A Monte Carlo study of amphiphilic dendrimers: spontaneous asymmetry and dendron separation.
We study via Monte Carlo simulation the conformation of amphiphilic dendrimers for which terminal monomers (t) and internal monomers (i) interact differently with the solvent (s). Specifically, we have studied g = 3,6 dendrimers as a function of chi(it), chi(is), and chi(ts) (chi is the differential contact energy between the different particles) for parameter values chi(it) = 0, +/-1 and -1 < chi(is), chi(ts) < 1. We have allowed negative chi values in order to model attractive polar interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding) which are believed to be important in many dendrimer/solvent systems. We find the "phase diagram" of dendrimer conformations to be extremely rich and to be a strong function of g, chi(is), and chi(ts) but only a weak function of chi(it), For chi(is), chi(ts) > 0, we observe dendrimer conformations, such as unimolecular normal micelles and inverted loopy micelles. However, for chi(is) < 0 or chi(ts) < 0, we observe more exotic molecular conformations, for example, the spontaneous development of asymmetry and dendron separation. These properties are analyzed in terms of snapshots as well as more quantitatively in terms of the radii of gyration, radial density profiles, pair-correlation functions, degree of asymmetry, and dendron overlap factor. By exploiting the dramatic conformational changes under different solvent conditions, we suggest the possibility of using amphiphilic dendrimers as stimuli-responsive smart materials.


[Development of a three-dimensional impedance meter and its clinical applicability to diagnosing middle ear diseases].
An impedance meter (IM) is well known to be a valuable apparatus for the diagnosis of secretory otitis media (SOM). However, it is insufficient for the diagnosis of ossicular chain disorders, because the probe tone is limited to one or two frequencies. Therefore, we developed a new IM, with sweeping functions for both frequency and pressure which can display measurement results in a three-dimensional format. In this study, the middle ear dynamic characteristics of normal subjects and patients were measured, and the effects of various kinds of middle ear diseases on these dynamic characteristics were examined. The measurement results of the patients with ossicular chain separation, ossicular chain fixation, SOM, tympanic membrane perforation and tympanic membrane atelectasis showed their own distinctive patterns, and were also clearly different from those of normal subjects. Therefore, it is concluded that this apparatus has a high degree of clinical applicability to the diagnosis of these diseases.


Amlodipine poisioning complicated with acute non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema.
Amlodipine poisoning is an uncommon presentation with potentially life threatening complications. As there are few cases of severe poisoning documented, management guidelines are limited. The authors present the case of a 22-year-old female who presented to hospital 6 h after ingesting 280 mg of amlodipine. She was treated with aggressive fluid resuscitation and calcium gluconate infusion. She went on to develop acute non-cardiogenic pulmonary odema for which she needed a frusemide infusion. She stayed in hospital for 5 days and was discharged after a psychiatric review with no long-term complications. The authors discuss the other management options available for patients presenting with amlodipine overdose.


[Changes of oxygen cost of breathing in children and adult during anesthesia and surgery].
To investigate the changes of oxygen cost of breathing (OCB) in children and adult during general anesthesia and surgery. This study included 12 elective surgical children and 12 adult patients receiving cerebral surgery. Mechanical ventilation was given during general anesthesia and surgery, and the indices of hemodynamics and respiratory function were measured at 5 min before induction, 1 min before the start of surgery, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after the start of surgery and at the end of surgery, respectively. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the 2 groups did not undergo any conspicuous changes during general anesthesia and surgery (P>0.05), and the heart rate in child group was markedly faster than that in adult group during the whole course (P<0.01). Oxygen consumption (VO2) in 2 groups at 1 min before the start of surgery and 30 min after the start of surgery was significantly higher than that at 5 min before induction (P<0.01), and at these two time points after induction, child group had much higher VO2 (P<0.05) but evidently lower OCB (P<0.01) than in adult group, the latter index remained low till 60 and 120 min after the start of surgery (P<0.05). During anesthesia and surgery, VO2 in child group can be much greater than that in Adult group, while OCB markedly lower.


[Lower cardiotoxicity of adriamycin during continuous administration in patients with refractory multiple myeloma treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone (C-VAD)].
Standard treatment of refractory myeloma is combined VAD treatment (vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone). In recent years adriamycin was sometimes replaced by mitoxanthrone which caused greater myelotoxicity. As a positive feature of the exchange of adriamycin for mitoxanthrone, authors using it, report its lower cardiotoxicity. In the literature there are, however, occasional reports on a lower cardiotoxicity of adriamycin when administered in a continuous infusion. In the submitted work the authors sought answers to two questions. 1. Is the cardiotoxicity of adriamycin administered in a continuous infusion lower than the cardiotoxicity of adriamycin administered as a bolus? 2. Is it possible to add to VAD chemotherapy cyclophosphamide without increasing the toxicity excessively? After echocardiographic evaluation of the diastolic and systolic function following a cumulative dose of 200 mg the authors observed smaller changes of the above functions in the group treated with adriamycin a in a continuous infusion (patients with multiple myeloma) than in the group with bolus therapy (patients with non-Hodgkin lymphomas and acute leukaemia). Addition of 600 mg cyclophosphamide on the 5th, 10th and 20th day to the classical VAD pattern made treatment more intensive without causing a deteriorated tolerance of this treatment.


Nuclear imprisonment: viral strategies to arrest host mRNA nuclear export.
Viruses possess many strategies to impair host cellular responses to infection. Nuclear export of host messenger RNAs (mRNA) that encode antiviral factors is critical for antiviral protein production and control of viral infections. Several viruses have evolved sophisticated strategies to inhibit nuclear export of host mRNAs, including targeting mRNA export factors and nucleoporins to compromise their roles in nucleo-cytoplasmic trafficking of cellular mRNA. Here, we present a review of research focused on suppression of host mRNA nuclear export by viruses, including influenza A virus and vesicular stomatitis virus, and the impact of this viral suppression on host antiviral responses.


State efforts toward creating a national policy on healthy aging and long-term care.
The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne served Idaho as a U.S. senator for six years prior to his election as governor in 1998. He has since served in this role with marked distinction--one poll lauded him as Idaho's "most popular figure" in the state's history. His leadership capabilities were recognized by the National Governors Association (NGA), which elected him chairman in 2003. Upon his election, Gov. Kempthorne asserted--and the NGA collectively agreed--to make long-term care for America's seniors and persons with disabilities the No. 1 item on the NGA agenda. Idaho's governor has since led the NGA through a series of hearings and fact-finding missions on long-term care culminating in a report that comprised the central focus of the NGA's Annual Meeting in July 2004. The following is a summary of Gov. Kempthorne's statements regarding long-term care and the reports he presented on the topic at that gathering. In recognition of his work, the Idaho governor has been selected to receive NAHC's highest accolade--The Claude Pepper Award--presented annually to the one person who has done the most to promote the interests of senior citizens and persons with disabilities within the past year.


Enantiomeric analysis of beta-pinene and limonene by direct coupling of reversed phase liquid chromatography and gas chromatography using absorbents as packing materials.
A method based on the use of absorbents as packing materials inside the interface of the online coupling between RPLC and GC is proposed for the enantiomeric analysis of beta-pinene and limonene in essential oils. For that purpose, a comparison of the RSD, detection limit and recovery provided by two absorbents and one adsorbent is included in this study. The results found in this work proved the validity of absorbents as packing materials in online RPLC-GC to determine minor compounds in complex matrices. In particular, PDMS seemed to be specially useful to analyse nonpolar compounds, such as beta-pinene and limonene, since it provided higher sensitivity for this kind of compounds. The developed method was applied to the evaluation of the natural and non-natural character of commercial essential oils by means of the determination of the enantiomeric composition of beta-pinene and limonene.


Wound Healing Effect of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Datura metel L. Leaves Extracts: An In Vitro Study of Anti-Inflammation, Cell Migration, MMP-2 Inhibition, and the Modulation of the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Human Fibroblasts.
Datura metel L. (thorn apple) has been used in Thai folk wisdom for wound care. In this study, we chose supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (scCO2) to develop crude extraction from the leaves of the thorn apple. The phytochemical profiles were observed using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). The biological activities of D. metel were performed through antioxidant assays, anti-inflammation based on the Griess reaction, the migration assay, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and regulatory genes in fibroblasts. Dm1 and Dm2 extracts were obtained from scCO2 procedures at different pressures of 300 and 500 bar, respectively. Bioactive compounds, including farnesyl acetone, schisanhenol B, and loliolide, were identified in both extracts. The antioxidant properties of both D. metel extracts were comparable to those of l-ascorbic acid in hydrogen peroxide-induced fibroblasts with no significant difference. Additionally, Dm1 and Dm2 significantly inhibited the nitrite production levels of 1.23 ± 0.19 and 1.52 ± 0.05 μM, respectively, against the lipopolysaccharide-treated group (3.82 ± 0.39 μM). Interestingly, Dm1 obviously demonstrated the percentage of wound closure with 58.46 ± 7.61 and 82.62 ± 6.66% after 36 and 48 h of treatment, which were comparable to the commercial deproteinized dialysate from the calf blood extract. Moreover, both extracts were comparable to l-ascorbic acid treatment in their ability to suppress the expression of MMP-2: an enzyme that breaks down collagen. The gene expressions of SHH, SMO, and GLI1 that control the sonic hedgehog pathway were also clearly upregulated by Dm1. Consequently, the scCO2 technique could be applied in D. metel extraction and contribute to potentially effective wound closure.


Pax6 transcription factor is required for the interkinetic nuclear movement of neuroepithelial cells.
The mammalian cerebral cortex develops from proliferative neuroepithelial cells that exhibit a cell cycle-dependent nuclear movement (interkinetic nuclear migration; INM). Pax6 transcription factor plays pivotal roles in various aspects of corticogenesis. From live observation using cultured cortical slices from the Pax6 mutant rat, we identified the premature descent of S phase cells, the unsteady ascent or descent of G2 phase cells, and ectopic cell division within the basal side of the ventricular zone (VZ). The centrosome normally stayed at the most apical side, apart from the nucleus, in the neuroepithelial cell during the S to G2 phase, while the Pax6 mutant showed unstable movement of the centrosome associated with an abnormal INM. Our results suggest the possibility that Pax6 regulates the INM by stabilizing the centrosome at the apical side.


