Discrepancies in dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of fatty acids according to age among Japanese female dietitians.
To clarify the influences of age on dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of fatty acids (FAs) in Japanese female dietitians. In autumn 1996, we estimated dietary FA intakes based on 7 day weighed diet records and analyzed plasma FA concentrations in 79 healthy Japanese female dietitians, and investigated their relationships with age, dividing into three age groups (young (32-42 y), middle-aged (43-50 y) and elderly (51-66 y)). Dietary intakes of total FA, saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) were significantly highest in the middle-aged group, and lowest in the elderly. Similar trends were observed for dietary intakes of n-6 PUFAs and linoleic acid (18:2n-6), but there were no differences with regard to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) and n-3 highly unsaturated FAs (HUFAs=EPA+22:5n-3+DHA). On the other hand, plasma concentrations of all FAs except for arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) demonstrated positive correlations with age. Moreover, plasma concentrations of EPA in all age groups, DHA in the elderly and n-3 HUFAs in the middle-aged and the elderly were all positively correlated with dietary intakes. We should take into account the influence of age on dietary habit and lipid metabolism when interpreting associations between dietary FA intakes and plasma FA concentrations.


Decreased RORC expression and downstream signaling in HTLV-1-associated adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia uncovers an antiproliferative IL17 link: A potential target for immunotherapy?
Retinoic acid-related drugs have shown promising pre-clinical activity in Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma, but RORC signaling has not been explored. Therefore, we investigated transcriptome-wide interactions of the RORC pathway in HTLV-1 and ATL, using our own and publicly available gene expression data for ATL and other leukemias. Gene expression data from ATL patients were analyzed using WGCNA to determine gene modules and their correlation to clinical and molecular data. Both PBMCs and CD4+ T-Cells exhibited decreased RORC expression in four different ATL cohorts. A small subset of RORChi ATL patients was identified with significantly lower pathognomonic CADM1 and HBZ levels but similar levels of other ATL markers (CD4/CD25/CCR4), hinting at a less aggressive ATL subtype. An age-dependent decrease in RORC expression was found in HTLV-1-infected individuals, but not in healthy controls, suggesting an early molecular event predisposing to leukemogenesis. Genes upstream of RORC signaling were members of a proliferative gene module (containing proliferation markers PCNA/Ki67), whereas downstream members clustered in an anti-proliferative gene module. IL17C transcripts showed the strongest negative correlation to PCNA in both ATL cohorts, which was replicated in two large cohorts of T- and B-cell acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). Finally, IL17C expression in purified CD4 + CCR4 + CD26-CD7- "ATL-like" cells from HTLV-1-infected individuals and ATL patients was negatively correlated with clonality, underscoring a possible antileukemic/antiproliferative role. In conclusion, decreased RORC expression and downstream signaling might represent an early event in ATL pathogenesis. An antiproliferative IL17C/PCNA link is shared between ATL, T-ALL and B-ALL, suggesting (immuno)therapeutic benefit of boosting RORC/IL17 signaling.


Structures and ionization energies of small lithium doped germanium clusters.
We present a combined theoretical and experimental investigation of neutral and cationic lithium doped germanium clusters, GenLim (n = 5-10; m = 1-4). The vertical ionization energies and ionization thresholds are derived from threshold photoionization efficiency curves in the 4.68-6.24 eV range and are compared with calculated vertical and adiabatic ionization energies for the lowest energy isomers obtained using DFT computations. The agreement between experimental and computed values supports the identification of the ground state structures. Charge population analysis shows that lithium transfers its valence electron to the Gen hosts to form Gen(mδ-)-mLi(δ+) and Gen((mδ(-)+1))-mLi(δ+) complexes. This is also illustrated by the strong correlation between the size dependent lithium adsorption energies in GenLi and the Gen electron affinities. Neutral GenLim clusters are formed by adsorbing lithium atoms on either triangular or rhombic faces of the Gen framework with the lithium atoms tending to avoid each other. The chemical bonding phenomena of clusters are analyzed in detail using the densities of states and molecular orbitals.


Evolution of the GC content of the histone 3 gene in seven Drosophila species.
The molecular evolution of the histone multigene family was studied by cloning and determining the nucleotide sequences of the histone 3 genes in seven Drosophila species, D. takahashii, D. lutescens, D. ficusphila, D. persimilis, D.pseudoobscura, D. americana and D. immigrans. CT repeats, a TATA box and an AGTG motif in the 5' region, and a hairpin loop and purine-rich motifs (CAA(T/G)GAGA) in the 3' region were conserved even in distantly related species. In D. hydei and D.americana, the GC content at the third codon position in the protein coding region was relatively low (49% and 45%), while in D. takahashii and D. lutescens it was relatively high (64% and 65%). The non- significant correlation between the GC contents in the 3' region and at the third codon position as well as the evidence of less constraint in the 3' region suggested that mutational bias may not be the major mechanism responsible for the biased nucleotide change at the third codon position or for codon usage bias.


Comparison between ventriculoatrial and ventriculoperitoneal shunting in the adult population.
A comparison is made between ventriculoperitoneal (VP) and ventriculoatrial (VA) shunting in an adult population. Forty-nine patients with VA shunts and 73 with VP shunts, as well as six with a combination of the two, in total 128, were reviewed. Sixty-eight complications were encountered in 168 operations (40.5%). There were two deaths. The infection rate was 2.5%. Distal tube blockage occurred after five out of 109 VP shunt operations (79 patients), while four blockages occurred in 59 VA shunts (55 patients). In addition, six peritoneal catheters escaped from the peritoneal cavity requiring revision. We found the complication rate involving the distal end of the shunt to be similar between the two types, but favour the ventriculoperitoneal shunting because of the ease of placement and the lesser severity of potential complications.


Interventions for detrusor overactivity: the case for multimodal therapy.
Viable therapeutic alternatives for the management of overactive bladder (OAB) have recently evolved that provide satisfactory symptomatic control for the majority of patients. However, the presupposition that interventions exist as stand-alone entities is not representative of experience in unique populations with the therapeutic benefit of combination therapy, using components drawn from behavioral, physiotherapeutic, neuromodulatory, and, if necessary, surgical alternatives. Even in populations relatively refractory to therapy, the use of multimodal therapy yields additive benefits for patients with OAB symptoms. Herein is detailed the evidence supporting the concept that multimodal therapy provides optimal benefit to patients suffering from this symptom complex.


Local structure study of dilute Er in III-V semiconductors by fluorescence EXAFS.
For understanding the luminescence of Er atoms in III-V semiconductors, OMVPE-grown InP doped with Er has been investigated by fluorescence EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) in order to study the local structure around Er atoms. The local structures around the Er atoms doped in InP, with doping as dilute as 3 x 10(12) Er atoms in a 1.5 mm x 1.0 mm spot, were successfully measured by fluorescence EXAFS. The EXAFS analysis revealed that the Er atoms doped in InP above 853 K (which showed low luminescence) formed the rock-salt-structure ErP, while the Er atoms doped in InP below 823 K (which showed high luminescence) substituted on the In site of InP. The dependence of the local structure on growth temperature was observed for the samples doped with 3 x 10(12) atoms and 1.2 x 10(13) atoms of Er.


Radiation therapy for prostate cancer and erectile (dys)function: the role of imaging.
Incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) after radiotherapy reported in the literature varies from 7 to 72% after external-beam radiotherapy to 5-51% after brachytherapy. Most of these studies are retrospective, the definition of ED is variable and sexual functioning is frequently assessed by asking only one question. Already in the 1980's it was suggested that post-radiation ED was attributable to vascular damage. The most reliable method to assess vasculogenic ED is the use of the Doppler ultrasound. More recently, many studies have assessed the relationship between radiation dose and volume of the penile bulb and post-radiation ED, though the outcome is controversial. The penile structures and the neurovascular bundles are best seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore the use of a computer tomography scan/MRI image fusion can result in reducing the planning target volume and consequently the radiation dose to the penile bulb and bodies. If radiation induces vascular damage that causes ED, any means of reducing the dose to the pelvic vascular structures would likely decrease ED, therefore new radiation techniques such as the intensity modulated radiation therapy or the implant of fiducial markers can help decrease the margins and therefore ED.


The usefulness of Doppler time interval histogram analysis in arterial occlusion.
The method based on the Time Interval Histogram analysis of the Doppler signal was applied for localisation of arterial diseases and the precision of the reconstructive operation. The preliminary investigations were carried out on the abdominal aorta of a dog. After that 87 patients were examined. The examination confirmed the usefulness of the method.


Effect of sulfur-containing compounds on Bacillus cellulosome-associated 'CMCase' and 'Avicelase' activities.
The isolation of cellulosomes from clostridial sources has been extensively studied; however, the isolation of cellulosomes from facultative soil anaerobes of the family Bacillaceae is not as well characterized. The Bacillus cellulosome (celluloxylanosome) essentially consists of two complex components: C-I and C-II. This multi-component complex enables Bacillus to degrade a variety of carbonaceous compounds as it is composed of several enzymes, such as cellulases, xylanases and other degradative enzymes. The cellulosomal cellulases from Bacillus megaterium were purified using cellulose affinity chromatography, followed by Sepharose 4B gel filtration chromatography. The objective of this investigation was to establish the effect of sulfate and sulfide on cellulosomal 'cellulase' activity. An increase in sulfide concentration led to a general enhancement of cellulosomal-associated cellulolytic activity, whereas an increase in sulfate concentration resulted in an inhibition of the cellulosome-associated cellulolytic activity.


