Comparison of antihypertensive efficacy and perinatal safety of labetalol and methyldopa in the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.
Labetalol was compared with methyldopa in a randomized controlled trial involving 176 pregnant women with mild to moderate hypertension. Diastolic blood pressure below 86 mmHg was obtained in a similar proportion of women given labetalol or methyldopa. Intrauterine death occurred in four women treated with methyldopa, and the one neonatal death on day 1 occurred in the labetalol group. The average birthweight and the proportion of preterm or small-for-gestational-age babies were similar in both groups. Heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, respiratory rate, and Silverman score of the babies did not differ between the two treatment groups, whether the comparison was made for all the infants, or only for those that were preterm or small-for-gestational-age. These data indicate that maternal beta-blockade with labetalol is as safe as methyldopa for the fetus and the newborn.


Sex-related and tissue-specific effects of tobacco smoking on brain atrophy: assessment in a large longitudinal cohort of healthy elderly.
We investigated the cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of tobacco smoking on brain atrophy in a large cohort of healthy elderly participants (65-80 years). MRI was used for measuring whole brain (WB), gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and hippocampus (HIP) volumes at study entry time (baseline, N = 1451), and the annualized rates of variation of these volumes using a 4-year follow-up MRI in a subpart of the cohort (N = 1111). Effects of smoking status (never, former, or current smoker) at study entry and of lifetime tobacco consumption on these brain phenotypes were studied using sex-stratified AN(C)OVAs, including other health parameters as covariates. At baseline, male current smokers had lower GM, while female current smokers had lower WM. In addition, female former smokers exhibited reduced baseline HIP, the reduction being correlated with lifetime tobacco consumption. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated that current smokers, whether men or women, had larger annualized rates of HIP atrophy, as compared to either non or former smokers, independent of their lifetime consumption of tobacco. There was no effect of smoking on the annualized rate of WM loss. In all cases, measured sizes of these tobacco-smoking effects were of the same order of magnitude than those of age, and larger than effect sizes of any other covariate. These results demonstrate that tobacco smoking is a major factor of brain aging, with sex- and tissue specific effects, notably on the HIP annualized rate of atrophy after the age of 65.


Food biotechnology review: traditional solid-state fermentations of plant raw materials--application, nutritional significance, and future prospects.
This review on the use of indigenous solid-state fermentations (SSF) describes the microbiological transformation of plant raw materials into highly nutritious foods and flavor-enhancing ingredients. Traditional fermented foods from most countries of the world may be classified into the following categories: fungal fermentation followed by brining, SSF principally using bacteria, lactic acid fermentation followed by fungal fermentation, production of fermented doughs, alcoholic fermentation, and fermented food ingredients. Scientific studies of the principles behind SSF, identification of the essential microorganisms, development of suitable and versatile equipment, control of the process, and quality control of the substrate and final product can very well lead to a substantial increase at a world level in the availability and consumption of these fermented foods. The application of modern biotechnology in some countries is already changing the ancient methods of making fermented foods.


Exposure to traumatic events and use of over-the-counter analgesics in adolescents: cross-sectional findings from the Young-HUNT study.
Frequent and increasing use of over-the-counter analgesics (OTCA) among adolescents is a public health concern. Prior research indicates that adolescents exposed to traumatic events may be at increased risk of suffering from headaches and musculoskeletal pain. In this study, we assessed the association between trauma exposure and use of OTCA for headaches and musculoskeletal pain. A cross-sectional population study among adolescents, self-reported data on trauma exposure, pain and use of OTCA. All 10 608 adolescents aged 13-19 years in a region of Norway were invited in this school-based survey, participation rate was 76%. Frequency of OTCA use for headache and musculoskeletal pain served as separate outcomes in ordinal logistic regression analyses. Trauma exposure was significantly and consistently related to higher frequency use of OTCA for headache and musculoskeletal pain, of which associations for bullying (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.12, and OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.66), physical violence (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.78 and OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.32) and sexual abuse (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.18 and OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.90) were particularly strong. A dose-response relationship was found between interpersonal violence and OTCA use for headache (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.66 for one type and OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.14 for two or more types) and musculoskeletal pain (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.91 to 3.00 for one type and OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.91 to 3.00 for two or more types). The associations remained significant after adjustment for pain, although an attenuation in strength was observed. Trauma exposed adolescents use OTCA for headaches and musculoskeletal pain more frequently than those not exposed. The higher frequency of pain conditions among trauma exposed only partially explained their more frequent OTCA use, indicating an increased risk relating to features beyond frequency of pain.


Self-organization of nanorods into ultra-long range two-dimensional monolayer end-to-end network.
Highly uniform large-scale assembly of nanoscale building blocks can enable unique collective properties for practical electronic and photonic devices. We present a two-dimensional (2-D), millimeter-scale network of colloidal CdSe nanorods (NRs) in monolayer thickness through end-to-end linking. The colloidal CdSe NRs are sterically stabilized with tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDPA), and their tips are partially etched in the presence of gold chloride (AuCl3) and didecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), which make them unwetted in toluene. This change in surface wetting property leads to spontaneous adsorption at the 2-D air/toluene interface. Anisotropy in both the geometry and the surface property of the CdSe NRs causes deformation of the NR/toluene/air interface, which derives capillary attraction between tips of neighboring NRs inward. As a result, the NRs confined at the interface spontaneously form a 2-D network composed of end-to-end linkages. We employ a vertical-deposition approach to maintain a consistent rate of NR supply to the interface during the assembly. The rate control turns out to be pivotal in the preparation of a highly uniform large scale 2-D network without aggregation. In addition, unprecedented control of the NR density in the network was possible by adjusting either the lift-up speed of the immersed substrate or the relative concentration of AuCl3 to DDAB. Our findings provide important design criteria for 2-D assembly of anisotropic nanobuilding blocks.


On the Contribution of Protein Spatial Organization to the Physicochemical Interconnection between Proteins and Their Cognate mRNAs.
Early-stage evolutionary development of the universal genetic code remains a fundamental, open problem. One of the possible scenarios suggests that the code evolved in response to direct interactions between peptides and RNA oligonucleotides in the primordial environment. Recently, we have revealed a strong matching between base-binding preferences of modern protein sequences and the composition of their cognate mRNA coding sequences. These results point directly at the physicochemical foundation behind the code's origin, but also support the possibility of direct complementary interactions between proteins and their cognate mRNAs, especially if the two are unstructured. Here, we analyze molecular-surface mapping of knowledge-based amino-acid/nucleobase interaction preferences for a set of complete, high-resolution protein structures and show that the connection between the two biopolymers could remain relevant even for structured, folded proteins. Specifically, protein surface loops are strongly enriched in residues with a high binding propensity for guanine and cytosine, while adenine- and uracil-preferring residues are uniformly distributed throughout protein structures. Moreover, compositional complementarity of cognate protein and mRNA sequences remains strong even after weighting protein sequence profiles by residue solvent exposure. Our results support the possibility that protein/mRNA sequence complementarity may also translate to cognate interactions between structured biopolymers.


Video-assisted thoracic surgery for cancer after thoracic aortic aneurysm repair.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is increasingly accepted as an alternative to open thoracotomy and has established efficacy in the management of non-small-cell lung cancer, but the presence of extensive intrapleural adhesions has been considered a deterrent to a minimally invasive approach. We report the successful use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in 3 patients with history of open thoracic aortic aneurysm repair who presented with left lower lobe stage I non-small-cell lung cancer. While this approach is feasible, it is technically demanding and thus, at the present time, we recommend that its use be limited to high-volume video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery centers.


Neuroprotective Effects of Grape Seed Procyanidins on Ethanol-Induced Injury and Oxidative Stress in Rat Hippocampal Neurons.
Ethanol is a small molecule capable of interacting with numerous targets in the brain, the mechanisms of which are complex and still poorly understood. Studies have revealed that ethanol-induced hippocampal neuronal injury is associated with oxidative stress. Grape seed procyanidin (GSP) is a new type of antioxidant that is believed to scavenge free radicals and be anti-inflammatory. This study evaluated the ability and mechanism by which the GSP improves ethanol-induced hippocampal neuronal injury. Primary cultures of hippocampal neurons were exposed to ethanol (11, 33 and 66 mM, 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h) and the neuroprotective effects of GSP were assessed by evaluating the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cell morphology. Our results indicated that GSP prevented ethanol-induced neuronal injury by reducing the levels of MDA and LDH, while increasing the activity of SOD. In addition, GSP increased the number of primary dendrites and total dendritic length per cell. Together with previous findings, these results lend further support to the significance of developing GSP as a therapeutic tool for use in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.


Role of ascariasis in surgical abdominal emergencies in the Rangoon Children's Hospital, Burma.
Patients aged 1 month to 12 years admitted with an acute abdominal surgical condition comprising 226 cases with and 206 cases without ascariasis, recorded in the operation theatre registers and in-patients clinical sheets, were studied in relation to morbidity, duration of operation and hospital stay and mortality. Annually, 7.5% of laparotomies were due to complications of ascariasis. Operations for ascariasis accounted for 10.6% of all hospital admissions for an acute abdominal emergency. Also, ascariasis accounted for 26.3% of emergency operations. All operated biliary obstruction cases were due to ascariasis. Moreover, 20.4% of all cases of ascariasis with abdominal complications required operation. The mean ages at operation were higher in Ascaris-induced than in non-Ascaris-induced intestinal obstruction (5.1 vs 3 yr), intussusception (3.5 vs 1.2 yr) and volvulus (4.8 vs 1.7 yr). The durations of operation and hospital stay were longer and case fatality rates higher in Ascaris-induced than in non-Ascaris-induced cases. The importance of this study in relation to the socio-economic benefits of controlling ascariasis is discussed.


