Forgotten fatalities: British military, mining and maritime accidents since 1900.
Comparative long-term trends in fatal accident rates in the UK's most hazardous occupations have not been reported. To compare trends in fatal accident rates in six of the most hazardous occupations (the three armed forces, merchant shipping, sea fishing and coal mining) and the general British workforce during peacetime years since 1900. Examinations of annual mortality reports, returns, inquiry files and statistics. The main outcome measure was the fatal accident rate per 100 000 population employed. These six occupations accounted for ~40% of all fatal accidents in the British workforce. Fatal accident rates were highest in merchant shipping to 1914 (400-600 per 100 000) and in the Royal Air Force and sea fishing by the early 1920s (around 300 per 100 000). Since the 1950s sea fishing has remained the most hazardous occupation (50-200). Widespread reductions in fatal accident rates for each occupation have been greatest in recent years in the three armed forces and merchant shipping. Compared with the general workforce, relative risks of fatalities have increased in recent decades in all these occupations except shipping. All six occupations still have high fatal accident rates. The greatly increased fatalities in sea fishing generally and in the Royal Air Force during its early years reflect, for different reasons, cultures of extreme risk-taking in these two sectors. Reductions in fatality rates in the armed forces over the last 20 years are due largely to decreases in land transport accidents.


Spinal deformity associated with neurenteric cysts in children.
Neurenteric cysts are uncommon lesions originating from the primitive foregut that may involve adjacent vertebrae and spinal cord. Little is known regarding the natural history of these cysts and associated spinal deformity in children. Five patients with these cysts managed at the authors' institution from 1955 to 1993 were reviewed. The goal of this retrospective review was to determine the natural history of these cysts in children, and to assess the surgical management in each of the five patients. Medical charts and radiographic records were reviewed and, when possible, the patients were re-evaluated clinically. All patients had significant anterior vertebral defects, and four had severe kyphosis at presentation. Major complications occurred in three of the four patients treated surgically. Iatrogenic complications of surgical management of these cysts can be limited by combined anterior and posterior approaches, providing the most complete exposure and maximal stabilization of the associated deformity.


[A CASE OF EOSINOPHILIC GRANULOMATOUS WITH POLYANGIITIS WITH SKIN LESIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PSORIASIS].
A 72-year-old woman who was undergoing treatment for bronchial asthma and psoriasis vulgaris experienced malaise three months earlier and visited our hospital on account of abnormal lung shadows. Chest computed tomography revealed ground-glass opacities in the peripheral lung fields and eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which suggested eosinophilic pneumonia. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody was negative. Her lower limbs had multiple palpable papules mixed with well-treated psoriasis and the histopathology of the skin biopsy revealed eosinophil infiltration around small vessels, suggesting the occurrence of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). We were able to evaluate minor skin lesions mixed with psoriasis through collaboration between the pulmonologist and the dermatologist. In the diagnosis of EGPA, it is important to carefully examine the whole body and not overlook minor findings before starting steroids.


Dynamic cultivation with radial flow bioreactor enhances proliferation or differentiation of rat bone marrow cells by fibroblast growth factor or osteogenic differentiation factor.
Dynamic cultivation using a radial flow bioreactor (RFB) has gained increasing interest as a method of achieving bone regeneration. In order to enhance bone generation in large bone defects, it is necessary to use an RFB to expand the primary cells such as bone marrow cells derived from biotissue. The present study aimed to evaluate the cell expansion and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow cells (rBMC) when added to basic fibroblast growth factor containing medium (bFGFM) or osteogenic differentiation factor containing medium (ODM) under dynamic cultivation using an RFB. Cell proliferation was evaluated with a DNA-based cell count method and histological analysis. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and immunohistochemistry staining of osteogenic markers including BMP-2 and osteopontin were used to assess osteogenic differentiation ability. After culture for one week, rBMC cell numbers increased significantly under dynamic cultivation compared with that under static cultivation in all culture media. For different culture media in dynamic cultivation, bFGFM had the highest increase in cell numbers. ALP activity was facilitated by dynamic cultivation with ODM. Furthermore, both BMP-2 and osteopontin were detected in the dynamic cultivation with ODM. These results suggested that bFGFM promotes cell proliferation and ODM promotes osteogenic differentiation of rBMC under dynamic cultivation using an RFB.


DNA-Templated Modulation in the Photophysical Properties of a Fluorescent Molecular Rotor Auramine O by Varying the DNA Composition.
This work delineates an integrative approach combining spectroscopic and computational studies to decipher the association-induced fluorescence properties of a fluorescent molecular rotor, viz., auramine O (AuO), after interacting with 20-mer duplex DNA having diverse well-matched base pairs. While exploring the scarcely explored sequence-dependent interaction mechanism of AuO and DNA, we observed that DNA could act as a conducive scaffold to the formation of AuO dimer through noncovalent interactions at lower molecular density. The photophysical properties of AuO depend on the nucleotide compositions as described from sequence-dependent shifting in the emission and absorption maxima. Furthermore, we explored such DNA base pair-dependent fluorescence spectral characteristics of AuO toward discriminating the thermodynamically most stable single nucleotide mismatch in a 20-mer sequence. Our results are interesting and could be useful in developing analogues with further enhanced emission properties toward mismatched DNA sequences.


P034 State of Health Maintenance Among IBD Patients at a Tertiary Care Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affecting 6.8 million persons globally. Treatment of IBD focuses largely on immune suppression or modulation using corticosteroids, aminosalicylates, thiopurines, or biologic agents. These agents are effective but most of them pose a risk of infections, cancers, and osteoporosis. Many of these complications can be prevented by implementing vaccination, cancer screening, and bone health programs. Despite the progress in IBD care, recent data suggest that many IBD patients do not get preventative services. Previous studies have examined rates of vaccinations and other health maintenance metrics in North America and Europe where IBD patients are mainly of European and African descent. In comparison, Middle Eastern and Asian descent persons comprise the majority of the IBD population in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of United Arab Emirates (UAE), a major country in the Gulf region of the Middle East. Little is known to date about the state of IBD preventative care in this region. We sought to assess the proportion of patients with IBD that underwent recommended vaccinations, cancer screening (surveillance colonoscopy, PAP smear, annual skin examination), and bone health evaluation at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), the largest tertiary care hospital in Abu Dhabi. This study was a retrospective case series of adult IBD patients (>18 years) seen in the outpatient setting at SSMC from 2019 to 2020. Patients were identified based on ICD-10 codes for IBD [K50.90, K50.00, K51.90, and K50.80] as well as administrative/pharmacy records of the IBD agents (e.g. infliximab). Proportions were assessed using simple summary statistics and one sample proportion 95% confidence intervals were calculated. A total of 55 IBD patients were identified in our study with the majority being males (76.3%). The mean age was 31.6 years. Sixty-nine percent had Crohn's. Most of the patients were on infliximab (58.1%), followed by vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and adalimumab. The proportion of patients who received vaccinations was as follows; HAV (67%, 95% CI 28-100%), HBV (50%, 95% CI 28-72%), pneumococcal 23 (20%, 95% CI 9.4-31%), pneumococcal 13 (18.2%, 95% CI 8-28%) and influenza vaccine (16.4%, 95% CI 7-26%). Moreover, the study showed that the proportion of IBD patients who underwent recommended colonoscopy surveillance was 91% (95% CI 79-100%) and the proportion of women IBD patients who had recommended PAP smear was 30%, (95% CI 2-58%). Regarding bone health, the proportion who underwent DXA bone scans was 36%, (95% CI 24-49%) However, the compliance rate of the Tdap, HPV and Zoster vaccinations, and annual skin examination were poor warranting further quality improvement studies. This study revealed that the state of health maintenance among IBD patients seen at our facility before 2021 was largely dismal. Efforts are being taken to improve the proportion of patients who receive recommended vaccinations including annual influenza, pneumococcal 13 and 23, HPV, Zoster, and COVID-19 vaccines. Furthermore, there is a focus on bone health and skin cancer examinations with plans to calculate, report, and publish health maintenance data annually.


[The growth and protein A accumulation of Staphylococcus aureus A-676 on a medium made from nonfood raw material].
In this research the experimental analytical method of balancing culture media, based on the determination of the yield of the target product, i.e. staphylococcal protein A, has been used. The medium, developed in the course of this research work on the basis of a hydrolysate of protein-containing waste products of the tanning industry, makes it possible to achieve the growth of producer strains similar to that achieved in peptone-yeast medium. The parameters of the growth of S. aureus strain A-676 and the biological activity of protein A obtained in the newly developed medium have been studied.


Chronocentrism and British criminology.
Criminologists display a largely unexamined propensity to ignore writings that are more than fifteen or so years old, with evident consequences for the public presentation and validation of expert knowledge. A citation study was combined with detailed observations from British criminologists to ascertain quite how that disavowal of the past was accomplished.


