calculating the correlation energies of a number of atoms at a level corresponding to second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory. The generalization to any desired order of perturbation theory is not hard to accomplish.


Electronic Structure of Polyethylene: Role of Chemical, Morphological and Interfacial Complexity.
The electronic structure of an insulator encodes essential signatures of its short-term electrical performance and long-term reliability. A critical long-standing challenge though is that key features of the electronic structure of an insulator (and its evolution) under realistic conditions have not been entirely accessible, either via experimental or computational approaches, due to the inherent complexities involved. In this comprehensive study, we reveal the role of chemical and morphological imperfections that inevitably exist within the technologically important prototypical and pervasive insulator, polyethylene (PE), and at electrode/PE interfaces. Large-scale density functional theory computations and long-time molecular dynamics simulations were employed to accurately recover, explain and unravel a wide variety of experimental data obtained during the electrical degradation of PE. This scheme has allowed us to directly and realistically address the role of chemical, morphological and interfacial complexity in determining electronic structure. These efforts take us a step closer to understanding and potentially controlling dielectric degradation and breakdown.


Rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, ameliorates palmitate-induced insulin resistance and apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells.
Palmitate induces insulin resistance and apoptosis in insulin target tissues. Rosiglitazone (RSG), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist, can activate both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic pathways in different cells; however, its effect on palmitate-induced apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells remains to be elucidated. After differentiation of C2C12 cells, myotubes were treated with palmitate, RSG and GW9662 (PPARγ antagonist). MTT and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assays and caspase-3 activity were used to investigate the apoptosis. To study the underlying mechanism, glucose uptake, gene expression and protein levels were evaluated. A total of 0.75 mM palmitate reduced cell viability by 43% and increased TUNEL-positive cells and caspase-3 activity by 15-fold and 6.6-fold, respectively. RSG (10 μM) could markedly decrease the level of TUNEL-positive cells and caspase-3 activity in palmitate-treated cells. The protective effect of RSG on apoptosis was abrogated by GW9662. To investigate the molecular mechanism of this effect, gene expression and protein level of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) were evaluated. Palmitate and RSG individually increased the expression and protein level of PTP1B, whereas combined treatment (palmitate and RSG) were able to further increase the expression of PTP1B in C2C12 cells. We also evaluated the effect of RSG on palmitate-induced insulin resistance in muscle cells. RSG could significantly improve glucose uptake by 0.4-fold in myotubes treated with palmitate. Moreover, RSG could restore the phosphorylation of Akt in palmitate-treated cells. These data suggest that RSG protects skeletal muscle cells against palmitate-induced apoptosis and this effect appears to be mediated via the PPARγ-dependent and PTP1B-independent mechanisms. Saturated free fatty acids (FFAs), such as palmitate, have been shown to induce cellular apoptosis. Strategies for preventing the cytotoxic effect of palmitate are useful in reduction of diabetes complications. In this study, we introduced RSG as an agent that protects skeletal muscle cells against palmitate-induced apoptosis and insulin resistance. It appears that RSG protects skeletal muscle cells against palmitate-induced apoptosis via the PPARγ-dependent and PTP1B-independent mechanisms. Given the role of FFAs in skeletal muscle apoptosis, these findings support the idea that RSG can ameliorate diabetes complications such as skeletal muscle loss.


Uremia enhances the blood pressure response to erythropoietin.
To investigate the role of uremia in the development of human recombinant erythropoietin (r-HuEPO)-induced hypertension, Wistar rats were divided into a uremic (subtotal nephrectomy) and a control group. After three weeks, both groups were again divided and each subgroup received either r-HuEPO (100 u/kg s.c., 3 times weekly) or the vehicle for a further 3 weeks. Hematocrit, blood pressure and blood chemistry were measured prior to surgery, before either vehicle or r-HuEPO treatment and before euthanasia. The uremic group developed anemia, hypertension and all the biochemical features observed in humans with end-stage renal disease. r-HuEPO therapy increased hematocrit from 29 +/- 2.5% to 46 +/- 2% (p < 0.01) in the uremic rats. The mean baseline blood pressure was 119 +/- 10 mmHg. At week 3, mean blood pressure was unchanged in control rats, but it was increased to 151 +/- 5 mmHg (p < 0.01) in the nephrectomized group. At week 6, mean blood pressure in the untreated uremic rats remained unchanged from week 3, but blood pressure in the uremic animals treated with r-HuEPO increased significantly to 187 +/- 8 mmHg (p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between hematocrit and blood pressure in the r-HuEPO treated uremic group (r = 0.01, NS). r-HuEPO had no effect on blood pressure in control rats despite a significant increase in hematocrit. These results indicate that the blood pressure response to r-HuEPO is enhanced in rats with chronic renal failure.