Electrical characterization and examination of temperature-induced degradation of metastable Ge0.81Sn0.19 nanowires.
Metastable germanium-tin alloys are promising materials for optoelectronics and optics. Here we present the first electrical characterization of highly crystalline Ge0.81Sn0.19 nanowires grown in a solution-based process. The investigated Ge0.81Sn0.19 nanowires reveal ohmic behavior with resistivity of the nanowire material in the range of ∼1 × 10-4Ω m. The temperature-dependent resistivity measurements demonstrate the semiconducting behavior. Moreover, failure of devices upon heating to moderate temperatures initiating material degradation has been investigated to illustrate that characterization and device operation of these highly metastable materials have to be carefully conducted.


Trismus, xerostomia and nutrition status in nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivors treated with radiation.
The aims of the study were to: (1) examine levels of trismus, xerostomia and nutritional status; (2) compare levels of trismus, xerostomia and nutritional status in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) receiving different types of radiation modalities; and (3) identify factors related to NPC survivors' risk status for malnutrition and existing malnutrition. A cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling was conducted. NPC survivors were recruited from otolaryngology/oncology outpatient clinics in a medical centre in Northern Taiwan. Study measures included (1) Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire, (2) Xerostomia Questionnaire, (3) Mini Nutrition Assessment, (4) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression subscale, and (5) Symptom Severity Scale. A total of 110 subjects were recruited. Those receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy had less trismus and xerostomia than patients receiving two-dimensional radiation therapy. Patients with female gender, advanced stage, completion of treatments within 1 year, higher levels of depression, more severe trismus and higher symptom severity tended to have malnutrition or were at risk of malnutrition. Trismus and xerostomia are long-term problems in some NPC survivors and may contribute to malnutrition. To better manage a patient's trismus and xerostomia and to enhance nutritional status, clinicians should develop a patient-specific care programme based on careful assessment and targeted measures to improve oral function and insure adequate nutritional intake.


Photomagnetic response in highly conductive iron(II) spin-crossover complexes with TCNQ radicals.
Co-crystallization of a cationic Fe(II) complex with a partially charged TCNQ(.δ-) (7,7',8,8'-tetracyanoquinodimethane) radical anion has afforded molecular materials that behave as narrow band-gap semiconductors, [Fe(tpma)(xbim)](X)(TCNQ)(1.5)⋅DMF (X=ClO4(-) or BF4(-); tpma=tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, xbim=1,1'-(α,α'-o-xylyl)-2,2'-bisimidazole). Remarkably, these complexes also exhibit temperature-and light-driven spin crossover at the Fe(II) center, and are thus the first structurally defined magnetically bistable semiconductors assembled with the TCNQ(.δ-) radical anion. Transport measurements reveal the conductivity of 0.2 S cm(-1) at 300 K, with the low activation energy of 0.11 eV.


[Myocardial infarction and massive biventricular thrombosis during thrombocytopenia induced by pentosan polysulfate and heparin].
Many cases of immuno-allergic thrombocytopenia complicated by serious thromboembolism induced by heparin or other heparinoids such as pentosan polysulphate have been reported. This case is of interest for two reasons: first of all, it was induced by pentosan polysulphate and then reactivated by secondary administration of heparin; secondly, it was complicated successively by an infero-apical myocardial infarction with probable spontaneous lysis of a coronary thrombosis because coronary arteriography performed one month later was normal, and then by massive biventricular thrombosis requiring surgical thrombectomy under cardiopulmonary bypass. Tests of platelet aggregation were positive to standard heparin and to several low molecular weight fractions. The outcome was favorable when the responsible substances were withdrawn.


A concept for immobilizing catalytic complexes on electrodes: cubic phase layers for carbon dioxide sensing.
Liquid crystalline cubic phases formed with monoolein and Myverol have been used as matrixes to host a catalytic complex of nickel(II) and 1-hexadecyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane for the reduction of carbon dioxide. The structures of the cubic phases, both with and without the catalyst, were established using small-angle X-ray scattering. The catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide was performed using thin mercury film and glassy carbon electrodes modified with cubic phases containing the catalyst. The linear dependence of the catalytic reduction current on the carbon dioxide concentration allowed use of the modified electrodes as sensing devices both in solution and in the gas phase. The high reproducibility of the measurements makes this method of monitoring carbon dioxide levels attractive compared to other methods based on modified electrodes.


Measures of spike train synchrony for data with multiple time scales.
Measures of spike train synchrony are widely used in both experimental and computational neuroscience. Time-scale independent and parameter-free measures, such as the ISI-distance, the SPIKE-distance and SPIKE-synchronization, are preferable to time scale parametric measures, since by adapting to the local firing rate they take into account all the time scales of a given dataset. In data containing multiple time scales (e.g. regular spiking and bursts) one is typically less interested in the smallest time scales and a more adaptive approach is needed. Here we propose the A-ISI-distance, the A-SPIKE-distance and A-SPIKE-synchronization, which generalize the original measures by considering the local relative to the global time scales. For the A-SPIKE-distance we also introduce a rate-independent extension called the RIA-SPIKE-distance, which focuses specifically on spike timing. The adaptive generalizations A-ISI-distance and A-SPIKE-distance allow to disregard spike time differences that are not relevant on a more global scale. A-SPIKE-synchronization does not any longer demand an unreasonably high accuracy for spike doublets and coinciding bursts. Finally, the RIA-SPIKE-distance proves to be independent of rate ratios between spike trains. We find that compared to the original versions the A-ISI-distance and the A-SPIKE-distance yield improvements for spike trains containing different time scales without exhibiting any unwanted side effects in other examples. A-SPIKE-synchronization matches spikes more efficiently than SPIKE-synchronization. With these proposals we have completed the picture, since we now provide adaptive generalized measures that are sensitive to firing rate only (A-ISI-distance), to timing only (ARI-SPIKE-distance), and to both at the same time (A-SPIKE-distance).


Mutations in crystallin genes result in congenital cataract associated with other ocular abnormalities.
This study aims to describe the phenotypes and identify pathogenic mutations in Chinese patients who have congenital cataracts associated with other ocular abnormalities. Eleven patients from four unrelated Chinese families plus two simplex cases were enrolled in this study. Detailed ophthalmic examinations were performed. DNA samples were isolated from peripheral blood collected from the patients. Next-generation sequencing of known ocular genes was applied to the proband of each family and two simplex cases to find pathogenic variances. PCR and Sanger sequencing were conducted for validation and segregation tests. All 13 patients had congenital cataracts, and other ocular abnormalities were found in some cases. Microcornea was found in 12 subjects, and ocular coloboma was observed in five. Various types of coloboma, including iris, choroid, macular, and optic disc, were described. Five mutations in crystallin genes were identified. Four of the mutations are novel: CRYBB1: p.(Arg230Cys), CRYBB2: p.(Gly149Val), CRYGC: p.(Met44CysfsTer59), and CRYGC: p.(Tyr144Ter). One mutation was reported previously: CRYAA: p.(Arg21Trp). We examined a cohort of Chinese patients with congenital cataracts and studied the phenotypes and genotypes. Extralenticular abnormalities, such as microcornea and ocular coloboma, can also be found in patients with congenital cataracts. The phenotype of congenital cataracts associated with macular and optic disc coloboma was reported for the first time in this study. Four novel mutations and one previously reported mutation were identified. These data expand the mutation spectrum in crystallin genes and enhance our understanding of the phenotypes of congenital cataracts.


Solubilization and properties of oxytocin receptors from rat mammary gland.
Oxytocin (OT)-binding activity was extracted with the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPSO) from rat involuted mammary glands with about 20% yield. The binding in detergent extracts was characterized and shown to be similar or identical to that of OT receptors on intact plasma membranes. Solubilized receptors had a high affinity site (Kd approximately 2 nM) and a lower affinity component, whereas the membrane receptor has only the high affinity site. Several synthetic OT analogs inhibited [3H]OT binding in the same rank order in both solubilized and intact membrane preparations. Both solubilized and membrane-associated receptor required Mn2+ for [3H]OT binding. The concentration of OT-binding sites in solubilized extracts of uterine myometrium from rats in late pregnancy was substantially greater in uteri from rats in labor than in that from rats 2 days before labor, as we have seen previously with receptors on intact membranes. The affinity of the solubilized myometrial receptor (Kd approximately 5 nM) was comparable to that of the membrane-associated receptor. Binding of [3H]OT to solubilized extracts of intestinal smooth muscle, which is not a target for OT, was negligible. Gel filtration analysis on columns of Sepharose 6B indicated that the solubilized [3H]OT-binding component from mammary gland was present in multiple mol wt forms, but the smallest major form eluted with an average apparent mol wt of about 40,000. These studies indicate that CHAPSO-solubilized binding sites for [3H]OT are the same as those in intact membranes and, therefore, are components of the OT receptor.


Improving Outcomes in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Over Time in the Era of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.
Most patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receiving treatment with BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) will achieve favorable responses. Moreover, TKI therapy enables patients to experience long-term survival, with survival rates similar to those of individuals without CML. This enhanced survival has resulted from the availability of multiple BCR-ABL1 TKIs with efficacy, not only in frontline treatment, but, importantly, also in second- and third-line treatment. We have reviewed the changes in long-term outcomes in the era of TKI therapy and how these changes have affected treatment practices. We discuss the development of imatinib, the first BCR-ABL1 TKI, followed by newer TKIs, including nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib. We consider the key studies that led to their development as frontline or later-line therapies, their safety profiles, and their effect on improving patient outcomes. With these improved outcomes, the definition of an optimal response has become more stringent, and treatment monitoring strategies have changed. Second-line patient populations have evolved from those with resistance to, or intolerance of, imatinib to those with moderate responses to, or low-grade adverse events with, imatinib. Although all TKIs are associated with high survival rates, newer TKIs have been associated with lower disease progression rates and, importantly, deeper treatment responses and, potentially, a greater chance of future treatment-free remission. Finally, we consider the unmet needs of patients with CML, including the challenges remaining for those without optimal responses during TKI therapy and new therapies and strategies to identify such patients at diagnosis.


