Ultrasensitive low noise voltage amplifier for spectral analysis.
Recently we have proposed several voltage noise measurement methods that allow, at least in principle, the complete elimination of the noise introduced by the measurement amplifier. The most severe drawback of these methods is that they require a multistep measurement procedure. Since environmental conditions may change in the different measurement steps, the final result could be affected by these changes. This problem is solved by the one-step voltage noise measurement methodology based on a novel amplifier topology proposed in this paper. Circuit implementations for the amplifier building blocks based on operational amplifiers are critically discussed. The proposed approach is validated through measurements performed on a prototype circuit.


NanoSIMS Analysis of Rare Earth Elements in Silicate Glass and Zircon: Implications for Partition Coefficients.
We have developed a method to analyze all rare earth elements in silicate glasses and zircon minerals using a high lateral resolution secondary ion mass spectrometer (NanoSIMS). A 2nA O- primary beam was used to sputter a 7-8-μm diameter crater on the sample surface, and secondary positive ions were extracted for mass analysis using an accelerating voltage of 8 kV. A high mass resolving power of 9,400 at 10% peak height was attained to separate heavy REE from oxide of light REE. A multi-collector system combined with peak-jumping by magnetic field was adjusted to detect REEs and silicon-30 for calibration. Based on results of NIST SRM610 glass, sensitivities of REEs vary from 3 cps/ppm/nA of Lu to 13 cps/ppm/nA of Eu. Reproducibility of REE/Si ratios is better than 18% at 2σ. Secondary ion yields of REEs show positive relationships with their ionization potential of second valence. REEs of AS3, QGNG, and Torihama zircons were measured and calibrated against those of 91500 standard zircon. SIYs of REEs of zircon are identical to those of the glass standard. AS3 and QGNG data are generally consistent with those of previous work. Torihama REE data combined with the whole rock data provide partition coefficients of REEs between silicate melt and zircon. The relationship between these coefficients and ionic radius is explained by an elastic moduli model.


Occult esophageal perforation associated with cervical spine fracture.
A case of surgically confirmed cervical esophageal perforation associated with burst fractures of two cervical vertebral bodies is presented. We also describe a second case in which an incidentally discovered abscess of the cervical region could have been the result of esophageal perforation secondary to spine injury. Both patients had negative positive contrast esophagograms . This complication of cervical spine injury is extremely rare, and diagnosis can be difficult. Cervical esophageal perforation must be considered in the face of unexplained cervical, thoracic, or systemic sepsis and in the presence of an unexplained cervical mass. Severe cervical fracture with or without subluxation seems to constitute the anatomical basis for the entity. The treatment consists of drainage and antibiotics aimed at oral flora. The clinical features, diagnostic tests, and surgical management of this entity are reviewed.


Curcumin alters motor coordination but not total number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of adolescent male Wistar rats.
The present study aimed at investigating the effects of curcumin on the motor coordination and the estimate of the total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells of adolescent Wistar rats exposed to ethanol. The total of 21 male Wistar rats aged 37 d old were divided into three groups, namely ethanol, ethanol-curcumin, and control groups. The ethanol group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and water given per oral; the ethanol-curcumin group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and curcumin extract given per oral; the control group received saline injection and oral water. The treatment was carried out daily for one month, after which the motor coordination performance of the rats was examined using revolving drum apparatus at test days 1, 8, and 15. The rats were finally sacrificed and the cerebellum of the rats was further processed for stereological analysis. The estimate of the total number of Purkinje cells was calculated using physical fractionator method. The ethanol-curcumin group performed better than both ethanol and control groups in the motor coordination ability at day 8 of testing (P< 0.01). No Purkinje cell loss was observed as a result of one month intraperitoneal injection of ethanol. Curcumin may exert beneficial effects on the motor coordination of adolescent rats exposed to ethanol via undetermined hormetic mechanisms.


Mapping of infection prevention and control education and training in some countries of the World Health Organization's Eastern Mediterranean Region: current situation and future needs.
A strong understanding of infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures and comprehensive training among healthcare workers is essential for effective IPC programs. These elements play a crucial role in breaking the chain of nosocomial infections by preventing the transmission of resistant organisms to patients and staff members. This study mapped the components of IPC education and training across various member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) at national, academic, and healthcare institutional levels. A self-administered structured online questionnaire based on the WHO "Core Component 3" of IPC programs at the national and acute healthcare facility levels (IPC education and training) was given to national IPC focal persons in each of the WHO's EMR countries between February and March 2023. From 14 of the 22 countries,15 IPC persons participated in the survey. Most countries have scattered nonhomogeneous IPC education programs in human health undergraduate majors without considering it a standalone module. Academic institutions are rarely involved, and elaborate and predefined undergraduate IPC education programs provided by universities are present in 21.4% of the countries. In 71.4% of these countries, postgraduate training targeting IPC professionals is provided by national IPC teams, primarily based on national IPC guidelines developed with the aid of the WHO. Generally, healthcare worker training relies heavily on healthcare facilities in 92.9% of the countries, rather than on a national training program. In 42.9% of the countries, practicing IPC physicians are not necessarily specialists of infectious disease or medical microbiologists and IPC nurses are not required to specialize in IPC. However, nonspecialized IPC professionals are expected to undergo training upon employment and before beginning practice. Nongovernmental organizations such as the WHO play a significant role in IPC education and in supporting national IPC authorities in establishing national IPC guidelines, as it is the case in 78.6% of these countries. Clear disparities exist in IPC education and training across different countries in the WHO's EMR. Establishing a regional scientific network specializing in IPC would help bridge the existing gaps and standardize this education within individual countries and across countries in the region. This region needs to establish IPC certification standards and standardized education curricula.


Perspectives on the nutritional management of renal disease in Asia: people, practice, and programs.
The high prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in many Asian countries is attributed to diabetes and hypertension. Health care expenditure in relation to per capita income and government share of this expenditure vary among Asian countries and are affected by large populations and the poverty factor. The impact of ESRD on nutritional management in Asia reveals the need for clinicians to balance the requirements for higher standards of dietetic practice as they implement optimal care algorithms with the goal of improving outcomes, against the backdrop of staffing limitations, limited expertise in renal nutrition practice, and cultural diversity among Asian people. This paper discusses current aspects of dietetic practice and the likelihood that a change in practice is required if dietitians are to play an active role in preventing or slowing down ESRD.


Plummer Vinson syndrome: case report.
Plummer Vinson syndrome is characterised by dysphagia, iron deficiency, anaemia and oesophageal web or webs. This is a case report of a 33 year old Asian female who presented with slowly progressive dysphagia and a long history of iron deficiency anaemia. The anaemia was confirmed on repeated haemograms and a barium swallow revealed an upper oesophageal web. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and forceful dilatation were necessary to effect relief of dysphagia.


[Streptozotocin induced diabetes rat models].
The introduction of chemical compounds in diabetes modeling can't adequately reflect the development of the disease. However, the choice of an experimental model of diabetes type 1 or 2 is largely determined by the purpose of the research: testing of pharmacological activity, genetic research or clarifying the mechanisms of disease development. The high cost of respective genetic lines of laboratory animals, the complexity of reproduction of the model, the special conditions of care and a high degree of inbreeding determine the necessity for the development, testing, and improvement of non-genetic models. The most widely used chemical models of type 1 diabetes in modern experimental diabetology are alloxan models and of type 2 or mixed type diabetes are streptozotocin models. Sensitivity to the introduction of the diabetogenic compounds can essentially depend on the species, but also on animal genetic line and its age. The results of studies in which the injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to laboratory animals (mice and rats) simulated type 2 diabetes are shown. It is noted thatpre-treatment with nicotinamide can simulate the state more appropriate to type 2 diabetes. Taking into account the leading role of abdominal obesity as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, considerable attention in the article is paid to the modeling of type 2 diabetes by STZ-injection and high-fat diet. As alternative models of a type 2 diabetes in rodents also induce by streptozotocin injection and high fructose diet. The combined effect of low dose STZ and high fructose diet allows in relatively short period induce the development of type 2 diabetes in rats. It is concluded that the modeling of diabetes by STZ injection are widely demand for the optimization screening of biologically active substances with antidiabetic action in experiments in vivo and is a step before their clinical trials in the composition of specialized preventive and therapeutic products.


[Sexual activity: dependence on age, gender, various cardiovascular diseases and cerebral stroke.]
The purpose of this study was to determine the place and role of sexual disorders in representatives of different sexes and ages in the development of background for cerebral stroke pathology and the formation of the clinical picture of acute stroke period and its consequences. Questions of intimate life of 111 patients (58 men and 53 women) in the periods preceding a stroke were considered in detail and possible connections with clinical features of an acute period of in-Soult were defined. In 77 of these 111 patients, we studied the dynamics of sexual disorders in connection with the features of a functional defect that formed 3-24 months after a stroke. It was revealed that the decrease in sexual activity before the stroke has a distinct significance along with age in the development of background for insulin pathology and in the formation of the consequences of stroke. In the elderly, the most severe functional consequences of stroke were formed in 8,3% in the presence of normal sexual relations in the period preceding the stroke and in 27,6% in the absence of such. Negative dynamics of sexual activity after a stroke was detected in 46,8% of cases, mainly among the elderly, and is associated in women with the presence and severity of neurological deficits, in men-with the presence of cerebral atrophic changes.


