Predictive model to describe water migration in cellular solid foods during storage.
Water migration in cellular solid foods during storage causes loss of crispness. To improve crispness retention, physical understanding of this process is needed. Mathematical models are suitable tools to gain this physical knowledge. Water migration in cellular solid foods involves migration through both the air cells and the solid matrix. For systems in which the water migration distance is large compared with the cell wall thickness of the solid matrix, the overall water flux through the system is dominated by the flux through the air. For these systems, water migration can be approximated well by a Fickian diffusion model. The effective diffusion coefficient can be expressed in terms of the material properties of the solid matrix (i.e. the density, sorption isotherm and diffusion coefficient of water in the solid matrix) and the morphological properties of the cellular structure (i.e. water vapour permeability and volume fraction of the solid matrix). The water vapour permeability is estimated from finite element method modelling using a simplified model for the cellular structure. It is shown that experimentally observed dynamical water profiles of bread rolls that differ in crust permeability are predicted well by the Fickian diffusion model.


Adopting Andersen's behavior model to identify factors influencing maternal healthcare service utilization in Bangladesh.
Equitable maternal healthcare service access and it's optimum utilization remains a challenge for many developing countries like Bangladesh, and different predisposing, enabling, and need-based factors affect the level of maternal healthcare use. The evidently poor maternal healthcare service utilization and disparities among groups in Bangladesh are concerning considering its effect on maternal health outcomes. The study aimed to identify the factors that influence maternal healthcare service (MHS) utilization in Bangladesh by adopting Andersen's behavior model of health service use as the theoretical framework. The 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (2017-18 BDHS) data were used which is nationally representative. The survey study used two-stage stratified sampling to select study households, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The desirable, moderate, and undesirable maternal health service (MHS) package was developed based on antenatal, and delivery care services use during pregnancy and childbirth. Multinomial logistic regression and discriminant analysis were performed to analyze the factors that affect MHS use. Out of 5,011 ever-married women, only 31.2% of women utilized the desirable level of MHS. The likelihood of using the desirable level of MHS package, relative to the undesirable category, was 9.38 times (OR: 9.38, 95% CI: 4.30-20.44) higher for women with a higher level of education compared to illiterate women, and the same trend was noticed for husband's education. The wealth index had the highest standardized function coefficients (Beta coefficient: 0.49) in discriminatory function. Women with the richest wealth index were more than 23 times (OR: 23.27, 95% CI: 12.69-42.68) likely to have utilized desirable MHS than their poorest counterparts. The likelihood of service uses also varied according to the child's birth order, administrative regions, and area of residence (rural vs. urban). Policies and interventions directed towards poverty reduction, universal education, and diminishing geographical disparities of healthcare access might influence the desirable use of maternal healthcare services in Bangladesh.


Mechanisms of the cascade synthesis of substituted 4-amino-1,2,4-triazol-3-one from Huisgen zwitterion and aldehyde hydrazone: a DFT study.
The detailed reaction mechanisms of the title reaction are shed light on by using the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated results have demonstrated that the whole reaction takes place via four processes (processes (I-IV)), among which, three possible reaction mechanisms are proposed for process (II) (channels 1-3) and two for process (IV) (channels 4-5). According to our calculated results, channel 3 and channel 5 are verified to be most energetically favorable. As interpreted in the text, in process (II), the proton transfer should be performed prior to the nucleophilic attack, and the AA-Type transfer strategy is more likely to occur. The global reactivity index (GRI) and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analyses of the aldehyde hydrazone have further supported the AA-Type mechanism. In process (IV), however, the titled product has been demonstrated to be formed by the synergetic elimination of two protons via a six-membered ring transition state. Taking an integrated view, the highest energy barrier for the whole reaction along the most favorable pathway is 32.19 kcal/mol, which is consistent with the mild thermal experimental conditions. More interestingly, the qualified mechanisms in this work have given a perfect explanation to the optimal reactants molar ratio of highest yields (R1/R2/R3 = 2/1/1) employed in the experiment.


Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast: report of two cases with immunohistochemical profile of C-kit and MYB overexpression.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor with characteristic histologic features. Staining with basal markers for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 usually shows negative results. Immunohistochemical analysis of C-kit and MYB overexpression of the ACC also has been reported. We report two cases of ACC of the breast with C-kit and MYB overexpression that clinically confirm these previously reported characteristics and suggest that further molecular study of the expression of these two proteins can lead to future therapeutic strategies.


Enhanced detection of ascorbic acid with cascaded fluorescence recovery of a dual-nanoquencher system.
An innovative strategy with target-triggered cascade fluorescence recovery of a dual-nanoquencher system was developed to detect ascorbic acid (AA). Herein, manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosheets and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used as nanoquenchers simultaneously. Owing to their synergistic effects, the fluorescence of 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP) was decreased efficiently, thus minimizing the background fluorescence. The introduction of AA triggered the decomposition of MnO2 into Mn2+, which induced the aggregation of AuNPs. Both the decomposed MnO2 and aggregated AuNPs possess weak quenching abilities towards DAP. Such a cascade amplification strategy enhanced the detection sensitivity for AA with a LOD as low as 6.7 nM, which was two orders of magnitude lower than that of MnO2-based fluorescence assay. Furthermore, this amplification strategy was successfully applied to detect AA in food samples.


Case Report: Differential Genomics and Evolution of a Meningeal Melanoma Treated With Ipilimumab and Nivolumab.
Primary melanocytic tumors of the CNS are extremely rare conditions, encompassing different disease processes including meningeal melanoma and meningeal melanocytosis. Its incidence range between 3-5%, with approximately 0.005 cases per 100,000 people. Tumor biological behavior is commonly aggressive, with poor prognosis and very low survivability, and a high recurrence rate, even after disease remission with multimodal treatments. Specific genetic alterations involving gene transcription, alternative splicing, RNA translation, and cell proliferation are usually seen, affecting genes like BRAF, TERT, GNAQ, SF3B1, and EIF1AX. Here we present an interesting case of a 59-year-old male presenting with neurologic symptoms and a further confirmed diagnosis of primary meningeal melanoma. Multiple therapy lines were used, including radiosurgery, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. The patient developed two relapses and an evolving genetic makeup that confirmed the disease's clonal origin. We also provide a review of the literature on the genetic basis of primary melanocytic tumors of the CNS.


Te-Cefotaxime nanocomposites with restored antibiotic susceptibility and the LED light activated photothermal effect for rapid MRSA eradication.
The ever-growing antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a huge threat to public health. Restoring the susceptibility of ineffective antibiotics by inorganic nanomaterials and combining the photothermal and antibiotic effects could be an optional strategy to combat this resistance. Here, cefotaxime (CTX) loaded tellurium nanoparticles (Te NPs) were fabricated to recover the antibacterial activity of the ineffective β-lactam antibiotic CTX against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and at the same time perform photothermal therapy under light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation with a wavelength in the range of 420-480 nm. The combination of 50 μg mL-1 Te-CTX NPs with 5 min LED irradiation produced a 30.4 °C temperature increase and killed 99% of MRSA in vitro. In vivo evaluation in mice revealed that Te-CTX NPs and LED irradiation accelerated the healing of MRSA infected wounds and presented biosafety. Furthermore, this combination accelerated glutathione oxidation and resulted in the disruption of the antioxidant defence system of MRSA. Such a synergistic antibiotic and photothermal therapy provides an innovative way for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.


Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate (PIP2) differentially regulates the interaction of human erythrocyte protein 4.1 (4.1R) with membrane proteins.
Human erythrocyte protein 4.1 (4.1R) participates in organizing the plasma membrane by linking several surface-exposed transmembrane proteins to the internal cytoskeleton. In the present study, we characterized the interaction of 4.1R with phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and assessed the effect of PIP2 on the interaction of 4.1R with membrane proteins. We found that 4.1R bound to PIP2-containing liposomes through its N-terminal 30 kDa membrane-binding domain and PIP2 binding induced a conformational change in this domain. Phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PIP) was a less effective inducer of this conformational change, and phosphatidylinositol (PI) and inositol-1,4,5-phosphate (IP3) induced no change. Replacement of amino acids K63,64 and K265,266 by alanine abolished the interaction of the membrane-binding domain with PIP2. Importantly, binding of PIP2 to 4.1R selectively modulated the ability of 4.1R to interact with its different binding partners. While PIP2 significantly enhanced the binding of 4.1R to glycophorin C (GPC), it inhibited the binding of 4.1R to band 3 in vitro. PIP2 had no effect on 4.1R binding to p55. Furthermore, GPC was more readily extracted by Triton X-100 from adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-depleted erythrocytes, implying that the GPC-4.1R interaction may be regulated by PIP2 in situ. These findings define an important role for PIP2 in regulating the function of 4.1R. Because 4.1R and its family members (4.1R, 4.1B, 4.1G, and 4.1N) are widely expressed and the PIP2-binding motifs are highly conserved, it is likely that the functions of other 4.1 proteins are similarly regulated by PIP2 in many different cell types.


Histochemical, enzymatic, and contractile properties of skeletal muscle fibers in the lizard Dipsosaurus dorsalis.
Lizard skeletal muscle fiber types were investigated in the iliofibularis (IF) muscle of the desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis). Three fiber types were identified based on histochemical staining for myosin ATPase (mATPase), succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), and alphaglycerophosphate dehydrogenase (alphaGPDH) activity. The pale region of the IF contains exclusively fast-twitch-glycolytic (FG) fibers, which stain dark for mATPase and alphaGPDH, light SDH. The red region of the IF contains fast-twitch-oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) fibers, which stain dark for all three enzymes, and tonic fibers, which stain light for mATPase, dark for SDH, and moderate for alphaGPDH. Enzymatic activities of myofibrillar ATPase, citrate synthase, and alphaGPDH confirm these histochemical interpretations. Lizard FG and FOG fibers possess twitch contraction times and resistance to fatigue comparable to analogous fibers in mammals, but are one-half as oxidative and several times as glycolytic as analogous fibers in rats. Lizard tonic fibers demonstrate the acetylcholine sensitivity common to other vertebrate tonic fibers.


