[Staging of metastasized bladder cancer using parietocystotomography].
To date no diagnostic procedure has been able accurately to stage carcinomas of the urinary bladder. Parietocystotomography by means of instillation of air and nitrous oxide was used in an attempt to distinguish between the tumour infiltration stages T3A , T3B and T4 and to depict them radiologically. Using this method it is possible to achieve a high degree of concurrence between radiological findings and the pathological-anatomical substrate. The methods, results achieved and the limits of the procedure are demonstrated.


Can fruits and vegetables and activities substitute for snack foods?
This study investigated the choice of snack foods versus fruits and vegetables and enjoyable sedentary behaviors using a computerized behavioral choice task. Thirty-nine participants were provided the choice of earning points for snack foods or fruits and vegetables (Condition 1) or snack foods or enjoyable sedentary behaviors (Condition 2). The behavioral cost to gain access to snacks increased across trials, whereas the behavioral costs to obtain alternatives to snack foods remained constant across trials. Results showed that when costs for snack foods and alternatives were equal, participants chose snack foods, but as the behavioral costs increased, participants shifted choice to the alternatives. The switch point for both alternatives was equal. Results suggest that fruits and vegetables and sedentary activities can substitute for snack foods when the behavioral cost for snack foods is increased.


Trends in multiple myeloma presentation, management, cost of care, and outcomes in the Medicare population: A comprehensive look at racial disparities.
Outcomes have improved significantly in multiple myeloma (MM), but racial disparities in health care access and survival exist. A comprehensive analysis exploring MM care and racial disparities is warranted. Patients with MM from 1991 to 2010 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database were evaluated for racial trends in clinical myeloma-defining events (MDEs), the receipt of treatment (drugs and stem cell transplantation; [SCT]), the cost of care, and overall survival (OS). Among 35,842 patients, the frequency of all MDEs at diagnosis increased over time; whereas, in recent years (2006-2010), all MDEs with the exception of renal dialysis decreased. Blacks had highest rates for all MDEs except bone fractures, which were highest in whites. Over time, the proportion of patients who received any treatment, multiple agents, and SCT increased significantly, and the largest increase was observed in the receipt of immunomodulatory drugs and steroids. There was greater receipt of bortezomib and SCT among whites and blacks and higher receipt of immunomodulatory drugs among Hispanics and Asians (P < .001). Medicare claims were highest during first 6 months after MM diagnosis for blacks and at any time after MM diagnosis for Hispanics. Over time, Medicare claims increased most steadily for Hispanics (P < .001). Hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, and bone fractures were associated with inferior OS. Blacks and Asians had superior OS compared with whites, but racial differences in OS became less pronounced during 2006 through 2010 (P = .182) compared with prior years (P < .01). Better OS was noted among patients who had higher median incomes. The current results indicate that there have been significant changes in the management of patients with MM over time and provide an in-depth understanding of the factors that may help explain racial disparities. Cancer 2018;124:1710-21. © 2018 American Cancer Society.


Parallel Cascade Selection Molecular Dynamics (PaCS-MD) to generate conformational transition pathway.
Parallel Cascade Selection Molecular Dynamics (PaCS-MD) is proposed as a molecular simulation method to generate conformational transition pathway under the condition that a set of "reactant" and "product" structures is known a priori. In PaCS-MD, the cycle of short multiple independent molecular dynamics simulations and selection of the structures close to the product structure for the next cycle are repeated until the simulated structures move sufficiently close to the product. Folding of 10-residue mini-protein chignolin from the extended to native structures and open-close conformational transition of T4 lysozyme were investigated by PaCS-MD. In both cases, tens of cycles of 100-ps MD were sufficient to reach the product structures, indicating the efficient generation of conformational transition pathway in PaCS-MD with a series of conventional MD without additional external biases. Using the snapshots along the pathway as the initial coordinates, free energy landscapes were calculated by the combination with multiple independent umbrella samplings to statistically elucidate the conformational transition pathways.


Measuring the use of intuition by registered nurses in clinical practice.
To administer the Smith Intuition Instrument to a sample of registered nurses to clarify its factors and test convergent validity. The Smith Intuition Instrument (27 items), a subscale of the Miller Intuitiveness Instrument (18 items), and demographic questions, were posted to 1,000 registered nurses in January 2006. With a response rate of 79% (n=79), the findings are preliminary. Principal component factor analysis with orthogonal varimax rotation resulted in four factors accounting for 70.8% of variance: spiritual connections (373%), reassuring feelings (14.6%), physical sensations (12.5%) and bad feelings (6.2%). Eigenvalues ranged from 1.1 to 6.7 and factor loadings ranged from 0.705 to 0.887 An 18-item instrument emerged with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.896 and a range of 0.806 to 0.892 for each factor. Pearson's correlation between the two intuition measures was 0.520. Psychometric evaluation demonstrated construct validity, convergent validity and reliability, and clarified the factors. The Smith Intuition Instrument is a valid and reliable tool for measuring nurses' use of intuition in clinical practice.


HER-2 expression in biopsy and surgical specimen on prognosis of osteosarcoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies.
Numerous original clinical studies have attempted to investigate the prognostic value of HER-2 overexpression in osteosarcoma, but the results of these studies are not consistent. This meta-analysis and systematic review was performed to further assess the correlation between HER-2 expression and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. A detailed search of relevant publications was conducted using 7 electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, the Wanfang database, the China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) database, the Chinese VIP database, and the Chinese Biological Medical (CBM) Database for publications through August 1, 2015, using the following keywords (HER-2 OR ErbB-2 OR C-erbB-2 OR neu) AND (osteosarcoma OR osteogenic tumor). The bibliographies of potentially relevant articles and identified articles were then searched by hand. Eligible studies were those that enrolled participants with osteosarcoma and provided survival outcome in HER-2 positive and negative groups. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each individual study was calculated and pooled to obtain integrated estimates, using random effects modeling. Sixteen studies involving 934 participants with osteosarcoma met our inclusion criteria. HER-2 overexpression was documented in 42.2% of patients with osteosarcoma. Compared with patients without HER-2 overexpression, those overexpressing HER-2 had decreased overall survival (HR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.36-3.03, P < 0.001). Statistical associations between HER-2 overexpression and unfavorable overall survival (OS) were observed for both biopsy and surgical removal specimens (HR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.16-3.72, P = 0.014; and HR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.10-3.71, P = 0.024). Results for disease-free survival (DFS) were similar. Overexpression of HER-2 is significantly associated with poor outcome for patients with osteosarcoma and should be assessed at diagnosis and after surgery as a prognostic factor. However, larger-scale multicenter clinical studies are needed to further support these findings.


Pre-Transplant Expression of CCR-2 in Kidney Transplant Recipients Is Associated With the Development of Delayed Graft Function.
Delayed graft function (DGF) leads to a reduced graft survival. Donors' features have been always considered as key pathogenic factors in this setting. The aim of our study was to evaluate the recipients' characteristics in the development of DGF. We enrolled 932 kidney graft recipients from 466 donors; 226 recipients experienced DGF. In 290 donors, both recipients presented with early graft function (EGF, group A), in 50 both recipients experienced DGF (group B), and in 126 one recipient presented with DGF and the other with EGF (group C). In group C, we selected 7 couples of DGF/EGF recipients and we evaluated the transcriptomic profile by microarray on circulating mononuclear cells harvested before transplantation. Results were validated by qPCR in an independent group of 25 EGF/DGF couples. In the whole study group, DGF was associated with clinical characteristics related to both donors and recipient. In group C, DGF was significantly associated with body mass index, hemodialysis, and number of mismatches. In the same group, we identified 411 genes differently expressed before transplantation between recipients discordant for the transplant outcome. Those genes were involved in immune dysfunction and inflammation. In particular, we observed a significant increase in DGF patients in the expression of C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) receptor. CCR-2 upregulation was confirmed in an independent cohort of patients. Our results suggest that recipients' clinical/immunological features, potentially modulated by dialysis, are associated with the development of DGF independently of donors' features.


Enrichment of (6,5) single wall carbon nanotubes using genomic DNA.
Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have attracted attention because of their potential in a vast range of applications, including transistors and sensors. However, immense technological importance lies in enhancing the purity and homogeneity of SWNTs with respect to their chirality for real-world electronic applications. In order to achieve optimal performance of SWNTs, the diameter, type, and chirality have to be effectively sorted. Any employed strategy for sorting SWNTs has to be scalable, nondestructible, and economical. In this paper, we present a solubilization and chirality enrichment study of commercially available SWNTs using genomic DNA. On the basis of the comparison of the photoluminescence (PL) and near-infrared absorption measurements from the SWNTs dispersed with salmon genomic DNA (SaDNA) and d(GT)20, we show that genomic DNA specifically enriches (6,5) tubes. Circular dichroism and classical all-atom molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the genomic double-stranded SaDNA prefers to interact with (6,5) SWNTs as compared to (10,3) tubes, meanwhile single-stranded d(GT)20 shows no or minimal chirality preference. Our enrichment process demonstrates enrichment of >86% of (6,5) SWNTs from CoMoCat nanotubes using SaDNA.


The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus moara (Osteichthyes: Ephippidae).
We presented the complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus moara in this study. The mitochondrial genome is 16,696 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The gene order and composition of Epinephelus tukula mitochondrial genome was similar to that of most other vertebrates. The nucleotide compositions of the light strand are 26.45% of A, 16.09% of C, 28.60% of T and 28.86% of G. With the exception of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) and eight tRNA genes, all other mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand.


The prospects for a Jungian psychology in China.
The possibility of a Jungian psychology developing in China is considered by a brief historical excursion through the early translations of psychoanalytical works. Translation problems and the contentious nature of some of Freud's ideas have made for their difficult reception in China. The inattention to Jung's ideas in universities in the west in the past, and a reliance on science based subjects by Chinese students studying abroad, have meant little opportunity to study Jung, and, by implication, to translate him. The turbulent political climate in China over the course of the past century has also hindered developments in psychology generally. In addition, certain traditional practices of understanding mind-body relationships and reporting 'illnesses' have precluded the possibility of any psychotherapeutic psychology emerging. However, the present climate looks more favourable for the dissemination of Jungian knowledge, but the question of an appropriate context and a receptive readership remains. Certain Jungian notions can be seen to fit comfortably within traditional systems of Chinese thought but the present day psychology department in China is no more a congenial environment for Jungian psychology than its counterpart in the west. It may be that the success of importing Jungian ideas into China rests with those with a predilection towards arts and cultural sciences, and with the innovations of the organizers of conferences.


