Design and experiment study of compact circular-rectangular waveguide mode converter.
A compact mode converter that transforms TM01 circular waveguide mode to TE10 rectangular waveguide mode is investigated. It consists of a circular waveguide with a short circuit terminal and a rectangular waveguide which is perpendicular to the circular waveguide. Simulation results show that conversion efficiency of the mode converter is about 99.8% at central frequency of 1.75 GHz, and the total return loss is approximately -30 dB. The experimental results are well consistent with the computer simulation, which demonstrates the feasibility and high power handling capacity of the mode converter.


Thrombin exosite for fibrinogen recognition is partially accessible in prothrombin.
The procoagulant alpha-thrombin is produced by the proteolytic cleavages of a minimum of two peptide bonds Arg274-Thr275 and Arg323-Ile324 in prothrombin. The Arg323-Ile324 cleavage is required for the expression of the active site of thrombin (Morita, T., Iwanaga, S. Suzuki, T. (1976) J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 79, 1089-1108; Hibbard, L. S., Nesheim, M. E., and Mann, K. G. (1982) Biochemistry 21, 2285-2292). It is not yet clear to what extent the proteolytic events are responsible for exposing protein recognition exosites on thrombin. We employed high resolution NMR spectroscopy to examine interactions of prothrombin and thrombin with synthetic hirudin peptides targeted toward the fibrinogen recognition exosite of thrombin. The hirudin tail synthetic analogues (acetyl-Asp55-Phe-Glu-Glu-Ile-Pro-Glu-Glu-Tyr-Leu-Gln65/G ly65-OH) exhibited similar NMR relaxation enhancements (line broadening patterns and transferred nuclear Overhauser effects) with human prothrombin as with human alpha-thrombin, indicating that both proteins bind the peptide in a similar manner. The protein-induced relaxation enhancements are specific to the interaction of the hirudin peptides with the fibrinogen recognition exosite of thrombin since no significant effects were observed with either human serum albumin or with human gamma-thrombin, which has an impaired recognition exosite. The binding affinities were determined from NMR relaxation time measurements, which gave approximate Kd values of 500 microM and < 100 microM for prothrombin and alpha-thrombin, respectively. Since the hirudin tail fragment binds specifically to the fibrinogen recognition exosite in alpha-thrombin, this exosite appears to be partially accessible in prothrombin in a proenzyme form.


An evaluation of the hemiplegic subject based on the Bobath approach. Part I: The model.
An evaluation, based on the Bobath approach to treatment has been developed. A model, substantiating this evaluation is presented. In this model, the three stages of motor recovery presented by Bobath have been extended to six, to better follow the progression of the patient. Six parameters have also been identified. These are the elements to be quantified so that the progress of the patient through the stages of motor recovery can be followed. Four of these parameters are borrowed from the Bobath approach, that is: postural reaction, muscle tone, reflex activity and active movement. Two have been added: sensorium and pain. An accompanying paper presents the evaluation protocol along with the operational definition of each of these parameters.


Studies on the effect of calcium in interactions between heparin and heparin cofactor II using surface plasmon resonance.
Heparin is the most acidic polysaccharide in the human body and as a result interacts with many cationic species, including ions and proteins, giving rise to myriad biologic activities. Heparin cofactor II (HCII) is a serine protease inhibitor that resembles antithrombin (ATIII) in its ability to be activated by heparin. The interaction of heparin with HCII has been the focus of many studies using affinity chromatography and fluorescence spectroscopy. In this study, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy was used to quantitatively measure the interaction of heparin and HCII using a heparin biochip prepared by covalently immobilizing preformed albumin-heparin conjugate. HCII contains multiple EF hand domains that represent putative calcium ion binding sites. The interactions of HCII with heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and heparin oligosaccharides (disaccharide, tetrasaccharide, hexasaccharide) were examined in solution competition experiments using SPR. The results also showed while calcium ions enhanced the heparin/HCII interaction, the activity of heparin-HCII complex against thrombin was not calcium dependent but can be enhanced by the presence of calcium.


The relationship among background characteristics, purpose in life, and caregiving demands on perceived health of spouse caregivers.
Little is known about the impact on the family at home of managing the final course of cancer. Research to date has focused on the negative impact of physical caregiving on the caregiver's physical and emotional well-being. Limited information exists about other dimensions of the experience which may serve to buffer or prevent negative health outcomes. The purposes of this study were to examine the effect of personal meaning and the experience of caregiving on spouse caregiver health. Cross-sectional data were obtained from interviews with 65 spouse caregivers of persons with advanced cancer. Findings from the multiple regression analysis revealed that sense of purpose in life (Beta = .32, p less than or equal to .05) and the caregiver's level of uncertainty (Beta = -.46, p less than or equal to .01) were statistically significant predictors of health. The results of this study suggest that a stronger sense of purpose in life is positively associated with perceived health. Further, the finding that a higher level of caregiver uncertainty is negatively associated with health suggests the need for nursing interventions to assist caregivers to cope with their role.


Impact of working 48 h per week on opportunities for training and patient contact: the experience of Irish interns.
The European Working Time Regulations (EWTR) have been criticized for its purported negative impact on the training of junior doctors. The aim of this study was to examine the amount of time interns spent engaging in various work activities. An online time-use diary was used to collect data from interns. Two teaching hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 45 interns logged at least one 24-h period. The logs were obtained from 67 shifts from a surgical rotation and 83 shifts from a medical rotation. The amount of time interns spent engaging in direct patient care, indirect patient care, educational activities and personal activities. On day shift, medical interns spent a significantly smaller proportion of the shift on direct care (159/613 min, 25.9% versus 214/636 min, 33.6%) and a greater proportion on education (195/613 min, 31.8% versus 139/636 min, 21.9%) than surgical interns. On extended days, medical interns spent a significantly larger proportion of the shift on education than surgical interns (243/814 min, 29.9% versus 126/804, 15.7% min). On night shift, medical interns spent a significantly greater proportion of the shift on direct care (590/720 min, 81.9% versus 346/727 min, 47.6%) and education (33/720 min, 4.6% versus 6/727 min, 0.8%) than surgical interns. The interns in the study reported spending more time on direct patient care and educational activities, and less time on indirect patient care activities than interns in other countries.


Access in New Zealand to antidotes for accidental and intentional drug poisonings.
Access to antidotes for the treatment of drug poisonings can impact on morbidity and mortality. Treatment for drug poisonings usually occurs at the nearest emergency department; however, health professionals working in primary care are often the first point of contact for patients. As New Zealand has a small, diffuse population, and poisonings are a rare event, it can be difficult to anticipate what antidotes are required. The aim of the study was to determine what antidotes are frequently used and stocked in hospital pharmacies. A survey was sent out to all 25 hospital pharmacies, excluding private and satellite hospitals. The survey contained questions about the stocking, and prior use, of over 30 antidotes. Also included were open-ended questions asking about reasons for not stocking antidotes and procedures for procuring antidotes in an emergency. Twenty out of 25 hospital pharmacies completed the survey. Most hospital pharmacies were found to stock large quantities of commonly used antidotes and low quantities of uncommonly used antidotes-but in sufficient quantity to treat one to two patients. A low number of poisonings was the most common reason cited for not stocking antidotes, followed by high cost. Most hospitals had clear guidelines for procuring and lending antidotes in an emergency. New Zealand hospital pharmacies stock adequate quantities of most antidotes, including antidotes that are expensive and rarely required, but which may be needed urgently. Hospital pharmacies also have clear procurement procedures for obtaining other antidotes in an emergency.


Effect of ONO-5334 on bone mineral density and biochemical markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal osteoporosis: 2-year results from the OCEAN study.
Cathepsin K inhibitors, such as ONO-5334, are being developed for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, their relative effects on bone resorption and formation, and how quickly the effects resolve after treatment cessation, are uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of 24-month treatment with ONO-5334 and to assess the effect of treatment cessation over 2 months. We studied 197 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia with one fragility fracture. Patients were randomized to ONO-5334 50 mg twice daily, 100 mg or 300 mg once daily, alendronate 70 mg once weekly (positive control), or placebo for 24 months. After 24 months, all ONO-5334 doses were associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) for lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck (p < 0.001). ONO-5334 300 mg significantly suppressed the bone-resorption markers urinary (u) NTX and serum and uCTX-I throughout 24 months of treatment and to a similar extent as alendronate; other resorption marker levels remained similar to placebo (fDPD for ONO-5334 300 mg qd) or were increased (ICTP, TRAP5b, all ONO-5334 doses). Levels of B-ALP and PINP were suppressed in all groups (including placebo) for approximately 6 months but then increased for ONO-5334 to close to baseline levels by 12 to 24 months. On treatment cessation, there were increases above baseline in uCTX-I, uNTX, and TRAP5b, and decreases in ICTP and fDPD. There were no clinically relevant safety concerns. Cathepsin K inhibition with ONO-5334 resulted in decreases in most resorption markers over 2 years but did not decrease most bone formation markers. This was associated with an increase in BMD; the effect on biochemical markers was rapidly reversible on treatment cessation.


Combined extracapsular cataract extraction, posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, and pars plana vitrectomy.
The surgical management of coexisting cataract and vitreoretinal disease has been controversial, particularly for eyes with a history of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or chronic uveitis. We retrospectively studied the results of combined extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) implantation, and pars plana vitrectomy in 20 eyes of 16 patients. The indications for combined vitrectomy included dense, nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage attributed to PDR in 10 eyes, age-related macular degeneration in 2, and trauma in 1. The remaining 7 eyes had pars plana vitrectomy to remove inflammatory vitreous cell and debris associated with chronic uveitis. Follow up ranged from 4 to 32 months (average, 17.4 months). Visual acuity improved in 19 eyes (95%)--to 20/100 or better in 12 (60%). The improvement ranged from 1 to 13 Snellen lines (average, 4.9 lines). Postoperative visual acuity improvement averaged 7.5 Snellen lines for eyes with chronic uveitis, 7.0 lines for those with age-related macular degeneration, and 3.3 lines for those with a history of PDR. Postoperative visual acuity was less than 20/100 in 8 eyes (40%). In most cases, these latter results were attributed to macular changes associated with the underlying ocular disease. Our results confirm previous studies that have shown that combined ECCE/PC-IOL implantation and pars plana vitrectomy is a well-tolerated surgical procedure for diabetics, which can provide clear anterior and posterior segment media. In addition, our results suggest that this combined procedure can be useful in restoring vision in certain eyes with uveitis in the short-term postoperative period.


