Carbon tetrachloride degradation by alkaline ascorbic acid solution.
Ascorbic acid (AA) mediated electron transfer may induce reductive dechlorination of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). This study investigated the role of AA in conjunction with the presence of iron minerals over a wide pH range for the reduction of CCl(4) in aqueous systems. The results indicate that CCl(4) was reduced by AA at a pH of 13 (>pKa(2, AA) of 11.79) and chloroform (CHCl3) was a transformation byproduct of CCl(4). When CCl(4) levels were reduced to near complete disappearance, the decrease of CHCl(3) was then observed. The degradation rate of CCl(4) and also the formation rate of CHCl(3) increased with increased AA concentrations. Analysis of reaction kinetics between CCl(4) and AA revealed an overall second-order reaction with a rate constant of 0.253 ± 0.018 M(-1) s(-1). Furthermore, the reduction rate of CCl(4) by AA at pH of 13 could be enhanced with the presence of iron minerals (Fe(3)O(4), Fe(2)O(3), FeOOH, and FeS2). In the absence or presence of iron minerals, the fraction of CCl(4) transformed to CHCl(3) was less than 1, indicating simultaneous one- and two-electron transfer processes. The end-products of AA at a pH of 13 included threonic acid and oxalic acid. This study highlights the potential of an alkaline AA solution for remediating chlorinated solvents.


Volumetric brain correlates of gait associated with cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults.
To determine the extent to which the regional brain volumes associated with slow gait speed can inform subsequent cognitive decline in older adults from the Rush Memory and Aging Project. We utilized deformation-based morphometry (DBM) in a whole-brain exploratory approach to identify the regional brain volumes associated with gait speed assessed over a short distance during an in-home assessment. We created deformation scores to summarize the gait-associated regions and entered the scores into a series of longitudinal mixed effects models to determine the extent to which deformation predicted change in cognition over time, controlling for associations between gait and cognition. In 438 older adults (81 ± 7; 76% female), DBM revealed that slower gait speed was associated with smaller volumes across frontal white matter, temporal grey matter, and subcortical areas and larger volumes in the ventricles during the same testing cycle. When a subset was followed over multiple (5 ± 2) years, slower gait speed was also associated with annual declines in global cognition, executive functioning, and memory abilities. Several of the gait-related brain structures were associated with these declines in cognition; however, larger ventricles and smaller medial temporal lobe volumes proved most robust and attenuated the association between slow gait and cognitive decline. Regional brain volumes in the ventricles and temporal lobe associated with both slow gait speed and faster cognitive decline have potential to improve risk stratification for cognitive decline in older adults.


Delayed and recurring blisters in the donor graft site of a burn patient.
A 79-year-old woman presented for evaluation of non-healing skin graft donor sites. The patient underwent split thickness skin graft repair two-and-a-half years ago as a consequence of severe burns from a fire that affected 10 to 15 percent of her body. Donor sites included her thighs and flanks. After initial healing, intermittent and paroxysmal, eroded and crusted, erythematous plaques have continued to arise at various donor sites. Normal skin has remained uninvolved. Histopathologic analysis showed a poor basement membrane zone. The patient's findings represented delayed and recurring blistering in the donor graft site that is uncommonly observed in burn patients.


Histidine 39 in the dengue virus type 2 M protein has an important role in virus assembly.
The mature flavivirus particle comprises a nucleocapsid core surrounded by a lipid bilayer containing the membrane (M) (derived from the precursor prM) and envelope (E) proteins. The formation of intracellular prM/E heterodimers occurs rapidly after translation and is believed to be important for the assembly and secretion of immature virus particles. In this study, the role of the His residue at position 39 in the M protein (M39) of dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) in the virus life cycle was investigated. Mutations encoding basic (Arg), non-polar (Leu and Pro) and uncharged polar (Asn, Gln and Tyr) amino acids at M39 were introduced into a DENV-2 genomic-length cDNA clone and their effects on virus replication were examined. Substitution of the His residue with non-polar amino acids abolished virus replication, whereas substitution with basic or uncharged polar amino acids decreased virus replication moderately ( approximately 2 log(10) p.f.u. ml(-1) decrease in viral titre for Arg and Asn) or severely (>3.5 log(10) p.f.u. ml(-1) decrease in viral titre for Gln and Tyr). Selected mutations were introduced into a prM-E gene cassette and expressed transiently in COS cells to investigate whether the mutations impaired prM/E association or secretion. None of the mutations was found to disrupt the formation of intracellular prM/E heterodimers. However, the mutations that abolished virus replication prevented secretion of prM/E complexes. The results of this study pinpoint a critical residue in the M protein that potentially plays a role in viral morphogenesis, secretion and entry.


Reduced Fresnel losses in chalcogenide fibers by using anti-reflective surface structures on fiber end faces.
We demonstrate microstructuring of chalcogenide fiber end faces in order to obtain enhanced transmission due to the antireflective properties of the microstructured surfaces. A variety of molding approaches have been investigated for As(2)S(3) and As(2)Se(3) fibers. Transmission as high as 97% per facet was obtained in the case of As(2)S(3) fiber, compared to the native, Fresnel-loss limited, transmission of 83%. The potential for hydrophobic character was also demonstrated by increasing the contact angle of water droplets to greater than 120°.