Eyelash length in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis: effect of treatment with cyclosporine eye drops.
The upper eyelashes in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) patients have been reported to be longer than in healthy age- and gender-matched subjects. Eyelash length positively correlated to the severity of the disease and negatively to the employment of cyclosporine eye drops, suggesting that specific humoral factors could be involved in both ocular inflammation and elongation of the eyelashes. The aim of the present study is to evaluate a possible relationship between eyelash length and the duration of topical cyclosporine treatment. The length of the upper eyelashes of 34 VKC patients never treated with topical cyclosporine (Cyc-NT) was matched with that of 58 VKC patients treated with cyclosporine (Cyc-T). The latter group was divided into three subgroups, depending on the duration of therapy: 1-6 months (group 1; 21 subjects) , 7-12 months (group 2; 19 subjects), greater than 12 months (group 3; 19 subjects). Cyc-NT patients eyelashes were significantly longer than those of VKC patients treated for 1-6 months (group 1). No significant difference was found between Cyc-NT and Cyc-T patients in group 2 and group 3. The differences between Cyc-T patients and group 1 and 2, group 2 and 3, and group 1 and 3 were not statistically significant. The eyelash shortening observed seems directly related to the rapid improvement of ocular symptoms induced by the treatment. A receptor down-regulation by mediators of ocular inflammation may explain this data, although different cytokines, hormones or other humoral mediators could be expressed on the ocular surface at different stages of the disease, mainly in periods of rapid change of the clinical course.


Significance of clinical stage, extent of surgery, and pathologic findings in metastatic cutaneous squamous carcinoma of the parotid gland.
Metastatic cutaneous cancer is the most common parotid malignancy in Australia, with metastatic squamous carcinoma (SCC) occurring most frequently. There are limitations in the current TNM staging system for metastatic cutaneous malignancy, because all patients with nodal metastases are simply designated N1, irrespective of the extent of disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of clinical stage, extent of surgery, and pathologic findings on outcome after parotidectomy for metastatic SCC by applying a new staging system that separates metastatic disease in the parotid from metastatic disease in the neck. A prospectively documented series of 87 patients treated by one of the authors (COB) over 12 years for clinical metastatic cutaneous SCC involving the parotid gland and a minimum of 2 years follow-up was analyzed. These patients were all previously untreated and were restaged according to the clinical extent of disease in the parotid gland in the following manner. P1, metastatic SCC of the parotid up to 3 cm in diameter; P2, tumor greater than 3 cm up to 6 cm in diameter or multiple metastatic parotid nodes; P3, tumor greater than 6 cm in diameter, VII nerve palsy, or skull base invasion. Neck disease was staged in the following manner: N0, no clinical metastatic disease in the neck; N1, a single ipsilateral metastatic neck node less than 3 cm in diameter; N2, multiple metastatic nodes or any node greater than 3 cm in diameter. Clinical P stages were P1, 43 patients; P2, 35 patients; and P3, 9 patients. A total of 21 patients (24%) had clinically positive neck nodes. Among these, 11 were N1, and 10 were N2. Conservative parotidectomies were carried out in 71 of 87 patients (82%), and 8 of these had involved surgical margins (11%). Radical parotidectomy sacrificing the facial nerve was performed in 16 patients, and 6 (38%) had positive margins, (p <.01 compared with conservative resections). Margins were positive in 12% of patients staged P1, 14% of those staged P2, and 44% of those staged P3 (p <.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increasing P stage, positive margins, and a failure to have postoperative radiotherapy independently predicted for decreased control in the parotid region. Survival did not correlate with P stage; however, many patients staged P1 and P2 also had metastatic disease in the neck. Clinical and pathologic N stage both significantly influenced survival, and patients with N2 disease had a much worse prognosis than patients with negative necks or only a single positive node. Independent risk factors for survival by multivariate analysis were positive surgical margins and the presence of advanced (N2) clinical and pathologic neck disease. The results of this study demonstrate that patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC in both the parotid gland and neck have a significantly worse prognosis than those with disease in the parotid gland alone. Furthermore, patients with cervical nodes larger than 3 cm in diameter or with multiple positive neck nodes have a significantly worse prognosis than those with only a single positive node. Also, the extent of metastatic disease in the parotid gland correlated with the local control rate. The authors recommend that the clinical staging system for cutaneous SCC of the head and neck should separate parotid (P) and neck disease (N) and that the proposed staging system should be tested in a larger study population.


Risk Assessment of Neutropenia during Low-Dose Valganciclovir Prophylaxis for Heart Transplant Recipients.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether low-dose valganciclovir (VGCV) prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection increased the risk of developing neutropenia in heart transplant recipients (HTRs). Forty-three HTRs receiving VGCV were divided into two groups: those who received VGCV prophylaxis (n = 22) and those who did not (n = 21). Neutropenia was defined as an absolute neutrophil count ˂1500/µL and was monitored for approximately one year post-transplantation. In the prophylaxis group, 77.3% (17/22) of HTRs experienced neutropenia, which was significantly higher than that in the no prophylaxis group (42.9% [9/21], p = 0.031). No significant differences in the duration of VGCV administration and cumulative dose up to the first neutropenia episode were observed between the groups. Meanwhile, the cumulative dose of mycophenolate mofetil was significantly higher in the prophylaxis group than in the no prophylaxis group (p = 0.018); the daily maintenance dose and regularly measured area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of mycophenolic acid did not significantly differ between groups. In conclusion, the risk of developing neutropenia was higher in HTRs receiving low-dose VGCV prophylaxis than it was in those not receiving prophylaxis, probably not attributed to dosing period and cumulative dose of VGCV until the onset of neutropenia.


Biomarkers in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vascular damage, vasoinstability, and decreased perfusion with ischemia, inflammation, and exuberant fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Biomarkers are analytic indicators of the biological and disease processes within an individual that can be accurately and reproducibly measured. The field of biomarkers in SSc is complex as recent studies have implicated at least 240 pathways and dysregulated proteins in SSc pathogenesis. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are classical biomarkers with well-described clinical classifications and are present in more than 90% of SSc patients and include anti-centromere, anti-Th/To, anti-RNA polymerase III, and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is central to the fibrotic process of SSc and is intimately intertwined with other biomarkers. Tyrosine kinases, interferon-1 signaling, IL-6 signaling, endogenous thrombin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), lysophosphatidic acid receptors, and amino acid metabolites are new biomarkers with the potential for developing new therapeutic agents. Other biomarkers implicated in SSc-ILD include signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), CD226 (DNAX accessory molecule 1), interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), T-cell surface glycoprotein zeta chain (CD3ζ) or CD247, the NLR family, SP-D (surfactant protein), KL-6, leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1), CCL19, genetic factors including DRB1 alleles, the interleukins (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 IL-13, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-32, and IL-35), the chemokines CCL (2,3,5,13,20,21,23), CXC (8,9,10,11,16), CX3CL1 (fractalkine), and GDF15. Adiponectin (an indicator of PPAR activation) and maresin 1 are reduced in SSc patients. A new trend has been the use of biomarker panels with combined complex multifactor analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to determine disease activity and response to therapy. The present review is an update of the various biomarker molecules, pathways, and receptors involved in the pathology of SSc.


Evaluation of Flagging Criteria of United States Kidney Transplant Center Performance: How to Best Define Outliers?
Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients report cards of US organ transplant center performance are publicly available and used for quality oversight. Low center performance (LP) evaluations are associated with changes in practice including reduced transplant rates and increased waitlist removals. In 2014, Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients implemented new Bayesian methodology to evaluate performance which was not adopted by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In May 2016, CMS altered their performance criteria, reducing the likelihood of LP evaluations. Our aims were to evaluate incidence, survival rates, and volume of LP centers with Bayesian, historical (old-CMS) and new-CMS criteria using 6 consecutive program-specific reports (PSR), January 2013 to July 2015 among adult kidney transplant centers. Bayesian, old-CMS and new-CMS criteria identified 13.4%, 8.3%, and 6.1% LP PSRs, respectively. Over the 3-year period, 31.9% (Bayesian), 23.4% (old-CMS), and 19.8% (new-CMS) of centers had 1 or more LP evaluation. For small centers (<83 transplants/PSR), there were 4-fold additional LP evaluations (52 vs 13 PSRs) for 1-year mortality with Bayesian versus new-CMS criteria. For large centers (>183 transplants/PSR), there were 3-fold additional LP evaluations for 1-year mortality with Bayesian versus new-CMS criteria with median differences in observed and expected patient survival of -1.6% and -2.2%, respectively. A significant proportion of kidney transplant centers are identified as low performing with relatively small survival differences compared with expected. Bayesian criteria have significantly higher flagging rates and new-CMS criteria modestly reduce flagging. Critical appraisal of performance criteria is needed to assess whether quality oversight is meeting intended goals and whether further modifications could reduce risk aversion, more efficiently allocate resources, and increase transplant opportunities.


Diverse Sphingolipid Profiles in Rectal and Colon Cancer.
Colorectal cancer is a heterogenous group of neoplasms showing a variety of clinical and pathological features depending on their anatomical location. Sphingolipids are involved in the formation and progression of cancers, and their changes are an important part of the abnormalities observed during carcinogenesis. Because the course of rectal and colonic cancer differs, the aim of the study was to assess whether the sphingolipid profile is also different in tumors of these two regions. Using a combination of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, differences in the amounts of cellular sphingolipids were found in colorectal cancer. Sphingosine content was higher in rectal cancer than in adjacent healthy tissue, while the content of two ceramides (C18:0-Cer and C20:0-Cer) was lower. In colon cancer, a higher content of sphingosine, sphinganine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and two ceramides (C14:0-Cer and C24:0-Cer) was found compared to healthy tissue, but there was no decrease in the amount of any of the assessed sphingolipids. In rectal cancer, the content of sphinganine and three ceramides (C16:0-Cer, C22:0-Cer, C24:0-Cer), as well as the entire pool of ceramides, was significantly lower compared to colon cancer. The S1P/Cer ratio in rectal cancer (S1P/C18:1-Cer, S1P/C20:0-Cer, S1P/C22:0-Cer, S1P/C24:1-Cer) and in colon cancer (S1P/C18:0-Cer, S1P/C18:1-Cer, S1P/C20:0-Cer) was higher than in adjacent healthy tissue and did not differ between the two sites (rectal cancer vs. colonic cancer). It seems that the development of colorectal cancer is accompanied by complex changes in the metabolism of sphingolipids, causing not only qualitative shifts in the ceramide pool of cancer tissue but also quantitative disturbances, depending on the location of the primary tumor.