Mechanisms of the gravitational sensitivity of cells.
It is well known that specialized gravireceptory cells have been formed in the course of evolution in the majority of multicellular organisms. These are statosytes (statenchyme cells) in higher plants and otolith apparatus cells in animals. The mechanisms of gravity reception and the generation of gravitational stimuli in these cells are well understood. Therefore, our attention was focused on cells devoid of special gravireceptory mechanisms, namely cell cultures grown in vitro (fibroblasts and osteoblasts) and unicellular free-swimming (i.e. possessing a locomotor apparatus) organisms. These were mainly representatives of two classes: Ciliata and Flagellata. The choice of the objects of study was mainly determined by their ecological and physiological characteristics with the main goals of this work.


Anticoagulation after pancreatic surgery with venous resection (TIGRESS): What should we do? Results from an international survey.
Patients who undergo pancreatic surgery with venous resection have high rates of morbidity/mortality. Also, they are high-risk for postoperative venous thromboembolism. Whether this group should be routinely anticoagulated is unknown. This study aimed to establish current anticoagulation practices. A survey (https://form.jotform.com/220242489107048) was sent out to pancreatic surgeons. Questions covered center volume, venous resection/reconstruction techniques and anticoagulation policies. Sixty-five centers from 17 countries responded. Following a "side-bite" venous resection with a patch repair, 40% used an autologous vein patch, 27% used peritoneum, and 27% used a bovine patch. After formally resecting a segment of vein, 17% of centers used an interposition graft (IG). Left renal vein (41%) and polytetrafluoroethylene (73%) grafts were the most commonly used autologous and prosthetic IGs, respectively. Following a prosthetic IG, an autologous IG, and a "side-bite" resection, 59%, 28%, and 19% of centers provided therapeutic anticoagulation, respectively (66% used low molecular-weight heparin). The duration of therapy provided varied from inpatient stay only (14%) to six months (32%). Our global survey indicates that anticoagulation practices are highly variable. Centers do not agree on when to anticoagulate, how to anticoagulate, or the duration of therapy. A robust trial is required to provide clarity.


Think-Aloud: Effect on Adolescent Deaf Students' Use of Reading Comprehension Strategies.
This study examined the effect of explicit instruction of reading comprehension strategies, such as identification of unknown vocabulary and relating text to background knowledge, on four deaf and hard of hearing students' use of strategies and reading comprehension performance pre- and post-intervention. Explicit instruction of strategies consisted of discussion of targeted strategies and think-aloud (verbalizing one's thought processes while reading) to model strategies. The data presented is from a more in-depth study completed during the 2017-2018 academic year. Few studies have implemented think-aloud in evaluating deaf adolescents' reading challenges and the efficacy of strategy use. This study provided insight into both of these issues. Results show an increase in the variety of strategies used by students and frequency of strategy use post-intervention. Results also indicate improved comprehension scores for two students. Close examination of the data, however, reveals ongoing metacognitive challenges (such as lack of consistent identification of key unknown words and lack of awareness of comprehension breakdowns) and inconsistency in the efficacious use of strategies. Findings indicate a need for ongoing assessment of the depth and efficacy of strategy use and individualized instruction.


Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease: an integrated clinical syndrome.
The previous conventional wisdom that survivors of acute kidney injury (AKI) tend to do well and fully recover renal function appears to be flawed. AKI can cause end-stage renal disease (ESRD) directly, and increase the risk of developing incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and worsening of underlying CKD. In addition, severity, duration, and frequency of AKI appear to be important predictors of poor patient outcomes. CKD is an important risk factor for the development and ascertainment of AKI. Experimental data support the clinical observations and the bidirectional nature of the relationships between AKI and CKD. Reductions in renal mass and nephron number, vascular insufficiency, cell cycle disruption, and maladaptive repair mechanisms appear to be important modulators of progression in patients with and without coexistent CKD. Distinction between AKI and CKD may be artificial. Consideration should be given to the integrated clinical syndrome of diminished GFR, with acute and chronic stages, where spectrum of disease state and outcome is determined by host factors, including the balance of adaptive and maladaptive repair mechanisms over time. Physicians must provide long-term follow-up to patients with first episodes of AKI, even if they presented with normal renal function.


The correct subgeneric name of Trypanosoma rangeli Tejera, 1920 (Euglenozoa: Trypanosomatidae), a human-infective endoparasite of neotropical mammals.
Trypanosoma rangeli Tejera, 1920 is peculiar in being transmitted to mammal hosts through the bite of triatomine bugs. For this reason, it has been placed in its own subgenus, Tejeraia Añez, 1982. This name is a junior homonym of Tejeraia Díaz-Ungría, 1963, used for the roundworm Tejeraia mediospiralis (Molin, 1860). The mandatory substitute name of Tejeraia Añez, 1982 is Aneza Özdikmen, 2009. T. (Aneza) rangeli Tejera, 1920 is often referred to as T. (Herpetosoma) rangeli Tejera, 1920. According to nomenclature rules, both name combinations are available. Which one to choose depends on evolutionary and taxonomic considerations. Phylogenetic knowledge indicates that T. (Aneza) rangeli should be used.


Electron microscope observations on the effects of polymixin B sulfate on cell walls of Chlamydia psittaci.
The effects of polymixin B sulfate on cell walls of mature elementary body (EB) and of immature developmental reticulate body (RB) of Chlamydia psittaci were investigated. When purified EB were treated with polymixin (10(4) units per ml or more) at 37 C for 60 min, about 70% of EB was found to be covered with a number of projections. Further incubation did not increase the percentage affected. The infectivity after treatment as assayed by the inclusion counting technique was reduced by 70% of the original titer. These results suggest that EB with the projections are no longer infective. The projections had obscure outlines and were 20 to 40 nm in diameter when seen in thin sections. In the negatively stained preparations, the projections were composed of aggregations of fine particles 4 to 5 nm in diameter. Treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate at the same concentration used for cell wall isolation removed the projections completely, and the cell walls were converted to rather ragged forms apparently composed of outside and inside layers. When RB cell walls prepared from infected cells at 18 hr after infection were treated with polymixin at the same concentration, the projections having the same morphology with those seen on treated EB cell walls were observed only on the inside surface of cell wall.


Human decidual cell biosynthesis of leukemia inhibitory factor: regulation by decidual cytokines and steroid hormones.
The production of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is suggested to be critical for the successful implantation of blastocysts into decidua, because LIF expression is essential for the implantation of mouse blastocytes. We investigated the regulation of LIF production by decidual cytokines and steroid hormones. Stimulation of decidual cells by interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, or transforming growth factor beta augmented LIF production in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, estradiol, a steroid hormone that increases during ovulation and early pregnancy, also enhanced LIF production in a dose-dependent manner. These responses were blocked by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor but not by other kinase inhibitors, suggesting an important role of PKC in decidual LIF production mediated by cytokines and estradiol. We also showed that stimulating decidual cells with LIF failed to stimulate DNA synthesis and prolactin production in these cells. In summary, LIF was mainly localized in the decidual glands and stroma, and its production was increased by cytokines and estradiol in a dose-dependent fashion; but stimulation of decidual cells by LIF did not influence their proliferation or their prolactin production.


Clinical, Radiographic, and Histologic Evaluation of Regional Odontodysplasia: a Case Report with 5-year Follow-up.
Regional odontodysplasia is a developmental anomaly that affects the primary and permanent dentitions. This disorder is generally localized in only one arch and its etiology is still unknown. Clinically, the affected teeth have an abnormal morphology and are typically discolored. Radiographically, these teeth show a ghost-like appearance. This paper reported the results of radiographic, histologic and laboratory findings about the case of a 5-year-old girl presenting this rare anomaly. Her familial history was negative for any genetic anomaly, regional odontodysplasia or other dental anomalies. The patient's general health was good and no congenital or acquired disease was reported. She was kept under follow-up care until she reached the age of 10 years. Panoramic radiograph showed the involvement of permanent teeth on the right maxillary quadrant. The affected edentulous quadrant was rehabilitated with temporary acrylic maxillary partial denture. The presentation of this case would hopefully have valuable information for pediatric dentists to review the clinical and radiographic features of regional odontodysplasia, yet expediting the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this condition.


Invertase activity of intact cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae growing on sugarcane molasses. II. Unsteady-state continuous-culture tests.
During unsteady-state continuous culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on sugarcane blackstrap molasses, the invertase activity of the intact yeast cells oscillated. Disturbances were produced by changing medium composition, air rate, impeller speed, and dilution rate. The influence of the oxygen supply rate and of the dilution rate on the invertase activity depend on the medium composition. The highest invertase activity was obtained when, after a steady-state attained using unsupplemented culture medium, nutrients were added to the feeding mash. A Monod-like equation seems to be the best representation of the correlation between the specific rate of reducing sugars consumption and the specific rate of nonreducing sugar hydrolysis by the yeast cells.