Sex-specific effects of altered competition on nestling growth and survival: an experimental manipulation of brood size and sex ratio.
1. An increase of competition among adults or nestlings usually negatively affects breeding output. Yet little is known about the differential effects that competition has on the offspring sexes. This could be important because it may influence parental reproductive decisions. 2. In sexual size dimorphic species, two main contradictory mechanisms are proposed regarding sex-specific effects of competition on nestling performance assuming that parents do not feed their chicks differentially: (i) the larger sex requires more resources to grow and is more sensitive to a deterioration of the rearing conditions ('costly sex hypothesis'); (ii) the larger sex has a competitive advantage in intra-brood competition and performs better under adverse conditions ('competitive advantage hypothesis'). 3. In the present study, we manipulated the level of sex-specific sibling competition in a great tit population (Parus major) by altering simultaneously the brood size and the brood sex ratio on two levels: the nest (competition for food among nestlings) and the woodlot where the parents breed (competition for food among adults). We investigated whether altered competition during the nestling phase affected nestling growth traits and survival in the nest and whether the effects differed between males, the larger sex, and females. 4. We found a strong negative and sex-specific effect of experimental brood size on all the nestling traits. In enlarged broods, sexual size dimorphism was smaller which may have resulted from biased mortality towards the less competitive individuals i.e. females of low condition. No effect of brood sex ratio on nestling growth traits was found. 5. Negative brood size effects on nestling traits were stronger in natural high-density areas but we could not confirm this experimentally. 6. Our results did not support the 'costly sex hypothesis' because males did not suffer from higher mortality under harsh conditions. The 'competitive advantage hypothesis' was also not fully supported because females did not suffer more in male-biased broods. 7. We conclude that male nestlings are not likely to be more expensive to raise, yet they have a size-related competitive advantage in large broods, leading to higher mortality of their on average lighter female nest mates.


Low-loss and power-efficient phase shifter based on an optimized multimode spiral silicon waveguide.
Low-loss and energy-efficient phase shifters are an effective tool to reduce the power consumption of large-scale photonic integrated circuits. In this work, a low-loss and power-efficient thermo-optic phase shifter has been demonstrated on the silicon-on-insulator platform. The multimode spiral waveguide is optimized to obtain lower power consumption and low cross talk. The waveguide width is beyond the single-mode region in consideration of low propagation loss. The optimized ultra-low loss 180° Bezier bends are used to further reduce the bending loss. The experimental results show that the excess loss of the phase shifter is only 0.36 dB at 1550-nm wavelength and the power consumption is 4.87 mW/π.


Basic fibroblast growth factor uniquely stimulates quiescent vascular smooth muscle cells and induces proliferation and dedifferentiation.
Blood vessels normally remain stable over the long term. However, in atherosclerosis, vascular cells leave the quiescent state and enter an activated state. Here, we investigated the factors that trigger the breakage of the quiescent state by screening growth factors and cytokines using a vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) line and an endothelial cell (EC) line. Despite known functions of the tested factors, only basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was identified as a potent trigger of quiescence breakage in SMCs, but not ECs. bFGF disrupted tight SMC-monolayers and caused morphological changes, proliferation, and dedifferentiation. Human primary SMCs, but not ECs, also showed similar results. Aberrant SMC proliferation is a critical histological event in atherosclerosis. We, thus, provide further insights into the role of bFGF in vascular pathobiology.


A comparative study on the mechanical behavior of intervertebral disc using hyperelastic finite element model.
Lumbar disc herniation may result in excruciating pain due to it being one of the most common diseases related to changes of intervertebral disc (IVD). In order to find a better clinical treatment and prevention scheme for relieving the pain caused by spine degeneration, the mechanical behavior analysis of IVD must be studied. A finite element method (FEM) is used in this study to analyze the mechanical behaviors of healthy and herniated IVD. In order to compare the responses of IVD under different loading conditions for the annulus fibrosus of IVD, the hyperelastic and elastic constitutive FE models were used in the FEM. The comparison shows that hyperelastic FE models have a much better capability to describe the mechanical behaviors of the IVD than elastic FE models. It can be found from FE simulation that there was a higher stress concentration at the annulus fibrosus of the herniated disc than the healthy disc. Higher stress concentration resulted in more damage and ease of bringing out lumbar disc herniation. Numerical examples of FE simulation indicate that the FEM with hyperelastic constitutive model has very good capability for analyzing the mechanical behaviors of IVD.


Roles of conserved arginine residues in the metal-tetracycline/H+ antiporter of Escherichia coli.
Seven arginine residues are conserved in all the tetracycline/H+ antiporters of Gram-negative bacteria. Four (Arg67, -70, -71, and -127) of them are located in the putative cytoplasmic loop regions and three (Arg31, -101, and -238) in the putative periplasmic loop regions [Eckert, B., and Beck, C. F. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 11663-11670]. These arginine residues were replaced by alanine, lysine, or cysteine one by one through site-directed mutagenesis. None of the mutants showed significant alteration of the protein expression level. The mutants resulting in the replacement of Arg31, Arg67, Arg71, and Arg238 with either Ala, Cys, or Lys retained tetracycline resistance levels comparable to that of the wild type. Among them, only the Arg238 --> Ala mutant showed very low transport activity in everted membrane vesicles, probably due to the instability of the mutant protein. The replacement of Arg70 and Arg127 with Ala or Cys resulted in a drastic decrease in the drug resistance and almost complete loss of the transport activity, while the Lys replacement mutants retained significant resistance and transport activity, indicating that the positively charged side chains at these positions conferred the transport function. On the other hand, neither the Ala, Cys, nor Lys replacement mutant of Arg101 exhibited any drug resistance or transport activity. As for the reactivity of the Cys replacement mutants, only two (Arg71 --> Cys and Arg101 --> Cys) were not reactive with NEM, the other five mutants being highly or moderately reactive. The reactivity of the cysteine-scanning mutants around Arg101 with NEM revealed that Arg101 is located in transmembrane helix IV. It is not likely that Arg101 confers the protein folding through a salt bridge with a transmembrane acidic residue because no double mutants involving Arg101 --> Ala and the replacement of one of three transmembrane acidic residues (Asp15, Asp84, and Asp285) showed the recovery of any tetracycline resistance or transport activity. The effect of tetracycline on the [14C]NEM binding to the combined mutants S65C/R101A and L97C/R101A suggests that Arg101 may cause a substrate-induced conformational change of the putative exit gate of TetA(B).


Simple 24-hour preservation of rabbit hearts with hexanol and pyruvate cardioplegia.
The effectiveness of a newly developed crystalloid cardioplegic solution containing 4 mM 1-hexanol and 10 mM pyruvate was compared with St Thomas' Hospital solution. After control perfusion with a Langendorff method, rabbit hearts (n = 7 for each group) were arrested and stored in these solutions (4 degrees C) for 24 h and subsequently reperfused for 45 min. The hexanol solution preserved both left ventricular systolic and diastolic function significantly better than St Thomas' Hospital solution. Developed pressure was significantly higher after preservation with the hexanol solution than with the St Thomas' Hospital solution at left ventricular balloon volumes larger than the mid volume (P < 0.05). The maximum developed pressure values after storage with the hexanol and St Thomas' Hospital solution were 77% and 42% of the maximum control values, respectively. Values for end-diastolic pressure at the maximum ventricular volume were 26.1 +/- 9.8 and 66.7 +/- 24.6 mmHg for the hexanol and St Thomas' Hospital solution, respectively (P < 0.05). Creatine kinase release during the first 15 min of reperfusion was significantly lower with the hexanol solution as compared to St Thomas's Hospital solution (28.3 +/- 8.3 vs 92.9 +/- 52.6 IU/g wet weight, P < 0.05). In conclusion, a hexanol cardioplegic solution may be suitable for long-term cardiac preservation. Further evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of this solution is warranted.


Living long-term with HIV/AIDS: exploring impact in psychosocial and vocational domains.
In the last decade, new treatments for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have led to improved health and longer life expectancies for many HIV-positive individuals. Coping with HIV/AIDS as a chronic, rather than terminal illness presents new challenges for those living with the disease and for service providers. This review of HIV/AIDS-related literature attempts to address the major medical, psychological and psychosocial challenges related to living long-term with HIV/AIDS and consider how they may present obstacles to attainment of educational and vocational goals for HIV-positive individuals. Implications for service providers and suggestions for future research are discussed. An exploratory study of needs assessment is proposed.


Strong insecticidal potential of methanol extract of Ferulago trifida fruits against Anopheles stephensi as malaria vector.
Many researchers have focused on controlling pest insects and vectors by natural products because of their low environmental pollution. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and larvicidal activities of chloroform and methanol extracts of the leaves, fruits, roots, and isolated coumarin compounds (prantschimgin, oxypeucedanin, and 6-hydroxymethylherniarin) of Ferulago trifida from the Apiaceae family against Anopheles stephensi as one of the main malaria vectors. For insecticidal evaluation, A. stephensi larvae were exposed to different concentrations of the extracts and pure compounds (0.625-1280 ppm) according to the WHO protocol. The mortality percentages were measured 24 h after treatment and lethal concentration values were calculated. In addition, radical scavenging activities of the mentioned extracts and compounds were measured by the DPPH method. The methanol extract of fruits showed potent insecticidal properties with LC50 and LC90 values of 2.94 and 18.12 ppm, respectively. The chloroform extracts of the fruits and leaves were the second and third extracts with larvicidal effects. Among pure compounds, only oxypeucedanin showed moderate toxicity against A. stephensi with LC50 and LC90 values of 116.54 and 346.41 ppm, respectively. The antioxidant activities of the methanol extracts of leaves and fruits were stronger than other extracts with IC50 values of 155.83 and 159.32 ppm, respectively. In conclusion, the methanol extract of F. trifida fruits can be used as a potent bio-insecticide in green control programs of mosquitoes, especially A. stephensi.


