Alcohol and food intake.
Alcohol is commonly consumed around mealtimes, and both the immediate pharmacological actions of ethanol and the energy generated by metabolism of alcohol have the potential to modify food intake. Effects of moderate alcohol consumption on food intake in humans will be reviewed, and potential mechanisms considered. Unlike other macronutrients, there is minimal evidence for any reduction in food intake to compensate for the potential energy in alcohol. In contrast, moderate alcohol consumption prior to a test meal leads to a short-term increase in food intake. This stimulatory effect of alcohol is not apparent beyond acute administration, but the inability to reduce voluntary energy intake in response to energy from alcohol metabolism is evident over extended periods. Alcohol suppresses fatty acid oxidation, increases short-term thermogenesis and stimulates a number of neurochemical and peripheral systems implicated in appetite control, including inhibitory effects on leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1, and serotonin, and enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid, endogenous opioids and neuropeptide Y. All of these effects could lead to overeating, and mechanisms underlying appetite stimulation through alcohol require further substantiation. Alcohol is a complex component of the diet, and appears to have multiple effects on appetite. Failure to reduce food intake in response to energy from alcohol makes moderate alcohol consumption a risk factor for obesity. Further integration of evidence from nutrition and neuroscience will be crucial to our understanding of effects of alcohol on appetite.


Assessment and management of bullied children in the emergency department.
Bullying is an important public health issue in the United States. Up to 30% of children report exposure to such victimization. Not only does it hurt bully victim, but it also negatively impacts the bully, other children, parents, school staff, and health care providers. Because bullying often presents with accompanying serious emotional and behavioral symptoms, there has been an increase in psychiatric referrals to emergency departments. Emergency physicians may be the first responders in the health care system for bullying episodes. Victims of bullying may present with nonspecific symptoms and be reluctant to disclose being victimized, contributing to the underdiagnosis and underreporting of bully victimization. Emergency physicians therefore need to have heightened awareness of physical and psychosocial symptoms related to bullying. They should rapidly screen for bullying, assess for injuries and acute psychiatric issues that require immediate attention, and provide appropriate referrals such as psychiatry and social services. This review defines bullying, examines its presentations and epidemiology, and provides recommendations for the assessment and evaluation of victims of bullying in the emergency department.


Macrophages in age-related chronic inflammatory diseases.
Chronic inflammation is the common pathological basis for such age-associated diseases as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. A multitude of bodily changes occur with aging that contribute to the initiation and development of inflammation. In particular, the immune system of elderly individuals often exhibits diminished efficiency and fidelity, termed immunosenescence. But, although immune responses to new pathogens and vaccines are impaired, immunosenescence is also characterized by a basal systemic inflammatory state. This alteration in immune system function likely promotes chronic inflammation. Changes in the tissue microenvironment, such as the accumulation of cell debris, and systemic changes in metabolic and hormonal signals, also likely contribute to the development of chronic inflammation. Monocyte/macrophage lineage cells are crucial to these age-associated changes, which culminate in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will summarize the diverse physiological and pathological roles of macrophages in the chronic inflammation underlying age-associated diseases.


One-Step Synthesis of Ultrasmall and Ultrabright Organosilica Nanodots with 100% Photoluminescence Quantum Yield: Long-Term Lysosome Imaging in Living, Fixed, and Permeabilized Cells.
Water-dispersible nanomaterials with superbright photoluminescence (PL) emissions and narrow PL bandwidths are urgently desired for various imaging applications. Herein, for the first time, we prepared ultrasmall organosilica nanodots (OSiNDs) with an average size of ∼2.0 nm and ∼100% green-emitting PL quantum efficiency via a one-step hydrothermal treatment of two commercial reagents (a silane molecule and rose bengal). In particular, the structural reorganization and halide loss of rose bengal during the hydrothermal treatment contribute to the ultrahigh quantum yield and low phototoxicity of OSiNDs. Owing to their low pH-induced precipitation/aggregation property, the as-prepared OSiNDs can be used as excellent lysosomal trackers with many advantages: (1) They have superior lysosomal targeting ability with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.98; (2) The lysosomal monitoring time of OSiNDs is up to 48 h, which is much longer than those of commercial lysosomal trackers (<2 h); (3) They do not disturb the pH environment of lysosomes and can be used to visualize lysosomes in living, fixed, and permeabilized cells; (4) They exhibit intrinsic lysosomal tracking ability without the introduction of lysosome-targeting ligands (such as morpholine) and superior photostability; (5) The easy, cost-effective, and scalable synthetic method further ensures that these OSiNDs can be readily used as exceptional lysosomal trackers. We expect that the ultrasmall OSiNDs with superior fluorescence properties and easily modifiable surfaces could be applied as fluorescent nanoprobes, light-emitting diode phosphor, and anticounterfeiting material, which should be able to promote the preparation and application of silicon-containing nanomaterials.


PEAK SHIFTS PRODUCED BY CORRELATED RESPONSE TO SELECTION.
Traits may evolve both as a consequence of direct selection and also as a correlated response to selection on other traits. While correlated response may be important for both the production of evolutionary novelty and in the build-up of complex characters, its potential role in peak shifts has been neglected empirically and theoretically. We use a quantitative genetic model to investigate the conditions under which a character, Y, which has two alternative optima, can be dragged from one optimum to the other as a correlated response to selection on a second character, X. High genetic correlations between the two characters make the transition, or peak shift, easier, as does weak selection tending to restore Y to the optimum from which it is being dragged. When selection on Y is very weak, the conditions for a peak shift depend only on the location of the new optimum for X and are independent of the strength of selection moving it there. Thus, if the "adaptive valley" for Y is very shallow, little reduction in mean fitness is needed to produce a shift. If the selection acts strongly to keep Y at its current optimum, very intense directional selection on X, associated with a dramatic drop in mean fitness, is required for a peak shift. When strong selection is required, the conditions for peak shifts driven by correlated response might occur rarely, but still with sufficient frequency on a geological timescale to be evolutionarily important.


Contribution of the membrane-distal tyrosine in intracellular signaling by the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor.
We have evaluated the contribution of intracellular tyrosine residues of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (GCSF-R) to its signaling and cellular outcomes. We began with stable BaF3 cell lines overexpressing wild-type or mutant GCSF-Rs. When all four intracellular tyrosines of the GCSF-R were replaced with phenylalanine (FFFF GCSF-R), cell proliferation and survival were compromised. Replacement of only the membrane-distal tyrosine (YYYF GCSF-R) also showed reduced survival following a GCSF withdrawal/replacement protocol, suggesting a role for this tyrosine. Proliferation by FFFY GCSF-R cells was attenuated by approximately 70%. In evaluating the biochemical steps involved in signaling, we then showed that the membrane-distal tyrosine was necessary and sufficient for c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. With the use of a cell-permeable JNK-inhibitory peptide, JNK was implicated in the proliferation of the FFFY GCSF-R mutant. To further define the events linking the membrane-distal tyrosine and JNK activation, the Src homology 2 domains of Shc, Grb2, and 3BP2 were shown to bind the full-length GCSF-R and a phosphopeptide encompassing the membrane-distal tyrosine. When binding to variant phosphopeptides based on this membrane-distal tyrosine was tested, altering the amino acids immediately following the phosphotyrosine could selectively abolish the interaction with Shc or Grb2, or the binding to both Grb2 and 3BP2. When these changes were introduced into the full-length GCSF-R and new cell lines created, only the mutant that did not interact with Grb2 and 3BP2 did not activate JNK. Our results suggest that direct binding of Shc by the GCSF-R is not essential for JNK activation.


[Advertising and medical responsibility in esthetic surgery].
Even in cosmetic surgery, medical law does not define any obligation in terms of results, but an obligation in terms of methods and information. As cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure, if it is induced as a result of publicity considered to be abusive, this obligation of methods could become an obligation of results. A rigorous approach to information is the only way to ensure that it is not confused with publicity.


Comparison of recombinant human haptocorrin expressed in human embryonic kidney cells and native haptocorrin.
Haptocorrin (HC) is a circulating corrinoid binding protein with unclear function. In contrast to transcobalamin, the other transport protein in blood, HC is heavily glycosylated and binds a variety of cobalamin (Cbl) analogues. HC is present not only in blood but also in various secretions like milk, tears and saliva. No recombinant form of HC has been described so far. We report the expression of recombinant human HC (rhHC) in human embryonic kidney cells. We purified the protein with a yield of 6 mg (90 nmol) per litre of cell culture supernatant. The isolated rhHC behaved as native HC concerning its spectral properties and ability to recognize both Cbl and its baseless analogue cobinamide. Similar to native HC isolated from blood, rhHC bound to the asialoglycoprotein receptor only after removal of terminal sialic acid residues by treatment with neuraminidase. Interestingly, rhHC, that compared to native HC contains four excessive amino acids (…LVPR) at the C-terminus, showed subtle changes in the binding kinetics of Cbl, cobinamide and the fluorescent Cbl conjugate CBC. The recombinant protein has properties very similar to native HC and although showing slightly different ligand binding kinetics, rhHC is valuable for further biochemical and structural studies.


Controlled fabrication of electrically contacted carbon nanoscrolls.
Carbon nanoscrolls (CNS) with their open ended morphology have recently attracted interest due to the potential application in gas capture, biosensors and interconnects. However, CNS currently suffer from the same issue that have hindered widespread integration of CNTs in sensors and devices: formation is done ex situ, and the tubes have to be placed with precision and reliability-a difficult task with low yield. Here, we demonstrate controlled in situ formation of electrically contacted CNS from suspended graphene nanoribbons with slight tensile stress. Formation probability depends on the length to width aspect ratio. Van der Waals interaction between the overlapping layers fixes the nanoscroll once formed. The stability of these CNSs is investigated by helium nano ion beam assisted in situ cutting. The loose stubs remain rolled and mostly suspended unless subject to a moderate helium dose corresponding to a damage rate of 4%-20%. One CNS stub remaining perfectly straight even after touching the SiO2 substrate allows estimation of the bending moment due to van der Waals force between the CNS and the substrate. The bending moment of 5400 eV is comparable to previous theoretical studies. The cut CNSs show long-term stability when not touching the substrate.


Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of HOXA13 by lncRNA HOTTIP facilitates tumorigenesis and metastasis in esophageal squamous carcinoma cells.
The long non-coding RNA, HOTTIP, has an important role in tumorigenesis. It is known that HOTTIP regulates HOX gene family; however, its regulatory mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the role of HOTTIP in ESCC and observed that HOTTIP/HOXA13 was upregulated in ESCC and promoted cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, harboring a miR-30b-binding site, HOTTIP as a molecular sponge mainly regulated miR-30b level in the nucleus and modulated the repression of HOXA13 mediated by miR-30b in the cytoplasm, resulting in the positive HOTTIP/HOXA13 correlation. In addition, HOTTIP upregulated snail1 by competitively binding miR-30b, subsequently promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion. HOTTIP directly bound the adaptor protein WDR5 and drove histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation and HOXA13 gene transcription in ESCC cells. In conclusion, our findings indicated that HOTTIP modulated HOXA13 at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels in ESCC cells and HOTTIP-miR-30b-HOXA13 axis may serve as potential diagnostic markers or drug targets for ESCC therapies.


Copper-modified palygorskite is effective in preventing and treating diarrhea caused by Salmonella typhimurium.
The aim of this research was to develop effective alternative therapies to reduce antibiotic use in animal agriculture. In this study, the efficacy of copper-modified palygorskite (CM-Pal) in preventing diarrhea caused by Salmonella was specifically examined both in vitro and in vivo. The CM-Pal was prepared with palygorskite (Pal) and copper nitrate. The antibacterial activity of the CM-Pal was detected by comparing the differences in cell numbers on plate count agar before and after adding the CM-Pal to Salmonella typhimurium cultures. Seventy ICR mice were then allocated into seven groups. Five groups (the treatment groups) were infected with S. typhimurium by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and were given Pal, CM-Pal, montmorillonite powder, gentamicin, and physiological saline, respectively. One group (the prevention group) was given CM-Pal before infection with S. typhimurium. Another group (the uninfected group) was not infected with S. typhimurium. The effects of Pal, CM-Pal, montmorillonite powder, and gentamicin on the treatment or prevention of diarrhea in the mice were examined by stool studies, fecal scoring, and assessment of growth performance and villus height. The CM-Pal had satisfactory anti-bacterial properties in vitro: the antibacterial rate was 100% after 2 h incubation with S. typhimurium NJS1 cultures (1×106 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml). In the in vivo experiment, the CM-Pal exerted superior effects in the treatment and prevention of diarrhea in mice compared with Pal, montmorillonite powder, and gentamicin. In the CM-Pal group, no mice showed signs of diarrhea at 24 h post infection (p.i.), and all mice fully recovered from infection. However, the Pal group, montmorillonite group, and gentamicin group only recovered after 48, 48, and 96 h, respectively. The villus height level in the CM-Pal treatment group recovered at 3 d p.i. However, the recovery time of the other groups was longer (at least 5 d). The CM-Pal prevention group had a better effect on weight gain than the other groups. This study suggested that CM-Pal may be an effective alternative to conventional antibiotics for the treatment and prevention of animal diarrhea caused by Salmonella.


INTERACTION BETWEEN GENOTYPES AT THE DIAZINON-RESISTANCE LOCUS OF THE AUSTRALIAN SHEEP BLOWFLY, LUCILIA CUPRINA. FACILITATION OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUSCEPTIBLE GENOTYPES.
The survival of larvae with susceptible (+ +) genotypes at the diazinon-resistance locus of the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina is facilitated by prior conditioning of diazinon-containing media by heterozygote (R+) or resistant (RR) larvae. The effect is not observed on media without diazinon. Conditioning by + + genotypes does not affect subsequent development of susceptible larvae and the viability of R + and RR larvae is unaffected by conditioning of the media. Similar results are observed when the medium is conditioned with crushed larvae of the three genotypes. The development of + + larvae is enhanced only on media containing diazinon to which R + or RR crushed larvae are added. The results for other comparisons are equivalent for conditioned or unconditioned media. The number of crushed ++, R +, or RR larvae added to the medium containing diazinon does not affect the proportion of + + eggs that develop through larval and pupal stages to emerge as adults. The rate of development of the + + genotype is, however, positively correlated with the number of crushed R + or RR larvae added.


Simultaneous compression and opacity data from time-series radiography with a Lagrangian marker.
Time-resolved radiography can be used to obtain absolute shock Hugoniot states by simultaneously measuring at least two mechanical parameters of the shock, and this technique is particularly suitable for one-dimensional converging shocks where a single experiment probes a range of pressures as the converging shock strengthens. However, at sufficiently high pressures, the shocked material becomes hot enough that the x-ray opacity falls significantly. If the system includes a Lagrangian marker such that the mass within the marker is known, this additional information can be used to constrain the opacity as well as the Hugoniot state. In the limit that the opacity changes only on shock heating, and not significantly on subsequent isentropic compression, the opacity of the shocked material can be determined uniquely. More generally, it is necessary to assume the form of the variation of opacity with isentropic compression or to introduce multiple marker layers. Alternatively, assuming either the equation of state or the opacity, the presence of a marker layer in such experiments enables the non-assumed property to be deduced more accurately than from the radiographic density reconstruction alone. An example analysis is shown for measurements of a converging shock wave in polystyrene at the National Ignition Facility.


Occupational health in China.
China has been experiencing rapid industrialization and economic growth, resulting in a transformed industrial structure and expansion of the labor force. Occupational health and safety services, nonexistent before 1949, have made remarkable advances over the past decades. However, these services face greater challenges, consisting of both traditional and new occupational health problems. Poorly regulated work environments often lacking health services in recently developed and thriving small-scale industries and joint venture enterprises have created increasing risks for occupational diseases and work-related injuries. A special strategy based on cooperation among and contributions from the legal, administrative, social, economic, and scientific communities is critical to achieving the ultimate goal of control and prevention of these occupational health problems.


Ventilatory variability induced by spontaneous variations of PaCO2 in humans.
We tested the hypothesis that breath-to-breath variations in arterial CO2 partial pressure (PaCO2) during spontaneous breathing of awake humans cause a significant portion of spontaneous ventilatory variability (including periodic oscillations). This hypothesis was tested in two ways. First, using a recently developed adaptive PaCO2 buffering technique we reduced the spontaneous variability in PaCO2 of six awake normal young human subjects during hyperoxia and observed a corresponding decrease in their breath-to-breath ventilatory variations. Second, we predicted the ventilatory responses to CO2 disturbances by using a model of chemical control of ventilation, both examining the hyperoxic condition (similar to experimental studies) and predicting the responses to CO2 variations of a normal subject breathing room air. In all experimental and theoretical studies, we found that small random disturbances to PaCO2 have significant effects on ventilation, including the potential for such PaCO2 disturbances to elicit oscillatory fluctuations in ventilation even though the ventilatory chemical control system was stable (i.e., a brief disturbance to PaCO2 did not elicit sustained ventilatory oscillations). On the basis of these results we propose that the stability of chemoreflex ventilatory control loops depends on both "loop gain" factors and the characteristics of random disturbances to PaCO2.


Comparative molecular and biochemical characterization of segmentally duplicated 9-lipoxygenase genes ZmLOX4 and ZmLOX5 of maize.
Lipoxygenases (LOXs) catalyze hydroperoxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to form structurally and functionally diverse oxylipins. Precise physiological and biochemical functions of individual members of plant multigene LOX families are largely unknown. Herein we report on molecular and biochemical characterization of two closely related maize 9-lipoxygenase paralogs, ZmLOX4 and ZmLOX5. Recombinant ZmLOX5 protein displayed clear 9-LOX regio-specificity at both neutral and slightly alkaline pH. The genes were differentially expressed in various maize organs and tissues as well as in response to diverse stress treatments. The transcripts of ZmLOX4 accumulated predominantly in roots and shoot apical meristem, whereas ZmLOX5 was expressed in most tested aboveground organs. Both genes were not expressed in untreated leaves, but displayed differential induction by defense-related hormones. While ZmLOX4 was only induced by jasmonic acid (JA), the transcripts of ZmLOX5 were increased in response to JA and salicylic acid treatments. ZmLOX5 was transiently induced both locally and systemically by wounding, which was accompanied by increased levels of 9-oxylipins, and fall armyworm herbivory, suggesting a putative role for this gene in defense against insects. Surprisingly, despite of moderate JA- and wound-inducibility of ZmLOX4, the gene was not responsive to insect herbivory. These results suggest that the two genes may have distinct roles in maize adaptation to diverse biotic and abiotic stresses. Both paralogs were similarly induced by virulent and avirulent strains of the fungal leaf pathogen Cochliobolus carbonum. Putative physiological roles for the two genes are discussed in the context of their biochemical and molecular properties.


Nonorgan specific autoantibodies and heart damage.
Heart damage, mediated by different autoantibodies can involve several anatomical heart structures: valves, arteries, conduction tissue. Verrucous endocarditis is frequently reported in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with or without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly if they suffer from central nervous system involvement. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were shown deposited at subendothelial level of the affected valves. According to several in vitro and in vivo experimental models, aPL, anti-oxidized LDL (oxLDL), anti-heat shock protein 65 (HSP65) and anti-endothelial cells antibodies (AECA) seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerosis phenomena described in systemic autoimmune disease and vasculitis. However, the observation of the association of the same antibodies with clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients is still controversial. The children of anti-Ro/SSA positive mothers can be affected by the congenital heart block. Anti Ro/SS-A antibodies play a major pathogenic role in affecting the heart conduction tissue in this rare condition.