A demonstration of the H3 trimethylation ChIP-seq analysis of galline follicular mesenchymal cells and male germ cells.
Trimethylation of histone 3 (H3) at 4th lysine N-termini (H3K4me3) in gene promoter region was the universal marker of active genes specific to cell lineage. On the contrary, coexistence of trimethylation at 27th lysine (H3K27me3) in the same loci-the bivalent H3K4m3/H3K27me3 was known to suspend the gene transcription in germ cells, and could also be inherited to the developed stem cell. In galline species, throughout example of H3K4m3 and H3K27me3 ChIP-seq analysis was still not provided. We therefore designed and demonstrated such procedures using ChIP-seq and mRNA-seq data of chicken follicular mesenchymal cells and male germ cells. Analytical workflow was designed and provided in this study. ChIP-seq and RNA-seq datasets of follicular mesenchymal cells and male germ cells were acquired and properly preprocessed. Peak calling by Model-based analysis of ChIP-seq 2 was performed to identify H3K4m3 or H3K27me3 enriched regions (Fold-change≥2, FDR≤0.01) in gene promoter regions. Integrative genomics viewer was utilized for cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (CRABP1), growth differentiation factor 10 (GDF10), and gremlin 1 (GREM1) gene explorations. The acquired results indicated that follicular mesenchymal cells and germ cells shared several unique gene promoter regions enriched with H3K4me3 (5,704 peaks) and also unique regions of bivalent H3K4m3/H3K27me3 shared between all cell types and germ cells (1,909 peaks). Subsequent observation of follicular mesenchyme-specific genes-CRABP1, GDF10, and GREM1 correctly revealed vigorous transcriptions of these genes in follicular mesenchymal cells. As expected, bivalent H3K4m3/H3K27me3 pattern was manifested in gene promoter regions of germ cells, and thus suspended their transcriptions. According the results, an example of chicken H3K4m3/H3K27me3 ChIP-seq data analysis was successfully demonstrated in this study. Hopefully, the provided methodology should hereby be useful for galline ChIP-seq data analysis in the future.


[Clinical application of stented elephant trunk technique for complicated Stanford type B aortic dissection].
To summarize the experience of the application of stented elephant trunk procedure in the treatment of the patients with complicated Stanford type B aortic Dissection. Between January 2004 and March 2009, 33 patients (27 male and 6 female) underwent stented elephant trunk implantation in the descending aorta for complicated type B dissection. Right auxiliary artery cannulation was routinely used for cardiopulmonary bypass and selected cerebral perfusion. The stented elephant trunk was implanted through the aortic arch under hypothermic circulatory arrest. Complications were recorded to evaluate the immediate and mid-term results. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 174 +/- 29 min, and average selective cerebral perfusion and lower body arrest time was 24 +/- 9 min. The in-hospital mortality was 6.0% (2/33). No paraplegia was observed after surgery. During follow-up CT-scans thrombus formation was observed within the descending aortic false lumen excluded by the stented graft in the acute and chronic aortic dissections. There was one death during follow-up. The stented elephant trunk procedure could be an effective treatment for complicated type B dissection; it also could close the false lumen of the descending aorta and in preventing expansion of the descending aorta.


Spectacle-induced ocular trauma: an unusual mechanism.
To report an unusual, spectacle-related injury. A 16-year-old boy wearing spectacles with polycarbonate lenses presented with an unusual, spectacle-related injury. Impact with the ball during a ball sport (cricket) led to extreme torsion of the frame with resultant direct blunt trauma to the right eye by the spectacle arm. On examination, the patient had a 10 x 10-mm area of conjunctivalized scleral dehiscence superiorly in Zones 2 and 3, with uveal prolapse. Superior retinal detachment was also noted. Patient underwent wound repair with a scleral patch graft with transscleral cryotherapy and sulfur hexafluoride injection. Although increased impact resistance of newer spectacle lens materials is assumed to reduce the incidence of ocular trauma, such unusual mechanisms may still lead to severe ocular trauma. We report this case to highlight an unusual mechanism of spectacle injury, hitherto unreported, and to show the continued need for use of eye protection while wearing spectacles.


Analysis of urinary metabolomic profiling for unstable angina pectoris disease based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
(1)H NMR-based urinary metabolic profiling is used for investigating the unstable angina pectoris (UAP) metabolic signatures, in order to find out candidate biomarkers to facilitate medical diagnosis. In this work, 27 urine samples from UAP patients and 20 healthy controls were used. The metabolic profiles of the samples were analyzed by multivariate statistics analysis, including PCA, PLS-DA and OPLS-DA. The PCA analysis exhibited slight separation with R(2)X of 0.681 and Q2 of 0.251, while the PLS-DA (R(2)X = 0.121, R(2)Y = 0.931, and Q(2) = 0.661) and the OPLS-DA (R(2)X = 0.121, R(2)Y = 0.931, Q(2) = 0.653) demonstrated that the model showed good performance. By OPLS-DA, 20 metabolites were identified. A diagnostic model was further constructed using the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC = 0.953), which exhibited a satisfying sensitivity of 92.6%, specificity of 90% and accuracy of 89.1%. The results demonstrated that the NMR-based metabolomics approach showed good performance in identifying diagnostic urinary biomarkers, providing new insights into the metabolic process related to UAP.


Socio-demographic patterns of posttraumatic stress disorder in Medellin, Colombia and the context of lifetime trauma exposure.
Colombia, South America is currently transitioning to post-conflict status following 6 decades of armed conflict. The population has experienced extensive exposures to potentially traumatic events throughout the lifespan. Sources of trauma exposure include the prolonged armed insurgency, narco-trafficking violence, urban gang violence, violent actions of criminal bands, intra-familial violence, gender-based violence, and sex trafficking. Exposure to potentially traumatic events is related to a variety of psychiatric outcomes, in particular, posttraumatic stress disorder. Given this context of lifetime trauma exposure, socio-demographic patterns of posttraumatic stress disorder were explored in a sample of residents of Medellin, Colombia, the nation's second largest city and a nexus for multiple types of trauma exposure.


Nucleotide sequence of initiator tRNA from Mycobacterium smegmatis.
The nucleotide sequence of initiator tRNA from Mycobacterium smegmatis was determined to be pCGCGGGGUGGAGCAGCUCGGDAGCUCGCUGGGCUCAUAACCCAGAGm7GUCG CAGGU psi CGm1AAUCCUGUCCCCGCUACCAOH . The nucleotide sequence of Mycobacterium initiator tRNA was found to be the same as that of Streptomyces initiator tRNA, except that G46 and A57 were replaced by m7G46 and G57 , respectively. The striking feature of Mycobacterium initiator tRNA is the absence of ribothymidine at residue 54, and the presence of 1-methyladenosine at residue 58 which makes the sequence of this tRNA similar to that of eukaryotic initiator tRNA.


[Thoracoscopic Pericardial Fenestration for Refractory Pericardial Effusion with Cardiac Tamponade;Report of a Case].
We performed thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration for a 70-year-old man who suffered from refractory pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade. Under general anesthesia with differential lung ventilation, pericardial fenestration followed by needle aspiration of the enough pericardial effusion to obtain the working space was carried out by thoracoscopic surgery through the left thoracic space. Postoperative course was uneventful and reaccumulation of the pericardial fluid has not been observed more than 2 years after surgery.


Comparison between alkalimetal and group 11 transition metal halide and hydride tetramers: molecular structure and bonding.
A comparison between alkalimetal (M = Li, Na, K, and Rb) and group 11 transition metal (M = Cu, Ag, and Au) (MX)4 tetramers with X = H, F, Cl, Br, and I has been carried out by means of the Amsterdam Density Functional software using density functional theory at the BP86/QZ4P level of theory and including relativistic effects through the ZORA approximation. We have obtained that, in the case of alkalimetals, the cubic isomer of Td geometry is more stable than the ring structure with D4h symmetry, whereas in the case of group 11 transition metal tetramers, the isomer with D4h symmetry (or D2d symmetry) is more stable than the Td form. To better understand the results obtained we have made energy decomposition analyses of the tetramerization energies. The results show that in alkalimetal halide and hydride tetramers, the cubic geometry is the most stable because the larger Pauli repulsion energies are compensated by the attractive electrostatic and orbital interaction terms. In the case of group 11 transition metal tetramers, the D4h/D2d geometry is more stable than the Td one due to the reduction of electrostatic stabilization and the dominant effect of the Pauli repulsion.


HOPS-dependent lysosomal fusion controls Rab19 availability for ciliogenesis in polarized epithelial cells.
Primary cilia are sensory cellular organelles crucial for organ development and homeostasis. Ciliogenesis in polarized epithelial cells requires Rab19-mediated clearing of apical cortical actin to allow the cilium to grow from the apically docked basal body into the extracellular space. Loss of the lysosomal membrane-tethering homotypic fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex disrupts this actin clearing and ciliogenesis, but it remains unclear how the ciliary function of HOPS relates to its canonical function in regulating late endosome-lysosome fusion. Here, we show that disruption of HOPS-dependent lysosomal fusion indirectly impairs actin clearing and ciliogenesis by disrupting the targeting of Rab19 to the basal body, and that this effect is specific to polarized epithelial cells. We also find that Rab19 functions in endolysosomal cargo trafficking in addition to having its previously identified role in ciliogenesis. In summary, we show that inhibition of lysosomal fusion leads to the abnormal accumulation of Rab19 on late endosomes, thus depleting Rab19 from the basal body and thereby disrupting Rab19-mediated actin clearing and ciliogenesis in polarized epithelial cells.


Directional fidelity of nanoscale motors and particles is limited by the 2nd law of thermodynamics--via a universal equality.
Directional motion of nanoscale motors and driven particles in an isothermal environment costs a finite amount of energy despite zero work as decreed by the 2nd law, but quantifying this general limit remains difficult. Here we derive a universal equality linking directional fidelity of an arbitrary nanoscale object to the least possible energy driving it. The fidelity-energy equality depends on the environmental temperature alone; any lower energy would violate the 2nd law in a thought experiment. Real experimental proof for the equality comes from force-induced motion of biological nanomotors by three independent groups - for translational as well as rotational motion. Interestingly, the natural self-propelled motion of a biological nanomotor (F1-ATPase) known to have nearly 100% energy efficiency evidently pays the 2nd law decreed least energy cost for direction production.