In vitro evaluation of topical microemulsion of capsaicin free of surfactant.
Topical microemulsion of capsaicin without surfactant was developed in this study. In these systems, the oil phase was benzyl alcohol, and the cosurfactant was propylene glycol and ethanol. The drop-size of the systems was measured by dynamic light scattering method in order to distinguish true solution from microemulsion. The transdermal performance of the microemulsions was evaluated in vitro by Franz diffusion cells fitted with rat skins. The results showed the drop-size of the microemulsions without surfactant was smaller than that of the systems with Tween 80 and the permeation rate of capsaicin decreased as the content of Tween 80 increased. In the system composed of water, benzyl alcohol and propylene glycol, the permeation rate increased with the enhancement of benzyl alcohol and water. But water content had little effect on the permeation rate in the microemulsions with ethanol as cosurfactant.


Protective effects of α-mangostin against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in mice.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of α-mangostin against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury and discover its potential mechanisms in mice. Mice were continuously treated with α-mangostin (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) by intragastric administration once daily for 6 days, and injected intraperitoneally with APAP (300 mg/kg) after 1 h of α-mangostin administration on the last day. After APAP exposure for 24 h, the liver and serum were gathered to evaluate the hepatotoxicity. The results showed that α-mangostin effectively decreased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β and 6 (IL-1β, IL-6), and hepatic malondialdehyde level; and recovered hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Liver histopathological observation provided further evidence that α-mangostin pretreatment significantly inhibited APAP-induced hepatocellular necrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cell and hyperemia. According to the analysis of western-blot and RT-PCR detection, α-mangostin pretreatment validly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK induced by APAP, which was consistent with the changes of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β levels; the phosphorylation of IκBα and the translocation of NF-κBp65 were also attenuated by α-mangostin. These results provided a new mechanism for the protective effects of α-mangostin against APAP-induced acute liver injury. α-Mangostin significantly restrainted the oxidative stress induced by APAP. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory property of α-mangostin, which is mediated by the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, also contributed to its hepatoprotective effect. Taken together, we believed that α-mangostin might be a potential material for drug development against drug-related hepatotoxicity.


Implications of early-life indicators for survival rate, subsequent growth performance, and carcass characteristics of commercial pigs1.
As a result of genetic selection for increased litter size, modern, highly prolific sows often produce large litters with an increased percentage of light birth weight (BiW) piglets compared with less prolific females. However, there is limited information elucidating what proportion of light BiW piglets that express compensatory growth and how these pigs might be identified at a young age. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of birth weight and early phase growth on preweaning mortality, subsequent growth performance, and carcass characteristics of pigs. Individual records collected on 7,654 commercial crossbred pigs were used for analyses. A segmented regression model was used to analyze the effect of birth weight on preweaning survival and a series of mixed models were used to analyze the effect of birth weight (n = 7,654) group on weights recorded at: weaning (n = 6,777), nursery exit (n = 4,805), and finishing exit (n = 1,417); hot carcass weight (HCW), and lean percentage (n = 4,572). The effect of growth rate group was defined during suckling (< 225 or ≥ 225 g/d) or the nursery phase (< 424 or ≥ 424 g/d). Preweaning mortality, growth rate, BW, and carcass traits were adjusted to a standard age, and ADG and lean percentage were calculated. Results of segmented regression analysis showed that the slope of preweaning mortality on birth weights below 0.99 kg differed (P < 0.05) from the slope of preweaning mortality regressed on birth weights above 0.99 kg. The mixed model analyses showed a positive linear effect (P < 0.05) of BiW and quadratic effect (P < 0.05) of sow parity on age-adjusted finishing weight (FiW), HCW, and lean percentage. The positive influences of increasing BiW were greater (P < 0.05) in age-adjusted FiW and HCW for pigs with slow suckling growth rate compared with those with fast suckling growth rate. Pigs with fast nursery growth rate had greater (P < 0.05) age-adjusted FiW and HCW compared with the slow growing nursery contemporaries. In conclusion, piglets born weighing less than 1 kg were at a higher risk of preweaning mortality than piglets born weighing 1 kg or greater. Light BiW pigs, but not heavy BiW pigs, may lose compensatory growth capability if growth rate during the suckling phase is below the average level.


EFFECTS OF DIFFERENTIAL POLLEN-TUBE GROWTH ON HYBRIDIZATION IN THE LOUISIANA IRISES.
To elucidate the importance of hybridization in evolution, it is necessary to understand the processes that affect hybridization frequency in nature. Here we focus on postpollination, prefertilization isolating mechanisms using two hybridizing species of Louisiana iris as a study system. We compared the effects of differential pollen-tube growth on the frequency of F1 hybrid formation in experimental crosses between Iris fulva and Iris hexagona. Analyses of seed production in fruits from pure conspecific and heterospecific pollinations revealed that more seeds were produced in the top half than the bottom half of fruits for all four crosses. Heterospecific pollen was applied to flowers of each species at zero to 24 h prior to conspecific pollen, thereby giving a head start to the foreign pollen. Using diagnostic isozyme markers, the frequency of hybrid progeny was examined at the level of the whole fruit and separately for the top and bottom halves of fruits. In both species, the proportion of hybrid seeds per fruit increased significantly with increasing head starts, suggesting that differences in pollen-tube growth rates affect the frequency of hybridization. In I. fulva fruits, the increase in hybrid seeds occurred in both halves of the fruits, but in I. hexagona an increase was only detected in the top half of fruits. These findings are consistent with a model that assumes attrition of pollen tubes due to the greater length of I. hexagona styles. While pollen-tube growth rate appears to be the most important factor affecting hybridization frequency in I. fulva, both pollen-tube growth rate and pollen-tube attrition appear to be important in I. hexagona.


Teaching stress management in undergraduate dental education: are we doing enough?
Dentistry is recognised as a stressful profession. A number of studies focusing on undergraduate education have shown high levels of stress in dental students. However, despite calls to do so, little has been published on methods to teach future dental professionals about stress and how to manage it on a personal level. Psychological stress which is uncontrolled may have an effect on general health. It is recognised, however, that stress can be beneficial if channelled appropriately. Techniques and ways to teach management of potential stresses of a career in dentistry have still not been widely reported in either dental undergraduate or postgraduate education. An intervention used with final year dental students at the University of Portsmouth for the last four years has highlighted some of the problems raised by students coping with a stressful programme of study. Students' comments indicated the need for an educational intervention on recognising and reducing stress to be introduced earlier on in their curriculum and that it should be universally taught.


Chronic use of metamizole: not so safe after all?
Metamizole can be used in both short- and long-term pain relief therapies and has a relatively favourable safety profile compared with classic NSAIDs. Metamizole is also infamous because of its potential fatal adverse drug reaction, agranulocytosis. Although this risk varies, it is estimated to occur in less than one million metamizole prescriptions. We describe a case of a 68-year-old patient who developed leukopenia after using metamizole.


Effects of Preconception and in Utero Inorganic Arsenic Exposure on the Metabolic Phenotype of Genetically Diverse Collaborative Cross Mice.
In humans and mice, in utero exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) is associated with adverse health outcomes later in life. The contribution of preconception exposure to the adverse outcomes in offspring has never been studied. Here combined in utero and postnatal exposures produce insulin resistance in two collaborative cross strains. Furthermore, combined preconception and in utero exposure resulted in increased birth weight and developed insulin resistance in one strain. Thus, preconception exposure to arsenic may contribute to the metabolic disorders later in life, but the susceptibility to the effects of this exposure is determined, at least in part, by genetics.


Feasibility of a Self-Administered Hypnosis Intervention for Improving Sleep in College Students.
Approximately two out of three college students report experiencing suboptimal sleep quality. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of a self-administered hypnosis intervention to improve sleep in college students. Twenty-two college students who self-reported poor sleep quality were enrolled in a 4-week study comprising 1 baseline week and a 3-week self-administered hypnosis intervention. Sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency as measured by wrist actigraphy were significantly improved. The mean average nightly sleep duration during the baseline week was 398.88 minutes (SD = 56.44), which increased to a mean of 413.88 minutes (SD = 57.80) during the 3rd week of intervention. However, the results show that there was no statistically significant difference between weeks on objective nightly sleep duration, 95% CI [-11.13, 41.13], t(15) = 1.224, p = .240. Also, results showed that there was no significant difference between weeks on self-reported nightly sleep duration, F(3, 57) = 2.155, p = .103. Twenty participants (91%) completed the study intervention and adherence to daily self-hypnosis practice with an audio recording was high. Zero study-related adverse events were reported, and participants perceived the intervention as easy to use and helpful for improving sleep. These results provide evidence for the feasibility and safety of a self-administered hypnosis intervention to improve sleep in college students. A larger randomized clinical trial is warranted to determine efficacy.


From rheumatic fever to Libman-Sacks endocarditis: is there any possible pathogenetic link?
The heart lesions of rheumatic fever and the heart involvement in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), have different clinical pictures. Yet, there are several common characteristics linking both diseases: 1) central nervous system (CNS) and heart involvement; 2) molecular mimicry between the a pathogen and the origin of the disease; 3) cross reacting antibodies between the pathogen and self molecules; 4) endothelial cell activation in the 'crime-area' i.e., the valves; 5) some of the patients with RF have circulating antiphospholipid antibodies, while APS may be associated with streptococcal infection; and 6) recently, a cross-reactivity between antibodies directed to the streptococcal M-protein and its synthetic derivative in rheumatic fever (RF) and antibodies derived from APS patients targeting the beta-2-glycoprotein-I (beta2GPI) and a beta2GPI related synthetic peptide. In the current paper, we summarize the possible links between the heart involvement in RF and APS.