Does the World Health Organization criterion adequately define glaucoma blindness?
Blindness in glaucoma is difficult to assess with merely the use of the current World Health Organization (WHO) definition (a visual field restricted to 10° in a radius around central fixation), as this criterion does not cover other types of visual field loss that are encountered in clinical practice and also depict blindness. In this study, a 5-point ordinal scale was developed for the assessment of common visual field defect patterns, with the purpose of comparing blindness as outcome to the findings with the WHO criterion when applied to the same visual fields. The scores with the two methods were compared between two ophthalmologists. In addition, the variability between these assessors in assessing the different visual field types was determined. Two glaucoma specialists randomly assessed a sample of 423 visual fields from 77 glaucoma patients, stripped of all indices and masked for all patient variables. They applied the WHO criterion and a 5-point ordinal scale to all visual fields for the probability of blindness. The WHO criterion was mostly found applicable and in good agreement for both assessors to visual fields depicting central island of vision or a temporal crescent. The percentage of blindness scores was higher when using the ordinal scale, 21.7% and 19.6% for assessors A and B, respectively, versus 14.4% and 11.3% for the WHO criterion. However, Kappa was lower, 0.71 versus 0.78 for WHO. The WHO criterion is strictly applied and shows good agreement between assessors; however, blindness does not always fit this criterion. More visual fields are labeled as blind when a less stringent criterion is used, but this leads to more interobserver variability. A new criterion that describes the extent, location, and depth of visual field defects together with their consequence for the patient's quality of life is needed for the classification of glaucoma blindness.


Emergency Department Visit Rates for Assault: United States, 2019-2021.
Nonfatal injuries are major causes of emergency department (ED) visits in the United States (1). The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control estimated that, in 2020, 22.9 million ED visits related to nonfatal injuries occurred (1). Visits for assault (excluding sexual assault) represented 5.8% of these visits (1). This report uses the most recent data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) to present assault-related ED visit (excluding sexual assault) rates by selected demographic and hospital characteristics.


Identification and molecular characterization of human T lymphotropic virus type II infections in intravenous drug abusers in the former South Vietnam.
Previous serological studies have demonstrated that some 60% of intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs) in urban areas of the former South Vietnam are infected with HTLV-II. In the present report we have attempted to characterize the viruses using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and nucleotide sequence analysis of the provirus long terminal repeat (LTR) region. RFLP analysis of nine samples demonstrated that all were infected with the HTLV-IIb subtype. The HTLV-IIa subtype was not detected. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences demonstrated that the viruses clustered closely with HTLV-IIb isolates present in IVDAs from the New York City area. The present molecular analysis together with the previously reported absence of HTLV-II infection in North Vietnam supports the view that HTLV-II may have been introduced from the United States to this part of Asia by military personnel during the Vietnam conflict.


Tiny bubbles challenge giant turbines: Three Gorges puzzle.
Since the birth of the first prototype of the modern reaction turbine, cavitation as conjectured by Euler in 1754 always presents as a challenge. Following his theory, the evolution of modern reaction (Francis and Kaplan) turbines has been completed by adding the final piece of the element 'draft-tube' that enables turbines to explore water energy at efficiencies of almost 100%. However, during the last two and a half centuries, with increasing unit capacity and specific speed, the problem of cavitation has been manifested and complicated by the draft-tube surges rather than being solved. Particularly, during the last 20 years, the fierce competition in the international market for extremely large turbines with compact design has encouraged the development of giant Francis turbines of 700-1000 MW. The first group (24 units) of such giant turbines of 700 MW each was installed in the Three Gorges project. Immediately after commission, a strange erosion phenomenon appeared on the guide vane of the machines that has puzzled professionals. From a multi-disciplinary analysis, this Three Gorges puzzle could reflect an unknown type of cavitation inception presumably triggered by turbulence production from the boundary-layer streak transitional process. It thus presents a fresh challenge not only to this old turbine industry, but also to the fundamental sciences.


Regional Suppression of Bactrocera Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Pacific through Biological Control and Prospects for Future Introductions into Other Areas of the World.
Bactrocera fruit fly species are economically important throughout the Pacific. The USDA, ARS U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center has been a world leader in promoting biological control of Bactrocera spp. that includes classical, augmentative, conservation and IPM approaches. In Hawaii, establishment of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) in 1895 resulted in the introduction of the most successful parasitoid, Psyttalia fletcheri (Silvestri); similarly, establishment of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) in 1945 resulted in the introduction of 32 natural enemies of which Fopius arisanus (Sonan), Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) and Fopius vandenboschi (Fullaway) were most successful. Hawaii has also been a source of parasitoids for fruit fly control throughout the Pacific region including Australia, Pacific Island Nations, Central and South America, not only for Bactrocera spp. but also for Ceratitis and Anastrepha spp. Most recently, in 2002, F. arisanus was introduced into French Polynesia where B. dorsalis had invaded in 1996. Establishment of D. longicaudata into the new world has been important to augmentative biological control releases against Anastrepha spp. With the rapid expansion of airline travel and global trade there has been an alarming spread of Bactrocera spp. into new areas of the world (i.e., South America and Africa). Results of studies in Hawaii and French Polynesia, support parasitoid introductions into South America and Africa, where B. carambolae and B. invadens, respectively, have become established. In addition, P. fletcheri is a candidate for biological control of B. cucurbitae in Africa. We review past and more recent successes against Bactrocera spp. and related tephritids, and outline simple rearing and release methods to facilitate this goal.


Association between BDNF polymorphism (Val66Met) and executive function in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer disease.
In the present study, we examined whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphism (Val66Met) influenced the changeable executive dysfunction of patients with two separate disease stages: amnestic mild cognitive impairment (A-MCI) or mild Alzheimer disease (AD), which are comparatively similar demented conditions. Among 200 outpatients with dementia and MCI, 146 outpatients with mild AD or A-MCI were recruited and divided into two genotypic groups, valine homozygosity (Val/Val) and methionine (Met) carriers, based on the representative BDNF functional polymorphism Val66Met. Next, we compared the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) total and subtest scores between the two genotypic groups according to each of two different disease stages: A-MCI (n = 42) and mild AD (n = 104). Among patients with only a mild stage of AD, the FAB total and go/no-go scores were significantly lower (p < 0.05) among the subjects with the Val/Val genotype than among the Met carriers. However, no significant differences in any other demographic variables were observed between the genotypes according to each of different disease stages. A significant interaction between Val66Met and age was not observed for the FAB scores. These results suggested that the BDNF gene may significantly influence executive dysfunction, including inhibition tasks, among patients with mild-stage AD.


Severe Crush Injury to the Forearm and Hand: The Role of Microsurgery.
The main goals of treating severe crush injuries are debriding away devitalized tissue and filling any resultant dead space with vascularized tissue. In the authors' experience, the most ideal methods for soft tissue coverage in treating crush injuries are the iliac flap, the adipofascial lateral arm flap, and the gracilis flap. Accompanying bone defects respond very well to free corticoperiosteal flaps. Digital defects often require the use of complete or subtotal toe transfer to avoid amputation and restore function to the hand.


[Physiological and pathological significance of plasma prekallikrein in obstetrics].
Plasma kallikrein acts as a chemical mediator of microcirculation and as a contracting agent of smooth muscle by liberating bradykinin from high molecular weight kininogen. In addition, prekallikrein relates to coagulation process of blood. It is, therefore, a intriguous problem to know the behavior of prekallikrein in obstetrics, especially as to the mechanisms of labor, edema of toxemia and DIC. The following results were obtained: 1) Plasma prekallikrein determined by chromogenic tripeptide substrate was increased with advance of gestational ages, and reached maximum (213.5 +/- 31.1%) at the term. At the beginning of labor, the prekallikrein level was suddenly decreased, and remained low during labor. Rapidly lowered plasma prekallikrein during labor seems to be result from consumption of prekallikrein due to conversion to kallikrein. The kallikrein probably relates to uterine contraction by forming bradykinin. 2) A lowered plasma prekallikrein level was observed in 29 cases of toxemia, especially in edema type. In toxemic cases, kallikrein may play an important role in producing edema by bradykinin. 3) In 16 cases of DIC, prekallikrein was significantly low (p less than 0.001) especially in cases of endotoxic shock, suggesting consumption of prekallikrein as in other various coagulation fibrinolysis factors in DIC.


Evidence of increased intestinal synthesis and extracellular deposition of IgM in primary biliary cirrhosis. An immunofluorescence study of liver and small-intestinal biopsy specimens.
Direct immunofluorescence showed intense extracellular granular deposition of IgM and C3 in liver and small-intestinal biopsy specimens from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. In contrast, IgM deposits were not observed in liver tissue from patients with other liver diseases, whereas small-intestinal IgM deposits were seen also in 2 of 17 patients with various intestinal disorders. The tissue deposition of IgM did not vary with plasma IgM levels, degree of cholestasis, or histological stage of the disease but seemed to reflect an abnormal property of the IgM molecule. The number of IgM-positive mononuclear cells in intestinal mucosa from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis was markedly increased, suggesting increased local synthesis of IgM. Deposition of IgM with complement-activating ability might contribute to the development of tissue damage in primary biliary cirrhosis. In addition, the apparent specificity of these IgM deposits in liver for primary biliary cirrhosis might be of diagnostic value when histological classification is difficult.


Humanized mice: A brief overview on their diverse applications in biomedical research.
Model animals naturally differ from humans in various respects and results from the former are not directly translatable to the latter. One approach to address this issue is humanized mice that are defined as mice engrafted with functional human cells or tissues. In humanized mice, we can investigate the development and function of human cells or tissues (including their products encoded by human genes) in the in vivo context of a small animal. As such, humanized mouse models have played important roles that cannot be substituted by other animal models in various areas of biomedical research. Although there are obvious limitations in humanized mice and we may need some caution in interpreting the results obtained from them, it is reasonably expected that they will be utilized in increasingly diverse areas of biomedical research, as the technology for preparing humanized mice are rapidly improved. In this review, I will describe the methodology for generating humanized mice and overview their recent applications in various disciplines including immunology, infectious diseases, drug metabolism, and neuroscience.


