Resistant tissues of modern marchantioid liverworts resemble enigmatic Early Paleozoic microfossils.
Absence of a substantial pretracheophyte fossil record for bryophytes (otherwise predicted by molecular systematics) poses a major problem in our understanding of earliest land-plant structure. In contrast, there exist enigmatic Cambrian-Devonian microfossils (aggregations of tubes or sheets of cells or possibly a combination of both) controversially interpreted as an extinct group of early land plants known as nematophytes. We used an innovative approach to explore these issues: comparison of tube and cell-sheet microfossils with experimentally degraded modern liverworts as analogues of ancient early land plants. Lower epidermal surface tissues, including rhizoids, of Marchantia polymorpha and Conocephalum conicum were resistant to breakdown after rotting for extended periods or high-temperature acid treatment (acetolysis), suggesting fossilization potential. Cell-sheet and rhizoid remains occurred separately or together depending on the degree of body degradation. Rhizoid break-off at the lower epidermal surface left rimmed pores at the centers of cell rosettes; these were similar in structure, diameter, and distribution to pores characterizing nematophyte cell-sheet microfossils known as Cosmochlaina. The range of Marchantia rhizoid diameters overlapped that of Cosmochlaina pores. Approximately 14% of dry biomass of Marchantia vegetative thalli and 40% of gametangiophores was resistant to acetolysis. Pre- and posttreatment cell-wall autofluorescence suggested the presence of phenolic compounds that likely protect lower epidermal tissues from soil microbe attack and provide dimensional stability to gametangiophores. Our results suggest that at least some microfossils identified as nematophytes may be the remains of early marchantioid liverworts similar in some ways to modern Marchantia and Conocephalum.


Trough imatinib plasma levels are associated with both cytogenetic and molecular responses to standard-dose imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia.
Using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we assessed trough imatinib plasma levels in 68 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who responded or not to standard-dose imatinib, after at least 12 months' treatment. Mean trough imatinib plasma levels were significantly higher in the group with complete cytogenetic response (56 patients) than in the group without (12 patients; P = .03) and higher in the group with major molecular response (MMR) than in the group without (34 patients [1452 +/- 649 ng/mL] versus 34 patients [869 +/- 427 ng/mL]; P < .001). Regarding trough imatinib plasma levels and their discrimination potential for MMR, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.775, with best sensitivity (77%) and specificity (71%) at a plasma threshold of 1002 ng/mL. Therefore, monitoring of imatinib plasma levels could be very useful for the management of patients with CML or should at least be checked in the case of treatment failure or suboptimal response.


Effect of Water Stress and Storage Time on Anthocyanins and Other Phenolics of Different Genotypes of Fresh Sweet Basil.
This study describes the effect of water stress and storage time on the content of anthocyanins and other phenolics in different genotypes of fresh sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Purple and green Iranian cultivars and a Genovese variety were exposed to a control (100% of the field capacity, FC) and to water stress of mild and severe deficit irrigation treatments (25 and 50 DI corresponding to 75 and 50% FC, respectively). The individual characterization by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS(n) and the MS fragmentation pathway of anthocyanins are described. A 50% increase in the anthocyanin content was observed in 50 DI after storage. Water stress markedly enhanced the content of phenolic acids after storage in the three genotypes. Water stress can be an efficient way to help the sustainability of water resources, enriching the content of phenolic compounds that may be beneficial to human health.


Spontaneous and electric field-controlled front-rear polarization of human keratinocytes.
It has long been known that electrical fields (EFs) are able to influence the direction of migrating cells, a process commonly referred to as electrotaxis or galvanotaxis. Most studies have focused on migrating cells equipped with an existing polarity before EF application, making it difficult to delineate EF-specific pathways. Here we study the initial events in front-rear organization of spreading keratinocytes to dissect the molecular requirements for random and EF-controlled polarization. We find that Arp2/3-dependent protrusive forces and Rac1/Cdc42 activity were generally required for both forms of polarization but were dispensable for controlling the direction of EF-controlled polarization. By contrast, we found a crucial role for extracellular pH as well as G protein coupled-receptor (GPCR) or purinergic signaling in the control of directionality. The normal direction of polarization toward the cathode was reverted by lowering extracellular pH. Polarization toward the anode was also seen at neutral pH when GPCR or purinergic signaling was inhibited. However, the stepwise increase of extracellular pH in this scenario led to restoration of cathodal polarization. Overall our work puts forward a model in which the EF uses distinct polarization pathways. The cathodal pathway involves GPCR/purinergic signaling and is dominant over the anodal pathway at neutral pH.


Using Looming Visual Stimuli to Evaluate Mouse Vision.
The visual system in the central nervous system processes diverse visual signals. Although the overall structure has been characterized from the retina through the lateral geniculate nucleus to the visual cortex, the system is complex. Cellular and molecular studies have been conducted to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning visual processing and, by extension, disease mechanisms. These studies may contribute to the development of artificial visual systems. To validate the results of these studies, behavioral vision testing is necessary. Here, we show that the looming stimulation experiment is a reliable mouse vision test that requires a relatively simple setup. The looming experiment was conducted in a large enclosure with a shelter in one corner and a computer monitor located on the ceiling. A CCD camera positioned next to the computer monitor served to observe mouse behavior. A mouse was placed in the enclosure for 10 minutes and allowed to acclimate to and explore the surroundings. Then, the monitor projected a program-derived looming stimulus 10 times. The mouse responded to the stimuli either by freezing or by fleeing to the hiding place. The mouse's behavior before and after the looming stimuli was recorded, and the video was analyzed using motion tracking software. The velocity of the mouse movement significantly changed after the looming stimuli. In contrast, no reaction was observed in blind mice. Our results demonstrate that the simple looming experiment is a reliable test of mouse vision.


Transcranial sonography and vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
The objective was to discuss a case illustrating the role of transcranial Doppler sonography in the screening and treatment of a patient with intermittent vertebral artery brainstem ischemia. A 28-year-old woman had neck pain, arm pain, headaches, and dizziness. Her symptoms occurred intermittently over several years. Past care had provided little relief. De Kleyn's test, transcranial Doppler sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography helped establish a diagnosis of vertebrobasilar syndrome. The patient was referred for neurosurgical evaluation. She subsequently chose to be treated with spinal manipulative therapy. Her neck pain, headaches, and radicular symptoms resolved. The dizzy spells abated to a tolerable level. The neurosurgeon subsequently re-evaluated the patient and recommended that surgery not be performed. This illustrates a case of extra-arterial mechanical compression of the vertebral arteries documented by transcranial Doppler sonography procedures. Brainstem symptoms were correlated with a documented perfusion deficit during cervical positional testing. This case also demonstrated that spinal manipulative therapy may be safely used on patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency when the biomechanics and related flow studies are elucidated.


Effect of therapy on keratin polypeptide profiles of psoriatic epidermis.
The sodium lauryl (dodecyl) sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SLS PAGE) patterns of keratin polypeptides were followed in 29 patients with psoriasis who were treated with middle wavelength ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UV B), oral methoxsalen, and long wavelength UV radiation (PUVA), or systemic antipsoriatic therapy. The keratin patterns from the Malpighian layer reverted to normal in several weeks, while those of the stratum corneum keratin reverted more slowly, often after clinical clearance of the lesions. These data may indicate that therapy should not be discontinued until there is production of normal stratum corneum polypeptides.


[Pressure Ulcer Caused by Long-term Keeping of the Same Body Position during Epidural Labour Analgesia].
We report the case of a 34-year-old woman (height: 153 cm, weight : 62.4 kg, non-pregnant weight : 52 kg, uniparous) without underlying diseases who developed pressure ulcer due to keeping a similar body position during long-term epidural delivery. Induction of childbirth was started in gestational week 40, causing reduction of fetal heart rate, which improved after adoption of a right lateral recumbent position. Severe contractions occurred and epidural labour analgesia was started. The fetal heart rate decreased again and induction of childbirth was suspended, but the right lateral recumbent position was maintained. Epidural administration was continued due to persistent contractions. Next morning, induction of childbirth was restarted and birth occurred in approximately 6 hours. The right lateral recumbent position was maintained for approximately 20 hours. At childbirth, a pressure ulcer was present in the intertrochanteric part of the right femur. The causes included insufficient knowledge of medical staff about the risk of pressure ulcer during epidural delivery, and no position change. A decreased sensation and blocked motor nerve caused by epidural anesthesia might have accelerated pressure ulcer development. This case suggests that preventive measures against pressure ulcer are required in epidural anesthesia in pregnant women.


Successful sperm storage for 28 years.
To report on two instances of successful long-term cryopreservation resulting in live births. Case report. The patient stored his sperm at a private sperm banking facility, and his partner underwent artificial insemination at an obstetrics/gynecology practice for one pregnancy and at a fertility center for the other. One man who stored his sperm before treatment for cancer. Storage of sperm under liquid nitrogen in a carousel canister system. Intrauterine insemination in which the semen was thawed, washed with human tubal fluid (HTF), and inseminated. Successful pregnancy resulting in live birth. Artificial insemination with semen cryopreserved for 21 and 28 years resulted in two live births. This case report describes the to-date longest known successful cryopreservation of sperm, with two live births resulting from IUI. Successful long-term semen storage can be very beneficial for men facing impaired fertility or sterility early in life, so that they have sufficient time to make appropriate family planning decisions.


