Leptospirosis in travelers.
Between 1987 and 1991 leptospirosis in 32 Dutch travelers was diagnosed. Infections were acquired predominantly in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Contact with surface waters could be confirmed in all but one case. Fever, headache, and myalgia were the most common complaints. Signs included conjunctival injection and lymphadenopathy in 11 patients each, jaundice in 8, and nuchal rigidity in 3; renal function was impaired in 8. Leptospires were isolated from the blood or urine of nine patients. Thirty-one patients developed an antibody response. Classification of strains identified a variety of serogroups. Although only 14 patients received adequate treatment, all patients recovered completely. Since the number of patients with imported leptospirosis is increasing and the signs and symptoms of the disease are not specific, leptospirosis should be included in the differential diagnosis when a traveler returns from the Tropics with fever.


Proline accumulation in leaves of Periploca sepium via both biosynthesis up-regulation and transport during recovery from severe drought.
Drought resistance and recovery ability are two important requisites for plant adaptation to drought environments. Proline (Pro) metabolism has been a major concern in plant drought tolerance. However, roles of Pro metabolism in plant recovery ability from severe drought stress are largely unexplored. Periploca sepium Bunge has gained increasing attention for its adaptation to dry environments. Here, we investigated Pro metabolism in different tissues of P. sepium seedlings in the course of drought stress and recovery. We found that leaf Pro metabolism response during post-drought recovery was dependant on drought severity. Pro biosynthesis was down-regulated during recovery from -0.4 MPa but increased continually and notably during recovery from -1.0 MPa. Significant correlation between Pro concentration and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase activity indicates that Glutamate pathway is the predominant synthesis route during both drought and re-watering periods. Ornithine δ-aminotransferase activity was up-regulated significantly only during recovery from -1.0 MPa, suggesting positive contribution of ornithine pathway to improving plant recovery capacity from severe drought. In addition to up-regulation of biosynthesis, Pro transport from stems and roots also contributed to high Pro accumulation in leaves and new buds during recovery from -1.0 MPa, as indicated by the combined analysis of Pro concentration and its biosynthesis in stems, roots and new buds. Except its known roles as energy, carbon and nitrogen sources for plant rapid recovery, significant positive correlation between Pro concentration and total antioxidant activity indicates that Pro accumulation can also promote plant damage repair ability by up-regulating antioxidant activity during recovery from severe drought stress.


Leukocyte telomere length and mortality among U.S. adults: Effect modification by physical activity behaviour.
The purpose of this study was to examine the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mortality (outcome variable), with consideration by physical activity behaviour. Data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were employed (N = 6,611; 20-85 yrs), with follow-up mortality assessment through 31 December 2006. DNA was extracted from whole blood to assess LTL via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared to those in the first LTL tertile, the adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality for those in the 2nd and 3rd LTL tertiles, respectively, was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.60-1.12; P = .22) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.50-1.14; P = .18). However, after adjustments, LTL tertile 3 (vs. 1) was associated with all-cause mortality (HR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14-0.93; P = .03) for those who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise. Similarly, LTL was associated with CVD-specific mortality for those who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise (HR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04-0.73; P = .02). Longer telomeres are associated with increased survival, particularly among men and those who are active, underscoring the importance of promotion of physical activity behaviour.


Complex Iron Uptake by the Putrebactin-Mediated and Feo Systems in Shewanella oneidensis.
Shewanella oneidensis is an extensively studied bacterium capable of respiring minerals, including a variety of iron ores, as terminal electron acceptors (EAs). Although iron plays an essential and special role in iron respiration of S. oneidensis, little has been done to date to investigate the characteristics of iron transport in this bacterium. In this study, we found that all proteins encoded by the pub-putA-putB cluster for putrebactin (S. oneidensis native siderophore) synthesis (PubABC), recognition-transport of Fe3+-putrebactin across the outer membrane (PutA), and reduction of ferric putrebactin (PutB) are essential to putrebactin-mediated iron uptake. Although homologs of PutA are many, none can function as its replacement, but some are able to work with other bacterial siderophores. We then showed that Fe2+-specific Feo is the other primary iron uptake system, based on the synthetical lethal phenotype resulting from the loss of both iron uptake routes. The role of the Feo system in iron uptake appears to be more critical, as growth is significantly impaired by the absence of the system but not of putrebactin. Furthermore, we demonstrate that hydroxyl acids, especially α-types such as lactate, promote iron uptake in a Feo-dependent manner. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of the ferrous iron uptake system in metal-reducing bacteria, providing an insight into iron homeostasis by linking these two biological processes.IMPORTANCES. oneidensis is among the first- and the best-studied metal-reducing bacteria, with great potential in bioremediation and biotechnology. However, many questions regarding mechanisms closely associated with those applications, such as iron homeostasis, including iron uptake, export, and regulation, remain to be addressed. Here we show that Feo is a primary player in iron uptake in addition to the siderophore-dependent route. The investigation also resolved a few puzzles regarding the unexpected phenotypes of the putA mutant and lactate-dependent iron uptake. By elucidating the physiological roles of these two important iron uptake systems, this work revealed the breadth of the impacts of iron uptake systems on the biological processes.


Classical conditioning of courting behavior in the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica.
Male Japanese quail were classically conditioned to display courting behavior at the sound of a buzzer, a previously neutral stimulus. The buzzer (conditioned stimulus) was paired with the presentation of a female quail (unconditioned stimulus) for a number of trials. The courting display, invariably elicited from the male by the presentation of the female, began to appear in part to the conditioned stimulus as early as the fifth pairing. All components of the display were elicited from all birds by the conditioned stimulus alone within 32 pairings of the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli.


Newborn screening in North Carolina: the evolution of policy and practice.
Newborn screening policies in North Carolina are due to the efforts of skilled and knowledgeable state officials, clinicians, and scientists who are able to develop effective newborn screening procedures. A newborn screening that was developed in North Carolina is the first automated method for diagnosing phenylketonuria. This process was later adopted in many other states. The use of tandem mass spectrometry in newborn screening was also pioneered in North Carolina, and it is being used in an increasing number of states. Newborn screening is more than testing, however; follow-up and specialized care are essential. State-level policies should recognize the multiple links necessary to make newborn screening effective and efficient.


[Geriatric palliative care].
Geriatric palliative care must be based on quality geriatric medicine. This applies in particular the multidisciplinary care of patients with geriatric frailty syndrome, most often associated with the polymorbidity of chronic diseases. The model of early indication of the needs of fragile geriatric patients is not more widely available in the current Czech health and social system. Therefore, the necessary early indication of specialized palliative care is not available in hospital facilities. Regional models of conceptual solutions are a necessary next step in development. Education and, last but not least, the economic and personnel provision of new services are key.


Patients with type two diabetes mellitus: increased local inflammatory activation in culprit atheromatous plaques.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) predisposes to coronary artery disease (CAD). The progression of CAD has recently come to be regarded as an inflammatory activation. Thermography detects local inflammatory involvement as heat generation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with CAD and DM have increased local heat generation compared to non-diabetic patients. We enrolled 45 patients with DM and 63 non-diabetic patients who were undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. The two groups were matched for age, type of clinical syndrome, statin and aspirin intake and angiographic stenosis (%). Coronary thermography was performed and the temperature difference (deltaT) between the atherosclerotic plaque and the proximal vessel wall was measured. Patients with DM had increased deltaT compared to non-diabetic patients (deltaT: 0.17 +/- 0.18 degrees C vs. 0.09 +/- 0.02 degrees C, p = 0.01). Patients with DM and acute coronary syndromes (ACS)(n=21) had increased deltaT compared to non-diabetic patients (n=22) (deltaT: 0.29 +/- 0.31 degrees C vs. 0.15 +/- 0.21 degrees C, p = 0.02). Similarly, patients with DM and stable angina (SA) had a higher deltaT than non-diabetics with SA (deltaT: 0.09 +/- 0.08 degrees C vs. 0.05 +/- 0.04 degrees C, p = 0.006). Patients with DM have increased deltaT compared to non-diabetic patients.


The survivorship and water loss of Liometopum luctuosum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Liometopum occidentale (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) exposed to different temperatures and relative humidity.
Two species of velvety tree ants, Liometopum luctuosum Wheeler, and Liometopum occidentale Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), are commonly found in the western Unites States from Washington to southern California. L. luctuosum is restricted to coniferous forests in the mountains in the southern range, whereas L. occidentale is found in the lowlands. The survivorship of workers of both species exposed to several temperatures and relative humidity (RH) was determined. As temperature increased, survival of both species decreased. As the RH increased, survival of both species increased. However, L. luctuosum had higher overall survival in all treatment groups. The cuticular permeability (CP) and the rates of body water loss for each species were determined. Both species had similar CPs. Increased physiological tolerances of L. luctuosum may be an explanation for its broader distribution.


