Experience-based human perception of facial expressions in Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus).
Facial expressions convey key cues of human emotions, and may also be important for interspecies interactions. The universality hypothesis suggests that six basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise) should be expressed by similar facial expressions in close phylogenetic species such as humans and nonhuman primates. However, some facial expressions have been shown to differ in meaning between humans and nonhuman primates like macaques. This ambiguity in signalling emotion can lead to an increased risk of aggression and injuries for both humans and animals. This raises serious concerns for activities such as wildlife tourism where humans closely interact with wild animals. Understanding what factors (i.e., experience and type of emotion) affect ability to recognise emotional state of nonhuman primates, based on their facial expressions, can enable us to test the validity of the universality hypothesis, as well as reduce the risk of aggression and potential injuries in wildlife tourism. The present study investigated whether different levels of experience of Barbary macaques, Macaca sylvanus, affect the ability to correctly assess different facial expressions related to aggressive, distressed, friendly or neutral states, using an online questionnaire. Participants' level of experience was defined as either: (1) naïve: never worked with nonhuman primates and never or rarely encountered live Barbary macaques; (2) exposed: shown pictures of the different Barbary macaques' facial expressions along with the description and the corresponding emotion prior to undertaking the questionnaire; (3) expert: worked with Barbary macaques for at least two months. Experience with Barbary macaques was associated with better performance in judging their emotional state. Simple exposure to pictures of macaques' facial expressions improved the ability of inexperienced participants to better discriminate neutral and distressed faces, and a trend was found for aggressive faces. However, these participants, even when previously exposed to pictures, had difficulties in recognising aggressive, distressed and friendly faces above chance level. These results do not support the universality hypothesis as exposed and naïve participants had difficulties in correctly identifying aggressive, distressed and friendly faces. Exposure to facial expressions improved their correct recognition. In addition, the findings suggest that providing simple exposure to 2D pictures (for example, information signs explaining animals' facial signalling in zoos or animal parks) is not a sufficient educational tool to reduce tourists' misinterpretations of macaque emotion. Additional measures, such as keeping a safe distance between tourists and wild animals, as well as reinforcing learning via videos or supervised visits led by expert guides, could reduce such issues and improve both animal welfare and tourist experience.


Facilitating Factors and Barriers to the Use of Emerging Technologies for Suicide Prevention in Europe: Multicountry Exploratory Study.
This study provides an analysis on the use of emerging technologies for the prevention of suicide in 8 different European countries. The objective of this study was to analyze the potentiality of using emerging technologies in the area of suicide prevention based on the opinion of different professionals involved in suicide prevention. Opinions of 3 groups of stakeholders (ie, relevant professionals in suicide field) were gathered using a specifically designed questionnaire to explore dimensions underlying perceptions of facilitating factors and barriers in relation to the use of emerging technologies for suicide prevention. Goal 1 involved facilitating factors for the use of emerging technologies in suicide prevention. Northern European countries, except for Belgium, attach greater relevance to those that optimize implementation and benefits. On the other hand, Southern European countries attach greater importance to professionally oriented and user-centered facilitating factors. According to different stakeholders, the analysis of these facilitating factors suggest that professionals in the field of social work attach greater relevance to those that optimize implementation and benefits. However, professionals involved in the area of mental health, policy makers, and political decision makers give greater importance to professionally oriented and user-centered facilitating factors. Goal 2 was related to barriers to the usability of emerging technologies for suicide prevention. Both countries and stakeholders attach greater importance to barriers associated with resource constraints than to those centered on personal limitations. There are no differences between countries or between stakeholders. Nevertheless, there is a certain stakeholders-countries interaction that indicates that the opinions on resource constraints expressed by different stakeholders do not follow a uniform pattern in different countries, but they differ depending on the country. Although all countries and stakeholders agree in identifying resource constraints as the main barrier to the use of emerging technologies, factors facilitating their use in suicide prevention differ among countries and among stakeholders.


Children environmental exposure to particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and biomonitoring in school environments: A review on indoor and outdoor exposure levels, major sources and health impacts.
Children, an important vulnerable group, spend most of their time at schools (up to 10 h per day, mostly indoors) and the respective air quality may significantly impact on children health. Thus, this work reviews the published studies on children biomonitoring and environmental exposure to particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at school microenvironments (indoors and outdoors), major sources and potential health risks. A total of 28, 35, and 31% of the studies reported levels that exceeded the international outdoor ambient air guidelines for PM10, PM2.5, and benzo(a)pyrene, respectively. Indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM10 at European schools, the most characterized continent, ranged between 7.5 and 229 μg/m3 and 21-166 μg/m3, respectively; levels of PM2.5 varied between 4 and 100 μg/m3 indoors and 6.1-115 μg/m3 outdoors. Despite scarce information in some geographical regions (America, Oceania and Africa), the collected data clearly show that Asian children are exposed to the highest concentrations of PM and PAHs at school environments, which were associated with increased carcinogenic risks and with the highest values of urinary total monohydroxyl PAH metabolites (PAH biomarkers of exposure). Additionally, children attending schools in polluted urban and industrial areas are exposed to higher levels of PM and PAHs with increased concentrations of urinary PAH metabolites in comparison with children from rural areas. Strong evidences demonstrated associations between environmental exposure to PM and PAHs with several health outcomes, including increased risk of asthma, pulmonary infections, skin diseases, and allergies. Nevertheless, there is a scientific gap on studies that include the characterization of PM fine fraction and the levels of PAHs in the total air (particulate and gas phases) of indoor and outdoor air of school environments and the associated risks for the health of children. There is a clear need to improve indoor air quality in schools and to establish international guidelines for exposure limits in these environments.


The identification of a novel CCNQ gene tail extension variant contributing to syndactyly, telecanthus and anogenital and renal malformations syndrome.
The "toe syndactyly, telecanthus and anogenital and renal malformations" (STAR) syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant inherited kidney ciliopathy caused by CCNQ gene mutations. Here, we investigated the genotype and phenotype in the first two twin sisters with a novel tail extension CCNQ variant in Asia. Genetic variants of the pedigree were screened using whole-exome sequence analysis and validated by direct Sanger sequencing. The genetic function was investigated through cultured cells and zebrafish embryos transfected with mutant. The proband is suffered from end-stage renal disease, telecanthus, scoliosis, anal atresia, bilateral hydronephrosis pyeloureter dilation and hearing loss, while her twin sister had milder phenotypes. A novel heterozygous variant c.502_518delinsA (p.Val168SerfsTer173) in CCNQ gene was identified in the twins and their asymptomatic mosaic mother. The concurrent deletion of 17 bases and insertion of one base variant led to the loss of 5 amino acids, subsequently caused a 96 more amino acids tail extension delaying the appearance of stop codon. The loss-of-function variant of CCNQ not only led to the impaired expression of cyclin M but also increased the binding affinity of CDK10-cyclin M complex, which is different from the previous study. The research expanded the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of STAR syndrome.


RNA localization. Getting to the top.
Localizing gurken mRNA dorsally in Drosophila oocytes seems to be the first step in dorsoventral polarity establishment. Gurken, which resembles TGF alpha, may signal directly to dorsal follicle cells through the receptor Top.


Metals on the brain.
Current research suggests that imbalances in metal-ion homeostasis play a critical role in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, and in cancer. It is thus important to elucidate the mechanisms by which homeostasis is maintained and how metals function in cellular processes, including cell signaling, neurotransmission, and protein transport and storage. This summary of a meeting recently held in Barcelona, Spain, highlights some of the latest findings on intra- and extracellular zinc signaling, the consequences of zinc imbalances on cells and on the brain, the mechanisms of metal-ion influx and efflux, how metal ions are sequestered by metallothioneins, and the development of candidate drugs to treat brain injury due to metal-ion imbalances.


The Diagnosis and Management of Endocrine Side Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.
The immunologically mediated side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) often involve the endocrine system as well, and they can even be fatal, as in the case of unrecognized hypophysitis. Distinguishing such side effects from tumor-related changes is often difficult, because their clinical features can be nonspecific. This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, with special attention to international recommendations. Depending on their target molecules, the CPI now in use differ from one another in the incidence of side effects such as autoimmune thyroid disease (4-16%), hypophysitis (0.1- 18%), adrenalitis (0.7-8%), and autoimmune diabetes mellitus (0.5-2%). The typical clinical warning signs and laboratory constellations of hypophysitis include exhaustion, hyponatremia, and headache. Hypo- and hyperthyroidism and primary adrenocortical insufficiency likewise have nonspecific manifestations. Autoimmune diabetes mellitus often takes a fulminant course. Patients being treated with CPI should be monitored at close intervals, at least as frequently as the administration of the drug, so that endocrine side effects can be recognized in time. In case of doubt, glucocorticoid supplementation should be given whenever hypocortisolism is suspected, even before endocrine evaluation is completed and the results are available. Interrupting or discontinuing CPI treatment is rarely indicated. With the increasing number of patients being treated with CPI, more and more physicians from a wide variety of specialties, not necessarily working in specialized centers, now have to consider immunologically mediated endocrine side effects in the differential diagnosis, and treat them properly when they arise. These things should be done in collaboration with endocrinologists. The ongoing study of such side effects of the CPI now in use, and of those that will be introduced in the future, is important and will lead to improved understanding.


[Changes in physical endurance following a 3-months' exam period].
The question was raised to what extent in the course of a three-month examination period as a time of increased psychic stress, depending upon the distinction of the personal peculiarity "fear of examinations" of the students, reductions of the physical efficiency develop. On the basis of the lactate efficiency curves a significant decrease in vitality after a three-month examination period was proved. The determination of the efficiency in the aerobic-anaerobic transitional zone renders possible an exact evidence, independent upon motivation. According to the results the formation of the curriculum has a determining influence on the physical efficiency, however, not the personal peculiarity "fear of examinations".