Modeling combined effects of pulsed exposure to carbaryl and chlorpyrifos on Gammarus pulex.
Aquatic risk assessment can be improved if we are able to quantitatively predict the effects resulting from sequential pulsed exposure to multiple compounds. We evaluate two modeling approaches, both extended to suit multiple compounds, the semi-mechanistic threshold damage model (TDM), and a model based on time-weighted averages (TWA). The TDM predicts that recovery of damage to Gammarus pulex from exposure to chlorpyrifos takes longer than that from exposure to carbaryl and consequently that the sequence of exposure matters. We measured survival of the freshwater invertebrate Gammarus pulex after sequential pulsed exposure to carbaryl and chlorpyrifos. Two groups of organisms were exposed to a first pulse of either carbaryl or chlorpyrifos for 1 day and then, after a recovery period of two weeks, to a second pulse with the other compound. The comparison of mortalities caused by each pulse, as well as combined mortalities in both treatments, show that the sequence of exposure to pulses of contaminants does indeed matter. Previous exposure to chlorpyrifos leads to significantly increased mortality from subsequent pulses of carbaryl, but not the other way round. The TDM facilitates a process-based ecotoxicological explanation by simulating the recovery dynamics and outperforms the TWA model.


The current status of silicone fluid in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Sufficient experimental data have been accumulated to demonstrate that medical-grade liquid silicone in recommended doses, using proper techniques, is both safe and effective. The problem becomes one of developing a rational and safe set of treatment guidelines.


Ethnopharmacological approaches to wound healing--exploring medicinal plants of India.
India has a rich tradition of plant-based knowledge on healthcare. A large number of plants/plant extracts/decoctions or pastes are equally used by tribals and folklore traditions in India for treatment of cuts, wounds, and burns. The present review thus attempts to analyze the ethnobotanical knowledge base for treatment of cuts and wounds which includes a usage of plants, methods employed by tribals and folklore practices prevailing in India. Pharmacological reports available on Indian medicinal plants employing various wound healing models and its underlying molecular mechanism, wherever available, has also been briefly reviewed. This pharmacological validation on Indian medicinal plants is very limited and a large number of plants used in tribal and folklore with enormous potential have not been validated for their wound healing activity. This review therefore attempts to bridge the lacunae in the existing literature and offers immense scope for researchers engaged in validation of the traditional claims and development of safe and effective and globally accepted herbal drugs for cuts and wounds.


A gene feature enumeration approach for describing HLA allele polymorphism.
HLA genotyping via next generation sequencing (NGS) poses challenges for the use of HLA allele names to analyze and discuss sequence polymorphism. NGS will identify many new synonymous and non-coding HLA sequence variants. Allele names identify the types of nucleotide polymorphism that define an allele (non-synonymous, synonymous and non-coding changes), but do not describe how polymorphism is distributed among the individual features (the flanking untranslated regions, exons and introns) of a gene. Further, HLA alleles cannot be named in the absence of antigen-recognition domain (ARD) encoding exons. Here, a system for describing HLA polymorphism in terms of HLA gene features (GFs) is proposed. This system enumerates the unique nucleotide sequences for each GF in an HLA gene, and records these in a GF enumeration notation that allows both more granular dissection of allele-level HLA polymorphism and the discussion and analysis of GFs in the absence of ARD-encoding exon sequences.


Tracing cellular dynamics in tissue development, maintenance and disease.
The coordination of cell proliferation and differentiation is central to the development and maintenance of tissues, while its dysregulation underlies the transition to diseased states. By combining lineage tracing with transcriptional profiling and marker-based assays, statistical methods are delivering insights into the dynamics of stem cells and their developmental precursors. These studies have provided evidence for molecular heterogeneity and fate priming, and have revealed a role for stochasticity in stem cell fate, refocusing the search for regulatory mechanisms. At the same time, they present a quantitative platform to study the initiation and progression of disease. Here, we review how quantitative lineage tracing strategies are shaping our understanding of the cellular mechanisms of tissue development, maintenance and disease.


Regional coexistence and local dominance in Chaoborus: species sorting along a predation gradient.
Variation in the intensity of predation across the well-known environmental gradient of freshwater habitats from small, ephemeral ponds to large, permanent lakes is a key factor in the development and maintenance of aquatic community structure. Here, we present data on the distribution and abundance of four species of Chaoborus (Diptera: Chaoboridae) across this environmental gradient. Chaoborus show a distinct pattern of species sorting when aquatic systems are divided into fish and fishless environments, and this pattern is consistent with species traits known to influence their vulnerability to fish predation (i.e., pigmentation, diel vertical migration [DVM] behavior, and body size). To test whether fish are the drivers of this pattern, we created a gradient in fish density by stocking bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) into 15 experimental ponds in southwestern Michigan, USA, and then allowed Chaoborus species to colonize. There was clear evidence of species sorting along the predation gradient; Chaoborus americanus was most abundant in the fishless ponds, C. flavicans was neutral in response to fish, and C. punctipennis and C. albatus were most abundant at high fish biomass, a response consistent with their field pattern. Furthermore, prey preference experiments confirm that size selective predation and differences in Chaoborus species traits contribute to the pattern of Chaoborus abundance and distribution.


Prolonged Abusive Chest Compressions in an Infant: An Occult Form of Child Abuse: Review of Hemodynamics.
This is the case of a 4-month-old male infant whose mother sought medical care because of poor feeding and low-grade temperature. The infant had no external evidence of abuse, but chest radiographs showed multiple bilateral rib fractures. There were no retinal hemorrhages. Investigation revealed that the father had repeatedly squeezed the child to unconsciousness. The cardiopulmonary effects of this form of abuse are restriction of respiration and reduced cardiac output. This is an unusual case of occult child abuse.


Hydroxyl radical-induced acute diastolic dysfunction is due to calcium overload via reverse-mode Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange.
Hydroxyl radicals (OH) are involved in the development of reperfusion injury and myocardial failure. In the acute phase of the OH-mediated diastolic dysfunction, increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels and alterations of myofilaments may play a role, but the relative contribution of these systems to myocardial dysfunction is unknown. Intact contracting cardiac trabeculae from rabbits were exposed to OH, resulting in an increase in diastolic force (F(dia)) by 540%. Skinned fiber experiments revealed that OH-exposed preparations were sensitized for Ca(2+) (EC(50): 3.27+/-0.24 x 10(-6) versus 2.69+/-0.15 x 10(-6) mol/L; P<0.05), whereas maximal force development was unaltered. Western blots showed a proteolytic degradation of troponin T (TnT) with intact troponin I (TnI). Blocking of calpain I by MDL-28.170 inhibited both TnT-proteolysis and Ca(2+) sensitization, but failed to prevent the acute diastolic dysfunction in the intact preparation. The OH-induced diastolic dysfunction was similar in preparations with intact (540+/-93%) and pharmacologically blocked sarcoplasmic reticulum (539+/-77%), and was also similar in presence of the L-type Ca(2+)-channel antagonist verapamil. In sharp contrast, inhibition of the reverse-mode sodium-calcium exchange by KB-R7943 preserved diastolic function completely. Additional experiments were performed in rat myocardium; the rise in diastolic force was comparable to rabbit myocardium, but Ca(2+) sensitivity was unchanged and maximal force development was reduced. This was associated with a degradation of TnI, but not TnT. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that OH did not cause irreversible membrane damage. We conclude that OH-induced acute diastolic dysfunction is caused by Ca(2+) influx via reverse mode of the sodium-calcium exchanger. Degradation of troponins appears to be species-dependent but does not contribute to the acute diastolic dysfunction.


Evoked potentials during active horizontal head rotations in patients with vertigo.
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether evoked potentials by active head rotation help to verify and topographically differentiate patients with the major symptom vertigo. Twenty-four healthy human subjects and 43 patients with either infratentorial or supratentorial brain lesions were analysed. The evoked response in normal subjects was composed of six peaks, indicated by polarization and time difference from the trigger points P100, N30, P0, N50, P155 and N320. The EEG pattern was independent of the direction, type of target and whether the eyes were open or closed. In contrast, the evoked response, especially P155, was dependent on the chosen trigger point and acceleration. P155 was the most stable and significant component of the evoked potentials. Thus, we chose P155 as the reference for studying patients with vertigo. In peripheral vestibular disorders, cerebellar and diffuse supratentorial cerebral lesions and P155 latencies remain non-significantly altered. However, P155 latencies significantly increase in pontine lesions homolaterally, and space occupying tumors contralaterally. Active horizontal head rotations differentially stimulate the vestibulocortical pathways and may contribute to the analysis of vertigo.


Tobacco smoke exposure and multiplexed immunoglobulin E sensitization in children: a population-based study.
Although there is evidence that exposure to tobacco smoke is harmful to children's respiratory health, the effects of tobacco smoke exposure on the regulation of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immune responses to specific allergens remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between objectively assessed tobacco smoke exposure and specific IgE profiles for a broad spectrum of allergens in a population setting. Children aged 5-18 years (N = 1315) were assessed using serum cotinine measurement and microarray-based multiplexed detection of specific IgE against 40 allergens. Serum cotinine levels were positively associated with sensitization to foods (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.95; 95% CI: 1.59-15.34), cockroaches (AOR = 3.77; 95% CI: 1.49-9.51), and pollen (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.20-6.73) while the association was borderline significant for animals (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 0.92-6.93). No associations were found for sensitization against mites, mold, and latex. When considering the degree of allergic sensitization, serum cotinine levels were positively correlated to the number of sensitization to cockroaches (P = 0.004), pollen (P = 0.006), and foods (P < 0.001), with statistically significant positive dose-response relationships (all P < 0.01). Similar results were observed when summing up specific IgE concentrations for the aforementioned allergen categories. The association between tobacco smoke exposure and IgE sensitization to environmental allergens varies for different allergens among children. This study demonstrates that elevated serum cotinine levels are significantly associated with IgE sensitization to cockroaches, grass pollen, and certain foods, with potential dose-dependent relationships.