Investigation of bacterial diversity in membrane bioreactor and conventional activated sludge processes from petroleum refineries using phylogenetic and statistical approaches.
Bacterial diversity of two distinct wastewater treatment systems, conventional activated sludge (CAS) and membrane bioreactor (MBR), of petroleum refineries were investigated through 16S rRNA gene libraries. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the bacterial community composition of sludge samples was distinct between the two wastewater treatment systems. MBR clones belonged predominantly to Class Betaproteobacteria, represented mainly by genera Thiobacillus and Thauera, whereas CAS clones were mostly related to Class Alphaproteobacteria, represented by uncultured bacteria related to Order Parvularculales. Richness estimators ACE and Chao revealed that the diversity observed in both libraries at the species level is an underestimate of the total bacterial diversity present in the environment and further sampling would yield an increased observed diversity. Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were different between the libraries and revealed greater bacterial diversity for the MBR library, considering an evolutionary distance of 0.03. LIBSHUFF analyses revealed that MBR and CAS communities were significantly different at the 95% confidence level (P< or =0.05) for distances 0< or =D< or =0.20. This work described, qualitatively and quantitatively, the structure of bacterial communities in industrial-scale MBR and CAS processes of the wastewater treatment system from petroleum refineries and demonstrated clearly differentiated communities responsible for the stable performance of wastewater treatment plants.


Enhancing a Sphaerobacter thermophilus ω-transaminase for kinetic resolution of β- and γ-amino acids.
Sphaerobacter thermophilus synthesizes an ω-transaminase (ω-TA) that allows the production of enantiomerically pure β-amino acids. To obtain ω-TA variants with a higher activity and more favorable properties for industrial use, we modified critical amino acid residues either in the catalytic center or in a previously proposed signature motif critical for aromatic β-amino acid ω-TAs. Seventeen different variants of this enzyme were generated and their activity was examined with four β-amino acids and one γ-amino acid, and compared with the wildtype's activity. Among all variants, seven showed up to ninefold higher activity with at least one of the tested substrates. For most of these seven variants, the temperature optimum was even lower as in the wild type enzyme, with keeping a high temperature stability, making them more valuable for industrial purposes. Our results indicate that for the production of enantiomerically pure β-amino acids replacement of critical amino acid residues in the proposed signature motif of ω-TAs is a more effective strategy than modifying their catalytic center. Another finding was, that the proposed motif is not only suitable for aromatic amino acid ω-TAs, because some of the variants have a higher activity with β-alanine or β-leucine than with aromatic β-amino acids.


Enhancing Engagement through Job Resources: The Moderating Role of Affective Commitment.
Research has shown that affective commitment, one of three components of organizational commitment defined by Meyer and Allen (1991), can act as a moderator in relationships between job stressors and worker´s psychological tension. However, due to the scarcity of studies that investigate the moderating effect of this commitment component on relationships between positive variables, the purpose of this study is to examine the moderating role of affective commitment in the relationship between autonomy, peer support, supervisory support and perceived organizational support (POS), as job resources, on engagement. In this sense, we analyzed the data provided by a sample of Portuguese employees (N = 554), from an organization belonging to the consultancy sector. Firstly, we aimed to examine the direct effects of those job resources on engagement, and, then, examine the impact of affective commitment as a moderator on these relationships. The results partially support the hypotheses formulated. Indeed, there was a positive relationship between the job resources studied - work autonomy, peer support, supervisory support and POS - and engagement. Furthermore, according to our hypothesis, the interaction established between affective commitment and autonomy, significantly exacerbates the positive effect of this job resource on workers well-being, that is, on their engagement (b = .08, p < .05). However, contrary to our hypothesis, the affective commitment does not moderate the relationship between the other job resources and engagement. This study contributes to a deepest knowledge about the potentialities of affective commitment, reinforcing the importance of consider it as a contextual resource.


The effect of prenatal drug exposure and caregiving context on children's performance on a task of sustained visual attention.
Three groups of children from low-income, urban environments were examined to determine the effects of prenatal drug exposure (PDE) and caregiving environment on sustained visual attention (SVA) at 7 years of age. Drug-exposed children remaining in maternal care (n = 43), drug-exposed children placed in nonmaternal care (n = 45), and community comparison (CC) children (n = 56) were administered a battery of neurocognitive tests, including the Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT). PDE children remaining in maternal care displayed more omission errors than CC children. PDE children in nonmaternal care had intermediate scores that did not differ significantly from PDE children in maternal care or CC children. There were no group differences with respect to commission errors or reaction time. CPT errors of omission and commission were significantly correlated with parent-reported attention problems and academic achievement scores. PDE in the context of care provided by a maternal caregiver with persistent drug use patterns may contribute to problems in children's SVA at school-age. As parental drug abuse can interfere with the provision of early care, children raised in a drug-using context may be highly vulnerable to problems with self-regulation, including sustained attention. SVA problems may contribute to subsequent academic and behavioral problems as demands for concentration and sustained effort increase throughout childhood. Children who have been prenatally exposed to drugs or raised in a drug-using household may benefit from early intervention services to avoid problems in SVA that may interfere with subsequent neurocognitive functioning and academic performance.


Serum levels of S-glutathionylated proteins as a risk-marker for arteriosclerosis obliterans.
Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of chronic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) because under these conditions redox regulation is impaired, inducing the S-glutathionylation of proteins. A method of estimating the levels of S-glutathionylated proteins has been developed using biotinylated glutathione S-transferase, which allows the study of their crucial role in the oxidative stress-related progression of PAD. The serum levels of S-glutathionylated proteins were examined in 41 patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) and 38 age-matched non-ASO patients using biotinylated glutathione S-transferase. The levels were higher in the patients with ASO, even early on, and positively correlated with the ankle/brachial index. In vitro, the levels of S-glutathionylated proteins were reduced in the presence of glutathione and glutaredoxin. Serum levels of S-glutathionylated proteins are a sensitive risk-marker for ASO at an early stage.


Galactosylated chitosan-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for efficient colon cancer cell-targeted drug delivery.
Targeted drug delivery to colon cancer cells can significantly enhance the therapeutic efficiency. Herein, we developed 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded amino-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN-NH2)-based galactosylated chitosans (GCs), which are galactose receptor-mediated materials for colon-specific drug delivery systems. Both unmodified and functionalized nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen sorption and dynamic light scattering. Drug loading capacity and drug release properties were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. 5-FU@MSN-NH2/GC showed high loading capacity and possessed much higher cytotoxicity on human colon cancer cells (SW620 cells) than 5-FU@MSN-NH2 and free 5-FU. But, MSN-NH2/GC did not show significant cytotoxicity. Subsequently, 5-FU@MSN-NH2/GC anti-cancer activity on SW620 cells in vitro was confirmed by cell apoptosis. These results are consistent with the cellular uptake test in which MSN-NH2/GC could specifically recognize and bind to cancer cells by the galectin-receptor recognition. But, it is found that pre-addition of galactose in the medium, leading to competitive binding to the galectin receptor of SW620 cells, resulted in a decrease in the binding of MSN-NH2/GC to the galectin receptor. The results demonstrated the inorganic-organic nanocomposite could be used as a promising drug delivery carrier for the targeted delivery of drug into galectin-positive colon cancer cells to improve therapeutic index while reducing side effects.


Silicate bioceramics elicit proliferation and odonto-genic differentiation of human dental pulp cells.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of silicates on the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) in vitro. HDPCs were cultured in the presence of calcium silicate (CS) extracts, while calcium hydroxide (CH) extracts and culture medium without CH or CS were used as the control groups. The calcium and phosphorus ion concentrations in the CS were similar to those in the control groups, but the concentration of silicon ions in the CS extracts was higher than that in the control groups. HDPCs cultured with CS and CH extracts at dilution of 1/128 proliferated significantly more than those cultured with the control treatments. CS extracts promoted cell migration, enhanced the expression of odontogenic marker genes and conspicuously increased odontogenesis-related protein production and the release of cytokines, suggesting that CS bioactive ceramics possess excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity and have the potential for application as pulp-capping agents.


Vamping: stereology-based automated quantification of fluorescent puncta size and density.
The size of dendritic spines and postsynaptic densities (PSDs) is well known to be correlated with molecular and functional characteristics of the synapse. Thus, the development of microscopy methods that allow high throughput quantification and measurement of PSDs is a contemporary need in the field of neurobiology. While the gold standard for measurement of sub-micrometer structures remains electron microscopy (EM), this method is exceedingly laborious and therefore not always feasible. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a much faster technique for identifying biological structures such as PSDs, but the fluorescent images resulting from it have traditionally been harder to interpret and quantify. Here, we report on two new image analysis tools that result in accurate size and density measurements of fluorescent puncta. Anti-PSD-95 staining was used to target synapses. The new technique of vamping, using Volume Assisted Measurement of Puncta in 2 and 3 Dimensions (VAMP2D and VAMP3D) respectively, is based on stereological principles. The fully automated image analysis tool was tested on the same subjects for whom we had previously obtained EM measurements of PSD size and/or density. Based on highly consistent results between data obtained by each of these methods, vamping offers an expedient alternative to EM that can nonetheless deliver a high level of accuracy in measuring sub-cellular structures.


Phylogenetic analysis of pathogenic Candida spp. in domestic pigeons.
The current study was conducted to survey the prevalence of pigeon candidiasis in diseased pigeons suspected to candidiasis by isolation, microscopic examination, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and to characterize Candida spp. phylogenetically. For this purpose, samples were obtained from 100 suspected pigeons from September 2018 to February 2019 in Ahvaz, Iran. Cloacal and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from each diseased pigeon with diarrhea resistant to the antibiotics, crop stasis, white diphtheritic membrane in the mouth, regurgitation, and vomiting. Sabouraud dextrose agar was used as a culture medium. Selected colonies were stained with lactophenol cotton blue stain. In the culture and direct microscopic observation, 19.00% of birds were suspected to candidiasis. Twenty-two isolates were identified. All 22 isolates were confirmed as Candida spp. By PCR method. The PCR test confirmed the presence of Candida spp. in 19.00% of pigeons. Based on the sequencing results of some PCR products, the isolates belonged to Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The results revealed a 99.78% accordance when compared with other sequences of C. albicans which were formerly deposited in GenBank® from Colombia, Indonesia, China, and Sudan. The results revealed a 99.54% accordance when compared with other sequences of C. glabrata which were formerly deposited in GenBank® from the Netherlands and Spain. The symptoms such as diarrhea resistant to antibiotics, crop stasis, white diphtheritic membrane in the mouth, regurgitation, and vomiting were the most prevalent clinical symptoms in positive pigeons.


