Associative plasticity at excitatory synapses facilitates recruitment of fast-spiking interneurons in the dentate gyrus.
Fast-spiking perisomatic-inhibitory interneurons (PIIs) receive convergent excitation and mediate both feedforward and feedback inhibition in cortical microcircuits. However, it remains poorly understood how convergent excitatory inputs recruit PIIs to produce precisely timed inhibition. Here, we analyzed the interaction of inputs from the entorhinal cortex [perforant path (PP)] and from local granule cells [mossy fibers (MFs)] onto PIIs in the rat dentate gyrus (DG). PP stimulation alone activates PIIs with low temporal precision. Interestingly, when PP and MFs are coactivated with a 10 ms delay, PIIs discharge with precise timing. Moreover, repeated coactivation of the two inputs induces associative long-term potentiation (LTP) at MF synapses. Under these conditions, a single potentiated MF input is sufficient to recruit PIIs in a reliable and highly precise manner to provide feedback inhibition. MF-LTP depends on the discharge of PIIs, indicating Hebbian plasticity. However, MF-LTP is preserved when NMDA receptors are blocked but depends on transmission through Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptors (AMPARs). PP-PII synapses, in contrast, lack Ca(2+)-permeable AMPARs and do not show plasticity on associative activation. Thus, precise recruitment of PIIs requires excitation through MF-PII synapses during feedforward activation. We propose that associative plasticity at these synapses is a central mechanism that adjusts inhibition levels to maintain sparse activity and to improve signal-to-noise ratio in the DG network.


Histologic analysis of tissue after failed cartilage repair procedures.
This study evaluated the composition of reparative tissue retrieved during revision surgery from full thickness chondral defects in 18 patients in whom abrasion arthroplasty (n = 12), grafting of perichondrial flaps (n = 4), and periosteal patching augmented by autologous chondrocyte implantation in cell suspension (n = 6) failed to provide lasting relief of symptoms. The defects were graded by gross appearance, and all of the tissue filling the defect was retrieved. Histologic evaluation included histomorphometric analysis of the percentage of selected tissue types in cross sections. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies to Types I, II, and X collagen. The histologic appearance of material retrieved after abrasion arthroplasty was that of fibrous, spongiform tissue comprising Type I collagen in 22% +/- 9% (mean +/- standard error of the mean) of the cross sectional area, and degenerating hyaline tissue (30% +/- 10%) and fibrocartilage (28% +/- 7%) with positive Type II collagen staining. Three of four specimens obtained after implantation of perichondrium failed as a result of bone formation that was found in 19% +/- 6% of the cross sectional area, including areas staining positive for Type X collagen, as an indicator for hypertrophic chondrocytes. Revision after autologous chondrocyte implantation was associated with partial displacement of the periosteal graft from the defect site because of insufficient ongrowth or early suture failure. When the graft edge displaced, repair tissue was fibrous (55% +/- 11%), whereas graft tissue attached to subchondral bone displayed hyaline tissue (to 6%) and fibrocartilage (to 12%) comprising Type II collagen at 3 months after surgery. Evaluation of retrieved repair tissue after selected cartilage repair procedures revealed distinctive histologic features reflecting the mechanisms of failure.


Prediction of mandibular growth in Japanese children age 4 to 9 years.
The purpose of this study was to propose mathematical models for predicting mandibular growth direction and amount in children with normal skeletal relationship from 4 to 9 years of age using the craniofacial characteristics found on the head films. Lateral cephalograms of 27 Japanese children with normal occlusion at 4 (T1) and 9 (T2) years of age were traced and measured. Fifteen linear and angular measurements were performed. The angle NSGn and the distance S-Gn were used to represent the growth direction of the mandible and its growth amount, respectively. The data were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. The multiple regression analysis revealed 2 models for the mandibular growth prediction. The equation (model) for the mandibular growth direction is YD=-39.844+1.206 X1 +0.333 X2, where YD is the predicted value of the angle NSGn at T2. X1 is the value of the angle NSGn at T1 and X2 is the value of the angle SNB at T1 (R2=0.719, P<0.05). The equation for the mandibular growth amount is YA=99.052+0.782 X3-0.517 X4, where YA is the predicted value of the distance S-Gn at T2. X3 is the distance S-Gn at T1 andX4is the angle NSAr at T1 (R2=0.610, P< 0.05). The direction of the mandibular growth at 9 years of age can be predicted by 72% with the regression equation using the angles NSGn and SNB at 4 years of age. The amount of growth of the mandible can be predicted by 62% by using the distance S-Gn and the angle NSAr at 4 years old. The model for the growth amount provides a relatively lower predictive value than that of the growth direction.


Hepatitis-D Virus Infection Is Not Impaired by Innate Immunity but Increases Cytotoxic T-Cell Activity.
Approximately 70 million humans worldwide are affected by chronic hepatitis D, which rapidly leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma due to chronic inflammation. The triggers and consequences of this chronic inflammation, induced by co-infection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV) and the hepatitis B virus (HBV), are poorly understood. Using CRISPR technology, we characterized the recognition of HDV mono- and co-infection by intracellular innate immunity and determined its influence on the viral life cycle and effector T-cell responses using different HBV and HDV permissive hepatoma cell lines. We showed that HDV infection is detected by MDA5 and -after a lag phase -induces a profound type I interferon response in the infected cells. The type I interferon response, however, was not able to suppress HDV replication or spread, thus providing a persistent trigger. Using engineered T-cells directed against the envelope proteins commonly used by HBV and HDV, we found that HDV immune recognition enhanced T-cell cytotoxicity. Interestingly, the T-cell effector function was enhanced independently of antigen presentation. These findings help to explain immune mediated tissue damage in chronic hepatitis D patients and indicate that combining innate triggers with T-cell activating therapies might allow for a curative approach.


Calculation of MP2 and coupled-cluster molecular properties using the q-integral method.
The main purpose of this paper is to report results of quantum mechanical calculation of the H(2) system using the q-Integral method with correlation corrections to the SCF (Self Consistent Field) wave functions included through the Møller-Plesset second-order perturbation (MP(2)) and Coupled-Cluster (CC) theory. Using the q-Integral method, we evaluated potential energy curves, rovibrational spectroscopy constants, rovibrational spectra, interatomic equilibrium distance and longitudinal static hyper(polarizability). All calculations were carried out through the STO-3G, STO-6G, and double-zeta (DZV) atomic basis set. The q-Integral method was implemented in the source code of the general ab initio quantum chemistry package GAMESS.


Anaesthetic aspects of implanting diaphragmatic pacing in patients with spinal cord injury.
Some patients with high cervical spinal cord injury are largely or completely dependent on mechanical ventilator support. Diaphragmatic phrenic nerve pacing is a new technique that offers some patients greater independence from mechanical ventilation. In selected patients, electrodes are placed on the abdominal side of the diaphragm via laparoscopy. An external pacing box provides the pacing stimulus. We report our experience with four patients with spinal cord injury in a pilot project, presenting for laparoscopic insertion of diaphragmatic phrenic nerve pacing leads inserted. The surgery took about two hours and diaphragmatic mapping precluded muscle relaxants. We used desflurane with remifentanil for maintenance. Apart from transferring the patients to and from their usual ventilators, other anaesthesia issues were difficult venous and arterial access for lines and long-term tracheostomies with no cuff or cuffs filled with water While hypotension was a frequent problem, one patient also developed intraoperative hypertension secondary to autonomic dysreflexia. Preoperative testing predicted pacing outcome with three of the four patients having successful pacing with tidal volumes of up to 10 ml/kg at the end of surgery. This initial Australian experience may lead to greater use of the technique.


Mechanism of selenomethionine inhibiting of PDCoV replication in LLC-PK1 cells based on STAT3/miR-125b-5p-1/HK2 signaling.
There are no licensed therapeutics or vaccines available against porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV) to eliminate its potential for congenital disease. In the absence of effective treatments, it has led to significant economic losses in the swine industry worldwide. Similar to the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, PDCoV is trans-species transmissible and there is still a large desert for scientific exploration. We have reported that selenomethionine (SeMet) has potent antiviral activity against PDCoV. Here, we systematically investigated the endogenous immune mechanism of SeMet and found that STAT3/miR-125b-5p-1/HK2 signalling is essential for the exertion of SeMet anti-PDCoV replication function. Meanwhile, HK2, a key rate-limiting enzyme of the glycolytic pathway, was able to control PDCoV replication in LLC-PK1 cells, suggesting a strategy for viruses to evade innate immunity using glucose metabolism pathways. Overall, based on the ability of selenomethionine to control PDCoV infection and transmission, we provide a molecular basis for the development of new therapeutic approaches.


AV nodal reentrant tachycardia or AV reentrant tachycardia using a concealed bypass tract-related adverse events.
To jointly study paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)-related adverse events (AE) and ablation-related complications, with specific emphasis on the predictors of SVT-related AE as well as their significance by investigating their association with long-term mortality. 1770 patients were included, aged 6 to 97, with either atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) or orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocal tachycardia (AVRT) mediated by concealed accessory pathway, consecutively referred for SVT work-up in a tertiary care center. SVT-related AE were identified in 339 patients (19%). Major AEs were identified in 23 patients (1%; 15 cardiac arrests or ventricular arrhythmias requiring cardioversion and 8 hemodynamic collapses). Other AE were related to syncope (n=236), acute coronary syndrome (n=57) and heart failure/rhythmic cardiomyopathy (n=21). In multivariable analysis, higher age, heart disease and requirement of isoproterenol to induce SVT were independently associated with a higher risk for SVT-related AE. During follow-up (2.8±3.0years), death occurred more frequently in patients with SVT-related AE, especially in patients with major adverse events (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, major SVT-related AE remained significantly associated with occurrence of death (HR=6.72, IC=(2.58-17.52), p<0.001) independently of age and presence of underlying heart disease. Major SVT-related AE in the whole population referred for SVT were more frequent than immediate major ablation complications in patients undergoing SVT ablation (5/1186 vs. 23/1770, p=0.02). SVT-related AE are independent predictors of mortality and are more frequent than immediate major ablation complications in patients undergoing SVT ablation. The present findings support systematically performing SVT ablation in patients with SVT-related adverse events.


