Negative Pressure in Water for Efficient Heat Utilization and Transfer.
Thermodynamic metastable water in negative pressure provides a possible solution to elevate the upper limit of evaporative heat transfer capacity and the efficiency of low-grade heat utilization, but practical implementations are challenging due to the difficulty in generating and maintaining large negative pressure. Herein, we report a novel structure with a hydrogel film as the evaporation surface and a permeable substrate as the functional layer to suppress cavitation. Based on the structure, we achieve an evaporation-driven flow system with negative pressure as low as -1.67 MPa. Molecular dynamics simulations elucidate the importance of strong water-polymer interactions in negative pressure generation. With the large negative pressure, we demonstrate a streaming potential generator that spontaneously converts environmental energy into electricity and outputs a voltage of 1.06 V. Moreover, we propose a "negative pressure heat pipe", which achieves a high heat transfer density of 9.6 kW cm-2 with a flow length of 1 m.


Computer-controlled grinding of optical surfaces.
A computer is used to regulate the movement of a small pad over the workpiece surface. The computer controls the amount of time any region is worked, which provides an accurate method for correcting surface errors. In addition to polishing operations the computer control process is an important technique for grinding applications. A series of experiments have provided valuable information on computer-controlled grinding, and the process has been used to grind several optical elements.


Combination of mesenchymal stem cell injection with icariin for the treatment of diabetes-associated erectile dysfunction.
The present study was aimed to examine whether icariin, a traditional Chinese medicine, could improve therapeutic effects of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) for diabetes-associated erectile dysfunction (DMED). DMED were induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and confirmed by erectile function measurement. Then, rats of diabetic ED were randomly divided to receive the treatment of saline, ADSCs, icariin or ADSCs combined with icariin respectively. Compared with the treatment by ADSCs or icariin alone, intracavernosum injection of ADSCs combined with the following daily gastric gavage of icariin significantly augmented the value of ICP and ICP/MAP (p<0.01). Meanwhile, the survival of transplanted ADSCs was much improved due to the application of icariin. Similarly, immunofluorescent staining analysis demonstrated that the improved erectile tissue structure by combination of ADSCs and icariin was significantly associated with the increased expression of endothelial markers (vWF) (p<0.01) and smooth muscle markers (α-SMA) (p<0.01). Furthermore, the structure changes in corpus cavernosum were further confirmed by the Masson's trichrome staining. To explore the possible mechanism underlying icariin-enhanced therapeutic efficacy of MSCs, we employed an in vitro testing system by introducing H2O2 to imitate oxidative stress condition considering the oxidative environment faced by engrafted ADSCs and anti-oxidative capacity of icariin. In vitro, we found that the addition of icariin considerably reduced the apoptosis of ADSCs, and attenuated the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Subsequently, we examined the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and explored the potential signaling pathway through which icariin promoted the survival of ADSCs against oxidative stress. It was demonstrated that icariin significantly inhibited the upregulation of apoptosis-related proteins under oxidative condition, including Bax and cleaved caspase-3, while promoted the expression of anti-apoptotic factor BCL2. These effects were accompanied with the activation of signal molecules, PI3K/Akt and STAT3. The further signal protein inhibition assays exhibited that the suppression of STAT3 abrogated the icariin-mediated anti-apoptotic effects observed above, while did not influence the expression of PI3K/Akt. However, PI3K inhibition could abrogate icariin-mediated STAT3 activation and achieved a similar effect as STAT3 inhibition. Our results suggested that icariin was an effective adjuvant for enhancing ADSC-based therapy of DMEM, which may be ascribed to their protection of ADSCs against oxidative stress via the regulation of PI3K/Akt-STAT3 signal pathway.


Microplastics in the surface waters of the South China sea and the western Pacific Ocean: Different size classes reflecting various sources and transport.
Microplastic transport in the marginal seas is a key process influencing their ultimate fate in the open oceans. In the present study, we collected seawater samples from the western Pacific Ocean (WP) and the South China Sea (SCS) to investigate the distribution, transport, and possible sources for microplastics. Generally, the range of microplastic levels were 187-1816, 146-1563, and 34.2-622 particles/m3 (averaged in 797 ± 512, 744 ± 330, and 201 ± 134 particles/m3) for the northern SCS, the western SCS, and the WP, respectively. Based on the size distribution, the highest value (390 ± 288 particles/m3) was found for 100-200 μm, followed by 200-500 μm (131 ± 155 particles/m3), and 500-1000 μm (29.7 ± 39.2 particles/m3), with the lowest for 1-5 mm (13.6 ± 14.2 particles/m3). Granule, yellow, and size <1000 μm were their most prevalent characteristics. The main polymer types of microplastics were polyester, rayon, and nylon. A negative correlation between microplastic proportion and particle size was observed in the SCS and the WP. Furthermore, the main sources of microplastics in the northern SCS probably came from the Pearl River. Surface currents and the vertical mixing processes might be two different mechanisms that affect microplastic transport from the WP and the SCS. Future comparison to measured particle size distributions data allows us to explain size-selective microplastic transport in the marine environment, and probably provide guidance on microplastic longevity.


Loss of Arabidopsis β-COP Function Affects Golgi Structure, Plant Growth and Tolerance to Salt Stress.
The early secretory pathway involves bidirectional transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus and is mediated by coat protein complex I (COPI)-coated and coat protein complex II (COPII)-coated vesicles. COPII vesicles are involved in ER to Golgi transport meanwhile COPI vesicles mediate intra-Golgi transport and retrograde transport from the Golgi apparatus to the ER. The key component of COPI vesicles is the coatomer complex, that is composed of seven subunits (α/β/β'/γ/δ/ε/ζ). In Arabidopsis two genes coding for the β-COP subunit have been identified, which are the result of recent tandem duplication. Here we have used a loss-of-function approach to study the function of β-COP. The results we have obtained suggest that β-COP is required for plant growth and salt tolerance. In addition, β-COP function seems to be required for maintaining the structure of the Golgi apparatus.


Exercise effect during pregnancy on brain nucleic acids of offspring in rats.
Eighteen pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to either a sedentary control, wheelrunning exercise, or a treadmill running condition group. The wheelrunning exercise rats were housed in individual exercise cages, while the treadmill running exercise rats were run on a motor-driven treadmill at 14.23 m/min on an 8% grade for 30 min/day 5 days/wk. The exercise commenced at least 1 week prior to pregnancy and continued to parturition. The wheel running and treadmill running conditions resulted in significantly (p less than 0.05) lower body weights in the dams. No significant differences were observed between the exercise and control groups for the number of pups delivered, the brain weight of the pups, or their body weight. Also, no significant group differences were noted for DNA, RNA, or protein from the brains of the pups. However, the pups of the treadmill running exercise dams performed significantly poorer on a measure of motor performance on a Rotacone.


Targeting Sensory and Motor Integration for Recovery of Movement After CNS Injury.
The central nervous system (CNS) integrates sensory and motor information to acquire skilled movements, known as sensory-motor integration (SMI). The reciprocal interaction of the sensory and motor systems is a prerequisite for learning and performing skilled movement. Injury to various nodes of the sensorimotor network causes impairment in movement execution and learning. Stimulation methods have been developed to directly recruit the sensorimotor system and modulate neural networks to restore movement after CNS injury. Part 1 reviews the main processes and anatomical interactions responsible for SMI in health. Part 2 details the effects of injury on sites critical for SMI, including the spinal cord, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Finally, Part 3 reviews the application of activity-dependent plasticity in ways that specifically target integration of sensory and motor systems. Understanding of each of these components is needed to advance strategies targeting SMI to improve rehabilitation in humans after injury.


The quintessential sealant?
A method of placing a reinforced resin-bonded sealant is described. When the beneficial properties of resin-bonded sealants are combined with those of preventive resin restorations, the outcome is perhaps the "quintessential sealant."


Effects of transdermal flunixin meglumine on pain biomarkers at dehorning in calves.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic properties of transdermal flunixin meglumine when given at the time of dehorning on pain biomarkers. Twenty-four weaned male Holstein calves, 6 to 8 wk of age were enrolled into the study. The calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: 1) transdermal flunixin and dehorn (DH-FLU); 2) transdermal flunixin and sham dehorn (SHAM-FLU); and 3) placebo and dehorn (DH-PLBO). Transdermal flunixin at a label dose of 3.33 mg/kg (or placebo at an equivalent volume) was administered as a pour-on along the top-line of the calves in each treatment group concurrently with electrocautery dehorning or sham dehorning. Biomarker parameters collected and analyzed included: infrared thermography (IRT), mechanical nociception threshold (MNT), plasma cortisol, and substance P (SP). There were no differences in maximal temperatures detected for the IRT measurements of the medial canthus of the eye for the DH groups. Mean control point MNT measurements at 48 h were 3.14 kgF, 3.46 kgF, and 1.43 kgF for the DH-FLU, Sham-FLU, and DH-PLBO groups, respectively (P = 0.0001). No other differences of MNT were detected between the dehorned groups for the other test sites and time points. Plasma cortisol reached peak concentration at 20 min postdehorning for the DH-FLU and DH-PLBO groups and 10 min for SHAM-FLU group. Peak plasma cortisol concentrations were 32.0 ng/mL, 12.7 ng/mL, and 28.8 ng/mL for the DH-FLU, SHAM-FLU, and DH-PLBO groups, respectively. Cortisol concentrations were lower for the DH-FLU group at 90 min postdehorning compared to the SHAM-FLU and DH-PLBO groups ( = 0.04). Area under the effect curve (AUEC) were similar for all groups ( = 0.93). No statistical differences in SP concentrations between groups were detected for any of the time points. In conclusion, transdermal flunixin meglumine given at the time of dehorning did not provide substantial analgesia based on the pain biomarkers investigated. Further investigation into its role as part of a multimodal analgesic plan is warranted.