Treatment of malignant pleural effusion with drainage, with and without instillation of talc.
In order to determine whether pleural drainage with talc instillation was better than pleural drainage alone, in the treatment of malignant effusion, the present trial was initiated. Thirty-one patients with malignant pleural effusion and progressive disease, resistant to conventional therapy, were included. All patients had pleural drainage applied. After re-expansion of the lung, half of the patients had talc instilled through the chest tube. Twenty-one of the 31 treated patients were evaluable. After pleural drainage with talc instillation, all of 9 treated patients obtained complete resolution of the effusion and subjective improvement. After pleural drainage alone, 7 of 12 patients obtained complete resolution of the malignant effusion. If it is possible to re-expand the lung during pleural drainage in patients with a malignant pleural effusion, pleurodesis can be obtained in 60% of the treated patients with pleural drainage alone. This study showed a statistically significant improvement in the treatment associated with instillation of talc into the pleural cavity and this was achieved without causing increased discomfort to the patient.


[Genetic characterization of pathogenic Borrelia, group A14S, isolated in Ukraine].
Borrelia Ir-5215, isolated from ticks Ixodes ricinus in Ukraine (the Crimean autonomous region), was identified by the method of the polymorphism of the fragment length of the restriction amplicon of rRNA spacer region 5S-23S. Its Msel-restriction profile was relatively similar to that of B. afzelii. The sequencing of spacer region rrf (5S)-rrl (23S) and 16S rRNA gene, as well as the analysis of the similarity of nucleotide sequences, obtained in the course of these study, revealed the differences between Borrelia sp, lr-5215 and six European species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and a high level of similarity (more than 95.1% for 5S-23S rRNA and 99.4% for 16S rRNA gene) to three known representatives of genome group A14S (Borrelia spp. A14S, I-77 and PC-Rq17). This suggests that isolated Borrelia lr-5215 is a new representative of pathogenic B. burgdorferi sensu lato genome group A14S, which is spread, together with Central Europe, also in southern Ukraine.


Glutaraldehyde reactions with alkaline phosphatase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Glutaraldehyde, the biological fixative of choice in the cytochemical localization of the phosphatases, was investigated for its effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa alkaline phosphatase. Comparative studies on the inactivation of alkaline phosphatase by glutaraldehyde showed significant differences when the purified protein was compared with whole, cell-bound enzyme. The effects of the reagent on the kinetics of the purified enzyme were studied and some conclusions drawn as to the mode of inactivation. The reaction of glutaraldehyde with the cell envelope of P. aeruginosa was also investigated, and it was found not to modify the extraction of lipopolysaccharides from the outer membrane. This study emphasizes the care that must be taken to interpret data, cytochemical or otherwise, obtained when glutaraldehyde is used as a fixative or cross-linking reagent.


Evaluation of WHO haemoglobin colour scale & palmar pallor for screening of anaemia among children (6-35 months) in rural Wardha, India.
Anaemia is a public health problem in India, particularly in women and children. Clinical diagnosis by health workers may be inaccurate. It is therefore important to evaluate simple methods for diagnosis of anaemia in rural set up with no or minimal laboratory facilities. We carried out this study to evaluate the performance of haemoglobin colour scale and palmar pallor against filter paper cyanmethaemoglobin method as screening methods for anaemia in children 6-35 months of age. A total of 772 children between 6-35 months were studied from three primary health centres of Wardha district, central India, by house-to-house visit. The child was examined for presence of palmar pallor and haemoglobin estimated by haemoglobin colour scale (HCS) and filter paper cyanmethaemoglobin method independently by two persons. Haemoglobin colour scale had sensitivity of 89 per cent and specificity of 97 per cent in detecting anaemia in children. Pallor had sensitivity of 73 per cent and specificity of 98 per cent. The predictive values were 99 per cent and 69 per cent for positive and negative HCS result. Similarly, the predictive values were 99 and 48 per cent for positive and negative pallor result. Correct diagnosis of anaemia was 34 and 0.1 times common if HCS test result was positive (Hb < 110.0 g/l) and negative (Hb > 110.0 g/l) for anaemia. HCS fulfills the requirement of field test for screening of anaemia in resource poor country. It also has acceptable precision and accuracy and hence can be used in national anaemia control programmes.


Carrier detection in the testicular feminisation syndrome: deficient 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone binding in cultured skin fibroblasts from the mothers of patients with complete androgen insensitivity.
Specific binding of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (androgen receptor activity) could not be detected in cultured genital skin fibroblasts (GSF) from two patients with complete androgen insensitivity (CAI). In GSF from the mother of one patient, androgen receptor activity (8.5 fmol/mg cell protein) was reduced in comparison with controls (34.0 +/- 10.1 (SD) fmol/mg protein n = 15). These results favour X linked inheritance of CAI and X inactivation at the androgen receptor locus. Androgen receptors were not detected in GSF of the second mother. It appears that female carriers of CAI could be detected by decreased 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone binding in GSF. Androgen receptor activity was also undetectable in non-genital skin fibroblasts (NGSF) from the second mother and two further CAI patients. However, in 1 in 10 control NGSF lines androgen receptor activity was at the lower limit of assay sensitivity (1 to 2 fmol/mg protein) demonstrating that NGSF may not be reliable for family studies of androgen receptor deficiency.


Comparative features of Starling-lymphatic interaction at the pleural level in mammals.
Pleural liquid pressure was measured with saline-filled cannulas in rats, rabbits, cats, pups (4-5 days and 2 mo), small and large dogs, and pigs. On both the costal and mediastinal sides pleural liquid pressure at a level corresponding to the tricuspid valve decreased with increasing body mass; because this behavior was more marked on the mediastinal than on the costal side, a horizontal costomediastinal pleural liquid pressure gradient developed. No differences in liquid pressure were found in animals of different age but of similar size. The protein concentration and the volume-to-body weight ratio of the collected pleural liquid were also found to decrease with increasing body mass. For plasma colloid osmotic pressure, no size-related differences in the Starling balance seem to occur on costal side, whereas such balance shifts toward filtration at mediastinal level with increasing body mass. The lower liquid pressure found with increasing body mass is discussed in terms of lower conductance of the mesothelia and possibly greater lymphatic action. In terms of the Starling-lymphatic interaction we suggest that lymphatics can generate a pressure only slightly lower than that reflecting the equilibrium of the Starling balance of forces.


Comparison of phacotrabeculectomy and sequential surgery in the treatment of chronic angle-closure glaucoma coexisted with cataract.
To compare the safety and effectiveness of phacotrabeculectomy versus sequential surgery in chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) with coexisting cataract. One hundred and sixty-two CACG patients (162 eyes) were retrospectively analyzed. Of them, 87 patients (87 eyes) in group A had underwent phacotrabeculectomy with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and 75 patients (75 eyes) in group B had underwent sequential surgery with IOL implanted. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), complications and anterior chamber angle (ACA) were measured. Demographic characteristics of the two groups were similar. A mean follow-up period was 15±6mo (range 13 to 24mo), a mean IOP of 16.61±6.43 mm Hg in group A and 15.80±5.35 mm Hg in group B (P=0.84) at the last follow up. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative probability of success in both groups was similar (P=0.61). Anterior uveitis and hypotony were the most common complications in group A, whereas group B experienced shallow anterior chamber with trabeculectomy. With the exception of anterior uveitis, no complications occurred to 11 trabeculectomized eyes. All postoperative measurements of anterior chamber showed statistically significant differences in each group according to the preoperative data (P<0.05). However, fewer changes occurred in group B than in group A. Phacotrabeculectomy and sequential surgery exhibit similar IOP reduction, visual recovery, and complications when treating CACG patients with cataract. However, for a wider ACA, phacotrabeculectomy has demonstrated higher effectiveness than sequential surgery.


The Clinical Benefits of Dutasteride Treatment for LUTS and BPH.
Dutasteride is the first dual inhibitor of both 5alpha-reductase Types 1 and 2 isoenzymes, with efficacy and safety proven in 3 randomized placebo-controlled trials, each 2 years in duration. The current report demonstrates that longer-term treatment over 48 months with dutasteride results in continuing improvements in urinary symptoms and flow rate, and further reductions in total and transition zone volume of the prostate in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The reduction in risk of acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgery, seen in the double-blind phase, was durable over the 4-year term of the studies. The incidence of new onset adverse events remained low during the open-label extension phase, and less than 1% of patients discontinued therapy due to adverse events. These findings combined establish that the disease-modifying benefits of dutasteride are durable in long-term treatment. Dutasteride was also well tolerated in long-term use, with no new safety issues emerging over 4 years of treatment.


[Characterization of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.]
Bones support the body as part of the human musculoskeletal system. They also contain bone marrow, which is a site of hematopoiesis. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells play a vital role by regulating skeletal tissue formation and maintaining hematopoiesis. While the presence of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells has been indicated, they have yet to be fully understood in vivo. Recent studies using genetic mouse models revealed that perivascular stromal cells function as mesenchymal stem cells, and their differentiation status may vary during the early stage of life to adulthood. Furthermore, studies have investigated the underlying mechanisms that regulate the cell fate decision of mesenchymal stem cells. These findings could lead to the design of new therapeutic approaches for metabolic bone disease and hematopoietic disease.