Self-Reported Prevalence of and Attitudes toward Premature Ejaculation in a Community-Based Study of Married Couples.
We evaluated the self-reported prevalence of and attitudes toward premature ejaculation (PE) in a community-based study of married couples. A community-based cross-sectional study of PE was conducted among married couples in Gwangju, Korea. Self-reported data were collected through the use of questionnaires, which included demographic questions, the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), patient-reported outcome (PRO), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Of the 290 couples who completed the survey, the prevalence of PEDT-diagnosed PE including probable PE was 23.7% of men. By IELT measure, the prevalence of PE was 21.7% as reported by the men and 23.9% as reported by their partners, respectively. PRO responses indicated that control over ejaculation and severity of PE were not reported significantly differently by the men and their partners. Satisfaction with sexual intercourse was poorer for the men's partners than for the men. Personal distress and interpersonal difficulty were higher for the men than for their partners. The partners of men in the PE group had significantly lower FSFI scores than did the partners of men in the non-PE group. The reporting of the prevalence of PE did not differ significantly between the men in this study and their partners. However, PE in men tended to impact their partners' sexual function.


[The techniques of arterial anastomosis].
There are different techniques of arterial anastomosis. The selection of the most suitable technique is based on multiple evaluations, which include the position and direction of inserting point of suture, suturing procedure, anastomotic tension, suture intervals, pathogenesis and wall thickness of the artery, and satisfactory field of the anastomotic site. It is important to perform an accurate anastomosis to ensure enough blood flow without bleeding at the anastomotic site. Carrying out an accurate basic technique can prevent such complications of anastomosis as occlusion, pseudoaneurysm, and infection.


Revisiting the Corrosion of the Aluminum Current Collector in Lithium-Ion Batteries.
The corrosion of aluminum current collectors and the oxidation of solvents at a relatively high potential have been widely investigated with an aim to stabilize the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries using such components. The corrosion behavior of aluminum current collectors was revisited using a home-build high-precision electrochemical measurement system, and the impact of electrolyte components and the surface protection layer on aluminum foil was systematically studied. The electrochemical results showed that the corrosion of aluminum foil was triggered by the electrochemical oxidation of solvent molecules, like ethylene carbonate, at a relative high potential. The organic radical cations generated from the electrochemical oxidation are energetically unstable and readily undergo a deprotonation reaction that generates protons and promotes the dissolution of Al3+ from the aluminum foil. This new reaction mechanism can also shed light on the dissolution of transitional metal at high potentials.


Incidental adenocarcinoma of the prostate: a retrospective analysis.
Between January 1980 and June 1990, 5875 patients underwent either TURP (5,529) or open prostatectomy (346) for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Incidental carcinoma was identified in 53 patients (0.9%) - 49 in the TURP group and 4 in the open prostatectomy group. The overall incidence of stage A prostate carcinoma during the same period was 13.1% (53/406). Of those 50 regularly followed patients, only 6 (12.0%) underwent subsequent radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy, and residual tumors were identified in 4 patients (66.7%). The progression rate was 33.3% (3/9) in high-grade tumors (Gleason's score greater than 6) and 7.7% (2/26) in low-grade tumors (Gleason's score less than 5). In those 50 patients, 41 (82.0%) presented no evidence of disease and 9 (18.0%) stayed alive with progression. The mean length of follow-up was 34 months (range: 2-108 months). Our study demonstrates that the outcome of incidental carcinoma of the prostate is good. However, the residual tumor rate still remains high at 66.7%. Radical prostatectomy is recommended in young patients or in patients with high grade tumor.


Loss of effectiveness of dihydralazine in the long-term treatment of chronic heart failure.
The sustained effectiveness of the arteriolar vasodilator dihydralazine has not yet been established. Acute and long-term supplementary therapy with dihydralazine was therefore compared with placebo in 14 patients with severe congestive heart failure (classes III and IV) due to congestive cardiomyopathy. The heart failure had in most cases been refractory to treatment with digitalis and diuretics. Right and left ventricular filling pressures, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance at rest and during exercise were measured by means of repeated right-heart catheterization. Left ventricular dimensions and contractility were measured with echocardiography, and heart volume determined by chest X-ray. Following the acute administration of 25 mg i.v. (n = 10) or 100 mg oral dihydralazine (n = 8), cardiac output increased significantly from 4.0 to 6.7 l min-1 and from 4.7 to 7.7 l min-1 respectively (2P less than 0.001). Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased by about 50% (2P less than 0.02). The pulmonary artery diastolic pressure remained unchanged. At the same time, heart rate rose moderately, but significantly, and the arterial blood pressure fell slightly (approx. 7 mmHg). Shortening fraction increased from 12.5% to 17.0% (i.v.; 2P less than 0.01). During exercise, cardiac output reached about 11.7 l min-1 (i.v. and orally) as compared with 7.7 l min-1 before the administration of the vasodilator (2P less than 0.05). After a 12-week treatment period with 20 mg day-1 oral dihydralazine (n = 9), the haemodynamic effects were clearly diminished. In comparison with a placebo-period (4 weeks) following the study, only a moderate increase in cardiac output accompanied by a moderate decrease in SVR was found. In only 3 cases did the patients condition improve by one class (NYHA). All 3 had shown an initially extremely high SVR which could be effectively and persistently reduced under long-term therapy. Six patients remained unchanged, and 2 patients (class IV) worsened clinically, so that the medication had to be discontinued. Heart volume (chest X-ray) increased slightly during the 3 months of long-term therapy and notably during the one-month placebo period. According to these results, although patients with severe heart failure may show impressive haemodynamic improvement upon acute administration of dihydralazine, in most cases this improvement cannot be maintained under long-term therapy.


The relationship of bone mineral density and anthropometric variables in healthy male and female children.
The relationships among bone mineral measurements at hip, wrist, and spine sites and anthropometric measurements which provided estimates of frame size, skinfold thickness, and muscularity were examined in a population of 140 children. The average age of the children at the time of measurement was 9.5 +/- 2.5 years and all subjects were white. In this study population, the anthropometric measurements were generally highly intercorrelated. Univariate correlations among bone mass and density variables at the different sites were also high, especially in the female children. Model fitting procedures were employed to separate the effects of age, frame size, and fatness on the bone mass measures. Resulting models confirmed previous results which suggest that height is the best predictor of bone mass in children. As expected, models for bone mineral content and bone mineral density were similar. Models for hips and wrist sites were also similar in including an estimate of frame size, while in those for the spine hip circumference explained a greater percentage of the variance. It appears that there are several identifiable characteristics among the anthropometric variables which appear to exert differential effects on skeletal development in children.


Expression analysis of Cdc42 in lung cancer and modulation of its expression by curcumin in lung cancer cell lines.
Cdc42, a Rho GTPase family member, is involved in cell transformation, proliferation, survival, invasion and metastasis of human cancer cells. Overexpression of Cdc42 has been reported in several types of human cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The present study showed that Cdc42 was overexpressed in 80 of 110 primary lung cancer patients, and overexpression of Cdc42 was significantly associated with high TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Moreover, RNAi-mediated suppression of Cdc42 expression reduced actin filopodia formation, migration and invasion potential of a highly metastatic lung cancer cell line, 801D. In parallel, 801D cells were treated with curcumin and the effect on the expression of the Cdc42 gene at the transcriptional and translational levels was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Curcumin inhibited cell migration, invasion and downregulated Cdc42 gene and Cdc42-related target gene expression in 801D cells. It also induced rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton. These effects mimicked those of Cdc42 knockdown. Furthermore, xenograft experiments confirmed the suppression of tumor growth and invasion in vivo, which was due to the effect of curcumin and the inhibition of Cdc42 by curcumin. Our results showing the downregulation of Cdc42 expression by curcumin in lung cancer cells taken together with the clinical data suggest a potential therapeutic role for curcumin in inducing Cdc42-mediated inhibition of invasion of lung cancer cells.


Case Report: Glucocorticoids Combined With Immunosuppressant in the Treatment of Acromegaly Complicated With Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.
Background: Acromegaly is a chronic disease caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH), which circulates and stimulates the liver and body tissues to produce insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1). Experimental studies have shown that excessive secretion of GH is related to glomerular sclerosis, and elevated IGF-1 levels may be involved in the occurrence of glomerular hypertrophy. But relevant clinical cases are rare. Here, we reported a case of acromegaly complicated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Case Presentation: A 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of acromegaly for more than 10 years and proteinuria for more than 3 years. Acromegaly was confirmed by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, minimally invasive surgery and pathology. The results of renal biopsy showed FSGS-NOS (not otherwise specified) with ischemic renal injury and mesangial IgA deposition. One month after transnasal transsphenoidal space occupying resection, GH and urinary protein decreased significantly, and nephropathy was partially relieved. In the next 4 months, GH stabilized at the normal level, while urinary protein gradually increased. When the urinary protein increased to 4.2 g/d, the dosage of glucocorticoids increased to 20 mg/d, and tacrolimus 1 mg/d were added, and the urinary protein decreased again. However, when the urinary protein decreased to 0.43 g/d, the patient stopped taking glucocorticoids and tacrolimus, and the urinary protein increased to 2.85 g/d after 8 months, but the GH was still in the normal range. Conclusion: In this case, GH is partially involved in the formation of FSGS. Not only does surgery reduce the effects of GH, but low doses of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressant are effective in slowing the progression of kidney disease, at least in reducing urinary protein.


