New Methods to Study Gustatory Coding.
The sense of taste allows animals to detect chemicals in the environment, giving rise to behaviors critical for survival. When Gustatory Receptor Neurons (GRNs) detect tastant molecules, they encode information about the identity and concentration of the tastant as patterns of electrical activity that then propagate to follower neurons in the brain. These patterns constitute internal representations of the tastant, which then allow the animal to select actions and form memories. The use of relatively simple animal models has been a powerful tool to study basic principles in sensory coding. Here, we propose three new methods to study gustatory coding using the moth Manduca sexta. First, we present a dissection procedure for exposing the maxillary nerves and the subesophageal zone (SEZ), allowing recording of the activity of GRNs from their axons. Second, we describe the use of extracellular electrodes to record the activity of multiple GRNs by placing tetrode wires directly into the maxillary nerve. Third, we present a new system for delivering and monitoring, with high temporal precision, pulses of different tastants. These methods allow the characterization of neuronal responses in vivo directly from GRNs before, during and after tastants are delivered. We provide examples of voltage traces recorded from multiple GRNs, and present an example of how a spike sorting technique can be applied to the data to identify the responses of individual neurons. Finally, to validate our recording approach, we compare extracellular recordings obtained from GRNs with tetrodes to intracellular recordings obtained with sharp glass electrodes.


An overview of indoor air quality and its impact on respiratory health among Malaysian school-aged children.
The indoor environment is a major source of human exposure to pollutants. Some pollutants can have concentrations that are several times higher indoors than outdoors. Prolonged exposure may lead to adverse biologic effects, even at low concentrations. Several studies done in Malaysia had underlined the role of indoor air pollution in affecting respiratory health, especially for school-aged children. A critical review was conducted on the quantitative literature linking indoor air pollution with respiratory illnesses among school-aged children. This paper reviews evidence of the association between indoor air quality (IAQ) and its implications on respiratory health among Malaysian school-aged children. This review summarizes six relevant studies conducted in Malaysia for the past 10 years. Previous epidemiologic studies relevant to indoor air pollutants and their implications on school-aged children's respiratory health were obtained from electronic database and included as a reference in this review. The existing reviewed data emphasize the impact of IAQ parameters, namely, indoor temperature, ventilation rates, indoor concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matters (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and airborne microbes, on children's respiratory health. The study found that most of the Malaysian school-aged children are exposed to the inadequate environment during their times spent either in their houses or in their classrooms, which is not in compliance with the established standards. Children living in households or studying in schools in urban areas are more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses compared with children living in homes or studying in schools in rural areas.


Tunable oscillations in the Purkinje neuron.
In this paper, we experimentally study the dynamics of slow oscillations in Purkinje neurons in vitro, and derive a strong association with a forced parametric oscillator model. We observed the precise rhythmicity of these oscillations in Purkinje neurons, as well as a dynamic tunability of this oscillation using a photoswitchable compound. We found that this slow oscillation can be induced in every Purkinje neuron measured, having periods ranging between 10 and 25 s. Starting from a Hodgkin-Huxley model, we demonstrate that this oscillation can be externally modulated, and that the neurons will return to their intrinsic firing frequency after the forced oscillation is concluded. These findings signify an additional timing functional role of tunable oscillations within the cerebellum, as well as a dynamic control of a time scale in the brain in the range of seconds.


Responses of the Plant Cell Wall to Sub-Zero Temperatures: A Brief Update.
Our general understanding of plant responses to sub-zero temperatures focuses on mechanisms that mitigate stress to the plasma membrane. The plant cell wall receives comparatively less attention, and questions surrounding its role in mitigating freezing injury remain unresolved. Despite recent molecular discoveries that provide insight into acclimation responses, the goal of reducing freezing injury in herbaceous and woody crops remains elusive. This is likely due to the complexity associated with adaptations to low temperatures. Understanding how leaf cell walls of herbaceous annuals promote tissue tolerance to ice does not necessarily lead to understanding how meristematic tissues are protected from freezing by tissue-level barriers formed by cell walls in overwintering tree buds. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of biological ice nucleation and explain how plants control the spatiotemporal location of ice formation. We discuss how sugars and pectin side chains alleviate adhesive injury that develops at sub-zero temperatures between the matrix polysaccharides and ice. The importance of site-specific cell-wall elasticity to promote tissue expansion for ice accommodation and control of porosity to impede ice growth and promote supercooling will be presented. How specific cold-induced proteins modify plant cell walls to mitigate freezing injury will also be discussed. The opinions presented in this report emphasize the importance of a plant's developmental physiology when characterizing mechanisms of freezing survival.


Endovascular Treatment of Large Unruptured Fusiform Fenestrated Vertebrobasilar Junction Aneurysm.
Fenestrated vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms are rare vascular lesions. Microsurgical intervention is extremely difficult due to the complex anatomy in the vicinity of these aneurysms. Endovascular neurosurgery appears to be safe and should be considered as the first modality of treatment. This case study details the treatment of an unruptured fusiform fenestrated vertebrobasilar junction aneurysm with endovascular occlusion with stent-assisted coiling. The optimal angiographic exposure and selective microcatheterization of the aneurysm were challenging due to the patient's body habitus, and the aneurysm was large with one dominant fenestrated limb.


Aquirufa antheringensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Aquirufa nivalisilvae sp. nov., representing a new genus of widespread freshwater bacteria.
Three bacterial strains, 30S-ANTBAC, 103A-SOEBACH and 59G- WUEMPEL, were isolated from two small freshwater creeks and an intermittent pond near Salzburg, Austria. Phylogenetic reconstructions with 16S rRNA gene sequences and, genome based, with amino acid sequences obtained from 119 single copy genes showed that the three strains represent a new genus of the family Cytophagaceae within a clade formed by the genera Pseudarcicella, Arcicella and Flectobacillus. blast searches suggested that the new genus comprises widespread freshwater bacteria. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic traits were investigated. Cells were rod shaped and were able to glide on soft agar. All strains grew chemoorganotrophically and aerobically, were able to assimilate pectin and showed an intense red pigmentation putatively due to various carotenoids. Two strains possessed genes putatively encoding proteorhodopsin and retinal biosynthesis. Genome sequencing revealed genome sizes between 2.5 and 3.1 Mbp and G+C contents between 38.0 and 42.7 mol%. For the new genus we propose the name Aquirufa gen. nov. Pairwise-determined whole-genome average nucleotide identity values suggested that the three strains represent two new species within the new genus for which we propose the names Aquirufa antheringensis sp. nov. for strain 30S-ANTBACT (=JCM 32977T =LMG 31079T=DSM 108553T) as type species of the genus, to which also belongs strain 103A-SOEBACH (=DSM 108555=LMG 31082) and Aquirufa nivalisilvae sp. nov. for strain 59G-WUEMPELT (=LMG 31081T =DSM 108554T).


[Non-steroid antirheumatic agents. Criteria for a rational selection].
It becomes more and more difficult for the physician to inform himself, because the number of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs will arise. Therefore some preponderant clinical parameters should be taken into mind as basis of a rational treatment before prescribing a special NSAID. With regard to pharmacological action and therapeutic efficacy there are mentioned strength of antiinflammatory action, corticosteroid sparing effect, protein binding and drug levels in inflamed tissue. Assessment of tolerance should include inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, occult gastrointestinal blood loss, half-life, route of renal elimination, drug interactions, DNA-repair and DNA-synthesis. Drugs on which published results concerning these parameters are available should be preferably prescribed.


A CRISPR screen for factors regulating SAMHD1 degradation identifies IFITMs as potent inhibitors of lentiviral particle delivery.
The InterFeron Induced TransMembrane (IFITM) proteins are interferon stimulated genes that restrict many viruses, including HIV-1. SAMHD1 is another restriction factor blocking replication of HIV-1 and other viruses. Some lentiviruses evolved Vpx/Vpr proteins to degrade SAMHD1. However, this viral antagonism can be perturbed by host mechanisms: a recent study showed that in interferon (IFN) treated THP1 cells, Vpx is unable to degrade SAMHD1. In the present work, we designed an Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISGs)-targeted CRISPR knockout screen in order to identify ISGs regulating this phenotype. We found that IFITM proteins contribute to the IFNα-mediated protection of SAMHD1 by blocking VSV-G-mediated entry of the lentiviral particles delivering Vpx. Consistent with this, IFNα treatment and IFITM expression had no effect when the A-MLV envelope was used for pseudotyping. Using an assay measuring viral entry, we show that IFNα and IFITMs directly block the delivery of Vpx into cells by inhibiting VSV-G viral fusion. Strikingly, the VSV-G envelope was significantly more sensitive to this IFNα entry block and to IFITMs than HIV-1's natural envelope. This highlights important differences between VSV-G pseudotyped and wild-type HIV-1, in particular relative to the pathways they use for viral entry, suggesting that HIV-1 may have evolved to escape restriction factors blocking entry.


Iontophoretic treatment of experimental pseudomonas keratitis in rabbit eyes using gentamicin-loaded hydrogels.
To evaluate the efficacy of iontophoresis using a hydrogel probe containing gentamicin for the treatment of Pseudomonas keratitis in the rabbit cornea. Five groups (Groups 1-5) of 8 rabbits each were infected by injecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa into their corneas. Three dosings of corneal iontophoresis were performed, at intervals of 3.5 hours, using soft disposable gentamicin-loaded hydroxyethyl methacrylate hydrogel discs mounted on a portable iontophoretic device. Groups 1 and 2 were treated with corneal iontophoresis for 60 seconds and a current of 0.5 and 0.2 mA. Groups 3 and 4 were treated with hydrogel loaded with 0.9% NaCl solution, using a current of 0.2 mA and mock iontophoresis. Group 5 was treated with eye drops of 1.4% gentamicin every hour for 8 hours. One and a half hours after the last treatment, the animals were killed, and the corneas were excised and cultured for P. aeruginosa count after 24-hour incubation. After iontophoretic treatment of gentamicin with a current of 0.5 mA (Group 1), the logarithmic value of Pseudomonas colony-forming units (CFUs) was 2.96 +/- 0.45. After lower current iontophoretic treatment (Group 2), the logarithmic Pseudomonas count was 5.25 +/- 0.54 CFUs. At the control groups (Groups 3-5), the Pseudomonas counts were found to be much higher, 7.62 +/- 0.28, 7.22 +/- 0.29, and 6.29 +/- 0.45 CFUs, respectively. A short iontophoretic treatment using gentamicin-loaded hydrogels has potential clinical value in treating corneal infections.


