Postoperative day one: a high risk period for respiratory events.
In 2001, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations released Pain Management Standards that has led to an increased focus on pain control. Since then the Institute for Safe Medication Practices has noted that overaggressive pain management has led to increases in oversedation and fatal respiratory depression. One of our previous studies found that postoperative patients may be reaching dangerously high levels of sedation as a result of pain management. Our hypothesis is that postoperative patients who have a respiratory event caused by analgesic use are more likely to have that event in the first postoperative day. We performed a retrospective case-control analysis identifying 62 postoperative patients who had a respiratory event. A respiratory event was defined as respiratory depression caused by narcotic use in the postoperative period that was reversed by naloxone. Sixty-two postoperative patients with no such event were chosen randomly and frequency matched based on surgical procedure and diagnosis-related group. Risk factors for an event were identified. Of the cases, 77.4% had a respiratory event in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Significant risk factors for an event were as follows: 65 years of age or older, having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, having 1 or more comorbidities, and being placed on hydromorphone. The first 24 hours after surgery represents a high-risk period for a respiratory event as a result of narcotic use. The realization of this risk can lead to the implementation of standards to increase patient safety in the first postoperative day.


Environmental changes define ecological limits to species richness and reveal the mode of macroevolutionary competition.
Co-dependent geological and climatic changes obscure how species interact in deep time. The interplay between these environmental factors makes it hard to discern whether ecological competition exerts an upper limit on species richness. Here, using the exceptional fossil record of Cenozoic Era macroperforate planktonic foraminifera, we assess the evidence for alternative modes of macroevolutionary competition. Our models support an environmentally dependent macroevolutionary form of contest competition that yields finite upper bounds on species richness. Models of biotic competition assuming unchanging environmental conditions were overwhelmingly rejected. In the best-supported model, temperature affects the per-lineage diversification rate, while both temperature and an environmental driver of sediment accumulation defines the upper limit. The support for contest competition implies that incumbency constrains species richness by restricting niche availability, and that the number of macroevolutionary niches varies as a function of environmental changes.


Normal versus abnormal cell proliferation. A unitary and analytical overview.
The most recent findings on the molecular and cellular characterization of normal and abnormal cell proliferation are summarized. They include molecular spectroscopy, nucleic acid conformation, protein modifications, premature chromosome condensation, nucleoli changes, nuclear and cell morphometry, image analysis, flow microfluorimetry, and time-lapse cinematography. Biophysical and biochemical evidence in favor or against two cycles of chromatin condensation, followed by two abrupt random decondensations, per cell cycle are presented. Other biphasic changes at the molecular and cellular levels that favor the existence of two random transitions, or restriction points, per cell cycle are discussed. A comprehensive unitary model of the cell cycle is then outlined; this model is able to explain most findings on continuously dividing cells and on quiescent cells induced to proliferate. Within this analytical framework the physical-chemical and biological properties are given, in either normal or tumor cells, for the various types of "noncycling" cells that are here viewed as necessary steps in mammalian cell growth rather than separates states. The implications of the coupling of higher-order chromatin structure with cell geometry and growth, high in fibroblast-like cells but low in transformed cells, are also discussed. Molecular mechanisms likely responsible for the chromatin conformational changes occurring at the G0 leads to G1, G1 leads to S, G2 leads to M transitions are finally discussed in terms of polyelectrolyte theory.


An Investigation on the Consciousness of Patients and Pharmacists Regarding Inhaler Education.
Few studies have focused on the awareness of inhaler education in patients and pharmacists who have crucial roles in inhaler education. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in awareness of inhaler education between patients and pharmacists. We conducted questionnaire-based surveys involving 270 patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 139 pharmacists of 13 pharmacies belonging to the same chain dispensing pharmacy in Hyogo prefecture of Japan in July 2011. We obtained valid responses from 230 patients (85.2%) and 139 pharmacists (100%). Although 75% of pharmacists provided inhaler education about the importance of continuation, only 16% of patients felt that they had learned the importance of continuation. Similarly, 95% of pharmacists provided inhaler education about the importance of gargling, however, only 57% of patients felt that they had learned the importance of gargling. This survey clarified the difference in awareness between pharmacists and patients on inhaler education. It proved to be difficult to educate patients on the importance of compliance and gargling.


Vocal response inhibition is enhanced by anodal tDCS over the right prefrontal cortex.
Stopping outright (reactive inhibition) and slowing down (proactive inhibition) are types of response inhibition which have mainly been investigated in the manual effector system. This study compared reactive inhibition across manual and vocal effector systems, examined the effects of excitatory anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (anodal tDCS) over the right prefrontal cortex (right-PFC) and looked at the relationship between reactive and proactive inhibition. We hypothesised (1) that vocal reactive inhibition would be less effective than manual reactive inhibition as evidenced by longer stop signal reaction times; (2) that anodal tDCS would enhance both vocal and manual reactive inhibitions and (3) that proactive and reactive inhibitions would be positively related. We tested 14 participants over two sessions (one session with anodal tDCS and one session with sham stimulation) and applied stimulation protocol in the middle of the session, i.e. only during the second of three phases. We used a stop signal task across two stop conditions: relevant and irrelevant stop conditions in which stopping was required or ignored, respectively. We found that reactive inhibition was faster during and immediately after anodal tDCS relative to sham. We also found that greater level of proactive inhibition enhanced reactive inhibition (indexed by shorter stop signal reaction times). These results support the hypothesis that the right-PFC is part of a core network for reactive inhibition and supports previous contention that proactive inhibition is possibly modulated via preactivating the reactive inhibition network.


Sonochemistry and sonoluminescence of room-temperature ionic liquids.
The sonication of ionic organic liquids leads to decomposition of the liquids. Multibubble sonoluminescence spectra and headgas analysis reveal a variety of decomposition products from the sonolysis of N,N'-dialkylimidazolium ionic liquids. The decomposition is a result of acoustic cavitation, which generates localized hot spots from the implosive collapse of bubbles in the ionic liquids. Despite the negligible vapor pressure of the ionic liquids, reaction still occurs in a heated shell of the bubbles or from microdroplets thrown into the collapsing bubbles.


Semi-vioxanthin isolated from marine-derived fungus regulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cluster of differentiation (CD) 80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex class II expression in RAW264.7 cells via nuclear factor-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways.
Semi-vioxanthin isolated from marine-derived fungus was assessed for immunoregulatory activity in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. In the present study, the facilitative effects of semi-vioxanthin on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and its mRNA expression and on expression of the co-stimulatory molecules, cluster of differentiation (CD) 80, CD86 and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II), as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the immunologic enhancement properties of semi-vioxanthin were studied. Our results clearly indicated that semi-vioxanthin treatment resulted in the degradation of IkappaB alpha, which led to the activation and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), as determined by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Moreover, TNF-alpha production was prevented by NF-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors. Inhibition of NF-kappaB and extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK1/2) activity by specific inhibitors blunted the effect of semi-vioxanthin on the up-regulation of CD80, CD86 and MHCII expression, but neither p38 MAPK nor c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor had this effect. Thus, we demonstrate that semi-vioxanthin regulates TNF-alpha production through NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways. Activation of NF-kappaB and ERK1/2 were necessary for CD80, CD86 and MHCII expression induced by semi-vioxanthin. These data suggest that semi-vioxanthin has immunoregulatory effects.


Diagnostic Performance of Measurement of Fecal Elastase-1 in Detection of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Tests to quantify fecal levels of chymotrypsin like elastase family member 3 (CELA3 or elastase-1) in feces are widely used to identify patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). However, the diagnostic accuracy of this test, an ELISA, is not clear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the accuracy of measurement of fecal elastase-1 in detection of EPI. We searched PubMed, Embase, and reference lists for articles through November 2016 describing studies that compared fecal level of elastase-1 with results from a reference standard, direct method (secretin stimulation test), or indirect method (measurement of fecal fat) for detection of EPI. Sensitivity and specificity values were pooled statistically using bivariate diagnostic meta-analysis. We included total of 428 cases of EPI and 673 individuals without EPI (controls), from 14 studies, in the meta-analysis. The assay for elastase-1, compared to secretin stimulation test, identified patients with pancreatic insufficiency with a pooled sensitivity value of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.58-0.89) and specificity value of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78-0.93). In an analysis of 345 cases of EPI and 312 controls, from 6 studies, the fecal elastase-1 assay identified patients with EPI with a pooled sensitivity value of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.79-0.99) and specificity value of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.59-0.97), compared to quantitative fecal fat estimation. In patients with low pre-test probability of EPI (5%), the fecal elastase-1 assay would have a false-negative rate of 1.1% and a false-positive rate of 11%, indicating a high yield in ruling out EPI but not in detection of EPI. In contrast, in patients with high pre-test probability of EPI (40%), approximately 10% of patients with EPI would be missed (false negatives). In a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared fecal level of elastase-1 for detection of EPI, we found that normal level of elastase-1 (above 200 mcg/g) can rule out EPI in patients with a low probability of this disorder (such as those with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea). However, in these patients, an abnormal level of elastase-1 (below 200 mcg/g) has a high false-positive rate.