Pushing the Limits: Chronotype and Time of Day Modulate Working Memory-Dependent Cerebral Activity.
Morning-type individuals experience more difficulties to maintain optimal attentional performance throughout a normal waking day than evening types. However, time-of-day modulations may differ across cognitive domains. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated how chronotype and time of day interact with working memory at different levels of cognitive load/complexity in a N-back paradigm (N0-, N2-, and N3-back levels). Extreme morning- and evening-type individuals underwent two fMRI sessions during N-back performance, one 1.5 h (morning) and one 10.5 h (evening) after wake-up time scheduled according to their habitual sleep-wake preference. At the behavioral level, increasing working memory load resulted in lower accuracy while chronotype and time of day only exerted a marginal impact on performance. Analyses of neuroimaging data disclosed an interaction between chronotype, time of day, and the modulation of cerebral activity by working memory load in the thalamus and in the middle frontal cortex. In the subjective evening hours, evening types exhibited higher thalamic activity than morning types at the highest working memory load condition only (N3-back). Conversely, morning-type individuals exhibited higher activity than evening-type participants in the middle frontal gyrus during the morning session in the N3-back condition. Our data emphasize interindividual differences in time-of-day preferences and underlying cerebral activity, which should be taken into account when investigating vigilance state effects in task-related brain activity. These results support the hypothesis that higher task complexity leads to a chronotype-dependent increase in thalamic and frontal brain activity, permitting stabilization of working memory performance across the day.


Multiscale modelling approaches for assessing cosmetic ingredients safety.
The European Union's ban on animal testing for cosmetic ingredients and products has generated a strong momentum for the development of in silico and in vitro alternative methods. One of the focus of the COSMOS project was ab initio prediction of kinetics and toxic effects through multiscale pharmacokinetic modeling and in vitro data integration. In our experience, mathematical or computer modeling and in vitro experiments are complementary. We present here a summary of the main models and results obtained within the framework of the project on these topics. A first section presents our work at the organelle and cellular level. We then go toward modeling cell levels effects (monitored continuously), multiscale physiologically based pharmacokinetic and effect models, and route to route extrapolation. We follow with a short presentation of the automated KNIME workflows developed for dissemination and easy use of the models. We end with a discussion of two challenges to the field: our limited ability to deal with massive data and complex computations.


Affinity chromatography as a rapid and convenient method for purification of fungal laccases.
A rapid and convenient method for graduation, isolation, and purification of laccase from Trametes versicolor and Fomes fomentarius culture fluids was developed. For purification affinity chromatography on syringyl- and vanillyl-controlled porosity glass (CPG) columns was applied. The purified laccase of F. fomentarius was immobilized on porous glass. Some properties of the immobilized enzyme in comparison to the free one are discussed.


Pulmonary embolism or COVID-19 pneumonia? A case report.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most severe clinical presentation of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms. The overlapping clinical symptoms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and PE may make distinguishing between the two difficult. Thus, the diagnosis of PE may be delayed or missed, with grave consequences for the patient's outcome and safety. We herein present the case of a 63-year-old Iranian female admitted to our hospital showing symptoms of delirium superimposed on dementia. Soon after her admission, she developed a fever and respiratory symptoms. However, overestimating the likelihood of COVID-19 pneumonia and attributing the patient's symptoms to this disease led to a delayed diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism, resulting in the patient's death. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a high index of suspicion is required for the timely diagnosis of PE, especially in patients with identifiable risk factors. This is specifically true for older patients who cannot express their symptoms due to neurocognitive disorders.


Defining the role of intramedullary nailing for fractures of the distal radius: a systematic review.
This article is a systematic review of the published literature about the biomechanics, functional outcome and complications of intramedullary nailing of fractures of the distal radius. We searched the Medline and EMBASE databases and included all studies which reported the outcome of intramedullary (IM) nailing of fractures of the distal radius. Data about functional outcome, range of movement (ROM), strength and complications, were extracted. The studies included were appraised independently by both authors using a validated quality assessment scale for non-controlled studies and the CONSORT statement for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The search strategy revealed 785 studies, of which 16 were included for full paper review. These included three biomechanical studies, eight case series and five randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The biomechanical studies concluded that IM nails were at least as strong as locking plates. The clinical studies reported that IM nailing gave a comparable ROM, functional outcome and grip strength to other fixation techniques. However, the mean complication rate of intramedullary nailing was 17.6% (0% to 50%). This is higher than the rates reported in contemporary studies for volar plating. It raises concerns about the role of intramedullary nailing, particularly when comparative studies have failed to show that it has any major advantage over other techniques. Further adequately powered RCTs comparing the technique to both volar plating and percutaneous wire fixation are needed.


Identification of a mutation in the human raloxifene response element of the transforming growth factor-beta 3 gene.
The human transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-beta 3) is an important cytokine to maintain bone mass by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. Recently raloxifene response element (RRE), a new enhancer with a polypurine sequence for estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated gene activation, was identified on the TGF-beta 3 gene. Functional analysis of the RRE-mediated pathway has shown that this would be an important pathway for bone preserving effect. We found a novel mutation in the RRE sequence by single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis in one of 200 Korean women. Cloning and sequencing revealed a heterozygote in which one allele had an insertion of 20 nucleotides (AGAGAGGGAGAGGGAGA GGG) between nucleotide +71 and +72 and a point mutation at nucleotide +75 (G-A transition), and the other allele had normal sequence. The insertion was a nearly perfect tandem duplication of the wild type DNA sequence. The bone mineral density of the affected woman was not much lower than that of age-matched controls. Transient transfection of the mutant allele showed no significantly different activity compared with that of the wild type allele. These observations suggest that the heterozygote variation of the RRE sequence seems not to be operative in determination of bone mass.


Preparation and prodrug studies of quercetin pentabenzensulfonate.
Pentabenzensulfonate (QPBS), a potential prodrug for quercetin, was designed and synthesized in high yield. It possesses better physical properties such as solubility, lipid/water partition coefficient, LogP, and hydrolysis kinetics than its original form. The LogP value (2.04) and the half-life of the hydrolysis value (3.85 h) show that oral bioavailability is improved evidently compared with that of quercetin. These results indicate that QPBS can be considered as a potential prodrug for quercetin.


The natural history of "contrast stasis" within aneurysm after embolization.
Contrast stasis within residual aneurysm sac is sometimes seen after embolization of intracranial aneurysms and is thought to represent sluggish flow prone to thrombosis. We report the short- and intermediate-term angiographic outcomes of intra-aneurysmal contrast stasis following predominantly bioactive coil embolization procedures. Contrast stasis was identified by retrospective review of 153 consecutive patients treated at two centers with endovascular embolizations for intracranial aneurysms. Contrast stasis was defined by persistent opacification despite clearance of contrast from parent artery assessed during angiography at 3-5 frames/second. The contrast stasis were classified based on relative area and location visualized on dynamic angiographic images as small (5-15% of the total aneurysm), large (> 15%), or occurring only in the aneurysm neck by an independent reviewer. There were 44 patients (23 women: mean age 54.3±12.5 years) who had contrast stasis; 36 patients had small and 8 had contrast stasis in the neck of the aneurysm. There were no patients with large contrast stasis. Of these 44 patients, 33 patients had a mean follow up angiogram in 269.5 days; 10 patients had no follow up. In 21 patients, (18 were small and 3 were in the neck) the area of contrast stasis had spontaneously thrombosed while in 7 patients there was no change in the contrast stasis. The remaining 5 patients had increase in area of contrast stasis and required re-embolization. Size of the contrast stasis (p= 0.02) was the only statistically significant factor although there was a trend dome to neck ratio > 2 (p= 0.16) and washout on the initial angiogram (p= 0.16) affecting the thrombosis of contrast stasis. Most small contrast stasis following coil embolization procedures spontaneously thrombose and do not require further treatment. A small proportion of patients had increase in the area of intra-aneurysmal contrast stasis and required further treatment. MRAmagnetic resonance angiographyDSAdigital subtraction angiography.


Four spondee threshold procedures: a comparison.
Two ascending and two descending procedures were used to obtain spondee thresholds from normally hearing and sensorineural hearing impaired subjects. Minimal differences were found when comparisons of threshold were made among all four procedures. Results indicated slightly more sensitive thresholds when the descending procedures were used and slightly poorer pure-tone average and spondee threshold agreement. Test-retest reliability was good for all four procedures, but large differences existed among the procedures in the amount of time and in the number of words required to establish threshold. Advantages and clinical implications are discussed.


Bilateral hip dysplasia. A case report.
Hip dysplasia affects 1% of newborns. Our health system screening begins at birth, and our educational system requires health screens at various ages, so physicians in this country rarely find an adult with an undiagnosed congenital condition. Bilateral hip dislocation was diagnosed on a 20-year-old, nulliparous woman who had just arrived from Puerto Rico. She tolerated her abnormal gait well, unaware of the condition of her hips. After an unremarkable prenatal course, she was admitted at term with ruptured membranes for stimulation of labor. She developed secondary arrest of labor, and a healthy, 3,180-g, female infant was delivered by cesarean. In hip dysplasia, early diagnosis (and therapy) prevents long-term consequences.


Myths and misconceptions in general public toward ocular complications followed by the removal of upper teeth.
The upper jaw forms the floor of the maxillary sinus and the upper teeth are continuous with the whole midface and cranium, therefore while treating these teeth, it is important for the practitioner to consider the possibility of ocular complications. Ocular disturbances such as blurring of vision, mydriasis, ptosis, diplopia, enophthalmos, miosis, and blindness are rare complications due to intraoral local anesthesia. So far at present, the general population is having myths and misconceptions regarding the extraction of teeth and vision loss; hence, we evaluated the same. A cross-sectional prospective survey targeting the general public was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 300 standardized self-administered questionnaires were given and the data were analyzed. Out of 300 patients, 148 were educated and 152 were uneducated. The study population was analyzed based on their age, sex, and literacy, i.e. the level of education. Seventy-six percent of uneducated and 48% of educated groups had false belief of ocular complications followed by the removal of upper teeth and among them uneducated females of older age group showed higher prevalence. The general public's knowledge about ocular complications due to tooth extraction in our study group is not adequate and needs improvement. Although the practice of informing by dentists is satisfactory, there is a need for creating awareness in the general public against such complications.