Impairment of bone health in pediatric patients with hemolytic anemia.
Sickle cell anemia and thalassemia result in impaired bone health in both adults and youths. Children with other types of chronic hemolytic anemia may also display impaired bone health. To assess bone health in pediatric patients with chronic hemolytic anemia, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 45 patients with different forms of hemolytic anemia (i.e., 17 homozygous sickle cell disease and 14 hereditary spherocytosis patients). Biochemical, radiographic and anamnestic parameters of bone health were assessed. Vitamin D deficiency with 25 OH-vitamin D serum levels below 20 ng/ml was a common finding (80.5%) in this cohort. Bone pain was present in 31% of patients. Analysis of RANKL, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteocalcin levels indicated an alteration in bone modeling with significantly elevated RANKL/OPG ratios (control: 0.08+0.07; patients: 0.26+0.2, P = 0.0007). Osteocalcin levels were found to be lower in patients compared with healthy controls (68.5+39.0 ng/ml vs. 118.0+36.6 ng/ml, P = 0.0001). Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed a significant (P<0.025) influence of LDH (partial r2 = 0.29), diagnosis of hemolytic anemia (partial r2 = 0.05) and age (partial r2 = 0.03) on osteocalcin levels. Patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia were more frequently and more severely affected by impaired bone health than patients with hereditary spherocytosis. Bone health is impaired in pediatric patients with hemolytic anemia. In addition to endocrine alterations, an imbalance in the RANKL/OPG system and low levels of osteocalcin may contribute to this impairment.


[A case of vertebral metastasis revealed by incomplete spinal analgesia for cesarean section].
A 36-year-old woman was scheduled for Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. She was a carrier of hepatitis-B-virus and diabetic. She was complaining of low back pain. Spinal anesthesia was performed in the left lateral decubitus position. Because lumbar puncture in the midline was difficult, left paramedian approach was tried. Then she began to complain of right leg pain. Another attempt was made at other site, but her pain was not relieved. After confirming drop of blood-tinged cerebrospinal fluid, 0.3% dibucaine 2.0 ml was injected. Sensory anesthesia was assessed by pin-prick, but anesthesia was not effective. Then epidural catheter was inserted at Th12-L1 using median approach. She received 1.0% lidocaine 15 ml. However, sensory anesthesia was insufficient (Th4-Th12). Therefore O2-N2O was administered in addition to regional anesthesia. After the delivery, she still complained of low back pain. Later examination revealed metastatic bone tumor of L2 from hepatoma. This case suggests that in a patient with such incomplete spinal or epidural anesthesia and neurological finding, vertebral metastatic tumor should be ruled out.


Pharmacological modulation of platelet-activating factor (PAF) release from rabbit leucocytes. I. Role of cAMP.
Basophil-rich rabbit leucocytes sensitized by anti-horseradish peroxidase antibodies released platelet-activating factor (PAF) and histamine upon exposure to the specific antigen. This release was preceded and accompanied by a sharp decrease in the intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP. Isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agent, and theophylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, used individually or in combination, increased the intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP and inhibited the release of both PAF and histamine. Propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, suppressed the effect of isoproterenol on cyclic AMP level and mediator release. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, an alkylated derivative of cyclic AMP, inhibited PAF and histamine release. These results indicate that cyclic AMP, which is known to control the release of other mediators of immediate hypersensitivity, also regulates the release of PAF. Histamine and PAF followed one another closely in all of our release or inhibition experiments, bringing more evidence for the basophil origin of PAF.


Severe hypothyroidism after orthognathic surgery: a case report.
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease with reduced systemic metabolism, but the initial diagnosis is rare in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Due to the nonspecific symptoms, it is easy to be misdiagnosed and missed diagnosis which results in serious consequences. This paper presents a case of severe hypothyroidism which was characterized by airway obstruction, facial swelling, unexplained anaemia and bipedal edema after orthognathic surgery. With review of relevant literatures, this article discusses the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and therapy of hypothyroidism.


Upregulated expression of intermedin and its receptor in the myocardium and aorta in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Intermedin (IMD), also called adrenomedullin 2 (ADM2), is a 47-amino acid peptide belonging to the calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) family. IMD has similar or more potent vasodilatory and hypotensive actions compared with adrenomedullin (ADM) and CGRP. This study was designed to explore the role of IMD and its receptor in the pathogenesis of spontaneous hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Radioimmunoassay was employed to determine plasma immunoreactive IMD concentration and tissue immunoreactive IMD levels in the myocardium and aorta as well as cAMP concentration in the cardiovascular tissues in 13-week-old Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The mRNA expression of IMD, its receptor, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMP)) were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Protein levels of CRLR and RAMPs were assayed by Western blotting. Our results showed that immunoreactive IMD concentration was enhanced in the SHR myocardium, aortas and plasma. Both the mRNA and protein levels of IMD, as well as those of CRLR and RAMP 1-3 were upregulated in SHRs. IMD affected cAMP generation in the myocardium and aorta, which were not attenuated by prior addition of either CGRP(8-37) or ADM(22-52) alone. These results indicate that the elevation of IMD and its receptor in the cardiovascular tissue may play an important role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous hypertension.


Beyond the DICOM header: additional issues in deidentification.
As the use of medical images in applications other than direct patient care increases, the need for deidentified images grows. Federal regulations govern the requirements for deidentification, and software developers offer several methods for deidentification. However, there are numerous ways for protected health information to be included in images other than in DICOM headers. Either such information must be obscured or the images containing the information must be deleted to comply with deidentification requirements.


Differences in Na+ conductance density and Na+ channel functional properties between dopamine and GABA neurons of the rat substantia nigra.
Dopamine (DA) neurons and GABA neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) promote distinct functions in the control of movement and have different firing properties and action potential (AP) waveforms. APs recorded from DA and GABA neurons differed in amplitude, maximal rate of rise, and duration. In addition, the threshold potential for APs was higher in DA neurons than in GABA neurons. The activation of voltage-gated Na(+) channels accounts largely for these differences as the application of a low concentration of the voltage-gated Na(+) channel blocker TTX had an effect on all of these parameters. We have examined functional properties of somatic Na(+) channels in nucleated patches isolated from DA and GABA neurons. Peak amplitudes of macroscopic Na(+) currents were smaller in DA neurons in comparison to those in GABA neurons. The mean peak Na(+) conductance density was 24.5 pS microm(-2) in DA neurons and almost twice as large, 41.6 pS microm(-2), in GABA neurons. The voltage dependence of Na(+) channel activation was not different between the two types of SN neurons. Na(+) channels in DA and GABA neurons, however, differed in the voltage dependence of inactivation, the mean mid-point potential of steady-state inactivation curve being more positive in DA neurons than in GABA neurons. The results suggest that specific Na(+) channel gating properties and Na(+) conductance densities in the somatic membrane of SN neurons may have consequences on synaptic signal integration in the soma of both types of neurons and on somatodendritic release of dopamine by DA neurons.


Myotonia dystrophica and spinal surgery.
Two cases of patients suffering from the congenital form of myotonia dystrophica under going spinal surgery are presented. Both patients had major complications, including cardiac arrhythmias, postoperative wound infection and more minor complications, such as sedation and opioid sensitivity. However, the most notable complication resulting in long-term morbidity was the deterioration of bulbar muscular function in one of the patients. This resulted in recurrent aspiration pneumonia and the need for a tracheostomy. This serious complication has not previously been reported following surgery.


Representation of associative and affective semantic similarity of abstract words in the lateral temporal perisylvian language regions.
The examination of semantic cognition has traditionally identified word concreteness as well as valence as two of the principal dimensions in the representation of conceptual knowledge. More recently, corpus-based vector space models as well as graph-theoretical analysis of large-scale task-related behavioural responses have revolutionized our insight into how the meaning of words is structured. In this fMRI study, we apply representational similarity analysis to investigate the conceptual representation of abstract words. Brain activity patterns were related to a cued-association based graph as well as to a vector-based co-occurrence model of word meaning. Twenty-six subjects (19 females and 7 males) performed an overt repetition task during fMRI. First, we performed a searchlight classification procedure to identify regions where activity is discriminable between abstract and concrete words. These regions were left inferior frontal gyrus, the upper and lower bank of the superior temporal sulcus bilaterally, posterior middle temporal gyrus and left fusiform gyrus. Representational Similarity Analysis demonstrated that for abstract words, the similarity of activity patterns in the cortex surrounding the superior temporal sulcus bilaterally and in the left anterior superior temporal gyrus reflects the similarity in word meaning. These effects were strongest for semantic similarity derived from the cued association-based graph and for affective similarity derived from either of the two models. The latter effect was mainly driven by positive valence words. This research highlights the close neurobiological link between the information structure of abstract and affective word content and the similarity in activity pattern in the lateral and anterior temporal language system.


Adaptively Lightweight Spatiotemporal Information-Extraction-Operator-Based DL Method for Aero-Engine RUL Prediction.
Accurate prediction of machine RUL plays a crucial role in reducing human casualties and economic losses, which is of significance. The ability to handle spatiotemporal information contributes to improving the prediction performance of machine RUL. However, most existing models for spatiotemporal information processing are not only complex in structure but also lack adaptive feature extraction capabilities. Therefore, a lightweight operator with adaptive spatiotemporal information extraction ability named Involution GRU (Inv-GRU) is proposed for aero-engine RUL prediction. Involution, the adaptive feature extraction operator, is replaced by the information connection in the gated recurrent unit to achieve adaptively spatiotemporal information extraction and reduce the parameters. Thus, Inv-GRU can well extract the degradation information of the aero-engine. Then, for the RUL prediction task, the Inv-GRU-based deep learning (DL) framework is firstly constructed, where features extracted by Inv-GRU and several human-made features are separately processed to generate health indicators (HIs) from multi-raw data of aero-engines. Finally, fully connected layers are adopted to reduce the dimension and regress RUL based on the generated HIs. By applying the Inv-GRU-based DL framework to the Commercial Modular Aero Propulsion System Simulation (C-MAPSS) datasets, successful predictions of aero-engines RUL have been achieved. Quantitative comparative experiments have demonstrated the advantage of the proposed method over other approaches in terms of both RUL prediction accuracy and computational burden.


