A pilot study of urine iodine excretion in a selected cohort in phoenix.
A pilot study of twenty-four hour urine iodine excretion was carried out in 34 adults who were employees (or their spouses) of Maricopa Medical Center and residents of the Phoenix area. Based on previous estimations, our expectation was that urine iodine excretion values should be high. The mean value was 219 +/- 25 microg/day in the first collection and 229 +/- 23 microg/day when the collection was repeated 4 months later. The results support an adequate amount of iodine in the diet for the group. However, they indicate an iodine intake lower than what previously published studies had estimated for this area. It is not clear whether these results reflect a regional or national trend of decreased dietary iodine intake or changes in dietary iodine intake limited to the cohort studied. These data indicate a need for further study to clarify this finding in view of possible clinical implications resulting from changes in iodine intake.


Are blood lipids associated with microvascular complications among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients? A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China.
Although there are several studies to investigate the association between blood lipids and microvascular complications, these studies reported conflicting results. The aim of the current study was to explore the association between blood lipid parameters and the risk of microvascular complications, especially the dose-response association between them, among community patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Shanghai, China. The cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 community health service centers in Shanghai between December 2014 and December 2016.The associations between blood lipids and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR) were assessed using multiple logistic regression. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was employed to estimate the dose-response relation of blood lipids and the risk of microvascular complications. A total of 3698 participants were included in the final analysis to study the association between blood lipids and DKD, wherein 33.2% of participants had DKD and 1374 were included for the analysis of the association between blood lipids and DR, wherein 23.2% of participants had DR. DKD odds ratio was increased by 1.16(95%CI,1.08-1.25), 1.21(95%CI,1.13-1.30), 1.18(95%CI,1.10-1.26) for comparing fourth to first quartiles of triglycerides (TG), TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL-C/HDL-C, respectively, and decreased by 0.83(95%CI,0.78-0.89) for comparing fourth to first quartiles of HDL-C. Furthermore, the dose-response association between TG, HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C and the risk of DKD demonstrated turning points in TG of 1.90 mmol/L, HDL-C of 1.62 mmol/L, TG/HDL-C of 2.00, non-HDL-C/HDL-C of 3.09, respectively. However, no significant association was found between blood lipid parameters and DR. This community-based study indicated that TG, HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C were independently associated with DKD but not DR.


Tax protein of HTLV-1 interacts with the Rel homology domain of NF-kappa B p65 and c-Rel proteins bound to the NF-kappa B binding site and activates transcription.
Tax protein of human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) enhances transcription of several cellular genes through activation of a specific enhancer, the NF-kappa B binding site. We found previously that Tax binds to NF-kappa B p50, which is a member of the Rel/NF-kappa B family proteins, and associates with the DNA sequence of the NF-kappa B binding site. In the present study, we tested other NF-kappa B family proteins and found that NF-kappa B p65 and c-Rel proteins also bind to Tax and that their complexes with Tax bind to the DNA sequence of the NF-kappa B binding site. The Tax binding site on NF-kappa B p50 is the Rel homology domain, which is conserved in the Rel/NF-kappa B family proteins. The formations of these complexes by Tax mutants were well correlated with their transactivating capacities. In F9 embryonic carcinoma cells, Tax enhanced transcription synergistically with NF-kappa B p65 or c-Rel. Thus Tax interacts with the Rel homology domain of Rel/NF-kappa B family proteins which bind to the NF-kappa B binding site and activates transcription.


Outcomes of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer with integration of metronomic chemotherapy: An Indian rural cancer centre experience.
Paclitaxel-platinum and optimal cytoreductive surgery are the standard of care for ovarian carcinoma. Poor socioeconomic profile and therapeutic constraints in rural India poses a therapeutic challenge. To evaluate outcomes of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. To calculate disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and factors affecting outcomes. Data of patients diagnosed as ovarian carcinoma registered between March 2009 and March 2014 were retrieved. Demographic profile, chemotherapy and response, surgery, and disease progression were collected. Patients who underwent surgery or completed three cycles of chemotherapy were selected. Kaplan-Meir survival was used to determine disease-free and OS. Log-rank test used to evaluate factors affecting outcome. Median follow-up is 26 months. 93/102 patients (91%) underwent cytoreductive surgery, of which 37 had primary cytoreduction (40%) while 56 had interval cytoreduction. 21/93 (23%), 57/93 (61%), and 15/93 (16%) patients were operated by local surgeons, surgeons of our hospital, and trained oncosurgeons, respectively. Induction paclitaxel-platinum was used in 35/63 (56%) patients while 28/63 patients (44%) received neoadjuvant metronomic chemotherapy. Median DFS and OS are 17 and 54 months respectively while 3 year OS of 66%. Median DFS of patients operated by oncosurgeons versus local surgeons were 22 months versus 15 months (P = 0.01), OS was 54 versus 26 months (P = 0.01).40/88 (45%) patients received maintenance metronomic therapy after adjuvant chemotherapy with median of 6 months (range 2-18 months). Patients receiving metronomic maintenance had better DFS, 18 months versus 15 months (P = 0.69). Induction therapy in ovarian carcinoma helps in selecting patients for cytoreductive surgery. Outcomes are better if operated by trained oncosurgeons. Maintenance metronomic has potential to delay disease progression.


C-reactive protein, symptoms and activity of daily living in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care.
The association between C-reactive protein (CRP) level, symptoms, and activities of daily living (ADL) in advanced cancer patients is unclear. Secondary data analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study consisted of 2426 advanced cancer patients referred to palliative care settings was conducted to examine the cross-sectional relationships between CRP level, symptoms, and ADL disabilities. Laboratory data, symptoms, ADL, and manual muscle testing (MMT) results were obtained at baseline. Participants were divided into four groups: low (CRP < 1 mg/dl), moderate (1 = < CRP <5 mg/dl), high (5 = < CRP < 10 mg/dl), and very high CRP (10 mg/dl = < CRP). The proportions of eight symptoms, five ADL disabilities, and three categories of MMT according to the CRP groups were tested by chi-square tests. Multiple-adjusted odd ratios (ORs) were calculated by using ordinal logistic regression after adjustment for age, gender, site of primary cancer, metastatic disease, performance status, chemotherapy, and setting of care. A total of 1702 patients were analysed. Positive rates of symptoms and ADL disabilities increased with increasing CRP level. In the very high-CRP group, rates of positivity for anorexia, fatigue, and weight loss were 89.8%, 81.0%, and 79.2%, respectively, and over 70% of patients received assistance for bathing, dressing, going to the toilet, and transfer. The grade of MMT also deteriorated with increasing CRP level. Adjusted ORs for the accumulated symptoms significantly increased with increasing CRP level in the moderate-CRP, high-CRP, and very high-CRP groups [1.6 (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.0), P < 0.001; 2.5 (1.9-3.2), P < 0.001; 3.5 (2.7-4.6), P < 0.001, respectively]. Adjusted ORs for the accumulated ADL disabilities significantly increased in the very high-CRP groups [2.1 (1.5-2.9), P < 0.001]. Associations between CRP level, symptoms, and ADL were observed in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care.


Redressing Underrecognition of "Cold Drink Heart": Patients Teaching Physicians about Atrial Fibrillation Triggered by Cold Drink and Food.
In this essay I tell the story of insightful patients from around the world with cold-drink atrial arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). This common condition has received little research attention and remains unknown to many physicians. The under-representation of "cold drink heart" in the literature led me and a colleague a few years ago to publish a case report on this topic in an open-access journal. I included my email address so that physicians and researchers could contact me. Although I sought a physician audience, the report struck a chord with patients. Sixteen individuals have since written me to express their gratitude for having received medical validation of the causal connection they had made between swallowing cold drink or food and their episodes of paroxysmal AF. The validation was all the more important because of their physicians' prevalent disregard of the link, making them miss out on the opportunity to partner with their patients in AF management by trigger avoidance. I explain here how these patients have handled their cold-drink AF and connect their reports with the few published in the literature. These rich email exchanges illustrate how eager patients can be for an explanation of their medical condition and for an opportunity to manage their symptoms. These communications also remind us about the important role patients play in physician education. These email-writing patients have done us all a great service by teaching about the precipitants, prevention, and underrecognition of cold-drink atrial arrhythmias.


Detection of Proteobacteria from the rumen by PCR using methanotroph-specific primers.
To detect Proteobacteria, including methanotrophs, from the rumen fluid and the bacteria inhabiting the rumen epithelium. Proteobacteria inhabiting the rumen were detected by PCR using methanotroph-specific primers. The detected Proteobacteria were divided into clusters A, B, and C in addition to one clone, which was distinct from the clusters and closely related to Nitrosomonas sp. The clusters A, B, and C were close to Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens, Enterobacter cloacae, and Actinobacillus minor, respectively. The clones obtained from the rumen fluid each belonged to cluster A or B. The clones obtained from the rumen epithelium belonged to cluster B or C or to Nitrosomonas sp. It has been assumed that the rumen fluid and the rumen epithelium host different populations of Proteobacteria. Moreover, detection of Nitrosomonas from the rumen epithelium would indicate the possibility that the bacterium oxidizes ammonia and methane on the rumen surface. These findings suggest that the rumen fluid and the epithelium support different microbial populations, which would play specific roles in rumen function. Future study should focus on the relationship between these communities and physiological functions in the rumen.


Unexpected challenging case of coronary sinus lead extraction.
An 84-year-old woman implanted with cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator underwent transvenous lead extraction 4 mo after the implant due to pocket infection. Atrial and right ventricular leads were easily extracted, while the attempt to remove the coronary sinus (CS) lead was unsuccessful. A few weeks later a new extraction procedure was performed in our center. A stepwise approach was used. Firstly, manual traction was unsuccessfully attempted, even with proper-sized locking stylet. Secondly, mechanical dilatation was used with a single inner sheath placed close to the CS ostium. Finally, a modified sub-selector sheath was successfully advanced over the electrode until it was free of the binding tissue. The post-extraction lead examination showed an unexpected fibrosis around the tip. No complications occurred during the postoperative course. Fibrous adhesions could be found in CS leads recently implanted requiring non-standard techniques for its transvenous extraction.