Stable, Monodisperse, and Highly Cell-Permeating Nanocochleates from Natural Soy Lecithin Liposomes.
(1) Background: Andrographolide (AN), the main diterpenoid constituent of Andrographis paniculata, has a wide spectrum of biological activities. The aim of this study was the development of nanocochleates (NCs) loaded with AN and based on phosphatidylserine (PS) or phosphatidylcholine (PC), cholesterol and calcium ions in order to overcome AN low water solubility, its instability under alkaline conditions and its rapid metabolism in the intestine. (2) Methods: The AN-loaded NCs (AN⁻NCs) were physically and chemically characterised. The in vitro gastrointestinal stability and biocompatibility of AN⁻NCs in J77A.1 macrophage and 3T3 fibroblasts cell lines were also investigated. Finally, the uptake of nanocarriers in macrophage cells was studied. (3) Results: AN⁻NCs obtained from PC nanoliposomes were suitable nanocarriers in terms of size and homogeneity. They had an extraordinary stability after lyophilisation without the use of lyoprotectants and after storage at room temperature. The encapsulation efficiency was 71%, while approximately 95% of AN was released in PBS after 24 h, with kinetics according to the Hixson⁻Crowell model. The in vitro gastrointestinal stability and safety of NCs, both in macrophages and 3T3 fibroblasts, were also assessed. Additionally, NCs had extraordinary uptake properties in macrophages. (4) Conclusions: NCs developed in this study could be suitable for both AN oral and parental administration, amplifying its therapeutic value.


Parotid Tuberculosis as the Presenting Manifestation of Disseminated Disease in an Otherwise Asymptomatic HIV Patient.
Parotid tuberculosis is not widely described in the literature. Even though a rare presentation of a commonly occurring disease, it is still missed as a differential diagnosis and often mistaken for neoplasms, eventually leading to unnecessary surgical resections. Here, we present a case of a young lady with a slowly growing unilateral parotid mass along with matted, non-tender cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymphadenopathy, who was incidentally found to have HIV with a cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) lymphocyte count of 38 per microliter. Fine needle aspiration revealed acid-fast bacilli and CT thorax showed features of pulmonary tuberculosis, thus suggesting a disseminated tuberculosis infection. She was started on anti-tubercular and anti-retroviral therapy, after which there was a symptomatic improvement.


Direct correlation between FRA3B expression and cigarette smoking.
Cytogenetic deletions and/or loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the short arm of chromosome 3, often with a break at 3p14, are well documented in lung tumors. The coincidence of a chromosomal fragile site, FRA3B, at a common chromosomal breakpoint in lung cancer has suggested that fragility at this site may predispose to breakage that could contribute to multistep carcinogenesis. This idea is supported by the more recent finding that FRA3B maps within the FHIT (fragile histadine triad) gene, and that aberrant transcripts and genomic deletions of FHIT/FRA3B occur in a variety of tumors including lung tumors. To determine whether some individuals have increased fragility of FRA3B that might increase the risk for breakage or deletion in 3p14.2, fragile site expression was examined in smokers, nonsmokers, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. The data clearly show that active smokers exhibit a significantly higher frequency of fragile site expression, including FRA3B, compared to that of nonsmokers and patients diagnosed with SCLC who have stopped smoking. These results suggest that active tobacco exposure increases chromosome fragile site expression, and that this fragility is transient and reversible. The data support the hypothesis that exposure to tobacco carcinogens increases the potential for chromosome breakage at fragile sites.


[Evaluation of the prognostic factor in human gastric cancer with special reference to the relationship between proliferation and carcinoembryonic antigen production of the cancer cell].
The biological property of human gastric cancer was studied by morphological and immunohistochemical observations. The cytoplasmic mucin of cancer cells was mainly neurtromucin in the mucosa. However, acid mucin was increased in the cancer cells of signet-ring cell carcinoma with submucosal infiltration. Immunohistochemically, CEA was localized in the plasma membrane of matured signet-ring cells and the cytoplasm of immature cancer cells. On electron microscopic observation, the cytoplasmic organellae were prominent in the immature cells which were dominant in submucosal infiltrating region. In vitro, the cancer cell line established from signet-ring cell carcinoma revealed that CEA production was associated with cell growth property showing 3H-TdR and BrdU uptake. This results may suggest that CEA production was an important indicator for the decision of prognosis in signet-ring cell carcinoma.


Cytotoxic Cardenolides from the Leaves of Acokanthera oblongifolia.
Three previously undescribed cardenolides, acovenosigenin A 3-O-α-L-acofriopyranoside (1: ), 14-anhydroacovenosigenin A 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1″→4')-O-α-L-acofriopyranoside] (2: ), and 14-anhydroacovenosigenin A 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1″→4')-O-α-L-acovenopyranoside] (3: ), together with the two already known ones, 14-anhydrodigitoxigenin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4: ) and acospectoside A (5: ), were isolated from the leaves of Acokanthera oblongifolia. The influence of cardenolides 1: - 3: and acovenoside A (found in the Acokanthera genus) on three cancer cell lines (HT29, HCT116, and AGS) was also investigated. The most promising results, in comparison with oxaliplatin, were obtained for compound 1: , which was found to be highly cytotoxic for all tested cell lines, HT29 (IC50 = 63.49 nM), HCT116 (IC50 = 67.35 nM), and AGS (IC50 = 80.92 nM). Unfortunately, 1: also showed similar toxicity towards normal lymphocytes (IC50 = 98.03 nM).


Physical distancing is related to fewer electronic and in-person contacts and to increased loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic among older Europeans.
During the COVID-19 pandemic older adults are asked to maintain physical distancing, which can be linked to loneliness. While older people are encouraged to use electronic communication to stay socially connected, it remains an open question whether electronic contacts are related to lower loneliness during the pandemic. This study examined the associations of physical distancing during the pandemic with loneliness and the role of in-person and electronic contacts with children and non-kin as explaining these associations across European regions. The study used data from Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), collected during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Mediation and moderation analyses tested the direct and indirect associations between physical distancing, contact frequency and loneliness, as well as the differences across European regions. The results indicate that adults who reported higher frequency of physical distancing also felt lonelier during the pandemic. This association was partly explained by social contacts-those who practiced physical distancing maintained less in-person contact with children and non-kin and less electronic contact with non-kin, which were related to feeling lonelier. Adults in Southern European countries felt lonelier and reported more frequent contacts. The moderation analyses showed that the link between physical distancing and loneliness was found in the northern region, but not in the southern and eastern regions of Europe. This study can indicate that attention should be paid to adults who may struggle to maintain social contacts in light of physical distancing guidelines.


Production of alpha 1,3-galactosyltransferase gene knockout pigs expressing both human decay-accelerating factor and N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III.
Heterozygous alpha 1,3-galactosyltransferase (GT) gene knockout pigs were produced with transgenic pig fetal cells expressing both human decay-accelerating factor (hDAF) and N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III). In this study, we assessed the gene targeting efficiency in the transgenic pig fetal cells derived from different fetal tissues such as brain, skin, heart, and liver, or fetal carcass. Targeted cell colonies were selected by hygromycin B. The GT-knockout colonies (KO colonies) were obtained equally from the cells derived from all tissues except liver. Staining with five antibodies against intermediate filaments, all examined KO cell lines stained positive for vimentin with the exception of a colony that stained positive for both vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein simultaneously. This is the first study to produce KO cells from the astrocytes. Some of these KO cell lines were used for nuclear transfer (NT) to obtain KO pig fetuses. Fourteen fetuses were obtained from two recipients of the embryo transfer and eight of them had normal ploidy. The cells from the KO pig fetuses were also used for NT to produce cloned KO pigs. Two healthy clone pigs were born. These pigs were determined to have a heterozygous knockout GT gene and the two transgenes. The cells collected from the KO pigs were shown to have similar expression levels of hDAF and GnT-III compared to their original transgenic pigs and less than a half levels of the alphaGal epitopes existed in wild-type pig cells.


Influence of aluminum-based adjuvant on the immune response to multiantigenic formulation.
Several adjuvants have been described and tested in humans. However, the aluminum-based adjuvants remain the most widely used component in vaccines today. Emerging data suggest that aluminum phosphate and aluminum hydroxide adjuvants do not promote a strong commitment to the helper T cell type 2 (Th2) pathway when they are coadministered with some Th1 adjuvants. In this regard, subtle differences between both aluminum-based adjuvants have been demonstrated. We have previously shown that subcutaneous immunization, in aluminum phosphate, of a mixture comprising the surface and core antigens of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the multiepitopic protein CR3 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 elicits a CR3-specific Th1 immune response. In these experiments, the antigens were adjuvated at the same time. As the final selection of the best adjuvant should be based on experimental evidence, we asked whether aluminum hydroxide allows a better Th1 immune deviation than aluminum phosphate. We also studied several ways to mix the antigens and the impact on CR3-specific interferon (IFN)-gamma secretion. Our findings indicate that aluminum hydroxide allows better Th1 immunodeviation than aluminum phosphate adjuvant for the mixture of HBV antigens and CR3. In addition, CR3-specific IFN-gamma secretion of the various formulations tested was the same irrespective of the order in which the antigens were combined.


[Geographic changes in exposure to dengue].
Many factors are jointly involved in the changes in the epidemiological and clinical expressions of dengue fever, an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. In the past forty years, this disease has spread throughout the tropical region, well beyond its original home in Southeast Asia. In some geographic areas, it now appears in a severe haemorrhagic form that requires specialized medical treatment. Many of its mechanisms and features depend on the etiologic agent, human host, and vectors as well as upon bioecologic and socioeconomic factors. Its epidemiological cycles are accordingly quite complex. The threat associated with three current transformations--its geographic extension, epidemiological changes, and aggravation of clinical symptoms--requires an approach that integrates geography and pathology. Such an analysis should provide tools to answer some of the riddles (i.e. specify the epidemiogenic geosystem) by sketching various combinations of factors that reflect the emergence of the disease in specific areas and play a role in its spread from one epidemic area to another. This synthesis about the diverse mutations of the disease calls for a methodical comparison by geographic characteristics and population groups.