[Glial Assembly and Brain Diseases].
Glial cells function as an "assembly". This functional unit "glial assembly" is essential for understanding the role of glial cells in the regulation of brain function, especially during various brain diseases. Glial assembly also plays an essential role in the process of acquiring so-called "ischemic tolerance," in which resistance to subsequent invasive strokes is acquired after experiencing a non-invasive minor stroke. This paper describes the mechanism of neuronal protection by the glial assembly of microglia and astrocytes.


Identification of Klebsiella oxytoca using a specific PCR assay targeting the polygalacturonase pehX gene.
Bacteria of the genus Klebsiella are important opportunistic pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections that are increasingly resistant to antimicrobial agents. Distinctive identification of the species K. oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, K. planticola, K. ornithinolytica and K. terrigena is difficult based on phenotypic tests and misidentifications are frequent in routine clinical microbiology. We developed a specific method to discriminate K. oxytoca from the other species of the genus Klebsiella, based on the PCR amplification of the polygalacturonase (pehX) gene. A PCR amplicon of 344 bp was obtained in all 35 K. oxytoca strains tested, but in none of the 29 K. pneumoniae, 12 K. planticola/K. ornithinolytica and 7 K. terrigena strains tested. The test was also negative for polygalacturonate-degrading species of the genus Erwinia. Analysis of 24 strains designated as K. pneumoniae from international collections (NCTC, PZH) revealed previous misidentification of six K. oxytoca strains. Key biochemical tests fully confirmed the pehX PCR results. The new K. oxytoca identification assay should be useful for both clinical and ecological monitoring of K. oxytoca strains, as well as for controlling the previous identification of collection strains.


A role for Sv2c in basal ganglia functions.
SV2C is an isoform of the synaptic vesicle 2 protein family that exhibits a particular pattern of brain expression with enriched expression in several basal ganglia nuclei. In the present study, we have investigated SV2C implication in both normal and pathological basal ganglia functioning with a peculiar attention to dopamine neuron containing regions. In SV2C-/- mice, the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA in midbrain dopaminergic neurons was largely and significantly increased and enkephalin mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the caudate-putamen and accumbens nucleus. The expression of SV2C was studied in two models of dopaminergic denervation (6-OHDA- and MPTP-induced lesions). In dopamine-depleted animals, SV2C mRNA expression was significant increased in the striatum. In order to further understand the role of SV2C, we performed behavioral experiments on SV2C-/- mice and on knock-down mice receiving an injection of adeno-associated virus expressing SV2C miRNA specifically in the ventral midbrain. These modifications of SV2C expression had little or no impact on behavior in open field and elevated plus maze. However, even if complete loss of SV2C had no impact on conditioned place preference induced by cocaine, the specific knock-down of SV2C expression in the dopaminergic neurons completely abolished the development of a CPP while the reaction to an acute drug injection remains similar in these mice compared to control mice. These results showed that SV2C, a poorly functionally characterized protein is strongly involved in normal operation of the basal ganglia network and could be also involved in system adaptation in basal ganglia pathological conditions.


Transmembrane segment M3 is essential to thapsigargin sensitivity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase.
Five different chimeric fusion proteins between the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and the rat kidney alpha 1 isoform of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase were expressed in COS-1 cells and analyzed functionally. In two chimeras, the only Na+,K(+)-ATPase-derived part consisted of the region corresponding to the third transmembrane segment. These proteins phosphorylated from ATP in the presence of a high Ca2+ concentration and from Pi in the absence of Ca2+, but the phosphorylation displayed strongly reduced sensitivity to inhibition by thapsigargin. In two other chimeras, the N-terminal two-thirds of the molecule were derived from Na+,K(+)-ATPase, except the region containing the fourth transmembrane segment. These proteins were unable to phosphorylate from ATP but phosphorylated from Pi, the latter reaction being insensitive to inhibition by thapsigargin. In the last chimera, the N-terminal two-thirds of the molecule were derived from Na+,K(+)-ATPase, except the region corresponding to both the third and the fourth transmembrane segments. This chimera phosphorylated from Pi in the reaction that was fully sensitive to inhibition by thapsigargin. It can be concluded that the third transmembrane segment is indispensable to thapsigargin sensitivity of the Ca(2+)-ATPase and most likely, therefore, constitutes a major binding region for thapsigargin.


The association between negative affect and opioid analgesia in patients with discogenic low back pain.
Comprised mainly of depression, anxiety, and high neuroticism, psychopathology diminishes the effectiveness of many chronic pain treatments. But, it is not known if it is associated with diminished opioid analgesia in patients with chronic, noncancer pain. We tested the hypothesis that psychopathology diminishes opioid analgesia in patients with discogenic low back pain in 60 patients not on opioids in a double blind, placebo controlled, random crossover designed trial. Patients were stratified into three groups of psychological symptom severity (LOW, MOD, and HIGH), based on composite scores on depression, anxiety for pain, and neuroticism scales. Subjects were given intravenous morphine (4-6mg dosed by ideal body weight) and placebo in random order on separate visits, and completed serial pain ratings over three hours at each session. With 20 subjects per group, there were nonsignificant differences between groups in the distribution of age, gender, baseline pain (avg. 6.1/10), radicular pain, and morphine dose (5.0mg). For morphine analgesia, using a total pain relief calculation (TOTPAR), the LOW group had 65.1% TOTPAR vs. 41.0% in the HIGH group, P=.026. For placebo analgesia the LOW group had 7.7% TOTPAR vs. 23.5% in the HIGH group, P=.03. A morphine minus placebo analgesia calculation revealed 59.2% TOTPAR in the LOW group vs. 21.7% in the HIGH group, P=.0001. High levels of psychopathology are associated with diminished opioid analgesia in patients with discogenic low back pain. These results have implications for the prescription of oral opioids to patients with chronic low back pain and psychopathology.


The tropic action of gastro-intestinal hormones.
There is evidence that under various physiological circumstances long-term adaptation of structure and function of the gut occurs. The mechanisms of these changes are not clear but gastro-intestinal hormones may be involved. In particular, gastrin which has been shown experimentally to stimulate growth and development of parts of the gut, probably has a role in maintaining the structure of the normal upper alimentary tract. Cholecystokinin may be of major importance in producing adaptive changes in the pancreas in response to dietary modifications and enteroglucagon is possibly concerned with maintaining a normal small intestinal structure. The importance of the 'trophic' action of gatrointestinal hormones is becoming more widely recognised and as new gastro-intestinal hormones become established, this aspect of their physiological importance as well as their acute effects, will deserve attention.


New units in haematology.
Results of haematological tests are now reported in Systeme Internationale (SI) units. The new and old units showing normal ranges for the most frequently used tests are presented. Some implications of normal values are mentioned.


Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Stress Response of Male and Female Songbirds.
Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling plays an important role in the stress response pathways of the mammalian brain, yet its role in the avian stress response has not been described. Understanding eCB signaling in avian species (such as the European starling, Sturnus vulgaris) allows a model system that exhibits natural attenuation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) responsiveness to stressors. Specifically, seasonally breeding birds exhibit the highest HPA activity during the breeding season and subsequently exhibit a robust HPA down-regulation during molt. Because eCB signaling in mammals has an overall inhibitory effect on HPA activity, we expected shifts in eCB signaling to regulate the seasonal HPA down-regulation during molt. However, our data did not support a role for eCB signaling in the molt-related suppression of HPA activity. For example, injection of the cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist, AM251, did not potentiate molt-suppressed HPA activity. Instead, our data suggest eCB regulation of HPA plasticity as birds transition from breeding to molt. In support of this hypothesis, birds in the late breeding season demonstrated a more dynamic response at the level of avian amygdala eCB content in response to acute stress. The response and directionality of this effect match that seen in mammals. Overall, our data suggest that eCB signaling may allow for a dynamic range in HPA responsiveness (eg, breeding), but the signaling pathway's role may be limited when the HPA response is restrained (eg, molt). This first characterization of eCB signaling in the avian stress response also emphasizes that although the system functions similarly to other species, its exact role may be species specific.


Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography in diagnostic arteriography.
Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in 133 diagnostic arteriographic procedures during a 10-month period. The increased contrast resolution of DSA permitted the use of a dilute (15%) contrast material. A significant reduction in contrast material dose compared with conventional film-screen arteriography and intravenous DSA was thus achieved. This was especially advantageous in patients with diminished renal function. The dilute contrast material also resulted in less patient discomfort. Subtracted images were available immediately on cathode ray tube display, resulting in faster procedures, and a considerable saving in film cost compared with conventional arteriography. It is concluded that intraarterial DSA is a useful technique that may replace conventional film-screen arteriography in many applications.


Shifting brain inhibitory balance and connectivity of the prefrontal cortex of adults with autism spectrum disorder.
Currently, there are no effective pharmacologic treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is, nevertheless, potential for progress. For example, recent evidence suggests that the excitatory (E) glutamate and inhibitory (I) GABA systems may be altered in ASD. However, no prior studies of ASD have examined the 'responsivity' of the E-I system to pharmacologic challenge; or whether E-I modulation alters abnormalities in functional connectivity of brain regions implicated in the disorder. Therefore, we used magnetic resonance spectroscopy ([1H]MRS) to measure prefrontal E-I flux in response to the glutamate and GABA acting drug riluzole in adult men with and without ASD. We compared the change in prefrontal 'Inhibitory Index'-the GABA fraction within the pool of glutamate plus GABA metabolites-post riluzole challenge; and the impact of riluzole on differences in resting-state functional connectivity. Despite no baseline differences in E-I balance, there was a significant group difference in response to pharmacologic challenge. Riluzole increased the prefrontal cortex inhibitory index in ASD but decreased it in controls. There was also a significant group difference in prefrontal functional connectivity at baseline, which was abolished by riluzole within the ASD group. Our results also show, for we believe the first time in ASD, that E-I flux can be 'shifted' with a pharmacologic challenge, but that responsivity is significantly different from controls. Further, our initial evidence suggests that abnormalities in functional connectivity can be 'normalised' by targeting E-I, even in adults.