RepB proteins of the multipartite Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii genome discriminate between centromere-like parS sequences for plasmid segregational stability.
The plasmids of the Rhizobiaceae family members and other Alphaproteobacteria are usually large, low copy-number and contain all elements necessary for active segregation and replication located in one operon comprising repABC genes. The genome of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii TA1 (RtTA1) consists of a chromosome and four plasmids (pRleTA1a-d) with repABC operons. In this work, centromere-binding RepB proteins of four RtTA1 plasmids were studied. Stability assays of the truncated derivatives of repABC cassettes demonstrated that RepA, RepB proteins and parS-like elements constituted plasmid partitioning systems, while RepC were sufficient for their replication. Individual RepB proteins bound specifically to centromere-like parS elements of the parental plasmids, which was crucial step toward the proper segregation of plasmids into daughter cells. RtTA1 RepB proteins formed dimers and oligomers in the solution. The C-terminal part of RepB was responsible for dimerization, while the domain engaged in parS binding was located in the middle of the protein. It was concluded that the specific interaction between individual RepB proteins and their target sequences together with the substantial diversity of the Rep proteins and parS originating from different plasmids strongly contributed to the coexistence of several plasmids equipped with similar repABC cassettes in the multipartite bacterial genome.


Characterization of a lymphocyte factor which alters macrophage functions.
As reported previously, antigenically stimulated guinea pig lymphocytes elaborate a soluble factor which activates macrophages in the sense of promoting increased adherence, spreading, phagocytosis, and glucose oxidation through the hexose monophosphate pathway. Further studies on the characteristics and kinetics of this substance were carried out. The activating factor could not be distinguished from a previously characterized lymphocyte mediator, migration inhibitory factor (MIF), on the basis of Sephadex G-100 gel filtration, CsCl density gradient centrifugation, or sensitivity to neuraminidase. It was, however, shown to be distinct from two other lymphocyte mediators, chemotactic factor for macrophages and lymphotoxin. The kinetics of activation were further studied. The data suggest that the 3 day period required by macrophages to manifest a response to the activating factor consists of two stages. In the first, requiring 1-2 days, the macrophages are refractory to the influence of activating factor, but undergo changes which render them receptive. In the second, they respond to activating factor with increased cell adherence and glucose oxidation. Once macrophages have been activated, the effect persists in the absence of activating factor for 24 h. Finally, it was shown that activation in unfractionated supernatants followed the same time-course as that in more purified fractions. The data suggests that the activating factor is the same as MIF and that, in vitro, macrophages respond to this substance with migration inhibition before they become sensitive to its activating influence.


Measurement of transverse relaxation times of J-coupled metabolites in the human visual cortex at 4 T.
Accurate quantification of (1) H NMR spectra often requires knowledge of the relaxation times to correct for signal losses due to relaxation and saturation. In human brain, T(2) values for singlets such as N-acetylaspartate, creatine, and choline have been reported, but few T(2) values are available for J-coupled spin systems. The purpose of this study was to measure the T(2) relaxation times of J-coupled metabolites in the human occipital lobe using the LASER sequence. Spectra were acquired at multiple echo times and were analyzed with an LCModel using basis sets simulated at each echo time. Separate basis spectra were used for resonances of protons belonging to the same molecule but having very different T(2) values (e.g., two separate basis spectra were used for the singlet and multiplet signal in N-acetylaspartate). The T(2) values for the N-acetylaspartate multiplet (149 ± 12 ms), glutamate (125 ± 10 ms), myo-inositol (139 ± 20 ms), and taurine (196 ± 28 ms) were successfully measured in the human visual cortex at 4 T. These measured T(2) relaxation times have enabled the accurate and absolute quantification of cerebral metabolites at longer echo times.


A Periaortitis Patient Who Succumbed to COVID-19 While Undergoing Systemic Steroid Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review.
BACKGROUND Periaortitis is an inflammatory condition that typically involves the infrarenal portion of the abdominal aorta. It is a rare disease usually occurring in middle-aged men. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The published literature on the management of steroid therapy in patients with periaortitis and infected with SARS-CoV-2 is lacking. The balance between the indispensable anti-inflammatory properties of steroids and their adverse immunosuppressive characteristics remains unclear in the current COVID-19 scenario, and most of the current practices in managing potentially autoimmune aortic conditions are extrapolated from patients with rheumatological disorders contracting COVID19 while undergoing maintenance steroid therapy. CASE REPORT This report describes the case of a 62-year-old man who presented with nonspecific lower abdominal pain, unremarkable clinical exam, significantly elevated CRP level, and positive antinuclear antibody test. A CT scan showed mild aortic aneurysmal dilatation with periaortic soft tissue thickening, and a PET scan confirmed the finding, showing active abdominal periaortitis. Accordingly, he was diagnosed with autoimmune periaortitis and was maintained on a high dose of systemic corticosteroids (35 mg prednisolone/d). Eight weeks later, he was readmitted to the intensive care unit with worsening respiratory symptoms due to SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR test, and unfortunately died 44 days later due to COVID-19-induced respiratory failure and sepsis. CONCLUSIONS The lack of an international consensus on the management of SARS-CoV-2-positive, steroid-dependent patients with serious inflammatory aortic conditions mandates further investigations and thoughtful review of the guidelines for the management of steroid-dependent patients contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes of these patients is essential.


Characterization of centrosomal localization and dynamics of Cdc25C phosphatase in mitosis.
In mammalian cells, three Cdc25 phosphatases A, B, C coordinate cell cycle progression through activating dephosphorylation of Cyclin-dependent kinases. Whereas Cdc25B is believed to trigger entry into mitosis, Cdc25C is thought to act at a later stage of mitosis and in the nucleus. We report that a fraction of Cdc25C localises to centrosomes in a cell cycle-dependent fashion, as of late S phase and throughout G(2) and mitosis. Moreover, Cdc25C colocalises with Cyclin B1 at centrosomes in G(2) and in prophase and Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching experiments reveal that they are both in dynamic exchange between the centrosome and the cytoplasm. The centrosomal localisation of Cdc25C is essentially mediated by its catalytic C-terminal domain, but does not require catalytic activity. In fact phosphatase-dead and substrate-binding hotspot mutants of Cdc25C accumulate at centrosomes together with phosphoTyr15-Cdk1 and behave as dominant negative forms that impair entry into mitosis. Taken together, our data suggest an unexpected function for Cdc25C at the G(2)/M transition, in dephosphorylation of Cdk1. We propose that Cdc25C may participate in amplification of Cdk1-Cyclin B1 activity following initial activation by Cdc25B, and that this process is initiated at the centrosome, then further propagated throughout the cytoplasm thanks to the dynamic behavior of both Cdc25C and Cyclin B1.


Peers and partners: a stakeholder evaluation of preceptorship in mental health nursing.
This article, by Cris Allen, describes a study that examined the issues and concerns of stakeholders involved in preceptorship in pre- and post-registration mental health nursing. A responsive evaluation methodology was used to capture views on the preparation and support needs of preceptors.


Hook Wire Localization Procedure and Early Detection of Breast Cancer - Our Experience.
The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with needle localization technique in diagnosing small breast cancers. This retrospective study included a hundred and twenty patients' with impalpable breast lesions and they underwent wire localization. All patients had mammography, ultrasound exam and pathohystological results. We use Mammomat Inspiration Siemens digital unit for diagnosing mammography, machine - Lorad Affinity with fenestrated compressive pad for wire localization and ultrasound machine Acuson X300 with linear array probe 10 MhZ. We use two types of wire: Bard hook wire and Kopans breast lesion localization needle, Cook. Comparative radiologic and pathologic data were collected and analyzed. In 120 asymptomatic women, 68 malignancies and 52 benign findings were detected with mammography and ultrasound. The mean age for patients with malignancy was 58.6 years. According BI-RADS classification for mammography the distribution is our group was: BI-RADS 3 was presented in 6 (8.82%) patients, BI-RADS 4 was presented in 56 (82.35%) patients and BI-RADS 5 was present in 6 (8.82%) of the patients. Most wire localizations were performed under mammographic guidance in 58 from 68 patients with malignant lesions (85.29%) and with ultrasound in 10 (14.7%). According the mammographic findings patients with mass on mammograms were 29 (42.65%), mass with calcifications 9 (13.23%), calcifications 20 (29.41%) and architectural distortions or asymmetry 10 (14.71%). Wire localization is a well established technique for the management of impalpable breast lesions.


Life goals of patients with Parkinson's disease: A pilot study on correlations with mood and cognitive functions.
To identify the life goals of people with Parkinson's disease, to assess whether patients felt that these goals were 'on track', and to assess the relation of these life goals to neuropsychologic and mood function. Cross-sectional descriptive study with an age-matched control group. Outpatient Movement Disorders Clinics Veterans Hospital. Twenty-two patients with mid-stage Parkinson's disease and 22 age-matched controls. Rivermead Life Goals Inventory, neuropsychological and mood scales. People with Parkinson's disease were less likely than age-matched controls to cite religion, social contacts, leisure activities and personal care as 'extremely important life goals'. People with Parkinson's disease assigned significantly lower 'importance' ratings to leisure activities and religion than did controls. In addition, people with Parkinson's disease assigned significantly lower 'on track' ratings for leisure activities, work, social contacts, religion and financial affairs compared with controls' rating on the same items. Although people with Parkinson's disease showed significantly greater levels of cognitive and mood dysfunction than did controls, their mean importance ratings on life goals correlated only with mood function scores. The leisure activities, work, social contacts, religion and financial affairs of people with Parkinson's disease are less 'on track' than are their personal and family relationships. Subjective importance ratings of particular life goals of people with Parkinson's disease were found to be significantly related to mood function and not to cognitive function. Goal derailment ratings on the other hand were significantly related to both mood and cognitive impairment.