Macular thickness variations with sex, age, and axial length in healthy subjects: a spectral domain-optical coherence tomography study.
To assess the relationship between macular retinal thickness and volume and age, sex, and refractive error/axial length with spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). One randomly selected eye of 198 consecutive ophthalmically normal subjects (104 men, 94 women) between July 2008 and January 2009, with corrected visual acuities better than 20/30 were included in this cross-sectional study. Complete ophthalmic examination, axial length measurement with a laser interferometer, and macular cube 512 x 128 scan by SD-OCT were performed. The mean age was 55.6 +/- 16.4 years (range, 17-83), average refractive error was -2.17 +/- 4.82 (range, -23.50-3.75), and average axial length was 24.73 +/- 1.98 mm (range, 21.52-32.51). The central subfield thickness, average inner macular thickness, and overall macular volume were significantly lower in the female subjects (partial correlation: P = 0.009, P = 0.027, and P = 0.042, respectively). As age increased, average inner macular thickness, average outer macular thickness, overall average macular thickness, and macular volume decreased significantly (partial correlation: P = 0.002, P = 0.002, P = 0.002, and P = 0.000, respectively). Refractive error had no significant influence in partial correlation analysis. Axial length correlated negatively with average outer macular thickness, overall average macular thickness, and macular volume (partial correlation: P = 0.006, P = 0.044, and P = 0.003, respectively). In normal subjects, SD-OCT showed that retinal thickness is related to age, sex, and axial length, with regional variations.


p16INK4 and p15INK4B alterations in primary gynecologic malignancy.
Chromosome 9 abnormalities have been found in primary tumors and cell lines from human gynecologic malignancy. Alterations of p16INK4 and p15INK4B genes mapped on the band p21 of chromosome 9 have been detected in various human tumors, but the role of these genes as tumor suppressors in vivo appear to be dependent on tumor type. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analysis was performed to search for lesions of these genes in 202 primary gynecologic malignancies. Homozygous deletions of p16INK4 were detected in 7 of 128 (5%) cervical, 1 of 41 (2%) endometrial, 2 of 27 (7%) ovarian, and 3 of 6 (50%) vulvar carcinomas, while homozygous deletions of p15INK4B were detected in 19 of 128 (15%) cervical, 1 of 41 (2%) endometrial, 9 of 27 (33%) ovarian, and 3 of 6 (50%) vulvar carcinomas, respectively. No mutations were found in exon 2 of p16INK4 from 161 cases of gynecologic malignancy without deletion of p16INK4. All 3 cases of vulvar carcinoma showing homozygous deletions of p16INK4 and p15INK4B were at advanced clinical stage (stage III-IV), while all 7 cases of cervical carcinoma and 2 cases of ovarian carcinoma showing homozygous deletion of p16INK4 were at early stage (stage I-II). The results indicate that homozygous deletions of p16INK4 and/or p15INK4B genes may play a role in a subset of primary gynecologic malignancy.


A flexible protein linker improves the function of epitope-tagged proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Epitope tagging permits the detection of proteins when protein-specific antibodies are not available. However, the epitope tag can reduce the function of the tagged protein. Here we describe a cassette that can be used to introduce an eight amino acid flexible linker between multiple Myc epitopes and the open reading frame of a given gene. We show that inserting the linker improves the in vivo ability of the telomerase subunits Est2p and Est1p to maintain telomere length. The methods used here are generally applicable to improve the function of tagged proteins in both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe.


Critical role for Nef in HIV-1-induced podocyte dedifferentiation.
The notable glomerular feature of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is the collapse of the capillary tuft with marked glomerular epithelial cell hyperplasia. These data suggest a loss of normal podocyte function, which is associated with a loss of the podocyte differentiation markers, Wilm's tumor (WT-1), synaptopodin, podocalyxin, and common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA). We have previously shown that HIV-1 expression can induce these changes in HIV-1 transgenic mice. To identify which HIV-1 gene product(s) are responsible for the phenotypic changes in podocytes, we created multiple mutated HIV-1 constructs and then pseudotyped them with vesticular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG) envelope to enhance the tropism of these mutant viruses. In addition to gag/pol, the mutant viruses lacked one of the following, env, nef, rev, vif, vpr, or vpu. In addition, we generated single gene expressing pseudotyped viruses to complement the scanning mutation approach of our viral parental construct. Murine podocytes were then infected with one of the viral constructs either lacking or expressing the various HIV-1 genes. We found that HIV-1 nef was necessary and sufficient for proliferation of podocytes and down-regulation of synaptopodin and CALLA. These data suggest that Nef induces many of the changes we observe in HIV transgenic model and, as a result, this now defines the pathway for exploration of host responses to HIV-1 infection.


A chiral cobalt(ii) complex catalyzed asymmetric formal [3+2] cycloaddition for the synthesis of 1,2,4-triazolines.
A highly efficient catalytic asymmetric formal [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of 5-alkoxyoxazoles with azodicarboxylate compounds has been realized by a chiral N,N'-dioxide/Co(BF4)2·6H2O complex. A series of poly-substituted 1,2,4-triazolines compounds were obtained in moderate to excellent yields (70-99%) with excellent enantioselectivities (82-98% ee).


Specific anion effects on the optical rotation of glucose and serine.
Optical activity is directly related to molecular conformation through the anisotropic polarizabilities of molecules and the refractive index of materials. L-amino acids and D-sugars are characteristic essential bioactive molecules. Since molecular recognition and enzyme activity are related to the conformation of substrates, the relevance of optical activity to biological processes is evident. Specific ion, or Hofmeister, effects that occur with electrolytes at moderately high concentrations modify the behavior of interfaces, molecular forces between membranes, of bulk solutions, of enzymes, and even of DNA. Such effects are universal. Here we report a study on the change in optical rotation induced by some sodium salts for the enantiomers of serine and glucose in water solution. The optical rotation is shown to depend on the kind of anion and on the salt concentration. To obtain further insights into the mechanism behind the phenomenon, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral studies of serine and glucose solutions in electrolytes were also carried out. The results suggest that it is the differences in interactions of anions at specific chemical sites of the solutes that are responsible for the effects. These forces depend strongly on anion polarizability in water. Such specific ion preferential interactions can affect conformation and internal field, and result in significant changes in optical rotation.


18F-FDG and 11C-methionine PET in choroid plexus papilloma--report of three cases.
Choroid plexus papilloma (CCP) is an uncommon benign neoplasm of the neuroectoderm. We present the 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) and 11C-methyl-L-methionine (methionine) positron emission tomography of CPP in comparison with that of low-grade glioma. Patients were two women and one man (20, 23, and 72 years old). The Ki-67 labeling index ranged from 0.98 to 2.22%, and histologically the cases belonged to grade 2. On quantitative analysis, the tumor/normal ratio (T/N) was calculated using the standardized uptake value. Methionine T/N was significantly higher in CPP (3.24+/-0.69) than in low-grade glioma (1.23+/-0.81; p<0.01), although no clear difference could be determined for FDG T/N between the two (0.87+/-0.39, 0.75+/-0.53). These results may suggest that the metabolism of amino acid in CPP is quite different from that in low-grade glioma.


Single-channel stereoscopic video imaging modality based on transparent rotating deflector.
In this study, we developed a single-channel stereoscopic video imaging modality based on a transparent rotating deflector (TRD). Sequential two-dimensional (2D) left and right images were obtained through the TRD synchronized with a camera, and the components of the imaging modality were controlled by a microcontroller unit. The imaging modality was characterized by evaluating the stereoscopic video image generation, rotation of the TRD, heat generation by the stepping motor, and image quality and its stability in terms of the structural similarity index. The degree of depth perception was estimated and subjective analysis was performed to evaluate the depth perception improvement. The results show that the single-channel stereoscopic video imaging modality may: 1) overcome some limitations of conventional stereoscopic video imaging modalities; 2) be a potential economical compact stereoscopic imaging modality if the system components can be miniaturized; 3) be easily integrated into current 2D optical imaging modalities to produce a stereoscopic image; and 4) be applied to various medical and industrial fields.


Palate height: another indicator of surgical outcome in unilateral cleft lip and palate?
To determine whether palate height and maxillary arch depth are systematically related to the surgical center at which primary repair in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) was carried out. A retrospective comparison based on study casts of consecutive cases of UCLP obtained at age 9 years from six different centers. The observer who conducted measurements was blinded to the source of individual records. The patients whose records were analyzed received all their surgical care in a national health service setting in six different northern European centers and regions. Patients were consecutively treated Caucasian children with non-syndromic complete UCLP born in the period 1976 to 1979. The main outcome measures for the original study were craniofacial form, dental arch relationships, nasolabial appearance, and speech. This report focuses on measurements of anterior maxillary arch depth and palate height. Anterior arch depth and anterior palate height showed some variation among the centers. There was a tendency for anterior arch depth and palate height to also be reduced at centers at which patients showed unfavorable dental arch relationships. Anterior arch depth and palate height might be considered in future studies of surgical outcome and in their possible relationship to problems of articulation.


PtrLAC16 plays a key role in catalyzing lignin polymerization in the xylem cell wall of Populus.
Plant laccases have been proposed to participate in lignin biosynthesis. However, there is no direct evidence that individual laccases in Populus can polymerize lignin monomers and alter cell wall structure. Here, a Populus laccase, PtrLAC16, was expressed and purified in a eukaryotic system. Enzymatic analysis of PtrLAC16 showed that it could polymerize lignin monomers in vitro. PtrLAC16 preferred sinapyl alcohol, and this preference is associated with an altered S/G ratio in transgenic Populus lines. PtrLAC16 was localized exclusively in the cell walls of stem vascular tissue, and a reduction in PtrLAC16 expression led to a significant decrease in lignin content and altered cell wall structure. There was a direct correlation between the inhibition of PtrLAC16 expression and structural changes in the stem cell wall of Populus. This study provides direct evidence that PtrLAC16 plays a key role in the polymerization of lignin monomers, especially for sinapyl lignin, and affects the formation of xylem cell walls in Populus.


Retrospective study of recession of four horizontal rectus muscle in periodic alternating nystagmus.
Periodic alternating nystagmus (PAN) is a spontaneous horizontal nystagmus observed in disorders of the central nervous system. Patients with congenital PAN complain of oscillating vision at high rates. Medication is the first-choice treatment for PAN; however, clinicians still seek better therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of recession of four horizontal rectus muscle (R-FHR) in patients with congenital PAN. This study reports a retrospective case series of ten patients (seven males and three females; mean age 24.4±10.9) with congenital PAN who underwent R-FHR between 2007 and 2012, which was performed by the same surgeon at the Hyogo College of Medicine. Patients were evaluated for complications, recession amount, deviation angle, eye movements including a nystagmus amplitude, and visual acuity during pre- and post-operative periods. Pre-operatively, patients complained of oscillating vision, abnormal head posture, esotropia, and congenital superior oblique palsy. Post-operatively, changes from the previous observations of nystagmus amplitudes and abnormal head posture demonstrated a complete reversal in all patients. In addition, visual acuity determined with a Snellen chart improved in two patients. However, esotropia occurred in three patients who underwent additional strabismus surgery 2 days after R-FHR. R-FHR was particularly effective in eight patients who pre-operatively had periodic oscillating vision with a regular pattern of periodic nystagmus. We demonstrated that ten patients with congenital PAN had improved vision following R-FHR, indicating that R-FHR was an effective procedure, especially in patients suffering PAN with periodic oscillating vision.