An overview of the past decade of bufalin in the treatment of refractory and drug-resistant cancers: current status, challenges, and future perspectives.
Profound progress has been made in cancer treatment in the past three decades. However, drug resistance remains prevalent and a critical challenge. Drug resistance can be attributed to oncogenes mutations, activated defensive mechanisms, ATP-bind cassette transporters overexpression, cancer stem cells, etc. Chinese traditional medicine toad venom has been used for centuries for different diseases, including resistant cancers. Bufalin is one of the bufadienolides in toad venom that has been extensively studied for its potential in refractory and drug-resistant cancer treatments in vitro and in vivo. In this work, we would like to critically review the progress made in the past decade (2013-2022) of bufalin in overcoming drug resistance in cancers. Generally, bufalin shows high potential in killing certain refractory and resistant cancer cells via multiple mechanisms. More importantly, bufalin can work as a chemo-sensitizer that enhances the sensitivity of certain conventional and targeted therapies at low concentrations. In addition, the development of bufalin derivatives was also briefly summarized and discussed. We also analyzed the obstacles and challenges and provided possible solutions for future perspectives. We hope that the collective information may help evoke more effort for more in-depth studies and evaluation of bufalin in both lab and possible clinical trials.


Clinical outcomes of extended endovascular recanalization of 16 consecutive Buerger's disease patients.
Buerger's disease is one of the worst diseases causing peripheral artery occlusions (especially lower extremity) with increased morbidity and mortality. Endovascular treatment of the diseased arteries gains preference over bypass surgery nowadays. Here, we aimed to present the clinical outcomes of 16 consecutive Buerger's disease patients underwent extended endovascular recanalization which is a new technique to restore direct blood flow to at least one foot artery, with the performance of angioplasty for each tibial and foot artery obstructions. A total of 16 consecutive patients with confirmed diagnosis of Buerger's disease that percutaneously treated in our center between February 2014 and March 2018 were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 44.25 ± 4.28 ranging from 36 to 50 years. After physical examination and complementary diagnostic tests, performance of extended angioplasty for occluded arteries was intended to restore direct blood flow to at least one of the blow-the-knee arteries. A successful extended endovascular treatment was performed in 20 of 22 limbs, achieving a technical success of 91%. All patients were successfully discharged without any complication. Mean follow-up duration was 21.43 ± 7.08 months. Reintervention was performed in one patient and minor amputation was needed in one of the failed limbs. Limb salvage rate was 100%. A significant difference was observed based on Rutherford classification, ankle brachial index, direct blood flow to foot, presence of ulcer and rest pain when compared before and after the intervention. We showed successful extended endovascular recanalization of Buerger's disease patients with a high technical success rate and sustained clinical improvement. Extended endovascular recanalization could be a therapeutic option in Buerger's disease patients, since they are not good candidates for surgery.


Health-related quality of life of children and adolescents with mental disorders.
To compare the health-related quality of life (HRQL) between children aged 6-17 years with one of three mental disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, major depressive disorder, or conduct disorder), a physical disorder, and those with none of these disorders. Parent reports describing the HRQL, mental disorders, and physical disorders of a national sample of 3,597 children and adolescents in Australia, aged 6-17 years (response rate = 70%), were obtained by means of a structured diagnostic interview and questionnaires. After controlling for age, gender, and family structure, children with mental disorders were reported to have a significantly worse HRQL in several domains than children with no disorder. In many areas they were reported to have a worse HRQL than children with physical disorders. Parents also reported that the problems of children with mental disorders interfered significantly with the daily lives of children, parents, and families. The findings are consistent with previous studies which have reported that adults with mental disorders have substantial impairment in their HRQL. The findings suggest that children with a mental disorder require help in many areas of their lives. Achieving this will require an integrated approach to health care delivery rather than the current distinction between physical and mental health services.


Health care use and costs for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: national estimates from the medical expenditure panel survey.
Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent chronic condition of childhood, little is known about patterns of health care use and associated expenditures. To compare health care use and costs among children with ADHD, children with asthma, and the general pediatric population. The 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative household survey. All 5439 children aged 5 to 20 years from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were included in this analysis. Children who had ADHD, asthma, or neither (general population) were identified from International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes and prescription records. Mean health care use (outpatient visits, emergency department visits, hospital stays, home health visit days, and prescriptions) and associated expenditures. We identified 165 children with ADHD, 322 with asthma, and 4952 with neither diagnosis. Children with ADHD had significantly higher mean total health care costs ($1151) compared with children with asthma ($1091; P<.05) and the general population ($712; P<.001). After adjusting for age, sex, race, household income, access to care, parent education, and marital status, excess total costs were $479 for children with ADHD (P<.001) and $437 for children with asthma (P<.01). Overall costs of care for children with ADHD are comparable to costs for children with asthma and significantly greater than for the general pediatric population. Specific types of health care use and the sources of expenditures differ between children with ADHD and children with asthma. Because much ADHD-related care occurs within school and mental health settings, these figures likely underestimate the true costs of caring for children with this condition.


[Thrombosis of the renal artery of traumatic origin].
On the basis of a case study which was referred to their attention, the authors make a critical review of international literature on the physiopathological aspects and subsequent complications of renal artery trauma. The aspect that is most carefully evaluated refers to the types of therapeutic technique adopted by various authors in an attempt to resolve post-traumatic thrombosis whilst preserving kidney function. In view of the results obtained over the years and on the base of their own experience, the authors confirm the validity of angioplastic surgery, where possible, or nephrectomy in cases where renal function is excluded.


Stereotaxic brain biopsy in AIDS patients: does it contribute to patient management?
The authors analysed all cases of brain biopsy done in AIDS or HIV+patients at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, during the period 1989-92 to determine the clinical utility of the procedure. Thirteen lesions were biopsied revealing toxoplasmosis in five, lymphoma in four, progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy in three, HIV encephalitis in two and encephalitis of unknown aetiology in one. One biopsy specimen contained abnormal tissue but was non-diagnostic. The median survival after biopsy was only 7 weeks, but preoperative immunological (median CD4 count 45) and clinical status of the patients were poor. Although the impact of tissue diagnosis on patient survival was minimal it did enable modification of drug therapy. The authors preliminary experience with biopsy in AIDS patients suggests that the diagnostic information obtained is of limited value in prolonging the lives of patients in poor immunological status, but may be useful in refining medical therapies for toxoplasmosis and progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy. Whether biopsy should be performed earlier in the course of cerebral disease in an effort to prolong survival time remains unclear.


Effect of pretransplant hemoglobin blood level on kidney transplant outcome.
We investigated the effect of pretransplant hemoglobin level on the outcome of kidney transplant. Patients were divided in 2 groups: group A < 10 g/dL (80 patients; PTHb < 10 g/dL), and group B > 10 g/dL (69 patients; PTHb = 10 g/dL), and were matched regarding donor age, recipient sex, blood group, donor recipient HLA, and Cytomegalovirus status. The frequency of acute rejection, together with the timing of rejection, the need for antithymocyte globulin Fresenius rescue therapy, infection rate, and posttransplant surgical complications were comparable between both groups. While the 1-year actuarial patient and graft survival rates, delayed graft function, and slow graft function rates were comparable between both groups, longer hospital stay was required for group B (> 10 g/dL) patients (P = .005). Mean serum creatinine levels upon discharge (P = .02), at 6 months (P = .05), and 1 year (P = .02) after discharge were higher in group B (> 10 g/dL) patients. While posttransplant hemoglobin levels were lower than pretransplant levels, they were higher in group B (> 10 g/dL) compared with group A (< 10 g/dL), (P = .019). Pretransplant hemoglobin level does not affect the outcome of kidney transplant, except for creatinine levels at 1 year.


Legal issues affecting residential child care workers.
Most respondents felt that child care workers' legal concerns should be addressed by requiring (1) thorough, legally approved written procedures and guidelines for all day-to-day procedures and responsibilities; (2) legally approved comprehensive record-keeping systems; and (3) access to legal support and counsel. When child care workers follow legal guidelines and a facility's procedure manuals carefully, documenting their activities in an approved record-keeping system, they can expect to be in a positive situation in any legal contest and to have behavior measured from a legal standpoint by a standard described as what a "reasonable person" would be expected to do in a similar situation and circumstance.


An Extensive Comparison of the Clinical Efficiency of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) and Neutral Sodium Fluoride (NaF) Oral Rinses in the Prevention of White Spot Lesions during Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
The purpose of this randomized trial is to compare the efficacy of weekly once regime of neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) oral rinse with that of acidulated phosphate (APF) formulated daily mouth rinse in the reduction of white spot lesions (WSLs) associated with fixed orthodontic appliance treatment. The participants (n = 90) of this single-center, two-arm parallel study without a control group were randomly assigned with 1 : 1 distribution to each of the two groups after the bonding of brackets. Group A/test group 1 (n = 45) was given weekly rinse of neutral sodium fluoride (Colgate® PreviDent® Dental Rinse-0.2% NaF), and for group B/test group 2 (n = 45), an APF formulated daily oral rinse (Colgate® Ortho Defense@ PhosFlur® Rinse-0.044% w/v of NaF) was given for six months. The outcome was assessed by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) index for scoring the demineralization, and for scoring gingivitis, Loe and Silness gingival index (GI) was utilized. Four different time points "T0"immediately before bonding procedures, "T1" after 4weeks, "T2" after 12 weeks, and "T3" after 24 weeks were taken to assess the ICDAS and GI scores. The mean ICDAS scores for group A (NaF) were 0.025, 0.051, 0.093, and 0.113 and for group B (APF) were 0.014, 0.022, 0.038, and 0.015 at different points of time. The GI scores for group A were 0.008, 0.22, 0.33, and 0.38 and for group B were 0.003, 0.136, 0.181, and 0.097 at different time points. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) for both groups in terms of reducing WSL and GI. APF formulated daily oral rinse-0.044% w/v of NaF-is more effective than the weekly once regimen of 0.2% NaF oral rinse to prevent white spot lesions.


