Biomimetic Model of Tumor Microenvironment on Microfluidic Platform.
The "Tumor microenvironment" (TME) is a complex, interacting system of the tumor and its surrounding environment. The TME has drawn more attention recently in attempts to overcome current drug resistance and the recurrence of cancer by understanding the cancer and its microenvironment systematically, beyond past reductionist approaches. However, a lack of experimental tools to dissect the intricate interactions has hampered in-depth research into the TME. Here, a biomimetic TME model using a microfluidic platform is presented, which enables the interaction between TME constituents to be studied in a comprehensive manner. Paracrine interactions of cocultured tumor cell lines (SK-OV-3, MKN-74, and SW620) with primary fibroblasts show marked morphological changes in the tumor cells, depending on the type of tumor cells, and, importantly, the composition of the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, this model allows direct observation of angiogenesis induced by the tumor-stroma interaction. Finally, reconstituting simultaneous angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis induced by the tumor-stromal interaction with TME mimicking extrinsic factors is enabled. It is believed that the in vitro biomimetic model and the experimental concepts described will help to shed light on the complex biology of the TME.


What are the digestion and absorption models used to reproduce gastrointestinal protein processes?: A protocol for systematic review.
Animal, cell, and in vitro studies have been applied to simulate the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and evaluate the behavior of biomolecules. Understanding the peptides and/or proteins stability when exposed to these physiological conditions of the GIT can assist in the application of these molecules in the treatment of diseases such as obesity. This study describes a protocol of systematic reviews to analyze the methodologies that mimic the digestive and absorptive processes of peptides and/or proteins. The protocol follows the guidelines described by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes Protocols (PRISMA-P). The search strategies will be applied in the electronic databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Evidence portal, Virtual Health Library, and EMBASE. The intervention group will be formed by in vivo, in cells, and in vitro (gastrointestinal simulating fluids) studies of digestion and absorption of peptides and/or proteins presenting a schedule, duration, frequency, dosages administered, concentration, and temperature, and the control group consisting in studies without peptides and/or proteins. The selection of studies, data extraction, and assessment of the risk of bias will be carried out independently by 2 reviewers. For animal studies, the risk of bias will be assessed by the instrument of the Systematic Review Center for Experimentation with Laboratory Animals (SYRCLE) and the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool will be used to assess the risk of bias in cell studies. This protocol contemplates the development of 2 systematic reviews and will assist the scientific community in identifying methods related to the digestive and absorptive processes of peptides and/or proteins. Both systematic reviews resulting from this protocol will provide subsidies for the construction of research related to the clinical application of bioactive peptides and/or proteins. In this context, they will make it possible to understand the gastrointestinal processes during administering these molecules, as the gastrointestinal environment can affect its functionality. Therefore, validating the effectiveness of these protocols is important, as it mimics in vitro biological conditions, reducing the use of animals, being consistent with the reduction, refine and replace program.


Fibronectin as a marker for the glomerular mesangium in immunohistology of kidney biopsies.
Antibodies against fibronectin have been used as a marker for the glomerular mesangium in routine immunofluorescence microscopy of renal biopsies. Rhodamine-conjugated antibodies against fibronectin were used in this study of 22 human kidney biopsies and four histologically normal kidneys in combination with routinely employed fluorescein-conjugated antibodies against immunoglobulins, complement components, and fibrin. The distribution of fibronectin was similar to mesangial material demonstrable by silver impregnation. By the double staining procedure localization of deposits in relation to the mesangium was considerably facilitated. Variations in the mesangial fibronectin were observed; staining was increased in seven of 11 cases of mesangial glomerulonephritis, and decreased or absent in four of four cases of membranous glomerulonephritis and three of three cases of amyloidosis. Abnormal localization of fibronectin was observed in glomerular crescents and in the intertubular area together with fibrin in kidney transplants. The results suggest that antibodies against fibronectin are useful markers for the glomerular mesangium and that alterations in mesangial fibronectin may reflect the functi-nal state of the glomerulus. Abnormal localization in extramesangial areas may result from local synthesis or increased adsorption of circulating fibronectin to fibrin or collagen.


Intracellular ATP activates inwardly rectifying K+ channels in human and monkey retinal Müller (glial) cells.
1. In the vertebrate retina, the inwardly rectifying K+ (KIR) channels of the Müller (glial) cells are pathways for the redistribution of excess extracellular K+. Due to this role in K+ homeostasis, the activity of Müller cell KIR channels is likely to have significant functional consequences for the retina. In this study we asked whether intracellular ATP regulates the function of KIR channels expressed by Müller cells, the principal glia of the retina. 2. Freshly dissociated Müller cells from the human and monkey (Macaca fascicularis) retina were studied with various configurations of the patch-clamp technique. 3. Whole-cell recordings from Müller cells revealed that a run-down of the inwardly rectifying K+ current (IK(IR)) was prevented if the pipette solution contained Mg-ATP. Chemical ischaemia induced by inhibitors of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation caused a nearly 10-fold reduction in the IK(IR)) that was fully restored when metabolically inhibited Müller cells were internally perfused with ATP. 4. In recordings from membrane patches of fresh primate Müller cells, we found that inward-rectifying channels with a conductance of 20 pS in 100 mM Ko+ were the predominant type of KIR channel. In excised patches these 20 pS KIR channels were activated when Mg-ATP was at the cytoplasmic surface. Experiments with inside-out patches indicated that the activity of the 20 pS KIR channels can be maintained by ATP synthesized at sites located close to the channel. 5. The inability of the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) to prevent the run-down of IK(IR))and the Mg2+ dependence of the ATP effect on KIR channels are consistent with a mechanism of activation requiring the hydrolysis of ATP. 6. These observations suggest that the metabolic state of a Müller cell regulates the activity of its 20 pS KIR channels and thus influences the function of the glial cell in maintaining K+ homeostasis in the retina.


Treatment of putative non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis with alpha interferon: a preliminary trial.
Chronic hepatitis due to putative non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis occurring in an individual who is negative for HBV and HCV markers has been identifiable only recently. Little or nothing is known about its natural history or response to interferon therapy. In the present study, 13 subjects with chronic non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis were treated with interferon for 6 months (5 million units, three times per week). Prior to and after 6 months of therapy and again 6 weeks after discontinuing interferon therapy, each subject underwent a liver biopsy. These tissues were used to define the histopathology, the character of the cellular infiltrate within the liver, and the changes in histopathology and inflammatory infiltrate achieved in response to interferon therapy and withdrawal. No differences for age, gender, initial AST, bilirubin, histopathology, or Knodell score were evident between responders (n = 7) and non-responders (n = 6). Only the number of NK cells was altered significantly as a result of IFN treatment and distinguished responders from non-responders. These data demonstrate that: (1) chronic non-A, non-B, non-hepatitis can be treated with interferon; (2) interferon activates NK cells and enhances hepatocyte expression of Class II MHC antigens; and (3) interferon also increases the number of CD3, CD4, and CD8 cells found within the liver but these changes do not distinguish between responders and non-responders.


Intrinsic and required dynamics of a simple bat-ball skill.
Three experiments investigated the coordination dynamics of a simple bat-and-ball skill: cyclically striking a ball suspended by a string with a pendular bat. The relative phase phi between the bat and ball is dictated by the potential function V(phi) = k sin phi and the difference delta omega in their uncoupled frequencies. For various delta omega, phi and its standard deviation were measured in the absence of any environmental restraints (intrinsic dynamics) and when the ball had to reach resistive or nonresistive targets at set distances (required dynamics). Results support the dynamical theory of coordination patterns (G. Schöner & J.A.S. Kelso, 1988a, 1988c), particularly the hypothesis that required dynamics are understandable as the addition of terms to the potential governing the intrinsic dynamics.


[Functional genomics studies of Salvia miltiorrhiza II--gene expression profiling of different stage of hairy root].
Studying the gene expression profiling of different stage hairy root of Salvia miltiorrhiza, in order to find functional genes. The contents of second metabolites were determined by HPLC and gene expression profiling was detected by cDNA microarray. cDNA labeled with a fluorescent dye (Cy5 and Cy3-dCTP) was produced by Eberwine's linear RNA amplification method and subsequent enzymatic reaction. The microarrays were scanned with a ScanArray Express scanner using ScanArray 2.0 software and quantified by signal intensities of individual spots from the 16-bit TIFF images using GenePix Pro 4.0. The linear normalization method was used for data analyze. Northern blot was used to test the gene expression results obtained by microarray. Different expressed genes were sequenced and analyzed by gap4 software, and then they were analyzed with BLASTX, BLASTN, GO and KEGG. Growth rate and second metabolites analysis indicated that the stage from 30 d to 45 d was the growth stage, while the stage from 45 d to 60 d was the second metabolites accumulation stage. Accordingly 30 d hairy root was chosen as a reference, which was hybridized with 45 d and 60 d hairy root separately. Total 203 different expressed genes were obtained. Northern blot showed that the result was identical with the microarray result. After sequenced, there were 172 genes clustered into 114 clusters (Unigenes). Among them, 62 unigenes had known functions, 34 unigenes were hypothetical protein, 9 unigenes were homologues with no similarity and 9 unigenes were unidentified protein with low similarity. Total 67 genes were classified into cellular component ontology, molecular function ontology and biological process ontology based on GO analysis. Total 26 genes, which represented 29 metabolic-related enzymes, were located in metabolic maps based on KEGG pathway classification. Several important functional genes related to second metabolite synthesis were cloned such as P450 and copalyl diphosphate synthase genes. cDNA microarray was a useful tool for functional genomics of traditional Chinese medicine.


Multivariate acoustic detection of small explosions using Fisher's combined probability test.
A methodology for the combined acoustic detection and discrimination of explosions, which uses three discriminants, is developed for the purpose of identifying weak explosion signals embedded in complex background noise. By utilizing physical models for simple explosions that are formulated as statistical hypothesis tests, the detection/discrimination approach does not require a model for the background noise, which can be highly complex and variable in practice. Fisher's Combined Probability Test is used to combine the p-values from all multivariate discriminants. This framework is applied to acoustic data from a 400 g explosion conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory.


