Colonic stent as bridge to surgery in patients with obstructive left-sided colon cancer.
We assessed the optimal time interval between endoscopic stenting and subsequent surgery in patients with obstructive left-sided colon cancer. We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent endoscopic colonic stenting for obstructive left-sided colon cancer between January 2009 and January 2012. Patients who had successful endoscopic intervention as a bridge to surgery were included in the study. Other variables studied were the duration between endoscopic stenting and surgery, the reobstruction rate, the stoma creation rate, the anastomotic leak rate, and the in-hospital mortality rate. The medical records of 53 patients who underwent endoscopic stenting for obstructive left-sided colon cancer were reviewed, and 43 were included in the study. The median duration between endoscopic stenting and surgery was 7 days (range, 5-33). A median duration of 7 to 9 days after endoscopic stenting in patients with obstructive left-sided colon cancer is enough time to subsequently perform a safe surgical procedure. Extending this duration may expose the patient to the risk of reobstruction and emergency surgery.


Area MT encodes three-dimensional motion.
We use visual information to determine our dynamic relationship with other objects in a three-dimensional (3D) world. Despite decades of work on visual motion processing, it remains unclear how 3D directions-trajectories that include motion toward or away from the observer-are represented and processed in visual cortex. Area MT is heavily implicated in processing visual motion and depth, yet previous work has found little evidence for 3D direction sensitivity per se. Here we use a rich ensemble of binocular motion stimuli to reveal that most neurons in area MT of the anesthetized macaque encode 3D motion information. This tuning for 3D motion arises from multiple mechanisms, including different motion preferences in the two eyes and a nonlinear interaction of these signals when both eyes are stimulated. Using a novel method for functional binocular alignment, we were able to rule out contributions of static disparity tuning to the 3D motion tuning we observed. We propose that a primary function of MT is to encode 3D motion, critical for judging the movement of objects in dynamic real-world environments.


[Male's and female's views on the involvement of men and women in family planning].
This article analyzes the results of the authors' Master's Theses. In one of them, the social subjects were men and, in the other, they were women. The studies were qualitative and used a phenomenological approach. When the research results were compared, common themes concerning the participation of men and women in family planning were found, which were analyzed from the point of view of gender. The results indicate alterations in the roles of men and women in relation to reproduction, sexuality and family life. Given this new situation, the authors suggest a reorganization of health services in order to meet such demands.


Social presence and use of internet-delivered interventions: a multi-method approach.
Internet-delivered interventions can effectively change health risk behaviors and their determinants, but adherence to intervention websites once they are accessed is very low. This study tests whether and how social presence elements can increase website use. A website about Hepatitis A, B, and C virus infections was used in a preparatory lab-based eye-tracking study assessing whether social presence elements attract participants' attention, because this is a prerequisite for affecting website use. In the following field study, 482 participants representative of the Dutch population were randomized to either a website with or a website without social presence elements. Participants completed a questionnaire of validated measures regarding user perceptions immediately after exposure to the website. Server registrations were used to assess website use. Participants in the experimental condition focused on the social presence elements, both in terms of frequency (F(1, 98) = 40.34, p<.001) and duration (F(1, 88) = 39.99, p<.001), but did not differ in website use in comparison with the control condition; neither in terms of the number of pages visited (t(456) = 1.44, p = .15), nor in terms of time on the website (t(456) = 0.01, p = .99). Adding social presence elements did not affect actual use of an intervention website within a public health context. Possible reasons are limited attention for these elements in comparison with the main text and the utilitarian value of intervention websites.


Photovoltaic effect by soft phonon excitation.
SignificanceThe quantum-mechanical geometric phase of electrons provides various phenomena such as the dissipationless photocurrent generation through the shift current mechanism. So far, the photocurrent generations are limited to above or near the band-gap photon energy, which contradicts the increasing demand of the low-energy photonic functionality. We demonstrate the photocurrent through the optical phonon excitations in ferroelectric BaTiO3 by using the terahertz light with photon energy far below the band gap. This photocurrent without electron-hole pair generation is never explained by the semiclassical treatment of electrons and only arises from the quantum-mechanical geometric phase. The observed photon-to-current conversion efficiency is as large as that for electronic excitation, which can be well accounted for by newly developed theoretical formulation of shift current.


PU.1 is involved in the regulation of B lineage-associated and developmental stage-dependent expression of the germinal center-associated DNA primase GANP.
Germinal center-associated DNA primase (GANP) associated with MCM3 of the DNA replication complex is up-regulated selectively in germinal center B cells. We studied promoter activity of the 5' region involved in the developmental stage-dependent expression in B lineage cells by luciferase reporter assay. Selective regulation of ganp expression was observed in the -737-bp promoter region in B and plasma cell lines but was significantly low in pre-B and T cell lines. The deletion constructs displayed a gap decrease after shortening the region from -134 to -108 bp. Further narrowing suggested the involvement of the PU.1 consensus sequence at -126 bp by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The protein component PU.1 complex is not inhibited with mutated probes at the consensus site but is inhibited with the known PU.1 probe of CD72 and with anti-PU.1 antibody. Moreover, introduction of PU.1 cDNA enhanced the reporter gene activity in a dose-dependent manner in B cells, whereas the reporter construct with the mutated PU.1 site did not respond. Anti-CD40 stimulation induced the reporter activity with a 100% increase, which is not observed with the PU.1-mutated reporter construct. These results demonstrate that the germinal center-associated DNA primase expression is partly regulated by the transcription factor PU.1 expressed in B lineage cells.


CXCL12/CXCR4 activation by cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes integrin β1 clustering and invasiveness in gastric cancer.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are reportedly involved in invasion and metastasis in several types of cancer, including gastric cancer (GC), through the stimulation of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling. However, the mechanisms underlying these tumor-promoting effects are not well understood, which limits the potential to develop therapeutic targets against CAF-mediated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling. CXCL12 expression was analyzed in resected GC tissues from 110 patients by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We established primary cultures of normal fibroblasts (NFs) and CAFs from the GC tissues and examined the functional differences between these primary fibroblasts using co-culture assays with GC cell lines. We evaluated the efficacy of a CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100) and a FAK inhibitor (PF-573,228) on the invasive ability of GC cells. High CXCL12 expression levels were significantly associated with larger tumor size, increased tumor depth, lymphatic invasion and poor prognosis in GC. CXCL12/CXCR4 activation by CAFs mediated integrin β1 clustering at the cell surface and promoted the invasive ability of GC cells. Notably, AMD3100 was more efficient than PF-573,228 at inhibiting GC cell invasion through the suppression of integrin β1/FAK signaling. These results suggest that CXCL12 derived from CAFs promotes GC cell invasion by enhancing the clustering of integrin β1 in GC cells, resulting in GC progression. Taken together, the inhibition of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in GC cells may be a promising therapeutic strategy against GC cell invasion.


Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold in Real World Practice - A Single Center Experience.
Drug-eluting stents are widely used in coronary artery intervention. However, vessel caging and very late thrombotic events are of persistent and substantial concern. Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were developed to deliver vascular reparative therapy, by eliminating permanent mechanical restraint. However, data regarding its clinical performance is lacking. After the BVS implantation procedure received national approval in May 2014, patients receiving BVS implantation until November 2014 in National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) were enrolled. Clinical variables, angiographic data, procedural details, and follow-up information were collected and compared with those receiving BVS at NTUH as part of the global ABSORB EXTEND trial. A total of 35 patients (38 target vessels) with 48 BVS implanted after approval were enrolled, as the "real-world practice" group. Data of the 34 patients (34 target vessels) with 37 BVS implanted in the ABSORB EXTEND trial were also obtained. Differences in lesion complexity (0% type B2/C lesion in ABSORB EXTEND, versus 23.7% in real-world, p = 0.007) and lesion length (20.9 ± 6.1 mm in ABSORB EXTEND, versus 29.5 ± 15.9 mm in real-world, p = 0.008) were noted. The ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization after an average of 732 days follow-up was 11.8% in the ABSORB EXTEND trial. However, there was no ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR), no scaffold thrombosis, no myocardial infarction (MI), and no patients passed during the follow-up period. In real-world patients, there is 5.3% of MI, 2.6% ischemia-driven TLR, and 2.6% of non-fatal probable scaffold thrombosis. The use of BVS in real-world practice is feasible, with clinical outcomes comparable to those in the ABSORB EXTEND trial.


Advances in the application of induced pluripotent stem cells in pediatric diseases.
The optimal diagnosis and treatment of pediatric diseases depend on more adequate understanding of pathophysiology. The advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has provided new strategies for the research and therapy of pediatric diseases. iPSCs are pluripotent stem cells induced by reprogramming of mature cells. Now they can be induced from many types of somatic cells (such as fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and urine cells).With the improvement of various reprogramming methods, its generation procedure is more and more optimized, and the use of small molecules to induce iPSCs is one of the research focus now. Due to their ability to differentiate into a variety of cells, combined with the development of gene editing technology, iPSCs have been increasingly favored in the modeling of diseases and cell therapy, especially hereditary diseases, and have achieved some success in clinical treatment. But before they can be widely used in clinical treatment, there are still some problems to be solved, such as tumorigenicity, immunogenicity and heterogeneity. This article reviewed the source of iPSCs, reprogramming technology, applications of iPSCs in common childhood diseases, current problems and prospects, in order to deepen the understanding of iPSCs and provide reference for in-depth research in field of exploring mechanisms of diseases and therapy of diseases.


A computerized data management system for the clinical laboratory.
This report describes the computerized clinical laboratory data management system developed at the University of Alabama Hospitals Clinical Laboratory. The system uses the computer's data management capabilities to assist the laboratory in handling patient and laboratory data associated with the total processing of laboratory requisitions from their receipt to the production of a patient's cumulative test results. It supports all sections of the laboratory including the blood bank. It primary objectives are to reduce the clereical workload, reduce errors, decrease turn-around-time, and produce a patient's cumulative summary test results.