Investigation of depression and quality of life factors in cancer patients' caregivers.
This study aimed to explore depression and quality of life (QoL) factors among caregivers of patients with cancer and to better understand who the caregivers are and how caregiving affects them. This descriptive study was conducted at the Medical Oncology Department of Cukurova University, Balcali Hospital. The study consisted of 150 cancer patients' caregivers who had been treated between September 1 and October 15, 2015. Percent distribution was used to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers. One way ANOVA, t-test and frequencies were used for other analyses. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the caregivers, 42.7% (n=64) were male, 67.3% (n=101) were married, 30% (n=45) had university education, and their mean age was 40.1±13.7 years. Also, 36% were offspring of the cancer patients. Of caregivers 51.3% were sharing the caregiving process with someone else. The mean value of Beck depression inventory (BDI) was 14.08±10.9 (min-max, 0-55). According to the values of the inventory, 42% were normal, 24.7% were mildly, 20.7% were moderately and 12.7% were severely depressed. A significant association was found between BDI and overall QoL (WHOQOL-Bref) for all domains (p<0.001). We believe that these results are a step toward identifying the associated factors for reducing caregivers' depression and ameliorating their QoL.


Effects of High Temperature Stress on the Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Paeonia ostii.
In order to explore the effects of high temperature stress on the physiological characteristics of Paeonia ostii, the Paeonia ostii were subjected to 25 °C, 35 °C, 38 °C, and 40 °C for 7 days. Meanwhile, the physiological indicators of oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2; malondialdehyde, MDA; relative electrical conductivity, REC), antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, SOD; ascorbate peroxidase, APX; catalase, CAT; peroxidase, POD), photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll a, Chla; chlorophyll b, Chlb), photosynthetic characteristics (net photosynthetic rate, Pn; intercellular CO2 concentration, Ci; stomatal conductance, Gs; transpiration rate, Tr), and osmoregulatory substances content (soluble protein, SP; soluble sugar, SS) were determined. The results showed that, with the increase in temperature and stress time, the H2O2 content, MDA content, REC value, CAT activity, and APX activity increased, while Chla content, Chlb content, SS content, and SP content decreased. With the extension of stress time, the SOD activity, POD activity, and Tr value of each high temperature stress group first increased and then decreased; Ci first decreased, then increased, and then decreased; meanwhile, Pn and Gs showed an overall downward trend. PLS-DA (partial least squares discriminant analysis) was used to analyze the changes in physiological and biochemical indexes of peony leaves under 40 °C stress for different days. SOD was found to be the biggest factor affecting the changes in physiological and biochemical indexes of peony leaves treated with different days of stress.


Studies on the glycosylation of wild-type and mutant forms of Aspergillus niger pectin methylesterase.
Pectin methylesterase (PME) is one of a number of enzymes released by the fungus Aspergillus niger that are involved in the degradation of specific plant cell-wall structures. PME is a glycoprotein with three potential sites for N-linked glycosylation. The glycosylation may affect the hydrolytic activity or the substrate specificity of PME. In this work, we investigate first the structures and the attachment sites of the glycans present on recombinant wild-type PME. Further, a series of PME mutants was created in which the three potential N-linked glycosylation sites were eliminated in all possible combinations. The glycosylation of the mutants and their activities were then studied. Mass spectrometric techniques tailored for carbohydrate analysis were applied to both characterize the glycan structures and to determine the specific sites of attachment. High mannose structures with variable numbers of mannose were found on the wild-type, as well as the mutant forms. Studies using the mutants suggest that glycosylation does not strongly influence the activity. Whether it may affect the substrate specify of the enzyme is unknown, and that aspect will be explored in future work.


Hand-blink reflex modulation: The role of primary emotions and attachment dimensions.
The hand-blink reflex (HBR) is a subcortical response elicited by the electrical stimulation of the median nerve. HBR magnitude is enhanced when the stimulated hand is close to the face and is modulated by high-level structures according to the perceived threat magnitude. Psychological factors may contribute to threat evaluation and possibly to HBR amplitude modulation. In this study, we assessed distinctively emotional and relational aspects of personality and evaluated their associations with the HBR response, or lack thereof, in healthy subjects. Seventy-one volunteers filled the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y questionnaires and underwent HBR recording. We found that the HBR could be evoked only in 50.7% of all subjects (responders). Non-responders subjects showed higher scores in the avoidance dimension (p = .005), and lower scores in the care dimension (p = .008), compared with responders. In responders, regression analysis showed a negative association of HBR amplitude (difference in near vs. far responses) with anger dimension and a positive association with state anxiety (R2 = 0.239). A positive association also emerged with HBR latency and fear dimension (R2 = 0.419). We conclude that primary emotional and relational factors may play an important role in the modulation of brainstem circuits mediating the HBR response. Our results may also contribute to the question about the absence of the HBR in about half of the subjects since high-level cognitive processes seem to play an important role in the differentiation between responder and non-responder.


Pretransplant Recipient Circulating CD4+CD127lo/- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2+ Regulatory T Cells: A Surrogate of Regulatory T Cell-Suppressive Function and Predictor of Delayed and Slow Graft Function After Kidney Transplantation.
Delayed graft function (DGF) and slow graft function (SGF) are ischemia-reperfusion-associated acute kidney injuries (AKI) that decrease long-term graft survival after kidney transplantation. Regulatory T (Treg) cells are protective in murine AKI, and their suppressive function predictive of AKI in kidney transplantation. The conventional Treg cell function coculture assay is however time-consuming and labor intensive. We sought a simpler alternative to measure Treg cell function and predict AKI. In this prospective observational cohort study, pretransplant recipient circulating CD4+CD25+CD127lo/- and CD4+CD127lo/- tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2)+ Treg cells were measured by flow cytometry in 76 deceased donor kidney transplant recipients (DGF, n = 18; SGF, n = 34; immediate graft function [IGF], n = 24). In a subset of 37 recipients, pretransplant circulating Treg cell-suppressive function was also quantified by measuring the suppression of autologous effector T-cell proliferation by Treg cell in coculture. The TNFR2+ expression on CD4+CD127lo/- T cells correlated with Treg cell-suppressive function (r = 0.63, P < 0.01). In receiver operating characteristic curves, percentage and absolute number of CD4+CD127lo/-TNFR2+ Treg cell predicted DGF from non-DGF (IGF + SGF) with area under the curves of 0.75 and 0.77, respectively, and also AKI (DGF + SGF) from IGF with area under the curves of 0.76 and 0.72, respectively (P < 0.01). Prediction of AKI (DGF + SGF) from IGF remained significant in multivariate logistic regression accounting for cold ischemic time, donor age, previous transplant, and pretransplant dialysis modality. Pretransplant recipient circulating CD4+CD127lo/-TNFR2+ Treg cell is potentially a simpler alternative to Treg cell function as a pretransplant recipient immune marker for AKI (DGF + SGF), independent from donor and organ procurement characteristics.


Methods to Analyze Nutritional and Inter-Organ Control of Drosophila Ovarian Germline Stem Cells.
Physiological status, particularly dietary input, has major impacts on the Drosophila melanogaster ovarian germline stem cell lineage. Moreover, several studies have shed light on the role that inter-organ communication plays in coordinating whole-organism responses to changes in physiology. For example, nutrient-sensing signaling pathways function within the fat body to regulate germline stem cells and their progeny in the ovary. Together with its incredible genetic and cell biological toolkits, Drosophila serves as an amenable model organism to use for uncovering molecular mechanisms that underlie physiological control of adult stem cells. In this methods chapter, we describe a general dietary manipulation paradigm, genetic manipulation of adult adipocytes, and whole-mount ovary immunofluorescence to investigate physiological control of germline stem cells.


Computation-Aided Design of Single-Atom Catalysts for One-Pot CO2 Capture, Activation, and Conversion.
Lowering the concentration of CO2 in atmosphere is a global concern but yet remains one of the most challenging processes in chemistry. Herein, we report a rational design of single-atom catalyst (SAC), namely, vanadium atom supported on newly synthesized β12 boron monolayer (V1/β12-BM), for one-pot CO2 capture, activation, and efficient conversion into methanol. Our first-principles computations reveal that strong interaction ensures V1/β12-BM can capture CO2 at ambient and elevated temperatures. Substantial charge transfer between V1/β12-BM and CO2 triggers the activation of CO2 into anionic CO2-, which can be efficiently hydrogenated into CH3OH with an ultralow limiting potential of 0.54 V and a rather low rate-determining barrier of 1.04 eV. Moreover, the adsorption of H2O molecules can make the reaction intermediates closer to the hydrogen source by the steric hindrance, which plays a key role in lowering the reaction barrier. Our findings present the first SAC for one-pot CO2 capture, activation, and conversion, which may open a new avenue for recycling CO2.


Thermal conductivity, thermal effusivity, and specific heat capacity near the lower critical point of the binary liquid mixture n-butoxyethanol-water.
Experimental investigations on binary liquid mixtures near the critical mixing point are presently leading to a controversy about the anomaly in the thermal conductivity. A photopyroelectric technique is used to determine the thermal conductivity and the effusivity of the binary liquid mixture n-butoxyethanol-water at its critical concentration near the critical mixing point. It is proven that, contrary to previous reports, there is no critical enhancement in the thermal conductivity. The specific heat capacity is calculated from these results and compared with the results from measurements performed by adiabatic scanning calorimetry.


Antibodies to the beta-amyloid peptide cross-react with conformational epitopes in human fibrinogen subunits from peripheral blood.
Antibodies to the Alzheimer disease (AD) beta-amyloid peptide (beta AP) were used to identify beta AP precursor fragments in blood. The antibodies detected 3 major polypeptides with apparent molecular weights (MW) of 47-64,000 in Western blots of plasma derived clot proteins, but these proteins corresponded to human A-alpha, B-beta and gamma-fibrinogen since they reacted with 2 different anti-fibrinogen antisera, and the anti-beta AP and anti-fibrinogen antibodies recognized purified fibrinogen and fibrin. These data are significant for efforts to develop immunochemical assays to diagnose and monitor the progression of AD.


Failure of Femoral Access to Electrophysiological Evaluation Due to Aplasia of the Inferior Vena Cava.
We report an interesting case of a man with a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) with left azygos vein who underwent electrophysiological evaluation. Further evaluation revealed congenital dilated azygos vein, while a segment connecting the inferior vena cava (IVC) to the hepatic vein and right atrium was missing. The azygos vein drained into the superior vena cava, and the hepatic veins drained directly into the right atrium. The patient did not have congenital anomalies of the remaining thoracoabdominal vasculature.