Mechanical properties of IIR/OMMT nanocomposites via melt-compounding and solution process.
Isobutylene-isoprene rubber (IIR)/organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by both melt-compounding and solution process. Organic modifiers were synthesized by the reaction of allyl bromide and alkyl amines to modify sodium montmorillonite (Na+ -MMT). After modification of Na+ -MMT with organic modifiers, the changes of d-spacing of OMMT were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD patterns revealed that the d-spacing of Na+ -MMT increase from 1.1 nm for Na+ -MMT to 2.18 nm for the OMMT, indicating intercalation of organic modifier into the interlayers of montmorillonites. Mechanical properties of IIR/OMMT nanocomposites were studied by means of tensile measurements. Tensile strengths of IIR/OMMT nanocomposites prepared from melt-compounding and solution process were higher than those of IIR/Na+ -MMT nanocomposites and pristine IIR. When the solution process was used, IIR/OMMT nanocomposites provided further improvement in mechanical properties, as compared to those prepared from melt-compounding, indicating the better interaction between IIR and OMMT.


Rehabilitation professionals' perspectives of factors influencing return to occupation for people with lower limb amputation in East, South, and Southeast Asian developing countries: A qualitative study.
To identify barriers and enablers for return to occupation (RTO) for people with lower limb amputation (LLA) in East, South, and Southeast Asian developing countries from the perspective of rehabilitation professionals. A convenience sample of rehabilitation professionals working in Asian developing countries participated in online in-depth interviews between September 2021 and February 2022. Interview transcripts were analyzed and thematically coded to the modified Health Care Delivery System Approach (HCDSA) framework. COREQ guidelines were followed. Twenty-eight interviewees from 13 countries shared their experiences of factors related to RTO for people with LLA. Identified factors described barriers and facilitators for RTO at all four HCDSA framework levels. The "environmental" level had the most identified factors (n = 56) and the "care team" level the least (n = 31). Common environmental RTO challenges included cultural attitudes to women; lack of rural/remote services; inadequate numbers and regulation of rehabilitation professionals; inappropriate prosthesis; limited government support for rehabilitation, and reliance on charitable models. Despite varied cultural, religious, and geographical characteristics, consistent factors impacting RTO were identified within these thirteen countries. Identified barriers to RTO underline the need for improvements throughout service systems from the acute-care focus on saving life without consideration of RTO, the rehabilitation focused primarily on mobility, to the lack of occupational rehabilitation services and supporting policy in these countries. These interlinked factors at different levels of healthcare service systems reinforce the importance of systems approaches to best utilize limited resources toward improving RTO in this region.


Amyloidosis-where are we now and where are we heading?
Amyloidoses are disorders of diverse etiology in which deposits of abnormally folded proteins share distinctive staining properties and fibrillar ultrastructural appearance. Amyloidosis ultimately leads to destruction of tissues and progressive disease. With recent advances in the treatment of systemic amyloidoses the importance of an early diagnosis of amyloid, and a correct diagnosis of its type, has been realized. To summarize current recommendations for the diagnosis of amyloidosis. Presentation given at the 4th Annual Renal Pathology Society Satellite meeting in Istanbul based on discussions and recommendations formulated during an interactive diagnostic session held at the XIth International Symposium on Amyloidosis in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Congo red stain is currently the gold standard for amyloid detection and the goal is to detect amyloid early. Diagnosis of the amyloid type must be based on the identification of amyloid protein within the deposits and not solely by reliance on clinical or DNA studies. However, the latter are recommended for confirmation of the amyloid type based on evaluation of the protein in deposits. Immunohistochemistry must be performed and interpreted with caution and inconclusive results must be evaluated further using the more sophisticated methods available in referral centers. An adequate amount and quality of tissue must be available for amyloid diagnosis and typing with emphasis on the use of fresh tissue and greater use of abdominal fat biopsy. The development of new technologies underscores the need for regular review of recommendations and standards for the clinical diagnosis of amyloidosis.


Profile of HER2 +ve Gastric Cancers in Brunei Darussalam.
Gastric cancer is the second most common gastrointestinal cancer and is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to late presentation and diagnosis at advanced stages. Studies have reported that a variable proportion of gastric cancer is positive for the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and patients with HER2 positive (HER2 +ve) lesions can benefit from targeted therapy. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of HER2 +ve gastric cancers in Brunei Darussalam, a developing Southeast Asian nation. Patients were identified from the Department of Pathology registry and retrospectively reviewed. HER2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and only those staining 3+ were considered positive. Our study included 103 cases (66 males and 37 females) with a mean age of 65.1 ± 14.8 years old. There were 14 cases positive for HER2 (10 males and 4 females) giving a prevalence of 13.6%. The HER2 +ve cases were significantly older (70.6 ± 19.3 years old) than the negative cases (64.2 ± 13.8, p=0.041) and had significantly more advanced disease (stages 3 and 4, p=0.026). There were no significant differences in gender distribution, presence of intestinal metaplasia, EBV status, Helicobacter pylori status, tumor location (proximal vs. distal) and degree of tumor differentiation (all p values >0.05). Our study showed that 13.6% of our gastric cancers are positive for HER2, the affected patients being older and having more advanced disease at diagnosis.


Clinically healthy overweight and obese dogs differ from lean controls in select CBC and serum biochemistry values.
Obesity is a global disease, affecting nearly half a billion people. Unfortunately, this trend is mirrored in our canine population. As obesity is a complex inflammatory disease, there is a need to determine whether routine medical screening tests may indicate, or be influenced by, its presence. The objective of the current study was to determine if significant differences exist between CBC and biochemical profile values from control vs overweight/obese, client-owned dogs considered clinically healthy. Dogs presented for routine health examinations, including minor dental or elective surgical procedures, were retrospectively identified from a hospital population. Animals were allocated to 2 categories based on body condition score (BCS), and data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney nonparametric analysis with statistical significance at a P ≤ .05. After exclusions, 116 dogs were assigned to the overweight/obese group (BCS ≥ 7) and 240 dogs to the control group (BCS = 4-6). Overweight/obese dogs had higher total leukocyte counts and higher plasma protein and globulin concentrations. Other differences were attributed to decreased serum water fraction (increased sodium, albumin, calcium, and anion gap) in the overweight/obese group. Interestingly, chloride concentration was decreased (in the face of increased sodium) in the obese group. There is CBC and biochemical evidence to support the concern that obesity influences laboratory values, even in dogs considered clinically healthy. Prospective studies aimed at characterizing these changes are needed to provide insight into the connection between obesity and its comorbidities.


[The wrist joint in chronic polyarthritis--a new classification based on the type of destruction in relation to the natural course and the consequences for surgical therapy].
Existing classifications of rheumatoid wrist involvement are based on the degree or stage of destruction of the wrist. We suggest to classify rheumatoid wrist involvement according to the type rather than the extent of destruction. In order to recognize the nature of wrist destruction at an early stage of the disease as well as in late stages, a continuous series of 63 patients with definitive rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years and wrist involvement of more than ten years were analysed both clinically and radiologically. Based on radiological appearance of the late stage, three different types of wrist involvement can be recognized: Group I--Type I: rheumatoid arthritis--ankylosis Group II--Type II: rheumatoid arthritis--(secondary) osteoarthrosis Group III--Type III: rheumatoid arthritis--destabilization Spontaneous ankylosis is characteristic for patients with a juvenile onset of rheumatoid arthritis, however, it also occurs in patients with a later consent of the disease. Patients in group II (type II) demonstrate a tendency to develop secondary arthrosis. Articular surface cartilage loss progresses at a rate which remains in relative equilibrium with processes typical of arthrosis, stabilizing the carpal architecture. In group III (type III), all wrists develop an unstable radiocarpal joint as evidenced by ulnar and palmar subluxation of the carpus relative to the radius and progressive loss of carpal height. When early surgical treatment is considered, it is crucial to recognize patients with type III wrist destruction. For these patients, an osseous stabilizing procedure is essential for long-term stabilization of the wrist. It is important that any evidence of progressive loss of carpal height or of ulnar radiocarpal translocation not be ignored.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Disruption of cortical actin in skeletal muscle demonstrates an essential role of the cytoskeleton in glucose transporter 4 translocation in insulin-sensitive tissues.
Cell culture work suggests that signaling to polymerize cortical filamentous actin (F-actin) represents a required pathway for the optimal redistribution of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter, GLUT4, to the plasma membrane. Recent in vitro study further suggests that the actin-regulatory neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP) mediates the effect of insulin on the actin filament network. Here we tested whether similar cytoskeletal mechanics are essential for insulin-regulated glucose transport in isolated rat epitrochlearis skeletal muscle. Microscopic analysis revealed that cortical F-actin is markedly diminished in muscle exposed to latrunculin B. Depolymerization of cortical F-actin with latrunculin B caused a time- and concentration-dependent decline in 2-deoxyglucose transport. The loss of cortical F-actin and glucose transport was paralleled by a decline in insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation, as assessed by photolabeling of cell surface GLUT4 with Bio-LC-ATB-BMPA. Although latrunculin B impaired insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose transport, activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt by insulin was not rendered ineffective. In contrast, the ability of insulin to elicit the cortical F-actin localization of N-WASP was abrogated. These data provide the first evidence that actin cytoskeletal mechanics are an essential feature of the glucose transport process in intact skeletal muscle. Furthermore, these findings support a distal actin-based role for N-WASP in insulin action in vivo.