Selective alpha 2-adrenergic agonists B-HT 920 and UK14304-18. Effects on aqueous humor dynamics in monkeys.
Selective alpha 2-adrenergic agonists UK14304-18 and B-HT 920 were evaluated in the eyes of cynomolgus monkeys. In normal monkeys, unilateral topical application of 0.3%, 0.5%, or 1% UK14304-18 or B-HT 920 reduced (P less than .05) intraocular pressure bilaterally up to 9.9 +/- 1.2 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM) and 8.4 +/- 1.4 mm Hg in treated and contralateral eyes, respectively. Five-day twice-daily 0.5% UK14304-18 administration reduced (P less than .05) intraocular pressure up to 49% in eight glaucomatous monkeys. In eight normal monkeys, 0.5% B-HT 920 and 0.5% UK14304-18 produced no alterations in outflow facility. Following unilateral application of 0.5% B-HT 920 or 0.5% UK14304-18, fluorophotometrically measured aqueous humor production was reduced (P less than .05) bilaterally up to 67% compared with baseline values. Also, 0.5% UK14304-18 reduced (P less than .025) systolic and diastolic blood pressure. UK14304-18 and B-HT 920 seem to reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing aqueous production. They are potential new agents for the treatment of glaucoma.


[The use of Quality of Life Questionnaire in patients with nasal polyposis].
Polyposis handicap evaluation through Spanish validation of the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index. Spanish validation of the Polyposis Disability Index (PDI). One hundred and fifty one patients referred to our Nose Unit in Fundación Hospital Alcorcón. The Spanish version of the PDI was administered after translation and retrotranslation. Internal consistency and reliability were established. Spanish adaptation of the PDI and ists subscales (functional, emotional and physical) showed a high reliability and internal consistency (Cronbach's alfa: 0,90). Spanish adaptation of the PDI is valid, reliable and can be used in a clinical setting to quantify the impact of polyposis on patient's quality of life.


Achieving the classical Carnot efficiency in a strongly coupled quantum heat engine.
Generally, the efficiency of a heat engine strongly coupled with a heat bath is less than the classical Carnot efficiency. Through a model-independent method, we show that the classical Carnot efficiency is achieved in a strongly coupled quantum heat engine. First, we present the first law of quantum thermodynamics in strong coupling. Then, we show how to achieve the Carnot cycle and the classical Carnot efficiency at strong coupling. We find that this classical Carnot efficiency stems from the fact that the heat released in a nonequilibrium process is balanced by the absorbed heat. We also analyze the restrictions in the achievement of the Carnot cycle. The first restriction is that there must be two corresponding intervals of the controllable parameter in which the corresponding entropies of the work substance at the hot and cold temperatures are equal, and the second is that the entropy of the initial and final states in a nonequilibrium process must be equal. Through these restrictions, we obtain the positive work conditions, including the usual one in which the hot temperature should be higher than the cold, and a new one in which there must be an entropy interval at the hot temperature overlapping that at the cold. We demonstrate our result through a paradigmatic model-a two-level system in which a work substance strongly interacts with a heat bath. In this model, we find that the efficiency may abruptly decrease to zero due to the first restriction, and that the second restriction results in the control scheme becoming complex.


Galactosialidosis: molecular heterogeneity among distinct clinical phenotypes.
The lysosomal storage disorder galactosialidosis has been recognized as a distinct genetic and biochemical entity, associated with a combined beta-galactosidase and neuraminidase deficiency that is due to the lack of a 32-kilodalton (kDa) glycoprotein. The molecular basis of different clinical variants of galactosialidosis has been investigated. In the early-infantile form, the synthesis of the 52-kDa precursor of the 32-kDa "protective protein" is markedly reduced and the absence of the latter protein explains the severe neuraminidase deficiency. In the juvenile-adult form, there is relatively more 52-kDa precursor but no 32-kDa protein can be detected. Cells from the late-infantile form have in comparison with controls, besides a small amount of the 32-kDa glycoprotein, an accumulation of the 52-kDa precursor. Apparently, this protein is genetically altered in such a way that its further processing is impaired. Furthermore, in this mutant, the residual neuraminidase activity is stimulated four- to sixfold upon leupeptin treatment together with an increase of the 32-kDa glycoprotein.


Infectious arthritis and immune dysregulation: lessons from Lyme disease.
Borrelia burgdorferi colonization of the joints induces an inflammatory response, which in some individuals progresses to chronic arthritis. In this review, we discuss novel pathways that are implicated in disease development by modulating host defenses to B. burgdorferi infection. The use of transgenic mice and gene expression analyses has revealed novel pathways involved in pathogenesis of Lyme disease. It is now clear that B. burgdorferi exploits an array of salivary gland proteins of the tick to evade immune responses in the mammalian host. The spirochete also modulates its surface protein profile upon infection and induces anti-inflammatory cytokines, favoring survival of the pathogen. The host defense involves toll-like receptors (TLRs), such as TLR2 and others, in B. burgdorferi recognition. To further dissect the genetic predisposition to treatment-refractory Lyme arthritis, HLA-DR transgenic mice have been used. The cause and pathogenesis of Lyme arthritis are complex. Elucidating the mechanisms that govern this chronic inflammatory response will provide direct insights into other infectious arthritides and the development of novel therapeutic approaches against B. burgdorferi infection.


In vitro antioxidant potential of selected aphrodisiac medicinal plants.
The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of six selected aphrodisiac medicinal plants. Useful parts of the selected medicinal plants were collected and extracted in methanolic solvent. The antioxidant activity of selected plant extract was determined through different antioxidant assays, namely DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant assay. Moreover, antioxidant compounds, like total phenolics and total flavonoids contents, were also determined. Results showed that Mucuna pruriens seed extract displayed high contents of phenolic compounds with total phenolic content of 683.15±4.28 mg GAE/g dry plant material while the least phenolic content was observed in Asparagus racemosus (195.5±3.02 mg GAE/g dry plant material). Highest total flavonoids content was found in Anacyclus pyrethrum roots (156.58±4.01 μg CE/g) and the least content was found in Asparagus racemosus roots. Among the studied plant extracts, the highest radical scavenging activity was shown by Mucuna pruriens seed extract (82.05±0.55%) and the least percent scavenging activity was observed in Tribulus terrestris extract (36.40±2.01%). Vitamin C was used as positive control for antioxidant assays showing 93.54±0.9% radical scavenging activity. The plant extract also exhibited a strong reducing potential against free radicals. Therefore, the present study concluded that all the studied medicinal plants possess varying concentrations of secondary active metabolites responsible for the antioxidant properties of the tested plant extracts.


Bulbospinal serotonergic pathways in the control of blood pressure.
The anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology of bulbospinal 5-HT neurons innervating spinal sympathetic cell groups are reviewed. On the basis of the location of 5-HT cell bodies, size of axons, type of synapse, and diversity of chemical coding, it is argued that the group of bulbospinal neurons is anatomically heterogenous. The evidence for both sympathoexcitatory and sympathoinhibitory actions of these neurons is discussed, and, although unequivocal evidence is still lacking, the idea of a functional heterogeneity is attractive. This is supported by observations that 5-HT also has both sympathoexcitatory and sympathoinhibitory actions in the spinal cord. These actions are mediated via two receptors, 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2, respectively. The question of whether or not these receptors are tonically activated is discussed, and it is shown that most evidence indicates they are not.


Cyclosporin for severe ulcerative colitis attacks.
Cyclosporin-A is used as alternative medical therapy in steroid refractory ulcerative colitis with severe activity. In spite of known effectivity, the long term results of cyclosporin-A therapy is not clear for today. The results of 13 steroid refractory patients that treated with cyclosporin-A were retrospectively assessed. Cyclosporin-A was started as orally, 8 mg/kg/day in 4 patients and intravenously, 4 mg/kg/day in 9 patients. Intravenous therapy changed to oral therapy one week after beginning. Patients also received 5-ASA and azathioprine. Steroid was tapered. Ten patients responded to treatment in a mean of 9 days (range: 2-30 days). Three unresponded patients underwent total colectomy on 7, 11 and 19th day of therapy. Ten initially responded patients received the drug for average 4.9 months. Of these, four relapsed during and one relapsed soon after therapy. Four of 5 relapser patients underwent colectomy. One patient that not accepted surgical intervention is still receiving medical therapy. Remaining 5 patients, 38% of total group; 50% of patients that initially responded, maintain the remission at the end of average 17 months of follow up period. Cyclosporin-A therapy in severe ulcerative colitis that is refractory to steroids, provides initial remission in 80% of patients and allows 40% to retain their colon for 1 year.


Functional characterization of a stable, noncytolytic stage of macrophage activation in tumors.
The state in which macrophages (Mphi) from regressing Moloney sarcomas could kill tumor target cells was a highly labile one which decayed rapidly in vitro. Thereafter, regressor Mphi were noncytolytic. Mphi from several different progressing sarcomas failed to kill, even when challenged with target cells immediately after explantation. Similarly, thioglycollate-induced peritoneal Mphi (TG-Mphi) did not kill. Noncytolygic Mphi derived either from progressing sarcomas or from long-term (up to 96 h) cultures of regressor Mphi were exquisitely sensitive to stimulation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS); picogram/milliliter amounts induced killing. Similar concentrations of LPS had no demonstrable effect on TG-Mphi. Thus, tumor Mphi generally appeared to have been primed in vivo, with those in regressing sarcomas having additionally acquired cytolytic activity. Inability of progressor Mphi to kill apparently stemmed from lack of, or failure to respond to, the signal needed in vivo to trigger cytolytic activity, rather than the total absence of activation.