Anticoagulant effect of Naja naja venom 5'nucleotidase: demonstration through the use of novel specific inhibitor, vanillic acid.
The snake venom proteins affect hemostasis by either advancing/delaying blood coagulation. Apart from proteases and phospholipase A(2)s (PLA(2)s), 5'nucleotidase is known to affect hemostasis by inhibiting platelet aggregation. In this study, the possible involvement of Naja naja venom 5'nucleotidase in mediating anticoagulant affect is evaluated. Vanillic acid selectively and specifically inhibited 5'nucleotidase activity among other enzymes present in N. naja venom. It is a competitive inhibitor as evident of inhibition relieving upon increased substrate concentration. Vanillic acid dose dependently inhibited the anticoagulant effect of N. naja venom up to 40%. This partial involvement of 5'nucleotidase in mediating anticoagulant effect is substantiated by concanavalin-A (Con-A) inhibition studies. Con-A, competitively inhibited in vitro protease and 5'nucleotidase activity up to 100%. However, it did not exhibit inhibitory activity on PLA(2). The complete inhibition of anticoagulant effect by Con-A upon recalcification time suggests the participation of both 5'nucleotidase and protease in mediating anticoagulant effect of N. naja venom. Vanillic acid and Con-A inhibition studies together suggest that probably 5'nucleotidase interacts with one or more factors of intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation to bring about anticoagulant effect. Thus, this study for the first time demonstrates the involvement of 5'nucleotidase in mediating N. naja venom anticoagulant effect.


[Carbohydrate auto-antigens in auto-immune hemolytic anemia].
Anti-erythrocyte antibodies which appear in the sera of patients with auto-immune hemolytic anemia frequently recognize carbohydrate auto-antigens. Most of cold agglutinins are known to recognize the Ii-antigens, and Donath-Landsteiner antibodies which appear in patients with paroxismal cold hemoglobinuria are almost exclusively directed to the P-antigen. These carbohydrate auto-antigens are strongly expressed in various tissues and organs other than erythrocytes, and behave as differentiation- or developmental-antigens, in both humans and mice. The study of nucleotide sequences of human and murine anti-Ii antibodies shows that these antibodies share a highly homologous antigen-binding site in their VH regions. These results indicate that the carbohydrate auto-antigens in autoimmune hemolytic anemia are evolutionally conserved developmental antigens, and suggest that the immunoglobulin genes which encode variable regions of the auto-antibodies directed to these antigens are also conserved evolutionally.


Enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial property of polyurethane materials modified with citric acid and chitosan.
Citric acid (CA) and chitosan (CS) were covalently immobilized on polyurethane (PU) materials to improve the biocompatibility and antibacterial property. The polyurethane pre-polymer with isocyanate group was synthesized by one pot method, and then grafted with citric acid, followed by blending with polyethersulfone (PES) to prepare the blend membrane by phase-inversion method so that chitosan can be grafted from the membrane via esterification and acylation reactions eventually. The native and modified membranes were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle measurement, and tensile strength test. Protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, hemolysis assay, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, and adsorption of Ca(2+) were executed to evaluate the blood compatibility of the membranes decorated by CA and CS. Particularly, the antibacterial activities on the modified membranes were evaluated based on a vitro antibacterial test. It could be concluded that the modified membrane had good anticoagulant property and antibacterial property.


Sputum Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein as a Marker of Airway Inflammation in Asthma.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of airways, but an ideal biomarker that accurately reflects ongoing airway inflammation has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to examine the potential of sputum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) as a new biomarker for airway inflammation in asthma. We obtained induced sputum samples from patients with asthma (N = 64) and healthy volunteers (N = 22) and measured LRG concentration by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model mice were used to investigate the mechanism of LRG production during airway inflammation. The LRG concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained from mice were determined by ELISA and mouse lung sections were stained with anti-LRG antibody and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reagent. Sputum LRG concentrations were significantly higher in patients with asthma than in healthy volunteers (p = 0.00686). Consistent with patients' data, BALF LRG levels in asthma model mice were significantly higher than in control mice (p = 0.00013). Immunohistochemistry of lung sections from asthma model mice revealed that LRG was intensely expressed in a subpopulation of bronchial epithelial cells, which corresponded with PAS-positive mucus producing cells. These findings suggest that sputum LRG is a promising biomarker of local inflammation in asthma.


Endoscopy and Barrett's Esophagus: Current Perspectives in the US and Japan.
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precancerous disease that can lead to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Recently, the incidence of EAC arising from BE has been increasing, and EAC has now become a threat in many countries. However, there are many gaps among the various countries in terms of definitions and concepts and these gaps prevent discussing BE on the same footing. In order to eradicate BE, it is a global necessity to fill in these remaining gaps. We focused on the gaps and reviewed recent evidence and trends as well as the background of gaps between the US and Japan as two of the leading countries in the field of medical research. We also review the rapid advances in endoscopic techniques in relation to both diagnosis and therapy that are considered to be useful to eliminate the gaps between countries.


Microbial Degradation of Phenanthrene in Pristine and Contaminated Sandy Soils.
Phenanthrene mineralisation studies in both pristine and contaminated sandy soils were undertaken through detailed assessment of the activity and diversity of the microbial community. Stable isotope probing (SIP) was used to assess and identify active 13C-labelled phenanthrene degraders. Baseline profiling indicated that there was little difference in fungal diversity but a significant difference in bacterial diversity dependent on contamination history. Identification of dominant fungal and bacterial species highlighted the presence of organisms capable of degrading various petroleum-based compounds together with other anthropogenic compounds, regardless of contamination history. Community response following a simulated contamination event (14C-phenanthrene) showed that the microbial community in deep pristine and shallow contaminated soils adapted most to the presence of phenanthrene. The similarity in microbial community structure of well-adapted soils demonstrated that a highly adaptable fungal community in these soils enabled a rapid response to the introduction of a contaminant. Ten fungal and 15 bacterial species were identified as active degraders of phenanthrene. The fungal degraders were dominated by the phylum Basidiomycota including the genus Crypotococcus, Cladosporium and Tremellales. Bacterial degraders included the genera Alcanivorax, Marinobacter and Enterococcus. There was little synergy between dominant baseline microbes, predicted degraders and those that were determined to be actually degrading the contaminant. Overall, assessment of baseline microbial community in contaminated soils provides useful information; however, additional laboratory assessment of the microbial community's ability to degrade pollutants allows for better prediction of the bioremediation potential of a soil.


Mechanistic Inferences From Analysis of Measurements of Protein Phase Transitions in Live Cells.
The combination of phase separation and disorder-to-order transitions can give rise to ordered, semi-crystalline fibrillar assemblies that underlie prion phenomena namely, the non-Mendelian transfer of information across cells. Recently, a method known as Distributed Amphifluoric Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (DAmFRET) was developed to study the convolution of phase separation and disorder-to-order transitions in live cells. In this assay, a protein of interest is expressed to a broad range of concentrations and the acquisition of local density and order, measured by changes in FRET, is used to map phase transitions for different proteins. The high-throughput nature of this assay affords the promise of uncovering sequence-to-phase behavior relationships in live cells. Here, we report the development of a supervised method to obtain automated and accurate classifications of phase transitions quantified using the DAmFRET assay. Systems that we classify as undergoing two-state discontinuous transitions are consistent with prion-like behaviors, although the converse is not always true. We uncover well-established and surprising new sequence features that contribute to two-state phase behavior of prion-like domains. Additionally, our method enables quantitative, comparative assessments of sequence-specific driving forces for phase transitions in live cells. Finally, we demonstrate that a modest augmentation of DAmFRET measurements, specifically time-dependent protein expression profiles, can allow one to apply classical nucleation theory to extract sequence-specific lower bounds on the probability of nucleating ordered assemblies. Taken together, our approaches lead to a useful analysis pipeline that enables the extraction of mechanistic inferences regarding phase transitions in live cells.


Ohtahara syndrome associated with hemimegalencephaly and intracranial lipoma.
Hemimegalencephaly is a disorder of cortical malformation and is associated with various disorders including various neurocutaneous syndromes and many seizure types. We present a case of hemimegalencephaly associated with Ohtahara syndrome and intracranial and facial lipoma.


Lifestyle Genetics-Based Reports in the Treatment of Obesity.
Obesity becomes a chronic disease due to the increasing number of mortality and morbidity cases around the world. In most regions, chronic illnesses, such as obesity, are important sources of morbidity and mortality. Due to a lack of effective strategies for prevention and management, the adverse effects of obesity and related diseases on health continue to be a serious problem. Relevant information was searched from Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed using such different terms as "Obesity", "Obesity Management", "Obesity AND Physical activity", "Obesity AND Genetics", "Obesity AND Diet", and "Obesity AND Nutrigenomics". Obesity is characterized by a complex interaction of hereditary and lifestyle factors, which includes food. Diet is an environmental element that plays an important and considerable role in the management of health and reduces the risk of obesity and its comorbidities. Changes in lifestyle patterns not only help burn extra calories but also prevent the development of obesity via its modulating effect on genetic factors. Different people respond differently to an obesogenic environment. The notion of nutrigenetics emerged as a result of various genetic variations that may explain this heterogeneity. Nutritional genomics, also known as nutrigenetics, is the study that investigates and analyses gene variations linked to varied responses to certain foods; moreover, it links this variation to diseases, such as obesity. As a result, tailored nutrition advice based on a person's genetic profile may improve the outcomes of a specific dietary strategy and offer a novel dietary strategy to improve life quality and preventing obesity. This study concluded that physical activity and dietary interventions play an effective role in the management of obesity. Moreover, understanding of the function of the most prominent obesity-related genes, as well as the interaction between nutrition and gene expression, will help researchers design personalized treatment strategies for humans.