[Control of Haemophilus influenzae infections].
The results of all clinical trials and mass immunization programmes carried out over the past few years are extremely encouraging and should be the prelude to systematic immunization. Three vaccines that are immunogenic in infants over 6 weeks old, are now available: HbOC linked to diphtheria toxin, PRP-OMP linked to a meningococcus protein, and PRP-T linked to tetanus toxoid. Their safety has been demonstrated particularly when administration at a very early age before the period of risk. Efficacy has been demonstrated, even in population groups who do not respond well to non-conjugate vaccines. Immunogenicity persists even in unfavourable contexts such as individuals with sickle-cell anaemia or leukosis or a previous history of vaccine failure. The duration of immunity amply covers the period of risk and probably a longer because of the booster effect of natural infections. The possibility of combining Hib vaccine with other routine immunizations in infancy will reduce the cost of this additional immunization. Thus it is possible to envisage its integration into immunization programmes in developing countries. Cost/benefit studies show advantages. What is needed now is to achieve high immunization coverage, guaranteeing efficacy of immunization at national level, by ensuring that health personnel as well as families are fully informed about the seriousness of Hib infections and the good tolerance and efficacy of the conjugate vaccines.


[A brief history of prevention and treatment of diphtheria in modern TCM].
During this 200 years, traditional medical professionals had paid high attention to diphtheria, an epidemic disease, and had underwent a whole understanding process from the initial stage to active and gradual improvement of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment etc. Many physicians summarized a series of effective treatment, defined "nourishing yin and clearing the lung (Yong Yin Qing Fei)" as basic principle, with Yang Yin Qing Fei Decoction as a specific prescription exclusively applied for diphtheria and obtained considerable curative effect. TCM did make contributions to its prevention and treatment before effective treatment in biomedicine appeared in China. Meanwhile, the measures and experiences was a great innovation in modern TCM and provided valuable experiences for conquering epidemic diseases.


Cytokine therapy with gene-transfected cells: single injection of irradiated granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-transduced cells accelerates hematopoietic recovery after cytotoxic chemotherapy in mice.
Development of cell-based delivery systems that can release therapeutic levels of hematopoietic growth factors into the systemic circulation would facilitate treatment of patients requiring cytokine therapy. In this study, we have investigated the potential of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-secreting, irradiated syngeneic murine cells to accelerate hematopoietic recovery after cytotoxic chemotherapy. As a model, CMS-5 fibrosarcoma cells, were transduced with a retroviral vector containing the murine GM-CSF cDNA. Transduced cells secreted 38 ng GM-CSF/10(6) cells in 24 hours. After irradiation, in vitro GM-CSF production initially increased up to fivefold and was measurable for about 2 weeks. One and 2 days after injection of irradiated, GM-CSF-secreting CMS-5 cells (N2/CMVGM-CSF/CMS5 # 6 cells) into mice, GM-CSF serum levels of 405 +/- 58 pg/mL and 183 +/- 36 pg/mL were measured, respectively. Serum levels were comparable with levels detected 3 hours after injection of 100 ng recombinant murine GM-CSF (rmGM-CSF) subcutaneously (90 pg/mL). Injection of N2/CMVGM-CSF/CMS5 # 6 cells in cyclophosphamide-treated mice was as effective in accelerating neutrophil recovery as twice daily subcutaneous injections of rmGM-CSF. These data suggest that irradiated hematopoietic growth factor-secreting cells might offer an alternative to parenteral injections of recombinant cytokines in the treatment of neutropenic patients.


Evolution of Cis-Regulatory Elements and Regulatory Networks in Duplicated Genes of Arabidopsis.
Plant genomes contain large numbers of duplicated genes that contribute to the evolution of new functions. Following duplication, genes can exhibit divergence in their coding sequence and their expression patterns. Changes in the cis-regulatory element landscape can result in changes in gene expression patterns. High-throughput methods developed recently can identify potential cis-regulatory elements on a genome-wide scale. Here, we use a recent comprehensive data set of DNase I sequencing-identified cis-regulatory binding sites (footprints) at single-base-pair resolution to compare binding sites and network connectivity in duplicated gene pairs in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found that duplicated gene pairs vary greatly in their cis-regulatory element architecture, resulting in changes in regulatory network connectivity. Whole-genome duplicates (WGDs) have approximately twice as many footprints in their promoters left by potential regulatory proteins than do tandem duplicates (TDs). The WGDs have a greater average number of footprint differences between paralogs than TDs. The footprints, in turn, result in more regulatory network connections between WGDs and other genes, forming denser, more complex regulatory networks than shown by TDs. When comparing regulatory connections between duplicates, WGDs had more pairs in which the two genes are either partially or fully diverged in their network connections, but fewer genes with no network connections than the TDs. There is evidence of younger TDs and WGDs having fewer unique connections compared with older duplicates. This study provides insights into cis-regulatory element evolution and network divergence in duplicated genes.


Addition of N-glycosylation sites on the globular head of the H5 hemagglutinin induces the escape of highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 viruses from vaccine-induced immunity.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 viruses remain endemic in poultry in several countries and still constitute a pandemic threat. Since the early 20th century, we experienced four influenza A pandemics. H3N2 and H1N1pdm09 viruses that respectively emerged during 1968 and 2009 pandemics are still responsible for seasonal epidemics. These viruses evolve regularly by substitutions in antigenic sites of the hemagglutinin (HA), which prevent neutralization by antibodies directed against previous strains (antigenic drift). For seasonal H3N2 viruses, an addition of N-glycosylation sites (glycosites) on H3 contributed to this drift. Here, we questioned whether additional glycosites on H5 could induce an escape of H5N1 virus from neutralization, as it was observed for seasonal H3N2 viruses. Seven H5N1 mutants were produced by adding glycosites on H5. The most glycosylated virus escaped from neutralizing antibodies, in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a single additional glycosite was responsible for this escape.


Purification and characterization of palmitoyl-CoA ligase from rat brain microsomes.
We have previously shown the existence of two separate enzymes for the synthesis of palmitoyl-CoA and lignoceroyl-CoA in rat brain microsomal membranes (1). Palmitoyl-CoA ligase activity was solubilized from brain microsomal membranes with 0.3% Triton X-100 and purified 93-fold by a combination of protein purification techniques. The Km values for the substrates palmitic acid, CoASH and ATP were 11.7 microM, 5.88 microM and 3.77 mM respectively. During activation of palmitic acid ATP is hydrolyzed to AMP and pyrophosphate, as evidenced by the inhibition of this activation by 5 mM concentrations of AMP, pyrophosphate or AMP and pyrophosphate to 70%, 60% and 85% respectively. The divalent metal ion Mg2+ was required for activity; its replacement with Mn2+ resulted in a 35% decrease in activity. Palmitoyl-CoA ligase activity was inhibited by the addition of oleic or stearic acids whereas addition of lignoceric acid or behenic acid had no effect. This supports our previous observation that palmitoyl-CoA and lignoceroyl-CoA are synthesized by two different enzymes in rat brain microsomal membranes.


Mitigating the Consequences of Subconcussive Head Injuries.
Subconcussive head injury represents a pathophysiology that spans the expertise of both clinical neurology and biomechanical engineering. From both viewpoints, the terms injury and damage, presented without qualifiers, are synonymously taken to mean a tissue alteration that may be recoverable. For clinicians, concussion is evolving from a purely clinical diagnosis to one that requires objective measurement, to be achieved by biomedical engineers. Subconcussive injury is defined as subclinical pathophysiology in which underlying cellular- or tissue-level damage (here, to the brain) is not severe enough to present readily observable symptoms. Our concern is not whether an individual has a (clinically diagnosed) concussion, but rather, how much accumulative damage an individual can tolerate before they will experience long-term deficit(s) in neurological health. This concern leads us to look for the history of damage-inducing events, while evaluating multiple approaches for avoiding injury through reduction or prevention of the associated mechanically induced damage.


Synthesis of [¹⁸F]-labelled maltose derivatives as PET tracers for imaging bacterial infection.
To develop novel positron emission tomography (PET) agents for visualization and therapy monitoring of bacterial infections. It is known that maltose and maltodextrins are energy sources for bacteria. Hence, (18)F-labelled maltose derivatives could be a valuable tool for imaging bacterial infections. We have developed methods to synthesize 4-O-(α-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-deoxy-6-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucopyranoside (6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose) and 4-O-(α-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-deoxy-1-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucopyranoside (1-[(18)F]fluoromaltose) as bacterial infection PET imaging agents. 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose was prepared from precursor 1,2,3-tri-O-acetyl-4-O-(2',3',-di-O-acetyl-4',6'-benzylidene-α-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-deoxy-6-nosyl-D-glucopranoside (5). The synthesis involved the radio-fluorination of 5 followed by acidic and basic hydrolysis to give 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose. In an analogous procedure, 1-[(18)F]fluoromaltose was synthesized from 2,3, 6-tri-O-acetyl-4-O-(2',3',4',6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-deoxy-1-O-triflyl-D-glucopranoside (9). Stability of 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and human and mouse serum at 37 °C was determined. Escherichia coli uptake of 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose was examined. A reliable synthesis of 1- and 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose has been accomplished with 4-6 and 5-8% radiochemical yields, respectively (decay-corrected with 95 % radiochemical purity). 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose was sufficiently stable over the time span needed for PET studies (∼96% intact compound after 1-h and ∼65% after 2-h incubation in serum). Bacterial uptake experiments indicated that E. coli transports 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose. Competition assays showed that the uptake of 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose was completely blocked by co-incubation with 1 mM of the natural substrate maltose. We have successfully synthesized 1- and 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose via direct fluorination of appropriate protected maltose precursors. Bacterial uptake experiments in E. coli and stability studies suggest a possible application of 6-[(18)F]fluoromaltose as a new PET imaging agent for visualization and monitoring of bacterial infections.