The optimal duration of adjuvant endocrine therapy for early stage breast cancer--with what drugs and for how long?
Adjuvant endocrine therapy has made a significant impact in improving overall survival for women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer. The anti-estrogen tamoxifen is the most widely used therapy, although in post-menopausal women, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have further improved outcomes either as an alternative to tamoxifen for 5 years, or given in sequential fashion following initial tamoxifen therapy. However, late recurrence remains perhaps the biggest risk in HR-positive breast cancer, with more than half all recurrences occurring beyond 5 years since primary diagnosis. As such, the current debate is whether extended AI or prolonged tamoxifen therapy should be given, and if so, to whom. We review some of the recent studies that have addressed this question and demonstrated further reduction in risk of recurrence, and discuss the clinical issues that face women and their health care providers in determining who should use which drug, and for how long.


Responses of the rat medullary neurons to central penicillin microinjection.
The microinjection of penicillin in the medulla oblongata caused different alterations in the global respiratory output. The purpose of this paper was to study the involvement of impulse activity and the functional relationship of bulbar neurons in mechanisms underlying experimentally induced respiratory arrhythmias. Extracellular activity of neurons and diaphragmatic electromyogram activity were recorded and analyzed. Penicillin microinjection increased the mean discharge rate of bulbar neurons and caused the prolongation of discharge of inspiratory neurons. Cross-correlation analysis revealed new excitatory connections between neurons and a high level of positive synchronization of neuronal activity. The local blockage of synaptic inhibition by penicillin within respiratory areas leads to drastic changes in the functioning of neuronal elements of the single respiratory network.


Acellular biological tissues containing inherent glycosaminoglycans for loading basic fibroblast growth factor promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.
It was found in our previous study that acellular tissues derived from bovine pericardia consist primarily of insoluble collagen, elastin, and tightly bound glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). It is speculated that the inherent GAGs in acellular tissues may serve as a reservoir for loading basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. This study was therefore designed to investigate effects of the content of GAGs in acellular bovine pericardia on the binding of bFGF and its release profile in vitro while its stimulation in angiogenesis and tissue regeneration in vivo were evaluated subcutaneously in a rat model. To control the content of GAGs, acellular tissues were treated additionally with hyaluronidase for 1 (Hase-D1), 3 (Hase-D3), or 5 days (Hase-D5). The in vitro results indicated that a higher content of GAGs in the acellular tissue resulted in an increase in bFGF binding and in a more gradual and sustained release of the growth factor. The in vivo results obtained at 1 week postoperatively showed that the density and the depth of neo-vessels infiltrated into the acellular tissue loaded with bFGF (acellular/bFGF) were significantly greater than the other test samples. At 1 month postoperatively, vascularized neo-connective tissues were found to fill the pores within each test sample, particularly for the acellular/bFGF tissue. These results suggested that the sustained release of bFGF from the acellular/ bFGF tissue continued to be effective in enhancing angiogenesis and generation of new tissues. In conclusion, the inherent GAGs present in acellular tissues may be used for binding and sustained release of bFGF to enhance angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.


School violence: an overview.
School violence is a growing area of concern for school nurses across the nation. Recent national data and a compilation of risk factors for youth violence and school shootings are presented as a general guide to identifying students who may be in need of assistance. The nurse's role in multidisciplinary planning and developing violence prevention strategies in the school and the community are examined.


Relugolix, an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Androgen deprivation therapy using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues is standard treatment for intermediate and advanced prostate cancer. GnRH agonist therapy results in an initial testosterone flare, and increased metabolic and cardiovascular risks. The GnRH antagonist relugolix is able to reduce serum testosterone levels in men with prostate cancer without inducing testosterone flare. In the HERO Phase III trial, relugolix was superior to leuprolide acetate at rapidly reducing testosterone and continuously suppressing testosterone, with faster post-treatment recovery of testosterone levels. Relugolix was associated with a 54% lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events than leuprolide acetate. As the first oral GnRH antagonist approved for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, relugolix offers a new treatment option.


Inhibition of granulocyte activation by surfactant in a 2-yr-old female with meningococcus-induced ARDS.
Activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a crucial role in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) via extracellular release of reactive cell products such as elastase. Surfactant has proved valuable in restoring lung function in ARDS. The significance of its immunomodulatory properties with respect to this effect has not yet been clarified. The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of surfactant administration in an infant with ARDS. During the acute phase of ARDS in a 2-yr-old female, levels of PMN-derived elastase complexed with alpha1-protease inhibitor (E-alpha1PI) were measured in both arterial and central venous blood samples obtained simultaneously. The results were correlated with oxygen demand and plasma concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) after endotracheal administration of surfactant (Alveofact 60 mg x kg x body weight(-1)). In the present case, for the first time, a higher E-alpha1PI concentration was detected in arterial blood (4.51 mg x L(-1)) than in central venous blood (2.28 mg x L(-1)). After administration of surfactant, these concentrations and the arteriovenous difference decreased, indicating that during ARDS, most PMN degranulation takes place in the pulmonary vascular bed and is inhibited by surfactant administration. Simultaneously, TNF-alpha and IL-6 plasma concentrations decreased within hours and lung function was restored. This local inhibition of polymorphonuclear neutrophil activation by exogenous surfactant may play a key role in the early improvement in lung function after surfactant administration.


Characterization of the Potent Odorants Contributing to the Characteristic Aroma of Matcha by Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry Techniques.
The odorants contributing to the characteristic aroma of matcha were investigated by analysis of the headspace samples and the volatile fractions prepared by a combination of solvent extraction and the SAFE techniques using three matcha powders of different grades (high, medium, and low). Gas chromatography-olfactometry of the headspace samples (GCO-H) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) applied to the volatile fractions revealed 16 (FD factor ≥1) and 39 (FD factor ≥43) odor-active peaks, respectively. Among them, 14 and 37 of the odorants, most of which were newly detected in matcha, were identified or tentatively identified by GC-MS and GC-O, respectively. By comparing the perceived odorants of three matcha powders, it was revealed that eight compounds with sweet, green, metallic, and floral notes showed high flavor dilution (FD) factors irrespective of the grades. In addition, some odorants were suggested to influence the characteristic aroma of each grade. Furthermore, trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, one of the potent odorants of matcha, was revealed to exist as a racemic mixture in matcha. This result suggested that trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal is formed by a nonenzymatic reaction in matcha, different from that in black tea, and that the unique manufacturing process of matcha has a close connection with its formation.


[Clinical analysis on effect of retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy in elderly donors for renal transplantation].
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy in elderly donors for renal transplantation. A retrospective analysis was conducted with 123 cases of retroperitoneoscopic living donor kidney transplantation in 309th Hospital of PLA from March 2011 to March 2014, including 44 elderly donors (age≥55 years) and 79 young to middle-aged donors (age <55 years). Comparisons were made in terms of postoperative complications in both donors and recipients, renal function recovery in the donors and function of graft in the recipients. The clinical baseline data of the two groups shows that glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of donors in the elderly donor group was lower than the young donor group (P=0.04). The 123 donors all underwent retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy successfully. Postoperative complications in donors and recipients of both groups had no significant differences (P=0.60; P=1.00). In the elderly donor group, the mean serum creatinine level of donors was significantly higher than that in the young donors group [(115.8±22.3) vs (102.5±16.3) μmol/L, P<0.01] 3 days after operation; and estimated GFR (eGFR) was lower [(53.0±9.1)vs(59.6±8.3)ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1,) P<0.01]. Serum creatinine and eGFR of the two groups showed no significant differences one week and six months after surgery (all P>0.05). Four recipients in the elderly donor group had delayed graft function (DGF), 3 had acute rejection; 8 recipients in the young donor group had DGF, 5 had acute rejection; no statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 groups (both P=1.00). Recipients' eGFR were higher in the young donor group than in the elderly donor group at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, but with no statistically significant differences(all P>0.05). After (27.8±12.6) months follow-up, 1 recipient in the elderly donor group died from pulmonary infection; two recipients in the young donor group had kidney dysfunction. Graft survival in the two groups showed no significant difference(P=0.95). Retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy is safe and feasible for elderly donors. With careful preoperative evaluation, precise operation, and close postoperative monitoring and follow-up, it could provide satisfactory clinical outcome.


Effects of the novel oral antidiabetic agent HQL-975 on glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic db/db mice.
The antidiabetic effects of 3-¿4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4- yl)ethoxy]phenyl¿-2S-propylamino-propionic acid (CAS 185679-16-7, HQL-975), a novel oral agent, on a genetically obese non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) model (db/db mice) were examined. HQL-975 administration (3.7-34.1 mg/kg/d for 7 days) decreased the levels of plasma glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acid and insulin in the mice. In an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), HQL-975 administration decreased the fasting plasma glucose level and improved the glucose tolerance in the mice. The HQL-975 administration also significantly increased the glycogenesis and lipogenesis from 14C-glucose in liver, but did not alter the glycogenesis in the diaphragm or the lipogenesis in adipose tissues at 2 h after the glucose loading. In the HQL-975-treated db/db mice, the radioactivity of 14C-glucose incorporated into hepatic glycogen was higher than that incorporated into hepatic total lipids. After the administration of HQL-975 (34.1 mg/kg/d for 7 days) to db/db mice, the hepatic hexokinase and fatty acid synthetase activities were significantly increased, the glycogen synthase I activity was increased but not significantly, and the glucose-6-phosphatase and the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities were decreased. These results suggest that HQL-975 increases the hepatic glucose utilization and decreases the hepatic glucose production. Since hepatic glycogenesis is regulated by glucose itself but not by insulin in normoglycemic ICR mice, HQL-975 is thought to enhance the effect of glucose on the stimulation of hepatic glycogenesis. It is concluded that the enhancement of the hepatic glucose utilization played an important role in the hypoglycemic action of HQL-975.