Distal anterior interosseous nerve transfer to the deep ulnar nerve and end-to-side suture of the superficial ulnar nerve to the third common palmar digital nerve for treatment of high ulnar nerve injuries: experience in five cases.
To demonstrate the results of a double nerve transfer at the level of the hand for recovery of the motor and sensory function of the hand in cases of high ulnar nerve injuries. Five patients underwent a transfer of the distal branch of the anterior interosseous nerve to the deep ulnar nerve, and an end-to-side suture of the superficial ulnar nerve to the third common palmar digital nerve. Two patients recovered strength M3 and three cases were graded as M4; recovery of protective sensation (S3+ in three patients and S4 in two) was observed in the fourth and fifth fingers, and at the hypothenar region. The monofilament test showed values of 3.61 or less in all cases and the two-point discrimination test demonstrated values of 7 mm in three cases and 5 mm in two. This technique of double nerve transfer is effective for motor and sensory recovery of the distal ulnar-innervated side of the hand.


Differences in strength and speed demands between 4v4 and 8v8 small-sided football games.
The aims of this study were (i) to characterise the acceleration demands of two different formats of small-sided game (SSG), i.e., 4v4 + goalkeepers (4v4 + GK) and 8v8 + goalkeepers (8v8 + GK); (ii) to analyse the correlation between performance in power-based tests and acceleration-based physical loading during the two different SSG formats and (iii) to analyse the neuromuscular-induced fatigue. Eighteen adult male footballers participated in the study (20.7 ± 1.0 years, 178 ± 5 cm and 71.4 ± 2.1 kg). Baseline measurements were obtained from countermovement jumps, 15 s repeated jumps and 5 and 15 m sprints. A total of 36 min was analysed for each SSG (4v4 + GK: two sets of 3 × 6 min, and 8v8 + GK: 2 × 18 min). Heart rate, blood lactate, perceived exertion and movement pattern (GPS) were analysed. Distances covered by very-high-intensity activities and very-high-speed running were lower in 4v4 + GK than in 8v8 + GK (effect sizes (ES) = -0.69 ± 0.67 and -1.04 ± 0.67, respectively; very likely), while accelerations and decelerations were higher in 4v4 + GK than in 8v8 + GK (ES = 1.13-1.52; almost certainly). Blood lactate concentrations were higher (ES = 1.40 ± 0.58; almost certainly) and players perceived themselves to be more tired (ES = 0.80-2.31; almost certainly) after 4v4 + GK than after 8v8 + GK. Sprint ability in 5 and 15 m tests decreased (ES = 0.87 ± 0.58 and 0.89 ± 0.58, respectively; almost certainly) only after 4v4 + GK. This SSG format appeared more demanding in relation to repetitions and fatigue development of muscle power-based actions than 8v8 + GK. It may therefore be logical to use the former type of SSG to target development of power-related football actions.


Agarose gel isoelectrofocusing of UDP-galactose pyrophosphorylase and galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase. Developmental aspect of UDP-galactose pyrophosphorylase.
The uridine diphosphogalactose pyrophosphorylase activity has been determined in human adult and fetal tissues as well as blood of various ages by measurement of UDP-galactose production from gal-1-p and UTP. The highest activity was found from adult liver in which the specific activity was about 5% of the gal-1-p uridyltransferase activity. In general adult tissues had a somewhat higher activity than the corresponding fetal tissues except erythrocytes in which fetuses had a 5-10 times higher activity than adults. From normal blood the pyrophosphorylase activity in erythrocytes decreased with age, but in the case of galactosemia the decrease with age was not distinct. According to agarose gel isoelectrofocusing studies, at least two isozyme forms for UDP-galactose pyrophosphorylase exist with the activity bands between pH 6.0-6.15. The patterns of AGIF bands of pyrophosphorylase varied according to the age of the samples, suggesting the development of the isozyme forms of pyrophosphorylase to be age-dependent. Uridyltransferase, on the other hand, resolved into multiple bands between pH 5.1-5.6 on agarose gels and the patterns varied according to the variants but not to the age. Significance of the decrease in the pyrophosphorylase activity in erythrocytes with age as well as of the difference in AGIF bands between normal and the galactosemic were discussed with regard to the pathology of classical galactosemia.


Dual Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and their Application in Cancer Therapy.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in the initiation, development, suppression, and treatment of cancer. Excess ROS can induce nuclear DNA, leading to cancer initiation. Not only that, but ROS also inhibit T cells and natural killer cells and promote the recruitment and M2 polarization of macrophages; consequently, cancer cells escape immune surveillance and immune defense. Furthermore, ROS promote tumor invasion and metastasis by triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tumor cells. Interestingly, massive accumulation of ROS inhibits tumor growth in two ways: (1) by blocking cancer cell proliferation by suppressing the proliferation signaling pathway, cell cycle, and the biosynthesis of nucleotides and ATP and (2) by inducing cancer cell death via activating endoplasmic reticulum stress-, mitochondrial-, and P53- apoptotic pathways and the ferroptosis pathway. Unfortunately, cancer cells can adapt to ROS via a self-adaption system. This review highlighted the bidirectional regulation of ROS in cancer. The study further discussed the application of massively accumulated ROS in cancer treatment. Of note, the dual role of ROS in cancer and the self-adaptive ability of cancer cells should be taken into consideration for cancer prevention.


Performance of lactating dairy cows fed whole cottonseed coated with gelatinized starch plus urea or yeast culture.
Thirty lactating Holstein cows were used in an 8-wk randomized design trial to test the viability of select additives included in the gelatinized corn starch coating applied to whole cottonseed (WCS) on nutrient intake and digestibility and milk yield and composition. Treatments included WCS coated with 2.5% gelatinized corn starch (control); control plus 0.5% urea; or control plus 2.0% yeast culture. The treated WCS represented 12.6% of the dietary dry matter. Cellulose intake was lower for the control coating compared with either the urea or yeast coating because of slightly lower cellulose concentrations in the control treatment. Intake of all other nutrients was similar for all treatments. Whole-tract nutrient apparent digestibility was not altered by treatment. Dry matter intake and milk yield were similar among treatments. Percentage solids-not-fat was lower for the yeast treatment compared with control, but no other differences were observed in milk composition among treatments. Efficiency of milk production (energy-corrected milk yield per unit of dry matter intake) was higher for the urea and yeast treatments compared with control because of slightly higher yield of milk fat and energy-corrected milk. No differences were observed in body weight change during the trial between treatments. Results of this trial indicate that including urea or yeast culture in the gelatinized starch coating does not change whole tract digestibility, but does improve milk production efficiency.


[TAp63gamma-induced apoptosis mediated by apoptosis inducing factor in human esophageal squamous carcinoma EC9706 cells].
To study the molecular mechanism of TAp63gamma-induced cell apoptosis. Transcription and protein expression of apoptosis inducing factor and p63 were investigated by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR in human esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line EC9706 respectively. Twenty-four hours after transfection with pcDNA3.1-TAp63gamma, the apoptosis and translocation of apoptosis inducing factor in EC9706 cells were studied by flow cytometry, laser confocal microscopy and mitochondrial/cytosol/nuclear extraction analysis respectively. Down-regulation of apoptosis inducing factor protein was achieved by RNAi and pretreatment with caspase inhibitor zVAD.fmk of EC9706 cells. Presence of protein expressions of apoptosis inducing factor and absence of TAp63gamma was observed in the cytoplasm of untransfected cells. RT-PCR verified the subtype of p63 in EC9706 cells was DeltaNp63. After 24 hours of transfection, both nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of apoptosis inducing factor protein were observed in cells transfected with TAp63gamma and p53 expression vectors, but not in cells transfected with control vector. Cell apoptosis rates were 1.37%, 13.64%, 4.52%, 4.03% and 1.91% in the pcDNA3.1 transfection group, pcDNA3.1-TAp63gamma transfection group, apoptosis inducing factor siRNA and pcDNA3.1-TAp63gamma transfection group, zVAD.fmk treatment group, and the group receiving apoptosis inducing factor siRNA, plus zVAD.fmk treatment and pcDNA3.1-TAp63gamma transfection, respectively. Apoptosis inducing factor of EC9706 cells is released from mitochondria into both the cytoplasm and nucleus during TAp63gamma induced apoptosis. Down-regulation of apoptosis inducing factor inhibits TAp63gamma-induced apoptosis. Overall, TAp63gamma-induced apoptosis is dependent on the expression of apoptosis inducing factor and caspase.


Pulmonary function assessment in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type II and type III.
In this study, we used a spirometer to measure pulmonary function of 48 patients (4.3 to 34 years old), with type II and type III spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and compared our findings according to the two SMA types, sex, functional grade, and degree of scoliosis. SMA patients were stratified into three groups based on severity and the age at which the symptoms began: type I, type II, and type III SMA patients were also classified into four functional grades depending upon whether they were able to 1) sit with support, 2) sit independently, 3) walk with assistance, or 4) walk independently. A restrictive pattern was found in all SMA patients who were found to have impaired lung function. The highest functional group had normal or nearly normal pulmonary functions. The lowest functional group, however, were found to have the worst pulmonary functions. Patients with type III SMA had better lung function than type II. We found a significant inverse relationship between pulmonary function and scoliosis, but no significant difference in pulmonary functioning with respect to gender. As the functional grade decreases, chest care needs to be intensified to prevent respiratory tract infections.


Health Sciences undergraduate education at UCT: a story of transformation.
Undergraduate education and training in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town has become socially responsive. A story of transformation that is consonant with wider societal developments since the 1994 democratic elections, outlining the changes in undergraduate curricula across the faculty, is presented.


Intramuscular metastasis of carcinoid tumor: a rare manifestation.
A 43-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of left upper lobectomy due to an atypical lung carcinoid tumor. The patient was referred to our department for further evaluation. An In-111 octreotide (Octreoscan) whole body scan and single photon emission computed tomography were performed. The scans showed slightly increased diffused tracer uptake in the apex of the left lung, most probably due to postoperative changes. A focal area of increased uptake in the right lower abdomen was also noted. Fusing octreotide tomographic construction with CT images allowed accurate determination of the area of increased uptake to be in the right transverse abdominal muscle.