A single double-strand break system reveals repair dynamics and mechanisms in heterochromatin and euchromatin.
Repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) must be properly orchestrated in diverse chromatin regions to maintain genome stability. The choice between two main DSB repair pathways, nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR), is regulated by the cell cycle as well as chromatin context.Pericentromeric heterochromatin forms a distinct nuclear domain that is enriched for repetitive DNA sequences that pose significant challenges for genome stability. Heterochromatic DSBs display specialized temporal and spatial dynamics that differ from euchromatic DSBs. Although HR is thought to be the main pathway used to repair heterochromatic DSBs, direct tests of this hypothesis are lacking. Here, we developed an in vivo single DSB system for both heterochromatic and euchromatic loci in Drosophila melanogaster Live imaging of single DSBs in larval imaginal discs recapitulates the spatio-temporal dynamics observed for irradiation (IR)-induced breaks in cell culture. Importantly, live imaging and sequence analysis of repair products reveal that DSBs in euchromatin and heterochromatin are repaired with similar kinetics, employ both NHEJ and HR, and can use homologous chromosomes as an HR template. This direct analysis reveals important insights into heterochromatin DSB repair in animal tissues and provides a foundation for further explorations of repair mechanisms in different chromatin domains.


Confinement-induced phase transition and hysteresis in colloidal forces for surfactant layers on hydrophobic surfaces.
In this paper we consider surfactant solutions near a pair of interfaces. It is well-known that strong lateral interactions between surfactant molecules give rise to a step in the adsorption isotherm. In a self-consistent field theory, such a step in the adsorbed amount shows up as a van der Waals loop. The consequence of such a loop for surface force experiments is analyzed. From adsorption isotherms at fixed confinement we extract the relevant adsorbed amounts for a fixed chemical potential as a function of the confinement. A cusped structure is found for the relation between the interaction energy and the slit width: there is a confinement-induced first-order phase transition. The corresponding interaction curve has a kink at the binodal slit distance. Metastable branches as well as an unstable branch (bracketed by the two spinodal points) are presented. The metastability is expected to give rise to force hysteresis in, e.g., atomic force microscope or surface force apparatus experiments, distinctly different from those due to mechanical instabilities of the cantilever system.


Renal vasculitis.
During most of the 20th century, the medical literature on systemic vasculitis has been dominated by "splitters," who sought to characterize the precise clinical and pathologic differences among these diseases. However, in the past decade in particular, those interested in renal vasculitis have tended to become "lumpers," who stressed overlap, particularly among patients with microscopic polyarteritis, necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis, and Wegener's granulomatosis. The discovery of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies has provided additional evidence of commonality among these renal vasculitides. The overlapping extended, to a considerable extent, to therapy as well. In the presence of severe glomerulonephritis, there is general consensus that methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide are the preferred induction therapies. Controlled trials mostly fail to support the efficacy of adjunctive plasma exchange. Attempts to minimize risks of cyclophosphamide therapy focus on maintenance therapy with azathioprine or intermittent pulse cyclophosphamide. Contemporary series show that 5-year patient and kidney survival rates with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated renal vasculitis range from 60% to 80%.


Castleman Disease Presenting as an Abdominal Mass.
Unicentric Castleman disease is a rare condition of lymphoid hyperplasia, of which only 15% of cases occur in the abdomen. We report a 66-year-old man who presented with complaints of abdominal pain. Computed tomography scans revealed nephrolithiasis and a homogeneous calcified mass between the pancreas and stomach and several para-pancreatic nodes. Direct visualization during exploratory laparotomy revealed a mass on the lesser curvature of the stomach. Pyloromyotomy and mass resection were performed. Biopsy showed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia consistent with the hyaline vascular variant of Castleman disease.


Statistical quality control methods in infection control and hospital epidemiology, part I: Introduction and basic theory.
This article is the first in a two-part series discussing and illustrating the application of statistical process control (SPC) to processes often examined by hospital epidemiologists. The basic philosophical and theoretical foundations of statistical quality control and their relation to epidemiology are emphasized in order to expand mutual understanding and cross-fertilization between these two disciplines. Part I provides an overview of quality engineering and SPC, illustrates common types of control charts, and provides references for further information or statistical formulae. Part II discusses statistical properties of control charts, issues of chart design and optimal control limit widths, alternate possible SPC approaches to infection control, some common misunderstandings, and more advanced issues. The focus of both articles is mostly non-mathematical, emphasizing important concepts and practical examples rather than academic theory and exhaustive calculations.


[Budd-Chiari syndrome with thrombosis of the inferior vena cava. Treatment by mesenterico-innominate shunt].
We report two cases of patients, 12 and 28 years old, suffering from a Budd-Chiari syndrome with a thrombosed inferior vena cava, who were treated by a shunt interposed between the superior mesenteric vein and the left innominate vein. The aim of this shunt was to avoid pericardiotomy in these patients with peroperative ascites, in order to reduce the risk of pericarditis after surgery. A reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis (Gore-Tex) was used, associated with an interposition jugular vein graft in the 12-year old child, alone in the other case. The left innominate vein was isolated through a midline sternotomy, and the prosthesis was placed in a retrosternal position. Operation and postoperative course were uneventful. All signs of ascites disappeared. The patients were free of symptoms, 8 and 4 months after surgery respectively. Shunt patency was documented by angiography and magnetic nuclear resonance.


Concurrent Label-Free Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Dystrophin Isoform Dp427 and the Myofibrosis Marker Collagen in Crude Extracts from mdx-4cv Skeletal Muscles.
The full-length dystrophin protein isoform of 427 kDa (Dp427), the absence of which represents the principal abnormality in X-linked muscular dystrophy, is difficult to identify and characterize by routine proteomic screening approaches of crude tissue extracts. This is probably related to its large molecular size, its close association with the sarcolemmal membrane, and its existence within a heterogeneous glycoprotein complex. Here, we used a careful extraction procedure to isolate the total protein repertoire from normal versus dystrophic mdx-4cv skeletal muscles, in conjunction with label-free mass spectrometry, and successfully identified Dp427 by proteomic means. In contrast to a considerable number of previous comparative studies of the total skeletal muscle proteome, using whole tissue proteomics we show here for the first time that the reduced expression of this membrane cytoskeletal protein is the most significant alteration in dystrophinopathy. This agrees with the pathobiochemical concept that the almost complete absence of dystrophin is the main defect in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and that the mdx-4cv mouse model of dystrophinopathy exhibits only very few revertant fibers. Significant increases in collagens and associated fibrotic marker proteins, such as fibronectin, biglycan, asporin, decorin, prolargin, mimecan, and lumican were identified in dystrophin-deficient muscles. The up-regulation of collagen in mdx-4cv muscles was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting. Thus, this is the first mass spectrometric study of crude tissue extracts that puts the proteomic identification of dystrophin in its proper pathophysiological context.


Integrative treatment of herbal medicine with western medicine on coronary artery lesions in children with Kawasaki disease.
Kawasaki disease (KD) is a major cause of coronary artery lesions (CALs) in children. Approximately 10% to 20% of children treated with intravenous immunoglobulin are intravenous immunoglobulin-resistant. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of adding herbal medicine to conventional western medicines versus conventional western medicines alone for CALs in children with KD. This study searched 9 electronic databases until August 31, 2021. The inclusion criteria were the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the CALs in children with KD and compared integrative treatment with conventional western treatments. Two authors searched independently for RCTs, including eligible articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager 5.4 software. The effect size was presented as the risk ratio (RR), and the fixed-effect models were used to pool the results. The finally selected 12 studies included a total of 1030 KD patients. According to a meta-analysis, the integrative treatment showed better results than the conventional treatment in the CAL prevalence rate (RR = 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-2.71; P < .00001), CAL recovery rate (RR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.54; P = .02), and total effective rate (RR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11-1.23; P < .00001). Only 2 studies referred to the safety of the treatment. The asymmetrical funnel plot of the CAL prevalence rate indicated the possibility of potential publication bias. This review found the integrative treatment to be more effective in reducing the CAL prevalence rate and increasing the CAL recovery rate and total effective rate in KD patients than conventional western treatment. However, additional well-designed RCTs will be needed further to compensate restrictions of insufficient trials on safety, methodological quality, and publication bias.


Palladium Nanoparticles Supported on Titanium-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Formic Acid Dehydrogenation.
Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on Ti-doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 ) were synthesized by a deposition-precipitation route and a subsequent reduction with NaBH4 . The features of the NPs were studied by XRD, TEM, FTIR, XPS, EXAFS and N2 -physisorption measurements. It was found that the NPs had an average size of 2.9 nm and presented a high dispersion on the surface of Ti-doped g-C3 N4 . Compared to Pd loaded on pristine g-C3 N4 , the Pd NPs supported on Ti-doped g-C3 N4 exhibited a high catalytic activity in formic acid dehydrogenation in water at room temperature. The enhanced activity could be attributed to the small Pd NPs size, as well as the strong interaction between Pd NPs and Ti-doped g-C3 N4 .


Predicting energy requirements: is energy expenditure proportional to the BMR or to body weight? An analysis of data collected in rural Gambian women.
It has been suggested that energy requirements are either proportional to the BMR (FAO/WHO/UNU, 1985) or to body weight (WHO, 1973). The present analysis sought to distinguish between these two possibilities by determining whether, in rural Gambian women, energy expenditure was more nearly proportional to the BMR or to body weight. For nine of eleven common daily activities energy expenditure expressed per kg body weight was significantly lower in heavier compared to lighter individuals, indicating that energy expenditure was not proportional to weight. Since, in a preliminary analysis, it was found that in Gambian women BMR was roughly proportional to weight raised to the power 0.5, energy expenditure was also compared per kg. For ten of the eleven activities there were no significant differences between different weight groups in the energy costs expressed per kg, and it follows from this that in Gambian women the energy cost of common daily activities was more nearly proportional to the BMR than it was to body weight. Possible reasons for and implications of these results are discussed.