Issues in networking and research funding for the European Association of Health Law.
All academics, perhaps with the exception of those who are hermits with independent private means, are concerned with questions of networking and research funding. The nature of academic life is to search out new ideas and revisit old ones, and to discuss these ideas with others. This requires networks of colleagues and funding to provide the basic resources of time and literature. This may be at the local level, but increasingly the expectation is that these activities should become more and more elaborate; our networks are now international, and our time and resources cost ever increasing amounts which, for many if not most academics, must be found outside the general budget of the home University. Our success as academics is measured, in increasing part, on our ability to show our networking and external funding credentials. There is a more resounding reason to pursue both networking and externally funded research: through such projects the experience of each individual can be increased such that the result is far greater than one could achieve alone. Networking and external funding are not ends in themselves, but they can and should be a great enhancement to academic life and contribution. None of this is news or a novel claim; it is simply today's environment. This paper considers some opportunities for how networking and externally funded research might help the EAHL to realise its aims in developing the discipline of health law. We, as authors, do not claim any special expertise in the area, and readers are quite justified in thinking "who are they to talk to us about what we clearly know much more about?" However, we were asked to start a discussion at the inaugural conference of the Association, and the thoughts that we present now were designed to do that. It is a discussion which will form one of the early activities of the Association. Here the paper is divided first issues concerning networking, and second those concerning research funding from sources external to one's home University. We draw upon our own experiences, and would be grateful to hear of better examples, and particularly about contradictory experiences.


Sucrose- and Fructose-Specific Effects on the Transcriptome of Streptococcus mutans, as Determined by RNA Sequencing.
Recent genome-scale studies have begun to establish the scope and magnitude of the impacts of carbohydrate source and availability on the regulation of gene expression in bacteria. The effects of sugars on gene expression are particularly profound in a group of lactic acid bacteria that rely almost entirely on their saccharolytic activities for energy production and growth. For Streptococcus mutans, the major etiologic agent of human dental caries, sucrose is the carbohydrate that contributes in the most significant manner to establishment, persistence, and virulence of the organism. However, because this organism produces multiple extracellular sucrolytic enzymes that can release hexoses from sucrose, it has not been possible to study the specific effects of sucrose transport and metabolism on gene expression in the absence of carbohydrates that by themselves can elicit catabolite repression and induce expression of multiple genes. By employing RNA deep-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology and mutants that lacked particular sucrose-metabolizing enzymes, we compared the transcriptomes of S. mutans bacteria growing on glucose, fructose, or sucrose as the sole carbohydrate source. The results provide a variety of new insights into the impact of sucrose transport and metabolism by S. mutans, including the likely expulsion of fructose after sucrose internalization and hydrolysis, and identify a set of genes that are differentially regulated by sucrose versus fructose. The findings significantly enhance our understanding of the genetics and physiology of this cariogenic pathogen.


Dual-Salt Electrolytes to Effectively Reduce Impedance Rise of High-Nickel Lithium-Ion Batteries.
Simply mixing several lithium salts in one electrolyte to obtain blended salt electrolytes has been demonstrated as a promising strategy to formulate advanced electrolytes for lithium metal batteries (LMBs) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, we report the use of dual-salt electrolytes containing lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) and lithium difluorophosphate (LiDFP) in ethylene carbonate/ethyl methyl carbonate (EC/EMC) mixture and tested them in layered high-nickel LIB cells. LiNi0.94Co0.06O2 was synthesized through a coprecipitation method and was used as a representative high-nickel cathode for the U.S. DOE realizing next-generation cathode (RNGC) deep dive program. The ionic conductivity of dual-salt electrolytes can be maintained by controlling the amount of LiDFP. Techniques including 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and differential voltage analysis (DVA) were used to understand the improved performance. The multifaceted benefits of using the dual-salt electrolytes include (1) reduced transesterification, (2) formation of a stable cathode electrolyte interface, and (3) mitigation of cathode degradation at high voltages, especially stabilization of oxide particles during the H2 ↔ H3 transformation.


[Ivermectin, a broad spectrum antiparasitic drug].
Ivermectine, derived from beta avermectines, monocyclic lactones produced by Streptomyces avermitilis, is a potent oral microfilaricide used by veterinaries since 1981. The anti-filarial activity is two-fold: both microfilaricide and embryotoxic in female adults; it has no activity on the latter. Ivermectine is the treatment of choice in onchocercosis, induced by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus, and was included in the onchocercosis control program (programme de contrôle de l'onchocercose (OCP) in 1987. Ivermectine has also demonstrated efficacy on other filaries (Wuchereria bancrofti, Loa loa), in intestinal nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoïdes, Strongyloides stercoralis) and in parasite nematodes in man (larva migrans ankylosis). Its activity has been recently extended to ectoparasitosis: sarcoptes and pediculosis of the scalp.


Relationship of germinal centers in lymphoid tissue to immunological memory. I. Evidence for the formation of small lymphocytes upon transfer of primed splenic white pulp to syngeneic mice.
The fate, proliferation, and developmental potentialities of cell suspensions made from white pulp containing large germinal centers have been studied in the mouse by transfer of cells labeled with thymidine-(3)H to lethally irradiated, syngeneic recipients. Radioautographic analyses were made using both smears and sections of a variety of tissues. Thymidine-(3)H-labeling patterns of white pulp showed that, initially, labeling occurred in a majority of blast and "intermediate cells" but in very few or no small lymphocytes. After intravenous transfer, most of the labeled cells localized in the lymphoid tissues of spleen, lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches. Few cells migrated to the thymus, lung, liver, and intestinal mucosa. Both after intravenous and after intraperitoneal transfer there was a rapid increase in the incidence of labeled small lymphocytes and a decrease of labeled blasts and intermediate cells. This was accompanied by an increase in the grain count of the small lymphocytes and a progressive decrease in the grain counts of the blast cells. Exposure of nonlabeled donor cells to thymidine-(3)H at various time intervals after transfer indicated that dividing cells were present early after transfer but that their incidence progressively decreased. Between 24 and 48 hr, very little cell division was detectable.


Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of Quinonimides.
Structures and energetics of o-, m-, and p-quinonimide anions (OC6H4N-) and quinoniminyl radicals have been investigated by using negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy. Modeling of the photoelectron spectrum of the ortho isomer shows that the ground state of the anion is a triplet, while the quinoniminyl radical has a doublet ground state with a doublet-quartet splitting of 35.5 kcal/mol. The para radical has doublet ground state, but a band for a quartet state is missing from the photoelectron spectrum indicating that the anion has a singlet ground state, in contrast to previously reported calculations. The theoretical modeling is revisited here, and it is shown that accurate predictions for the electronic structure of the para-quinonimide anion require both an accurate account of electron correlation and a sufficiently diffuse basis set. Electron affinities of o- and p-quinoniminyl radicals are measured to be 1.715 ± 0.010 and 1.675 ± 0.010 eV, respectively. The photoelectron spectrum of the m-quinonimide anion shows that the ion undergoes several different rearrangements, including a rearrangement to the energetically favorable para isomer. Such rearrangements preclude a meaningful analysis of the experimental spectrum.


Fabrication of an optoelectrochemical microring array.
In this paper, we describe a novel approach for fabricating an optoelectrochemical microring array. The array was fabricated by coating individual optical fibers of 25-microm diameter with a 1-microm layer of gold nanoparticles via electroless gold deposition. A SAM layer around the individual gold-coated imaging fibers prevented electrical contact with neighboring ring electrodes. To achieve better mechanical stability and to make the device more practical, the electrode/fiber bundle comprising approximately 600 individual gold-coated optical fibers was dipped into epoxy. By polishing the ends of such a device, a ring microelectrode array comprising 600 individual and insulated ring electrodes was formed. To limit diffusional overlap of current, only 20-30% of the microring fiber/electrodes were wired. The inner diameter of the ring electrode is fixed by the diameter of the individual optical fibers (25 microm), while the outer radius is determined by the thickness of the deposited gold. The array was characterized using ferrocyanide in aqueous solution as a model electroactive species to demonstrate that this microelectrode array format exhibits steady-state currents at short response times. In addition, cyclic voltammetry experiments were performed using conventional potentiostats due to the amplification of current inherent in the array format. Finally, electrochemiluminescence at the ring electrode array was demonstrated through the oxidation of Ru(bpy)3(2+) in tri-n-propylamide in a pH 7 phosphate buffer solution, where the light generated was collected and detected via the fiber bundle.


Bioresorbable everolimus-eluting vascular scaffold for the treatment of chronic total occlusions: CTO-ABSORB pilot study.
We sought to assess the safety and performance of the Absorb everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) in percutaneous chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularisation guided by intracoronary imaging. The feasibility of using the BVS in CTO lesions is unknown. Thirty-five consecutive true CTO lesions (EuroCTO Club definition) were included in this prospective registry. After mandatory predilatation and IVUS analysis, all target lesions were treated with BVS and no other stents were deployed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed after BVS implantation. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was performed at baseline and at six to eight months. The mean age was 60.7±9.7 years; 80% were male; 20% were diabetic; 37% had a previous PCI. The most frequently treated vessel was the RCA (46%). According to the Japanese-CTO (J-CTO) complexity score, most lesions were classified as intermediate (49%) or difficult-very difficult (26%); 34% were moderate-severely calcified. Most cases (86%) were treated with an anterograde strategy, 60% by radial or biradial approach. In 71% a cutting balloon was used. The total scaffold length implanted per lesion was 52.5±22.9 mm. All scaffolds were successfully delivered and deployed. Post-dilatation was undertaken in 63%. By OCT, final minimum scaffold area and lumen stenosis were 7.1±1.5 mm2 and 11.7±6.6%, without areas of significant strut malapposition. At complete six-month follow-up, no major adverse events were observed. MSCT identified two cases of scaffold reocclusion. BVS for CTO recanalisation demonstrates excellent feasibility and safety as well as midterm efficacy. Appropriate lesion preparation is key to aiding adequate expansion of these scaffolds in this setting.


UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and HPTLC Method for Quantitative Estimation of Cytotoxic Glycosides and Aglycone in Bioactivity Guided Fractions of Solanum nigrum L.
Solanum nigrum L., is traditionally used for the management of the various liver disorders. Investigating the effect of polarity based fractionation of S. nigrum for its hepatoprotective effect on Hep G2 cells in vitro to provide base of its activity by quantifying in steroidal glycosides responsible for hepatoprotective potential. A new UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method following a high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) has been developed and validated for quantification of steroidal glycosides and aglycone (solasonine, solamargine, and solasodine, respectively). The in vitro antioxidant potential, total phenolics, and flavonoid content were also determined in different fractions. The newly developed UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and HPTLC methods were linear (r2 ≥ 0.99), precise, accurate, and showing recovery more than 97%. The n-butanol enriched fraction of S. nigrum berries was found to be the most potent hepatoprotective fraction against all other fractions as it showed significantly (p < 0.01) better in vitro anti-oxidant potential than other fractions. Quantification by both methods revealed that, content of steroidal glycosides and aglycones are more than 20% in n-butanol fraction as compared to other fractions. The screened steroidal glycoside n-butanol enriched fraction underwent bioefficacy studies against D-galactosamine and H2O2 induced toxicity in HepG2 cell line showing significant (p < 0.05) liver protection. However, developed method can be used for the quality control analysis with respect to targeted metabolites and it can be explored for the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis in future.


[Splenic artery aneurysms].
Although the third most frequent aneurysm in the abdomen, after aneurysms of the aorta and iliac arteries, and most frequent aneurisms of visceral arteries, splenic artery aneurysms are rare, but not very rare. Thanks to the new imaging techniques, first of all ultrasonography, they have been discovered with increasing frequency. We present a series of 9 splenic artery aneurysms. Seven patients were female and two male of average age 49 years (ranging from 28 to 75 years). The majority of afected women were multiparae, with average 3 children (ranging from 1 to 6). One patient had a subacute rupture, and 2 had ruptures into the splenic vein causing portal hypertension. The spleen was enlarged in 7 out of 9 patients. The average size of aneurysms was 3,2 cm (ranging from 2 to 8 cm). The preoperative diagnosis of splenic artery aneurysm was established in 6 patients while in 3 patients aneurism was accidentally found during other operations, during splenectomy in 2, and during the excision of a retroperitoneal tumour in 1 patient. Aneurysmectomy was carried out in 7 patients, while a ligation of the incoming and outcoming wessels was performed in 2 patients with arteriovenous fistula. Splenectomy was performed in 6 patients, while pancreatic tail resection, cholecystectomy and excision of the retroperitoneal tumor were performed in 3 patients. Additional resection of the abdominal aortic aneurysm with reconstruction of aortoiliac segment was performed in 2 patients. There were no mortality and the postoperative recovery was uneventful in all patients.


The arginine decarboxylase gene ADC1, associated to the putrescine pathway, plays an important role in potato cold-acclimated freezing tolerance as revealed by transcriptome and metabolome analyses.
Low temperature severely influences potato production as the cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum) is frost sensitive, however the mechanism underlying the freezing tolerance of the potato is largely unknown. In the present research, we studied the transcriptome and metabolome of the freezing-tolerant wild species Solanum acaule (Aca) and freezing-sensitive cultivated S. tuberosum (Tub) to identify the main pathways and important factors related to freezing tolerance. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotation indicated that polyamine and amino acid metabolic pathways were specifically upregulated in Aca under cold treatment. The transcriptome changes detected in Aca were accompanied by the specific accumulation of putrescine, saccharides, amino acids and other metabolites. The combination of transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that putrescine exhibited an accumulative pattern in accordance with the expression of the arginine decarboxylase gene ADC1. The primary role of putrescine was further confirmed by analyzing all three polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) and the genes encoding the corresponding enzymes in two sets of potato genotypes with distinct freezing tolerance, implying that only putrescine and ADC1 were uniquely enhanced by cold in the freezing-tolerant genotypes. The function of putrescine was further analyzed by its exogenous application and the overexpression of SaADC1 in S. tuberosum cv. E3, indicating its important role(s) in cold-acclimated freezing tolerance, which was accompanied with the activation of C-repeat binding factor genes (CBFs). The present research has identified that the ADC1-associated putrescine pathway plays an important role in cold-acclimated freezing tolerance of potato, probably by enhancing the expression of CBF genes.


Vanadium stimulates pepper plant growth and flowering, increases concentrations of amino acids, sugars and chlorophylls, and modifies nutrient concentrations.
Vanadium (V) can be absorbed by plants and regulate their growth and development, although contrasting effects have been reported among species and handling conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the beneficial effect of V on pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.). The plants were grown in a hydroponic system with the application of four V concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15 μM NH₄VO₃). Four weeks after the beginning of the treatments, growth, flowering, biomass, chlorophyll concentration, total amino acids, total soluble sugars, and nutrients were determined in leaves, stems, and roots. The application of 5 μM V increased plant growth, induced floral bud development, and accelerated flowering. The chlorophyll concentration varied according to the type of plant part analyzed. The concentrations of amino acids and sugars in leaves and roots were higher with 5 μM. With 10 and 15 μM V, the plants were smaller and showed toxicity symptoms. The K concentration in leaves decreased as the V dose increased (0 to 15 μM). However, 5 μM V increased the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, and B, exclusively in stems. The application of 15 μM V decreased the concentrations of Mg and Mn in leaves, but increased those of P, Ca, Mg, Cu, and B in roots. We conclude that V has positive effects on pepper growth and development, as well as on the concentrations of amino acids and total sugars. V was antagonistic with K, Mg, and Mn in leaves, while in stems and roots, there was synergism with macro and micronutrients. Vanadium is a beneficial element with the potential to be used in biostimulation approaches of crops like pepper.


Redox compounds influence on the NAD(P)H:FMN-oxidoreductase-luciferase bioluminescent system.
A review of the mechanisms of the exogenous redox compounds influence on the bacterial coupled enzyme system: NAD(P)H:FMN-oxidoreductase-luciferase has been done. A series of quinones has been used as model organic oxidants. The three mechanisms of the quinones' effects on bioluminescence were suggested: (1) inhibition of the NADH-dependent redox reactions; (2) interactions between the compounds and the enzymes of the coupled enzyme system; and (3) intermolecular energy migration. The correlation between the kinetic parameters of bioluminescence and the standard redox potential of the quinones proved that the inhibition of redox reactions was the key mechanism by which the quinones decrease the light emission intensity. The changes in the fluorescence anisotropy decay of the endogenous flavin of the enzyme preparations showed the direct interaction between quinones and enzymes. It has been demonstrated that the intermolecular energy migration mechanism played a minor role in the effect of quinones on the bioluminescence. A comparative analysis of the effect of quinones, phenols and inorganic redox compounds on bioluminescent coupled enzyme systems has been carried out.


Effect of thaw rates on survival of buffalo spermatozoa frozen straws.
Eighteen ejaculates from three buffalo bulls of Nili-Ravi breed were tested in a 3 X 6 X 3 factorial experiment. Semen was extended in lactose-fructose-egg yolk-glycerol extender containing penicillin (1000 IU/ml) and streptomycin (1000 micrograms/ml). Semen was frozen in .5-ml polyvinyl chloride straws in liquid nitrogen vapor and stored in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. Straws were thawed at water bath temperatures of 0, 37, or 75 degrees C for 2 min, 15 s, and 9 s, respectively. At thawing bath temperature of 0, 37, or 75 degrees C, percentage of motile spermatozoa averaged 30, 40, and 50%. Differences were significant between thaw rates for initial postthaw motility, postthaw sperm survival at 37 degrees C, and absolute index of survival of spermatozoa. Bulls were also different for initial postthaw motility, postthaw sperm survival at 37 degrees C, and absolute index of survival of spermatozoa. Thaw rate of 75 degrees C for 9 s was superior to other rates.


[Genomic, proteomic and metabolomic predictors of atherosclerosis in obese patients. Part II].
Currently there is no extensive research of metabolic disorders in obese patients with atherosclerosis, including the study of genomic, biochemical, immune and other markers. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the genomic, proteomic and metabolic predictors of atherosclerosis in obese patients. We evaluated condition of the cardiovascular system of the 100 obese patients aged 18 to 66 years, which were divided in two groups of patients: Group 1 consisted of 50 obese patients without vascular pathology, 2nd group consisted of 50 patients with obesity, complicated by atherosclerosis. We carried out a study of the lipid metabolism and analysis of polymorphic alleles ε2, ε3, ε4 of the ApoE gene by PCR. Our data showed that clinically significant predictors of atherosclerosis in obese patients are homozygous genotypes ε2/ε2 of the ApoE gene, increased blood serum level of triglycerides, oxidated LDL, interleukin-6, adhesion molecules SICAM, L-FABP and adiponectin reduction.


Unusual Radiographic Presentation of Pneumocystis Pneumonia in a Patient with AIDS.
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) typically presents as an interstitial and alveolar process with ground glass opacities on chest computed tomography (CT). The absence of ground glass opacities on chest CT is thought to have a high negative predictive value for PCP in individuals with AIDS. Here, we report a case of PCP in a man with AIDS who presented to our hospital with subacute shortness of breath and a nonproductive cough. While his chest CT revealed diffuse nodular rather than ground glass opacities, bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of PCP and did not identify additional pathogens. PCP was not the expected diagnosis based on chest CT, but it otherwise fit well with the patient's clinical and laboratory presentation. In the era of combination antiretroviral therapy, routine prophylaxis for PCP, and increased use of computed tomography, it may be that PCP will increasingly present with nonclassical chest radiographic patterns. Clinicians should be aware of this presentation when selecting diagnostic and management strategies.