[Repetition of blood testing : which risks for the patient?]
Numerous tests are performed in the hospital, often on a daily basis. These tests should answer a specific scientific question and be performed only if their results can have an impact on patient care. In addition to causing anemia, overutilization of tests, such as useless blood testing, can have a deleterious impact on the patients because they carry the risk of false positive results, which can trigger downstream unnecessary investigations and costs.


A case report of a renal diffuse B-cell lymphoma.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) are the most common lymphomas worldwide. They also appear to be the most common primary retroperitoneal lymphomas, but this presentation is relatively uncommon in the literature. Retroperitoneal masses, including lymphomas, often present with nonspecific symptoms and laboratory values, necessitating radiographic assessment and consideration of mass biopsy prior to the initiation of treatment. Here we present a case of a primary retroperitoneal DLBCL as well as a review of the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and differential diagnosis of such tumors.


Urolithin A Protects Neuronal Cells against Stress Damage and Apoptosis by Atp2a3 Inhibition.
This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of Urolithin A (UA) on neuronal stress damage on cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mouse model induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). T2DM mice fed with UA display an attenuated cognitive impairment along with suppressed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and Tau hyperphosphorylation in brain. Similar restraint effect of UA on Tau hyperphosphorylation and ER stress is also observed in high glucose-treated primary hippocampal neurons. Moreover, UA ameliorates oxidative stress, ER stress, aberrant energy metabolism, and apoptosis in 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ) induced HT22 cells. Atp2a3 is identified as a potential target gene of UA which is closely related to intracellular calcium homeostasis, ER stress, and apoptosis, so that UA significantly down-regulated Atp2a3 expression in DMNQ-induced cells. Furthermore, the protection effect of UA against ER stress and apoptosis is abolished by Atp2a3 over-expression in HT22 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that UA performs anti-stress effect by suppressing the expression of Atp2a3 in damaged neuronal cells and thus attenuates diabetes-associated cognitive impairment in T2DM mice. The study implies UA as a potential novel pharmaceutic target for neurodegeneration and stress damage through regulating the expression of Atp2a3.


ICAM-1 Binding Rhinoviruses Enter HeLa Cells via Multiple Pathways and Travel to Distinct Intracellular Compartments for Uncoating.
Of the more than 150 human rhinovirus (RV) serotypes, 89 utilize intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) for cell entry. These belong either to species A or B. We recently demonstrated that RV-B14 and RV-A89, despite binding this same receptor, are routed into distinct endosomal compartments for release of their RNA into the cytosol. To gain insight into the underlying mechanism we now comparatively investigate the port of entry, temperature-dependence of uncoating, and intracellular routing of RV-B3, RV-B14, RV-A16, and RV-A89 in HeLa cells. The effect of various drugs blocking distinct stages on the individual pathways was determined via comparing the number of infected cells in a TissueFaxs instrument. We found that RV-B14 and RV-A89 enter via clathrin-, dynamin-, and cholesterol-dependent pathways, as well as by macropinocytosis. Drugs interfering with actin function similarly blocked entry of all four viruses, indicating their dependence on a dynamic actin network. However, uniquely, RV-A89 was able to produce progeny when internalized at 20 °C followed by neutralizing the endosomal pH and further incubation at 37 °C. Blocking dynein-dependent endosomal transport prevented uncoating of RV-A16 and RV-A89, but not of RV-B3 and RV-B14, indicative for routing of RV-A16 and RV-A89 into the endocytic recycling compartment for uncoating. Our results call for caution when developing drugs aimed at targeting entry or intracellular trafficking of all rhinovirus serotypes.


Effects of nicotine-specific antibodies, Nic311 and Nic-IgG, on the transfer of nicotine across the human placenta.
The adverse effects of smoking during pregnancy on fetal development are, in part, due to nicotine. These effects may be due to the actions of nicotine in fetal circulation or on placental functions. In pregnant rats, vaccination with a nicotine immunogen reduces the transfer of nicotine from the maternal to fetal circulation. However, extrapolation of these results to pregnant women might not be valid due to the well-recognized differences between human and rat placentas. In the current investigation, the effects of nicotine-specific antibodies on the transfer of nicotine from the maternal to fetal circuit of the dually perfused human placental lobule were determined. Two types of nicotine-specific antibodies were investigated; nicotine-specific mouse monoclonal antibody (Nic311, K(d) for nicotine 60nM) and IgG from rabbits vaccinated with a nicotine immunogen (Nic-IgG, K(d) 1.6nM). Transfer of the antibodies from maternal to fetal circuits was negligible. Both rabbit Nic-IgG and, to a lesser extent, mouse monoclonal Nic311 significantly reduced nicotine transfer from the maternal to fetal circuit as well as the retention of the drug by placental tissue. These effects were mediated by a substantial increase in the protein binding of nicotine and a reduction in the unbound nicotine concentration. Therefore, the data cited in this report suggest that the use of nicotine-specific antibodies might reduce fetal exposure to the drug, and that antibody affinity for nicotine is a key determinant of the extent of nicotine transfer.


Investigating SARS-CoV-2 infection and the health and psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Canadian CHILD Cohort.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all Canadian families, with some impacted differently than others. Our study aims to: (1) determine the prevalence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection among Canadian families, (2) identify predictors of infection susceptibility and (3) identify health and psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study builds upon the CHILD Cohort Study, an ongoing multi-ethnic general population prospective cohort consisting of 3454 Canadian families with children born in Vancouver, Edmonton, Manitoba, and Toronto between 2009-12. During the pandemic, CHILD households were invited to participate in the CHILD COVID-19 Add-on Study involving: (1) brief biweekly surveys about COVID-19 symptoms and testing; (2) quarterly questionnaires assessing COVID-19 exposure and testing, vaccination status, physical and mental health, and pandemic-driven life changes; (3) in-home biological sampling kits to collect blood and stool. 1462 households (5378 participants) consented to the CHILD COVID-19 Add on study: 2803 children (mean age 9years; SD 2.7, range 0-17) and 2576 adults (mean age 43years; SD 6.5, range 18-85). We will leverage pre-pandemic CHILD data to identify risk and resilience factors for susceptibility and severity to the direct and indirect pandemic effects. Our short-term findings will inform key stakeholders and knowledge users to shape current and future pandemic responses.


Nictaba Homologs from Arabidopsis thaliana Are Involved in Plant Stress Responses.
Plants are constantly exposed to a wide range of environmental stresses, but evolved complicated adaptive and defense mechanisms which allow them to survive in unfavorable conditions. These mechanisms protect and defend plants by using different immune receptors located either at the cell surface or in the cytoplasmic compartment. Lectins or carbohydrate-binding proteins are widespread in the plant kingdom and constitute an important part of these immune receptors. In the past years, lectin research has focused on the stress-inducible lectins. The Nicotiana tabacum agglutinin, abbreviated as Nictaba, served as a model for one family of stress-related lectins. Here we focus on three non-chimeric Nictaba homologs from Arabidopsis thaliana, referred to as AN3, AN4, and AN5. Confocal microscopy of ArathNictaba enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion constructs transiently expressed in N. benthamiana or stably expressed in A. thaliana yielded fluorescence for AN4 and AN5 in the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the plant cell, while fluorescence for AN3 was only detected in the cytoplasm. RT-qPCR analysis revealed low expression for all three ArathNictabas in different tissues throughout plant development. Stress application altered the expression levels, but all three ArathNictabas showed a different expression pattern. Pseudomonas syringae infection experiments with AN4 and AN5 overexpression lines demonstrated a significantly higher tolerance of several transgenic lines to P. syringae compared to wild type plants. Finally, AN4 was shown to interact with two enzymes involved in plant defense, namely TGG1 and BGLU23. Taken together, our data suggest that the ArathNictabas represent stress-regulated proteins with a possible role in plant stress responses. On the long term this research can contribute to the development of more stress-resistant plants.


[Specific antagonism between angiotensin II and several of its analogs].
The authors studied comparatively the properties of two angiotensin II analogues, a new compound (1-hydantoin acid, 5-valine, 8-alanine)-angiotensin II (compound III) and (1-asparagine, 5-valine, 8-alanine)-angiotensin II (compound II), as of the myotropic action of angiotensinamide (these experiments were conducted on the rat isolated ascending colon); pressor action of the hormone was investigated in experiments on anesthetized rats. A competitive character of the antagonism--within the range of low concentrations of the analogues--10(-10)--10(-9) M/l--was revealed in vitro. No antagonism was expressed against the nonspecific myotropic agents--acetylcholine and bradykinin. In vivo compounds II and II manifested the antagonistic action against angiotensinamide beginning from the doses of 100 and 50 gamma/kg, respectively.


Using a Non-Wearable Actigraphy in Nursing Care for Dementia With Lewy Bodies.
People who have dementia with Lewy bodies often have sleep disorders. We used non-wearable devices to record and categorize the sleep patterns of patients with Lewy body dementia. Individual sleep data at a dementia-care unit in Japan were recorded using non-wearables. One week's worth of data from 18 patients was analyzed. Median metrics for all participants were the following: sleep efficiency, 68% (23-89); sleep duration at night, 6.8 hours (1.6-11.1); times getting out of bed at night, 3.5 (0-13). We identified three types of abnormal sleep: extremely short sleep duration, excessive sleep duration at night, and excessive number of times getting out of bed at night. Sleep disturbances in Lewy body dementia patients are treated using various practices; staff must choose the most effective plan for each patient's situation. Monitoring patient sleep using non-wearable provides more objective data that can help staff better personalize nursing care.