OsMADS57 together with OsTB1 coordinates transcription of its target OsWRKY94 and D14 to switch its organogenesis to defense for cold adaptation in rice.
Plants modify their development to adapt to their environment, protecting themselves from detrimental conditions such as chilling stress by triggering a variety of signaling pathways; however, little is known about how plants coordinate developmental patterns and stress responses at the molecular level. Here, we demonstrate that interacting transcription factors OsMADS57 and OsTB1 directly target the defense gene OsWRKY94 and the organogenesis gene D14 to trade off the functions controlling/moderating rice tolerance to cold. Overexpression of OsMADS57 maintains rice tiller growth under chilling stress. OsMADS57 binds directly to the promoter of OsWRKY94, activating its transcription for the cold stress response, while suppressing its activity under normal temperatures. In addition, OsWRKY94 was directly targeted and suppressed by OsTB1 under both normal and chilling temperatures. However, D14 transcription was directly promoted by OsMADS57 for suppressing tillering under the chilling treatment, whereas D14 was repressed for enhancing tillering under normal condition.We demonstrated that OsMADS57 and OsTB1 conversely affect rice chilling tolerance via targeting OsWRKY94. Our findings highlight a molecular genetic mechanism coordinating organogenesis and chilling tolerance in rice, which supports and extends recent work suggesting that chilling stress environments influence organ differentiation.


Reinforced Olive Pâté as a Source of Antioxidants with Positive Effects on Young Smokers.
Background and objectives: Olive pâté (OP) is an olive-derived product with potentially beneficial effects on human health due to the presence of natural antioxidants. The present dietary supplementation study aimed to evaluate the effects on blood antioxidant levels of an olive pâté reinforced with natural antioxidants (ROP) recovered from olive mill waste. Materials and methods: Ninety-eight healthy volunteers (M = 54, 55%, age 18-25) were divided into two groups: A (n = 49), practicing three or more days of physical activity a week, and B (n = 49), practicing less than two. Each group was split into two subgroups, receiving dietary supplementation with OP or ROP. The status of smoker was also recorded, and a biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test was performed on each subject. Results: The BAP values increased with both OP (n = 30) and ROP (n = 68) but ROP supplementation showed higher increments (736.9 μmol/L) than OP (339.6). The increment was significantly higher for smokers (n = 15), 1122.9 vs. non-smokers (n = 53), 635.7, with values in percent of baseline, respectively, 34.6% and 16.2% (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The ROP nutritional supplementation appears useful to increase antioxidant activity, with better effect in smokers; further studies should confirm the finding and investigate its biological bases.


Enhanced initial and sustained intake of sucrose solution in mice with an oxytocin gene deletion.
Laboratory mice drink little sucrose solution on initial exposure, but later develop a strong preference for sucrose over water that plateaus after a few days. Both the initial neophobia and later plateau of sucrose intake may involve central oxytocin (OT) signaling pathways. If so, then mice that lack the gene for OT [OT knockout (KO)] should exhibit enhanced initial and sustained sucrose intake compared with wild-type (WT) cohorts. To test this hypothesis, female OT KO and WT mice (11-13 mo old) were given a two-bottle choice between 10% sucrose and water available ad libitum for 4 days. On the first day, sucrose intake was 20-fold greater in OT KO mice compared with WT cohorts. The avid sucrose consumption by OT KO mice increased further on day 2 and was sustained at significantly higher levels than intake by WT mice. Enhanced initial and sustained sucrose intake also was observed in 5- to 7-mo-old male OT KO mice. The effect of genotype was observed over a range of sucrose concentrations and was maintained over at least 8 days of continual exposure. However, there was no effect of genotype on daily intake of sucrose-enriched powdered chow. These findings indicate that the genetic absence of OT in mice is associated with enhanced initial and sustained intake of sucrose solutions. Thus central OT pathways may normally participate in limiting initial intake of novel ingesta and may also participate in limiting intake of sweet, highly palatable familiar ingesta.


Modulation of natural killer and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity by interferon and interleukin-2 in chronic myeloid leukemia patients in remission.
Our earlier studies demonstrated that about 55% of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients in remission exhibited impaired natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity (low NK responders) while antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of these patients, on chicken red blood cells as targets, was within normal range. In this paper, we have attempted to modulate the NK cytotoxicity of CML patients in remission with interferon (IFN) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) singly or together. ADCC using K562 target-directed monoclonal antibody (MAb) 4.6E10 was also modulated by treating the effectors with IFN or IL-2. Pretreatment of nonadherent mononuclear cells from peripheral blood (NAPBMNC) with IFN or IL-2 was found to result in 20 and 21% increase in target cell lysis in case of healthy donors, 79 and 98% increase in case of CML normal NK responders, and 164 and 159% increase in case of CML low NK responders. Combined use of IFN and IL-2 potentiated further the lymphocytotoxicity to 25% in healthy donors, 135% in normal NK responder CML patients and 283% in low NK responder CML patients. This treatment resulted in restoration of cytotoxicity of the latter group of patients to a normal level. The augmentation was seen in 80-100% CML patients. Although ADCC with chicken red blood cells as targets was within normal range, ADCC mediated with MAb to K562 cells was significantly lower in CML low NK responders (24.5%) than CML normal NK responders (42.4%) and healthy donors (65.9%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Toward Efficient Processing and Learning With Spikes: New Approaches for Multispike Learning.
Spikes are the currency in central nervous systems for information transmission and processing. They are also believed to play an essential role in low-power consumption of the biological systems, whose efficiency attracts increasing attentions to the field of neuromorphic computing. However, efficient processing and learning of discrete spikes still remain a challenging problem. In this article, we make our contributions toward this direction. A simplified spiking neuron model is first introduced with the effects of both synaptic input and firing output on the membrane potential being modeled with an impulse function. An event-driven scheme is then presented to further improve the processing efficiency. Based on the neuron model, we propose two new multispike learning rules which demonstrate better performance over other baselines on various tasks, including association, classification, and feature detection. In addition to efficiency, our learning rules demonstrate high robustness against the strong noise of different types. They can also be generalized to different spike coding schemes for the classification task, and notably, the single neuron is capable of solving multicategory classifications with our learning rules. In the feature detection task, we re-examine the ability of unsupervised spike-timing-dependent plasticity with its limitations being presented, and find a new phenomenon of losing selectivity. In contrast, our proposed learning rules can reliably solve the task over a wide range of conditions without specific constraints being applied. Moreover, our rules cannot only detect features but also discriminate them. The improved performance of our methods would contribute to neuromorphic computing as a preferable choice.


The role of noise in self-organized decision making by the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum.
Self-organized mechanisms are frequently encountered in nature and known to achieve flexible, adaptive control and decision-making. Noise plays a crucial role in such systems: It can enable a self-organized system to reliably adapt to short-term changes in the environment while maintaining a generally stable behavior. This is fundamental in biological systems because they must strike a delicate balance between stable and flexible behavior. In the present paper we analyse the role of noise in the decision-making of the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum, an important model species for the investigation of computational abilities in simple organisms. We propose a simple biological experiment to investigate the reaction of P. polycephalum to time-variant risk factors and present a stochastic extension of an established mathematical model for P. polycephalum to analyze this experiment. It predicts that-due to the mechanism of stochastic resonance-noise can enable P. polycephalum to correctly assess time-variant risk factors, while the corresponding noise-free system fails to do so. Beyond the study of P. polycephalum we demonstrate that the influence of noise on self-organized decision-making is not tied to a specific organism. Rather it is a general property of the underlying process dynamics, which appears to be universal across a wide range of systems. Our study thus provides further evidence that stochastic resonance is a fundamental component of the decision-making in self-organized macroscopic and microscopic groups and organisms.


Roles of GATA6 during Gonadal Development in Japanese Flounder: Gonadogenesis, Regulation of Gender-Related Genes, Estrogen Formation and Gonadal Function Maintenance.
GATA-binding protein 6 (GATA6), a highly-conserved transcription factor of the GATA family plays an important role in gonadal cell proliferation, differentiation and endoderm development. In this study, the full-length cDNA of GATA6 of Paralichthys olivaceus (Japanese flounder) was obtained. Phylogenetic, gene structure and synteny analyses demonstrated that GATA6 of P. olivaceus is homologous to that of teleosts and tetrapods. The P. olivaceus GATA6 transcript showed higher expression in testis than in ovary, demonstrating a sexually dimorphic gene expression. During embryonic development, the expression of P. olivaceus GATA6 increased at the blastula stage, demonstrating that GATA6 is involved in morphogenesis. Results of in situ hybridization showed that GATA6 signals were detected in Sertoli cells, oogonia and oocytes. Moreover, 17α methyl testosterone, a male hormone, could moderately upregulate P. olivaceus GATA6 and downregulate P. olivaceus aromatase CYP19A1 in testis cells. These results suggest that GATA6 may play an important role in gonadal development in P. olivaceus. This study provides valuable information on the function of P. olivaceus GATA6, laying the foundation for further development of breeding techniques in this species.