War wounds: lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom.
This study reports the experience of the plastic surgery department at Naval Medical Center San Diego in treating wounds resulting from combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Introduction of new technology and modification of medical treatments have emerged to provide greater success in preserving life and limb. The authors conducted a retrospective review of all Navy and Marine Corps casualties treated by the authors' department between April of 2003 and December of 2005. All medical information surrounding the patients' treatment and medivac rosters were used to collect the data. The authors treated 68 patients, who underwent 240 operations. The age distribution was consistent with military enlistments (19 to 38 years). The majority of injuries were from blast (55 percent) and gunshot wounds (19 percent). The extremities were the site of injury in 91.2 percent of patients, with lower extremity wounds outnumbering upper extremity wounds approximately 2:1. The authors' wound management technique incorporated an aggressive surgical and antibiotic protocol, antibiotic-impregnated beads, and wound vacuum-assisted closure. The authors' limb salvage rate was high at 93.6 percent, with three amputations performed for flap failure. The acute osteomyelitis rate was 24.2 percent and the chronic osteomyelitis rate was 1.6 percent. The authors' results reflect a higher limb salvage rate than that achieved during previous wars. They feel their success was attributable to the use of wound vacuum-assisted closure, an aggressive surgical approach, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Wound vacuum-assisted closure is the single intervention that is new among the authors' choices of techniques for treating combat wounds.


[Non-small cell lung cancer presenting under the mask of a primary adrenal cancer--case report].
Adrenal carcinoma is a malignant disease that often results in distant metastases to different organs, including the lungs. While diagnosing patients with suspected adrenal carcinoma, metastases to the lungs should always be considered. The opposite clinical situation also should be considered, i.e. lung cancer metastases to the adrenal gland. Both conditions may have a very similar course and their differential diagnosis may be sometimes very difficult. However, proper diagnosis is of great importance because both diseases are treated by different means. We present a case of a 50-year-old female patient with a small primary focus of non-small cell lung carcinoma and its large metastasis to the left adrenal gland, accompanied by SIADH and paraneoplastic hypercalcemia. In the presented case adrenal carcinoma and its lung metastasis were primarily misdiagnosed which led to unnecessary laparotomy. The proper diagnosis was enabled by CT guided biopsy of the lung tumor.


Insulin-like growth factor II promoter expression in cultured rodent osteoblasts and adult rat bone.
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II stimulates bone formation by increasing the replication of cells of the osteoblastic lineage and by enhancing the differentiated function of the osteoblast. Although IGF-II is synthesized by skeletal cells, little is known about the mechanisms involved and its regulation by growth factors. IGF-II expression is tissue specific and is developmentally regulated. In the present study, we examined the expression of IGF-II in fetal rat, newborn mouse and MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic (Ob) cells, and in adult rat calvariae. We also determined mechanisms involved in the regulation of IGF-II by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1. Northern analysis revealed IGF-II transcripts of 3.6 and 1.2 kb in osteoblastic cells and adult rat calvariae. Ribonuclease (RNase) protection assay using probes specific to the three known IGF-II promoters, P1, P2, and P3, demonstrated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression driven by P3 in osteoblasts and adult rat calvariae, but no expression of P1 or P2 transcripts. PDGF BB, FGF-2, and TGF beta1 inhibited the expression of IGF-II P3 mRNA by 50%. PDGF BB, FGF-2, and TGF beta1 also decreased the rates of IGF-II transcription in rat Ob cells as determined by nuclear run-on assays and did not modify the decay of IGF-II in transcriptionally arrested rat Ob cells. In conclusion, the synthesis of IGF-II in osteoblastic cells and in adult rat calvariae is driven by IGF-II P3 and is regulated by skeletal growth factors acting at the transcriptional level using the IGF-II P3.


Single Cell-like Systems Reveal Active Unidirectional and Light-Controlled Transport by Nanomachineries.
Cellular life depends on transport and communication across membranes, which is emphasized by the fact that membrane proteins are prime drug targets. The cell-like environment of membrane proteins has gained increasing attention based on its important role in function and regulation. As a versatile scaffold for bottom-up synthetic biology and nanoscience, giant liposomes represent minimalistic models of living cells. Nevertheless, the incorporation of fragile multiprotein membrane complexes still remains a major challenge. Here, we report on an approach for the functional reconstitution of membrane assemblies exemplified by human and bacterial ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. We reveal that these nanomachineries transport substrates unidirectionally against a steep concentration gradient. Active substrate transport can be spatiotemporally resolved in single cell-like compartments by light, enabling real-time tracking of substrate export and import in individual liposomes. This approach will help to construct delicate artificial cell-like systems.


Auditory brainstem responses during aerial testing with bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Effects of electrode and jawphone locations.
Transmission of sound to dolphins during electrophysiological hearing screening is conducted out of water in certain cases (e.g., strandings). This necessitates that sound be delivered using a contact transducer either pressed against the skin or affixed to the jaw using a suction cup (i.e., "jawphones"). This study examined how bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, n = 3) auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) varied with electrode and jawphone location during aerial testing. Stimuli were tone bursts with center frequencies of 28 to 160 kHz. Regression-based thresholds were lowest with the jawphone on the posterior and middle parts of the mandible. Thresholds based on later ABR peaks-recorded using an electrode immediately behind the blowhole-suggested more similarity between the thresholds for the anterior tip of the rostrum and the posterior/middle mandible than those based on earlier monaural waves recorded near the meatus. This was likely a result of a summation of responses from both ears as opposed to a more efficient acoustic pathway to the ear. These patterns were independent of frequency. These findings provide guidance for jawphone and electrode locations when examining dolphin hearing and when interpreting relative acoustic sensitivity of the head in similar testing situations.


[Vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy].
102 bilateral adnexectomies in simple vaginal uterectomy (UE.A.) were researched between 1975-1980 and compared to the same number of patients who had vaginal uterectomy without adnexectomy (VK). The average age of the UE.A. was 51.9 years and of the VK 36.8 years of age. The parity of both groups was balanced. The most frequent indication for operation of both collectives was uterus myomatosus. In 52.9% we found a pathology of the ovar: In 46% benign ovarial tumor, in 4.9% ovarial tumor, in 4.9% ovarial endometriosis, in 0.9% ovarial metastasis of breast carcinoma and in 0.9% tubal carcinoma with micrometastasis at the ovar of the same side. The most frequent postoperative histological diagnosis of both groups was uterus myomatosus. The number of complications (post operative bleeding, course of fever more than 38.5 degrees C) was the same in both groups.


Cost-Sensitive Local Binary Feature Learning for Facial Age Estimation.
In this paper, we propose a cost-sensitive local binary feature learning (CS-LBFL) method for facial age estimation. Unlike the conventional facial age estimation methods that employ hand-crafted descriptors or holistically learned descriptors for feature representation, our CS-LBFL method learns discriminative local features directly from raw pixels for face representation. Motivated by the fact that facial age estimation is a cost-sensitive computer vision problem and local binary features are more robust to illumination and expression variations than holistic features, we learn a series of hashing functions to project raw pixel values extracted from face patches into low-dimensional binary codes, where binary codes with similar chronological ages are projected as close as possible, and those with dissimilar chronological ages are projected as far as possible. Then, we pool and encode these local binary codes within each face image as a real-valued histogram feature for face representation. Moreover, we propose a cost-sensitive local binary multi-feature learning method to jointly learn multiple sets of hashing functions using face patches extracted from different scales to exploit complementary information. Our methods achieve competitive performance on four widely used face aging data sets.


Superoxide dismutase and chilling injury in Chlorella ellipsoidea.
The relationship between superoxide dismutase (SOD) and chilling injury was examined in chilling-sensitive and chilling-resistant strains of Chlorella ellipsoidea. The sensitive strain contained less SOD than the resistant strain. Moreover, all of the SOD in the sensitive strain was the H2O2-sensitive, iron-containing SOD, whereas most of the SOD in the resistant strain was the H2O2-resistant, manganese-containing SOD. Illumination further enhanced the disparity in SOD content between the sensitive and resistant strains since the SOD in the former declined during illumination, whereas the SOD in the latter strain did not. It was possible to elevate the SOD content of the sensitive strain and to increase the proportion of MnSOD by prior growth in the presence of 50 microM paraquat. The SOD content of the cultures after 5 h of illumination at 4 degrees C fell in the order sensitive strain less than paraquat-induced sensitive strain less than resistant strain. The resistance of these cultures to chilling injury was related to SOD content. This was the case whether resistance was assessed in terms of growth rate after chilling, bleaching of chlorophyll during chilling, or loss of viability during chilling. It thus appears likely that O2- is an agent of chilling injury.


[Role of the housefly in the epizootology of pseudoplague in birds].
It has been demonstrated that Musca domestica L. could harbour the Newcastle disease virus. It has been isolated from the surface of the flies body 96 hours after these had been in contact with it, and from their digestive tract--after 240 hours. It has also been found that virus excretion in infected flies continues for 96 hours. It is believed that Musca domestica L. flies can participate in the spreading of the ND virus.


The impact of social unrest due to systemic racism on underrepresented post-doctoral fellows and early-career faculty.
Social unrest tied to racism negatively impacted half of NIH-funded extramural researchers underrepresented (UR) in science. UR early-career scientists encounter more challenges in their research careers, but the impact of social unrest due to systemic racism in this group is unclear. We used mixed methods to describe the impact of social unrest due to systemic racism on mentoring relationships, research, and psychological well-being in UR post-doctoral fellows and early-career faculty. This is a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in September 2021-January 2022 from 144 UR early-career researchers from 25 academic medical centers in the Building Up Trial. The primary outcomes were agreement on five-point Likert scales with social unrest impact statements (e.g., "I experienced psychological distress due to events of social unrest regarding systemic racism"). Thematic analysis was conducted on responses to one open-ended question assessing how social unrest regarding systemic racism affected participants. Most participants were female (80%), non-Hispanic Black (35%), or Hispanic (40%). Over half of participants (57%) experienced psychological distress as a result of social unrest due to systemic racism. Participants described direct and indirect discrimination and isolation from other persons of color at their institutions. Twice as many participants felt their mentoring relationships were positively (21%) versus negatively (11%) impacted by social unrest due to systemic racism. Experiences with racial bias and discrimination impact the career and well-being of UR early-career researchers. Mentoring relationships and institutional support play an important role in buffering the negative impact of racial injustice for this population.