Lack of in vivo insulin resistance in controlled insulin-dependent, type I, diabetic patients.
Although type I diabetic patients are clearly insulin deficient, it is unclear whether they have normal in vivo sensitivity to insulin. Recent studies which suggested that insulin resistance is a common feature of insulin-dependent diabetics have not taken into account their degree of metabolic control or the presence of circulating antibodies. In the present study, we performed multiple euglycemic glucose clamp studies to construct insulin dose-response curves in 5 well controlled and 5 poorly controlled type I diabetic patients and 21 age-matched normal subjects. Each study was performed on a separate day at insulin infusion rates of 15, 40, 120, 240, or 1200 mU/M2 X min. During the 40 and 120 mU/M2 X min infusions, steady state insulin levels of 96 +/- 8 (+/- SE) and 285 +/- 27 microU/ml respectively, were achieved within 25 min in normal subjects. In contrast, diabetic subjects did not achieve steady state insulin levels (62 +/- 8 and 212 +/- 16 microU/ml) until 90 min of infusion, and insulin antibodies were detectable in the serum of all these patients. The dose-response curve for insulin stimulation of glucose disposal in well controlled diabetic subjects was comparable to that in normal subjects, with half-maximally effective insulin levels of 84 microU/ml in the diabetic patients compared to 70 microU/ml in normal subjects and virtually identical maximal rates of glucose disposal (433 +/- 11 vs. 411 +/- 17 mg/M2 X min in controls). In contrast, the dose-response curve for poorly controlled diabetic subjects was significantly right-shifted (half-maximally effective insulin level, 112 microU/ml), with marked reduction in the maximal glucose disposal rate (324 +/- 25 vs. 411 +/- 17 mg/M2 X min in normal subjects). Basal hepatic glucose output was increased in both poorly controlled and well controlled type I diabetic patients (132 +/- 7 and 101 +/- 16 mg/M2 X min, respectively) compared to normal subjects (76 +/- 7 mg/M2 X min). However, during each insulin infusion, hepatic glucose output was virtually 100% suppressed in all 3 groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


An evolutionary analytical model of a complementary circular code.
The subset X0=[AAC,AAT,ACC,ATC,ATT,CAG,CTC,CTG, GAA,GAC,GAG,GAT,GCC,GGC,GGT,GTA,GTC,GTT,TAC,TTC] of 20 trinucleotides has a preferential occurrence in the frame 0 (reading frame established by the ATG start trinucleotide) of protein (coding) genes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This subset X0 is a complementary maximal circular code with two permutated maximal circular codes X1 and X2 in the frames 1 and 2 respectively (frame 0 shifted by one and two nucleotides respectively in the 5'-3' direction). X0 is called a C3 code (Arquès and Michel, 1997, J. Biosyst 44, 107-134). A quantitative study of these three subsets X0, X1 and X2 in the three frames 0, 1 and 2 of eukaryotic protein genes shows that their occurrence frequencies are constant functions of the trinucleotide positions in the sequences. The frequencies of X0, X1 and X2 in the frame 0 of eukaryotic protein genes are 48.5%, 29% and 22.5% respectively. These properties are not observed in the 5' and 3' regions of eukaryotes where X0, X1 and X2 occur with variable frequencies around the random value (1/3). Several frequency asymmetries unexpectedly observed, e.g. the frequency difference between X1 and X2 in the frame 0, are related to a new property of the C3 code X0 involving substitutions. An evolutionary analytical model at three parameters (p, q, t) based on an independent mixing of the 20 codons (trinucleotides in the frame 0) of X0 with equiprobability (1/20) followed by t approximately 4 substitutions per codon according to the proportions p approximately 0.1, q approximately 0.1 and r = 1 - p - q approximately 0.8 in the three codon sites respectively, retrieves the frequencies of X0, X1 and X2 observed in the three frames of protein genes and explains these asymmetries. The complex behaviour of these analytical curves is totally unexpected and a priori difficult to imagine. Finally, the evolutionary analytical method developed could be applied to the phylogenetic tree reconstruction and the DNA sequence alignment.


Comparison of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific infection-enhancing and -inhibiting antibodies in AIDS patients.
The humoral immune response of the human host against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoproteins comprises virus-neutralizing antibodies (NAs), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity-mediating (ADCC) antibodies, and infection-enhancing antibodies (IEAs). Because of their potential significance for the outcome of infection with this virus, we have studied the relative prevalence of NAs, ADCC antibodies, and IEAs in the sera of patients infected with HIV. Our results demonstrate that while >or=60% of serum samples are positive for NAs or ADCC antibodies, 72% of these serum samples mediate the enhancement of infection in the presence of complement. In patients with low CD4 counts, NA and ADCC antibody levels tend to decrease, while IEA levels increase. A significant positive correlation was found only between the presence of ADCC antibodies and the presence of antibodies that neutralized HIV-1 in the presence of complement. These results show that the anti-HIV-1 humoral immune response consists of a mixture of antibodies that may inhibit or enhance HIV infection and whose ratios may vary in different stages of the infection.


Real-time analysis of enzyme kinetics via micro parallel liquid chromatography.
A generic method for real-time monitoring of enzyme kinetics is described in this paper. This approach enables rapid development of assays for high-throughput screening or reaction monitoring in the linear range of the enzyme kinetic curve. In this paper, we used protein kinase A and kemptide (a well-studied assay system) to demonstrate assay optimization by using micro parallel liquid chromatography. The optimal substrate and enzyme concentrations were determined rapidly and conveniently compared with the traditional methods for determining these parameters. Additionally, the data collected from the same experiment permitted calculations of K (m) for the substrate, V (max), and time-course study. In general, this approach provides two advantages. First, the broad ranges of detectable product conversions facilitate selection and implementation of assay conditions for high-throughput screening. Second, the system permits determination of 50% inhibitory concentration values at less than 1% conversion of substrate to product, thereby validating screening hits in the linear range of the enzyme kinetic curve. Overall, this optimization process can be done in less than 8 h. To demonstrate the ability to monitor a wide range of assay conditions, we varied initial concentrations over eight orders of magnitude within a single experiment. Compared with a classical enzyme kinetics study, this method significantly speeds the target validation process and reduces time associated with assay development and high-throughput screening implementation.


Surgical technique for heart transplantation: a strategy for congenital heart disease.
The standard techniques for orthotopic heart transplantation often require certain adjustments when the procedure is carried out for complex congenital heart disease. This is because of both the unusual anatomy and possible distortions caused by previous surgery. Such technical adjustments have been described in various published reports over the years. Those reports, when combined, do cover the full spectrum of the technical difficulties that may be encountered, whether the defects are in their original form or altered by surgery, such that no cardiac malformation or distortion would prohibit transplantation. However, those reports are comprehensive only when combined. None of the individual reports addresses all the possible technical challenges. Consequently, the available information is somewhat fragmented. In addition, the generic aspect of the described technical strategies is not always given the emphasis that it deserves. Indeed, occasionally a technique may be presented as a specific solution for a specific malformation, without necessarily pointing out that the same technique may be applied to other hearts with different overall pathologies but which share that specific malformation. The aim of this review article was to combine all the available published information in one article in a manner that constructs a simple but comprehensive and generic system of decision-making that may be applied to any heart in order to determine the exact technical adjustments needed for transplantation in each case. Such a strategy is possible for two reasons. First, only a few anatomical sites are technically significant, namely the points of anastomosis between the donor's organ and the recipient. The rest of the intracardiac morphology does not affect the operation and may be ignored. Second, each of those anatomical sites can present difficulties in only a few ways, and each of those few difficulties has a well-described and published solution already. Therefore, the exact technical adjustments required in each case may be worked out by the sequential assessment of the anastomotic sites alone.


Surgical resection for recurrent retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma and liposarcoma.
Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (STS) include a number of histologies but are rare, with approximately 3000 cases in the USA per year. Retroperitoneal STS have a high incidence of local and distant recurrence. The purpose of this study was to review the University of Maryland Medical Center's (UMMC) treatment experience of retroperitoneal STS, where the patient population served represents a diverse socioeconomic and ethnic catchment. IRB approval was obtained. We constructed a de-identified database of patients diagnosed with retroperitoneal liposarcomas (LPS) or leiomyosarcomas (LMS) treated at UMMC between 2000 and 2013. A total of 49 patients (Pts) with retroperitoneal STS met our eligibility criteria. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to graphically portray progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The log-rank test was used to compare time-to-event distributions. The median OS for all patients (Pts) was 6.3 years, and the 2-year OS rate was 81%. The median PFS for all Pts was 1.8 years, and the 2-year PFS rate was 45%. There was no difference in OS and PFS among LMS and LPS patients; the median OS for LMS was 3.8 years vs. LPS 6.4 years (p = 0.33), and the median PFS for LMS was 1.2 years vs. LPS 2.5 years (p = 0.28). There was a significant difference between histology and race (p = 0.001). LPS were primarily Caucasian 86% vs. 14% black, whereas LMS were primarily black 52% vs. 33% Caucasian. OS was influenced by functional status, gender, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, grade, histology, tumor size, and extent of resection. PFS was influenced by AJCC stage, grade, and extent of resection. Neither adjuvant chemotherapy (1 Pt) nor neoadjuvant/adjuvant radiation therapy (18 Pts) influenced OS or PFS. There was a non-significant difference that Pts who could undergo resection of local recurrence had improved 2-year OS, with 100% LMS and LPS compared to 2-year OS of 71% (LMS) and 78% (LPS) not undergoing resection of local recurrence. This study suggests a higher incidence of leiomyosarcoma in the African-American population. This study confirms the prognostic importance of grade, tumor size, AJCC stage, histology, and extent of resection in patient outcomes, at a large substantially diverse academic medical center. Future research into the biological features of liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma Pts imparting these characteristics will be important to define.