Comparison of the effects of two different types of calcium supplementation on markers of bone metabolism in a postmenopausal osteopenic population with low calcium intake: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
To investigate calcium supplements in postmenopausal women. Calcium supplements in postmenopausal women with a low calcium intake have been shown to prevent osteoporotic vertebral fracture, but calcium is variably absorbed and often poorly tolerated, which may limit effectiveness. The study compared the efficacy and tolerability of 500 mg/day of calcium in the form of ossein-hydroxyapatite (OHC) versus 500 mg/day of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and placebo in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss. This was a prospective randomized study enrolling 153 postmenopausal osteopenic women. Serum and urine markers of bone turnover were collected at 3 and 6 months. Bone density measurement was performed at baseline and 6 months in all participants, and at 12 months in women taking OHC. At 3 and 6 months, both TCP and OHC decreased serum markers of bone formation significantly, compared with placebo. At 6 months, TCP and OHC decreased osteocalcin by 9.9% and 12.3%, respectively; the aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) was decreased by 5.3% and 6.3%, respectively; bone-specific alkaline phosphatase was decreased by 4.3% and 6.7%, respectively, compared with baseline. The effects on bone resorption markers or on bone mineral density did not reach statistical significance, although OHC increased bone density by 0.8% at the spine at 12 months. Both forms of calcium were well tolerated and did not differ from placebo in terms of side-effects. While both OHC and TCP were well tolerated and significantly reduced bone turnover markers, the effect of ossein-hydroxyapatite seems slightly superior to that of tricalcium phosphate.


Dietary phosphorus and kidney disease.
High serum phosphate is linked to poor health outcome and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients before or after the initiation of dialysis. Therefore, maintenance of normal serum phosphate levels is a major concern in the clinical care of this population with dietary phosphorus restriction and/or use of oral phosphate binders considered to be the best corrective care. This review discusses (1) evidence for an association between serum phosphate levels and bone and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in CKD patients as well as progression of kidney disease itself; (2) the relationship between serum phosphate and dietary phosphorus intake; and (3) implications from these data for future research. Increasing our understanding of the relationship between altered phosphorus metabolism and disease in CKD patients may clarify the potential role of excess dietary phosphorus as a risk factor for disease in the general population.


Prospective Comparative Study of Preoperative Expectations and Postoperative Outcomes in Anatomic and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.
Background Compared with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is associated with lower preoperative and postoperative outcome scores and range of motion. It is unknown whether patients' preoperative expectations of surgery are lower in RTSA compared with aTSA. The purpose of this study was to assess preoperative patient expectations and postoperative outcomes in aTSA and RTSA. Methods A consecutive series of patients undergoing primary aTSA for diagnosis of osteoarthritis or primary RTSA for diagnosis of rotator cuff tear arthropathy were studied prospectively. Expectations were evaluated using the validated Hospital for Special Surgery's Shoulder Surgery Expectations Survey. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and social factors were collected. Baseline and 2 years postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale pain, Single Assessment Number Evaluation (SANE), and patient satisfaction were obtained. Results There were 128 patients (64 aTSA and 64 RTSA). There was no significant difference in total preoperative expectations score between groups. On multivariate linear regression analysis, aTSA ( p = 0.024) and younger age ( p = 0.018) were associated with higher expectations for improved ability to exercise. Changes in preoperative to postoperative ASES ( p = 0.004) and SANE ( p = 0.001) scores were higher in the aTSA group. Total preoperative expectations score was not correlated with postoperative functional outcomes or satisfaction in either group. In the aTSA group, expectations for participation in exercise were positively correlated with changes in preoperative to postoperative ASES score ( p = 0.01) and SANE score ( p = 0.01). Conclusion Though patients undergoing primary aTSA demonstrated greater improvement in functional outcome than those undergoing primary RTSA, both groups reported similar aggregate preoperative expectations. Those undergoing aTSA had higher expectations for return to exercise which was positively correlated with postoperative functional outcomes. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective cohort study.


ASAP1 gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis in a Chinese Xinjiang Muslim population.
Seven single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites located in ASAP1 gene have been found associated with tuberculosis (TB) susceptibility by genome-wide association studies in Russia. The case-control study was carried out to test whether these seven SNPs were associated with susceptibility to TB in a Chinese Xinjiang Muslim population. The seven SNPs were genotyped in a case-control design that included 780 Xinjiang Muslim subjects (400 TB patients and 380 controls). Multiplex PCR and direct sequencing were used to detect ASAP1 gene polymorphisms. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test was performed to test whether the sample was from genetic equilibrium population. The associations of SNPs with TB risk were determined by the distributions of allelic frequencies and different genetic models. Significant differences of the allelic distribution of rs4733781 and rs1017281 in ASAP1 gene were observed between control group and TB group. A allele of rs4733781 was associated with TB risk (TB vs. control, OR=1.242; 95% CI: 1.004-1.537, P=0.046); While in rs1017281 site, G allele was associated with increased risk for TB (TB vs. control, OR: 0.792, 95% CI: 0.643-0.976, P=0.028). The recessive model of rs4733781 (CC vs. AC+AA) in Xinjiang Muslim populations was associated with a lower TB risk [P=0.003, OR=0.51 (0.324-0.802)], while the recessive model of rs1017281 (GG vs. AG+AA) was associated with a higher TB risk [P=0.011, OR=1.792 (1.135-2.828)]. Using case-control analysis, we identified that two genetic polymorphism sites in the ASAP1 relate to host susceptibility of TB in a Chinese Xinjiang Muslim population.


Using medium-fill simulation to establish a benchmark microbiological contamination rate for low-risk-level compounding.
A benchmark contamination rate for prefilled syringe compounding was determined by using a medium-fill-simulation method. One thousand thirty-five 1-mL tuberculin syringes were aseptically filled with 0.9 mL of sterile soybean-casein digest medium and capped. These syringes were placed into clear nonsterile plastic bags and incubated at 35 degrees C for seven days, then inspected for cloudiness or colony formation indicative of bacterial growth. The operation was performed by two certified pharmacy technicians in an ISO Class 5 vertical-airflow biological safety cabinet in a typical inpatient pharmacy compounding area over two days. The technicians wore protective garments and gloves and followed standard procedures of preparing sterile injections. The adequacy of the methodology was verified by using four syringes that contained deliberately contaminated medium and incubating them along with 15 aseptically prepared syringes at 35 degrees C for seven days. Colony formation in the four syringes containing contaminated medium was directly observed and differentiated from the control syringes, which confirms the validity of the method. No bacterial growth was detected in any of the 1035 medium-filled syringes studied. Therefore, the contamination rate for aseptic compounding operation was less than 0.1%. Medium-fill-simulation testing of 1035 prefilled tuberculin syringes yielded no contamination. A contamination rate of less than 0.1% should be achievable and expected for this type of low-risk pharmacy preparation after pharmacies validate their own compounding operation.


Tumor-induced Osteomalacia Caused by a Parotid Tumor.
A 77-year-old man was suspected of having tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) because of hypophosphatemia (1.9 mg/dL) and elevated serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) level (186.9 pg/mL). We detected a tumor in his left parotid gland, and the FGF23 level in the left external jugular vein indicated that the tumor overproduced FGF23. After the removal of the tumor, the serum FGF23 level rapidly decreased, and the serum phosphate normalized. This is the first case of TIO caused by a tumor in a parotid gland. This case indicates that the responsible tumors for TIO can be quite diverse.


Xylene Induces Oxidative Stress and Mitochondria Damage in Isolated Human Lymphocytes.
Xylene is a cyclic hydrocarbon and an environmental pollutant. It is also used in medical technology, paints, dyes, polishes and in many industries as a solvent; therefore, an understanding of the interaction between xylene and human lymphocytes is of significant interest. Biochemical assessment was used to demonstrate that exposure of lymphocytes to xylene induces cytotoxicity (at 6 hr), generates intracellular reactive oxygen species, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, lysosomal injury, lipid peroxidation and depletion of glutathione (at 3 hr). The findings show that xylene triggers oxidative stress and organelle damage in lymphocytes. The results of our study suggest that the use of antioxidant, mitochondrial and lysosomal protective agents can be helpful for individuals subject to chronic exposure to xylene.


The role of ultrasound in differentiating septic arthritis from transient synovitis of the hip in children.
A total of 154 children admitted with septic arthritis (n=81) or transient synovitis (n=73) were studied retrospectively. Ultrasound findings for 127 patients were correlated with the final diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of ultrasound for the diagnosis of pediatric septic hip were 86.4, 89.7 and 87.9%, respectively. Unsatisfactory outcome occurred more significantly in children, for whom treatment was initiated more than 4 days after the onset of symptoms and those who had a false-negative ultrasound study. Ultrasound cannot be used safely to distinguish between pediatric septic hip and transient synovitis. It may be a method of value to detect minimal hip effusion. A predictive algorithm using clinical, laboratory and ultrasound findings could be beneficial.


Massive obstetric haemorrhage following removal of a cervical suture.
The authors present an unusual case of massive ante partum haemorrhage following removal of a cervical suture. This patient was admitted for routine removal of a McDonald's cervical suture at 37 weeks gestation. The suture was densely adherent and after removal she suffered a haemorrhage of 2500 ml from where the suture was removed which led to fetal distress and an emergency caesarean section. The cervix was sutured and a vaginal pack inserted. During the procedure she developed hypovolaemic shock requiring 7 units of blood, 4 units of fresh frozen plasma, 1 unit of platelets and 1 unit of cryoprecipitate. Ten days later she was readmitted with a postpartum haemorrhage of 1000 ml requiring further haemostatic sutures to the cervix.


[Effect of coordination germanium compounds on biosynthesis and activity of proteases in Bacillus sp. and Yarrowia lipolytica].
The paper deals with the capacity of the coordination germanium compounds with citric acid in a complex with some aminoacids (aspartic acid, methionine, cysteine, threonine, phenylalanine, L-glutamic acid) as bioligands to affect synthesis and activity of the proteolytic enzyme complex of Bacillus sp. 27 and Yarrowia lipolytica 2061. Thus, biscitrategermanium acid H2[Ge(H4Citr)2] and its complex with aspartic acid (HAsp)2 [Ge(H4Citr)2] can be used with success for inducing biosynthesis ofcaseinolytic (182.1 and 197.4%) and elastase (182.6 and 383.3%) activities of Bacillus sp. 27, respectively. Biscitrategermanium acid can be used to induce biosynthesis of caseinolytic (182.1 and 197.4%) and elastase (182.6 and 383.3%) activities (respectively) of Bacillus sp. 27. Biscitrategermanium acid with methionine induced biosynthesis of caseinolytic (127.6%) and haemoglobinolytic (110.0%) activities of Y. lipolytica 2061. The tested coordinative compounds could not induce activity ofproteolytic complexes of both microorganisms. The capacity of complexes of citrategermanium acid with aspartic acid, methionine, cysteine, threonine, phenylalanine in concentration of 0.1% to inhibit activity of proteolytic complex of Y. lipolytica 2061 can be used in further studies of the catalytic centre of enzymes.