A mentor portfolio model for ensuring fitness for practice.
The revised Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2008) Standards to Support Learning and Assessment in Practice aim to support mentors in ensuring that new registrants are fit for practice. The standards also include criteria for sign-off mentors' competencies, which become mandatory this year. This article describes how 'mentor portfolios' can support mentors and help sign-off mentors meet the NMC criteria, and can be linked to the NHS knowledge and skills framework to enhance annual appraisals.


Anti-Ulcerogenic Effects of Salmalia Malabarica in Gastric Ulceration--Pilot Study.
According to an estimation of the WHO, almost 80% of people globally are treated by traditional medicine. We evaluated the anti-ulcerogenic potential of Salmalia malabarica extract in rats using aspirin-, alcohol- and pylorus ligation-induced ulcer models. Two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) of Salmalia malabarica extract was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to all 3 ulcer-induced models for 5 consecutive days. The anti-ulcerogenic potential in rats treated with 2 doses of Salmalia malabarica extract and omeprazole (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was determined and compared to the control groups. Salmalia malabarica extract showed a significant decrease in ulcer index as compared to the control group in a dose-dependent manner. Salmalia malabarica extract also showed protection of 66.22% and 74.54% in asprin-, 73.79% and 78.14% in alcohol- and 68.94% and 78.84% in pylorus ligation-induced ulcers. However, omeprazole showed protection of 84.73%, 85.5% and 86.12% in aspirin-, alcohol- and pylorus ligation-induced ulcers, respectively. Furthermore, Salmalia malabarica extract significantly decreased the volume of gastric juice, free and total acidity, whereas it increased gastric pH when directly compared to the control group. Conclusively, Salmalia malabarica possesses anti-ulcerogenic, antisecretory, and cytoprotective potential and can be used as a supplement for the treatment of gastric ulcers in a dose dependent manner.


A conserved GH17 glycosyl hydrolase from plant pathogenic Dothideomycetes releases a DAMP causing cell death in tomato.
To facilitate infection, pathogens deploy a plethora of effectors to suppress basal host immunity induced by exogenous microbe-associated or endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In this study, we have characterized family 17 glycosyl hydrolases of the tomato pathogen Cladosporium fulvum (CfGH17) and studied their role in infection. Heterologous expression of CfGH17-1 to 5 by potato virus X in different tomato cultivars showed that CfGH17-1 and CfGH17-5 enzymes induce cell death in Cf-0, Cf-1 and Cf-5 but not in Cf-Ecp3 tomato cultivars or tobacco. Moreover, CfGH17-1 orthologues from other phytopathogens, including Dothistroma septosporum and Mycosphaerella fijiensis, also trigger cell death in tomato. CfGH17-1 and CfGH17-5 are predicted to be β-1,3-glucanases and their enzymatic activity is required for the induction of cell death. CfGH17-1 hydrolyses laminarin, a linear 1,3-β-glucan with 1,6-β linkages. CfGH17-1 expression is down-regulated during the biotrophic phase of infection and up-regulated during the necrotrophic phase. Deletion of CfGH17-1 in C. fulvum did not reduce virulence on tomato, while constitutive expression of CfGH17-1 decreased virulence, suggesting that abundant presence of CfGH17-1 during biotrophic growth may release a DAMP that activates plant defence responses. Under natural conditions CfGH17-1 is suggested to play a role during saprophytic growth when the fungus thrives on dead host tissue, which is in line with its high levels of expression at late stages of infection when host tissues have become necrotic. We suggest that CfGH17-1 releases a DAMP from the host cell wall that is recognized by a yet unknown host plant receptor.


Reinforcing efficacy of interactions with preferred and nonpreferred staff under progressive-ratio schedules.
Research has not systematically assessed and validated preferences for staff in adults with developmental disabilities. Three adults with developmental disabilities (aged 32 to 43 years) identified preferred and nonpreferred staff using verbal and pictorial preference assessments. During break-point analyses with progressive-ratio schedules, all 3 had higher break points when working for positive social interaction with their preferred staff mamber than with their nonpreferred staff member.


IgA endomysium antibody: a valuable tool in the screening of coeliac disease but not its follow-up.
The IgA antiendomysium antibody was found in 99 of 100 consecutive patients with adult untreated coeliac disease, whereas IgA and/or IgG antigliadin antibodies were found in 92 of the same patients. Twenty-nine of them, presenting with minimal, transient or apparently unrelated symptoms (subclinical presentation), were antiendomysium antibody positive, whereas antigliadin antibodies were present in 26. In 33 of them, we also investigated the relationship between circulating antiendomysium antibody and the persistence of jejunal lesions after the institution of a gluten-free diet. Although 24 treated coeliac patients turned out to be antiendomysium antibody negative, in 17 of them jejunal lesions persisted. The present study shows that IgA antiendomysium antibody is a highly sensitive and specific marker for both subclinical and classical coeliac disease, but that it is not a reliable test in the follow up of coeliac patients.


Input-output analysis of in vivo photoassimilate translocation using Positron-Emitting Tracer Imaging System (PETIS) data.
The Positron-Emitting Tracer Imaging System (PETIS) is introduced for monitoring the distribution of (11)C-labelled photoassimilates in Sorghum. The obtained two-dimensional image data were quantitatively analysed using a transfer function analysis approach. While one half of a Sorghum root in a split root system was treated with either 0, 100, or 500 mM NaCl dissolved in the nutrient solution, tracer images of the root halves and the lower stem section were recorded using PETIS. From the observed tracer levels, parameters were estimated, from which the mean speed of tracer transport and the proportion of tracer moved between specified image positions were deduced. Transport speed varied between 0.7 and 1.8 cm min(-1) with the difference depending on which part of the stem was involved. When data were collected in the lowest 0.5-1 cm of the stem, which included the point where the roots emerge, transport speed was less. Rapid changes in NaCl concentration, from 0 to 100 mM, resulted in short-term increases of assimilate import into the treated root. This response represented a transient osmotic effect, that was compensated for in the medium-term by osmotic adaptation. Higher concentrations of NaCl (500 mM) resulted in distinctly less photoassimilate transport into the treated root half. The present results agree with earlier observations, showing that transport of (11)C-labelled photoassimilates measured with the PETIS detector system can be quantified using the method of input-output analysis. It is worth noting that with the PETIS detector system, areas of interest do not need to be defined until after data collection. This means that unexpected behaviour of a plant organ will be seen, which is not necessarily the case with conventional detector systems looking at predefined areas of interest.


Bioreduction of Gold Ions under Greener Conditions by the Thiol-Modified M13 Bacteriophage and with Hydroxylamine as the Autocatalytic Reducing Agent.
Bioreduction of gold ions by the thiol-modified M13 bacteriophage (M13-SH) has been exploited as the potential alternative to conventional methods based on toxic chemicals, due to the gold affinity of the thiol groups, inherent gold reduction, and high specific surface area of the filamentous virus. Such efforts have been hindered by harsh conditions involving strong reducing agents and extreme pH that are harmful to the virus. Herein, a virus-friendly and greener method of bioreduction of AuCl4 - at neutral pH based on M13-SH is demonstrated. M13-SH was prepared by coupling the virus with N-succinimidyl S-acetylthioacetate, followed by deacylation in the presence of hydroxylamine·HCl to expose the thiol groups. The key finding is that without time-consuming purification, the mixture after deacylation consisting of M13-SH, residual hydroxylamine, and so forth can directly turn ionic gold species into gold, leading to macroscopic precipitated products with interconnected linear structures consisting of fused gold nanoparticles. Besides working as the virus-friendly reducing agent with a unique autocatalytic style, hydroxylamine diminishes disulfide bonding-induced intervirus bundling of M13-SH so as to maintain its efficient biosorption of ionic gold precursors. This work demonstrates a general and green strategy of bioreduction of gold via combination of the gold-affinity proteins or organisms and the unique autocatalytic reduction of hydroxylamine.


Effects on blood glucose, insulin, lipid and proatherosclerotic parameters in stable type 2 diabetic subjects during an oral fat challenge.
Restriction of fat intake has been effective in improving insulin sensitivity in obese and type 2 diabetic subjects, but what effects the recommended diet (less than 30% of total calories from fat) have not been elucidated in subjects with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of oral fat challenge, composing 30% calories of a meal, on blood glucose, insulin, lipid, leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Blood glucose, insulin, lipid, leptin, TNF-alpha and PAI-1 were compared in 14 type 2 diabetic patients and 10 normal subjects after an oral fat challenge upto 2 hours (fasting, 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min and 120 min). Postprandial glucose, total cholesterol, leptin, PAI-1 levels did not differ significantly from levels at fasting. Serum triglyceride increased significantly from baseline only in diabetic patients (P = 0.042). Serum insulin increased postprandially in both groups (P = 0.028 in diabetic group and P = 0.055 in normal group), with displaying a prolonged insulin response in diabetic subjects. TNF-alpha decreased postprandially in both groups without significant difference, although diabetic patients have higher baseline levels (P = 0.024 compared to normal subjects). Oral fat load does not have an acute effect on blood glucose, total cholesterol, leptin and PAI-1 levels in both type 2 diabetic and normal subjects. TNF-alpha value showed decreased trend in both diabetic and normal subjects. The tendency of a delayed postprandial insulin response and elevated serum triglyceride level in diabetic subjects might be related to insulin resistance at the level of adipose tissue. Additional research is needed to assess the impact of the use of fat contents on the macronutrient composition of the diet, and potentially healthy and nutritional benefits for patients with diabetes.