Study of Short and Intermediate Term Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Protected and Unprotected LMCA Stenting.
Significant unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA) disease is detected in 5%-7% of cases undergoing Coronary Angiography (CAG). Present guidelines have revealed the significance of anatomical location in left main artery stenosis and syntax scores for determination of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE). Debate still persists over the best treatment regarding outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and LMCA stenting for patients with LMCA disease. Aim of the study was to evaluate short and intermediate term clinical outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in LMCA disease in respect to mortality, Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA), reinfarction, stent restenosis and need for repeat target lesion revascularization. From July 2013 to February 2015, 50 patients underwent LMCA stenting. All patients underwent detailed clinical assessment, detailed 2D echocardiographic assessment. Syntax score was calculated in all patients. Clinical in hospital and outpatient follow up was obtained at one, three, six, nine months and one year. Mean age was 53.14±9.60 years. On CAG 16 (32%) patients had ostial LMCA lesion, 8 (16%) had mid LMCA lesion, distal LMCA was diseased in 6 (12%). In emergency situation, two bail out LMCA stenting were done for treatment of LMCA dissection. A total of 42 (84%) patients had low syntax score, 6 (12%) had intermediate and 2 (4%) had high syntax score. Only LMCA stenting was done in 22 (44%) patients, LMCA to Left Anterior Descending (LAD) stenting was done in 22 (44%) and LMCA to Left Circumflex (LCX) stenting was done in 6 (12%) patients. Drug-Eluting Stent (DES) was used in 35 (70%) cases while Bare-Metal Stent (BMS) was used in 15 (30%). An 8% mortality and 8% target lesion revascularization rate were observed in our study. Our study revealed that LMCA stenting is a safe and feasible alternative mode of revascularization in selected patients. Patients most suitable for LMCA stenting in our study were those with isolated ostial/mid LMCA disease, with protected LMCA disease and those who underwent elective stenting procedure.


Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC): morphoproteomic-guided treatment paradigm with clinical efficacy.
Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is a rare and highly malignant tumor that occurs in the nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinuses. Prognosis is poor despite multimodality treatment. Currently, there is no optimal standard of treatment, partially due to a lack of research defining the biology of such tumors. This report discusses two SNUC cases where patients received a novel chemotherapeutic approach using cisplatin, etoposide, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), metformin, and adjuvant melatonin therapies based on morphoproteomic-guidance, followed by consolidation with chemoradiation therapy. This resulted in excellent and objective tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging and clinical responses including complete responses in the induction phase utilizing morphoproteomic-guided therapies. Later, endoscopic excision of the tumor bed failed to reveal any residual tumor. Morphoproteomics helped to define the biology of these SNUC tumors and provided targets for the agents employed, creating a new treatment paradigm for such tumors. This treatment regimen poses a new effective regimen to treat SNUC.


Comparative effects of propranolol and practolol in the early stages of experimental canine myocardial infarction.
1 The effects of propranolol and practolol, at equivalent myocardial beta-adrenoceptor blocking doses, (as assessed by the degree of shift of isoprenaline dose-response curves) were investigated in anaesthetized greyhounds before and after acute coronary artery ligation. 2 When administered intravenously to the intact close-chest dog, propranolol (0.1 mg/kg) and practolol (0.5 mg/kg) caused similar decreases in heart rate, left ventricular dP/dt max, myocardial blood flow and cardiac output. Only propranolol increased peripheral vascular resistance. 3 When administered 2-3h after acute coronary artery ligation, propranolol (0.1 mg/kg) significantly decreased blood flow in both normally perfused and ischaemic regions of the heart. There was also electrocardiographic evidence of further deterioration after propranolol; two out of seven animals died following this treatment. 4 Practolol (0.5 mg/kg) when administered after coronary artery ligation also decreased normal myocardial blood flow but flow in the ischaemic area remained unchanged. Evidence was obtained from electrocardiographic, myocardial temperature, myocardial O2 consumption and lactate measurements that the administration of practolol, in contrast to propranolol, benefited the ischaemic myocardium. 5 Analysis of the results suggests that this beneficial action of practolol may be related to at least two mechanisms. Firstly the ability of practolol to increase the period during diastole when perfusion of the subendocardium is possible, without decreasing the transventricular pressure during this period. Secondly that practolol does not unmask alpha-adrenoceptor vasoconstriction in the ischaemic region.


Dynamic instabilities and mechanism of the electrochemical oxidation of thiosulfate.
The electrochemical oxidation of thiosulfate is revealed to have two distinct oscillatory regimes in both linear potential and galvanic voltammograms, where various nonlinear behaviors such as period-2, mixed-mode and quasi-periodic oscillations, and chaos are observed under potentiostatic or galvanostatic conditions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and iR compensation characterization indicate that, depending on the operating conditions, the system could be either a strictly potentiostatic oscillator or an S-shaped negative differential resistance oscillator. Chronoamperometry measurements reveal that the first oscillatory process involves a single-electron transfer, whereas within the second oscillatory regime the average number of electrons transferred is around 3.8. Measurements with capillary electrophoresis and chemical methods illustrate that the oxidation products include S2O6(2-), S4O6(2-), S5O6(2-), S3O6(2-), and SO4(2-).


A genetic system based on split-ubiquitin for the analysis of interactions between membrane proteins in vivo.
A detection system for interactions between membrane proteins in vivo is described. The system is based on split-ubiquitin [Johnsson, N. & Varshavsky, A. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91, 10340-10344]. Interaction between two membrane proteins is detected by proteolytic cleavage of a protein fusion. The cleavage releases a transcription factor, which activates reporter genes in the nucleus. As a result, interaction between membrane proteins can be analyzed by the means of a colorimetric assay. We use membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum as a model system. Wbp1p and Ost1p are both subunits of the oligosaccharyl transferase membrane protein complex. The Alg5 protein also localizes to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, but does not interact with the oligosaccharyltransferase. Specific interactions are detected between Wbp1p and Ost1p, but not between Wbp1p and Alg5p. The new system might be useful as a genetic and biochemical tool for the analysis of interactions between membrane proteins in vivo.


Outsourcing to China.
To enhance competitive advantage in the face of increasing globalisation, companies need to consider moving certain operations to China, if they have not done so already. This article describes the evolving nature of outsourcing to China and what companies need to consider to be successful in this business model.


Relationship of p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression of clinicopathological factors in human scirrhous gastric cancer.
Although scrirrhous cancer has the highest malignant potential among various types of gastric cancer, its pathogenesis is still unclear. The relationship between expression of p53 or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and clinicopathological variables was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis of archival specimens from 40 patients with scirrhous gastric cancer. Staining for p53 and VEGF was observed in the nuclei and cytoplasm of the tumor cells, respectively. There was no significant association between expression of p53 or VEGF and sex, age, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis or histological stage. Peritoneal dissemination was the most frequent mode of recurrence, and the depth of tumor invasion was a crucial factor. The recurrence rate was 83.9% (2/9) in patients without serosal invasion. Only 7 out of 40 patients (17.5%) survived without recurrence. Among them, the VEGF-positive rate was 14.3% (1/7), whereas it was 52.6% (10/19) in the patients with recurrence. There was no correlation between p53 and VEGF staining. These findings suggest that the progression of scirrhous gastric cancer may be promoted by VEGF overexpression, which is not upregulated by p53 mutation.


Variation in the nature of attachment of phosphorylcholine to excretory-secretory products of adult Brugia pahangi.
The mechanism of linkage of phosphorylcholine (PC) to excretory-secretory products (ES) of adult Brugia pahangi has been investigated. Biosynthetic radio-isotope labelling of ES with [3H]choline followed by SDS-PAGE/fluorography revealed a smear of molecular weight approximately 40-100 kDa which loses its radiolabel following exposure to N-glycosidase F, but not mild alkali. PC is thus attached to this smear of molecules via N-type glycans, a mechanism of linkage previously observed with respect to PC-ES of Acanthocheilonema viteae. Western blotting analysis of non-radiolabelled ES demonstrated the existence of additional PC-ES which were insensitive to N-glycosidase F, but not to alkali. This second group of molecules is therefore likely to contain PC linked to O-glycans. Filarial nematodes may thus utilize 2 classes of glycan for attachment of PC. Examination of B. pahangi and A. viteae whole worm extracts by Western blotting indicated that their PC content could not be cleaved by N-glycosidase F and hence the use of N-type glycans may be restricted to a subset of ES products. The implications of these findings with respect to developing inhibitors of PC attachment for use as anti-filarial drugs are discussed.


A data science approach for multi-sensor marine observatory data monitoring cold water corals (Paragorgia arborea) in two campaigns.
Fixed underwater observatories (FUO), equipped with digital cameras and other sensors, become more commonly used to record different kinds of time series data for marine habitat monitoring. With increasing numbers of campaigns, numbers of sensors and campaign time, the volume and heterogeneity of the data, ranging from simple temperature time series to series of HD images or video call for new data science approaches to analyze the data. While some works have been published on the analysis of data from one campaign, we address the problem of analyzing time series data from two consecutive monitoring campaigns (starting late 2017 and late 2018) in the same habitat. While the data from campaigns in two separate years provide an interesting basis for marine biology research, it also presents new data science challenges, like the the marine image analysis in data form more than one campaign. In this paper, we analyze the polyp activity of two Paragorgia arborea cold water coral (CWC) colonies using FUO data collected from November 2017 to June 2018 and from December 2018 to April 2019. We successfully apply convolutional neural networks (CNN) for the segmentation and classification of the coral and the polyp activities. The result polyp activity data alone showed interesting temporal patterns with differences and similarities between the two time periods. A one month "sleeping" period in spring with almost no activity was observed in both coral colonies, but with a shift of approximately one month. A time series prediction experiment allowed us to predict the polyp activity from the non-image sensor data using recurrent neural networks (RNN). The results pave a way to a new multi-sensor monitoring strategy for Paragorgia arborea behaviour.