Management of near fatal blunt laryngeal trauma.
Blunt laryngeal trauma is uncommon, difficult to diagnose and recommended assessment and management guidelines differ. Mortality can be as high as 40%. Initial symptoms might mask the seriousness of the injury and a history of trauma is important. This report describes a case which illustrates many of the difficulties encountered. A high index of suspicion is needed, and all patients with a suspected blunt laryngeal injury, even with minor symptoms, should be taken seriously and considered for early precautionary airway intervention.


I Do Not Like Green Eggs.
Shells of pinworm ova contain chitin, which stains bright green when exposed to chlorazol black E. The objective was to determine whether chlorazol black E could assist in identification of pinworm ova from skin scrapings. Skin scrapings were stained using chlorazol black E and pinworm ova were more easily recognized, staining a blue-green color.


Diverse stimuli engage different neutrophil extracellular trap pathways.
Neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) which ensnare pathogens and have pathogenic functions in diverse diseases. We examined the NETosis pathways induced by five stimuli; PMA, the calcium ionophore A23187, nigericin, Candida albicans and Group B Streptococcus. We studied NET production in neutrophils from healthy donors with inhibitors of molecules crucial to PMA-induced NETs including protein kinase C, calcium, reactive oxygen species, the enzymes myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase. Additionally, neutrophils from chronic granulomatous disease patients, carrying mutations in the NADPH oxidase complex or a MPO-deficient patient were examined. We show that PMA, C. albicans and GBS use a related pathway for NET induction, whereas ionophores require an alternative pathway but that NETs produced by all stimuli are proteolytically active, kill bacteria and composed mainly of chromosomal DNA. Thus, we demonstrate that NETosis occurs through several signalling mechanisms, suggesting that extrusion of NETs is important in host defence.


Regional decrease of subcutaneous adipose tissue in patients with type 2 familial partial lipodystrophy is associated with changes in thyroid hormone metabolism.
Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type (FPLD2) presents with a decrease of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in the limbs and trunk. As thyroid hormones (TH) play an important role in adipogenesis, we studied if SAT from subjects with FPLD2 have changes in the gene expression levels of monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), a TH transporter, and TH nuclear receptors and in iodothyronine deiodinases (DIOs) expression and activities that could affect TH bioavailability and action in white adipose tissue. Seven subjects with FPLD2 and 10 healthy controls were studied. Two biopsies of SAT were obtained from each subject, one near the umbilicus and the other from the thigh. Expression of MCT8, DIO2, DIO3, THRA1, THRB1, and RXRG mRNAs were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. DIO1 and DIO2 activities in adipose tissue homogenates were determined. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and TH levels were measured by chemiluminescence. Subjects with FPLD2 had lower levels of MCT8 mRNA expression in the thigh than in the abdomen SAT, and lower than in the abdomen and thigh SAT from control subjects. FPLD2 subjects also had higher DIO2 expression and activity in the thigh than in the abdomen SAT and higher than in controls. Thigh SAT from subjects with FPLD2 has lower expression of MCT8 and higher DIO2 expression and activity than abdominal SAT, suggesting that changes in local TH metabolism may occur in areas with lipoatrophy. DIO2 expression and activity in SAT suggest that DIO2 can regulate the metabolism and action of TH in human white adipose tissue.


QUANTITATIVE GENETICS OF THE WING COLOR PATTERN IN THE BUCKEYE BUTTERFLY (PRECIS COENIA AND PRECIS EVARETE): EVIDENCE AGAINST THE CONSTANCY OF G.
Models for the evolution of continuously varying traits use heritabilities, genetic correlations, and the G-matrix to quantify the genetic variation upon which selection acts. Given estimates of these parameters, it is possible to predict the long-term effects of selection, infer past selective forces responsible for observed differences between populations or species, and distinguish the effects of drift from selection. Application of these methods, however, requires the unproven assumption that the G-matrix remains constant from one generation to the next. This study examines the assumption of constancy for the wing pattern characteristics of two sibling species of butterflies, Precis coenia and P. evarete (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Quantitative genetic parameters were estimated from parent-offspring regression. Two approaches were taken to test the null hypothesis of equality between species. First, pairwise tests between corresponding elements of G and between heritabilities and genetic correlations for the two species were constructed. Second, a modification of Bartlett's modified likelihood-ratio test was used to test for equality between the G-matrices. The matrix test failed to detect any between species differences. In contrast, pairwise comparision revealed significant differences. Thus, it appears that constancy cannot be assumed at the species level in quantitative genetic studies. In particular, the assumption of constancy was violated for the trait with the greatest difference in mean phenotype.


Pathway for the Management of Sleep Apnea in the Cardiac Patient.
Sleep-disordered breathing is a highly prevalent medical condition, which if undiagnosed leads to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly related to increased incidence of cardiovascular events. It is therefore imperative that we identify patient population at high risk for sleep apnea and refer them to the appropriate therapy as early as possible. Up-to-date there is no management guideline specifically geared towards cardiac patients. Thus, we propose a (SAP) Sleep Apnea Pathway to correctly identify and triage these patients to the appropriate therapy.


Eculizumab for the Treatment of Severe Antibody-Mediated Rejection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
In renal transplantation, treatment options for antibody-mediated rejection are limited. Here, we report a case of severe AMR treated with eculizumab. A 50-year-old woman known for end stage kidney disease secondary to IgA nephropathy received a kidney transplant from a 50-year-old deceased donor. At 5 months after transplantation, she presented with acute graft dysfunction and biopsy showed a severe antibody-mediated rejection associated with thrombotic microangiopathy. Despite an aggressive conventional immunosuppressive regimen, signs of rejection persisted and the patient was treated with 3 doses of eculizumab. Following the therapy, markers of TMA improved and graft function stabilized. However, ongoing signs of rejection remained in the repeated biopsy. In kidney transplantation, eculizumab is an expensive treatment and its role in the treatment of antibody-mediated rejection remains to be determined.


Evaluation of Anti-Diarrheal Activity of Methanol Root Bark Extract of Milicia Excelsa (Welw) C. C Berg (Moraceae) in Rats.
Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) plant is used as an antidiarrheal agent in ethnomedicine but there is no scientific rationale for its claim. Hence, this study examined the acute toxicity (LD50) and anti-diarrheal effect of methanol root bark extract of Milicia excelsa per oral in rats as well as the probable phytoconstituents responsible for this effect. The LD50 was>5000 mg/kg, suggesting its safety. The extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the total number of feces and wet feces in castor oil-induced diarrhea with percentage inhibitions of 41.36 and 50.88% at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively; it also significantly (p<0.05) reduced the distance travelled by charcoal in a dose dependent manner with percentage inhibitions of 33.85, 43.07 and 50.76% at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively in gastrointestinal motility test indicating anti-diarrheal potentials. The extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the intestinal fluid accumulation with percentage inhibitions of 33.28 and 45.61% at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively, suggesting antisecretory effect. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p<0.05) inhibited the intestinal propulsion of the charcoal meal through the gastrointestinal tract in castor oil-induced gastrointestinal transit suggesting antimotility effect. Total flavonoids and tannins are the most abundant phytoconstituents therein. This study therefore concluded that the anti-diarrhea action of the extract may at least in part be mediated via antisecretory and antimotility mechanisms, which could be due to the additive, synergy or counter interaction of the phytoconstituents therein, thus supporting its ethnomedicinal claim.


LIFE HISTORY STUDIES OF THE LESSER SNOW GOOSE (ANSER CAERULESCENS CAERULESCENS). IV. THE SELECTIVE VALUE OF PLUMAGE POLYMORPHISM: NET VIABILITY, THE TIMING OF MATURATION, AND BREEDING PROPENSITY.
Cooch (1961, 1963) suggested that changes in the genotypic composition of snow goose colonies comprising the Hudson Bay-Foxe Basin population could be attributed to selection favoring the blue phenotype. In the preceding paper (Cooke et al., 1985), we examined potential differences in net fecundity between the two phenotypes at La Pérouse Bay in northern Manitoba. No substantial differences in any component of fecundity were detected. In the present paper, we examined potential differences in pre-reproductive and adult viability, age of maturation, and breeding propensity. Again, no differences associated with the plumage polymorphism were detected in any of these life history characteristics. Thus, despite a thorough analysis of the complete life cycle, we were unable to uncover any evidence supporting a selection hypothesis for the persistence and dynamics of this conspicuous polymorphism. An alternate hypothesis based primarily on gene flow and assortative mating appears more plausible.


Noninvasive recording of the His bundle electrogram: value of supplementary verapamil.
We obtained noninvasive recordings of the His bundle electrogram using the Marquette high resolution MAC unit in 65 patients and 5 normal subjects. Overlap of atrial activity prevented identification of a His potential in 25 subjects, in 23 of whom the PR interval was equal to or less than 160 ms. After intravenous verapamil (10 mg) the AH interval was lengthened, with an increase in the PR interval of 10-60 (mean 20) ms. A characteristic His bundle electrogram was recorded in 48 of the 70; in 8 there was persistent atrial activity and in 4 electrical interference could have obscured a His potential. In 10 patients the absence of a His complex despite a clear "window" of at least 70 ms between the end of atrial activity and the onset of ventricular depolarization suggested that its vector was outside the plane of the electrode arrangement, or that there was a prolonged H-V interval; the latter has been confirmed in 2 patients. Intracardiac His bundle recordings in 25 subjects who had characteristic surface electrical activity of the His bundle disclosed good correlation between invasive and noninvasive measurements of the H-V interval. This noninvasive technique using portable equipment, which permits serial evaluation of the His bundle electrogram, may facilitate prospective studies in patients with conduction disease.