Diurnal variation of the potassium layer in the upper atmosphere.
Measurements of the diurnal cycle of potassium (K) atoms between 80 and 110 km have been made during October (for the years 2004-2011) using a Doppler lidar at Kühlungsborn, Germany (54.1°N, 11.7°E). A pronounced diurnal variation is observed in the K number density, which is explored by using a detailed description of the neutral and ionized chemistry of K in a three-dimensional chemistry climate model. The model captures both the amplitude and phase of the diurnal and semidiurnal variability of the layer, although the peak diurnal amplitude around 90 km is overestimated. The model shows that the total potassium density (≈ K + K+ + KHCO3) exhibits little diurnal variation at each altitude, and the diurnal variations are largely driven by photochemical conversion between these reservoir species. In contrast, tidally driven vertical transport has a small effect at this midlatitude location, and diurnal fluctuations in temperature are of little significance because they are small and the chemistry of K is relatively temperature independent.


[The adjuvant killing effect of modulated electro-hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy on B16F10 melanoma cells].
Our aim was to detect the effect of modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) on cell viability and to examine if hyperthermia can augment the cell killing effect of various chemotherapeutic agents. B16F10 melanoma cells were treated for 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes with mEHT using LabEHY100 (OncothermTM). Cell viability was measured using MTT assay and apoptosis by annexin V/7-AAD staining using flow cytometry 24 hours post-treatment. For analyzing gene expression with qPCR cells were harvested after 60 minutes treatment. In combined protocols, cells were treated with paclitaxel (40 nM), dacarbazine (40 μM) or nutlin-3a (10 μM) after mEHT. mEHT induced nuclear translocation of p53 which in turn regulates pro- and anti-apoptotic gene expression accounting for decreased cell viability. In combination with chemotherapy, mEHT augmented the cell killing effect of dacarbazine or nutlin-3a but not that of paclitaxel determined 48 hours post-treatment. The sensitizing effect on chemotherapeutics demonstrate the efficiency of mEHT as an adjuvant modality in cancer treatment.


[Admission to intensive care of very old patients].
THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM: Because of the costs of intensive care, there is a possibility that access to this sector may be limited for those above a certain age. It would therefore appear necessary to develop an ethical clinical strategy in order to assess as precisely as possible and on individual level, the benefits and risks of these techniques, since age itself is simply a criterion among so many others. Among the elements that are important for the decision is the respect of the patient's wish, when it can be obtained since this is a fundamental point. In studies conducted in the United States, 50 to 90% of the elderly persons interviewed did not wish to be resuscitated in the case of cardiac arrest. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION: The decision to admit an elderly patient in an intensive care unit must take into account the functional state of the patient, appreciated on daily activity and mobility scores and the neuro-psychological assessment, before hospitalization. In parallel, the severity of the underlying disease and the impact on visceral failures, assessed by the severity scores on admission appear to be more reliable prognostic elements than the patients' age itself. FOLLOWING RESUSCITATION: The quality of life of elderly patients within the months following resuscitation is difficult to assess, but is considered as acceptable in the majority of surviving patients. The choice of admission in intensive care of an elderly patient requires a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account the patient's and/or family's wishes, the benefit/risk ratio of the technical act but which also, in certain cases, bears in mind the principle of end of life and the patient's dignity.


Simultaneous determination of creatine, uric acid, creatinine and hippuric acid in urine by high performance liquid chromatography.
A simple method for the simultaneous determination of creatine, uric acid, creatinine and hippuric acid in urine using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography was described. Chromatography was performed on a Nova-Pak C18 (3.9 x 150 mm) column with a mobile phase of 0.02 mol/L KH2PO4, and UV detection at 220 nm. The recoveries of creatine, uric acid, creatinine and hippuric acid were 103.13, 99.86, 98.26 and 98.24%, respectively. The calibration curves were linear within the concentration range of 2-200 micrograms/mL for creatine, uric acid and hippuric acid, and 2-400 micrograms/mL for creatinine. The detection limits of the method were 0.69, 0.21, 0.10 and 0.095 microgram/mL for creatine, uric acid, creatinine and hippuric acid, respectively. This method has been applied to the analysis of urine samples from normal subjects and some patients.


Pertussis Outbreak Among Soldiers During Basic Training: The Need for Updated Protocols.
Pertussis is a highly contagious, vaccine preventable upper respiratory disease. The incidence of the disease has been rising in the past few decades. During the winter of 2015, an upper respiratory outbreak occurred in one of Israel Defense Forces basic training bases in northern Israel. Following the detection of the first primary cases, a suspected outbreak investigation was initiated in conjunction with more rigorous clinical and laboratory testing efforts to include specific antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assays and polymerase chain reaction to diagnose pertussis. Initially, 1,596 soldiers were surveyed clinically using a questionnaire and physicians' interviews for upper respiratory disease symptoms. A total of 158 soldiers were further evaluated and 38.6% (61) of those were diagnosed as having pertussis (with laboratory evidence). Based on the protocol that we developed during the course of this outbreak, a postexposure prophylaxis was given to every soldier for whom there was a high level of suspicion for infection and met the inclusion criteria for the postexposure prophylaxis protocol. The effects of the postvaccination waning immunity among a vaccinated population were demonstrated, thus the need of maintaining a high index of suspicion of Brodetella pertussis as a causative agent during respiratory diseases outbreaks in young soldiers.


Cholinergic mechanism of sodium nicotinate-induced contractions in rat and guinea-pig descending colon.
In segments of rat descending colon 34.5 microM Na-nicotinate-induced rhythmic contractions that were late in onset, long lasting and reversible. The Na-nicotinate contractile effect was unaffected by 100 microM hexamethonium, whereas it was rapidly blocked by 30 nM scopolamine and inhibited by treating the samples with 20 microM hemicholinium-3, or 40 microM tetrodotoxin or 60 microM procaine, by incubation at 20 degrees C for 60 min or by removing CaCl2 from the incubation medium. In segments of rat descending colon exogenous acetylcholine induced an initial peak in developed tension followed by long lasting rhythmic contractions. Low indomethacin concentrations (from 3 to 60 microM) suppressed both Na-nicotinate and acetylcholine-initiated rhythmic contractile activity while a higher indomethacin concentration (0.6 mM) was required to abolish the acetylcholine-evoked first major contraction. Also in segments of guinea-pig descending colon 34.5 microM Na-nicotinate induced a contractile effect that was abolished by 30 nM scopolamine and almost completely absent in tissue samples treated with 20 microM hemicholinium-3 or exposed to low temperature. The data presented indicate that in segments of rat descending colon Na-nicotinate contractile activity is triggered by acetylcholine release from postganglionic nerve endings and that this cholinergic, calcium-dependent action appears to be modulated by a contemporary release of prostaglandin-like material. In addition, indication is given that this indirect mechanism can be responsible of the Na-nicotinate contractile action at the intestinal level in different animal species.


[A case of CABG in a patient with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura].
This is a report of the management of a patient with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and ischemic heart disease. High-dose transvenous gamma-globulin therapy (400 mg/kg/day for five days) was started five days prior to operation, yielding an increase in platelet count from 5.8 X 10(4)/mm3 to 12.8 X 10(4)/mm3. Platelet transfusion was used at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass and on the first postoperative day. There were no problems with hemostasis during the operative procedure and the postoperative course was uneventful. We prefer high-dose transvenous gamma-globulin therapy for ITP prior to open heart surgery as a treatment of choice.


[Evolutive characteristics of the scientific articles published in the "Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia" between 1986 and the year 2000].
1) To verify the average number of the authors per article and its geographic origin; 2) To evaluate the language of publications; 3) To evaluate the bibliographical references with their number per article, type and most cited periodicals, besides the behavior of the growth of the references along the years. Systematic revision was done of 876 publications of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia (ABO) in the period of January of 1986 to December of the year 2000. These scientific publications were separated in to three quinquennial groups. The average number of authors per article was 3.73 +/- 1.7. According to the geographic origin, 83.6% of the publications came from the Southeastern region. Portuguese was the language of the majority of articles (94.7%). The number of references per article was 12.7 +/- 7.5, and a scientific periodical (81.8%) was the most reported document. American Journal of Ophthalmology, Archives of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology were the most cited periodicals and their growth (R(2)=0.6075), as well as of the national ones (R(2)=0.7861) was increasing. The average number of authors per article did not present significant variation and the geographical origin was mostly the Southeastern region. The Portuguese language was the most frequent. The mostly quoted document was the scientific periodical. The quotations of international publications as well as national presented a significant increase.


Ascorbic acid feeding of rats reduces copper absorption, causing impaired copper status and depressed biliary copper excretion.
The feeding of diets enriched with ascorbic acid (10 g/kg) to rats has previously been shown to lower plasma and liver copper concentrations. The present studies corroborate this. We hypothesized that ascorbic acid initially reduces copper absorption, this effect being masked later by the stimulatory effect on copper absorption of the impaired copper status. We also hypothesized that the impaired copper status as induced by ascorbic acid feeding is followed by a diminished biliary excretion of copper in an attempt to preserve copper homeostasis. Our hypotheses are supported by the present studies. Ascorbic acid feeding initially reduced apparent copper absorption, and in the course of the experiment this effect tended to turn over into a stimulatory effect. Copper deficiency, as induced by feeding a diet containing 1 mg Cu/kg instead of 5 mg Cu/kg, systematically increased copper absorption. Biliary excretion of copper in rats given ascorbic acid was unaffected initially but became depressed after prolonged ascorbic acid feeding. A similar time course was seen for fecal endogenous copper excretion that was calculated as the difference between true and apparent copper absorption. Copper deficiency systematically reduced biliary copper excretion and fecal endogenous copper loss.


Heart-rate responses to snakes among behaviorally avoidant and nonavoidant college students.
The study assessed the extent to which heart-rate responsivity in the presence of a snake is correlated with behavioral avoidance of a snake. College students described, by a commonly used method, as either snake-avoidant or nonavoidant were exposed to a snake and to a neutral stimulus while their heart rates were monitored. Those Ss who were not behaviorally avoidant responded to the snake and to the neutral stimulus in essentially the same way. Those who were behaviorally avoidant showed less heart-rate responsivity to the neutral stimulus than to the snake. However, this difference was marginal and of insufficient magnitude to argue that snake-avoidant volunteer Ss are meaningful surrogates for clinically phobic patients. The results indict the value of dozens of previous experiments.