Zonisamide improves motor function in Parkinson disease: a randomized, double-blind study.
To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of daily doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg of zonisamide (ZNS) administered as adjunctive treatment in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). We conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-treatment, placebo-controlled study in Japan. Patients with PD who showed insufficient response to levodopa treatment were given placebo for 2 weeks and then treated for 12 weeks with 25, 50, or 100 mg/day of ZNS or placebo, in addition to levodopa, followed by a 2-week dose-reduction period. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in the total score of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III at the final assessment point. Secondary endpoints included changes from baseline in total daily "off" time; total scores of UPDRS Parts I, II, and IV; and Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale score. Safety analysis was based on the incidence of adverse events. There was significant improvement in the primary endpoint in the 25-mg and 50-mg groups vs placebo. The duration of "off" time was significantly reduced in the 50-mg and 100-mg groups vs placebo. Dyskinesia was not increased in ZNS groups. The incidence of adverse effects was similar between the 25-mg, 50-mg, and placebo groups but higher in the 100-mg group. Zonisamide is safe, effective and well tolerated at 25 to 100 mg/day as an adjunctive treatment in patients with Parkinson disease.


Optical imaging with spectrum aberration correction using a filtering macrolens.
A filtering macrolens was developed to simultaneously achieve macro-optical imaging and correct spectrum aberration. The macrolens was a doublet lens comprising a filtering lens and a close-up lens. The shape of the filtering lens was designed to eliminate the optical path differences between the light rays in the absorbing medium. The close-up lens was designed to decrease the effective focal length of an ordinary camera lens to provide high magnification capability and collimate the diverging beams through the filtering lens. Experimental results demonstrated that the spectrum uniformity of the macro-optical images was markedly improved by the filtering macrolens. This innovation may be used in finite conjugate optical systems.


Effect of omega-3 and ascorbic acid on inflammation markers in depressed shift workers in Shahid Tondgoyan Oil Refinery, Iran: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.
The present study aimed to assess the effect of supplementation of omega-3 and/or vitamin C on serum interleukin-6 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration and depression scores among shift workers in Shahid Tondgoyan oil refinery. The study design was randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial. Totally 136 shift workers with a depression score ≥10 in 21-item Beck Depression Rating Scale were randomly assigned to receive omega-3 (180 mg eicosapentaenoate acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid) or/and vitamin C 250 mg or placebo twice daily (with the same taste and shape as omega-3 and vitamin C) for 60 days in four groups. Depression score, interleukin-6 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and after 60 days. This study showed that supplementation of omega-3 plus vitamin C is associated with a decrease in depression score (p<0.05). Supplementation of omega-3 without vitamin C, is associated with a reduction in depression score (p<0.0001) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration (p<0.01). Therefore omega-3 supplementation showed a better effect on reducing depression score and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, but supplementation of vitamin C along with omega-3 did not have significant effect on change in C-reactive protein level compared to omega-3 alone. ( IRCT201202189056N1).


Influence of a combination of random noise and pattern-edge width (in pixels) on contrast-to-gradient image resolution in scanning electron microscopy.
The contrast-to-gradient (CG) method has been proposed previously for the evaluation of image resolution in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the CG algorithm, the image to be evaluated is gradually reduced to form the 1/r-reduced image (r = 1, 2, 3, ...) until the representative features of local patterns are accurately recognizable after the corresponding r-th noise reduction. We have studied the influence of a combination of random noise and pattern-edge width (in pixels) on the CG resolution R using both PC-made test images and typical SEM images. As the random noise is larger, the value of R becomes larger (or poorer). The increase in R due to the noise influence is more significant for the narrower width of the pattern edge. This satisfactorily agrees with the common idea that the image resolution is to reflect the sharpness of the pattern edge recognized in the image noise. By revising the form of DeltaR from the weighted standard fluctuation of R to the differential of R, a significantly weak N(dot)-dependency on R has been favorably confirmed, with keeping firmly the noise-dependency on R. Here, N(dot) is the number of pattern dots in the image.


Immunoaccessible peptide sequences of the major outer membrane protein from Chlamydia trachomatis serovar C.
The antigenicity of the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis serovar C was assessed by using overlapping hexapeptide homologs of serovar C major outer membrane protein and rabbit antisera in a peptide enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Five immunogenic sites were found distributed within variable sequences of the protein: four were immunodominant and three were surface exposed on native elementary bodies of serovar C. None was surface exposed on serovars H, I, and J.


Nonspecific vaginitis in an outpatient clinic. Comparison of three dosage regimens of metronidazole.
Nonspecific vaginitis causes diagnostic as well as therapeutic difficulties in gynecological private practice. In a study in 63 patients with "nonspecific" vaginitis, clinical parameters were related to the bacteriological isolation of G. vaginalis in order to try to find criteria which can help to make a correct diagnosis of "nonspecific vaginitis". These patients were treated with three different regimens of metronidazole, either 2000 mg as a single dose, or two single doses of 2000 mg each taken the first and the third day, or 400 mg 2 times daily for 7 days. Patients with Candida or Trichomonas infections were excluded. Partners were treated at the same time, with the same regimen as the patient. The patients were controlled 14 and 28 days after the beginning of the treatment. The preliminary results showed that all regimens give good clinical effect, but the treatment with 2000 mg given as a single dose the first and the third days seems to lead to fewer failures.


Does robotic gait training improve balance in Parkinson's disease? A randomized controlled trial.
Treadmill training (with or without robotic assistance) has been reported to improve balance skills in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, its effectiveness on postural instability has been evaluated mainly in patients with mild to moderate PD (Hoehn & Yahr stage ≤3). Patients with more severe disease may benefit from robot-assisted gait training performed by the Gait-Trainer GT1, as a harness supports them with their feet placed on motor-driven footplates. The aim of this study was to determine whether robot-assisted gait training could have a positive influence on postural stability in patients with PD at Hoehn & Yahr stage 3-4. Thirty-four patients with PD at Hoehn & Yahr stage 3-4 were randomly assigned into two groups. All patients received twelve, 40-min treatment sessions, three days/week, for four consecutive weeks. The Robotic Training group (n = 17) underwent robot-assisted gait training, while the Physical Therapy group (n = 17) underwent a training program not specifically aimed at improving postural stability. Patients were evaluated before, immediately after and 1-month post-treatment. Primary outcomes were: Berg Balance scale; Nutt's rating. A significant improvement was found after treatment on the Berg Balance Scale and the Nutt's rating in favor of the Robotic Training group (Berg: 43.44 ± 2.73; Nutt: 1.38 ± 0.50) compared to the Physical Therapy group (Berg: 37.27 ± 5.68; Nutt: 2.07 ± 0.59). All improvements were maintained at the 1-month follow-up evaluation. Robot-assisted gait training may improve postural instability in patients with PD at Hoehn & Yahr stage 3-4.


Acute injury to superficial cortex leads to a decrease in synaptic inhibition and increase in excitation in neocortical layer V pyramidal cells.
Injury to the superficial layers of cerebral cortex produces alterations in the synaptic responses of local circuits that promote the development of seizures. To further delineate the specific changes in synaptic strength that are induced by this type of cortical injury, whole cell voltage-clamp recordings were used to examine evoked and spontaneous synaptic events from layer V pyramidal cells in coronal slices prepared from surgically traumatized rat neocortices in which the superficial third of the cortex (layers I, II, and part of III) was removed. Slices from intact neocortices were used as controls. Examinations of fast inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) indicated that traumatized slices were disinhibited, exhibiting evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs) with lower peak amplitudes. Measurements of spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) revealed no difference in the mean amplitudes of sIPSCs recorded in traumatized versus control slices. However, the mean sIPSC frequency was lower in traumatized slices, indicative of a decrease in GABA release at these inhibitory synapses. Traumatized slices also displayed an increase in synaptic excitation, exhibiting spontaneous EPSCs (sESPCs) with larger peak amplitudes and higher frequencies. Peak-scaled nonstationary fluctuation analysis of sEPSCs and sIPSCs was used to obtain estimates of the unit conductance and number of functional receptor channels. EPSC and IPSC channel numbers and IPSC unit conductance did not differ between traumatized and intact slices. However, the mean unit conductance of EPSCs was higher (+25%) in traumatized slices. These findings suggest that acute injury to the superficial neocortical layers results in a disinhibition of cortical circuits that stems from a decline in GABA release likely due to the loss of superficial inhibitory interneurons and an enhancement of synaptic excitation consequent to an increase in the AMPA receptor unit conductance.


Lycium barbarum Reduces Abdominal Fat and Improves Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Status in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.
Natural antioxidants present in fruits have attracted considerable interest due to their presumed safety and potential nutritional value. Even though antioxidant activities of many fruits have been reported, the effects of phytochemicals of goji berry (GB) in patients with metabolic syndrome have not been investigated. In this study, we examined anthropometric and biochemical parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome after the consumption of GB. The patients were divided into two groups, control (C) and supplemented (S), and followed up for 45 days. Participants were individually instructed to carry out a healthy diet, but additionally, an inclusion of 14 g of the natural form of goji berry in the diet during 45 days for the S group was proposed. After 45 days of study, a significant reduction in transaminases as well as an improvement in lipid profile in the S group was observed. Likewise, a significant reduction in the waist circumference of the S group was observed when compared with that of the C group, and increased glutathione and catalase levels associated with a reduction of lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that this is an effective dietary supplement for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in individuals with metabolic syndrome.


The four psychologies of psychoanalysis and their place in clinical work.
Clinical psychoanalysis has led to the development of four conceptually separable perspectives on the functioning of the human mind. These are referred to herein as the psychologies of drive, ego, object relations, and self. Their clinical relevance is explored by applying them to issues regarding evenly hovering attention and the mutative factors in psychoanalysis. Those two areas, in turn, are seen to undergo an expansion when viewed from the perspective of each of the four psychologies.