Evaluation of sintered titanium fiber composite as a subperiosteal implant.
Seventy-two sintered titanium fiber composite implants were placed subperiosteally and anchored intraosseously on the lateral aspect of 12 dog mandibles. The implants were covered with either Millipore filter, silicone, or left uncovered. Analysis after the animals were killed showed that bone growth into the subperiosteal portion of the implants was maximal at three to six weeks after implantation and remained at a depth of 380 mu through 24 weeks in a majority of the implants. Bone growth into the intraosseous portion also peaked at three to six weeks and remained at 190 to 380 mu through 24 weeks. Covering the implants slowed the rate of osseous ingrowth but did not affect the depth. The implants were well tolerated and the material holds promise for use in oral and maxillofacial surgery.


Xylazine in Drug Seizure Reports and Overdose Deaths in the US, 2018-2022.
Xylazine is increasingly reported in street drugs and fatal overdoses in the United States (US), often in combination with synthetic opioids, yet state-level xylazine data are limited, hampering local public health responses. The present study analyzed 2018-2022 state-level data from the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (xylazine-positive reports of seized drugs analyzed by forensic laboratories), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (population estimates, synthetic opioid overdose mortality rates), and individual states' medical examiner/public health agency reports (numbers of xylazine-involved overdose deaths). An ordinary least squares regression model predicted state-level synthetic opioid overdose mortality rates by xylazine seizure report rates, adjusting for US Census Region. In 2018, relatively low rates of xylazine seizure reports were observed, with 21 states reporting zero xylazine seizures. In 2022, only three states reported zero xylazine seizures, and the highest xylazine seizure report rates (per 100,000 residents) were observed in New Jersey (30.4), Rhode Island (22.7), Maryland (18.9), Virginia (15.5), New Hampshire (13.0), and Ohio (10.9). Data on 2019-2022 xylazine-involved overdose deaths were available for 21 states/DC (60 state-years), with the highest 2022 xylazine-involved overdose death rates (per 100,000 residents) in Vermont (10.5) and Connecticut (9.8). Finally, in 2021, at the state level, each additional reported xylazine seizure per 100,000 residents was associated with a 2% higher synthetic opioid overdose mortality rate (b=0.02, robust standard error=0.01; p=0.049). Overall, study results emphasize xylazine's increasing involvement in US law enforcement drug seizure reports and overdose deaths, primarily in the East, yet also extending across the country.


Foreign Body Aspiration Getting Weird: Crack Pipe Aspiration.
Inhalation of cocaine derivatives is associated with a number of pulmonary and systemic complications. We report a case of less recognized complication, the aspiration of a metallic object used as a screen for crack cocaine abuse. A 42-year-old female presented with a two-day history of gradually worsening cough and a history of "food aspiration." Her lung examination revealed wheezing and fine crackles with diminished air entry at the left base. A chest X-ray revealed an 8 mm radiopaque foreign body overlying the region of the left lower lobe bronchus, with a confirmatory computed tomography scan of the chest. An urgent bronchoscopy revealed a metallic foreign body impacted into the left lower lobe bronchus proper, soon after the takeoff of the superior segment, which was removed with forceps. The patient signed out against medical advice soon after. Though relatively uncommon, this case highlights a possible complication associated with crack cocaine abuse that may require emergent intervention.


Accuracy and precision of flash glucose monitoring sensors inserted into the abdomen and upper thigh compared with the upper arm.
Nowadays, most Belgian patients with type 1 diabetes use flash glucose monitoring (FreeStyle Libre [FSL]; Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, California) to check their glucose values, but some patients find the sensor on the upper arm too visible. The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy and precision of FSL sensors when placed on different sites. A total of 23 adults with type 1 diabetes used three FSL sensors simultaneously for 14 days on the upper arm, abdomen and upper thigh. FSL measurements were compared with capillary blood glucose (BG) measurements obtained with a built-in FSL BG meter. The aggregated mean absolute relative difference was 11.8 ± 12.0%, 18.5 ± 18.4% and 12.3 ± 13.8% for the arm, abdomen (P = .002 vs arm) and thigh (P = .5 vs arm), respectively. Results of Clarke error grid analysis for the arm and thigh were similar (zone A: 84.9% vs 84.5%; P = .6), while less accuracy was seen for the abdomen (zone A: 69.4%; P = .01). Apart from the first day, the accuracy of FSL sensors on the arm and thigh was more stable across the 14-day wear duration than accuracy of sensors on the abdomen, which deteriorated mainly during week 2 (P < .0005). The aggregated precision absolute relative difference was markedly lower for the arm/thigh (10.9 ± 11.9%) compared with the arm/abdomen (20.9 ± 22.8%; P = .002). Our results indicate that the accuracy and precision of FSL sensors placed on the upper thigh are similar to the upper arm, whereas the abdomen performed unacceptably poorly.


Fetal response to live and recorded maternal speech.
The purpose of this study was to compare the fetal response to live and recorded maternal speech following a lengthy history of exposure to a passage spoken by the mother. Participants comprised a convenience sample of 21 pregnant women. The women recited an assigned passage (nursery rhyme) twice daily from 28 to 34 weeks' gestational age (GA), and their fetuses were tested at 34 weeks' GA. During testing, fetal heart rate and movement were measured in response to two different formats of the assigned passage: maternal live voicing and a recording of the mother speaking the passage. The fetal cardiac response varied depending upon the format; however, fetal movement did not. A minimal cardiac deceleration occurred in response to live voicing compared to a cardiac acceleration in response to the recorded format. This is the first study to show differences in the fetal cardiac response to a passage spoken live compared to a recording of the passage following a lengthy history of controlled fetal exposure to the multimodal characteristics of maternal speech. Given the differential response to a live voicing compared to a recorded format, future study that incorporates lengthier exposure to the multimodal characteristics of maternal speech may be warranted.


Renal and Hematologic Comparative Effects of Dissociated Agonist of the Glucocorticoid Receptor and Prednisone in Dogs With and Without Food Restriction.
Glomerulopathy and body weight gain were noted after chronic oral administration of a novel nonsteroidal dissociated agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor compound, fosdagrocorat, to beagle dogs fed an ad libitum diet. To further investigate the role of diet and treatment with either fosdagrocorat or the glucocorticoid comparator, prednisone, on renal safety, a 13-week investigative study was conducted in beagle dogs. Renal histopathology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), body weight, heart rate, blood pressure (BP), and hematology were investigated in restricted- and ad libitum-fed dogs administered prednisone (2.2 mg/kg/d), fosdagrocorat (5 mg/kg/d), or vehicle for 13 weeks. Glomerulopathy was primarily observed in fosdagrocorat- and prednisone-treated ad libitum but not in feed-restricted or ad libitum vehicle-treated dogs. Kidneys in dogs from the prednisone-treated ad libitum had the greatest incidence and severity of tubular degenerative changes. Increased urine volume and decreased urine-specific gravity were present in prednisone- and fosdagrocorat-treated dogs, regardless of diet. These changes were not associated with consistent changes in GFR. Fosdagrocorat or prednisone treatment ad libitum dogs had the greatest increase in body weight gain. Sporadic changes in systolic and diastolic BP were noted in fosdagrocorat- and prednisone-treated groups. Significant reductions in serum cortisol and absolute eosinophils were noted in both ad libitum- and restriction-fed prednisone- and fosdagrocorat-treated dogs. In conclusion, prednisone-treated dogs fed ad libitum had greater glucocorticoid-induced renal effects than those dosed with fosdagrocorat.


Serum Amyloid A: A Potential Biomarker Assessing Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the association between levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) and the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 135 patients with SLE, including 52 patients with active SLE and 83 patients with inactive SLE and 149 healthy controls. The degree of activity of SLE was assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Serum SAA levels were measured using a Cobas 8000 c702 modular analyzer. RESULTS The levels of SAA were significantly increased in patients with active SLE compared with patients with inactive SLE (median IQR, 16.65 mg/L; range, 9.35-39.68 mg/L, and median IQR, 2.30 mg/L, range, 1.30-4.80 mg/L) (p<0.001). Levels of SAA were significantly correlated with the SLEDAI-2K scores, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) in patients with SLE (r=0.726, p<0.001; r=0.631, p<0.001; r=0.774, p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the SAA values were independently associated with active SLE when controlled for white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), ESR, and Hs-CRP (OR=1.772; p=0.01; 95% CI, 1.101-2.851). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for SAA was used to identify patients with active SLE with an area under the curve of 0.971, a sensitivity of 90.4%, and a specificity of 94.0%. CONCLUSIONS SAA levels were significantly correlated with disease activity in patients with SLE.


Rift Valley fever, Mauritania, 2020: Lessons from a one health approach.
A new outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) occurred in Mauritania from September to November 2020, involving 78 reported human cases and 186 reported animal cases. Eleven out of the 13 regions of the country were affected by the epidemic, with the highest number of both human and animal cases in Tagant, Assaba and Brakna regions. The most affected animal species in this outbreak was camels, followed by small ruminants. Among the 10 mosquito species caught, 7 species, Culex poicilipes, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. antennatus, Cx. univitattus, Aedes vexans, Mansonia africana and Ma. uniformis, are known to be involved in the transmission of RVF virus. Phylogenetic analyses based on the partial NSs gene revealed close proximity between the human/animal Mauritania 2020 viral strains and the Mauritania 2015/Niger 2016 strains, suggesting re-emergence of the RVF virus in the country since the last reported outbreak in 2015.


Fetal and postnatal development of the patella, patellar tendon and suprapatella in the rabbit; changes in the distribution of the fibrillar collagens.
The development of the patella, its associated tendons, and suprapatella of the rabbit knee joint is described from the 17 d fetus to the mature adult. The patellar tendon (ligament) with the patella on its posterior surface is seen in the 17 d fetus and is fully developed by 1 postnatal wk. It is composed of bundles of types I and V collagens separated by endotenons of types III and V collagens. Anteriorly there is an epitenon of types III and V collagens while synovium and a fat pad cover its posterior surface. In the 25 d fetus, the patella is cartilaginous and is separated from the femoral condyles. The cartilage contains type II collagen, but types I, III and V collagens are found along the articular surface. Ossification starts 1 postnatal wk and at 6 wk only the articular cartilage remains. In addition to type II, types III and V collagens are located around the chondrocyte lacunae. The long anterior junction between the patella and its tendon is fibrocartilaginous at 1 wk, but as ossification proceeds this is replaced by bone. Types I and V collagens are found in this region. The suprapatella on the posterior surface of the quadriceps tendon is first seen 1 wk postnatally as an area of irregularly organised fibres and chondrocyte-like cells. Types I, II, III and V collagens are present from 3 wk onwards. It is compared with the fibrocartilage of other tendons that are under compression. The arrangement of the collagens in the patellar tendon is discussed in relation to its use as a replacement for injured anterior cruciate ligaments. It is suggested that the structural differences between the patellar tendon and anterior cruciate ligament preclude the translocated tendon acquiring mechanical strength similar to that of a normal cruciate ligament. The designation 'patellar ligament' as opposed to 'patellar tendon' is questioned. It is argued that the term patellar tendon reflects its structure more accurately than patellar ligament.