Working off the record: physicians' and nurses' transformations of electronic patient record-based patient information.
Electronic patient records (EPRs) are increasingly being used in health care, but little is known about how EPR-based patient information is used in daily care activities, nor about its potential influence on novice training. Seventy-two physicians and nurses participated in an eight-month study on a single pediatric ward. Eighty hours of nonparticipant observations and 20 interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory and visual rhetoric. Three main features of participant interactions with EPR-based information were identified: (1) EPR-based information was routinely transformed into paper documents; (2) these transformations were organized by profession-specific guiding principles; and (3) transformation strategies were learned through an informal curriculum. This study describes how and why health care professionals work around EPR-based patient information, and suggests that an EPR's visual organization may be incompatible with professional activities. The study addresses the socializing implications of these activities, and highlights their educational potential.


Teen advocate program.
The South Bay Free Clinic's Teen Advocate Program is comprised of three basic components: Clinic duties, outreach and CARE-line. The ten Teen Advocates (TA's) spend a total of ten hours per week divided among these activities. In the Clinic, they perform such duties as intake, blood pressure and hematocrit measurement, exam room assistance, birth control raps and answering the phones. Outreach consists mainly of speaking informally with their peers at school, home, parties or wherever young people congregate. Occasionally, TAs speak formally in high school classrooms or at youth-serving agency meetings (e.g. YWCA). They also distribute evaluation forms for each group presentation given. The CARE-line, a health information and referral helpline for teenagers, is staffed by Teen Advocates Monday-Thursday, 4-8 p.m. Adult volunteer supervisors provide necessary support and guidance for the teen listeners.


Left ventricular assist devices as permanent heart failure therapy: the price of progress.
The REMATCH trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support in stage D chronic end-stage heart failure patients. Compared with optimal medical management, LVAD implantation significantly improved the survival and quality of life of these terminally ill patients. To date, however, there have been no analyses of the cost related to the LVAD survival benefit. This paper addresses the cost of hospital resource use, and its predictors, for long-term LVAD patients. Detailed cost data were available for 52 of 68 REMATCH patients randomized to LVAD therapy. We combined the clinical dataset with Medicare data, standard billing forms (UB-92), and line item bills provided directly by clinical centers. Charges were converted to costs by using the Ratio-of-Cost-to-Charges for each major resource category. The mean cost for the initial implant-related hospitalization was $210,187 +/- 193,295. When implantation hospitalization costs are compared between hospital survivors and nonsurvivors, the mean costs increase from $159,271 +/- 106,423 to $315,015 +/- 278,713. Sepsis, pump housing infection, and perioperative bleeding are the major drivers of implantation cost, established by regression modeling. In the patients who survived the procedure (n = 35), bypass time, perioperative bleeding, and late bleeding were the drivers of cost. The average annual readmission cost per patient for the overall cohort was $105,326. The cost of long-term LVAD implantation is commensurate with other life-saving organ transplantation procedures like liver transplantation. As an evolving technology, there are a number of opportunities for improvement that will likely reduce costs in the future.


[Identification of protein antigen for antibody DBD02 by biopanning of T7 phage display library].
To identify the specificity of mAb DBD02, we developed and optimized a new method by biopanning of T7 Select human liver cDNA phage display library. After two rounds of biopanning, eluted phages were subjected to Dot blot using mAb DBD02 as primary antibody. The positive PFUs (plaque forming unit) which recognized by DBD02 were further confirmed by Western blot, PCR and sequencing. The antigen recognized by DBD02 was identified as alcohol dehydrogenase. And the epitope for mAb DBD02 was further mapped within a peptide of 22 amino acids (QDYKKPIQEVLKEMTDG-GVDFS). Our data indicate that biopanning of T7 phage display library by mAbs is time, cost, and labor-saving and specific tool for protein antigen identification.


Plasmonics in buried structures.
We describe plasmon propagation in silica-filled coupled nanovoids fully buried in gold. Propagation bands and band gaps are shown to be tunable through the degree of overlap and plasmon hybridization between contiguous voids. The effect of disorder and fabrication imperfections is thoroughly investigated. Our work explores a novel paradigm for plasmon photonics relying on plasmon modes in metal-buried structures, which can benefit from long propagation distances, cancelation of radiative losses, minimum crosstalk between neighboring waveguides, and maximum optical integration in three-dimensional arrangements.


Companion and Complementary Diagnostics: Clinical and Regulatory Perspectives.
Nearly 20 years ago, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first companion diagnostic assay and, today, this type of test governs the use of 18 different drugs. With the appearance of PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays linked to the use of different PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, a new class of predictive biomarker assays has emerged; the complementary diagnostics. These are predictive biomarker assays that aid the therapeutic decision process but are not a prerequisite for receiving a specific drug, as is the case with companion diagnostics. Both types of assay have the individual patient as a point of reference and they will be decisive for the move toward a more individualized pharmacotherapy. They are also considered important elements in the realization of precision medicine. Here, I discuss both companion and complementary diagnostics.


Nucleation and growth of CdSe nanocrystals in a binary ligand system.
The competing effects of two ligands, oleic acid (OA) and bis-(2,2,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid (TMPPA), on the nucleation rate and growth of CdSe nanocrystals in octadecene are reported. It is found that TMPPA acts as a high boiling point "nonsolvent" or "nucleating agent". Addition of TMPPA leads to higher initial particle yields and smaller particle diameters. Conversely, oleic acid inhibits nucleation and results in a drastic increase in "early time ripening" (ETR), a phenomenon that causes a rapid reduction in the number of particles within the first minutes of reaction. By controlling the number of nuclei formed with TMPPA and tuning the rate of ETR with oleic acid, high yields of particles can be obtained with sizes between 3 and 7 nm. Furthermore, in the absence of OA, the preparation of very small nanocrystals with diameters approximately 2 nm is facilitated.


[Cellulite - causes, prevention, treatment ].
Cellulite is a multifactorial etiology ailment. It changes the skin topography by the formation of the skin surface's appearance, changes described as "orange peel". This prob- lem concerns 85-98% of women, and for them it is one of the most intolerable aesthetic imperfections. In the past few years the interest of scientists in this problem has clearly increased. Several theories on the pathophysiology of cel- lulite have been produced A number of different thera- peutic regimens have been developed using modern tech- nology. However, despite the many treatment options for cellulite, it is extremely important that patients should be aware that only multidirectional treatment can bring sat- isfactory results. The aim of this review was to describe the causes of cellulite, and its prevention and treatment.


Superplastic deformation of defect-free Au nanowires via coherent twin propagation.
We report that defect-free Au nanowires show superplasticity on tensile deformation. Evidences from high-resolution electron microscopes indicated that the plastic deformation proceeds layer-by-layer in an atomically coherent fashion to a long distance. Furthermore, the stress-strain curve provides full interpretation of the deformation. After initial superelastic deformation, the nanowire shows superplastic deformation induced by coherent twin propagation, completely reorientating the crystal from <110> to <100>. Uniquely well-disciplined and long-propagating atomic movements deduced here are ascribed to the superb crystallinity as well as the radial confinement of the Au nanowires.


Preclinical evaluation of a new left atrial appendage occluder (Lifetech LAmbre™ device) in a canine model.
The study evaluated the feasibility and safety of a novel left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder (LAmbre™, Lifetech Scientific Corp., China) in canines. Transcatheter LAA occlusion is comparable to warfarin in preventing atrial fibrillation-related strokes. Twenty-two healthy dogs (28 ± 3 kg) received LAmbre implants. The device is delivered by an 8-10 French sheath and has full recapture and repositioning capabilities. All dogs received 1-week antibiotics and 4-week aspirin (80 mg daily) after implants and they were sacrificed in groups at Days 1-3 (n = 5), 1- (n = 7), 3- (n = 4) and 6-months (n = 6) for pathological examinations. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed immediately after implant, at Day 3 and before sacrifice. The LAmbre was successfully implanted, retrieved, repositioned and re-implanted in all dogs. The mean implant size was 24 ± 3 mm and the device chosen was 36 ± 7% larger than the measured landing zone diameter. Improper device selection (only 21% oversizing) resulted in dislodgement and death of 1 dog on Day 3. Post-implant angiography and TTE showed well-positioned device without pericardial effusion or impingement on surrounding structures. Late complications included device-related thrombus at 1 month (n = 1) and clinically insignificant pericardial effusion at Day 3 (n = 1). Complete healing on the atrial facing surface with optimal LAA obliteration was confirmed by gross and microscopic examinations in dogs that have been followed up ≥3 months (n = 10). No infarct was detected in major organs. Our preliminary data suggested the LAmbre™ device is feasible with high success rate in canines. Further studies are needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy.


Integrated Collection Assessment and Planning (ICAP) workshop: Helping zoos move toward the One Plan Approach.
Most threatened species do not yet have an integrated conservation plan to guide zoos and aquariums in species selection and conservation action. To address this issue, the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG), in collaboration with regional zoo and aquarium associations, has developed a new process-an Integrated Collection Assessment and Planning (ICAP) workshop. This brings in situ and ex situ communities together to apply the decision process of the IUCN SSC Guidelines on the Use of Ex Situ Management for Species Conservation to the task of regional or global collection planning. The first ICAP workshop was held in 2016 for 43 canids and hyaenids in collaboration with the relevant regional zoo and aquarium associations and IUCN Specialist Groups. The ICAP process provides a comprehensive assessment that will enhance species conservation by providing guidance to zoos and aquariums on conservation priorities for collection planning, conservation education messaging, in situ field support, and integration of in situ and ex situ efforts, as well as by promoting collaboration among regional zoo and aquarium associations, field-based conservationists, and IUCN SSC Specialist Groups.