Conservative management of Caesarean scar pregnancies with systemic multidose methotrexate: predictors of treatment failure and reproductive outcomes.
Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is an increasing concern in modern obstetrics. Early diagnosis and management are of utmost importance. The optimal management approach for CSP is not well established, with various treatment modalities reported. The role of conservative management of CSP has been previously reported, with conflicting results. This study aimed to further evaluate its role and better delineate the subsequent reproductive outcomes. A retrospective cohort study including all patients diagnosed with a CSP and treated by intention of conservative management with systemic methotrexate (MTX). Maternal and gestation characteristics were compared between treatment success and failure groups. Thirty-six cases of CSP were encountered. Overall, 29/36 (80.6%) were treated by systemic injection of MTX while the other 19.4% had combined systemic and local (i.e. intra-sac) MTX treatment. Invasive intervention was needed in five (13.9%) cases (failure group). Among those successfully treated with MTX, the median time to resolution was 22 (interquartile range 13-37) days. Cases who were converted to surgical treatment had a higher number of previous Caesarean deliveries (median 4 versus 2, P = 0.002). In logistic regression modelling, the number of previous Caesarean deliveries was the only factor independently associated with conversion to surgical management (odds ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.03-3.94). The majority of future pregnancies ended at term pregnancy with only one preterm delivery due to severe intrauterine growth restriction. Systemic MTX therapy is a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of CSP, with favourable subsequent reproductive results and a low conversion rate to surgical management.


Revision of the genus Neocyrtopsis Liu & Zhang (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae).
In this paper we describe a new subgenus Neocyrtopsis (Paraneocyrtopsis) with two species originally described in Acosinetura Liu, 2000. We redescribe all the species in the subgenus Neocyrtopsis, and provide a key. Materials are deposited in the Shanghai Entomological Museum, CAS (SEM).


Potassium channel receptor site for the inactivation gate and quaternary amine inhibitors.
Many voltage-dependent K+ channels open when the membrane is depolarized and then rapidly close by a process called inactivation. Neurons use inactivating K+ channels to modulate their firing frequency. In Shaker-type K+ channels, the inactivation gate, which is responsible for the closing of the channel, is formed by the channel's cytoplasmic amino terminus. Here we show that the central cavity and inner pore of the K+ channel form the receptor site for both the inactivation gate and small-molecule inhibitors. We propose that inactivation occurs by a sequential reaction in which the gate binds initially to the cytoplasmic channel surface and then enters the pore as an extended peptide. This mechanism accounts for the functional properties of K+ channel inactivation and indicates that the cavity may be the site of action for certain drugs that alter cation channel function.


N-acetylcysteine potentiates the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors in hypertensive patients.
Sulfhydryl group donors, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), may enhance the antihypertensive effect of some drugs through a nitric oxide (NO) mechanism. It has been observed that the hypotensive effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) is, at least partially, mediated by NO. We performed a within patient crossover study with the aim to investigate the potential effect of NAC on the ACEI antihypertensive action, via an NO-dependent mechanism. We studied 18 smoker (> 10 years of habit and > 10 cigarettes daily) hypertensive patients (15 males and three females, aged 69 +/- 5 years) on ACEI therapy (11 captopril and seven enalapril). Patients were randomly allocated to two treatment arms. In one arm, the patients (n = 10) initially received the addition of NAC (600 mg t.i.d.) to the ACEI regimen. In the other group (n = 8), the patients remained only on ACEI. After 21 days, the therapeutic patterns were crossed. The first group received only ACEI, and the second group received ACEI and NAC and completed other 21-day treatment period. We evaluate the effect of NAC on each patient by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), performed at the end of each therapeutic regimen. A significant decrease in systolic and diastolic 24-h blood pressure (24 hBP) and daytime BP (dtBP) was achieved with the combination of ACEI and NAC (ACEI + NAC) when compared to the period with only ACEI: 24 hBP = 146.1 +/- 4.2 vs 137 +/- 3.1 (p < 0.05) and 89.2 +/- 2.8 vs 83.5 +/- 3.7mmHg (p = 0.01). DtBP: 149.7 +/- 5.6 vs 141 +/- 3.7 and 92.1 +/- 4 vs 86 +/- 3.2 (both, p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in night-time BP (ntBP). The NAC effect was not statistically different for the two ACEIs. In conclusion, the addition of NAC to an ACEI potentiates its antihypertensive effect during 24hBP and dtBP in smoker hypertensives. This effect may be mediated by an NO-dependent mechanism, probably through the protective effect of NAC on NO oxidation.


Interaction of nitroxide spin labels with chloroplasts.
Chloroplasts isolated from oats eliminated the electron spin resonance (ESR) signals from spin labels in white light and partially restored them in far-red light. Only the white light-mediated reaction was blocked by 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU). In contrast, oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Garry and Park) leaf mesophyll protoplasts oxidized the spin labels in both white and far-red light, with and without DCMU. Light had no obvious effect on spin label motion within chloroplast membranes. The results suggest that, in isolated chloroplasts, nitroxide spin labels may be reduced by photosystem I within the thylakoid bilayer resulting in loss of the ESR signals. The reduced forms may be reoxidized by an element of the photosynthetic electron transport chain which operates between the DCMU block and the photosystem I reaction center. In addition, a light-mediated destruction of the spin labels occurs in both chloroplasts and protoplasts. The reduced form of the nitroxide (i.e. the hydroxylamine) may be resistant to this destruction.


Comparative proteomic analysis of male and female venoms from the Cuban scorpion Rhopalurus junceus.
A complete mass spectrometry analysis of venom components from male and female scorpions of the species Rhophalurus junceus of Cuba is reported. In the order of 200 individual molecular masses were identified in both venoms, from which 63 are identical in male and females genders. It means that a significant difference of venom components exists between individuals of different sexes, but the most abundant components are present in both sexes. The relative abundance of identical components is different among the genders. Three well defined groups of different peptides were separated and identified. The first group corresponds to peptides with molecular masses of 1000-2000 Da; the second to peptides with 3500-4500 Da molecular weight, and the third with 6500-8000 Da molecular weights. A total of 86 peptides rich in disulfide bridges were found in the venoms, 27 with three disulfide bridges and 59 with four disulfide bridges. LC-MS/MS analysis allowed the identification and amino acid sequence determination of 31 novel peptides in male venom. Two new putative K(+)-channel peptides were sequences by Edman degradation. They contain 37 amino acid residues, packed by three disulfide bridges and were assigned the systematic numbers: α-KTx 1.18 and α-KTx 2.15.


Serum biomarkers of brain injury to classify outcome after pediatric cardiac arrest*.
Morbidity and mortality in children with cardiac arrest largely result from neurologic injury. Serum biomarkers of brain injury can potentially measure injury to neurons (neuron-specific enolase), astrocytes (S100b), and axons (myelin basic protein). We hypothesized that serum biomarkers can be used to classify outcome from pediatric cardiac arrest. Prospective observational study. Single tertiary pediatric hospital. Forty-three children with cardiac arrest. None. We measured serum neuron-specific enolase, S100b, and myelin basic protein on days 1-4 and 7 after cardiac arrest. We recorded demographics, details of the cardiac arrest and resuscitation, and Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category at hospital discharge and 6 months. We analyzed the association of biomarker levels at 24, 48, and 72 hours with favorable (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category 1-3) or unfavorable (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category 4-6) outcome and mortality. Forty-three children (49% female; mean age of 5.9 ± 6.3) were enrolled and 17 (40%) died. Serum S100b concentrations peaked earliest, followed by neuron-specific enolase and finally myelin basic protein. Serum neuron-specific enolase and S100b concentrations were increased in the unfavorable versus favorable outcome group and in subjects who died at all time points (all p < 0.05). Serum myelin basic protein at 24 and 72 hours correctly classified survival but not good versus poor outcome. Using best specificity, serum S100b and neuron-specific enolase had optimal positive and negative predictive values at 24 hours to classify both favorable versus unfavorable outcome and survival, whereas serum myelin basic protein's best accuracy occurred at 48 hours. Receiver operator curves for serum S100b and neuron-specific enolase to classify favorable versus unfavorable outcome at 6 months were superior to clinical variables. Preliminary data show that serum S100b, neuron-specific enolase, and myelin basic protein may aid in outcome classification of children surviving cardiac arrest.


Ass. Prof. Kurt Hühn- pioneer of Croatian ophthalmology.
The late Kurt Hühn (Zagreb, 1875- Rijeka, 1963) was one of the most outstanding figures in the history of Croatian ophthalmology. From 1904 to 1940 he was the head of the Department for Eye Diseases of the Nuns' Hospital (Bolnica sestara milosrdnica) in Zagreb. Under his guidance, the department developed into the largest of the kind in the Balkans, and did not in any respect lag behind other eye departments in Europe. Dr Hühn was also a prominent public figure: organizer of postgraduate studies for physicians, president of the Croatian Chamber of Physicians, head of the Croatian Ophthalmological Society, and chairman of the Croatian Red Cross.


Sharing images on social media without patient consent.
The purpose of this article is to initiate a discussion around the growing trend of sharing images of patients' scans without their consent on social media. While there are certainly merits in sharing images on social media, if undertaken without due care, it has the potential to be unprofessional and harmful to both patients and the radiology profession. In this article, I will outline some of the positive and negative aspects of sharing radiological images on social media, as well as some proposed solutions to help improve this practice.


Analysis of relative displacement between the HX wearable robotic exoskeleton and the user's hand.
Advances in technology are allowing for the production of several viable wearable robotic devices to assist with activities of daily living and with rehabilitation. One of the most pressing limitations to user satisfaction is the lack of consistency in motion between the user and the robotic device. The displacement between the robot and the body segment may not correspond because of differences in skin and tissue compliance, mechanical backlash, and/or incorrect fit. This report presents the results of an analysis of relative displacement between the user's hand and a wearable exoskeleton, the HX. HX has been designed to maximize comfort, wearability and user safety, exploiting chains with multiple degrees-of-freedom with a modular architecture. These appealing features may introduce several uncertainties in the kinematic performances, especially when considering the anthropometry, morphology and degree of mobility of the human hand. The small relative displacements between the hand and the exoskeleton were measured with a video-based motion capture system, while the user executed several different grips in different exoskeleton modes. The analysis furnished quantitative results about the device performance, differentiated among device modules and test conditions. In general, the global relative displacement for the distal part of the device was in the range 0.5-1.5 mm, while within 3 mm (worse but still acceptable) for displacements nearest to the hand dorsum. Conclusions over the HX design principles have been drawn, as well as guidelines for future developments.