Criteria for mitral valvotomy; roentgen evidence in pulmonary hypertension.
Although catheterization is the most accurate and sometimes the only adequate method of measuring pulmonary hypertension as an indication for mitral valvotomy in rheumatic heart disease, it is so costly and complex that simpler methods are desirable. Clinical evidence of pulmonary hypertension is least accurate; electrocardiography is confirmatory in half of all cases. Roentgenologic findings are more helpful; moderate or severe enlargement in the pulmonary arteries has been associated in 92 per cent of cases with resting systolic pressure of 50 to 90 mm. of mercury in the pulmonary artery. In cases in which there is little or no enlargement, hypertension may still be present and demonstrable only by catheterization. Other roentgen signs noted as helpful are abrupt narrowing of the large branches of the pulmonary artery in the middle and lower lobes, and the septal lines of Kerley.


Red-green color vision in three catarrhine primates.
The evolution of the red-green visual subsystem in trichromatic primates has been linked to foraging advantages, specifically the detection of either ripe fruits or young leaves amid mature foliage, and to the intraspecific socio-sexual communication, namely the signal of the male rank, the mate choice and the reproductive strategies in females. New data should be added to the debate regarding the evolution of trichromatic color vision. Three catarrhine primates were observed to achieve this goal. The research was performed on captive groups of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops), pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed at Parco Natura Viva - Garda Zoological Park (Italy). Using pairs of red-green bags containing the same hidden reward in comparable outdoor enclosures, we recorded the choices by observed individuals (n = 25) to investigate the role of color cues in choosing an object. The results indicate that chimpanzees used red color as cue to choose an object that contains food by showing a preference toward red objects; in contrast, vervet monkeys and pig-tailed macaques do not demonstrate a clear choice based on the color of the object. Our findings highlight the importance of the foraging hypothesis but not rule out the potential role of the intraspecific socio-sexual communication and may serve to add useful information to the debate regarding the adaptive value of the evolution of color vision in order to fill a phylogenetic gap from Old World monkeys to humans. Future studies should address the role of socio-sexual communication, such as the selection of the reproductive partner of both high genetic quality and with compatible genes, to determine how this influenced the evolution of color vision in non-human primates.


The influence of the local food environment on diet following residential relocation: longitudinal results from RESIDential Environments (RESIDE).
To examine the associations of changes in the local food environment, individual behaviours and perceptions with changes in dietary intake, following relocation from an established neighbourhood to a new residential development. Spatial food environment exposure measures were generated relative to each participant's home address using the locations of food outlets at baseline (before moving house) and follow-up (1-2 years after relocation). Self-reported data on socio-demographics, self-selection, usual dietary intake, individual behaviours and perceptions of the local food environment were sourced from the RESIDential Environments (RESIDE) Project. Changes in spatial exposure measures, individual behaviours and perceptions with changes in dietary outcomes were examined using mixed linear models. Perth, Western Australia, 2003-2007. Adults (n 1200) from the RESIDE Project. Moving to a new residential development with more convenience stores and café restaurants around the home was significantly associated with an increase in unhealthy food intake (β = 0·049, 95 % CI 0·010, 0·089; β = 0·020, 95 % CI 0·007, 0·033) and was partially mediated by individual behaviours and perceptions. A greater percentage of healthy food outlets around the home following relocation was significantly associated with an increase in healthy food (β = 0·003, 95 % CI 0·001, 0·005) and fruit/vegetable intake (β = 0·002, 95 % CI 0·001, 0·004). Policy and planning may influence dietary intakes by restricting the number of convenience stores and other unhealthy food outlets and increasing the relative percentage of healthy food outlets.


The utility of collateral informant assessment in college alcohol research: results from a longitudinal prevention trial.
Collateral informants have been used to assess independently the validity of college student self-report data. However, it is unclear under what conditions collateral reports might be valid and useful in college research. We present two studies that examine aspects of these issues using data from 1,264 college student participants in a brief intervention prevention trial conducted at a public university. The first study describes the characteristics and predictors of agreement on reports of alcohol use and problems from 219 student-collateral informant pairs. The second study investigates potential "pipeline effects"; that is, whether collateral verification resulted in changes in student self-reports on two subsequent survey assessments over 1 year using longitudinal data from 1,264 students. Little support was found for the assumption that nondependent college drinkers underreport drinking behaviors and consequences. Collaterals who reported more occasions of drinking together, higher confidence in the report and a close relationship with the participant provided reports that were more consistent with participant drinking reports. No evidence was found that pipeline effects of collateral verification improve the accuracy of college student self-reports at future assessments. The results from this study are consistent with much of the published literature showing that using collateral reports to verify the self-reports of college students (and adults) may result in increased, not decreased, misclassification error. These findings suggest that the time and expense required to collect collateral data in the college setting has limited utility and may be better spent on establishing the proper assessment conditions that will foster accurate and honest self-reporting.


Collective dynamics in molten potassium: an inelastic x-ray scattering study.
The high-frequency collective dynamics of molten potassium has been investigated by inelastic x-ray scattering, disclosing an energy/momentum transfer region unreachable by previous inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiments. We find that a two-step relaxation scenario, similar to that found in other liquid metals, applies to liquid potassium. In particular, we show how the sound velocity determined by INS experiments, exceeding the hydrodynamic value by approximately 30%, is the higher limit of a speedup, located in the momentum region 1 < Q < 3 nm(-1), which marks the departure from the isothermal value. We point out how this phenomenology is the consequence of a microscopic relaxation process that, in turn, can be traced back to the presence of "instantaneous" disorder, rather than to the crossover from a liquid to solidlike response.


Amphiphilic ruthenium sensitizers and their applications in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Amphiphilic ligands 4,4'-bis(1-adamantyl-aminocarbonyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (L(1)), 4,4'-bis[5-[N-[2-(3beta-cholest-5-en-3-ylcarbamate-N-yl)ethyl]aminocarbonyl]]-2,2'-bipyridine (L(2)), 4,4'-bis[5-[N-[2-(3beta-cholest-5-en-3-ylcarbamate-N-yl)propyl]aminocarbonyl]]-2,2'-bipyridine (L(3)), and 4,4'-bis(dodecan-12-ol)-2,2'-bipyridine (L(4)) and their heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(II)LL(1)(NCS)(2)] (5), [Ru(II)LL(2)(NCS)(2)] (6), [Ru(II)LL(3)(NCS)(2)] (7), and [Ru(II)LL(4)(NCS)(2)] (8) (where L = 4,4'-bis(carboxylic acid)-2,2'-bipyridine) have been synthesized starting from dichloro(p-cymene)ruthenium(II) dimer. All the ligands and the complexes were characterized by analytical, spectroscopic, and electrochemical techniques. The performance of these complexes as charge-transfer photosensitizers in nanocrystalline TiO(2)-based solar cells was studied. When complexes 5-8 anchored onto a 12 + 4 microm thick nanocrystalline TiO(2) films, very efficient sensitization was achieved (85 +/- 5% incident photon-to-current efficiencies in the visible region, using an electrolyte consisting of 0.6 M butylmethylimidazolium iodide, 0.05 M I(2), 0.1 M LiI, and 0.5 M tert-butyl pyridine in 1:1 acetonitrile + valeronitrile). Under standard AM 1.5 sunlight, the complex 8 yielded a short-circuit photocurrent density of 17 +/- 0.5 mA/cm(2), the open-circuit voltage was 720 +/- 50 mV, and the fill factor was 0.72 +/- 0.05, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency of 8.8 +/- 0.5%.


The evolution of mutation rate in finite asexual populations.
In this article, we model analytically the evolution of mutation rate in asexual organisms. Three selective forces are present. First, everything else being equal, individuals with higher mutation rate have a larger fitness, thanks to the energy and time saved by not replicating DNA accurately. Second, as a flip side, the genome of these individuals is replicated with errors that may negatively affect fitness. Third, and conversely, replication errors have a potential benefit if beneficial mutations are to be generated. Our model describes the fate of modifiers of mutation rate under the three forces and allows us to predict the long-term evolutionary trajectory of mutation rate. We obtain three major results. First, in asexuals, the needs for both adaptation and genome preservation are not evolutionary forces that can stabilize mutation rate at an intermediate optimum. When adaptation has a significant role, it primarily destabilizes mutation rate and yields the emergence of strong-effect mutators. Second, in contrast to what is usually believed, the appearance of modifiers with large mutation rate is more likely when the fitness cost of each deleterious mutation is weak, because the cost of replication errors is then paid after a delay. Third, in small populations, and even if adaptations are needed, mutation rate is always blocked at the minimum attainable level, because the rate of adaptation is too slow to play a significant role. Only populations whose size is above a critical mass see their mutation rate affected by the need for adaptation.