Amperometric glucose biosensor based on layer-by-layer assembly of multilayer films composed of chitosan, gold nanoparticles and glucose oxidase modified Pt electrode.
A new strategy for fabricating glucose biosensor was presented by layer-by-layer assembled chitosan (CS)/gold nanoparticles (GNp)/glucose oxidase (GOD) multilayer films modified Pt electrode. First, a cleaned Pt electrode was immersed in poly(allylamine) (PAA), and then transferred to GNp, followed by the adsorption of GOD (GOD/GNp/PAA/Pt). Second, the GOD/GNp/PAA/Pt electrode was immersed in CS, and then transferred to GNp, followed by the adsorption of GOD (GOD/GNp/CS/GOD/GNp/PAA/Pt). Third, different layers of multilayer films modified Pt electrodes were assembled by repeating the second process. Film assembling and characterization were studied by quart crystal microbalance, and properties of the resulting glucose biosensors were measured by electrochemical measurements. The results confirmed that the assembling process of multilayer films was simple to operate, the immobilized GOD displayed an excellent catalytic property to glucose, and GNp in the biosensing interface efficiently improved the electron transfer between analyte and electrode surface. The amperometric response of the biosensors uniformly increased from one to six layers of multilayer films, and then reached saturation after the seven layers. Among the resulting biosensors, the biosensor based on the six layers of multilayer films was best. It showed a wide linear range of 0.5-16 mM, with a detection limit of 7.0 microM estimated at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, fast response time (within 8s). Moreover, it exhibited good reproducibility, long-term stability and interference free. This method can be used for constructing other thin films, which is a universal immobilization method for biosensor fabrication.


Hepatic lesions: improved image quality and detection with the periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction technique--evaluation of SPIO-enhanced T2-weighted MR images.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) technique for superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with respiratory compensation with the prospective acquisition correction (PACE) technique in the detection of hepatic lesions. The institutional human research committee approved this prospective study, and all patients provided written informed consent. Eighty-one patients (mean age, 58 years) underwent hepatic 1.5-T MR imaging. Fat-saturated T2-weighted turbo spin-echo images were acquired with the PACE technique and with and without the PROPELLER method after administration of SPIO. Images were qualitatively evaluated for image artifacts, depiction of liver edge and intrahepatic vessels, overall image quality, and presence of lesions. Three radiologists independently assessed these characteristics with a five-point confidence scale. Diagnostic performance was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Quantitative analysis was conducted by measuring the liver signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the lesion-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The Wilcoxon signed rank test and two-tailed Student t test were used, and P < .05 indicated a significant difference. MR imaging with the PROPELLER and PACE techniques resulted in significantly improved image quality, higher sensitivity, and greater area under the ROC curve for hepatic lesion detection than did MR imaging with the PACE technique alone (P < .001). The mean liver SNR and the lesion-to-liver CNR were higher with the PROPELLER technique than without it (P < .001). T2-weighted MR imaging with the PROPELLER and PACE technique and SPIO enhancement is a promising method with which to improve the detection of hepatic lesions. (c) RSNA, 2009.


Monitoring and Modeling Tree Bat (Genera: Lasiurus, Lasionycteris) Occurrence Using Acoustics on Structures off the Mid-Atlantic Coast-Implications for Offshore Wind Development.
In eastern North America, "tree bats" (Genera: Lasiurus and Lasionycteris) are highly susceptible to collisions with wind energy turbines and are known to fly offshore during migration. This raises concern about ongoing expansion of offshore wind-energy development off the Atlantic Coast. Season, atmospheric conditions, and site-level characteristics such as local habitat (e.g., forest coverage) have been shown to influence wind turbine collision rates by bats onshore, and therefore may be related to risk offshore. Therefore, to assess the factors affecting coastal presence of bats, we continuously gathered tree bat occurrence data using stationary acoustic recorders on five structures (four lighthouses on barrier islands and one light tower offshore) off the coast of Virginia, USA, across all seasons, 2012-2019. We used generalized additive models to describe tree bat occurrence on a nightly basis. We found that sites either indicated maternity or migratory seasonal occurrence patterns associated with local roosting resources, i.e., presence of trees. Across all sites, nightly occurrence was negatively related to wind speed and positively related to temperature and visibility. Using predictive performance metrics, we concluded that our model was highly predictive for the Virginia coast. Our findings were consistent with other studies-tree bat occurrence probability and presumed mortality risk to offshore wind-energy collisions is highest on low wind speed nights, high temperature and visibility nights, and during spring and fall. The high predictive model performance we observed provides a basis for which managers, using a similar monitoring and modeling regime, could develop an effective curtailment-based mitigation strategy.


[Percutanous trans-catheter intervention for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pericardial effusion, with a report of 50 cases].
Diagnosis and treatment of malignant pericardial effusion are difficult in clinical practice. This paper reports the feasibility and reliability of percutanous trans-catheter intervention for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pericardial effusion. Under echocardiagraphic guidence, pericardial puncture was performed and a heamostasis sheath was placed in situ by Seldinger technique. Through the sheath multiple biopsies of the pericardium were taken for pathological examination. A pigtail catheter was inserted to drain off the effusion. According to pathological report suitable anti-cancer drugs were instilled into the pericardial cavity through indwelling catheter for 3-5 days. The catheter was withdrawn when fluid did not re-accumulate. Diagnosis was made in over 96.0% of the cases. Upon follow-up for 3-6 months, complete remission was seen in 96.0% of the treated patients. No significant complication was found in all patients. Percutaneous trans-catheter intervention is a useful approach for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pericardial effusion.


Immunoexpression of epidermal growth factor in odontogenesis of the offspring of alcoholic mice.
Several forms of cell perturbation have been associated with ethanol ingestion. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) as well as diminished maxillofacial development and inhibition of cell regeneration in vitro and in vivo have been described. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates maxillofacial growth, DNA synthesis, and it is a potent mitogen for a number of various cell types. EGF exerts its effects on cells through binding to a specific cell surface receptor which leads to activation of a thyrosine kinase in the intracellular part of the receptor. The inhibitory effect of alcohol on EGF in the mouse dental follicle was studied in the offspring of alcoholic mothers using immunocytochemistry. Adult female mice were given 22% alcohol in their drinking water and fed a pelleted diet before and during pregnancy. Maternal blood alcohol levels were 262 +/- 1.3 mg/100 ml on gestation day 12.5. The offspring of the alcoholic and control mice were sacrificed on postnatal day 1.5, their mandibles were dissected, weighed and processed by routine immunocytochemistry with the following results. 1) Significant differences were found in mandible weight p < 0.01 after parturition. 2) The tooth germs in the offspring of ethanol treated mice were morphometrically smaller than those of control littermates. 3) Immunoexpression of EGF in the mandibular first molar of the control group was strong and homogeneous while in the experimental group the expression was light and heterogeneous. It is concluded that maternal alcoholism reduces EGF in the offspring.


A modified judet approach to the scapula.
Operative treatment of scapula fractures is uncommon, but is indicated for significantly displaced fractures or intra-articular fractures. This modified Judet approach for exposure of scapula fractures combines several important goals: 1) exposure of all bony elements of the scapula which have adequate bone stock for internal fixation; 2) minimal trauma to the rotator cuff musculature; and 3) protection of the major neurologic structures (suprascapular nerve superiorly and axillary nerve laterally). The main advantage of the exposure is limiting muscular dissection, which can potentially improve rehabilitation and limit morbidity of the operation.


Purification and Subunit Structure of DNA-dependent RNA Polymerase III from Wheat Germ.
A rapid and simple, large-scale method for the purification of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase III (EC 184.108.40.206) from wheat germ is presented. The method involves enzyme extraction at low ionic strength, polyethyleneimine fractionation, (NH(4))(2)SO(4) precipitation, and chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, DEAE-cellulose, and heparin agarose. Milligram quantities of highly purified enzyme can be obtained from kilogram quantities of starting material in 2 to 3 days. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates that RNA polymerase III contains 14 subunits with molecular weights of: 150,000; 130,000; 94,000; 55,000; 38,000; 30,000; 28,000; 25,000; 24,500; 20,500; 20,000; 19,500; 17,800; and 17,000. Subunit structure comparison of wheat germ RNA polymerases I, II, and III indicates that all three enzymes may contain common subunits with molecular weights 20,000, 17,800, and 17,000. In addition, RNA polymerases II and III may contain a common subunit with a molecular weight of 25,000, and RNA polymerases I and III may contain a common subunit with a molecular weight of 38,000.


Building the technical infrastructure to support a study on drug safety in a general hospital.
We describe reorganization steps and the required technical infrastructure to support a multidisciplinary research project aimed at improving the safety of drug therapy in an emergency department (ED) of a community hospital. Assessment of drug safety required consolidation of data from various sources in a single source approach. We solved this by transferring digital data from the hospital information system (HIS) and attached clinical systems into a pseudonymized study database (secuTrial), which is also used as a web based data capturing tool to rate drug associated risk situations, extended by a technical extension for dynamic upload of further data. Paper-based documentation in the ED was digitized using a digital pen technology.


Tolterodine for the treatment of urge urinary incontinence.
Overactive bladder (OAB) and its resultant urge urinary incontinence (UUI) are significant problems that medically, psychologically and financially affect people. The constellation of symptoms comprising OAB affects ∼ 16% of the adult population and its prevalence increases with aging. The typical class of medications used to treat OAB is antimuscarinics. OAB medications, with a focus on tolterodine for the treatment of UUI are reviewed. A thorough review of English language literature using EMBASE/Medline and PubMed has been performed. Tolterodine provides a reasonable starting point when treating patients with OAB and UUI. Efficacy and tolerability are generally comparable between tolterodine and other newer antimuscarinics. Tolterodine is a good option as part of the algorithm in the treatment of OAB and UUI.


Geriatrics in the most aged country, Japan.
The aging of society is a common problem in many developed countries. To tackle the problems related to an aging society, the role of geriatricians, as well as government support, is becoming more and more important. There is need to recruit young physicians with the skills required to care for elderly patients, and to establish an education system which encourages more young physicians to undertake training in geriatrics. Additionally, there is a need for improvement of our insurance systems to support such care. Our approach to the aging society will pave the way for other countries in Asia and the west.