Pharmacogenomics study on cadherin 2 network with regard to HIV infection and methadone treatment outcome.
Heroin dependent patients have a high incidence of HIV infection. In contrast to the gene expression method, we developed a systemic correlation analysis method built upon the results of pharmacogenomics study in a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) cohort consisting of 344 Taiwanese heroin dependent patients. We identified genetic variants and their encoding proteins that may be involved with HIV infection and MMT treatment outcome. Cadherin 2 (CDH2) genetic determinants were identified through the genome-wide pharmacogenomic study. We found significant correlations among HIV infection status, plasma levels of CDH2, cytokine IL-7, ADAM10, and the treatment responses to methadone. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms located within CDH2 gene showed associations with blood pressure and plasma CDH2 concentration. Plasma concentration of CDH2 showed correlations with the level of cytokine IL-7, status of HIV infection, and urine morphine test result. Plasma level of IL-7 was correlated with corrected QT interval (QTc) and gooseflesh skin withdrawal symptom score, while level of ADAM10 was correlated with plasma concentrations of vitamin D metabolite, nicotine metabolite, and R-methadone. The results suggest a novel network involving HIV infection and methadone treatment outcome.


A finished dietary supplement stimulates lipolysis and metabolic rate in young men and women.
Dietary supplements are often marketed to increase lipolysis and thermogenesis, with the proposed end result being weight loss and body fat reduction. It was the purpose of the present investigation to study the acute effects of a weight/fat loss supplement within a sample of healthy human subjects. Twelve subjects (men 24.8 ± 4.3 yrs; women 22.8 ± 0.4 yrs) ingested a dietary supplement (OxyELITE Pro™) or a placebo, on two separate days in a double-blind, cross-over design. Blood samples were collected immediately before ingestion, and at 60 and 120 minutes post ingestion, and analyzed for plasma glycerol and free fatty acids (FFA). Breath samples were collected immediately before ingestion and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post ingestion, for a measure of kilocalorie expenditure using indirect calorimetry. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded at all times and rate pressure product (RPP) was calculated. AUC was greater for supplement compared to placebo for glycerol (22.74 ± 1.98 μg · mL(-1) · 2 hr(-1) vs. 15.76 ± 1.36 μg · mL(-1) · 2 hr(-1); P = 0.001), FFA (1.62 ± 0.07 mmol · L(-1) · 2 hr(-1) vs. 0.78 ± 0.12 mmol · L(-1) · 2 hr(-1); P < 0.0001), and kilocalorie expenditure (149 ± 7 kcal · 2 hr(-1) vs. 122 ± 8 kcal · 2 hr(-1); P = 0.005). Heart rate (P = 0.02), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.0001), and RPP (P = 0.002) were higher for supplement compared to placebo. Ingestion of OxyELITE Pro™ resulted in an increase in blood markers of lipolysis, as well as metabolic rate, during a two-hour post ingestion time period. An increase in hemodynamic variables was also observed. These findings are in reference to a sample of healthy men and women who were naïve to treatment with the dietary supplement. Additional work is needed to determine if the acute changes observed here would persist with chronic use of the supplement and possibly lead to weight/body fat loss over time.


"From Analog to Digital": The Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Outcomes of a Positive Parenting Program for Street-Connected Mothers in Kenya.
Children of street-connected women in Kenya are at risk of child maltreatment. There have been increasing calls for positive parenting programs for parents experiencing homelessness, however never has one been implemented with this population. We therefore adapted the evidence-based Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children program using participatory methods, and piloted the adapted program with street-connected mothers in Kenya. To (a) determine if the adapted program was feasible and acceptable with street-connected mothers, and (b) assess indicative effects on child maltreatment, positive parenting, and parental stress. Two groups of 15 mothers (ages 19+, and 20- ) participated between June-July 2018 in Eldoret, Kenya. Participants were eligible if they (a) were the mother of at least one child and (b) self-identified as street-connected. Feasibility was measured via enrollment, attendance, drop-out rates, and engagement in take-away activities. Focus groups explored program acceptability and program outcomes. Self-report surveys assessed pre-post changes in child maltreatment, parental stress, parental sense of inefficacy, and positive parenting practices. 70% of participants attended ≥3/4 of sessions, 10% dropped out, and >50% of take-away activities were completed. Participants reported high acceptability and requested its continuation for themselves and other parents. There was an increase in supporting good behaviour (t(21)=8.15, p < .000) and setting limits (t(18) = 10.03, p < .000); a reduction in physical abuse (t(23) = -2.15, p = .042) and parental stress (t(22) = -7.08, p < .000); results for parental inefficacy were not statistically significant (t(22) = 0.15, p = .882). The adapted program is feasible and acceptable to street-connected mothers, and may reduce child maltreatment and parental stress, and increase positive parenting. Further research should test program effectiveness.


Antitumor and Antioxidant Properties of Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from Submerged Mycelium of Flammulina velutipes.
The aim of the study was to evaluate antitumor and antioxidant properties of water-soluble polysaccharides from submerged myceliumn of Flammulina velutipes grown under optimized conditions. The optimization of the nutrient medium composition allowed to increase the biomass yield by more than 2 times (up to 35 g/l) and to reduce the time of the cultivation process. The submerged mycelium of F.velutipes strain Fv-1 contained 14.8% of a water-soluble polysaccharides, 31.6% of proteins, 2.5% of total lipids, vitamins B (B1, B5, B6). The polysaccharides contained glucose, galactose, fucose, mannose, xylose, rhamnose. The proteins contained all the essential amino acids except for tryptophan. Dry powder of the submerged mycelium, water extract of the mycelium and total fraction of the water-soluble polysaccharides demonstrated the antitumor activity against murine lymphocytic leukemia P 388 in vivo. The antitumor activity of the substances was mainly due to the polysaccharides, since their purification increased the tumor growth inhibition. The maximum tumor growth inhibition by the water-soluble polysaccharides amounted to 94%. The total fraction of the water-soluble polysaccharides from F.velutipes strain Fv-1 demonstrated antioxidant activity. The antioxidant capacity (AOC) of the water-soluble fraction from F.velutipes was higher than that of the water-soluble polysaccharides from the sub- merged mycelium of Grifolafrondosa, but inferior to the AOC of the water-soluble polysaccharides from the submerged mycelium of Ganoderma luciduma.


Effects of Phototherapy on the Serum Magnesium Level in Neonates with Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia is one of the common findings in neonatal medicine. Severe disease can cause neurological damage and even Kernicterus. Magnesium ion is the most important N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. The most commonly used treatment for jaundice is phototherapy, but the effect of phototherapy on serum magnesium is less investigated. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of phototherapy on total serum magnesium levels in icteric neonates. This prospective cohort study was carried out on 160 neonates with jaundice referring to the Besat Hospital of Hamadan. Based on the bilirubin level, newborns were divided into three subgroups of mild, moderate, and severe disease which were subjected to single, double, and intensive phototherapy, respectively. Serum bilirubin and magnesium levels were measured before and after phototherapy and compared using parametric tests. Subjects have a mean intrauterine age of 38.8 weeks and a jaundice onset age of 3.8 days. In all groups, serum magnesium levels were within the normal range before phototherapy. After phototherapy, on the other hand, the most reduction of total serum magnesium was in the double phototherapy group, which was -0.13 ± 0.42 mg/dl (P = 0.018). The change in serum magnesium level was not significant in the single phototherapy (-0.02 ± 0.25) and intensive phototherapy (-13.55 ± 2.73) groups (P > 0.05). In the present study, serum magnesium did not increase significantly before the treatment in three groups. After treatment, a significant reduction was seen in the double phototherapy group.


Sources of abnormal EEG activity in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.
This report describes the results obtained with EEG source analysis in the frequency domain (FD-VARETA), in 14 patients with brain hemorrhages; 6 hemorrhages were located in the putaminal region, 1 was mesencephalic and 7 were lobar cerebral hemorrhages. Our goal was to evaluate FD-VARETA accuracy for the localization of fast growth expansive brain lesions. FD-VARETA produces brain electromagnetic tomography images of EEG sources in every frequency. The location of the most abnormal or the maximum Z value across all frequencies was compared with the location of spontaneous hemorrhages in computed tomographies (CT). In all patients the main source was within delta or theta bands. The spatial extent of the sources, in the brain atlas, at these frequency values was almost the same as the volume of hematoma in CT. Putaminal lesions produced larger regions of cortical deafferentation than lobar hematomas, with higher abnormal Z values. FD-VARETA was more accurate in locating the lesions than traditional maps of absolute and relative power in delta, theta, alpha and beta bands. FD-VARETA is a valuable procedure for the functional evaluation of brain hemorrhages.


Gut bless you: The microbiota-gut-brain axis in irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common clinical label for medically unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, recently described as a disturbance of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Despite decades of research, the pathophysiology of this highly heterogeneous disorder remains elusive. However, a dramatic change in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms surfaced when the importance of gut microbiota protruded the scientific picture. Are we getting any closer to understanding IBS' etiology, or are we drowning in unspecific, conflicting data because we possess limited tools to unravel the cluster of secrets our gut microbiota is concealing? In this comprehensive review we are discussing some of the major important features of IBS and their interaction with gut microbiota, clinical microbiota-altering treatment such as the low FODMAP diet and fecal microbiota transplantation, neuroimaging and methods in microbiota analyses, and current and future challenges with big data analysis in IBS.