Rational Design and Characterization of Heteroleptic Phosphorescent Complexes for Highly Efficient Deep-Red Organic Light-Emitting Devices.
Two new deep-red iridium(III) complexes, (fpiq)2Ir(dipba) (fIr1) and (f2piq)2Ir(dipba) (dfIr2), comprising two cyclometaling ligands of fluorophenyl-isoquinoline derivatives (fpiq and f2piq) and a N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-based ancillary ligand of N,N'-diisopropylbenzamidinate (dipba) are designed, synthesized, and characterized. Given the unique four-membered Ir-N-C-N backbone built by the metal center and the ancillary ligand, both phosphors achieve significant improvement for their comprehensive optoelectronic characteristics. Density function theory (DFT) calculations and electrochemical measurements support the genuine pure red phosphorescent emission of fIr1 and dfIr2 based on their clearly distinct electron density distributions of the HOMO/LUMO orbitals compared with other red-emitting Ir(III) derivatives. Both new phosphors show deep-red emission with λmax values in the region of 650-660 nm with high PLQYs and short excited-state lifetimes. The phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) based on fIr1 and dfIr2 realize deep-red EL with the stable CIEx,y coordinates of (0.70, 0.30) and (0.69, 0.31), the peak EQE/PE values of 15.4%/9.3 lm W-1 and 16.7%/10.4 lm W-1, respectively, which maintain such high levels as 10.6%/3.5 lm W-1 and 10.8%/3.6 lm W-1 at the practical luminance of 1000 cd m-2. They are the highest EL values reported for the OLEDs with such deep-red CIE coordinates.


Gamma interferon induces colony-forming cells of the human monoblast cell line U937 to respond to inhibition by lactoferrin, transferrin, and acidic isoferritins.
Human gamma interferon (HuIFN gamma) was assessed for its capacities to induce MHC class-II antigens on U937 cells and to induce responsiveness of U937 colony-forming cells (CFC) to the suppressive influences of lactoferrin (LF), transferrin (TF), and acidic isoferritins (AIF). U937 cells grown in suspension culture for many years demonstrated variable percentages of MHC class-II antigen+ cells (6%-42%) as determined by analysis with monoclonal anti-MHC class-II and the FACS IV when checked at different times. The percentage of U937 cells positive for MHC class-II antigens, as well as the density distribution of MHC class-II antigens on these cells, was increased by preincubating the cells for 72 h in the presence of 10(-6) M indomethacin and increasing concentrations of natural HuIFN gamma up to 20-40 U/ml. Colony formation by cells preincubated in control medium plus indomethacin for 72 h was not decreased by treating cells with monoclonal anti-MHC class-II plus complement (C'), high specific activity tritiated thymidine (3HTdr), LF, TF, or AIF. After preincubation of U937 cells with natural HuIFN gamma plus indomethacin in suspension culture for 72 h, colony formation in semisolid medium was reduced 40%-50% by treating the cells with anti-MHC class-II plus C', 3HTdr, LF, TF, or AIF. Colony formation was not reduced further by LF, TF, or AIF, after cells were pretreated with anti-MHC class-II (1:200 dilution) plus C' or 3HTdr. Increasing concentrations of HuIFN gamma up to 20 U/ml increased the percentage of MHC class-II antigen+ U937 CFC as well as the sensitivity of U937 CFC to suppression by LF, TF, and AIF. The inducing activities of natural HuIFN gamma were due to the IFN gamma itself since the inducing activity of natural HuIFN gamma was inactivated by pretreatment with a monoclonal antibody against natural HuIFN gamma. Also the inducing effects were mimicked by recombinant HuIFN gamma. The suppressive effects of LF, TF, and AIF on colony formation were blocked by treating the cells with monoclonal anti-MHC class-II (1:50 dilution, but not 1:200 dilution) in the absence of C'. The suppressive effect of TF only was blocked by pretreating cells with a monoclonal antibody against the TF receptor. U937 cells can be used as a model to study the regulatory mechanisms of action of HuIFN gamma, LF, TF, and AIF.


Hemostatic properties of in situ gels composed of hydrophobically modified biopolymers.
Hemorrhaging often occurs during cardiac surgery, and postoperative bleeding is associated with medical complications or even death. Medical complications resulting from hemorrhaging can lead to longer hospital stays, thus increasing costs. Hemostatic agents are the main treatment for bleeding. In the present study, hemostatic agents composed of aldehyde groups and hydrophobically modified with hyaluronic acid (ald-hm-HyA) and hydrophobically modified gelatin (hm-ApGltn) were developed and their hemostatic effects were evaluated. These modified hemostatic agents formed more stable blood clots compared with the nonhydrophobically modified HyA-based hemostatic agent. The bulk strength of the whole blood clot using the aldehyde and stearoyl group-modified hyaluronic acid (ald-C18-HyA)/hm-ApGltn-based hemostatic agent was higher than that of the aldehyde group only modified HyA (ald-HyA)/hm-ApGltn-based hemostatic agent. Rheological experiments using α-cyclodextrin showed that hydrophobic modification of HyA with C18 groups effectively enhanced anchoring to the red blood cell surface. Therefore, the ald-hm-HyA/hm-ApGltn-based hemostatic agent has potential applications in cardiac surgery.


Parental sensitivity and child behavioral problems: A meta-analytic review.
Meta-analytic associations between observed parental sensitivity and child behavioral problems were examined (children aged 0-17 years). Studies (k = 108, N = 28,114) contained sociodemographically diverse samples, primarily from North America and Europe, reporting on parent-child dyads (95% mothers; 54% boys). Sensitivity significantly related to internalizing (k = 69 studies; N = 14,729; r = -.08, 95% CI [-.12, -.05]) and externalizing (k = 94; N = 25,418; r = -.14, 95% CI [-.17, -.11]) problems, with stronger associations found for externalizing. For internalizing problems, associations were significantly stronger among samples with low socioeconomic status (SES) versus mid-high SES, in peer-reviewed versus unpublished dissertations, and in studies using composite versus single scale sensitivity measures. No other moderators emerged as significant.


Management of Appendiceal Mass and Abscess. An 11-Year Experience.
The aim of our study is to compare the results of emergency surgery versus conservative treatment with interval surgery in patients diagnosed with appendiceal mass and abscess. A retrospective review of 48 patients with appendiceal mass and abscess treated from January 2002 to January 2013 at General Surgery Department of Kipshidze Central University Hospital was performed. Patients with emergency surgery were compared to patients treated by nonoperative management with interval surgery. Demographics, clinical profile, and operative outcomes were studied. The emergency surgery group included 25 patients, and the interval surgery group included 23 patients. The clinical characteristics of the emergency surgery and interval surgery groups were not statistically different. In the emergency surgery group, an open appendectomy was performed on 17 patients, and colonic resections (ileocecectomy or right hemicolectomy) were performed on 8 patients. In the interval surgery group, an open appendectomy was performed on 21 patients, and colonic resections were performed on 2 patients. There were no statistical differences in types of surgery, postoperative complications, operation time without colonic resections, and postoperative hospitalization period among these 2 groups. Operation time with colonic resections was of greater duration in the emergency surgery group than in the interval surgery group (P = 0.04). Both treatment methods for appendiceal mass and abscess have the same results. The surgeon must consider clinical symptoms and results of investigations in each particular case when choosing an appropriate treatment method. Prospective randomized controlled trials are required for comparing the results of all 3 treatment methods of appendiceal mass.


Prostaglandin induced parturition in swine with some aspects on prevention of the MMA (metritis, mastitis, agalactia) syndrome.
The effect of PGF2alpha to induce parturition in sows was studied in two herds. In one herd with a total number of 150 sows and with a good health status 12 sows were injected intramuscularly with 12.5 mg PGF2alpha during late pregnancy (110--114 days). During the same period 12 sows were treated intramuscularly with saline solution at corresponding gestation stage. The results are given in Tables I and II. The mean age calculated as number of litters was 2.6 in the experimental group and 4.3 in the control group. All sows treated with PGF2alpha farrowed within 30 hours after injection at an average time of 25.4 hours. The controls farrowed at an average 80.2 hours after injection. The mean farrowing time was 4.4 hours for the PG-treated sows while the corresponding figure for the controls was 6.6 hours. The litter size at birth, after 3 weeks and at weaning was somewhat higher in the experimental group. The same applies to the litter weight at the age of 3 weeks. The course of parturition was normal in all sows and the health condition during lactation was good. In another herd -- numbering 18 sows -- all sows which hade farrowed during the last 4 months before the present investigation, had developed the Mastitis-Metritis-Agalactia syndrome (MMA). The symptoms were a prolonged gestation length (116--117 days), fever, mastitis and agalactia. During the present study 3 sows were left untreated while 5 sows were given an intramuscular injection with 12.5 mg PGF2alpha during late pregnancy (112--114 days). Four of the five PG-treated sows farrowed within 32 hours, while the fifth sow farrowed 100 hours after injection. The sow not responding to the PG-treatment and the untreated sows all developed MMA while the four sows responding to treatment remained healthy. The gestation length in treated sows responding to treatment was 113--115 days. In the sows developing MMA the gestation length was 116--117 days. The potential effect for prevention of MMA of shortening the gestation length in this herd is discussed.


Helical tomotherapy superficial dose measurements.
Helical tomotherapy is a treatment technique that is delivered from a 6 MV fan beam that traces a helical path while the couch moves linearly into the bore. In order to increase the treatment delivery dose rate, helical tomotherapy systems do not have a flattening filter. As such, the dose distributions near the surface of the patient may be considerably different from other forms of intensity-modulated delivery. The purpose of this study was to measure the dose distributions near the surface for helical tomotherapy plans with a varying separation between the target volume and the surface of an anthropomorphic phantom. A hypothetical planning target volume (PTV) was defined on an anthropomorphic head phantom to simulate a 2.0 Gy per fraction IMRT parotid-sparing head and neck treatment of the upper neck nodes. A total of six target volumes were created with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm of separation between the surface of the phantom and the outer edge of the PTV. Superficial doses were measured for each of the treatment deliveries using film placed in the head phantom and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) placed on the phantom's surface underneath an immobilization mask. In the 0 mm test case where the PTV extends to the phantom surface, the mean TLD dose was 1.73 +/- 0.10 Gy (or 86.6 +/- 5.1% of the prescribed dose). The measured superficial dose decreases to 1.23 +/- 0.10 Gy (61.5 +/- 5.1% of the prescribed dose) for a PTV-surface separation of 5 mm. The doses measured by the TLDs indicated that the tomotherapy treatment planning system overestimates superficial doses by 8.9 +/- 3.2%. The radiographic film dose for the 0 mm test case was 1.73 +/- 0.07 Gy, as compared to the calculated dose of 1.78 +/- 0.05 Gy. Given the results of the TLD and film measurements, the superficial calculated doses are overestimated between 3% and 13%. Without the use of bolus, tumor volumes that extend to the surface may be underdosed. As such, it is recommended that bolus be added for these clinical cases. For cases where the target volume is located 1 to 5 mm below the surface, the tumor volume coverage can be achieved with surface doses ranging from 56% to 93% of the prescribed dose.