Acute, Severe Cryptosporidiosis in an Immunocompetent Pediatric Patient.
Severe diarrheal illness in children can be attributed to a number of different microbiological agents. Without appropriate microbiological testing of stool samples, patients who present with multiple days of severe diarrhea might have a delay in proper diagnosis and treatment. Here, we report a case of an immunocompetent pediatric patient presenting with acute cryptosporidiosis. Humans and bovine species are known hosts of cryptosporidium and several studies have evaluated the zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidium from cattle to humans. Adding diagnostic tests for cryptosporidium like Ziehl-Neelsen staining of stool or fecal rapid antigen detection techniques should be considered in the workup of patients presenting with undifferentiated, severe diarrheal illness, especially in those who have close contact with livestock.


CALCB rs3829222 T/T Genotype and Low Expression of CALCB Are High-Risk Factors for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Salivary Gland.
To investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of calcitonin-related peptide gene II (beta-calcitonin gene-related peptide (βCGRP), CALCB) and serum CGRP levels in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, the full-length amplification and genotype analysis of CALCB genes were performed in 39 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary gland and 158 normal controls. The gene frequencies of major genotype of CALCB in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary gland and normal control group were analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate serum calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its concentration of alpha and beta subtypes. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the CALCB rs2839222 T/T genotype was closely related to the occurrence of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma, with a correlation coefficient of 3.89. The serum CGRP concentration in the salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma group was 1.56 times that of the normal control group. The αCGRP subtype was significant, which was 3.02 times that of the normal control. The polymorphism of βCGRP gene is associated with genetic susceptibility to salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma, and serum CGRP and βCGRP can be used as novel markers of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma.


Revoking amplitude and oscillation deaths by low-pass filter in coupled oscillators.
When in an ensemble of oscillatory units the interaction occurs through a diffusion-like manner, the intrinsic oscillations can be quenched through two structurally different scenarios: amplitude death (AD) and oscillation death (OD). Unveiling the underlying principles of stable rhythmic activity against AD and OD is a challenging issue of substantial practical significance. Here, by developing a low-pass filter (LPF) to track the output signals of the local system in the coupling, we show that it can revoke both AD and OD, and even the AD to OD transition, thereby giving rise to oscillations in coupled nonlinear oscillators under diverse death scenarios. The effectiveness of the local LPF is proven to be valid in an arbitrary network of coupled oscillators with distributed propagation delays. The constructive role of the local LPF in revoking deaths provides a potential dynamic mechanism of sustaining a reliable rhythmicity in real-world systems.


Proton transfer in adsorbed water dimers.
Density functional theory simulations of water on MgO(001) reveal rapid proton transfer within clusters of just two water molecules. Facile dissociation and recombination of the molecules within the dimers along with a concerted surface-mediated exchange of protons between water and hydroxyl molecules makes this possible. We suggest that surface-mediated proton transfer is in general likely to lead to proton transfer in interfacial water systems whenever the relative energies of intact and dissociated states of water are similar.


Interfractional set-up errors evaluation by daily electronic portal imaging of IMRT in head and neck cancer patients.
Interfractional set-up errors were assessed from daily portal images (PI) registration for head and neck cancer patients. We aimed to evaluate whether a daily PI is worthwhile and we derived the Planning Target Volume (PTV) margins from the estimation of systematic and random errors. Twenty patients were treated in supine position with a fixed 5-point mask immobilisation system and head-and-knee supports. DRRs (Digitally Reconstructed Radiograph) were obtained from the planning CT-scan and considered the reference images to be compared with two orthogonal PI by matching bone anatomy landmarks. A total of 567 PI were done. For the set-up errors analysis, we determined the systematic, random, and overall standard deviations (SD), as well as the overall means in three directions (cranio caudal CC, medio lateral ML and anterior posterior AP). PTV-margins were calculated according to three methods. Differences of SD regarding the overall displacements among portals performed every day and each 2, 3, or 4 days were tested. The systematic set-up errors were less than 1 mm in the three directions whereas the random set-up errors were around 2 mm. PTV margins varied from 3 to 4 mm in the 3 directions. Corrections were significant in the CC direction only, in which the set-up error increased significantly when the scenario of one PI every 3 fractions was adopted. It is of practical importance to apply on-line protocols with contouring of the bony landmarks on the PI in order to decrease the systematic mean error in this patient group. This study suggested that a PI in AP and ML directions once a week and every two days in the CC direction would be adequate to overcome the problem of set-up errors.


Subpopulations of pig blood E-rosette-forming lymphocytes and thymus-dependent null cells: separation by nylon wool columns, rosette formation and macrophage-dependent mitogen and antigen responsiveness.
Pig peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were characterized by their adherence to nylon wool. Thus whilst B cells, defined by surface Ig and Fc receptor, were predominantly adherent, thymus-dependent Null cells and the T cells forming rosettes with sheep red blood cells in dextran (DS+) were predominantly non-adherent. There was a direct relationship between the size of the non-adherent fraction and the proportion of the total DS+ cells which were in the non-adherent fraction. Using nylon wool and/or DS rosette separation, lymphocytes from normal and BCG sensitized animals were stimulated in vitro with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) and tuberculin (PPD). The cells responding to PHA and Con A (T cell mitogens in other species) were DS+ lymphocytes. Non-rosetting, adherent (B cells) and non-adherent (thymus dependent Null cells) lymphocytes were unresponsive, even in the presence of homologous alveolar macrophages at levels which greatly enhanced the PPD response. Cells responding to PPD were present in the DS+ and DS-, adherent and non-adherent fractions but their response was apparently controlled by macrophage dependence and suppression. Techniques are described for the preparation and storage in liquid nitrogen of alveolar macrophages resulting in high numbers of viable cells, capable of helping in vitro responses, even after 3 years of storage.


Natural pathology of the captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes): A 35-year review.
We present the spontaneous pathological lesions identified as a result of necropsy or biopsy for 245 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) over a 35-year period. A review of the pathology database was performed for all diagnoses on chimpanzees from 1980 to 2014. All morphologic diagnoses, associated system, organ, etiology, and demographic information were reviewed and analyzed. Cardiomyopathy was the most frequent lesion observed followed by hemosiderosis, hyperplasia, nematodiasis, edema, and hemorrhage. The most frequently affected systems were the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, urogenital, respiratory, and lymphatic/hematopoietic systems. The most common etiology was undetermined, followed by degenerative, physiologic, neoplastic, parasitic, and bacterial. Perinatal and infant animals were mostly affected by physiologic etiologies and chimpanzee-induced trauma. Bacterial and physiologic etiologies were more common in juvenile animals. Degenerative and physiologic (and neoplastic in geriatric animals) etiologies predominated in adult, middle aged, and geriatric chimpanzees.


Via Method for Lithography Free Contact and Preservation of 2D Materials.
Atomically thin 2D materials span the common components of electronic circuits as metals, semiconductors, and insulators, and can manifest correlated phases such as superconductivity, charge density waves, and magnetism. An ongoing challenge in the field is to incorporate these 2D materials into multilayer heterostructures with robust electrical contacts while preventing disorder and degradation. In particular, preserving and studying air-sensitive 2D materials has presented a significant challenge since they readily oxidize under atmospheric conditions. We report a new technique for contacting 2D materials, in which metal via contacts are integrated into flakes of insulating hexagonal boron nitride, and then placed onto the desired conducting 2D layer, avoiding direct lithographic patterning onto the 2D conductor. The metal contacts are planar with the bottom surface of the boron nitride and form robust contacts to multiple 2D materials. These structures protect air-sensitive 2D materials for months with no degradation in performance. This via contact technique will provide the capability to produce "atomic printed circuit boards" that can form the basis of more complex multilayer heterostructures.


High resolution study of spin-orbit mixing and the singlet-triplet gap in chlorocarbene: stimulated emission pumping spectroscopy of CH(35)Cl and CD(35)Cl.
We report on high resolution studies of spin-orbit mixing and the singlet-triplet gap in a prototypical halocarbene, CHCl, using stimulated emission pumping (SEP) spectroscopy from the A (1)A(") state. Results are reported for two isotopomers, CH(35)Cl and CD(35)Cl. We have obtained rotationally resolved spectra for the majority of X (1)A(') levels lying between 0 and 6000 cm(-1) above the zero-point level that were previously observed under low resolution in single vibronic level emission studies and several new levels that were previously unobserved or unresolved. In addition, SEP spectra were obtained for six a (3)A(") levels in CH(35)Cl and three levels in CD(35)Cl. The derived term energies and rovibrational parameters of the X (1)A(') and a (3)A(") states are in good agreement with theory. The a (3)A(") triplet spin-spin parameter is vibrational state dependent, and dominated by a second-order contribution from spin-orbit coupling with nearby X (1)A(') levels; it therefore provides a sensitive probe of spin-orbit mixing in this system. An analysis of three pairs of interactions between specific a (3)A(") and X (1)A(') levels in CH(35)Cl affords a pure electronic spin-orbit coupling element of 150 cm(-1), in good agreement with theoretical expectations. The derived singlet-triplet gaps, which are the most precise determined to date for any carbene, are compared with the predictions of high level ab initio theory.


Synergism between x-ray crystallography and NMR residual dipolar couplings in characterizing protein dynamics.
The important role of structural dynamics in protein function is widely recognized. Thermal or B-factors and their anisotropy, seen in x-ray analysis of protein structures, report on the presence of atomic coordinate heterogeneity that can be attributed to motion. However, their quantitative evaluation in terms of protein dynamics by x-ray ensemble refinement remains challenging. NMR spectroscopy provides quantitative information on the amplitudes and time scales of motional processes. Unfortunately, with a few exceptions, the NMR data do not provide direct insights into the atomic details of dynamic trajectories. Residual dipolar couplings, measured by solution NMR, are very precise parameters reporting on the time-averaged bond-vector orientations and may offer the opportunity to derive correctly weighted dynamic ensembles of structures for cases where multiple high-resolution x-ray structures are available. Applications to the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, Mpro, and ubiquitin highlight this complementarity of NMR and crystallography for quantitative assessment of internal motions.