Morchella importuna Polysaccharides Alleviate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Injury in Mice.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Morchella importuna polysaccharides (MIPs) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in mice. A total of 144 female mice were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, namely, control, CCl4, low-dose MIP (LMIP) group, and high-dose MIP (HMIP) group. After the 10-day experiment, serum and liver were sampled for biochemical and metabolomic analyses. The HMIPs markedly decreased the liver weight under CCl4 intoxication. Furthermore, the significantly elevated concentrations of five serum biochemical parameters, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and total bile acid under CCl4 treatment were subverted by MIP administration in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, MIPs relieved the increased hepatic malonaldehyde and protein carbonyl content and the decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase contents caused by CCl4 intoxication. There was also a dose-dependent decrease in the CCl4-induced inflammatory indices, such as the levels of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and myeloperoxidase, with MIP administration. Subsequent ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based serum metabolomics identified nine metabolites between the control and CCl4 groups and 10 metabolites between the HMIP and CCl4 groups, including some critical metabolites involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and toxicant degradation. These novel findings indicate that MIPs may be of therapeutic value in alleviating the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by CCl4. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics provides a valuable opportunity for identifying potential biomarkers and elucidating the protective mechanisms of medicinal mushrooms against hepatic oxidative injury.


Evaluation of a five-year Bloomberg Global Road Safety Program in Turkey.
Turkey was included in the Bloomberg Philanthropies funded Global Road Safety Program (2010-14) with Ankara and Afyonkarahisar (Afyon) selected for interventions to manage speed and encourage seat-belt use. The objectives of this study are to present the monitoring and evaluation findings of seat-belt use and speed in Afyon and Ankara over the five years and to assess overall impact of the program on road traffic injury, and death rates in Turkey. Quasi-experimental before after without comparison. In collaboration with the Middle East Technical University, roadside observations and interviews were coupled with secondary data to monitor changes in risk factors and outcomes at the two intervention sites. The percentage of seat-belt use among drivers and front-seat passengers in Afyon and Ankara increased significantly between 2010 and 2014 with increased self-reported use and preceded by an increase in tickets (fines) for not using seat belts. There were uneven improvements in speed reduction. In Afyon, the average speed increased significantly from 46.3 km/h in 2012 to about 52.7 km/h in 2014 on roads where the speed limits were 50 km/h. In Ankara, the average speed remained less than 55 km/h during the program period (range: 50-54 km/h; P < 0.005) for roads where the speed limits were 50 km/h; however, the average speed on roads with speed limits of 70 km/h decreased significantly from 80.6 km/h in 2012 to 68.44 km/h in 2014 (P < 0.005). The program contributed to increase in seat-belt use in Afyon and Ankara and by drawing political attention to the issue can contribute to improvements in road safety. We are optimistic that the visible motivation within Turkey to substantially reduce road traffic injuries will lead to increased program implementation matched with a robust evaluation program, with suitable controls.


The development of gait: a study in African children ages one to five.
The purpose of this study was to describe quantitatively the gait development of a group of African children to determine how the pattern changes would relate to growth and maturation. This work applies an established technology of gait analysis to field conditions. 65 children of the Gusii tribe from southwestern Kenya were selected for study with an age range from 13 months to 69 months. Gait evaluation was performed by film recording free-cadence walking of the children. Growth in stature and age both influence the gait patterns. Developmental patterns of alteration in velocity, stride length, and cadence quantitatively measured in this study closely parallel observations made on children in laboratory settings by other workers.


Myofibroblastoma of the breast. Sixteen cases of a distinctive benign mesenchymal tumor.
The clinical and pathologic findings of 16 examples of a distinctive stromal tumor of the breast designated as "myofibroblastoma" are reported. Eleven of the 16 patients were men, and the average age at presentation was 63 years. Fourteen were treated by local excision and two by simple mastectomy. None of the lesions recurred or metastasized. The tumors were grossly nodular and well-demarcated from the surrounding mammary tissue. Ducts and lobules were not engulfed by the neoplasm. Microscopically, the lesions were formed by uniform, slender, bipolar spindle cells haphazardly arranged in fascicular clusters separated by broad bands of hyalinized collagen. Ultrastructural examination of four lesions identified a predominance of myofibroblasts. Immunoreactivity for S-100 protein and cytokeratin was absent in the 10 tumors examined, but desmin immunoreactivity was focally present in three lesions. The differential diagnosis of myofibroblastoma includes reactive processes and benign neoplasms such as nodular and proliferative fascititis, fibromatosis, spindle-cell lipoma, neurofibroma, neurilemmoma, and leiomyoma. Malignant neoplasms such as stromal sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and spindle-cell or metaplastic carcinoma should not be confused with a myofibroblastoma. The clinical significance of this entity lies primarily in its recognition as a distinctive benign neoplasm.


Identification and characterization of microRNAs and their target genes in Brassica oleracea.
The microRNAs are a new class of small non-coding endogenous RNAs with lengths of approximately ~21 nt. MicroRNAs perform their biological function via the degradation of the target mRNAs or by inhibiting protein translation. Until recently, only limited numbers of miRNAs were identified in Brassica oleracea, a vegetable widely cultivated around the world. In present study, 193 potential miRNA candidates were identified from 17 expressed sequence tag (ESTs) and 152 genome survey sequences (GSSs) in B. oleracea. These miRNA candidates were classified into 70 families using a well-defined comparative genome-based computational analysis. Most miRNAs belong to the miRNA169, miR5021, miR156 and miR158 families. Of these, 36 miRNA families are firstly found in Brassica species. Around 1393 B. oleracea genes were predicted as candidate targets of 175 miRNAs. The mutual relationship between miRNAs and the candidate target genes was verified by checking differentially expression levels using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and 5' RLM-RACE analyses. These target genes participate in multiple biological and metabolic processes, including signal transduction, stress response, and plant development. Gene Ontology analysis shows that the 818, 514, and 265 target genes are involved in molecular functions, biological processes, and cellular component respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathway enrichment analysis suggests that these miRNAs might regulate 186 metabolic pathways, including those of lipid, energy, starch and sucrose, fatty acid and nitrogen.


Nanomaterials in Sensors.
This Special Issue of Nanomaterials is focused on the continuing implementation of nanomaterials and nanostructures in the development of more sensitive and more specific sensing devices. As a result, these new devices employ smaller sensing elements and provide more "real time" capability. Often, the inclusion of nanomaterials leads to sensing elements for targets that were previously inaccessible. [...].


Dietary Self-management in Heart Failure: High Tech or High Touch?
Dietary management of heart failure (HF) has largely been focused on sodium and fluid restrictions. Although safety and efficacy of these interventions in HF remain unclear, a daily sodium intake between 2000 and 3000 mg/day appears to be safe in these patients. Ongoing clinical research will inform on the safety and efficacy of a more restrictive sodium intake to less than 1500 mg/day. Data shows that routine fluid restriction in HF regardless of symptoms may be unnecessary; however, in patients with signs of congestion, fluid restriction to 2.0 L/day may be advisable. Recently, more attention has been paid to other nutritional aspects of HF beyond sodium and fluid intake, although there is still little evidence available to guide nutritional management of HF. Assuring that patients meet daily requirements for key micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc, and thiamine, is essential in order to prevent deficiencies. More appropriate macronutrient composition of the diet is still to be determined; however, a diet containing 50-55% carbohydrates, 25-30% fat, and 15-20% protein seems acceptable for patients with HF with or without non-end-stage renal disease. Additionally, increased protein intake may be considered in malnourished/cachectic patients. Consulting a registered dietitian is especially helpful for patients with recent HF exacerbations or for patients with multiple comorbidities who may need to follow several dietary restrictions and may benefit of individualized dietary counseling in order to ensure appropriate intake of energy, protein, and micronutrients. Today, there are still several knowledge gaps in guiding the dietary management of HF. In this article, we review current recommendations for the dietary management of HF and the evidence supporting this practice.


Teaching resources. A model for local regulation of translation near active synapses.
Synaptic plasticity results in enduring changes in synaptic function. Localized protein synthesis is part of this process. This animation shows how a dynamic macromolecular structure, the RNA granule, may allow localized translation of proteins at the site of active synapses and thereby serve as a key element contributing to changes in protein production leading to synaptic plasticity. This animation would be useful in teaching a neurobiology or neuroscience course, where it could be used to illustrate mechanisms for activity-dependent protein translation, or in a biochemistry course or a molecular or cellular biology course, where it could be used to illustrate mechanisms governing regulation of protein translation.