Prevalence of Brucella species in stray cattle, dogs and cats: A systematic review.
Stray animals are unowned free roaming, homeless, abandoned, street or sheltered animals, particularly dogs, cats and cattle. They could act as carrier of several zoonotic pathogens such as rabies virus, Mycobacterium and Brucella species. However, comprehensive information on the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in stray animals is very limited. We conducted a systematic review as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis in stray dogs, cats and cattle. Eligibility criteria for the study were determined using the PECOS classification (population, exposure, comparison, outcome, study design) as a tool to guide the research and adjust the search strategy. Major bibliographic databases [Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and PubMed] were searched using predefined keywords for published epidemiological studies on brucellosis in stray animals (dogs, cats and cattle). Systematic assessments of all the studies since 1990-2022 were conducted and those reporting the prevalence of brucellosis in stray dogs, cats and cattle using appropriate diagnostic tests (culture, molecular, serological) were included. Studies reporting prevalence of brucellosis (Brucella infection or exposure) in kennel dogs, dairy herds, livestock farms, humans or marine species were excluded. The apparent individual test- wise prevalence along with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated using Epitools. Out of 2689 studies, 37 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Of 37 studies, 28 (75.7%) were conducted in stray dogs, 7 (18.9%) in cattle and 2 (5.4%) in cats. Furthermore, only 21.62% studies (8/37) used probabilistic random sampling approaches and 13.51% studies (5/37) explained and justified the study sample size using appropriate methods for estimation of disease prevalence in the study populations. Higher sero-prevalence in stray dogs has been reported in studies conducted in Jordan (38.0% (95% CI: 24.0-54.0) and Pakistan (38.0% (95% CI: 31.0-45.0) whereas no sero-positivity was recorded in the studies conducted in Brazil, North Colombia, Cyprus, South Korea and USA. All studies on brucellosis (n = 7) in stray cattle were from India; conducted in stray cattle reared in cow-shelters. Sero-prevalence in the range of 4.3%- 64.3% was reported in stray cattle. Differences in diagnostic tests and host species, as well as limited number and non-randomized studies and high statistical heterogeneity did not allow us to determine combined meta-analysed prevalence estimates. Stray animals are likely to pose a zoonotic and disease spillover risk to human and livestock populations.


Global Biodiversity Loss by Freshwater Consumption and Eutrophication from Swiss Food Consumption.
We investigated water-related resource use, emissions and ecosystem impacts of food consumed in Switzerland. To do so, we coupled LCA methodologies on freshwater consumption, freshwater eutrophication and the consequent local and global biodiversity impacts with Swiss customs data and multiregional input-output analysis. Most of the resource use, emissions and impacts occur outside the national boundaries which illustrates the extent of environmental outsourcing facilitated by international trade. Countries that are severely affected by Swiss food consumption include Spain, the United States and Ecuador. Cocoa, coffee, and almonds stood out as products with high impacts. By identifying spatial hotspots and impactful products, awareness of policy-makers as well as individual consumers can be raised and efforts of detailed assessments can be streamlined. However, political and economic constraints and the resistance by individual consumers limit the high potential of changes in diets and trade relations to decrease the environmental impacts of food.


[Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Results in 80 consecutive patients].
Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) avoids laparotomy, shortens hospital stay and reduces morbidity and mortality related to surgical repair, allowing full patient recovery in less time. To report short and long term results of endovascular repair of AAA in 80 consecutive patients treated at our institution. Between September 1997 and February 2005, three women and 77 men with a mean age 73.6+/-7.7 years with AAA 5.8+/-1.0 cm in diameter, were treated. The surgical risk of 38% of patients was grade III according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Each procedure was performed in the operating room, under local or regional anesthesia, with the aid of digital substraction angiography. The endograft was deployed through the femoral artery (83.7% bifurcated, 16.3% tubular graft). A femoro-femoral bypass was required in 11.3% of cases. Follow-up included a spiral CT scan at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and then annually. Endovascular repair was successfully completed in 79/80 patients (98.7% technical success). The procedures lasted 147+/-71 min. Length of stay in the observation unit was 20.6+/-13.5 h. Blood transfusion was required in 10%. Sixty two percent of the patients were discharged before 72 h. One patient died 8 days after surgery due to a myocardial infarction (1.3%). During follow-up (3-90 months), 1 patient developed late AAA enlargement due to a type I endoleak, requiring a new endograft. No AAA rupture was observed. Survival at 4 years was 84.2% (SE =9.2). Endovascular re-intervention free survival was 82.7% (SE =9.5). Endovascular surgery allows effective exclusion of AAA avoiding progressive enlargement and/or rupture and is a good alternative to open repair. Close and frequent postoperative follow up is mandatory.


Human growth hormone: a case study in treatment priorities.
One of the most commonly cited examples of enhancement genetic engineering is insertion of the growth hormone (GH) gene into a medically normal child. At this time, insertion of the gene itself is not planned. However, the modification of height, which is possible through administration of biochemical GH, raises the same questions about therapeutic versus enhancement uses of genetics. While insertion of the gene is a more drastic measure and probably carries more risks, the question of appropriate limits on use of the GH drug raises similar ethical and policy questions.


Rate of anabolic-androgenic steroid use among students in junior high school.
Anabolic-androgenic steroid use has become an increasingly large problem. Studies document steroid use in high-school students, but not students in junior high school. We surveyed 7th-grade students to assess rate of use and knowledge about steroids. Seventh-grade students completed a 22-question survey instrument that addressed previous steroid use, knowledge about the effects of steroids, other previous substance abuse, and demographic data. The one-sided Z test was used for statistical analyses. There were 4.7 percent of the male students and 3.2 percent of the female students who admitted to using steroids [corrected]. Those more likely to have tried steroids included African-Americans (P < 0.05), 15-year-olds (P < 0.05), football players (P < 0.025), wrestlers (P < 0.005), and past users of alcohol (P < 0.005) or tobacco (P < 0.005). There were significant differences between steroid users and nonusers in knowledge about the effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids on the body: steroid users knew less than nonusers. The establishment of steroid use in junior high school should cause physicians to seek signs or history of steroid use, especially in patients who are members of groups more likely to use them. In addition, physicians should initiate dialogue about steroids with patients before they are likely to have tried them.


[Activity comparison of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells with murine CD19 CAR-T on Nalm-6 cells and xenograft tumor model].
Objective: To compare the activity difference of the high affinity humanized CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and murine CD19 CAR-T cells. Methods: Peripheral venous blood T cells from 8 healthy volunteers were collected and infected with humanized and murine CD19 CAR lentivirus. Human and murine CD19 CAR-T cells were prepared and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The cytotoxicity of CD3(+) T cells, humanized and murine CD19 CAR-T cells to NALM-6 cells was detected by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Thirty BAL B/c nude mice transplanted with NALM-6 cells were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 mice in each group and injected humanized CD19 CAR-T cells, mouse CD19 CAR-T cells and control CD3(+) T cell via tail vein, respectively. The proportion of NALM-6 cells in peripheral blood and the proportion of CD19 CAR-T cells in T cells from the vein of the inner canthus were detected by flow cytometry. The overall survival of BAL B/c nude mice was observed. Results: The proliferation of mouse and humanized CD19 CAR-T cells were (68.50±0.93)% and (80.63±1.41)%, respectively (t=20.353, P<0.001) after cultured in vitro for 24 hours, and were (91.38±1.41)% and (148.13±1.25)%, respectively (t=85.364, P<0.001) after cultured for 48 hours. When the effect to target ratio was 1∶1, there was no difference between the humanized and murine CD19 CAR-T cell group after co-culture for 24 hours (P=0.169), while the killing activity of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells against NALM-6 cells was higher than that of murine CD19 CAR-T cells (P<0.01) after 48 hours of co-culture. When the effect to target ratio was 4∶1, the cytotoxicity of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells against NALM-6 cells was higher than that of murine CD19 CAR-T cells in co-culture for 24 and 48 hours (P<0.01). On the seventh day of CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, the proportion of NALM-6 cells in the peripheral blood of BAL B/c nude mice decreased to the lowest level in the humanized CD19 CAR-T cell group and the murine CD19 CAR-T cell group. After 21 days, the proportion of NALM-6 cells in the murine CD19 CAR-T cell group was higher than that in the humanized CD19 CAR-T cell group (P(21 d)=0.001, P(28 d)<0.001, P(35 d)<0.001). The proportion of humanized and murine CD19 CAR-T cells in the peripheral blood reached the peaks after 7 days of therapy, and the proportion of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells was higher than that of murine CAR-T cells (P(7 d)=0.002). The CD19 CAR-T cells disappeared in the peripheral blood in the murine CD19 CAR-T cell group after 14 days of therapy, while in the humanized CD19 CAR-T cell group it disappeared after 21 days of therapy. The median survival of BAL B/c nude mice in the murine CD19 CAR-T cell group and the humanized CD19 CAR-T cell group was 42 days and 63 days, respectively (χ(2)=15.382, P<0.001). Conclusions: High affinity humanized CD19 CAR-T cells have stronger proliferation, higher cytotoxicity and longer survival time compared with those of murine CD19 CAR-T cells. The results indicate that the clinical efficacy of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells would be better than that of murine CD19 CAR-T cells.


Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction Following Male-to-Female Sex Reassignment Surgery.
Surveys on quality of life (QOL) of male-to-female (MTF) transsexuals have found low QOL scores before and increased satisfaction scores after sex-reassignment surgery (SRS). To our knowledge, many of them lack standardized questionnaires and comparisons with normative data to evaluate different vaginoplasty techniques. To analyze patient satisfaction and QOL after SRS. Forty-seven patients participated in this study. All patients had surgery with our self-developed combined technique on average 19 months before the survey. They completed a self-developed indication-specific questionnaire concerning demographic and socioeconomic issues and postoperative satisfaction. Furthermore, a standardized self-assessment questionnaire on satisfaction and QOL (Fragen zur LebenszufriedenheitModule [FLZM]; Questions on Life SatisfactionModules) was used. The FLZM consists of three modules (general life satisfaction, satisfaction with health, and satisfaction with body image) with scores of weighted satisfaction for each item. Results of the general and health modules were compared with normative data. Demographics, QOL, general life satisfaction, satisfaction with health, and satisfaction with body image. The self-developed indication-specific questionnaire showed that 91% experienced an improvement of QOL. All patients stated they would undergo SRS again and did not regret it at all. Patients stated their femininity significantly increased. For the FLZM, the sum score for general life satisfaction (P < .001) was significantly lower than the normative data, whereas the sum score of the satisfaction with health module (P = .038) did not reach statistical significance. The two modules also showed positive trends for different items. Values of the body image module showed a significant increase in satisfaction with breasts (P < .001) and genitals (P = .002). The findings of this survey emphasize the importance of SRS in the interdisciplinary gender-reassignment process. The detailed description of our combined technique could help to improve the surgical outcome and patient satisfaction of this complex and non-standardized surgery. This is the first description of a new surgical technique (combined technique) for MTF SRS. QOL was assessed by a large number of patients by standardized questionnaires and could be compared with normative data. Because this is a retrospective study, we can draw only careful conclusions for pre- and postoperative changes. Our self-developed combined surgical technique seemed to have a positive influence on QOL after SRS. Satisfaction with breasts, genitals, and femininity increased significantly and show the importance of surgical treatment as a key therapeutic option for MTF transsexuals. Papadopulos NA, Lellé J-D, Zavlin D, et al. Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction Following Male-to-Female Sex Reassignment Surgery. J Sex Med 2017;14:721-730.


Morphoproteomics Identifies the EZH2 and SIRT1 Pathways as Potential Blocks to Differentiation in Yolk Sac Tumor of the Ovary and Provides Therapeutic Options: a Case Study.
Yolk sac tumor of the ovary is a rare but highly malignant and aggressive germ cell tumor. The objective of this case study of an ovarian yolk sac tumor was to identify putative pathways that are known to pose a block in differentiation, both in early embryogenesis and in tumorigenesis, that might be amenable to low toxicity therapies designed to promote differentiation to a more benign state and prevent recurrent disease in such tumors. The enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyl transferase, and silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1), a NAD+ histone deacetylase, are two such pathways.


Accuracy of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for body-composition measurements in children.
The accuracy of body-composition measurements by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was assessed by comparison with total carcass chemical analysis in 16 pigs with a weight range of 5-35 kg. Two software versions for body-composition analyses with the DXA instrument were evaluated. Although both software versions accurately predicted body weight, there were significant differences in the partitioning between bone mineral content (BMC), nonbone lean tissue, and body-fat compartments. All estimates of body composition were highly correlated (r2 > or = 0.98) with the results of the direct chemical reference method. SEEs were 226-271 g for body weight, 387-429 g for fat, 3.5-4.3 kg for fat-free mass, and 35.4-36.5 g for BMC. For bone, both software versions produced BMC values that were approximately 25% below the total carcass ash content. For the absolute mass of body fat, one DXA analysis provided underestimates that averaged 19.5% below the reference chemical method, whereas the alternate software version resulted in over-estimates, averaging 15.5%. Conversely, the average fat-free compartment was initially overestimated by 968 g, then underestimated by 892 g. The impact of these differences in the body-composition analyses by DXA were examined in a group of 18 young boys 4-12 y of age.


Scintillation Properties of Ba3RE(PO4)3 Single Crystals (RE = Y, La, Lu).
Eulytite-type Ba3RE(PO4)3 (RE = Y, La, and Lu) single crystals were synthesized by the floating zone method, and their scintillation properties were investigated. The powder X-ray diffraction measurement revealed that the single phase of Ba3RE(PO4)3 samples were successfully synthesized. The samples exhibited a luminescence peak due to self-trapped exciton at around 400 nm under vacuum ultraviolet and X-ray irradiation. The X-ray-induced scintillation decay time constants of the samples were several microseconds at room temperature. In the 241Am α-ray irradiated pulse height spectra, all the samples showed a clear full energy peak, and the absolute light yields of the Ba3Y(PO4)3, Ba3La(PO4)3, and Ba3Lu(PO4)3 single crystals were estimated to be 960, 1160, and 1220 ph/5.5 MeV-α, with a typical error of ±10%, respectively. The scintillation light yields of the Ba3RE(PO4)3 have been quantitatively clarified for the first time.


Values influencing nursing practice: responses from neonatal nurses.
An analysis of narrative comments from neonatal nurses to illustrate the values that motivate behavior in the practice setting. A descriptive study using content analysis of written, narrative text data. A self-selected subsample (N = 97) of a larger random sample of the membership of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). The application of philosophical concepts of human relationships, patient need, keeping promises, human dignity, and unrestricting circumstances in the neonatal care setting. Individual participants made cognitive choices related to the application of conceptual ideals of the profession to the practice setting. However, there was a lack of congruence between what the individual nurse believes is important or good and the behavior enacted in the practice setting. As a discipline, nursing needs to identify and implement strategies that support proactive accountable nursing practice consistent with the philosophical foundation of the profession.


Tactile discrimination task not disturbed by thalamic stimulation.
The major pathway of human somatosensation passes through the ventrocaudal nucleus (Vc) of the thalamus. We tested the effect of direct electrical stimulation of the Vc on tactile discrimination in 5 Parkinson patients undergoing stereotactic thalamotomy. Raised gratings with lines 3, 4, or 6 mm apart were used. Patients had to actively touch test patterns placed in the hand contralateral to the thalamus under operation and compare it with a reference 3-mm grating held continuously in their other hand. Their performance was best for 6-mm, followed by 3-mm and then by 4-mm patterns regardless of electrical stimulation. Under Vc stimulation, patients recognized the 4-mm gratings slightly better. This can be explained either by the nature of thalamocortical interaction, which makes it resistant to external noise, or by the involvement of other pathways that circumvent the effect of thalamic stimulation.


Image Quality Assessment of 2D versus 3D T2WI and Evaluation of Ultra-high b-Value (b=2,000 mm/s2) DWI for Response Assessment in Rectal Cancer.
The purpose of this IRB-approved, retrospective study was to compare image quality between 2D and high-resolution 3D, T2-weighted (T2WI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences and to investigate the additional value of ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; b=2,000 mm/s2) for both rectal cancer staging and evaluating treatment response. From 12 February to 24 August 2016, 26 consecutive patients (22 males, four females; mean age: 61.9±14.0 years) with histologically-proven rectal cancer. In total 31 examinations [12 prior to and 19 after chemoradiation (CRT)] were included. The patients underwent pelvic MRI on a 3.0-T scanner (Magnetom Skyra, Erlangen, Germany). Three radiologists (3, 4, and 5 years of experience in MRI, respectively) independently assessed all images and rated the image quality of DWI (b=800 mm/s2), apparent diffusion coefficient map, DWI (b=2,000 mm/s2), 3D sagittal T2WI, 3D axial T2WI, 2D sagittal T2WI, and 2D axial T2WI of each patient, respectively. In addition, signal intensity ratios (SIR) were calculated between rectal cancer and obturator internus muscle (background) in all patients after CRT on DWI (b=2,000 mm/s2) and correlated with histopathological regression grade (RG). Tumor delineation was significantly better by 2D T2WI than 3D T2WI both before and after CRT (before CRT: Z=-3.2, p=0.02; after CRT: Z=-4.408, p<0.001; all: Z=-5.192; p<0.001) and was the preferred method, although image quality ratings were not significantly different (3D sagittal: 4.00±0.48; 2D sagittal: 4.03±0.34, p=0.713; 3D axial: 3.85±0.61, 2D axial: 3.78±0.64, p=0.537). Independent t-test showed significantly higher SIR between those with RG 1 or 2 (moderate response: mean score=2.02) and those with RG 3+4 (good response: mean score=0.8) (t=3.044, p=0.011). In those with RG 4 (complete response), SIR of b2000 was 0.946 compared to a 1.41 average of the whole cohort. In two patients, tumor was invisible on b2000 following CRT (RG 3 and 4, respectively). Interobserver agreement was mostly good (κ≥0.6) regarding image quality assessment, except for poor agreement (κ=0.4) in DWI (b2000) between the two less-experienced readers. In conclusion, 3D T2WI might be useful for evaluating response to neoadjuvant therapy in a comprehensive, cost-effective protocol, where 2D imaging seems to be preferable. In addition, DWI (b2000) may be beneficial in assessing both the primary and the residual tumor after CRT in rectal cancer and SIR may be helpful in assessing response to CRT.


Influence of dynamic stretching on ankle joint stiffness, vertical stiffness and running economy during treadmill running.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether and how dynamic stretching of the plantarflexors may influence running economy. A crossover design with a minimum of 48 h between experimental (dynamic stretching) and control conditions was used. Twelve recreational runners performed a step-wise incremental protocol to the limit of tolerance on a motorised instrumented treadmill. The initial speed was 2.3 m/s, followed by increments of 0.2 m/s every 3 min. Dynamic joint stiffness, vertical stiffness and running kinematics during the initial stage of the protocol were calculated. Running economy was evaluated using online gas-analysis. For each participant, the minimum number of stages completed before peak O2 uptake (V̇O2peak) common to the two testing conditions was used to calculate the gradient of a linear regression line between V̇O2 (y-axis) and speed (x-axis). The number of stages, which ranged between 4 and 8, was used to construct individual subject regression equations. Non-clinical forms of magnitude-based decision method were used to assess outcomes. The dynamic stretching protocol resulted in a possible decrease in dynamic ankle joint stiffness (-10.7%; 90% confidence limits ±16.1%), a possible decrease in vertical stiffness (-2.3%, ±4.3%), a possibly beneficial effect on running economy (-4.0%, ±8.3%), and very likely decrease in gastrocnemius medialis muscle activation (-27.1%, ±39.2%). The results indicate that dynamic stretching improves running economy, possibly via decreases in dynamic joint and vertical stiffness and muscle activation. Together, these results imply that dynamic stretching should be recommended as part of the warm-up for running training in recreational athletes examined in this study.