Rhizosphere geometry and heterogeneity arising from root-mediated physical and chemical processes.
The rhizosphere differs from the bulk soil in a range of biochemical, chemical and physical processes that occur as a consequence of root growth, water and nutrient uptake, respiration and rhizodeposition. These processes also affect microbial ecology and plant physiology to a considerable extent. This review concentrates on two features of this unique environment: rhizosphere geometry and heterogeneity in both space and time. Although it is often depicted as a soil cylinder of a given radius around the root, drawing a boundary between the rhizosphere and bulk soil is an impossible task because rhizosphere processes result in gradients of different sizes. For instance, because of diffusional constraints, root uptake can result in a depletion zone extending <1 mm for phosphate to several centimetres for nitrate, while respiration may affect the bulk of the soil. Rhizosphere processes are responsible for spatial and temporal heterogeneities in the soil, although these are sometimes difficult to distinguish from intrinsic soil heterogeneity. A further complexity is that these processes are regulated by plants, microbial communities and soil constituents, and their many interactions. Novel in situ techniques and modelling will help in providing a holistic view of rhizosphere functioning, which is a prerequisite for its management and manipulation.


Radiologic reporting: the ethical obligation of the interpreting physician to provide an accurate report.
This article focuses on the radiology report and examines how related errors can affect patient care even though the radiologist might resist disclosing or discussing reporting errors in a patient-centered way. By using scenarios involving issues in reporting, we hope to show how various ethical theories support the obligation of a radiologist to provide an honest, complete report and to ensure that errors are disclosed to patients. Radiologists should be willing to make corrections when necessary and ethical theories and principles are available to guide them in their duty to care for their patients. Physicians owe it to their patients, their patients' families, and the medical profession to produce an honest and truthful report. Despite temptations to deviate from ethically appropriate action, physicians must make honesty to their patients and reporting of errors a priority. Few patients expect absolute perfection from their physicians, but honesty and truthfulness in reporting will advance physician-patient and physician-physician relationships and can foster optimal patient care.


Inhibition of rabbit aortic angiotensin II (AII) receptor by CV-11974, a new nonpeptide AII antagonist.
The angiotensin II (AII) antagonistic action of CV-11974 (2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl] benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid) was investigated in an AII-receptor binding assay using rabbit aortic membranes and an AII-induced contraction assay using rabbit aortic strips. A single class of [125I]AII-(Sar1,Ile8) binding sites was found in the membranes with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.15 nM and a receptor concentration (Bmax) of 86.9 fmol/mg protein. CV-11974 markedly reduced Kd without affecting Bmax. The specific binding of [125I]AII-(Sar1,Ile8) in this preparation was inhibited completely by CV-11974 [the inhibition constant (Ki) = 0.64 nM], DuP 753 [an angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptor-selective antagonist] (Ki = 51 nM) and EXP3174 (an active metabolite of DuP 753) (Ki = 6.8 nM), but was not affected by PD123177 (an AT2 receptor-selective antagonist). These results suggest that the single binding site in rabbit aortic membranes is an AT1 receptor subtype. The affinity of CV-11974 to these AT1 receptors was approximately 80 and 10 times higher than that of DuP 753 and EXP3174, respectively. CV-11974 showed no appreciable affinity for the AT2 receptors found in bovine cerebellum. In the in vitro functional study, CV-11974 markedly reduced the AII-induced maximal contractile response of rabbit aortic strips (pD'2 = 9.97). In contrast, Compound 7-H, which lacks the carboxyl group at the benzimidazole ring of CV-11974, inhibited the contraction in a competitive manner. The inhibition by CV-11974 was long lasting. These results suggest that CV-11974 is a potent and long-acting AT1 receptor-selective, competitive antagonist. The carboxyl group at the benzimidazole ring plays an important role in the interaction between CV-11974 and the AT1 receptor.


A method for galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase assay and the separation of its isozymes by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography.
A simplified radioactive assay for galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (EC 184.108.40.206) using a small DEAE-cellulose column for the identification of the endproduct (uridine diphosphate galactose) is described. The enzyme activities in red blood cell hemolysates of normal subjects are in the range of 24 to 33 (average 30.3) mumol UDPgalactose produced per g hemoglobin per h and in fibroblasts 0.39 and 1.39 (average 0.71) nmol per mg protein per min. Furthermore, different isozymes of red blood cell galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase were separated on DEAE-cellulose columns. In the case of a normal genotype, most of the enzyme activity is eluted at the earlier fractions with the low molar phosphate buffer, whereas the Duarte variant appeared at later fractions with higher molar phosphate buffer.


From Randomized Controlled Trials of Antidepressant Drugs to the Meta-Analytic Synthesis of Evidence: Methodological Aspects Lead to Discrepant Findings.
During the last decade, several meta-analytic studies employing different methodological approaches have had inconsistent conclusions regarding antidepressant efficacy. Herein, we aim to comment on methodological aspects that may have contributed to disparate findings. We initially discuss methodological inconsistencies and limitations related to the conduct of individual antidepressant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including differences in allocated samples, limitations of psychometric scales, possible explanations for the heightened placebo response rates in antidepressant RCTs across the past two decades as well as the reporting of conflicts of interest. In the second part of this article, we briefly describe the various meta-analyses techniques (e.g., simple random effects meta-analysis and network meta-analysis) and the application of these methods to synthesize evidence related to antidepressant efficacy. Recently published antidepressant metaanalyses often provide discrepant results and similar results often lead to different interpretations. Finally, we propose strategies to improve methodology considering real-world clinical scenarios.


Inhaled nedocromil sodium for persistent cough in children.
The efficacy of inhaled nedocromil sodium (NS) for children with a persistent cough was studied. Children aged 4-12 years with a persistent cough for >1 month were recruited and entered a 2-week baseline period during which an asthma diary was kept. Children with a cough score of >20 received inhaled NS via a spacer, 4mg qid for 2 weeks followed by 4mg bd for another 4 weeks. Twenty-two (42%) of 52 children recruited fulfilled treatment criteria. Four children were withdrawn from the study (2 developed wheezing and 2 were not compliant). The baseline cough score (29.1 +/- 13.6) improved after 2 weeks of treatment (15.2 +/- 9.3, p < 0.01) and improvement was sustained after 6 weeks (14.2 +/- 13.0, p = 0.01). Parents and patients had a more favourable perception of its efficacy compared to physicians (72% vs 50%, p = 0.01) Inhaled NS may be considered for treatment of persistent cough in children.


Vitamin D deficiency is associated with urinary tract infection in children.
In humans, vitamin D has been shown to play a role in infectious diseases, but its association with acquisition and a complicated course of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) levels and the risk of first time febrile UTI in children. This prospective case-control study included 50 children with first febrile UTI, with no risk factors for UTI, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy siblings as controls. White blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathormone were measured in all studied children. Vitamin D status was determined by measuring plasma 25(OH)D3 level. Deficiency was defined as a plasma 25(OH)D3 level ≤ 25 nmol/l. Children with UTI had significantly lower mean serum levels of 25(OH)D3 (10.5 ±2.7 nmol/l) than those of controls (25.9 ±5.6 nmol/l) (p < 0.05). Patients with lower UTI had significantly higher serum levels of 25(OH)D3 compared to those with acute pyelonephritis (12.4 ±2.59 vs. 8.2 ±3.2 nmol/l; p < 0.001). Mean serum levels of 25(OH)D3 were significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the female patients compared with males, and this difference was not found within the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that a serum 25(OH)D3 level of ≤ 25 nmol/l is associated with UTI (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.61-2.82; p = 0.04). Vitamin D deficiency (≤ 25 nmol/l) was an independent risk factor for UTI in children.


Synthesis and characterisation of ruthenium complexes containing a pendent catechol ring.
A series of [Ru(bipy)2L]+ and [Ru(phen)2L]+ complexes where L is 2-[5-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]pyridine (HL1) and 4-(5-pyridin-2-yl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)benzene-1,2-diol (HL2) are reported. The compounds obtained have been characterised using X-ray crystallography, NMR, UV/Vis and emission spectroscopies. Partial deuteriation is used to determine the nature of the emitting state and to simplify the NMR spectra. The acid-base properties of the compounds are also investigated. The electronic structures of [Ru(bipy)2L1]+ and Ru(bipy)2HL1]2+ are examined using ZINDO. Electro and spectroelectrochemical studies on [Ru(bipy)2(L2)]+ suggest that proton transfer between the catechol and triazole moieties on L2 takes place upon oxidation of the L2 ligand.