Direct comparison of two widely used activity recorders.
Wrist actigraphy is increasingly used to track circadian rest-activity cycles and to identify states of wakefulness and sleep, yet the measurement characteristics of activity recorders have never been compared. Two widely used recorders are compared here: the MotionLogger from Ambulatory Monitoring, Inc (AM) and the Gaehwiler (G). They were worn together on the same wrist for periods averaging 41.5 hours by five members of a research team. Activity counts were stored every half-minute. Pairwise comparisons between recorders of each type showed both types to be reliable. Each also validly detected circadian rest/activity cycles. Both types suffered, however, from insensitivity. For the lower 75% of activity levels, the variance of data from the G was indeed so small as to be essentially uninformative. Since these levels include over 95% of all nocturnal data, the G must be less sensitive than the AM to small nocturnal movements, including those signifying arousal. An additional difference is that data from the AM but not the G were distributed in biphasic fashion. Biphasic activity levels are consistent with the common assumption that activity/wakefulness and rest/sleep are distinct neurobehavioral states. As the use of actigraphy increases, the important differences found here between two leading instruments point to an urgent need for standards by which activity recorders can be compared. Aspects of instrument design that could be quantitatively rated are reliability, validity, ruggedness and artifact rejection.


In vivo evidence for active matrix metalloproteinases in human endometrium supports their role in tissue breakdown at menstruation.
Human endometrium remodels extensively during each reproductive cycle culminating in loss of most functionalis tissue at menstruation. Evidence suggests that menstruation results from the action of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), enzymes secreted in latent forms. MMP activation is thus an important regulatory step. It has not been established that MMPs are active within menstrual endometrium in vivo. We used in situ zymography to demonstrate active forms of MMPs in human endometrium across the normal menstrual cycle. Both gelatinase and collagenase activities were detected in most endometrial tissues. Semiquantitation demonstrated a substantial and significant increase in both gelatinase and collagenase activity in menstrual samples compared with those at any other time of the cycle. Gelatinase activity was both associated with cells and extracellular. All collagenase activity was extracellular. Immunoreactive MMP-2 and MMP-9 colocalized with active gelatinase, although much immunoreactive gelatinase was inactive. Some gelatinase activity colocalized with CD45(+) leukocytes. Menstruation is initiated at discrete foci, and active MMPs were similarly at foci within the tissue. This is the first in vivo evidence for increased active MMPs in menstrual endometrium compared with other stages of the cycle. These findings position the MMPs for a critical role in the matrix degradation at menstruation.


Effects of resveratrol supplementation on bone growth in young rats and microarchitecture and remodeling in ageing rats.
Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent skeletal disorder in the elderly that causes serious bone fractures. Peak bone mass achieved at adolescence has been shown to predict bone mass and osteoporosis related risk fracture later in life. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol compound, may have the potential to promote bone formation and reduce bone resorption. However, it is unclear whether it can aid bone growth and bone mass accumulation during rapid growth and modulate bone metabolism during ageing. Using rat models, the current study investigated the potential effects of resveratrol supplementation during the rapid postnatal growth period and in late adulthood (early ageing) on bone microarchitecture and metabolism. In the growth trial, 4-week-old male hooded Wistar rats on a normal chow diet were given resveratrol (2.5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle control for 5 weeks. In the ageing trial, 6-month-old male hooded Wistar rats were treated with resveratrol (20 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 3 months. Treatment effects in the tibia were examined by μ-computer tomography (μ-CT) analysis, bone histomorphometric measurements and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) gene expression analysis. Resveratrol treatment did not affect trabecular bone volume and bone remodeling indices in the youth animal model. Resveratrol supplementation in the early ageing rats tended to decrease trabecular bone volume, Sirt1 gene expression and increased expression of adipogenesis-related genes in bone, all of which were statistically insignificant. However, it decreased osteocalcin expression (p = 0.03). Furthermore, serum levels of bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptides type I collagen (CTX-1) were significantly elevated in the resveratrol supplementation group (p = 0.02) with no changes observed in serum levels of bone formation marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP). These results in rat models suggest that resveratrol supplementation does not significantly affect bone volume during the rapid growth phase but may potentially have negative effects on male skeleton during early ageing.


The BTPI: An online battery for measuring susceptibility to visual illusions.
Visual illusions provide a powerful tool for probing the mechanisms that underlie perception. While most previous studies of visual illusions focused on average group-level performance, less attention has been devoted to individual differences in susceptibility to illusions. Unlike in other perceptual domains, in which there are established, validated tools to measure individual differences, such tools are not yet available in the domain of visual illusions. Here, we describe the development and validation of the BTPI (Ben-Gurion University Test for Perceptual Illusions), a new online battery designed to measure susceptibility to the influence of three prominent size illusions: the Ebbinghaus, the Ponzo, and the height-width illusions. The BTPI also measures perceptual resolution, reflected by the just noticeable difference (JND), to detect size differences in the context of each illusion. In Experiment 1 (N = 143), we examined performance in typical self-paced tasks, whereas in Experiment 2 (N = 69), we employed a fixed presentation duration paradigm. High test-retest reliability scores were found for all illusions, with little evidence for intercorrelations between different illusions. In addition, lower perceptual resolution (larger JND) was associated with a larger susceptibility to the illusory effect. The computerized task battery and analysis codes are freely available online.


Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) therapy on the female sexual response cycle of women with major depression.
Depression and its treatment may influence all aspects of the female sexual function from desire to sexual satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the components of the female sexual response cycle (SRC) of women with major depression treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. The correlations structure of the items of the SRC's phases (i.e. desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) in a validated Malay version of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was determined using principal component analysis (PCA), with varimax rotation method. The number of factors obtained was decided using Kaiser's criteria. Factor loadings using PCA with varimax rotation divided the sexual domains into three components based on Kaiser's criteria. Sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication and orgasm were highly correlated, to form a "sexual drive" construct. Sexual satisfaction and pain made up the second and third components, respectively. SSRIs may affect the components of the SRC causing highly overlapping constructs of sexual drive including orgasm. Recognizing this helps strategizing the treatment approach of female sexual dysfunction in depression particularly in relation to the role of SSRIs.


Imaging techniques in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) can affect up to 4-5% of patients with acute pulmonary embolism. It is likely an underdiagnosed entity. Misdiagnosis is common because patients often present with nonspecific symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. Early diagnosis may help improve the outcome, as CTEPH is potentially curable with pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PEA). Imaging is central to an accurate diagnosis, and for assessing correctly the technical feasibility of PEA. This review examines the findings of various imaging techniques in CTEPH and their contribution in the diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of the disease. Ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy remains a sensitive method for excluding CTEPH. Multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) depicts directly changes of CTEPH, provides a surgical 'road map', and should be used for the diagnostic assessment of all suitable patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. In many centers, the role of conventional pulmonary angiography is gradually being replaced by cross-sectional methods. MRI has a role in preoperative and postoperative assessment of right ventricular function and can depict vascular abnormalities up to segmental level. MDCTA in combination with MRI represent the main techniques for the diagnosis and management of CTEPH. Newer techniques such as dual spectrum computed tomography may further improve preoperative and postoperative assessment of CTEPH patients.


Bilateral primary synchronous renal cell carcinoma.
We report a case of bilateral primary "synchronous" renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with different differentiation rates. Computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US), angiography, and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) were performed followed by right radical and left partial nephrectomy. Findings on ultrasonography were non-specific, CT scan showed bilateral solid renal mass. On angiography of the right renal artery no tumoral vessels were seen and FNAB yielded a false negative result on the left side. Histological examination revealed a cystic renal cell carcinoma on the right and a multinodular renal cell carcinoma on the left side. We could not find similar report in the current literature.


Connectivity, contest and the ties of self-management support for type 2 diabetes: a meta-synthesis of qualitative literature.
This paper presents a meta-synthesis of the literature on community-based self-management to support experiences of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The aim was to synthesise findings on both formal and informal self-management support with particular reference to the relevance and influence of the social context operating at different levels. The review forms part of EU-WISE, a project financed through EU's 7th Framework Programme. The review was performed by systematically searching MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science for English language publications between 2005 and 2014 presenting research conducted in Europe on the experiences and perspectives of self-management concerns of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The search yielded 587 abstracts, which were reduced through search strategy refinement and eligibility and quality criteria to 29 papers that were included in the review. This review highlights the relevance of contextual factors operating at micro- and macro-levels. The synthesis yielded six second-order thematic constructs relating to self-management: sense of agency and identity, the significance and meaning of social networks, minimal disruption of everyday life, economic hardship, the problem of assigning patients' responsibility and structural influences of primary care. Using a line of argument synthesis, these themes were revisited, and a third-order construct, connectivity emerged which refers to how links in daily life are interwoven with peoples' social networks, local communities, economic and ideological conditions in society in a way which support self-management activities. This meta-synthesis indicates a need to heed the notion of connectivity as a means of mobilising and supporting the self-management strategies of people with type 2 diabetes in everyday life.


Microfluoremetric analysis of DNA content changes in murine teratocarcinoma.
The multipotential stem cell of the murine tetratocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma (EC), is capable of differentiation in vivo and in vitro to nonneoplastic progeny. Undifferentiated EC cells, spontaneously differentiating tetratocarcinoma cells, and differentiated cells derived from EC cells were analyzed for DNA content and chromosome number distributions. Flow microfluorometric and fluorescence cytophotometric analysis of DNA content showed that EC cells had a characteristic diploid (2c) distribution, whereas several differentiated cell lines derived from EC cells had 4c DNA distributions. The tetraploid cell populations studied were capable of cell division but had restricted differentiative potential and were either of low tumorigenicity or non-tumorigenic. In vivo teratocarcinomas, comprised of both EC cells and differentiated cell types, contained diploid and tetraploid populations. Chromosomally, EC cells were neardiploid (39 chromosomes) and differentiated cells were near-tetraploid (62 to 76 chromosomes). The teratocarcinoma provides a model for studying the basic mechanisms that control the growth dynamics of the rapidly and slowly proliferating cell populations present in many tumors.