Laser-induced self-assembly of silver nanoparticles via plasmonic interactions.
We report laser induced self-assembly of silver nanoparticles via plasmonic interactions. By focusing a near-infrared laser in silver nanoparticle suspension, nanoparticle assembly is formed as a result of optical trapping. The shape of Rayleigh scattering spectra of the nanoassembly strongly depends on the polarization of the laser beam. Particularly, a linearly polarized laser induces the formation of arrayed structure along the laser polarization, that shows a sharp plasmon resonance band and harnesses excellent plasmonic properties applicable for nonlinear surface enhanced spectroscopy.


Cultural distances between home and host countries inspire sojourners to engage in intercultural exchange upon repatriation.
We examine how cultural distance between sojourners' country of origin and their host country influences their engagement in intercultural exchange upon return. One might expect intercultural exchange to be much harder between culturally-distant countries than culturally-close ones, given that the former vary more in norms or expected behaviors from one's home country. Our novel theorizing, however, leads to precisely the opposite expectations. In particular, we hypothesized that cultural distance between the repatriates' home and host countries would be positively associated with being inspired by the host culture. In turn, this heightened inspiration would predict an increased sharing of knowledge about the host culture upon returning home (intercultural exchange). We combined measurement-of-mediation (Study 1) and experimental-causal-chain (Studies 2-3) approaches to test and confirm these hypotheses in three large samples of repatriates. We first examined whether cultural distance predicted greater intercultural exchange via repatriates' heightened inspiration (Study 1). We then tested the individual links in this postulated causal chain. In Study 2, a quasi-experiment, we examined the causal path from cultural distance to inspiration. In Study 3, we experimentally manipulated inspiration to test its causal effect on intercultural exchange. The findings advance theory and application around multicultural experience and intercultural exchange.


Microsomal and cytosolic biotransformation of aflatoxin B1 in four poultry species.
1. This research evaluated differences in hepatic in vitro metabolism of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on selected avian species. 2. Microsomal and cytosolic liver fractions were obtained from chickens, ducks, quails and turkeys; eight males and eight females of each. 3. All microsomes studied produced AFB1-8,9-exo-epoxide (AFBO), a metabolite regarded as the active product of AFB1. Turkey microsomes produced 1.8 and 3.5 times more AFBO than quails and chickens microsomes, respectively. 4. Males from evaluated birds produced more AFBO than females, but statistically-significant differences between genders were observed only in ducks and turkeys. 5. The cytosolic fraction from all four species produced aflatoxicol (AFL). Turkey and duck hepatic cytosol produced more AFL than from quail and chickens. 6. It is known that turkeys are very sensitive to AFB1, quails are intermediate and chickens are particularly resistant; the differences in AFBO production shown in our study may help to explain the difference in vivo responses among turkeys, quail and chickens. 7. Moreover, AFL may be related to AFB1 toxicity; it was produced in larger amounts by hepatic cytosol from the more susceptible species. 8. Because AFBO production by microsomes in ducks was relatively low, it is possible that other toxicity mechanisms are involved in this highly susceptible species.


A rare case of severe third degree friction burns and large Morel-Lavallee lesion of the abdominal wall.
Morel-Lavallee lesions (MLLs) are rare internal degloving injuries typically caused by blunt traumatic injuries and most commonly occur around the hips and in association with pelvic or acetabular fractures. MLL is often overlooked in the setting of poly-trauma; therefore, clinicians must maintain a high degree of suspicion and be familiar with the management of such injuries, especially in obese poly-trauma patients. We present a 30-year-old female pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle who sustained multiple long bone fractures, a mesenteric hematoma, and full-thickness abdominal skin friction burn which masked a significant underlying abdominal MLL. The internal degloving caused significant devascularization of the overlying soft tissue and skin which required surgical drainage of hematoma, abdominal wall reconstruction with tangential excision, allografting, negative pressure wound therapy, and ultimately autografting. MLL is a rare, often overlooked, internal degloving injury. Surgeons must maintain a high index of suspicion when dealing with third degree friction burns as they may mask underlying injuries such as MLL, and a delay in diagnosis can lead to increased morbidity.


Scanning electron microscopy of cultured human megakaryocytes.
Human megakaryocytes (MK) from rib marrows of 16 patients with normal hematological patterns were isolated by Percoll density centrifugation followed by velocity sedimentation. The surface features of freshly isolated MK and the unseparated marrow suspensions were examined by SEM. A wide range of surface morphology for MK was noted depending on their size and maturation stages. Megakaryoblasts had a relatively smooth surface. During maturation, MK became villous and some had small blebs. In late maturation, many MK had complex surface processes including typical discs, slightly sphered projections, tear drop projections, putative sheet-like platelets or combinations of two or more of such surface features. Both unseparated and MK-rich fractions (F); specifically F1 lower, F2 lower and F3 were cultured up to 19 days. MK maintained their spherical shape in culture. At different time intervals (2, 5, 9 and 19 days), some cultures were terminated. MK retained their characteristic surface features. Promegakaryocytes and young adult MK were seen in short term cultures. The majority of cultured MK had platelet-like bodies on their surface in the prolonged cultures. Sometimes a few morphologically recognizable platelets were seen in the culture media. Differential counts of MK were done in all preparations of both unseparated and MK enriched fractions. F3, having no morphologically recognizable MK, had many MK present after culturing in vitro for 19 days. These MK had typical platelets or platelet-like processes on their surface. This suggests some MK progenitors originally present in the isolated F3 fraction became mature in cultures.


Psychiatric symptoms associated with the mental health defence for serious violent offences in Queensland.
The purpose of this study was to examine which psychiatric symptoms were associated with a defence of unsoundness of mind for serious violent offences. The study included psychiatric reports provided by forensic psychiatrists from the High Secure Inpatient Service for patients found to have a mental health defence by the Mental Health Court between June 2004 and June 2009. The defence of unsoundness of mind was invariably associated with psychotic symptoms. All reports concluded that the patient was deprived of knowledge of the wrongfulness of the act. Patients found to be additionally deprived of the capacity to understand their actions suffered delusional beliefs about the identity of the victim. The symptoms that resulted in a small number of patients being considered deprived of the capacity to control their actions were mixed, but approximately a third suffered passivity phenomena. Psychiatrists should be specific about how the patient's symptoms link to any deprivation of capacity. Report writers could comment upon the presence or absence of Axis II conditions and the likely impact of any substances in the patient's system at the time of the offence.


Species-specific microRNA discovery and target prediction in the soybean cyst nematode.
The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a devastating pathogen for economic and food security considerations. Although the SCN genome has recently been sequenced, the presence of any miRNA has not been systematically explored and reported. This paper describes the development of a species-specific SCN miRNA discovery pipeline and its application to the SCN genome. Experiments on well-documented model nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus) are used to tune the pipeline's hyperparameters and confirm its recall and precision. Application to the SCN genome identifies 3342 high-confidence putative SCN miRNA. Prediction specificity within SCN is confirmed by applying the pipeline to RNA hairpins from known exonic regions of the SCN genome (i.e., sequences known to not be miRNA). Prediction recall is confirmed by building a positive control set of SCN miRNA, based on a limited deep sequencing experiment. Interestingly, a number of novel miRNA are predicted to be encoded within the intronic regions of effector genes, known to be involved in SCN parasitism, suggesting that these miRNA may also be involved in the infection process or virulence. Beyond miRNA discovery, gene targets within SCN are predicted for all high-confidence novel miRNA using a miRNA:mRNA target prediction system. Lastly, cross-kingdom miRNA targeting is investigated, where putative soybean mRNA targets are identified for novel SCN miRNA. All predicted miRNA and gene targets are made available in appendix and through a Borealis DataVerse open repository ( https://borealisdata.ca/dataset.xhtml?persistentId=doi:10.5683/SP3/30DEXA ).


[Eating disorders - diagnosis and characteristics].
Eating disorders are characterized by eating and appetite disorders, which develop on a mental basis. Currently, there is a rapid increase in the frequency of these disorders, especially among children and adolescents. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and EDNOS, which include a dozen or so disorders, but this group is still expanding. Eating disorders are characterized by the highest mortality rate among all mental illnesses. They mainly affect adolescents and young adults as well as the female sex, however, there are more and more cases among men and people from other age groups. Anorexia nervosa is the conscious reduction of food intake in order to reduce body weight. In this disorder there is abnormal body image, underweight and fear of weight gain. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are two types of anorexia nervosa - restrictive (limiting) and bulimic (laxative). Bulimia nervosa is characterized by abnormal food intake (overeating) and co-occurrence of compensatory methods aimed at limiting the absorption of consumed food. These methods include: provoking vomiting, excessive physical effort, taking diuretics and laxatives. Among the eating disorders we also distinguish eating disorders not defined otherwise (EDNOS). This is a group of diseases in which pathological eating behaviour occurs, but they do not meet the diagnostic criteria of anorexia or bulimia. The diagnosis of eating disorders is difficult not only because of the lack of specialists dealing with this subject, but also because of the lack of public awareness of these diseases. That is why it is so important to educate both medical staff and the general public about eating disorders.


Organosilane deposition for microfluidic applications.
Treatment of surfaces to change the interaction of fluids with them is a critical step in constructing useful microfluidics devices, especially those used in biological applications. Silanization, the generic term applied to the formation of organosilane monolayers on substrates, is both widely reported in the literature and troublesome in actual application for the uninitiated. These monolayers can be subsequently modified to produce a surface of a specific functionality. Here various organosilane deposition protocols and some application notes are provided as a basis for the novice reader to construct their own silanization procedures, and as a practical resource to a broader range of techniques even for the experienced user.