Thoracoscopic talc poudrage decreases T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood.
Thoracoscopic talc poudrage induces peripheral blood granulocytosis and lymphopenia. The aim of this study is to investigate the type of lymphopenia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic talc poudrage. We have measured peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in 11 patients undergoing thoracoscopic talc poudrage, before (baseline), at 24 and 48 h after the procedure. Lymphocyte numbers were analysed by flow cytometry for the evaluation of the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ cells (total T-lymphocytes, helper T-lymphocytes, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, respectively), the CD19+ cells (B-lymphocytes), and the CD16+, CD56+ and CD57+ cells (NK-cells). No anti-inflammatory medication was permitted before, during or after the procedure. Absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte count significantly decreased following thoracoscopic talc poudrage compared to baseline values (p=0.007). Similarly, peripheral blood CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts significantly decreased compared to baseline (p=0.005, 0.02 and 0.03, respectively) with a more prominent reduction of CD3/CD45RO memory cells. No significant difference was found in the absolute number of CD19+, CD16+, CD56+, and CD57+ cells before and after thoracoscopic talc poudrage. Patients undergoing thoracoscopic talc poudrage display peripheral blood T-lymphopenia following the procedure.


Characterization of murine monoclonal antibodies reactive to either the human epidermal growth factor receptor or HER2/neu gene product.
High levels of expression of either the epidermal growth factor receptor or the receptor-like HER2/neu gene product p185HER2 have been observed in a variety of human malignancies. Because of the association of this high level expression with certain human tumors, we have generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for either the epidermal growth factor receptor or p185HER2 to study their structure, function, and antigenic domains in the normal and neoplastic states. We used the epidermoid carcinoma line A431 to generate five monoclonal antibodies which immunoprecipitate the epidermal growth factor receptor. These monoclonal antibodies bind to the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor and demonstrate variable effects on epidermal growth factor binding. We used a stably transfected NIH 3T3 cell line expressing the HER2/neu gene to produce and characterize 10 monoclonal antibodies which immunoprecipitate p185HER2. These monoclonal antibodies bind to the extracellular domain of p185HER2 and do not cross-react with the epidermal growth factor receptor. The characteristics and potential applications of these monoclonal antibodies will be discussed.


Perturbations in cortical development and neuronal network excitability arising from prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines in mice.
During brain development, many factors influence the assembly and final positioning of cortical neurons, and this process is essential for proper circuit formation and normal brain function. Among many important extrinsic factors that guide the maturation of embryonic cortical neurons, the secreted neurotransmitter GABA has been proposed to influence both their migratory behaviour and their terminal differentiation. The full extent of the short-term and long-term changes in brain patterning and function caused by modulators of the GABA system is not known. In this study, we specifically investigated whether diazepam, a commonly used benzodiazepine that modulates the GABAA receptor, alters neuronal positioning in vivo, and whether this can lead to lasting effects on brain function. We found that fetal exposure to diazepam did not change cell positioning within the embryonic day (E)14.5 mouse cerebral cortex, but significantly altered neuron positioning within the E18.5 cortex. In adult mice, diazepam treatment affected the distribution of cortical interneurons that express parvalbumin or calretinin, and also led to a decrease in the numbers of calretinin-expressing interneurons. In addition, we observed that neonatal exposure to diazepam altered the sensitivity of mice to a proconvulsant challenge. Therefore, exposure of the fetal brain to benzodiazepines has consequences for the positioning of neurons and cortical network excitability.


Synthesis of Polysubstituted 3-Amino Pyrroles via Palladium-Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction.
A novel approach for the synthesis of polysubstituted 3-amino pyrroles via palladium-catalyzed three-component tandem reaction was developed. The procedure constructs various polysubstituted 3-amino pyrroles with moderate to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions with assembly efficiency, readily available starting materials, and good functional group tolerance. Furthermore, this process was successfully applied to the synthesis of different 3-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]indole derivatives via an intramolecular Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reaction in two steps.


Oral flecainide for suppression of ventricular arrhythmias.
The efficacy and safety of oral flecainide for treatment of ventricular arrhythmias were assessed during a 3-day period in patients with various cardiac diseases. Of 11 patients who received a low dose of flecainide (median daily dose 240 mg), only 4 responded with 90% or greater reduction in premature ventricular complex frequency. Ventricular tachycardia could not be suppressed. During treatment no electrocardiographic changes occurred. 14 of the 19 patients who received a high dose of flecainide (median daily dose 480 mg), demonstrated a 90% or greater reduction in premature ventricular complexes, and ventricular tachycardia did not recur during treatment in 7 out of 9 patients. However, PQ, QRS, and QTc intervals were significantly increased. In general, flecainide was well tolerated and drug administration did not have to be discontinued because of side effects. Flecainide acetate treatment, with a median dose of 480 mg daily, appears to be highly effective for suppressing complex ventricular arrhythmias.


Label-Free Spectroscopic SARS-CoV-2 Detection on Versatile Nanoimprinted Substrates.
Widespread testing and isolation of infected patients is a cornerstone of viral outbreak management, as underscored during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we report a large-area and label-free testing platform that combines surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and machine learning for the rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2. Spectroscopic signatures acquired from virus samples on metal-insulator-metal nanostructures, fabricated using nanoimprint lithography and transfer printing, can provide test results within 25 min. Not only can our technique accurately distinguish between different respiratory and nonrespiratory viruses, but it can also detect virus signatures in physiologically relevant matrices such as human saliva without any additional sample preparation. Furthermore, our large area nanopatterning approach allows sensors to be fabricated on flexible surfaces allowing them to be mounted on any surface or used as wearables. We envision that our versatile and portable label-free spectroscopic platform will offer an important tool for virus detection and future outbreak preparedness.


Spatial learning as an adaptation in hummingbirds.
An ecological approach based on food distribution suggests that humming birds should more easily learn to visit a flower in a new location than to learn to return to a flower in a position just visited, for a food reward. Experimental results support this hypothesis as well as the general view that differences in learning within and among species represent adaptations.


Development in Aspergillus.
The genus Aspergillus represents a diverse group of fungi that are among the most abundant fungi in the world. Germination of a spore can lead to a vegetative mycelium that colonizes a substrate. The hyphae within the mycelium are highly heterogeneous with respect to gene expression, growth, and secretion. Aspergilli can reproduce both asexually and sexually. To this end, conidiophores and ascocarps are produced that form conidia and ascospores, respectively. This review describes the molecular mechanisms underlying growth and development of Aspergillus.


Mixed-Ligand Uranyl Polyrotaxanes Incorporating a Sulfate/Oxalate Coligand: Achieving Structural Diversity via pH-Dependent Competitive Effect.
A mixed-ligand system provides an alternative route to tune the structures and properties of metal-organic compounds by introducing functional organic or inorganic coligands. In this work, five new uranyl-based polyrotaxane compounds incorporating a sulfate or oxalate coligand have been hydrothermally synthesized via a mixed-ligand method. Based on C6BPCA@CB6 (C6BPCA = 1,1'-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis(4-(carbonyl)pyridin-1-ium), CB6 = cucurbit[6]uril) ligand, UPS1 (UO2(L)0.5(SO4)(H2O)·2H2O, L = C6BPCA@CB6) is formed by the alteration of initial aqueous solution pH to a higher acidity. The resulting 2D uranyl polyrotaxane sheet structure of UPS1 is based on uranyl-sulfate ribbons connected by the C6BPCA@CB6 pseudorotaxane linkers. By using oxalate ligand instead of sulfate, four oxalate-containing uranyl polyrotaxane compounds, UPO1-UPO4, have been acquired by tuning reaction pH and ligand concentration: UPO1 (UO2(L)0.5(C2O4)0.5(NO3)·3H2O) in one-dimensional chain was obtained at a low pH value range (1.47-1.89) and UPO2 (UO2(L)(C2O4)(H2O)·7H2O)obtained at a higher pH value range (4.31-7.21). By lowering the amount of oxalate, another two uranyl polyrotaxane network UPO3 ((UO2)2(L)0.5(C2O4)2(H2O)) and UPO4 ((UO2)2O(OH)(L)0.5(C2O4)0.5(H2O)) could be acquired at a low pH value of 1.98 and a higher pH value over 6, respectively. The UPO1-UPO4 compounds, which display structural diversity via pH-dependent competitive effect of oxalate, represent the first series of mixed-ligand uranyl polyrotaxanes with organic ligand as the coligand. Moreover, the self-assembly process and its internal mechanism concerning pH-dependent competitive effect and other related factors such as concentration of the reagents and coordination behaviors of the coligands were discussed in detail.


Overview of trans fatty acids: biochemistry and health effects.
Trans fatty acids (TFA) are unsaturated fatty acids that contain at least one non-conjugated double bond in the trans configuration, resulting in a straighter shape. TFA present in our diet can either be industrially produced and ruminant or natural. The major process contributing to formation of industrial TFA is hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Thermal processes such as edible oil refining and frying also lead to the formation of TFA while, ruminant/natural TFA is formed in the rumen of ruminant animals through bio-hydrogenation. Industrial TFA poses severe effects on our health like cardiovascular problems, insulin resistance, infertility in women, compromised fetal development and cognitive decline. There are strict regulations for limiting/removing the TFA content from food supply across the world. However in India, there is scarcity of data on TFA content in foods and their consumption levels. Given the alarmingly rising trend of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in India, removal of TFA from the food supply along with generating awareness among the masses in this regard is of immense importance.