Psychological aspects of bariatric surgery.
Severe obesity is a serious chronic condition associated with a variety of life-threatening medical illnesses. It also has a major impact on mental health and quality of life. A higher than normal prevalence of psychopathology is seen in this population, and there seems to be a direct relationship between body mass index and the degree of psychosocial impairment. This impact on the overall quality of life may have more serious implications on public health than even the clear medical risks of obesity. Among the various psychological disorders seen in the obese treatment-seeking population, there is a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, distorted body image, and eating disorders. This paper reviews the complex psychological issues related to bariatric surgery, offers recommendations regarding presurgical behavioral assessment, and reviews emerging data on the psychological impact of this important new treatment.


Lymphocytic Esophagitis Presenting With Food Impaction.
Lymphocytic esophagitis (LyE) is a rare diagnosis made on esophageal biopsy whose pathogenesis is poorly understood. Since its appearance in the literature 15 years ago, it still remains an enigma due to its low prevalence. In this case report, a 71-year-old male presented with an episode of acute dysphagia due to food impaction. Urgent endoscopy was performed to fragment the food bolus. Repeat endoscopy showed a stricture, and lymphocytic esophagitis was found on esophageal biopsy. A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was initiated with symptomatic improvement. With its increasing prevalence, lymphocytic esophagitis should be on the differential for causes of dysphagia.


Probing o-diphenylphosphanyl benzoate (o-DPPB)-directed C-C bond formation: total synthesis of dictyostatin.
Herein, we report a robust total synthesis of dictyostatin. This polyketide natural product has attracted much attention because of its impressive antiproliferative activity against several human cancer-cell lines. We accomplished its synthesis in a highly convergent manner from three fragments of equal complexity, which were prepared on multigram scale. The southern and northwestern subunits were constructed through application of our o-DPPB-directed hydroformylation and allylic substitution methodology, respectively. These methods generated the C6 and C14 stereocenters of dictyostatin with good diastereoselectivities and simultaneously allowed further elaboration of the fragments by Wittig olefination and Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation, respectively. The compelling performance of the hydroformylation and allylic substitution with regard to practicability, selectivity, and scale underline their value for the construction of propionate motifs.


Conjunctival orbital cyst.
A 61-year-old woman had gradual onset of ptosis and painless proptosis of her left eye of 1-year duration. Orbital computed tomography (CT) showed a well-circumscribed superior nasal orbital tumor with uniform density. The mass was removed by anterior orbitotomy and histopathologically diagnosed as a conjunctival cyst. Recent reports have increased awareness of this entity. This case typifies findings of conjunctival orbital cysts. These cysts should be considered when a differential diagnosis is formulated for orbital tumors with a similar presentation.


Adult-Onset CNS Sulfatide Deficiency Causes Sex-Dependent Metabolic Disruption in Aging.
The interconnection between obesity and central nervous system (CNS) neurological dysfunction has been widely appreciated. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that obesity is a risk factor for CNS neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. However, the extent to which CNS disruption influences peripheral metabolism remains to be elucidated. We previously reported that myelin-enriched sulfatide loss leads to CNS neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. In this study, we further investigated the impact of CNS sulfatide deficiency on peripheral metabolism while considering sex- and age-specific effects. We found that female sulfatide-deficient mice gained significantly more body weight, exhibited higher basal glucose levels, and were glucose-intolerant during glucose-tolerance test (GTT) compared to age-matched controls under a normal diet, whereas male sulfatide-deficient mice only displayed glucose intolerance at a much older age compared to female sulfatide-deficient mice. Mechanistically, we found that increased body weight was associated with increased food intake and elevated neuroinflammation, especially in the hypothalamus, in a sex-specific manner. Our results suggest that CNS sulfatide deficiency leads to sex-specific alterations in energy homeostasis via dysregulated hypothalamic control of food intake.


High efficiency and collimated terahertz pulse from ultra-short intense laser and cone target.
We propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, method to radiate a high-efficiency and collimated terahertz (THz) pulse from a relativistic femtosecond laser and cone target. Particle-in-cell simulations demonstrate that a THz source of 40 mJ, pointing at an angle of ∼20 ∘, can be generated from a laser pulse of 1.9 J by using a cone target whose open angle is 10 ∘. The peak power of the THz pulse is 1011 W. This method, which manipulates the divergence angle and the energy conversion efficiency of the THz source, should promote THz science into the extra strong region with a compact laser system.


Mechanism of activation of the bone marrow-derived lymphocyte. 3. A distinction between a macrophage-produced triggering signal and the amplifying effect on triggered B lymphocytes of allogeneic interactions.
Peritoneal exudate cells from nu/nu mice stimulated with proteose peptone broth, but in general not from unstimulated mice, permitted cultures of spleen cells from congenitally athymic (nu/nu) mice to respond to the thymus-dependent antigen fowl gamma globulin (FgammaG). Supernatants of cultures of peritoneal cells were also effective, the activity being sensitive to trypsin. Since nu/nu mice were effective sources of the peritoneal cells it would not seem obligatory for the thymus-derived (T) cell to be involved in the triggering of the bone marrow-derived (B) cell by a thymus-dependent antigen FgammaG. It is proposed that the B cell is triggered at the macrophage surface where it encounters two signals (a) the antigen and (b) a protein secreted by the activated macrophage. In vivo the T cell may have a role in B-cell triggering, either in activating the macrophage or in aiding in presentation of antigen on the macrophage surface. Thymus-independent antigens are proposed to induce an IgM response because they are able to provide "signal two" either by direct interaction with the B cell or via irritation or activation of the macrophage. The stimulatory effect of T cells activated by an allogeneic interaction was used as a model of one influence of the T cell on the development of an antibody response. The presence in cultures of nu/nu spleen of an allogeneic interaction had no effect on the inability of these cells to respond to FgammaG. However when a source of the postulated second signal such as the supernatant of a macrophage culture was present, an allogeneic interaction had a powerful amplifying effect on the anti-FgammaG response. In contrast the response of nu/nu spleen cultures to heterologous erythrocytes was greatly enhanced by the presence of an allogeneic interaction. It is suggested that since there was a definite basal response to the heterologous erythrocytes added alone, the enhancement represented not an activation of more B cells but rather an amplification of this basal response. Thus the anti-FgammaG response in cultures of nu/nu spleen differentiates between factors such as those released by activated macrophages that are involved in B-cell triggering and factors released by activated T cells that amplify the numbers of antibody-forming cells resulting from a B cell already triggered.


First-Principles Study of the Reaction Mechanism of CHO + H on Graphene Surface.
Many organic molecules observed in the interstellar medium are considered to be formed on dust grains and populated into the gas phase. We analyzed the reaction of HCO + H on a graphene surface using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations as a case study of the formation and desorption of organic molecules on interstellar dust particles. During the reactions of chemisorbed CHO (chemisorbed at the C atom) with free H, CO was generated and efficiently desorbed from the surface. These results suggest that the reactions, of which the reactant forms a covalent bond with the surface while the product does not, cause efficient desorption of the product upon reaction. In such reactions a repulsive force between the product and the surface would be generated and accelerate translation of the product in a specific direction. In addition, it was also shown that the branching ratio of the reactions between radical species on the surface would be affected by the form of the adsorption on the surface, e.g., when a free H reacted with the CHO chemisorbed at the C atom, CH2O was not generated.


Effects of general anesthesia versus local anesthesia in primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients presenting for thermal ablation surgery: a multiple center retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching.
Whether anesthesia methods affect the prognosis of tumor patients is controversial. With the aim of comparing the effects of general anesthesia (GA) and local anesthesia (LA) in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients presenting for elective thermal ablation (TA) surgeries, a multiple center retrospective cohort study was designed and implemented. Patients who received elective TA surgery under GA or LA from Jan. 2014 to Dec. 2016 and met the eligibility criteria were included. Survival analysis was used to identify the influence of anesthesia methods on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize the bias between the GA group and the LA group. A total of 244 patients with GA and 245 with LA were eligible for analysis. After PSM, 178 patients remained in each group. In the matched groups, GA showed a significantly higher recurrence rate compared with LA by both the Kaplan-Meier survival analyses (P=0.011) and multivariable Cox regression analyses (P=0.002). The multivariable Cox regression model also revealed that GA had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.746 (P=0.036) for death compared with the LA group. GA is associated with decreased RFS and OS after surgery compared with LA in HCC patients undergoing TA surgery. Prospective trials exploring the effects of different anesthetic methods on cancer outcome in these patients are warranted.


Label-Free, Direct Measurement of Protein Concentrations in Turbid Solutions with a UV-Visible Integrating Cavity Absorbance Spectrometer.
Protein-particle conjugates and mixtures have been investigated extensively for their diverse applications in biotechnology. However, general methods to measure protein concentration of protein-particle solutions are lacking. Typically, proteins in turbid solutions require separation or staining with another chromophore to quantitate their concentration. Here we demonstrate a label-free, direct approach to measure protein concentrations in turbid solutions using a UV-vis integrating cavity absorbance spectrometer. Three systems are used to test the ability to measure accurate protein concentrations: proteins adsorbed to Alhydrogel, proteins in solution with gold nanoparticles, and proteins encapsulated within polymeric microspheres. Protein concentrations in each of the three protein-particle systems were successfully quantified using a calibration curve created from the absorbance at 280 nm.