Long-term resource addition to a detrital food web yields a pattern of responses more complex than pervasive bottom-up control.
Theory predicts strong bottom-up control in detritus-based food webs, yet field experiments with detritus-based terrestrial systems have uncovered contradictory evidence regarding the strength and pervasiveness of bottom-up control processes. Two factors likely leading to contradictory results are experiment duration, which influences exposure to temporal variation in abiotic factors such as rainfall and affects the likelihood of detecting approach to a new equilibrium; and openness of the experimental units to immigration and emigration. To investigate the contribution of these two factors, we conducted a long-term experiment with open and fenced plots in the forest that was the site of an earlier, short-term experiment (3.5 months) with open plots (Chen & Wise, 1999) that produced evidence of strong bottom-up control for 14 taxonomic groupings of primary consumers of fungi and detritus (microbi-detritivores) and their predators. We added artificial high-quality detritus to ten 2 × 2-m forest-floor plots at bi-weekly intervals from April through September in three consecutive years (Supplemented treatment). Ten comparable Ambient plots were controls. Half of the Supplemented and Ambient plots were enclosed by metal fencing. Arthropod community structure (based upon 18 response variables) diverged over time between Supplemented and Ambient treatments, with no effect of Fencing on the multivariate response pattern. Fencing possibly influenced only ca. 30% of the subsequent univariate analyses. Multi- and univariate analyses revealed bottom-up control during Year 1 of some, but not all, microbi-detritivores and predators. During the following two years the pattern of responses became more complex than that observed by Chen & Wise (1999). Some taxa showed consistent bottom-up control whereas others did not. Variation across years could not be explained completely by differences in rainfall because some taxa exhibited negative, not positive, responses to detrital supplementation. Our 3-year experiment did not confirm the conclusion of strong, pervasive bottom-up control of both microbi-detritivores and predators reported by Chen & Wise (1999). Our longer-term experiment revealed a more complex pattern of responses, a pattern much closer to the range of outcomes reported in the literature for many short-term experiments. Much of the variation in responses across studies likely reflects variation in abiotic and biotic factors and the quality of added detritus. Nevertheless, it is also possible that long-term resource enhancement can drive a community towards a new equilibrium state that differs from what would have been predicted from the initial short-term responses exhibited by primary and secondary consumers.


Imaging interferometers for analysis of Thomson scattered spectra.
Polarization interferometers have some potential efficiency advantages for imaging Thomson scattering spectral analysis. In this article we present a number of designs for high-efficiency imaging polarization interferometers for Thomson scattering spectral analysis. The use of high-efficiency crystal polarizing beamsplitters (both displacement and angle) results in low-loss complementary passbands (no edge losses), simple imaging systems, and wide field of view. The efficiency and relative merits of both multiple-filter and dispersive-type configurations are being assessed before installation on the JT-60U ruby-laser Thomson scattering system. Light is transferred from the viewing port via a linear array of optical fiber bundles which will be imaged through the interferometer onto the photocathode of an intensified charge coupled device camera. Because of the broadband nature of the Thomson light, the optical delays required to Fourier analyze the spectrum are quite small. This leads to compact multicolor or dispersive systems based on combinations of Wollaston and Savart splitters and traditional waveplates.


Maternal health status and household food security on determining childhood anemia in Bangladesh -a nationwide cross-sectional study.
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of household food security on childhood anemia in Bangladesh while controlling for socioeconomic and demographic factors. We used nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS) 2011 data for this study, the only existing survey including anemia information and household food security. The sample included 2171 children aged 6-59 months and their mothers. Differences between socioeconomic and demographic variables were analyzed using Chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the effects of different socioeconomic and demographic factors on childhood anemia. We also performed mediation analysis to examine the direct and indirect effect of household food security on childhood anemia. In Bangladesh, 53% male (95% CI: 50-56) and 51% female (95% CI: 47-54) children aged 6-59 months were anemic in 2011. The food insecure households have 1.20 times odds (95% CI: 0.97-1.48) of having anemic children comparing to food secure households in the unadjusted model. On the other hand, anemic mothers have 2 times odds (95% CI: 1.67-2.44) of having anemic children comparing to non-anemic mothers. However, household food security is no longer significantly associated with childhood anemia in the adjusted model while mothers' anemia remained a significant factor (OR 1.87: 95% CI: 1.53-2.29). Age of children is the highest associated factor, and the odds are 4.89 (95% CI: 3.21-7.45) for 6-12 months old children comparing to 49-59 months in the adjusted model. Stunting and household wealth are also a significant factor for childhood anemia. Although food security has no significant direct effect on childhood anemia, maternal anemia and childhood stunting mediated that relationship. Future public health policies need to focus on improving mothers' health with focusing on household food security to eliminate childhood anemia.


Highly chemoselective difluoromethylative homologation of iso(thio)cyanates: expeditious access to unprecedented α,α-difluoro(thio)amides.
The new motif - α,α-difluoromethyl thioamide - has been assembled starting from isothiocyanate (as thioamide precursor) and a formal difluoromethyl-carbanion generated from commercially available TMSCHF2. Upon proper activation of this reagent with potassium tert-amylate, the high-yielding transfer of the difluorinated nucleophile takes place under high chemocontrol. Various sensitive functionalities (e.g. ester, nitrile, nitro, azido groups) can be accommodated across the isothiocyanate core, thus allowing a wide scope. The methodology is highly flexible and adaptable to prepare analogous α,α-difluoromethyl oxoamides by conveniently using isocyanates as the electrophilic building-blocks.


Cortical Perfusion and Tubular Function as Evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlates with Annual Loss in Renal Function in Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease.
Chronic hypoxia is a well-recognized factor in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Loss of microcirculation is thought to lead to enhanced renal hypoxia, which in turn results in the development of fibrosis, a hallmark of progressive CKD. To evaluate the role of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we performed perfusion, oxygenation, and diffusion MRI measurements in individuals with diabetes and stage 3 CKD. Fifty-four subjects (41 individuals with diabetes and stage 3 CKD and 13 healthy controls) participated in this study. Data with blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD), arterial spin labeling perfusion and diffusion MRI were acquired using a 3T scanner. Renal cortical perfusion was reduced in CKD compared to the controls (109.54 ± 25.38 vs. 203.17 ± 27.47 mL/min/100 g; p < 0.001). Cortical apparent diffusion coefficient showed no significant reduction in CKD compared to controls (1,596.10 ± 196.64 vs. 1,668.72 ± 77.29 × 10-6 mm2/s; p = 0.45) but was significantly associated with perfusion. Cortical R2* values were modestly increased in CKD (20.76 ± 4.08 vs. 18.74 ± 2.37 s-1; p = 0.12). Within the CKD group, R2*_Medulla and R2*_Kidney were moderately and negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate. There was a significant association between cortical perfusion and medullary response to furosemide with annual loss of renal function, used as an estimate of CKD progression. Subjects with a moderate degree of CKD had significantly lower renal perfusion. Diffusion and BOLD MRI showed more modest differences between the groups. Individuals with progressive CKD had lower perfusion and response to furosemide.


Immunology in Malaysia--a review.
Immunology is a discipline that traverses all branches of clinical medicine. Thus since about ten years ago major hospitals in Malaysia established routine clinical immunology services particularly in the diagnosis of autoimmune/connective tissue disorders. More recently these laboratories have ventured into basic research in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, Leukaemia Immunology, Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Leprosy. The rationale for these projects together with early results from them are discussed.


[The frequency of isolating urinary infection germs at a community practice and their sensitivity to various antibiotics].
Nine hundred and thirty one urine's specimens of patients affected by urinary infection have been studied by pathology practising in different towns in France. The most frequently germs retrieved are: Escherichia coli 76%, Proteus mirabilis 12%, Klebsiella 5%, Staphylococcus epidermidis 2%. Were studied Gram negative rods sensibility to ampicillin (A), cephalosporin 1st generation (C), nalidixic acid (Nal), gentamicin (G), norfloxacin (Norf); Gram positive cocci resistance to oxacillin (Oxa), erythromycin (E), pristinamycin (P), gentamicin (G), norfloxacin (Norf). For E. coli: the resistance was 24% A, 2% C1, 0.1% G, 4% Nal, 0.1% Norf. For Klebsiella: the resistance was respectively 96% A, 12% C1, 10% Nal, 18% G., 4% Norf. For P. mirabilis: 11% A, 3% C1, 0% Nal, 9% G, 0% Norf. E. coli strains cephalo R; Gram negative rods Genta R or quinolone R; staphylocoque oxa R or pristina R have been checked by HIA Begin microbiology laboratory. Discrepancies in results have been analysed. This study enabled the participants to improve their bacteriological technic, antibiogramm's reading, results' interpretation.


Co-delivery of a growth factor and a tissue-protective molecule using elastin biopolymers accelerates wound healing in diabetic mice.
Growth factor therapy is a promising approach for chronic diabetic wounds, but strategies to efficiently and cost-effectively deliver active molecules to the highly proteolytic wound environment remain as major obstacles. Here, we re-engineered keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and the cellular protective peptide ARA290 into a protein polymer suspension with the purpose of increasing their proteolytic resistance, thus their activity in vivo. KGF and ARA290 were fused with elastin-like peptide (ELP), a protein polymer derived from tropoelastin, that confers the ability to separate into a colloidal suspension of liquid-like coacervates. ELP fusion did not diminish peptides activities as demonstrated by ability of KGF-ELP to accelerate keratinocyte proliferation and migration, and ARA290-ELP to protect cells from apoptosis. We examined the healing effect of ARA290-ELP and KGF-ELP alone or in combination, in a full-thickness diabetic wound model. In this model, ARA290-ELP was found to accelerate healing, notably by increasing angiogenesis in the wound bed. We further showed that co-delivery of ARA290 and KGF, with the 1:4 KGF-ELP to ARA290-ELP ratio, was the most effective wound treatment with the fastest healing rate, the thicker granulation tissue and regenerated epidermis after 28 days. Overall, this study shows that ARA290-ELP and KGF-ELP constitute promising new therapeutics for treatment of chronic wounds.


Detoxification of Ochratoxin A on Heating under Acidic and Alkaline Conditions.
Ochratoxin A was heated under three different moisture conditions, and under acidic and alkaline conditions. Heating to 175°C under the dry conditions produced little change in the molecule and cytotoxicity, detected by TLC and in the effects on the proliferation of HeLa cells. When heated under the moist and watery conditions, a small change in molecule was found by TLC, but cytotoxicity was not reduced. Under the acidic conditions (0.1 N HCl) the decomposition of ochratoxin A was detected by TLC, however the change in cytotoxicity was not observed in this assay system. On the other hand, heating with NaOH (0.1 N) resulted in the decomposition and detoxification of ochratoxin A. The HPTLC analysis showed the formation of some decomposed compounds including L-phenylalanine. This indicates the hydrolysis of ochratoxin A is one of the decomposition reactions induced by alkali at high temperatures.