In vitro chloroquine resistance modulation study on fresh isolates of Brazilian Plasmodium falciparum: intrinsic antimalarial activity of phenothiazine drugs.
Phenothiazine drugs - fluphenazine, chlorpromazine, methotrimeprazine and trifluoperazine - were evaluated as modulating agents against Brazilian chloroquine-resistant fresh isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Aiming to simulate therapeutic schedules, chloroquine was employed at the concentration used for sensitive falciparum malaria treatment and anti-psychotic therapeutic concentrations of the phenothiazine drugs were adopted in two-fold serial dilutions. The in vitro microtechnique for drug susceptibility was employed. Unlike earlier reported data, the phenothiazine modulating effect was not observed. However, all the drugs demonstrated intrinsic antiplasmodial activity in concentrations lower than those described in the literature. In addition, IC50 estimates have been shown to be inferior to the usual anti-psychotic therapeutic concentrations. Statistical analysis also suggested an increase in the parasitaemia rate or, even, a predominant antiparasitic effect of phenothiazine over chloroquine when used in combination.


Oxidative stress increases production of beta-amyloid precursor protein and beta-amyloid (Abeta) in mammalian lenses, and Abeta has toxic effects on lens epithelial cells.
Many amyloid diseases are characterized by protein aggregations linked to oxidative stress. Such diseases including those of the brain, muscle, and blood vessels exhibit plaques containing beta-amyloid (Abeta). Here we demonstrate that Alzheimer's precursor protein (betaAPP) and A beta are present at low levels in normal lenses and increase in intact cultured monkey lenses treated with H2O2 or UV radiation (known cataractogenic agents), and with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. AP-1 factor binding, shown by others to up-regulate betaAPP expression, increased in the monkey lenses treated with H2O2, UV radiation, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and paralleled the increase in betaAPP expression. Rat lenses exposed to oxidative stress showed increased betaAPP in the anterior epithelium and cortex. Incubation of cultured rabbit lens N/N1003A epithelial cells with Abeta induced inclusions and vacuoles and was cytotoxic. Abeta cross-reacting protein was readily detected in the cortex of a cataractous human lens. Our data show that betaAPP and Abeta increase in mammalian lenses as part of a response to H2O2 or UV radiation and suggest that they may contribute to the mechanism by which oxidative damage leads to lens opacification.


Evaluation of the coarse-grained OPEP force field for protein-protein docking.
Knowing the binding site of protein-protein complexes helps understand their function and shows possible regulation sites. The ultimate goal of protein-protein docking is the prediction of the three-dimensional structure of a protein-protein complex. Docking itself only produces plausible candidate structures, which must be ranked using scoring functions to identify the structures that are most likely to occur in nature. In this work, we rescore rigid body protein-protein predictions using the optimized potential for efficient structure prediction (OPEP), which is a coarse-grained force field. Using a force field based on continuous functions rather than a grid-based scoring function allows the introduction of protein flexibility during the docking procedure. First, we produce protein-protein predictions using ZDOCK, and after energy minimization via OPEP we rank them using an OPEP-based soft rescoring function. We also train the rescoring function for different complex classes and demonstrate its improved performance for an independent dataset. The trained rescoring function produces a better ranking than ZDOCK for more than 50 % of targets, rising to over 70 % when considering only enzyme/inhibitor complexes. This study demonstrates for the first time that energy functions derived from the coarse-grained OPEP force field can be employed to rescore predictions for protein-protein complexes.


Distinct Differences in Gastroesophageal Junction and Gastric Adenocarcinoma in 2194 Patients: In Memory of Rebecca A. Carr, February 24, 1988-January 19, 2021.
We sought to compare gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer and gastric cancer (GC) and identify clinicopathological and oncological differences. GEJ cancer and GC are frequently studied together. Although the treatment approach for each often differs, clinico-pathological and oncological differences between the 2 have not been fully evaluated. We retrospectively identified patients with GEJ cancer or GC who underwent R0 resection at our center between January 2000 and December 2016. Clinicopathological characteristics, disease-specific survival (DSS), and site of first recurrence were compared. In total, 2194 patients were analyzed: 1060 (48.3%) with GEJ cancer and 1134 (51.7%) with GC. Patients with GEJ cancer were younger (64 vs 66 years; P < 0.001), more often received neoadjuvant treatment (70.9% vs 30.2%; P < 0.001), and had lower pathological T and N status. Five-year DSS was 62.2% in patients with GEJ cancer and 74.6% in patients with GC ( P < 0.001). After adjustment for clinicopathological factors, DSS remained worse in patients with GEJ cancer (hazard ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-2.26; P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of recurrence was approximately 10% higher in patients with GEJ cancer ( P < 0.001). The site of first recurrence was more likely to be hematogenous in patients with GEJ cancer (60.1% vs 31.4%; P < 0.001) and peritoneal in patients with GC (52.9% vs 12.5%; P < 0.001). GEJ adenocarcinoma is more aggressive, with a higher incidence of recurrence and worse DSS, compared with gastric adenocarcinoma. Distinct differences between GEJ cancer and GC, especially in patterns of recurrence, may affect evaluation of optimal treatment strategies.


Formation of mature egg envelope subunit proteins from their precursors (choriogenins) in the fish, Oryzias latipes: loss of partial C-terminal sequences of the choriogenins.
The inner layer of egg envelope of the medaka, Oryzias latipes, comprises two major groups of glycoprotein subunits, ZI-1,2 and ZI-3. Their precursor proteins, choriogenin H (Chg H) and choriogenin L (Chg L), respectively, are synthesized in spawning female liver. In the present study, the primary structures of the precursors and the corresponding mature subunits were compared by peptide mapping and amino acid sequencing to find what difference in their molecular structures is relevant to the assembly of the soluble precursors into the insoluble inner layer. The primary structures of the solubilized subunits were mostly identical to those of the respective precursors, but they lacked C-terminal partial sequences that their precursors possessed, namely, ZI-1,2 subunit was shorter than Chg H by 34 amino acid residues and ZI-3 was shorter than Chg L by 27 residues. In addition, a consensus amino acid sequence, Arg-Lys-X-Arg, was found at the putative cleavage sites in the C-terminal region of the precursors. It is conjectured that the truncation of the precursor proteins is prerequisite for formation of mature chorion subunit proteins and their assembly into chorion.


Surface properties and conformation of Nephila clavipes spider recombinant silk proteins at the air-water interface.
The dragline fiber of spiders is composed of two proteins, the major ampullate spidroins I and II (MaSpI and MaSpII). To better understand the assembly mechanism and the properties of these proteins, the adsorption behavior of the recombinant proteins of the spider Nephila clavipes produced by Nexia Biotechnologies Inc. has been studied at the air-water interface using ellipsometry, surface pressure, rheological, and infrared measurements. The results show that the adsorption is more rapid and more molecules are present at the interface for MaSpII than for MaSpI. MaSpII has thus a higher affinity for the interface than MaSpI, which is consistent with its higher aggregation propensity in water. The films formed at the interface consist of networks containing a high content of intermolecular beta-sheets as revealed by the in situ polarization modulation infrared absorption reflection spectra. The infrared results further demonstrate that, for MaSpI, the beta-sheets are formed as soon as the proteins adsorb to the interface while for MaSpII the beta-sheet formation occurs more slowly. The amount of beta-sheets is lower for MaSpII than for MaSpI, most likely due to the presence of proline residues in its sequence. Both proteins form elastic films, but they are heterogeneous for MaSpI and homogeneous for MaSpII most probably as a result of a more ordered and slower aggregation process for MaSpII. This difference in their mechanism of assembly and interfacial behaviors does not seem to arise from their overall hydrophobicity or from a specific pattern of hydrophobicity, but rather from the longer polyalanine motifs, lower glycine content, and higher proline content of MaSpII. The propensity of both spidroins to form beta-sheets, especially the polyalanine blocks, suggests the participation of both proteins in the silk's beta-sheet crystallites.


Dynamic modulation of amygdala-hippocampal connectivity by emotional arousal.
Positive and negative emotional events are better remembered than neutral events. Studies in animals suggest that this phenomenon depends on the influence of the amygdala upon the hippocampus. In humans, however, it is largely unknown how these two brain structures functionally interact and whether these interactions are similar between positive and negative information. Using dynamic causal modeling of fMRI data in 586 healthy subjects, we show that the strength of the connection from the amygdala to the hippocampus was rapidly and robustly increased during the encoding of both positive and negative pictures in relation to neutral pictures. We also observed an increase in connection strength from the hippocampus to the amygdala, albeit at a smaller scale. These findings indicate that, during encoding, emotionally arousing information leads to a robust increase in effective connectivity from the amygdala to the hippocampus, regardless of its valence.


Impact of Measures Aiming to Reduce Sugars Intake in the General Population and Their Implementation in Europe: A Scoping Review.
Objectives: Implementing public health measures is necessary to decrease sugars intake, which is associated with increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. Our scoping review aimed to identify the types of measures implemented and evaluated to decrease sugars intake in the population and to assess their impact. Methods: Following a review of systematic reviews (SRs) published in 2018, we systematically searched new SR (May 2017-October 2020) in electronic databases. We also searched the measures implemented in Europe in the NOURISHING database. Two researchers selected the reviews, extracted and analysed the data. Results: We included 15 SRs assessing economic tools (n = 5), product reformulation and labels/claims (n = 5), and educational/environmental interventions (n = 7). Economic tools, product reformulation and environmental measures were effective to reduce sugar intake or weight outcomes, while labels, education and interventions combining educational and environmental measures found mixed effects. The most frequently implemented measures in Europe were public awareness, nutritional education, and labels. Conclusion: Among measures to reduce sugar intake in the population, economic tools, product reformulation, and environmental interventions were the most effective, but not the more frequently implemented in Europe.