Glomerular pyrimidine metabolism in experimental diabetic nephropathy.
Glomerular uracil nucleotide metabolism was studied in vivo in control and diabetic rats 48 h after the injection of streptozotocin. The animals were infused for 2 h with 3H-orotate and the fraction of infused dpm incorporated into glomerular uracil nucleotides and RNA/mg of glomerular DNA was calculated. Diabetic glomeruli showed an increase in RNA/DNA compared to controls (p less than 0.05) and a greater incorporation of 3H-orotate into uracil nucleotides and RNA. These changes were reversed by insulin therapy. In separate experiments the renal cortical uracil nucleotide pool was expanded by feeding chow supplemented with 0.5% orotate to rats for 6 months. Normal animals fed orotate developed significant glomerular basement membrane thickening (p less than 0.01) when compared to age-matched controls, which was morphologically indistinguishable from that of diabetics. Orotate feeding also produced further basement membrane thickening in diabetic rats. These results suggest that early diabetes is characterized by an increase in glomerular uracil nucleotides, and that chronic expansion of the uracil nucleotide pool is associated with glomerular basement membrane thickening.


Giant saccular aneurysm of the innominate artery.
We report a rare case of a saccular aneurysm of innominate artery without any apparent causative history. Although the treatment choice remains debatable, due to the poor condition of the patient, the lesion was excluded by using a balloon-expandable covered stent with a satisfactory early-term outcome.


Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry: An Enabling and Innately Sustainable Method.
While preparative electrolysis of organic molecules has been an active area of research over the past century, modern synthetic chemists have generally been reluctant to adopt this technology. In fact, electrochemical methods possess many benefits over traditional reagent-based transformations, such as high functional group tolerance, mild conditions, and innate scalability and sustainability. In this Outlook we highlight illustrative examples of electrochemical reactions in the context of the synthesis of complex molecules, showcasing the intrinsic benefits of electrochemical reactions versus traditional reagent-based approaches. Our hope is that this field will soon see widespread adoption in the synthetic community.


Genome-wide association study to identify SNPs and candidate genes associated with body size traits in donkeys.
The Yangyuan donkey is a domestic animal breed mainly distributed in the northwest region of Hebei Province. Donkey body shape is the most direct production index, can fully reflect the donkey's growth status, and is closely related to important economic traits. As one of the main breeding selection criteria, body size traits have been widely used to monitor animal growth and evaluate the selection response. Molecular markers genetically linked to body size traits have the potential to accelerate the breeding process of animals via marker-assisted selection. However, the molecular markers of body size in Yangyuan donkeys have yet to be explored. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study to identify the genomic variations associated with body size traits in a population of 120 Yangyuan donkeys. We screened 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms that were significantly associated with body size traits. Some genes distributed around these significant SNPs were considered candidates for body size traits, including SMPD4, RPS6KA6, LPAR4, GLP2R, BRWD3, MAGT1, ZDHHC15, and CYSLTR1. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses indicated that these genes were mainly involved in the P13K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, calcium signaling pathway, phospholipase D signaling pathway, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. Collectively, our study reported on a list of novel markers and candidate genes associated with body size traits in donkeys, providing useful information for functional gene studies and offering great potential for accelerating Yangyuan donkey breeding.


Stochastic resonance training reduces musculoskeletal symptoms in metal manufacturing workers: a controlled preventive intervention study.
This study examined the effects of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training on work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and accidents. Participants were white and blue-collar employees of a Swiss metal manufacturer (N=38), and participation was voluntary. The study was designed as a switching-replications longitudinal trial with randomized group allocation. The randomized controlled cross-over design consisted of two groups each given four weeks of exercise and no intervention during a second four-week period. Outcome was measured on a daily basis with questionnaires. Three components constituted musculoskeletal symptoms: musculoskeletal pain, related function limitations and musculoskeletal well-being. Accidents were assessed by ratings for balance and daily near-accidents. For statistical analysis, a mixed model was calculated. At the end of the training period musculoskeletal pain and related function limitation were significantly reduced, whereas musculoskeletal well-being had significantly increased. For function limitation and musculoskeletal well-being, change over time was linear. There was no effect on balance or near-accidents. Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration was found to be effective in the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. It is well suited for the use in a work environment since it requires very little effort in terms of infrastructure, time and investment from participants.


Priming with IL-4 and IL-13 during HIV-1 infection restores in vitro IL-12 production by mononuclear cells of HIV-infected patients.
The production of proinflammatory cytokines can be regulated by several factors that exert activating or inhibitory effects. IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, TGF-beta, and PGE2 have demonstrated a very wide range of potent macrophage-deactivating activities and, specifically, down-regulation of the production of many proinflammatory monokines. IL-12 plays a key role during immune response by providing a link between natural resistance and adaptive immunity. We and others have previously shown an impairment in IL-12 production by PBMC from HIV-1-infected individuals in response to various stimuli, but defining the mechanism responsible remains elusive. In this study, we observed that pretreatment of PBMC from patients with IL-4 or IL-13 for 24 h primes the cells for enhanced production of IL-12 in response to Staphylococcus aureus, and almost completely restores their deficient IL-12 production when compared with healthy controls. Although this priming effect was completely abrogated by IL-10 and PGE2, IL-10 was produced equivalently by untreated and IL-4- or IL-13-pretreated PBMC from both patients and controls. Additionally, indomethacin, which shuts off PGE2 synthesis, and cAMP-blocking reagents failed to restore or enhance IL-12 production. The priming effect of IL-4 and IL-13 is at the transcription level for both p40 and p35 genes. This complete restoration of IL-12 production by Th2-associated cytokines was unexpected in light of the mutually antagonistic roles of IL-12 and IL-4 in promoting Th1 or Th2 immune responses.


Phenolic compounds from the seeds of Garcinia dulcis.
Dulcisxanthone G, 1,3,6-trihydroxy-2-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)xanthone, together with 13 known compounds were isolated from the seeds of Garcinia dulcis. Their structures were determined by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The activities on antibacterial and antioxidation of the isolated compounds were examined.


Sensory evaluation of the odors produced during bromophenol formation using a multi-level statistical model.
In response to reports of medicinal taste and odor problems in suburban Paris, a lab scale study was conducted to investigate the contribution of different water quality parameters--pH, phenol, bromide, chlorine, temperature and dissolved oxygen levels--on bromophenol medicinal odor formation using the Flavor Profile Analysis (FPA) method. A study of six parameters at 2 levels (64 experiments) analyzed by the FPA method suggests that chlorine at high concentration is more important as a controlling agent than phenol under similar conditions and the ratio of HOBr:Phenol and the time for reaction will control subsequent brominated products of reaction. Results from a three-level statistical model indicate that high pH was associated with lower odor intensities, whereas high levels of chlorine, phenol and temperature were associated with high odor intensities. Potential worst case scenarios of water quality conditions were determined for evaluation by chemical identification and kinetics.


Thermodynamics and Kinetics in Anisotropic Growth of One-Dimensional Midentropy Nanoribbons.
One-dimensional (1D) materials demonstrate anisotropic in-plane physical properties that enable a wide range of functionalities in electronics, photonics, valleytronics, optoelectronics, and catalysis. Here, we undertake an in-depth study of the growth mechanism for equimolar midentropy alloy of (NbTaTi)0.33S3 nanoribbons as a model system for 1D transition metal trichalcogenide structures. To understand the thermodynamic and kinetic effects in the growth process, the energetically preferred phases at different synthesis temperatures and times are investigated, and the phase evolution is inspected at a sequence of growth steps. It is uncovered that the dynamics of the growth process occurs at four different stages via preferential incorporation of chemical species at high-surface-energy facets. Also, a sequence of temperature and time dependent nonuniform to uniform phase evolutions has emerged in the composition and structure of (NbTaTi)0.33S3 which is described based on an anisotropic vapor-solid (V-S) mechanism. Furthermore, direct evidence for the 3D structure of the charge density wave (CDW) phase (width less than 100 nm) is provided by three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED) in individual nanoribbons at cryogenic temperature, and detailed comparisons are made between the phases obtained before and after CDW transformation. This study provides important fundamental information for the design and synthesis of future 1D alloy structures.


Is the diversification of Mediterranean Basin plant lineages coupled to karyotypic changes?
The Mediterranean Basin region, home to 25,000 plant species, is included in the worldwide list of hotspots of biodiversity. Despite the indisputably important role of chromosome transitions in plant evolution and diversification, no reference study to date has dealt with the possible relationship between chromosome evolution and lineage diversification in the Mediterranean Basin. Here we study patterns of diversification, patterns of chromosome number transition (either polyploidy or dysploidy) and the relationship between the two for 14 Mediterranean Basin angiosperm lineages using previously published phylogenies. We found a mixed pattern, with half of the lineages displaying a change in chromosome transition rates after the onset of the Mediterranean climate (six increases, one decrease) and the other half (six) experiencing constant rates of chromosome transitions through time. We have also found a heterogeneous pattern regarding diversification rates, with lineages exhibiting moderate (five phylogenies) or low (six) initial diversification rates that either increased (six) or declined (five) through time. Our results reveal no clear link between diversification rates and chromosome number transition rates. By promoting the formation of new habitats and driving the extinction of many species, the Mediterranean onset and the posterior Quaternary climatic oscillations could have been key for the establishment of new chromosomal variants in some plant phylogenies but not in others. While the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Basin may be partly influenced by the chromosomal diversity of its lineages, this study concludes that lineage diversification in the region is largely decoupled from karyotypic evolution.


Qualitative analysis of foot intersegment coordination in the sagittal plane following surgery for end-stage ankle osteoarthrosis.
Today, ankle joint kinematic assessment gives important information regarding the intersegment range of motion. It does not, however, provide information regarding coordination between the segments. This study aimed to determine whether or not intersegment coordination can provide valuable, otherwise missed information in relation to kinematic alterations of the ankle joint. The study consisted of 40 participants, including 12 total ankle replacement (TAR) patients, 12 ankle arthrodesis (AA) patients, and 16 controls. Gait assessment was carried out wearing 3-D inertial sensors. Intersegment coordination was determined by calculation of the continuous relative phase (CRP) between foot intersegments. CRP analysis found useful information regarding the magnitude and directionality of segment motion throughout the gait cycle, with AA patients reporting an altered coordination pattern for all three intersegments, forefoot-hindfoot, hindfoot-shank, and forefoot-shank, and TAR patients showing alterations in the hindfoot-shank intersegment. Results show that assessment of intersegment coordination can provide further information, otherwise overlooked by the general kinematic assessment, which could be used to optimize patient rehabilitation. Furthermore, the study showed that such information could be used to compare surgical outcomes. As a result, the study concludes that the inclusion of intersegment coordination assessment could be beneficial in clinical practice. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1304-1310, 2017.