Medical Oncology or Surgical Oncology: Which Branch Should Be Started in Esophageal Cancer Diagnostic Evaluation?
Objective We evaluated the effect of the branch of the cancer specialist (medical oncologist versus surgical oncologist) who initially examines a patient on treatment delay. The objective was to evaluate whether surgical oncology and medical oncology clinics, which have different operating styles, impact the timeliness of treatment. Additionally, we investigated the prognostic impact of the clinical and treatment-related factors in patients with esophageal cancer treated at our center. Methods This was a retrospective single-center study. The prognostic impact of resection type (R0 or R1-2), multimodal treatment, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), lymph node metastases, cachexia at the time of diagnosis, smoking, and diagnostic application of endoscopic ultrasound was evaluated. Patients were stratified according to whether the orientation and management processes were based on a multimodal approach and whether they were first examined by a surgical oncologist or a medical oncologist for diagnostic workup and management. The impact of the management approach on progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated. Results Use of a multimodal approach in patients with esophageal cancer was associated with longer PFS (26.7 vs 13.9 months, p = 0.002). LVI and cachexia were associated with shorter PFS (16.1 vs 29.4 months, p = 0.044 and 14.6 vs 29.0, p = 0.019, respectively). The first appointment of the patients in the medical oncology department was associated with shorter treatment delay (54 [IQR: 36-71] vs 31 [IQR: 24-48] days, p < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the first appointment of patients in the medical oncology department may lead to a more systematic workup and treatment progress. We believe that systematic use of multimodal approaches for esophageal cancer may confer prognostic benefits.


Communication-efficient estimation and inference for high-dimensional quantile regression based on smoothed decorrelated score.
Distributed estimation based on different sources of observations has drawn attention in the modern statistical learning. In practice, due to the expensive cost or time-consuming process to collect data in some cases, the sample size on each local site can be small, but the dimension of covariates is large and may be far larger than the sample size on each site. In this article, we focus on the distributed estimation and inference for a preconceived low-dimensional parameter vector in the high-dimensional quantile regression model with small local sample size. Specifically, we consider that the data are inherently distributed and propose two communication-efficient estimators by generalizing the decorrelated score approach to conquer the slow convergence rate of nuisance parameter estimation and adopting the smoothing technique based on multiround algorithms. The risk bounds and limiting distributions of the proposed estimators are given. The finite sample performance of the proposed estimators is studied through simulations and an application to a gene expression dataset is also presented.


Immunohistochemical distribution of calbindin D-28k and parvalbumin in the head of the caudate nucleus and substantia nigra of the cat.
The heterogeneous anatomy of both the dorsal striatum at the level of the head of the caudate nucleus and of the substantia nigra of cats was analyzed immunohistochemically using two calcium-binding proteins, namely, calbindin D-28k and parvalbumin. The striatal histochemical markers nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase and acetylcholinesterase were revealed in sections adjacent to those used for the immunohistochemical procedure. The distribution of both the calbindin D-28k and the parvalbumin immunoreactivities is heterogeneous in dorsal, ventral, lateral, and medial areas of the head of the caudate nucleus and is in register with the striosome/matrix pattern displayed by the histochemical markers. These calcium-binding proteins preferentially are located in the matrix compartment of the rostral caudate nucleus. Moreover, in some areas of the rostral two-thirds of the substantia nigra, calbindin D-28k and parvalbumin immunoreactivities appear to follow a complementary pattern that is quite different from the mesencephalic distribution of these two calcium-binding proteins.


Operative Method for Transverse Colon Carcinoma: Transverse Colectomy Versus Extended Colectomy.
The type of surgery performed for primary transverse colon cancer varies based on tumor characteristics and surgeon perspective. The optimal oncological outcome following different surgical options has not been clearly established, and transverse colectomy has shown oncological equivalence only in small cohort studies. Our aim was to compare long-term oncological outcomes after transverse colectomy versus extended resection for transverse colon cancer. This study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. All patients treated for transverse colon cancer at the Samsung Medical Center between 1995 and 2013 were included. Oncological outcomes were compared between 2 groups of patients: a transverse colectomy group and an extended colectomy group (which included extended right hemicolectomy and left hemicolectomy). A total of 1066 patients were included, of whom 750 (70.4%) underwent extended right hemicolectomy, 127 (11.9%) underwent transverse colectomy, and 189 (17.7%) underwent left hemicolectomy. According to univariate analysis, surgical approach, histological type, tumor morphology, cancer T and N stage, cancer size, and lymphovascular invasion were significant factors contributing to disease-free survival (DFS). However, as seen in multivariate analysis, only node-positive disease (HR = 2.035 (1.188-3.484)), tumors with ulcerative morphology (HR = 3.643 (1.132-11.725)), and the presence of vascular invasion (HR = 2.569 (1.455-4.538)) were significant factors for DFS. Further analysis with a propensity-matched cohort between the transverse and extended colectomy groups demonstrated no significant differences in DFS and overall survival. This study was limited because it was performed at a single institution and it was retrospective in nature. In terms of perioperative and oncological outcomes, transverse colectomy and extended colectomy did not differ despite a shorter specimen length and fewer lymph nodes harvested in the transverse colectomy group. Independent prognostic factors for DFS were node-positive disease, the presence of vascular invasion, and ulcerative morphology.


Systems thinking in practice when implementing a national policy program for the improvement of women's healthcare.
Interest in applying systems thinking (ST) in public health and healthcare improvement has increased in the past decade, but its practical use is still unclear. ST has been found useful in addressing the complexity and dynamics of organizations and welfare systems during periods of change. Exploring how ST is used in practice in national policy programs addressing complex and ill-structured problems can increase the knowledge of the use and eventually the usefulness of ST during complex changes. In ST, a multi-level approach is suggested to coordinate interventions over individual, organizational, and community levels, but most attempts to operationalize ST focus on the individual level. This study aimed to investigate how ST is expressed in policy programs addressing wicked problems and describe the specific action strategies used in practice in a national program in Sweden, using a new conceptual framework comprising ST principles on the organizational level as an analytical tool. The program addresses several challenges and aims to achieve systems change within women's healthcare. The case study used a rich set of qualitative, longitudinal data on individual, group, and organizational levels, collected during the implementation of the program. Deductive content analysis provided narrative descriptions of how the ST principles were expressed in actions, based on interviews, observations, and archival data. The results showed that the program management team used various strategies and activities corresponding to organizational level ST. The team convened numerous types of actors and used collaborative approaches and many different information sources in striving to create a joint and holistic understanding of the program and its context. Visualization tools and adaptive approaches were used to support regional contact persons and staff in their development work. Efforts were made to identify high-leverage solutions to problems influencing the quality and coordination of care before, during, and after childbirth, solutions adaptable to regional conditions. The organizational level ST framework was useful for identifying ST in practice in the policy program, but to increase further understanding of how ST is applied within policy programs, we suggest a multi-dimensional model to identify ST on several levels.


Reactivity of monoclonal antibodies against intermediate filament proteins during embryonic development.
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against a preparation of intermediate filaments from trophoblastoma cells were studied for their reactivity pattern during embryonic development and on adult tissue cells. Up to day 12 of embryonic development, epithelial cells of the three germ layers reacted with these mAbs. Later during development and in adult tissues, positive reactions could be observed only with epithelial cells derived from mesoderm and endoderm. Because of their tissue distribution, the proteins reacting with these mAbs might belong to the keratin family of intermediate filaments or they might represent a new group of intermediate filaments.


EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON THE FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF HETEROSTYLY.
Heterostyly has been viewed as both an antiselfing device and a mechanism that increases the proficiency of pollen transfer between plants. We used experimental manipulation of the morph structure of garden populations of self-compatible, tristylous Eichhornia paniculata to investigate the function of floral polymorphism. Outcrossing rates (t), levels of intermorph mating (d), and morph-specific male and female reproductive success were compared in replicate trimorphic and monomorphic populations. In trimorphic populations, t and d averaged 0.81 (2 SE = 0.03) and 0.77 (2 SE = 0.03) respectively, with no difference in either parameter among morphs. Ninety-five percent of outcrossed seeds were therefore the result of intermorph fertilizations. Male reproductive success of the long-styled morph was low, especially in comparison with plants of the short-styled morph. Outcrossing rates for each morph were higher in trimorphic than monomorphic populations where t averaged 0.71 (2 SE = 0.01), 0.30 (2 SE = 0.04) and 0.43 (2 SE = 0.1) for the long-, mid-, and short-styled morphs, respectively. Seed set was lower in monomorphic populations, particularly those composed of the L morph, reflecting reduced pollen deposition. Floral polymorphism therefore increased both outcrossing rate and fecundity but the magnitude of the differences varied among morphs. If the ancestral condition in heterostylous groups resembled the L morph, as has been suggested, data from this study suggests that the selective basis for the establishment of floral polymorphism could have been increased pollen transfer rather than higher levels of outcrossing.