Relationship of cholecystokinin receptor binding to regulation of biological functions in pancreatic acini.
Cholecystokinin (CCK) was conjugated to 125I-Bolton-Hunter reagent (125I-BH-CCK), and the binding of this ligand to CCK receptors in isolated mouse pancreatic acini was correlated with the regulation by CCK of both amylase release and the transport of 2-deoxyglucose and alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. Stimulation of amylase release by CCK was biphasic. At low CCK concentrations (less than 200 pM), amylase release was progressively stimulated, whereas at higher CCK concentrations (greater than 200 pM), amylase release was progressively reduced. In contrast, stimulation of 2-[3H]deoxyglucose transport and inhibition of alpha-[3H]aminoisobutyric acid transport were monophasic, being one-half maximal at 0.85 and 0.44 nM, respectively. Under incubation conditions identical to those employed for measuring biological functions, the binding of 125I-BH-CCK to receptors in acini was rapid and reversible. Competition-inhibition curves and Scatchard plots of equilibrium binding were compatible with two orders of binding sites. Employing a computer program for analysis of multiple binding sites, a high-affinity, low-capacity binding component having a Kd of 26 pM and a lower-affinity, higher-capacity binding component having a component Kd of 2.2 nM were resolved. Regulation of 2-[3H]deoxyglucose and alpha-[3H]aminoisobutyric acid uptake appeared, therefore, to be the result of fractional occupancy of the lower-affinity CCK receptors. Regulation of amylase released was more complex and appeared to be due to the concomitant occupancy of both the high- and low-affinity CCK receptors.


Does Calypogeia azurea (Calypogeiaceae, Marchantiophyta) occur outside Europe? Molecular and morphological evidence.
Oil bodies are the unique feature of most liverworts. Their shape, color and distribution pattern in leaf and underleaf cells are important taxonomic features of the genus Calypogeia. Most species of the genus Calypogeia have pellucid and colorless oil bodies, whereas colored, including gray to pale brown, purple-brown or blue oil bodies, are rare. To date, C. azurea was the only species with blue oil bodies to have been considered as a species of the Holarctic range. This species has been noted in various parts of the northern hemisphere-from North America, through Europe to the Far East. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of C. azurea from different parts of its distribution range and to ascertain whether blue oil bodies appeared once or several times in the evolution of the genus Calypogeia. The phylogenetic analyses based on four plastid regions (rbcL, trnG, trnL, trnH-psbA) and one nuclear region (ITS2) revealed that C. azurea is presently a paraphyletic taxon, with other Calypogeia species nested among C. azurea accessions that were clustered into four different clades. Based on the level of genetic divergence (1.03-2.17%) and the observed morphological, ecological and geographical differences, the evaluated clades could be regarded as previously unrecognized species. Four species were identified: C. azurea Stotler & Crotz (a European species corresponding to the holotype), two new species from Pacific Asia-C. orientalis Buczkowska & Bakalin and C. sinensis Bakalin & Buczkowska, and a North American species which, due to the lack of identifiable morphological features, must be regarded as the cryptic species of C. azurea with a provisional name of C. azurea species NA.


An update on anesthetics and impact on the brain.
While anesthetics are indispensable clinical tools and generally considered safe and effective, a growing concern over the potential neurotoxicity of anesthesia or specific anesthetic agents has called into question the safety of general anesthetics, especially when administered at extremes of age. Areas covered: This article reviews and updates research findings on the safety of anesthesia and anesthetics in terms of long-term neurotoxicity, with particular focus on postoperative cognitive dysfunctions, Alzheimer's disease and dementias, developing brain, post-operative depression and autism spectrum disorder. Expert opinion: Exposure to general anesthetics is potentially harmful to the human brain, and the consequent long-term cognitive deficits should be classified as an iatrogenic pathology, and considered a public health problem. The fact that in laboratory and clinical research only certain anesthetic agents and techniques, but not others, appear to be involved, raises the problem on what is the safest and the least safe anesthetic to maximize anesthesia efficiency, avoid occurrence of adverse events, and ensure patient safety. New trends in research are moving toward the theory that neuroinflammation could be the hallmark of, or could have a pivotal role in, several neurological disorders.


Estimating the distribution of a novel clinical biomarker (FGF-23) in the US population using findings from a regional research registry.
Evidence of involvement of novel biomarkers in disease pathogenesis from research cohorts often precedes an understanding of their distributions in broader populations. This study aimed to estimate the distribution of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), an endocrine hormone that helps to regulate serum phosphate levels, in the overall US population and in important subgroups. We used a predictive model generated using data from the Framingham Health Study to estimate FGF-23 values for adults in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the size of patient subgroups with levels of FGF-23 above selected thresholds. To assess the face validity of our FGF-23 estimates, we examined the relationship between estimated FGF-23 and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality within NHANES using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional-hazards regression models and compared it to that observed in Framingham. Estimated FGF-23 values from NHANES were lower (median [interquartile range] 47.4 [35.8, 64.0] vs. 67.0 [54.0, 85.0] RU/mL) than the observed FGF-23 values from the Framingham cohort. Age- and sex-adjusted 10-year all-cause mortality was significantly higher (hazard ratio 2.43 [95% confidence interval: 1.42, 4.16]) for subjects with estimated FGF-23 levels in the highest versus lowest quartile. Estimating the distribution of biomarker values in the general population by applying predictive equations from smaller research cohorts is feasible and can inform drug research decision making.


Vasomotor menopausal symptoms and risk of cardiovascular disease: a pooled analysis of six prospective studies.
Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (ie, hot flashes and night sweats) have been associated with unfavorable risk factors and surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease, but their association with clinical cardiovascular disease events is unclear. To examine the associations between different components of vasomotor symptoms, timing of vasomotor symptoms, and risk of cardiovascular disease. We harmonized and pooled individual-level data from 23,365 women in 6 prospective studies that contributed to the International Collaboration for a Life Course Approach to Women's Reproductive Health and Chronic Disease Events consortium. Women who experienced cardiovascular disease events before baseline were excluded. The associations between frequency (never, rarely, sometimes, and often), severity (never, mild, moderate, and severe), and timing (before or after age of menopause; ie, early or late onset) of vasomotor symptoms and incident cardiovascular disease were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. In the adjusted model, no evidence of association was found between the frequency of hot flashes and incident cardiovascular disease, whereas women who reported night sweats "sometimes" (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.45) or "often" (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.58) had higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Increased severity of either hot flashes or night sweats was associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The hazards ratios of cardiovascular disease in women with severe hot flashes, night sweats, and any vasomotor symptoms were 1.83 (95% confidence interval, 1.22-2.73), 1.59 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.37), and 2.11 (95% confidence interval, 1.62-2.76), respectively. Women who reported severity of both hot flashes and night sweats had a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.94) than those with hot flashes alone (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.88) and night sweats alone (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-2.07). Women with either early-onset (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.75) or late-onset (hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-2.16) vasomotor symptoms had an increased risk for incident cardiovascular disease compared with women who did not experience vasomotor symptoms. Severity rather than frequency of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Vasomotor symptoms with onset before or after menopause were also associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.


Effect of social support on adolescents' perceptions of and engagement in physical activity.
Social support can influence physical activity among some individuals. This study examined the effect that social support has on adolescents' physical activity and their perceived barriers and benefits to exercising. A survey was completed by adolescents (N = 535) at 2 single-sex (1 male, 1 female) high schools in Ohio. Adolescents who received parental encouragement to exercise and who had an exercising friend engaged in significantly more days of physical activity in the past week than did their counterparts. Perceived benefits of physical activity differed significantly based on whether the respondent received parental encouragement and had a friend who exercised. Social support for physical activity significantly affected adolescents' perceptions of and engagement in physical activity. Parents should encourage their children to become physically active and partner with peers when exercising.


Expression of ASCORBATE PEROXIDASE 8 in roots of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings in response to NaCl.
Reactive oxygen species are thought to play an important role in NaCl stress. Therefore, the expression patterns of the gene family encoding the H(2)O(2)-scavenging enzyme ascorbate peroxidase (APx; EC18.104.22.168) were analysed in roots of etiolated rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings in response to NaCl stress. Applying semi-quantitative RT-PCR, the mRNA levels were quantified for two cytosolic (OsAPx1 and OsAPx2), two peroxisomal (OsAPx3 and OsAPx4), and four chloroplastic (OsAPx5, OsAPx6, OsAPx7, and OsAPx8) isoforms identified in the rice genome. NaCl at 150 mM and 200 mM increased the expression of OsAPx8 and the activities of APx, but had no effect on the expression of OsAPx1, OsAPx2, OsAPx3, OsAPx4, OsAPx5, OsAPx6, and OsAPx7 in rice roots. However, NaCl at 300 mM up-regulated OsAPx8 expression, increased APx activity, and down-regulated OsAPx7 expression, but had no effect on the expression of OsAPx1, OsAPx2, OsAPx3, OsAPx4, OsAPx5, and OsAPx6. The accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) in response to NaCl was observed in rice roots. Exogenously applied ABA also specifically enhanced the expression of OsAPx8 in rice roots. The accumulation of ABA in rice roots in response to NaCl was inhibited by fluridone (Flu), an inhibitor of carotenoid biosynthesis. Flu treatment also suppressed NaCl-enhanced OsAPx8 expression and APx activity. The effect of Flu on the expression of OsAPx8 and increase in APx activity was reversed by the application of ABA. It appears that NaCl-enhanced expression of OsAPx8 in rice roots is mediated through an accumulation of ABA. Evidence is provided to show that Na(+) but not Cl(-) is required for enhancing OsAPx8 expression, APx activity, and ABA accumulation in rice roots treated with NaCl. H(2)O(2) treatment resulted in an enhancement of OsAPx8 induction but no accumulation of ABA. Diphenylene iodonium treatment, which is known to inhibit NaCl-induced accumulation of H(2)O(2) in rice roots, did not suppress OsAPx8 induction and ABA accumulation by NaCl. It appears that H(2)O(2) is not involved in the regulation of NaCl-induced OsAPx8 expression in rice roots.