Performing an ovariohysterectomy at the time of c-section does not pose an increase in risk of mortality, intra- or postoperative complications, or decreased mothering ability of the bitch.
Ovariohysterectomy (OVH) is frequently recommended at the time of c-section in canines, yet prior literature suggests poor mothering ability and increased morbidity to the bitch with c-section with concurrent OVH (CSOVH). The study objective was to compare maternal survival, complications, and mothering ability between bitches that underwent c-section alone (CS) or CSOVH. 125 bitches. Medical records from 2014 through 2021 were retrospectively reviewed; owners were surveyed for information up to weaning. 80 bitches undergoing CS and 45 bitches undergoing CSOVH were identified. There was no difference in anesthesia duration, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, mothering ability, puppy survival to weaning, or other variables compared between groups. CSOVH bitches had longer surgery times (P = .045; 54.4 ± 20.7 min vs 46.9 ± 16.6 min) and longer time from delivery to nursing (P = .028; 75.4 ± 22.3 min vs 65.2 ± 19.5 min). Ninety (72%) owners responded to the survey. All 90 bitches survived until puppy weaning. CSOVH bitches were more frequently perceived as painful postoperatively (P = .015). Performing an OVH at the time of c-section does not pose a significant increase in risk of mortality, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, or decreased mothering ability of the bitch. The increased duration of surgery and increased time from delivery to nursing in the CSOVH group were clinically insignificant. Appropriate postoperative pain management should be emphasized post-CSOVH. Based on these results, OVH should be performed concurrently with c-section if indicated.


Cardioprotective mechanisms of salvianic acid A sodium in rats with myocardial infarction based on proteome and transcriptome analysis.
Ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) cause great morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating effective treatment. Salvianic acid A sodium (SAAS) is an active compound derived from the well-known herbal medicine Danshen, which has been widely used for clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China. This study aimed to confirm the cardioprotective effects of SAAS in rats with myocardial infarction and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms based on proteome and transcriptome profiling of myocardial tissue. The results showed that SAAS effectively protected against myocardial injury and improved cardiac function. The differentially expressed proteins and genes included important structural molecules, receptors, transcription factors, and cofactors. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that SAAS participated in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, phagosome, focal adhesion, tight junction, apoptosis, MAPK signaling, and Wnt signaling pathways, which are closely related to cardiovascular diseases. SAAS may exert its cardioprotective effect by targeting multiple pathways at both the proteome and transcriptome levels. This study has provided not only new insights into the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction but also a road map of the cardioprotective molecular mechanisms of SAAS, which may provide pharmacological evidence to aid in its clinical application.


Incidence and prevalence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and locally advanced BCC (LABCC) in a large commercially insured population in the United States: A retrospective cohort study.
Accurate evaluation of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the United States was not possible before the 2011 release of BCC-specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We sought to describe BCC (including locally advanced BCC [LABCC]) incidence/prevalence and the characteristics of patients in a commercially insured US population. This retrospective cohort study used Truven Health MarketScan database insurance claims. Patients, aged 18 years or older with 2 or more BCC claims at least 30 days apart from October 1, 2011, to September 30, 2012, were continuously enrolled in medical and pharmacy benefits for 12 months before and after the index claim. A specific algorithm was used to classify patients with LABCC. A total of 56,987 patients with BCC were identified (39,035 incident cases; 17,952 prevalent cases). Age-adjusted BCC incidence and prevalence were 226.09 and 342.64 per 100,000 persons, respectively. These values project to 542,782 patients (incidence) and 822,593 patients (prevalence) in the 2012 US population. LABCC was uncommon (471 cases identified; projected US incidence and prevalence: 4399 and 7940 patients, respectively). Use of medical claims data and retrospective analysis are limitations. In a study designed to distinguish patients with LABCC from the general BCC population based on BCC-specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, 0.8% were found to have LABCC, the majority having pre-existing disease.


CF-related diabetes: Containing the metabolic miscreant of cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is associated with both an increase in morbidity and mortality in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). With increased screening and improved life expectancy of people with CF, the prevalence of CFRD is expected to rise further. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms causing glucose intolerance and diabetes in patients with CF are not well understood but both functional and structural abnormalities in islet cells are likely to have key roles. Insulin therapy improves health outcomes in patients with CF. Future research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the development of CFRD and to develop new screening and treatment strategies to minimize the detrimental impact of CFRD on health outcomes in people with CF.


Ceruminous adenoma: A rare tumor diagnosed on cytology with histological correlation.
Ceruminous adenoma (CA) is a rare, benign tumor of the ceruminous gland found in the cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal (EAC). The tumor is diagnosed on histopathology and shows a characteristic dual population of luminal epithelial cells and basal myoepithelial cells. However, CA can be diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) prior to surgery and the cytopathologist should be well aware of its cytological findings to avoid any misdiagnosis. The tumor shows an excellent prognosis with possible recurrence and malignant transformation. The present case emphasizes the cytological features of CA, which have been scantily described in the literature and highlights the role of cytopathologists in preoperative diagnosis.


The role of personality and defense mechanisms in the adjustment to a homosexual identity.
This study was designed to investigate for the first time the relationship between internalized homophobia and different personality organizations in gay men. A hypothesis was made that different personality types would experience internalized homophobia to a greater or lesser degree. A sample of 101 gay men from a variety of sources responded to three questionnaires and a demographic survey. Findings included significant differences in 11 of 14 personality types. Nine of the 11 types were found to be significantly more prevalent for gay men high in internalized homophobia and two were significantly more prevalent for gay men low in internalized homophobia. Defense mechanisms were examined to see whether certain defensive styles could explain the affiliation of the personalities to the low or high homophobia group. It was found that five defense mechanisms could explain group affiliation.


Light-opals interaction modeling by direct numerical solution of Maxwell's equations.
This work describes a 3-D Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) computational approach for the optical characterization of an opal photonic crystal. To fully validate the approach we compare the computed transmittance of a crystal model with the transmittance of an actual crystal sample, as measured over the 400 ÷ 750 nm wavelength range. The opal photonic crystal considered has a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice structure of spherical particles made of polystyrene (a non-absorptive material with constant relative dielectric permittivity). Light-matter interaction is described by numerically solving Maxwell's equations via a parallelized FDTD code. Periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) at the outer edges of the crystal are used to effectively enforce an infinite lateral extension of the sample. A method to study the propagating Bloch modes inside the crystal bulk is also proposed, which allows the reconstruction of the ω-k dispersion curve for k sweeping discretely the Brillouin zone of the crystal.


The defect structure and chemical lattice strain of the double perovskites Sr2BMoO6-δ (B = Mg, Fe).
The defect structure of B-site ordered double perovskites Sr2BMoO6-δ was analyzed. The defect structure model was proposed and successfully verified using data on oxygen nonstoichiometry of Sr2MgMoO6-δ and Sr2FeMoO6-δ. As a result, equilibrium constants of the defect reactions involved were estimated. Fe and Mo in Sr2FeMoO6-δ were found to be in the mixed oxidation state close to +2.5 and +5.5, respectively. Chemical strain of the Sr2FeMoO6-δ double perovskite lattice was studied by in situ high temperature XRD at 1100 °C depending on pO2. Parameter a of the Sr2FeMoO6-δ cubic cell was found to increase with decreasing pO2 because of lattice chemical expansion. The tetragonal polymorph of Sr2FeMoO6-δ was shown to exhibit transversal isotropy with respect to chemical expansion. It was also found that its crystal lattice expands in the ab-plane and simultaneously contracts along the c-axis when the oxygen content in the double perovskite decreases. In order to describe the degree of anisotropy of chemical strain a new phenomenological coefficient was introduced. This coefficient was shown to affect both the magnitude and change direction of an oxide cell volume caused by its reduction/oxidation. Excellent agreement between the chemical expansion along the a-axis calculated for both polymorphs of Sr2FeMoO6-δ according to the model recently developed and that measured experimentally was shown. Chemical contraction observed along the c-axis with a decreasing oxygen content in the tetragonal polymorph was also found to coincide completely with that calculated using the approach developed in the present study.


GATA3 induces the pathogenicity of Th17 cells via regulating GM-CSF expression.
T-bet-expressing Th17 (T-bet+RORγt+) cells are associated with the induction of pathology during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and the encephalitic nature of these Th17 cells can be explained by their ability to produce GM-CSF. However, the upstream regulatory mechanisms that control Csf2 (gene encoding GM-CSF) expression are still unclear. In this study, we found that Th17 cells dynamically expressed GATA3, the master transcription factor for Th2 cell differentiation, during their differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Early deletion of Gata3 in three complimentary conditional knockout models by Cre-ERT2, hCd2 Cre and Tbx21 Cre, respectively, limited the pathogenicity of Th17 cells during EAE, which was correlated with a defect in generating pathogenic T-bet-expressing Th17 cells. These results indicate that early GATA3-dependent gene regulation is critically required to generate a de novo encephalitogenic Th17 response. Furthermore, a late deletion of Gata3 via Cre-ERT2 in the adoptive transfer EAE model resulted in a cell intrinsic failure to induce EAE symptoms which was correlated with a substantial reduction in GM-CSF production without affecting the generation and/or maintenance of T-bet-expressing Th17 cells. RNA-Seq analysis of Gata3-sufficient and Gata3-deficient CNS-infiltrating CD4+ effector T cells from mixed congenic co-transfer recipient mice revealed an important, cell-intrinsic, function of GATA3 in regulating the expression of Egr2, Bhlhe40, and Csf2. Thus, our data highlights a novel role for GATA3 in promoting and maintaining the pathogenicity of T-bet-expressing Th17 cells in EAE, via putative regulation of Egr2, Bhlhe40, and GM-CSF expression.