[Clinicopathological study of 56 cases of extramammary Paget's disease with or without acantholysis].
Objective: To identify the clinicopathological features of extramammary Paget's disease(EMPD) and investigate the clinical and histopathological significance of acantholysis in EMPD. Methods: From June, 2010 to October, 2016, a total of 56 patients were diagnosed as EMPD in the Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Clinical and histopathological data were retrieved from these patients' medical records and analyzed respectively. The cases were divided into two subgroups according to the histopathological pattern (with or without acantholysis): the acantholytic EMPD (AEMPD) group and the non-acantholytic EMPD (N-AEMPD) group. The clinicopathological data were compared and statistically analyzed between the two groups. Results: The AEMPD group included 22 cases (39.3%), while the N-AEMPD group included 34 cases (60.7%). The male: female ratio, the age of onset, and the median duration of the disease were 10∶1 vs 10.3∶1, (64±8)vs (64±10)years, and 42(4-240)months vs 48(3-120) months in the AEMPD and N-AEMPD groups, respectively, with no significant difference (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the severe dermal inflammation (27.3% vs 17.6%, P=0.600 ) and cytologic anaplasia(13.6% vs17.6%, P=0.979)between the AEMPD and N-AEMPD groups.Adnexal involvement or dermal invasion (72.7%) was significantly more common in cases with AEMPD, compared to cases with N-AEMPD (23.5%, P<0.001). And 17 cases in the AEMPD group (77.3%) were Hailey-Hailey-disease-like subtype. The recurrence rate after surgical management (29 cases) showed no significant difference between the two groups (1/12 vs 4/17, P=0.370). Conclusions: Acantholysis is common in EMPD. It is not associated with sex, the age of onset, and the duration of the disease. Acantholysis may indicate invasive growth of Paget's cells. Its occurrence has no association with severe dermal inflammation or cytologic anaplasia. Hailey-Hailey-disease-like subtype is the most common subtype in AEMPD, requiring careful consideration to avoid misdiagnosis. Postoperative recurrence is not associated with acantholysis in EMPD.


DREMECELS: A Curated Database for Base Excision and Mismatch Repair Mechanisms Associated Human Malignancies.
DNA repair mechanisms act as a warrior combating various damaging processes that ensue critical malignancies. DREMECELS was designed considering the malignancies with frequent alterations in DNA repair pathways, that is, colorectal and endometrial cancers, associated with Lynch syndrome (also known as HNPCC). Since lynch syndrome carries high risk (~40-60%) for both cancers, therefore we decided to cover all three diseases in this portal. Although a large population is presently affected by these malignancies, many resources are available for various cancer types but no database archives information on the genes specifically for only these cancers and disorders. The database contains 156 genes and two repair mechanisms, base excision repair (BER) and mismatch repair (MMR). Other parameters include some of the regulatory processes that have roles in these disease progressions due to incompetent repair mechanisms, specifically BER and MMR. However, our unique database mainly provides qualitative and quantitative information on these cancer types along with methylation, drug sensitivity, miRNAs, copy number variation (CNV) and somatic mutations data. This database would serve the scientific community by providing integrated information on these disease types, thus sustaining diagnostic and therapeutic processes. This repository would serve as an excellent accompaniment for researchers and biomedical professionals and facilitate in understanding such critical diseases. DREMECELS is publicly available at http://www.bioinfoindia.org/dremecels.


RNAi-Mediated Loss of Function of Xenopus Immune Genes by Transgenesis.
Generation of transgenic frogs through the stable integration of foreign DNA into the genome is well established in Xenopus This protocol describes the combination of transgenesis with stable RNA interference as an efficient reverse genetic approach to study gene function in Xenopus Initially developed in the fish medaka and later adapted to Xenopus, this transgenic method uses the I-SceI meganuclease, a "rare-cutter" endonuclease with an 18 bp recognition sequence. In this protocol, transgenic X. laevis with knocked down expression of a specific gene are generated using a double promoter expression cassette. This cassette, which is flanked by I-SceI recognition sites, contains the shRNA of choice under the control of the human U6 promoter and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene under the control of the human EF-1α promoter. Prior to microinjection the plasmid is linearized by digestion with I-SceI and the entire reaction is then microinjected into one-cell stage eggs. The highly stringent recognition sequence of I-SceI is thought to maintain the linearized plasmid in a nonconcatamerized state, which promotes random integration of the plasmid transgene in the genome. The injected embryos are reared until larval stage 56 and then screened for GFP expression by fluorescence microscopy and assessed for effective knockdown by quantitative RT-PCR using a tail biopsy. Typically, the I-SceI meganuclease transgenesis technique results in 35%-50% transgenesis efficiency, a high survival rate (>35%) and bright nonmosaic GFP expression. A key advantage of this technique is that the high efficiency and nonmosaic transgene expression permit the direct use of F0 animals.


Genome Sequencing of Blacklip and Greenlip Abalone for Development and Validation of a SNP Based Genotyping Tool.
Abalone breeding in southern Australia often involves the production of interspecies hybrids through crossing blacklip (Haliotos rubra) and greenlip (H. laevigata) parental populations. To assist applied breeding and investigate genetic divergence, this study applied genome sequencing and variant detection to develop and validate a SNP genotyping tool. Skim short read Illumina sequencing was performed using 24 individuals from each of the two parental species and a hybrid population. Raw reads were assembled into three population specific pools (each 12-15 fold coverage), before mapping was performed against a draft greenlip abalone reference genome. Variant detection identified 22.4 M raw variants across the three populations (SNP and indels), suggesting they are highly heterozygous. First stage filtering defined a high quality SNP collection of 2.2 M variants independently called in each of the three populations. Second stage filtering identified a much smaller set of variants for assay design and genotyping using a validation set of 191 abalone of known population and pedigree. Comparison of allele frequency data revealed a high proportion of SNP (43%) had divergent allele frequency (< 0.2) between the two parental populations, suggesting they should have utility for parentage assignment. A maximum likelihood approach was used to successfully assign 105 of 105 progeny to their known true parent amongst a set of 86 candidate parents, confirming the genotyping tool has utility for applied breeding. Analysis of pairwise allele sharing successfully discriminated animals into populations, and PCA of genetic distance grouped the hybrid animals with intermediate values between the two parental populations. The findings present a library of DNA polymorphism of utility to breeding and ecological application, and begins to characterize the divergence separating two economically important aquaculture species.


Anti-tumour activity of Digitalis purpurea L. subsp. heywoodii.
Recent research has shown the anticancer effects of digitalis compounds suggesting their possible use in medical oncology. Four extracts obtained from the leaves of Digitalis purpurea subsp. heywoodii have been assessed for cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines, using the SRB assay. All of them showed high cytotoxicity, producing IC50 values in the 0.78 - 15 microg/mL range with the methanolic extract being the most active, in non toxic concentrations. Steroid glycosides (gitoxigenin derivatives) were detected in this methanolic extract. Gitoxigenin and gitoxin were evaluated in the SRB assay using the three human cancer cell lines, showing IC50 values in the 0.13 - 2.8 microM range, with the renal adenocarcinoma cancer cell line (TK-10) being the most sensitive one. Morphological apoptosis evaluation of the methanolic extract and both compounds on the TK-10 cell line showed that their cytotoxicity was mediated by an apoptotic effect. Finally, possible mechanisms involved in apoptosis induction by digitalis compounds are discussed.


The imPAct of Trimetazidine on MicrOcirculation after Stenting for stable coronary artery disease (PATMOS study).
Myocardial ischemia is caused by epicardial coronary artery stenosis or atherosclerotic disease affecting microcirculation. Trimetazidine (TMZ), promotes glucose oxidation which optimizes cellular energy processes in ischemic conditions. Small studies demonstrated protective effects of TMZ in terms of reducing myocardial injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), its effect on microcirculation using contemporary investigative methods has not been studied. The aim of the study was to examine effects of trimetazidine, given before elective PCI, on microcirculation using invasively measured index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR). This was prospective, single blinded, randomized study performed in a single university hospital. It included consecutive patients with an indication for PCI of a single, de novo, native coronary artery lesion. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either TMZ plus standard therapy (TMZ group) or just standard therapy. Coronary physiology indices fractional flow reserve (FFR), coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) were measured before and after PCI using coronary pressure wire. We randomized 71 patients with similar clinical characteristics and risk profile, previous medications and coronary angiograms. Patientshad similar values of Pd/Pa, FFR and CFR prior to PCI procedure. After PCI, FFR values were higher in TMZ group, while IMR values were lower in this group respectively (FFR TMZ + 0.89 ± 0.05 vs. TMZ - 0.85 ± 0.06, p = 0.007; CFR TMZ + 2.1 ± 0.8 vs. TMZ- 2.3 ± 1.3, p = 0.469; IMR TMZ + 18 ± 9 vs. TMZ- 24 ± 12, p = 0.028). In two-way repeated measures ANOVA PCI was associated with change in FFR values (TMZ p = 0.050; PCI p < 0.001; p for interaction 0.577) and TMZ with change in IMR values (TMZ p = 0.034, PCI p = 0.129, p for interaction 0.344). Adding trimetazidine on top of medical treatment prior to elective PCI reduces microvascular dysfunction by lowering postprocedural IMR values when compared to standard therapy alone.


Utility of full electrophysiological study before accessory pathway ablation in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
A single catheter technique has been described for ablation in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. It is unknown how often omission of a standard electrophysiological study would lead to misdiagnosis based on an assumption that the manifest accessory pathway is responsible for clinical tachycardia. To examine the contribution of the standard electrophysiological study versus an abbreviated, single catheter approach in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and an overt delta wave electrocardiographically. One hundred and fifty consecutive patients with a delta wave present on electrocardiogram referred for ablation had prior full diagnostic electrophysiological study. In 83% (124 of 150) of patients, the index accessory pathway was responsible for tachycardia and single catheter ablation would suffice. In 11% (17 of 150) of patients, the index pathway was not found to be the culprit producing tachycardia and in another 6% (nine of 150) additional information was obtained from electrophysiological study with possible clinical significance. Omission of the full diagnostic electrophysiological study is acceptable in the majority of patients presenting with a delta wave on electrocardiogram. However, important clinical information is missed in a sizeable minority of patients.