The occurrence and potential predictive factors of major adverse cardiac and cerebral events in end-stage renal disease patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: A prospective cohort study.
Major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) are common complications, which prolong hospitalization and increase mortality rate in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who underwent continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate MACCE occurrence and its potential predictive factors in those patients.In this prospective cohort study, 196 diagnosis of ESRD patients who underwent CAPD treatment in our hospital were eligible, and their clinical data (including demographic data and biochemical indexes) were documented. Besides, their MACCE occurrence was assessed within 3-year follow-up period.In patients, 1-, 2-, and 3-year MACCE occurrence rates were 5.1%, 11.7%, and 14.8%, respectively. Meanwhile, the mean duration of accumulating MACCE occurrence was 33.1 (95% confidence interval: 32.0-34.2) months. Furthermore, age, peritoneal dialysis duration (PDD), C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and total cholesterol high correlated with increased accumulating MACCE occurrence, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) high correlated with decreased accumulating MACCE occurrence. Notably, by further multivariate Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis, age, PDD, CRP, serum uric acid, and FBG high were independent predictive factors for raised accumulating MACCE occurrence, while HDL-C high was an independent predictive factor for attenuated accumulating MACCE occurrence.MACCE are common; besides, age, peritoneal dialysis duration, C-reactive protein, serum uric acid, fasting blood glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol serve as potential markers for indicating MACCE in ESRD patients who underwent CAPD.


The seven attributes of the academic surgeon: Critical aspects of the archetype and contributions to the surgical community.
"Academic surgeon" describes a member of a medical school department of surgery, but this term does not fully define the important role of such physician-scientists in advancing surgical science through translational research and innovation. The curriculum vitae and self-descriptive vignettes of the records of achievement of seven surgeons possessing documented records of academic leadership, innovation, and dissemination of knowledge were reviewed. Out analysis yielded seven attributes of the archetypal academic surgeon: 1) identifies complex clinical problems ignored or thought unsolvable by others, 2) becomes an expert, 3) innovates to advance treatment, 4) observes outcomes to further improve and innovate, 5) disseminates knowledge and expertise, 6) asks important questions to further improve care, and 7) trains the next generation of surgeons and scientists. Although alternative pathways to innovation and academic contribution also exist, the academic surgeon typically devotes years of careful observation, analysis, and iterative investigation to identify and solve challenging or unexplored clinical problems, ideally leverages resources available in academic medical centers to support these endeavors.


[Use of volar veins in finger replantation].
The number and the location of the venous anastomosis in finger replantation are discussed. The principle: 'two veins for one artery' has been given up in favour to do only one venous anastomosis. A vein on the palmar side should be preferred. Here the anastomosis is protected by a thicker layer of subcutanous tissue. In addition this technique allows to do the total vascular reconstruction without turning the hand. In a number of 84 finger replantations there was a failure rate of 9,5% by using only one vein for replantation. In 17 finger replantations using one volar vein we lost only one finger (5.9%).


Imbalance in SOD/CAT activities in rat skeletal muscles submitted to treadmill training exercise.
The association between physical exercise and oxidative damage in the skeletal musculature has been the focus of many studies in literature, but the balance between superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and its relation to oxidative damage is not well established. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between regular treadmill physical exercise, oxidative damage and antioxidant defenses in skeletal muscle of rats. Fifteen male Wistar rats (8-12 months) were randomly separated into two groups (trained n=9 and untrained n=6). Trained rats were treadmill-trained for 12 weeks in progressive exercise (velocity, time, and inclination). Training program consisted in a progressive exercise (10 m/min without inclination for 10 min/day). After 1 week the speed, time and inclination were gradually increased until 17 m/min at 10% for 50 min/day. After the training period animals were killed, and gastrocnemius and quadriceps were surgically removed to the determination of biochemical parameters. Lipid peroxidation, protein oxidative damage, catalase, superoxide dismutase and citrate synthase activities, and muscular glycogen content were measured in the isolated muscles. We demonstrated that there is a different modulation of CAT and SOD in skeletal muscle in trained rats when compared to untrained rats (increased SOD/CAT ratio). TBARS levels were significantly decreased and, in contrast, a significant increase in protein carbonylation was observed. These results suggest a non-described adaptation of skeletal muscle against exercise-induced oxidative stress.


The uptake of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among adolescent females in the United States: a review of the literature.
A comprehensive review of literature was conducted to identify the barriers and facilitators, from the parents'/guardians' and primary care providers' (PCPs) perspective, that are associated with the uptake of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among adolescent females. Findings from 14 peer-reviewed articles indicate that 37% of adolescent females, 9 to 17 years of age, initiated the HPV vaccine, compared to the national average of 13- to 15-years-olds, which is 50%. The overall uptake and completion rates of the vaccine were low across all racial and ethnic groups. Barriers included parents'/guardians' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward the HPV disease and the vaccine, along with the convenience in receiving the vaccine. Six studies reported that HPV vaccine initiation was highly likely if the parents/guardians had received a doctor's recommendation. Learning what interventions school nurses currently utilize could positively affect the HPV vaccine uptake and completion rates by other nursing disciplines realizing this ongoing effort.


Perception and Challenges of Preventive Measures of COVID-19 Among Nepalese Frontline Health Professionals: An Unexplored Realism.
A new coronavirus causes COVID-19, a developing respiratory illness. Unfortunately, there is little information assessing healthcare workers' understanding of technology and preventative strategies during the Nepalese epidemic. Researchers from other subspecialties uncovered some mythical thoughts. As a result, we decided to put it to the test with healthcare personnel on the front lines. The research also looked at the problems experienced by frontline health care personnel (HCP) because of the COVID-19 strategic shift in work policy. Nepalese healthcare workers participated in web-based cross-sectional research. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire utilizing a Google form was used to get self-informed, digitally typed consent, and examine critical perspectives and problems with current technology and COVID-19 prevention efforts. In total, 243 participants with mean age of 29.66 ± 7.61 years agreed to participate and were doctors (n = 27), health assistants (n = 2), medical intern doctors (n = 1), paramedical (n = 139), pharmacy (n = 1), and paramedical interns (n = 73) in this study. The calculated mean percentage score of knowledge on instruments and tools was 73.64 (SD ± 10.43) %, and perception on COVID-19 transmission and control was 70.06 (SD ± 18.30) %. At various levels, frontline health workers faced significant challenges, including the adoption of digital health technology. Frontline HCPs are anticipated to have updated knowledge from what the study has outlined. It is recommended to follow national guidelines. Policies should be put in place so that every frontline worker can demonstrate high standards in prevention, control, and equipment use that do not create misinformation among HCPs. Throughout, support for digital health materials and disease control methods for HCPs is essential.


Longterm maintenance of human naive T cells through in situ homeostasis in lymphoid tissue sites.
Naïve T cells develop in the thymus and coordinate immune responses to new antigens; however, mechanisms for their long-term persistence over the human lifespan remain undefined. Here, we investigated human naïve T cell development and maintenance in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues obtained from individual organ donors aged 3 months-73 years. In the thymus, the frequency of double-positive thymocytes declined sharply in donors over age 40 coincident with reduced recent thymic emigrants (RTE) in lymphoid tissues, while naïve T cells were functionally maintained predominantly in lymph nodes (LN). Analysis of TCR clonal distribution by CDR3 sequencing of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in spleen and LNs reveal site-specific clonal expansions of naïve T cells from individuals >40 years of age with minimal clonal overlap between lymphoid tissues. We also identified biased naïve T cell clonal distribution within specific lymph nodes based on VJ usage. Together these results suggest prolonged maintenance of naïve T cells through in situ homeostasis and retention in lymphoid tissue.


Animal models for investigating the central control of the Mammalian diving response.
Pioneering studies by Per Scholander indicated that the diving response consists of reflexly induced apnea, bradycardia and an alteration of blood flow that maintains perfusion of the heart and brain. More recently field physiological studies have shown that many marine animals can adjust cardiorespiratory aspects of their diving response depending upon the behavioral situation. This could suggest that the very labile heart rate during diving is under direct cortical control. However, the final control of autonomic nervous system functioning resides within the brainstem and not the cortex. Many physiologists regard the brain as a "black box" where important neuronal functioning occurs, but the complexity of such functioning leaves systematic investigation a daunting task. As a consequence the central control of the diving response has been under-investigated. Thus, to further advance the field of diving physiology by understanding its central neuronal control, it would be first necessary to understand the reflex circuitry that exists within the brainstem of diving animals. To do this will require an appropriate animal model. In this review, two animals, the muskrat and rat, will be offered as animal models to investigate the central aspects of the diving response. Firstly, although these rodents are not marine animals, natural histories indicate that both animals can and do exploit aquatic environments. Secondly, physiological recordings during natural and simulated diving indicate that both animals possess the same basic physiological responses to underwater submersion that occur in marine animals. Thirdly, the size and ease of housing of both animals makes them attractive laboratory research animals. Finally, the enormous amount of scientific literature regarding rodent brainstem autonomic control mechanisms, and the availability of brain atlases, makes these animals ideal choices to study the central control of the mammalian diving response.


Changes in PH in exhaled breath condensate after specific bronchial challenge test in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a prospective study.
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the specific inhalation challenge (SIC) on changes of pH values in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). A prospective study of 85 patients with suspected HP, of whom 63 were diagnosed with HP due to exposure to avian or fungal antigens. In all cases, EBC samples were collected before and after completion of the SIC and pH values were determined. Taken as a whole, patients with HP did not present changes in EBC pH after SIC. However, considering only patients with exposure to molds, those diagnosed with HP had a significantly more acid pH post-SIC than those with another diagnosis (p = 0.011). This fact is not observed in patients exposed to bird's antigens. A ROC curve showed that a reduction in EBC pH of 0.3 units or more after SIC in patients diagnosed with HP due to exposure to molds had a sensitivity of 30 % (CI: 12.8 to 54.3 %) and a specificity of 100 % (CI: 65.5 to 100 %). EBC pH may be useful in interpreting SIC results in patients with HP, especially in those patients exposed to molds. Further studies are now required to test the validity of these proposals.