The tumor metastasis suppressor gene Drg-1 down-regulates the expression of activating transcription factor 3 in prostate cancer.
The tumor metastasis suppressor gene Drg-1 has been shown to suppress metastasis without affecting tumorigenicity in immunodeficient mouse models of prostate and colon cancer. Expression of Drg-1 has also been found to have a significant inverse correlation with metastasis or invasiveness in various types of human cancer. However, how Drg-1 exerts its metastasis suppressor function remains unknown. In the present study, to elucidate the mechanism of action of the Drg-1 gene, we did a microarray analysis and found that induction of Drg-1 significantly inhibited the expression of activating transcription factor (ATF) 3, a member of the ATF/cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein family of transcription factors. We also showed that Drg-1 attenuated the endogenous level of ATF3 mRNA and protein in prostate cancer cells, whereas Drg-1 small interfering RNA up-regulated the ATF3 expression. Furthermore, Drg-1 suppressed the promoter activity of the ATF3 gene, indicating that Drg-1 regulates ATF3 expression at the transcriptional level. Our immunohistochemical analysis on prostate cancer specimens revealed that nuclear expression of ATF3 was inversely correlated to Drg-1 expression and positively correlated to metastases. Consistently, we have found that ATF3 overexpression promoted invasiveness of prostate tumor cells in vitro, whereas Drg-1 suppressed the invasive ability of these cells. More importantly, overexpression of ATF3 in prostate cancer cells significantly enhanced spontaneous lung metastasis of these cells without affecting primary tumorigenicity in a severe combined immunodeficient mouse model. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that Drg-1 suppresses metastasis of prostate tumor cells, at least in part, by inhibiting the invasive ability of the cells via down-regulation of the expression of the ATF3 gene.


p16(INK4a) and p53 deficiency cooperate in tumorigenesis.
The combined impact of mutations in p16(INK4a) and p53 was examined in cellular growth,transformation, and tumor formation. In cultured cells, p16(INK4a) loss enhanced growth at high density and conferred susceptibility to oncogene-induced transformation. In vivo, mice doubly deficient for p16(INK4a) and p53 showed an increased rate of tumor formation with particular susceptibility to aggressive angiosarcomas. Furthermore, p16(INK4a) silencing by promoter methylation was detected in tumors derived from p16(INK4a+/-) and (+/+) mice, independent of p53 status. These data suggest at least one general feature of malignancy, resistance to density-mediated growth arrest depends on p16(INK4a) rather than p53. This cooperation between p16(INK4a) and p53 loss in tumorigenesis is consistent with the view that these genes function in distinct anticancer pathways.


[Participation of procoagulant activity of cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells in fibrin formation].
To clarify the participation of the lens epithelial cells in the postoperative fibrin formation in cataract surgery, the generation of procoagulant activity (PCA) by cultured rabbit lens epithelial (RLE) cells was investigated. PCA was detected in the homogenates of RLE cells cultured for three hours. PCA was increased approximately three- to four-fold by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in a dose dependent manner. Treatment of the RLE cells with Concanavalin A resulted in a decrease of PCA. PCA of the RLE cells was not observed in Factor VII deficient plasma, as a standard tissue factor (TF). Parallelism was recognized between the dose response regression lines for the PCA in the RLE cells and standard TF. These results suggest that the PCA in the RLE cells is similar to TF, which has glycoprotein as an active site and requires coagulation factor VII. Some arachidonic acid metabolic cascade inhibitors which show an inhibitory effect for fibrin formation in vivo reduced the generation of PCA by the RLE cells in vitro. The activation of arachidonic acid cascade followed by the generation of PCA in the RLE cells may participate in postoperative fibrin formation.


Death and taxes.
Tax incentives can provide a large financial impetus to change behavior. Current U.S. law establishes a substantial discontinuity in the amount of estate tax that many patients will have to pay in 2010: During this year only, the tax rate drops to zero. This article discusses concerns regarding the sharp change in tax rate and the incentives it creates for persons who are nearing the end of life and provides estimates of the number of people affected by this issue.


[Left ventricular systolic synchrony assessed by phase analysis of gated myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with old myocardial infarction].
To assess the left ventricular (LV) systolic synchrony by phase analysis of gated myocardial perfusion imaging (GMPI) with SPECT/CT in patients with old myocardial infarction (OMI) and further to identify independent predictors for LV dyssynchrony. Seventy-six OMI patients and seventy-four healthy volunteers (control group) underwent resting GMPI from October 2010 to September 2013 in our hospital were included in this study. The left ventricular systolic synchrony parameters including phase histogram bandwidth (BW) and phase standard deviation (SD) were obtained by Cedars-Sinai quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) phase analysis technique, and LV cardiac function was also measured. The extent of myocardial perfusion defect was analyzed by the Quantitative Perfusion SPECT (QPS) software. The value of BW and SD were compared between OMI and the control groups, between LVEF ≤ 35% and LVEF > 35% groups in OMI patients. Dyssynchrony was defined when the BW exceeded the abnormality threshold derived from a normal control group (threshold = x ± 2s for normal BW). (1) The BW ((91.3 ± 58.6)° vs. (37.2 ± 11.7)°) and SD ((27.3 ± 20.8)° vs. (11.8 ± 5.4)°) were significantly higher and the LVEF was significantly lower in OMI group than in the normal control group (all P < 0.01). In addition, BW ((136.0 ± 52.9)° vs. (51.0 ± 24.0)°) and SD ((38.7 ± 21.3)° vs. (17.1 ± 14.0)°) were significantly higher in patients with LVEF ≤ 35% than in patients with LVEF > 35% (all P < 0.001). (2) Dyssynchrony (BW > 60.6°) prevalence was 57.9% (44/76) in OMI patients. Compared with the synchrony group, LVEF was significantly lower, while the left ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, summed motion score, summed thickening score and extent were significantly higher in dyssynchrony group (all P < 0.001). (3) Additionally, dyssynchrony prevalence was significantly higher in patients with LVEF ≤ 35% compared with patients with LVEF > 35% (91.7% (33/36) vs. 27.5% (11/40), P < 0.001). (4) Pearson correlation analysis showed that LVEF was negatively correlated with BW (r = -0.807, P < 0.001). (5) Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the extent of myocardial perfusion defect was an independent predictor for dyssynchrony in OMI patients (OR = 1.076, 95% CI: 1.015-1.141, P = 0.015). GMPI phase analysis can reliably reflect left ventricular systolic synchrony. The left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony in OMI patients is significantly increased. Left ventricular dyssynchrony is closely related to LVEF. The extent of myocardial perfusion defect (Extent) is an independent predictor for left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony in OMI patients.


Double-Edged Sword Effect of High-Performance Work System on Employee Well-Being-Moderating Effect of Union Practice.
Improving the well-being of the employees is the inevitable choice to improve corporate performance and competitive advantage and the social responsibility that enterprises must undertake. Based on the job demands-resources model, this study introduces perceived organizational support and work stress as the mediator and trade union practice as the moderator to explore the double-edged sword effect of a high-performance work system (HPWS) on the well-being of the employee. Taking 243 employees from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui as samples, we found that HPWS positively affects the well-being of the employee through perceived organizational support and negatively affects the well-being of the employee through work stress. Union practices can significantly reduce the positive effect of HPWS on work stress and further weaken the negative effect of HPWS on the well-being of the employee through work stress. The results of this study provide a new way to explain the impact of the HPWS on the well-being of the employees and find that union practice can weaken the negative effects of HPWS. This study provides a new thinking direction for improving the well-being of employees in enterprises.


Activation of protein kinase A alters subnuclear distribution pattern of human steroidogenic factor 1 in living cells.
The aim of this study was to identify the subnuclear distribution pattern of human orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) in living cells with and without the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) signal pathway, and thus try to explain the unknown mechanism by which PKA potentiates SF-1 transactivation. Full-length cDNAs of wild type and a naturally occurring mutant (G35E) human SF-1 were cloned and fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Subcellular distribution pattern of human SF-1 in living cells, whose PKA signaling was either activated or not, was studied by laser confocal microscopy after the validity of the gene sequence was confirmed. The transactivation ability of the GFP-SF-1 chimeric protein was highly conserved. Wild type human SF-1 diffused homogeneously within the nuclei of cells when PKA was not active, and converged to clear foci when PKA was activated. Mutant SF-1 diffused within the nuclei even in the presence of PKA activation, surprisingly aggregating as fluorescent dots inside the nucleoli, a phenomenon not altered by PKA. Activation of PKA causes wild type, but not mutant SF-1 to alter its subnuclear distribution pattern to a transactivationally active form (foci formation). This finding may throw new light on the mechanism by which PKA activates the orphan nuclear receptor.


Spillover of volatility among financial instruments: ASEAN-5 and GCC market study.
The research examines a comovement and spillover of volatility among foreign exchange, conventional and shariah stock markets in Association of South East Asian Nation-5 (ASEAN) countries and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity-Baba, Engle, Kraft and Kroner (GARCH-BEKK) and Dynamic Conditional Correlation (GARCH-DCC) models are used to capture the correlation and transmission volatility of the markets. The overall results show that both the Shariah and the conventional stock indices respond similarly to each country's currency. A bidirectional (two-way relationship) volatility spillover exists only in Malaysia and a unidirectional (one-way relationship) volatility is observed in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Bahrain. The rest of the markets-the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-do not have any volatility spillover evidence. Based on DCC outcomes, the conventional and Shariah stock in ASEAN-5 countries and GCC countries reveal the market efficiency, i.e., a positive high conditional correlation. Only Bahrain shows less efficiency than the other countries. It implies no portfolio diversification advantage in conventional and Shariah stock indices. Contrarily, currency and stock (conventional and Shariah) markets provide portfolio diversification benefits for all ASEAN-5 and GCC countries.


[In loco fibrinolytic treatment of acute ischemia of the lower limbs].
Peripheral artery occlusion produced by thrombosis or embolus can be cured by intra-arterial low dose thrombolysis without severe hemorrhagic complications. 18 patients suffering of acute ischemia of lower limbs were treated by intra-arterial streptokinase infusion. Diagnostic angiography is performed by antegrade femoral puncture using a 5F straight catheter. The tip of the catheter is placed within the thrombus. After a bolus of 10 000 U, streptokinase is infused at the rate of 2,000 U/min. Fibrinolysis is usually achieved within 70 min with a total dose of 150,000 U. Arterial recanalization occurred in 14 patients, in 6 cases underlying stenosis was successfully treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. No severe complications were encountered.