Templated Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles through the Self-Assembly of Polymers and Surfactants.
The synthesis of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) for various technological applications continues to be an interesting research topic. The successful application of superparamagnetic NPs to each specific area typically depends on the achievement of high magnetization for the nanocrystals obtained, which is determined by their average size and size distribution. The size dispersity of magnetic NPs (MNPs) is markedly improved when, during the synthesis, the nucleation and growth steps of the reaction are well-separated. Tuning the nucleation process with the assistance of a hosting medium that encapsulates the precursors (such as self-assembled micelles), dispersing them in discrete compartments, improves control over particle formation. These inorganic-organic hybrids inherit properties from both the organic and the inorganic materials, while the organic component can also bring a specific functionality to the particles or prevent their aggregation in water. The general concept of interest in this review is that the shape and size of the synthesized MNPs can be controlled to some extent by the geometry and the size of the organic templates used, which thus can be considered as molds at the nanometer scale, for both porous continuous matrices and suspensions.


[Not Available].
Relations between health administration and medical competence occurred in Italy before 1888, year of 1st law of Public Health in unified Italy, are presented; they are still up to date, in the discussion of assigning health control to public or to private organization.


Predictive value of the age-adjusted Charlston co-morbidity index on peri-operative complications, adjuvant chemotherapy usage and survival in patients undergoing debulking surgery after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
The aim of this study was to determine whether the age-adjusted Charlston co-morbidity index (ACCI) can predict post-operative complications, adjuvant chemotherapy usage and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AOC) treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). A review was performed of all cytoreductive surgeries performed between 16/8/07-3/2/14 for AOC at a UK Cancer Centre. All surgeries were stratified by ACCI into three groups: Low (0-1), Intermediate (2-3) and High (≥4). Of the 293 cases the ACCI distribution was: 74 (25.26%) low, 164 (55.97%) intermediate and 55 (18.77%) high. Patients with a high ACCI were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (p = .023), more likely to receive fewer adjuvant cycles (p = .0057) but no more likely to experience complications. Median OS for patients with a low, intermediate and high ACCI was 44.58 (95%CI 36.98-52.19), 34.65 (95%CI 29.48-39.82) and 33.37 (95%CI 17.47-49.27) months. ACCI was associated with OS (p < .01) confirmed on multivariate analysis (p = .03). The ACCI is, therefore, a marker of survival in these patients and predicts adjuvant chemotherapy usage. Impact statement The Age-Adjusted Charlston Co-morbidity Index has previously been identified as a predictor of survival in both medical and surgical conditions. Recently it has also been validated in patients undergoing primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. This study is the first to validate the Age-Adjusted Charlston Co-morbidity Index in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our findings demonstrate that it can be used to not only predict overall survival in women undergoing debulking surgery after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy but also predicts the uptake and commencement of adjuvant chemotherapy. Such findings are important considerations to enable an informed patient choice regarding interval surgery in the more co-morbid patients. More importantly, although the ACCI can be used as a marker of overall survival, even in the most co-morbid of patients there remains a significant survival advantage following surgery to the extent that it should not be contraindicated in this cohort. The ACCI is being increasingly incorporated into various clinical trials as a standard demographic measure and this study validates its inclusion in patients undergoing interval debulking surgery.


Intraocular Pressure Changes While Reading Smartphone Digital Text Versus Printed Text in Healthy Individuals and Those with Glaucoma.
Reading results in rise in intra-ocular pressure (IOP) which is greater while using smartphones compared to printed text among healthy and medically controlled POAG individuals. To compare the effect of reading for 30 minutes using smart phone and printed text on intra-ocular pressure (IOP). 60 healthy volunteers and 22 medically controlled primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients were asked to perform reading tasks using printed text followed by digital (smartphone) text under standardised conditions. IOP assessment was done using rebound tonometer at baseline and subsequently at 10, 20 & 30 minutes of reading and 10 & 20 minutes post completion of reading tasks. IOP variations from baseline were measured and compared. Paired and Independent 'T' test analysis was performed to study IOP variations and a P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean baseline IOP among volunteers and POAG patients was 14.58 (± 2.91) and 15.02 (± 2.18) mmHg respectively. There was a rise in IOP in all participants with reading using either of the modalities which normalised after 20 minutes of cessation. There was a statistically significant difference in rise in IOP from baseline between the 2 modalities (printed text reading & smartphone reading) at 20 minutes {+0.78 & +2.01 (P=0.002)} & 30 minutes {+0.64 & +1.72 (P=0.004)} among healthy volunteers and at 20 minutes {+0.78 & +2.01 (P=0.002)} among POAG patients. Reading is associated with rise in IOP in both healthy volunteers and POAG individuals. The IOP rise is more marked with smartphone compared to printed text reading.


In vitro three-dimensional culture systems of salivary glands.
Dry mouth can be caused by salivary gland hypofunction due to Sjögren's syndrome (SS) or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, and it can also be a side effect of medications. The use of sialagogues effectively increases saliva secretion in patients with dry mouth. However, the application of sialagogues is not always satisfactory because of their side effects, such as sweating, nausea, runny nose and diarrhea. Two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures have been used not only for drug screening and discovery but also to clarify disease mechanisms. However, three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures are expected to be even more advantageous than 2D cell cultures. Therefore, we have tried to develop an in vitro cell culture system that can reconstitute 3D salivary glands. Sox9 and Foxc1 were identified as important genes that differentiate mouse embryonic stem cell-derived oral ectoderm into salivary gland placode. Using these genes and organoid culture systems, we succeeded in generating salivary gland organoids that exhibited a morphology and gene expression profile that were similar to those of the embryonic rudiment from which salivary glands arise in normal mice. These organoids are expected to be a promising tool for disease modeling, drug discovery and regenerative medicine in salivary glands.


The Circular RNA Landscape of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells.
The class of circular RNA (circRNA) is characterized by head-to-tail bonds between exons formed by backsplicing. Here, we provide a resource of circRNA expression in a comprehensive panel of 60 lung cancer and non-transformed cell lines (FL3C dataset). RNA sequencing after depletion of ribosomal RNA quantified the expression of circRNA and linear RNA. We detected 148,811 circular RNAs quantified by 2.8 million backsplicing reads originating from 12,251 genes. The number of identified circRNAs was markedly higher using rRNA depletion compared to public polyA-enriched RNA-seq datasets. CircRNAs almost never started in the first exon nor ended in the last exon and started more frequently in earlier exons. Most circRNAs showed high cell line specificity and correlated positively with their linear RNA counterpart. Known cancer genes produced more circRNAs than non-cancer genes. Subsets of circRNAs correlated with cell proliferation, histological subtype or genotype. CircTNFRSF21 was translated crossing the backsplice site in two different reading frames. Overexpression of circPVT1, circERBB2, circHIPK3, circCCNB1, circSMAD2, circTNFRSF21 and circKIF5B significantly increased colony formation. In conclusion, our data provide a comprehensive map of circRNA expression in lung cancer cells and global patterns of circRNA production as a useful resource for future research into lung cancer circRNAs.


Preoperative smoking habits and postoperative pulmonary complications.
To examine the effect of preoperative smoking behavior on postoperative pulmonary complications. Prospective cohort study. The Veterans Administration Medical Center, Syracuse, NY. Patients scheduled for noncardiac elective surgery (n=410). Smoking status was determined by self-report. Postoperative pulmonary complications were determined by systematic extraction of medical record data. Postoperative pulmonary complications occurred in 31 of 141 (22.0%) current smokers, 24 of 187 (12.8%) past smokers, and 4 of 82 (4.9%) never smokers. The odds ratio (OR) for developing a postoperative pulmonary complication for current smokers vs never smokers was 5.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9 to 16.2) and 4.2 (95% CI, 1.2 to 14.8) after adjustment for type of surgery, type of anesthesia, abnormal chest radiograph, chronic cough, history of pulmonary disease, history of cardiac disease, history of COPD, education level, pulmonary function, body mass index, and age. Current smokers who reported reducing cigarette consumption prior to surgery were more likely to develop a complication compared with those who did not (adjusted OR=6.7, 95% CI, 2.6 to 17.1). Current smoking was associated with a nearly sixfold increase in risk for a postoperative pulmonary complication. Reduction in smoking within 1 month of surgery was not associated with a decreased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications.


Treatment outcomes of multi drug resistant and rifampicin resistant Tuberculosis in Zimbabwe: A cohort analysis of patients initiated on treatment during 2010 to 2015.
Zimbabwe is one of the thirty countries globally with a high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB). Since 2010, patients diagnosed with MDR/RR-TB are being treated with 20-24 months of standardized second-line drugs (SLDs). The profile, management and factors associated with unfavourable treatment outcomes of MDR/RR TB have not been systematically evaluated in Zimbabwe. To assess treatment outcomes and factors associated with unfavourable outcomes among MDR/RR-TB patients registered and treated under the National Tuberculosis Programme in all the district hospitals and urban healthcare facilities in Zimbabwe between January 2010 and December 2015. A cohort study using routinely collected programme data. The 'death', 'loss to follow-up' (LTFU), 'failure' and 'not evaluated' were considered as "unfavourable outcome". A generalized linear model with a log-link and binomial distribution or a Poisson distribution with robust error variances were used to assess factors associated with "unfavourable outcome". The unadjusted and adjusted relative risks were calculated as a measure of association. A 𝑝value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 473 patients in the study, the median age was 34 years [interquartile range, 29-42] and 230 (49%) were males. There were 352 (74%) patients co-infected with HIV, of whom 321 (91%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Severe adverse events (SAEs) were recorded in 118 (25%) patients; mostly hearing impairments (70%) and psychosis (11%). Overall, 184 (39%) patients had 'unfavourable' treatment outcomes [125 (26%) were deaths, 39 (8%) were lost to follow-up, 4 (<1%) were failures and 16 (3%) not evaluated]. Being co-infected with HIV but not on ART [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 2.60; 95% CI: 1.33-5.09] was independently associated with unfavourable treatment outcomes. The high unfavourable treatment outcomes among MDR/RR-TB patients on standardized SLDs were coupled with a high occurrence of SAEs in this predominantly HIV co-infected cohort. Switching to individualized all oral shorter treatment regimens should be considered to limit SAEs and improve treatment outcomes. Improving the ART uptake and timeliness of ART initiation can reduce unfavourable outcomes.