Repair of ribosomal RNA genes in hamster cells after UV irradiation, or treatment with cisplatin or alkylating agents.
We have measured the DNA damage formation and repair in the ribosomal and the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) genes after treatment of hamster cells with different types of DNA damaging agents. In mammalian cells, the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is transcribed by RNA polymerase I, whereas the DHFR is transcribed by RNA polymerase II, whereas the DHFR is transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Cells were treated with agents that induce different types of lesions, and that are known to be repaired via different pathways. We used UV (254 nm) irradiation, treatment with cisplatin and treatment with the alkylating agents nitrogen mustard (HN2) and methyl methanesulphonate (MMS). UV induced pyrimidine dimers were detected with the enzyme T4 endonuclease V, which creates nicks at the dimer sites; the breaks are then resolved and identified by denaturing electrophoresis and Southern blot. Intrastrand adducts formed by the alkylating agents HN2 and MMS were quantitated by generating strand breaks at abasic sites after neutral depurination. Interstrand crosslinks (ICL) formed by HN2 and cisplatin were detected by a denaturation-reannealing reaction before neutral agarose gel-electrophoresis. We find that the repair of the pyrimidine dimers is significantly less efficient in the RNA polymerase I transcribed rDNA genes than in RNA polymerase II transcribed DHFR gene at 8 and 24 h after irradiation. ICL and intrastrand adducts induced by HN2 are also removed more slowly from the rDNA than from the DHFR gene. In contrast, MMS induced intrastrand adducts and cisplatin induced ICL are repaired equally efficiently in the RNA polymerase I and RNA polymerase II transcribed genes. We conclude that for some types of DNA damage, there is less repair in the ribosomal genes than in the DHFR; but for other DNA lesions there is no difference. The difference in repair efficiency between the rDNA and the DHFR genes may reflect the different RNA polymerase involved in their transcription. It may, however, alternatively, reflect the different nuclear localization of these genes.


The importance of protected areas for the forest and endemic avifauna of Sulawesi (Indonesia).
Protected areas are critical for the conservation of residual tropical forest biodiversity, yet many of these are being deforested by humans both within and outside of their administrative boundaries. Therefore, it is critical to document the significance of protected areas for conserving tropical biodiversity, particularly in mega-diverse Southeast Asia. We evaluated the importance of protected areas (national parks [NP], nature reserves [NR], and wildlife reserves [WR]) in preserving avifaunal diversity, particularly the endemic and forest species, on the island of Sulawesi. This island has one of the highest numbers of endemic avifauna genera (12) globally and is also experiencing heavy deforestation. Rarefaction analyses and species estimators showed that parks and reserves consistently recorded higher number of forest, endemic, and endemic forest bird species, in addition to larger population densities, than in their surrounding human-modified areas across eight protected areas (Gunung Manembo-nembo WR, Tangkoko-Batu Angus and Dua Saudara NR, Gunung Ambang NR, Bogani Nani Wartabone NP, Gunung Tinombala NR, Gunung Sojol NR, Lore Lindu NP, and Rawa Aopa Watumohai NP). This implies that protecting natural forests must remain as one of the fundamental conservation strategies in Sulawesi. Two small reserves (Gunung Manembo-nembo WR and Tangkoko-Batu Angus and Dua Saudara NR), however, had high number of forest and endemic bird species both within and outside their boundaries, suggesting the importance of buffer areas for augmenting small reserves so as to improve their conservation value. Ordination analyses revealed the differential response of bird species to different environmental factors (e.g., native tree cover), highlighting the significance of forested habitats with dense native vegetation cover for effective conservation of forest dependent and endemic avifauna. In addition, the distinctiveness in bird species composition among protected areas highlights the importance of establishing a reserve network across major altitudinal zones so as to achieve maximum complementarity for the conservation of Sulawesi's unique avifauna.


Recombinant enkephalinase effectively inhibits substance P-induced miosis in the rabbit eye cup model.
Enkephalinase (EC 18.104.22.168) is a naturally occurring, membrane-bound peptidase that degrades substance P in vivo and in vitro. Addition of this neutral endopeptidase to a rabbit eye cup model partially inhibits substance P-induced contraction of the iris sphincter muscle. Inactivation of substance P is reversed by thiorphan, a specific inhibitor of enkephalinase. These results show that enkephalinase degradation of substance P produces metabolites that are physiologically inactive in iris contraction. We also observed that atropine acts synergistically with enkephalinase to completely abolish substance P-induced iris contraction suggesting that the action of substance P on the iris contains an acetylcholine-stimulatory effect which is not lost by enkephalinase treatment.


Protein loop structure prediction with flexible stem geometries.
The structure prediction of loops with flexible stem residues is addressed in this article. While the secondary structure of the stem residues is assumed to be known, the geometry of the protein into which the loop must fit is considered to be unknown in our methodology. As a consequence, the compatibility of the loop with the remainder of the protein is not used as a criterion to reject loop decoys. The loop structure prediction with flexible stems is more difficult than fitting loops into a known protein structure in that a larger conformational space has to be covered. The main focus of the study is to assess the precision of loop structure prediction if no information on the protein geometry is available. The proposed approach is based on (1) dihedral angle sampling, (2) structure optimization by energy minimization with a physically based energy function, (3) clustering, and (4) a comparison of strategies for the selection of loops identified in (3). Steps (1) and (2) have similarities to previous approaches to loop structure prediction with fixed stems. Step (3) is based on a new iterative approach to clustering that is tailored for the loop structure prediction problem with flexible stems. In this new approach, clustering is not only used to identify conformers that are likely to be close to the native structure, but clustering is also employed to identify far-from-native decoys. By discarding these decoys iteratively, the overall quality of the ensemble and the loop structure prediction is improved. Step (4) provides a comparative study of criteria for loop selection based on energy, colony energy, cluster density, and a hybrid criterion introduced here. The proposed method is tested on a large set of 3215 loops from proteins in the Pdb-Select25 set and to 179 loops from proteins from the Casp6 experiment.


Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma with Sarcomatoid Differentiation.
Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is one of the less common types of kidney cancer and generally portends a more favorable prognosis. RCC with sarcomatoid differentiation has a more aggressive clinical course with poor outcomes. Four cases of chRCC with varying degrees of sarcomatoid differentiation were retrospectively reviewed at our institution, and clinicopathologic data as well as clinical courses were reported. Patients with higher degrees of sarcomatoid differentiation and larger tumors at presentation generally had and worse overall survival. chRCC with sarcomatoid differentiation portends a poor prognosis with limited data on systemic treatment options for metastatic disease.


[microRNA and internal medicine: from pathophysiology to the new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures].
microRNAs (abbreviated miRNAs or miRs) represents one of the group of so called small non-coding RNAs which participate in the negative post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. According to the base complementarity they target molecules of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) which results either in translational blockade or in degradation of target mRNA. One miRNA usually targets more mRNA and one mRNA is usually targeted by more than one miRNA - complicated and interconnected regulatory networks are thus created and their disruption leads to the abnormalities in development or results in the development of diseases. Within the past two decades, novel mechanisms were described that enable us to modulate miRNA levels (either causing upregulation or downregulation) - miRNAs can thus be considered as a novel potential group of therapeutic targets. First clinical trials using the blockade of liver specific miR-122 showed very promising results in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Results of preclinical and animal studies are also promising providing future rationale for the development of new therapeutics for various internal diseases including heart failure, bronchial asthma or inflammatory bowel diseases. Moreover, miRNAs are not only affecting the pathophysiology of internal diseases, but they can also reflect their presence - there is a group of miRNAs called extracellular, or circulating miRNAs, i.e. miRNAs that are present in extracellular space including all known body fluids such as plasma, serum, urine, saliva or sweat. Circulating miRNAs are stable; their levels are constant among the individuals of one species, methods determining their levels are reproducible and last but not least - levels of extracellular miRNAs differ between healthy and diseased individuals. They are released into the circulation either after the cell necrosis or by active transport. Except of being potential novel biomarkers, these miRNAs represent a novel mean of intercellular communication. Their levels thus reflect not only the organ damage but also the changes of the homeostasis during various illnesses. The aim of the current study is to provide the first insight into the miRNA world to clinicians, especially to internal medicine specialists. Using simple examples from clinical praxis or clinical pathophysiology, we are trying to present diagnostic and therapeutic potential that is hidden within these tiny interesting molecules. circulating microRNA - diagnostics - internal diseases - microRNA - therapy.


Selected aspects of the clinical pharmacology of visceral analgesics and gut motility modifying drugs in the horse.
Comparison of the visceral analgesic effects of xylazine, morphine, butorphanol, pentazocine, meperidine, dipyrone, and flunixin in a cecal distention model of colic pain indicated that xylazine produces the most relief from abdominal discomfort. Repeated administration of xylazine may reduce visceral pain so effectively that the seriousness of abdominal disease is obscured. Xylazine decreased propulsive motility in the jejunum and pelvic flexure of healthy ponies. Morphine and butorphanol also gave relief from visceral pain in the cecal distention model. Morphine may inhibit colonic, and butophanol jejunal, motility. Whether xylazine or opiate mediated decreases in gut motility cause clinically important slowing of ingesta transit is controversial and requires further investigation. The development of behavioral changes (i.e., apprehension and pawing) in horses given opiate therapy may limit the use of these drugs. Combinations of xylazine and morphine or butorphanol produce excellent, safe, visceral analgesia and sedation without untoward behavioral effects. Although flunixin fails to demonstrate good visceral analgesic effects in the cecal distention model, this drug produces analgesia in some cases of colic by blocking prostaglandin mediated induction of pain. Improvement of propulsive gut motility in patients with ileus may follow administration of neostigmine (which is particularly effective when the large bowel is hypomotile), naloxone (which experimentally stimulates propulsive colonic motility), and metoclopramide (which stimulates stomach and proximal small intestinal motility).