XIAP's Profile in Human Cancer.
XIAP, the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, regulates cell death signaling pathways through binding and inhibiting caspases. Mounting experimental research associated with XIAP has shown it to be a master regulator of cell death not only in apoptosis, but also in autophagy and necroptosis. As a vital decider on cell survival, XIAP is involved in the regulation of cancer initiation, promotion and progression. XIAP up-regulation occurs in many human diseases, resulting in a series of undesired effects such as raising the cellular tolerance to genetic lesions, inflammation and cytotoxicity. Hence, anti-tumor drugs targeting XIAP have become an important focus for cancer therapy research. RNA-XIAP interaction is a focus, which has enriched the general profile of XIAP regulation in human cancer. In this review, the basic functions of XIAP, its regulatory role in cancer, anti-XIAP drugs and recent findings about RNA-XIAP interactions are discussed.


Correction for geometric image distortion in the x-ray imaging chain: local technique versus global technique.
The local technique to correct for geometric image distortion in the x-ray imaging chain has been implemented and compared with the global correction technique reported previously. Three local correction models were considered, all applied locally within each quadrilateral cell bounded by four adjacent points on a distorted 1.0 cm spaced rectilinear calibration grid. Model 1 uses bilinear interpolation between the correction vectors derived at the four vertices. In Models 2 and 3 a polynomial mapping from distorted to undistorted positions is applied, with Model 2 representing a linear six-parameter correction and Model 3 a nonlinear eight-parameter correction. Both techniques have been analyzed in depth concerning their accuracy. To this end, experimental (35 mm cine film and online video) and computer simulated distorted images of the calibration grid were used. Both radial and sigmoidal distortions were considered in the simulations. The main results are summarized as follows. The accuracy of the local technique depends upon the position within each quadrilateral cell and upon the local direction of the distortion gradient, contrary to the global technique. The accuracy of the local technique decreases with increasing radial as well as sigmoidal distortion. For the global technique only the latter dependency applies. The relationship of the accuracy with the pixel size is different for all models. Finally, the local technique is more sensitive to noise than the global technique. The reproducibility of the correction methods has been evaluated by means of imaging the calibration grid in various orientations with respect to the input screen of the image intensifier. The local technique turns out to reproduce a factor of 4-10 worse than the global technique. In summary, Model 1 is the worst method in all respects, whereas Model 3 is slightly better than Model 2. However, the global technique is to be preferred because it outperforms the local technique on all relevant issues.


Tissue harmonic synthetic aperture ultrasound imaging.
Synthetic aperture sequential beamforming (SASB) and tissue harmonic imaging (THI) are combined to improve the image quality of medical ultrasound imaging. The technique is evaluated in a comparative study against dynamic receive focusing (DRF). The objective is to investigate if SASB combined with THI improves the image quality compared to DRF-THI. The major benefit of SASB is a reduced bandwidth between the probe and processing unit. A BK Medical 2202 Ultraview ultrasound scanner was used to acquire beamformed RF data for offline evaluation. The acquisition was made interleaved between methods, and data were recorded with and without pulse inversion for tissue harmonic imaging. Data were acquired using a Sound Technology 192 element convex array transducer from both a wire phantom and a tissue mimicking phantom to investigate spatial resolution and penetration. In vivo scans were also performed for a visual comparison. The spatial resolution for SASB-THI is on average 19% better than DRI-THI, and the investigation of penetration showed equally good signal-to-noise ratio. In vivo B-mode scans were made and compared. The comparison showed that SASB-THI reduces the artifact and noise interference and improves image contrast and spatial resolution.


Autoaggressive inflammation of the myenteric plexus resulting in intestinal pseudoobstruction.
After a 3-year history of severe constipation, a 16-year-old girl required surgery to be relieved of impacted stools. Histologic examination showed ganglionitis in the myenteric plexus of the large bowel and ileum, whereas the submucosal plexus was spared. At this time, antineuronal nuclear antibodies (ANNA-1, anti-Hu) were found at high titer in the serum of the patient. One and a half years earlier, a paravertebral ganglioneuroblastoma had been removed. Histologic examination had shown undifferentiated neuroblasts and morphologically mature ganglion cells with both cell types embedded in an inflammatory infiltrate morphologically similar to the lymphoplasmocytic infiltration seen in the myenteric plexus. The patient's serum was found to bind to nuclei of mouse intestinal tract neurons, thus fulfilling defining criteria for ANNA-1. The serum also reacted with antigens of defined molecular weight in a Western blot, thus fulfilling defining criteria for anti-Hu. Expression of the Huantigen could be visualized in the nuclei of the patient's tumor cells by immunohistochemistry. These tests showed that an antitumor inflammatory response was the cause of the bowel disease. This is the first report of a tumor from the neuroblastoma group that caused paraneoplastic intestinal pseudoobstruction. Ganglionitis and subsequent aganglionosis are the hallmark of the morphologic diagnosis which cannot be obtained by suction biopsy in patients with intact submucosal plexus. Instead, serum testing for autoantibodies can reveal the etiology.


Experimental Shot-by-Shot Estimation of Quantum Measurement Confidence.
We demonstrate the single-shot confidence estimation for individual quantum measurement outcomes using the continuous measurement theory of the quantum counting process applied to the quantum state identification problem. We experimentally obtain single-shot and average confidences for quantum measurements and show that they favorably compare to that of the idealized classical measurement. Finally, we demonstrate that single-shot confidence estimations correctly represent observed experimental outcomes for a large ensemble of measurements.


Argatroban therapy does not generate antibodies that alter its anticoagulant activity in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated syndrome that can lead to limb- and life-threatening thrombosis. Argatroban, a small synthetic molecule (Argatroban; GlaxoSmithKline, Philadelphia, PA), and lepirudin, a protein of non-human origin (Refludan; Aventis, Bridgewater, NJ), are direct thrombin inhibitors that have been used successfully for anticoagulant therapy in HIT patients. It has been reported that between 44-74% of lepirudin-treated HIT patients develop drug-specific antibodies that either enhance or suppress the anticoagulant activity of lepirudin. By contrast, there have been no reported patient experiences suggestive of unexpected loss or enhancement of argatroban's anticoagulant effect in clinical trials, including those in HIT patients, or in postmarketing safety surveillance of over 4,800 patients treated in Japan. To confirm the lack of antibodies in argatroban-treated patients with HIT, we examined plasma for anticoagulant-altering activity and reviewed dosing patterns of re-exposed patients. Paired, pre-therapy and post-therapy (> or =7 days) plasma pools exhibited comparable in vitro anticoagulant responses (aPTT and antithrombin activity) to argatroban supplementation. Argatroban at 5 microg/mL similarly prolonged aPTTs of normal plasma pretreated with IgG isolated from pre-therapy versus post-therapy plasma (P>0.6). In trials, mean argatroban doses during initial therapy versus re-exposure were not different among individuals anticoagulated for the treatment or prophylaxis of thrombosis (P=0.60) or during percutaneous coronary interventions (P=0.79), with no discernable pattern of suppression or enhancement of argatroban anticoagulation. Consistent with the lack of reported patient experiences suggestive of unexpected loss or enhancement of argatroban's anticoagulant effect across clinical trials and post-marketing safety surveillance, these data support the lack of anti-argatroban antibodies that affect drug activity in argatroban-treated HIT patients.


Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Heavy Metals from Gold Mining Activities Using Clidemia sericea D. Don.
Soils contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) as a result of anthropogenic activities such as mining are a problem due to the adverse effects on human and environmental health, making it necessary to seek sustainable strategies to remediate contaminated areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the species Clidemia sericea D. Don for the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with PTEs (Hg, Pb, and Cd) from gold mining activities. The study was conducted for three months, with soils from a gold mining area in northern Colombia, and seeds of C. sericea, under a completely randomized experimental design with one factor (concentration of PTEs in soil) and four levels (control (T0), low (T1), medium (T2), and high (T3)), each treatment in triplicate, for a total of twelve experimental units. Phytotoxic effects on plants, bioconcentration (BCF), and translocation (TF) factors were determined. The results obtained for the tissues differed in order of metal accumulation, with the root showing the highest concentration of metals. The highest values of bioconcentration (BCF > 1) were presented for Hg at T3 and Cd in the four treatments; and of translocation (TF > 1) for Hg and Pb at T0 and T1; however, for Pb, the TF indicates that it is transferable, but it is not considered for phytoextraction. Thus, C. sericea demonstrated its potential as a phytostabilizer of Hg and Cd in mining soils, strengthening as a wild species with results of resistance to the stress of the PTEs evaluated, presenting similar behavior and little phytotoxic affectation on the growth and development of each of the plants in the different treatments.


Potent inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus NS3 protease: use of a novel P2 cyclopentane-derived template.
The HCV NS3 protease is essential for replication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and therefore constitutes a promising new drug target for anti-HCV therapy. Several potent and promising HCV NS3 protease inhibitors, some of which display low nanomolar activities, were identified from a series of novel inhibitors incorporating a trisubstituted cyclopentane dicarboxylic acid moiety as a surrogate for the widely used N-acyl-(4R)-hydroxyproline in the P2 position.


A framework for separating natural and anthropogenic contributions to evapotranspiration of human-managed land covers in watersheds based on machine learning.
Actual EvapoTranspiration (ET) represents the water consumption in watersheds; distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic contributions to ET is essential for water conservation and ecological sustainability. This study proposed a framework to separate the contribution of natural and anthropogenic factors to ET of human-managed land cover types using the Random Forest Regressor (RFR). The steps include: (1) classify land cover into natural and human-managed land covers and then divide ET, meteorological, topographical, and geographical data into two parts corresponding to natural and human-managed land cover types; (2) construct a natural ET (ETn) prediction model using natural land cover types of ET, and the corresponding meteorological, topographical and geographical factors; (3) the constructed ETn prediction model is used to predict the ETn of human-managed land cover types using the corresponding meteorological, topographical and geographical data as inputs, and (4) derive the anthropogenic ET (ETh) by subtracting the natural ET from the total ET (ETt) for human-managed land cover types. Take 2017 as an example, ETn and ETh for rainfed agriculture, mosaic agriculture, irrigated agriculture, and settlement in Colorado, Blue Nile, and Heihe Basin were separated by the proposed framework, with R2 and NSE of predicted ETn above 0.95 and RB within 1% for all three basins. In the semi-arid Colorado River Basin and arid Heihe Basin, human activities on human-managed land cover types tended to increase ET higher than humid Blue Nile Basin. The anthropogenic contribution to total water consumption is approaching 53.68%, 66.47%, and 6.14% for the four human-managed land cover types in Colorado River Basin, Heihe Bain and Blue Nile Basin, respectively. The framework provides strong support for the disturbance of water resources by different anthropogenic activities at the basin scale and the accurate estimation of the impact of human activities on ET to help achieve water-related sustainable development goals.