Removal of lead from aqueous solutions on palm shell activated carbon.
The performance of a commercially available palm shell based activated carbon to remove lead ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption was evaluated. The adsorption experiments were carried out at pH 3.0 and 5.0. The effect of malonic and boric acid presence on the adsorption of lead ions was also studied. Palm shell activated carbon showed high adsorption capacity for lead ions, especially at pH 5 with an ultimate uptake of 95.2mg/g. This high uptake showed palm shell activated carbon as amongst the best adsorbents for lead ions. Boric acid presence did not affect significantly lead uptake, whereas malonic acid decreased it. The diffuse layer surface complexation model was applied to predict the extent of adsorption. The model prediction was found to be in concordance with the experimental values.


Hyperspectral imaging microscopy for identification and quantitative analysis of fluorescently-labeled cells in highly autofluorescent tissue.
Standard fluorescence microscopy approaches rely on measurements at single excitation and emission bands to identify specific fluorophores and the setting of thresholds to quantify fluorophore intensity. This is often insufficient to reliably resolve and quantify fluorescent labels in tissues due to high autofluorescence. Here we describe the use of hyperspectral analysis techniques to resolve and quantify fluorescently labeled cells in highly autofluorescent lung tissue. This approach allowed accurate detection of green fluorescent protein (GFP) emission spectra, even when GFP intensity was as little as 15% of the autofluorescence intensity. GFP-expressing cells were readily quantified with zero false positives detected. In contrast, when the same images were analyzed using standard (single-band) thresholding approaches, either few GFP cells (high thresholds) or substantial false positives (intermediate and low thresholds) were detected. These results demonstrate that hyperspectral analysis approaches uniquely offer accurate and precise detection and quantification of fluorescence signals in highly autofluorescent tissues.


How technology has changed diabetes management and what it has failed to achieve.
Tremendous improvements have modified diabetes management from pure clinical diagnosis and the discovery of insulin to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) coupled with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to allow patients to adapt insulin delivery to glycaemia on a virtually "real-time" basis. Insulin was first discovered in 1923 and, in less than a century, it has been purified, humanized and now synthesized by genetically modified microorganisms. Insulin analogue, kinetics and reproducibility now allow near-normal glycaemia to be targeted without increasing hypoglycaemia, thus allowing greater flexibility in the patient's day-to-day life. In addition, advances have been made over the past few decades in the development of the necessary and complementary technologies for insulin infusion, glucose measurement, glucose insulin interaction and telemedicine. The major remaining limitations are the lack of glycaemic regulation on insulin administration and the burden of parenteral delivery. Thus, the dream of both patients and diabetologists is to close the loop and to build an artificial pancreas.


Urethral complications after tension-free vaginal tape procedures: A surgical management case series.
To analyze the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and the surgical management of urethral complications after tension-free vaginal tape procedures. This study encompasses a retrospective review of nine patients presented with urethral complications after midurethral sling procedures. The patients underwent the procedures during a period from 1999 to 2012 in three different regional hospitals in the southwest part of Sweden. The time from sling placement to diagnosis, the risk factors, clinical features, diagnosis, surgical management, and functional outcome are presented. The presenting symptoms were described as either early onset (< 12 mo) or late onset (> 12 mo) according to when they were first reported. Eight cases of urethral erosion and one case of bladder-neck erosion were detected. The mean interval for diagnoses of the erosions ranged from 3 mo to 11 years. The most common presenting symptoms included de novo urgency with or without incontinence (7/9 patients), urinary retention/voiding dysfunction (4/9 patients), urethritis (4/9 patients), relapse of stress-incontinence (3/9 patients), recurrent urinary tract infections (5/9 patients), and hematuria (1/9 patient). In most cases, voiding dysfunction and urethritis occurred early after the operation. The surgical management applied in most cases was transurethral resection of the intraurethral part of the mesh. The removal of the intraurethral mesh resulted in improvement or complete cure of urgency symptoms in 5/7 patients with urgency. Four patients were reoperated with a new stress-incontinence surgery, one with laparoscopic Burch, and three with retropubic tension-free vaginal tape procedures. Urethral complications should be suspected in the case of de novo urgency and relapse of stress-incontinence. Transurethral excision of the intraurethral mesh is the recommended treatment.


Generalized lichen nitidus successfully treated with an antituberculous agent.
We describe a Japanese girl with generalized lichen nitidus. She had been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis at 6 years of age via her teacher. At 8 years of age, she developed severe contact dermatitis on sun-exposed areas after contact with Japanese lacquer trees. Shortly after, numerous tiny, shiny, flesh-coloured papules developed over the upper part of her body. At 10 years of age, she was exposed to a school outbreak of M. tuberculosis. Her eruption showed no response to topical corticosteroids or oral tranilast, but most of the papules completely disappeared after she had received oral isoniazid for 6 months.


[Influence on kidney after resuscitation of heart arrest due to hypothermia induced by 4 centigrade normal saline in pig].
To assess the effects of hypothermia state induced by 4 centigrade normal saline (NS) on kidney after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in pig. After the induction of a 4-minute ventricular fibrillation (VF) in pigs, standard CPR was performed, and then the surviving pigs were divided into two groups: hypothermia group (n=5) with 4 centigrade NS continuous infusion at the speed of 1.33 ml×kg(-1)×min(-1) for 22 minutes, and then the speed was slowed down to 10 ml×kg(-1)×min(-1) and maintaining for 4 hours; the normal temperature group (n=5) with infusion of NS of normal temperature with the same speed as that of the hypothermia group. The hemodynamic parameters and oxygen metabolism were monitored before CA and also at different time points after recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Blood samples were collected to determine the serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). The animals were sacrificed, and the kidneys were collected to determine the ATPase activity, as well as the histological changes with both light and electron microscopy at 24 hours after ROSC. Continuous infusion of 4 centigrade NS could lower the central temperature by no more than 1.5 centigrade, with a little lowering of cardiac output, without obvious changes in heart rate, mean arterial pressure and coronary perfusion pressure, but the oxygen extraction rate was decreased compared with that of the normal temperature group. Serum BUN and Cr at 2 hours and 4 hours of ROSC in the normal temperature group were higher than those before CA (BUN: 3.80±0.79 mmol/L, 4.12±0.85 mmol/L vs. 3.11±0.48 mmol/L; Cr: 94.43±18.25 μmol/L, 94.15±14.03 μmol/L vs. 79.70±16.03 μmol/L, all P<0.05), and the levels in hypothermia group showed no significant changes compared with those of normal temperature group. The activities of renal Na (+)-K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase at 24 hours after ROSC in the hypothermia group were lower than those in the normal temperature group, but without significant difference (1.278±0.664 μmol×mg(-1)×h(-1) vs. 3.190±0.789 μmol×mg(-1)×h(-1), 1.727±0.772 μmol×mg(-1)×h(-1) vs. 2.630±0.816 μmol×mg(-1)×h(-1), both P>0.05). Compared with the normal temperature group, there were less cellular edema, necrosis and inflammatory cells infiltration in the hypothermia group, and the mitochondria appeared normal. 4 centigrade NS continuous infusion after CPR could quickly create a hypothermia state, and the hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism were maintained, thus protecting the kidney.


DNA Methylation and Immune Memory Response.
The generation of memory is a cardinal feature of the adaptive immune response, involving different factors in a complex process of cellular differentiation. This process is essential for protecting the second encounter with pathogens and is the mechanism by which vaccines work. Epigenetic changes play important roles in the regulation of cell differentiation events. There are three types of epigenetic regulation: DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA expression. One of these epigenetic changes, DNA methylation, occurs in cytosine residues, mainly in CpG dinucleotides. This brief review aimed to analyse the literature to verify the involvement of DNA methylation during memory T and B cell development. Several studies have highlighted the importance of the DNA methyltransferases, enzymes that catalyse the methylation of DNA, during memory differentiation, maintenance, and function. The methylation profile within different subsets of naïve activated and memory cells could be an interesting tool to help monitor immune memory response.


Inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication in normal human breast epithelial cells after treatment with pesticides, PCBs, and PBBs, alone or in mixtures.
Chemical pollutants in the Great Lakes have found their way through the food chain into humans because of their environmental persistence and lipophilicity. Some epidemiological studies have claimed an association between metabolites of 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and breast cancer, but others have reported no such association. We examined various halogenated hydrocarbons for their capacity to inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in normal human breast epithelial cells (HBEC) when given as single compounds or as mixtures. The scrape-loading/dye transfer and fluorescent redistribution after photobleaching techniques were used to measure GJIC; immunostaining and Western and Northern analyses were performed on connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junction protein and message to determine how halogenated hydrocarbons might affect GJIC. DDT, dieldrin, and toxaphene inhibited GJIC in a dose-responsive manner after 90 min treatments. Dieldrin suppressed GJIC within 30 min with no recovery after 24 hr. Inhibition of GJIC by DDT and toxaphene was partially restored after 12 hr and fully restored after 24 hr. Several PCB and PBB congeners inhibited GJIC in a dose-responsive and time-dependent manner, but GJIC was almost restored to control values 24 hr after exposure. The highest concentrations of the individual chemicals that did not inhibit GJIC was determined, and mixtures containing two of these chemicals were tested for their ability to inhibit GJIC. Significant inhibition of GJIC was observed when cells were treated with a mixture of DDT and 2,4,5-hexachlorobiphenyl (2,4,5-HCB), dieldrin and 2,4,5-HCB, or dieldrin and 2,4,5-hexabromobiphenyl (2,4,5-HBB). These results indicate that halogenated hydrocarbons, alone or in specific combinations, can alter GJIC at the post-translational level. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that DDT, dieldrin, toxaphene, 2,3,4-HCB, 2,4,5-HCB, and 2,4,5-HBB could have tumor-promoting potential in human breast tissue.