Draft Genome Sequences of Streptococcus bovis Strains ATCC 33317 and JB1.
We report the draft genome sequences of Streptococcus bovis strain ATCC 33317 (CVM42251) isolated from cow dung and strain JB1 (CVM42252) isolated from a cow rumen in 1977. The strains were sequenced using the Genome Sequencer FLX 454 system. The genome sizes are approximately 2 Mb and 2.2 Mb, respectively.


PCR and probe-PCR assays to monitor broodstock Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) ovarian fluid and kidney tissue for presence of DNA of the fish pathogen Renibacterium salmoninarum.
A simple, rapid PCR assay for the identification of Renibacterium salmoninarum in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) tissues detected DNA extracted from between 4 and 40 bacterial cells. PCR was at least as sensitive as culture when it was used to identify subclinically infected fish experimentally challenged with R. salmoninarum. However, PCR identified much higher numbers of kidney tissue and ovarian fluid samples from commercially reared broodstock fish to be positive for R. salmoninarum than did culture. This difference may be due to the antibiotic chemotherapy of broodstock fish used by the industry in 1994 to control the vertical transmission of R. salmoninarum. A much closer relationship between PCR and culture results was observed for ovarian fluid samples collected from broodstock fish in 1993. Also, PCR scored a much higher percentage of kidney tissue samples than ovarian fluid samples from 1994 broodstock fish positive for R. salmoninarum, which may reflect the uneven distribution of the pathogen in different fish tissues. Inclusion of a nested probe to identify the PCR-positive 1994 ovarian fluid samples increased the sensitivity of detection to between one and four cells and the number of samples that scored positive by almost threefold. These data indicate that many infected ovarian fluid samples contained very low numbers of R. salmoninarum cells and, because almost all these samples were culture negative, that PCR may have detected dead or otherwise unculturable bacterial cells.


Immunophenotypic analysis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
One hundred and three cases of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were evaluated immunohistochemically using a panel of monoclonal antibodies which includes leucocyte common antigen (LCA), CD45R (Pan-B marker), L-26 (CD 20-Pan-B marker) and UCHL-1 (Pan-T marker). Of the total 63 cases (61.17%) showed a B-cell phenotype while 40 (38.83%) were of T-cell origin. Most B-cell neoplasms belonged to intermediate (79.36%) or high grade (15.87%) according to the International Working Formulation (WF). Most T-cell lymphomas were of either intermediate (52.5%) or high grade (32.5%) neoplasms. Some T-cell neoplasms presented as specific clinicopathological entities like lymphomatoid granulomatosis (2 cases), mycosis fungoides (1 case) and AILD type NHL (1 case). In 27 cases the immunostaining pattern of two. Pan-B markers i.e., L26 and CD45R was compared. L26 staining was expressed in all 27 cases (100% sensitivity) while CD45R showed positive reaction in 22 cases (82% sensitivity). UCHL-1 is proved to be a sensitive and lineage specific T-cell marker and in 67% cases the staining pattern was moderate (+2) to intense (+3). The mean age for the B-cell lymphomas was 49 years and 36 years in T-cell neoplasm. Male to female ratio in both types of lymphomas was 2:1. The study indicates a high prevalence of T-cell when comparing the data from western countries and lower to those from Japan and Caribbean countries.


Vaccine passports and health disparities: a perilous journey.
This paper raises health equity concerns about the use of passports for domestic and international travel to certify COVID-19 vaccination. Part I argues that for international travel, health equity objections undercut arguments defending vaccine passports, which are based on tholding people responsible, protecting global health, safeguarding individual liberty and continuing current practice. Part II entertains a proposal for a scaled down vaccine passport for domestic use in countries where vaccines are widely and equitably available. It raises health equity concerns related to racial profiling and fairness to people who are vaccine cautious. Part III sets forth a proposal for a flexible pass that certifies people who have been vaccinated, tested, previously infected or granted a conscientious objection. It sets ethical guidelines for the timing and use of flexible passes that promote equity, public health education, antidiscrimination, privacy and flexibility.