Genetic characterization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transmission in the Middle East and North Africa.
The HIV-1 spread in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has not been previously characterised using the phylogenetic approach. The aim of the current study was to investigate the genetic diversity and domestic transmission of HIV-1 in the MENA. A total of 2036 HIV-1 sequences available in Genbank and collected in the MENA during 1988-2016 were used together with 715 HIV-1 reference sequences that were retrieved from Genbank based on genetic similarity with the MENA sequences. The REGA and COMET tools were used to determine HIV-1 subtypes and circulating recombinant forms. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were used to identify and date HIV-1 transmission clusters. At least 21 HIV-1 subtypes and recombinant forms were prevalent in the MENA. Subtype B was the most common variant (39%), followed by CRF35_AD (19%) and CRF02_AG (14%). The most common genetic region was pol, and 675 partial pol sequences (average of 1005 bp) were eligible for detailed phylogenetic analysis. Fifty-four percent of the MENA sequences formed HIV-1 transmission clusters. Whereas numerous clusters were country-specific, some clusters indicated transmission links between countries for subtypes B, C and CRF02_AG. This was more common in North Africa compared with the Middle East (p < 0.001). Recombinant forms had a larger proportion of clustering compared to pure subtypes (p < 0.001). The largest MENA clusters dated back to 1991 (an Algerian CRF06_cpx cluster of 43 sequences) and 2002 (a Tunisian CRF02_AG cluster of 48 sequences). We found an extensive HIV-1 diversity in the MENA and a high proportion of sequences in transmission clusters. This study highlights the need for preventive measures in the MENA to limit HIV-1 spread in this region.


Research Progress on Natural Compounds Exerting an Antidepressant Effect through Anti-inflammatory.
Depression is a common mental illness that belongs to the category of emotional disorders that causes serious damage to the health and life of patients, while inflammation is considered to be one of the important factors that cause depression. In this case, it might be important to explore the possible therapeutic approach by using natural compounds exerting an anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effect, which has not been systematically reviewed recently. Hence, this review aims to systematically sort the literature related to the mechanism of exerting an antidepressant effect through antiinflammatory actions and to summarize the related natural products in the past 20 years in terms of several inflammatory-related pathways (i.e., the protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, monoamine neurotransmitters (5-hydroxytryptamine and norepinephrine) (5-HT and NE), the nod-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, proinflammatory cytokines, neurotrophins, or cytokine-signaling pathways), which might provide a useful reference for the potential treatment of depression.


Mechanisms of Plutonium Redox Reactions in Nitric Acid Solutions.
Plutonium (Pu) exhibits a complex redox behavior in aqueous solutions. This is due to the ability of the element to adapt a wide range of oxidation states typically from +3 to +6 and the tendency for dynamic interconversion between the oxidation states that primarily depend upon acid concentration and presence of coordinating ligands. This work interrogates the Pu redox behavior in aqueous nitric acid via a combination of voltammetry and in situ vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry under controlled potentials to map the interconversion between the various Pu oxidation states. The NIR-spectroelectrochemistry studies used to complement the visible spectroscopy bring a new and more complete perspective into the plutonium redox transformations. This allows elucidation of the mechanisms of the involved redox reactions facilitating an in-depth understanding of the relative stability of the Pu oxidation states as a function of redox potentials and nitric acid concentrations. It is observed that oxidation of Pu(III) results in generation of Pu(IV) and Pu(VI) (the latter as PuO22+), bypassing the Pu(V) oxidation state. Further, with increasing acid concentrations, the formation of the Pu(VI) species progressively decreases so that the dynamic equilibrium between the Pu(III) and Pu(IV) oxidation states dominates. These findings have significant implications for developing separation processes for used nuclear fuel reprocessing and treatment.


Structural characterization and antioxidant activity of pectic polysaccharides from Veronica peregrina L.
Pectins are a class of acidic polysaccharides with complex structures. Different pectin molecules are composed of different domains, which have an important impact on their biological activity. This study aimed to determine the structural features and the antioxidant activities of the pectic polysaccharides isolated from Veronica peregrina L. The polysaccharide was isolated from Veronica peregrina L by water extraction and fractionated by ion exchange chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. The structure features of the pectic polysaccharides were determined by Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The antioxidant activities was evaluated by the DPPH, OH and ABTS radical scavenging ability. WVPP-A2b and WVPP-A3b, with molecular weights of 48.7 × 104 and 77.6 × 104 kDa, respectively, contained homogalacturonan (HG), rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), and rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) domains with a mass ratio of 2.08:2.64:1.00 and 3.87:4.65:1:00, respectively. The RG-I domain contained an arabinogalactan II backbone and arabinans consisting of t-Araf, (1→5)-α-Araf, and (1→3,5)-α-Araf. WVPP-A3b also contained short chains consisting of the [t-Araf-(1→5)-α-Araf-(1→] structural unit. WVPP-A3b showed stronger ability to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radicals, which was potentially associated with its high content of galacturonic acid and presence of the HG domain. The results provide information for enhancing knowledge of the structureactivity relationship of pectic polysaccharides from V. peregrina and their potential application in the healthcare food field.


Metformin causes a futile intestinal-hepatic cycle which increases energy expenditure and slows down development of a type 2 diabetes-like state.
Metformin, the first line drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes, suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis and reduces body weight in patients, the latter by an unknown mechanism. Mice on a high fat diet were continuously fed metformin in a therapeutically relevant dose, mimicking a retarded formulation. Feeding metformin in pharmacologically relevant doses to mice on a high fat diet normalized HbA1c levels and ameliorated glucose tolerance, as expected, but also considerably slowed down weight gain. This was due to increased energy expenditure, since food intake was unchanged and locomotor activity was even decreased. Metformin caused lactate accumulation in the intestinal wall and in portal venous blood but not in peripheral blood or the liver. Increased conversion of glucose-1-13C to glucose-1,6-13C under metformin strongly supports a futile cycle of lactic acid production in the intestinal wall, and usage of the produced lactate for gluconeogenesis in liver. The reported glucose-lactate-glucose cycle is a highly energy consuming process, explaining the beneficial effects of metformin given continuously on the development of a type 2 diabetic-like state in our mice.


Lipid Metabolism and Emerging Targets for Lipid-Lowering Therapy.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and dyslipidemia constitutes a major risk factor for CVD and premature atherosclerosis. Therapies to reduce the plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins are well established interventions that decrease CVD risk. However, treatment of dyslipidemia with the most widely used lipid-lowering drugs (ie, statins and ezetimibe) often fails to protect a significant proportion of patients from cardiovascular risk. The development of several novel therapies to treat lipid-related disorders and their associated risks is ongoing and includes the following: (1) reducing plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins using proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, antisense inhibitors of Apolipoprotein (Apo)(a), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides of ApoB for inhibiting very low-density lipoprotein production, and inhibitors of angiopoietin-like protein 3 or ApoC-III for triglyceride-rich lipoprotein management upstream of low-density lipoprotein production as well as gene replacement therapy to improve low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein clearance; and (2) emerging therapies that target high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and reverse cholesterol transport using cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors, HDL peptide mimetics, and autologous infusion of pre-β HDLs. Clinical trials of several of these emerging therapies are currently being conducted. Despite the potential efficacy of these new therapies in CVD prevention, their costs might limit their use because of limited reimbursement funds. Therefore, the real challenge facing the next generation of lipid-lowering agents will most likely be accessibility, reflecting a new paradigm that applies to almost all emerging therapies for any disease in the era of precision medicine.


A preliminary report on a DNA-based screening method for retinitis pigmentosa. A trial on a west Australian population.
Recent reports have linked numerous point mutations in the human genome to retinitis pigmentosa (RP), suggesting that in the near future molecular biology based genetic counselling for patients with RP might become a reality. In this paper we assess the viability of a DNA-based screening method for RP. Specifically, we screened rhodopsin and the beta-subunit of phosphodiesterase (B-PDE) genes for the presence of abnormalities in West Australian RP patients. Blood was collected from 27 patients. Leukocyte DNA was extracted from patients and 50 randomly selected controls. Exons 1-19 and 21 of B-PDE and exons 1, 3 and 5 of rhodopsin were analysed using single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) following DNA amplification. The nature of anomalies detected by SSCP was classified with DNA sequencing. In RP patient samples, we found anomalous bands in exons 5, 9, 10, 15 and 16 and 17 of B-PDE and in exons 1 and 3 of rhodopsin genes. In B-PDE none of the anomalous bands represented mutations. Some of the anomalous bands in the rhodopsin gene, however, corresponded to silent mutations at nucleotide positions 269 and 3982 in four patients. In this study we have demonstrated that SSCP in combination with DNA sequencing is a powerful tool to identify new mutations and to provide information for a 'mutational panel' for future screening.


[Pneumococcal vaccination for children and adults].
Pneumococci are the leading bacterial causes of respiratory tract infections, bacteremia and meningitis. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) are effective and safe in young children. Their introduction led to significant reductions of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), pneumonia, otitis media and antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal infections. Beyond these effects in the vaccinated age groups, there is a reduction in nasopharyngeal pneumococcal carriage and therefore in transmission. This in turn led to marked reductions in IPD and pneumonia in non-vaccinated age groups, particularly elderly adults as evidence of herd protection. Recently it was shown that the 13-valent PCV13 is effective and safe in adults leading to the age-independent recommendation of PCV13 in all persons with risk factors.