Production of monoclonal antibody specific to Campylobacter jejuni and its potential in diagnosis of Campylobacter enteritis.
A monoclonal antibody (MAb 3G6) specific for Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli was produced by immunizing BALB/c mice with a local strain of C.jejuni (28.1). No cross-reactivity was observed with Enterobacteriaceae controls. By immunoprecipitation, MAb 3G6 identified a major protein band of molecular weight 45 kDa and also gave a slight reactivity with 30 and 55 kDa proteins. Using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, MAb 3G6 was able to detect C.jejuni suspended in stool without cross-reactivity to 14 other enteropathogenic bacteria suspended, normal flora in fecal suspension, or fecal debris. In the analysis of fifty clinical specimens, MAb 3G6 detected most positive samples with the exception of one which possessed very low Campylobacter concentration and gave no reactivity to negative samples, demonstrating its high specificity to C. jejuni and C. coli. MAb 3G6 may be suitable as a new tool for the development of diagnostic method for Campylobacter infection.


Perturbations of Metabolomic Profiling of Spleen From Rats Infected With Clonorchis sinensis Determined by LC-MS/MS Method.
Clonorchiasis is an important zoonotic parasitic disease worldwide. In view of the fact that parasite infection affects host metabolism, and there is an intricate relationship between metabolism and immunity. Metabolic analysis of the spleen could be helpful for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms in clonorchiasis. A non-targeted ultra high performance liquid tandem chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF MS) approach was employed to investigate the metabolic profiles of spleen in rats at 4 and 8 weeks post infection with Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis). Then a targeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MRM-MS/MS) approach was used to further quantify amino acid metabolism. Multivariate data analysis methods, such as principal components analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, were used to identify differential metabolites. Finally, a total of 396 and 242 significant differential metabolites were identified in ESI+ and ESI- modes, respectively. These metabolites included amino acids, nucleotides, carboxylic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. There were 38 significantly different metabolites shared in the two infected groups compared with the control group through the Venn diagram. The metabolic pathways analysis revealed that pyrimidine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, purine metabolism and phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis were significantly enriched in differential metabolites, which was speculated to be related to the disease progression of clonorchiasis. Furthermore, 15 amino acids screened using untargeted profiling can be accurately quantified and identifed by targeted metabolomics during clonrochiasis. These results preliminarily revealed the perturbations of spleen metabolism in clonorchiasis. Meanwhile, this present study supplied new insights into the molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interactions.


The effect of exercise-intensity on skeletal muscle stress kinase and insulin protein signaling.
Stress and mitogen activated protein kinase (SAPK) signaling play an important role in glucose homeostasis and the physiological adaptation to exercise. However, the effects of acute high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and sprint interval exercise (SIE) on activation of these signaling pathways are unclear. Eight young and recreationally active adults performed a single cycling session of HIIE (5 x 4 minutes at 75% Wmax), SIE (4 x 30 second Wingate sprints), and continuous moderate-intensity exercise work-matched to HIIE (CMIE; 30 minutes at 50% of Wmax), separated by a minimum of 1 week. Skeletal muscle SAPK and insulin protein signaling were measured immediately, and 3 hours after exercise. SIE elicited greater skeletal muscle NF-κB p65 phosphorylation immediately after exercise (SIE: ~40%; HIIE: ~4%; CMIE; ~13%; p < 0.05) compared to HIIE and CMIE. AS160Ser588 phosphorylation decreased immediately after HIIE (~-27%; p < 0.05), and decreased to the greatest extent immediately after SIE (~-60%; p < 0.05). Skeletal muscle JNK (~42%; p < 0.05) and p38 MAPK (~171%; p < 0.05) phosphorylation increased, and skeletal muscle AktSer473 phosphorylation (~-32%; p < 0.05) decreased, to a similar extent immediately after all exercise protocols. AS160Ser588 phosphorylation was similar to baseline three hours after SIE (~-12%; p > 0.05), remained lower 3 hours after HIIE (~-34%; p < 0.05), and decreased 3 hours after CMIE (~-33%; p < 0.05). Despite consisting of less total work than CMIE and HIIE, SIE proved to be an effective stimulus for the activation of stress protein kinase signaling pathways linked to exercise-mediated adaptation of skeletal muscle. Furthermore, post-exercise AS160Ser588 phosphorylation decreased in an exercise-intensity and post-exercise time-course dependent manner.


Diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease: morphologic-anatomic method and terminology.
A summary and brief illustration of the morphologic-anatomic method of diagnosis of congenital heart disease is presented. The principles of scientific neologizing are considered and exemplified. Scientific freedom of speech and expression is commented upon. It is suggested that unnecessary renaming of numerous cardiac anatomic structures and many forms of congenital heart disease be discontinued, and that terminology be de-emphasized.


The PAF antagonist TCV-309 reduces graft PMN infiltration and enhances early function of 24-hour-preserved rat kidneys with long warm ischemia.
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether treatment with TCV-309, a PAF antagonist, improves life-sustaining function of renal grafts that have suffered warm ischemia (WI) prior to cold storage (CS) and whether TCV-309 influences leukocyte sequestration in tissues. Syngeneic kidneys with 20 min of WI and 24 hr of CS were transplanted into bilateral nephrectomized rats. In the treated group, TCV-309 was administered (i.v. 1 mg/kg) 5 min before reperfusion. Rats in the control group received saline. On day 14, 80% rats survived in the treated group, which was higher than the controls (0%). At 24 hr of reperfusion, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a marker enzyme for PMNs, in the treated kidney was significantly lower than the controls, but did not differ from the normal values. The MPO activity in the controls was higher than the normal values. In conclusion, the PAF antagonist improves posttransplant function of rat kidneys subjected to a period of WI and CS. PMNs are involved in postischemic renal injury, which is, at least partially, mediated by PAF. The effectiveness of PAF antagonist in treatment of recipients may lead to its clinical application in transplantation of ischemically injured kidneys.


Capacity and contextual constraints on product activation: evidence from task-irrelevant fact retrieval.
Three experiments tested the limiting conditions of multiplication facts retrieval in a number-matching task (LeFevre, Bisanz, & Mrkonjic, 1988). By presenting two digits as cue and by requiring participants to decide whether a subsequent numerical target had been present in the pair, we found interference when the target coincided with the product of the cue digits. This was evidence for obligatory activation of multiplication facts. Also, we showed that multiplication facts retrieval occurred even in the absence of any arithmetic context (i.e., a multiplication sign between the cue digits) and did not require processing resources (i.e., the process met the capacity criterion of automaticity; Jonides, 1981), whereas manipulation of the spatial relation between the two operands (cue digits) negatively affected retrieval. The present work appears to be unique in the context of previous similar studies on mental calculation, which invariably adopted an arithmetic task as the primary demand. We identify this difference as the reason for the failure of all previous studies in revealing independence of multiplication facts from attentional resources. Furthermore, we suggest the application of a contextual definition of automaticity to this kind of retrieval, given the fact that it might depend both on association strength and on contextual setting variables.


[Changes in the acid-base equilibrium of pleural fluid during the first 2 hours after thoracentesis].
The aim of this study was to assess changes in the acid-base equilibrium of pleural fluid during the first 2 hours after thoracentesis and to determine whether, as with arterial blood, it is important to keep the fluid on ice. A prospective, descriptive, comparative study was performed in 53 consecutive patients with pleural effusion. Thoracentesis was performed and pleural fluid was collected in 5 heparinized syringes to determine the pH, PO2, and PCO2 at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. In the first 26 patients, pleural fluid was collected in a further 4 syringes that were kept on ice prior to performing the same measurements at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. The patients had a mean (SD) age of 70 (14) years, 66% were smokers, 72% were men, 63% had right-sided pleural effusion, 85% had unilateral effusion, and 15% had massive effusion. In 10 patients the effusion was a transudate, in 35 it was lymphocytic, and in 8 it was neutrophilic. The etiology was benign in 34 cases and neoplastic in 19 cases. The baseline pH was 7.35 (0.1) and baseline values of PO2 and PCO2 were 57.8 (20) mm Hg and 53.7 (15) mm Hg, respectively. No significant changes were observed in the first 2 hours for either pH or PCO2, whereas PO2 did undergo a significant change over this period. The difference between the baseline value and the value obtained at 120 minutes was 0.005 (0.02) for pH, 12.5 (19) mm Hg for PO2, and 0.8 (3) mm Hg for PCO2, with correlation coefficients of 0.97, 0.49, and 0.98, respectively. Comparison of values by simple regression analysis did not reveal a significant difference in the changes in pH, PO2, or PCO2 associated with keeping samples on ice. Multivariate analysis revealed that neoplastic effusion and a higher red blood cell count in pleural fluid had a significant influence on pH changes. The pH and PCO2 of pleural fluid did not change significantly during the first 2 hours following thoracentesis, whereas PO2 did undergo a significant change. Keeping samples on ice during this period is unnecessary. Only a higher red blood cell count in pleural fluid and neoplastic effusion had a limited effect on changes in the pH of samples from our patients during the first 2 hours following thoracentesis.


Absolute measurements of diffuse reflectance in the alpha degrees /d configuration.
An improved theory for data reduction of absolute reflectance measurements using the third Taylor method in the alpha degrees / d configuration is presented. A brief description is given of an absolute reflectometer operating in the 0.8-2.5-microm region. The reflectometer is operated according to the improved theory. Experimental data for some widely used samples are given, as well as data showing agreement between the current measurements and those made by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.


Determination of a pH threshold for dark cutting beef based on visual evaluation by Asian consumers.
This study defined the pH threshold for dark cutting beef of Asian consumers using a web-based survey and examined their preferences for beef appearance. Ninety individual images of beef steaks with different pH values were randomly selected to be scored by 4322 respondents. Gender, age and beef eating habits of respondents were found to impact on color preferences. With respondent's visual score of 4 set as the acceptance threshold, linear regression analysis between visual scores and beef instrumental colorimetrics, showed that the acceptance thresholds of instrumental color values were L* ≥ 31.4, a* ≥ 16.4, b* ≥ 6.5, chroma ≥17.4 and hue ≥22.5. These corresponded to pH threshold values of 6.11, 6.20, 6.28, 6.25 and 6.29, respectively. This pH benchmark (6.11 to 6.29) for dark cutters is higher than pH thresholds applied in most countries, indicating that Asian consumers prefer darker meat than expected, however, the likely tenderness of beef with pH's at this level merits consideration.