Gynecomastia: a rare complication of isoretinoin?
Isotretinoin is a retinoic acid derivative mostly used in the treatment of cystic acne vulgaris. The adverse effects of isotretinoin are well defined being the major limitation factor for its usage. The decrement of testosterone during isoretinoin treatment is defined in literature. We present a case with 20 years old man who developed gynecomastia after treatment with isotretinoin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third report of the development of gynecomastia after isotretinoin treatment.


MicroRNA-155 regulates arsenite-induced malignant transformation by targeting Nrf2-mediated oxidative damage in human bronchial epithelial cells.
Arsenite is a well-documented human lung carcinogen but the detailed mechanisms of carcinogenesis remain unclear. In this study, human bronchial epithelial (16-HBE) cells were continuously exposed to 2.5μM arsenite for about 13 weeks to induce the phenotypes of malignant transformation. Our results showed that Nrf2 expression was gradually decreased whereas no significant change was observed on NF-κB activation with increased time of arsenite exposure. To test the roles of Nrf2-meidtaed oxidative damage in the arsenite-induced malignant transformation, we compared the levels of cGMP, PKG and oxidative damage-related indicators between arsenic-transformed cells and control cells. Our data demonstrated there were no significantly differences on the contents of cGMP, PKG, MDA and the production of ROS, but the levels of GSH and NO, the activities of SOD, tNOS and iNOS were significantly enhanced in the arsenic-transformed cells. Importantly, Nrf2 inactivation could be modulated by miR-155, and inhibition of miR-155 remarkably attenuated the malignant phenotypes and promoted apoptotic cell death in the arsenic-transformed cells. Together, our findings provide the novel mechanism that miR-155 may regulate arsenite-induced cell malignant transformation by targeting Nrf2-mediated oxidative damage, indicating that inhibition of miR-155 may be a potential strategy against lung carcinogenesis of arsenite.


Length of stay and mortality due to Clostridium difficile infection acquired in the intensive care unit.
The purpose of this study was to determine the attributable intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay and mortality of ICU-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). In this retrospective cohort study of 3 tertiary and 3 community ICUs, we screened all patients admitted between April 2006 and December 2011 for ICU-acquired CDI. Using both complete and matched cohort designs and Cox proportional hazards analysis, we determined the association between CDI and ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality. Adjustment or matching variables were site, age, sex, severity of illness, and year of admission; any infection as an ICU admitting or acquired diagnosis before the diagnosis of CDI and diagnosis of CDI were time-dependent exposures. Of 15314 patients admitted to the ICUs during the study period, 236 developed CDI in the ICU. In the complete cohort analysis, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for CDI related to ICU and hospital discharge were 0.82 (0.72, 0.94) and 0.83 (0.73, 0.95), respectively (0.5 additional ICU days and 3.4 hospital days), and related to death in ICU and hospital, they were 1.00 (0.73, 1.38) and 1.19 (0.93, 1.52), respectively. In the matched analysis, the hazard ratios for CDI related to ICU and hospital discharge were 0.91 (0.81, 1.03) and 0.98 (0.85, 1.13), respectively, and related to death in ICU and hospital, they were 1.18 (0.85, 1.63) and 1.08 (0.82, 1.43), respectively. C difficile infection acquired in ICU is associated with an increase in length of ICU and hospital stay but not with any difference in ICU or hospital mortality.


Comparative pharmacokinetics of three monoester-diterpenoid alkaloids after oral administration of Acontium carmichaeli extract and its compatibility with other herbal medicines in Sini Decoction to rats.
Sini decoction (SND) is an important traditional Chinese multiherbal formula, which is widely used to treat cardiovascular disease. Acontium carmichaeli (AC) is a leading herb in SND, whose main components are monoester-diterpenoid alkaloids (MDAs). The aim of this study is to compare the pharmacokinetics of three MDAs in rat plasma after oral administration of AC extract and its compatibility with other herbal medicines in SND. A sensitive, accurate and specific LC-MS/MS method was developed to determine the contents of three MDAs in rat plasma. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: AC, AC + ZO, AC + GU and SND groups. There were significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, Tmax, t1/2, AUC(0-24), MRT and CL). Compared with the AC group, Cmax, AUC(0-24) and CL of three MDAs increased and t1/2 decreased in AC + ZO, AC + GU and SND groups. Little changed in the AC + GU group in comparison with AC + ZO group, which indicated that other ingredients in ZO may promote the absorption rate and accelerate excretion rate of MDAs. The results could be helpful for revealing the compatibility mechanism of Chinese multiherbal medicine and providing clinical medication guidance on AC and its compatibility with other herbal medicines in SND.


Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination and pharmacokinetic analysis of amentoflavone and its conjugated metabolites in rats.
Amentoflavone (AMF) is a biflavone found in many herbal dietary supplements. To investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of AMF in rats, a sensitive, simple, and accurate liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and used to monitor AMF and its conjugated metabolites in plasma. AMF was administered to rats by oral gavage (po), or by intravenous (iv) or intraperitoneal (ip) injection. Plasma samples (with apiolin as an internal standard) were liquid/liquid extracted after hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase/sulfatase in vitro. Following chromatographic separation on a C18 column with a methanol:water:formic acid (70:30:0.1, v/v/v) mobile phase, AMF and internal standard were determined by electrospray ionization in negative ion mode and their precursor-product ion pairs (m/z 537.1 → 374.9 and m/z 269.2 → 224.9, respectively) were used for measurement. This bioanalytical method was fully validated and showed good linearity (r(2) > 0.99), wide dynamic range (0.93-930 nmol/L), and favorable accuracy and precision. After iv or ip AMF (10 mg/kg) injection, 73.2% ± 6.29% and 70.2% ± 5.18% of the total AMF detected in plasma was present as conjugated metabolites. Furthermore, AMF and AMF conjugates showed similar time courses with no significant differences in the time to reach the maximum plasma concentration (tmax) and terminal half-life (t1/2) (p > 0.05). Following po AMF administration (300 mg/kg), 90.7% ± 8.3% of the total AMF was circulating as conjugated metabolites. When compared with iv administration (with dose correction), the bioavailability of po AMF was very low (0.04% ± 0.01% for free AMF; 0.16% ± 0.04% for conjugated AMF). Collectively, these data provided a preliminary pharmacokinetic profile for AMF that should inform further evaluations of its biological efficacy and preclinical development.


Policy disparities in response to COVID-19 between Singapore and China.
The study analyzed the common points and discrepancies of COVID-19 control measures of the two countries in order to provide appropriate coping experiences for countries all over the world. This study examined the associations between the epidemic prevention and control policies adopted in the first 70 days after the outbreak and the number of confirmed cases in China and Singapore using the generalized linear model. Policy comparisons and disparities between the two countries were also discussed. The regression models show that factors influencing the cumulative number of confirmed cases in China: Locking down epicenter; activating Level One public health emergency response in all localities; the central government set up a leading group; classified management of "four categories of personnel"; launching makeshift hospitals; digital management for a matrix of urban communities; counterpart assistance. The following four factors were the key influencing factors of the cumulative confirmed cases in Singapore: The National Centre for Infectious Diseases screening center opens; border control measures; surveillance measures; Public Health Preparedness Clinics launched. Through analyzing the key epidemic prevention and control policies of the two countries, we found that the following factors are critical to combat COVID-19: active case detection, early detection of patients, timely isolation, and treatment, and increasing of medical capabilities. Countries should choose appropriate response strategies with health equity in mind to ultimately control effectively the spread of COVID-19 worldwide.


Metamizole Utilization and Expenditure During 6-Year Period: Serbia vs. Croatia.
Background: Metamizole is a medication with analgesic, antipyretic, spasmolytic, and weak anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of our study was to evaluate a six-year trend in the utilization and expenditure of metamizole in comparison to other group of licensed non-opioid analgesics in Serbia and Croatia, in order to rationalize its use and prescribing in these countries. Methods: The data of metamizole vs. all other non-opioid analgesics utilization and expenditure in Serbia and Croatia was analyzed according to the WHO methodology and expressed as defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day (DDD/1,000 inhabitants/per day) and total costs, respectively, during the 6-year period from 2010 to 2015. Results: In the observed period, utilization of metamizole was 3.31 fold higher in Serbia than in Croatia (median in Serbia was 2.238 vs. 0.675 in Croatia DDD/1,000 inhabitants/per day/per year). Expenditure of metamizole in the same period was 5.29-fold higher in Serbia than in Croatia (median in Serbia was 1,738,192.51 €/per year vs. 328,355.03 €/per year in Croatia). Conclusion: Utilization and expenditure of non-opioid analgesics, including metamizole, in Serbia was significantly higher comparing with Croatia.Further research is needed to determine whether the current analgesic consumption in Serbia meets the needs of the patient. The benefits of metamizole should be weighed against the risk of metamizole-induced adverse effects. Until then, its prescribing should be based on indications and the appropriate duration of therapy.


A systems biology approach for miRNA-mRNA expression patterns analysis in non-small cell lung cancer.
Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) is a prevalent and heterogeneous subtype of lung cancer accounting for 85 percent of patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small endogenous non-coding RNAs, incorporate into regulation of gene expression post-transcriptionally. Therefore, deregulation of miRNAs' expression has provided further layers of complexity to the molecular etiology and pathogenesis of different diseases and malignancies. Although, until now considerable number of studies has been carried out to illuminate this complexity in NSCLC, they have remained less effective in their goal due to lack of a holistic and integrative systems biology approach which considers all natural elaborations of miRNAs' function. It is able to reliably nominate most affected signaling pathways and therapeutic target genes by deregulated miRNAs during a particular pathological condition. Herein, we utilized a holistic systems biology approach, based on appropriate re-analyses of microarray datasets followed by reliable data filtering, to analyze integrative and combinatorial deregulated miRNA-mRNA interaction network in NSCLC, aiming to ascertain miRNA-dysregulated signaling pathway and potential therapeutic miRNAs and mRNAs which represent a lion' share during various aspects of NSCLC's pathogenesis. Our systems biology approach introduced and nominated 1) important deregulated miRNAs in NSCLCs compared with normal tissue 2) significant and confident deregulated mRNAs which were anti-correlatively targeted by deregulated miRNA in NSCLCs and 3) dysregulated signaling pathways in association with deregulated miRNA-mRNAs interactions in NSCLCs. These results introduce possible mechanism of function of deregulated miRNAs and mRNAs in NSCLC that could be used as potential therapeutic targets.