Mandibular rehabilitation: From the Andy Gump deformity to jaw-in-a-day.
The mandible is a critical structure of the lower facial skeleton which plays an important role in several vital functions. Segmental resection of the mandible is at times required in patients with advanced oral cavity malignancies, primary mandibular tumors, and radiation or medication induced osteonecrosis. Mandibulectomy can significantly decrease quality of life, and thus mandibular reconstruction is an important aspect of the operative plan. Mandibular reconstruction is challenging due to the complex three-dimensional anatomy of the mandible, and the precision required to restore dental occlusion in dentate patients. Significant advances have been made over the past decade in the ability to reconstruct and rehabilitate patients after a segmental mandibulectomy. This review will highlight these advances and discuss the timing of dental implantation.


Insight into the High Mobility and Stability of In2 O3 :H Film.
Wide bandgap semiconductors, particularly In2 O3 :Sn (ITO), are widely used as transparent conductive electrodes in optoelectronic devices. Nevertheless, due to the strohave beenng scattering probability of high-concentration oxygen vacancy (VO ) defects, the mobility of ITO is always lower than 40 cm2 V-1 s-1 . Recently, hydrogen-doped In2 O3 (In2 O3 :H) films have been proven to have high mobility (>100 cm2 V-1 s-1 ), but the origin of this high mobility is still unclear. Herein, a high-resolution electron microscope and theoretical calculations are employed to investigate the atomic-scale mechanisms behind the high carrier mobility in In2 O3 :H films. It is found that VO can cause strong lattice distortion and large carrier scattering probability, resulting in low carrier mobility. Furthermore, hydrogen doping can simultaneously reduce the concentration of VO , which accounts for high carrier mobility. The thermal stability and acid-base corrosion mechanism of the In2 O3 :H film are investigated and found that hydrogen overflows from the film at high temperatures (>250 °C), while acidic or alkaline environments can cause damage to the In2 O3 grains themselves. Overall, this work provides insights into the essential reasons for high carrier mobility in In2 O3 :H and presents a new research approach to the doping and stability mechanisms of transparent conductive oxides.


Simultaneous assay for six alkaloids in opium, using high-performance liquid chromatography.
A method is described for the quantitative determination of morphine, codeine, cryptopine, thebaine, papaverine, and narcotine in opium by high-performance liquid chromatography. The alkaloids are isolated from a dilute acid extract by adsorption on an Amberlite XAD-2 resin column and eluted first with methanol and then with chloroform-methanol (3+1). After solvent removal by reduced pressure evaporation, the alkaloids are redissolved in chloroform-methanol (3+1). The sample solution, plus brucine as an internal standard, is injected onto a Corasil II column and eluted with hexane that is gradient programmed with a solution of chloroform-methanol-diethylamine (100+300+1). The absorbances of the separated alkaloids are continuously monitored at 254 nm, using a flow-through ultraviolet double-beam photometer.


Psychological aspects of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.
There is little information on the psychologic aspects of HED. In particular, there is insufficient evidence to support or dispute the claim that the intelligence of persons with HED is dissimilar to that of the general population. Impressions of frequent mental retardation may arise from patients suffering brain damage following high fever and from our biases against the physically unattractive. A small number of adults with HED have been reported to hold a relatively wide range of jobs, and an even smaller number have been reported with educational and occupational achievement that is predictive of bright average to superior intellectual functioning, but even less evidence is available here. Chronic illness and handicaps exert a toll on the patient and the family. There appears to be greater maladjustment among the families of chronically ill children, but this differs according to the type of illness, and we do not know how this affects the HED child and his/her family. Still, the HED family is exposed to some unique stresses: having always to take into account the ambient temperature regardless of their planned activity; responding to cruel stares and remarks when out in public; and dealing with the problem of broken, lost, or merely publicly discovered dentures. On the other hand, some children apparently benefit from having a sib with a disability. Families react in a variety of ways to a disability, and their reaction may interact with the child's temperament to affect emotional development for better or worse. However, the existence of HED does not insure either normal or inadequate emotional adjustment, and parents should be advised of this. As difficult as it may be, this may also be the time for the pediatrician to say "I don't know." Parents can be told that each child, not just those with HED, should be provided a warm and supportive environment congruent with his/her unique style, in order to facilitate emotional development. They should also be advised of the probable emotional benefits of early prosthetic care with wigs and dentures. When this is either not possible or not sufficient, professional guidance should be sought. Psychotherapy or counseling can be obtained for the child, a parent, or for the entire family. While some familiarity with HED may be helpful, it is not essential, and is far less important than finding a competent professional with whom the family is comfortable. As far as obtaining the information we need, a series of systematic investigations appears to be called for.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


The incidence and the risk of pneumothorax and chest tube placement after percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy: the angle of the needle trajectory is a novel predictor.
Pneumothorax remains the most common complication of percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy, despite improved techniques. The rate of pneumothorax reported in the literature ranges from 19 to 60%. The aims of this study were to estimate the risk of pneumothorax in patients undergoing CT-guided lung biopsy, and to determine which factors affect its occurrence. Retrospective study. This study involved 289 consecutive patients who underwent biopsy in our hospital under consistent methods, using only one type of needle, the 19-gauge Tokyo Medical College (TMC) Needle (Takei; Tokyo, Japan), under CT guidance. Seventy-seven patients (26.6%) had pneumothorax after percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy. Forty-one of the 77 patients (53.2%) who had pneumothorax (14.2% of the entire series) required placement of a chest tube. Our present study, using multivariate logistic regression analysis, confirmed that greater lesion depth, wider trajectory angle, and increasing FVC percent predicted are independent risk factors of pneumothorax, and that two former factors are independent risk factors of chest tube placement following percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy. The angle of needle route is a novel predictor of this complication. Our findings suggest that low pneumothorax rates are achieved by combining several techniques to reduce the risk of pneumothorax.


Ultradian rhythm of trehalose levels coupled to heat resistance in continuous cultures of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Heat resistance appears to cycle in concert with energy metabolism in continuous culture of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To study the mechanism of this oscillation, the authors first examined if heat shock proteins (Hsps) are involved. Neither the protein levels of major Hsps nor the expression of the beta-galactosidase gene as a reporter under the control of the promoter carrying heat-shock element oscillated during the metabolic oscillation. The level of trehalose in yeast cycled with the same periodicity, as did energy metabolism. This oscillation was not found in a GTS1-deleted mutant that also did not show cyclic changes in heat resistance. These results suggest that heat resistance oscillation is induced by fluctuations in trehalose level and not by an oscillatory expression of Hsps. The increase in trehalose began at the start of the respiro-fermentative phase and the decrease began after the elevation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level. The authors hypothesize that the synthesis of trehalose parallels the activation of the glycolytic pathway and that trehalose is degraded by trehalase activated by cAMP coupled with the metabolic oscillation in the continuous culture of yeast.


A Case of a Beta-Catenin-Activated Hepatic Adenoma in a Male Patient With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.
Hepatocellular adenoma is a benign liver tumor often diagnosed incidentally in women of reproductive age who are taking oral contraceptives. In this study, we present a unique case of an 18-year-old man with known familial adenomatous polyposis who presented with sepsis in the setting of a recent total proctocolectomy and was incidentally found to have multiple large hepatic lesions. A biopsy of a liver lesion confirmed the diagnosis of a beta-catenin-activated hepatic adenoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known case of beta-catenin-activated hepatic adenoma in a patient with a known familial adenomatous polyposis mutation. Beta-catenin is one of the many subtypes of hepatocellular adenomas, which carries a high risk of malignant transformation.


Inflammatory Regulation by Driving Microglial M2 Polarization: Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabinoid Receptor-2 Activation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage.
The cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2R) was initially thought to be the "peripheral cannabinoid receptor." Recent studies, however, have documented CB2R expression in the brain in both glial and neuronal cells, and increasing evidence suggests an important role for CB2R in the central nervous system inflammatory response. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which occurs when a diseased cerebral vessel ruptures, accounts for 10-15% of all strokes. Although surgical techniques have significantly advanced in the past two decades, ICH continues to have a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of CB2R stimulation in acute phase after experimental ICH in rats and its related mechanisms. Data showed that stimulation of CB2R using a selective agonist, JWH133, ameliorated brain edema, brain damage, and neuron death and improved neurobehavioral outcomes in acute phase after ICH. The neuroprotective effects were prevented by SR144528, a selective CB2R inhibitor. Additionally, JWH133 suppressed neuroinflammation and upregulated the expression of microglial M2-associated marker in both gene and protein level. Furthermore, the expression of phosphorylated cAMP-dependent protein kinase (pPKA) and its downstream effector, cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), were facilitated. Knockdown of CREB significantly inversed the increase of M2 polarization in microglia, indicating that the JWH133-mediated anti-inflammatory effects are closely associated with PKA/CREB signaling pathway. These findings demonstrated that CB2R stimulation significantly protected the brain damage and suppressed neuroinflammation by promoting the acquisition of microglial M2 phenotype in acute stage after ICH. Taken together, this study provided mechanism insight into neuroprotective effects by CB2R stimulation after ICH.