Filamentous pathogen effectors interfering with small RNA silencing in plant hosts.
Filamentous eukaryotic pathogens including fungi and oomycetes are major threats of plant health. During the co-evolutionary arms race with the hosts, these pathogens have evolved a large repertoire of secreted virulence proteins, called effectors, to facilitate colonization and infection. Many effectors are believed to directly manipulate targeted processes inside the host cells; and a fundamental function of the effectors is to dampen immunity. Recent evidence suggests that the destructive oomycete pathogens in the genus Phytophthora encode RNA silencing suppressors. These effectors play an important virulence role during infection, likely through their inhibitory effect on host small RNA-mediated defense.


A hierarchical clustering methodology for the estimation of toxicity.
ABSTRACT A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) methodology based on hierarchical clustering was developed to predict toxicological endpoints. This methodology utilizes Ward's method to divide a training set into a series of structurally similar clusters. The structural similarity is defined in terms of 2-D physicochemical descriptors (such as connectivity and E-state indices). A genetic algorithm-based technique is used to generate statistically valid QSAR models for each cluster (using the pool of descriptors described above). The toxicity for a given query compound is estimated using the weighted average of the predictions from the closest cluster from each step in the hierarchical clustering assuming that the compound is within the domain of applicability of the cluster. The hierarchical clustering methodology was tested using a Tetrahymena pyriformis acute toxicity data set containing 644 chemicals in the training set and with two prediction sets containing 339 and 110 chemicals. The results from the hierarchical clustering methodology were compared to the results from several different QSAR methodologies.


Marine algae-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles using a novel Ecklonia cava.
In the present study, we report rapid biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using a novel marine brown alga Ecklonia cava (Family: Lessoniaceae) by the reduction of chloroauric acid. The formation of Au NPs reaction was complete within 1 min at 80 °C and physiochemically characterized with different analytical techniques. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that Au NPs were functionalized with biomolecules that have primary amine group, hydroxyl group and other stabilizing functional groups. X-ray diffraction pattern showed high purity and face-centered cubic structure of Au NPs. Microscopy results showed that these Au NPs are formed with shapes like spherical and triangular with an average size of 30 ± 0.25 nm. Synthesized Au NPs showed good antimicrobial and biocompatibility with human keratinocyte cell line. Thus, physiochemical characteristic results suggest that Au NPs will have promising biomedical applications in different area such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensor, etc.


The resonance frequency of the external auditory canal in children.
The frequency of the resonance peak of the external auditory canal was measured in 250 children aged 3 to 12 years. The mean resonance peak frequency was greatest in the younger age groups (3089 Hz in 4 year olds, range 2298 to 3763) and then decreased with age until 7, the age at which adult values were reached. Children less than 7 years of age have mean resonance frequencies significantly different from adults, suggesting that the "adult" length of external auditory canal is not reached until the age of 7. This alteration in resonance frequency with age may have practical implications by affecting the insertion gain of hearing aid systems in children.


[Activity of glial cells in the olfactory bulb of Niemann-Pick disease type C1 mice].
To study the pathological mechanisms of Niemann-Pick disease type C1, we observed the changes of activation of glial cells in the olfactory bulb of Npc1 mutant (Npc1(-/-)) mice. The genomic DNA was extracted from mouse tails for genotyping by PCR. Immunofluorescent histochemistry was performed to examine the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the olfactory bulb of Npc1(-/-) mice on postnatal day 30. NeuN, phosphorylated neurofilament (NF), Doublecortin (DCX), CD68 and GFAP were detected by Western blot. The results showed that Npc1 gene mutation strongly increased the activation of astrocytes and microglia in olfactory bulb associated with increased protein levels of CD68 and GFAP. Furthermore, the expression of phosphorylated NF was also significantly increased in the olfactory bulb of Npc1(-/-) mice compared with that in Npc1(+/+) mice. However, DCX expression was significantly reduced. The above results suggest that there are some early changes in the olfactory bulb of Npc1(-/-) mice.


DNA strand exchange promoted by RecA K72R. Two reaction phases with different Mg2+ requirements.
Replacement of lysine 72 in RecA protein with arginine produces a mutant protein that binds but does not hydrolyze ATP. The protein nevertheless promotes DNA strand exchange (Rehrauer, W. M., and Kowalczykowski, S. C. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 1292-1297). With RecA K72R protein, the formation of the hybrid DNA product of strand exchange is greatly affected by the concentration of Mg2+ in ways that reflect the concentration of a Mg.dATP complex. When Mg2+ is present at concentrations just sufficient to form the Mg.dATP complex, substantial generation of completed product hybrid DNAs over 7 kilobase pairs in length is observed (albeit slowly). Higher levels of Mg2+ are required for optimal uptake of substrate duplex DNA into the nucleoprotein filament, indicating that the formation of joint molecules is facilitated by Mg2+ levels that inhibit the subsequent migration of a DNA branch. We also show that the strand exchange reaction promoted by RecA K72R, regardless of the Mg2+ concentration, is bidirectional and incapable of bypassing structural barriers in the DNA or accommodating four DNA strands. The reaction exhibits the same limitations as that promoted by wild type RecA protein in the presence of adenosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate. The Mg2+ effects, the limitations of RecA-mediated DNA strand exchange in the absence of ATP hydrolysis, and unusual DNA structures observed by electron microscopy in some experiments, are interpreted in the context of a model in which a fast phase of DNA strand exchange produces a discontinuous three-stranded DNA pairing intermediate, followed by a slow phase in which the discontinuities are resolved. The mutant protein also facilitates the autocatalytic cleavage of the LexA repressor, but at a reduced rate.


ALDH Activity Correlates with Metastatic Potential in Primary Sarcomas of Bone.
Osteosarcoma (OS), chondrosarcoma (CSA), and Ewings sarcoma (ES) are the most common primary malignancies of bone, and are rare diseases. As with all sarcomas, the prognosis of these diseases ultimately depends on the presence of metastatic disease. Survival is therefore closely linked with the biology and metastatic potential of a particular bone tumor's cells. Here we describe a significant correlation of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and the presence/absence of distant metastases in ten consecutive cases of human bone sarcomas. Additionally, cultured human CSA cells, which are historically chemo- and radio-resistant, may be sensitive to the ALDH inhibitor, disulfiram. While it is premature to draw broad conclusions from such a small series, the importance of ALDH activity and inhibition in the metastatic potential of primary bone sarcomas should be investigated further.


Prevalence of oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with poor outcomes, including stroke. The ability of anticoagulation therapy to reduce the risk of stroke has been well established; however, the prevalence of anticoagulation therapy use in the Public Health System is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate both the prevalence of anticoagulation therapy among patients with atrial fibrillation and the indications for the treatment. In this cross-sectional study, we included consecutive patients who had atrial fibrillation documented by an electrocardiogram performed between September 2011 and March 2012 at a university hospital of the Public Health System. The variables analyzed included the risk of a thromboembolic event and/or bleeding, the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, the location where the electrocardiogram report was initially reviewed and the specialty of the physician who initially reviewed it. We included 162 patients (mean age 68.9 years, 56% men). Hypertension (90.1%), heart failure (53.4%) and stroke (38.9%) were the most prevalent diseases found. Only 50.6% of the patients knew that they had atrial fibrillation. Regarding the use of therapy, only 37.6% of patients classified as high risk according to the CHADS2 scores and 35.5% according to the CHA2DS2VASc used oral anticoagulation. A presumptive diagnosis of heart failure and the fact that the electrocardiogram was evaluated by a cardiologist were the only independent predictors of the use of anticoagulants. Our study found a low prevalence of oral anticoagulation therapy among patients with atrial fibrillation and an indication for stroke prophylaxis for the use of this therapy, including among those with high CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASc scores.


C1-symmetric dicyclopentadienes as new chiral diene ligands for asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed arylation of N-tosylarylimines.
Monosubstituted C(1)-symmetric dicyclopentadienes as a new class of diene ligands have been developed for asymmetric arylation of N-tosylarylimines in excellent yields (98-99%) with high enantioselectivities (90-96%). The preparation of these diene ligands relied on an efficient lipase-catalyzed resolution as the key step.


Efficacy and safety of lanthanoids as X-ray contrast agents.
It has been suggested that elements from the lanthanoid (Ln) series may be well suited for use as absorbing elements in X-ray contrast agents (CA). Because gadolinium, an element of the lanthanoid series, has been identified as being possibly associated with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a rare but potentially severe disease, we sought to determine if other lanthanoids might possess a similar potential. By computed tomography (CT), we compared the X-ray attenuation of all lanthanoids to that of iodine in vitro. In addition, we injected Han-Wistar rats on five consecutive days with 2.5 mmol Ln/kg bodyweight intravenously to test several Ln-DTPA-BMA complexes (praseodymium, europium, gadolinium, and holmium). Saline solution and a Ca-DTPA-BMA group served as controls. Ln concentrations in the skin and organs were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This method measures the total Ln content and cannot differentiate between chelated and unchelated Ln. In addition, serum cytokine levels were measured by Luminex technology. The complex stability of the Ln-DTPA-BMA complexes was also assessed in vitro. Lanthanoids showed up to 50% higher X-ray attenuation than iodine in CT. The highest X-ray attenuation was observed with holmium and erbium. Differences in the in vitro complex stability of Pr-, Eu-, Gd-, and Ho-DTPA-BMA complexes were observed. The complex stability differences were also reflected by differences in the concentrations in tissue of the lanthanoids in vivo. Injections of Ln complexes caused NSF-like skin lesions in rats and a rapid upregulation of pro-fibrotic and inflammatory serum cytokines. The Ca-DTPA-BMA complex did not to induce pro-fibrotic cytokines or skin lesions. Pr-DTPA-BMA appeared to be toxic; all Pr-DTPA-BMA treated animals died within the first four days of the experiment and were therefore excluded from further analyses. Lanthanoids are very well suited for higher X-ray tube voltages, particularly CT examinations. However, Ln-specific induction of NSF-like skin lesions and rapid elevation of pro-fibrotic serum cytokines levels were observed in rats following multiple administrations of high doses of Ln-DTPA-BMA complexes. The results of this animal study suggest that the stability of lanthanoid complexes may be an important consideration in evaluating the potential for in vivo safety. Furthermore the results suggest a potential of the entire class of lanthanoids to have the potential to trigger NSF-like skin lesions in rats rather than only some of the specific elements of this series.