Seasonal Specificity of Seasonal Allergens and Validation of the ARIA Classification in Korea.
In Korea, tree pollens are known to be prevalent in spring, grass pollens in summer and weed pollens in autumn. However, few studies have revealed their seasonal specificity for allergic rhinitis symptoms. An ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) classification of allergic rhinitis was recently introduced and its clinical validation has not been well proved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal specificity of seasonal allergens and to validate the ARIA classification with the conventional seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (SAR/PAR) classification. Two hundred twenty six patients with allergic rhinitis were included in this study. The patients were classified according to the sensitized allergens and the ARIA classifications. A questionnaire survey was performed and the data on the seasonal symptom score, the severity of symptoms and the SNOT (sinonasal outcome test)-20 score was obtained and the data was analyzed and compared between the conventional SAR/PAR classification and the ARIA classification. Seasonal pollens (tree, grass, weed) were not specific to the pollen peak season and the patients' symptoms were severe during spring and autumn regardless of the offending pollens. More than 60% of the patients with SAR showed persistent symptoms and 33% of the patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) had intermittent symptoms, showing the lack of association between the SAR/PAR/PAR+SAR classification and the ARIA classification. The ARIA classification showed better association not only with the symptomatic score, but also with the SNOT-20 score, which showed better validity than the conventional SAR/PAR classifications. Seasonal pollens were not specific to their season of prevalence in terms of the severity of symptoms, and the ARIA classification showed better representation of allergic symptoms and quality of life (SNOT-20 score) than did the SAR/PAR classification.


Impermeability of newt cerebral and pial capillaries to exogenous peroxidase. A light and electron microscope study.
The permeability of cerebral vessels to exogenous peroxidase was studied in the newt. The reaction product was found only inside the cerebral or pial blood vessels. Electron microscope investigations revealed the presence of reaction product along the luminal area of vessels and in some parts of the intercellular spaces at the level of tight junctions joining endothelial cells. On the basis of the ultrastructural peroxidase localization, the presence of a brain-blood barrier in Triturus is discussed.


Synthesis, Characterization, and Antifungal Activity of Pyridine-Based Triple Quaternized Chitosan Derivatives.
In this study, a series of triple quaternized chitosan derivatives, including 6-O-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl]-2-N-(1-pyridylmethyl-2-ylmethyl)-N,N-dimethyl chitosan chloride (7), 6-O-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl]-2-N-(1-pyridylmethyl-3-yl- methyl)-N,N-dimethyl chitosan chloride (8), and 6-O-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl]- 2-N-(1-pyridylmethyl-4-ylmethyl)-N,N-dimethyl chitosan chloride (9) were successfully designed and synthesized via reacting epoxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride with the N-pyridinium double quaternized chitosan derivatives. Detailed structural characterization was carried out using FT-IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Besides, the activity of the triple quaternized chitosan derivatives against three common plant pathogenic fungi, Watermelon fusarium, Fusarium oxysporum, and Phomopsis asparagi, was investigated in vitro. The results indicated that the triple quaternized chitosan derivatives had enhanced antifungal activity when compared to double quaternized chitosan derivatives and chitosan, especially at 1.0 mg/mL, which confirmed the theory that the higher density of positive charge contributed to the antifungal activity. Moreover, 8 with an almost 99% inhibitory index showed the better antifungal activity against Watermelon fusarium. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the products was also evaluated in vitro on 3T3-L1 cells and all the triple quaternized chitosan derivatives exhibited low cytotoxicity. These results suggested that triple quaternized chitosan derivatives may be used as good antifungal biomaterials.


Effect of prestorage UV-A, -B, and -C radiation on fruit quality and anthocyanin of 'Duke' blueberries during cold storage.
Ultraviolet (UV)-A, -B, and -C were radiated to full-ripe blueberries (cv. 'Duke'), and their effects on fruit qualities and phytonutrients during subsequent cold storage were investigated. The blueberries were exposed to each UV light at 6 kJ/m(2) and then stored at 0 °C for 28 days. Weight loss and decay of the fruits after UV treatment were significantly decreased during the cold storage. The total phenolics and antioxidant activities of blueberries after UV-B and -C treatments were always higher than those of the control and UV-A treatment. Individual anthocyanins were markedly increased during the 3 h after the UV-B and -C treatments. The correlation matrix between total phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity measured by the 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay indicated a significantly close correlation with the individual anthocyanin contents. It was confirmed that the prestorage treatments of UV-B and -C increased the storability and phytochemical accumulation of the full-ripe 'Duke' blueberries during cold storage.


The elite athlete - assessing body shape, size, proportion and composition.
In the quest to optimize performance of the elite athlete the sport scientist has sought to determine the ideal physique for a given sport or event. For some sports, specific structural characteristics offer definite performance advantages; for example in rowing, in addition to height, a large arm span has been identified as important. In other sports. such as long distance running, low levels of adiposity or 'fatness' appear to be linked with faster running times. There are four areas where appraisal of the athlete's physique can provide useful information: (1) identification of talented athletes; (2) to assess and monitor the growing athlete; (3) to monitor training and performance; and (4) to determine 'race weight' in weight-category sports. As a research tool a particular method must be reliable and valid. Other considerations include how expensive the method is, if it is suitable for a field situation and if large amounts of data on a number of subjects can be collected quickly. The method should be safe for both the athlete and the tester and provide useful feedback for the athlete or coach. Anthropometry, with training is able to fulfil most of these criteria and is the most widely used method of physique assessment in sports science. Large anthropometric data bases have been collected on elite athletes at Olympic games and world championships according to a standard protocol. Kinanthropometry, which has developed from anthropometry, is concerned with measurement and evaluation of different aspects of human movement and individual variation in body shape, size, proportion and composition. For the assessment of adiposity a sum of skinfolds, usually over six sites, is most commonly used rather than percentage body fat formulae. Muscle mass can be assessed indirectly through girth and corrected girth measurements. Limb lengths and breadths are used to assess skeletal structure and proportional differences in limb size. The anthropometric methods most commonly used to describe the physique of the athlete, which appraise shape, size, proportion and composition, will be discussed.


Misconduct in medical students.
Medical students, subject to unique challenges and stressors, frequently engage in misconduct. In this observational study, carried out in a medical school in Colombia, we developed a survey to explore the association between misconduct and stress, potential stressors and other possible contributing factors, such as sex, age and academic year. Of the 433 students that responded to our survey, 97.9% did not fully disagree with at least one of the mentioned misconducts and 99.8% admitted to at least one transgression. Based on a scale we developed, 61.4% of the students consistently agreed with misconduct and 44.9% frequently engaged in misconduct. A logistic regression model suggests that being male (OR 1.90, CI 95% 1.27-2.84) and stress (OR 1.04, CI 95% 1.01-1.06) may increase the likelihood of misconduct. In a subgroup of students, excluding those in their last year of studies, higher academic semester (OR 1.25, CI 95%: 1.10-1.42) may also be a risk factor for misconduct. Most of the observed variation in the data, however, is not explained by these factors. Other modifiers, such as student personality and sub-culture, may play a greater role in determining misconduct. The proportion of medical students that engage in misconduct is very high and warrants the attention of the medical education community.


MEMS Resonant Cantilevers for High-Performance Thermogravimetric Analysis of Chemical Decomposition.
We investigate the MEMS resonant cantilevers for high-performance thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of chemical decomposition, featuring high accuracy and minimized thermal lag. Each resonant cantilever is integrated with a microheater for sample heating near the free end, which is thermally isolated from the resonance excitation and readout elements at the fixed end. Combining finite element modeling and experiments, we demonstrate that the sample loading region can stabilize within ~11.2 milliseconds in response to a step heating of 500 °C, suggesting a very fast thermal response of the MEMS resonant cantilevers of more than 104 °C/s. Benefiting from such a fast thermal response, we perform high-performance TG measurements on basic copper carbonate (Cu2(OH)2CO3) and calcium oxalate monohydrate (CaC2O4·H2O). The measured weight losses better agree with the theoretical values with 5-10 times smaller thermal lags at the same heating rate, compared with those measured by using conventional TGA. The MEMS resonant cantilevers hold promise for highly accurate and efficient TG characterization of materials in various fields.


[Obesity and ischemic heart disease. Is there a link between wellness' diseases?].
Obesity, the most common nutritional disorder in Western countries, is usually associated to cardiovascular diseases. However, the precise molecular pathways underlying this close association remain poorly understood. Nowadays, the adipose tissue is considered as an endocrine organ able to produce substances called adipo(cyto)kines that have different effects on lipid metabolism, closely involved in metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk. The increased cardiovascular risk can be related also to peculiar dysfunction in the endocrine activity of adipose tissue observed in obesity responsible of vascular impairment (including endothelial dysfunction), prothrombotic tendency, and low-grade chronic inflammation. The present review aims at providing an up-dated overview on the adipocyte-derived molecules potentially involved in cardiovascular pathophysiology.


Oral Antibacterial Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: An Evidence-Based Review.
To some degree, acne vulgaris affects nearly every individual worldwide. Oral antibiotic therapy is routinely prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne; however, long-term use of oral antibiotics for acne may have unintended consequences. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic evaluation of the scientific evidence on the efficacy and appropriate use of oral antibiotics in the treatment of acne. A systematic search of MEDLINE was conducted to identify randomized controlled clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating the efficacy of oral antibiotics for acne. Overall, 41 articles that examined oral antibiotics compared with placebo, another oral therapy, topical therapy, alternate dose, or duration were included in this study. Tetracyclines, macrolides, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole are effective and safe in the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Superior efficacy of one type or class of antibiotic could not be determined, therefore the choice of antibiotic is generally based on the side-effect profile. Although different dosing regimens have been studied, there is a lack of standardized comparator trials to determine optimal dosing and duration of each oral antibiotic used in acne. The combination of oral antibiotics with a topical therapy is superior to oral antibiotics alone. This article provides a systematic evaluation of the scientific evidence of the efficacy of oral antibiotics for acne. Due to heterogeneity in the design of the trials, there is insufficient evidence to support one type, dose, or duration of oral antibiotic over another in terms of efficacy; however, due to increasing resistance to antibiotics, dermatologists should heed consensus guidelines for their appropriate use.