Transcriptomic Insight in the Control of Legume Root Secondary Infection by the Sinorhizobium meliloti Transcriptional Regulator Clr.
The cAMP-dependent transcriptional regulator Clr of Sinorhizobium meliloti regulates the overall number of infection events on Medicago roots by a so-far unknown mechanism requiring smc02178, a Clr-target gene of unknown function. In order to shed light on the mode of action of Clr on infection and potentially reveal additional biological functions for Clr, we inventoried genomic Clr target genes by transcriptome profiling. We have found that Clr positively controls the synthesis of cAMP-dependent succinoglycan as well as the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of a so-far unknown polysaccharide compound. In addition, Clr activated expression of 24 genes of unknown function in addition to smc02178. Genes negatively controlled by Clr were mainly involved in swimming motility and chemotaxis. Functional characterization of two novel Clr-activated genes of unknown function, smb20495 and smc02177, showed that their expression was activated by the same plant signal as smc02178 ex planta. In planta, however, symbiotic expression of smc02177 proved independent of clr. Both smc02177 and smb20495 genes were strictly required for the control of secondary infection on M. sativa. None of the three smc02177, smc02178 and smb20495 genes were needed for plant signal perception. Altogether this work provides a refined view of the cAMP-dependent Clr regulon of S. meliloti. We specifically discuss the possible roles of smc02177, smc02178, smb20495 genes and other Clr-controlled genes in the control of secondary infection of Medicago roots.


Age related trends in the incidence of endometrial cancer in South East England 1962-1997.
Important population demographic changes have occurred over the last 50 years in the UK. Birth rates have fallen, obesity rates have increased and there has been an increase in the use of reproductive hormones, factors which may influence the epidemiology of endometrial cancer. We analysed the age-related trends in the incidence of endometrial cancer in South East England between 1962 and 1997 to determine if there was a correlation with the population demographic changes over this time period. We undertook a retrospective review of systematically collected data, looking specifically at the change in overall incidence of endometrial cancer and the age-related incidence for each five year group from 25 to 85 + years. The overall incidence of endometrial cancer remained unchanged over the 35-year study period. In women aged 35-54 years there was a decrease in incidence of endometrial cancer and this was significant in the 40-45 year age group. The study also revealed a statistically significant increase in incidence of endometrial cancer in women aged over 65 years with a greater rate of increase in older women, particularly those aged over 85. Thus, there is evidence from this study of significant changes in the age-related incidence of endometrial cancer in the 35-year study period that may be explained by alterations in life style and behaviour. The increased incidence in women aged 85 and over have potential implications for the planning and provision of cancer services in the future.


Improved enrichment of circulating tumor cells from diagnostic leukapheresis product.
The median number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detected in 7.5 mL of peripheral blood by CellSearch (PB-CS) in patients with metastatic prostate cancer is in the order of 1-10, which means many samples have insufficient tumor cells for comprehensive characterization. A significant increase is obtained through diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA), however, only 2%-3% of the DLA product can be processed per CellSearch test, limiting the gain. We processed aliquots from 30 DLA products of metastatic prostate cancer patients consisting of 0.2 × 109 leukocytes using CellSearch (DLA-CS) as well as the newly introduced reduced enrichment reagent protocol (RER), which uses 10-fold less enrichment reagents than DLA-CS. The number of tumor cells and the total number of captured cells were determined using the CellTracks Analyzer. Additionally, for six DLA samples, a 1.0 × 109 leukocyte aliquot was processed (RER+), using twofold less enrichment reagents than DLA-CS. A median 2.7-fold reduction in leukocyte co-enrichment was found between DLA-CS and RER methods without any loss in tumor cell recovery (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, p = 0.953). Using 1.0 × 109 leukocyte aliquots a fourfold increase in tumor cells was found compared to DLA-CS and a 19-fold increase compared to PB-CS was obtained. The here-introduced RER protocol results in a higher final sample purity without any loss in tumor cell recovery while using 10-fold less CellSearch capture reagent. With this improved method, 26% of the leukapheresis sample can now be processed using reagents from a single CellSearch test, enabling the obtainment of a sufficient number of CTCs for comprehensive characterization in most metastatic prostate cancer patients.


Adherence management for patients with cancer taking capecitabine: a prospective two-arm cohort study.
To develop and evaluate a multiprofessional modular medication management to assure adherence to capecitabine. The study was conducted as a prospective, multicentred observational cohort study. All participants received pharmaceutical care consisting of oral and written information. Daily adherence was defined as percentage of days with correctly administered capecitabine doses and assessed using medication event monitoring. According to their daily adherence during the first cycle, patients were identified as initially non-adherent (<90% adherence) or adherent (≥90% adherence). Initially non-adherent patients received additional adherence support. Seventy-three patients with various tumour entities were enrolled, 58 were initially adherent and 15 non-adherent. Median daily adherence of initially non-adherent patients increased from 85.7% to 97.6% during the observation period of six cycles. Throughout all cycles, median daily adherence of initially adherent patients was 100.0%. Daily adherence was not associated with sociodemographic and disease-related factors. No patient was non-persistent. An early adherence screening effectively distinguishes between patients adhering and non-adhering to capecitabine. The provision of specific adherence support is associated with enhanced adherence of initially non-adherent patients, whereas initially adherent patients remain adherent for at least six cycles without specific support. Our needs-based approach helps to use available resources for adherence management efficiently.


Mechanism of allergic contact dermatitis from propacetamol: sensitization to activated N,N-diethylglycine.
In order to confirm the mechanism of skin sensitization to propacetamol, a pro-drug of acetaminophen, 3 patients with allergic contact dermatitis from propacetamol were patch tested with N,N-diethylglycine phenyl ester, an activated form of N,N-diethylglycine. Positive patch tests were observed in all the patients at 10% in pet., while 20 control patients remained negative. This strongly suggests that propacetamol is acting as an activated form of N,N-diethylglycine, transferring this part of the molecule to nucleophilic residues of proteins. This also explains why reactions to acetaminophen have never been observed in patients sensitized to propacetamol.


Control of a community outbreak of hepatitis A in an area of low endemicity, Wales, 2016.
Incidence of hepatitis A in Wales is low (average of 0.48/100,000 inhabitants from 2004-2015). We describe a community outbreak of hepatitis A involving 3 schools (primary and secondary) in South Wales between March and June 2016 and reflect on the adequacy of the control measures used. Anyone in South Wales epidemiologically linked to a serological and/or RNA positive confirmed case of hepatitis A during the 15-50 d before onset of symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, fever, nausea, AND jaundice, or jaundice-associated symptom) was defined as a case. Case identification was based on laboratory or GP suspicion notification, changing to active surveillance toward the end. As per national guidance, household contacts were identified and offered immunisation while in schools vaccination followed evidence of transmission. We went beyond guidance by vaccinating street play mates and in secondary schools. Mass vaccination uptake was calculated. There were 17 cases, mostly in children under 16 y of age. All cases had an epidemiological link to either a school or a household case (except primary) and no travel history. Street playing was the only epidemiological link between 2 cases in different schools. A total of 139 household contacts were identified. All schools, including secondary one, had a transmission event preceding mass vaccination (overall uptake 85%, reaching 1,574 individuals) and no tertiary cases emerged after the campaigns. We recommend extending guidance to include actions taken that helped curb this outbreak: 1) vaccinating in secondary school and 2) broadening the household contact definition. Based on our learning we further suggest 3) vaccinating upon identification of a single case who attended school while infectious regardless of source and 4) active case finding by serologically testing contacts.


Cells immunoreactive for neuropeptide in human thymomas.
The presence of opioid peptides, bombesin, and substance P was investigated by immunohistochemistry in tissue sections from six human thymomas. The number of immunoreactive cells seemed to vary from one case to another. Ultrastructural investigation, showing the presence of desmosomes in labelled cells, allowed these cells to be classified as epithelial lineage cells. The occurrence of cells containing neuropeptide in thymomas suggest that peptide molecules could have modulated the behaviour of this tumour, given the reported influence of these molecules on immune functions and their growth promoting activity on several cell types, including mesenchymal and epithelial cells.


Vimentin Modulates Infectious Internalization of Human Papillomavirus 16 Pseudovirions.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, with virtually all cases of cervical cancer being attributable to infection by oncogenic HPVs. However, the exact mechanism and receptors used by HPV to infect epithelial cells are controversial. The current entry model suggests that HPV initially attaches to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) at the cell surface, followed by conformational changes, cleavage by furin convertase, and subsequent transfer of the virus to an as-yet-unidentified high-affinity receptor. In line with this model, we established an in vitro infection system using the HSPG-deficient cell line pgsD677 together with HPV16 pseudovirions (HPV16-PsVs). While pgsD677 cells were nonpermissive for untreated HPV16-PsVs, furin cleavage of the particles led to a substantial increase in infection. Biochemical pulldown assays followed by mass spectrometry analysis showed that furin-precleaved HPV16-PsVs specifically interacted with surface-expressed vimentin on pgsD677 cells. We further demonstrated that both furin-precleaved and uncleaved HPV16-PsVs colocalized with surface-expressed vimentin on pgsD677, HeLa, HaCaT, and NIKS cells, while binding of incoming viral particles to soluble vimentin protein before infection led to a substantial decrease in viral uptake. Interestingly, decreasing cell surface vimentin by small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown in HeLa and NIKS cells significantly increased HPV16-PsV infectious internalization, while overexpression of vimentin had the opposite effect. The identification of vimentin as an HPV restriction factor enhances our understanding of the initial steps of HPV-host interaction and may lay the basis for the design of novel antiviral drugs preventing HPV internalization into epithelial cells.IMPORTANCE Despite HPV being a highly prevalent sexually transmitted virus causing significant disease burden worldwide, particularly cancer of the cervix, cell surface events preceding oncogenic HPV internalization are poorly understood. We herein describe the identification of surface-expressed vimentin as a novel molecule not previously implicated in the infectious internalization of HPV16. Contrary to our expectations, vimentin was found to act not as a receptor but rather as a restriction factor dampening the initial steps of HPV16 infection. These results importantly contribute to our current understanding of the molecular events during the infectious internalization of HPV16 and open a new direction in the development of alternative drugs to prevent HPV infection.