[Musculoskeletal rehabilitation and bone. Static balance exercise for preventing falls and fractures].
There is an urgent need to establish measures for dealing with reduced life function in the elderly. Fractures caused by falls are one of the factors that prevent elderly people from living independently, and there is a need for exercises that provide superior balance and more effectively prevent falls. However, although several meta-analyses have been conducted regarding balance, there are few clear guidelines for balance exercises. In the present study, we clarified the development of balance ability by examining the motor development process, and discuss herein the significance of acquisition and maintenance of static balance. We also conducted a literature search regarding effective exercises for static balance impairment, and include a discussion of the effectiveness and limitations of static balance exercises.


Metal-binding loop length is a determinant of the pKa of a histidine ligand at a type 1 copper site.
The type 1 copper site of a cupredoxin involves coordination by cysteine, histidine, and methionine residues from a single loop. Dissociation and protonation of the histidine ligand on this loop is observed in only certain reduced cupredoxins and can regulate electron-transfer reactivity. This effect is introduced in azurin (AZ) (the wild-type protein has an estimated pKa of <2) by mutating the native copper-binding loop (C(112)TFPGH(117)SALM(121), ligands numbered). In this work, we have investigated the influence of loop length alone on histidine ligand protonation by determining the pKa value in AZ variants with ligand-containing polyalanine loops of different length. Crystal structures of the Cu(I)-variant with the loop sequence C(112)AAH(115)AAM(118) (AZ2A2A) demonstrate that at pH 4.2 His115 is protonated and no longer coordinated, and the imidazole ring is rotated by 180°. The influence of pH on the reduction potential allows a pKa of 5.2 ± 0.1 for His115 in Cu(I)-AZ2A2A to be determined. In the reduced AZ variants in which the loop sequences C(112)AAAAH(117)AAAM(121) (AZ4A3A) and C(112)AAAAH(117)AAAAM(122) (AZ4A4A) have been introduced, pKa values of 4.5 ± 0.1 and 4.4 ± 0.1, respectively, are obtained for the His117 ligand. Consistent with these data, the crystal structure of Cu(I)-AZ4A4A at pH 5.3 shows no sign of His117 protonation (crystals were unstable at lower pH values). The loop length range studied matches that which occurs naturally and these investigations indicate that length alone can alter the pKa of the coordinating histidine by approximately 1 pH unit. The pKa for this histidine ligand varies in native cupredoxins by >5 pH units. Other structural and electronic features, governed primarily by the second-coordination sphere, to which the ligand-binding loop is a major contributor, also alter this important feature. A longer ligand-containing loop made of residues whose side chains are larger and more complex than a methyl group increases the second coordination sphere providing additional scope for tuning the pKa of the histidine ligand and other active site properties.


Autobiographical Memory in Bipolar Disorder and Its Link to Neuropsychological Functioning.
The aim of this study was to examine the specificity of autobiographical memory (AM) in bipolar disorder (BD) and to investigate the association between AM and neuropsychological functions. Twenty bipolar patients and 22 matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. AM was assessed with an extended version of the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) including rejection cue words. A neuropsychological test battery was used to examine verbal memory, executive functions, and attention. Across both groups, the number of specific memories in the AMT was significantly smaller in response to rejection cue words and positive cue words than in response to negative cue words. Participants with BD and HCs did not differ significantly in neuropsychological measures. Across both groups, scores of verbal memory, executive functions, and attention were significantly correlated with specificity of retrieved memories. Although our clinical sample consisted of clinically stable outpatients, 6 out of 20 patients were not rated as euthymic but as mildly depressed. All BD patients were medicated. Contrary to previous results, patients with BD did not differ in the number of specific memories compared to an HC group. Our findings suggest that neuropsychological functioning is associated with AMT specificity. Further research is required to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms which may influence the ease of memory retrieval.


Characterization of naproxen-polymer conjugates for drug-delivery.
The synthesis and the characterization of three new naproxen decorated polymers are described. A versatile and general approach is employed to link the drug to polymers, affording the derivatives with a very high degree of purity. The release of the drug from the conjugates proved to be exceptionally slow, even in acidic aqueous media, and the kinetic of the process seems to be triggered by their solubility in water. On the other hand, the interesting outcome of the first ex vivo drug release experiments on human blood samples makes this preliminary study valuable for future investigations on the use of these polymeric prodrugs in in vivo treatment of inflammatory states.


Co-producing a complex psychosocial intervention during COVID-19 with young people transitioning from adolescent secure hospitals to adult services in England: Moving Forward intervention (MFi).
Young people moving from adolescent secure hospitals to adult care present with multiple and complex needs which often remain unmet during transition periods. This paper delineates the process of developing and co-producing the moving forward intervention (MFi), which aims to address the psychosocial needs of transitioning youth who have limited access to well-researched and tailored service provisions. An extensive search of the relevant literature was conducted to generate themes and guide the co-production phase. Fourteen Advisory Group Meetings were held virtually during COVID-19 to design the MFi module content with 17 keyworkers, 2 parents and 13 young people aged 17-18 years across six adolescent secure hospitals in England. Thematic analysis was used to reflect on the field notes discussed in the Advisory Groups. Co-produced themes from the literature and the Advisory Groups informed the development of the proposed intervention. Three overarching themes pertinent to expectations in adult services, improving communication gaps between services and facilitating the letting go period emerged from the co-production phase. It was suggested the MFi is co-delivered by a peer with lived experience to build trust and create hopefulness among young people. The importance of promoting graded transitions through standardised procedures was highlighted. The current findings promote evidence-based initiatives and build robust practice frameworks that inform treatment and policy guidelines. The young people, parents and keyworkers found the MFi supportive and valued the co-production experience. As such, co-production has been a vital tool in promoting patient engagement and empowerment, and reducing service inequalities, especially in adolescent secure hospitals.


ON THE EVOLUTION OF PSEUDOGAMY.
A. density- and frequency-dependent model for the evolution and maintenance of pseudogamous females is developed and analyzed. Ecological as well as evolutionary aspects of pseudogamy are discussed. Criteria are described for the stable coexistence of sexual females and pseudogamous females under natural conditions. The conditions for invasion of a normal bisexual population by pseudogamous females are less stringent than the conditions for stable coexistence. Hence, we expect that some populations will be characterized by unstable sex ratios over time (with the resulting local extinction due to lack of males) while other populations will be characterized by stable sex ratios over time. If high population sex ratios (i.e., many females to few males) are to be stable, the net population growth rate must be large, and there can be no successful male preference for sexual females.


Bibliometrics Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies of Bladder Cancer.
Bladder cancer is amongst the top 10 most common neoplasms worldwide. It is responsible for over 150,000 deaths per annum. It is of great importance to study its clinical diagnosis and management. As a literature synthesis technique, bibliometrics analysis helps us to take our knowledge of bladder cancer diagnosis research, topics, and trends a step further. It is critical to elucidate the literature landscape and its pertinent impact on this field, in order to have a better understanding and improved management of bladder cancer. Search terms related to bladder cancer diagnosis were used to retrieval publications which met the predefined criteria in the Scopus database developed by Elsevier. Included articles were further evaluated by year of publication, country, language, institution, article type, source journal, coauthorship networks, and text mining of titles. The R software, as well as the tm, ggplot2 packages, and the VOSviewer (version 1.6.15) were used as software tools. A comprehensive literature search in the Scopus database returned a total of 824 publication items. Among them, 601 (72.94%) were published as journal articles, and 117 (14.20%) were published as reviews. The number of annual publications in this field has been increasing in recent years. English represents the language used in the majority of the articles (634, 77.13%). The highest number of citations received for a single article is as high as 628 times. We also clustered and visualized a network of 701 authors with no less than 3 publications. The term cloud and hierarchical clustering dendrogram which revealed with text mining were used to discover the hot research topics in this field. We also statistically analyzed evolution of the major journal impact indices, including Impact Factor, EigenFactor Score, and CiteScore of 11 journals with a period of 9 years. Through bibliometrics analysis, we found hot topics and related research focuses and trends in bladder cancer diagnosis. This bibliometrics analysis has identified influential articles in the field and provides a useful guide to researchers as to what type of article constitutes a highly citable publication in this subject. In addition, a coauthorship network helps researchers find out which team may be a potential partner and where their studies focus on.


Tendon injuries about the foot and ankle in children.
Sixty-four children with tendon injuries about the foot and ankle have been reviewed in order to present a plan of management when such injuries occur. One-third involved the tendo Achillis; the others were equally distributed between the dorsum and sole of the foot, and in only 12% was more than one tendon involved. Sensory nerves were frequently severed, but nearly all recovered completely after early repair. The results of immediate repair of tendons were good. When repair was delayed the results were less satisfactory, as severe deformities developed in the growing feet. Early exploration and surgical repair of selected tendons are recommended to avoid future disability.


Predictors and Outcomes of Vitrectomy and Silicone Oil Injection in Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy.
To evaluate visual and anatomical results and identify factors that influence vitrectomy and silicone oil (SO) injection outcomes in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). This retrospective study included 236 eyes with PDR that were undergoing vitrectomy and SO injection with >3-month follow-up. The primary outcomes were final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal attachment rate. At the final visit (mean, 88 ± 58 weeks), complete, partial, and no retinal attachment were observed in 86.9%, 10.6%, and 2.5% of patients, respectively. A total of 155 eyes had experienced SO removal, while 81 had SO in place. The mean initial BCVA was 1.9 ± 0.7 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and significantly improved to 1.7 ± 0.8 logMAR (p = 0.001). Initial macular detachment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.25), development of iatrogenic break (AOR, 0.25), and use of heavy SO (AOR, 0.13) were independently associated with a lower risk of final retinal attachment, and SO removal was associated with a higher incidence (AOR, 7.55). Better baseline BCVA was associated with a higher risk of final BCVA ≥20 / 200. Despite an encouraging outcome based on anatomical data in advanced PDR treated with vitrectomy and SO, the functional prognosis was not satisfying for patients. Eyes with better vision at baseline had a more favorable prognosis, whereas eyes with initial macular detachment, intraoperative iatrogenic break, or heavy SO showed more unfavorable outcomes. In selected cases, extending the time of SO use did not worsen the prognosis.