[Reconstruction of facial soft tissue defects with pedicled expanded flaps].
To investigate the application of pedicled expanded flaps for the reconstruction of facial soft tissue defects. The expanded skin flaps, pedicled with orbicularis oculi muscle, submental artery, the branch of facial artery, superficial temporal artery, interior upper arm artery, had similar texture and color as facial soft tissue. The pedicled expanded flaps have repaired the facial soft tissue defects. Between Jan. 2003 to Dec. 2013, 157 cases with facial soft tissue defects were reconstructed by pedicled expanded flaps. Epidermal necrosis happened at the distal end of 8 expanded flaps, pedicled with interior upper arm artery(4 cases), orbicularis oculi muscle(3 cases) and submental artery(1 case), which healed spontaneously after dressing. All the other flaps survived completely with similar color and inconspicuous scar. 112 cases were followed up for 8 months to 8 years. Satisfactory results were achieved in 75 cases. 37 cases with hypertrophic scar at incisions need secondary operation. Island pedicled expanded flap with similar texture and color as facial soft tissue is suitable for facial soft tissue defects. The facial extra-incision and large dog-ear deformity could be avoided.


Effects of graded hypothermia on outcome from brain ischemia.
The effects of mild (34 degrees C) and moderate (31 degrees C) hypothermia on the electroencephalogram, cerebral blood flow and outcome from incomplete brain ischemia were compared to normothermia (37 degrees C) in the rat. Rats were anesthetized with fentanyl (25 mu g kg(-1) h(-1)) and 70 percent nitrous oxide in oxygen. Ischemia was produced by right carotid ligation combined with hemorrhagic hypotension to 25 mmHg for 30 min. CBF was measured in the right parietal cortex by laser Doppler. Neurologic outcome was measured daily for 3 days after ischemia and histopathology determined at the end of the study. Before ischemia, neither EEG nor CBF were changed by hypothermia compared to normothermic controls. Total EEG and beta EEG (12.5-32 Hz) were abolished and CBF decreased by 70 percent during ischemia. During a 2.5 h recovery period total EEG and beta EEG activity recovered better with moderate hypothermia compared to normothermia. Recovery of cerebral blood flow was not significantly different between the treatment groups. Neurologic and histopathologic outcome were improved in rats receiving moderate hypothermia compared to normothermic controls. These results show that during severe incomplete ischemia, hypothermia has a graded effect on outcome which is consistent with its effects on brain metabolism.


Origins of sp(3)C peaks in C1s X-ray Photoelectron Spectra of Carbon Materials.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is among the most powerful techniques to analyze defective structures of carbon materials such as graphene and activated carbon. However, reported assignments of defects, especially sp(3)C and sp(2)C, are questionable. Most reports assign sp(3)C peaks to be higher than sp(2)C peaks, whereas a few reports assign sp(3)C peaks to be lower than sp(2)C peaks. Our group previously reported that calculated binding energies of sp(3)C were basically lower than those of sp(2)C. This work clarified that one of the reasons for the prevailing ambiguous assignments of sp(3)C peaks is charging effects of diamond.


Hajdu-Cheney syndrome in a 3 1/2 year old girl.
Hajdu-Cheney acro-osteolysis is reported in a 3 1/2 year old girl whose mother has the syndrome. Acro-osteolysis was shown to be absent at the age of 2 1/2 years. It was demonstrated on hand X-rays performed a year later. This is the youngest case of Hajdu-Cheney acro-osteolysis reported in the literature.


Purification of mouse bone marrow-derived stem cells promotes ex vivo neuronal differentiation.
The main objective of this study is to test the potential of specific populations of mouse bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into the neuronal cell lineage. Bone marrow of 33 mice was aspirated under general anesthesia. The collected marrows were analyzed for cell counts, compositions, and percentages of different stem cell types. We used the Midi MACS magnetic separator to purify specific populations of stem cells from the aspirated bone marrow. Cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. We assessed the presence of stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1(+)) and prominin-1(+) cells in the cellular fraction that was depleted of lineage-committed cells (lineage(-)). Both purified and nonpurified cells were cultured ex vivo using specific growth media with factors that drive the cells to differentiate into the neuroglial cell types. Cells were then analyzed by flow cytometry for expression of specific neuronal markers. Our results showed that there was an increase of Sca-1(+) and prominin-1(+) cells in the lineage(-) fraction over the unpurified BM. After lineage depletion, the percentages of Sca-1(+) and prominin-1(+) cells increased from 4.9% and 2.6%, up to 76.1% and 59%, respectively. Unpurified mouse BM differentiated into fibroblasts, whereas Sca-1(+) cells were able to generate astrocytes. Interestingly, purified prominin-1(+) cells were able to generate neuronal cells. Purification of adult bone marrow-derived stem cells enhances their potentiality for differentiating into specific neuronal cell lineages.


SiPM-based gamma detector with a central GRIN lens for a visible/NIRF/gamma multi-modal laparoscope.
Intraoperative imaging has been studied using conventional devices such as near infrared (NIR) optical probes and gamma probes. However, these devices have limited depth penetration and spatial resolution. In a previous study, we realized a multi-modal endoscopic system. However, charge-coupled device (CCD)-based gamma imaging required long acquisition times and lacked gamma energy information. A silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-based gamma detector is implemented in a multi-modal laparoscope herein. A gradient index (GRIN) lens and CCD are used to transfer and readout visible and NIR photons. The feasibility of in-vivo sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping was successfully performed with the proposed system.


Ciprofloxacin: a novel therapeutic agent for iron overload?
Major thalassemia is one of the hematological diseases requiring multiple blood transfusions, which results in iron overload in the liver, heart and other organs. Current iron chelation therapy consists of intravenous (IV) deferoxamine and oral deferasirox and deferiprone. Although these chelators are effective, many side effects are reported. In the present study, the iron-chelating effect of ciprofloxacin with good oral absorption was investigated. Thirty male albino Wistar rats were used for the study. Ciprofloxacin (7 or 14 mg/kg per day) was administered simultaneously with iron (0.03 g/kg per day) or after one-month administration of iron. Ciprofloxacin effect on iron absorption in the liver and heart was studied carefully using atomic absorption. A significant decrease in the liver and heart iron following the ciprofloxacin (14 mg/kg per day) administration was observed, when compared with the control group. This ciprofloxacin-induced tissue iron depletion was more pronounced when it was administered simultaneously with iron, when it was administered for a longer duration (2 months rather than 1 month) and when it was given in higher doses (14 mg/kg per day). Administration of ciprofloxacin may help to decrease the burden of parenteral administration, thereby improving compliance and also the life expectancy of thalassemic patients.


Long-term Associations of an Early Corrected Ventricular Septal Defect and Stress Systems of Child and Mother at Primary School Age.
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect, with larger VSDs typically being corrected with an open-heart surgery during infancy. Long-term consequences of a VSD-corrective surgery on stress systems of child and mother are still unknown. The aim of the present study is to investigate the associations of an early corrected VSD and diurnal cortisol release of child and mother. 26 children (12 boys) between 6 and 9 years old, who underwent surgery for an isolated VSD within the first 3 years of life, and their mothers participated in the study. Their diurnal cortisol profiles were compared to a sex-, age-, and socioeconomic status-matched healthy control group. Within the VSD group, associations between cortisol and characteristics of surgery and hospitalization were investigated. Child and mother psychopathological symptoms were considered as a possible interfering mechanism of altered cortisol profiles. Diurnal cortisol profiles of children with an early corrected VSD did not differ from those of controls. However, mothers of affected children exhibited higher cortisol levels in the morning (p < 0.001, [Formula: see text]) and a steeper diurnal cortisol slope (p = 0.016, [Formula: see text]) than mothers of healthy children. Results indicate a favorable development of children with an early corrected VSD, in terms of comparable diurnal cortisol profiles with healthy controls, according to a comparable mother-rated psychopathology. Mothers of affected children reveal altered diurnal cortisol levels, without differences in self-rated psychopathology. This divergence should be clarified in future research.


Unidirectional adsorbate motion on a high-symmetry surface: "walking" molecules can stay the course.
Step edges and low-symmetry faces of metal crystals can restrict the diffusive motion of adsorbates, yet they offer little flexibility with regards to the location and/or direction of the guided motion. We show inherently unidirectional motion of an organic molecule on a high-symmetry thermodynamic-equilibrium metal surface [Cu(111)]. Sequential placement of the substrate linkers of 9,10-dithioanthracene prevents it from rotating or veering off course. A combination of low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory simulations provide atomistic insight.


[Coronary artery bypass grafting on the beating heart in high-risk patients].
Since the introduction of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) for coronary multivessel disease there was growing interest to evaluate the impact of OPCAB surgery compared to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CCAB) with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest. However, subsequent prospective randomized studies and meta-analyses comparing OPCAB and CCAB surgery were performed on low-risk patients or mixed-risk populations. They usually failed to demonstrate a significant benefit of OPCAB surgery on early mortality or perioperative major cardiac and cerebrovascular events. In recent years, efforts were made to analyze the meaning of beating-heart concepts for patients with specific cardiac and extracardiac risks like ischemic cardiomyopathy, older age, renal failure, acute coronary syndrome, left main stenosis and others. For these subsets of patients several mono- and multicenter studies are available today. Even if most of them were nonrandomized and thus failed to reach evidence level A according to the AHA/ACC (American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology) definition, they still allow analyzing interim results for each specific perioperative risk factor. Particularly multi-risk patients and patients with severely reduced left ventricular function seem to benefit in terms of perioperative mortality and major morbidity by avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest. Analyzing early results and long-term follow-up of 364 patients with severely reduced ejection fraction<20%, the authors found a long-term benefit for patients when using OPCAB strategies particularly due to reduced perioperative mortality. Moreover, for most subsets of patients with significant extracardiac risk factors the incidence or perioperative stroke was reduced. In patients with preoperative renal and pulmonary dysfunction a decrease of corresponding organ failure was found for OPCAB strategy. For most risk populations transfusion requirements were significantly lower in OPCAB compared to CCAB surgery. In none of the patients an unfavorable outcome of beating-heart surgery compared to CCAB was shown. For emergency patients with an acute coronary syndrome presenting stable and unstable hemodynamics the authors found a clinical benefit by using beating-heart strategies. Particularly in patients with cardiogenic shock, cardiopulmonary bypass was often required to guarantee adequate perioperative organ perfusion. However, these patients seemed to benefit from avoiding global cardiac ischemia and maintaining native coronary blood flow. Follow-up results were comparable for these patients. In conclusion, beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting seems to be advantageous in various risk populations and should be considered for patients with more than average risks for cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest.