[Treatment of Stroke Patients with Shoulder-wrist Syndrome by Acupoint Catgut Embedding and Surface Electromyogram Biofeedback Therapy].
To observe the clinical effectiveness of acupoint catgut embedding and surface electromyogram biofeedback therapy (sEMGBF) in the treatment of stroke patients complicated with shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS). A total of 90 stroke patients with SHS were randomly divided into acupoint catgut embedment (ACE), sEMGBF and ACE+sEMGBF (combined treatment) groups (n=30 cases/group). The catgut embedment was performed at Jianliao (LI 14), Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5) on the affected side, once every 3 weeks, twice altogether. The electromyographic biofeedback therapy (30-50 Hz, pulse duration 200 µs, 6 s-on and 10 s-off, appropriate strength) was applied to the skin area co-vering the deltoid muscle, flexor muscle of wrist and wrist extensor for 20 min, once per day, 5 times/week, for 6 weeks. The total effective rate was assessed by using Liao's and Zhu's methods (1996), the pain severity assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA, 66-points) scale and the patients' activities of daily living function (ADL, 100-points) were also scored. Before treatment, the VAS, FMA and ADL points of the three groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). After the treatment, the total effective rate (93.33%), FMA and ADL scores of the combined treatment group were significantly higher than those of the ACE and sEMGBF groups (P<0.05), while the VAS score of the combined treatment group was significantly lower than those of the ACE and sEMGBF groups (P<0.05). The total effective rates, FMA and ADL scores of the ACE and sEMGBF groups were comparable (P>0.05). The VAS score of the ACE group was markedly lower than that of the sEMGBF group (P<0.05). The combined administration of ACE and sEMGBF has a better therapeutic effect for stroke patients complicated with SHS relevant to simple ACE and simple sEMGBF therapy in improving the upper limb function, relieving pain, and enhancing the daily life quality.


Organization of the "Marine Colony" for children with tuberculosis in Rijeka (Croatia): entanglement between medicine and politics.
Tuberculosis was a major public health concern in the beginning of the 20th century. Since medications were not available at the time, therapy in general was based on health education, healing effects of climate, nutrition and rest. The Marine Colony was founded in 1924 in Rijeka, a city with turbulent political history, by the Antitubercular Consortium which was part of a planned program for the fight against tuberculosis on a national level in the whole of Italy. The Colony in Rijeka, Croatia specialised in care of children with clinical tuberculosis or under greater risk of developing disease. This article gives an overview of the medical treatment provided for children in Colony, as well as pointing out the political-agenda at that period.


Pyrimidine Pathway-Dependent and -Independent Functions of the Toxoplasma gondii Mitochondrial Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase.
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) mediates the fourth step of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis and is a proven drug target for inducing immunosuppression in therapy of human disease as well as a rapidly emerging drug target for treatment of malaria. In Toxoplasma gondii, disruption of the first, fifth, or sixth step of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis induced uracil auxotrophy. However, previous attempts to generate uracil auxotrophy by genetically deleting the mitochondrion-associated DHODH of T. gondii (TgDHODH) failed. To further address the essentiality of TgDHODH, mutant gene alleles deficient in TgDHODH activity were designed to ablate the enzyme activity. Replacement of the endogenous DHODH gene with catalytically deficient DHODH gene alleles induced uracil auxotrophy. Catalytically deficient TgDHODH localized to the mitochondria, and parasites retained mitochondrial membrane potential. These results show that TgDHODH is essential for the synthesis of pyrimidines and suggest that TgDHODH is required for a second essential function independent of its role in pyrimidine biosynthesis.


Preference weights for cost-outcome analyses of schizophrenia treatments: comparison of four stakeholder groups.
This study quantified preferences for schizophrenia outcomes in four stakeholder groups, tested the hypotheses that outcomes differ in importance and stakeholder groups have different preferences, and produced preference weights for seven outcomes for cost-outcome analysis. Fifty patients with schizophrenia, 50 clinicians, 41 family members of patients, and 50 members of the general public rated 16 schizophrenia-related health states, yielding preference weights for seven outcomes: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, social function, independent living, and vocational function. Outcomes differed in importance (F = 23.4, p < 0.01). All stakeholders rated positive symptoms and social functioning as more important than negative and extrapyramidal symptoms. Stakeholder groups had different preferences (F = 1.9, p = 0.01). Patients rated extrapyramidal symptoms as more important than did other groups (p < 0.01); clinicians rated social functioning as more important than did patients or family members (p < 0.05); and clinicians and family members rated vocational functioning as more important than did patients and the general public (p < 0.05). Results show that schizophrenia outcomes are not equally important and that stakeholder groups value outcomes differently, demonstrating the importance of incorporating stakeholder preferences in cost-outcome analyses and other treatment comparisons.


Examination of Enterococcus faecalis Toxin-Antitoxin System Toxin Fst Function Utilizing a Pheromone-Inducible Expression Vector with Tight Repression and Broad Dynamic Range.
Tools for regulated gene expression in Enterococcus faecalis are extremely limited. In this report, we describe the construction of an expression vector for E. faecalis, designated pCIE, utilizing the PQ pheromone-responsive promoter of plasmid pCF10. We demonstrate that this promoter is tightly repressed, responds to nanogram quantities of the peptide pheromone, and has a large dynamic range. To demonstrate its utility, the promoter was used to control expression of the toxic peptides of two par family toxin-antitoxin (TA) loci present in E. faecalis, parpAD1 of the pAD1 plasmid and parEF0409 located on the E. faecalis chromosome. The results demonstrated differences in the modes of regulation of toxin expression and in the effects of toxins of these two related systems. We anticipate that this vector will be useful for further investigation of par TA system function as well as the regulated expression of other genes in E. faecalisIMPORTANCEE. faecalis is an important nosocomial pathogen and a model organism for examination of the genetics and physiology of Gram-positive cocci. While numerous genetic tools have been generated for the manipulation of this organism, vectors for the regulated expression of cloned genes remain limited by high background expression and the use of inducers with undesirable effects on the cell. Here we demonstrate that the PQ pheromone-responsive promoter is repressed tightly enough to allow cloning of TA system toxins and evaluate their effects at very low induction levels. This tool will allow us to more fully examine TA system function in E. faecalis and to further elucidate its potential roles in cell physiology.


Species diversity of mosquitoes of the Genus Culex (Diptera, Culicidae) in the coastal areas of the Persian Gulf.
Lack of information about the dispersal of vector species barricade surveillance and control. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the species diversity of Culex mosquito's larvae in the coastal areas of the Persian Gulf. Mosquito larvae were collected from six places in three main environmental categories: urban (UA), rural (RA) and uninhabited areas (UNA), using dipping technique. Four dips were taken from each breeding site (350 ml each). Larval investigation was conducted two times a month during the study period. Diversity studies were conducted separately for each category by calculating classic diversity indices. In total, 1369 specimens belonging to 10 different species were collected and identified, as follows: Culex hortensis, Cx. laticinctus, Cx. mimeticus, Cx. perexiguus, Cx. pipiens, Cx. modestus, Cx. sinaiticus, Cx. theileri, Cx. torrentium and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus. None of these mosquito species have been recorded previously in this region. Diversity analysis indicated higher species richness for RA (Margalef 1/26). The average diversity indices for the three environment types ranged from 1.50 to 1.64 for Shannon index and from 0.730 to 0.738 for Simpson index. Biodiversity analysis indicated that species diversity in rural, urban and uninhabited areas is somewhat similar. Therefore, attention to all areas in vector control programs is essential.


Aging and scanning of imagined and perceived visual images.
The authors examined adult age differences in the proficiency of visually scanning across perceived and imagined displays. Participants were asked to indicate whether an arrow in the central region of a square grid ring pointed to a target square. The distance between arrow and target was varied, and all participants showed the expected increase in response times and error rates as scanning distance increased. The arrow and grid display either remained visible until the participant responded (perceptual condition) or disappeared after 50 ms (imagery condition). In both conditions, older participants required more time to scan and made more errors as distance increased than did younger participants. These findings conflict with previous studies showing that perceptual and imagery scanning are preserved with aging. Although methodological factors may have contributed to these differences, further research is needed to elucidate effects of aging on visual scanning.


[Rostral curvature of the proximal visceral segment--a previously unknown embryonal movement].
Before the development of the chondrocranium within the head region of the human embryo the following different, so far unknown, tissue shifts are demonstrable: Because of the dorsal brain- sheats of the rostral regions of the brain (mes- and diencephalon) don't have yet blood-vessels (area avasculosa ), they are unable to increase and have to be completed by material from more caudal regions. Therefore from the middle of the 5th up to the end of the 7th week of the embryonic life the mesenchymal and ectodermal rhombencephalic brain- sheats are drawn from caudal to rostral. This becomes possible because the rhombencephalon by that passively is put into the pontine and the neck flexures, which also shift rostralwards , thus allowing the hindbrain to shorten. The proximal ends of the visceral arches I and II, where the anlagen of the temporomandibular joint and of the ear are localized, are parts of the latero-basal rhombencephalic brain- sheats . They take part in of this rostral shift. By that all their axial structures, the first branchial groove and the anlage of the auricle synchronistically undergo positional changes proving the rostral bend of the proximal region of the two visceral arches.