Effects of black tea and black brick tea with fungal growth on lowering uric acid levels in hyperuricemic mice.
Black tea, a traditional drink, can induce urination and quench thirst. Black brick tea with fungal growth, prepared by steaming, pressing, inducing fungal growth, and drying the black tea, is a new type of black tea with different sensory qualities and is suitable for storage. However, the effects of black brick tea with fungal growth on lowering uric acid are still unexplored. Therefore, the potassium oxonate was administered for 7 consecutive days to establish the hyperuricemic mice. Then allopurinol, black tea, and black brick tea with fungal growth were orally administered with hyperuricemic mice for 14 days. Serum uric acid levels, liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities, and expression of renal urate transporters and inflammatory response were detected. Compared to the model group, both types of black tea lowered serum uric acid by decreasing the uric acid production with inhibiting the activities of XOD and ADA, and increasing uric acid excretion because of downregulating urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) expressions, and upregulating organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3), and organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) expressions. They could also improve renal injury by suppressing the activation of the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, thereby reducing renal proinflammatory cytokine levels. Compared with black tea, black brick tea with fungal growth with a higher content of theabrownins had a better effect on lowering serum uric acid. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Black tea accounts for approximately 78% of the total consumed tea in the world. Black brick tea with fungal growth is a new kind of black tea product with different sensory qualities and is suitable for storage. The study found that black brick tea with fungal growth is superior to black tea in reducing serum uric acid levels, which make a significant contribution to promote people's health and stimulate the production and consumption of black brick tea with fungal growth. In addition, it provides a clue for future research to identify the effective components of black brick tea with fungal growth lowering uric acid.


Scholl compression hosiery in the management of venous disorders.
Graduated compression hosiery has an important role in the management of venous leg ulcers by counteracting chronic venous hypertension. The historically high rates of venous ulcer recurrence can be significantly reduced by optimizing compliance with the wearing of support hosiery. This is facilitated by providing information, practical support and opportunities for regular professional monitoring. Compliance is also aided by ensuring that the garment fits correctly and is comfortable and by offering the client a choice of products from those available.


The incidence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in vascular patients.
Hyperhomocysteinaemia has recently been identified as an important risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Screening for hyperhomocysteinaemia has been recommended, however, the incidence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in vascular patients is not known. To determine the incidence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in vascular patients, to determine the relation of hyperhomocysteinaemia with folate, vitamin B12 levels and lipid profiles in vascular patients. To examine if there is a relationship between the degree of vascular injury and homocysteine concentration. New vascular patients at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital were recruited and divided into peripheral, and aneurysmal presentations. Patients demographics were recorded, blood samples were taken for fasting lipid profile, and homocysteine concentration. Samples were also taken for vitamin B12, plasma and red cell folate levels. Sixty age and sex matched controls were included for comparison. One hundred and twenty-six patients have been recruited, (95 men and 31 women) with a median age of 68 years (61-74 years). The incidence of elevated homocysteine, and cholesterol levels was 33, 47 and 24%. The levels of vitamin B12 and folate were normal in all patients. Homocysteine was elevated in 27% of claudicants, 50% of patients with rest pain and 53% of patients with an aortic aneurysm. There is a high rate of hyperhomocysteinaemia in vascular patients with a higher incidence in patients with rest pain. There was also a high incidence of elevated homocysteine levels in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The rate of growth of these aneurysms is currently under review. Low folate or B12 concentrations is not the cause of raised homocysteine levels.


Seasonal energetics of northern phocid seals.
The metabolic rate of harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus), harbor (Phoca vitulina), and ringed seals (Pusa hispida) was measured at various temperatures in air and water to estimate basal metabolic rates (BMRs) in these species. The basal rate and body composition of three harp seals were also measured throughout the year to examine the extent to which they vary seasonally. Marine mammalian carnivores generally have BMRs that are over three times the rates expected from body mass in mammals generally, both as a response to a cold-water distribution and to carnivorous food habits with the basal rates of terrestrial carnivores averaging about 1.8 times the mean of mammals. Phocid seals, however, have basal rates of metabolism that are 30% lower than other marine carnivores. Captive seals undergo profound changes in body mass and food consumption throughout the year, and after accounting for changes in body mass, the lowest rate of food intake occurs in summer. Contrary to earlier observations, harp seals also have lower basal rates during summer than during winter, but the variation in BMR, relative to mass expectations, was not associated with changes in the size of fat deposits. The summer reduction in energy expenditure and food consumption correlated with a reduction in BMR. That is, changes in BMR account for a significant portion of the seasonal variation in energy expenditure in the harp seal. Changes in body mass of harp seals throughout the year were due not only to changes in the size of body fat deposits, but also to changes in lean body mass. These results suggest that bioenergetics models used to predict prey consumption by seals should include time-variant energy requirements.


Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition reduces ACTH release due to hypoglycaemia.
To investigate the role of Angiotensin II in the release of ACTH, the response of adrenocorticotrophic hormone to hypoglycaemia was studied before and during treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril, in 15 male patients with essential hypertension. Plasma levels of ACTH were measured before and 60, 90 and 120 min after an i.v. bolus of normal saline, as placebo, and, 3 days later, after an i.v. bolus of regular insulin (0.15 U/Kg b.w.). Enalapril treatment was then started and both placebo and hypoglycaemic tests were repeated 15 days thereafter. No changes in ACTH plasma levels were observed after acute normal saline either before or during enalapril treatment. On the contrary, hypoglycaemia induced a sharp increase of ACTH before enalapril (from 19.5 +/- 4.1 to 74.4 +/- 13.0 pg/ml, p less than 0.01 60 min after insulin) but not during ACE inhibition (from 26.1 +/- 6.2 to 34.6 +/- 5.9 pg/ml, NS, at min 60 of the study). The present data confirm our previous observation on the reduction of the hypoglycaemic-induced ACTH release during ACE inhibition with captopril and support the hypothesis that circulating Ang II may exert a facilitating role on adrenocorticotrophic hormone release.


Predictive factors for publication of abstracts at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress.
A key metric of the research quality of medical conferences is the publication rate of abstracts. The study objective was to determine the publication rate of abstracts presented at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress (RACS ASC) and to examine for any predictive factors associated with publication. Abstracts presented at the RACS ASC from 2011 to 2013 were analysed. Abstract characteristics such as presentation format, study type, study design, study site, cohort size and author origin were recorded. Abstracts published were identified by a PubMed search using a strict algorithm. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyse for predictive factors of publication. Overall, 1438 abstracts were presented and 423 abstracts (29%) were published. The median time to publication was 15.2 months (interquartile range: 8-26) with 110 in Australasian journals (26%). The median number of citations for published abstracts was 6 (interquartile range: 2-16). After multivariable analysis, publication was significantly associated with prospective study design (odds ratio (OR) = 1.34, P = 0.02), multicentre study site (OR = 1.43, P = 0.02), cohort size ≥100 (OR = 2.00, P < 0.001) and New Zealand author origin (OR = 1.50, P = 0.01). Our study demonstrates that less than one-third of abstracts presented at the RACS ASC are subsequently published in a peer-reviewed journal. Factors significantly associated with journal publication include prospective studies, multicentre study, a larger cohort size and New Zealand author origin. Advances in surgery may progress from the preliminary findings of conference abstracts. However only after the rigorous peer review offered by journal publication should changes in decision-making of patient care occur.


Income-related inequalities in diseases and health conditions over the business cycle.
How business cycles affect income-related distribution of diseases and health disorders is largely unknown. We examine how the prevalence of thirty diseases and health conditions is distributed across the income spectrum using survey data collected in Iceland in 2007, 2009 and 2012. Thus, we are able to take advantage of the unusually sharp changes in economic conditions in Iceland during the Great Recession initiated in 2008 and the partial recovery that had already taken place by 2012 to analyze how income-related health inequality changed across time periods that can be described as a boom, crisis and recovery. The concentration curve and the concentration index are calculated for each disease, both overall and by gender. In all cases, we find a considerable income-related health inequality favoring higher income individuals, with a slight increase over the study period. Between 2007 and 2009, our results indicate increased inequality for women but decreased inequality for men. Between 2009 and 2012 on the contrary, men's inequality increases but women's decreases. The overarching result is thus that the economic hardship of the crisis temporarily increased female income-related health inequality, but decreased that of men.


Selenium concentrations in plasma of patients with arteriographically defined coronary atherosclerosis.
A prospective epidemiological study (Lancet ii: 175-179, 1982) implicates low concentrations of selenium in plasma in coronary atherogenesis. We examined this relationship more directly by fluorometry of selenium in the plasma of 91 hospitalized patients who were being examined by coronary arteriography for clinical evaluation of chest pain. We observed a significant, inverse correlation between the plasma selenium and severity of coronary atherosclerosis. These results confirm those of the epidemiological studies, but the role, if any, of selenium in atherogenesis still is unclear. Its concentration in plasma is decreased by ethanol and cigarette use; possibly this is the mechanism of its relation to hypertension and atherosclerosis.


Heart rate changes in functional capacity evaluations in a workers' compensation population.
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) have been utilized by healthcare professionals for over twenty years to provide an objective assessment of an individual's ability to safely perform functional work activities. Biomechanical observations have been established as a reliable method of determining safe maximal performance levels during dynamic lift testing in FCEs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate heart rate (HR) responses between participants in two performance levels (biomechanical safe-maximal and sub-maximal) and to attempt to establish a minimum threshold for HR changes that should be expected during specific functional testing protocols within FCEs. Participants included 500 men and women aged 20 to 85 years whom were injured on the job. Variables measured included resting HR, pre-test HR, peak-HR, and resting blood pressure. Percent HR change was calculated for the safe-maximal and sub-maximal performance level groups. Statistically significant differences (p=0.0000000306) were found in HR change from pre-test to peak HR between performance level groups. Statistically significant differences were found in percent change in pre-test to peak HR, between the safe-maximal and sub-maximal performance level groups. This study provides the foundation for further research in establishing appropriate minimum expected changes in HR during FCE testing allowing clinicians to make more confident judgments relative to performance level.