Patient satisfaction with advanced physiotherapy practice internationally: Protocol for a systematic mixed studies review.
Patient satisfaction is a complex construct consisting of human and system attributes. Patient satisfaction can afford insight into patient experience, itself a key component of evaluating healthcare quality. Internationally, advanced physiotherapy practice (APP) extends across clinical fields and is characterised as a higher level of practice with a high degree of autonomy and complex decision making. Patient satisfaction with APP appears positive. While evidence synthesis of patient satisfaction with APP exists, no systematic review has synthesised evidence across clinical fields. Therefore, the objectives of this systematic review are 1) to evaluate patient satisfaction with APP internationally, and 2) to evaluate human and system attributes of patient satisfaction with APP. A systematic mixed studies review using a parallel-results convergent synthesis design will be conducted. Searches of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane, PEDro and grey literature databases will be conducted from inception to 18/7/2023. Studies of APP (World Physiotherapy definition) whereby practitioners a) have advanced clinical and analytical skills that influence service improvement and provide clinical leadership, b) have post-registration masters level specialisation (or equivalence), c) deliver safe, competent care to patients with complex needs and d) may use particular occupational titles; that measure patient satisfaction across all clinical fields and countries will be included. Two reviewers will screen studies, extract data, assess methodological quality of included studies (mixed methods appraisal tool), and contribute to data synthesis. Quantitative data will undergo narrative synthesis (textual descriptions) and qualitative data thematic synthesis (analytical themes). Integration of data syntheses will inform discussion. This systematic review will provide insight into patient satisfaction with APP internationally, exploring attributes that influence satisfaction. This will aid design, implementation, or improvement of APP and facilitate the delivery of patient-centred, high-quality healthcare. Lastly, this review will inform future methodologically robust research investigating APP patient satisfaction and experience.


A general method for motion compensation in x-ray computed tomography.
Motion during data acquisition is a known source of error in medical tomography, resulting in blur artefacts in the regions that move. It is critical to reduce these artefacts in applications such as image-guided radiation therapy as a clearer image translates into a more accurate treatment and the sparing of healthy tissue close to a tumour site. Most research in 4D x-ray tomography involving the thorax relies on respiratory phase binning of the acquired data and reconstructing each of a set of images using the limited subset of data per phase. In this work, we demonstrate a motion-compensation method to reconstruct images from the complete dataset taken during breathing without recourse to phase-binning or breath-hold techniques. As long as the motion is sufficiently well known, the new method can accurately reconstruct an image at any time during the acquisition time span. It can be applied to any iterative reconstruction algorithm.


Anaphylactoid reactions during hemodialysis.
Taken together, with the wide-spread use of ACE-inhibitors within the dialysis population, a novel type of hypersensitivity reaction has been recognized, which may occur not only during hemodialysis but also during other forms of extracorporeal therapy. From the data available today, it seems that such reactions are triggered by negatively charged biomaterials which are capable to activate factor XII, leading among others to the generation of bradykinin. Normally this kinin is rapidly degraded by the serine proteinase kininase II. Thus, in the absence of ACE inhibitors plasma bradykinin levels increase only moderately during dialysis with AN69 membranes and clinically most patients are free of symptoms. However, once kininase II, which is identical with converting enzyme, is blocked by ACE inhibitors, plasma levels may increase more than 100-fold and patients will suffer from severe anaphylaxis. Based on our present knowledge, the consequences for clinical medicine are straightforward. It is mandatory to avoid the combination of negatively charged membranes or other biomaterials with ACE inhibitor therapy. As there are many different membranes available, this should be no unsurmountable problem in the setting of clinical hemodialysis.


Traumatic diaphragmatic herniation presenting as a delayed tension faecopneumothorax.
This article reports an unusual case of delayed presentation of a tension faecopneumothorax after traumatic injury to the diaphragm 5 years previously. Three important clinical lessons are highlighted: (a) for suspected tension pneumothorax, if a considerable quantity of serous fluid is drained in addition to air, a communication with the peritoneal cavity should be considered; (b) spontaneous tension pneumothorax is an extremely rare condition and other causes should be kept in mind; and (c) in the presence of a tension pneumothorax and diaphragmatic hernia, the contents of the visceral sac may be completely reduced and the hernia may be masked.


Technological quality of dough and breads from commercial algarroba-wheat flour blends.
Algarroba flour is used to supplement lysine-limiting systems such as wheat flour due to its amino acidic composition. The effects of adding up to 30% of this flour to wheat flour (W-A30) on dough characteristics and breadmaking performance were studied. Dough rheology was tested by farinograph, oscillatory rheometry and texture profile analyses. Molecular mobility was evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermal properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and viscoamylograph studies. Besides, different bread quality parameters were evaluated. Incorporation of algarroba flour resulted into increase in water absorption, development time and degree of softening, and decrease in stability of wheat flour, leading to softer, less adhesive and elastic dough, although at intermediate replacement levels cohesiveness improved. At the molecular level, a reduction of water activity and limited proton motion were observed in W-A30 samples, suggesting that protons were highly bound to the dough matrix. Dough samples with algarroba flour showed lower G' and G″ values than the control, although with the formation of a more elastic structure for W-A30. In addition, algarroba flour produced a protective effect on starch granule disruption and interfered with amylose-amylose association during cooling. The specific volume of breads decreased with the increase in algarroba level, W-A30 reaching the highest decrease (15%). Bread crumbs with algarroba flour exhibited higher values of hardness and resilience. The use of algarroba flour resulted in lower quality when compared to the control. However, algarroba flour at 20% level can be added to wheat flour to obtain bakery products of similar technological quality and with improved nutritional components.


Melatonin improved rat cardiac mitochondria and survival rate in septic heart injury.
The pathogenesis of septic myocardial depression is complicated. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been suggested to be one of the main reasons for the reduced cardiac function. As melatonin is an antioxidant with the potential to scavenge radicals in mitochondria, we therefore employed a sepsis model, that is, cecal ligation and double puncture (CLP) in rats, to study the melatonin effects on: (i), myocardial mitochondrial function; (ii), heart systolic function; and (iii), prognosis of septic rats. We demonstrate that melatonin treatment (30 mg/kg, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 hr after CLP) (i) improved myocardial cytochrome c oxidase (CcOX) activity and blood lactate level, (ii) attenuated heart dysfunction with a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), and (iii) promoted 48-h survival of the rats compared to CLP animals with no melatonin treatment. In conclusion, our results show that rat myocardial mitochondrial CcOX activity was depressed during severe sepsis accompanied by myocardial depression characterized by the decline of EF. In septic rats, melatonin increased the CcOX activity, improved heart systolic function, and lowered mortality rate. The clinical use of melatonin in septic myocardial depression should be tested in the future.


Renal cell carcinoma with synchronous ipsilateral urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis.
The simultaneous occurrence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC) in the same kidney is extraordinarily rare, and is also known as multiple primary malignant tumors. The present study reports the case of a 76-year-old female with synchronous ipsilateral RCC and UC of the renal pelvis, who underwent operation, chemotherapy and reoperation when recurrence of RCC or UC was identified. Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) is one of the promising markers for identifying cancer stem cells in various solid tumors, along with aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 A1 (ALDH1A1). Detection of CD44 and ALDH1A1 prior to and subsequent to chemotherapy could provide useful prognostic information. New treatments against the cancer stem cells fraction should be used in combination with chemotherapy to improve the outcome for patients with overexpression of CSC markers.


Chronic subdural electrocorticography in nonhuman primates by an implantable wireless device for brain-machine interfaces.
Subdural electrocorticography (ECoG) signals have been proposed as a stable, good-quality source for brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), with a higher spatial and temporal resolution than electroencephalography (EEG). However, long-term implantation may lead to chronic inflammatory reactions and connective tissue encapsulation, resulting in a decline in signal recording quality. However, no study has reported the effects of the surrounding tissue on signal recording and device functionality thus far. In this study, we implanted a wireless recording device with a customized 32-electrode-ECoG array subdurally in two nonhuman primates for 15 months. We evaluated the neural activities recorded from and wirelessly transmitted to the devices and the chronic tissue reactions around the electrodes. In addition, we measured the gain factor of the newly formed ventral fibrous tissue in vivo. Time-frequency analyses of the acute and chronic phases showed similar signal features. The average root mean square voltage and power spectral density showed relatively stable signal quality after chronic implantation. Histological examination revealed thickening of the reactive tissue around the electrode array; however, no evident inflammation in the cortex. From gain factor analysis, we found that tissue proliferation under electrodes reduced the amplitude power of signals. This study suggests that subdural ECoG may provide chronic signal recordings for future clinical applications and neuroscience research. This study also highlights the need to reduce proliferation of reactive tissue ventral to the electrodes to enhance long-term stability.