[Genetic characterization of human parainfluenza virus 3 circulating in Gansu and Shaanxi Provinces from 2009 to 2011].
To investigate the genetic characterization of Human parainfluenza virus-3 (HPIV-3) circulating in Gansu and Shaanxi Provinces of China, 719 throat swabs were collected from pediatric patients with acute respiratory infections from 2009-2011. Multiplex RT-PCR was used to screen common respiratory viral pathogens. For HPIV-3-positive specimens, nested RT-PCR was used to amplify the HN gene of HPIV-3. The nucleotides of Hemagglutinin-neuraminidase(HN)gene of 13 HPIV-3 positive strains identified in Gansu and Shaanxi Provinces were successfully sequenced and compared with those downloaded from GenBank. The phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotides sequence of HN gene showed that 13 HPIV-3 strains belonged to sub-cluster C3 with little sequence variation (overall nucleotide divergence of 0.2%-2.3% and amino acid divergence at 0-1.1%). Compared with the complete gene of HPIV-3 strains from U.S.A., Canada, and Australia, the biggest divergence of the nucleotide and amino acid lovels was 6.0% and 3.4%, respectively. The nucleotide divergence between shaanxi09-2 and shaanxi10-H0091 was 0.9%, while the nucleotide divergence between shaanxi10-H005 and gansull-62110372 was 0.5%, between shaanxi09-2 and BJ/291/09 was 0.6%. However, there was no amino acid divergence among them. It is likely that HPIV-3 virus had been transmitting in Gansu and Shaanxi Provinces for several years. Human parainfluenza virus-3 (HPIV-3) circulated in Gansu and Shaanxi Provinces from 2009 to 2011 belonged to sub-cluster C3.


[Social cognitive differences in first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia. A systematic review].
The impairment of social functioning and difficulties in social integration are frequently found in patients with schizophrenia, and may affect the quality of life, thus revealing the underlying mechanisms of these differences appear to be of high importance. The impairment of social functioning has been reported in first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients and individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis. Two meta-analyses and 15 studies were reviewed, in which various ToM tests were performed involving first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia,with diverse findings, both positive and negative results have been found, and in addition other cognitive deficits were reported in some cases. In the background of different findings methodological differences can be presumed. Overall the social cognitive functions of first-degree relatives were found affected, which suggests the role of social cognition as endophenotypic marker of schizophrenia.


Usefulness of tuberculin skin test and three interferon-gamma release assays for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.
We compared the usefulness of tuberculin skin test (TST) and three interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) [QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-2G), QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube (QFT-3G), T-SPOT.TB] as the supportive method for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The subjects were 66 patients who required clinical differentiation of pulmonary TB. The final clinical diagnosis of pulmonary TB in 22 patients and non-pulmonary TB in 44 patients was established by clinical specimens. In 22 patients with pulmonary TB, the positive response rate was 59.1% on TST, 81.8% on QFT-2G, 86.4% on QFT-3G and 95.5% on T-SPOT.TB. In 44 patients with non-pulmonary TB disease, the positive response rate was 40.9% on TST, 6.8% on QFT-2G, 6.8% on QFT-3G, 13.6% on T-SPOT.TB. Indeterminate results on three IGRAs were recognized in one patient each on QFT-2G and QFT-3G among patients with pulmonary TB and in two patients each on QFT-2G and QFT-3G among patients with non-pulmonary TB. However, there were no indeterminate results on T-SPOT.TB in either patient group. Patients with false-negative or indeterminate results on IGRAs had severe underlying diseases or were receiving immunosuppressive treatments. There were no significant differences among the three IGRA tests in this study. However, because the three IGRA tests showed a significantly higher positive response rate for patients with pulmonary TB and a lower positive response rate for patients with non-pulmonary TB than TST, the three IGRA tests seemed to be more useful than TST for the differentiation of patients with pulmonary TB.


Patterns of desmin expression in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy are related to the desmin mRNA and ubiquitin expression.
Desmin expression depends on desmin messenger RNA (mRNA) and ubiquitin proteasome system. This process is poorly understood in dilated cardiomyopathy. The aim of the study was to investigate whether changes of desmin mRNA and ubiquitin expression correlate with types of desmin expression in cardiomyocytes. Endomyocardial biopsy was performed in 60 patients (85% men, mean age 46±14 years) with heart failure (HF; left ventricular ejection fraction <45%). Desmin and ubiquitin expression were analysed in histological sections by immunohistochemistry and in Western blot. Desmin mRNA expression was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization methods. In patients with weak/even desmin expression, weak/even expression of ubiquitin in the cytosol and low desmin mRNA expression in the cytosol and nuclei of cardiomyocytes were observed. Expression of ubiquitin and desmin mRNA increased along with the progression of desmin cytoskeleton remodeling. Desmin mRNA and ubiquitin were weakly expressed/absent in cardiomyocytes with low/lack of desmin expression. Variations in desmin mRNA, desmin and ubiquitin expression were associated with gradual changes in myocardial structure and clinical parameters. To conclude, changes in ubiquitin and desmin mRNA expression are related to patterns of desmin expression. An increase in the expression of ubiquitin and desmin mRNA may be a protective feature against unfavorable cell remodeling. This may reduce the adverse effects of cytoskeleton damage in the early stages of HF. Low/lack ubiquitin and/or desmin mRNA expression may be markers of end-stage HF.


Bystander immunotherapy as a strategy to control allergen-driven airway inflammation.
Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung infiltration of Th2 cells, and high levels of IgE. To date, allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only treatment that effectively alleviates clinical symptoms and has a long-term effect after termination. Unfortunately, SIT is unsuitable for plurisensitized patients, and highly immunogenic allergens cannot be used. To overcome these hurdles, we sought to induce regulatory CD4(+) T cells (Treg) specific to an exogenous antigen that could be later activated as needed in vivo to control allergic responses. We have established an experimental approach in which mice tolerized to ovalbumin (OVA) were sensitized to the Leishmania homolog of receptors for activated c kinase (LACK) antigen, and subsequently challenged with aerosols of LACK alone or LACK and OVA together. Upon OVA administration, AHR and allergic airway responses were strongly reduced. OVA-induced suppression was mediated by CD25(+) Treg, required CTLA-4 and ICOS signaling and resulted in decreased numbers of migrating airway dendritic cells leading to a strong impairment in the proliferation of allergen-specific Th2 cells. Therefore, inducing Treg specific to a therapeutic antigen that could be further activated in vivo may represent a safe and novel curative approach for allergic asthma.


Transcription activation by Escherichia coli FNR protein: similarities to, and differences from, the CRP paradigm.
During transcription activation at FNR-dependent promoters where the DNA site for FNR overlaps the -35 element, a surface-exposed activating region in the upstream subunit of the FNR dimer interacts with the C-terminal domain of the RNA polymerase alpha subunit. Starting with a cloned fnr gene encoding a defective FNR derivative carrying substitutions in this activating region, we screened a library of random mutations to identify substitutions that restored FNR activity. Activity can be restored by substitutions at residues T118, E47 and K60. The locations of these residues identify three separate surface-exposed regions of FNR that can play a role in transcription activation. These three regions appear to be analogues of Activating Region 1, Activating Region 2 and Activating Region 3 of the cyclic AMP receptor protein, CRP: our results underscore the similarities between FNR and CRP.


Sexual minority status and suicidal behaviour among Chinese adolescents: a nationally representative cross-sectional study.
Suicidality among sexual minority adolescents has generated worldwide concern in recent decades, and previous Western studies have demonstrated that sexual minority status is associated with adolescent suicidality. However, whether this association exists in Chinese adolescents remains largely unknown. This study aimed to estimate the associations between sexual minority status and suicidal behaviour among Chinese adolescents. Cross-sectional survey. A total of 506 high schools in 7 provinces of China. A total of 150 822 students in grades 7-12 who completed the questionnaires (response rate of 95.9%) were included. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were used to measure suicidal behaviour, and sexual attraction (opposite sex, same sex or both sex) was used as a measure for sexual minority status. Of the 150 822 adolescents analysed, 4.1% self-reported as sexual minorities and 17.3% were unsure. Compared with heterosexual and unsure adolescents, same-sex romantic attraction (SSA) and both-sex romantic attraction (BSA) adolescents reported a higher prevalence of past-year suicidal ideation (SSA: 21.6% for males and 30.4% for females; BSA: 34.7% for males and 42.3% for females) and suicide attempts (SSA: 6.9% for males and 8.9% for females; BSA: 12.2% for males and 10.9% for females). After adjustment for covariates, SSA and BSA adolescents were more likely to have past-year suicidal ideation and suicide attempts than their heterosexual and unsure peers. BSA adolescents reported the highest risk of suicidal ideation (males: adjusted OR (AOR) 2.42, 95% CI 2.03 to 2.88; females: AOR 2.61, 95% CI 2.41 to 2.82) and suicide attempts (males: AOR 3.83, 95% CI 2.85 to 5.14; females: AOR 2.59, 95% CI 2.19 to 3.06). Our study suggested that Chinese sexual minority adolescents were at increased risk of suicidality, and those with BSA had an especially high risk in this population. These findings emphasised the urgent need to develop targeted interventions to effectively address suicide-related problems among Chinese sexual minority adolescents.