Epidermal growth factor signals regulate dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase expression in EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer.
It has been shown that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status is associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the relationship between EGFR mutation status and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), a 5-FU degrading enzyme, is unknown. We elucidated the crosstalk among the EGFR signal cascade, the DPD gene (DPYD), and DPD protein expression via the transcription factor Sp1 and the effect of EGFR mutation status on the crosstalk. In the PC9 (exon19 E746-A750) study, EGF treatment induced up-regulation of both Sp1 and DPD; gefitinib, an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), and mithramycin A, a specific Sp-1 inhibitor, suppressed them. Among EGFR-mutated (PC9, HCC827; exon19 E746-A750 and H1975; exon21 L858R, T790M, gefitinib resistant) and -non-mutated (H1437, H1299) cell lines, EGF administration increased DPYD mRNA expression only in mutated cells (p < 0.05). Accordingly, gefitinib inhibited DPD protein expression only in PC9 and HCC827 cells, and mithramycin A inhibited it in EGFR-mutated cell lines, but not in wild-type. FU treatment decreased the level of cell viability more in gefitinib-treated EGFR-TKI sensitive cell lines. Further, combination treatment of FU and mithramycin A suppressed cell viability even in a gefitinib resistant cell line. The EGFR signal cascade regulates DPD expression via Sp1 in EGFR mutant cells. These results might be a step towards new therapies targeting Sp1 and DPD in NSCLC with different EGFR mutant status.


Increasing Damping of Thin-Walled Structures Using Additively Manufactured Vibration Eliminators.
The paper presents a new way to conduct passive elimination of vibrations consisting of covering elements of structures with low dynamic stiffness with polylactide (PLA). The PLA cover was created in 3D printing technology. The PLA cover was connected with the structure by means of a press connection. Appropriate arrangement of the PLA cover allows us to significantly increase the dissipation properties of the structure. The paper presents parametric analyses of the influence of the thickness of the cover and its distribution on the increase of the dissipation properties of the structure. Both analyses were carried out using finite element models (FEM). The effectiveness of the proposed method of increasing damping and the accuracy of the developed FEM models was verified by experimental studies. As a result, it has been proven that the developed FEM model of a free-free steel beam covered with polylactide enables the mapping of resonance frequencies at a level not exceeding 0.6% of relative error. Therefore, on its basis, it is possible to determine the parameters of the PLA cover. Comparing a free-free steel beam without cover with its PLA-covered counterpart, a reduction in the amplitude levels of the receptance function was achieved by up to 90%. The solution was validated for a steel frame for which a 37% decrease in the amplitude of the receptance function was obtained.


[The green rural economy: challenges to research and to public health policies posed by agricultural modernization].
In this paper, we ask ourselves who should, can and has the will to promote health in the rural zone today. The fields of science and public policy were chosen as our primary focus of dialogue conducted from the perspective of the right to health and a healthy environment. Seven lessons emerged: (1) in addition to the surveillance of isolated chemical risks, the relation between agrochemicals and health should be investigated in the context of conservative agricultural modernization; (2) it is mandatory and urgent to discover the health problems related to the use of agrochemicals; (3) the State has been successful in its support of agribusiness, but highly inefficient at enforcing policies to safeguard social rights; (4) sectors of society linked to rural organizations have played an important role in the public policies combating agrochemicals and protecting health; (5) studies must help deconstruct the myths surrounding the Green Revolution model; (6) we are faced with the challenge of contributing to the construction of an emerging scientific paradigm founded on an ethical-political commitment to the most vulnerable social elements; (7) rural communities are creating agro-ecological alternatives for life in semiarid areas.


Does Omission of Ureteral Stents Increase Risk of Unplanned Return Visit? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Post-ureteroscopy ureteral stent omission remains controversial. Although omission is associated with reduced postoperative discomfort, concern remains for early obstruction. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials to compare the risk of unplanned visits with vs without a stent following ureteroscopy for nephrolithiasis. Randomized, controlled trials and observational studies comparing post-ureteroscopic stent omission vs placement and reporting unplanned visits within 30 days were identified via a search of MEDLINE® (1946 to 2015), CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, 1898 to 2015), Embase® (1947 to 2015), ClinicalTrials.gov (1997 to 2015), AUA (American Urological Association) Annual Meeting abstracts (2011 to 2015) and reference lists of included articles as last updated in October 2015. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality. ORs, RRs and weighted mean differences were calculated as appropriate for each outcome. Of the initial 1,992 studies 17 in a total of 1,943 participants met inclusion criteria. Unstented patients were significantly more likely to have an unplanned medical visit compared to those who received a post-ureteroscopy stent (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.15-2.30). Unstented patients had shorter operative time (weighted mean difference -3.19 minutes, 95% CI -5.64--0.74) and were less likely to experience dysuria (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.62). They were also less likely to experience postoperative infection (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.59-1.33) and pain (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.39-1.05), although these results were not significant. Stent omission is associated with an increased risk of unplanned medical visits despite reduced symptoms compared to those in stented patients. Patients and physicians should weigh these trade-offs when considering post-ureteroscopy stent placement.


Biogenic calcite particles from microalgae-Coccoliths as a potential raw material.
Synthetic calcite (CaCO3) particles are found in a broad range of applications. The geometry of particles produced from limestone or precipitation are versatile but limited to basic shapes. The microalga Emiliania huxleyi produces micro-structured calcite platelets, called coccoliths. This article presents the results of an application-orientated study, which includes characteristic values also used in the calcite industry for particle evaluation. It is demonstrated that coccoliths are significantly different from all industrial particles produced so far. Coccoliths are porous particles, mainly consisted of calcium carbonate, with further elements such as Mg, Si, Sr, and Fe often embedded in their structure. Their structure is extremely sophisticated, while the overall particle morphology and particle size distribution are homogeneous. This study gives a first inside into the potential of these exceptional objects and may set further impulses for their utilization in specific calcite particle applications.


Comparative analysis of hematopoietic growth factors released by stromal cells from normal donors or transplanted patients.
We compared the erythroid burst-promoting activity (BPA) and colony-stimulating activity (CSA) released under serum-deprived conditions by stromal cells derived from nine normal subjects and from nine patients after bone marrow transplantation. BPA and CSA were defined according to the capacity of the conditioned media (CM) to stimulate formation of erythroid bursts and granulocyte/macrophage (GM) colonies in serum-deprived cultures of nonadherent marrow cells. Six patients (group A) failed to establish or maintain successful allografts during the study. The remaining three (group B) did not experience problems with engraftment. CM from all stromal cell cultures contained detectable levels of BPA. Preincubation of the CM with an anti-GM colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) monoclonal antibody (MoAb), but not with a rabbit anti-interleukin-3 (IL-3) serum, reduced BPA by an average of 94%. CM from normal and group B stromal cell cultures contained detectable CSA, and the levels correlated with the amounts of granulocyte-CSF (G-CSF) detected by a specific bioassay. G-CSF was not detectable in medium conditioned by stromal cells from transplanted patients with poor marrow function. These results indicate that CM from stromal cells from normal subjects and transplanted patients with good marrow function contain both GM-CSF and G-CSF, while CM from stromal cells from transplanted patients with poor marrow function contain detectable levels of GM-CSF only. The reduced capacity of these stromal cells to produce G-CSF is associated with a reduced capacity of the CM to sustain GM colony formation and may be associated with the inability of these patients to sustain their neutrophil counts in vivo.


Stimulation of fibronectin production and deposition by chicken granulosa cells in vitro by epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor alpha.
Experiments were conducted in vitro to examine the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) on the production of fibronectin (deposited, secreted into medium and cell-associated) by hen granulosa cells isolated from the largest (F1; about 35 mm in diameter, mature) and third largest (F3; 15-20 mm in diameter) preovulatory follicles, as well as from a pool of immature small yellow follicles (6-8 mm in diameter). The cells were incubated in culture wells coated with type IV collagen or in wells without collagen coating, and the amounts of fibronectin produced were measured using a specific ELISA. The total amount of fibronectin produced by unstimulated cells was greatest in wells containing F1 cells and increased with time. The amount of fibronectin deposited by unstimulated cells was greatest in wells containing F1 cells and was much higher in collagen-coated wells than in uncoated wells. Both EGF and TGF-alpha increased the quantity of fibronectin deposited by granulosa cells in collagen-coated and uncoated wells. Fibronectin secreted into the medium by unstimulated cells also increased with the stage of follicular maturation and was enhanced by EGF and TGF-alpha. The quantity of cell-associated fibronectin in granulosa cells in collagen-coated and uncoated wells was also increased by these growth factors. Type IV collagen did not have any appreciable effect on the amount of fibronectin present in the incubation medium or on cell-associated fibronectin. Because of its marked effect on deposited fibronectin, there were greater total quantities of fibronectin in culture wells coated with type IV collagen. These results demonstrate that EGF and TGF-alpha stimulate the production and deposition of fibronectin by chicken granulosa cells. The results also suggest that in combination with collagen IV, these growth factors can regulate the formation of the extracellular matrix (for example, basal lamina) of the hen ovarian follicle.