The contribution of homology arms to nuclease-assisted genome engineering.
Designer nucleases like CRISPR/Cas9 enable fluent site-directed damage or small mutations in many genomes. Strategies for their use to achieve more complex tasks like regional exchanges for gene humanization or the establishment of conditional alleles are still emerging. To optimize Cas9-assisted targeting, we measured the relationship between targeting frequency and homology length in targeting constructs using a hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase assay in mouse embryonic stem cells. Targeting frequency with supercoiled plasmids improved steeply up to 2 kb total homology and continued to increase with even longer homology arms, thereby implying that Cas9-assisted targeting efficiencies can be improved using homology arms of 1 kb or greater. To humanize the Kmt2d gene, we built a hybrid mouse/human targeting construct in a bacterial artificial chromosome by recombineering. To simplify the possible outcomes, we employed a single Cas9 cleavage strategy and best achieved the intended 42 kb regional exchange with a targeting construct including a very long homology arm to recombine ∼42 kb away from the cleavage site. We recommend the use of long homology arm targeting constructs for accurate and efficient complex genome engineering, particularly when combined with the simplifying advantages of using just one Cas9 cleavage at the genome target site.


Functional Recovery in Patients With and Without Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness.
The aim of this work was to compare the patient-reported functional health status with regard to physical, psychological, and social functioning of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors with and without ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW). Single-center prospective study in ICU patients who were mechanically ventilated for more than 2 days and who survived to ICU discharge. Functional health status was assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months after ICU discharge, using the Sickness Impact Profile 68 (SIP68). The independent effect of ICU-AW on impaired functional status (SIP68 scores > 20) was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. A total of 133 patients were included, 60 with ICU-AW. Intensive care unit-acquired weakness was an independent predictor for impaired functional health status at 3 months after ICU discharge (odds ratio, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.94; P = 0.04) but not at 6 and 12 months. Physical functioning was significantly more impaired in patients with ICU-AW at 3 and 12 months. Psychological functioning and social functioning were comparable between the groups, with little restrictions in psychological functioning, and severe long-lasting restrictions in social functioning. The findings of this study urge the need to develop interdisciplinary rehabilitation interventions for ICU survivors, which should be continued after hospital discharge.


[The Auvergnan focus of alveolar echinococcosis. Research on the intermediate host, description of the lesions].
Echinococcus multilocularis larvae occurred in 23 (2.44%) of the 943 adult vole rats (Arvicola terrestris scherman Shaw, Mammal Microtidae) collected in the mountanous center of France (Massif Central, departments of Puy-de-Dôme and Cantal, province of Auvergne) and obtained from August 1981 to Aug. 1982 in seven different localities. According to this localities, the average percentage of parasitized voles changes from zero to 4.65%; according to the month of the year, these percentages change from 0.6 to 3.6 in the active sites while unusual peaks can be reached (17.5 in January in the Allanche focus with yearly prevalence of 3%). The favorable focuses remain active the whole year. The different aspects of the anatomo-pathological changes of the livers are described, particularly those due to young larvae. 14 (60%) of the 23 larvae are young, small and infertile hydatids. Only 2 (8.7%) of the 23 are fertile. One of these two larvae seems to degenerate and produces a few protoscolex alive; the other simulates a plurilocular larva of E. granulosus, restricted to a single lobe well delimited by the fibrous adventitia and produces the protoscolex in great number. These observations prove the good receptivity of the vole rat to the local strain of the parasite but seem to attest its relative inaptitude to bring the larva to maturity. The dispersion of the alveolar echinococcosis among the wild animals in Auvergne (8.5 of the foxes parasitized and 2.44% of the vole rats) realised a permanent threat of contamination as regard rural population or people on holiday during the summer. The risk seems to be weak (5 human cases of hepatic alveolar hydatid disease for ten years) but actual.


Factors shaping Aboriginal nursing students' experiences.
Motivated by a shortage of Aboriginal nurses and recurring difficulties in recruitment and retention of Aboriginal peoples in nursing education, a critical ethnography was conducted to examine the experiences of undergraduate Aboriginal nursing students in two Canadian schools of nursing. We conducted audiotaped interviews with Aboriginal nursing students (n=31), Aboriginal nurses (n=5), nursing faculty members (n=24), and individuals who were identified as knowledgeable about the context that might shape the experiences (n=16). Other data sources included reflexive and descriptive fieldnotes from 200 h of fieldwork in classroom and laboratory practice sessions and 135 texts from the participating schools. Nursing textbooks, course syllabi, policies, procedures, clinical evaluation forms and websites were randomly selected and analyzed to explicate how texts shaped the students' experiences. In this paper, we discuss the findings of the study and briefly share our recommendations.


Effectiveness of nursing interventions to increase pap smear test screening.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a three-stage nursing intervention to increase Turkish women's participation in Pap smear testing. Knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer screening and barriers to Pap smears also were explored. In a quasi-experimental study in a target population of 2,500 women, 237 completed pre-test measures to inform the intervention, and an educational brochure was distributed to all 2,500. As a result, 510 women (20.4%) accepted free Pap smears. Of the remaining 1,990 women, 417 were randomly selected for telephone interviews, 302 participated, and 158 of these (52.3%) participated in free Pap smear testing. Of the 144 who did not have Pap smears after participating in telephone interviews, 54 were then interviewed face-to-face, and 20 (37.0%) decided to accept free Pap smears. A total of 668 women had accepted free Pap smears by the end of the intervention period.


The effect of miR-21 on SWOZ2 glioma cells and its biological mechanism.
To investigate the role of micro RNA-21 (miR- 21) in human glioma cells and its potential disease-causing mechanism. jetPRIME was used to transfect the miR-21- mimics and its negative control into SWOZ2 human glioma cells. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay was used to measure differences in the expression of miR-21 in SWOZ2 glioma cells, SWOZ2-miR-21-mimics cells, and control cells. Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to measure the activity of SWOZ2 glioma cells and SWOZ2-miR-21- mimics cells, and Western blot was used to measure PTEN, p-Akt, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The level of miR-21 in SWOZ2-miR-21-mimics cells was significantly higher than in SWOZ2 cells and the negative control group. Compared with SWOZ2 cells, the expression of PTEN protein in SWOZ2-miR-21 cells decreased significantly, and the expression of p-Akt and P-gp protein were significantly increased. Compared with SWOZ2 cells and the negative control group, the proliferation rate of SWOZ2-miR-21-mimics cells was significantly increased (p<0.05).The rate of apoptosis as determined by flow cytometry showed that the number of apoptotic SWOZ2-miR-21- mimics cells decreased significantly (p<0.05). Transwell assay found that the invasive ability of SWOZ2-miR-21-mimics cells increased significantly, suggesting that miR-21 can mediate the biological functions of SWOZ2 cells by inhibiting the expression of PTEN. miR-21 may regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of human glioma cells by downregulating the expression of the PTEN protein, and miR-21 may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.


[Prevention and Therapeutic Effects of Fuzheng Huayu Capsule on Liver Fibrosis and Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Rats].
To investigate the prevention and therapeutic effects of Fuzheng Huayu Capsule on liver fibrosis in rats and its possible mechanism by regulating the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: the normal group, the preventive group (the preventive experimental group and the preventive control group) and the treatment group (the treatment experimental group and the treatment control group). All the rats, except those in the normal group, were given CCl4 by subcutaneous injection and alcohol by oral adminstration to establish the model of liver fibrosis; meanwhile the rats in normal group were given same amount of olive oil by subcutaneous injection and water by oral administration. The preventive experimental group and control group were treated with Fuzheng Huayu crude drug 0.46 g/kg body mass through stomach irrigation and saline respectively once a day for four weeks during the modeling process. The treatment experimental group and control group were treated with Fuzheng Huayu crude drug 0.46 g/kg body mass through stomach irrigation and saline respectively once a day for four weeks after the modeling process. Blood was collected for the examination of liver function and serum fibrosis marker. HE staining was used to examine the pathological changes in liver tissue. The expression of CTGF was detected by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the preventive experimental group, total bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the preventive control group decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the treatment control group, ALT and laminin (LN) in the treatment experimental group decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Compared with the treatment comtrol group, the inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in the treatment experimental group alleviated significantly. The expression of CTGF in the treatment experimental group were significantly lower than that in the treatment control group (P < 0.05). Fuzheng Huayu Capsule showed the prevention and therapeutic effects on experimental liver fibrosis. Meanwhile, Fuzheng Huayu Capsule could inhibit the CTGF expression in liver tissue, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms of these effects.


Association between anti-HBc positivity and hepatocellular carcinoma in HBsAg-negative subjects with chronic liver disease: A meta-analysis.
A meta-analysis was performed to ascertain to what extent hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative/anti-hepatitis B core (anti-HBc)-positive subjects with chronic liver disease are at a higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than the anti-HBc-negative.All studies included had to fulfill the following characteristics and inclusion criteria: they investigated the relationship between HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive serology and the occurrence of HCC, whether a case-control or cohort study, they provided relative risk (RR) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were available as a full text written in English, and were published and indexed up to April 2015.Twenty-six original studies met the inclusion criteria, allowing a meta-analysis on 44,553 patients. The risk of HCC among the 9986 anti-HBc-positive subjects was 67% higher than in the 34,567 anti-HBc-negative (95% CI = 1.44-1.95, P < 0.0001). The results were similar when groups of patients with a different stage of liver disease (patients with chronic liver disease, patients with cirrhosis), with different ethnicity (Asian and non-Asian) and etiology (HCV and non-HCV) were considered. The risk of HCC was significantly higher in the 651 anti-HBs/anti-HBc-positive patients (RR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.17-1.58, P = 0.03) and in the 595 anti-HBs-negative/anti-HBc-positive subjects (RR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.58-2.92, P < 0.0001) than in the 1242 anti-HBs/anti-HBc negative. However, the RR from 8 studies indicated that the risk of HCC was 35% lower among the anti-HBs/anti-HBc-positive subjects compared to the anti-HBs-negative/anti-HBc-positive (RR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.52-0.8, P < 0.0001).This meta-analysis shows that in HBsAg-negative subjects with chronic liver disease, anti-HBc positivity is strongly associated with the presence of HCC, an association observed in all subgroups according to the stage of the disease, etiology, and ethnicity.