Coordination polymers containing manganese(II)-azido layers connected by dipyridyl-tetrazine and 4,4'-azobis(pyridine) linkers.
Two new polynuclear manganese(II) complexes [Mn(dptz)(N(3))(2)](n) (1) and [Mn(azpy)(N(3))(2)](n) (2) (where dptz = dipyridyl-tetrazine and azpy = 4,4'-azobis(pyridine)) have been synthesized by self-assembly of the ligand azide, together with dptz and azpy as secondary spacers. The compounds are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and variable-temperature magnetic measurements. The structural analyses reveal that in complex 1, which is the first reported Mn(II) complex with the ligand dptz, two μ(1,3) bridging azides connect neighboring manganese ions in a zigzag manner to generate a neutral two-dimensional (2D) sheet which is further connected by the dptz ligands to form a three-dimensional (3D) framework. By contrast, complex 2 contains dimeric [Mn(2)(μ(1,1)-N(3))(2)](2+) fragments linked to four identical motifs by means of four single μ(1,3)-N(3) bridges, that generates a neutral 2D Mn(II)-azide sheet which is further interconnected by azpy ligands to neighboring manganese ions forming an unprecedented 3D network. Variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements show the presence of predominantly antiferromagnetic coupling for both complexes that has been reproduced with a regular antiferromagnetic S = 5/2 chain (J) with interchain interactions (j) modeled with the molecular field approximation with J = -7.1 cm(-1) and j' = -0.8 cm(-1) for 1 and J = -4.2 cm(-1) and j' = 0.1 cm(-1) for 2.


Benzo[a]pyrene and its metabolites combined with ultraviolet A synergistically induce 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine via reactive oxygen species.
We previously reported that benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and UVA radiation synergistically induced oxidative DNA damage via 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) formation in vitro. The present study shows that microsomal BaP metabolites and UVA radiation potently enhance 8-OHdG formation in calf thymus DNA about 3-fold over the parent compound BaP. Utilization of various reactive oxygen species scavengers revealed that singlet oxygen and superoxide radical anion were involved in the 8-OHdG formation induced by microsomal BaP metabolites and UVA. Two specific BaP metabolites, benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8-dihydrodiol-t-9,10-epoxide (+/-) (anti) (BPDE) and BaP-7,8-dione, were further tested for synergism with UVA. BaP-7,8-dione showed an effect on 8-OHdG formation induced by UVA radiation that was similar to that of the parent BaP, whereas BPDE exhibited significantly higher induction of 8-OHdG than BaP. At as low as 0.5 microM, BPDE plus UVA radiation substantially increased 8-OHdG levels about 25-fold over the parent BaP. BPDE increased the formation of 8-OHdG levels in both BPDE concentration- and UVA dose-dependent manners. Additionally, singlet oxygen was found to play a major role in 8-OHdG induction by BPDE and UVA. These results suggest that BaP metabolites such as BPDE synergize with UVA radiation to produce ROS, which in turn induce DNA damage.


Alcohol and fatal accidents in the United States--a time series analysis for 1950-2002.
To estimate the association between per capita alcohol consumption and fatal accidents in the United States and to compare the outcome with findings from Europe and Canada. Yearly data on fatal accidents by gender and age were analysed in relation to per capita alcohol consumption for 1950-2002 using the Box-Jenkins technique for time series analysis. A 1-L increase in per capita consumption was on average followed by 4.4 male deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, but had no significant effect on female accident mortality. Regarding specific categories of accidents, the effect on fatal motor vehicle accidents accounted for a large part of the overall effect for men and was also significant for women. With respect to fatal falling accidents and other accidents, the only significant effects were found among young males. As concerns women, the association with per capita consumption in the US was weak in comparison with Canada and Europe. The US effect estimate for overall male accidents was however equally strong as in Northern Europe (5.2) or Canada (5.9), and stronger than that found in Central and Southern Europe (2.1 and 1.6, respectively). With respect to alcohol and fatal motor vehicle accidents, the association for men of 3.2 was stronger than in Europe and more similar to the Canadian finding (3.6). Per capita alcohol consumption has at least partly been an explanation for the development of male fatal accidents and particularly motor vehicle accident rates in the post-war United States. High traffic density and relatively high legal limits for drunken driving blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are suggested to explain the strong association found between alcohol and fatal motor vehicle accidents. The results also suggest that a reduction in per capita consumption would have its most preventive impact on fatal accidents among younger males.


Microvasculature of the tibialis anterior tendon.
Subcutaneous rupture of the tibialis anterior tendon is an uncommon condition for which the etiology is unclear. The existence of a hypovascular zone has been proposed as an etiology for rupture of the tibialis anterior tendon. To investigate this possibility, the microvascular anatomy of the tibialis anterior tendon was studied using a modified Spalteholz technique. The vascular supply to the tibialis anterior tendon arises from proximal and distal ventral vinculae. Muscular branches of the anterior tibial artery, proximally, and the medial tarsal arteries, distally, form an intratendinous, longitudinal, competent blood supply. The tendon also receives a rich vascular blood supply from the synovial sheath. The blood supply appears adequate throughout the course of the tibialis anterior tendon, and no hypovascular region was noted at the common site of rupture 1 to 3 cm proximal to its insertion. No relationship was noted between increasing age and alteration in blood supply.


To evaluate the role of novel fully covered self-expanding metal stent for endoscopic drainage of infected pancreatic pseudocyst.
Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided transgastric drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC) is the mainstay of treatment. Drainage can be achieved either by plastic stents or fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS). Plastic stents have small lumen diameter, which may limit drainage and may necessitate re-intervention. FCSEMS are easier to deploy and preclude the need to place multiple plastic stents. To evaluate the role of novel FCSEMS for endoscopic drainage of infected PPC. 10 patients with single symptomatic pseudocyst in proximity to the stomach or duodenum and fever were treated. Pseudocyst drainage was done per protocol. Repeat computed tomography scan after 72 h. Nasocystic drain removed after 3-5 days. PATIENTS were followed-up at every 2 week interval. Stent was removed after complete disappearance of pseudocyst confirmed on imaging. Early (7 days) and late (>7 days) complications were noted and managed accordingly. Technical success and clinical success achieved in all. Early complication: 1/10 (pneumoperitoneum). No late complications observed. Stent were removed without complication after 6-7 week follow-up period ranges from 6 to 8 months. Use of FCSEMS for pseudocyst drainage is technically feasible and safe.


Aggrecan governs intervertebral discs development by providing critical mechanical cues of the extracellular matrix.
Aggrecan (ACAN) is localized in the intervertebral disc (IVD) in unique compartment-specific patterns where it contributes to the tissue structure and mechanical function together with collagens. The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the IVD undergoes degenerative changes during aging, misuse or trauma, which inevitably alter the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the tissue. A deeper understanding of these processes can be achieved in genetically engineered mouse models, taking into account the multifaceted aspects of IVD development. In this study, we generated aggrecan insertion mutant mice (Acan iE5/iE5 ) by interrupting exon 5 coding for the G1 domain of ACAN, and analyzed the morphological and mechanical properties of the different IVD compartments during embryonic development. Western blotting using an antibody against the total core protein failed to detect ACAN in cartilage extracts, whereas immunohistochemistry by a G1-specific antibody showed weak signals in vertebral tissues of Acan iE5/iE5 mice. Homozygous mutant mice are perinatally lethal and characterized by short snout, cleft palate and disproportionate dwarfism. Whole-mount skeletal staining and µ-CT analysis of Acan iE5/iE5 mice at embryonic day 18.5 revealed compressed vertebral bodies with accelerated mineralization compared to wild type controls. In Acan iE5/iE5 mice, histochemical staining revealed collapsed extracellular matrix with negligible sulfated glycosaminoglycan content accompanied by a high cellular density. Collagen type II deposition was not impaired in the IVD of Acan iE5/iE5 mice, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Mutant mice developed a severe IVD phenotype with deformed nucleus pulposus and thinned cartilaginous endplates accompanied by a disrupted growth plate structure in the vertebral body. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging demonstrated a denser collagen network with thinner fibrils in the mutant IVD zones compared to wild type. Nanoscale AFM indentation revealed bimodal stiffness distribution attributable to the softer proteoglycan moiety and harder collagenous fibrils of the wild type IVD ECM. In Acan iE5/iE5 mice, loss of aggrecan resulted in a marked shift of the Young's modulus to higher values in all IVD zones. In conclusion, we demonstrated that aggrecan is pivotal for the determination and maintenance of the proper stiffness of IVD and vertebral tissues, which in turn could play an essential role in providing developmental biomechanical cues.


Primary Laparoscopic Surgery Does Not Affect the Prognosis of Early-Stage Ovarian Clear Cell Cancer.
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is performed frequently in early-stage ovarian cancer patients, especially in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC). The aim of this study was to investigate whether primary laparoscopic surgery influences prognosis in patients with early-stage OCCC. Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I OCCC were retrospectively reviewed in two hospitals between April 2010 and August 2020. Clinical data were abstracted, and patients were followed up until February 2021. Patients were divided into open surgery (laparotomy) and laparoscopy groups, and the Kaplan-Meier method was applied to compare progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between the groups. Statistical differences were determined by the Log rank test. Eighty-nine patients were included in the study; 20 (22.5%) and 69 (77.5%) patients underwent laparoscopic and open surgery, respectively. The patients' characteristics were well-balanced except that patients in the laparoscopy group tended to have smaller tumors and lower frequency of omentectomy and lymphadenectomy compared with the open surgery group. The median follow-up duration was 42.6 and 36.5 months in the laparoscopy and open surgery groups, respectively. Nine (10.1%) patients developed recurrence, and 4 (4.5%) died of the disease; all in the open surgery group. The estimated 2-year PFS rates were 100.0% and 90.1%, and the estimated 5-year OS rates were 100.0% and 91.9% in the laparoscopy and open surgery groups, respectively. No significant survival differences were found between the groups. Survival was not compromised when primary laparoscopic surgery was performed in early-stage OCCC patients. A well-designed randomized controlled trial is warranted.