A Highly Effective Strategy for Encapsulating Potassium Cations in Small Crown Ether Rings on a Dinuclear Palladium Complex.
The potential of 15-crown-5 ethers to link large cations, such as potassium, is limited by the quasi-parallel arrangement of two oxygen donor moieties upon appropriate orientation of the corresponding ether-ring-containing molecules. Substrates bearing the two crown ethers that are capable of achieving such coordination are hitherto unknown. The synthesis and isolation of a tailor-made dinuclear palladacycle bearing 15-crown-5 ether rings on the metallated phenyls offers such a possibility, providing the adequate environment for the formation of the sandwiched [K(metallacycle-15-crown-5)2 ] moiety. This synthetic strategy also culminates in the isolation of the first palladacycle able to entrap a potassium cation through bonding to two 15-crown-5 ether rings in a single molecule.


Medicinal uses of honey (Quranic medicine) and its bee flora from Dera Ismail Khan District, KPK, Pakistan.
This study was carried out during 2005-2008 to identify existing plant species visited by workers of honeybees for nectar and pollen collection in Dera Ismail Khan (D.I.Khan) District, Pakistan. The honeybee species investigated in the area were, rock bee (Apis dorsata F.), little bee (A. florea F.) and European honeybee (A. mellifera L.). A detailed list of 86 plant species both wild and cultivated was prepared, out of which 12 species, Phulai (Acacia modesta Wall.), Sarsoon (Brassica campestris L.), Kaghzi nimboo (Citrus aurantifolia L.), Khatta (C. medica L.), Malta (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck.), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.), Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.), Barseen (Trifolium alexandrianum L.), Shaftal (T. resupinatum L), Makai (Zea mays L.), Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lam.) and Jher beri (Z. numularia (Burm. f.) Wight & Arn.,) were found as major sources (table 1) for the production of surplus honey in a year at different localities in the District. Among the minor sources various plant species were included (table 2). These plants fill the flowering gaps between the major sources in various parts of the year and help in continuous supply of food to honey bees.


Large effects of ion pairing and protonic-hydridic bonding on the stereochemistry and basicity of crown-, azacrown-, and cryptand-222-potassium salts of anionic tetrahydride complexes of iridium(III).
The compounds [K(Q)][IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (Q = 18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = aza-18-crown-6, R = (i)Pr; Q = 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = cryptand-222, R = (i)Pr, Cy) were formed in the reactions of IrH(5)(PR(3))(2) with KH and Q. In solution, the stereochemistry of the salts of [IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)](-) is surprisingly sensitive to the countercation: either trans as the potassium cryptand-222 salts (R = Cy, (i)Pr) or exclusively cis (R = Cy, Ph) as the crown- and azacrown-potassium salts or a mixture of cis and trans (R = (i)Pr). There is IR evidence for protonic-hydridic bonding between the NH of the aza salts and the iridium hydride in solution. In single crystals of [K(18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (R = Ph, (i)Pr) and [K(aza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to three hydrides on a face of the iridium octahedron according to X-ray diffraction studies. Significantly, [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] crystallizes in a chain structure held together by protonic-hydridic bonds. In [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PPh(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to two hydrides so that one NH can form an intra-ion-pair protonic-hydridic hydrogen bond while the other forms an inter-ion-pair NH.HIr hydrogen bond to form chains through the lattice. Thus, there is a competition between the potassium and NH groups in forming bonds with the hydrides on iridium. The more basic P(i)R(3) complex has the lower N-H stretch in the IR spectrum because of stronger N[bond]H...HIr hydrogen bonding. The trans complexes have very low Ir-H wavenumbers (1670-1680) due to the trans hydride ligands. The [K(cryptand)](+) salt of [trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) reacts with WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) (pK(alpha)(THF) 42) to give an equilibrium (K(eq) = 1.6) with IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-) while the same reaction of WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) with the [K(18-crown-6)](+) salt of [cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) has a much larger equilibrium constant (K(eq) = 150) to give IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-); therefore, the tetrahydride anion displays an unprecedented increase (about 100-fold) in basicity with a change from [K(crypt)](+) to [K(crown)](+) countercation and a change from trans to cis stereochemistry. The acidity of the pentahydrides decrease in THF as IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 42) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 43) > IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 44) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)]. The loss of PCy(3) from IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2) can result in mixed ligand complexes and H/D exchange with deuterated solvents. Reductive cleavage of P-Ph bonds is observed in some preparations of the PPh(3) complexes.