Antimicrobial potential of Streptomyces sp. to the Gram positive and Gram negative pathogens.
The occurrence of drug resistant infectious disease causing microbial pathogens was highly spreaded because of the wide level application of the commercially available antimicrobial agents. However, the eradication of the microbial pathogens was of huge demand. Although, many antimicrobial compounds were commercially available in the market however the spreading of the pathogens were hugely increased. Actinomycetes produce various secondary metabolites against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The present investigation aimed to study the antimicrobial potential of the Streptomyces sp. towards infectious diseases causing pathogens. Culture dependable isolation techniques were followed for the isolation of the active actinomycetes isolates and the antimicrobial properties of the actinomcyetes were detected by primary screening techniques using modified starch casein agar medium. The active isolate was confirmed by various biochemical and morphological techniques. In this study, 10 actinomycetes were isolated and later five were selected for secondary screening and noted significant activity against Enterobacter aerogenes and Proteus mirabilis. Among the selected Streptomyces sp., ES2 showed potent activity against selected microbes and was identified as Streptomyces sp. The studied isolates were resisitant towards streptomycin (10μg), ampicillin (50μg) and ciprofloxacin (5μg). The organic solvent extracts of the promising isolate ES2 prononunced comparatively better inhibitory properties towards the studied pathogenic bacteria. Overall, the present study evidenced that the actinomycetes were promising candidate for the eradication of the pathogenic strains.


Changes in the medical-seeking pattern and daily behavior of hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients during the COVID-19 epidemic: An online survey in Hubei Province, China.
To curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, the Chinese government shut down Wuhan city from January 23rd to April 8th, 2020. The COVID-19 epidemic not only leads to widespread illness but also affects the diagnosis and treatment of hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. To investigate the medical-seeking pattern and daily behavior changes in Hubei Province during the COVID-19 epidemic in Hubei Province during the lockdown. We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional, web-based investigation among 325 HSCT recipients by online questionnaires in Hubei Province during the COVID-19 epidemic. A total of 145 complete responses were collected both before and during the epidemic questionnaires. The participants from pre-epidemic group preferred to go to hospital (68.29%) when they experienced influenza-like symptoms. The majority of the patients elected to take oral drugs by themselves (40%) or consulted their attending physicians online or by telephone during the lockdown (23.33%). 64.83% had difficulties in purchasing drugs during the lockdown, which was significantly higher than the proportion of the pre-epidemic group (24.83%) (P < 0.05). The participants preferred to purchase drugs online (23.40%) and decrease or withdraw drugs (18.09%) during the epidemic. The number of participants received regular re-examinations during the epidemic decreased sharply. The proportion of wearing masks and isolating themselves at home increased significantly during the epidemic. No statistic difference was observed in the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)complications in participants between the during the epidemic group and the pre-epidemic group. In our study, six patients were confirmed to have COVID-19, and half of them died due to COVID-19-related complications. The medical-seeking pattern and daily behavior of HSCT recipients changed during the lockdown; the methods of self-protection, online consultation and drug delivery can help patients receive necessary follow-up and reduce the occurrence of COVID-19.


Laryngo-Tracheo-Bronchial Foreign Bodies in Children: Clinical Presentations and Complications.
Foreign-body (FB) aspiration in the airway of children is a life-threatening clinical situation responsible for many deaths each year. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different clinical presentations, methods of diagnosis, types and complications of FB inhalation in the pediatric age group. The study included patients who presented with a definitive or suspicious history of FB aspiration. Detailed data for each patient were recorded concerning the age, sex, nature and site of the FB, presenting symptoms and signs, and radiological findings. Fifty-six patients were enrolled in this study. The age of patients ranged from 6 months to 14 years, with a mean age of 4.5 years. Sixty percent of patients were under 3 years of age. The time interval between aspiration of foreign body and onset of diagnosis ranged from 2 hours to 5 months. Thirty-four (60.7%) patients had normal chest X-ray findings, while opaque FB was seen in eight patients (14.3%). Signs of bronchitis were seen in five patients (9%), while pneumonia and atelectasis were seen in six (10.7%) and three cases (5.3%), respectively. FB aspiration is a life-threatening clinical situation, with children <3 years of age being most commonly affected. FB aspiration must be considered a matter of emergency, especially in the case of organic FBs. This study aimed to increase the awareness of laryngo-tracheo-bronchial FBs, as early diagnosis and management decrease the incidence of complications and make removal of aspirated FB easier.


Short-term exposure of Chinook salmon (Oncoryhnchus tshawytscha) to o,p-DDE or DMSO during early life-history stages causes long-term humoral immunosuppression.
We evaluated the effect of short-term exposures to a xenobiotic chemical during early life-history stages on the long-term immune competence of chinook salmon (Oncoryhnchus tshawytscha). Immersion of chinook salmon eggs in a nominal concentration of o,p-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (o,p-DDE; 10 ppm) for 1 hr at fertilization followed by immersion in the same dose for 2 hr at hatch resulted in a significant reduction in the ability of splenic leukocytes from fish 1 year after treatment to undergo blastogenesis upon in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. We also observed that the vehicle, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), caused a significant reduction in the ability of the splenic leukocytes to express surface immunoglobin M (SIgM) at this time. The concentration of o,p-DDE in a pooled sample of whole fry from this treatment was 0.53 microg/g lipid 1 month after first feeding but was undetectable in all other treatments. Mortality rate, time to hatch, fish length, and weight were unaffected by treatment with o,p-DDE. Similarly, sex ratios, gonadal development, and concentrations of plasma estradiol and 11-ketotestosterone were not affected by the treatment. In addition, we found no evidence that plasma lysozyme concentrations or the mitogenic responses of splenic leukocytes to concanavalin A or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid were influenced by the treatment. In this experiment, a brief period of exposure to o,p-DDE or DMSO during early development was able to induce long-term effects on humoral immune competence of chinook salmon. Such immunosuppression may increase susceptibility to disease, which may in turn be critical to regulating the population.


Cytoskeleton remodeling mediated by circRNA-YBX1 phase separation suppresses the metastasis of liver cancer.
Metastasis, especially intrahepatic, is a major challenge for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Cytoskeleton remodeling has been identified as a vital process mediating intrahepatic spreading. Previously, we reported that HCC tumor adhesion and invasion were modulated by circular RNA (circRNA), which has emerged as an important regulator of various cellular processes and has been implicated in cancer progression. Here, we uncovered a nuclear circRNA, circASH2, which is preferentially lost in HCC tissues and inhibits HCC metastasis by altering tumor cytoskeleton structure. Tropomyosin 4 (TPM4), a critical binding protein of actin, turned out to be the major target of circASH2 and was posttranscriptionally suppressed. Such regulation is based on messenger RNA (mRNA)/precursormRNA splicing and degradation process. Furthermore, liquid-liquid phase separation of nuclear Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) enhanced by circASH2 augments TPM4 transcripts decay. Together, our data have revealed a tumor-suppressive circRNA and, more importantly, uncovered a fine regulation mechanism for HCC progression.


Complete healing of severe osteoradionecrosis with treatment combining pentoxifylline, tocopherol and clodronate.
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a late terminal sequela of irradiation that does not resolve spontaneously. In a preliminary study, a combination of pentoxifylline (PTX), tocopherol (Vit-E) and clodonate has been shown to be of clinical benefit with more than 50% regression of progressive ORN observed at 6 months in 12 patients. A 68-year-old woman presenting with severe exteriorized osteoradionecrosis had received radiotherapy for breast cancer 29 years previously. She had palpable breast fibrosis, including the sternum (15 cm x 11 cm) and a painful fistulous track in the upper part of the bone (orifice diameter 10 mm) surrounded by local inflammatory signs, and chronic osteitis with sequestra extrusion. MRI showed deep radiation-induced fibrosis below this area without cancer recurrence, and complete bone destruction over an area of 7 cm x 4 cm. Oral PTX (800 mg day(-1)), Vit.E (1000 IU day(-1)) and clodronate (1600 mg day(-1)) were administered daily for 3 years and were well tolerated. The patient exhibited regular clinical improvement until complete closure of the fistula and total regression of the clinical fibrosis. MRI confirmed the good response and showed heterogeneous restoration of the sternum, which was filled with new tissue. This is the first time that antifibrotic treatment with combined PTX-Vit.E plus clodronate has been shown to have a significant effect on necrosis, by completely reversing severe progressive ORN and the associated radiation-induced fibrosis.


Up-regulation of antioxidative proteins TRX1, TXNL1 and TXNRD1 in the cortex of PTZ kindling seizure model mice.
Oxidative stress has been considered as one of pathogenesis of brain damage led by epilepsy. Reducing oxidative stress can ameliorate brain damage during seizures. However, expression levels of important antioxidative enzymes such as thioredoxin-1 (TRX1), thioredoxin-like 1 protein (TXNL1) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) during seizures have not been investigated. In this study, we examined protein and mRNA expression levels of TRX1, TXNL1 and TXNRD1 in different brain regions in PTZ induced seizure model mice. We found that protein expression levels of TRX1, TXNL1 and TXNRD1 are simultaneously up-regulated by 2- or 3-fold in the cortex of both acute and chronic seizure model mice. But there is no unified expression pattern change of these enzymes in the hippocampus, cerebellum and diencephalon in the seizure model mice. Less extent up-regulation of mRNA expression of these enzymes were also observed in the cortex of seizure mice. These data suggest that antioxidative enzymes may provide a protective effect against oxidative stress in the cortex during seizures.


Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase is a novel autoantigen leading autoimmune responses to proliferating cell nuclear antigen multiprotein complexes in lupus patients.
Using 2-dimensional electrophoresis and ion-pair chromatography, we have identified elements of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) multiprotein complexes that are reactive to antibodies in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Among the various elements of the complexes, a 37 kDa protein (PI 8.5) that specifically reacted with SLE sera, but not with sera from patients with other connective tissue diseases, was identified as glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Immunoblot analysis showed that SLE sera reactive with the 37 kDa protein specifically reacted with GAPDH, as did anti-GAPDH mAbs. The purified autoantibodies to GAPDH from lupus serum showed both nuclear speckled and cytoplasmic staining patterns in immunofluorescence on Hep-2 cells. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed the presence of anti-GAPDH autoantibodies in 47% of lupus patients. Longitudinal analysis of the reactivity of lupus sera to PCNA complexes showed the autoimmune response to spread from GAPDH to other elements of PCNA complexes, and the presence of anti-GAPDH antibodies was significantly correlated with increased levels of serum PCNA. Taken together, these findings suggest that GAPDH interacting with PCNA in association with its cellular function is a novel autoantigen recognized by lupus sera, and that GAPDH thus plays an important role in the induction of autoimmune responses against the PCNA complex.