[Initial status of patients and effects of rehabilitation after stroke--analysis of a patients' and a physicians' questionnaire in three neurological rehabilitation centres with a follow-up after 6 months].
Rehabilitation after stroke has to face specific problems when treating patients with more or less severe disabilities in cognition and communication. Correspondingly, stroke rehabilitation takes a special position within the larger field of rehabilitation, and relatively little is known outside the neurological scientific community about the status of patients at admission, the case mix in the centres and the short- and medium-term effects of rehabilitation. The present study describes in some detail the initial status in unselected samples of consecutive patients (n = 768) from three neurological rehabilitation centres. The description shows a very inconsistent picture in all centres, ranging from patients with no neurological deficits to patients needing intensive care. Across the centres, we found remarkable differences in case mix. In order to measure the effects of rehabilitation after stroke, an instrument was developed that combines a physicians' questionnaire aiming at an assessment of the severely disabled cases with a patients' questionnaire for the less severe cases for which the physicians' questionnaire would show "ceiling effects" so that improvements could no longer be depicted. The application of the instrument showed that about 50 % of the sample were not capable of answering the patients' questionnaire. For the patients with neurological deficits, the functional parameters of the physicians' questionnaire showed significant improvements at discharge that can be interpreted as "strong" effects (effect sizes 1.0-1.3). For the patients with less severe deficits (and usually in later stages of the rehabilitation process), the patients' questionnaire showed "strong" improvements on the somatic and psychosocial scales both at discharge and 6 months later. On the functional scales, however, only small improvements were found. Finally, predictors could be identified that explain a large amount of the variance for length of stay (R(2) =.42) as well as for the effects of rehabilitation (R(2) =.74). When comparing effects across rehabilitation units with differences of case mix, these predictors should be statistically controlled in order to assure fair comparisons.


The ethics of conversion therapy.
... Both the past and present have seen a number of methods being used to extinguish homoerotic desire and behavior and to inaugurate heteroeroticism in their place, methods I will here call conversion therapies... The typical defense of such therapy holds that even if homoeroticism is not necessarily a disease or evil, neither is it a universal good... Conversion therapy is morally defensible, on such a view, because some people suffer from the perceived consequences of homoerotic orientations despite the freedom and toleration extended to gay men and lesbians in certain areas... Against the view that conversion therapy is morally defensible as a matter of personal preference, I here argue that such therapy is morally suspect and should be resisted for a number of reasons....


[Cardiac sarcoidosis diagnosed by thoracoscopically resected lung nodule: report of a case].
A 71-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with general fatigue and dyspnea. Emergency pacemaker implantation was performed after diagnosis of complete AV block. After 1 month, a small lung nodule, which had been 10 mm in diameter 1 year ago, was revealed to have grown to 15 mm in diameter by CT scan. Thoracoscopical resection of the lung nodule resulted in sarcoidosis. Abnormality in the posteroinferior heart was detected by 99mTC-PYP myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and it was diagnosed as cardiac sarcoidosis.


A case report of unifocal Langerhans' cell histiocytosis or eosinophilic granuloma.
A case of unifocal Langerhans' cell histiocytosis or eosinophilic granuloma in a child is reported where the frontal, zygomatic and maxillary bones of the left orbital wall are affected. As eosinophilic granuloma is a rare disease and the involvement of maxillary bone in orbital eosinophilic granuloma is not well documented in the literature, this case is reported for its unusual involvement of 3 bones at a single site. The diagnosis was established by clinical, radiological and histological findings. As no other system or site was involved and considering the osseous involvement of multiple bones at one site, local radiotherapy was preferred as the mode of treatment. The patient responded favourably to radiotherapy with reduction of proptosis and tumour mass but there was no visual recovery. In the absence of universal agreement over the mode of treatment, the result emphasises the probable benign nature of the tumour and the need to withhold more aggressive treatment modalities for extensive multisystem involvements.


Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder secondary to treatment with anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab: the first report.
Immune checkpoint blockade is developed as standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. However immune-related adverse events (irAE) have still unknown complications. Here, we report a patient with lung squamous cell carcinoma who developed neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with nivolumab. A 75-year-old Japanese man with lung squamous cell carcinoma was administered nivolumab as second-line treatment. Two months after treatment with nivolumab, he presented acute paralysis in the bilateral lower limbs, sensory loss. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed T2 hyperintense lesions between C5-6 and Th12-L1. He was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) by anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive in the serum and other examinations. After treatment, steroid reactivity was poor. This is the first patient who developed anti-AQP4 antibody-positive NMOSD as a nivolumab-induced irAE. Clinicians should be aware of this kind of potential neurological complication by using immune check point inhibitor and start the treatment of this irAE as soon as possible.


Interactions between Na+ channels and Na+-HCO3- cotransporters in the freshwater fish gill MR cell: a model for transepithelial Na+ uptake.
Isolated mitochondria-rich (MR) cells from the rainbow trout gill epithelium were subjected to intracellular pH (pH(i)) imaging with the pH-sensitive dye BCECF-AM. MR cells were categorized into two distinct functional subtypes based on their ability to recover pH(i) from an NH(4)Cl-induced acidification in the absence of Na(+). An apparent link between resting pH(i) and Na(+)-independent pH(i) recovery was made. We observed a unique pH(i) acidification event that was induced by extracellular Na(+) addition. This further classified the mixed MR cell population into two functional subtypes: the majority of cells (77%) demonstrated the Na(+)-induced pH(i) acidification, whereas the minority (23%) demonstrated an alkalinization of pH(i) under the same circumstances. The focus of this study was placed on the Na(+)-induced acidification and pharmacological analysis via the use of amiloride and phenamil, which revealed that Na(+) uptake was responsible for the intracellular acidification. Further experiments revealed that pH(i) acidification could be abolished when Na(+) was allowed entry into the cell, but the activity of an electrogenic Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (NBC) was inhibited by DIDS. The electrogenic NBC activity was supported by a DIDS-sensitive, Na(+)-induced membrane potential depolarization as observed via imaging of the voltage-sensitive dye bis-oxonol. We also demonstrated NBC immunoreactivity via Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in gill tissue. We propose a model for transepithelial Na(+) uptake occurring via an apical Na(+) channel linked to a basolateral, electrogenic NBC in one subpopulation of MR cells.


Whole-mount in situ hybridization detection of mRNA in GFP-marked Drosophila imaginal disc mosaic clones.
Protocols for both generation of mosaic clones and wholemount in situ hybridization detection of mRNA have led to an advanced understanding of Drosophila development. A simple means of combining these techniques for staining of imaginal discs would be useful, as it would allow for analysis of mRNA transcripts in marked mosaic clones. However, few researchers attempt such experiments due to the technical difficulty of simultaneously detecting clones and mRNA transcripts. Furthermore, maintaining the ability to use GFP-marked clones is desirable. However, typical Drosophila in situ hybridization protocols result in loss of GFP fluorescence. The method for double labeling of imaginal discs described here maintains the ability to identify mosaic clones, including those marked by GFP, while simultaneously allowing the detection of mRNA transcripts. The methodology described is technically manageable, robust, rapid, relatively inexpensive and of interest to many Drosophila researchers.


Preparation and electrochemical performances of doughnut-like Ni(OH)₂-Co(OH)₂ composites as pseudocapacitor materials.
Doughnut-like nanostructured Ni(OH)(2)-Co(OH)(2) composites were prepared by combining hydrothermal and chemical deposition routes. The electrochemical performances of the composites were investigated as pseudocapacitor materials through galvanostatic charge-discharge and cyclic voltammetry tests. The Ni(OH)(2)-Co(OH)(2) composites delivered a specific capacitance of 2193 F g(-1) at 2 A g(-1) and 1398 F g(-1) at 20 A g(-1), much higher than those of pristine Ni(OH)(2). The enhancement of the overall electrochemical performances is ascribed to the synergetic contribution from nanostructured Ni(OH)(2) and electrically conductive CoOOH forming in the charge process.


Linear Rogowski coil.
Nowadays, the employment and development of fast current pulses require sophisticated systems to perform measurements. Rogowski coils are used to diagnose cylindrical shaped beams; therefore, they are designed and built with a toroidal structure. Recently, to perform experiments of radiofrequency biophysical stresses, flat transmission lines have been developed. Therefore, in this work we developed a linear Rogowski coil to detect current pulses inside flat conductors. The system is first approached by means of transmission line theory. We found that, if the pulse width to be diagnosed is comparable with the propagation time of the signal in the detector, it is necessary to impose a uniform current as input pulse, or to use short coils. We further analysed the effect of the resistance of the coil and the influence of its magnetic properties. As a result, the device we developed is able to record pulses lasting for some hundreds of nanoseconds, depending on the inductance, load impedance, and resistance of the coil. Furthermore, its response is characterized by a sub-nanosecond rise time (∼100 ps). The attenuation coefficient depends mainly on the turn number of the coil, while the fidelity of the response depends both on the magnetic core characteristics and on the current distribution along the plane conductors.


Novel base-labile protecting groups for 5'-hydroxy function in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis.
The 6-(levulinyloxymethyl)-3-methoxy-2-nitrobenzoyl (LMMoNBz) and 2-(levulinyloxymethyl)-5-methoxy-4-nitrobenzoyl (LMMpNBz) groups were developed as novel base-labile protection for the 5'-hydroxy function in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. A comparative study of the LMMoNBz, LMMpNBz and 2-(levulinyloxymethyl)-5-nitrobenzoyl (LMNBz) protecting groups for oligonucleotide synthesis proved strong feasibility for the LMMoNBz group.


Ligand-free Cu(ii)-mediated aerobic oxidations of aldehyde hydrazones leading to N,N'-diacylhydrazines and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles.
A Cu(ii)-mediated synthesis of N,N'-diacylhydrazines and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles from aldehyde hydrazones has been developed. This is the first time that the synthesis of N,N'-diacylhydrazines and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles using N,N-dimethylamides as the acylation reagent and O2 in air as the oxidation reagent is reported. These reactions offered several advantages including simple workups, ligand-free inexpensive metal salts as mediators, high yields, and wide scope of substrates.