Modification of transformer coupled permeameter for frequency extension.
A broadband and high-sensitivity permeability measurement system that covers 10 MHz-20 GHz was previously developed and named the transformer coupled permeameter (TC-Perm). This paper describes the modifications of the TC-Perm system to further extend the operation frequency range on both the high and low frequency sides. In the previous system, the high frequency limit was set by a large notch appearing at around 22 GHz, which was considered to be caused by the excitation of two unwanted modes. In the new system, the jig design was modified to have a back ground plane and vias to suppress these unwanted modes, which resulted in a clean transmission characteristic over the entire frequency range up to 44 GHz. The low frequency limit is determined by the noise figure (NF) of the vector network analyzer input, which was measured to be ∼35 dB in the previous system configuration. The new system employed a low noise amplifier and analog switches to improve the NF to be 2.7 dB below 100 MHz. As a result of these modifications, the operation frequency range of the new TC-Perm system was extended to cover 1 MHz-44 GHz, which is sufficient for characterizing magnetic materials used in noise suppression sheets targeting fifth-generation millimeter-wave (5G mmWave) wireless communication.


SIMPLE MACHINE PERFUSION SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCES HEPATOCYTE YIELDS OF ISCHEMIC AND FRESH RAT LIVERS.
The scarcity of viable hepatocytes is a significant bottleneck in cell transplantation, drug discovery, toxicology, tissue engineering, and bioartificial assist devices, where trillions of high-functioning hepatocytes are needed annually. We took the novel approach of using machine perfusion to maximize cell recovery, specifically from uncontrolled cardiac death donors, the largest source of disqualified donor organs. In a rat model, we developed a simple 3 hour room temperature (20±2°C) machine perfusion protocol to treat non-premedicated livers exposed to 1 hour of warm (34°C) ischemia. Treated ischemic livers were compared to fresh, fresh-treated and untreated ischemic livers using viable hepatocyte yields and in vitro performance as quantitative endpoints. Perfusion treatment resulted in both a 25-fold increase in viable hepatocytes from ischemic livers, and a 40% increase from fresh livers. While cell morphology and function in suspension and plate cultures of untreated warm ischemic cells was significantly impaired, treated warm ischemic cells were indistinguishable from fresh hepatocytes. Further, a strong linear correlation between tissue ATP and cell yield enabled accurate evaluation of the extent of perfusion recovery. Maximal recovery of warm ischemic liver ATP content appears to be correlated with optimal flow through the microvasculature. These data demonstrate that the inclusion of a simple perfusion-preconditioning step can significantly increase the efficiency of functional hepatocyte yields and the number of donor livers that can be gainfully utilized.


Preferential Loss of Contrast Decrement Responses in Human Glaucoma.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether glaucoma in human patients produces preferential damage to OFF visual pathways, as suggested by animal experimental models, patient electroretinogram (ERG), and retinal imaging data. Steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) were recorded monocularly from 50 patients with glaucoma and 28 age-similar controls in response to equal Weber contrast increments and decrements presented using 2.73 hertz (Hz) sawtooth temporal waveforms. The eyes of patients with glaucoma were separated into mild (better than -6 decibel [dB] mean deviation; n = 28) and moderate to severe (worse than -6 dB mean deviation, n = 22) groups based on their Humphrey 24-2 visual field measurements. Response amplitudes and phases from the two glaucoma-severity groups were compared to controls at the group level. SSVEP amplitudes were depressed in both glaucoma groups, more so in the moderate to severe glaucoma group. The differences between controls and the moderate-severe glaucoma groups were more statistically reliable for decrements than for increments. Mean responses to decremental sawtooth stimuli were larger than those to increments in controls and in the mild glaucoma but not in the moderate to severe glaucoma group at the first harmonic. OFF/decrement responses at the first harmonic were faster in controls, but not in patients. The observed pattern of preferential loss of decremental responses in human glaucoma is consistent with prior reports of selective damage to OFF retinal ganglion cells in murine models and in data from human ERG and retinal imaging. These data motivate pursuit of SSVEP as a biomarker for glaucoma progression.