Misoprostol for induction of labor in women with severe preeclampsia at or near term.
To examine the misoprostol efficacy and safety in induction of labor of women with severe preeclampsia at or near term when the cervix is unfavorable. A prospective comparative study was conducted in Al-Thawara General Hospital Sana'a , Yemen, from June 2009 to June 2010. One hundred and thirteen women met the inclusion criteria. They were divided into 2 groups. The study group (n = 56) and the control group (n = 57). The study group were given 50 μg of Misoprostol intravaginally every 4 hours to a maximum of 6 doses. Maternal age, gestational age, parity, initial cervical status, the rate of cesarean section, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed and compared to the control group. The vaginal delivery was achieved in 69.6% in the study group versus 15.8% in the control group (p < 0.0001). The overall cesarean section was performed in 30.3% of the study group versus 84.2% (p < 0.0001). The mean time from insertion to delivery was 12.12 +/- 2.1 hours and the mean dosing was 2.77+/-1.3. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the frequency of abnormal fetal heart rate, Apgar score and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Misoprostol when given intravaginally in 50 mcg 4-hourly dosing regimen is an effective agent for ripening the cervix in this group of women.


Effect of POMC-derived peptides on corticosterone secretion during the stress hypo-responsive period in rat.
During the stress hyporesponsive period (postnatal days 2-10), the stimulation of corticosterone secretion by ACTH is very low. In our study, we have observed that administration of ACTH during 3 consecutive days is followed by a striking increase in corticosterone response to an acute ACTH test. A comparable potentiation of corticosterone secretion was observed after a similar treatment with Lys gamma 3-MSH. The 3 day-treatment with each peptide induced an increase in adrenal weight. Similar data were obtained with alpha-MSH. However, corticosterone response to ACTH was not significantly altered following the same pattern of alpha-MSH administration.


Bisphenol A exposure disrupts aspartate transport in HepG2 cells.
The liver is the organ responsible for bisphenol A (BPA) metabolism, an environmental chemical agent. Exposure to this toxin is associated with liver abnormalities and dysfunction. An important role played by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) of the slc1 gene family has been reported in liver injuries. To gain insight into a plausible effect of BPA exposure in the liver glutamate/aspartate transport, using the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2, we report a BPA-dependent dynamic regulation of SLC1A3 and SLC1A2. Through the use of radioactive [3 H]- d-aspartate uptake experiments and immunochemical approaches, we characterized time and dose-dependent regulation of the protein levels and function of these transporters after acute exposure to BPA. An increase in nuclear Yin Yang 1 was found. These results suggest an important involvement of the EAATs in liver physiology and its disruption after acute BPA exposure.


Thiopurine treatment in patients with Crohn's disease leads to a selective reduction of an effector cytotoxic gene expression signature revealed by whole-genome expression profiling.
Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, as a result of aberrant activation of the innate immune system through TLR stimulation by bacterial products. The conventional immunosuppressive thiopurine derivatives (azathioprine and mercaptopurine) are used to treat CD. The effects of thiopurines on circulating immune cells and TLR responsiveness are unknown. To obtain a global view of affected gene expression of the immune system in CD patients and the treatment effect of thiopurine derivatives, we performed genome-wide transcriptome analysis on whole blood samples from 20 CD patients in remission, of which 10 patients received thiopurine treatment, compared to 16 healthy controls, before and after TLR4 stimulation with LPS. Several immune abnormalities were observed, including increased baseline interferon activity, while baseline expression of ribosomal genes was reduced. After LPS stimulation, CD patients showed reduced cytokine and chemokine expression. None of these effects were related to treatment. Strikingly, only one highly correlated set of 69 genes was affected by treatment, not influenced by LPS stimulation and consisted of genes reminiscent of effector cytotoxic NK cells. The most reduced cytotoxicity-related gene in CD was the cell surface marker CD160. Concordantly, we could demonstrate an in vivo reduction of circulating CD160(+)CD3(-)CD8(-) cells in CD patients after treatment with thiopurine derivatives in an independent cohort. In conclusion, using genome-wide profiling, we identified a disturbed immune activation status in peripheral blood cells from CD patients and a clear treatment effect of thiopurine derivatives selectively affecting effector cytotoxic CD160-positive cells.


Bioactivity and pharmacokinetics of human proinsulin in comparison to human insulin after intravenous and subcutaneous injection.
The hypoglycemic actions of human insulin (1 IU/kg b.w.) and biosynthetic human proinsulin in about equimolar amounts were studied after intravenous and subcutaneous injection in rabbits. Blood samples were taken up to four hours after injection for the determination of blood glucose and immunoreactive levels of both insulin and human C-peptide. For the determination of human C-peptide, serum taken after proinsulin injection was divided into two fractions. One was examined directly by the human C-peptide radioimmunoassay and the other after incubation with a protein-A-sepharose coupled insulin antibody to find "free human C-peptide". Proinsulin in amounts equimolar to 1 IU insulin/kg b.w., exerted a 34% stronger hypoglycemic action after subcutaneous injection than after intravenous administration (area under curve estimation). Proinsulin-induced hypoglycemia did not last longer after intravenous administration than that induced by intravenous insulin. Although subcutaneous proinsulin did not show the same maximum decrease of blood glucose compared to subcutaneous insulin, its action was significantly prolonged (up to 180 min). Specific measurement of free human C-peptide showed no evidence of conversion of proinsulin to insulin and C-peptide.


Visuomotor functions of central thalamus in monkey. II. Unit activity related to visual events, targeting, and fixation.
In alert monkeys, single-unit responses to visual stimuli were recorded in the central thalamic region where eye movement-related activity has been observed (33). Usually, the stimuli were 1 degree annulus patterns of dim light presented at unpredictable locations on a tangent screen. The animals were trained on two tasks: one in which they delivered the stimulus themselves by pressing a panel that they had to release immediately when the stimulus shape changed to a square, and another one in which the stimulus was turned on by the experimenter and the monkeys were rewarded for fixating this target for a predetermined length of time. In both tasks, continuous stimulus fixation was required. Receptive fields were tested with and without a fixation point. Retinal coordinates of stimuli were obtained by subtracting eye-position coordinates from stimulus coordinates in space, the monkey's head being fixed. Unit responses in the cases where targeting occurred or did not occur were analyzed separately. Transient responses were observed in 63 units and sustained responses in 44 units. Among the 63 units responding transiently, 42 did so irrespective of targeting. Their receptive fields were very large, generally including the fovea, and predominantly contralateral when the fields were asymmetric. The responses of the other 21 units depended on the occurrence of targeting. They were called visually triggered eye movement-related responses (VTEM). VTEM units were further subdivided in 9 units active only with targeting and 12 units showing the classical phenomenon of "response enhancement" under this condition. VTEM units were contrasted to six units that were both passively visually responsive and bursting with saccades, either spontaneous or visually triggered. The latencies of passive visual and VTEM responses to stimulus onset were comprised between 77 and 135 ms in 80% of the units. VTEM units also fired prior to retargeting saccades. Presaccadic units active with spontaneous saccades also discharged with visually elicited saccades. The earliest sign of activation after stimulus onset eliciting a saccade appeared between 80 and 100 ms, that is, in the same range of latencies as passive visual and VTEM units. Sustained visual responses consisted of activation in 18 units and inactivation in 26 units. The occurrence of these patterns of firing was related to stimulus fixation. In the majority of cases, the changes in discharge frequency started before fixation was achieved by a targeting saccade. They terminated before fixation was broken by a saccade away from the stimulus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Energy Transfer-Assisted Whispering Gallery Mode Lasing in Conjugated Polymer/Europium Hybrid Microsphere Resonators.
Lanthanide metal complexes display luminescence with narrow bandwidth. Here, we present coupling of the luminescence from europium ion (Eu3+ ) with whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in conjugated polymer microsphere resonators. Self-assembly of fluorene-terpyridine alternating copolymer, coordinated by Eu3+ (F8tpy-Eu3+ ), forms well-defined microspheres with an average diameter of 3.2 μm. Upon focused laser excitation, a microsphere of F8tpy copolymer displays WGM photoluminescence (PL) at a wide spectral range from 420 to 680 nm. In contrast, F8tpy-Eu3+ hybrid microspheres exhibit sharp WGM PL at a narrow spectral range of 615-630 nm, which is characteristic of luminescence from Eu3+ . The PL behavior indicates that photoinduced energy transfer from F8tpy to Eu3+ occurs efficiently. Furthermore, the intensity of the PL peak increases nonlinearly upon strong pumping, indicating that a lasing action appears with the threshold of 1.85 mJ cm-2 . These results will pave the way for developing microlasers and photonic devices from soft organic materials.


Shear zone refraction and deflection in layered granular materials.
Refraction and deflection of shear zones in layered granular materials were studied experimentally and numerically. We show that (i) according to a recent theoretical prediction [T. Unger, Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 018301 (2007)] shear zones refract in layered systems in analogy with light refraction, (ii) zone refraction obeys Snell's law known from geometric optics, and (iii) under natural pressure conditions (i.e., in the presence of gravity) the zone can also be deflected by the interface, so that the deformation of the high friction material is avoided.


Tumour network in glioma.
In this podcast, a new biological insight in brain tumours is discussed. The author's group has identified the existence of a tumour cell network in incurable gliomas which facilitates multicellular communication and exchange of small molecules between single tumour cells. The tumour cells that are integrated in this network, around 50% of cells according to studies in mouse models and patient samples, appear to be protected from the effects of radiotherapy and possibly also chemotherapy, which may explain how such tumours develop resistance to therapies and why patients relapse after treatment. An overview of ideas that are being investigated preclinically to therapeutically target this network of tumour cells is given. These include approaches to disrupt the network, such as obstructing cellular communication with gap junction blockers and targeting the neurodevelopmental pathways required to form the networks. Conversely, methods to exploit the network through the local application of gap junction-permeable drugs that specifically target the integrated tumour cells could also being studied. This new discovery may result in the development of therapeutic strategies which the author hopes will reach the clinic in the next few years.


Management of intrahepatic bile-duct injuries: presentation of two cases.
Blunt injury causing laceration of the intrahepatic bile-ducts is fortunately rare. Two cases are presented: neither was diagnosed until 48 h after initial presentation. Both were managed by laparotomy, placement of drains in the liver lacerations, and intravenous nutrition until the leaks had stopped spontaneously. The literature is reviewed and two other cases discussed. Such injuries, once diagnosed, should be treated by surgical placement of drains right at the site of leak.