The English-Language and Reading Achievement of a Cohort of Deaf Students Speaking and Signing Standard English: A Preliminary Study.
Research suggests that English-language proficiency is critical if students who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) are to read as their hearing peers. One explanation for the traditionally reported reading achievement plateau when students are D/HH is the inability to hear insalient English morphology. Signing Exact English can provide visual access to these features. The authors investigated the English morphological and syntactic abilities and reading achievement of elementary and middle school students at a school using simultaneously spoken and signed Standard American English facilitated by intentional listening, speech, and language strategies. A developmental trend (and no plateau) in language and reading achievement was detected; most participants demonstrated average or above-average English. Morphological awareness was prerequisite to high test scores; speech was not significantly correlated with achievement; language proficiency, measured by the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-4 (Semel, Wiig, & Secord, 2003), predicted reading achievement.


Lymphatic Filariasis in Southwestern Nigerian Rural Communities: A Cross-sectional Survey of the Knowledge, Awareness, and Predisposing Factors.
Nigeria is the second most endemic country in the world for lymphatic filariasis, with control efforts often hampered by poor community awareness and involvement in intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and psychosocial aspects of some residents in Nigerian rural communities about lymphatic filariasis in order to develop disease control and intervention strategies with active community involvement. A standardized questionnaire was adapted and a scale of measurement was developed. The methodology was quantitative and the study design was cross-sectional. A sample of 203 respondents was selected using a precision of 0.06. A majority (51.2%) had heard of elephantiasis but very few (9.3%) had accurate knowledge of the causes of the disease. Most people (53.2%) had no sources of information about elephantiasis, and of the few individuals that claimed availability of sources of information, information about the mode of transmission of the disease (10.0%) was the most common. Very few individuals (7.9%) believed mosquitoes were associated with elephantiasis, with 16.7% having a history of elephantiasis. The proportion of respondents who did not use mosquito netting (61.1%) was significantly higher than those who did use it (33.0%) (P < .05). An appreciable proportion (26.1%) of individuals believed elephantiasis to be an abominable disease, with 5.9% individuals believing that people treat the victims of elephantiasis with disrespect. The study areas are at high risk of lymphatic filariasis. There is a need to create a knowledge-based awareness among the residents for effective management of the disease.


Inhibition of Pol I transcription treats murine and human AML by targeting the leukemia-initiating cell population.
Despite the development of novel drugs, the prospects for many patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain dismal. This study reveals that the selective inhibitor of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription, CX-5461, effectively treats aggressive AML, including mixed-lineage leukemia-driven AML, and outperforms standard chemotherapies. In addition to the previously characterized mechanism of action of CX-5461 (ie, the induction of p53-dependent apoptotic cell death), the inhibition of Pol I transcription also demonstrates potent efficacy in p53null AML in vivo. This significant survival advantage in both p53WT and p53null leukemic mice treated with CX-5461 is associated with activation of the checkpoint kinases 1/2, an aberrant G2/M cell-cycle progression and induction of myeloid differentiation of the leukemic blasts. The ability to target the leukemic-initiating cell population is thought to be essential for lasting therapeutic benefit. Most strikingly, the acute inhibition of Pol I transcription reduces both the leukemic granulocyte-macrophage progenitor and leukemia-initiating cell (LIC) populations, and suppresses their clonogenic capacity. This suggests that dysregulated Pol I transcription is essential for the maintenance of their leukemia-initiating potential. Together, these findings demonstrate the therapeutic utility of this new class of inhibitors to treat highly aggressive AML by targeting LICs.


Co-registration of radiographic and pathologic infarct territory in a non-human primate model of stroke.
Infarct volume correlation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathology specimens enables exact tissue localization of cerebral injury following experimental stroke. We describe a protocol that enables co-registration of radiographic signal change and histologic ischemia in a non-human primate model of stroke. One male baboon underwent left middle cerebral artery territory occlusion/reperfusion. MRI [5 mm axial T2 weighted (T2W) slices] was carried out 9 days post-ischemia after which the animal was killed. Immediately post-mortem, the whole brain was perfused and fixed in paraformaldehyde and sliced into 5 mm axial sections that corresponded to those demonstrated on MRI. Slices (40 microm) were obtained from each section and were then stained using Luxol hematoxylin and eosin. The relative area of hyperintensity demonstrated on T2W MRI approximates, in size and location, the region of infarct on gross pathology. This was confirmed microscopically. With the use of advanced imaging modalities, this co-registration technique affords the capacity to differentiate ischemic core, penumbra, and uninjured cortex following experimental stroke. Such a precise delineation enables immunohistochemical analysis of a wide variety of substrates in each of the aforementioned regions.


Biological staining: mechanisms and theory.
New staining techniques continue to be introduced, and older ones continue to be used and improved. Several factors control specificity, selectivity and visibility of the end product in any procedure using dyes, fluorochromes, inorganic reagents or histochemical reactions applied to sections or similar preparations. Local concentration of the tissue target often determines the intensity of the observed color, as does the fine structure within the object being stained, which may facilitate or impede diffusion of dyes and other reagents. Several contributions to affinity control the specificity of staining. These include electrical forces, which result in accumulation of dye ions in regions of oppositely charged tissue polyions. Weaker short-range attractions (hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces or hydrophobic bonding, depending on the solvent) hold dyes ions and histochemical end products in contact with their macromolecular substrates. Nonionic forces can also increase visibility of stained sites by causing aggregation of dye molecules. Covalent bonds between dye and tissue result in the strongest binding, such as in methods using Schiff's reagent and possibly also some mordant dyes. The rate at which a reagent gains access to or is removed from targets in a section or other specimen affect what is stained, especially when more then one dye is used, together or sequentially. Rate-controlled staining is greatly influenced by the presence and type of embedding medium, such as a resin, that infiltrates the tissue. The rates of chemical reactions are major determinants of outcome in many histochemical techniques. Selective staining of different organelles within living cells is accomplished mainly with fluorochromes and is controlled by mechanisms different from those that apply to fixed tissues. Quantitative structure-activity relations (QSAR) of such reagents can be derived from such molecular properties as hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance, extent of conjugated bond systems, acid-base properties and ionic charge. The QSAR correlates with staining of endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, mitochondria, DNA, or the plasma membranes of living cells.


Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis, cranial arteritis) and a case from Singapore.
Giant cell arteritis as the underlying cause of blindness in the elderly is common in the West but is not seen except on rare occasions in South East Asia. We describe an 86-year-old Chinese man from Singapore who presented with a central retinal artery occlusion. Biopsy of a prominent superficial temporal artery established the underlying cause to be giant cell arteritis which was also the eventual cause of death as the condition resulted in rupture of a dissecting aneurysm of the aorta. Giant cell arteritis should be considered in all cases of ischaemic eye disease in the elderly. The importance of early diagnosis lies in the very high incidence of second eye involvement within days or at most weeks in untreated patients. A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of this condition which is likely under-diagnosed in our local context.


[Invalids due to psychiatric reasons].
A sample of 150 applicants for insurance indemnity for psychiatric disability discriminates from a general township population by older age and lesser education, and from an outpatient group by older age, only. In the sample of the insurance applicants, there were diagnosed more neuroses and less other non psychotic psychiatric disturbances and less oligophrenics than in the outpatient group. 22 insurance applicants proved to be able to work. Among the disabled no subgroup such as foreigners, females or single people proved to be more susceptible to disability than others. Neurosis was the most frequent diagnosis among the disabled. The depressive syndrome and, equally, personality disorder tended to lead to disability mainly in the more than 50 years old.


Combined atomic force microscopy and photoluminescence imaging to select single InAs/GaAs quantum dots for quantum photonic devices.
We report on a combined photoluminescence imaging and atomic force microscopy study of single, isolated self-assembled InAs quantum dots. The motivation of this work is to determine an approach that allows to assess single quantum dots as candidates for quantum nanophotonic devices. By combining optical and scanning probe characterization techniques, we find that single quantum dots often appear in the vicinity of comparatively large topographic features. Despite this, the quantum dots generally do not exhibit significant differences in their non-resonantly pumped emission spectra in comparison to quantum dots appearing in defect-free regions, and this behavior is observed across multiple wafers produced in different growth chambers. Such large surface features are nevertheless a detriment to applications in which single quantum dots are embedded within nanofabricated photonic devices: they are likely to cause large spectral shifts in the wavelength of cavity modes designed to resonantly enhance the quantum dot emission, thereby resulting in a nominally perfectly-fabricated single quantum dot device failing to behave in accordance with design. We anticipate that the approach of screening quantum dots not only based on their optical properties, but also their surrounding surface topographies, will be necessary to improve the yield of single quantum dot nanophotonic devices.


Atopic dermatitis in Nigeria.
The incidence of atopic dermatitis rose from 0.3% in 1962 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, to 2.6% in 1972. A prospective study was designed to find the incidence nearly three decades after, as well as the presenting clinical features, factors influencing the disease, and the laboratory profile. The analysis of the 64 patients diagnosed during the 1.5-year study period is documented and discussed. The incidence of atopic dermatitis was 6.1%. The increase was attributed partly to increased hospital awareness in this university town and partly to a fall in infective dermatoses. There was paucity of the history of atopic diseases. Sixty-two and one half percent of parents and patients had postprimary education. Two thirds of the people belonged to the middle and high social classes. Self-medication was a frequent finding. No seasonal influence was implicated in 49 cases (76.5%). Heat was the most implicated aggravating factor (21.8%). Postinflammatory dyspigmentation was a common clinical feature. The proportion of patients with significantly high serum IgE stood out clearly.