Erythroid expansion mediated by the Gfi-1B zinc finger protein: role in normal hematopoiesis.
In the search for genes expressed in hematopoietic stem cells, we identified that the expression of Gfi-1B (growth factor independence-1B) is highly restricted to hematopoietic stem cells, erythroblasts, and megakaryocytes. Gfi-1 and Gfi-1B are zinc finger proteins that share highly conserved SNAG and 6 zinc finger domains. Gfi-1 has been characterized as an oncogene involved in lymphoid malignancies in mice. In contrast, role of Gfi-1B in hematopoiesis has not been well characterized. In this study, we analyzed its function in human hematopoiesis. Enforced expression of Gfi-1B in human CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitors induced a drastic expansion of erythroblasts in an erythropoietin-independent manner. Expression of Gfi-1B did not promote erythroid commitment, but enhanced proliferation of immature erythroblasts. Erythroblasts expanded by exogenous Gfi-1B, however, failed to differentiate beyond proerythroblast stage and showed massive apoptosis. These biologic effects of Gfi-1B were mediated through its zinc finger domain, but not by the SNAG or non-zinc finger domain. Proliferation of erythroblasts was associated with sustained expression of GATA-2 but not of GATA-1, indicating a potential link between Gfi-1B and GATA family regulators. Importantly, the function of Gfi-1B to modulate transcription was dependent on promoter context. In addition, activation of transcription of an artificial promoter was mediated through its zinc finger domain. These findings establish Gfi-1B as a novel erythroid regulator and reveal its specific involvement in the regulation of erythroid cell growth through modulating erythroid-specific gene expression.


Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: an update.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is defined as a lateral spinal curvature of greater than 10 degrees, for which no pathologic cause can be determined. The initial assessment of adolescents with scoliosis focuses on identification of any treatable underlying pathology. Adolescents with scoliosis typically are asymptomatic and have normal neurologic and physical examinations, with the exception of curvature of the spine. Treatment strategies are determined by the risk of progression. This risk depends on the extent of the curvature and anticipated future spinal growth. The extent of the curvature may be estimated by use of a scoliometer and verified by calculation of the Cobb angle on radiographic evaluation. Skeletal maturity may be estimated by several methods, including radiologic estimates of ossification by bone atlas or Risser sign. Treatment strategies include bracing and surgery.


Cigarette smoking as a risk factor or an exacerbating factor for restless legs syndrome and sleep bruxism.
Cigarette smoking has been associated with sleep disturbances. However, little is known about how smoking affects restless legs syndrome (RLS) and sleep bruxism, two movement disorders associated with sleep. From a nationwide survey of 2,019 Canadian adults, we estimated the prevalence of smoking to be 36%. Although there was no difference between smokers and nonsmokers for RLS prevalence, almost twice as many smokers (12%) as nonsmokers (7%) were aware of experiencing sleep bruxism. The estimated risk of a smoker suffering from RLS was nonsignificant. On the other hand, the risk of a smoker grinding his or her teeth was moderate (odds ratio = 1.9). Analysis of sleep laboratory findings revealed no differences in motor RLS and periodic leg movements in sleep (PLMS) indices between smoking and nonsmoking patients; after adjustment for age, there were no differences in sleep efficiency, latency, number of awakenings, or the arousal index for the RLS/PLMS patients. Among those suffering from bruxism, smokers had more tooth-grinding episodes than did nonsmokers (35.0 vs. 7.0; p = 0.056); none of the sleep variables differentiated sleep bruxism smokers from nonsmokers. It appears that cigarette smoking does not influence RLS/PLMS, whereas the risk that smoking and tooth grinding are concomitant is moderate. Smoking was not significantly associated with more motor activity in RLS/PLMS, but more grinding was noted in sleep bruxism.


[Rasmussen syndrome].
Authors report about a boy with Rasmussen syndrome. This is a chronic localised encephalitis with focal epileptic seizures causing progressive neurologic deficits and mental impairment. The etiology and the clinical features of the syndrome are discussed, and the diagnostic role of the new imaging modalities is emphasized. This is the first report about this entity in Hungary.


High solubility pathway for the carbon dioxide free production of iron.
We report a fundamental change in the understanding of iron oxide thermochemistry, opening a facile, new CO(2)-free route to iron production. The resultant process can eliminate a major global source of greenhouse gas emission, producing the staple iron in molten media at high rate and low electrolysis energy.


Structural alterations far from the anticodon of the tRNAProGGG of Salmonella typhimurium induce +1 frameshifting at the peptidyl-site.
A total of 12 Salmonella typhimurium mutants were selected with mutations in the minor tRNAProGGG which suppress a +1 frameshift mutation in the hisD gene. This tRNA normally has 1-methylguanosine (m1G37) next to and 3' of the anticodon (position 37). Since the presence of m1G37 prevents frameshifting, some of the +1 frameshift suppressor derivatives of tRNAProGGG had alterations in the primary sequence abolishing the formation of m1G37. However, several of the mutant tRNAProGGG species had a normal level of m1G37 and a normal-sized anticodon loop, showing that neither m1G37 deficiency, nor an oversized anticodon loop, is a prerequisite for +1 frameshifting. Moreover, base substitutions far from the anticodon, e.g. in the acceptor stem, DHU-loop and stem, and at the top of the anticodon stem, promoted +1 frameshifting. When the frameshifting site (CCC-Uaa; CCC is in the zero frame and a +1 frameshift moves the ribosome to the CC-U codon) is overlapped by a nonsense codon (UAA), the efficiency of frameshifting decreased when release factor 1 was over-expressed and increased at an elevated temperature in a mutant with a temperature-sensitive release factor 1. The frameshifting site (CCC-Uac) was also overlapped with the sense codon UAC, which is decoded by a tRNA species having a 2-methylthio-cis ribozeatin (ms2io6A) at position 37. Mutations in the miaA gene affect the formation of this modified nucleoside and result in an A instead of ms2io6A37 in the tRNA. Such an undermodified tRNA is very inefficient in translation and the efficiency of frameshifting increased in a miaA1 mutant. These results suggest that the frameshifting event occurs at the P-site, since the efficiency of frameshifting was sensitive to the decoding activity of the overlapping codon. We conclude that tRNA with mutations far from the anticodon, with a normal-sized anticodon loop and having m1G37 induce +1 frameshifting at the P-site.


Biochemical characterization of two angiotensin II receptor subtypes in the rat.
Two angiotensin II receptor subtypes, A and B, have been described by means of specific and selective ligands (Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1989; 163:284-91). The present report describes the binding characteristics and the distribution of these subtypes in various rat tissues. Adrenal and uterus expressed both subtypes but in different proportions. Subtype B predominated in the adrenal glomerulosa (60%), whereas there was a greater proportion of subtype A in the medulla (70%). In uterus, subtype B was preferentially expressed (70%), and there was no difference in receptor distribution between muscle layers and serosa. Liver, kidney, and cultured aortic smooth muscle cells expressed only subtype B. In all of the tissues tested, the Ki values of various competing ligands were similar for each subtype expressed. It is proposed that subtype B is the vascular receptor. The function of subtype A, however, is still to be determined.


Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Prior to and After Neoadjuvant Treatment.
The aim of this study was to describe the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) features of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and to assess the value of DCE-MRI for the prediction of pathological complete response (pCR). Image analysis was performed in 15 patients with IBC (cT4d) and 12 patients with non-IBC (cT2), and included the assessment of BIRADS characteristics, skin alterations, enhancement characteristics, and changes post chemotherapy. Sensitivity and specificity of DCE-MRI for the presence of residual disease were obtained. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated comparing the (preoperative) tumor size with the histological size. Skin thickening/enhancement (80%) and non-mass-like enhancement (66.7%) occurred more often in IBC (16.7 vs. 8.3% in non-IBC). In 2 of 3 cases of IBC, pCR was correctly predicted (sensitivity 92%, specificity 67%), compared to 3 of 5 cases in non-IBC (sensitivity 86%, specificity 40%). Lower peak enhancement might be associated with a higher likelihood of pCR in IBC. No other parameters predicted eventual pCR. In IBC, no correlation between preoperative tumor size and histological size was found (r = 0.22, p = 0.50), whereas in non-IBC, size estimations were more accurate (r = 0.75, p = 0.03). IBC is characterized on MRI by skin changes and non-mass-like enhancement. Radiological complete response seems indicative of pCR in IBC and non-IBC. Size estimation of residual disease in IBC appears to be inaccurate.


[Clinical analysis of 106 school-aged children with eye trauma].
To detect the characteristics of school-aged children with eye trauma for giving an appropriate way of treatment and prevention. One hundred and six cases (107 eyes) of school-aged children with eye trauma treated in our hospital in the last 7 years were analyzed retrospectively. The main causes of trauma were playing plastic guns, firecracker and fireworks, scissors, or needle. Hyphema by ocular contusion or penetrating wound of cornea were often observed. The visual acuity of 44. 9% traumatic eyes was lower than 0.05 preoperatively and most of them (83.2%) recovered from blindness postoperatively. Eye trauma was severely harmful to school-aged children's eyes. Paying more attention to prevention and carrying out extensively popular education of eye protection were two important means to prevent children from injury.