Effect of monosialoganglioside (GM1) on transected monoaminergic pathways.
The effects of exogenous monosialogangliosides (GM1) on transected monoaminergic cerebral cortical pathways were investigated in mice. Norepinephrine (NE), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) contents were determined in cerebral cortex rostral and caudal to unilateral coronal transection sites. The transmitter contents were expressed as a ratio of those in the unlesioned contralateral cortex. In the caudal cortex, NE ratios fell to 70% within a week after transection and decreased further to 35-40% by 4 weeks. Treatment with exogenous GM1 for 2 weeks starting shortly after the lesion increased NE concentrations in the caudal cortex to 47.4-55.0% at 4 weeks, significantly greater than control animals (p less than 0.01, Mann-Whitney U-test). GM1 treatment for 2 and 4 weeks, starting 2 weeks after the lesion, yielded similar results. The 5-HT and 5-HIAA ratios in the caudal cortex also rose significantly after GM1 treatment. Thus, GM1 increased monoaminergic levels nonspecifically in the cortex caudal to the cortical lesion. The treatment effect did not depend on the timing or duration of treatment. These results indicate that exogenous GM1 treatment has a nonspecific restorative effect on the central nervous system after axonal lesions.


Moiré artifacts reduction in Talbot-Lau X-ray phase contrast imaging using a three-step iterative approach.
Talbot-Lau X-ray phase contrast imaging is a promising technique in biological imaging since it can provide absorption, differential phase contrast, and dark-field images simultaneously. However, high accuracy motorized translation stages and high stability of the imaging system are needed to avoid moiré artifacts in the reconstructed images. In this work, the effects of the stepping errors and the dose fluctuations on the transmission, differential phase contrast, and dark-field images are theoretically derived and systematically summarized. A novel three-step iterative method is designed for image reconstruction in Talbot-Lau interferometry with phase-stepping errors and dose fluctuations. Phase distributions, phase-stepping errors, and dose fluctuation coefficients are iteratively updated via the least square method until the convergence criteria are met. Moiré artifacts are mostly reduced via the proposed method in both the numerical simulations and experiments. The reconstructed images are highly coincident with the ground truth, which verifies the high accuracy of this method. The proposed algorithm is also compared with other moiré artifacts reduction algorithms, which further demonstrates the high precision of this algorithm. This work is beneficial for reducing the strict requirements for the hardware system in the conventional Talbot-Lau interferometry, such as the high accuracy motorized stages and the X-ray tube with high stability, which is significant for advancing the X-ray phase contrast imaging towards the practical medical applications.


Evaluation of compost, vegetable and food waste as amendments to improve the composting of NaOH/NaClO-contaminated poultry manure.
Regular usage of NaOH/NaClO disinfectants results in high sodium salt and alkalinity of poultry manure. This study compared three amendments: vegetable waste (V), food waste (F) and mature compost (C) for their ability to improve the composting of NaOH/NaClO-contaminated poultry manure. C compost resulted in the highest compost temperatures (p<0.001) and greatest reduction in OM, TC, TN and NH4-N (p<0.05). C and V composts were more efficient at lowering extractable-Na (ext-Na) and electrical conductivity (EC) than F (p<0.05). Maturity was primarily indicated by NH4-N, EC and ext-Na. Bacterial dynamics was profoundly influenced by NH4-N, EC and TC, with the decrease leading to discriminate genera shift from Sinibacillus and Thiopseudomonas to Brevbacterium, Brachybacterium, and Microbacterium. These findings suggest that mature compost was more desirable amendment than vegetable and food waste in the composting of NaOH/NaClO-contaminated poultry manure, and the decrease of ext-Na indicated compost maturity but did not influence bacterial dynamics.


Kidney injury molecule-1 and osteopontin: new markers for prediction of early kidney transplant rejection.
Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and osteopontin (OPN) play important roles in immune regulation. We hypothesized that serum KIM-1 and OPN might serve as biomarkers for predicting early acute rejection after kidney transplantation (KTx). We conducted a single-center study of 155 subjects, who were classified into acute rejection group (ARG, n=32), non-rejection group (NRG, n=45) and healthy controls (HC, n=78). Serum KIM-1 and OPN levels were measured by Luminex. The pre-transplant levels of serum KIM-1 and OPN in all KTx recipients were higher than those of HC (P<0.01). Compared with NRG, ARG showed significantly high serum levels of KIM-1 on day 0 (pre-KTx) and on the 1st, 4th, and 7th post-KTx days, and significantly high OPN levels on day 0 and the 7th day. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the higher levels of KIM-1 on day 0, the 1st and 4th days and OPN on day 0 and the 7th day were significantly associated with the lower probabilities of rejection-free survival. ROC analyses highlight the superiority of KIM-1 on the 1st day and OPN on the 7th day over those on other post-KTx days in prediction of acute rejection episodes. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the serum KIM-1 levels on the 1st post-KTx day and the OPN level on the 7th day were independent and powerful predictors of acute rejection episodes. An optimal predictive model was built by combining KIM-1 on the 1st day and OPN on the 7th day, and this model had the highest AUC (0.922). This study was the first to demonstrate that serum KIM-1 and OPN may be the promising and elegant markers for prediction of early acute kidney allograft rejection.


Species-specificity of growth-promoting effects of prolactin during rat embryogenesis.
In the early stages of embryonic development, many growth-promoting molecules must be provided by the maternal system. The molecules involved in growth processes may be either hormones or growth factors, or molecules that interact with such factors. The pregnancy related hormone, prolactin (PRL, MW 23 kDa) has been implicated in the control of embryonic growth. The growth-promoting potential of PRL and its species-specificity was investigated by culturing 9.5 d rat embryos in vitro for 48 h in depleted serum in the presence and absence of PRL from 3 different species. The growth-supporting capacity of the serum was reduced by removal of low molecular weight molecules by prolonged filtration of the serum using filters with a molecular weight exclusion of 30 kDa. This method provided a 'semidefined' medium (retenate) in which embryonic growth and development was significantly reduced, demonstrating that the low molecular weight fraction of serum may contain some growth-promoting factors. Addition of PRL (0.4-25.6 ng/ml) from different species (human, sheep and rat) to retenate significantly improved embryonic growth and development, suggesting that the developing embryo may utilise PRL. Amongst PRLs, rat PRL was found to be active at much lower concentrations than either of the other molecules, and human PRL had more effect in low concentrations than sheep PRL suggesting a species-specificity for this hormone. It may be that the PRL receptors of the rat embryos have greater affinity for the rat hormone as different responses for hormones from different species have been shown. These findings suggest that embryos may be able to utilise maternally derived PRL during organogenesis.


Looking for citizen-centered communication: dialogues between radiological protection or nuclear safety specialists and media professionals.
What happens when radiological protection or nuclear safety officials get together with media professionals to talk about public communication on ionizing radiation risks? Do they have common views of the challenges and ways to meet these? This practical article reports on dialogue workshops organized by the EAGLE project in four European countries (France, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia). Common findings are classed and presented by themes, including inter alia: crisis versus everyday communication; mediated versus direct communication; sources, actors, roles and responsibilities; language and format; trust and confidence, balance in reporting and development of risk culture; nuclear industry promotion versus citizen-centered risk communication. The article also presents reflections from an expanded international workshop (RICOMET, June 2015). It echoes the participants in calling for a platform for ongoing dialogue between information sources and transmitters, in the interest of building solid relationships, risk culture and public understanding on ionizing radiation.


Death during pneumonectomy from endobronchial tumour embolus. A case report.
A case is reported in which the patient died during pneumonectomy from endobronchial embolus of a tumour resulting in obstruction of the main bronchus of the normal lung. It is believed that the complication might have been prevented by the use of a double-lumen endobronchial tube. If generally employed, this precaution would also lessen the risk of intra-operative spread of smaller tumour emboli that may cause implantation metastases.


Two different regimens of outpatient Foley catheter induction of labor in nulliparas: A randomized trial.
To evaluate expectant compared to immediate return to hospital upon outpatient Foley catheter expulsion predicated on maternal satisfaction and amniotomy-titrated oxytocin infusion to delivery interval. This randomized trial was conducted in a tertiary university hospital in Malaysia from September 2020 to February 2022. A total of 330 nulliparous women at term with unripe cervices (Bishop score ≤5), singleton viable fetus in cephalic presentation, reassuring preinduction fetal heart rate tracing and intact membranes who underwent planned outpatient Foley catheter induction of labor (IOL) were included. Women were randomized to expectant or immediate return to hospital if the Foley was spontaneously expelled at home before their scheduled hospital admission the following day. Primary outcomes were amniotomy-titrated oxytocin infusion to delivery interval and maternal satisfaction on the induction process (assessed by 0-10 visual numerical rating scale [VNRS]). Amniotomy-titrated oxytocin infusion to delivery interval was 8.7 ± 4.1 versus 8.9 ± 3.9 h, P = 0.605 (mean difference - 0.228 95% CI: -1.1 to +0.6 h) and maternal satisfaction VNRS score was median (interquartile range) 8 (7-9) versus 8 (7-9), P = 0.782. Early return to hospital rates were 37/165 (22.4%) versus 72/165 (43.6%), RR 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.72), P ≤ 0.001, Cesarean delivery rates were 80/165 (48.5%) versus 80/165 (48.5%), RR 1.00 (95% CI: 0.80-1.25), P = 1.00 and duration of hospital stay was 54.4 ± 22.9 versus 56.7 ± 22.8 h, P = 0.364 for the expectant versus immediate return groups respectively. In outpatient Foley catheter IOL, expectant compared to immediate return to hospital following Foley dislodgement results in similarly high maternal satisfaction. The amniotomy-titrated oxytocin to delivery duration is non-inferior with expectant management.