Multidetector-row Computed Tomographic Angiography in the Planning of the Local Perforator Flaps.
The perforator vessels are highly variable in number, localization types, hemodynamic specifications, and the anatomical interactions with other structures. For these reasons, the identification of the best perforator before the operation is very important for the choice of the main feed vessel and the design of the perforator flap. The authors retrospectively analyzed all cases in which multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) with 3-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction was used in the preoperative planning in preparation for the reconstruction with local perforator flaps, which took place between July 2012 and December 2014 in the hospital. A total of 24 people were examined and underwent operations with 26 reconstructions using local perforator flaps. All perforators, which were identified during the MDCT with 3D reconstruction examination, were located intraoperationally without any errors. The preoperative MDCT with 3D reconstruction investigations of the topographic anatomical specifics of the perforator vessel on which the formation of the flap feed pedicle is planned allow for the fast and precise identification of the perforation at the preoperative stage while minimizing the amount of injury caused to the perforator during the operation and decrease the operation time.


Fatty Acid Synthesis Intermediates Represent Novel Noninvasive Biomarkers of Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention by Phenethyl Isothiocyanate.
Increased de novo synthesis of fatty acids is a distinctive feature of prostate cancer, which continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American men. Therefore, inhibition of de novo fatty acid synthesis represents an attractive strategy for chemoprevention of prostate cancer. We have shown previously that dietary feeding of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a phytochemical derived from edible cruciferous vegetables such as watercress, inhibits incidence and burden of poorly differentiated prostate cancer in transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis of whether fatty acid intermediate(s) can serve as noninvasive biomarker(s) of prostate cancer chemoprevention by PEITC using archived plasma and tumor specimens from the TRAMP study as well as cellular models of prostate cancer. Exposure of prostate cancer cells (LNCaP and 22Rv1) to pharmacologic concentrations of PEITC resulted in downregulation of key fatty acid metabolism proteins, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A). The mRNA expression of FASN and CPT1A as well as acetyl-CoA levels were decreased by PEITC treatment in both cell lines. PEITC administration to TRAMP mice also resulted in a significant decrease in tumor expression of FASN protein. Consistent with these findings, the levels of total free fatty acids, total phospholipids, triglyceride, and ATP were significantly lower in the plasma and/or prostate tumors of PEITC-treated TRAMP mice compared with controls. The current study is the first to implicate inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in prostate cancer chemoprevention by PEITC. Cancer Prev Res; 10(5); 279-89. ©2017 AACR.


[Changes in superoxide dismutase activity in the presence of electron donors and acceptors].
The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) from bovine erythrocytes was measured by the inhibition of nitrotetrazolium blue reduction rate in superoxide anion radical generation systems--xanthine/xanthine oxidase of NADH/phenazine methasulfate. The enzyme activity increases in the presence of compounds acting as electron donors in radical-involving reactions and decreased in the presence of compounds possessing the properties of electron acceptors. Activation of SOD by electron donors and its inhibition by electron acceptors was dependent on the concentration of the above compounds. In the absence of SOD electron donors and acceptors did not change the rate of tetrazolium blue reduction by superoxide anion radicals. The role of the new type of SOD regulation for the enzyme functioning in the cell is discussed.


Inhibition of focal adhesion kinase suppresses the adverse phenotype of endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells and improves endocrine response in endocrine-sensitive cells.
Acquired resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer is a major clinical problem. Previous reports have demonstrated that cell models of acquired endocrine resistance have altered cell-matrix adhesion and a highly migratory phenotype, features which may impact on tumour spread in vivo. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an intracellular kinase that regulates signalling pathways central to cell adhesion, migration and survival and its expression is frequently deregulated in breast cancer. In this study, we have used the novel FAK inhibitor PF573228 to address the role of FAK in the development of endocrine resistance. Whilst total-FAK expression was similar between endocrine-sensitive and endocrine-resistant MCF7 cells, FAK phosphorylation status (Y397 or Y861) was altered in resistance. PF573228 promoted a dose-dependent inhibition of FAK phosphorylation at Y397 but did not affect other FAK activation sites (pY407, pY576 and pY861). Endocrine-resistant cells were more sensitive to these inhibitory effects versus MCF7 (mean IC(50) for FAK pY397 inhibition: 0.43 μM, 0.05 μM and 0.13 μM for MCF7, TamR and FasR cells, respectively). Inhibition of FAK pY397 was associated with a reduction in TamR and FasR adhesion to, and migration over, matrix components. PF573228 as a single agent (0-1 μM) did not affect the growth of MCF7 cells or their endocrine-resistant counterparts. However, treatment of endocrine-sensitive cells with PF573228 and tamoxifen combined resulted in greater suppression of proliferation versus single agent treatment. Together these data suggest the importance of FAK in the process of endocrine resistance, particularly in the development of an aggressive, migratory cell phenotype and demonstrate the potential to improve endocrine response through combination treatment.


Nerve Damage in Young Patients with Leprosy Diagnosed in an Endemic Area of the Brazilian Amazon: A Cross-Sectional Study.
To describe nerve damage and its association with clinical and epidemiologic characteristics in young patients with leprosy diagnosed in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon. All 45 patients with leprosy younger than 15 years of age and diagnosed at a health referral unit in northern Brazil were invited to participate in a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study. Subjects were submitted to a templated simple neurologic examination of the peripheral nerves and answered a structured questionnaire. Of 41 cases, referral was the mode of detection in 33 participants (80.5%); 19 (46.3%) had been seen by 3 or more physicians to obtain a diagnosis, and 26 (63.4%) had received other diagnoses. The interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was more than 1 year in 30 cases (73.2%). Borderline leprosy was the predominant clinical form (48.8%); 63.4% of the participants had multibacillary leprosy, 31.7% had nerve damage, and 17.1% exhibited disabilities. The following variables showed a statistically significant association (P???.05) with nerve damage at diagnosis: home visit by the community health worker, number of doctors seen, number of skin lesions (>5), and lesions along the path of nerve trunks. Centralized healthcare, a low frequency of home visits by community health workers, and the difficulty in diagnosing leprosy in children are factors that contribute to late treatment initiation and an increased risk of peripheral nerve damage. In addition, multiple skin lesions and lesions along the path of nerve trunks require rigorous monitoring.


[Simultaneous Removal of Cd (II) and Phenol by Titanium Dioxide-Titanate Nanotubes Composite Nanomaterial Synthesized Through Alkaline-Acid Hydrothermal Method].
A composite nanomaterial, TiO2/TNTs, was synthesized by TiO2 (P25) through alkaline and acid hydrothermal reaction, which possessed both titanate nanotubes (TNTs) and TiO2 phase. It was found that the adsorption kinetics of Cd(II) onto TiO2/TNTs was very quick, and the adsorption could reach the equilibrium within 30 min. In addition, the maximum adsorption capacity of Cd(II) was as large as 120. 34 mg.g-1 calculated from Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption mechanism of Cd(II) was ion-exchange between Cd2+ and Na+/H+ located in the interlayers of TNTs. However, the adsorption capacity of phenol on TiO2/TNTs was so small that the photocatalysis for phenol degradation was needed. In the adsorption-photocatalysis system, the removal efficiencies of Cd(II) and phenol could reach up to 99. 6% and 99.7%, respectively. Especially, removal of Cd(II) was attributed to adsorption by TNTs of the composite nanomaterial, while removal of phenol was resulted from photocatalytic reaction by the TiO2 phase. Moreover, the co-existing Cd(II) enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of phenol due to the enhancement on photocatalytic activity of TiO2/TNTs after Cd(II) was adsorbed. Co-existing Na+ did not show obvious effect on the co-removal of Cd(II) and phenol by TiO2/TNTs, but adsorption of Cd(II) was inhibited in the presence of Ca2+ as it could compete for the adsorption sites and enhance the aggregation of the material. Furthermore, TiO2/TNTs could be efficiently reused after desorption via HNO3 and regeneration via NaOH, and the removal efficiencies of Cd(II) and phenol were still as high as 91. 7% and 98. 1% even after three cycles. This study proposed a method to synthesize a material which had both adsorptive and photocatalytic performance, and it was of great importance for application of nanomaterials in the simultaneous removal of heavy metals and organic pollutants.


[The human vomeronasal organ].
Odors influence human behavior. The perception of so-called pheromones is frequently mentioned in the context of a functional vomeronasal organ. Vomeronasal ducts can be detected in approximately half of the population. Its functionality, still a matter of debate, seems to be unlikely, at least after birth. It is easily conceivable that pheromone-induced changes in behavior are mediated through receptors in the human olfactory epithelium.


The child victim as witness in sexual abuse proceedings.
The psychiatrist working with a child witness in a sexual abuse case is at an intrinsic disadvantage. Most of the activities take place in a legal system where the psychiatrist may feel like a stranger in a strange land. Further, a major area of concern to the courts is cognitive development and memory, which unlike phenomenology, dynamics, and therapeutics, are somewhat remote from the psychiatrist's core expertise. It is not surprising, then, that the stress associated with the role of child advocate or expert witness often produces anxiety for the psychiatrist or may result in a frank avoidance of forensic tasks. This paper is intended to militate against such a reaction by familiarizing the psychiatrist with the salient issues of the sexually abused child as a witness.


When alcoholics are not anonymous: socioperceptual effects of labeling and drinking pattern.
The influence of the label "alcoholic" on observers' social perceptions and behavioral intentions about peers who consume alcohol normatively or excessively was examined. College students (40 men and 40 women) listened to a tape-recorder bogus interview in which a male interviewee reported either a normative or an excessive drinking pattern after having or ot having been labeled an alcoholic by the experimenter. Subjects then rated their reactions to the interviewee on several dimensions. Relative to the normative drinker, the excessive drinker was more likely to be judged by both sexes as deviant, an alcoholic, not in control of his drinking, poorly adjusted, psychologically ineffective, unlikely to improve, in need of professional help and responsible for this behavior, and was more strongly rejected as a potential friend and co-worker. The label of "alcoholic" negatively affected nearly all these perceptions at each level of alcohol use but without perceptual distortion of the interviewees' amount of consumption. The implications for the contribution of interpersonal stigma to alcohol-related problems are discussed.