Quality of sleep in women with menopause and its related factors.
Menopausal period is one of the most critical stages of a womans life. Complications of the menopausal period including sleep disorders can affect the physical and mental state of women. As sleep disorder has a determinant role in the quality of life, this study was conducted to evaluate postmenopausal womens quality of sleep and its related factors. This cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted on 323 postmenopausal women based on convenience and consecutive sampling. The data-gathering tool consisted of two parts; sociodemographic characteristics and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significance level of p<0.05. Sleep disorder was determined in 49.9% of participants. The mean PSQI score was 5.32 ± 3.881. There was a significant correlation between PSQI and age (ß = 0.29, p < 0.001) indicating that sleep disorder increased with an increase in age. There was a significant correlation between body mass index (ß = 0.599, p < 0.001) and undesired sleep quality. Regarding the presence of sleep disorder in almost half of the study participants, and the relationship between sleep quality and body mass index and age, it is recommended that decision and policymakers design educational consultation interventions to improve the quality and quantity of sleep in menopause women.


Male breast hemangioma--a rare entity: a case report and review of the literature.
We report the case of a 77-year-old man with a very rare breast tumor: hemangioma. The clinical examination found a large (6 cm diameter) lump and mammography revealed a well-defined high-density lesion with lobulated contour. Simple mastectomy was performed. The histology confirmed the diagnosis of benign hemangioma. There has been no local recurrence after 9 years of follow-up. There is very little literature on this type of tumor in men. Generally hemangiomas are large and ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful for the diagnosis. The important differential diagnosis with angiosarcoma is based on specific histologic patterns. Moreover, malignant transformation of hemangioma is rare, but possible.


[A case of sho-saiko-to-induced pneumonitis, diagnosed by lymphocyte stimulation test using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid].
A 66-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital with fever, cough and dyspnea. He had been taking Sho-Saiko-to, a traditional Chinese medicine, for twenty days. On admission, chest X-ray examination revealed a reticular pattern in the bilateral lungs, and respiratory failure was evident. Serum levels of CRP and LDH were elevated. A differential cell count of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed that lymphocytes and eosinophils were increased. Alveolitis with lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration was observed in a pathological specimen obtained by transbronchial lung biopsy. After all drugs had been discontinued, PaO2, serum CRP and serum LDH improved, and the reticular pattern in the bilateral lungs gradually resolved without administration of corticosteroids or antibiotics. A lymphocyte stimulation test for Sho-Saiko-to using BALF gave a positive result, although LST using blood gave a doubtful reaction. The diagnosis of Sho-Saiko-to-induced pneumonitis was made from the clinical course, laboratory findings, BALF cell analysis, pathological findings and LST using BALF. Only 13 cases of pneumonitis due to administration of traditional Chinese medical drugs have been reported. This case suggests that LST using BALF is useful for the diagnosis of drug-induced pneumonitis.


The use of selected community groups to elicit and understand the values underlying attitudes towards biotechnology.
Focus groups were used to examine the social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of biotechnology through an analysis of five selected community groups (total n = 68): scientists, Buddhists, business people, mothers with young children and the environmentally active. Participants from all groups were united in their perspective on three of the value spheres explored: health and welfare of family/society; maintaining/preserving the environment; and ethical considerations (e.g. welfare of animals, sanctity of life). However, values regarding science and business differentiated scientists and business people from the remaining community segments. Business people were more likely to adhere to "productionism," resulting in a greater acceptance of biotechnology, since business people did not hold the same resentment toward the business sphere held by other community segments. Scientists were far more accepting of the norms and values inherent in the sphere of science, believing science to be more predictable and controllable than general public perceptions. The disparity in worldviews for this value sphere meant scientists and laypeople did not communicate at the same level, in spite of having the same concerns for health and the environment. This resulted in feelings of frustration and powerlessness on the part of the layperson and the scientist.


Surveillance of Rodent Pests for SARS-CoV-2 and Other Coronaviruses, Hong Kong.
We report surveillance conducted in 217 pestiferous rodents in Hong Kong for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We did not detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA but identified 1 seropositive rodent, suggesting exposure to a virus antigenically similar to SARS-CoV-2. Potential exposure of urban rodents to SARS-CoV-2 cannot be ruled out.


Effects of a novel co-culture system on development, metabolism and gene expression of bovine embryos produced in vitro.
An in vitro model using co-culture of bovine in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos and bovine oviduct epithelial cells (bOECs) was established to study embryo-maternal interactions in the oviductal environment. In vitro conditions maintaining differentiated growth of oviductal cells were determined by evaluating several media supplemented with different sera at various concentrations. Morphological features were used as indicators of physiological growth, and it became obvious that synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) supplemented with either oestrous cow serum (OCS) or dextran-coated charcoal-treated fetal calf serum (DCC-FCS) helped to prevent dedifferentiation of bOECs (Expt 1). RT-real-time-PCR analysis revealed an increased mRNA content of the oviduct-specific glycoprotein GP 85-97 when using lower serum concentrations (2 and 5% compared with 10%; Expt 2). In subsequent experiments in which cell-free cultured controls and co-cultured embryos were compared, co-cultured embryos showed an increased rate of cleavage (P < 0.05) after 3 days. Successive cell-free culture until day 8 resulted in a lower rate of blastocyst development (P < 0.05) and reduced ATP content (P < 0.05) of co-cultured versus control embryos (Expt 3). Long-term co-culture (8 days) in SOF with 5% OCS increased the expression of developmentally relevant genes (glucose transporter 1 (Glut-1) and heat shock protein (HSP 70)) in co-cultured versus control embryos (Expt 4). Higher embryonic Glut-1 mRNA expression after co-culture was obvious when using 10% DCC-FCS, but was not significant when culture medium was supplemented with 10% rather than 5% OCS (Expt 5). In conclusion, SOF with 5% OCS supports differentiated growth of bOECs. Co-culture under these conditions improves early cleavage rate, but not blastocyst development, and increases the expression of developmentally relevant genes influenced by type of serum and serum concentration.


A history of surgery for congenital heart disease in Papua New Guinea.
Cardiothoracic surgery in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was somewhat ad hoc prior to 1956 but later settled into an arrangement in which visiting teams from overseas selected mostly adult patients for a limited range of closed heart operations to be done locally or overseas. In 1978 the late Professor John Biddulph was instrumental in facilitating a more formal arrangement with the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital whereby patients were selected by a visiting cardiologist on an annual basis to be transferred to Sydney for cardiac surgery. This subsequently developed into a predominantly paediatric program based at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Sydney, which successfully ran until 1992. In 1993 a program began, based at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, in which a voluntary cardiac team has been visiting annually to perform both open and closed heart surgery. This program has proved to be very successful with a high output and a low mortality. Despite this long history of surgery for congenital heart disease in PNG, no definite long-term plans have eventuated. Because the financial situation of the country does not allow for a major cardiothoracic unit, the current arrangement whereby noninvasive investigation and some closed surgery are performed at Port Moresby General Hospital is appropriate for the foreseeable future.


Levels of H-ras codon 61 CAA to AAA mutation: response to 4-ABP-treatment and Pms2-deficiency.
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiencies result in increased frequencies of spontaneous mutation and tumor formation. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that a chemically-induced mutational response would be greater in a mouse with an MMR-deficiency than in the MMR-proficient mouse models commonly used to assay for chemical carcinogenicity. To accomplish this, the induction of H-ras codon 61 CAA-->AAA mutation was examined in Pms2 knockout mice (Pms2-/-, C57BL/6 background) and sibling wild-type mice (Pms2+/+). Groups of five or six neonatal male mice were treated with 0.3 micromol 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP) or the vehicle control, dimethylsulfoxide. Eight months after treatment, liver DNAs were isolated and analysed for levels of H-ras codon 61 CAA-->AAA mutation using allele-specific competitive blocker-PCR. In Pms2-proficient and Pms2-deficient mice, 4-ABP treatment caused an increase in mutant fraction (MF) from 1.65x10(-5) to 2.91x10(-5) and from 3.40x10(-5) to 4.70x10(-5), respectively. Pooling data from 4-ABP-treated and control mice, the approximately 2-fold increase in MF observed in Pms2-deficient as compared with Pms2-proficient mice was statistically significant (P=0.0207) and consistent with what has been reported previously in terms of induction of G:C-->T:A mutation in a Pms2-deficient background. Pooling data from both genotypes, the increase in H-ras MF in 4-ABP-treated mice, as compared with control mice, did not reach the 95% confidence level of statistical significance (P=0.0606). The 4-ABP treatment caused a 1.76-fold and 1.38-fold increase in average H-ras MF in Pms2-proficient and Pms2-deficient mice, respectively. Furthermore, the levels of induced mutation in Pms2-proficient and Pms2-deficient mice were nearly identical (1.26x10(-5) and 1.30x10(-5), respectively). We conclude that Pms2-deficiency does not result in an amplification of the H-ras codon 61 CAA-->AAA mutational response induced by 4-ABP.