[Fatigue and cancer--indivisible twins? A comparison between cancer patients, patients with diseases other than cancer and healthy people].
Fatigue has been described as a major distressing symptom in cancer patients. Its multidimensional concept can not be fully explained yet. The lack of valid, reliable measurement tools is one of the problems which inhibited further development of assessment in nursing as well as medical care. It was the aim of this study to 1) create and test a simple, easy to use Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale, 2) to explore levels and manifestations of fatigue in three sub-samples, 3) to analyse the expression of fatigue and to discern therapeutic, physiological and psychological factors linked with subjective ratings of fatigue. A prospective, non-randomised, descriptive design was used. The study-population included three sub-samples: 20 hospitalised cancer patients, 12 hospitalised patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease and 30 healthy individuals. Subjects documented their levels and expression of fatigue with a Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale and the Yoshitake Symptom Checklist. Cancer patients demonstrated clearly different symptoms of fatigue than gastroenterology patients and than healthy individuals. Peak-levels of fatigue were highest in healthy individuals but showed different characteristics and impact on wellbeing. Daily fatigue-evolution profiles were subsample-specific and demonstrated the difference between fatigue as a healthy phenomenon and fatigue as a distressing symptom.


Recurrent detoxifications are associated with craving in patients classified as type 1 according to Lesch's typology.
Recurrent detoxifications have been suggested to be associated with elevated alcohol craving. The aim of this investigation was to study the influence of preceding detoxifications on craving in patients with alcoholism classified according to Lesch's typology. We examined 192 patients (154 men, 38 women) after admission for detoxification treatment. Craving was assessed using the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale, and patients were classified into one of the four subgroups of Lesch's typology. The number of preceding detoxifications was assessed with a structured interview. Lesch's typology type 4 patients showed significantly higher craving scores than type 1-3 patients (Mann-Whitney U-Test; P < 0.05). With respect to the influence of recurrent detoxifications, we found a significant correlation between the number of preceding detoxifications and the extent of craving for the whole population (Spearman's rho r = 0.241, P = 0.001, N = 192), particularly for patients of Lesch's type 1 (Spearman's rho r = 0.534, P = 0.001, N = 37). No significant association was found for patients of the other subgroups (Lesch's type 2-4). The influence of recurrent detoxifications on craving is especially important in patients with Lesch's type 1. Our results underline the importance of the kindling effect particularly in this group of patients, possibly mediated by an increase of glutamatergic neurotransmission. Furthermore, our results emphasize the need to classify patients with alcohol-dependency in addiction research.


Systolic ejection click versus split first heart sound: Are our ears deceiving us?
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is associated with potential lifetime complications, but auscultation of a BAV click is commonly missed or mistaken for a benign split first heart sound. Our objective was to determine whether pediatric cardiologists could reliably distinguish between BAV clicks and benign split first heart sounds. Quality evaluation project using de-identified recordings from an outpatient pediatric cardiology clinic. Twenty-one cardiologists listened to five de-identified recordings of pediatric heart sounds (three with BAV clicks, two with mitral components of benign split first heart sounds) and indicated whether they believed each recording was a BAV or split first heart sound. The accuracy of diagnoses was determined using percent agreement and calculated kappa coefficients for the cohort and subgroups based on those with less than 10 years of experience versus those with ≥10 years. To assess precision, a kappa extension was used for multiple raters to assess interrater agreement. Among participants, diagnostic accuracy of BAV click was 38%, while accuracy of split first heart sound was 41%. No participant correctly diagnosed all sounds. No difference in agreement was observed when stratifying by experience. Kappa was -0.11 (CI 95% -0.31 to 0.08) for all raters, -0.03 (CI 95% -0.39 to 0.33) for those with less than 10 years' experience, and -0.15 (CI 95% -0.38 to 0.08) for those with ≥10 years' experience. The kappa statistic among the 21 raters was 0.01 (95% CI -0.03 to 0.04), indicating poor precision among the raters. In this sample of pediatric cardiologists, the diagnostic accuracy of BAV clicks versus split first heart sounds was worse than chance. There was no association between years of experience and diagnostic accuracy. While further study is needed, these data suggest that an echocardiogram may be valuable when either a systolic ejection click or split first heart sound is heard.


Light and dark-activated biocidal activity of conjugated polyelectrolytes.
This Spotlight on Applications provides an overview of a research program that has focused on the development and mechanistic study of cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) that function as light- and dark-active biocidal agents. Investigation has centered on poly-(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) type conjugated polymers that are functionalized with cationic quaternary ammonium solubilizing groups. These polymers are found to interact strongly with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and upon illumination with near-UV and visible light act to rapidly kill the bacteria. Mechanistic studies suggest that the cationic PPE-type polymers efficiently sensitize singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)), and this cytotoxic agent is responsible for initiating the sequence of events that lead to light-activated bacterial killing. Specific CPEs also exhibit dark-active antimicrobial activity, and this is believed to arise due to interactions between the cationic/lipophilic polymers and the negatively charged outer membrane characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria. Specific results are shown where a cationic CPE with a degree of polymerization of 49 exhibits pronounced light-activated killing of E. coli when present in the cell suspension at a concentration of 1 μg mL(-1).


Effects of carbon sources and plant protein levels in a biofloc system on growth performance, and the immune and antioxidant status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
The efficacy of different biofloc treatments (BFTs) to compensate for a reduction in dietary protein level under zero-water exchange systems was studied during a 10 weeks experiment, assessing the effect on water quality, growth, immune and antioxidant status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Six groups were established and fed the same plant-based feed containing 20 or 30% crude protein: two groups in clear water conditions with no added carbon source, two biofloc groups given a wheat milling by-product (WMB) as additional carbon source and two biofloc groups given rice bran (RB). The results showed that biofloc volume was higher when WMB was used as carbon source. The highest growth performance were obtained with the biofloc system and the higher dietary protein level. Fish fed 20% crude protein and stocked in WMB biofloc significantly outperformed the fish fed 30% crude protein and stocked in clear water. Significant improvements in hematocrit, white blood cells, lymphocytes, plasma proteins, and humoral (immunoglobulin, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase and ACH50) and cellular (phagocytosis activity and respiratory burst) immune parameters were observed in all BFT fish. BFT also increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Moreover, the fish fed 20% dietary protein and reared in both biofloc conditions showed equal or superior levels of the immunological criteria to fish fed 30% protein in clear water conditions. In conclusion, using WMB as carbon source could make up for a reduction in dietary protein levels of 10% and improve growth performance, and the immune and antioxidant status of O. niloticus.


[Sensitivity of bacteria to therapeutic drugs (Zurich 1996)].
This paper describes the frequency of susceptibility of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria against antibacterial agents. The data are based on all susceptibility tests performed in 1996 at the Department of Medical Microbiology of the University of Zurich and at the private medical laboratory "medica" in Zurich. The evaluation of the results from 1975 to 1996 shows that susceptibilities against the antimicrobial agents tested have not changed markedly in this period with few exceptions. The tables may be a help for the physician in his decision for a "calculated chemotherapy" of bacterial infections.


Traumatic events and alcohol use disorders among American Indian adolescents and young adults.
This study examined the relationship between severe traumatic events and alcohol use disorders in American Indian adolescents and young adults. Interviews of 432 adolescents and young adults who were enrolled tribal members living on or near two closely related American Indian reservations were used. Results indicated that severe trauma increased the odds of alcohol use disorders (p <.001), with the number of traumas having a dose-dependent effect. The authors conclude that trauma is associated with alcohol use disorders in this population. This study's findings yield important insights into the risks in American Indian adolescents and young adults that may result from early trauma, as well as implications for the timing and possible settings for intervention.


Ab initio prediction of the potential energy surface and vibrational-rotational energy levels of dialuminum monoxide, Al2O.
The equilibrium structure and potential energy surface of dialuminum monoxide, Al(2)O, have been determined from large-scale ab initio calculations using the coupled-cluster method, CCSD(T), in conjunction with basis sets of triple- through quintuple-zeta quality. The effects of core-electron correlation on the calculated molecular parameters were investigated. The vibrational-rotational energy levels of the Al(2) (16)O and Al(2) (18)O isotopic species were calculated by a variational approach. The predicted energy levels are in remarkably good agreement with the available experimental spectroscopic data (from laser-induced fluorescence), demonstrating that the Al(2)O molecule is linear at equilibrium in its ground electronic state. The reported theoretical data settle controversies between the experimental studies about the equilibrium structure and assignment of vibrational fundamentals of the Al(2)O molecule.


[Experimental revascularization of acute myocardial infarct].
Late clinical and istological changes. The Authors studies clinical and istological changes in dogs underwent to actue myocardial ischemia and follow revascularization after six hours. The experience infer that while clinical and ECGraphic changes had a patency grow worsing after revascularization, istological changes presents a reduction of necrotic area with functional improvement of little myocardial areas strictly interested by ischemia.


Contralateral external carotid-middle cerebral artery bypass for carotid artery resection.
Resection of the common carotid or internal carotid artery is occasionally unavoidable in cases of advanced head and neck carcinoma with carotid artery involvement. To prevent the consequent decrease in cerebral perfusion, we have developed a contralateral external carotid-middle cerebral artery bypass grafting technique. From 1990 through 1995, six patients with advanced head and neck cancer involving the carotid artery underwent total tumor resection combined with vascular reconstruction using the contralateral external carotid- middle cerebral artery bypass grafting. No bypass-related complications occurred in any patient postoperatively. Cerebral hemodynamics after surgery indicated that this bypass graft worked steadily over a long term and supplied sufficient volume of blood to the cerebral cortex on the opposite side in every case.