Circular RNA: an emerging key player in RNA world.
Insights into the circular RNA (circRNA) exploration have revealed that they are abundant in eukaryotic transcriptomes. Diverse genomic regions can generate different types of RNA circles, implying their diversity. Covalently closed loop structures elevate the stability of this new type of noncoding RNA. High-throughput sequencing analyses suggest that circRNAs exhibit tissue- and developmental-specific expression, indicating that they may play crucial roles in multiple cellular processes. Strikingly, several circRNAs could function as microRNA sponges and regulate gene transcription, highlighting a new class of important regulators. Here, we review the recent advances in knowledge of endogenous circRNA biogenesis, properties and functions. We further discuss the current findings about circRNAs in human diseases. In plants, the roles of circRNAs remain a mystery. Online resources and bioinformatics identification of circRNAs are essential for the analysis of circRNA biology, although different strategies yield divergent results. The understanding of circRNA functions remains limited; however, circRNAs are enriching the RNA world, acting as an emerging key player.


Extending the Use of Highly Porous and Functionalized MOFs to Th(IV) Capture.
Thorium separation has recently become a hot topic because of the potential application of thorium as a future nuclear fuel, while metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have received much attention in the separation field due to their unique properties. Herein, a highly porous and stable MOF, UiO-66, and its carboxyl derivatives (UiO-66-COOH and UiO-66-(COOH)2) were synthesized and explored for the first time for Th(IV) capture from a weak acidic solution. Although the introduction of carboxyl groups into UiO-66 leads to an obvious decrease in the surface area and pore volume, the adsorbability toward Th(IV) is greatly enhanced. At pH = 3.0, the saturated sorption capacity for Th(IV) into UiO-66-(COOH)2 reached 350 mg/g, representing one of the largest values for Th(IV) capture by solid extraction. Moreover, the functionalized MOFs show fast sorption kinetics and desirable selectivity toward Th(IV) over a range of competing metal ions. A possible mechanism for the selective recognition of Th(IV) by these MOFs was explored on the basis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure and Fourier transform infrared analysis. It is concluded that UiO-66-COOH and UiO-66-(COOH)2 sorb Th(IV) through the coordination of carboxyl anions in the pores of the MOFs, whereas in the case of UiO-66, both the precipitation and the exchange with the organic solvent contribute to the Th(IV) uptake. This study contributes to the assessment of the feasibility of MOFs applied in actinides separation and better understanding of actinides sorption behavior in this kind of hybrid porous solid materials.


Measurement of the 234U/238U ratio by MC-ICPMS in drinking water, hair, nails, and urine as an indicator of uranium exposure source.
The isotopic ratio (234)U/(238)U in drinking water and in hair, toenail, and urine samples from 45 individuals who consumed 0.2-2775 microg d(-1) of uranium in their drinking water was determined using a multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICPMS). The U/U atom ratio in the water samples varied from 51 x 10(-6) to 252 x 10(-6) whereas in secular equilibrium (i.e., unity activity ratio) the ratio is 54.9 x 10(-6). The correlation of the (234)U/(238)U ratio between hair and nail samples was 0.98, and between hair and nails and urine the ratio was 0.91 and 0.89, respectively. The correlation of the ratio between water and the hair or nails was 0.97 but only 0.72 for water and urine, possibly due to spectral interferences. These results conclusively demonstrated that the uranium found in the bioassays can be traced to the drinking water, thus providing a direct link to the source of exposure. Hair may serve as an excellent indicator of occupational or environmental exposure to uranium and provide information regarding its source. Bioassay of hair is attractive as it is an effective bio-concentrator, samples can be easily stored, the concentration reflects an integrated value, and, finally, the measurement of the (234)U/(238)U isotopic ratio in digested hair samples by MC-ICPMS is feasible and highly informative. Hair bioassay can also be used to assess exposure to depleted uranium long after the subjects have left the area suspected of contamination.


The bisketene radical cation and its formation by oxidative ring-opening of cyclobutenedione.
Parent cyclobutenedione 1 was photolyzed and ionized in an Ar matrix at 10K. The bisketene 2 that results in both cases (in the form of its radical cation after ionization) was characterized by its IR spectrum and by high-level quantum chemical calculations. Experiment and theory show that the neutral bisketene has only a single conformation where the two ketene moieties are nearly perpendicular, whereas the radical cation is present in two stable planar conformations. The mechanism of the ring-opening reaction, both in the neutral and in the radical cation, is discussed on the basis of calculations. In the latter case it is a nonsynchronous process that involves an avoided crossing of states.


Calcium-dependent regulation of protein kinase D revealed by a genetically encoded kinase activity reporter.
Protein kinase D (PKD) regulates many diverse cellular functions in response to diacylglycerol. To monitor PKD signaling in live cells, we generated a genetically encoded fluorescent reporter for PKD activity, DKAR (D kinase activity reporter). DKAR expressed in mammalian cells undergoes reversible fluorescence resonance energy transfer changes upon activation and inhibition of endogenous PKD. Surprisingly, we find that agonist-evoked activation of PKD is driven not only by diacylglycerol production, but by Ca(2+). Furthermore, elevation of intracellular Ca(2+), in the absence of any other stimulus, is sufficient to activate PKD. Concurrent imaging of Ca(2+), diacylglycerol, and PKD activity reveals that thapsigargin-mediated elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) is closely followed by a robust increase in diacylglycerol production, in turn followed by PKD activation. The Ca(2+)-induced production of diacylglycerol and accompanying PKD activation is dependent on phospholipase C activity. These data reveal that Ca(2+) is a major contributor to the initiation of PKD signaling through positive feedback regulation of diacylglycerol production, unveiling a new mechanism in PKD activation.


Mid-infrared and infrared emission spectroscopy of Cu-exchanged montmorillonite.
Middle Infrared Spectroscopy (Mid-IR) and Infrared Emission Spectroscopy (IES) were employed to characterise Cu-exchanged montmorillonites, which were derived from two different types of montmorillonite clays, Ca-exchanged montmorillonite (Cheto clay) and Na-exchanged montmorillonite (Miles clay). Copper was exchanged under both acidic and basic conditions at different Cu/clay ratios. All Cu-exchanged montmorillonites experienced a shift in most of non-lattice bands, with hydroxyl bands playing a major role in the characterisation of the clays. Furthermore, a relationship between the ratio of bands at 3630 and 3500 cm(-1) and the Cu concentration of the starting solutions was indicated and used to compare the degree of cation exchange between two preparation methods. Two dehydration stages were observed in the IES experiments. Additional bands were observed in all Cu-exchanged montmorillonites prepared with the 'basic conditions method,' and these bands were assigned to ammonia molecules trapped within the clay structure or absorbed on the surface of the clay.


3D microstructure design of lithium-ion battery electrodes assisted by X-ray nano-computed tomography and modelling.
Driving range and fast charge capability of electric vehicles are heavily dependent on the 3D microstructure of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) and substantial fundamental research is required to optimise electrode design for specific operating conditions. Here we have developed a full microstructure-resolved 3D model using a novel X-ray nano-computed tomography (CT) dual-scan superimposition technique that captures features of the carbon-binder domain. This elucidates how LiB performance is markedly affected by microstructural heterogeneities, particularly under high rate conditions. The elongated shape and wide size distribution of the active particles not only affect the lithium-ion transport but also lead to a heterogeneous current distribution and non-uniform lithiation between particles and along the through-thickness direction. Building on these insights, we propose and compare potential graded-microstructure designs for next-generation battery electrodes. To guide manufacturing of electrode architectures, in-situ X-ray CT is shown to reliably reveal the porosity and tortuosity changes with incremental calendering steps.


Identification of olfactory volatiles using gas chromatography-multi-unit recordings (GCMR) in the insect antennal lobe.
All organisms inhabit a world full of sensory stimuli that determine their behavioral and physiological response to their environment. Olfaction is especially important in insects, which use their olfactory systems to respond to, and discriminate amongst, complex odor stimuli. These odors elicit behaviors that mediate processes such as reproduction and habitat selection(1-3). Additionally, chemical sensing by insects mediates behaviors that are highly significant for agriculture and human health, including pollination(4-6), herbivory of food crops(7), and transmission of disease(8,9). Identification of olfactory signals and their role in insect behavior is thus important for understanding both ecological processes and human food resources and well-being. To date, the identification of volatiles that drive insect behavior has been difficult and often tedious. Current techniques include gas chromatography-coupled electroantennogram recording (GC-EAG), and gas chromatography-coupled single sensillum recordings (GC-SSR)(10-12). These techniques proved to be vital in the identification of bioactive compounds. We have developed a method that uses gas chromatography coupled to multi-channel electrophysiological recordings (termed 'GCMR') from neurons in the antennal lobe (AL; the insect's primary olfactory center)(13,14). This state-of-the-art technique allows us to probe how odor information is represented in the insect brain. Moreover, because neural responses to odors at this level of olfactory processing are highly sensitive owing to the degree of convergence of the antenna's receptor neurons into AL neurons, AL recordings will allow the detection of active constituents of natural odors efficiently and with high sensitivity. Here we describe GCMR and give an example of its use. Several general steps are involved in the detection of bioactive volatiles and insect response. Volatiles first need to be collected from sources of interest (in this example we use flowers from the genus Mimulus (Phyrmaceae)) and characterized as needed using standard GC-MS techniques(14-16). Insects are prepared for study using minimal dissection, after which a recording electrode is inserted into the antennal lobe and multi-channel neural recording begins. Post-processing of the neural data then reveals which particular odorants cause significant neural responses by the insect nervous system. Although the example we present here is specific to pollination studies, GCMR can be expanded to a wide range of study organisms and volatile sources. For instance, this method can be used in the identification of odorants attracting or repelling vector insects and crop pests. Moreover, GCMR can also be used to identify attractants for beneficial insects, such as pollinators. The technique may be expanded to non-insect subjects as well.