Construction of Bulky Ligand Libraries by Ru(II)-Catalyzed P(III)-Assisted ortho-C-H Secondary Alkylation.
Modification of commercially available biaryl monophosphine ligands via ruthenium(II)-catalyzed P(III)-directed-catalyzed ortho C-H secondary alkylation is described. The use of highly ring-strained norbornene as a secondary alkylating reagent is the key to this transformation. A series of highly bulky ligands with a norbornyl group were obtained in excellent yields. The modified ligands with secondary alkyl group outperformed common substituted phosphines in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction at a ppm mole level of Pd catalyst.


Seventy per cent hydrofluoric acid burns: delayed decontamination with hexafluorine® and treatment with calcium gluconate.
This is a case report of decontamination and treatment of a 70% hydrofluoric acid (HF) dermal splash injury. A worker was splashed with 70% HF, sustaining approximately 10% TBSA first- to third-degree chemical skin burns of the face, trunk, and left thigh and leg. Initial decontamination involved water rinsing, removal of contaminated clothing, more water rinsing, topical application of magnesium oxide, and administration of intravenous narcotics for management of severe pain. After a delay of approximately 3 hours, active skin washing with Hexafluorine®, 5 L, was performed, followed by intravenous, intradermal perilesional, and topical inunction administration of calcium gluconate. Pain relief and a cooling sensation were quite prompt after Hexafluorine® decontamination. Surgical debridement and skin grafting of the more severe burns were required. No significant systemic toxicity developed, although this has occurred in previously reported similar concentrated HF dermal splash exposure cases, some of which resulted in fatality. While burns did develop, the patient was released from the intensive care service after 2 days and, after skin grafting, had a good outcome at 90-day follow-up. Even after a long delay, decontamination with Hexafluorine® appeared to be beneficial in this case.


Recommendations on health promotion trends in inhabitants of rural areas on the basis of studies on traumatology.
It results from epidemiological studies that accidents and traumas are one of more important medical and social problems in our country. These issues are complex as they are related not only to the need of treatment, rehabilitation and social guarantees of the injured, but also with problems of health promotion and prophylactics. As the etiology of accidents and traumas is often complex, it is indispensable to establish cooperation of specialists of many scientific disciplines such as medicine, pedagogy, sociology and psychology, statistics, economy, and law. The subject of prevention of accidents and traumas among rural population is still rarely discussed in scientific studies as these issues are underestimated by some scientific bodies and state administrative units and due to paucity of financial means devoted to health promotion and prophylactics. On the basis of the own studies it can be concluded that knowledge of health promotion and prophylactics of trauma among the disabled persons inhabiting rural areas is insufficient and 87% of the disabled pointed out lack of information in this domain. The higher age group and the lower level of education, the lower knowledge of the subject. Scientific, educative and informative activity should be included in the programmes of health promotion and prophylactics.


Maintenance of Toscana virus in Phlebotomus perniciosus by vertical transmission.
Toscana virus was maintained in a laboratory colony of Phlebotomus perniciosus by vertical (transovarial) transmission for 13 consecutive generations over a 23-month period. No significant biological changes were noted in the virus after prolonged vertical passage in the sand flies, and transovarially infected females were able to transmit the agent by bite to susceptible animals. Chronic infection of Ph. perniciosus with Toscana virus had no apparent effect on the insects' rate of eclosion. In the absence of selection and with random matings, the virus infection rates in each subsequent generation of the colony decreased, suggesting that Toscana virus cannot be maintained in Ph. perniciosus by transovarial transmission alone. Alternative mechanisms for virus maintenance are discussed.


Effects of dietary vitamins supplementation level on the production performance and intestinal microbiota of aged laying hens.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of higher vitamins supplementation level on the performance, immunity, and intestinal microbiota of old laying hens. Twelve birds were randomly chosen from 312 healthy, 65-wk-old Hy-Line Brown layers for sampling after a 7-wk acclimation period. The remaining 300 hens were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments for a 13-wk feeding trial: basal diet (CON), basal diet with 2-fold supplementation level of lipid-soluble vitamins (LV), 2-fold supplementation level of water-soluble vitamins (WV), or 2-fold supplementation level of both lipid-soluble and water-soluble vitamins (BV), respectively. Compared with 72-wk-old laying hens, the 85-wk-old laying hens showed declined egg quality, which implied by inferior eggshell strength and yolk color (P < 0.05). However, after 13 wks feeding trial, the birds in WV group had higher yellowness of yolk color, and LV group had increased laying rate (P < 0.05) compared with CON. Meanwhile, WV and/or BV groups showed improved GSH/GSSG levels in liver and increased secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations in jejunum compared with CON (P < 0.05). In addition, higher dietary vitamin supplementation levels significantly altered the composition of intestinal microbiota, as evidenced by increased abundance of ileal Lactobacillus, whereas reduced richness of ileal Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and cecal Faecalibacterium (P < 0.05) in WV group and increased cecal Megasphaera and Phascolarctobacterium (P < 0.05) in LV group compared with CON group. In conclusion, higher vitamin supplementation levels in the diet could improve laying performance and egg quality of aged hens, which was closely correlated with the increased abundance of beneficial microbiota in the intestine.


Kendall's tau with a blocking variable.
Kendall's rank correlation tau between two variables, in the presence of a third blocking variable, is defined. An estimator of the common tau within the blocks is used to test conditional independence of the two variables, given the blocking variable. An application is presented.


Experience with Traumatic Brain Injury: Is Early Tracheostomy Associated with Better Prognosis?
In this study we compared the effects of early tracheostomy (ET) versus late tracheostomy on traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related outcomes and prognosis. Data on 152 TBI patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≤8, admitted to Rajaee Hospital between March 1, 2014 and August 23, 2015, were collected. Rajaee Hospital is the main referral trauma center in southern Iran and is affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Patients who had tracheostomy before or at the sixth day of their admission were considered as ET, and those who had tracheostomy after the sixth day of admission were considered as late tracheostomy. Patients with ET had a significantly lower hospital stay (46.4 vs. 38.6 days; P = 0.048) and intensive care unit stay (34.9 vs. 26.7 days; P = 0.003). Mortality rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P > 0.99). Although not statistically significant, favorable outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale >4) were higher and ventilator-associated pneumonia rates were lower among the ET group (P = 0.346 and P = 492, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that ET significantly improves 6-month prognosis (Glasgow Outcome Scale >4) (odds ratio = 2.535; 95% confidence interval: 1.030-6.237). Higher age was inversely associated with favorable prognosis (odds ratio = -0.958; confidence interval: 0.936-0.981). Glasgow Coma Scale and Rotterdam score did not show any effect on 6-month prognosis. Despite previous concern regarding increased mortality rates among patients who undergo ET, performing a tracheostomy for patients with severe TBI <6 days after their hospital admission, in addition to decreasing hospital and intensive care unit stays, will improve patient prognosis.


Active joint mechanism driven by multiple actuators made of flexible bags: a proposal of dual structural actuator.
An actuator is required to change its speed and force depending on the situation. Using multiple actuators for one driving axis is one of the possible solutions; however, there is an associated problem of output power matching. This study proposes a new active joint mechanism using multiple actuators. Because the actuator is made of a flexible bag, it does not interfere with other actuators when it is depressurized. The proposed joint achieved coordinated motion of multiple actuators. This report also discusses a new actuator which has dual cylindrical structure. The cylinders are composed of flexible bags with different diameters. The joint torque is estimated based on the following factors: empirical formula for the flexible actuator torque, geometric relationship between the joint and the actuator, and the principle of virtual work. The prototype joint mechanism achieves coordinated motion of multiple actuators for one axis. With this motion, small inner actuator contributes high speed motion, whereas large outer actuator generates high torque. The performance of the prototype joint is examined by speed and torque measurements. The joint showed about 30% efficiency at 2.0 Nm load torque under 0.15 MPa air input.


Proton MR spectroscopic imaging of human glioblastomas at 1.5 Tesla.
In this study we evaluated clinical feasibility of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolite mapping (1H MRSI) by using 1.5 Tesla MR-scanner in 10 patients with high-grade glioblastoma. In vivo 1H MRSI performed with a relatively short scan time of 20 minutes enabled to obtain comprehensive information about metabolic changes in glioblastoma and adjacent tissues namely in the peritumoral edema, in the middle and solid part of the tumor, and in the normal-appearing brain tissue. Spectroscopically it was possible to identify initiation of neuronal cell death in the solid tumorous tissue via decreased N-acetyl-aspartate to creatine ratio (↓ tNAA/tCr) and expanding carcinogenesis reflected in elevated choline ratios (↑ tCho/tCr and tCho/tNAA). We showed also the central necrosis of glioblastoma accompanied by the tissue hypoxia, which were apparent as increased lactate and lipids ratios (↑ Lac/tCr and lip/Lac). Metabolic changes were noticeable also in the peritumoral area, showing the glioblastoma infiltration into the surrounding tissues. In intracranial tumors, 1H MRSI performed on 1.5 Tesla field strength was sufficient to provide information about the stage of carcinogenesis, tumor expansion or necrotization and thus it could be considered as a useful diagnostic tool in oncology.


Supramolecular polymeric vesicles formed by p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and chitosan with multistimuli responses.
Supramolecular polymeric vesicles are constructed by the complexation of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and chitosan, where the multivalent electrostatic interactions between the anionic sulfonate tetramer and cationic polyammoniums served as the dominant driving force. The supra-amphiphilic assemblies are disassembled upon exposure to a pH stimulus since the partial deprotonation of chitosan accompanied by a pH increase. Adding a competitive guest can also disrupt the assembly, representing the host-guest inclusion response. Interestingly, an abnormal temperature-response is observed, possibly as a result of the temperature-directed fusion process.