Nonviral delivery for genomic therapy of cancer.
We have developed improved liposomal nanoparticles that efficiently condense nucleic acids, proteins, viruses, drugs, and mixtures of these agents on the interior of bilamellar invaginated structures (BIVs) produced by a novel extrusion procedure. The liposomal complexes have extended half-life in the circulation, serum stability, and broad biodistribution; are targetable to specific organs and cell types; can penetrate through tight barriers in several organs; are fusogenic with cell membranes and avoid endosomes; are optimized for nucleic acid:lipid ratio and colloidal suspension in vivo; can be size fractionated to produce totally homogeneous populations of complexes prior to injection; are nontoxic, nonimmunogenic, and can be repeatedly administered; and they are stable in liquid suspensions and freeze-dried formulations. We can add specific ligands either by ionic interactions or by covalent attachments to the surface of these nucleic acid-liposome complexes to accomplish targeted delivery to specific cell surface receptors. Furthermore, the charge on the surface of these complexes can be modified to avoid uptake by nontarget cells using our novel technology called "reversible masking." We have also achieved high-dose systemic delivery of these complexes without toxicity in vivo by further purification of plasmid DNA. At present, these complexes are injected intravenously into patients in clinical trials to treat lung cancer and will be used in upcoming trials to treat breast, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. Notably, BIV complexes are being injected intravenously into patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma who have failed to respond to chemotherapy. These patients are living longer and have demonstrated objective responses, including tumor regression.


Tipping the Balance between Concerted versus Sequential Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer.
We use quantized molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the competition between concerted and sequential proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET) reaction mechanisms in inorganic catalysts. By analyzing reactive nonadiabatic PCET trajectories and computing both concerted and sequential rate constants, we characterize various molecular features that govern inorganic PCET reactions, including the solvent polarity, ligand-mediated electron-proton interactions, and intrinsic proton-transfer (PT) energy barrier. Using atomistic simulations with over 1200 atoms, we find that the symmetric iron biimidazoline system is extremely biased toward the concerted mechanism because of the strong ligand-mediated electron-proton interaction and the short PT distance. However, by investigating system-bath models in which electron-proton interactions are shielded, which are representative of ruthenium terpyridylbenzoates and iron (tetraphenylporphyrin)benzoates, we predict that a crossover between the concerted and sequential PCET mechanisms may be possible either by increasing the polarity of the solvent or by increasing the intrinsic PT energy barrier. In addition, we predict the possibility of a crossover in the PCET mechanism by directly varying the strength of the ligand-mediated electron-proton interactions. The results presented here reveal new strategies for altering the competition between the competing PCET mechanisms and design principles for controlling PCET in catalytic systems.


Giant cell arteritis restricted to the limb arteries: An overlooked clinical entity.
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis typically affecting temporal arteries. In at least 15% of cases, GCA also features inflammation of the aorta and its primary branches. Large-vessel inflammation restricted to proximal limb arteries in the absence of temporal and aortic involvement (Limb Restricted, LR) is rare and not well described in literature. Hence, we aim to characterize this neglected clinical entity. We describe a series of three cases of LR-GCA. All patients were older than 50 years, had increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), normal cholesterol and triglycerides serum levels, negative temporal artery biopsy, suggestive F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) findings, and responded to immunosuppressive therapy. We also reviewed all published cases of LR-GCA (76 cases), for a total of 79 patients. Limb claudication was reported in 87% of the patients, and cranial symptoms and polymyalgia rheumatica in 20%. Constitutional symptoms were never reported. Median ESR levels were 66.5mm/1h. Upper and lower limb arteries were involved in 86% and 9% of the patients respectively, and the remaining 5% had simultaneous upper and lower limb vessel involvement. Conventional angiography was performed in 63% of the cases, color-doppler ultrasound in 20%, FDG-PET in 14%, and computed tomography angiography in 3%. If temporal biopsy and aortic imaging are negative for GCA in patients older than 50 years with bilateral limb claudication, elevated ESR, and suggestive vascular radiological findings, LR-GCA should be suspected. Upper limb arteries are more frequently involved. Since constitutional symptoms are typically absent in LR-GCA, differential diagnosis with atherosclerotic plaques may be challenging.


[Expected trends in mortality of malignant diseases in the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina].
Inclusion of malignant neoplasms' reports in this republic is not complete, it the reason that data on mortality are the most competent for analyse. General rate of malignant diseases' mortality is increased, but it is lower than the same rates in developed European countries, in Slovenia, Croatia and vojvodina. Men become ill more frequent than women. Increased mortality of malignant diseases of trachea, bronchii and lungs, then stomach and liver in expected in total population. Increased mortality of breast cancer as well as cancer of trachea, bronchii and lungs, then liver and stomach is also expected. In male population increased mortality of cancer of trachea, bronchii and lungs, then stomach is expected, particularly at the age of 35 and later. A Expected mortality trend of cancer Bosnia and Herzegovina will have growing tendency during next period. Better registration of death causes, objective getting old of population, inadequate primary and secondary prevention, and non-existing causal therapy for longer period will all influence on mentioned growing tendency.


Effect of resin-coating technique on dentin tensile bond strengths over 3 years.
The resin-coating technique has been developed to protect prepared dentin and underlying pulp tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the resin-coated dentin bond durability over a period of 3 years of a resin cement and to compare it with two representative resin cements. Ten bovine dentin specimens were tested for tensile bond strengths with each of the following three materials: CLAPEARL DC with a resin-coating technique (CDRC), Panavia 21 (PA21), and Super Bond C&B (SBCB) at 1 day, 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years. Mean bond strengths were compared statistically by two-way analysis of variance and Fisher's PLSD test (p < .05). The mode of failure was classified by scanning electron microscope observation and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. The 3-year bond strengths of all resin cements were significantly lower than those at the other experimental periods except for 1 year (p < .05). There was no significant difference in mean bond strength between CDRC and SBCB (p > .05). Regarding the fracture modes, in the case of CDRC, an increase in adhesive failure at the resin-dentin interface was observed as the time period lengthened. Statistical differences were observed between SBCB and the other materials at 1 year (p < .05) and between PA21 and the other materials at 3 years (p < .05). The mean tensile bond strengths of the three resin cements to dentin decreased at different rates during the study; the rate at which the bond decreases is likely to affect the long-term durability of restorations.


Long-chain acyl-CoA and acylcarnitine hydrolase activities in normal and ischemic rabbit heart.
Long-chain acyl-CoA and acylcarnitine hydrolase activities were determined in fresh and perfused rabbit heart and correlated with tissue levels of their respective substrates, long-chain acyl-CoA and acylcarnitine. In fresh heart homogenate acyl-CoA hydrolase activity was 3-fold greater than acylcarnitine hydrolase activity; sonication of homogenate doubled acyl-CoA hydrolase activity but did not significantly change acylcarnitine hydrolase activity. Hearts perfused with 10 mM glucose by the nonrecirculating Langendorff method had depressed levels of acyl-CoA hydrolase activity under both aerobic and ischemic conditions. Extract from buffer-perfused heart showed increased acylcarnitine hydrolase activity and elevated levels of acylcarnitine. Homogenate acyl-CoA hydrolase activity was not sedimented by centrifugal forces up to 50,000 X g; however, less than 25% of homogenate acylcarnitine hydrolase activity remained in the 50,000 X g supernatant. The hypolipidemic drug clofibrate was an effective in vitro inhibitor of acylcarnitine hydrolase activity but not of acyl-CoA hydrolase activity. The fatty acid analog tetradecylglycidic acid inhibited only acyl-CoA hydrolase activity. These results suggest that acyl-CoA hydrolase and acylcarnitine hydrolase activities are differentially affected in the perfused heart by substrate levels and oxygen availability. In addition, the diverse response of these two hydrolase activities to a variety of biochemical parameters implies that the observed hydrolyses of palmitoyl-CoA and palmitoylcarnitine are catalyzed by at least two separate hydrolase enzymes.


Biomimetic extraction of PAHs and PCBs from soil with octadecyl-modified silica disks to predict their availability to earthworms.
We developed a model to predict the availability of PAHs and PCBs to earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) in soils. We related the uptake of PAHs and PCBs by earthworms to the extraction with octadecyl-modified silica disks (C18 disks). Eleven soils (data set A) were used to develop the model, and 14 additional soils (data set B) were used to validate it independently. The biota-to-soil accumulation factors (BSAFs) of higher molecular weight PAHs (> or =202 g mol(-1)) and PCBs were higher than the corresponding Cl8 disk-soil partition coefficients (Kdisk) in the soils of data set A. This suggested that PAHs and PCBs were not only partitioned between soil and earthworms but also selectively ingested or metabolized. Nevertheless, we could predict the BSAFs of individual PAHs and PCBs for data set A by regression equations of log BSAF on log Kdisk (r=0.47-0.87). To predict the BSAFs of all PAHs and PCBs, respectively, we derived a model for each compound class that uses Kdisk and K(ow) values. Both the compound and the compound-class specific model were suitable to predict the BSAFs of PAHs and PCBs in data set B within a factor of 10-15.


Differential regulation of insulin signalling by monomeric and oligomeric amyloid beta-peptide.
Alzheimer's disease and Type 2 diabetes are pathological processes associated to ageing. Moreover, there are evidences supporting a mechanistic link between Alzheimer's disease and insulin resistance (one of the first hallmarks of Type 2 diabetes). Regarding Alzheimer's disease, amyloid β-peptide aggregation into β-sheets is the main hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. At monomeric state, amyloid β-peptide is not toxic but its function in brain, if any, is unknown. Here we show, by in silico study, that monomeric amyloid β-peptide 1-40 shares the tertiary structure with insulin and is thereby able to bind and activate insulin receptor. We validated this prediction experimentally by treating human neuroblastoma cells with increasing concentrations of monomeric amyloid β-peptide 1-40. Our results confirm that monomeric amyloid β-peptide 1-40 activates insulin receptor autophosphorylation, triggering downstream enzyme phosphorylations and the glucose Transporter 4 translocation to the membrane. On the other hand, neuronal insulin resistance is known to be associated to Alzheimer's disease since early stages. We thus modelled the docking of oligomeric amyloid β-peptide 1-40 to insulin receptor. We found that oligomeric amyloid β-peptide 1-40 blocks insulin receptor, impairing its activation. It was confirmed in vitro by observing the lack of insulin receptor autophosphorylation, and also the impairment of insulin-induced intracellular enzyme activations and the glucose Transporter 4 translocation to the membrane. By biological system analysis, we have carried out a mathematical model recapitulating the process that turns amyloid β-peptide binding to insulin receptor from the physiological to the pathophysiological regime. Our results suggest that monomeric amyloid β-peptide 1-40 contributes to mimic insulin effects in the brain, which could be good when neurons have an extra requirement of energy beside the well-known protective effects on insulin intracellular signalling, while its accumulation and subsequent oligomerization blocks the insulin receptor producing insulin resistance and compromising neuronal metabolism and protective pathways.