Mazindol in the control of micturition.
The appetite suppressant mazindol has been compared with a placebo in the control of incontinence in a double-blind cross-over trial. Twenty-five patients were entered; 4 were withdrawn for protocol violations. The underlying diagnoses were determined; 19 had stable detrusors and 6 unstable. Seventeen patients made a complete response to mazindol for a 68% overall response rate.


Identification and sequence analysis of four complement factor H-related transcripts in mouse liver.
Mouse liver RNA analyzed by Northern blotting with a full-length complement factor H cDNA probe demonstrates the 4.4-kilobase (kb) H mRNA as well as three additional hybridizing species of 3.5, 2.8, and 1.8 kb, respectively. Further characterization of these alternative transcripts was pursued by isolation of additional cDNAs from a liver library using a full-length H probe. Twelve clones homologous to but distinct from H were isolated, analyzed by restriction mapping, and divided into four classes, A, B, C, and D, based on their sequences. Clones from classes A, B, and C all contained nearly identical 5'-untranslated regions and leader sequences that differed from H at more than 50% of their nucleotide positions. The 5'-untranslated and leader sequences of the class D clone were unrelated to the corresponding regions of H or the class A, B, or C clones. The remaining portions of the H-related cDNAs were made up of short consensus repeats, 7 in class A, 4 in class B, 13 in class C, and 5 in class D. To determine the relationship between the H-related transcripts and the cDNA clones, Northern blots of liver RNA were analyzed by hybridization with two probes, one specific for the class D cDNA and the other reacting specifically with the class A, B, and C cDNAs. The class A/B/C probe detected transcripts of 3.5, 2.8, and 1.8 kb in liver RNA, and the class D probe hybridized to a distinct 1.8-kb message. Additionally, a cosmid genomic library was screened with H cDNA, and nine H-related clones were isolated. They spanned a region of approximately 120 kb, defining at least two discrete H-related gene loci. These results identify new members of the super-family of C3b/C4b binding protein genes.


Stakeholder Perspective of Handling the Deceased during the Nipah Virus Outbreak in Kerala, South India, 2018.
In any outbreak situation, a poor stakeholder response can impede the outbreak control and can have high economic and social cost. We conducted a qualitative study to understand stakeholder response in handling of the Nipah deceased persons during the outbreak of Nipah in Kerala, 2018. To understand the responses and to generate knowledge from the data, we used grounded theory approach for the study and conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. Mixed public response and swift state response emerged as the main themes in our study. Under the "mixed public response," three categories emerged, including anxiety and fear, conflicting religious beliefs, and humanitarian concern. Under the "swift state response," the categories emerged were critical resources and robust guidance. A collective effort involving the administration, local and religious groups, and a culturally acceptable scientific protocol proved to be good examples of gaining social acceptance. Kerala puts forth a model of efficient community engagement and communication to gain public support and acceptance in a fatal disease outbreak.


Health-related quality of life and psychological distress in a population-based sample of Swedish patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
The chronicity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and effects of medical and surgical treatments probably affect the daily lives of patients and may thus impair their health-related quality of life and psychological well-being. Health-related quality of life and psychological distress were investigated in a population-based Swedish sample of patients with IBD. A total of 492 patients, 331 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 161 with Crohn disease (CD), filled out the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. Patients with UC reported higher (superior) levels in all dimensions of health-related and disease-specific quality of life than did patients with CD. Having an ileostomy does not seem to affect patients' quality of life, while having ileoanal anastomosis appears to reduce patients' quality of life in several of the dimensions assessed. CD patients reported more anxiety and depression than did patients with UC. The higher psychological distress in the CD group could be explained by more severe symptoms of the disease. Having ileoanal anastomosis may lead to more anxiety and depression, while having an ileostomy does not.


Effect of diphenylhydantoin and lithium on whole brain serotonin, sodium and potassium in mice.
The effect of lithium and Diphenylhydantoin separately and in combination on whole brain serotonin, sodium and potassium were studied in mice. 9 day treatment with lithium was found to significantly raise brain serotonin. Lithium enhanced the sodium lowering effect of diphenylhydantoin. Though neither drug affected brain potassium, combination of the two drugs significantly lowered brain potassium. The possible mechanisms of these effects are discussed.


MatMRI and MatHIFU: software toolboxes for real-time monitoring and control of MR-guided HIFU.
The availability of open and versatile software tools is a key feature to facilitate pre-clinical research for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) and expedite clinical translation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical applications. In the present study, two customizable software tools that were developed at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute are presented for use with both MRI and MR-HIFU. Both tools operate in a MATLAB(®;) environment. The first tool is named MatMRI and enables real-time, dynamic acquisition of MR images with a Philips MRI scanner. The second tool is named MatHIFU and enables the execution and dynamic modification of user-defined treatment protocols with the Philips Sonalleve MR-HIFU therapy system to perform ultrasound exposures in MR-HIFU therapy applications. MatMRI requires four basic steps: initiate communication, subscribe to MRI data, query for new images, and unsubscribe. MatMRI can also pause/resume the imaging and perform real-time updates of the location and orientation of images. MatHIFU requires four basic steps: initiate communication, prepare treatment protocol, and execute treatment protocol. MatHIFU can monitor the state of execution and, if required, modify the protocol in real time. Four applications were developed to showcase the capabilities of MatMRI and MatHIFU to perform pre-clinical research. Firstly, MatMRI was integrated with an existing small animal MR-HIFU system (FUS Instruments, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) to provide real-time temperature measurements. Secondly, MatMRI was used to perform T2-based MR thermometry in the bone marrow. Thirdly, MatHIFU was used to automate acoustic hydrophone measurements on a per-element basis of the 256-element transducer of the Sonalleve system. Finally, MatMRI and MatHIFU were combined to produce and image a heating pattern that recreates the word 'HIFU' in a tissue-mimicking heating phantom. MatMRI and MatHIFU leverage existing MRI and MR-HIFU clinical platforms to facilitate pre-clinical research. MatMRI substantially simplifies the real-time acquisition and processing of MR data. MatHIFU facilitates the testing and characterization of new therapy applications using the Philips Sonalleve clinical MR-HIFU system. Under coordination with Philips Healthcare, both MatMRI and MatHIFU are intended to be freely available as open-source software packages to other research groups.


Preliminary study of mucosal IgA in the equine small intestine: specific IgA in cases of acute grass sickness and controls.
There is much evidence to suggest that group III Clostridium botulinum (types C and D) are involved in the aetiology of equine grass sickness (EGS). Antibodies have been detected previously in the blood and high levels associated with resistance to disease. Specific mucosal antibodies in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are likely to be important in protection, and this study was performed to ascertain if such antibodies could be detected and if their levels were related to disease state. To develop a method for quantifying IgA antibodies to C. botulinum types C and D in the GI tract of horses and to relate antibody levels to disease status. Samples of tissue (n = 25: 6 duodenum, 7 jejunum and 12 ileum) were taken from acute grass sickness (AGS) cases and from control horses (n = 12; 4 samples from each site) at post mortem. They were extracted with the detergent saponin in the presence of protease inhibitors and assayed for total IgA, for specific IgA against botulinum neurotoxins types C and D (BoNT/C or BoNT/D), and against surface antigens of a BoNT/C negative strain of C. botulinum type C (SA) and of Clostridium tetani (TetSA), as a control. Specific IgA was expressed as percentage total IgA. Compared to controls, significantly higher levels of specific IgA against BoNT/C were detected in the jejunum (P = 0.04) and ileum (P = 0.02) of AGS cases. Similarly, higher specific levels against BoNT/D were demonstrated in duodenum (P = 0.01) and jejunum (P = 0.02). Significantly higher levels of IgA against SA were demonstrated only in duodenal samples (P = 0.01). Levels of IgA antibody to BoNTs in control horses were at near undetectable levels, suggesting no recent exposure to toxins. In AGS cases, significantly higher levels of specific IgA were detected predominantly in jejunum and ileum. If specific IgA is protective then any successful vaccine for EGS should induce a mucosal response.


Elastic properties of active muscle--on the rebound?
During active lengthening and shortening, muscles exhibit a variety of time-dependent spring properties, including load-dependent and nonlinear stiffness. These properties can be explained as interactions between a spring element and cycling cross bridges within muscle sarcomeres. Several lines of evidence suggest a role for the giant protein titin in active muscle, but specific mechanisms remain to be elucidated.


Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Applications.
Metal nanoparticles are being extensively used in various biomedical applications due to their small size to volume ratio and extensive thermal stability. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are an obvious choice due to their amenability of synthesis and functionalization, less toxicity and ease of detection. The present review focuses on various methods of functionalization of GNPs and their applications in biomedical research. Functionalization facilitates targeted delivery of these nanoparticles to various cell types, bioimaging, gene delivery, drug delivery and other therapeutic and diagnostic applications. This review is an amalgamation of recent advances in the field of functionalization of gold nanoparticles and their potential applications in the field of medicine and biology.