Effects of long-term pretreatment with isoproterenol on bromocriptine-induced tachycardia in conscious rats.
It has been shown that bromocriptine-induced tachycardia, which persisted after adrenalectomy, is (i) mediated by central dopamine D2 receptor activation and (ii) reduced by 5-day isoproterenol pretreatment, supporting therefore the hypothesis that this effect is dependent on sympathetic outflow to the heart. This study was conducted to examine whether prolonged pretreatment with isoproterenol could abolish bromocriptine-induced tachycardia in conscious rats. Isoproterenol pretreatment for 15 days caused cardiac hypertrophy without affecting baseline blood pressure and heart rate. In control rats, intravenous bromocriptine (150 microg/kg) induced significant hypotension and tachycardia. Bromocriptine-induced hypotension was unaffected by isoproterenol pretreatment, while tachycardia was reversed to significant bradycardia, an effect that was partly reduced by i.v. domperidone (0.5 mg/kg). Neither cardiac vagal nor sympathetic tone was altered by isoproterenol pretreatment. In isolated perfused heart preparations from isoproterenol-pretreated rats, the isoproterenol-induced maximal increase in left ventricular systolic pressure was significantly reduced, compared with saline-pretreated rats (the EC50 of the isoproterenol-induced increase in left ventricular systolic pressure was enhanced approximately 22-fold). These results show that 15-day isoproterenol pretreatment not only abolished but reversed bromocriptine-induced tachycardia to bradycardia, an effect that is mainly related to further cardiac beta-adrenoceptor desensitization rather than to impairment of autonomic regulation of the heart. They suggest that, in normal conscious rats, the central tachycardia of bromocriptine appears to predominate and to mask the bradycardia of this agonist at peripheral dopamine D2 receptors.


Recalcitrant molluscum contagiosum successfully treated with the pulsed dye laser.
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) and is a very common skin disorder mainly involving young children Cryotherapy, curettage or some topical therapies have been applied for MC, but all of these treatments need several sessions, can be somewhat ineffective, and very painful. The present study assessed the impact of a single session of pulsed dye laser treatment of MC lesions which had proved resistant to other approaches Subjects and methods: Fifteen children comprised the study subjects, 11 boys and 4 girls, 3-5 years of age (mean 4.2 yr) with recalcitrant MC. Lesions were counted at baseline, and a single shot from a 585 nm pulsed dye laser was applied to each lesion (3 mm, 300 ms, 8.0 J/cm(2)). Lesions were counted again at 1 week post-treatment and followed for up to 3 months thereafter. All patients completed the study and no patient dropped out through pain or discomfort. Purpura was seen at each treated lesion immediately after irradiation, but at 1 week after treatment, lesion clearance was virtually complete which was maintained for 1 month, and no recurrence was seen at 3 months in 8 of the 15 patients who remained available for followup. A single treatment of MC lesions with the pulsed dye laser successfully cured even recalcitrant lesions with no recurrence on follow up, and was well tolerated by the young subjects.


Brief report: Predicting inner speech use amongst children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): the roles of verbal ability and cognitive profile.
Studies of inner speech use in ASD have produced conflicting results. Lidstone et al., J Autism Dev Disord (2009) hypothesised that Cognitive Profile (i.e., discrepancy between non-verbal and verbal abilities) is a predictor of inner speech use amongst children with ASD. They suggested other, contradictory results might be explained in terms of the different composition of ASD samples (in terms of Cognitive Profile) in each study. To test this, we conducted a new analysis of Williams et al.'s, J Child Psychol Psychiatry 48(1): 51-58 (2008) data on inner speech use in ASD. This revealed verbal ability predicted inner speech use on a short-term memory task over and above Cognitive Profile, but not vice versa. This suggests multiple factors determine whether children with ASD employ verbal mediation.


[Effect of systematic graded rewarming measures on body temperature and prognosis of patients undergoing emergency trauma surgery].
To observe the effect of systematic graded rewarming measures on body temperature and prognosis of patients with moderate and severe trauma [revised trauma score (RTS) < 12] requiring emergency operation. A prospective randomized double-blind controlled study was conducted. From January 2020 to January 2021, 104 patients who underwent emergency trauma surgery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were selected as the research object. According to random number table method, the patients were divided into traditional rewarming group and systematic graded rewarming group, with 52 cases in each group. Patients in traditional rewarming group (only record the body temperature without intervention, and start the rewarming process when the body temperature at any time was less than 36 centigrade); the patients in the system graded rewarming group start the preventive measures as soon as they were admitted to the hospital, and record the body temperature. When the body temperature at any time was less than 36 centigrade, start the graded rewarming process. Observe the rewarming effect, coagulation function, blood gas analysis and postoperative anesthesia recovery time of the two groups and final outcome. With the extension of time, the body temperature of the two groups increased gradually. The body temperature of the systematic grade rewarming group was significantly higher than that of the traditional rewarming group at 2 hours after rewarming and at discharge (centigrade: 36.23±0.77 vs. 35.84±0.93 at 2 hours after rewarming, 36.54±0.87 vs. 35.82±0.92 at discharge, both P < 0.05). The incidence of subsequent hypothermia was significantly lower than that in the traditional rewarming group [7.7% (4/52) vs. 25.0% (13/52), P < 0.05]. The postoperative activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of the two groups was significantly shorter than that at admission (s: 35.74±8.05 vs. 45.55±28.02 in the systematic rewarming group, P < 0.05; 38.35±6.48 vs. 42.40±13.18 in the traditional rewarming group, P < 0.05); the intraoperative and postoperative pH values in the systematic rewarming group were significantly higher than those at admission (7.33±0.05, 7.36±0.06 vs. 7.30±0.07, both P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the intraoperative and postoperative pH values in the traditional rewarming group and those at admission (7.31±0.06, 7.33±0.06 vs. 7.31±0.05, both P > 0.05). The postoperative prothrombin time (PT) and anesthesia recovery time in the systematic graded rewarming group were significantly shorter than those in the traditional rewarming group [PT (s): 15.05±2.44 vs. 17.94±3.48, anesthesia recovery time (hours): 14.40±11.76 vs. 17.35±10.51, all P < 0.05], and the pH value was significantly higher than that in the traditional rewarming group (7.36±0.06 vs. 7.33±0.06, P < 0.05). The systematic graded rewarming group had higher improvement rate and lower disability rate than the traditional rewarming group (76.9% vs. 65.4% and 17.3% vs. 25.0%, both P < 0.05). Systematic graded rewarming measures can improve the hypothermia of emergency trauma patients who received surgery, reduce the incidence of subsequent hypothermia of trauma patients, shorten the time of postoperative resuscitation, improve the coagulation function and blood gas indexes, improve the treatment rate, and reduce the incidence of disability.


Association of Lipid Profile and Suicide Attempts in a Large Sample of First Episode Drug-Naive Patients With Major Depressive Disorder.
Several studies have reported a link between lipid disorders and suicidality. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between suicidal behavior and blood lipid profiles in patients with first-episode and drug-naive (FEDN) major depressive disorder (MDD). The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma lipid profiles and suicide attempts in a large sample of FEDN MDD patients in the Chinese Han population, which has not been reported. A total of 1,718 MDD outpatients were recruited. Their clinical and demographic data as well as plasma lipid parameters were collected. We obtained suicide attempt data through interviews with patients and their family members. We rated the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) for all patients. The suicide attempt rate of MDD patients was 20.14%, of which 13.68% in the last month and 6.46% in the past. Further, compared with non-attempters, suicide attempters had significantly higher total levels of cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), higher HAMA and HAMD scores, but significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. Logistic regression analysis showed that suicide attempts were correlated with higher TC, lower HDL-c, and higher HAMA and HAMD scores with the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.35, 0.52,1.28, and 1.08, respectively (all p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that FEDN patients with MDD have a high rate of attempted suicide. In the early stage of MDD patients, certain blood lipid parameters and more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression are correlated with suicide attempts. However, due to the cross-sectional design of this study, it is impossible to draw a causal relationship between lipid profiles and suicide attempts. Moreover, an inverse correlation can also be considered, that is, high cholesterol may be the consequence of suicide attempts and depression.


The role of Lamin A in cytoskeleton organization in colorectal cancer cells: a proteomic investigation.
Up-regulated expression of lamin A has been implicated in increased cell invasiveness and mortality in colorectal cancer. Here we use quantitative proteomics to investigate lamin A regulated changes in the cytoskeleton that might underpin increased cell motility. Using siRNA knockdown of lamin A in a model cell line (SW480/lamA) we confirm that the presence of lamin A promotes cell motility. Using an enhanced technique to prepare cytoskeleton fractions in combination with 2D DiGE we were able to accurately and reproducibly detect changes in the representation of protein species within the cytoskeleton as low as 20%. In total 64 protein spots displayed either increased or decreased representation within the cytoskeleton of SW480/lamA cells compared to controls. Of these the identities of 29 spots were determined by mass spectrometry. A majority were multiple forms of three classes of proteins, including components of the actin and IF cytoskeletons, protein chaperones and translation initiation and elongation factors. In particular our data reveal that the representation of tissue transglutaminase 2, which is known to modify elements of the cytoskeleton and is associated with cancer progression, was highly over-represented in the cytoskeleton fraction of SW480/lamA cells. Overall, our data are consistent with changed protein cross-linking and folding that favours the formation of dynamic actin filaments over stress fibres accounting for the altered cell motility properties in SW480/lamA cells.


A controlled trial of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia.
A randomized, controlled trial of a 3-month cognitive remediation program was examined for its efficacy at ameliorating deficits in social and emotion perception in 42 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. Generalization of training effects to attention, memory, and executive functioning was also examined. The program included an eclectic mix of self-instruction, memory enhancement, inductive reasoning, and compensatory training procedures, while the control condition included participation in a leisure group that was matched to the experimental group for staff involvement time. Patient care management, including type and dose of antipsychotic medication, remained constant throughout the study period. The results indicated that the cognitive training program improved emotion perception, with some evidence of generalization to measures of executive functioning; other areas of neurocognitive functioning were largely unaffected. While cognitive training programs may improve targeted areas of neurocognitive processing, broad generalization effects to domains outside those targeted for intervention are not likely concomitants.