Sitting postural control affects the development of focused attention in children with cerebral palsy.
To investigate whether focused attention (FA) changes over time as sitting postural control improves and whether an impairment in sitting postural control affects the development of FA in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Nineteen children with CP, mean ages 21.47 months, were assessed for FA and sitting scores pre- and postintervention. Longest, total, and global FA increased and frequency of FA decreased in children who achieved independent sitting. However, children who achieved mobility postintervention exhibited a decrease in longest FA and an increase in frequency of FA. Sitting postural control and the development of FA appear associated in children with CP. The increase in FA may signal a key opportunity for learning and attending to objects. However, the time of early mobility may interrupt these long periods of attention, resulting in less sustained attention to objects.


A role for the thymic epithelium in the selection of pre-T cells from murine bone marrow.
A rat thymic epithelial cell line IT45-R1 has been previously described as secreting soluble molecules that in vitro chemoattract rat hemopoietic precursor cells. The development of such an in vitro migration assay was based on the ability of cells to migrate across polycarbonate filters in Boyden chambers. In the present paper, by using the same strategy, we studied murine bone marrow cells capable of migrating in vitro toward IT45-R1 conditioned medium. The responding cells were shown to represent a minor bone marrow subpopulation characterized by a low capacity to incorporate tritiated thymidine in vitro (less than 10% of control). Moreover, this cell subset was considerably impoverished with respect to granulocyte-macrophage CFU (less than 7% of control) and pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells (less than 12% of control). Potential generation of T cells of donor-type in the lymphoid organs of irradiated recipients was measured by using C57BL/Ka Thy-1.1 and Thy-1.2 congenic mice. Thy-1.1 irradiated mice were injected intrathymically or intravenously with the selectively migrated cell subset of Thy-1.2 donor-type bone marrow cells. The use of an i.v. transfer route allowed us to show that these cells possess thymus-homing and colonization abilities. In a time-course study after intrathymic cell transfer, these migrated cells were able to generate Thy-1.2+ donor-type thymocytes represented by all cortical and medullary cell subsets in a single wave of repopulation from day 20 to day 30 after transfer, with a peak around days 23 to 25. The degree of repopulation closely resembled that seen with unfractionated bone marrow cells in terms of absolute numbers of donor cells per thymus (82% of control, 22 x 10(6) Thy-1.2+ cells) as well as in percent donor cells per thymus (105% of control). Thy-1.2+ cells were also detected in the lymph nodes and the spleens of reconstituted recipient mice. Taken together, these results support the idea that the supernatant of the established thymic epithelium IT45-R1 induces the migration of a murine bone marrow subset that contains hemopoietic stem cells already committed to the lymphoid lineage (i.e., pre-T cells).


Data integration by multi-tuning parameter elastic net regression.
To integrate molecular features from multiple high-throughput platforms in prediction, a regression model that penalizes features from all platforms equally is commonly used. However, data from different platforms are likely to differ in effect sizes, the proportion of predictive features, and correlations structures. Subtle but important features may be missed by shrinking all features equally. We propose an Elastic net (EN) model with separate tuning parameter penalties for each platform that is fit using standard software. In a comprehensive simulation study, we evaluated the performance of EN logistic regression with multiple tuning penalties. We found that when the number of informative features differs among the platforms, and when there is no notable correlation between the features from different platforms, the multi-tuning parameter EN yields more predictive models. Moreover, the multi-tuning parameter EN is robust, in the sense that there is no loss of predictivity relative to a single tuning parameter EN when features across all platforms have similar effects. We also investigated the performance of multi-tuning parameter EN using real cancer datasets. The proposed multi-tuning parameter EN model, fit using standard penalized regression software, can achieve better prediction in sample classification when integrating multiple genomic platforms, compared to the traditional method where a single penalty parameter is used for all features in different platforms.


The Crisis in the Nursing Labour Market: Canadian Policy Perspectives.
The labour market for care professionals has experienced significant changes, resulting in critical shortages globally. Nurses represent the largest share of health workers worldwide; nonetheless, an estimated 13 million more nurses will be needed over the next 10 years. Prior to the pandemic, the domestic supply of nurses in Canada had not kept pace with the ever-increasing demand for services. Pre-pandemic age- and needs-based forecasting models have estimated shortages in an excess of 100,000 nurses nationwide by 2030. While COVID-19 has accelerated the demand for and complexity of service requirements, it has also resulted in losses of healthcare professionals due to an increased sick leave, unprecedented burnout and retirements. This paper examines key factors that have contributed to nursing supply issues in Canada over time and provides examples of policy responses to the present shortage facing the healthcare system. To provide adequate care, the nursing workforce must be stabilized and-more importantly-recognized as critical to the health of the population.


Iatrogenic injury of the intrathoracic oesophagus with bougie during sleeve gastrectomy.
One of the most popular procedures amongst obesity surgery is the sleeve gastrectomy. There is international consensus regarding the usage of bougie for sleeve gastrectomy calibration. Nevertheless, there is a dissociation between the number of oesophageal perforations reported for any other oesophageal/gastric operation that requires bougie (e.g., anti-reflux surgery, incidence 1.2%) and bariatric surgery, where this complication seems to be almost a myth. Interestingly enough, the number of bariatric procedures is much higher than any other oesophageal/gastric surgery. This suggests that oesophageal perforations in obesity surgery are underreported. We report a case of injury of the intrathoracic oesophagus with bougie that occurred during a sleeve gastrectomy. In the infrequent case that the perforation is diagnosed during surgery, primary repair during the same intervention is highly recommended. Videothoracoscopy might be an effective option in case of necessity. We were able to complete the sleeve gastrectomy without increasing morbidity.


Use of pectoralis skin pedicle flap for closure of large bronchial fistula connected with postpneumonectomy empyema.
In 4 patients, the postpneumonectomy empyema was connected with a large bronchopleural fistula. The empyema was in all cases treated by a permanent open window thoracostoma. The fistulae were closed later with pedicle flaps made of the pectoralis muscle and the adjoining skin. In 2 patients the closing of the bronchial fistula was successful, and the treatment of one patient is not completed. In one patient the open pneural cavity was covered completely by skin using an additional pedicle flap and free skin transplantation. The surgical technique of the pedicle flap operation is described and the cases are reported.


Prevalence and characteristics of adult patients with adult-onset and childhood-onset food allergy.
IgE-mediated food allergy (FA) affects health-related quality of life, and may cause life-threatening reactions. Few studies characterizing adult FA patients have been reported, especially first ever reaction (FER) in adult-onset. We describe the characteristics of adult FA patients, especially FER and compare these characteristics between childhood- and adult-onset FA. A cross-sectional study of all adult patients visiting the Allergy Clinic, Siriraj Hospital at the outpatient department between January 2009 to December 2019 was conducted. Demographic, clinical data, and first reaction in life data were collected. Adult-onset was defined as ≥ 18 years old. Of 711 patients visiting the clinic, 174 (24.4%) were FA with a median age of 31.0 years (interquartile range 24.0, 44.0 years); 29.3% were male. FA patients had significantly higher prevalence of sensitization to cockroach compared with non-FA patients (67.4% vs. 56.3%); p = 0.016). The three most common food triggers were shellfish (68.0%), wheat (28.7%), and fruit and vegetables (10.0%). Before diagnosis, 56.7% (97/171) experienced at least 1 food-related anaphylaxis. Of the 166 patients compared on age of onset, 127 (76.5%) were adult-onset. In FER, patients with adult-onset had significantly more reactions to fruit and vegetables, more respiratory system involvement, and more other systems involvement [OR 8.95 (1.13, 1157); p = 0.034; OR 3.15 (95%CI 1.30, 8.25), p = 0.011; OR 10.8 (1.35, 1404), p = 0.019, respectively]. In sensitivity analysis, the cardiovascular system involvement was also significantly more common [OR 2.78 (1.05, 9.15); p = 0.038]. Shellfish was the most common trigger foods in adult FA patients. In FER, anaphylaxis was common for adult-onset. Adult-onset FA patients also had more respiratory, cardiovascular, and other systems involvements than childhood-onset ones. FA awareness, early diagnosis, and proper management are encouraged. Further studies on the adult-onset food allergic patients are required.


Immunotactoid glomerulopathy leading to the discovery of POEMS syndrome .
Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) can manifest in many different ways depending on the nature of the immunoglobulin and its physicochemical properties. MGRS can lead to the discovery of a hematological malignancy. We report the case of a 32-year-old female patient who underwent renal biopsy on account of an impure nephrotic syndrome associated with immunoglobulin (Ig)G κ monoclonal gammopathy. Histological analysis revealed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with IgG, IgM, κ, λ, and C3 deposits. Due to an unfavorable progression, a second renal biopsy was performed. Electron microscopy analysis revealed an immunotactoid glomerulopathy. At the same time, a POEMS syndrome diagnosis (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin abnormalities) was confirmed in light of the following: 1) IgG κ monoclonal gammopathy, 2) axonal neuropathy, 3) osteosclerosis, 4) melanoderma, 5) hepatosplenomegaly and adenopathies, 6) Castleman disease, and 7) edema. Our observation is the first case of immunotactoid glomerulopathy leading to the discovery of a POEMS syndrome. Renal involvement in POEMS syndrome typically exhibits a thrombotic microangiopathy-like membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis appearance associated with endothelial lesions stigmata. However, monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disorder should be considered in the event of an atypical case. In this indication, electron microscopy is the examination of choice for assessing immunoglobulin deposition nephropathy. .


[Irreparable isolated dislocation of the radius head].
Isolated traumatic dislocation of the radial head is rare. It occurs when the elbow is partly outstretched and the forearm pronated . Occasionally one is unable to achieve closed reduction. Then the open treatment is necessary. Posttraumatical myositis ossificans was described in the literatur .