Laboratory evaluation of interception and translocation of 131I in fenugreek and okra plants.
The work reported here deals with the study of interception and translocation of airborne 131I in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and okra (Hibiscus esculentus), two very common vegetables in India. Activity was injected into the experimental chamber in the form of iodide aerosols having a size distribution of 0.3 to 5.0 microns (AMAD). Samples of plants were collected over a period of a few days at different time intervals after injection of the aerosols. Evaluation of interception with deposition and translocation of 131I was done from the activity measured in air and in plant parts. For the deposition factor, the values are 1.22 m3 kg-1 for fenugreek leaves, and 1.49 m3 kg-1 for the plant as a whole. For okra plants these values are 0.02 and 0.16 m3 kg-1 in edible okra and leaves, respectively. For the okra plant as a whole, the value is 0.19 m3 kg-1. The translocation factors vary from 0.62 to 0.86 and 0.47 to 0.87 for leaves and stem, respectively, in the case of fenugreek plants. For okra plants, the translocation factor varies from 0.21 to 0.82, 0.53 to 0.93, and 0.42 to 0.81 in edible okra, leaves, and stems, respectively.


Urine concentrating ability in cats with hyperthyroidism: Influence of radioiodine treatment, masked azotemia, and iatrogenic hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroid cats often have urine specific gravity (USG) values <1.035. It remains unclear how USG changes after treatment, if USG can be used to predict azotemia after treatment, or how iatrogenic hypothyroidism influences USG values. To determine the proportion of hyperthyroid cats with USG <1.035 vs ≥1.035; if USG changes after treatment; and whether USG <1.035 correlated with unmasking of azotemia or hypothyroidism. Six hundred fifty-five hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine; 190 clinically normal cats. Prospective, before-and-after study. Hyperthyroid cats had serum thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and creatinine concentrations, and USG measured before and 6 months after successful treatment with radioiodine. Of untreated hyperthyroid cats, USG was ≥1.035 in 346 (52.8%) and <1.035 in 309 (47.2%). After treatment, 279/346 (80.6%) maintained USG ≥1.035, whereas 67/346 (19.4%) became <1.035; 272/309 (88%) maintained USG <1.035, whereas 37/309 (12%) became ≥1.035. Only 22/346 (6.4%) with USG ≥1.035 developed azotemia after treatment, compared with 136/309 (44%) with <1.035 (P < .001). Of cats remaining nonazotemic, 38% had USG <1.035, compared with 20% of normal cats (P < .001). The 137 cats with iatrogenic hypothyroidism had lower USG after treatment than did 508 euthyroid cats (1.024 vs 1.035), but USGs did not change after levothyroxine supplementation. USG <1.035 had high sensitivity (86.1%) but moderate specificity (65.2%) in predicting azotemia after treatment. Hyperthyroidism appears not to affect USG in cats. However, cats with evidence of sub-optimal concentrating ability before radioiodine treatment (USG < 1.035) are more likely to develop azotemia and unmask previously occult chronic kidney disease. Iatrogenic hypothyroidism itself did not appear to affect USG values.


Abducent nerve palsy after microballoon compression of the trigeminal ganglion: Case report.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the most common type of facial neuralgia with incidence of 26.8/100,000 person year. In general, this scenario is characterized by a lancinating, unilateral, paroxysmal pain in the area of the fifth cranial nerve. Several treatment methods, including the injection of ethyl alcohol or butyl alcohol into the ganglion, the glycerol injection into the trigeminal cistern, peripheral nerve divisions, the radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the preganglionic fibers, and radiosurgery has been used for TN. A case of a 74-year-old woman patient who undergone a treatment of TN through a compression of Meckel cave and developed a transient abducent palsy is presented. Complication regarding to a palsy of abducent nerve is discussed as well as the analysis of presumable evolving physiopathology. A critical review of literature was performed. Among the procedures, we mean that percutaneous microballoon compression (PMC) is the best choice for elderly frail patients, because it had a very low associated mortality-morbidity rate and does not damage permanent the Gasserian ganglion.


Overexpression of the Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier protease OTS1 gene enhances drought tolerance in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid).
Sugarcane is an economically important crop plant across the globe as it is the primary source of sugar and biofuel. Its growth and development are greatly influenced by water availability; therefore, in periods of water scarcity, yields are severely compromised. Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier (SUMO) proteases play an important role in stress responses by regulating the SUMO-related post-translational modification of proteins. In an attempt to enhance drought tolerance in sugarcane, this crop was genetically transformed with a cysteine protease (OVERLY TOLERANT TO SALT-1; OTS1) from Arabidopsis thaliana using particle bombardment. Transgenic plants were analysed in terms of photosynthetic capacity, oxidative damage, antioxidant accumulation and the SUMO-enrich protein profile was assessed. Sugarcane transformed with the AtOTS1 gene displayed enhanced drought tolerance and delayed leaf senescence under water deficit compared to the untransformed wild type (WT). The AtOTS1 transgenic plants maintained a high relative moisture content and higher photosynthesis rate when compared to the WT. In addition, when the transgene was expressed at high levels, the transformed plants were able to maintain higher stomatal conductance and chlorophyl content under moderate stress compared to the WT. Under severe water deficit stress, the transgenic plants accumulated less malondialdehyde and maintained membrane integrity. SUMOylation of total protein and protease activity was lower in the AtOTS1 transformed plants compared to the WT, with several SUMO-enriched proteins exclusively expressed in the transgenics when exposed to water deficit stress. SUMOylation of proteins likely influenced various mechanisms contributing to enhanced drought tolerance in sugarcane.


Delayed Closure of Giant Omphaloceles in West Africa: Report of Five Cases.
Giant omphalocele (GO) management is controversial and not easy. Conservative management at birth and delayed surgical closure is usually mandatory. Postponed surgery may be challenging and carry the risk of intensive care treatment. We report on five children who were treated in our department for GO between 2000 and 2010. Initially, the patients were managed conservatively in West Africa. Delayed closure of the ventral hernia was performed in Switzerland after patient transfer through a nongovernmental organization. Fascial closure was performed at the median age of 23 months. Median diameter of the hernias was 10 × 10 cm ranging from 10 × 8 cm to 24 × 15 cm. Four (80%) patients had associated anomalies. Three children needed mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit after surgery. Median hospitalization was 19 days. Complications were seen in two patients. The follow-up showed no recurrence of ventral hernia. There was no mortality. This report shows that conservative management of a GO at birth with delayed closure of the ventral hernia after transferring the patients to a European center is a safe approach for West African children and avoids life-threatening procedures. Delayed closure of a GO may be nevertheless challenging everywhere.


Evaluation of a community-based exercise program for elderly Korean immigrants.
To evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of a modified exercise program for elderly Korean immigrants (EKIs). Intervention study with EKI residents of a senior house (n = 13, age range 67-86 years, mean age 77 years), recruited through posted fliers and with help from a Korean social worker. A Korean-American instructor taught a modified version of an evidence-based exercise program 3 times weekly, 50 min per session, for 12 weeks. Program was evaluated with the Quality Health Outcomes Model. System and client characteristics were taken into consideration because elderly Koreans have their own values and beliefs, which influence their health management behaviors. Evaluation measures included exercise adherence, preintervention and postintervention health outcomes, and satisfaction with the exercise program. Group discussion was used to evaluate satisfaction with the exercise program. Participants showed improved health outcomes on muscle strength, agility/balance, and blood pressure after the exercise program. All participants were satisfied with the exercise program, and participation rates were good (nine participants attended > or = 80% of classes). The exercise program was feasible for this sample and should be evaluated in a larger population of EKIs and in populations of other ethnic minorities.


Malnutrition in young Pakistani children.
Pakistan is a developing country with the second highest infant and child mortality rate in South Asia. In this region, malnutrition underlies much of the high infant and under five child morbidity and mortality rates. Although struggle to tackle the issue of malnutrition among young Pakistani children has been going on since many decades, till yet a realistic solution for this growing problem has not been found. This paper aims at reviewing literature to analyse the biological, maternal, socio-cultural, environmental, and politico-economical determinants of malnutrition among young children in Pakistan so that need based interventions can be recommended to prevent and overcome this growing issue. A systematic search of national, regional, and international literature was undertaken from peer-reviewed databases for 1991-2011 including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PubMed. The search was augmented by reviewing the literature from WHO and UNICEF websites, books, local newspapers, and reference lists of articles thought to be relevant. Determinants of malnutrition among Pakistani children are multiple and are prevalent at the level of individual, family, and community. An analysis of biological, maternal, socio-cultural, environmental, and politico-economical factors indicate that most of these factors are interrelated; therefore, to tackle this issue, there is a need to plan composite interventions at the level of malnourished children, their families, and the Pakistani community.


MICAL2 is a novel nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein promoting cancer invasion and growth of lung adenocarcinoma.
MICAL2 is a tumor-promoting factor involved in cell migration, invasion, deformation, and proliferation not yet fully explored in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study demonstrated that MICAL2 was overexpressed and cytoplasm-enriched in LUAD tissues. Moreover, high cytoplasmic MICAL2 and/or total MICAL2 expression levels were positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis and shorter overall survival in LUAD patients. MICAL2 promoted LUAD cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition-all of which involved the AKT and myosin-9 pathways. Furthermore, MICAL2 was identified as a nucleoplasm shuttling protein dependent on myosin-9 and its C-terminal fragment. MICAL2-ΔC-enriched in the nucleus-had less impact on tumor malignancy in LUAD cells in vitro and in vivo. Tumor promotion by MICAL2 was reduced by nuclear-export inhibitor, myosin-9 inhibitor, or si-myosin-9-all of which effectively inhibited MICAL2's nuclear export. Finally, the expression and subcellular location as well as clinical significance of MICAL2 and myosin-9 were analyzed across TCGA data and LUAD tissue arrays. Our data revealed that MICAL2 overexpression and nuclear export were associated with cancer progression; inhibiting its expression and/or nuclear export may provide a new target for LUAD therapy.