Biochemical and Structural Characterisation of a Novel D-Lyxose Isomerase From the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Thermofilum sp.
A novel D-lyxose isomerase has been identified within the genome of a hyperthermophilic archaeon belonging to the Thermofilum species. The enzyme has been cloned and over-expressed in Escherichia coli and biochemically characterised. This enzyme differs from other enzymes of this class in that it is highly specific for the substrate D-lyxose, showing less than 2% activity towards mannose and other substrates reported for lyxose isomerases. This is the most thermoactive and thermostable lyxose isomerase reported to date, showing activity above 95°C and retaining 60% of its activity after 60 min incubation at 80°C. This lyxose isomerase is stable in the presence of 50% (v/v) of solvents ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile and DMSO. The crystal structure of the enzyme has been resolved to 1.4-1.7 A. resolution in the ligand-free form and in complexes with both of the slowly reacting sugar substrates mannose and fructose. This thermophilic lyxose isomerase is stabilised by a disulfide bond between the two monomers of the dimeric enzyme and increased hydrophobicity at the dimer interface. These overall properties of high substrate specificity, thermostability and solvent tolerance make this lyxose isomerase enzyme a good candidate for potential industrial applications.


Suggested Curricular Guidelines for Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Training.
A sports medicine physician manages musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and sport-related medical and MSK conditions of patients of all ages and abilities. Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians (physiatrists) must be adequately trained to provide this care for all patients including, but not limited to, athletes participating in organized sports, the weekend warrior as well as athletes with disabilities. Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education core requirements and basic guidelines help physiatry residency training programs develop and implement residency curriculums. The goal of this article is to provide suggested curricular guidelines to optimize physiatrist training in MSK and sports medicine.


Sonography of pelvoabdominal cystic masses in children and adolescents.
A series of large pelvoabdominal cystic masses in young females is presented. Ultrasound examination is the procedure of choice for the initial evaluation of these uncommon masses. Ultrasound can characterize internal structure and relationship to contiguous organs and tissues, and the examination can often suggest the etiology. In two cases, multiple pathologic entities were encountered.


Macroecological analysis of the fish fauna inhabiting Cymodocea nodosa seagrass meadows.
In this study, patterns in the taxonomic richness and composition of the fish fauna inhabiting Cymodocea nodosa seagrass meadows were described across their entire distribution range in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic Ocean. Specifically, the study tested whether there are differences in the composition of fish assemblages between those ecoregions encompassed by the distribution range of C. nodosa, and whether these differences in composition are connected with differences in bioclimatic affinities of the fish faunas. A literature review resulted in a total of 19 studies, containing 22 fish assemblages at 18 locations. The ichthyofauna associated with C. nodosa seagrass meadows comprises 59 families and 188 species. The western Mediterranean (WM) Sea has the highest species richness (87 species). Fish assemblages from the Macaronesia-Canary Islands, the Sahelian Upwelling, South European Atlantic Shelf and the WM differ, in terms of assemblage composition, relative to other ecoregions. In contrast, the composition of the fish fauna from the central and eastern Mediterranean overlaps. There is a significant serial correlation in fish assemblage composition between adjacent ecoregions along the distribution range of C. nodosa. Dissimilarities in assemblage composition are connected with the geographical separation between locations, and the mean minimum annual seawater temperature is the environmental factor that explains most variation in fish assemblage composition.


Sparfloxacin-induced nail pigmentation: A case of fixed drug eruption?
Sparfloxacin, a synthetic, second generation, broad spectrum aminodifluoroquinolone antibiotic, has excellent penetration into respiratory tissues and has good activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical bacteria. Although it is indicated for the treatment of adult community-acquired pneumonia and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, its use has been limited by phototoxicity which is more common with it than with other quinolones. We report a case of a 20-year-old Nigerian woman who developed a diffuse blue-black nail pigmentation of thumb and big toe nails, 2 weeks after completing therapy with sparfloxacin, and a recurrence of the pigmentation in the same nails 1 year after taking the drug again. We think this is likely a case of subungual fixed drug eruption. We briefly discuss the causes and mechanisms of drug-induced nail pigmentation in general.


[Second examination in meat inspection (author's transl)].
A second examination at the expense of the party adjudged to be in error is based on Section 13 of the Meat Inspection Act in the Netherlands, which has been elaborated in Sections 51 and 51a of the Meat Inspection Order. The procedure to be adopted by the second veterinary-surgeon inspector, however, has not been stipulated. The need for clear instructions is stressed. The present paper was designed to promote objectivity and uniformity in second inspections to provide legal security for the owner of the slaughtered animal as well as for the first veterinary-surgeon inspector.


Successful efavirenz dose reduction in HIV type 1-infected individuals with cytochrome P450 2B6 *6 and *26.
Efavirenz (EFV) is metabolized primarily by cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6), and high plasma concentrations of the drug are associated with a G-->T polymorphism at position 516 (516G-->T) of CYP2B6 and frequent central nervous system (CNS)-related side effects. Here, we tested the feasibility of genotype-based dose reduction of EFV. CYP2B6 genotypes were determined in 456 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients who were receiving EFV treatment or were scheduled to receive EFV-containing treatment. EFV dose was reduced in CYP2B6 516G-->T carriers who had high plasma EFV concentrations while receiving the standard dosage (600 mg). EFV-naive homozygous CYP2B6 516G-->T carriers were treated with low-dose EFV. In both groups, the dose was further reduced when plasma EFV concentration remained high. CYP2B6 516G-->T was identified in the *6 allele (found in 17.9% of our subjects) and a novel allele, *26 (found in 1.3% of our patients). All EFV-treated CYP2B6 *6/*6 and *6/*26 carriers had extremely high plasma EFV concentrations (>6000 ng/mL) while receiving the standard dosage. EFV dose was reduced to 400 mg for 11 patients and to 200 mg for 7 patients with persistently suppressed HIV-1 loads. EFV-containing treatment was initiated at 400 mg in 4 CYP2B6 *6/*6 carriers and one *6/*26 carrier. Two of them still had a high plasma EFV concentration while receiving that dose, and the dose was further reduced to 200 mg, with successful HIV-1 suppression. CNS-related symptoms improved with dose reduction in 10 of the 14 patients, although some had not been aware of the symptoms at initial dosage. Genotype-based EFV dose reduction is feasible in CYP2B6 *6/*6 and *6/*26 carriers, which can reduce EFV-associated CNS symptoms.


[Primary textual research on editions of Lei jing (Classified Canon)].
There were not a few editions of Lei jing (Classified Canon) spread now, some of which had certain relationship in their origin. The block - printed edition of the Ming dynasty in the ministry library of Japan National Cabinet Document Library may probably be the earliest edition of Lei jing. There were two major types of edition of Lei jing in circulation, that is, the editions with and without the original contents of Nei jing (Inner Canon). The Yongquan edition of Jin Changtong and edition of Tiande Hall were the source of all the block - printed editions in China, while the Japanese block - printed edition was derived from the edition with the original contents of Nei jing of the Ming dynasty.


Defining the inflammatory signature of human lung explant tissue in the presence and absence of glucocorticoid.
Airway inflammation is a feature of many respiratory diseases and there is a need for newer, more effective anti-inflammatory compounds. The aim of this study was to develop an ex vivo human lung explant model which can be used to help study the mechanisms underlying inflammatory responses and which can provide a tool to aid drug discovery for inflammatory respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Parenchymal lung tissue from 6 individual donors was dissected and cultured with two pro-inflammatory stimuli, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 µg/ml) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) (10 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of dexamethasone (1 µM). Inflammatory responses were assessed using Luminex analysis of tissue culture supernatants to measure levels of 21 chemokines, growth factors and cytokines. A robust and reproducible inflammatory signal was detected across all donors for 12 of the analytes measured following LPS stimulation with a modest fold increase (<2-fold) in levels of CCL22, IL-4, and IL-2; increases of 2-4-fold in levels of CXCL8, VEGF and IL-6 and increases >4-fold in CCL3, CCL4, GM-CSF, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-1β. The inflammatory signal induced by IL-1β stimulation was less than that observed with LPS but resulted in elevated levels of 7 analytes (CXCL8, CCL3, CCL4, GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α). The inflammatory responses induced by both stimulations was supressed by dexamethasone for the majority of analytes. These data provide proof of concept that this ex vivo human lung explant model is responsive to inflammatory signals and could be used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of existing and novel compounds. In addition this model could be used to help define the mechanisms and pathways involved in development of inflammatory airway disease. COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; ICS: inhaled corticosteroids; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; IL-1β: interleukin-1 beta; PSF: penicillin, streptomycin and fungizone.


Insulin affects the neuronal response in the medial temporal lobe in humans.
In recent years, clear evidence has accumulated that insulin affects central nervous functions. Besides controlling metabolic processes such as energy homeostasis by the regulation of food intake through hypothalamic receptors, the peptide hormone also appears to be capable of modulating cognitive functions. Experimental and clinical evidence for insulin supports effects on learning and memory. This study explores the impact of insulin on neuronal activity using a picture encoding task in a functional magnetic resonance imaging approach. Ten subjects performed two independent scanning sessions, each session divided into one part of four baseline runs and a second part of four runs during either insulin or saline was infused. A hyperinsulinemic- euglycemic clamp technique was applied to keep the blood glucose concentrations normal during insulin infusion. Contrast images between the two parts revealed identical activation patterns during baseline and saline conditions while during the insulin condition a higher level of activation was detected within the fusiform gyrus in both hemispheres. Shorter reaction times during the insulin condition underlined the cognitive benefit. For the first time, we were able to demonstrate that insulin enhances neuronal activity within the medio-temporal lobe and increased performance in humans under in-vivo conditions.