Ethics in nursing: categorization of legal processes.
to categorize factual elements of ethical-disciplinary nursing lawsuits in the state of Goiás. cross-sectional, retrospective study, based on secondary data obtained from ethical-disciplinary lawsuits filed at the Regional Nursing Council of Goiás (Coren-Goiás) between the years 2010 and 2019. the highest number of lawsuits filed was in 2013 and 2014, with a greater frequency in the state capital. The majority came from the Nursing Ethics Committees and ex-officio complaints. The professional with most complaints was the nursing technician, aged between 31 and 40 years old, at the beginning of their career. The most common type of complaints referred to performing attributions that were not within the nursing competences. as a highlight are the contributions of this study to professional ethics in nursing and the clear need to consolidate these skills in nurses who are in training and in the continuous education for those already in the profession.


Is prophylactic fixation a cost-effective method to prevent a future contralateral fragility hip fracture?
: A previous hip fracture more than doubles the risk of a contralateral hip fracture. Pharmacologic and environmental interventions to prevent hip fracture have documented poor compliance. The purpose of this study was to examine the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic fixation of the uninjured hip to prevent contralateral hip fracture. : A Markov state-transition model was used to evaluate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for unilateral fixation of hip fracture alone (including internal fixation or arthroplasty) compared with unilateral fixation and contralateral prophylactic hip fixation performed at the time of hip fracture or unilateral fixation and bilateral hip pad protection. Prophylactic fixation involved placement of a cephalomedullary nail in the uninjured hip and was initially assumed to have a relative risk of a contralateral fracture of 1%. Health states included good health, surgery-related complications requiring a second operation (infection, osteonecrosis, nonunion, and malunion), fracture of the uninjured hip, and death. The primary outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio estimated as cost per QALY gained in 2006 US dollars with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios below $50,000 per QALY gained considered cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the impact of patient age, annual mortality and complication rates, intervention effectiveness, utilities, and costs on the value of prophylactic fixation. : In the baseline analysis, in a 79-year-old woman, prophylactic fixation was not found to be cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio = $142,795/QALY). However, prophylactic fixation was found to be a cost-effective method to prevent contralateral hip fracture in: 1) women 71 to 75 years old who had 30% greater relative risk for a contralateral fracture; and 2) women younger than age 70 years. Cost-effectiveness was greater when the additional costs of prophylaxis were less than $6000. However, for most analyses, the success of prophylactic fixation was highly sensitive to the effectiveness and the relative morbidity and mortality of the additional procedure. : Prophylactic fixation with a cephalomedullary nail was not found to be cost-effective for the average older woman who sustained a hip fracture. However, it may be appropriate for select patient populations. The study supports the need for basic science and clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of prophylactic fixation for patient populations at higher lifetime risk for contralateral hip fracture.


Influencing solvent miscibility and aqueous stability of aluminum nanoparticles through surface functionalization with acrylic monomers.
With growing interest in the development of new composite systems for a variety of applications that require easily processable materials and adequate structural properties with high energy densities, we have pursued the chemical functionalization of oxide-passivated aluminum nanoparticles (nAl) using three acrylic monomers, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS), 2-carboxyethyl acrylate (CEA), and phosphonic acid 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ester (PAM), to provide chemical compatibility within various solvent and polymeric systems. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggest that attachment of MPS and PAM monomers occurs through the formation of bonds directly to the passivated oxide surface upon reaction with surface hydroxyls, whereas CEA monomers interact through the formation of ionic carboxylate binding to aluminum atoms within the oxide. The coated particles demonstrate enhanced miscibility in common organic solvents and monomers; MPS and PAM coatings are additionally shown to inhibit oxidation of the aluminum particles when exposed to aqueous environments at room temperature, and PAM coatings are stable at even elevated temperatures.


Interactions between inorganic and organic phases in bone tissue as a source of inspiration for design of novel nanocomposites.
Mimicking the nanostructure of bone and understanding the interactions between the nanoscale inorganic and organic components of the extracellular bone matrix are crucial for the design of biomaterials with structural properties and a functionality similar to the natural bone tissue. Generally, these interactions involve anionic and/or cationic functional groups as present in the organic matrix, which exhibit a strong affinity for either calcium or phosphate ions from the mineral phase of bone. This study reviews the interactions between the mineral and organic extracellular matrix components in bone tissue as a source of inspiration for the design of novel nanocomposites. After providing a brief description of the various structural levels of bone and its main constituents, a concise overview is presented on the process of bone mineralization as well as the interactions between calcium phosphate (CaP) nanocrystals and the organic matrix of bone tissue. Bioinspired synthetic approaches for obtaining nanocomposites are subsequently addressed, with specific focus on chemical groups that have affinity for CaPs or are involved in stimulating and controlling mineral formation, that is, anionic functional groups, including carboxyl, phosphate, sulfate, hydroxyl, and catechol groups.


A Comparison of Conventional and Technology-Mediated Selection Interviews With Regard to Interviewees' Performance, Perceptions, Strain, and Anxiety.
Organizations increasingly use technology-mediated interviews. However, only limited research is available concerning the comparability of different interview media and most of the available studies stem from a time when technology-mediated interviews were less common than in the present time. In an experiment using simulated selection interviews, we compared traditional face-to-face (FTF) interviews with telephone and videoconference interviews to determine whether ratings of interviewees' performance, their perceptions of the interview, or their strain and anxiety are affected by the type of interview. Before participating in the actual interview, participants had a more positive view of FTF interviews compared to technology-mediated interviews. However, fairness perceptions did not differ anymore after the interview. Furthermore, there were no differences between the three interview media concerning psychological and physiological indicators of strain or interview anxiety. Nevertheless, ratings of interviewees' performance were lower in the technology-mediated interviews than in FTF interviews. Thus, differences between different interview media can still be found nowadays even though most applicants are much more familiar with technology-mediated communication than in the past. The results show that organizations should take this into account and therefore avoid using different interview media when they interview different applicants for the same job opening.


Sequential coupling of zincated hydrazone, alkenylboronate, and electrophile that creates several contiguous stereogenic centers.
A zincated N,N-dimethylhydrazone of a ketone undergoes stereospecific syn addition to E- or Z-alkenylboronate to generate a gamma-Zn/B dimetallic intermediate, which reacts with a carbon electrophile to give a gamma-borylhydrazone in good yield with excellent diastereoselectivity, creating two to four contiguous stereogenic centers in a one-pot reaction.


Correlation between bispectral index value and modified Glasgow Coma Scale score in dogs with altered level of consciousness.
This study aims to identify the correlation between bispectral index (BIS) value and modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score in dogs with altered level of consciousness (ALOC). This prospective, observational, clinical study was conducted from February 2016 to March 2017, and follow-up was conducted until the death of dogs or their discharge from the hospital. This study was performed at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital. A total of 31 client-owned dogs (males, 20; females, 11) with ALOC and MGCS score <18 with no restrictions for age, breed, sex, and body weight were included. Dogs that received neuromuscular blocking agents before MGCS score evaluation were excluded. BIS values were measured using the Covidien BIS Loc 2 Channel OEM module and a pediatric 4 sensor with a bifrontal application pattern. Minimal databases of initial neurological assessment, blood profiles, and chest and skull radiographs were developed. In addition, MGCS scores and BIS values were recorded. The mean BIS values for mild, moderate, and severe brain injuries were 89.14 ± 6.52, 77.21 ± 9.82, and 50.58 ± 27.04, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a significantly positive relationship between BIS values and MGCS scores (r = 0.75; P < 0.001). The significant correlation observed between MGCS scores and BIS values in dogs with ALOC demonstrated the usefulness of BIS as an alternative to MGCS for monitoring consciousness in patients with ALOC caused by traumatic brain injury, encephalitis, etc.


Protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-1) is a nuclear receptor coregulator expressed in human testis.
An androgen receptor (AR) interacting protein was isolated from a HeLa cell cDNA library by two-hybrid screening in yeast using the AR DNA+ligand binding domains as bait. The protein has sequence identity with human protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription (PIAS1) and human Gu RNA helicase II binding protein (GBP). Binding of PIAS1 to human AR DNA+ligand binding domains was androgen dependent in the yeast liquid beta-galactosidase assay. Activation of binding by dihydrotestosterone was greater than testosterone > estradiol > progesterone. PIAS1 binding to full-length human AR in a reversed yeast two hybrid system was also androgen dependent. [35S] PIAS1 bound a glutathione S-transferase-AR-DNA binding domain (amino acids 544-634) fusion protein in affinity matrix assays. In transient cotransfection assays using CV1 cells with full-length human AR and a mouse mammary tumor virus luciferase reporter vector, there was an androgen-dependent 3- to 5-fold greater increase in luciferase activity with PIAS1 over that obtained with an equal amount of control antisense cDNA or mutant PIAS1. Constitutive transcriptional activity of the AR N-terminal+DNA binding domain was increased 6-fold by PIAS1. PIAS1 also enhanced glucocorticoid receptor transactivation in response to dexamethasone but inhibited progesterone-induced progesterone receptor transactivation in the same assay system. mRNA for PIAS1 was highly expressed in testis of human, monkey, rat, and mouse. In rat testis the onset of PIAS1 mRNA expression coincided with the initiation of spermatogenesis between 25-30 days of age. Immunostaining of human and mouse testis with PIAS1-specific antiserum demonstrated coexpression of PIAS1 with AR in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. In addition, PIAS1 was expressed in spermatogenic cells. The results suggest that PIAS1 functions in testis as a nuclear receptor transcriptional coregulator and may have a role in AR initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis.


The relationship between demographic/educational parameters and perceptions, knowledge and earthquake mitigation in Israel.
Perceptions, knowledge and mitigation are factors that might play a role in preventing injury and loss of life during a major earthquake.(2) Little is known about the relationships between different demographic and educational parameters and these factors. A national representative sample of 495 adults was investigated in order to determine the relationship between demographic and educational parameters in terms of the perceived threat, perceived coping, knowledge and mitigation of earthquakes in Israel. Compared to females, males perceived the threat of earthquakes to be lower (t = 3.183, p = 0.002), manifested higher levels of perceived coping (t = 2.55, p = 0.011), and had higher levels of earthquake related knowledge (t = 2.047, p = 0.041). We conclude that there are gender differences in perceptions and knowledge regarding earthquakes.