Phenanthrene sorption by aliphatic-rich natural organic matter.
Contaminant sorption, an important process that may limit bioavailability, hinder remediation, encourage environmental persistence, and control mobility in the environment, has been the focus of numerous studies. Despite these efforts, the fundamental understanding of sorptive processes in soil and sedimentary environments has not been resolved. For instance, many have suggested that contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), solely interact with aromatic domains of organic matter. Until now, studies have neglected the aliphatic components that are known to be a recalcitrant and significant part of soil and sedimentary organic matter (SOM). In this investigation, the sorption of phenanthrene to several aliphatic-rich SOM samples was measured. The samples included the following: SOM precursors (algae, degraded algae, cellulose, collagen, cuticle, and lignin), two kerogen samples, and a highly aromatic humic acid. All samples were characterized by cross polarization magic angle spinning carbon-13 (CPMAS 13C) NMR and carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen analysis. Batch experiments demonstrated that the highest organic carbon normalized sorption coefficients (Koc values) were obtained with the Pula kerogen sample (log Koc = 4.88) that only contains 6.5% aromatic carbon. Other aliphatic-rich samples, namely the Green River kerogen, degraded algae, and collagen samples produced comparable log Koc values (4.64, 4.66, and 4.72, respectively) to that of the highly aromatic humic acid (log Koc = 4.67). Phenanthrene uptake was the least for cellulose and lignin, two major soil components. A comparison of phenanthrene Koc values and paraffinic carbon content revealed a positive correlation (Koc = 798 +/- 96.1 * paraffinic carbon (%), r2 = 0.56) and indicates that amorphous polymethylene carbon is an important consideration in phenanthrene sorption. This study establishes that aliphatic SOM domains have a strong affinity for phenanthrene and likely, other PAHs. Therefore, aliphatic structures, that are an important component of SOM, require more attention in the examination of sorption processes in terrestrial and sedimentary environments.


[Significance of associated causes in the evaluation of post-traumatic vestibular damage].
Any evaluation of vestibular diseases following head and neck injuries must take into consideration the existence of other diseases which may act with the trauma causing lesions which might not have taken place otherwise or which would have had less import. In the present work the authors examine what medico-legal doctrine considers in regard to pre-existing, simultaneous and cropped up aggravations of lesions or of invalidity. Finally, an explanation is given of personal experience with 1500 patients with head and neck injury. It is pointed out how in 130 cases the presence of pathological conditions associated with the traumatic event was the cause of problems in evaluation of primary importance.


Frequency of five thrombophilic polymorphisms in the Egyptian population.
This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of FV1691 G-A, FV4070 A-G, PT20210 G-A, EPCR 23 gene bp insertion and ACE gene 300 bp deletion among healthy Egyptians. One hundred and eighty eight healthy Egyptians were included to the study. Previously reported molecular techniques were used for the determination of mutations. Thirthy one individuals had FV1691 G-A (16.5%) mutation with an allele frequency of 0.09. R2 and R3 haplotypes were found in 21 (11.2%) and 4 (2.1%) individuals, respectively. Only one healthy individual had EPCR gene 23 bp insertion (0.53%) and two individuals (1.06%) had PT20210 G-A mutation, respectively. The ACE gene -300 bp del in homozygous state was present in 92 (48.9%) individuals. The frequency of D allele was 0.718. Our preliminary data revealed that FV1691 G-A mutation is very frequent among Egyptians and it will be meaningfull to study the mutation also in the thrombotic events in Egypt.


Endotoxin protection against oxygen toxicity and its reversal by acetylsalicylic acid.
This study investigated the involvement of substances derived from arachidonic acid in the mechanism of endotoxin's protective action against pulmonary oxygen toxicity. Eighty-three percent of rats treated with a small dose of endotoxin (1 mg/kg) survived exposure to over 95% oxygen for 7 days. In contrast, all control rats exposed to the same oxygen concentration died within 3 days. When the endotoxin-treated rats were also treated with the soluble lysine salt of acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg), 7-day survival decreased to 25%. This suggests that prostaglandin metabolism may play an important role in the protective action of endotoxin during hyperoxia.


Role of dynamic computed tomography scans in patients with congenital craniovertebral junction malformations.
To evaluate the role of dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan imaging in diagnosing craniovertebral junction (CVJ) instability in patients with congenital CVJ malformations. Patients with symptomatic congenital CVJ malformations who underwent posterior fossa decompression and had a preoperative dynamic CT scan in flexion and extended position were included in this study. Measurements of the following craniometrical parameters were taken in flexed and extended neck position: Atlanto-dental interval (ADI), distance of the odontoid tip to the Chamberlain's line, and the clivus-canal angle (CCA). Assessment of the facet joints congruence was also performed in both positions. Comparison of the values obtained in flexion and extension were compared using a paired Student's t-test. A total of ten patients with a mean age of 37.9 years were included. In flexion imaging, the mean ADI was 1.76 mm, the mean CCA was 125.4° and the mean distance of the odontoid tip to the Chamberlain's line was + 9.62 mm. In extension, the mean ADI was 1.46 mm (P = 0.29), the mean CCA was 142.2° (P < 0.01) and the mean distance of the odontoid tip to the Chamberlain's line was + 7.11 mm (P < 0.05). Four patients (40%) had facetary subluxation demonstrated in dynamic imaging, two of them with mobile subluxation (both underwent CVJ fixation). The other two patients with a fixed subluxation were not initially fixed. One patient with atlantoaxial assimilation and C23 fusion without initial facet subluxation developed a latter CVJ instability diagnosed with a dynamic CT scan. Patients with basilar invagination had a lower CCA variation compared to the whole group. Craniometrical parameters, as well as the visualization of the facets location, may change significantly according to the neck position. Dynamic imaging can provide additional useful information to the diagnosis of CVJ instability. Future studies addressing the relationship between craniometrical changes and neck position are necessary.


Nerve fibers in the rat posterior pituitary lobe contain prosomatostatin (1-64).
The neurohormone and neurotransmitter somatostatin arises from the processing of a larger precursor, prosomatostatin (proSS). An immunohistochemical investigation in the rat, using a well-characterized antiserum raised against a synthetic peptide identical to the 20-36 residues of the proSS molecule, revealed the presence of immunoreactive nerve fibers and nerve terminals in the median eminence, infundibulum, infundibular stalk and posterior pituitary lobe. The largest number of immunoreactive nerve fibers and nerve terminals was observed in apposition to the portal vessels, whereas a moderate number of proSS-immunoreactive fibers was identified in the infundibular stalk and in the proximal part of the posterior pituitary lobe. The proSS-immunoreactive nerves entered the posterior pituitary lobe from the infundibular and pituitary stalks and were followed to rostral and ventral aspects of the organ. In contrast, positive fibers were rarely identified in caudal and posterior parts. Extracts of rat posterior pituitaries subjected to gel chromatography and reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed the presence of a single proSS-immunoreactive molecule corresponding to the size of proSS(1-64). The functional significance of the proSS(1-64) in the hypothalamus and pituitary is at present unknown, but its location in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system suggests that this end product of the processing of proSS is released into the portal and perhaps also the general circulation.


Discovery of novel antimicrobial peptides: A transcriptomic study of the sea anemone Cnidopus japonicus.
As essential conservative component of the innate immune systems of living organisms, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could complement pharmaceuticals that increasingly fail to combat various pathogens exhibiting increased resistance to microbial antibiotics. Among the properties of AMPs that suggest their potential as therapeutic agents, diverse peptides in the venoms of various predators demonstrate antimicrobial activity and kill a wide range of microorganisms. To identify potent AMPs, the study reported here involved a transcriptomic profiling of the tentacle secretion of the sea anemone Cnidopus japonicus. An in silico search algorithm designed to discover toxin-like proteins containing AMPs was developed based on the evaluation of the properties and structural peculiarities of amino acid sequences. The algorithm revealed new proteins of the anemone containing antimicrobial candidate sequences, and 10 AMPs verified using high-throughput proteomics were synthesized. The antimicrobial activity of the candidate molecules was experimentally estimated against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Ultimately, three peptides exhibited antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains, which suggests that the method can be applied to reveal new AMPs in the venoms of other predators as well.


Vitamin D Supplementation Enhances C18(dihydro)ceramide Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients.
Sphingolipids are characterized by a broad range of bioactive properties. Particularly, the development of insulin resistance, a major pathophysiological hallmark of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2D), has been linked to ceramide signaling. Since vitamin D supplementation may slow down T2D progression by improving glucose concentrations and insulin sensitivity, we investigated whether vitamin D supplementation impacts on plasma sphingolipid levels in T2D patients. Thus, plasma samples of 59 patients with non-insulin-requiring T2D from a placebo-controlled, randomized, and double-blind study were retrospectively analyzed. Once per week, patients received either 20 drops of Vigantol oil, corresponding to a daily dose of 1904 IU/d vitamin D (verum: n = 31), or a placebo oil consisting of medium chain triglycerides (placebo: n = 28). Blood samples were taken from all of the participants at three different time points: 1) at the beginning of the study (baseline), 2) after 6 months supplementation, and 3) after an additional 6 months of follow-up. Plasma sphingolipids were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. At baseline and 6 months follow-up, no significant differences in plasma sphingolipid species were detected between the placebo and verum groups. After 6 months, vitamin D supplementation significantly enhanced plasma C18dihydroceramide (dhCer; N-stearoyl-sphinganine (d18:0/18:0)) and C18ceramide (Cer; N-stearoyl-sphingosine (d18:1/18:0)) levels were observed in the verum group compared to the placebo group. This was accompanied by significantly higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃) blood levels in patients receiving vitamin D compared to the placebo group. Taken together, vitamin D supplementation induced changes of the C18 chain-length-specific dhCer and Cer plasma levels in patients with T2D. The regulation of sphingolipid signaling by vitamin D may thus unravel a novel mechanism by which vitamin D can influence glucose utilization and insulin action. Whether this acts favorably or unfavorably for the progression of T2D needs to be clarified.