Cytokine-induced killer cell therapy-associated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: rare but noteworthy.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by a diminished platelet count, an autoimmune condition with antibodies against platelets and an increased tendency to bleed. The association between ITP and solid tumors is uncommon. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy is a well tolerated and promising cancer treatment with minimal toxicity. For the first time, CIK cell therapy was reported to be followed by ITP. The mechanism through which CIK induces ITP remains unclear. Imbalanced ratio of Th cells, decreased numbers or impaired function of Treg cells and excessive secretion of cytokines inducing abnormal activation of B cells may be among the possible reasons. Therefore, a better understanding of this rare condition will require further investigation of these cases.


The effect of casting ring liners on the potential expansion of a gypsum-bonded investment.
Cellulose paper (used wet) and ceramic paper (used dry) are replacing asbestos paper as cushioning ring liners in dental casting. A study was made of the effects of all three of these materials on the setting and subsequent thermal expansion of a gypsum-bonded cristobalite casting investment (W/P = 0.40). Thermal expansion measurements were made on the same specimens that were produced during the setting expansion tests. Control specimens setting against a smooth dry surface showed a total expansion of 1.7%. Specimens setting against dry ceramic liners had similar total expansions, in the range 1.6 to 1.7%. Specimens setting against either of the wet lining materials showed an increased total expansion (in the range 2.2 to 2.3%), by virtue mainly of a large increase in setting expansion. In order for reproducible setting expansion results to be obtained with wet liners, it was necessary to control the amount of absorbed water carefully. Dry asbestos and dry cellulose liners gave higher expansions than pre-wetted ones, since they abstracted water from the mix, reducing its effective W/P ratio (giving a thicker mix), and then functioned as wet liners. These results suggest that, at least as far as potential investment expansion is concerned, wet cellulose liners have an effect similar to that of the traditional wet asbestos liners. Dry ceramic liners give a much lower investment expansion, and when these liners are used, an investment with an increased measured expansion could be an advantage.


Type I (R1) and type II (R2) ribosomal DNA insertions of Drosophila melanogaster are retrotransposable elements closely related to those of Bombyx mori.
Approximately 50% of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) units of Drosophila melanogaster are inactivated by two different 28 S RNA ribosomal gene insertions (type I and type II). We present here the nucleotide sequence of complete type I and type II elements. Conceptual translation of these sequences revealed open reading frames (ORFs) encoding amino acid residues conserved in all retrotransposable elements. Full-length type I elements are 5.35 x 10(3) base-pairs in length and contain two overlapping ORFs. The smaller ORF (471 amino acid residues) has similarity to gag genes, while the larger ORF (1021 residues) has similarity to pol genes. Full-length type II elements are 3.6 x 10(3) base-pairs and contain one large ORF (1056 residues) that appears to represent a gag-pol fusion. Type I and type II elements are similar in structure, in the proteins they encode, and in insertion specificity to the R1Bm and R2Bm retrotransposable elements of Bombyx mori. We suggest that the D. melanogaster elements be called R1Dm and R2Dm, to reflect their structure as retrotransposons. Comparison of the R1 and R2 elements from these two widely different species revealed regions of the ORF that are likely to play an important role in the propagation of the elements. Four distinct regions of sequence conservation separated by regions of little or no sequence similarity were detected for both the R1 and R2 elements: (1) cysteine motifs of the gag gene, with three such motifs for R1 and one motif for R2; (2) a reverse transcriptase domain; (3) an integrase domain located carboxyl terminal to the reverse transcriptase region; and (4) a small region amino terminal to the reverse transcriptase domain, whose function is not known. The level of identity of the amino acid residues for these segments is 28 to 34% between the R1 elements, and 34 to 39% for the R2 elements. Finally, it may be predicted that the mechanism of unequal crossover might eventually eliminate R1 and R2 from the rDNA locus. The long history of selection at the protein level exhibited by these elements indicates that it is their active transposition that maintains them in the locus. The high level of sequence homogeneity between copies of each element within the same species is consistent with the high turnover rate expected to result from these processes.


Antigenic sites on cytochrome c2 from Rhodospirillum rubrum.
The antigenic determinants for three monoclonal antibodies against cytochrome c2 from Rhodospirillum rubrum were partially characterized by differential chemical modification of free and antibody-bound cytochrome c2 and by cross-reactivity analysis with different antigens. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to probe the effect of antibody binding on the conformation of cytochrome c2. The binding of two antibodies was strongly dependent on the native folding of the antigen. The first antibody bound to a determinant around the exposed heme edge on the 'front side' of the molecule which is not antigenic in mitochondrial cytochrome c2. Binding of this antibody to cytochrome c increased the induced CD of the ferric heme in a manner similar to that observed previously when mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase bound to the front side of cytochrome c. This observation points to a subtle conformational adaptation of the antigen induced by the antibody. The determinant for the second antibody, which also affected the heme CD spectrum of the antigen, was on a polypeptide loop where cytochrome c2 differs from mitochondrial cytochrome c by an eight-residue insertion. The third antibody, which did not induce a change in CD, bound to a sequential determinant near the amino end of cytochrome c2. Only this antibody cross-reacted with isolated cytochrome-c-derived peptides and with apo-cytochrome c2. A preliminary analysis of the polyclonal immune response of five rats against cytochrome c2 indicates that, unlike in eukaryotic cytochrome c, antigenic determinants are distributed over the whole polypeptide chain of the prokaryotic immunogen.


The effect of sleep before or after learning on memory.
Early studies in which it was found that learning followed by sleep was better remembered than learning followed by wakefulness were interpreted as giving support for the Interference Theory of Forgetting. More recent studies have shown better retention over the first half of the night's sleep (slow-wave sleep) than over the second half (REM sleep), and conclusions have been drawn that a Decay Theory of Forgetting is more strongly supported. Those studies, however, confounded the type of sleep following learning with sleep prior to learning. When prior sleep was controlled in the present study, there was no support for a first half-night sleep benefit, and, contrary to Decay Theory, there was a second half-night benefit for high imagery material. The strong detrimental effect of sleep prior to learning was inconsistent with the Interference Theory of Forgetting and suggested, instead, the importance of the consolidation process for long-term memory.


The role of altered lactate kinetics in the pathogenesis of type B lactic acidosis.
Of the two types of lactic acidosis, Type B is the most difficult to explain in terms of mechanisms of lactic acid accumulation because the tissue hypoxia that accompanies Type A is not present except as a terminal event. The methods of pharmacokinetics show that for lactate to accumulate to an extent that would disturb acid-base balance, either lactate synthesis or lactate removal would have to be increased or decreased, respectively, by about 7-10-fold. To produce lactic acidosis within a few hours, synthesis would have to increase at the same time as clearance decreased. At normal contribution of the liver to the total lactate clearance (30%-40%), a total cessation of hepatic lactate clearance would not result in lactic acidosis without a concomitant rise in the rate of lactate synthesis. Again, to produce an acidosis this increase would have to be about 8-fold at a normal fractional hepatic clearance. The control of hepatic lactate uptake is discussed in the light of the relatively low hepatic extraction of lactate and in relation to to two main models of hepatic drug (lactate) clearance; the 'well-stirred' and 'parallel-tube' models.


Thermal behaviour of 6-(2-pyridylazo)-3-acetamidophenol and its metal complexes.
The present work aims chiefly to study the thermal behaviour of Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with 6-(2-pyridylazo)-3-acetamidophenol (PAAP) in nitrogen atmosphere. The moieties of the prepared complexes contain mainly coordinated water molecules (1-3) together with some water of crystallization. The water molecules of crystallization are removed in a single stage. The decomposition and combustion of the fragments occur in the second and subsequent stages. The fragmentation of the prepared complexes is also studied by mass spectrometry in order to identify the molecular ions obtained. The comparison of thermal analysis (TG) and mass spectra of the compounds is helpful in checking the correct proposed thermal decomposition schemes. This comparative study shows that mass spectra are correlated with the thermal analyses suggestions. The activation thermodynamic parameters of thermal decomposition pathways, such as energy of activation, enthalpy, entropy and free energy change of the complexes are evaluated and the stability of the thermal treated complexes is discussed, which shows that the thermal stabilities of the complexes are enhanced as the ionic radii decrease.


United States foreign medical graduates in Connecticut: how they compare with foreign medical graduates.
This study contrasts the graduate training and subsequent careers of a cohort of United States-born foreign medical graduates (USFMGs) and foreign medical graduates (FMGs) who were in training positions in Connecticut in 1964 and who were located in 1971. The data suggest that although USFMGs were foreign-educated, they had certain advantages--both cultural and administrative--in hospital training positions which helped them to pursue different career alternatives than FMGs. However, the data further suggest that they retained characteristics of their foreign training which continued to differentiate them from United States medical graduates (USMGs).


Training residents to address cancer health disparities.
Cancer is the source of significant morbidity and mortality in the United States, and eliminating cancer-related racial and ethnic disparities has become an ever-increasing focus of public health efforts. Increasing workforce diversity plays a major role in the reduction of health disparities, and a well-trained professional workforce is essential for the prevention, control, and ultimate elimination of this disease. To help address this need, the Public Health/General Preventive Medicine residency program at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) developed an innovative Cancer Prevention and Control Track (CPCT). We describe the structure of the track, funding, examples of resident activities, and program successes. Since the development of the track in 2007, there have been 3 graduates, and 2 residents are currently enrolled. Residents have conducted research projects and have engaged in longitudinal community-based activities, cancer-focused academic experiences, and practicum rotations. There have been 3 presentations at national meetings, 1 research grant submitted, and 1 research award. The CPCT provides residents with comprehensive cancer prevention and control training with emphasis in community engagement, service, and research. It builds on the strengths of the diversity training already offered at MSM and combines resources from academia, the private sector, and the community at large.