System analysis of the regulation of the immune response by CD147 and FOXC1 in cancer cell lines.
CD147, encoded by BSG, is a highly glycosylated transmembrane protein that belongs to the immunological superfamily and expressed on the surface of many types of cancer cells. While CD147 is best known as a potent inducer of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases, it can also function as a key mediator of inflammatory and immune responses. To systematically elucidate the function of CD147 in cancer cells, we performed an analysis of genome-wide profiling across the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). We showed that CD147 mRNA expression was much higher than that of most other genes in cancer cell lines. CD147 varied widely across these cell lines, with the highest levels in the ovary (COLO704) and stomach (SNU668), intermediate levels in the lung (RERFLCKJ, NCIH596 and NCIH1651) and lowest levels in hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue (UT7, HEL9217, HEL and MHHCALL3) and the kidney (A704 and SLR20). Genome-wide analyses showed that CD147 expression was significantly negatively correlated with immune-related genes. Our findings implicated CD147 as a novel regulator of immune-related genes and suggest its important role as a master regulator of immune-related responses in cancer cell lines. We also found a high correlation between the expression of CD147 and FOXC1, and proved that CD147 was a direct transcriptional target of FOXC1. Our findings demonstrate that FOXC1 is a novel regulator of CD147 and confirms its role as a master regulator of the immune response.


[Cryptorchidism and fertility].
This article describes a fertility study based on 490 cases of surgically treated undescended testicles. Some of the patients were seen very early, and others later, even after puberty. The results are assessed as a function of the onset of pregnancy, or, failing this, on the basis of spermograms, and as a function of whether one or both testicles were undescended. Among the married patients with a unilateral complaint, the paternity rate was 69 p. cent, failing to 43 per cent for bilateral cases. Their spermograms showed an average count of 33.7 X 10(6)/ml for unilateral cryptorchids, and 3.66 X 10(6)/ml for bilateral. The surgical attitude to be adopted is discussed with particular emphasis on patients seen late.


Calorie Estimation in Adults Differing in Body Weight Class and Weight Loss Status.
Ability to accurately estimate calories is important for weight management, yet few studies have investigated whether individuals can accurately estimate calories during exercise or in a meal. The objective of this study was to determine if accuracy of estimation of moderate or vigorous exercise energy expenditure and calories in food is associated with body weight class or weight loss status. Fifty-eight adults who were either normal weight (NW) or overweight (OW), and either attempting (WL) or not attempting weight loss (noWL), exercised on a treadmill at a moderate (60% HRmax) and a vigorous intensity (75% HRmax) for 25 min. Subsequently, participants estimated the number of calories they expended through exercise and created a meal that they believed to be calorically equivalent to the exercise energy expenditure. The mean difference between estimated and measured calories in exercise and food did not differ within or between groups after moderate exercise. After vigorous exercise, OW-noWL overestimated energy expenditure by 72% and overestimated the calories in their food by 37% (P < 0.05). OW-noWL also significantly overestimated exercise energy expenditure compared with all other groups (P < 0.05) and significantly overestimated calories in food compared with both WL groups (P < 0.05). However, among all groups, there was a considerable range of overestimation and underestimation (-280 to +702 kcal), as reflected by the large and statistically significant absolute error in calorie estimation of exercise and food. There was a wide range of underestimation and overestimation of calories during exercise and in a meal. Error in calorie estimation may be greater in overweight adults who are not attempting weight loss.


High frequency jet ventilation.
A case is described where high frequency jet ventilation was used to avoid the cardiovascular depressant effects associated with conventional ventilation. Early weaning from inotropic and ventilatory support proved possible.


Sigma1 Pharmacology in the Context of Cancer.
Sigma1 (also known as sigma-1 receptor, Sig1R, σ1 receptor) is a unique pharmacologically regulated integral membrane chaperone or scaffolding protein. The majority of publications on the subject have focused on the neuropharmacology of Sigma1. However, a number of publications have also suggested a role for Sigma1 in cancer. Although there is currently no clinically used anti-cancer drug that targets Sigma1, a growing body of evidence supports the potential of Sigma1 ligands as therapeutic agents to treat cancer. In preclinical models, compounds with affinity for Sigma1 have been reported to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and survival, cell adhesion and migration, tumor growth, to alleviate cancer-associated pain, and to have immunomodulatory properties. This review will highlight that although the literature supports a role for Sigma1 in cancer, several fundamental questions regarding drug mechanism of action and the physiological relevance of aberrant SIGMAR1 transcript and Sigma1 protein expression in certain cancers remain unanswered or only partially answered. However, emerging lines of evidence suggest that Sigma1 is a component of the cancer cell support machinery, that it facilitates protein interaction networks, that it allosterically modulates the activity of its associated proteins, and that Sigma1 is a selectively multifunctional drug target.


The 3Ranker: An AI-based Algorithm for Finding Non-animal Alternative Methods.
The search for existing non-animal alternative methods for use in experiments is currently challenging because of the lack of both comprehensive structured databases and balanced keyword-based search strategies to mine unstructured textual databases. In this paper we describe 3Ranker, which is a fast, keyword-independent algorithm for finding non-animal alternative methods for use in biomedical research. The 3Ranker algorithm was created by using a machine learning approach, consisting of a Random Forest model built on a dataset of 35 million abstracts and constructed with weak supervision, followed by iterative model improvement with expert curated data. We found a satisfactory trade-off between sensitivity and specificity, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.85-0.95. Trials showed that the AI-based classifier was able to identify articles that describe potential alternatives to animal use, among the thousands of articles returned by generic PubMed queries on dermatitis and Parkinson's disease. Application of the classification models on time series data showed the earlier implementation and acceptance of Three Rs principles in the area of cosmetics and skin research, as compared to the area of neurodegenerative disease research. The 3Ranker algorithm is freely available at www.open3r.org; the future goal is to expand this framework to cover multiple research domains and to enable its broad use by researchers, policymakers, funders and ethical review boards, in order to promote the replacement of animal use in research wherever possible.


Pirfenidone Has Anti-fibrotic Effects in a Tissue-Engineered Model of Human Cardiac Fibrosis.
A fundamental process in the development and progression of heart failure is fibrotic remodeling, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins in response to injury. Currently, therapies that effectively target and reverse cardiac fibrosis are lacking, warranting novel therapeutic strategies and reliable methods to study their effect. Using a gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) and human fetal cardiac fibroblasts (hfCF), we developed a multi-cellular mechanically tunable 3D in vitro model of human cardiac fibrosis. This model was used to evaluate the effects of a promising anti-fibrotic drug-pirfenidone-and yields proof-of-concept of the drug testing potential of this platform. Our study demonstrates that pirfenidone has anti-fibrotic effects but does not reverse all TGF-β1 induced pro-fibrotic changes, which provides new insights into its mechanism of action.


Study on the effects of parecoxib on hypothalamus orexin neuron of cerebral infarction rats.
To explore the effect of parecoxib on cerebral infarction in rats and the regulatory mechanism on hypothalamus orexin neurons (orexin) and protein expression. 60 SD male rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and treatment group (20 rats in each group). Cerebral infarction model was established by modified Longa method. Rats in the treatment group were given parecoxib (2.5 mg kg-1) in tail by intravenous injection, while both the sham operation group and the model group were given the equal volume of sterile PBS solution in the tail vein. Continuous intervention of 72h was carried out in the three groups. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used to detect the expression of orexin neurons and orexin protein in the hypothalamus of rats, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of orexin positive cells in the model group was significantly less than that in the sham-operated group (p < 0.01). After treatment intervention, the number of orexin positive cells in the hypothalamus was significantly increased compared to that in model group (p < 0.01). Western blot analysis showed that compared with sham operation group, the expression of orexin in the hypothalamus of model group was significantly decreased (p < 0.01), whereas the expression of orexin protein was significantly elevated after parecoxib intervention (p < 0.01). Parecoxib plays a therapeutic effect on cerebral infarction by up-regulating the orexin neuron.


Meal Detection and Carbohydrate Estimation Using Continuous Glucose Sensor Data.
A meal detection and meal-size estimation algorithm is developed for use in artificial pancreas (AP) control systems for people with type 1 diabetes. The algorithm detects the consumption of a meal and estimates its carbohydrate (CHO) amount to determine the appropriate dose of insulin bolus for a meal. It can be used in AP systems without manual meal announcements, or as a safety feature for people who may forget entering meal information manually. Using qualitative representation of the filtered continuous glucose monitor signal, a time period labeled as meal flag is identified. At every sampling time during this time period, a fuzzy system estimates the amount of CHO. Meal size estimator uses both glucose sensor and insulin data. Meal insulin bolus is based on estimated CHO. The algorithm does not change the basal insulin rate. Thirty in silico subjects of the UVa/Padova simulator are used to illustrate the performance of the algorithm. For the evaluation dataset, the sensitivity and false positives detection rates are 91.3% and 9.3%, respectively, the absolute error in CHO estimation is 23.1%, the mean blood glucose level is 142 mg/dl, and glucose concentration stays in target range (70-180 mg/dl) for 76.8% of simulation duration on average.


Freestanding Artificial Synapses Based on Laterally Proton-Coupled Transistors on Chitosan Membranes.
Freestanding synaptic transistors are fabricated on solution-processed chitosan membranes. A short-term memory to long-term memory transition is observed due to proton-related electrochemical doping under repeated pulse stimulus. Moreover, freestanding artificial synaptic devices with multiple presynaptic inputs are investigated, and spiking logic operation and logic modulation are realized.


[Sexuality in elderly men].
The era when the sexuality of the elderly male was a taboo subject to be avoided is long past. In fact a growing number of doctors, sociologists and psychoanalysts are investigating the sexuality of the elderly, partly in an attempt to counteract the mistaken view that all sexuality is pathological at that age. All authorities in fact agree that the elderly male may have a sex life, even though genital activity may diminish. Data are presented on the sexuality of a group of elderly men in good health and with an active interest in life. The survey indicates that sociological old age may not necessarily be synonymous in man with sexual old age.