Respiratory depression associated with meperidine spinal anaesthesia.
Intrathecal meperidine administration can provide surgical anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia for about two to six hours. We have observed two cases of respiratory depression associated with meperidine spinal anaesthesia. An 81-yr-old woman received 50 mg intrathecal meperidine for inguinal hernia repair. Supplemental oxygen was administered at 3 L.min-1 by nasal prongs. About 40 min later, the patient's oxygen saturation decreased from 97% to 87% and she was asked to take big breaths. She responded immediately and oxygen saturation returned to 97%. Two more similar episodes followed in the next five minutes. Naloxone 0.1 mg iv was administered and the oxygen saturation remained at 96-97% until completion of surgery about 15 min later. She had an uneventful recovery. A 24-yr-old healthy woman presented for tubal ligation eight hours after vaginal delivery of an infant. The surgical procedure was performed under spinal anaesthesia produced by 50 mg meperidine. During surgery, midazolam 2 mg iv was given for anxiolysis. About five minutes after admission to the postanaesthesia care unit, the patient's respiratory rate decreased to ten breaths per minute and oxygen saturation decreased to 89%. Supplemental oxygen at 3 L.min-1 was administered by nasal prongs. The patient was encouraged to take big breaths and the arterial oxygen saturation rapidly increased to 98-99%. Forty minutes later, nasal oxygen was discontinued. The patient maintained her oxygen saturation while breathing room air. She was then discharged to the ward and had an uneventful recovery course. We recommend that a patient's respiratory variables and oxygenation be closely monitored for at least one hour after intrathecal meperidine administration.


Postinflammatory osteogenic fixation of the stapes.
Stapes fixation existing with chronic otitis media has been attributed usually to either tympanosclerosis or concomitant otosclerosis. A different type of stapes fixation has been encountered which the author has termed "post-inflammatory osteogenic stapes fixation." One thousand five hundred and two surgical procedures for chronic otitis media were reviewed with 112 rigid stapes fixations found of which 19 were classified as post-inflammatory osteogenic stapes fixation. Surgical techniques were discussed, case histories were presented, and photomicrographs were shown illustrating two varieties of post-inflammatory osteogenic stapes fixations classified according to the side of the fixing lesion. The etiology and pathogenesis of this condition were felt to have a direct relationship to infection and prior surgery. Post-inflammatory osteogenic stapes fixation probably occurs more frequently than realized. Further research is needed to evaluate this type of stapes fixation.


Ultrasound molecular imaging in a human CD276 expression-modulated murine ovarian cancer model.
To develop a mouse ovarian cancer model that allows modulating the expression levels of human vascular targets in mouse xenograft tumors and to test whether expression of CD276 during tumor angiogenesis can be visualized by molecularly targeted ultrasound in vivo. CD276-expressing MILE SVEN 1 (MS1) mouse endothelial cells were engineered and used for coinjection with 2008 human ovarian cancer cells for subcutaneous xenograft tumor induction in 15 nude mice. Fourteen control mice were injected with 2008 cells only. After confirming their binding specificity in flow chamber cell attachment studies, anti-CD276 antibody-functionalized contrast microbubbles were used for in vivo CD276-targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. CD276-targeted ultrasound imaging signal was significantly higher (P = 0.006) in mixed MS1/2008 tumors than in control tumors. Compared with control microbubbles, the ultrasound signal using CD276-targeted microbubbles was significantly higher (P = 0.002), and blocking with purified anti-CD276 antibody significantly decreased (P = 0.0096) the signal in mixed MS1/2008 tumors. Immunofluorescence analysis of the tumor tissue confirmed higher quantitative immunofluorescence signal in mixed MS1/2008 tumors than in control 2008 only tumors, but showed not significantly different (P = 0.54) microvessel density. Our novel small animal model allows for modulating the expression of human tumor-associated vascular endothelial imaging targets in a mouse host and these expression differences can be visualized noninvasively by ultrasound molecular imaging. The animal model can be applied to other human vascular targets and may facilitate the preclinical development of new imaging probes such as microbubbles targeted at human vascular markers not expressed in mice.


Effect of mobilization with movement on lateral knee pain due to proximal tibiofibular joint hypomobility.
This case report describes a 45-year-old female who presented with lateral knee pain over the right proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) managed unsuccessfully with rest, medications, bracing, injection, and physiotherapy. Clinical diagnosis of PTFJ hypomobility was based on concordant symptom reproduction with palpatory tenderness, accessory motion testing, and restricted anterior glide of the fibula. Intervention consisted of Mulligan's mobilization with movement and taping over the right PTFJ with immediate improvements noticed in pain, range of motion, and function. The patient was seen twice a week and was discharged after four treatment sessions. A follow-up after 6 months revealed that the patient was pain free and fully functional.


Treatment Strategy for Perianal Fistulas in Crohn Disease Patients: The Surgeon's Point of View.
Perianal fistula is a frequent complication and one of the subclassifications of Crohn disease (CD). It is the most commonly observed symptomatic condition by colorectal surgeons. Accurately classifying a perianal fistula is the initial step in its management in CD patients. Surgical management is selected based on the type of perianal fistula and the presence of rectal inflammation; it includes fistulotomy, fistulectomy, seton procedure, fistula plug insertion, video-assisted ablation of the fistulous tract, stem cell therapy, and proctectomy with stoma creation. Perianal fistulas are also managed medically, such as antibiotics, immunomodulators, and biologics including anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents. The current standard treatment of choice for perianal fistula in CD patients is the multidisciplinary approach combining surgical and medical management; however, the rate of long-term remission is low and is reported to be 50% at most. Therefore, the optimum management strategy for perianal fistulas associated with CD remains controversial. Currently, the goal of management for CD-related perianal fistulas are controlling symptoms and maintaining long-term anal function without proctectomy, while monitoring progression to anorectal carcinoma. This review evaluates perianal fistula in CD patients and determines the optimal surgical management strategy based on recent evidence.


Elevated Chinese visceral adiposity index increases the risk of stroke in Chinese patients with metabolic syndrome.
Patients with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) are considered at high-risk for incident stroke. An indicator of visceral adiposity dysfunction, the Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index (CVAI) is used to evaluate the dysfunction of visceral fat. Given the impact of visceral adiposity dysfunction on elevating cardiovascular hazards, this study aimed to examine the association between CVAI and stroke risk in MetS patients. Between November 2017 and December 2018, a total of 18,974 individuals aged ≥40 underwent standardized in-person clinical interviews in Hunan Province, with 6,732 meeting the criteria for MetS. After the baseline survey was completed, subsequent surveys were conducted biennially. The study was split into two stages performed at baseline and after two years. During the former, receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to assess the accuracy of using baseline CVAI in diagnosing MetS. After two years, we examined the association between CVAI and incident stroke in MetS patients using logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. As evidenced by a higher AUC (AUC:0.741), CVAI demonstrated superior diagnostic performance relative to body mass index (AUC:0.631) and waist circumference (AUC:0.627) in diagnosing MetS. After a 2-year follow-up, 72 MetS patients had a stroke event. There was a robust positive correlation between incident stroke and CVAI in patients with MetS. Each 1 SD increase in CVAI was associated with a 1.52-fold higher risk of stroke after adjustment for confounding factors (aOR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.18-1.95). The RCS demonstrated a reduced risk of stroke for MetS patients when the CVAI was below 110.91. However, no significant correlation was detected between CVAI and stroke in non-MetS patients. Our findings recommend CVAI as a superior screening tool for detecting MetS and suggest that reducing CVAI can mitigate the risk of stroke in patients with MetS.


Advanced neuromonitoring and imaging in pediatric traumatic brain injury.
While the cornerstone of monitoring following severe pediatric traumatic brain injury is serial neurologic examinations, vital signs, and intracranial pressure monitoring, additional techniques may provide useful insight into early detection of evolving brain injury. This paper provides an overview of recent advances in neuromonitoring, neuroimaging, and biomarker analysis of pediatric patients following traumatic brain injury.


Synthesis of an enediyne carbon-allotrope surface for photo-thermal degradation of DNA.
The improper disposal of hospital waste products containing genetic materials poses a serious safety threat. We present herein an environmentally friendly technology using a graphene-based novel carbon-allotropic surface to remediate such wastes. The used carbon-allotrope is decorated with an enediyne (EDE-1) enriched aromatic pi-conjugated structure to create an efficient and active surface for cleaving DNA strands. Under controlled exposure of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and heat, the developed surface influences genetic degradation without disturbing the bacterial populations present downstream of the water treatment system. The designed material has been extensively characterized using physicochemical and biological tools. Our results indicate that this approach can possibly be introduced in large scale hospital waste disposal streams for remediating genetic hazards and thereby developing a portable self-contained system.


Mesoaortic entrapment of a left inferior vena cava.
A persistent left inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare anomaly, with a reported incidence of only 0.2-0.5%. When present, it courses between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta to continue as the right IVC, similar to the course of a left renal vein (LRV). This anomaly is usually asymptomatic, but there may be vague abdominal complaints if the IVC is compressed in the mesoaortic angle. Although symptomatic compression of the LRV (anterior nutcracker syndrome) is well recognized, there has been only one report in the literature of a similar compression of a persistent left IVC. Because of its rarity, this anomaly may be missed or mistaken for other conditions on imaging. An accurate diagnosis is crucial as the presence of this anomaly may have implications for surgical treatment of aortic lesions or placement of an IVC filter. Magnetic resonance angiography and, more recently, multidetector computed tomography scan, can provide an exquisite three-dimensional demonstration of vascular abnormalities.


[Wide-gauge bile duct endoprostheses with a port irrigation system. A new method of prolonging the drainage function].
The maintenance of adequate drainage by the bile ducts is crucial in all the endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic procedures used today for the treatment of obstructive jaundice. We use wide-gauge polyurethane bile duct endoprostheses (F16; 5.3 mm - F20; 6.7 mm). Occlusion need not be expected to occur earlier than 4-6 months after placement. The implantation of a subcutaneous port system connected to the prosthesis by means of an F5 (1.6 mm) catheter allows not only X-ray examination of the function, but also lavage of the prosthesis and the biliary ducts. It is possible to add bile-dissolving substances, thus preventing crystallization of bile. In this way the patency of the prosthesis can be maintained for substantially longer. This also means a definite improvement in the quality of life.