Successful detoxification from methadone maintenance. Follow-up study of 38 patients.
Thirty-eight patients were successfully detoxified from maintenance with methadone hydrochloride. Contrary to results of most previous studies, a substantial number of individuals were found to have remained drug-free, employed, and uninvolved with the criminal justice system since detoxification. Almost half of those who returned to drug use have become reinvolved in treatment. Escalated alcohol use occurred during and following methadone maintenance.


Patients' dreams and unreal experiences following intensive care unit admission.
Dreams and unreal experiences occur commonly in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit. This study describes 31 patients' dreams and explores the relationship between patients' subjective recall 12-18 months after intensive care unit discharge and their observed behaviour during their intensive care unit stay. Semi-structured interviews revealed that 74% of longer-term ICU patients (> or = 3 days) reported dreaming, with the majority also describing frightening hallucinations. Only two patients reported long-term negative psychological sequelae, but the short-term consequence of hallucinations may also have an undiscovered impact on patients' recovery.


Outcome of Low-Invasive Local Split-Thickness Lengthening for Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome.
Conventional surgical methods for iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) may affect the iliotibial band (ITB), delaying return to sports activities or impeding performance. We have developed a minimally invasive method. This study retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of this procedure in individuals with ITBFS. This study included 34 knees of 31 individuals. Surgery involved lengthening the central part of the ITB by splitting it into a superficial and a deep layer, maintaining the anterior and posterior fibers immediately above the lateral epicondyle. Outcomes included time to resume sports activity, personal best times to run a 5000-m race before and after surgery, and 2-month post-surgery muscle strengths. The mean postoperative time to return to competition was 5.8 weeks. Personal best times of 5000-m race improved in 13 of 17 runners. Two months post-surgery, the mean extensor muscle strengths on the healthy and affected sides did not significantly differ nor did the flexor muscle strengths. In ITBFS, the ITB itself is normal. Lengthening the limited region of the ITB immediately above the lateral femoral epicondyle removes the cause of ITBFS, with a reduction in inflammation. This technique resulted in early return to competition without degrading performance.


A prototype of a new noninvasive device to detect nocturnal hypoglycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes--a pilot study.
Severe hypoglycemic events are a major consequence of tight diabetes control. Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMSs) were recently introduced in order to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia. However, the present CGMSs are invasive and costly and have been recently demonstrated to be intolerant for most children and adolescents. Hence there is a need for a simple, noninvasive, convenient, and inexpensive device to detect hypoglycemic events. The Gili Medical Hypoglycemia Non Invasive Monitoring System (GMHNIMS) (Gili Medical Ltd., Migdal HaEmek, Israel) has been currently developed for these purposes. Ten patients 14-18 years old with type 1 diabetes for at least 1 year participated in a pilot study that was held at the Meyer Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. All patients were either treated by insulin pump or by multiple daily injections. The GMHNIMS was connected to the study subjects during three consecutive nights in an inpatient setting while they received their usual insulin regimen. The system is composed of four sensors (heart rate, perspiration, skin temperature, and tremor) that detect physiologic changes during hypoglycemia. In addition, each patient was connected to a real-time CGMS for 3 nights. When a hypoglycemic event was suspected clinically by the patient, a bedside capillary glucose was checked by a glucometer. The system was found to be convenient without any disturbances to sleep quality. The sensitivity of the GMHNIMS for detection of true hypoglycemic events was 100% with specificity of 85.7%. The new device showed high detection rates of nocturnal hypoglycemic events with an acceptable degree of false-positive readings. Being inexpensive and noninvasive, this device has the potential for routine use in insulin-treated patients.


The impact of the clergy abuse scandal on parish communities.
This article discusses the impact of the clergy abuse scandal in the Catholic Church on nonabused adult members of Catholic faith communities and on those communities as a whole. The themes discussed are based on three focus groups conducted as an initial step in the development of interventions for affected parish communities. Four major themes were identified within the groups: (a) a deep hurt in response to perceived betrayal by church leaders, (b) a reawakening of pain connected to past injuries by clergy, (c) an effort to cope by separating relationship with God from relationship with the church, and (d) a concern for the spiritual well-being of other family members. These themes are examined through the prism of selected literature and implications for promoting personal and institutional recovery are discussed.


The type IC hsd loci of the enterobacteria are flanked by DNA with high homology to the phage P1 genome: implications for the evolution and spread of DNA restriction systems.
EcoR124l, EcoDXXl and Ecoprrl are the known members of the type IC family of DNA restriction and modification systems. The first three are carried on large, conjugative plasmids, while Ecoprrl is chromosomally encoded. The enzymes are coded by three genes, hsdR, hsdM and hsdS. Analysis of the DNA sequences upstream and downstream of the type IC hsd loci shows that all are highly homologous to each other and also to sequences present in the bacteriophage P1 genome. The upstream sequences include functional phd and doc genes, which encode an addiction system that stabilizes the P1 prophage state, and extend to and beyond pac, the site at which phage DNA packaging begins. Downstream of the hsd loci, P1 DNA sequences begin at exactly the same place for all of the systems. For EcoDXXl and Ecoprrl the P1 homology extends for thousands of base pairs while for EcoR124l and IS1 insertion and an associated deletion have removed most of the P1-homologous sequences. The significance of these results for the evolution of DNA restriction and modification systems is discussed.


Molecular phylogenetic studies on Brugia filariae using Hha I repeat sequences.
This paper is the first molecular phylogenetic study on Brugia parasites (family Onchocercidae) which includes 6 of the 10 species of this genus: B. beaveri Ash et Little, 1964; B. buckleyi Dissanaike et Paramananthan, 1961: B. malayi (Brug, 1927) Buckley, 1960; B. pahangi (Buckley et Edeson, 1956) Buckley, 1960; B. patei (Buckley, Nelson er Heisch, 1958) Buckley, 1960 and B. timori Partono et al., 1977. Hha l repeat sequences are 322 nucleotides long, highly repeated, tandemly arranged and unique to the nuclear genomes of the genus Brugia. Hha l repeat sequence data was collected by PCR, cloning and dideoxy sequencing. The Hha l repeat sequences were aligned and analyzed by maximum parsimony algorithms, distance methods and maximum likelihood methods to construct phylogenetic trees. Bootstrap analysis was used to test the robustness of the different phylogenetic reconstructions. The data indicated that the Hha l repeat sequences are highly conserved within species yet differ significantly between species. The various tree-building methods gave identical results. Bootstrap analyses on the Hha l repeat sequence data set identified at least two clades: the B. pahangi-B. beaveri clade and the B. malayi-B. timori-B. buckleyi clade; the first clade includes parasites of carnivores from Asia and America; the second includes species from primates and lagomorphs from Asiatic region. It was also noted that the Hha l repeat sequences obtained from B. malayi were identical to those obtained from B. timori, indicating very recent speciation.


Effects of a Simulation With Team-Based Learning on Knowledge, Team Performance, and Teamwork for Nursing Students.
Simulation and team-based learning are reported as useful strategies in nursing education. However, empirical evidence on the effects of participating in an integrated course of team-based learning and simulation is limited. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a nursing simulation program with team-based learning on knowledge, team performance, and teamwork among Korean nursing students. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. Fourth-year students (N = 229) participated in a 32-hour nursing simulation program with team-based learning. Each of the three sessions of the program involved a 3-hour task training with video-assisted learning and skills performance assessment, 1-hour team-based learning, and 4-hour simulation session with a high-fidelity simulator. In addition to the knowledge test and performance assessment, participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on teamwork. Participants achieved higher scores in the Group Readiness Assurance Test than they did in the Individual Readiness Assurance Test. The posttest scores on team performance and teamwork were significantly higher than their pretest scores. The simulation with team-based learning induced favorable effects on participants' knowledge, performance, and teamwork. A curricular integration of simulation program with team-based learning is consistent with achieving outcomes-based learning in nursing education.


Alborixin, a new antibiotic ionophore: isolation, structure, physical and chemical properties.
Alborixin, a polycyclic polyether ionophorous antibiotic, active against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, was isolated from cultures of a strain of Streptomyces albus. The isolation, structure and physiochemical properties of this antibiotic are reported. Some derivatives have been prepared and their structures and properties are also described in this paper.


Genotypic analyses of uropathogenic Escherichia coli based on fimH single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
The application of genotyping techniques for subtyping uropathogenic Escherichia coli has contributed to better understanding of the epidemiology of community-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI). However, the current techniques are hampered by limited reproducibility, poor discriminatory power, labour-intensive performance or high cost. A screening test that is sequence-based would provide an inexpensive, reproducible way to subtype E. coli isolates. Such a test, if also discriminatory, would be highly useful for epidemiological studies. The discriminatory ability of 12 putative virulence genes (fimH, fliD, fliM, iha, motA, papA/H, kpsMTII, fepE, fimA, flgA, malG, purD) was evaluated based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine uropathogenic E. coli isolates, all previously found to belong to a single multilocus sequence type (MLST) complex (ST69). An additional 25 epidemiologically well-characterized E. coli isolates belonging to 12 distinct MLST clonal complexes were analysed for fimH SNP. None of the 12 genes except fimH were able to further discriminate the nine ST69-complex strains. Isolates belonging to the 12 non-ST69 MLST groups were separated into 10 fimH SNP subgroups. While fimH SNP analysis may not be an appropriate phylogenetic method, it offers discriminatory power similar to that of MLST and could be used as a simple, inexpensive screening test for epidemiological studies of uropathogenic E. coli.