The Roles of Moonlighting Proteins in Bacteria.
Moonlighting proteins, characterized by their multiple autonomous functions, have been detected in bacteria. Surprisingly, many of these proteins are conserved and involved in metabolic pathway or the cell stress response. They localise to the bacterial surface to take on additional activities, which have been hypothesised to contribute to bacterial virulence or bacterial benefit. In this review, we compare the functions of moonlighting proteins in bacteria, describe the structural basis of moonlighting functions, and summarise the regulation of secretion and localisation of moonlighting proteins.


Traumatic brain injury in childhood: intellectual, behavioural and social outcome into adulthood.
In order to obtain indicative data regarding intellectual, behavioural and social outcome into adulthood of subjects with a history of childhood head injury (CHI), twenty adults were selected who had been referred to the Neuropsychology Unit at the University of Parma at the time of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at an age between 8 and 14 years. The level of intellectual and behavioural impairment was determined and rated by WISC and WAIS IQa and by the frequency of maladjustive behaviour. GOS score and Barthel index were used to detect the level of disability. Social adjustment and community integration were determined by the Social Adjustment Scale (SAS) and the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) respectively. Results indicate that (1) subjects who suffer a severe CHI present a higher pre-injury incidence of character disturbances than the normal population and injury-related difficulties to socialize which persist long-term and add to other problems; (2) even though intellectual and functional sequelae are frequent in these children in adulthood and do not improve in their correlation to age, these do not appear to be the prevailing problems and (3) the prevailing problems seem to be social maladjustment and poor quality of life, which are still present several years post-injury and seem to be related to behavioural and psychosocial disorders in spite of an increased ADL-functioning. This has already been clearly demonstrated in the case of adulthood trauma.


Cord blood mononuclear cells and milk-specific T-cell clones are tools to evaluate the residual immunogenicity of hydrolyzed milk formulas.
Hydrolyzed milk formulas (HFs) are given to infants allergic to cow's milk proteins and, for preventive reasons, to atopy-prone newborns for which breast feeding is not feasible. The ultimate properties of HFs are not only a reduced allergenicity but also decreased immunogenic capacity combined with good taste and caloric value. No information is available concerning the capacity of HFs to induce immune responses. We sought to determine the residual immunogenic capacity of partially (pHF) and extensively hydrolyzed milk formula (eHF), and we studied the cellular reactivity of cord blood-derived (n = 71) mononuclear cells induced by 10 different HFs. To test the effect of HF on T-helper cells, beta-casein-specific T-cell clones (TCCs, n = 21) from individuals allergic to milk were established, and T-cell proliferation and cytokine profiles (interferon-gamma and IL-4) were determined on stimulation with HF. We found significantly reduced proliferative responses of eHF compared with milk proteins. Whey-based pHF displayed the same proliferative capacity as unmodified milk proteins. As expected, extensively processed whey products displayed lower cellular responses compared with partially hydrolyzed products (pHF whey vs eHF whey, p < 0.0001). No difference in cellular response was found between casein-based pHF and casein-based eHF. Beta-casein-specific TCCs (n = 21) proliferated in response to casein-derived hydrolysates (14% with casein/whey-based pHF, 4% with casein-based pHF, and 0% with casein-based eHF). Whey-based pHF was also found to induce proliferation in beta-casein-specific TCCs, indicating the presence or the generation of peptides displaying cross-reactivity with these whey-derived hydrolysates. TCCs stimulated with whey- or casein-based pHF or eHF produced the same amount of cytokines (IL-4, interferon-gamma) as the same clones stimulated with unmodified products. Our data indicate that whey- and casein-derived eHFs display highly reduced immunogenic properties at the T-cell level. In contrast, pHFs display residual immunogenic properties detectable at the T-cell level, reflecting a potential for the induction of pathogenetically important T-cell responses.


Provision of Peace and Right to Health through Sanctions: Threats and Opportunities.
According to the purposes for the formation of the United Nations, sophistication of institutions like the Security Council must be evaluated based on the provision of peace and how they guarantee human rights. Therefore, in case Security Council does not follow these two mentioned factors, its function would be itself a threat to the international peace and security. This analytical research is based on collecting library theoretical data related to different field studies which investigated the effects of sanctions issued by the Security Council, the United States and the European Union on citizens' health and tried to assess both their efficiency and legitimacy. The right to health is connected with the right of living. In case enough drugs, appropriate treatment and medical equipment are not provided at the proper time, both physical and mental health might be threatened and this can cause death of a large number of people. Considering the Security Council as an institution which is expected to take into account the citizens' basic rights and not to ignore its own initial objective, the present paper was an attempt to provide explanations for the above concepts and their relationships and to analyze the findings of previous field studies. The paper concluded that sanctions issued by the Security Council and the United States are potentially functioning as threats to the international peace and so these sanctions are violating the citizens' right to health.


Assembly of Two Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on Distinct Cobalt Dimeric Building Blocks Induced by Ligand Modification: Gas Adsorption and Magnetic Properties.
Solvothermal reaction of 3,5-di(pyridin-4-yl) benzoic acid (HDPB) with Co(II) leads to a novel metal-organic framework, [Co2O(DPB)2(DMF)2]· xS (1), which represents a rare reo-type net with trigonal prismatic cobalt dimer, [Co2O(CO2)2N4], as building blocks to construct a 3D framework containing three different types of nanoscale M12L12 and M24L12 polyhedron cages. More interestingly, under the same condition, the assembly of 4-methyl-3,5-di(pyridin-4-yl) benzoic acid (HMDPB) with Co(II) facilitates the formation of a cationic framework, [Co2(MDPB)3(DMF)](NO3)· xS (2), with cobalt dimer, [Co2(CO2)3N4], as building blocks. Complex 2 represents the first example of a zeolite-like network with 48-nuclear SOD cage. The significant effect of subtle modification of ligand on the overall MOFs is discussed. Moreover, the gas adsorption studies reveal that 1 exhibits permanent porosity and selective CO2 uptake. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show that both 1 and 2 exhibit antiferromagnetic behavior.


Multidimensional Feature Optimization Based Eye Blink Detection Under Epileptiform Discharges.
Eye blink artifact detection in scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) of epilepsy patients is challenging due to its similar waveforms to epileptiform discharges. Developing an accurate detection method is urgent and critical. In this paper, we proposed a novel multi-dimensional feature optimization based eye blink artifact detection algorithm for EEGs containing rich epileptiform discharges. An unsupervised clustering algorithm based on smoothed nonlinear energy operator (SNEO) and variational mode extraction (VME) is proposed to detect epileptiform discharges in the frontal leads. Then, multi-dimensional time/frequency EEG features extracted from forehead electrodes (FP1 and FP2 channels) combining with the improved VME (IVME) threshold are derived for EEG representation. A variance filtering method is further applied for discriminative feature selection and a machine learning model is finally learned to perform detection. Experiments on EEGs of 16 subjects from the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (CHZU) show that our method achieves the highest average sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 95.04, 89.52, and 93.01, respectively. That outperforms 5 recent and state-of-the-art (SOTA) eye blink detection algorithms. The proposed method is robust in eye blink artifact detection for EEGs containing high-frequency epileptiform discharges. It is also effective in dealing with individual differences in EEGs, which is usually ignored in conventional methods.


Proteasomes in corneal epithelial cells and cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet (CAOMECS) graft used for the ocular surface regeneration.
This study focuses on characterizing proteasomes in corneal epithelial cells (CEC) and in cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets (CAOMECS) used to regenerate the ocular surface. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) was surgically induced in rabbit corneas. CAOMECS was engineered and grafted onto corneas with LSCD to regenerate the ocular surface. LSCD caused an increase in inflammatory cells in the ocular surface, an increase in the formation of immunoproteasomes (IPR), and a decrease in the formation of constitutive proteasome (CPR). Specifically, LSCD-diseased CEC (D-CEC) showed a decrease in the CPR chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like and caspase-like activities, while healthy CEC (H-CEC) and CAOMECS showed higher activities. Quantitative analysis of IPR inducible subunit (B5i, B2i, and B1i) were performed and compared to CPR subunit (B5, B2, and B1) levels. Results showed that ratios B5i/B5, B2i/B2 and B1i/B1 were higher in D-CEC, indicating that D-CEC had approximately a two-fold increase in the amount of IPR compared to CAOMECS and H-CEC. Histological analysis demonstrated that CAOMECS-grafted corneas had a re-epithelialized surface, positive staining for CPR subunits, and weak staining for IPR subunits. In addition, digital quantitative measurement of fluorescent intensity showed that the CPR B5 subunit was significantly more expressed in CAOMECS-grafted corneas compared to non-grafted corneas with LSCD. CAOMECS grafting successfully replaced the D-CEC with oral mucosal epithelial cells with higher levels of CPR. The increase in constitutive proteasome expression is possibly responsible for the recovery and improvement in CAOMECS-grafted corneas.


Three-Dimensional Geometry of Collagenous Tissues by Second Harmonic Polarimetry.
Collagen is a biological macromolecule capable of second harmonic generation, allowing label-free detection in tissues; in addition, molecular orientation can be determined from the polarization dependence of the second harmonic signal. Previously we reported that in-plane orientation of collagen fibrils could be determined by modulating the polarization angle of the laser during scanning. We have now extended this method so that out-of-plane orientation angles can be determined at the same time, allowing visualization of the 3-dimensional structure of collagenous tissues. This approach offers advantages compared with other methods for determining out-of-plane orientation. First, the orientation angles are directly calculated from the polarimetry data obtained in a single scan, while other reported methods require data from multiple scans, use of iterative optimization methods, application of fitting algorithms, or extensive post-optical processing. Second, our method does not require highly specialized instrumentation, and thus can be adapted for use in almost any nonlinear optical microscopy setup. It is suitable for both basic and clinical applications. We present three-dimensional images of structurally complex collagenous tissues that illustrate the power of such 3-dimensional analyses to reveal the architecture of biological structures.