Targeted therapies for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: rationally designed combinations.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a diverse group of lymphoid malignancies treated historically with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Recent technologic advances have enabled the development of new therapies specifically targeted to inhibit various pathways involved in disease pathophysiology. Led by the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, these agents are expected to revolutionize patient care. Several new drugs might have limited single-agent activity but could combine with other targeted therapies to produce significant effects. Although the current level of understanding makes this sort of rational combination challenging, there is evidence that certain combinations might be very effective. Examples include the combination of rituximab with other monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory drugs, Bcl-2 inhibitors, and bortezomib. All of these agents face the challenge of optimal integration with rituximab. The strategies most likely to produce initial success will be those that incorporate rituximab in sensitive patients, as well as those that target patient populations with rituximab-refractory disease. Ideally, these studies will incorporate biologic correlates, such that the mechanisms of action and the patients most likely to benefit can be better defined. We discuss several combinations, their rationale, and the clinical evidence that justifies further evaluation.


Short communication: growth characteristics of Streptococcus uberis in UHT-treated milk.
Streptococcus uberis is an important environmental pathogen associated with bovine mastitis as well as with high total bacterial numbers in bulk tank milk. This study was conducted to determine whether S. uberis reproduction is likely to contribute to high bacterial numbers in bulk tank milk. Four S. uberis raw milk isolates were individually inoculated into UHT-treated milk and incubated at 4.4 or 7 degrees C for up to 5 d to simulate appropriate cooling; at 10 degrees C for 5 d to simulate marginally inadequate cooling; at 21 or 25 degrees C for 7 h to simulate ambient temperatures; or at 32 degrees C for 7 h to simulate elevated temperature conditions. None of the S. uberis isolates grew at either 4.4 or 7 degrees C. Streptococcus uberis growth at 10 degrees C appeared to be ribotype-specific. Although ribotype 116-520-S-1 isolates did not grow at 10 degrees C, ribotype 116-520-S-2 isolate numbers increased up to 3.5 log10 cfu/mL within 5 d. Generation times were calculated as 2.7 +/- 0.1 h, 2.1 +/- 0.1 h, and 1.0 +/- 0.1 h for 116-520-S-1 isolates and 1.8 +/- 0.4 h, 1.3 +/- 0.3 h, and 0.8 +/- 0.1 h for 116-520-S-2 isolates at 21, 25, and 32 degrees C, respectively. Our results suggest that high numbers of S. uberis in bulk tank milk are more likely to reflect high numbers of S. uberis shed by mastitic cows, rather than multiplication of these organisms under cooling conditions required for production of Grade A milk.


Multiple Ways Realizing Charge-State Transform in AuCu Bimetallic Nanoclusters with Atomic Precision.
Thiolate-protected nanoclusters with different charge states usually show similar structure frameworks but different electronic configurations, which are proved to dramatically affect their properties such as magnetism, photoluminescence, and catalytic activity. Until now, few nanoclusters with alterable charge states have been reported and only some of them are structurally solved, limiting the in-depth studies on their interesting properties. Here, a new AuCu alloy nanocluster [Au18 Cu32 (SPhCl)36 ]2- (HSPhCl = 4-chlorophenylthiophenol) is synthesized and structurally solved by X-ray crystallography. Interestingly, it is found that this nanocluster can be reduced to another nanocluster with a different charge state, that is, [Au18 Cu32 (SPhCl)36 ]3- . This change in charge states is clearly proved by X-ray crystallography, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and electron paramagnetic resonance. Furthermore, several redox methods are carried out to realize the reversible interconversion between these two nanoclusters, including electrochemical redox, introduction of H2 O2 /NaBH4 , and oxidation with silica under air atmosphere. This work offers new insight into the transform progress of charge states with AuCu alloy nanoclusters which contributes to the understanding of the relationship between electronic structure and properties of nanoclusters and further development of AuCu nanoclusters with excellent performance.


Characterization of HIV-1 Gag-specific T cell responses in chronically infected Indian population.
India is at the epicentre of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic in South-east Asia, predominated by subtype C infections. It is important to characterize HIV-1-specific T cell responses in this particular population with the aim of identifying protective correlates of immunity to control HIV-1 infection. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the breadth and magnitude of T cell responses directed at HIV-1 subtype C Gag, one of the most conserved HIV-1 proteins. The study population consisted of antiretroviral naive, chronic HIV-1 subtype C-infected individuals at various stages of infection. We used recent advanced techniques such as enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay and intracellular cytokine staining to quantify the total CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell response to HIV-1 gag at single peptide level, regardless of HLA haplotype of the infected individual. The p24-Gag was identified as the most frequently recognized subunit protein with the greatest magnitude of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses. Stronger and broader CD8 T cell responses were recognized, contrasting with the weaker and narrower CD4 T cell responses with regard to Gag protein subunits. The magnitude of the HIV-specific interferon (IFN)-gamma responses was observed to be higher than the corresponding interleukin (IL)-2 response, indicating the persistence of antigenic load in chronically infected Indian population due to the probable dysfunction of HIV-specific, IFN-gamma-secreting CD8 T cells in absence of IL-2 help.


Adverse factors affecting growth of schoolchildren in St. Helena.
More than 1000 schoolchildren on St. Helena were studied to determine factors associated with suboptimal growth. Disease was demonstrable in only a small minority, but social factors were of prime importance. In particular, family size was found to be a dominant factor, over-riding the associated effect from overcrowding. The implications of this findings are discussed, and the concept of a "threshold of coping" developed. It is suggested that failure to achieve optimal growth may be a particularly useful index of the points of stress in the child-rearing patterns of society.


[Scintillography of the adrenal medulla].
The "nerve growth factor" is a polipeptide isolated from salivary glands of some mammals. Its main physiological effect is on the autonomic nervous system. The injection of antiserum in newborn animals leads to nearly total destruction of the sympathetic ganglia (immunosympathectomy). Anti-nerve growth factor labelled with Iodine-131 was injected in rats for the determination of organ distribution at different times (2,4,6,8 and 24 hours). A selective concentration in the adrenal medulla was obtained at 4 hrs. after intravenous administration of 50 uCi of anti-nerve growth factor with an specific activity of 0.001 g/mCi that permits, for the first time, the scan of the adrenal medulla. No intolerance or radiotoxicity was observed in the animals during a six-month follow-up period. The results are very encoragin, and the application of this new method in humans is at present under study.


Trigeminal Pain Molecules, Allodynia, and Photosensitivity Are Pharmacologically and Genetically Modulated in a Model of Traumatic Brain Injury.
The pain-signaling molecules, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), are implicated in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic headache (PTH) as they are for migraine. This study assessed the changes of inducible NOS (iNOS) and its cellular source in the trigeminal pain circuit, as well as the relationship between iNOS and CGRP after controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury in mice. The effects of a CGRP antagonist (MK8825) and sumatriptan on iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were compared to vehicle at 2 weeks postinjury. Changes in CGRP levels in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) in iNOS knockouts with CCI were compared to wild-type (WT) mice at 3 days and 2 weeks post injury. Trigeminal allodynia and photosensitivity were measured. MK8825 and sumatriptan increased allodynic thresholds in CCI groups compared to vehicle (p < 0.01), whereas iNOS knockouts were not different from WT. Photosensitivity was attenuated in MK8825 mice and iNOS knockouts compared to WT (p < 0.05). MK8825 and sumatriptan reduced levels of iNOS mRNA and iNOS immunoreactivity in the TNC and ganglia (p < 0.01). Differences in iNOS cellular localization were found between the trigeminal ganglia and TNC. Although the knockout of iNOS attenuated CGRP at 3 days (p < 0.05), it did not reduce CGRP at 2 weeks. CGRP immunoreactivity was found in the meningeal layers post-CCI, while negligible in controls. Findings support the importance of interactions between CGRP and iNOS in mediating allodynia, as well as the individual roles in photosensitivity. Mitigating prolonged increases in CGRP may be a promising intervention for treating acute PTH.


Case reports of three patients showing optic nerve head melanocytoma and systemic hypertension.
To report the association of optic disk melanocytoma with systemic hypertension. Ocular examination of 3 asymptomatic hypertensive patients revealed a pigmented lesion over the optic disk. After clinical examination and radiological evaluation a diagnosis of optic disk melanocytoma was made. One patient had a mild decrease in visual acuity associated with an increase in size of the lesion during the follow-up. Systemic evaluation revealed increased urinary vanillylmandelic acid in all the patients. MRI showed diffuse adrenal hyperplasia while a (131)I-MIBG scan showed increased uptake in 1 case. Optic disk melanocytoma is a benign tumor though the lesion may increase in size with the resultant decrease in visual acuity over few years. It may be associated with systemic hypertension secondary to increased levels of catecholamines in the body, which is related to the common neural crest origin of melanocytes, adrenal medullary cells and chromaffin cells.


Diffusion of asymmetric swimmers.
Particles moving along curved trajectories will diffuse if the curvature fluctuates sufficiently in either magnitude or orientation. We consider particles moving at a constant speed with either a fixed or a Gaussian distributed magnitude of curvature. At small speeds the diffusivity is independent of the speed. At larger particle speeds, the diffusivity depends on the speed through a novel exponent. We apply our results to intracellular transport of vesicles. In sharp contrast to thermal diffusion, the effective diffusivity increases with vesicle size and so may provide an effective means of intracellular transport.


Ceftriaxone-induced Acute Cholecystitis.
Ceftriaxone has been increasingly used in pediatric population, due to its bacteriological and pharmacokinetic features. Association between ceftriaxone and biliary sludge/pseudolithiasis formation has been documented in the literature. More rarely, biliary symptoms and cholecystitis during ceftriaxone therapy have been reported. We present a case of acute cholecystitis related to ceftriaxone administration and its management.