Buccal versus intranasal midazolam sedation for pediatric dental patients.
The purpose of this randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the behavioral differences resulting from the sedative effects of atomized buccal (transmucosal) and atomized intranasal (parenteral) midazolam (0.3 mg/kg) as a method for sedation of pediatric dental patients. Twenty-five 36- to 72-month-old patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups that were sedated with either atomized buccal in the first visit or intranasal midazolam in the second visit (0.3 mg/kg). Patient be- havior was rated, and drug acceptance by method of administration was determined. There were no statistically significant differences between both groups in maximum working time. There were significant differences between both groups in drug acceptance (P=.008) and onset time (P=.00). The statistical differences between the two groups were not significant in all behavior rating scales, except for the crying rating scale, since the buccal group showed more crying. Atomized buccal and intranasal midazolam are both effective for sedation of pediatric dental patients and have the same maximum working time. However, atomized intranasal is more acceptable by children, has faster onset time, and children demonstrate less crying.


Transparency and Visibility of Gelatinous Zooplankton from the Northwestern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
Transparency measurements (at 400 to 700 nm) were made on living specimens of 29 common species of gelatinous zooplankton from the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Percent transparency ranged from 91% for the hydromedusa Sibogota typa to 0.51% for the pteropod Clione limacina. Percent transparency was linearly and positively correlated with wavelength, with slopes of the regression lines (normalized to the percent transparency at 480 nm) ranging from 0.027%/nm for Sibogota typa to 0.51%/nm for the ctenophore Mnemiopsis macrydi (average 0.17 +/- 0.019%/nm). There was no significant correlation between the percent transparency of an animal and its daytime depth distribution. The relationship between percent transparency and sighting distance when viewed from below was modeled and showed that, due to the increase of the minimum contrast threshold for object detection at lower light levels, the usefulness of transparency as camouflage increases dramatically with depth. A preliminary account of these results was presented by the authors at the fourteenth meeting of the Ocean Optics Society in November 1998.


[VEGF-C mRNA expression and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].
To detect the expression of VEGF-C mRNA and to investigate its relationship with clinicopathological parameters in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR was used to measure the level of VEGF-C mRNA in the tumor tissue and corresponding normal mucosa in ESCC patients. The VEGF-C mRNA expression in tumor tissue was significantly higher than that in the corresponding normal mucosa (6.30 vs. 2.81, P = 0.02), and also significantly higher in the patients with lymph node metastasis than that in those without lymph node metastasis (10.11 vs. 4.15, P = 0.04). Among the patients with metastatic lymph nodes, VEGF-C mRNA expression was 62.19 in the patients with > or = 4 metastatic lymph nodes versus 6.30 in those with < 4 (P = 0.01), and 18.98 in the patients with > or = 3 metastatic lymph node stations versus 4.92 in those with < 3 (P = 0.04). In terms of stage, VEGF-C mRNA expression was significantly higher in the stage II b + III + IV than that in the stage I + II a (9.99 vs. 3.80, P = 0.03). Logistic binary regression analysis showed that VEGF-C mRNA was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in ESCC (P = 0.01). In survival analysis, 2-year survival rate was not related with VEGF-C mRNA expression (P = 0.46). It was showed by COX regression model that the number of metastatic lymph node stations was the only independent risk factor for survival (P < 0.01). The expression of VEGF-C mRNA play an important role in lymph node metastasis of human ESCC.


Fighting cancer in the information age: the role of Internet.
Cancer is a major health problem worldwide which is likely to assume alarming proportions in the next two decades. Communication and information have increasingly been considered important in helping people to cope with cancer. The arrival of Internet offers the opportunity to fundamentally reinvent medicine and health care delivery. Medical professionals can now use the Internet for continuing medical education, access latest medical information, for fast confirmation of diagnosis, exchange opinion on treatment strategies and in palliative care. Internet can provide cost-effective and timely ways to deliver a complex mix of interesting and high-quality information and expertise to cancer patients. Patients can also independently search the Internet to know about their illness and treatment options. However, of concern is the quality of information that is available in the 'Net'. Some Internet sites may contain erroneous information on cancer and can pose serious problems. There are also many good sites, which provide quality information on cancer for medical professionals, researchers and patients. This article focuses on how the Internet will aid us in fight against cancer.


Somatosensory stimuli evoke norepinephrine release in the anterior ventromedial hypothalamus of sexually receptive female rats.
We used in vivo brain microdialysis to determine the role of specific copulatory stimuli in mating-induced release of norepinephrine in the lateral ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of hormone-treated, sexually receptive female rats. Ovariectomized rats implanted with a unilateral guide cannula aimed at the ventrolateral VMH received systemic injections of estradiol benzoate daily for 2 days before and progesterone 4 h before the initiation of a 1-h behavioural test. Dialysis probes were lowered immediately after progesterone administration, and 20-min dialysis samples were collected until 1 h after the termination of behavioural testing. Norepinephrine content of dialysates was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. During mating tests with male rats, dialysate levels of norepinephrine increased significantly over baseline in sexually receptive females with probe placements in the anterior but not posterior VMH. Norepinephrine levels were unchanged if rats were nonreceptive, even if males mounted vigorously and probes were located in the anterior VMH. Hormone-treated females that were placed on male-soiled bedding for 1 h showed no changes in dialysate levels of norepinephrine. Similarly, females in which vaginocervical stimulation was prevented by a vaginal mask failed to show increased levels of norepinephrine in dialysates collected from the anterior VMH, even if they displayed high levels of lordosis behaviour. Thus, the release of norepinephrine is not a result of executing the lordosis posture. The findings suggest that mating-induced increases in norepinephrine release in hormone-treated, sexually receptive rats are confined to the anterior VMH and that somatosensory rather than chemosensory stimuli evoke norepinephrine release. Moreover, experiments with vaginal masks indicate that vaginocervical stimulation is necessary for mating-evoked norepinephrine release in the anterior VMH.


[Cardiovascular effects of rosiglitazone].
Since their launch on the French market in 2002, thiazolidinediones ("glitazones") prescribing conditions and therapeutic indications have progressively widened, although remaining strictly defined by the marketing licence. Clinical efficacy on glycemic control (HbA1c and glycemia), as well as beneficial metabolic effects (on lipids, insulinresistance and beta-cellular function) are now well established. Their side effects, generally minor or mild, are also well known. The problem of cardiovascular adverse events, although of a low incidence, should be known and recognized, notably fluid retention (and oedema) and risk of heart failure, more frequent in diabetic than in non diabetic patients. Clinicians must know and take into account the particular risk factors, clinical and diagnosis characteristics, possible pathophysiological mechanisms and their main preventive measures. POTENTIAL BENEFICIAL EFFECTS: On the other hand, numerous experimental and/or preliminary data in type 2 diabetic patients, including favourable effects on the various pathophysiological mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis and effects on cardiovascular risk factors or markers, justifies further large prospective long term clinical studies to assess glitazone effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk. Several controlled studies are currently ongoing with rosiglitazone (ADOPT, BARI-2D, DREAM, RECORD, etc.), their results within the next coming Years will answer the questions on the anticipated benefits of rosiglitazone in terms of cardiovascular prevention and/or protection in type 2 diabetic patients.


The protection against trimetrexate cytotoxicity in human bone marrow by sequence-dependent administration of raloxifene, 5-fluorouracil/trimetrexate.
Currently, one of the most effective strategies for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer is the use of drugs that block estrogen action in the breast. The success of the first clinically relevant selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), tamoxifen, provided the foundation for further testing of this drug to reduce breast cancer incidence in high-risk women. However, the negative effects associated with the long-term use of tanrhoxifen have initiated the search for compounds that are more effective but less toxic. The discovery of raloxifene (RAL), which functions as a potent antiestrogen in the breast but an estrogen receptor (ER) agonist in the bone and cardiovascular system with very little uterotropic activity, provided an alternative strategy to the targeted use of tamoxifen. The aim of this study was to evaluate RAL in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/trimetrexate (TMX) to determine the most effective regimes and cellular mechanism of action to mitigate trimetrexate cytotoxicity in human bone marrow cells. The cell viability was performed using the Quick Cell Proliferation Assay by exposing the cells to TMX, 5-FU and RAL alone; RAL 24 h prior to 5-FU followed 2 h by TMX, and 5-FU 2 h prior to TMX followed 24 h by RAL determined the sequence-dependent interaction between TMX, 5-FU and RAL on the proliferation. The growth rate in MCF-7 in late RAL was 34.75 +/- 4.79% of the control, whereas in bone marrow the same drug combination exhibits a significant protection against TMX cytotoxicity with late RAL yielding 51.25 +/- 4.43% of the control. The findings were also supported by Cell flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Sequence-dependent administration of RAL in combination with 5-FU/TMX can act against TMX toxicity in human bone marrow, while not affecting the maximum inhibitory effect of TMX in breast cancer.


Development and validation of the social motivation scale in people with disabilities.
Social effectiveness is key to success in the labor market. For decades, social motivation has been empirically studied as both a presumed cause and consequence of social effectiveness. Yet, few direct measures of social motivation exist, and even fewer have been validated with a disability population. This study provides the measurement structure and psychometric properties of a newly created measure of social motivation tested with a general disability population. Participants included 1,013 US adults with disabilities. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were implemented to validate the measure. Results of the EFA suggest that a reduced 26-item inventory exhibits a 5-factor structure in a general population of people with disabilities. These results were confirmed with the CFA. Concurrent validity analysis revealed that most factors were significantly associated with relevant psychosocial variables in the expected directions. The Social Motivation Inventory provides a useful tool for enhancing understanding of social motivation in rehabilitation psychology and rehabilitation counseling research and practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).