BacMam system for FRET-based cAMP sensor expression in studies of melanocortin MC1 receptor activation.
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger of many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and a useful readout molecule to estimate the biological activity of various GPCR-specific agents. Here we report the development and use of a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor for cAMP (Epac2-camps) combined with a baculovirus-based BacMam transduction system. The constructed BacMam-Epac2-camps viral transduction system is a simple and robust tool for ligand screening at the second-messenger level in a variety of mammalian cell lines. The level of biosensor protein expression can easily be adjusted in a dose-dependent manner depending on the multiplicity of viral infection. For setting up the assay, we used a B16F10 murine melanoma cell line with endogenous expression of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC(1)R). The receptor activation was characterized by a set of MC(1)R full and partial agonists. Bivalent ions Ca(2+) as well as Mg(2+) modulated ligand potencies, whereas the effect was ligand and ion specific. Results obtained for MC(1)R indicate that the BacMam-Epac2-camps system may also be applicable for studying the activation of other GPCRs and may be implemented in routine analysis as well as in high-throughput screening.


Increasing phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate biosynthesis affects plant nuclear lipids and nuclear functions.
In order to characterize the effects of increasing phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P(2)) on nuclear function, we expressed the human phosphatidylinositol (4)-phosphate 5-kinase (HsPIP5K) 1α in Nicotiana tabacum (NT) cells. The HsPIP5K-expressing (HK) cells had altered nuclear lipids and nuclear functions. HK cell nuclei had 2-fold increased PIP5K activity and increased steady state PtdIns(4,5)P(2). HK nuclear lipid classes showed significant changes compared to NT (wild type) nuclear lipid classes including increased phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and decreased lysolipids. Lipids isolated from protoplast plasma membranes (PM) were also analyzed and compared with nuclear lipids. The lipid profiles revealed similarities and differences in the plasma membrane and nuclei from the NT and transgenic HK cell lines. A notable characteristic of nuclear lipids from both cell types is that PtdIns accounts for a higher mol% of total lipids compared to that of the protoplast PM lipids. The lipid molecular species composition of each lipid class was also analyzed for nuclei and protoplast PM samples. To determine whether expression of HsPIP5K1α affected plant nuclear functions, we compared DNA replication, histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) and phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) in NT and HK cells. The HK cells had a measurable decrease in DNA replication, histone H3K9 acetylation and pRB phosphorylation.


Epidermal growth factor receptor and angiogenesis: Opportunities for combined anticancer strategies.
Tumor-induced angiogenesis is essential for malignant growth. This mini review focuses on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) and their receptors in this process, and the rationale to combine inhibitors of these growth factors as anticancer therapy. Concomitantly, targeting the VEGF(R) and the EGF(R) signaling pathway may circumvent the problem of acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors. By targeting both pathways, the antiangiogenic effect may be more pronounced, which may lead to greater antitumor activity. Preliminary efficacy data from clinical trials encourage further exploration of this combined anticancer strategy.


Antimicrobial resistance rates in gram-positive bacteria do not drive glycopeptides use.
Surveillance data are considered essential to appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy and stewardship. The objective of this study was to determine if a change in the rates of antibiotic resistance impacts antibiotic use in European hospitals. Glycopeptides use was selected to study the correlation between resistance rates and antibiotic use because of the restricted spectrum against resistant gram positive bacteria. PubMed, ECDC databases and national/regional surveillance systems were searched to identify glycopeptides´ consumption in defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitant-days (DID) and rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCoNS), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in bloodstream infections (BSIs) in European countries between 1997 and 2015. Time trends were studied and associations between DID and BSI resistance rates were tested using multi-level mixed effect models. To account for the gap in the publication and dissemination of the yearly resistance data, a 2-year lag in the resistance rates was applied. Data on glycopeptides´ DID and resistance rates of target microorganisms in blood cultures were identified among 31 countries over a 19-year period. Glycopeptides use significantly increased (p<0·0001) while rates of MRSA BSIs decreased in majority of the countries (p<0·0001) and MRCoNS and VRE BSIs remained stable. Variation in glycopeptides' DID was not associated with variation in BSIs due to MRSA (p = 0·136) and VRE (p = 0·613). After adjusting for MRCoNS and VRE resistance rates, among 21 countries, 11 (52%) had a concordant and 10 (48%) a discordant trend in yearly glycopeptides´ DID and MRSA BSI rates. No correlation was found between resistance rates and DID data even among 8 countries with more than 5% decrease in MRSA rates over time. (RC -0·009, p = 0·059). Resistance rate of MRSA, MRCoNS, and VRE BSIs does not impact DID of glycopeptides in European hospitals. This finding is key to redefining the role and structure of antimicrobial surveillance and stewardship programmes.


Specific serodiagnosis of canine leishmaniasis by indirect immunofluorescence, indirect hemagglutination, and counterimmunoelectrophoresis.
The increased prevalence of leishmaniasis in dogs in Mediterranean countries has necessitated use of a reliable specific method of immunodiagnosis. Research was carried out on 88 dogs, among which were 26 with severe clinical leishmaniasis (group A), 15 with mild signs of disease (group B), and 11 without signs of disease (group C); in addition, 15 were healthy (group D) and 21 were affected with various other diseases (group E). Dogs of groups D and E were used as controls. Infection was confirmed by cultural isolation of the parasite. Serotests that were used included the indirect immune fluorescent (IFAT) and indirect hemagglutination (IHAT) tests and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP); using these tests, specific antibodies against Leishmania infantum were detected in all 88 dogs. Sensitivity of the IFAT was 100% in dogs of groups A, B, and C; for the IHAT, it was 65.38%, 60%, and 54.5%, respectively, and for CIEP, it was 96.1%, 80%, and 72.7%, respectively. For dogs of groups D and E, specificity of the IFAT and IHAT was 100%, and for CIEP, it was 100% for group-D dogs and 90.5 for group-E dogs. Indirect immunofluorescence appeared to be the most specific and sensitive of the 3 tests.


The effect of food taxes and subsidies on population health and health costs: a modelling study.
One possible policy response to the burden of diet-related disease is food taxes and subsidies, but the net health gains of these approaches are uncertain because of substitution effects between foods. We estimated the health and cost impacts of various food taxes and subsidies in one high-income country, New Zealand. In this modelling study, we compared the effects in New Zealand of a 20% fruit and vegetable subsidy, of saturated fat, sugar and salt taxes (each set at a level that increased the total food price by the same magnitude of decrease from the fruit and vegetable subsidy), and of an 8% so-called junk food tax (on non-essential, energy-dense food). We modelled the effect of price changes on food purchases, the consequent changes in fruit and vegetable and sugar-sweetened beverage purchasing, nutrient risk factors, and body-mass index, and how these changes affect health status and health expenditure. The pre-intervention intake for 340 food groups was taken from the New Zealand National Nutrition Survey and the post-intervention intake was estimated using price and expenditure elasticities. The resultant changes in dietary risk factors were then propagated through a proportional multistate lifetable (with 17 diet-related diseases) to estimate the changes in health-adjusted life years (HALYs) and health system expenditure over the 2011 New Zealand population's remaining lifespan. Health gains (expressed in HALYs per 1000 people) ranged from 127 (95% uncertainty interval 96-167; undiscounted) for the 8% junk food tax and 212 (102-297) for the fruit and vegetable subsidy, up to 361 (275-474) for the saturated fat tax, 375 (272-508) for the salt tax, and 581 (429-792) for the sugar tax. Health expenditure savings across the remaining lifespan per capita (at a 3% discount rate) ranged from US$492 (334-694) for the junk food tax to $2164 (1472-3122) for the sugar tax. The large magnitude of the health gains and cost savings of these modelled taxes and subsidies suggests that their use warrants serious policy consideration. Health Research Council of New Zealand.


Men who molest their sexually immature daughters: is a special explanation required?
Child molesters who target their own children have been described as low risk and not pedophilic. Men who had molested a daughter or stepdaughter (n = 82) were compared to 102 molesters whose only female victims were extrafamilial. Men who offended against their own daughters had less deviant sexual age preferences and were less likely to commit new violent and sexual offenses. However, the father-daughter molesters exhibited an average absolute phallometric preference for prepubertal children and had a violent recidivism rate of 22% in a follow-up of less than 5 years. Actuarial risk assessment instruments (the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide and the Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide; V. L. Quinsey, G. T. Harris, M. E. Rice, and C. A. Cormier, 1998) worked as well for intrafamilial child molesters as for other sex offenders.


[Modification of the composition of the hypertrophic myocardium by beta adrenergic blockade].
Adaptation of the rabbit heart to volume load of the left ventricle is characterized by hypertrophic growth. This process involves an increase in the mass and changes in the composition of the myocardium. In the fifth week after perforation of the aortic valve an increase in phospholipid content and in mitochondria and a decrease in protein content was observed in the myocardium. These changes precondition a transient hyperfunction of the cardiomyocytes, but they presumably lead also to the eventual loss of contractile capacity. When the hypertrophic process occurs under conditions of nonspecific beta-adrenergic blockade, the required increase in left ventricular mass is achieved yet the content of phospholipids, proteins and mitochondria remains unchanged. Long-term blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors may be one of the modes of affecting the expression of cardiac genes in such a way that the hypertrophic myocardium does not develop conditions resulting in heart failure.