Colloidal Synthesis of Silicon-Carbon Composite Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.
We report colloidal routes to synthesize silicon@carbon composites for the first time. Surface-functionalized Si nanoparticles (SiNPs) dissolved in styrene and hexadecane are used as the dispersed phase in oil-in-water emulsions, from which yolk-shell and dual-shell hollow SiNPs@C composites are produced via polymerization and subsequent carbonization. As anode materials for Li-ion batteries, the SiNPs@C composites demonstrate excellent cycling stability and rate performance, which is ascribed to the uniform distribution of SiNPs within the carbon hosts. The Li-ion anodes composed of 46 wt % of dual-shell SiNPs@C, 46 wt % of graphite, 5 wt % of acetylene black, and 3 wt % of carboxymethyl cellulose with an areal loading higher than 3 mg cm-2 achieve an overall specific capacity higher than 600 mAh g-1 , which is an improvement of more than 100 % compared to the pure graphite anode. These new colloidal routes present a promising general method to produce viable Si-C composites for Li-ion batteries.


Prescription privileges for psychologists: opinions of pediatric psychologists and pediatricians.
To examine the opinions of pediatricians and pediatric psychologists concerning prescription privileges for psychologists. 213 pediatric psychologists and 119 pediatricians returned surveys regarding their opinions about cost, access, and quality of psychological care if psychologists had prescription privileges. Pediatric psychologists had significantly more positive views of prescription privileges than pediatricians. Despite not being in favor of prescription privileges, most pediatricians said that prescription privileges would not negatively impact their professional relationship, although approximately 37% said it would. Pediatric psychologists and pediatricians differ significantly in their opinions about prescription privileges for psychologists. The implications of these findings for the working relationship between these two disciplines are discussed.


Reduced serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone in females with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes.
Previously, reduced levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a circulating marker of ovarian reserve, were found in females with Fanconi anemia (FA). FA, dyskeratosis congenita (DC), and Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) are inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) associated with high risks of bone marrow failure, leukemia, and solid tumors. The objective of the study was to assess AMH levels in females with DC or DBA. This observational study used the National Cancer Institute's inherited bone marrow failure syndrome cohort at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The study included females with DC, unaffected female relatives of patients with DC, females with DBA, unaffected female relatives of patients with DBA, and unrelated healthy female volunteers younger than 41 years of age. Serum AMH levels were measured. Females with DC had significantly lower levels of AMH (median 0.55 ng/mL) compared with unaffected relatives (median 2.28 ng/mL, P = .004) or unrelated healthy volunteers (median 2.69 ng/mL, P = .005). Females with DBA showed a nonsignificant trend for lower levels of AMH (median 0.89 ng/mL) compared with unaffected relatives (median 1.71 ng/mL, P = .21) or unrelated healthy volunteers (P = .11). Patients with DC and DBA had significantly higher levels of AMH (P = .013, P = .003) compared with FA (median 0.05 ng/mL). Our findings suggest that women with IBMFS have lower levels of AMH than unaffected women. This AMH deficiency could be a primary ovarian defect or a consequence of the pathophysiology of the syndromes. Additional studies of AMH and ovarian function in women with IBMFS are warranted to better understand the underlying biology.


Structure and magnetic properties of the ferromagnetic Cu3Cl12(6)- trimer in [(NH3C2H4)3NH]2Cu3Cl14.
The crystal structure consists of a strongly hydrogen bonded network of tris(N-ethylammonium)ammonium cations, Cu3Cl12(6)- trimeric species, and Cl- anions. The Cu3Cl12(6)- trimers are formed by two distorted tetrahedral CuCl4(2)- anions linked to a central square planar CuCl4(2)- anion via semicoordinate Cu-Cl...Cu mu1 bridges. The central copper ion shows only small deviations from ideal D4h symmetry, while the terminal copper ions show a mild distortion from D2d symmetry with an average trans Cl-Cu-Cl angle of 136.0 degrees. The semicoordinate linkages provide a ferromagnetic exchange pathway between the copper ions with J/k = 6.91(3) K. Short Cl...Cl contacts (3.67-3.90 angstoms) lead to very weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the ferromagnetically coupled trimers.


[Germ transfer into swimming pool water by head hair].
The transmission of germs from the hair of the head to the swimming pool water was examined. It was found that between 6 x 10(6) and 10 x 10(6) germs are transmitted, depending on hair length. A sex-specific difference has been proved to exist. The 1,500 investigations based on different methods have demonstrated that the proportion of Staph. aureus carriers in the hair of normal persons without hospital contact is only 10 per cent and thus much lower than reported in literature. Even indicators of faecal contamination and pollution (E. coli, coliform germs) were detected in the hair less frequently than is reported in literature. Surprisingly, no correlation was found to exist between the cleanliness of the hair (interval between the last shampooing and swimming) and the transfer of germs. Rinsing of the hair has been found to liberate considerable quantities of germs which otherwise are produced by sebaceous secretions. Thus, in 52 per cent of cases, after shampooing the germ counts were found to be the same as before shampooing or higher. As a result, shampooing appears to be an unsuitable measure of germ reduction and the only possibility of diminishing the germ load in swimming pools is to wear bathing caps. This problem will be investigated by us in greater detail.


Risk factors and outcomes associated with hospital admission for dehydration.
The hospital admission rate for dehydration is one of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Prevention's Quality Indicators, which are considered screening tools for potential quality issues. Thus, admission for dehydration may reflect the quality of care provided in community settings. Using a case-control design, this study estimated the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of dehydration in adults admitted to the hospital. The overall prevalence rate for three International Classification of Diseases codes for dehydration at admission was 0.55%. Cases and controls differed significantly on a number of clinical variables at admission, including weight, body mass index, pulse, blood pressure, use of bulk-forming laxatives, serum sodium and chloride, and presence of generalized weakness or hemiplegia, edema, diarrhea, vomiting, and having nothing by mouth before admission. Mortality rates at 30 and 180 days after discharge were not significantly different between the two groups. Dehydration in community-dwelling adults may delay rehabilitation or result in hospital admission. Prevention, monitoring, and management are critical to preventing dehydration-associated problems.


[Grade III general hospital grade assessment as an opportunity to improve the management level of medical equipment].
In the grade III general hospital reassessment, The department of hospital equipment accords its demand to find the problems and gaps in the actual work, gives modification opinions and programs, and clarifies continuous improved contents in next step, so to improve the management level of medical equipment.


Modeling human diseases: an education in interactions and interdisciplinary approaches.
Traditionally, most investigators in the biomedical arena exploit one model system in the course of their careers. Occasionally, an investigator will switch models. The selection of a suitable model system is a crucial step in research design. Factors to consider include the accuracy of the model as a reflection of the human disease under investigation, the numbers of animals needed and ease of husbandry, its physiology and developmental biology, and the ability to apply genetics and harness the model for drug discovery. In my lab, we have primarily used the zebrafish but combined it with other animal models and provided a framework for others to consider the application of developmental biology for therapeutic discovery. Our interdisciplinary approach has led to many insights into human diseases and to the advancement of candidate drugs to clinical trials. Here, I draw on my experiences to highlight the importance of combining multiple models, establishing infrastructure and genetic tools, forming collaborations, and interfacing with the medical community for successful translation of basic findings to the clinic.


Amino acid requirements of the nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1 for increasing catalytic activity of a Ki-ras ribozyme in vitro.
The nucleocapsid protein NCp7 of HIV-1 is a single-stranded nucleic acid binding protein with several functions such as specific recognition, dimerization and packaging of viral RNA, tRNA annealing to viral RNA and protection against nucleases. Since some of these functions involve annealing and double-stranded RNA-melting activity we applied the nucleocapsid protein to a hammerhead ribozyme specific for the activated Ki-ras mRNA in vitro, which carries at its mutated codon 12 a GUU site. A synthetic ribozyme containing 2'-O-allyl-modified nucleotides and alternatively in vitro transcribed ribozymes were used. At a one to one molar ratio of substrate to ribozyme almost no cleavage is observed at 37 degrees C. Presence of a synthetic nucleocapsid protein significantly increases the catalytic activity of the ribozyme. Kinetic analyses by means of single and multiple turnover reactions performed at various substrate to ribozyme ratios lead to only a slight stimulation of the rate constants for single turnover reactions. The rate constants in multiple turnover reactions, however, are stimulated up to 17-fold by the presence of the nucleocapsid protein. The activating region of the nucleocapsid protein was characterized by a number of mutants. The mutants demonstrate that activation requires both basic amino acid clusters as evidenced by point mutations. Deletion mutants indicate that the second zinc finger is totally dispensable and that replacement of the first zinc finger by a glycine-glycine spacer only slightly reduces the enhancing effect of the nucleocapsid protein on the ribozyme.


Continuous low-level heatwrap therapy relieves low back pain and reduces muscle stiffness.
Low back pain is a common and costly health care problem. This pilot study evaluated the sensitivity of the 2-stopwatch and Paris plinth methodologies for assessing time-to-onset of pain relief and flexibility, respectively, with continuous, low-level heatwrap therapy. Subjects aged 18 to 55 years with at least moderate baseline acute low back pain were randomly assigned to either heatwrap or oral placebo for 8 hours. Unheated wrap (sham) and oral ibuprofen were included for blinding purposes only. Sixty-one subjects were randomly assigned to either heatwrap (n = 26), oral placebo (n = 25), sham wrap (n = 5), or oral ibuprofen (n = 5). Median time to confirmed first perceptible pain relief and to meaningful pain relief were significantly shorter for the heatwrap group compared with those assigned to oral placebo (96.5 vs > 240.0 min and 215.7 vs > 240.0 min, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). Among subjects receiving the heatwrap, 53.8% reported first perceptible and meaningful relief, compared with 28.0% receiving oral placebo. Subjective measures of pain relief, back stiffness, and global evaluation were more sensitive in detecting treatment differences than the plinth assessments of flexibility, range of motion, and pain. Three adverse events were reported as mild in severity and considered unrelated to study treatment. The 2-stopwatch methodology is a viable approach for assessing onset of analgesia in low back pain; however, the plinth may not be a reliable method for assessing flexibility. Consistent with published studies involving much larger sample sizes, the heatwrap provided significantly faster and sustained pain relief than oral placebo in subjects with acute low back pain. Clinical Trial Identifier: NCT01045993.