[Using Guangming (GB37) acupoint to treat eye diseases: from historical suspense to modern clinical experiments].
Guangming (GB37) gained its name before the writing of Huang di Ming Tang Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Mingtang Classic), the earliest work of the art of acupuncture point. However, in acupuncture and moxibustion works before the Song Dynasty, this acupoint was not used to treat eye diseases. In Dou Hanqing's Zhen jiu biao you fu (Song to Elucidate Mysteries in Acupuncture Moxibustion), Guangming was used to treat oculopathy as an alias of Cuanzhu (BL2). Influenced by this, the alias "Guangming" was mistaken as Guangming (GB37) of the Gallbladder Meridian in the Bian que shen ying zhen jiu yu long jing (Bian Que Acupuncture and Moxibustion Jade Dragon Classic) of the Yuan Dynasty, and the symptom of eye itch was added to the indications of Guangming (GB37). This was wrongly informed in the later acupuncture and moxibustion works, and the modern scholars also accepted it and confirmed its effect by the clinical and experimental research.


Association of polymorphisms in AhR, CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genes with levels of DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes among coke-oven workers.
Accumulating evidence has shown that both DNA damage caused by the metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and genetic polymorphisms in PAH-metabolic genes contribute to individual susceptibility to PAH-induced carcinogenesis. However, the functional relevance of genetic polymorphisms in PAH-metabolic genes in exposed individuals is still unclear. In this study of 240 coke-oven workers (the exposed group) and 123 non-coke-oven workers (the control group), we genotyped for polymorphisms in the AhR, CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genes by PCR methods, and determined the levels of DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes using the alkaline comet assay. We found that the ln-transformed Olive tail moment (Olive TM) values in the exposed group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in the exposed group, the Olive TM values in subjects with the AhR Lys(554) variant genotype were higher than those with the AhR Arg(554)/Arg(554) genotype (P = 0.021). Similarly, the Olive TM values in the non-coke-oven workers with the CYP1A1 MspI CC + CT genotype were lower than the values of those with the CYP1A1 MspI TT genotype (P = 0.005). However, these differences were not evident for GSTM1 and GSTT1. These results suggested that the polymorphism of AhR might modulate the effects of PAHs in the exposed group; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which this polymorphism may have affected the levels of PAH-induced DNA damage warrant further investigation.


Risk factors for silent new ischemic cerebral lesions following carotid artery stenting.
Silent new ischemic cerebral lesions (sNICL) detected by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) are common after carotid artery stenting (CAS). As part of the Revascularization of Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis (RECAS) study, this work aimed to determine predictors of sNICL detected by DWI following CAS. A total of 694 patients eligible for the RECAS study treated in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, with complete imaging data were included in this retrospective study. The patients were asymptomatic after CAS, and those with stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or death were excluded. The RECAS protocol specified that DWI was completed 1-7 days before the procedure and within 3 days after CAS. Several parameters were assessed for associations with sNICL occurrence after CAS in univariate analysis. Finally, multivariate analysis was performed to determine risk factors for sNICL. The rate of post-procedural sNICL in CAS was 51.3% (356/694 patients with sNICL). All patients underwent stenting with embolic protection devices. Univariate analysis showed that diabetes mellitus (P = 0.008), ipsilateral calcified plaques (P = 0.036), ipsilateral ulcerated plaques (P = 0.026), pre-dilatation (P = 0.003), and open-cell stent use (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with sNICL occurrence in CAS. Multivariate analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus (P = 0.006), ipsilateral calcified plaques (P = 0.024), ipsilateral ulcerated plaques (P = 0.021), and open-cell stent use (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for sNICL. Patients with diabetes, calcified or ulcerated plaques who undergo CAS with open-cell stent application, are at high risk of sNICL. Large-scale prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.


Trans geometric isomers of EPA decrease LXRalpha-induced cellular triacylglycerol via suppression of SREBP-1c and PGC-1beta.
Dietary mono- or di-trans fatty acids with chain lengths of 18-22 increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases because they increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol in the plasma. However, the effects of trans isomers of PUFAs on lipid metabolism remain unknown. Dietary PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in marine oils, improve serum lipid profiles by suppressing liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) activity in the liver. In this study, we compared the effects of trans geometric isomers of eicosapentaenoic acid (TEPA) on triacylglycerol synthesis induced by a synthetic LXRalpha agonist (T0901317) with the effects of EPA in HepG2 cells. TEPA significantly decreased the amount of cellular triacylglycerol and the expression of mRNAs encoding fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase induced by T0901317 compared with EPA. However, there was no significant difference between the suppressive effect of TEPA or EPA on the expression of sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) induced by T0901317. We found that TEPA, but not EPA, decreased the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1beta (PGC-1beta), which is a coactivator of both LXRalpha and SREBP-1. These results suggest that the hypolipidemic effect of TEPA can be attributed to a decrease not only in SREBP-1 but also in PGC-1beta expression.


JNK inhibition blocks piperlongumine-induced cell death and transcriptional activation of heme oxygenase-1 in pancreatic cancer cells.
Piperlongumine (PL) is an alkaloid that inhibits glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) activity, resulting in elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cancer-selective cell death. We aimed to identify stress-associated molecular responses to PL treatment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. GSTP1 directly interacts with JNK, which is activated by oxidative stress and can lead to decreased cancer cell proliferation and cell death. Therefore, we hypothesized that JNK pathways are activated in response to PL treatment. Our results show PL causes dissociation of GSTP1 from JNK; robust JNK, c-Jun, and early ERK activation followed by suppression; increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP; and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and c-Myc in PDAC cells. Gene expression analysis revealed PL caused a > 20-fold induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which we hypothesized was a survival mechanism for PDAC cells under enhanced oxidative stress. HO-1 knockout resulted in enhanced PL-induced PDAC cell death under hypoxic conditions. Similarly, high concentrations of the HO-1 inhibitor, ZnPP (10 µM), sensitized PDAC cells to PL; however, lower concentrations ZnPP (10 nM) and high or low concentrations of SnPP both protected PDAC cells from PL-induced cell death. Interestingly, the JNK inhibitor significantly blocked PL-induced PDAC cell death, Nrf-2 nuclear translocation, and HMOX-1 mRNA expression. Collectively, the results demonstrate JNK signaling contributes to PL-induced PDAC cell death, and at the same time, activates Nrf-2 transcription of HMOX-1 as a compensatory survival mechanism. These results suggest that elevating oxidative stress (using PL) while at the same time impairing antioxidant capacity (inhibiting HO-1) may be an effective therapeutic approach for PDAC.


Dehydration-induced WRKY genes from tobacco and soybean respond to jasmonic acid treatments in BY-2 cell culture.
Drought is one of the important environmental factors affecting crop production worldwide and therefore understanding the molecular response of plant to stress is an important step in crop improvement. WRKY transcription factors are one of the 10 largest transcription factor families across the green lineage. In this study, highly upregulated dehydration-induced WRKY and enzyme-coding genes from tobacco and soybean were selected from microarray data for promoter analyses. Putative stress-related cis-regulatory elements such as TGACG motif, ABRE-like elements; W and G-like sequences were identified by an in silico analyses of promoter region of the selected genes. GFP quantification of transgenic BY-2 cell culture showed these promoters direct higher expression in-response to 100 μM JA treatment compared to 100 μM ABA, 10% PEG and 85 mM NaCl treatments. Thus promoter activity upon JA treatment and enrichment of MeJA-responsive elements in the promoter of the selected genes provides insights for these genes to be jasmonic acid responsive with potential of mediating cross-talk during dehydration responses.


Films of dextran-graft-polybutylmethacrylate to enhance endothelialization of materials.
We have synthesized new structures obtained from amphiphilic copolymers of dextran and polybutylmethacrylate with the aim of endothelialization of biomaterials. Grafting of butylmethacrylate onto dextran has been carried out using ceric ammonium nitrate as initiator. Three copolymers were obtained (11, 30 and 37 wt.% dextran) and homogeneous thin films were successfully prepared. In contrast to dextran, the resulting films were stable in water, and copolymers characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis showed evidence of hybrid properties between the parent homopolymers. Surfaces of films were smooth when analyzed by atomic force microscopy (roughness 2+/-1 nm) but greatly differed in their hydrophilicity by increasing the dextran content (water contact angle from 99 degrees to 57 degrees). In contrast to polybutylmethacrylate, where the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was excellent but that of endothelial cells was very low, the copolymer containing 11% of dextran was excellent for endothelial cells but very limited for VSMCs. An in vitro wound assay demonstrated that copolymer with 11% dextran is even more favorable for endothelial cell migration than tissue-culture polystyrene. Increasing the dextran content in the copolymers decreased the proliferation for both vascular cell types. Altogether, these results show that transparent and water-insoluble films made from copolymers of dextran and butylmethacrylate copolymers with an appropriate composition could enhance endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, a potential benefit of this approach is the availability of surfaces with tunable properties for the endothelialization of materials.


PRIMe: a Web site that assembles tools for metabolomics and transcriptomics.
PRIMe (http://prime.psc.riken.jp/), the Platform for RIKEN Metabolomics, is a Web site that has been designed and implemented to support research and analysis workflows ranging from metabolome to transcriptome analysis. The site provides access to a growing collection of standardized measurements of metabolites obtained by using NMR, GC-MS, LC-MS, and CE-MS, and metabolomics tools that support related analyses (SpinAssign for the identification of metabolites by means of NMR, KNApSAcK for searches within metabolite databases). In addition, the transcriptomics tools provide Correlated Gene Search, and Cluster Cutting for the analysis of mRNA expression. Use of the tools and database can contribute to the analysis of biological events at the levels of metabolites and gene expression, and we describe one example of such an analysis for Arabidopsis thaliana using the batch-learning self-organizing map (BL-SOM), which is provided via the Web site.