Tibial fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
To determine whether supplementary tibial graft fixation with a staple is routinely necessary for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. We retrospectively reviewed a series of consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction at our institution from April 2012 to July 2013. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into two groups, of which one with tibial fixation of the graft with a biointerference screw alone (biointerference screw group) and the other with tibial fixation of the graft with a biointerference screw and supplementary extra tunnel staple fixation (biointerference screw and staple group). All the surgeries were performed by a single fellowship-trained sports surgeon, using a standardized transportal technique and rehabilitation protocol. Both well-matched groups were evaluated at 1-year follow-up objectively for ligament laxity using instrumented testing with KT-2000 arthrometer and clinical tests as well as subjectively with the validated International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 (IKDC) and Lysholm knee score. All complications were reported. A total of 64 patients (31 in the only biointerference screw group and 33 in the biointerference screw and staple group) were included in the study. At 1 year, there was no significant difference in the objective and subjective outcome assessments between the two groups. However, four patients from the group with supplementary staple experienced symptomatic hardware on kneeling of which two necessitated removal of hardware. Our study showed that supplementary tibial graft fixation with a staple is not routinely necessary for ACL reconstructions. It confers no additional benefits when compared with the use of biointerference screw alone for tibial graft fixation but may increase the risks of symptomatic hardware.


Long-term follow-up of cases considered healed one year after apical microsurgery.
A previous report demonstrated 96.8% healing within 1 yr after apical surgery was performed with the surgical operating microscope and Super-EBA as the root-end filling material. The purpose of this paper is to report on the long-term follow-up of those cases that were considered healed at the short term. Clinical examinations were made and radiographs were evaluated 5 to 7 yr after the case had first been considered healed. Criteria for determining healed cases were the same as those used in the first report. Of the 59 roots evaluated, 54 (91.5%) remained healed, whereas 5 (8.5%) showed evidence of apical deterioration.


Quantitative myocardial blush grade for the detection of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) progressively compromises microvascular perfusion and function in heart transplantation (HTx)-recipients. The aim of our study was to investigate the ability of quantitative myocardial blush grade (MBG) to detect CAV. In consecutive HTx-recipients (n = 72) who underwent surveillance cardiac catheterization, MBG was assessed visually and quantitatively, by analyzing the time course of contrast agent intensity rise. Hereby, the parameter G(max)/T(max) was calculated as the plateau of grey-level intensity (G(max)) divided by the time-to-peak intensity (T(max)). HTx-recipients and 18 healthy volunteers underwent cardiac magnetic resonance, to assess diastolic strain rates and myocardial perfusion reserve during pharmacologic hyperemia. Significant correlations were observed between G(max)/T(max) with perfusion reserve and with mean diastolic strain rates (r(2) = 0.68 and r(2) = 0.58, P < .001 for both). Visual and quantitative MBG using a cutoff value of G(max)/T(max) = 2.7/s yielded significantly higher accuracy than stenosis severity on coronary angiograms for the detection of impaired microvascular integrity as a surrogate marker for CAV (AUC = 0.78, SE = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.66-0.87 for lumen narrowing versus AUC = 0.91, SE = 0.03, 95%CI = 0.84-0.97 for G(max)/T(max); P < .01). Furthermore, quantitative MBG provided more robust prediction of survival (chi(2)= 14.0, P < .001), compared to visually estimated blush (chi(2)= 5.4, P = .02) and to coronary lumen narrowing assessment, (chi(2)= 4.8, P = .04). Quantification of MBG can be performed on coronary angiograms of HTx-recipients, and may help with the identification of early CAV in patients with impaired perfusion reserve but without angiographically evident atherosclerosis.


Characterization of Tigecycline Resistance Among Tigecycline Non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates From Humans, Food-Producing Animals, and in vitro Selection Assay.
Emergence of extensively drug-resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae has prompted increased reliance on the last-resort antibiotics such as tigecycline (TGC) for treating infections caused by these pathogens. Consumption of human antibiotics in the food production industry has been found to contribute to the current antibiotic resistance crisis. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms of TGC resistance among 18 TGC-non-susceptible (resistant or intermediate) K. pneumoniae (TGC-NSKP) isolates obtained from human (n = 5), food animals (n = 7), and in vitro selection experiment (n = 6). Isolates were genotyped by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). ramR, acrR, rpsJ, tetA, and mgrB (for colistin resistance) genes were sequenced. The presence of tetX, tetX1, and carbapenemase genes was examined by PCR. Susceptibility to different classes of antibiotics was evaluated by disc diffusion and broth macrodilution methods. The expression level of acrB was quantified by RT-qPCR assay. The 12 TGC-NSKP isolates [minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) = 4-32 mg/l] belonged to 10 distinct sequence types including ST37 (n = 2), ST11, ST15, ST45, ST1326 (animal isolates); ST147 (n = 2, human and animal isolates); and ST16, ST377, ST893, and ST2935 (human isolates). Co-resistance to TGC and colistin was identified among 57 and 40% of animal and human isolates, respectively. All human TGC-NSKP isolates carried carbapenemase genes (bla OXA - 48, bla NDM - 1, and bla NDM - 5). tetX/X1 genes were not detected in any isolates. About 83% of TGC-NSKP isolates (n = 15) carried ramR and/or acrR alterations including missense/nonsense mutations (A19V, L44Q, I141T, G180D, A28T, R114L, T119S, Y59stop, and Q122stop), insertions (positions +205 and +343), or deletions (position +205) for ramR, and R90G substitution or frameshift mutations for acrR. In one isolate ramR amplicon was not detected using all primers used in this study. Among seven colistin-resistant isolates, five harbored inactivated/mutated MgrB due to premature termination by nonsense mutations, insertion of IS elements, and frameshift mutations. All isolates revealed wild-type RpsJ and TetA (if present). Increased expression of acrB gene was detected among all resistant isolates, with the in vitro selected mutants showing the highest values. A combination of RamR and AcrR alterations was involved in TGC non-susceptibility in the majority of studied isolates.


Association of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use With Risk of Gallbladder and Biliary Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been widely recommended for glucose control and cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes, and more recently, for weight loss. However, the associations of GLP-1 RAs with gallbladder or biliary diseases are controversial. To evaluate the association of GLP-1 RA treatment with gallbladder and biliary diseases and to explore risk factors for these associations. MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (inception to June 30, 2021), websites of clinical trial registries (July 10, 2021), and reference lists. There were no language restrictions. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the use of GLP-1 RA drugs with placebo or with non-GLP-1 RA drugs in adults. Two reviewers independently extracted data according to the PRISMA recommendations and assessed the quality of each study with the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. Pooled relative risks (RRs) were calculated using random or fixed-effects models, as appropriate. The quality of evidence for each outcome was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) framework. The primary outcome was the composite of gallbladder or biliary diseases. Secondary outcomes were biliary diseases, biliary cancer, cholecystectomy, cholecystitis, and cholelithiasis. Data analyses were performed from August 5, 2021, to September 3, 2021. A total of 76 RCTs involving 103 371 patients (mean [SD] age, 57.8 (6.2) years; 41 868 [40.5%] women) were included. Among all included trials, randomization to GLP-1 RA treatment was associated with increased risks of gallbladder or biliary diseases (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.23-1.52); specifically, cholelithiasis (RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.10-1.47), cholecystitis (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14-1.62), and biliary disease (RR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.08-2.22). Use of GLP-1 RAs was also associated with increased risk of gallbladder or biliary diseases in trials for weight loss (n = 13; RR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.64-3.18) and for type 2 diabetes or other diseases (n = 63; RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.14-1.43; P <.001 for interaction). Among all included trials, GLP-1 RA use was associated with higher risks of gallbladder or biliary diseases at higher doses (RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.36-1.78) compared with lower doses (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.73-1.33; P = .006 for interaction) and with longer duration of use (RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.26-1.56) compared with shorter duration (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.48-1.31; P = .03 for interaction). This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs found that use of GLP-1 RAs was associated with increased risk of gallbladder or biliary diseases, especially when used at higher doses, for longer durations, and for weight loss. PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42021271599.


Nanocrystal-powered nanomotor.
We have constructed and operated a nanoscale linear motor powered by a single metal nanocrystal ram sandwiched between mechanical lever arms. Low-level electrical voltages applied to the carbon nanotube lever arms cause the nanocrystal to grow or shrink in a controlled manner. The length of the ram is adjustable from 0 to more than 150 nm, with extension speeds exceeding 1900 nm/s. The thermodynamic principles governing motor operation resemble those driving frost heave, a natural solid-state linear motor.


Transport of yeast vacuolar trehalase to the vacuole.
We have tested yeast secretory mutants, which define different stages of the secretory pathway, for their levels of vacuolar trehalase activity. Mutations that cause accumulation of secretory proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum or in the Golgi body lead to diminished vacuolar trehalase activity. Mutations that cause accumulation of secretory vesicles have no effect on vacuolar trehalase activity. None of the mutations affects cytoplasmic trehalase activity. These results provide further evidence for the existence of a compartmentalized trehalase in yeast, and demonstrate that the enzyme enters the secretory pathway.


Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles loaded on the seashell surface using Rumex crispus seeds extract and its catalytic applications for reduction of dyes.
In this study, CuO nanoparticles supported on the seashell (CuO NPs/seashell) was prepared using Rumex crispus seeds extract as a chelating and capping agent. The prepared nanocomposite was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The particle size of CuO NPs on the seashell sheets was in the range of 8-60 nm. Catalytic ability of CuO NPs/seashell was investigated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and Congo red (CR). It was observed that catalyst can be easily recovered and reused several times without any significant loss of catalytic efficiency.