The first series of chiral 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine tri-N-oxide ligands for Lewis base-catalyzed asymmetric allylation of aldehydes.
The first series of chiral 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine tri-N-oxide ligands have been developed; They were showed to be active Lewis base-catalysts for asymmetric allylation of aldehydes using allyltrichlorosilane with optimal results at 0 degrees C for electron-deficient aromatic aldehydes (yields up to 97% and enantioselectivities up to 86% ee).


Evaluation of Mitochondrial Function on Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficient Patient-derived Cell Lines.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) is a pivotal gatekeeper between cytosolic glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, playing important role in aerobic energy metabolism. Most PDC deficiency, cases being caused by mutations in PDHA1 encoding the α subunit of the rate-limiting E1 enzyme, which is characterized by abnormal phenotypes caused by energy deprivation at peripheral/central nervous systems and muscular tissues. This study aims to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of arginine and thiamine in ameliorating mitochondrial function in patient-derived cultured cells. PDC-deficient cell lines, carrying three different PDHA1 variants, were cultured in the absence and presence of arginine and/or thiamine at therapeutical levels, 4 mM and 100 μM, respectively. Mitochondrial bioenergetics profile was evaluated using the Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer. In physiological conditions, control cells presented standard values for all parameters evaluating the mitochondrial function, no differences being observed after supplementation of culture medium with therapeutic levels of arginine and/or thiamine. However, PDC-PDHA1 deficient cell lines consumed less oxygen than the control cells, but arginine and thiamine supplementation increased the basal respiration for values similar or higher than the control cell line. Moreover, arginine and thiamine treatment highlighted an inefficient oxidative phosphorylation carried out by PDC-deficient cell lines. Finally, this treatment showed an increased oxygen consumption by enzymes other than those in the respiratory chain, thus proving the dependence of these mutant cell lines on cytosolic sources for ATP production, namely glycolysis. This study showed that arginine and thiamine, at therapeutical levels, increase the basal oxygen consumption rate of PDC-deficient cell lines, as well as their ATP-linked respiration. This parameter measures the capacity of the cell to meet its energetic demands and, therefore, its increase reveals a higher electron flow through the respiratory chain, which is coupled to elevated oxidative phosphorylation, thus indicating an overall increased robustness in mitochondrial- related bioenergetics.


Music perception and cognition: a review of recent cross-cultural research.
Experimental investigations of cross-cultural music perception and cognition reported during the past decade are described. As globalization and Western music homogenize the world musical environment, it is imperative that diverse music and musical contexts are documented. Processes of music perception include grouping and segmentation, statistical learning and sensitivity to tonal and temporal hierarchies, and the development of tonal and temporal expectations. The interplay of auditory, visual, and motor modalities is discussed in light of synchronization and the way music moves via emotional response. Further research is needed to test deep-rooted psychological assumptions about music cognition with diverse materials and groups in dynamic contexts. Although empirical musicology provides keystones to unlock musical structures and organization, the psychological reality of those theorized structures for listeners and performers, and the broader implications for theories of music perception and cognition, awaits investigation.


Chk1 and 14-3-3 proteins inhibit atypical E2Fs to prevent a permanent cell cycle arrest.
The atypical E2Fs, E2F7 and E2F8, act as potent transcriptional repressors of DNA replication genes providing them with the ability to induce a permanent S-phase arrest and suppress tumorigenesis. Surprisingly in human cancer, transcript levels of atypical E2Fs are frequently elevated in proliferating cancer cells, suggesting that the tumor suppressor functions of atypical E2Fs might be inhibited through unknown post-translational mechanisms. Here, we show that atypical E2Fs can be directly phosphorylated by checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) to prevent a permanent cell cycle arrest. We found that 14-3-3 protein isoforms interact with both E2Fs in a Chk1-dependent manner. Strikingly, Chk1 phosphorylation and 14-3-3-binding did not relocate or degrade atypical E2Fs, but instead, 14-3-3 is recruited to E2F7/8 target gene promoters to possibly interfere with transcription. We observed that high levels of 14-3-3 strongly correlate with upregulated transcription of atypical E2F target genes in human cancer. Thus, we reveal that Chk1 and 14-3-3 proteins cooperate to inactivate the transcriptional repressor functions of atypical E2Fs. This mechanism might be of particular importance to cancer cells, since they are exposed frequently to DNA-damaging therapeutic reagents.


Clinical Characteristics and Disease Progression in Early-Stage COVID-19 Patients in South Korea.
A rapid increase in the number of patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) may overwhelm the available medical resources. We aimed to evaluate risk factors for disease severity in the early stages of COVID-19. The cohort comprised 293 patients with COVID-19 from 5 March 2020, to 18 March 2020. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) classification system was used to triage patients. The clinical course was summarized, including the impact of drugs (angiotensin II receptor blockers [ARB], ibuprofen, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors [DPP4i]) and the therapeutic effect of lopinavir/ritonavir. After adjusting for confounding variables, prior history of drug use, including ARB, ibuprofen, and DPP4i was not a risk factor associated with disease progression. Patients treated with lopinavir/ritonavir had significantly shorter progression-free survival than those not receiving lopinavir/ritonavir. KCDC classification I clearly distinguished the improvement/stabilization group from the progression group of COVID-19 patients (AUC 0.817; 95% CI, 0.740-0.895).


Calcitonin action on ATP citrate lyase activity in the hepatic cytosol of fed rats and its calcium-calmodulin dependency.
The effect of calcitonin (CT) on ATP citrate lyase activity in the hepatic cytosol was investigated after a single subcutaneous administration of the hormone to fed rats. Administration of CT (synthetic [Asu107] eel CT; 80 MRC mU/100 g body weight) produced significant increases in ATP citrate lyase activity and calcium content in the hepatic cytosol of intact and thyroparathyroidectomized rats. Those alterations were also observed with the dose of CT at physiological level. The increased cytosolic ATP citrate lyase activity resulting from CT administration was prevented by treatment with 10 microM EGTA. This enzyme activity was restored by addition of calcium ion (2.5-10 microM). The rise in enzyme activity of CT-treated rats was markedly reduced by the presence of W-7 (10 and 100 microM), a calmodulin inhibitor, in the enzyme assay system, while that of control rats was not significantly altered by the drug. These results suggest that CT increases ATP citrate lyase activity in the hepatic cytosol of fed rats, and that this hormonal regulation may depend on calmodulin, and be mediated through raised calcium in the cytosol.


Mono- and dibridged isomers of Si2H3 and Si2H4: the true ground state global minima. Theory and experiment in concert.
Highly correlated ab initio coupled-cluster theories (e.g., CCSD(T), CCSDT) were applied on the ground electronic states of Si(2)H(3) and Si(2)H(4), with substantive basis sets. A total of 10 isomers, which include mono- and dibridged structures, were investigated. Scalar relativistic corrections and zero-point vibrational energy corrections were included to predict reliable energetics. For Si(2)H(3), we predict an unanticipated monobridged H(2)Si-H-Si-like structure (C(s), (2)A'') to be the lowest energy isomer, in constrast to previous studies which concluded that either H(3)Si-Si (C(s), (2)A'') or near-planar H(2)Si-SiH (C(1), (2)A) is the global minimum. Our results confirm that the disilene isomer, H(2)Si-SiH(2), is the lowest energy isomer for Si(2)H(4) and that it has a trans-bent structure (C(2)(h), (1)A(g)). In addition to the much studied silylsilylene, H(3)Si-SiH, we also find that a new monobridged isomer H(2)Si-H-SiH (C(1), (1)A, designated 2c) is a minimum on the potential energy surface and that it has comparable stability; both isomers are predicted to lie about 7 kcal/mol above disilene. By means of Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of a supersonic molecular beam, the rotational spectrum of this novel Si(2)H(4) isomer has recently been measured in the laboratory, as has that of the planar H(2)Si-SiH radical. Harmonic vibrational frequencies as well as infrared intensities of all 10 isomers were determined at the cc-pVTZ CCSD(T) level.


Gene expression analysis from nuclear Poly(A) RNA.
Quantitation of the level of specific mRNA involves the isolation of total RNA or poly(A)+ RNA as a starting materiaL Thus, this result is the sum of the transcription and degradation of mRNA. Here we report a rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput methodology for gene expression analysis from nuclear poly(A)+ RNA via the reduction of the cytosolic components. The cells were first trapped on the glass fiber membranes of 96-well filter plates and subsequently exposed to non-ionic detergent to achieve cell membrane permeation. The cytosolic components, which contain preexisting mRNA, were removed by washing with the appropriate buffer, while nuclei remained in the filter plates. Lysis buffer was then used to release nuclear mRNA, which was collected on oligo(dT)-immobilized PCR plates for the capture of poly(A)+ RNA, on which RT-PCR was performed. The reduction of the cytosolic components and the preservation of the nuclear components were confirmed by electron microscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR of mtDNA, and RT-PCR of pre-splicing immature beta-actin poly(A)+ RNA. Using this method, we clearly identified UVC-induced p21 gene expression that is not detectable with conventional whole cell methods.


Ovulatory effects of flutamide in the polycystic ovary syndrome.
The long-term effects and tolerability of flutamide (Flu) on the menstrual cycle and the ovulatory function of hyperandrogenic women with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were investigated. The study included 118 white women with the diagnosis of various forms of hyperandrogenism (80 PCOS and 38 non-PCOS patients). Patients received Flu for three years at dosages that declined each of the three years (250, 125 and 62.5 mg/day). Sex steroid, ovulatory function and menstrual profile at baseline and during each year of Flu treatment were evaluated. Flu therapy showed a significant increase in the percentage of cycles that were ovulatory (with progesterone concentrations greater than 4 ng/ml in mid-luteal phase) and concomitant regularization of the menstrual profile in PCOS patients. A luteinizing hormone decrease and an estrone, estradiol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone increase are also observed during treatment. Regular cycles persisted in non-PCOS patients. The results were maintained during the three years of treatment. The study suggests that Flu is a satisfactory therapeutic regimen of the chronic anovulation and the irregularities of the menstrual cycle in hyperandrogenic PCOS patients in the long run.