Coexisting harlequin and Horner syndromes after high thoracic paravertebral anaesthesia.
A patient undergoing left mastectomy and immediate latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction under combined paravertebral block and general anaesthesia developed transient, well-demarcated, right-sided hemifacial erythema and sweating, and left-sided Horner syndrome postoperatively. This "harlequin" appearance occurs because of a normal or excessive vasodilatory, thermoregulatory response to heat or emotion mediated by an intact sympathetic pathway on the erythematous side, together with relative pallor of the pharmacologically blocked side.


How to measure quality of life for cost-effectiveness analyses of personality disorders: a systematic review.
A systematic review was undertaken to assess the construct validity and responsiveness of four generic health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures in personality disorders (PDs). Ten databases were searched and reference lists scrutinized to identify relevant studies. Relevant data were extracted accordingly. A narrative synthesis was performed of the evidence on construct validity, including known groups validity (detecting differences in HRQL scores between two different groups), convergent validity (strength of association between generic HRQL), and other measures (e.g., symptom) and responsiveness (differences in generic HRQL measure scores in responders/nonresponders or correlation with changes in other measures). Ten studies were identified: six of the EQ-5D, two involving the SF-36, and another two the SF-12, but none with the SF-6D. Evidence indicated that the EQ-5D, SF-36, and SF-12 were probably valid measures with PDs. Four studies demonstrated that the EQ-5D Index was able to detect changes in patients. The authors conclude that generic HRQL measures appear appropriate for use with people with PDs in terms of psychometric performance. However, qualitative concerns remain as to whether they fully reflect the impact of the condition.


Nonaqueous capillary electrophoretic analysis of hexetidine in a commercial liquid formulation.
A non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis method has been proposed to analyse hexetidine and its degradation products in a commercial liquid pharmaceutical formulation. The separation was achieved using a 37 cm fused silica capillary with a 75 microns internal diameter, an electrolyte of 120 mM sodium acetate buffer in methanol, at 16 kV and 25 degrees C. The results show that the proposed method is able to resolve hexetidine from its degradation products and/or impurities.


Efficient photosensitized degradation of 4-chlorophenol over immobilized aluminum tetrasulfophthalocyanine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
The photosensitized degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) under visible light (lambda > or = 450 nm) irradiation in an aerated aqueous medium at pH 12 was studied using an immobilized photosensitizer, aluminum tetrasulfophthalocyanine, on a commercial resin Amberlite IRA 400. The catalyst exhibited strong adsorption toward 4-CP, but the adsorption led to an exponential decrease in both the initial rate and the apparent first-order rate constant, as measured by 4-CP loss in the bulk solution. Several intermediates were formed from 4-CP oxidation, including fumaric acid, benzoquinone, and hydroquinone, which were adsorbed strongly on the catalyst and lowered the photosensitized reaction. Addition of H2O2 was found to be an efficient way to eliminate the colored intermediates and consequently recover the catalyst activity. The immobilized sensitizer was stable and could be used repeatedly in the presence of H2O2. The optimal loading of the photosensitizer in the catalyst was about 1.0 wt %.


Dynamics of carbon and nitrogen in a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contaminated soil amended with organic residues.
Contamination of soil with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through oil spills occurs frequently in Mexico. PAHs are highly resistant to degradation and restoration of these contaminated soils might be achieved by applying readily available organic material. A clayey soil was contaminated in the laboratory with different forms of PAHs, i.e. phenanthrene, anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene, and amended with maize or biosolids while production of carbon dioxide (CO2), dynamics of ammonia (NH4-), nitrate (NO3-) and PAHs were monitored. The largest CO2 production rate was found in soil added with maize and biosolids and the lowest in the unamended soil. The concentration of PAHs added to the sterilized soil did not change significantly over time and addition of organic material had no significant effect on it. The concentration of PAHs in unsterilized soil decreased sharply in the first weeks independent of addition of organic material and changes were small thereafter. After 100 days, 77% of benzo(a)pyrene was removed from soil, but 91% and 93% of phenanthrene and anthracene, respectively was removed. It was concluded that the autochthonous microbial population degraded phenanthrene, anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene, but neither biosolids nor maize accelerated the decomposition of PAHs or affected their residual concentration.


The role of partnership in capacity building in public health nutrition - experience of malaysia.
Public Health emphasizes the plurality of the determinants of health of individuals, families and communities. Nutrition, as a major determinant of health, is itself influenced by a multitude of determinants that are under the purview of several agencies. Thus, inter-sectoral collaboration among the relevant agencies is imperative for promoting optimal health and nutrition such a partnership is manifested in the development and implementation of the National Plan of Nutrition (NPAN) of Malaysia pursuant to the International Conference on Nutrition (ICN) held in 1992. While the overall coordination of NPAN is at the Family Development Division in the Ministry of Health, the body that sees to the coordination is again a multi-agency group in the form of the National Coordinating Committee for Food and Nutrition (NCCFN). The NCCFN has representation for the nine thrust areas of NPAN that cut across various sectors including health, agriculture, education, community development and economic planning. Capacity building is a central strategy in the NPAN through the creation of positions and special budgetary allocations, and the implementation of activities including research, training, development of dietary guidelines and the National Nutrition Policy. This policy will be a major driving force for strengthening and building of capacity for nutrition-related activities, and more importantly it will facilitate a coordinated and coherent approach to capacity building, including sharing of resources.


ABO blood group determines plasma von Willebrand factor levels: a biologic function after all?
For many years, an association between ABO histo-blood group and risk of thrombosis has been recognized. Blood group non-O (A, B, and AB) individuals have consistently been found to demonstrate increased incidence of both arterial and venous thrombotic disease, compared to group O individuals. This increased risk is attributable to the fact that ABO blood group influences plasma levels of a coagulation glycoprotein named von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF levels are 25 percent higher in non-O compared to group O individuals. The mechanism by which ABO group determines plasma VWF levels has not been determined. ABO(H) carbohydrate antigenic determinants, however, are expressed on the N-linked glycan chains of circulating plasma VWF. This review will focus on the carbohydrate structures of VWF and recent studies suggesting that subtle variations in these structures (particularly differences in ABO blood group antigen expression) may have clinically significant effects on VWF proteolysis and clearance.


VCC-1, a novel chemokine, promotes tumor growth.
We have identified a novel human gene by transcriptional microarray analysis, which is co-regulated in tumors and angiogenesis model systems with VEGF expression. Isolation of cDNA clones containing the full-length VCC-1 transcript from both human and mouse shows a 119 amino acid protein with a 22 amino acid cleavable signal sequence in both species. Comparison of the protein product of this gene with hidden Markov models of all known proteins shows weak but significant homology with two known chemokines, SCYA17 and SCYA16. Northern analysis of human tissues detects a 1 kb band in lung and skeletal muscle. Murine VCC-1 expression can also be detected in lung as well as thyroid, submaxillary gland, epididymis, and uterus tissues by slot blot analysis. By quantitative real time RT-PCR 71% of breast tumors showed 3- to 24-fold up-regulation of VCC-1. In situ hybridization of breast carcinomas showed strong expression of the gene in both normal and transformed mammary gland ductal epithelial cells. In vitro, human microvascular endothelial cells grown on fibronectin increase VCC-1 expression by almost 100-fold. In addition, in the mouse angioma endothelial cell line PY4.1 the gene was over-expressed by 28-fold 6 h after induction of tube formation while quiescent and proliferating cells showed no change. VCC-1 expression is also increased by VEGF and FGF treatment, about 6- and 5-fold, respectively. Finally, 100% of mice injected with NIH3T3 cells over-expressing VCC-1 develop rapidly progressing tumors within 21 days while no growth is seen in any control mice injected with NIH3T3 cells containing the vector alone. These results strongly suggest that VCC-1 plays a role in angiogenesis and possibly in the development of tumors in some tissue types.


The Role of Energy Scales for the Structure of Ionic Liquids at Electrified Interfaces: A Theory-Based Approach.
Ionic liquids offer unique bulk and interfacial characteristics as battery electrolytes. Our continuum approach naturally describes the electrolyte on a macroscale. An integral formulation for the molecular repulsion, which can be quantitatively determined by both experimental and theoretical methods, models the electrolyte on the nanoscale. In this article, we perform a systematic series expansion of this integral formulation, derive a description of chemical potentials in terms of higher-order concentration gradients, and rationalize the appearance of fourth-order derivative operators in modified Poisson equations, as recently proposed in this context. In this way, we formulate a rigorous multiscale methodology from atomistic quantum chemistry calculations to phenomenological continuum models. We apply our generalized framework to ionic liquids near electrified interfaces and perform analytical asymptotic analysis. Three energy scales describing electrostatic forces between ions, molecular repulsion, and thermal motion determine the shape and width of the long-ranging charged double layer. We classify the charge screening mechanisms dependent on the system parameters as dielectricity, ion size, interaction strength, and temperature. We find that the charge density of electrochemical double layers in ionic liquids either decays exponentially, for negligible molecular repulsion, or oscillates continuously. Charge ordering across several ion diameters occurs if the repulsion between molecules is comparable with thermal energy and Coulomb interactions. Eventually, phase separation of the bulk electrolyte into ionic layers emerges once the molecular repulsion becomes dominant. Our framework predicts the exact phase boundaries among these three phases as a function of temperature, dielectricity, and ion size.


3q27 aberrations in a childhood ovary teratoma with associated malignant germ cell component.
Cytogenetic studies of childhood ovary tumors have been poorly described. In the present article, the cytogenetic findings of an ovarian teratoma with malignant germ cell (yolk-sac) component occurring in an 8-year-old female are detailed. GTG-banding showed a karyotype of 46,XX, t(3;20)(q27;q13.3) [4]/46,XX, del3q27 [3]/46,XX [30]. Previous studies have demonstrated common sites of loss of heterozygosity at 3q27-q28 region in different types of cancer, suggesting the presence of tumor suppressor genes within this region.