Phoenixin-20 ameliorates Sevoflurane inhalation-induced post-operative cognitive dysfunction in rats via activation of the PKA/CREB signaling.
Post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication after surgery due to the usage of anesthetics, such as Sevoflurane, which severely impacts the life quality of patients. Currently, the pathogenesis of Sevoflurane-induced POCD has not been fully elucidated but is reportedly involved with oxidative stress (OS) injury and aggravated inflammation. Phoenixin-20 (PNX-20) is a PNX peptide consisting of 20 amino acids with promising inhibitory effects on OS and inflammation. Herein, we proposed to explore the potential protective function of PNX-20 on Sevoflurane inhalation-induced POCD in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with 100 ng/g PNX-20 for 7 days with or without pre-inhalation with 2.2% Sevoflurane. Markedly increased escape latency and decreased time in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze (MWM) test, and aggravated pathological changes and apoptosis in the hippocampus tissue were observed in Sevoflurane-treated rats, which were markedly attenuated by PNX-20. Furthermore, the aggravated inflammation and OS in the hippocampus observed in Sevoflurane-treated rats were notably abolished by PNX-20. Moreover, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), protein kinase A (PKA), and phospho-cAMP response element binding protein/cAMP response element binding protein (p-CREB/CREB) levels were markedly decreased in Sevoflurane-treated rats, which were memorably increased by PNX-20. Our results indicated that PNX-20 ameliorated Sevoflurane inhalation-induced POCD in rats via the activation of PKA/CREB signaling, which might supply a new treatment approach for POCD.


A clean, well-defined solid system for photosensitized 1O2 production measurements.
Generation of singlet molecular oxygen ((1)O(2)) by photosensitization with methylene blue (MB) supported in Nafion-Na films has been quantified by integration of the (1)O(2) emission decay at 1270 nm. The quantum yield of (1)O(2) production (Phi(Delta)) in the air-equilibrated solid phase is 0.24 +/- 0.03. Information on the (1)O(2) generation environment has been gained from complementary techniques such as UV-Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy, as well as MB fluorescence and triplet-triplet absorption decay. Results are compared with the (1)O(2) generation by MB in methanol solution (Phi(Delta) = 0.51) and in methanol-swollen Nafion films (Phi(Delta) = 0.49 +/- 0.06). Differences and similarities are discussed in terms of the factors that influence Phi(Delta) in solution and in the solid media. The optical and mechanical features of Nafion, ease of dye loading, compatibility with most solvents, homogeneity, reproducibility and stability of the photosensitizing material makes it a convenient reference for (1)O(2) generation quantum yield measurements in transparent (micro)heterogeneous and homogeneous media.


[Gastric cancer: laparoscopic surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy].
Demands for minimally invasive treatments for early gastric cancer and improved efficacy of recent chemotherapy regimens for advanced gastric cancer have led to considerable changes in the modality of treatment Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) with lymph node dissection is widely performed as minimally invasive surgery. The number of LGs is increasing each year. However, the results of a nationwide questionnaire survey performed by the Japanese Society for Endoscopic Surgery indicated that there are some postoperative complications associated with gastrointestinal anastomosis. In this paper, we describe our experiences with a unique intracorporeal surgical technique to prevent such complications. Although adjuvant chemotherapy is frequently administered to patients with advanced gastric cancer, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has confirmed the prognostic significance of adjuvant chemotherapy, although some meta-analyses have. Since a number of published reports demonstrated the survival benefit of chemosensitivity test-guided chemotherapy after surgery for gastric cancer, we propose a protocol to perform a RCT to clarify whether chemosensitivity tests in adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer have a significant impact.


The significance of tumour grade in predicting disease progression in stage Ta transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
To determine the significance of tumour grade in predicting disease progression in stage Ta transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. From August 1975 to January 1991, 140 patients (121 men and 19 women, mean age 64.2 years, range 30-83) with stage Ta TCC of the urinary bladder were treated at the Veterans General Hospital-Taipei by transurethral resection and post-operative adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy. There were 48 patients (34%) with grade 1, 78 patients (56%) with grade 2 and 14 patients (10%) with grade 3 tumours. Disease progression and muscle invasion were assessed during a mean follow-up of 74.3 months and related to grade, urine cytology and the number and location of tumours. A total of 10 patients (7%) had tumour recurrence which invaded the muscle, of whom one had grade 1, six had grade 2 and three had grade 3 tumours. The patient with a grade 1 tumour developed muscle invasion within 16 months of surgery. The mean interval to the development of muscle invasion was 49.2 months in patients with grade 2 and 39.4 months with grade 3 tumour. In patients with stage Ta TCC, a grade 3 tumour was more likely to progress to muscle invasion (21%) than was a grade 1 (2.1%; P < 0.05) or grade 2 (7.7%; P < 0.05) tumour. One patient with a grade 2 and one patient with grade 3 tumour developed distant metastases without muscle invasion. Overall, the disease progression rate was 8.6% (12/140) in stage Ta TCC. Disease progression was more common with grade 3 (28.5%) than with grade 2 (9.0%; P < 0.05) and grade 1 (2.1%; P < 0.05) tumours. Tumour grade may be used to predict disease progression after resection of stage Ta urinary bladder cancer. A higher grade of tumour was associated with a higher incidence of disease progression.


[A case of bacterial aneurysm following Hardy's operation].
Intracranial mycotic aneurysm of extravascular origin is reported. A 64 year-old male developed headache and visual disturbance. Computed Tomography (CT) revealed high density mass lesion with contrast enhancement in the intra- and suprasellar lesion. He was then admitted to our hospital under the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. But he suddenly complained of headache and loss of vision during hospitalization. An emergency operation using the transsphenoidal approach was performed. The pathological diagnosis was craniopharyngioma. Postoperative radiation therapy was carried out using a tumor dose of 50Gy. Two months after the operation, he suffered from rhinorrhea and high fever. He was admitted again and treated with high doses of antibiotics. Two weeks after admission, he suddenly lost consciousness. A CT scan revealed an aneurysm of the anterior temporal artery. Immediately, removal of the hematoma and resection of the aneurysm were performed. Microscopic examination showed that inflammatory cells had infiltrated the aneurysmal wall, and lymphocytes and plasma cells had gathered around the microabscess. This rare case is discussed with other related cases in the literature.


Cardiorespiratory strain of a five day jogging relay.
The heart rates of 14 voluntary subjects (seven male and seven females) participating in a 5 d jogging relay were recorded. The jogging speed was controlled at 3.0 m.s-1 on average. The heart rate measurements were related to cardiorespiratory responses obtained during VO2max test on a treadmill. The mean (s.d.) VO2max values were 53(2) and 48(2) ml.kg-1.min-1 and the anaerobic threshold was 42(1) and 38(2) ml.kg-1.min-1 for male and female subjects respectively. During the relay the mean(s.d) heart rate values of male and female subjects were 150(1), and 167(3) beats.min-1 (P < 0.001), corresponding to 68(1) and 76(2)% VO2max (P < 0.01) as calculated from the individual HR/VO2 regression equations. The jogging time above anaerobic threshold heart rate level was 9(3)% for the males and 43(7)% for the females (P < 0.001) of the total jogging time. The results indicate that even in a leisure oriented jogging event, cardiorespiratory strain can be rather high and that the strain can be significantly higher for female than for male subjects. The determination of the anaerobic threshold as well as VO2max is important when quantifying the level of cardiorespiratory strain of exercise.


Isolation of human adrenocortical aldosterone-producing cells by a novel immunomagnetic beads method.
We detected intense CD56 immunostaining in the zona glomerulosa (ZG) and medulla of the normal human adrenal gland and therefore identified CD56, the neural cell adhesion molecule, as a membrane antigen specific for the ZG, aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), and chromaffin cells. The APA and pheochromocytoma cells, which are histogenetically derived from the ZG and medulla, respectively, also showed intense CD56 immunostaining. Based on these findings we developed a strategy for isolating cells from the ZG and APA using CD56 immunobinding to magnetic beads. Morphology, gene expression studies, and aldosterone measurement confirmed that CD56 positive (+) cells were ZG and APA cells. Analysis of CD56+ cells under light and phase contrast microscopy evidenced that these cells formed clumps, as the ZG cells usually do; with electron microscopy they showed multiple features typical of a steroidogenic phenotype. Expression levels of the CD56 and the aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) gene were markedly higher in CD56+ cells than CD56- cells (+1600 and +2100% increase, respectively). Moreover, aldosterone secretion was higher (+1380%) from CD56+ cells than from CD56- cells. Hence, this novel methodology allows isolation of a pure population of ZG and APA cells exhibiting multiple characteristics of the aldosterone-producing cells.


The vaccinia virus I1 protein is essential for the assembly of mature virions.
The product of the vaccinia virus I1 gene was characterized biochemically and genetically. This 35-kDa protein is conserved in diverse members of the poxvirus family but shows no homology to nonviral proteins. We show that recombinant I1 binds to both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA in a sequence-nonspecific manner in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The protein is expressed at late times during infection, and approximately 700 copies are encapsidated within the virion core. To determine the role of the I1 protein during the viral life cycle, a inducible viral recombinant in which the I1 gene was placed under the regulation of the Escherichia coli lac operator/repressor was constructed. In the absence of isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside, plaque formation was abolished and yields of infectious, intracellular virus were dramatically reduced. Although all phases of gene expression and DNA replication proceeded normally during nonpermissive infections, no mature virions were produced. Electron microscopic analysis confirmed the absence of mature virion assembly but revealed that apparently normal immature virions accumulated. Thus, I1 is an encapsidated DNA-binding protein required for the latest stages of vaccinia virion morphogenesis.


Analysis of regulatory elements of the developmentally controlled chorion s15 promoter in transgenic Drosophila.
The Drosophila s15 chorion gene is expressed only in the follicular epithelium surrounding the developing oocyte, with tight quantitative control and a very narrow temporal specificity. We have used germ-line transformation analysis to conduct an extensive mutational dissection of its promoter between -189 and -39 bp relative to the transcriptional start site. Quantitative control and temporal specificity are disrupted by several of these mutations. The results suggest that this 150-bp DNA region encompasses many positive and negative, at least partially degenerate, cis-regulatory elements, which are involved in specifying the highly precise expression pattern of the s15 gene during development.