Quantitative analysis of BTF3, HINT1, NDRG1 and ODC1 protein over-expression in human prostate cancer tissue.
Prostate carcinoma is the most common cancer in men with few, quantifiable, biomarkers. Prostate cancer biomarker discovery has been hampered due to subjective analysis of protein expression in tissue sections. An unbiased, quantitative immunohistochemical approach provided here, for the diagnosis and stratification of prostate cancer could overcome this problem. Antibodies against four proteins BTF3, HINT1, NDRG1 and ODC1 were used in a prostate tissue array (> 500 individual tissue cores from 82 patients, 41 case pairs matched with one patient in each pair had biochemical recurrence). Protein expression, quantified in an unbiased manner using an automated analysis protocol in ImageJ software, was increased in malignant vs non-malignant prostate (by 2-2.5 fold, p<0.0001). Operating characteristics indicate sensitivity in the range of 0.68 to 0.74; combination of markers in a logistic regression model demonstrates further improvement in diagnostic power. Triple-labeled immunofluorescence (BTF3, HINT1 and NDRG1) in tissue array showed a significant (p<0.02) change in co-localization coefficients for BTF3 and NDRG1 co-expression in biochemical relapse vs non-relapse cancer epithelium. BTF3, HINT1, NDRG1 and ODC1 could be developed as epithelial specific biomarkers for tissue based diagnosis and stratification of prostate cancer.


A meta-analysis of financial self-control strategies: Comparing empirical findings with online media and lay person perspectives on what helps individuals curb spending and start saving.
Self-control can be assisted by using self-control strategies rather than relying solely on willpower to resist tempting situations and to make more goal-consistent decisions. To understand how self-control strategies can aid financial goals, we conducted a meta-analysis (Study 1) to aggregate the latest research on self-control strategies in the financial domain and to estimate their overall effectiveness for saving and spending outcomes. Across 29 studies and 12 different self-control strategies, strategies reduced spending and increased saving significantly with a medium effect size (d = 0.57). Proactive and reactive strategies were equally effective. We next examined whether these strategies studied in the academic literature were present in a media sample of websites (N = 104 websites with 852 strategies) and in individuals' personal experiences (N = 939 participants who listed 830 strategies). About half the strategies identified in the meta-analysis were present in the media sample and about half were listed by lay participants as strategies they personally use. In sum, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the self-control strategies that have been studied in the empirical literature to date and of the strategies promoted in the media and used in daily life, identifying gaps between these perspectives.


Comparison of the early response of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells to ionizing radiation.
Despite the well-demonstrated efficacy of stem cell (SC) therapy, this approach has a number of key drawbacks. One important concern is the response of pluripotent SCs to treatment with ionizing radiation (IR), given that SCs used in regenerative medicine will eventually be exposed to IR for diagnostic or treatment‑associated purposes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine and compare early IR‑induced responses of pluripotent SCs to assess their radioresistance and radiosensitivity. In the present study, 3 cell lines; human embryonic SCs (hESCs), human induced pluripotent SCs (hiPSCs) and primary human dermal fibroblasts (PHDFs); were exposed to IR at doses ranging from 0 to 15 gray (Gy). Double strand breaks (DSBs), and the gene expression of the following DNA repair genes were analyzed: P53; RAD51; BRCA2; PRKDC; and XRCC4. hiPSCs demonstrated greater radioresistance, as fewer DSBs were identified, compared with hESCs. Both pluripotent SC lines exhibited distinct gene expression profiles in the most common DNA repair genes that are involved in homologous recombination, non‑homologous end‑joining and enhanced DNA damage response following IR exposure. Although hESCs and hiPSCs are equivalent in terms of capacity for pluripotency and differentiation into 3 germ layers, the results of the present study indicate that these 2 types of SCs differ in gene expression following exposure to IR. Consequently, further research is required to determine whether hiPSCs and hESCs are equally safe for application in clinical practice. The present study contributes to a greater understanding of DNA damage response (DDR) mechanisms activated in pluripotent SCs and may aid in the future development of safe SC‑based clinical protocols.


Palliative medicine: its content and training.
The specialty of palliative medicine has developed rapidly in the last few years incorporating many aspects of care of the terminally ill. It provides a unique opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team providing total care for a patient and his family. There is undoubtedly an increasing demand from the public for this kind of service. Palliative medicine is a challenging specialization in which a career structure is currently being developed.


Disruption of a DUF247 Containing Protein Alters Cell Wall Polysaccharides and Reduces Growth in Arabidopsis.
Plant cell wall biosynthesis is a complex process that requires proteins and enzymes from glycan synthesis to wall assembly. We show that disruption of At3g50120 (DUF247-1), a member of the DUF247 multigene family containing 28 genes in Arabidopsis, results in alterations to the structure and composition of cell wall polysaccharides and reduced growth and plant size. An ELISA using cell wall antibodies shows that the mutants also exhibit ~50% reductions in xyloglucan (XyG), glucuronoxylan (GX) and heteromannan (HM) epitopes in the NaOH fraction and ~50% increases in homogalacturonan (HG) epitopes in the CDTA fraction. Furthermore, the polymer sizes of XyGs and GXs are reduced with concomitant increases in short-chain polymers, while those of HGs and mHGs are slightly increased. Complementation using 35S:DUF247-1 partially recovers the XyG and HG content, but not those of GX and HM, suggesting that DUF247-1 is more closely associated with XyGs and HGs. DUF247-1 is expressed throughout Arabidopsis, particularly in vascular and developing tissues, and its disruption affects the expression of other gene members, indicating a regulatory control role within the gene family. Our results demonstrate that DUF247-1 is required for normal cell wall composition and structure and Arabidopsis growth.


Holocord intramedullary spinal cord astrocytoma: report of one case.
Intramedullary spinal cord astrocytoma in infants is relatively uncommon. Its occurrence is usually confined to the cervical and cervicothoracic regions. In this paper, we report on the case of a 4-month old male infant with low grade holocord intramedullary spinal cord astrocytoma. He had developed progressive weakness of the lower extremities over a month period. Neurological examination revealed flaccid paraplegia as well as complete loss of all modalities of sensation below the T10 level. MRI revealed a large intramedullary mass which was found to be an intramedullary astrocytoma at surgery. This case report presents the clinical features, radiographic findings, and treatment and outcome for this patient together with a review of relevant literature.


Use of laser-UV for inactivation of virus in blood products.
Inactivation of virus by UV radiation was examined as a potential method for sterilization of blood products. Samples of attenuated poliovirus, platelets and plasma were uniformly irradiated with a XeCl excimer laser that delivered 40 nsec pulses of UV at 308 nm (UVB308). Intensities and exposure does were varied from 0.11 to 1.40 MW/cm2 and 0.51 to 56.0 J/cm2, respectively. In studies conducted with low intensity UVB308 (less than or equal to 0.17 MW/cm2), using exposure doses greater than or equal to 10.8 J/cm2, it was possible to inactivate poliovirus by 4 to 6 log10. Platelets irradiated with doses less than or equal to 21.5 J/cm2 exhibited minimal damage as assessed by aggregation activity and spontaneous release of serotonin. Examination of the coagulation activity of irradiated plasma indicated that exposure doses less than or equal to 21.5 J/cm2 resulted in less than 20% increase in prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times. The use of UVB308 at a higher intensity (1.4 MW/cm2) over a similar range of exposure doses did not enhance viral inactivation but did result in increased damage to platelet and plasma proteins. These results demonstrate that at 308 nm there exists a "window of efficacy" for exposure doses between 10.8 and 21.5 J/cm2 and peak intensities less than or equal to 0.17 MW/cm2 in which a hardy virus is significantly inactivated and platelets and plasma proteins are, by functional criteria, minimally affected. Increased viral inactivation cannot be accomplished with higher UV intensities and will require additional or alternate measures.


Nonpolio causes of polio-like paralytic syndromes.
In a study of patients with suspected poliomyelitis, but from whom poliovirus was not isolated, a variety of causes of the paralysis was found. Injury of the spinal column sometimes followed by periostitis or osteomyelitis was relatively common. Exotic causes included paralysis due to snake bite, spider bite, scorpion sting, and tick bite and schistosomiasis involving the spinal cord. Chemical poisons, such as arsenic, triorthocresyl phosphate, and organophosphorus insecticides, were responsible for paralysis affecting groups of people. Paralysis in individual patients with porphyria followed the administration of anesthesia and certain drugs. Normal clinicopathologic findings in hospital nurses with Iceland disease suggested a psychological component. The Guillain-Barré syndrome in some patients resulted from virus infection of the nerve tissue, in others it was related to a hyperreactive autoallergic state. Enterovirus infections, especially coxsackieviruses A9 and A23 (echovirus 9) and group B coxsackieviruses, frequently caused meningoencephalitis often associated with transient paralysis. Coxsackievirus A7 infection occasionally resulted in permanent paralysis. Clearly it is important to maintain surveillance of these infections.


Acceptability of a microenterprise intervention among female sex workers in Chennai, India.
Female sex workers have been central in India's HIV epidemic since it was first diagnosed among them in 1989. Female sex workers' risk of HIV is primarily economically motivated. The Pi pilot study examined the feasibility and association of a microenterprise intervention, the tailoring of canvas bags, on sexual risk behaviors among female sex workers (N = 100) in Chennai. Women were randomized to an intervention or control arm. Between-group comparisons at baseline and at six-month follow-up were performed. Multivariate linear regression with bootstrapping was conducted to estimate the intervention effect. At baseline, women were a median of 35 years old, 61% were married and they had an average of two children. Intervention participants reported a significantly lower number of sex partners and significant increases in income at the 6-month follow-up compared to control participants. In a multivariate model, intervention participants had a significantly lower number of paying clients per month at follow-up compared to control participants. By graduation, 75% of intervention arm participants had made at least one sellable canvas bag and 6 months after the study's end, 60% have continued involvement in bag production. The pilot study demonstrated that microenterprise interventions are successful in both providing FSWs with licit income opportunities and was associated with reductions in HIV risk behaviors.