Seed germination and biochemical profile of Citrus reticulata (Kinnow) exposed to green synthesised silver nanoparticles.
The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is substantial for its applications in different fields. The Moringa oleifera leaves were used as reducing and stabilising agent for the biosynthesis of AgNPs. The synthesised AgNPs were characterised through UV-visible spectroscopy, zeta analyser, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive Xray (EDX). In this study, effects of the synthesised AgNPs were also evaluated on nucellus tissues germination frequency and biochemical parameters of plant tissues. Nucellus tissues of Citrus reticulata were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 10, 20, 30 and 40 µg/ml suspension of the synthesised AgNPs. Green synthesised AgNPs enhanced the in vitro germination because of low toxicity and nonfriendly issues. Significant results were obtained for germination parameters i.e. root and shoot length and seedling vigour index in response to 30 µg/ml suspension of green synthesised AgNPs. The 30 µ/ml suspension of AgNPs also enhanced antioxidant activity (41%) and SOD activity (0.36 nM/min/mg FW) while total phenolic content (4.7 µg/mg FW) and total flavonoid content (1.1 µg/mg FW) was significantly high when MS medium was fortified with 40 µg/ml suspension of the synthesised AgNPs. The content of total protein was significant (558 µg/BSA Eq/mg FW) in control plantlets as compared to the other treatments.


Projected climate change impacts upon dew yield in the Mediterranean basin.
Water scarcity is increasingly raising the need for non-conventional water resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In this context, atmospheric moisture can potentially be harvested in the form of dew, which is commonly disregarded from the water budget, although its impact may be significant when compared to rainfall during the dry season. In this study, a dew atlas for the Mediterranean region is presented illustrating dew yields using the yield data collected for the 2013 dry season. The results indicate that cumulative monthly dew yield in the region can exceed 2.8mm at the end of the dry season and 1.5mm during the driest months, compared to <1mm of rainfall during the same period in some areas. Dew yields were compared with potential evapotranspiration (PET) and actual evapotranspiration (ET) during summer months thus highlighting the role of dew to many native plants in the region. Furthermore, forecasted trends in temperature and relative humidity were used to estimate dew yields under future climatic scenarios. The results showed a 27% decline in dew yield during the critical summer months at the end of the century (2080).


Predicting Solvation Free Energies Using Parameter-Free Solvent Models.
We present a new approach for predicting solvation free energies in nonaqueous solvents. Utilizing the corresponding states principle, we estimate solvent Lennard-Jones parameters directly from their critical points. Combined with atomic solutes and the pressure corrected three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM/PC+), the model gives accurate predictions for a wide range of nonpolar solvents, including olive oil. The results, obtained without electrostatic interactions and with a very coarse-grained solvent, provide an interesting alternative to widely used and heavily parametrized models.


Citizen science plant observations encode global trait patterns.
Global maps of plant functional traits are essential for studying the dynamics of the terrestrial biosphere, yet the spatial distribution of trait measurements remains sparse. With the increasing popularity of species identification apps, citizen scientists contribute to growing vegetation data collections. The question emerges whether such opportunistic citizen science data can help map plant functional traits globally. Here we show that we can map global trait patterns by complementing vascular plant observations from the global citizen science project iNaturalist with measurements from the plant trait database TRY. We evaluate these maps using sPlotOpen, a global collection of vegetation plot data. Our results show high correlations between the iNaturalist- and sPlotOpen-based maps of up to 0.69 (r) and higher correlations than to previously published trait maps. As citizen science data collections continue to grow, we can expect them to play a significant role in further improving maps of plant functional traits.


Preparation of enantiopure biimidazoline ligands and their use in asymmetric catalysis.
A convenient new method for the preparation of 2,2'-biimidazolines is reported. Amino alcohols were reacted with dimethyl oxalate, and the product hydroxy amides converted into chloroamides by reaction with thionyl chloride. Treatment with PCl5, followed by diamines (ethanediamine, propane-1,3-diamine, 2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine) furnished a series of enantiopure tricyclic biimidazolines. Complexes of two of the ligands with PdCl2 were prepared and their X-ray crystal structures were determined. The biimidazolines were tested as ligands for asymmetric Pd-catalysed allylations. Moderate enantioselectivity (up to 80% ee) was found for the reaction of dimethyl malonate with diphenylallyl acetate, with the 5,7,5 fused tricyclic systems outperforming the 5,6,5 analogues. The corresponding reaction of pentenyl acetate gave lower enantioselectivity (44-57% ee), and proved very sensitive to the donor strength of the ligands, the stronger donors giving lower yields. The results provide a further demonstration of the value of the 'tunability' of imidazoline ligands.


[Development and Validation of the Cancer-Specific Posttraumatic Growth Inventory].
The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to evaluate posttraumatic growth in patients with cancer and to examine the validity and reliability of the scale. A literature review, semi-structured patient interviews and an expert panel consultation produced a 27 preliminary item questionnaire. Participants were 150 cancer patients recruited to test the reliability and validity of the preliminary scale. Data were analyzed using item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, convergent validity and internal consistency. Item reduction and exploratory factor analysis led to 23 items, grouped into five subscales which were labelled new possibilities (6 items), coping skills (5 items), preciousness of life (5 items), relating to others (4 items), and personal strength (3 items). Convergent validity was evaluated by total correlation with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (r=.45, p<.001). The final scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α =.94). Findings from this study indicate that the Cancer-Specific Posttraumatic Growth Inventory has validity and reliability and is considered to be appropriate for assessing posttraumatic growth in patients with cancer.


Triphenylamine based yellowish-orange light emitting organic dyes (donor-π-acceptor) for hybrid WLEDs and OLEDs: synthesis, characterization and theoretical study.
Six novel yellowish-orange light emitting dye molecules consisting of an electron deficient phenone (acceptor) linked to triphenylamine (donor), were designed and synthesized. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the dyes were systematically investigated and examined using DFT calculations. All the synthesized dye materials have shown high quantum yields (ranging from 0.35to0.74%). The dyes emitted intense yellowish-orange (x = 0.427, y = 0.481) to orange color (x = 0.511, y = 0.484) with appropriate CIE color coordinates. The synthesised dyes were used for generating white light by fabricating white LEDs. Among all hybrid white LED devices TPA-2 has shown bright white emission with CIE color coordinates x = 0.32, y = 0.33. Theoretical calculations have been performed to explore the optical, electronic, charge transport, and stability properties of the TPA derivatives as charge transport and emissive materials for organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). The results show that, all the derivatives are highly luminescent and their hole transport performances are more favourable than their electron transport performances. So these materials can be used as hole transport materials for OLEDs.


Pheromones modulate responsiveness to a noxious stimulus in honey bees.
Pheromones are chemical substances released into the environment by an individual, which trigger stereotyped behaviors and/or physiological processes in individuals of the same species. Yet, a novel hypothesis has suggested that pheromones not only elicit innate responses but also contribute to behavioral plasticity by affecting the subjective evaluation of appetitive or aversive stimuli. To test this hypothesis, we exposed bees to three pheromonal components whose valence was either negative (i.e. associated with aversive events: isopentyl acetate and 2-heptanone) or positive (i.e. associated with appetitive events: geraniol). We then determined the effect of this exposure on the subjective evaluation of aversive stimuli by quantifying responsiveness to a series of increasing electric shock voltages before and after exposure. Two experiments were conducted varying the time lapse between shock series (15 min in experiment 1, and 24 h in experiment 2). In experiment 1, we observed a general decrease of shock responsiveness caused by fatigue, due to the short lapse of time between the two series of shocks. This decrease could only be counteracted by isopentyl acetate. The enhancing effect of isopentyl acetate on shock responsiveness was also found in experiment 2. Conversely, geraniol decreased aversive responsiveness in this experiment; 2-heptanone did not affect aversive responsiveness in any experiment. Overall, our results demonstrate that certain pheromones modulate the salience of aversive stimuli according to their valence. In this way, they would affect the motivation to engage in aversive responses, thus acting as modulators of behavioral plasticity.


Fatty acid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in Gymnocypris przewalskii (Kessler, 1876) response to thermal stress.
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is undergoing a wet-warming transition, which could affect the survival of the native fish. However, the tolerance and physiological response to thermal stress is rarely studied in Gymnocypris przewalskii, a rare native fish in the Tibetan plateau. In this study, first, we detected the thermal tolerance of five groups of six-month G. przewalskii which acclimated at 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 °C for two weeks, respectively, by critical thermal methodology. Then, through heat challenge, we detected the metabolites, key enzyme activities, and gene expressions involved in metabolism and antioxidant in the hepatopancreas when the temperatures increased from 16 °C to 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 °C for 12 h, respectively. The results showed that although the fish are sensitive to high temperatures, the quick acclimation at mild high temperatures could significantly improve the tolerance to acute high-temperature stress in juvenile G. przewalskii. During the heat challenge study, blood glucose significantly increased at heat stress (P < 0.05). At the same time, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) significantly decreased when the temperature rose continuously to 20 °C. Metabolic enzyme activities of carnitine palmityl transferase I (CPT-Ⅰ), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) significantly decreased at 20 °C (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) significantly increased at 20 °C (P < 0.05). The relative transcript levels of genes involved in antioxidant and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis were markedly higher than the control at 20-26 °C (P < 0.05). The genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis or metabolism showed different expression patterns under heat stress. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and Hsp90 were significantly higher than the control at 18 °C and 26 °C, respectively. These results confirmed the prediction that G. przewalskii is sensitive to high temperatures, so conservation efforts should pay more attention to the warming damage.