The Radiological and Stereological Analysis of the Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Mandibular Midline Distraction Osteogenesis.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone mineral density by using high-resolution computerized tomography (HR-CT) and stereology in patients subjected to mandibular midline distraction. Nine patients between the ages of 13 and 16 years with mandibular transverse deficiency (>5 mm) were evaluated. Mandibular midline distraction osteogenesis was performed for all the patients. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the control group (n = 4) and the laser group (n = 5). GaAlAs, 830 nm wavelength, power of 40 mW, energy of 8.4 J/cm2 dose per spot, was directly applied from 2 points on the mandibular midline. The laser was applied in 8 treatment sessions at 48-hour intervals. Bone mineral density and volume of the newly formed bone were analyzed using HR-CT and stereological methods. A higher bone mineral density rate was found in the laser group (P < 0.05). A higher newly formed immature bone rate was found in the control group (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that more mature bone may also have a greater mineral organization than that of immature newly formed bone, which is shown by HR-CT and stereological results. The retention period can be shortened and mineralization may be increased by using LLLT in mandibular distraction osteogenesis.


Mental health promotion practice in Aotearoa New Zealand: findings from a qualitative study.
Mental health promotion (MHP) is integral to improving the overall health and well being of individuals, communities, and populations. However, knowledge and reporting about MHP which occurs throughout Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) is limited. This article reports findings from a qualitative study that sought to understand NZ health promotion practitioners' (HPPs) MHP practice. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 HPPs employed at various health promotion organizations. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified three key themes. Two themes (planning and evaluation) related to practice directly and included various subthemes: needs assessment; principles/approaches/frameworks; operationalizing equity and te Tiriti o Waitangi; collaborative approaches; planning for evaluation; process evaluation domination; and evaluation challenges. The third theme related to the context of practice and encompassed various system influences restricting HPPs from practising as they wished. These were represented in four subthemes: contractual agreements; field fragmentation; in the shadows of mental ill-health and workforce capacity. Study findings highlight several opportunities to improve MHP practice in NZ. Most pertinently, the need for system-level action to address the factors restricting HPPs' practice.


Molecular Characterization of Water-Soluble Humic like Substances in Smoke Particles Emitted from Combustion of Biomass Materials and Coal Using Ultrahigh-Resolution Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry.
Water-soluble humic like substances (HULIS) in smoke particles emitted from combustion of biomass materials and coal were characterized by ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The formulas identified were classified into four main groups: CHO, CHON, CHOS, and CHONS. The average H/C and O/C ratios are 1.13-1.33, 1.01-1.13, 1.26-1.48, 1.09-1.24 and 0.21-0.41, 0.27-0.45, 0.41-0.46, 0.44-0.61 for the CHO, CHON, CHOS, and CHONS groups, respectively. The CHO compound was the predominant component (43%-72%) of the smoke HULIS from biomass burning (BB) and coal combustion, followed by the CHON group for BB-smoke HULIS and the S-containing groups (i.e., CHOS and CHONS) for coal-smoke HULIS. These results indicate that the primary HULIS emitted from biomass burning contain a high abundance of CHON species, which appear to be made up mainly of oxidized nitrogen functional groups such as nitro compounds and/or organonitrates. The coal-smoke HULIS contained more compounds with relatively low molecular weight and high aromaticity index (AImod). They were significantly enriched in S-containing compounds with high double bond equivalent (≥4), and O/S ratios suggest that they are most likely made up of aromatic organosulfates and nitrooxy organosulfates that are usually found in polluted atmospheres. These findings imply that the primary emissions from combustion of biomass and coal fuels are potential sources of water-soluble HULIS in an atmospheric matrix and that coal combustion is an especially important source of sulfate compounds.


Commentary on "The More Things Change: Buprenorphine/Naloxone Diversion Continues While Treatment is Inaccessible".
: This commentary puts the recent findings by Carroll et al into historical perspective, noting both the long-held problem of medication diversion when pharmacotherapy access is limited, and the ways in which medication diversion concerns and regulations help create those treatment access barriers. Recent efforts to bridge the treatment gap, including increases in Federal funding through the 21st Century Cures Act and expanding the buprenorphine patient cap and scope of eligible providers under the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act (CARA) will likely help; however, important structural barriers remain. Health insurance barriers, including limited Medicaid coverage, combined with stigma against pharmacotherapy persist, which likely means that people in need of treatment will continue to self-treat their symptoms with diverted medications, such as the buprenorphine/naloxone use noted by Carroll and colleagues.


Fatigue following mild traumatic brain injury relates to visual processing and effort perception in the context of motor performance.
Following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), a substantial number of patients experience disabling fatigue for months after the initial injury. To date, the underlying mechanisms of fatigue remain unclear. Recently, it was shown that mTBI patients with persistent fatigue do not demonstrate increased performance fatigability (i.e., objective performance decline) during a sustained motor task. However, it is not known whether the neural activation required to sustain this performance is altered after mTBI. Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI data were acquired from 19 mTBI patients (>3 months post-injury) and 19 control participants during two motor tasks. Force was recorded from the index finger abductors of both hands during submaximal contractions and a 2-minute maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) with the right hand. Voluntary muscle activation (i.e., CNS drive) was indexed during the sustained MVC using peripheral nerve stimulation. Fatigue was quantified using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Questionnaire, task, and BOLD data were compared across groups, and linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between BOLD-activity and fatigue in the mTBI group. The mTBI patients reported significantly higher levels of fatigue (FSS: 5.3 vs. 2.6, p < 0.001). Both mTBI- and control groups demonstrated significant performance fatigability during the sustained MVC, but no significant differences in task performance or BOLD-activity were observed between groups. However, mTBI patients reporting higher FSS scores showed increased BOLD-activity in the bilateral visual cortices (mainly extrastriate) and the left midcingulate gyrus. Furthermore, across all participants mean voluntary muscle activation during the sustained MVC correlated with long lasting post-contraction BOLD-activation in the right insula and midcingulate cortex. The fMRI findings suggest that self-reported fatigue in mTBI may relate to visual processing and effort perception. Long lasting activation associated with high levels of CNS drive might be related to changes in cortical homeostasis in the context of high effort.


The recovery of blocked memories in repeated recall tests.
There is continued controversy over the possibility of blocked and subsequently recovered accurate memories. Memory blocking produced by a retrieval biasing procedure followed by recovery through repeated testing was demonstrated in two experiments. Predictions derived from the retrieval bias explanation and from the level of cumulative recall (LOCR) concerning hypermnesia for blocked material were tested. Expt 1 disconfirmed the retrieval bias hypothesis that the blocked material would remain blocked. However, there was no accelerated recovery despite the lower rate of recall for the bias group compared to the control group as predicted based on LOCR. Expt 2 replicated the Expt 1 findings and used metamemory tasks to further explore the recovery process. The data led the authors to conclude that accurate recovery of memory with corresponding high confidence is possible through repeated testing provided suggestive questioning and misinformation are not presented.


Nano-silver Fluoride at Higher Concentration for Caries Arrest in Primary Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
To compare the arresting caries effectiveness of two different silver nanoparticle (AgNP) concentrations of nano-silver fluoride (NSF), namely 400 and 600 ppm. The hypothesis is that in posterior primary teeth with occlusal and approximal active dentin carious lesions, NSF 600's effectiveness will be higher than that of the NSF 400 solution over a 6-month follow-up period. This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted in the city of Recife, Brazil. A total of 337 children aged 5-7 years who attended the University of Pernambuco Dental School's clinics were examined. A single-blinded investigator conducted the examinations and treatment of the children. After baseline examination and recording of the dmft index, children were allocated to one of two study groups (NSF 600-intervention and NSF 400-positive control). In both groups, each tooth received two drops of NSF and treatments were performed only once in 6 months. The follow-up examinations were visual and tactile, performed in 30, 90, and 180 days to determine the activity of caries. The carious lesions that were not arrested in 30 days were recorded and referred for restorative treatment. The NSF 600 showed higher rate of success in arresting caries (72.7%, p = 0.025) compared with NSF 400 (56.5%). The higher rate of success of NSF 600 can be explained by the higher concentration of AgNPs. Nano-silver fluoride has emerged as an excellent alternative to silver diamine fluoride (SDF), as it adds a high antibacterial effect to better esthetic results. Treatment is simple, non-invasive, and incurs low cost. It is ideal for use in community-based programs to increase the access to dental care without staining teeth black like other silver products. Arnaud M, Junior PCM, Lima MGS, et al. Nano-silver Fluoride at Higher Concentration for Caries Arrest in Primary Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):207-211.


Somatic Symptoms among Children and Adolescents in Poland: A Confirmatory Factor Analytic Study of the Children Somatization Inventory.
The aim of the present study was to examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the short version of the Children's Somatization Inventory (CSI-24) in Poland. The CSI-24 is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess somatic symptoms in children and adolescents. A total of 733 children and adolescents, aged 12-17 years, participated in this research. The participants for this study were recruited from urban and suburban schools of Opole province in South Western Poland. In addition to the CSI-24, all participants completed the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The correlated four-factor model that included four-correlated dimensions (pain/weakness, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular symptoms, and pseudoneurological problems) showed a better fit compared to the single-factor model. The Cronbach's Alpha for the CSI-24 was 0.91. Somatic symptoms correlated significantly highly with the SCAS total scores and the SDQ emotional subscale, suggesting good construct validity. Somatic symptoms had low correlation with the SDQ behavioral problems symptoms, suggesting adequate discriminant validity. The CSI-24 reliably measured somatic symptoms in children and adolescents in Poland.