Worldwide distribution of Waardenburg syndrome.
To clarify the multiracial occurrence of Waardenburg syndrome, we present a case series and literature review. A computerized review of the English-language literature was conducted to assess the distribution of reported occurrences of Waardenburg syndrome in populations around the world. We detail the clinical features of 2 family cohorts: one of Western European origin and the other from South Asia. A computerized literature review found sporadic cases of the syndrome in many ethnic groups, including Japanese, Taiwanese, and Middle Eastern families. The highest reported incidence is among Kenyan Africans. Waardenburg syndrome accounts for between 2% and 5% of cases of congenital deafness. It was first described in Northern European cohorts and is widely identified in fair-skinned populations. We hope to raise awareness of the worldwide distribution of this important cause of hearing loss.


Epithelial transglutaminase 2 is needed for T cell interleukin-17 production and subsequent pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a potentially life-threatening disease that may be caused by overt or asymptomatic inflammatory responses. However, the precise mechanisms by which tissue injury is translated into inflammation and consequent fibrosis remain to be established. Here, we show that in a lung injury model, bleomycin induced the secretion of IL-6 by epithelial cells in a transglutaminase 2 (TG2)-dependent manner. This response represents a key step in the differentiation of IL-17-producing T cells and subsequent inflammatory amplification in the lung. The essential role of epithelial cells, but not inflammatory cells, TG2 was confirmed in bone marrow chimeras; chimeras made in TG2-deficient recipients showed reduced inflammation and fibrosis, compared with those in wild-type mice, regardless of the bone marrow cell phenotype. Epithelial TG2 thus appears to be a critical inducer of inflammation after noninfectious pulmonary injury. We further demonstrated that fibroblast-derived TG2, acting downstream of transforming growth factor-β, is also important in the effector phase of fibrogenesis. Therefore, TG2 represents an interesting potential target for therapeutic intervention.


Carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite electrolyte for solid-state dye sensitized solar cells.
A novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite electrolyte was successfully synthesized by the thermal polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with CNTs for solid-state dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The prepared CNTs-PMMA composite electrolytes were characterized by Fourior transformed-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ionic conductivity. A strong bonding was observed between CNT and PMMA through ester bonding in the CNT-PMMA composite, resulting in the lowering of crystallinity and increasing the ionic conductivity of composite electrolyte. DSSCs fabricated with CNTs-PMMA composite electrolytes achieved relatively high conversion efficiency of 2.9% with an open circuit voltage (V(oc)) of 0.567 volt, short circuit current (I(sc)) of 8.9 mA/cm2 and fill factor of 61.8%, which is attributed to enhanced amorphicity and ionic conductivity due to the formation of strong bonding between CNT and PMMA molecules.


The efficacy of local anaesthesia for percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration and testicular sperm aspiration.
A total of 37 percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and/or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) procedures were performed under local anaesthesia (LA) on 34 men between June and November 1996. Local anaesthesia was achieved by injecting 10 ml of 1% lignocaine solution along the sides of the vas deferens near the external inguinal ring (spermatic cord block). Sperm retrieval was successful in 92% of the procedures. Of the 37 procedures, in 29 the patients felt either no pain or mild discomfort while in six they experienced moderate but tolerable pain. Analgesia was incomplete in two procedures and was supplemented with i.v. sedation. Vasovagal reflex in two procedures was reversed by i.v. atropine. In 24 procedures patients felt relaxed, whilst in 13 they felt anxious. In 32 procedures the patients expressed overall satisfaction. If the procedure was to be repeated, after 29 procedures the patients requested LA again, while after four procedures they preferred i.v. sedation and after four were undecided. LA is adequate for PESA and TESA in a large proportion of patients. Prior discussion of LA technique with the patient is necessary. Back-up facilities for i.v. sedation and atropine should be available.


Security analysis and enhanced user authentication in proxy mobile IPv6 networks.
The Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) is a network-based mobility management protocol that allows a Mobile Node(MN) connected to the PMIPv6 domain to move from one network to another without changing the assigned IPv6 address. The user authentication procedure in this protocol is not standardized, but many smartcard based authentication schemes have been proposed. Recently, Alizadeh et al. proposed an authentication scheme for the PMIPv6. However, it could allow an attacker to derive an encryption key that must be securely shared between MN and the Mobile Access Gate(MAG). As a result, outsider adversary can derive MN's identity, password and session key. In this paper, we analyze Alizadeh et al.'s scheme regarding security and propose an enhanced authentication scheme that uses a dynamic identity to satisfy anonymity. Furthermore, we use BAN logic to show that our scheme can successfully generate and communicate with the inter-entity session key.


Use of aqueous solutions of two basic dyes for the demonstration of DNA.
This paper presents informations as to the ability of aqueous solutions of two basic dyes, such as Dahlia and Victoria blue, belonging to aminotriarylmethane group for the staining of DNA-aldehyde molecules as well as DNA-phosphate groups. It has been found that sections of rat tissues stained with aqueous solutions of these dyes after acid hydrolysis followed by drying between folds of filter paper and treatment in n-butanol for a minute and then by a very brief treatment in a mixture consisting of equal parts of n-butanol and absolute ethanol reveal well-stained nuclei. Tissue sections after acid hydrolysis when stained with aqueous solutions of these dyes and then treated with SO2 water do not reveal any colouration of the nuclei. Since both the dyes are without any primary amino group in their molecules, it has been concluded that the imino group of Dahlia and the tertiary amino group of Victoria blue with cold concentrated phosphoric acid and then stained with any of these dyes also exhibit well-stained nuclei. The absorption spectra of nuclei stained with these dyes for DNA-aldehyde molecules as well as DNA-phosphate groups reveal positions of the peaks of maximum absorption at the same wavelength, which, however, are different in the case of nuclei stained with the two dyes. The implications of these findings have been discussed.


Valuation of medical resource units collected in health economic studies.
This paper reviews the issues that are critical for the valuation of medical resources in the context of health economic studies. There are several points to consider when undertaking the valuation of medical resources. The perspective of the analysis should be established before determining the valuation process. Future costs should be discounted to present values, and time and effort spent in assigning a monetary value to a medical resource should be proportional to its importance in the analysis. Prices vary considerably based on location of the service and the severity of the illness episode. Because of the wide variability in pricing data, sensitivity analysis is an important component of validation of study results. A variety of data sources have been applied to the valuation of medical resources. Several types of data are reviewed in this paper, including claims data, national survey data, administrative data, and marketing research data. Valuation of medical resources collected in clinical trials is complex because of the lack of standardization of the data sources. A national pricing data source for health economic valuation would greatly facilitate study analysis and make comparisons between results more meaningful.


Cisplatin at sub-toxic levels mediates integrin switch in lung cancer cells.
Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, as well as enhanced metastasis, have been frequently reported in lung cancer. Cytotoxicity and proliferative effects of cisplatin on H460 lung cancer cells were evaluated by the MTT assay. Migration capacity was evaluated by the wound healing assay. The number of filopodia per cell were detected by rhodamine-phalloidin staining assay. The changes of protein levels of integrins, and migration-related proteins in response to cisplatin at sub-toxic concentrations were determined by western blotting. Herein we demonstrate for the first time that exposure to low concentrations of cisplatin results in increase of cell motility with the alteration of integrin expression. Cisplatin-treated cells exhibited a significant increase in the number of filopodia per cell in correlation with enhanced migration. Migration regulatory proteins, namely activated forms of focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) and ATP-dependent tyrosine kinase (AKT), were found to significantly be up-regulated in cisplatin-treated cells in comparison to those of the non-treated control. Active Rho A-GTP and Rac-GTP were found to be increased in accordance with activation of FAK/AKT signals. Furthermore, we found that such migration enhancement may be in part due to the integrin switch mediated by cisplatin treatment. Cisplatin induced a dramatic alteration in the integrin expression pattern by up-regulating integrin α4, αv, β1, and β5 which were previously reported to increase cell motility, while it had no effect on integrin α5, and β3. As the integrin switch is a hallmark of highly aggressive cancer, these findings may provide insights for better understanding of cancer cell adaptation after exposure to cisplatin.


Tunable wideband microwave photonic phase shifter using on-chip stimulated Brillouin scattering.
We present the first microwave photonic phase shifter using stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) on-chip. The unique ability of SBS to generate both narrowband gain and loss resonances allows us to achieve low ±1.5 dB amplitude fluctuations, which is a record for integrated devices, along with 240° continuously tunable phase shift. Contrary to previous SBS-based approaches, the phase shift tuning mechanism relies on tuning the power, not the frequency, of two SBS pumps, making it more suited to on-chip implementations. We finally demonstrate that SBS pump depletion leads to amplitude response fluctuations, as well as increasing the insertion loss of the phase shifter. Advantageously, shorter integrated platforms possess higher pump depletion thresholds compared to long fibers, thus offering greater potential for reducing the insertion loss.