Postprogression Outcomes for Osimertinib versus Standard-of-Care EGFR-TKI in Patients with Previously Untreated EGFR-mutated Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
In the phase III FLAURA study, third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) osimertinib significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) versus standard-of-care (SoC) EGFR-TKI (gefitinib or erlotinib) in patients with previously untreated EGFR (exon 19 deletion or L858R) mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Interim overall survival (OS) data were encouraging, but not formally statistically significant at current maturity (25%). Here we report exploratory postprogression outcomes. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive osimertinib (80 mg orally, once daily) or SoC EGFR-TKI (gefitinib 250 mg or erlotinib 150 mg, orally, once daily). Treatment beyond disease progression was allowed if the investigator judged ongoing clinical benefit. Patients receiving SoC EGFR-TKI could cross over to receive osimertinib after independently confirmed objective disease progression with documented postprogression T790M-positive mutation status. At data cutoff (June 12, 2017), 138 of 279 (49%) and 213 of 277 (77%) patients discontinued osimertinib and SoC EGFR-TKI, respectively, of whom 82 (59%) and 129 (61%), respectively, started a subsequent treatment. Median time to discontinuation of any EGFR-TKI or death was 23.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 19.5-not calculable (NC)] in the osimertinib arm and 16.0 months (95% CI, 14.8-18.6) in the SoC EGFR-TKI arm. Median second PFS was not reached (95% CI, 23.7-NC) in the osimertinib arm and 20.0 months (95% CI, 18.2-NC) in the SoC EGFR-TKI arm [hazard ratio (HR), 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44-0.78; P = 0.0004]. All postprogression endpoints showed consistent improvement with osimertinib versus SoC EGFR-TKI, providing further confidence in the interim OS data.


Fungal spore content of the atmosphere of the Cave of Nerja (southern Spain): diversity and origin.
Fungal spores are of great interest in aerobiology and allergy due to their high incidence in both outdoor and indoor environments and their widely recognized ability to cause respiratory diseases and other pathologies. In this work, we study the spore content of the atmosphere of the Cave of Nerja, a karstic cavity and an important tourist attraction situated on the eastern coast of Malaga (southern Spain), which receives more than half a million visitors every year. This study was carried out over an uninterrupted period of 4 years (2002-2005) with the aid of two Hirst-type volumetric pollen traps (Lanzoni VPPS 2000) situated in different halls of the cave. In the atmosphere of the Cave of Nerja, 72 different spore types were detected during the studied period and daily mean concentrations of up to 282,195 spores/m(3) were reached. Thirty-five of the spore types detected are included within Ascomycota and Basidiomycota (19 and 16 types, respectively). Of the remaining spore types, 32 were categorized within the group of so-called imperfect fungi, while Oomycota and Myxomycota were represented by 2 and 3 spore types, respectively. Aspergillus/Penicillium was the most abundant spore type with a yearly mean percentage that represented 50% of the total, followed by Cladosporium. Finally, the origin of the fungal spores found inside the cave is discussed on the basis of the indoor/outdoor concentrations and the seasonal behaviour observed.


Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic fine-needle aspiration: potential pitfalls in one institution's experience of 1212 procedures.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has emerged as the diagnostic modality of choice for mass lesions in the pancreas. The objective of the current study was to determine the accuracy and pitfalls of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions in cases that involved follow-up surgical resection. Cases of EUS-FNA of pancreatic lesions performed from 2007 to mid-2012 for which subsequent surgical resection was performed were retrieved from the department's database. The accuracy of the cytologic diagnosis was assessed using the histological diagnosis as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated. "Neoplastic," "suspicious," and "malignant" were classified as a positive cytologic diagnosis. In one calculation method, "atypical" was also included as a positive cytologic diagnosis whereas in another it was not considered to be a positive cytological result. The cases with a cytologic-histological discrepancy were reviewed to identify sources of errors. A total of 1212 cases from 1104 patients (518 women and 586 men; age range, 18-94 years [average age, 63.5 years]) were identified. Cytologic diagnoses included 52 unsatisfactory, 224 benign, 129 atypical, 140 neoplasm, 35 suspicious, and 632 malignant diagnoses. Of these cases, 397 patients had histological follow-up information available. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 83.2%, 85.9%, 95.9%, and 56.1%, respectively, with atypical cases excluded from the analysis. When atypical cases were included as a positive cytologic diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 86.7%, 67.9%, 90.7%, and 58.5%, respectively, and were 73.7%, 87.7%, 95.6%, and 48.0%, respectively, when atypical cases were included as a negative cytologic diagnosis. The major difficulty in EUS-FNA cytology was to differentiate pancreatic mucinous neoplasms from contaminants of gastric mucosa. Other pitfalls included differentiating mucinous neoplasm from extensive pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and endocrine tumor from nesidioblastosis versus acinar cell carcinoma or intrapancreatic spleen. EUS-FNA is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, especially solid malignant tumors. Cytologic-radiological correlation is essential in differentiating pancreatic mucinous neoplasms from gastric mucosa, because the former usually are found to have characteristic features on imaging. Pathologists should be aware of the pitfalls in the cytologic diagnosis of pancreatic lesions that may significantly change the clinical management of the patients.


Hollow and cage-bell structured nanomaterials of noble metals.
Mastery of the structure of nanomaterials enables control of their properties to enhance their performance for a given application. Herein we demonstrate the synthesis of metal nanomaterials with hollow interiors or cage-bell structures based on the inside-out diffusion of Ag in core-shell structured nanoparticles. It begins with the synthesis of core-shell Ag-M or core-shell-shell M(A)-Ag-M(B) nanoparticles in an organic solvent. Ag is then extracted from the core or the inner shell by bis(p-sulfonatophenyl)phenylphosphane, which binds strongly with Ag(I)/Ag(0) to allow the complete removal of Ag in 24-48 h, leaving behind an organosol of hollow or cage-bell structured metal nanomaterials. Because of their relatively lower densities, which usually translate to a higher surface area than their solid counterparts, the hollow and cage-bell structured metal nanomaterials are especially relevant to catalysis. For example, cage-bell structured Pt-Ru nanoparticles were found to display outstanding methanol tolerance for the cathode reaction of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) as a result of the differential diffusion of methanol and oxygen in the cage-bell structure.


Adenoid cystic carcinoma of hard palate with coincidental metastases to lung and liver.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most frequent pathology occurring in the minor salivary glands .It is usually slow growing; however, it can spread via perineural invasion, haematogenous and lymphatogenous metastasis. Most common sites of metastasis are lung and bone. Involvement of the other sites is not common. In this article, we present a woman with coincident lung and liver metastases.


Potential mechanisms linking probiotics to diabetes: a narrative review of the literature.
Some studies have suggested a wide range of possible mechanisms through which probiotics may play a role in diabetes prevention and treatment. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We conducted this study to review the potential mechanisms suggested for the effect of probiotics in diabetes. Narrative review conducted at the Food Security Research Center of Isfahan. A search in the electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google scholar was performed up to October 2016. The initial search yielded 1214 reports. After removing duplicates, 704 titles and abstracts were screened. Finally, out of 83 full-text articles that were reviewed for eligibility, 30 articles were included in the final analysis. The anti-diabetic mechanisms for probiotics reported encompass intraluminal and direct effects on the intestinal mucosa and microbiota (n = 13), anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects (n = 10), antioxidative effects (n = 5), effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and expression of genes involved in glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance (n = 6), with some studies pointing to more than one mechanism. The results may throw some light on the capacity of probiotics as a novel approach towards controlling diabetes. However, further human studies are warranted to elucidate and confirm the potential role of probiotics in diabetes prevention and treatment. Also, it needs to be ascertained whether the effectiveness of probiotics in diabetes prevention and treatment is dependent on the strain of the microorganisms.


Diazapentacene derivatives as thin-film transistor materials: morphology control in realizing high-field-effect mobility.
5,7,12,14-Tetrachloro-6,13-diaza-6,13-dihydropentacene (TCDAHP) and 5,7,12,14-tetrachloro-6,13-diazapentacene (TCDAP) were synthesized and assessed as the active channel materials for thin-film transistor applications. Analyses of the crystal structures of these molecules revealed that both exhibited slipped pi-pi stacking of the long and fused aromatic moiety. Although the packing features of the two compounds are basically identical, their highest occupied molecular orbitals, which are relevant to hole transport, are very different. Better mobility was predicted for TCDAHP over TCDAP based on the dimeric structure in the X-ray coordinates. The morphologies of thin films of TCDAHP and TCDAP prepared by thermal evaporation depend critically on the substrate on which the molecules were deposited: from the amorphous state on a SiO(2)/Si surface to the crystalline state on a pentacene buffer layer surface. The performance of thin-film transistors prepared on various substrate surfaces was studied. While no field-effect mobility was observed for these films deposited on SiO(2)/Si, a high mobility of 1.4 cm(2)/(V s) for the TCDAHP film was achieved when deposited on a pentacene buffer layer prepared on a rubbed monolayer of n-nonyltrichlorosilane on a SiO(2)/Si surface. A similar device prepared from TCDAP gave a mobility of 0.13 cm(2)/(V s).


The Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Pain in Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.
The surgical procedures of spine are generally associated with intense pain in the postoperative period. Opioids are commonly used for perioperative analgesia but are associated with many side effects. Co-analgesic drugs are used to decrease these side effects. One such supplemental drug is dexamethasone. Its strong anti-inflammatory effect contributes to perioperative analgesia. This study was done to evaluate the effect of intravenous (i.v.) dexamethasone on intraoperative and early postoperative pain in lumbar spine surgery. This was a hospital-based randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, done between June 2016 and December 2016 after permission of institutional ethical committee. This Study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery, and randomization was done in two groups. Group A (study) received dexamethasone 2 ml (8 mg) i.v. and Group B (control) received 2 ml normal saline. Anesthesia technique and rescue analgesia regimen were standardized. Intraoperative pain was assessed by hemodynamic variability and postoperative pain by verbal rating score. All the quantitative data were analyzed using Student's t-test and all the qualitative data using Chi-square test. Heart rate in the control group was significantly higher than the study group during intraoperative period. Mean pain scores in the early postoperative period were significantly higher in control group than the study group (P < 0.001). Mean time of first rescue analgesic in the postoperative period was 149.17 min and 34.33 min in the study group and control group, respectively (P < 0.001). Hence, we conclude that administration of 8 mg of preoperative i.v dexamethasone was effective in reducing intraoperative and early postoperative pain in the lumbar spine surgery.