Rapid diagnosis of liver cancer by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Because of the relatively favorable prognosis to the patient with early detected hepatocarcinoma followed by surgical treatment if resection is possible, it is important to differentiate quickly between primary and secondary liver cancer. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) was used as a first diagnostic measure in patients with sonographic evidence of liver tumors. Biopsies were done under sonographic control and antiseptic conditions from the center and the border zone of solid tumors of the liver, and the aspirated cell material was air dried on glass slides and Giemsa stained. The cytologic diagnosis was proved by clinical course and in most cases by surgical or autoptic histology. Cytologic evaluation lead in 15 cases to the diagnosis of definitive or suspicious malignant liver disease; the sensitivity was 93% and the specificity was 87%. One case classified as suspicious for malignancy by cytologic examination could be identified as cirrhotic nodule by further investigations. In none of the patients did we find complications from the biopsy procedure. From these data it is concluded that US-FNAB can serve as a rapid, inexpensive, safe, and highly accurate first diagnostic step in patients with solid lesions of the liver.


Mechanisms of Innate and Acquired Resistance to Anti-EGFR Therapy: A Review of Current Knowledge with a Focus on Rechallenge Therapies.
Innate and acquired resistance to anti-EGFR therapy (EGFRi) is a major limitation in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Although RAS genes are the most commonly mutated innate and acquired oncogenes in cancer, there are a number of other mechanisms that limit the effectiveness of EGFRi. Patients with innate resistance have been found to contain BRAFV600E mutations, and possibly MET, MEK, PIK3CA, PTEN, and HER2 alterations. Meanwhile, BRAFV600E mutations may also be involved in acquired resistance to EGFRi, in addition to EGFR ectodomain mutations, MET alterations, and possibly HER2 amplification. In addition, paracrine effects and cell-fate mechanisms of resistance are being increasingly described as contributing to acquired resistance. Utilization of circulating tumor DNA has been paramount in monitoring the dynamic nature of acquired resistance and has helped to guide treatment decisions, particularly in the EGFRi rechallenge setting. Herein, we provide an in-depth review of EGFRi-resistance mechanisms and describe the current therapeutic landscape in the hopes of identifying effective rechallenge strategies.


In vitro action of PG F2 alpha on progesterone and cAMP synthesis in small bovine luteal cells.
The action of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PG F2 alpha) on incubated small bovine luteal cells in the presence or in the absence of bovine luteinizing hormone (LH) or dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (db cAMP) was investigated. In the absence of LH and db cAMP, PG F2 alpha stimulated progesterone synthesis at concentrations of 10 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml but had no effects at concentrations below 1 ng/ml. PG F2 alpha partially inhibited the LH or db cAMP stimulated progesterone synthesis. This inhibition was maximal for PG F2 alpha concentrations around 100 pg/ml whereas distinctly higher or lower concentrations were without effect. At the concentration of 100 pg/ml, PG F2 alpha partially inhibited the LH induced cAMP accumulation. These results demonstrate an "in vitro" action of PG F2 alpha on bovine luteal cells. They indicate that the luteolytic action of PG F2 alpha in the bovine species could involve, as already suggested for the rat, both an inhibition of the LH induced synthesis of cAMP and an inhibition of the action of cAMP.


High level production of tyrosinase in recombinant Escherichia coli.
Tyrosinase is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes both the hydroxylation of monophenols to o-diphenols (monophenolase activity) and the subsequent oxidation of the diphenols to o-quinones (diphenolase activity). Due to the potential applications of tyrosinase in biotechnology, in particular in biocatalysis and for biosensors, it is desirable to develop a suitable low-cost process for efficient production of this enzyme. So far, the best production yield reported for tyrosinase was about 1 g L(-1), which was achieved by cultivating the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei for 6 days. In this work, tyrosinase from Verrucomicrobium spinosum was expressed in Escherichia coli and its production was studied in both batch and fed-batch cultivations. Effects of various key cultivation parameters on tyrosinase production were first examined in batch cultures to identify optimal conditions. It was found that a culture temperature of 32 °C and induction at the late growth stage were favorable, leading to a highest tyrosinase activity of 0.76 U mL(-1). The fed-batch process was performed by using an exponential feeding strategy to achieve high cell density. With the fed-batch process, a final biomass concentration of 37 g L(-1) (based on optical density) and a tyrosinase activity of 13 U mL(-1) were obtained in 28 hours, leading to a yield of active tyrosinase of about 3 g L(-1). The highest overall volumetric productivity of 103 mg of active tyrosinase per liter and hour (corresponding to 464 mU L(-1) h(-1)) was determined, which is approximately 15 times higher than that obtained in batch cultures. We have successfully expressed and produced gram quantities per liter of active tyrosinase in recombinant E. coli by optimizing the expression conditions and fed-batch cultivation strategy. Exponential feed of substrate helped to prolong the exponential phase of growth, to reduce the fermentation time and thus the cost. A specific tyrosinase production rate of 103 mg L(-1) h(-1) and a maximum volumetric activity of 464 mU L(-1) h(-1) were achieved in this study. These levels have not been reported previously.


A comparison of the effects of vasodilator stimuli on peripheral resistance vessels in normal subjects and in patients with congestive heart failure.
The objective of this investigation was to characterize the mechanism of peripheral vasoconstriction observed in heart failure and to determine whether it can be attributed to the augmented sympathetic nervous activity, characteristic of this state. The response of the resistance bed in the forearm after release of inflow occlusion (reactive hyperemia), to hand exercise, and to local heating and the response of the calf resistance vessels to arterial occlusion and intra-arterial sodium nitrite and phentolamine were studied in 23 patients with congestive heart failure and 21 normal subjects. In the normal subjects, reactive hyperemia blood flow after varying periods of arterial occlusion greatly exceeded the values observed in patients with heart failure. Local anesthetic blockade and intra-arterial phentolamine did not significantly alter the reactive hyperemia response in heart failure patients, militating against the possibility that increased sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity is responsible for the reduction of this response. Following compensation, the reactive hyperemia response returned toward normal. The striking elevations of the forearm blood flow observed after hand exercise and heating of the forearm in normal subjects were also markedly attenuated in patients with heart failure. Following intra-arterial phentolamine and/or sodium nitrite, peak calf blood flow was still significantly reduced in heart failure. These observations indicate that (1) heart failure is characterized by a striking reduction in the response to a variety of endogenous and exogenous vasodilator stimuli; (2) circulating catecholamines and sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity are not solely responsible for the elevation of peripheral vascular resistance and the reduced response to vasodilator stimuli in heart failure; and (3) heart failure may increase systemic vascular resistance directly by altering the mechanical properties and reducing the dilating ability of the resistance vessels.


[The role of the uretral catheter in the development of catheter- related urinary tract infection].
The most common source of nosocomial infection is the urinary tract, especially if they it is drained with a urethral catheter. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections account for at least 80% of all complicated urinary tract infections and are the most common type of hospital-acquired infection. Intestinal microflora plays the leading role in the pathogenesis of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, whereas the most important risk factor for their development is the long duration of urinary catheter drainage. In the case of short-term and intermittent catheterization, routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not required, but if a patient develops clinically significant infection, antibiotic therapy is required followed by definitive therapy based on culture. Urethral catheters coated with antimicrobial substances and anti-inflammatory agents can significantly reduce the adhesion and migration of bacteria, thereby reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections. Despite this, the incidence of catheter-associated infection remains high. We have reviewed recent literature related to catheter-associated urinary tract infections and the best means of preventing this condition.


Endometrial thickness is a good predictor of clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the endometrial thickness (EMT) measured on embryo transfer day on clinical pregnancy (CPR), live birth (LBR), and miscarriage rates (MR) in fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. This prospective cohort study consisted of 160 patients, 80 frozen-thawed and 80 fresh cycles. Endometrial thickness was measured on the day of embryo transfer for fresh and frozen cycles. In addition to the endometrial thickness, the endometrial appearances of the patients in both groups were also recorded. Those without trilaminar appearance were excluded from the study. Both groups were classified according to the EMT values measured on the day of the transfer. The number of groups was calculated considering 1 mm intervals of EMT, and a total of 8 groups were formed. The initial group started with <6 mm, while the final group was >12 mm. The relationship between endometrial thickness, clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates was analyzed using multivariable regression analysis. A significant correlation was observed between endometrial thickness values, clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates in the analyses performed after adjusting for age, infertility duration, body mass index, number of MII oocytes, number and quality of embryos transferred. Based on univariate analysis, each 1 mm increase in EMT resulted in a significant increase in CPR (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.07-1.09, p<0.01). Similarly, the increase in EMT led to a significant increase in LBR (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.10-1.14, p<0.01). Although the relationship between miscarriage rates and EMT is not as clear as LBR and CPR, the increase in EMT led to a significant reduction in MR (OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.05, p=0.03). The lowest CPR was detected at EMT <6 mm, while the EMT value with the highest CPR was 11-12 mm in both groups. Likewise, in both groups, the lowest LBR was detected at EMT <6 mm, while the EMT value with the highest LBR was 11-12 mm. Although MR showed a fluctuating course according to EMT values, it reached its highest rate at EMT <6 mm (100%). In EMT 11-12 mm, MR reached its lowest level (12.5%). If EMT >12 mm, an increase in MR rates was observed again (33.3%). Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates remain optimal if the endometrial thickness is between 11-12 mm in both fresh and frozen-thawed cycles. A fluctuating course is observed between EMT values and miscarriage rates.