Nonsurgical periodontal-therapy improves glycosylated hemoglobin levels in pre-diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis.
To evaluate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on glycosylated haemoglobin levels in pre-diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis (CHP). Sixty pre-diabetic patients with CHP were selected and equally allocated to case and control group. All subjects were evaluated at base line for periodontal parameters (plaque index, oral hygiene index, modified gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level) and systemic parameters [glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose]. The case group received non-surgical periodontal therapy. Subjects were re-evaluated for periodontal and systemic parameters after three months. Both groups were comparable at baseline. Three months after non surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), there was significant improvement in periodontal parameters in case group. The mean difference in systemic parameters like HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose from baseline to fourth month for case group was 0.22 ± 0.11 and 3.90 ± 8.48 respectively and control group was -0.056 ± 0.10 and -1.66 ± 6.04 respectively, which was significant between case and control group (P < 0.05). In the case group there was a significant decrease in HbA1c from baseline to three months following NSPT (P < 0.05). This study showed that periodontal inflammation could affect the glycemic control in otherwise systemically healthy individuals. Periodontal therapy improved periodontal health status and decreased glycosylated haemoglobin levels, thus reducing the probability of occurrence of inflammation induced prediabetes in patients with CHP.


Extrahepatic cholangiocyte obstruction is mediated by decreased glutathione, Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in a toxic model of biliary atresia.
Biliary atresia is a neonatal liver disease with extrahepatic bile duct obstruction and progressive liver fibrosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease are unknown. We previously identified a plant toxin, biliatresone, responsible for biliary atresia in naturally-occurring animal models, that causes cholangiocyte destruction in in-vitro models. Decreases in reduced glutathione (GSH) mimic the effects of biliatresone, and agents that replenish cellular GSH ameliorate the effects of the toxin. The goals of this study were to define signaling pathways downstream of biliatresone that lead to cholangiocyte destruction and to determine their relationship to GSH. Using cholangiocyte culture and 3D cholangiocyte spheroid cultures, we found that biliatresone and decreases in GSH upregulated RhoU/Wrch1, a Wnt signaling family member, which then mediated an increase in Hey2 in the NOTCH signaling pathway, causing downregulation of the transcription factor Sox17. When these genes were up- or down-regulated, the biliatresone effect on spheroids was phenocopied, resulting in lumen obstruction. Biopsies of patients with biliary atresia demonstrated increased RhoU/Wrch1 and Hey2 expression in cholangiocytes. We present a novel pathway of cholangiocyte injury in a model of biliary atresia, which is relevant to human BA and may suggest potential future therapeutics.


Biphasic aqueous organometallic catalysis promoted by cyclodextrins: can surface tension measurements explain the efficiency of chemically modified cyclodextrins?
Methylated and hydroxypropylated cyclodextrins (CDs) are highly efficient mass transfer promoters in biphasic aqueous organometallic processes. The surface tension measurements demonstrated that these CDs adsorb at air-water interface and allowed to determine surface excess of CD by using Gibbs adsorption equation. Interestingly, a good correlation between surface excess and catalytic activity was obtained in the case of hydroformylation and Tsuji-Trost reactions. These results point out the importance of CD adsorption at the interface in biphasic aqueous organometallic processes.


Presence of atrial fibrillation is associated with liver stiffness in an elderly Finnish population.
Chronic liver injury from different etiologies drives liver fibrosis. However, little is known about the associated factors, systemic factors in particular. Recently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atrial fibrillation have been shown to be associated with each other. Thereby, we aimed to study the association between atrial fibrillation and liver stiffness. Extensive clinical measurements including echocardiography of the heart, transient elastography (TE) of the liver and the presence of atrial fibrillation were determined in elderly Finnish study subjects (n = 76, mean age 73 years) from OPERA (Oulu Project Elucidating the Risk of Atherosclerosis) study cohort. Half of the study subjects had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, whereas others did not have any known hepatic morbidity. The present study was cross-sectional by nature. The subjects with atrial fibrillation had higher TE values (with atrial fibrillation TE = 9.3kPa, without atrial fibrillation TE = 6.3kPa, p = 0.018). When the cohort was divided to four subgroups (those without NAFLD or atrial fibrillation, with NAFLD but without atrial fibrillation, with both conditions, and with atrial fibrillation but without NAFLD), the TE value was the highest in the subjects with both conditions (5.3kPa, 7.4kPa, 10.8kPa and 7.8kPa, respectively, p = 0.019). Moreover, the higher the TE value, the more prevalent atrial fibrillation was (the atrial fibrillation prevalence by tertiles of TE 27% / 36% / 77%, p = 0.001). Likewise, the greater the TE value, the greater the left atrial diameter, a collateral of atrial fibrillation (left atrial diameters by tertiles of TE 39mm / 45mm / 48mm, p<0.001) was. All these p-values for continuous variables remained statistically significant even after adjustment for common clinically relevant risk factors. There is an association between atrial fibrillation and liver stiffness. This novel association may have multiple explanations and mechanistic links, which are discussed here and need further studies, prospective studies in particular.


In silico screening of potential lead compounds against 3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2 for treating prostate cancer.
Increased levels of androgen dihydrotestosterone is responsible for the development of prostate cancer in humans. The formation of dihydrotestosterone from testosterone is catalysed by an intracellular enzyme 3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2, which is found to be the most promising target for the treatment of prostate cancer. In this study, the identification of a therapeutic inhibitor of 3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2 using in silico approach has been done to treat prostate cancer. ZINC biogenic compounds (Zbc) database was used for docking and virtual screening against the predicted structure. The MD simulation of the docked complex was done to ensure the ligand interaction with 3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2 for 100 ns. The validation results of the established 3D structure strongly favoured the acceptance reliability of the predicted model. Zbc was screened against 3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2 and ZINC00277963 was selected as the lead with significant docking pose with docking score of -9.961 kcal/mole and having -63.182 kcal/mol binding affinity. The protein-ligand complex system remained stable throughout the MD run and seven stable hydrogen bonds were observed. Our study proposes a lead compound that could be validated by in vitro experimental method(s), suggesting its ability to function as a prospective therapeutic drug against prostate cancer.


Perceptions of a Culture of Health: Implications for Communications and Programming.
This study aims to illustrate the potential utility of open-ended survey data, regarding faculty and staff perceptions of a culture of health (CoH), for targeting communications and programming. Overall, these types of data show how they may be used to assist in implementing, improving, and sustaining a CoH in an organization. Design/method/approach. An anonymous online questionnaire was sent to 10,000 employees. The analysis of open-ended responses was performed using the grounded theory approach. Emerging themes were organized into two major categories: favorable perceptions and unfavorable perceptions regarding the university's CoH. These findings suggest that employees have specific favorable and unfavorable perceptions regarding their university's CoH. Two main favorable perceptions that both faculty and staff commented on were (1) leaders/supervisors showing interest in health and well-being and (2) colleagues participating in healthful behaviors and setting good examples. Examples of unfavorable perceptions include stress not adequately addressed and healthy food options not readily available. Research limitations. The generalizability of the findings may be somewhat challenging given that the analyses are limited to individuals from a large Midwestern university. Also, given that this survey was voluntary, participants in the survey may possess unique characteristics that may have played a role in their likelihood to participate. There are few studies that address assessing a CoH in a university setting. This study provides examples of (1) topics to consider when evaluating an organization's CoH and (2) actionable intervention and communication strategies that account for the employee's perceptions. Others might use such examples when evaluating or preparing to assess their own organization's CoH.


Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Recover Fertility of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Mice and the Effects on their Offspring.
It has been reported that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) can promote the proliferative and secretive functions of granulosa cells. In vivo study further demonstrated that EVs derived from HUCMSCs can not only promote the angiogenesis of ovarian tissue but also restore the function of an ovary of chemically induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) mice. However, no study investigates the effects of HUCMSCs derived EVs on fertility recovery of POI mice and evaluating their offspring. This study investigates the effects of HUCMSCs derived EVs on fertility recovery and the cognitive function of their offspring. A POI model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX) and busulfan (BUS), and randomly divided into EVs-transplantation group (a single injection of 150 µg EVs proteins which suspended in 0.1 ml phosphate buffer saline [PBS] via tail vein), POI group (a single injection of 0.1 ml PBS via tail vein), and normal control group (a single injection of 0.1 ml PBS via tail vein without intraperitoneal injection of CTX and BUS). After EVs treatment, not only the ovarian function of POI mice recovered but also the fertility increased with less time to get pregnant, evaluating by in vitro fertilization and mating test. Cognitive behaviors of the offspring were similar among the three groups through the Y-maze test and novel object recognition task. An anti-apoptotic effect was identified through immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. These findings indicate that HUCMSCs derived EVs can improve the fertility of POI mice without adverse effects on the cognitive behavior of their offspring, highlighting the potential value of EVs to be a cell-free therapy for patients suffering from POI.