Prevalence and predictors of lymphogranuloma venereum among men who have sex with men at a Sydney metropolitan sexual health clinic.
During an 18-month period to June 2012, 1732 anal chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) tests were performed among men who have sex with men (MSM) at RPA Sexual Health in Sydney's inner west. Positive anal chlamydia samples were subsequently tested for lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Seventy-five (4.3%) anal samples were positive for chlamydia among 67 men during the study period. Anal symptoms were reported for 16 out of 75 (21.3%) of anal chlamydia episodes overall. Three episodes of LGV (all serovar L2b) were identified, all three of whom reported anal symptoms (100%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 29.2-100%). In contrast, only 13/72 (18.1%, 95% CI: 10.0-28.9%) of those with non-LGV anal chlamydia reported anal symptoms. LGV was not identified in any of 59 episodes of asymptomatic anal chlamydia (0%, 95% CI: 0-6.1%). Of those with LGV, two were known to be HIV-positive and one subsequently seroconverted to HIV within a year of the LGV diagnosis. Our findings suggest that routine LGV testing among MSM is not warranted, except among those with anal symptoms.


Exact solution for 1D spin-polarized fermions with resonant interactions.
Using the asymptotic Bethe ansatz, we obtain an exact solution of the many-body problem for 1D spin-polarized fermions with resonant p-wave interactions, taking into account the effects of both scattering volume and effective range. Under typical experimental conditions, accounting for the effective range, the properties of the system are significantly modified due to the existence of "shape" resonances. The excitation spectrum of the considered model has unexpected features, such as the inverted position of the particle- and holelike branches at small momenta, and rotonlike minima. We find that the frequency of the "breathing" mode in the harmonic trap provides an unambiguous signature of the effective range.


The development of temporal metamemory.
In two studies of knowledge about the properties and processes of memory for the times of past events, 178 children from 5 through 13 years of age and 40 adults answered questions about how they would remember times on different scales, how temporal memory is affected by retention interval, and the usefulness of different methods. The adults showed quite accurate knowledge about the main properties of memory for time and the processes that underlie it. Different properties and processes were first understood at ages ranging from 8 years to 12 years or later. Knowledge of the roles of reconstruction and impressions of temporal distances appear well after children use them to remember the times of events.


Effects of shearing on biogas production and microbial community structure during anaerobic digestion with recuperative thickening.
Recuperative thickening can intensify anaerobic digestion to produce more biogas and potentially reduce biosolids odour. This study elucidates the effects of sludge shearing during the thickening process on the microbial community structure and its effect on biogas production. Medium shearing resulted in approximately 15% increase in biogas production. By contrast, excessive or high shearing led to a marked decrease in biogas production, possibly due to sludge disintegration and cell lysis. Microbial analysis using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that medium shearing increased the evenness and diversity of the microbial community in the anaerobic digester, which is consistent with the observed improved biogas production. By contrast, microbial diversity decreased under either excessive shearing or high shearing condition. In good agreement with the observed decrease in biogas production, the abundance of Bacteroidales and Syntrophobaterales (which are responsible for hydrolysis and acetogenesis) decreased due to high shearing during recuperative thickening.


Effects of fruit maturity on watermelon ultrastructure and intracellular lycopene distribution.
This study employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to conduct research on the ultrastructure of watermelon (cultivar: Hazera SW1) mesocarp samples of different maturities. Micrographs from immature fruit showed incompletely formed chromoplasts. A combination of distinct pigment-bearing chromoplasts and incompletely formed chromoplasts was observed in mature watermelon micrographs. Electron micrographs showed chromoplasts changing from a less organized globular form in immature to a symmetrical form in mature to an asymmetrical form in overmature watermelons. This study furthers our understanding of watermelon physiology and the effect of maturity on compartmentalization of lycopene.


Use of seclusion in an English high security hospital.
There is a paucity of information about the use of seclusion in secure settings. The aim of this paper was to establish if any significant trends could be found for its use in a high secure setting. A retrospective descriptive survey of seclusions occurring over a one-year period at Rampton Hospital was utilised. Of the 443 patients within the study sample, 131 (29.6%) were involved in episodes of seclusion. Forty-five per cent of women experienced episodes of seclusion as opposed to 27% of men (p = 0.004). Women were secluded at an average of 11.4 times, mostly following threatening behaviour, whereas males were secluded at an average of 4.3 times (p = 0.03). There were two peak times for initiation of seclusion--10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs. The survey concluded that women were nearly twice as likely to be secluded as men and averaged three times as many episodes of seclusion. Younger patients were more likely to experience seclusion and spent longer periods of time in seclusion. No statistically significant differences were found between the use of seclusion and ethnicity. The observations related to female patients were particularly interesting and further studies on seclusion are required to inform upon strategies to minimise its use, with specific attention to female patients.


Wells syndrome.
Wells syndrome, or eosinophilic cellulitis, is a rare disorder characterized by erythematous plaques evolving into dermal or subcutaneous masses. The histopathology shows degenerative collagen, histiocytes, and eosinophils. Although most cases of Wells syndrome occur in adults, we present a child with these clinical and histopathologic findings.


Clinicians' perspective of a training programme in syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections in Northern Tanzania.
This process evaluation study was designed to investigate clinicians' perception of a training programme on syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their experiences in applying the skills learnt during the course. Out of 136 eligible course participants from Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, Tanzania, 47 were invited to take part in the study and 40 agreed to participate (85%). The research instruments consisted of a structured interview including open- and close-ended questions, a self-administered questionnaire, and an observation checklist. While the clinicians reported to be satisfied with the course itself, the results revealed insufficient practical training. The clinicians reported problems with condom promotion and partner notification, and frequent shortage of equipment and drugs in the clinics was observed. Future courses on syndromic management of STI should focus on skills training related to health education and counselling, and have a stronger emphasis on practical, clinical work. There is need to address barriers to condom promotion and partner referral.


Retinoblastoma patients with high risk ocular pathological features: who needs adjuvant therapy?
To describe the outcome of patients with non-metastatic unilateral retinoblastoma with high risk histopathological features after primary enucleation, and to clarify the need and results of adjuvant therapy. From 1980 to 2001 adjuvant therapy was recommended only to patients with scleral involvement, post-laminar optic nerve involvement (PLONI) with either a positive margin or associated choroidal involvement, or (before 1994) isolated PLONI. 108 of 224 patients had at least one high risk feature (choroidal, scleral, anterior chamber, and/or PLONI). Patients with isolated choroidal (n = 55) or anterior chamber (n = 2) invasion, and most with PLONI without other risk factors (n = 21) were not treated; three relapsed but are long term survivors after intensive therapy. Four with isolated PLONI received adjuvant chemotherapy and none relapsed. Three of 11 with PLONI and concomitant choroidal or scleral involvement who received adjuvant therapy relapsed, versus two of four not treated. Two of five with scleral disease relapsed. All 12 with cut end involvement received adjuvant treatment and none relapsed. In the total group, all four patients who relapsed after adjuvant therapy died. Relapsing patients can be rescued with intensive therapy. Those with isolated choroidal or PLONI have a good prognosis without adjuvant therapy. Patients with PLONI with a positive margin have a good prognosis if treated with combined therapy. Those with scleral involvement or PLONI with concomitant choroid disease may benefit from adjuvant therapy.


Entomological studies for surveillance and prevention of dengue in arid and semi-arid districts of Rajasthan, India.
Rajasthan is one of the dengue endemic states of India. Very few studies have been published on entomological aspects of dengue in this state. Owing to water scarcity, inhabitants in desert areas overstore domestic water which leads to the persistence of dengue vectors within the domestic premises. Area specific knowledge on breeding, key containers and seasonal rhythms of vector population is essential for preparing an effective prevention plan against dengue. Present paper reports results of entomological investigations on dengue vectors in arid and semi-arid districts of Rajasthan. Longitudinal studies were undertaken during 2004-06 in one arid and two semi-arid dengue endemic districts of Rajasthan. Adult and larval Aedes were collected from the randomly selected houses in representative towns and villages with associated details of container types and water storage practices of inhabitants. In urban areas during all the seasons adult house index (AHI) of Aedes aegypti was maximum in desert zone (25) and least in semi-arid area with saline river III (1). The difference of AHI during three seasons was statistically significant (chi2 = 16.1, p < 0.01 for urban; and chi2 = 50.71, p < 0.001 for rural). Breeding of Ae. aegypti among urban settings was maximum in desert zone. During all the seasons cement tanks were the key breeding habitats for Ae. aegypti in desert as well as semi-arid areas. Water storage habits during summer season emerged to be the risk factor of vector abundance in urban areas of arid and semi-arid settings. A carefully designed study of key containers targeting cement tanks as the primary habitats of mosquito control may lead to commendable results for dengue prevention.


Validation of the HCR-20 Scale for Assessing Risk of Violent Behavior in Israeli Psychiatric Inpatients.
Assessment of risk of violent behavior in forensic psychiatric practice is a complex and responsible clinical task and the use of a valid instrument can make the expert's work more effective. The Historical Clinical and Risk Management scale 20 (HCR-20) is a widely accepted measure of the risk of violence, sexual and criminal behavior. The aim of this study was to validate the HCR-20 in Israeli psychiatric inpatient settings. In a prospective design, data were collected on 150 male patients aged 15-65, diagnosed with ICD-10 schizophrenia, who were hospitalized in three wards: an acute psychiatric ward (n=50), a high security ward (n=50), and an open ward (n=50). The HCR-20, as the predictor measure, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, as a concurrent measure, werecompleted at baseline, and the Violence Assessment Scale, as the outcome measure, was completed at 6-, 12- and 18-month follow-up points. Internal consistency reliability was good for the total HCR-20 scale, satisfactory for the H-subscale, but low for the C- and R-subscales. Concurrent validity was good for the C-subscale, and discriminative validity was reasonable for the C- and H-subscales. The total scale as well as the Historical and Clinical subscales predicted the risk of physical as well as physical/sexual violent behavior at both 6- and 18-month follow-up points. Appropriate psychometric properties of the HCR-20 suggest that it can serve as a useful measure of the risk of violent behavior in psychiatric settings in Israel. Further research is necessary to confirm norms and cut-off scores, using a larger representative sample.