Genome Sequence of Enterovirus D68 from St. Louis, Missouri, USA, 2016.
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) was rarely observed prior to a widespread outbreak in 2014. We observed its reemergence in St. Louis in 2016 and sequenced the EV-D68 genomes from two patient samples. The 2016 viruses in St. Louis differed from those we had sequenced from the 2014 outbreak but were similar to other viruses circulating nationally in 2016.


Efficient in vitro repair of 7-hydro-8-oxodeoxyguanosine by human cell extracts: involvement of multiple pathways.
To investigate the repair of oxidative damage in DNA, we have established an in vitro assay utilizing human lymphoblastoid whole cell extracts and plasmid DNA damaged by exposure to methylene blue and visible light. This treatment has been shown to produce predominantly 7-hydro-8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in double-stranded DNA at low levels of modification. DNA containing 1. 6 lesions per plasmid is substrate for efficient repair synthesis by cell extracts. The incorporation of dGMP is 2.7 +/- 0.5 times greater than the incorporation of dCMP, indicating an average repair patch of 3-4 nucleotides. Damage-specific nicking occurs within 15 min, while resynthesis is slower. The incorporation of dGMP increases linearly, while the incorporation of dCMP exhibits a distinct lag. Extracts from xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) complementation groups A and B exhibit 25 and 40%, respectively, of the incorporation of dCMP compared with normal extracts, but extracts from an XP-D cell line exhibit twice the activity. These data suggest that the efficient repair of 8-oxodG lesions observed in human cell extracts involves more than one pathway of base excision repair.


Chirality and catalysis with aromatic N-fused heterobicyclic carbenes.
The benzoannulation of the most common families of aromatic NHCs, imidazol-2-ylidenes and 1,2,4-triazol-3-ylidenes, results in heterobicyclic imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-3-ylidenes ('s) and [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-3-ylidenes ('s), characterized by a bridged N atom. These are versatile platforms that offer multiple possibilities for the modulation of the steric and electronic properties of the carbene ligand and/or organocatalyst, and offer also diverse opportunities for the introduction of several types of chiralities. In this paper the different families of chiral and carbenes and their application in asymmetric catalysis will be discussed.


[Melioidosis: report of the first case in a northern state of México].
The melioidosis, is an infection caused by Burkhordelia pseudomallei that comprises heterogeneous clinical syndromes with acute or chronic evolution. The objective of this article is to report a case with unusual presentation and outside the known epidemiological context. We present the case of a 48-year-old man who came to our hospital with fever and a history of an abscess in the right subscapular region, physical examination showed hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, fever, without pulmonary symptoms. Within study it reveal multiple abscesses in liver and spleen, requiring surgical exploration and antibiotics (meropenem/vancomycin). Blood cultures reveal Burkhordelia pseudomallei adding trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole with resolution of symptoms.


[Eales' disease involving central nervous system white matter].
Eales' disease (ED) is a rare condition characterized by repeated retinal and vitreous hemorrhages. The only extraocular involvement described occasionally in the literature is neurological. Histologically, vasculitis in ED is usually restricted to the eye, but occasionally involves the central nervous system, where demyelinizing lesions may also occur. We present a 34-year-old male with ED and subclinical central nervous system involvement. Craneal magnetic resonance images (MR) suggested demyelinization; brainstem auditory and somatosensory evoked potentials were abnormal. There was moderate pleocytosis in CSF and intratecal production of immunoglobulins with oligoclonal bands. Follow-up over a period of 2.5 years showed no clinical, MR or CSF changes in spite of continued opthamological impairment. Little is known about factors that affect the development or not of demyelinizing lesions in ED patients with neurological involvement demonstrated by intratecal production of immunoglobulins. Identification of such factors may contribute to our understanding of other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.


Host-dependent, thermosensitive replication of an R plasmid, pJY5, isolated from Enterobacter cloacae.
The thermosensitive replication of an R plasmid, pJY5, isolated from Enterobacter cloacae, was studied. pJY5 consisted of 61 million daltons of covalently closed circular (CCC) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with a buoyant density of 1.714 g/cm3 (55 mol % guanine plus cytosine). In Escherichia coli, this plasmid replicated stringently at 32 degrees C, but ceased its CCC DNA replication after a short incubation at 42 degrees C, resulting in production of R- segregants. The thermosensitive replication of pJY5 was not overcome by the coexistence of non-thermosensitive R plasmids. The plasmid manifested an inhibitory effect on host bacterial cell growth at 42 degrees C, although the effect was less prominent than that of R plasmids belonging to the T-incompatibility group, Rts1, R401, and R402. When the pJY5 plasmid was transferred into E. cloacae, however, no R- segregants were detected at any culture temperature, even 42 degrees C. Alkaline sucrose gradient analysis revealed that a significant amount of pJY5 CCC DNA was synthesized in E. cloacae at the high temperature but not in E. coli. Furthermore, the growth-inhibitory effect of pJY5 on hosts at 42 degrees C was not observed in E. cloacae. On the other hand, Rts1 and R401 were found to be thermosensitive in E. cloacae as well as in E. coli.


Metabolic engineering for enhanced hydrogen production: a review.
Hydrogen gas exhibits potential as a sustainable fuel for the future. Therefore, many attempts have been made with the aim of producing high yields of hydrogen gas through renewable biological routes. Engineering of strains to enhance the production of hydrogen gas has been an active area of research for the past 2 decades. This includes overexpression of hydrogen-producing genes (native and heterologous), knockout of competitive pathways, creation of a new productive pathway, and creation of dual systems. Interestingly, genetic mutations in 2 different strains of the same species may not yield similar results. Similarly, 2 different studies on hydrogen productivities may differ largely for the same mutation and on the same species. Consequently, here we analyzed the effect of various genetic modifications on several species, considering a wide range of published data on hydrogen biosynthesis. This article includes a comprehensive metabolic engineering analysis of hydrogen-producing organisms, namely Escherichia coli, Clostridium, and Enterobacter species, and in addition, a short discussion on thermophilic and halophilic organisms. Also, apart from single-culture utilization, dual systems of various organisms and associated developments have been discussed, which are considered potential future targets for economical hydrogen production. Additionally, an indirect contribution towards hydrogen production has been reviewed for associated species.


Palliative care research protocols: a special case for ethical review?
Between October 2001 and May 2002 the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of each Multicentre Research Ethics Committee (MREC) in England, Wales and Scotland took part in a semi-structured interview to ascertain the attitudes of MRECs to palliative care research. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Most respondents said each protocol was reviewed on its own merits, according to broad ethical principles, but were equivocal as to whether palliative care protocols posed particular or different challenges compared to those from other specialties. Respondents said they reviewed only a small number of palliative care protocols, and that they were less experienced with some of the study methods utilized, particularly qualitative designs. Four main themes emerged from the analysis. Respondents expressed concerns about the protocol itself--in regard to safeguarding the principles of autonomy and justice. There were concerns about how the research would be carried out, especially the protection of patients and the influence and input of the researcher in the process. The third theme concerned the impact of the research on the participant, particularly intrusion, potential distress and the existence of support mechanisms. Fourthly, respondents identified patient groups receiving palliative care (children, the elderly, bereaved families, patients in intensive therapy units, and those from ethnic groupings), who they considered might be particularly vulnerable.


Evolution of complex dynamics.
We study the evolution of complex dynamics in a model of a genetic regulatory network. The fitness is associated with the topological entropy in a class of piecewise linear equations, and the mutations are associated with changes in the logical structure of the network. We compare hill climbing evolution, in which only mutations that increase the fitness are allowed, with neutral evolution, in which mutations that leave the fitness unchanged are allowed. The simple structure of the fitness landscape enables us to estimate analytically the rates of hill climbing and neutral evolution. In this model, allowing neutral mutations accelerates the rate of evolutionary advancement for low mutation frequencies. These results are applicable to evolution in natural and technological systems.


A Neonate with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII with Intractable Ascites.
We report a case of a patient with severe fetal hydrops and refractory ascites, diagnosed as mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) by whole-exome sequencing, and discharged at 5 months of age after long-term ventilatory management. A male neonate was born by emergency cesarean section due to fetal distress at 30 1/7 weeks' gestation. Physical examination and X-rays revealed pleural effusion, ascites, and generalized edema, indicating severe fetal hydrops. He underwent tracheal intubation because of respiratory distress that was attributed to massive ascites, pulmonary hypoplasia, and pulmonary hypertension. He received mechanical ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide therapy. Prednisone, octreotide, and a factor XIII preparation were used as the treatment for ascites, and the ascites gradually decreased. He was extubated within 2 months of age. At 4 months of age, the results of whole-exome sequencing of the cord blood showed a compound heterozygous mutation in the GUSB gene, the gene responsible for MPS VII. Enzyme replacement therapy was initiated, and the ascites was resolved. Careful systemic management, including lung-protective respiratory management and the early establishment of nutrition, is important for the long-term survival of infants with fetal hydrops, and early aggressive workup, including whole-genome sequencing for the cause, should be performed in the case of refractory ascites.


Evolving role of FDG PET imaging in assessing joint disorders: a systematic review.
Assessing joint disorders has been a relatively recent and evolving application of 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. FDG is taken up by inflammatory cells, particularly when they are active as part of an ongoing inflammatory process. Hence FDG PET has been employed to assess a wide array of arthritic disorders. FDG PET imaging has been investigated in various joint diseases for diagnostic purposes, treatment monitoring, and as a prognostic indicator as in other disorders. In some of the diseases the ancillary findings in FDG PET have provided important clues about the underlying pathophysiology and pathogenesis processes. While substantial promise has been demonstrated in a number of studies, it is clear that the potential utility of PET in this clinical realm far outweighs that which has been established to date.