Protective NaSICON Interlayer between a Sodium-Tin Alloy Anode and Sulfide-Based Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Sodium Batteries.
This paper presents a suitable combination of different sodium solid electrolytes to surpass the challenge of highly reactive cell components in sodium batteries. The focus is laid on the introduction of ceramic Na3.4Zr2Si2.4P0.6O12 serving as a protective layer for sulfide-based separator electrolytes to avoid the high reactivity with the sodium metal anode. The chemical instability of the anode|sulfide solid electrolyte interface is demonstrated by impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The Na3.4Zr2Si2.4P0.6O12 disk shows chemical stability with the sodium metal anode as well as the sulfide solid electrolyte. Impedance analysis suggests an electrochemically stable interface. Electron microscopy points to a reaction at the Na3.4Zr2Si2.4P0.6O12 surface toward the sulfide solid electrolyte, which does not seem to affect the performance negatively. The results presented prove the chemical stabilization of the anode-separator interface using a Na3.4Zr2Si2.4P0.6O12 interlayer, which is an important step toward a sodium all-solid-state battery. Due to the applied pressure that is mandatory for battery cells with sulfide-based cathode composite, the use of a brittle ceramic in such cells remains challenging.


Electrospray ion beam deposition of clusters and biomolecules.
An ion beam source using electrospray ionization is presented for nondestructive vacuum deposition of mass-selected large organic molecules and inorganic clusters. Electrospray ionization is used to create an ion beam from a solution containing the nanoparticles or molecules to be deposited. To form and guide the ion beam, radio frequency and electrostatic ion optics are utilized. The kinetic energy distribution of the particles is measured to control the beam formation and the landing process. The particle mass-to-charge ratio is analyzed by in situ time-of-flight mass spectrometry. To demonstrate the performance of the setup, deposition experiments with gold nanoclusters and bovine serum albumin proteins on graphite surfaces were performed and analyzed by ex situ atomic force microscopy. The small gold clusters are found to form three-dimensional agglomerations at the surface, preferentially decorating the step edges. In contrast, bovine serum albumin creates two-dimensional fractal nanostructures on the substrate terraces due to strong intermolecular interactions.


Dietary supplementation of Solanum aethiopicum and Solanecio biafrae leaves alters stress and immune responses, antioxidant status, and meat quality in broilers raised in a hot-dry environment.
1. This study investigated the influence of dietary supplementation of Solanum aethiopicum and Solanecio biafrae leaves, which have nutraceutical properties, on stress response, cytokine expression, antioxidant status, blood chemistry, abdominal fat and meat quality in broilers reared in a hot, dry environment.2. One day old, Ross 308 chicks (n = 350) were randomly allotted to basal diets containing either no supplement (D1); 2.5 g/kg Solanum aethiopicum leaf (SAL; D2); 5 g/kg SAL (D3); 2.5 g/kg Solanecio biafrae leaf (SBL; D4); or 5 g/kg SBL (D5) for 42 d. Birds were reared at 34 ± 2°C and 40-50% relative humidity for 6 h/d from 22-42 d. Each dietary group was replicated in seven pens containing 10 chicks.3. In the period 1-21 d, body weight gain, feed efficiency and feed intake were not influenced by diet. At 22-42 and 1-42 d, birds supplemented with SAL and SBL had higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain and feed efficiency than the D1 birds. Cloaca temperature, carcase cuts and relative organ weight did not differ between diets. The D3 birds had higher (P < 0.05) erythrocytes and haemoglobin compared with other birds. Dietary supplements reduced (P < 0.05) mortality, abdominal fat, serum total cholesterol, corticosterone, glucose and blood aspartate aminotransferase levels.4. The treatments up-regulated (P < 0.05) splenic intelukin-10, and down-regulated (P < 0.05) tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β genes. A dose-dependent improvement (P < 0.05) in antioxidant enzyme activities and total antioxidant capacity of serum and breast muscle were found in the supplemented birds. The breast meat of the supplemented birds had lower (P < 0.05) carbonyl and malondialdehyde contents, and higher (P < 0.05) water holding capacity and redness compared with the non-supplemented meat.5. These results illustrated that supplementation with either 5 g/kg SAL or 5 g/kg SBL attenuated the deleterious effects of heat stress in broiler chickens.


Potential role for immunomodulatory therapy in atherosclerotic plaque stabilisation.
Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying acute coronary syndromes has evolved beyond the view that this syndrome reflects a progressive collection of lipids and cellular debris in the vascular wall. Current evidence has implicated a role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of this process. Thus, inflammatory cytokines may attenuate interstitial collagen synthesis, increase matrix degradation and promote apoptosis in several atheroma-associated cell types, and all these cellular events may enhance plaque vulnerability. Recently, a series of experimental studies have reported the plaque-stabilising effects of immunomodulatory therapy such as chemokine blockade, anti-CD40 ligand and IL-10. It is conceivable that some of these approaches will be tested clinically and, if successful, they could provide novel treatment strategies for atherosclerotic plaque stabilisation.


Involvement of the CmeABC efflux pump in the macrolide resistance of Campylobacter coli.
This study was conducted to examine the role of the CmeABC efflux pump in decreasing the susceptibility of Campylobacter coli to macrolides and ketolides in the context of absence or presence of mutations in the 23S rRNA genes. The cmeB gene was inactivated in strains of C. coli showing two different patterns of erythromycin resistance (low or high level of resistance) associated with the absence or presence of a A2075G mutation in the 23S rRNA genes. MICs of erythromycin, azithromycin, tylosin, telithromycin and ciprofloxacin were compared for wild-type (with or without efflux pump inhibitor) and mutant strains. The cmeB gene inactivation (or addition of efflux pump inhibitor) led to the restoration of susceptibility of the low-level-resistant strains (no A2075G mutation in the 23S rRNA genes). In the highly resistant strains (A2075G mutation in the 23S rRNA genes), the MICs of erythromycin decreased 128- to 512-fold upon inactivation of the cmeB gene. MICs of azithromycin, tylosin and telithromycin were also affected by both addition of efflux pump inhibitor and cmeB gene inactivation, revealing these molecules as substrates of the CmeABC efflux pump. Compared with azithromycin, MICs of telithromycin drastically decreased upon cmeB gene inactivation even in the presence of a A2075G mutation in 23S rRNA genes. The CmeABC efflux pump acts synergically with 23S rRNA mutations to drastically increase the MICs of erythromycin and tylosin in C. coli. In contrast, azithromycin was less affected by efflux and telithromycin, although being a good substrate for the CmeABC efflux pump, was less affected by an A2075G mutation in 23S rRNA genes.


Pay attention! The influence of coach-, content-, and player-related factors on focus of attention statements during tennis training.
It is well established that adopting an external focus of attention (EF) enhances motor learning when contrasted to an internal focus (IF) or a neutral condition. Despite consistent evidence for this performance-enhancing effect of an EF, recent studies show that coaches predominantly induce an IF in the communication with athletes. It remains, however, unknown whether and to what degree coach-, content- or player-related factors have an impact on the focus of attention during youth tennis training. Therefore, we recorded all statements from 10 tennis coaches during six training sessions with a total of 87 youth athletes aged 18 years or younger. All statements were categorized according to the focus they induced (IF, EF, neutral, best place to hit the ball, mix, no focus) and the form of communication (instruction, feedback). Of the relevant statements (n = 3049), 45.1% promoted an EF, whereas 33.1% induced an IF. Evaluation of coaches-, player- and content-specific features (education, age of coach/player, training content, skill level) showed that more statements with an IF were given when training beginners. The data also show more statements with an EF for instructions (59.0%) compared to feedback (43.0%). Our results contrast with other sports where instructions with an IF predominate. Thus, instrumented sports with external targets (e.g. tennis) might be better suited for inducing an EF. The data also show that coaches are more likely to use IF when communicating with beginners. Consequently, an EF should not be induced in every possible situation, even if this is often communicated so far.HighlightsThis study shows for the first time that statements that induce an external focus of attention predominate in tennis. This result contrasts with results from other sports and suggests that racquet sports may be better suited for inducing an external attentional focus.This study shows that coaches adapt their communication to the performance level of their athletes. The use of an external focus of attentions predominates when working with tennis players. However, the likelihood of inducing an EF is even higher when working with skilled tennis players when compared to beginners.The way of communication (feedback vs. instruction) influences how coaches phrase their statements to athletes. The analysis revealed that coaches use more statements with an external focus of attentions for instructions compared to feedback.


Comparison Study between RMS and Edge Detection Image Processing Algorithms for a Pulsed Laser UWPI (Ultrasonic Wave Propagation Imaging)-Based NDT Technique.
In this study, a non-contact laser ultrasonic propagation imaging technique was applied to detect the damage of plate-like structures. Lamb waves were generated by an Nd:YAG pulse laser system, while a galvanometer-based laser scanner was used to scan the preliminarily designated area. The signals of the structural responses were measured using a piezoelectric sensor attached on the front or back side of the plates. The obtained responses were analyzed by calculating the root mean square (RMS) values to achieve the visualization of structural defects such as crack, corrosion, and so on. If the propagating waves encounter the damage, the waves are scattered at the damage and the energy of the scattered waves can be expressed by the RMS values. In this study, notch and corrosion were artificially formed on aluminum plates and were considered as structural defects. The notches were created with different depths and angles on the aluminum plates, and the corrosion damage was formed with different depths and areas. To visualize the damage more clearly, edge detection methodologies were applied to the RMS images and the feasibility of the methods was investigated. The results showed that most of the edge detection methods were good at detecting the shape and/or the size of the damage while they had poor performance of detecting the depth of the damage.