What Do We Know About the Development of Creativity in South America?
We review recent research about the development of creativity in South America focusing on studies of individual differences in creativity and educational and developmental studies of children and adolescents' creativity. Most South American researchers are influenced by mainstream psychometric approaches, although computational and cultural approaches are also considered. Two main areas of inquiry are: (a) the relationship between creativity and other constructs, and (b) the structural and cultural inhibitors of creativity in school. Studies conducted beyond the school shed light on the role resilience has in fostering creativity. The lack of studies testing interventions aimed at promoting creativity is concerning. There is also a surprising lack of observational studies related to the pedagogy of creativity. Last but not least, there is a need to advance research on other factors, in addition to the educational ones, that may play a role in fostering creativity in South America.


Accessibility and utilisation of delivery care within a Skilled Care Initiative in rural Burkina Faso.
The Skilled Care Initiative (SCI) was a comprehensive skilled attendance at delivery strategy implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Care International in Ouargaye district (Burkina Faso) from 2002 to 2005. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between accessibility, functioning of health centres and utilisation of delivery care in the SCI intervention district (Ouargaye) and compare this with another district (Diapaga). Data were collected on staffing, equipment, water and energy supply for all health centres and a functionality index for health centres were constructed. A household census was carried out in 2006 to assess assets of all household members, and document pregnancies lasting more than 6 months between 2001 and 2005, with place of delivery and delivery attendant. Utilisation of delivery care was defined as birth in a health institution or birth by Caesarean section. Analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Distance to health facility, education and asset ownership were major determinants of delivery care utilisation, but no association was found between the functioning of health centres (as measured by infrastructure, energy supply and equipment) and institutional birth rates or births by Caesarean section. The proportion of births in an institution increased more substantially in the SCI district over time but no changes were seen in Caesarean section rates. The SCI has increased uptake of institutional deliveries but there is little evidence that it has increased access to emergency obstetric care, at least in terms of uptake of Caesarean sections. Its success is contingent on large-scale coverage and 24-h availability of referral for life saving drugs, skilled personnel and surgery for pregnant women.


Changes in electrophysiological parameters after open carpal tunnel release.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequent compressive mononeuropathy, affecting mostly females. Few studies have been performed to assess the electrophysiological parameters before and after carpal tunnel release. The purpose of our study was to evaluate these changes postoperatively and in the course of a 9-month period after operation in comparison with the preoperative values. A case-series study was carried out and included 17 cases of moderate or severe electrophysiologically confirmed CTS, who underwent open carpal tunnel release (CTR) from December 2010 to May 2011. Severity grade was assigned following American Association of the Electrodiagnostic Medicine criteria of CTS. Distal motor and sensory latencies and sensory nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve across the carpal tunnel were evaluated and compared before, at 6, and 9 months after surgery. From the 17 evaluated hand with moderate, moderate to severe and severe CTS, severity improvement was reported in 82.3% 6 months and in 88.2% 9 months after surgery, but only 47% had satisfied or completely satisfied opinion about the results. Others, though still complaining of serious symptoms, had improved or normal NCS. Electrophysiological investigations outlined severity improvement after CTR. In the current study, the electrophysiological studies were not meaningful in determining outcome.


Oral cancer plasma tumor marker identified with bead-based affinity-fractionated proteomic technology.
There is no plasma marker for detecting oral cancer, one of the most frequent cancers worldwide. We developed a bead-based affinity-fractionated proteomic method to discover a novel plasma marker for oral cancer. Affinity purification of heparinized plasma with magnetic beads and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis were used to screen potential oral cancer markers. We compiled MS protein profiles for 57 patients with oral cancer and compared them with profiles from 29 healthy controls. The spectra were analyzed statistically using flexAnalysis and ClinProt bioinformatic software. In each MS analysis, the peak intensities of interest were normalized with an internal standard (adrenocorticotropic hormone 18-39). For identification, affinity bead-purified plasma protein was subjected to MALDI TOF/TOF analysis followed by Mascot identification of the peptide sequences and a search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information protein database. To optimize MALDI-TOF analysis based on the best discriminator of the cancer and control spectra, copper-chelated beads were used for plasma protein profiling. The within- and between-run CVs for assays were <4% and 7%, respectively. Six markers that differentiated between cancer and control spectra were found, with mean (SD) molecular masses of 2664 (1), 2850 (1), 3250 (1), 7735 (2), 7927 (2), and 9240 (2) Da. The 2664-Da marker, identified as a fragment of the fibrinogen alpha-chain, had the highest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (97%) for cancer. The high specificity and sensitivity of the fibrinogen alpha-chain fragment suggest that it may be a clinical useful tumor marker.


Associations of Preceptors' Training Needs With Clinical Teaching Experience and Training Received.
Background Although training can improve the quality of clinical teaching for nurse preceptors, research on the training needs of junior versus senior preceptors is limited. This study sought to examine the differences in their needs by comparing their clinical teaching experience and the training they received. Method A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey was conducted in three hospitals using the Clinical Teaching Behavior Inventory (CTBI). Survey data were analyzed using the chi-square test, the independent t test, and multiple regression analysis. Results The differences (N = 252) in the subscales of building a learning atmosphere and committing to teaching were not statistically significant (p > .05). Generally, the mean CTBI scores of trained junior preceptors were significantly higher than those of untrained senior preceptors (p < .001). Conclusion Training yields more significant improvements in self-perceived clinical teaching behavior than clinical teaching experience. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(4):165-170.].


Cell surface glycoproteins from Thermoplasma acidophilum are modified with an N-linked glycan containing 6-C-sulfofucose.
Thermoplasma acidophilum is a thermoacidophilic archaeon that grows optimally at pH 2 and 59°C. This extremophile is remarkable by the absence of a cell wall or an S-layer. Treating the cells with Triton X-100 at pH 3 allowed the extraction of all of the cell surface glycoproteins while keeping cells intact. The extracted glycoproteins were partially purified by cation-exchange chromatography, and we identified five glycoproteins by N-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry of in-gel tryptic digests. These glycoproteins are positive for periodic acid-Schiff staining, have a high content of Asn including a large number in the Asn-X-Ser/Thr sequon and have apparent masses that are 34-48% larger than the masses deduced from their amino acid sequences. The pooled glycoproteins were digested with proteinase K and the purified glycopeptides were analyzed by NMR. Structural determination showed that the carbohydrate part was represented by two structures in nearly equal amounts, differing by the presence of one terminal mannose residue. The larger glycan chain consists of eight residues: six hexoses, one heptose and one sugar with an unusual residue mass of 226 Da which was identified as 6-deoxy-6-C-sulfo-D-galactose (6-C-sulfo-D-fucose). Mass spectrometry analyses of the peptides obtained by trypsin and chymotrypsin digestion confirmed the principal structures to be those determined by NMR and identified 14 glycopeptides derived from the main glycoprotein, Ta0280, all containing the Asn-X-Ser/Thr sequons. Thermoplasma acidophilum appears to have a "general" protein N-glycosylation system that targets a number of cell surface proteins.


Young Bone Marrow Sca-1 Cells Rejuvenate the Aged Heart by Promoting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition.
Background: To improve the regenerative capacity of aged individuals, we reconstituted bone marrow (BM) of aged mice with young Sca-1 cells, which repopulated cardiac progenitors and prevented cardiac dysfunction after a myocardial infarction (MI). However, the mechanisms involved were incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether young, highly regenerative BM Sca-1 cells exert their cardio-protective effects on the aged heart through reactivation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Methods:In vitro, BM Sca-1 cells were co-cultured with epicardial-derived cells (EPDCs) under hypoxia condition; mRNA and protein levels of EMT genes were measured along with cellular proliferation and migration. In vivo, BM Sca-1+ or Sca-1- cells from young mice (2-3 months) were transplanted into lethally-irradiated old mice (20-22 months) to generate chimeras. In addition, Sca-1 knockout (KO) mice were reconstituted with wild type (WT) BM Sca-1+ cells. The effects of BM Sca-1 cell on EMT reactivation and improvement of cardiac function after MI were evaluated. Results:In vitro, BM Sca-1+ cells increased EPDC proliferation, migration, and EMT relative to Sca-1- cells and these effects were inhibited by a TGF-β blocker. In vivo, more young BM Sca-1+ than Sca-1- cells homed to the epicardium and induced greater host EPDC proliferation, migration, and EMT after MI. Furthermore, reconstitution of Sca-1 KO mice with WT Sca-1+ cells was associated with the reactivation of EMT and improved cardiac function after MI. Conclusions: Young BM Sca-1+ cells improved cardiac regeneration through promoting EPDC proliferation, migration and reactivation of EMT via the TGF-β signaling pathway.


Synthetic examination of incorrectly proposed structures of biomolecules.
Many incorrect structures of biomolecules have been proposed for natural products. Synthesis of compounds having the proposed structures often enabled us to judge the correctness of the proposals. In some cases, we were able to revise the structures by synthesizing the biomolecules themselves. In other cases, we were able to definitely disprove the proposed structures. Some examples treated in this review include: auxin-a and b; the sex pheromone of Chlamydomonas; sex pheromones of the gypsy moth, the American cockroach, and the pink bollworm moth; Persoons' periplanone-A; orobanchol; naurol A; bifurcarenone; koninginin A; alpha-acoradiene; himachalene-type pheromones of the flea beetle; differolide; blattellastanoside A and B; etc.