Evaluation of association constants between drug enantiomers and human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein by applying a partial-filling technique in affinity capillary electrophoresis.
The principles for evaluation of conditional association constants between drug enantiomers and proteins, exemplified here by alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), using capillary zone electrophoresis employing a partial filling technique, is presented. In the partial filling technique only the first part of the capillary is filled with the selector, and this selector zone (plug) length can be varied by introducing the selector solution at different times at constant pressure. An important feature of the technique is the low consumption of selector solution in this study only 40-290 nL is used per run, of special importance when the availability of the selector is limited, and also in case it is expensive. Conditions are chosen so that the protein has a net negative charge and migrates toward the anode, while the analytes migrate toward the detector at the cathodic side. The resolution is linearly related to the effective plug length, as shown in separations of the enantiomers of disopyramide and remoxipride. The effective plug length can be calculated, which forms the basis to apply this technique for determinations of association constants. The association between the enantiomers of the solutes and AGP varied with increasing temperature, as shown by determined association constants. It was found that the association between the enantiomers and AGP was strongest at 25 degrees C and decreased at both lower and higher temperatures. This unexpected finding may indicate conformational changes of the protein with temperature variations.


A Novel Organic Selenium Compound Exerts Unique Regulation of Selenium Speciation, Selenogenome, and Selenoproteins in Broiler Chicks.
Background: A new organic selenium compound, 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (SeO), displayed a greater bioavailability than sodium selenite (SeNa) or seleno-yeast (SeY) in several species.Objective: This study sought to determine the regulation of the speciation of selenium, expression of selenogenome and selenocysteine biosynthesis and degradation-related genes, and production of selenoproteins by the 3 forms of selenium in the tissues of broiler chicks.Methods: Day-old male chicks (n = 6 cages/diet, 6 chicks/cage) were fed a selenium-deficient, corn and soy-based diet [base diet (BD), 0.05 mg Se/kg] or the BD + SeNa, SeY, or SeO at 0.2 mg Se/kg for 6 wk. Plasma, livers, and pectoral and thigh muscles were collected at weeks 3 and 6 to assay for total selenium, selenomethionine, selenocysteine, redox status, and selected genes, proteins, and enzymes.Results: Although both SeY and SeO produced greater concentrations (P < 0.05) of total selenium (20-172%) and of selenomethionine (≤15-fold) in the liver, pectoral muscle, and thigh than those of SeNa, SeO further raised (P < 0.05) these concentrations by 13-37% and 43-87%, respectively, compared with SeY. Compared with the BD, only SeO enhanced (P < 0.05) the mRNA of selenoprotein (Seleno) s and methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (Msrb1) in the liver and thigh (62-98%) and thioredoxin reductase (TXRND) activity in the pectoral and thigh muscles (20-37%) at week 3. Furthermore, SeO increased (P < 0.05) the expression of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) 3, GPX4, SELENOP, and SELENOU relative to the SeNa group by 26-207%, and the expression of Selenop, O-phosphoseryl-transfer RNA (tRNA):selenocysteinyl-tRNA synthase, GPX4, and SELENOP relative to the SeY group by 23-55% in various tissues.Conclusions: Compared with SeNa or SeY, SeO demonstrated a unique ability to enrich selenomethionine and total selenium depositions, to induce the early expression of Selenos and Mrsb1 mRNA and TXRND activity, and to enhance the protein production of GPX4, SELENOP, and SELENOU in the tissues of chicks.


Rupture uterus--changing Indian scenario.
A total of 60 cases of rupture uterus managed in last five years in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi were reviewed. Of these 77% cases reported to the hospital with rupture uterus while in 23% cases rupture occurred after admission. The factor responsible for rupture in admitted patients was either oxytocin induction/augmentation in scarred uterus or obstetrical manipulation in unscarred uterus; 80% cases were totally unsupervised during antenatal period. Previous uterine scar was responsible for rupture in as high as 63.3% cases. The commonest previous surgery was caesarean section mostly for non-recurrent causes. Obstructed labour was responsible for rupture in 26.6% cases while traumatic rupture was seen in 10% cases. Repair of uterine rent was performed in 54% cases while rest required hysterectomy. Bladder injury was associated in 9 cases and was repaired at the time of laparotomy. Maternal mortality was 3.33% and foetal mortality was 78.66%. The changing trends observed in the present study are those of low maternal mortality and decreasing incidence of obstructed labour in the aetiology of rupture uterus.


Methodological approach: using a within-subjects design in the marble burying assay.
In 2016, the National Institutes of Health mandated the use of both male and female mice in funded research. The use of both sexes is an important variable to consider; however, it comes with negative consequences such as increased animal expenses. One way to combat these negatives is to explore the option of using a within-subjects design (repeated measures) in behavioral assays that historically use a between-subjects design. Our study aimed to determine if a within-subjects design can be utilized in the marble burying assay. The marble burying assay is used as a tool for screening putative anxiolytic compounds as the assay is thought to measure obsessive-compulsive disorder- or anxiety-like behaviors. First, we compared the effects of sex and digging medium (corn cob or Sani Chip) on the number of marbles buried using CD-1 mice. Second, we determined if mice would continue to bury marbles after repeated exposures to the test arena. Lastly, we tested three positive controls (buspirone, ketamine, and fluoxetine). We found that mice buried significantly more marbles within Sani Chip digging medium, and no sex differences were observed. Next, the number of marbles buried and locomotor activity remained consistent across four test sessions. The positive controls buspirone (3.2-10 mg/kg) ketamine (32 mg/kg), and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) decreased the number of marbles buried using the within-subjects design. These data suggest that a within-subjects design is optimal for the marble burying assay as it will reduce the number of animals and increase statistical power.


Churg-Strauss syndrome in a patient previously diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
A lady in her 70s with a background of multiple sclerosis (MS) and late-onset asthma was admitted with a 2-week history of cough and shortness of breath, progressive right-sided weakness and functional decline. Investigation revealed eosinophilia, elevated myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, CT sinuses showed long-standing inflammatory changes consistent with sinonasal polyposis and MRI head showed lesions consistent with vasculitis. She then developed left-sided weakness and increased wheeze. Review of her case notes demonstrated that, the eosinophilia was long-standing, her asthma was severe and steroid-dependent, and her neurologic syndrome was atypical for MS. Intravenous methylprednisolone then cyclophosphamide were administered. She demonstrated remarkable improvement, becoming more alert, with improvement in left-sided weakness. A diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome was established. She was discharged to a nursing home with outpatient rheumatology follow-up. The diagnosis of MS was revisited.


Cardiac hemangioma. A case report and discussion.
A cardiac hemangioma is a rare form of primary cardiac tumor. To our knowledge, only 34 cases of cardiac hemangioma have been discussed in the literature at the time of this writing. We report the case of a patient who presented with 1 episode of exertional dyspnea. The medical history, physical exam, work-up, surgical approach, and outcome are discussed. Other published reports on this topic are also reviewed.


Posttreatment trajectories of physical activity in breast cancer survivors.
Breast cancer survivors face a risk of disease recurrence and a higher risk of developing comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease when compared with the general population. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to reduce such risks. The current analyses sought to identify: 1) unique patterns of PA among breast cancer survivors; and 2) characteristics associated with the level of PA. A total of 548 women reported PA and sociodemographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors at 3 time points, 6 months apart, after primary treatment of breast cancer. Cancer-related factors were obtained from chart reviews. Finite mixture modeling was used to examine trajectory groups of moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) in the early posttreatment period. The authors then examined the characteristics associated with trajectory group membership. Three groups with distinct, stable patterns of PA were identified: the low MVPA (42.5% of patients), medium MVPA (45.5% of patients), and high MVPA (12.0% of patients) groups. In a multivariable setting, compared with more active breast cancer survivors, the least active group was found to have a higher body mass index, were less likely to report alcohol consumption, were more likely to smoke cigarettes, and had worse physical functioning and vitality scores. Cancer treatment-related factors did not significantly predict group membership. A large percentage of breast cancer survivors remain physically inactive after treatment, suggesting the need for interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality in this population. Cancer 2017;123:2773-80. © 2017 American Cancer Society.


Comparative Study for Characteristics of Locomotive Syndrome in Patients with Lumbar Stenosis and Adult Spinal Deformity.
The differential diagnoses of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and adult spinal deformity (ASD) have been demonstrated primarily using sagittal radiographic spinopelvic parameters. However, it is more important to know the differences in the characteristic clinical symptoms to make accurate treatment decisions. Recently, the relationship between spinal disease and Locomotive Syndrome (LS) has been reported. Additionally, the Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25 (GLFS-25) was reported to be a useful scale to evaluate disease severity and characteristic clinical symptoms in spinal disease. Sixty-nine consecutive patients with ASD and 196 patients with LSS who underwent spinal surgery were included. Locomotive dysfunction was evaluated using the GLFS-25 questionnaire and physical performance tests including the two-step test and the stand-up test, measured preoperatively. The correlations between sagittal spinopelvic parameters of ASD and LS were examined. All subjects with lumbar degenerative disease in the present study were diagnosed with LS preoperatively. The severity of LS in patients with LSS and ASD were statistically similar. GLFS-25 scores in the mobility and community domain were similarly poor in both groups. Several scores in the domestic life and self-care domains were significantly worse in the ASD group. Question 20 of the GLFS-25, related to load-bearing tasks and housework, was significantly associated with a large pelvic incidence in ASD patients. Lumbar degenerative disease requiring surgery severely affects the LS of older people. ASD patients had more difficulty with load-bearing tasks and housework such as cleaning the yard, carrying heavy bedding, dressing, and bathing compared to LSS patients.


[The approach to "normality". Study of patients pronounced "normal" consulting the Lausanne university psychiatric polyclinic 1957 to 1979].
The author studied the variation of the use of the diagnostic item "without apparent psychic symptoms" by the physicians of the University Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic in Lausanne between 1957 and 1979. The results showed a rise and then a fall of the use of this diagnostic item; the variation is related more to institutional habits and opportunity than to the concept of "normality". The rise can be explained by diverse circumstances amplifying the opportunity to use this item, while the fall is in relation to a change in habits of formulation and codification. It is fortunate that consulting psychiatrists leave a place for the appreciation of apparent normality. The explicit or implicit formulation of this appreciation as well as the frequency of its use is of little importance, as they are function of arbitrarily defined habits or opportunities.