Transglutaminase-1 regulates renal epithelial cell proliferation through activation of Stat-3.
Transglutaminase-1 (TGase-1) is a Ca(2+)-dependent enzyme capable of cross-linking a variety of proteins and promoting wound healing in the skin. In this study, we examined the role of TGase-1 in proliferation of renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC). TGase-1, but not TGase-2, -5, and -7, was expressed in RPTC. Treatment with monodansylcadarevine (MDC), a selective TGase inhibitor or down-regulation of TGase-1 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased RPTC proliferation. Proliferation of RPTC was accompanied by activation of Akt and Stat-3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-3). Treatment with MDC or TGase-1 siRNA decreased Stat-3 but not Akt phosphorylation. Further studies showed that the Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2) mediates phosphorylation of Stat-3, and knockdown of either JAK2 or Stat-3 by siRNA decreased RPTC proliferation. However, inhibition of TGase-1 decreased phosphorylation of Stat-3 but not JAK2. Overexpression of Stat-3, JAK2, and/or TGase-1 in RPTC revealed that JAK2 is indispensable for TGase-1 to induce Stat-3 phosphorylation and TGase-1 potentiates JAK2-induced Stat-3 phosphorylation. Consistent with these observations, we found that inhibition of TGase-1 and the JAK2-Stat-3 signaling pathway decreased the transcriptional activity of Stat-3 and expression of the Stat-3-targeted genes, cyclin D1 and cyclin E. Conversely, overexpresssion of TGase-1 enhanced the JAK2-dependent transcriptional activity of Stat-3. Finally, TGase-1 was found to interact with JAK2, and this interaction was inhibited by MDC. These results demonstrate that TGase-1 plays an important role in regulation of renal epithelial cell proliferation through the JAK2-Stat-3 signaling pathway.


Differential calcium sensitivity in NaV 1.5 mixed syndrome mutants.
SCN5a mutations may express gain-of-function (Long QT Syndrome-3), loss-of-function (Brugada Syndrome 1) or both (mixed syndromes), depending on the mutation and environmental triggers. One such trigger may be an increase in cytosolic calcium, accompanying exercise. Many mixed syndromes mutants, including ∆KPQ, E1784K, 1795insD and Q1909R, are found in calcium-sensitive regions. Elevated cytosolic calcium attenuates gain-of-function properties in ∆KPQ, 1795insD and Q1909R, but not in E1784K. By contrast, elevated cytosolic calcium further exacerbates gain-of-function in E1784K by destabilizing slow inactivation. Action potential modelling, using a modified O'Hara Rudy model, suggests that elevated heart rate rescues action potential duration in ∆KPQ, 1795insD and Q1909R, but not in E1784K. Action potential simulations suggest that E1784K carriers have an increased intracellular sodium-to-calcium ratio under bradycardia and tachycardia conditions. Elevated cytosolic calcium, which is common during high heart rates, ameliorates or exacerbates the mixed syndrome phenotype depending on the genetic signature. Inherited arrhythmias may arise from mutations in the gene for SCN5a, which encodes the cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel, NaV 1.5. Mutants in NaV 1.5 result in Brugada Syndrome (BrS1), Long-QT Syndrome (LQT3) or mixed syndromes (an overlap of BrS1/LQT3). Exercise is a potential arrhythmogenic trigger in mixed syndromes. We aimed to determine the effects of elevated cytosolic calcium, which is common during exercise, in mixed syndrome NaV 1.5 mutants. We used whole-cell patch clamp to assess the biophysical properties of NaV 1.5 wild-type (WT), ∆KPQ, E1784K, 1795insD and Q1909R mutants in human embryonic kidney 293 cells transiently transfected with the NaV 1.5 α subunit (WT or mutants), β1 subunit and enhanced green fluorescent protein. Voltage-dependence and kinetics were measured at cytosolic calcium levels of approximately 0, 500 and 2500 nm. In silico, action potential (AP) model simulations were performed using a modified O'Hara Rudy model. Elevated cytosolic calcium attenuates the late sodium current in ∆KPQ, 1795insD and Q1909R, but not in E1784K. Elevated cytosolic calcium restores steady-state slow inactivation (SSSI) to the WT-form in Q1909R, but depolarized SSSI in E1784K. Our AP simulations showed a frequency-dependent reduction of AP duration in ∆KPQ, 1795insD and Q1909R carriers. In E1784K, AP duration is relatively prolonged at both low and high heart rates, resulting in a sodium overload. Cellular perturbations during exercise may affect BrS1/LQT3 patients differently depending on their individual genetic signature. Thus, exercise may be therapeutic or may be an arrhythmogenic trigger in some SCN5a patients.


Pediatric neurological disorder and present nuclear detonation: a hot issue.
It is no doubt for the health effect of the radiation from the nuclear detonation from the destroyed nuclear power plant. Due to the present crisis in Japan, the public health concern on this issue should be raised. In pediatric neurology, there are some interesting reports on pediatric neurological disorder and its relationship to leaked radiation. In this specific brief article, the author hereby discusses on the nuclear detonation and pediatric neurological disorder. Although there are some reports on the increased incidence of some pediatric neurological malignancies and congenital neurological anomalies there is no confirmed evidence. Effect on cognitive function is still controversial. The induction of abnormal electroencephalography is also mentioned. The observation on the effect of present crisis in pediatric neurology can provide more information and help better understand this topic.


Base-stabilized amidodiarsenes: synthesis, structure, and theoretical studies.
The guanidinato- or amidinato-bridged diarsenes [As2{mu-(ArN)2CR}2] (Ar = C6H3Pri2-2,6; R = N(C6H11)2, NPri2, or But) have been prepared by reduction of the corresponding As(III) precursors, [Cl2As{kappa2-N,N'-(ArN)2CR}]. Theoretical studies suggest that the As-As bonds of the dimers have significant double-bond character, the sigma and pi components of which are derived mainly from As p orbital overlaps.


Two smooth muscle myosin heavy chains differ in their light meromyosin fragment.
Smooth muscle myosin heavy chains [SM1, approximately 205 kilodaltons (kDa), and SM2, approximately 200 kDa] were separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gels. Peptide maps of the two heavy chains showed unique patterns. Limited proteolytic cleavage of purified swine stomach myosin was performed by using a variety of proteases to produce the major myosin fragments which were resolved on SDS gels. A single band was obtained for heavy meromyosin in the soluble fraction following chymotrypsin digestion. However, a variable number of bands were observed for light meromyosin fragments in the insoluble fraction after chymotrypsin digestion. Peptide mapping indicated that the two bands observed after short digestion times with chymotrypsin had relative mobility and solubility properties consistent with approximately 100- and 95-kDa light meromyosin (LMM) fragments. These results indicate that the region of difference between SM1 and SM2 lies in the LMM fragment.


Increased Micronuclei Frequency in Oral and Lingual Epithelium of Treated Diabetes Mellitus Patients.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by persistent high levels of glucose in plasma. Chronic hyperglycemia is thought to increase oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals that in turn damage cells. Thus, we decided to determine the frequency of nuclear abnormalities in epithelial cells from cheek and tongue mucosa of DM patients with type 1 (DM1, treated only with insulin) and type 2 (DM2, treated with metformin) using the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay. Micronuclei frequency in cheek epithelial cells was higher in both DM1 (0.75 ± 0.31, P < 0.001) and DM2 (0.52 ± 0.27, P < 0.001) patients, as compared to healthy controls (0.07 ± 0.06). Similarly, micronuclei frequency in tongue epithelium was increased in DM1 (0.81 ± 0.22, P < 0.001) and DM2 (0.41 ± 0.21, P < 0.001) groups, in comparison to controls (0.06 ± 0.05). Besides, we found a positive correlation between micronuclei frequency and the onset time of DM2 in both cheek (ρ = 0.69, P < 0.001) and tongue epithelial cells (ρ = 0.71, P < 0.001), but not with onset time of DM1 or age of the patients. Considering all this, we pose that BMCyt could serve as a fast and easily accessible test to assess genotoxic damage during dental visits of DM patients, helping to monitor their disease.


Metabolism and mutagenicity of N-nitroso-2-methoxy-2,6-dimethylmorpholine in hamsters.
N-Nitroso-2-methoxy-2,6-dimethylmorpholine (MeNDMM) was derived from the cyclic form of N-nitroso-(2-hydroxypropyl)(2-oxopropyl)amine (HPOP), a proposed proximate pancreatic carcinogen for the hamster. MeNDMM was metabolized in vivo by noninbred Syrian golden hamsters to HPOP, which was excreted in urine. In vitro metabolism produced HPOP by cytochrome P450-mediated oxidative demethylation. MeNDMM and HPOP were similarly mutagenic in the Ames Salmonella typhimurium assay, in which hamster liver preparations were used for metabolic activation. MeNDMM, due to its metabolism to HPOP, is probably also a pancreatic carcinogen in the hamster.