The nurse and industrial hygiene.
In summary, the occupational health nurse and the industrial hygienist have much in common. Each must recognize the value of the other and work together for the good of the employee. Occupational health nursing is frequently what the nurse makes it. Her competency, interest, and motivation, and the demands of the job determine her role. To function effectively, every occupational health nurse should have a thorough working knowledge of the fundamentals of industrial hygiene. This knowledge can be acquired in several ways: through practical experience, by attendance at professional meetings and short courses, by participation in academic training, and through personal research.


Synthesis, structure, electrochemistry, and electrochemiluminescence of thienyltriazoles.
Four blue-emitting thienyltriazoles with desired N and O coordination atoms were prepared in high yield via click chemistry for potential incorporation into metal complexes. Three of their crystal structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. The electrochemical properties, electronic structures of these thienyltriazoles, 1-4, and their correlations were studied using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques along with density function theory (DFT) calculations. All of the compounds underwent irreversible redox reactions, leading to unstable electrogenerated radical cations and anions. Electrochemical gaps determined from the differences between first formal reduction and oxidation reactions were correlated to HOMO-LUMO energy gaps obtained from UV-vis spectroscopy and the DFT calculations as well as energies of excited states measured from photoluminescence spectroscopy. We observed weak electrochemiluminescence (ECL) from annihilation of these thienyltriazole radicals in acetonitrile containing 0.1 M tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate as electrolyte. An enhancement in ECL efficiency ranging from 0.16 to 0.50% was observed upon addition of benzoyl peroxide as a coreactant in the above electrolyte solutions. The generation of excimers in solutions of 1-4 was observed as seen by the red-shift in ECL maxima relative to their corresponding photoluminescence peak wavelengths. Our work is of importance for the development of efficient blue-emitting fluorophores via click chemistry that could be potential luminophores in metal complexes.


Optical pH Sensor Covering the Range from pH 0-14 Compatible with Mobile-Device Readout and Based on a Set of Rationally Designed Indicator Dyes.
In this work, a family of pH-responsive fluorescent probes has been designed in a rational manner with the aid of quantum chemistry tools, covering the entire pH range from 0-14. Relying on the boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) core, all the probes as well as selected reference dyes display very similar spectroscopic properties with ON-OFF fluorescence switching responses, facilitating optical readout in simple devices used for detection and analysis. Embedding of the probes and reference dyes into hydrogel spots on a plastic strip yielded a test strip that reversibly indicates pH with a considerably small uncertainty of ∼0.1 pH units. These strips are not only reusable but, combined with a 3D-printed case that can be attached to a smartphone, the USB port of which drives the integrated LED used for excitation, allows for autonomous operation in on-site or in-the-field applications; the developed Android application software ("app") further simplifies operation for unskilled users.


The globoseries glycosphingolipid SSEA-4 is a marker of bone marrow-derived clonal multipotent stromal cells in vitro and in vivo.
The therapeutic potential of multipotent stromal cells (MSC) may be enhanced by the identification of markers that allow their discrimination and enumeration both in vivo and in vitro. Here, we investigated the ability of embryonic stem cell-associated glycosphingolipids to isolate human MSC from both whole-bone-marrow (BM) and stromal cell cultures. Only SSEA-4 was consistently expressed on cells within the CD45loCD105hi marrow fraction and could be used to isolate cells with the capacity to give rise to stromal cultures containing MSC. Human stromal cultures, generated in either the presence or absence of serum, contained heterogeneous cell populations discriminated by the quantity of SSEA-4 epitopes detected on their surface. A low level of surface SSEA-4 (SSEA-4lo) correlated with undetectable levels of the α2,3-sialyltransferase-II enzyme required to synthesize SSEA-4; a reduced proliferative potential; and the loss of fat-, bone-, and cartilage-forming cells during long-term culture. In vitro, single cells with the capacity to generate multipotent stromal cultures were detected exclusively in the SSEA-4hi fraction. Our data demonstrate that a high level of surface epitopes for SSEA-4 provides a definitive marker of MSC from human BM.


Depression and Anxiety Among Emergency Department Patients: Utilization and Barriers to Care.
Anxiety and depression rates among emergency department (ED) patients are substantially higher than those in the general population. Additionally, those with mental health issues often have difficulty accessing care. Unfortunately, issues of anxiety and depression are frequently not addressed in the ED due to competing care priorities. This may lead to increased burden and overcrowding in EDs. This study related anxiety and depression with ED utilization and perceived barriers to care. To limit the impact of insurance coverage on ED utilization and access to care, a convenience sample of adults 45 to 85 years of age in the ED were surveyed. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 were used to measure anxiety and depression. A total of 251 subjects were enrolled. Severe anxiety was observed in 10% of patients, while moderately severe or severe depression was observed in 12%. Patients who were both severely anxious and depressed visited the ED nearly twice as often as nonanxious and nondepressed patients. The majority of patients cited at least one moderate barrier to care, and greater anxiety and depression scores were related to greater perceived barriers to care. Perceived barriers to care were more than three times higher among patients who were both anxious and depressed compared to those in patients who were neither depressed nor anxious and twice as high as in those who were either depressed or anxious (p < 0.001). Patients identified with internalizing mental health concerns utilize the ED at elevated rates while also reporting the greatest difficulties accessing care. These findings highlight the need for ED interventions aimed at identifying patient mental health concerns, as well as perceived barriers to care, to design interventions to effectively improve continuity of care.


Partially Hydrated Electrons at the Air/Water Interface Observed by UV-Excited Time-Resolved Heterodyne-Detected Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy.
Hydrated electrons are the most fundamental anion species, consisting only of electrons and surrounding water molecules. Although hydrated electrons have been extensively studied in the bulk aqueous solutions, even their existence is still controversial at the water surface. Here, we report the observation and characterization of hydrated electrons at the air/water interface using new time-resolved interface-selective nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy. With the generation of electrons at the air/water interface by ultraviolet photoirradiation, we observed the appearance of a strong transient band in the OH stretch region by heterodyne-detected vibrational sum-frequency generation. Through the comparison with the time-resolved spectra at the air/indole solution interface, the transient band was assigned to the vibration of water molecules that solvate electrons at the interface. The analysis of the frequency and decay of the observed transient band indicated that the electrons are only partially hydrated at the water surface, and that they escape into the bulk within 100 ps.


Identification of a putative vacuolar serine protease gene in the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea.
We identified and cloned a gene designated SPM1, encoding a serine protease from the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea. SPM1 is a single-copy gene, encoding a subtilisin-like serine protease with 536 amino acids. Analyses of the deduced amino acid sequence of SPM1 suggested that SPM1 would be localized in a vacuole, an important organelle in pathogenicity.


Clinical Efficacy of CT-Guided Continuous Catheterization Drainage for Spinal Tuberculosis with Large Abscesses.
This study aimed to determine the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided local catheterization for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis (TB) with abscess. Clinical data from 22 cases of lumbar TB with abscess receiving treatments from July 2015 to January 2021 were analyzed. Some patients (n = 11) underwent pure surgery (control group) and the others (n = 11) received CT-guided catheterization drainage. The operation and hospitalization time, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), visual analog scale (VAS), ASIA damage grade, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of both groups were compared. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay of the observation group were significantly less than those of the control group (P < 0.05). As the differences in preoperative ESR, CRP, and VAS scores between both groups did not reach significance (P > 0.05), after treatments, the observation group had a lower level of ESR and CRP (P < 0.05); the postoperative VAS scores of the two groups decreased (P > 0.05). Before treatment, the control group comprised 2 cases of ASIA grade A, 1 case of B, 6 cases of C, and 2 cases of D with 3 patients having dyskinesia. After surgery, the motor function of the patients was improved, and there were 3 cases of ASIA D and 8 cases of E. Meanwhile, the preoperative observation group consisted of 9 cases of ASIA D and 2 cases of E. Due to CT-guided catheterization, all patients achieved clinical healing (ASIA E) when the lesions were significantly alleviated, and symptoms such as low back pain and lower extremity pain disappeared. CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage for continuous administration of drugs is effective treatment for spinal TB with abscess, when shortening the operation and hospitalization time and reducing intraoperative blood loss and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is worthy of popularization and application.


Optimal Mueller matrix estimation in the presence of additive and Poisson noise for any number of illumination and analysis states.
We investigate the optimal strategies for estimating the Mueller matrix with arbitrary numbers of illumination and analysis states, in the presence of signal-independent additive noise or signal-dependent Poisson shot noise. We demonstrate that the architectures that minimize and equalize the estimation variances for both types of noise sources are based on spherical designs of order 2 or 3, and we provide closed-form expressions of the estimation precision obtained with these optimal measurement strategies. The obtained results are important to design Mueller polarimeters in practice and assess their fundamental limits in terms of estimation precision.


[Successful Airway Management Using the air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway under Dexmedetomidine and Laryngeus Superior Nerve Block for Severe Tracheal Stenosis due to Thyroid Cancer Invasion].
A 75-year-old woman suffering from respiratory difficulty was diagnosed with severe tracheal stenosis due o malignant thyroid cancer. She was scheduled for an mergent tracheotomy, but preoperative computed omography revealed severe tracheal stenosis below he glottis due to thyroid cancer invasion. Anticipating lifficult tracheal intubation and risk of obstruction from hemorrhage, intubation preserving spontaneous ventiation was performed to avoid a 'can't ventilate, can't intubate' situation. A size 3.5 air-Q intubating laryngeal airway was inserted using a bronchofiberscope to perform tracheal intubation in a semi-sitting position. Successful tracheal intubation which avoided damage to the tumor was achieved while maintaining spontaneous ventilation. The air-Q intubating laryngeal airway was useful in this setting of severe tracheal stenosis due to thyroid cancer just under the glottis.