Rice globular embryo 4 (gle4) mutant is defective in radial pattern formation during embryogenesis.
In higher plants, the main elements of the fundamental body plan, the apical-basal and radial patterns, are established during embryogenesis. We have isolated several globular embryo (gle) mutants of rice that fail to develop any embryonic organs. We expected that these gle mutants might include mutants defective in their radial pattern formation ability. We developed two markers specifically staining the L2 and L3 layers (OsSCR and OsPNH1, respectively) and characterized the gle mutants by using these markers in addition to the already developed markers Roc1 (marker for the L1 layer), Ramy1A (marker of the L1 layer of the epithelium), and OSH1 (marker of the apical region). One of the gle mutants, gle4, expressed Roc1 and Ramy1A at the normal positions, but other markers exhibited an abnormal expression pattern; that is, both OsPNH1 and OsSCR were expressed in the central region of the embryo and OSH1 expression was not observed. Calli from the gle4 epithelium regenerated plants with abnormal morphologies. These results indicate that the GLE4 gene is involved in radial pattern formation during rice embryogenesis to differentiate the L2 and L3 layers, but is not involved in the establishment of the L1 layer or in the formation of embryonic organs.


Microfluidic Cell Trapping for Single-Cell Analysis.
The single-cell capture microfluidic chip has many advantages, including low cost, high throughput, easy manufacturing, integration, non-toxicity and good stability. Because of these characteristics, the cell capture microfluidic chip is increasingly becoming an important carrier on the study of life science and pharmaceutical analysis. Important promises of single-cell analysis are the paring, fusion, disruption and analysis of intracellular components for capturing a single cell. The capture, which is based on the fluid dynamics method in the field of micro fluidic chips is an important way to achieve and realize the operations mentioned above. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of three fluid dynamics-based microfluidic chip structures to capture cells. The effects of cell growth and distribution after being captured by different structural chips and the subsequent observation and analysis of single cells on the chip were compared. It can be seen from the experimental results that the microfluidic chip structure most suitable for single-cell capture is a U-shaped structure. It enables single-cell capture as well as long-term continuous culture and the single-cell observation of captured cells. Compared to the U-shaped structure, the cells captured by the microcavity structure easily overlapped during the culture process and affected the subsequent analysis of single cells. The flow shortcut structure can also be used to capture and observe single cells, however, the shearing force of the fluid caused by the chip structure is likely to cause deformation of the cultured cells. By comparing the cell capture efficiency of the three chips, the reagent loss during the culture process and the cell growth state of the captured cells, we are provided with a theoretical support for the design of a single-cell capture microfluidic chip and a reference for the study of single-cell capture in the future.


Pulmonary blood volume in rheumatic heart disease and its alteration by isoproterenol.
Pulmonary blood volume was measured in five hemodynamically normal subjects and 37 patients with heart disease. Mean pulmonary blood volume in 25 of these patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis, alone or complicated by other valvular lesions, was 359 ml. per M.2 (SE = +/-24 ml. per M.2), which was significantly higher than the average value of 230 ml. per M.2 (SE = +/-14 ml. per M.2) in the five normal subjects (p < 0.025). Multiple correlation of pulmonary blood volume with left atrial mean pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and stroke volume showed that each of these factors was significantly related to pulmonary blood volume, independently of the others. Increased left atrial pressure or stroke volume was associated with relatively high, and increased pulmonary vascular resistance with relatively low pulmonary blood volume. In seven subjects 10 to 20 mg. of isoproterenol administered sublingually led to a marked increase in pulmonary blood volume and a small decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance. The average increase in pulmonary blood volume was 78 ml. per M.2, or 35 per cent of the control value (SE = +/-15 ml. per M.2), while the average drop in pulmonary vascular resistance was 1.3 R.U.M.2 (SE = +/-0.5 R.U.M.2). Since the change in volume was too large to be accounted for by arteriolar dilatation alone, and there was a simultaneous decrease in pulmonary arterial and left atrial pressures, isoproterenol apparently increased the distensibility of a large but as yet unidentified segment of the pulmonary vascular bed.


[New aspects of safety assessment and food contamination with antibiotics of tetracycline group in the light of harmonization of hygienic standards in Russia and Customs Union with the international standards].
To address the issue of harmonization of Russian MRLs for tetracycline in food and on the basis of the tasks of preserving the value of hygienic standard for the more restrictive level than similar standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in this survey we analyzed the evidences of the negative effects of subingibitory amounts of these antibiotics (lying below the MIC for clinically relevant microorganisms). The inadequacy of the microbiological JECFA ADI and the necessity of using of methodology of analyzing the effects of biological active substances in small doses for assessing the risk of food contamination of tetracycline subingibitory concentrations were demonstrated. Current scientific information on the functions of antibiotics as signaling molecules in the microbial world and the role of tetracycline as a leading factor in the regulation of transcription in microorganisms and activation of the horizontal transfer of resistance genes transferred to the family of conjugative transposons Tn916-Tn1545 also was reviewed in paper. Evidence-based data regarding the basic contribution of subingibitory concentrations of tetracycline in the spread of worst transmissible type of antibiotic resistance and the formation of new pathogens, associated with it, are represented. To reduce the risk of direct adverse effects on microbial ecosystem in the human body and its habitat, and to minimize the indirect risk of new infections, the necessity of saving the current Russian level residues of tetracycline (< or = 0.01 mg/kg of product), which is low by contrast to the Codex MRLs (< or = 0.1-1.2 mg/kg), was proved. Tetracycline concentrations in food, regulated in Russian Federation, below 0.1 MIC for clinically significant microorganisms which aren't capable to initiation of the above described negative changes.


Soil Photosynthetic Microbial Communities Mediate Aggregate Stability: Influence of Cropping Systems and Herbicide Use in an Agricultural Soil.
Edaphic cyanobacteria and algae have been extensively studied in dryland soils because they play key roles in the formation of biological soil crusts and the stabilization of soil surfaces. Yet, in temperate agricultural crop soils, little is understood about the functional significance of indigenous photosynthetic microbial communities for various soil processes. This study investigated how indigenous soil algae and cyanobacteria affected topsoil aggregate stability in cereal cropping systems. Topsoil aggregates from conventional and organic cropping systems were incubated in microcosms under dark or photoperiodic conditions with or without a treatment with an herbicide (isoproturon). Physicochemical parameters (bound exopolysaccharides, organic carbon) and microbial parameters (esterase activity, chlorophyll a biomass, and pigment profiles) were measured for incubated aggregates. Aggregate stability were analyzed on the basis of aggregate size distribution and the mean weight diameter (MWD) index, resulting from disaggregation tests. Soil photosynthetic microbial biomass (chl a) was strongly and positively correlated with aggregate stability indicators. The development of microalgae crusts in photoperiodic conditions induced a strong increase of the largest aggregates (>2 mm), as compared to dark conditions (up to 10.6 fold and 27.1 fold, in soil from organic and conventional cropping systems, respectively). Concomitantly, the MWD significantly increased by 2.4 fold and 4.2 fold, for soil from organic and conventional cropping systems. Soil microalgae may have operated directly via biochemical mechanisms, by producing exopolymeric matrices surrounding soil aggregates (bound exopolysaccharides: 0.39-0.45 μg C g-1 soil), and via biophysical mechanisms, where filamentous living microbiota enmeshed soil aggregates. In addition, they may have acted indirectly by stimulating heterotrophic microbial communities, as revealed by the positive effect of microalgal growth on total microbial activity. The herbicide treatment negatively impacted soil microalgal community, resulting in significant decreases of the MWD of the conventional soil aggregates (up to -42% of the value in light treatment). This study underscores that indigenous edaphic algae and cyanobacteria can promote aggregate formation, by forming photosynthetic microbiotic crusts, thus improving the structural stability of topsoil, in temperate croplands. However, the herbicide uses can impair the functional abilities of algal and cyanobacterial communities in agricultural soils. Edaphic algal and cyanobacterial communities are known to form photosynthetic microbial crusts in arid soils, where they drive key ecosystem functions. Although less well characterized, such communities are also transiently abundant in temperate and mesic cropped soils. This microcosm study investigated the communities' functional significance in topsoil aggregate formation and stabilization in two temperate cropping systems. Overall, our results showed that the development of indigenous microalgal communities under our experimental conditions drove higher structural stability in topsoil aggregates in temperate cropland soils. Also, herbicide use affected photosynthetic microbial communities and consequently impaired soil aggregation.


Enzyme immunoassay for pepleomycin, a new bleomycin analog.
An antibody directed toward pepleomycin, a new antitumor antibiotic related structurally to bleomycin, has been produced in rabbits by immunization with a pepleomycin-protein conjugate which was prepared by a novel procedure of coupling pepleomycin to mercaptosuccinylated bovine serum albumin using N-(gamma-maleimidobutyryloxy)succinimide as a coupling agent. The antiserum was monospecific to pepleomycin and showed almost no cross-reactivity with a variety of other bleomycin analogs. An enzyme immunoassay for pepleomycin has been developed utilizing this antiserum and beta-D-galactosidase-labeled pepleomycin. The lower limit of detection by this assay, which involves a double antibody technique for the separation of antibody-bound and free antigen, was 50 pg of pepleomycin per tube. Using this assay, drug levels were easily determined in blood and urine of rabbits following administration of pepleomycin in a single dose of 1.2 mg/kg i.v. This assay is also suitable for measuring pepleomycin in the presence of other drugs since the assay is not significantly affected by any other antineoplastic agents tested. Since pepleomycin is now undergoing clinical trial, the enzyme immunoassay of the drug will be a valuable tool in clinical pharmacological studies.