Fermented soy product supplemented with isoflavones affected fat depots in juvenile rats.
This study investigated the effects of soy product fermented by Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus jugurti supplemented with isoflavones on adipose tissue, blood lipid, and glucose levels on juvenile rats. Rats were fed a cholesterol-enriched diet for 3 wk as a preliminary treatment to create hypercholesterolemia. They were then fed a chow diet (HC), a chow diet plus fermented soy product supplemented with isoflavones (HCFI), a chow diet plus placebo (HCP), or a chow diet plus placebo supplemented with isoflavones (HCPI), respectively, for an additional 3 wk. The beneficial effects of fermented soy product supplemented with isoflavones on epididymal (EPI) and retroperitoneal (RET) fat pads was likely due to isoflavones because adipocyte circumference (micrometers) in the HC group was significantly larger (EPI: 105.66 +/- 13.36; RET: 134.95 +/- 25.40) than that in the HCFI group (EPI: 93.17 +/- 12.80; RET: 108.62 +/- 15.50) and HCPI group (EPI: 93.06 +/- 15.10; RET: 112.34 +/- 18.21). The probiotic micro-organism accentuated the antilipogenic effect of isoflavones on RET (HCFI: 108.62 +/- 15.50 micrometers versus HCPI: 112.34 +/- 18.21 micrometers). Moreover, the fermented product increased glucose concentration similar to that in the chow group but did not change blood lipids. This product may offer new approaches to obesity prevention.


Cortical tau is associated with microstructural imaging biomarkers of neurite density and dendritic complexity in Alzheimer's disease.
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), hyperphosphorylated tau is closely associated with focal neurodegeneration, but the mechanism remains uncertain. We quantified cortical microstructure using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging in 14 individuals with young onset AD. Diffusion tensor imaging measured mean diffusivity (MD). Amyloid beta and tau positron emission tomography were acquired and associations with microstructural measures were assessed. When regional volume was adjusted for, in the medial temporal lobe there was a significant negative association between neurite density and tau (partial R2 = 0.56, p = 0.008) and between orientation dispersion and tau (partial R2 = 0.66, p = 0.002), but not between MD and tau. In a wider cortical composite, there was an association between orientation dispersion and tau (partial R2 = 0.43, p = 0.030), but not between other measures and tau. Our findings are consistent with tau causing first dendritic pruning (reducing dispersion/complexity) followed by neuronal loss. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) microstructural measures have the potential to provide information relating to underlying tau deposition.


[New method for spatial structure quantification of biofilm with GFP tagged bacteria].
Green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was applied to mark E. coli JM109 by the method of CaCl2 transformation. The GFP-tagged cells was inoculated into the LB medium containing 50 microg/mL of Ampicillin to develop biofilm on the surface of lava by mix-culture with lava particles in flask under 37 degrees C, 120 r/min for 16 h. The fluorescent images stack of different layer at specific area (250 microm x 250 microm) on lava covered with biofilm was obtained by confocal scanning laser microscopy. The quantifying parameters of biofilm spatial structure could be acquired after the image information was calculated by COMSTAT program, i. e., the average thickness of specific area of biofilm after 16 h was 0.120 844 microm, the maximum thickness was 10.5 microm, the volume was 0.136 986 microm3 /microm2, the surface area was 21 338.1 microm2, and the surface area per volume biofilm was 3.36 854 microm2 /microm3. This method might be expanded to reflect the spatial structure of biofilm with any other GFP tagged bacteria.


Anticoagulant drug treatment of coronary artery disease.
Anticoagulant therapy of arteriosclerotic heart disease may prove to be most valuable when applied on a long-term basis for prevention of recurrent myocardial infarction. While its prophylactic value in impending infarction has not been established, at least the accepted treatment for the acute stage is already begun if an anticoagulant has been administered before an inevitable infarction occurs. The chief value of the anticoagulant, though, seems to lie in preventing cardiac mural thrombosis and extracardiac thromboembolism. It is by this effect, apparently, that mortality has been reduced by 50 per cent among survivors of myocardial infarction who receive continuous dicoumarin therapy. While the danger of hemorrhage is still present, it is being steadily reduced by increasing skill in the management of anticoagulant therapy, and for a long time the risk has been far outweighed by the reduction in coronary occlusion. Physicians have a duty to learn the use of anticoagulant therapy, obtain the facilities necessary for it, and apply it to patients who are able and willing to cooperate in prolonging their useful lives.


[Consumption coagulopathy in a patient with metastatic renal carcinoma (author's transl)].
Chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation with secondary hyperfibrinolysis occurred in a patient with metastatic renal carcinoma. In the beginning the treatment with heparin was successfull. Heparindosage up to 35 000 E/day could never suppress this process completely. The value of determining thrombintime, concentration of fibrin splitting products, coagulation factors II, V, VII, IX, X and XIII, antithrombins II and III in controlling heparintherapy is discussed. Besides thrombintime and platelets the determination of fibrin splitting products is another substantial factor in controlling treatment of chronic intravascular coagulation. The patient died of myocardial rupture with heart tamponade, caused by a great intramyocardial metastasis.


Phase separation behavior of egg yolk suspensions after anionic polysaccharides addition.
The objectives of this study were to understand the interactions between three anionic polysaccharides (gum arabic, xanthan gum and ι-carrageenan) and egg yolk at pH 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 and possible phase separation behavior. Zeta potential of egg yolk was not affected by gum arabic addition while it became more negative at pH 5 after xanthan gum and ι-carrageenan addition. The particle size of ι-carrageenan yolk suspension was considerably higher than the other polysaccharide yolk suspensions at pH below 6 but was dramatically decreased at alkaline pH. Most polysaccharide yolk suspensions formed either a biphasic or a monophasic system, whereas three distinct phases were observed for xanthan gum yolk suspension at pH 6. Protein profile analysis of the lipid-rich cream phase obtained from xanthan gum added yolk showed similarities to apoproteins from low density lipoproteins (LDL) of egg yolk. Microscopy analysis indicated the co-presence of xanthan gum and LDL in the creamy phase, within a network formed by xanthan gum. It was suggested that electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between the egg yolk and xanthan gum as well as xanthan gum's rheological properties could be responsible for the unique phase separation observed in the study. The findings of this study can form the basis for future studies to develop a new method to separate LDL from egg yolk.


THE PARADOX OF THE PHYLOGENY: CHARACTER DISPLACEMENT OF ANALYSES OF BODY SIZE IN ISLAND ANOLIS.
The evolution of body size in Anolis lizards of the Lesser Antilles Islands has been the subject of intensive, if divisive, study. Early research by Schoener revealed a regularity in the number of Anolis species that coexisted on islands and the difference in body size between coexisting congeners in the Northern Lesser Antilles. This consistent pattern of body size was suggested to be the result of competitive character displacement. Two recent studies critically evaluated this hypothesis by incorporating information about the phylogenetic relationships of insular Anolis. Roughgarden and Pacala suggested that the patterns of body-size differences in the Northern Lesser Antilles could be explained as a cyclical phenomenon that they labeled a taxon cycle. However, Losos supported the character-displacement hypothesis ("size adjustment"). The conflict between these two studies is important because both investigations were based on the same phylogenetic hypothesis. We investigated body-size evolution in Lesser Antilles Anolis to resolve the differences in the conclusions of these studies. Our new analysis supported the taxon-cycle hypothesis but nevertheless failed to reject the character-displacement hypothesis. We argue that this curious scenario is largely a function of the method by which phylogenetic information is incorporated in comparative analyses. Different comparative analyses may lead to dramatic differences in results and ambiguity in the conclusions to be drawn. We suggest that ecologists and evolutionary biologists specifically consider the underlying assumptions and models of character evolution inherent to each of the phylogenetically based analytical methods now available.


The emergence of leadership in coordination-intensive groups.
Although group coordination was introduced to psychology in the early 1990s, it was not until the advent of nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) that it was possible to gain an understanding of how the process of implicit learning and self-organization take place in conditions where no hierarchical (management) influences are involved. This experimental study examined how leaders might emerge from coordination-intensive task groups where verbal interaction is not possible. NDS and game-theoretical research indicate that the presence of leaders is not required to produce coordination. Thus the question remains as to whether leaders would emerge from coordination-intensive task groups in the similar manner to how they emerge from other types of groups. In the experiment, 13 4-person groups were allowed to discuss the coordination (card game) task while performing it; 13 other groups worked nonverbally. Split-plot ANOVA showed that verbalizing groups performed better than nonverbalizing groups overall and showed more acute coordination learning curves. Nonlinear regression for temporal dynamics within verbalizing and nonverbalizing groups showed asymptotic stability for initial coordination learning and transfer to a coordination rule of equal difficulty, but a chaotic function was observed when the teams switched to a more difficult coordination rule. A questionnaire measured leadership emergence at the end of the game along with other social contributions to the groups' efforts. The average level of leadership emergence for individuals did not differ between verbal and nonverbal conditions, although differences in other social contributions were observed. This experiment illustrates, furthermore, how the nonlinear science paradigm produces new hypotheses concerning verbalization that would not have been formulated otherwise. New avenues of study concerning coordination, leadership, and hierarchies are also discussed.


[Hemorrhagic cyst of the cavum tunica vaginalis testis: a case report].
The patient, an eight-year-old boy, visited our clinic with the chief complaint of right painful scrotal swelling persisting for two days. A scrotal puncture yielded 9 ml of bloody fluid. Afterwards a small cystic mass was detected near the epididymal head on palpation and by ultrasonography. Laboratory test results including bleeding tendency were normal. A pedunculated red cystic mass originating from the parietal lamina of the tunica vaginalis testis was found on emergency operation. Histological examinations revealed hemorrhagic cyst of the tunica vaginalis testis with no malignancy.


Reactivation of hepatitis B in a patient with Crohn's disease treated using infliximab.
We encountered a case of reactivation of hepatitis B virus after administration of infliximab for Crohn's disease. The use of infliximab was considered because the patient displayed abdominal symptoms and perianal lesions. Transaminases were normal, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was undetectable before treatment, so no antiviral treatment was used, and infliximab and low-dose 6-mercaptopurine were administered. This treatment was effective, but liver dysfunction and reactivation of HBV were observed after the fourth injection of infliximab. This is the first report of Crohn's disease for which infliximab use was continued even after reactivation of HBV was observed. However, liver dysfunction was not improved by lamivudine. Antiviral treatment should be considered before administration of infliximab for patients with HBV.