Digital radiology using active matrix readout of amorphous selenium: radiation hardness of cadmium selenide thin film transistors.
A flat-panel x-ray imaging detector using active matrix readout of amorphous selenium (a-Se) is being investigated for digital radiography and fluoroscopy. The active matrix consists of a two-dimensional array of thin film transistors (TFTs). Radiation penetrating through the a-Se layer will interact with the TFTs and it is important to ensure that radiation induced changes will not affect the operation of the x-ray imaging detector. The methodology of the present work is to investigate the effects of radiation on the characteristic curves of the TFTs using individual TFT samples made with cadmium selenide (CdSe) semiconductor. Four characteristic parameters, i.e., threshold voltage, subthreshold swing, field effect mobility, and leakage current, were examined. This choice of parameters was based on the well established radiation damage mechanisms for crystalline silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), which have a similar principle of operation as CdSe TFTs. It was found that radiation had no measurable effect on the leakage current and the field effect mobility. However, radiation shifted the threshold voltage and increased the subthreshold swing. But even the estimated lifetime dose (50 Gy) of a diagnostic radiation detector will not affect the normal operation of an active matrix x-ray detector made with CdSe TFTs. The mechanisms of the effects of radiation will be discussed and compared with those for MOSFETs and hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) TFTs.


The thai-Australian alliance: developing a rural health management curriculum by participatory action research.
In 2006, the Thai National Health Security Office and the Ministry of Public Health, through the Nakhonratchasima Provincial Health Office in Thailand, asked the Thai-Australian Health Alliance to identify competencies and skills for a health management curriculum for health professionals working in primary healthcare in rural Thailand. The study was conducted in Nakhonratchasima province, Thailand, utilizing questionnaires, focus group discussions and an intensive 3-day workshop involving a purposive sample of 35 participants drawn from various sectors in the health industry. Findings identified the core curriculum competencies and skills required by rural doctors, nurses and public health officers. Critical issues regarding continuing education for health professionals in primary healthcare were also examined. This study found that a primary healthcare approach should include the principles of sustainability and capacity building, and incorporate team-based, interprofessional and long-term continuous learning.


Proteinuria in Asymptomatic Siblings of Children with Steroid Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome: A Screening Using Urinary Dipstick.
To screen asymptomatic siblings of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome patients for proteinuria using the urinary dipstick method to determine the involvement of siblings in the familial and likely genetic cause of the steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. This cross-sectional study was performed at the outpatient department of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) from May to July 2021. Out of 104 patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, siblings of 66 patients were enrolled. Mean age of primary patients with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome was 8.7±4.3 years. Most common histopathological diagnosis was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 25 (37.9%) children followed by minimal change disease in 17(25.8%) of them. The majority, 48 (72.7%) patients were on immunosuppressive treatment, while 4 (6.1%) had progressed to chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 178 siblings were recruited in the study. There were 99(55.6%) boys and 79(44.4%) girls. Their mean age was 10.67±6.2 years. Consanguinity was high in our study population i.e. 56(84%) families. Positive proteinuria on dipstick was detected in only 5(7.5%) enrolled SRNS families. One family refused further testing. Two of the five affected siblings had nephrotic range proteinuria. Renal biopsy of one of them showed membranous nephropathy while the second showed mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis. Both had normal renal functions. The frequency of proteinuria in asymptomatic siblings of children with steroid-resistant syndrome is low in our population despite a high prevalence of consanguineous marriages. Hence, familial involvement of nephrotic syndrome is low and further genetic testing for monogenic causes is required in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome cases.


In vitro activation of procaspase-8 by forming the cytoplasmic component of the death-inducing signaling complex (cDISC).
Procaspase-8 is activated by forming a death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) with the Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and the Fas receptor, but the mechanism of its activation is not well understood. Procaspase-8 devoid of the death effector domain at its N-terminus (delta nprocaspase-8) was reported to be activated by kosmotropic salts, but it has not been induced to form a DISC in vitro because it cannot interact with FADD. Here, we report the production of full-length procaspase-8 and show that it is activated by adding the Fas death domain (Fas-DD) and the FADD forming the cytoplasmic part of the DISC (cDISC). Furthermore, mutations known to affect DISC formation in vivo were shown to have the same effect on procaspase-8 activation in vitro. An antibody that induces Fas-DD association enhanced procaspase-8 activation, suggesting that the Fas ligand is not required for low-level activation of procaspase-8, but that Fas receptor clustering is needed for high-level activation of procaspase-8 leading to cell death. In vitro activation of procaspase-8 by forming a cDISC will be invaluable for investigating activation of ligand-mediated apoptosis and the numerous interactions affecting procaspase-8 activation.