Full counting statistics of a superconducting beam splitter.
We study the statistics of charge transport in a mesoscopic three-terminal device with one superconducting terminal and two normal-metal terminals. We calculate the full distribution of transmitted charges into the two symmetrically biased normal terminals. In a wide parameter range, we find large positive cross correlations between the currents in the two normal arms. We also determine the third cumulant that provides additional information on the statistics not contained in the current noise.


Plug-plug kinetic capillary electrophoresis for in-capillary exoglycosidase digestion as a profiling tool for the analysis of glycoprotein glycans.
An online exoglycosidase digestion was combined with a plug-plug kinetic mode of capillary electrophoresis (CE) for the analysis of glycoprotein-derived oligosaccharides. An exoglycosidase solution and a solution of glycoprotein glycans derivatized with 8-aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (APTS) were introduced to a neutrally coated capillary previously filled with electrophoresis buffer solution containing 0.5w/v% hydroxypropylcellulose. After immersion of both ends of the capillary in the buffer solutions, a negative voltage was applied for analysis. An APTS group of an oligosaccharide derivative has triply negative charges, which forced saccharide derivatives to anode with fast mobility and pass through the enzyme plug, which are detected at the anodic end. If the terminal monosaccharides of APTS-labeled oligosaccharides are released by the action of an exoglycosidase, the migration times of the oligosaccharides shift to those of digested oligosaccharides. We examined β-galactosidase, α-mannosidase, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, α-neuraminidase, and α-fucosidase, and found only β-galactosidase and α-neuraminidase showed good reactivity toward APTS-labeled oligosaccharides; the reaction was completed by injecting a 3.6cm long plug of 200 and 50mU/mL concentration of exoglycosidases. In contrast, other exoglycosidases could not react with APTS labeled oligosaccharides at a concentration up to 5U/mL. The β-N-acetylhexosaminidase reaction was successively followed by the electrophoretic mobility of APTS oligosaccharides and stopped for 10min when saccharide derivatives were achieved in the enzyme plug. The reaction of α-fucosidase and α-mannosidase was completed by decreasing the electrophoretic voltage to -2kV when the APTS oligosaccharides were passing through an exoglycosidase plug. We established the CE conditions for all of the glycosidic linkage analysis of glycoprotein glycans.


Isolated maxillary sinus Ewing's sarcoma.
Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma is rarely found arising in the head and neck region. Only six cases of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma invading the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses have been reported in the literature. The first described case of that Ewing's sarcoma located in isolated maxillary sinus extending into the orbita without involving the nose is presented. A 16-year-old woman presented with swelling in her right cheek. The nasal examination was normal. A computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sinuses revealed a large mass in the right maxillary sinus with extension to the orbita. Under general anesthesia biopsies were taken. Based on histopathological analysis, a diagnosis of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma was made. The patient did not accept the surgical therapy. The patient was treated with combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient has done without evidence of recurrence or metastasis for one year.


2D electrophoresis-based expression proteomics: a microbiologist's perspective.
Quantitative proteomics based on 2D electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled with peptide mass fingerprinting is still one of the most widely used quantitative proteomics approaches in microbiology research. Our view on the exploitation of this global expression analysis technique and its contribution and potential to push forward the field of molecular microbial physiology towards a molecular systems microbiology perspective is discussed in this article. The advances registered in 2-DE-based quantitative proteomic analysis leading to increased protein resolution, sensitivity and accuracy, and the promising use of 2-DE to gain insights into post-translational modifications at a proteome-wide level (considering all the proteins/protein forms expressed by the genome) are focused on. Given the progress made in this field, it is foreseen that the 2-DE-based approach to quantitative proteomics will continue to be a fundamental tool for microbiologists working at a genome-wide scale. Guidelines are also provided for the exploitation of expression proteomics data, based on useful computational tools, and for the integration of these data with other genome-wide expression information. The advantages and limitations of a complete 2-DE-based expression proteomics analysis, envisaging the quantification of the global changes occurring in the proteome of a given cell depending on environmental or genetic manipulations, are discussed from the microbiologist's perspective. Particular focus is given to the emerging field of toxicoproteomics, a new systems toxicity approach that offers a powerful tool to directly monitor the earliest stages of the toxicological response by identifying critical proteins and pathways that are affected by, and respond to, a chemical stress. The experimental design and the bioinformatics analysis of data used in our laboratory to gain mechanistic insights through expression proteomics into the responses of the eukaryotic model Saccharomyces cerevisiae or of Pseudomonas strains to environmental toxicants are presented as case studies.


Mutation analysis of suppressor of cytokine signalling 3, a candidate gene in Type 1 diabetes and insulin sensitivity.
Beta cell loss in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus may result from apoptosis and necrosis induced by inflammatory mediators. The suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3 is a natural inhibitor of cytokine signalling and also influences insulin signalling. SOCS3 could therefore be a candidate gene in the development of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mutation analysis of the SOCS3 gene was performed in 21 patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and in seven healthy subjects. An identified promoter variant was examined in (i) 250 families with Type 1 diabetic family members (1097 individuals); (ii) 212 glucose-tolerant first-degree relatives of Type 2 diabetic patients; and (iii) 370 population-based young, healthy subjects who were unrelated. Three mutations were identified in the promoter region, but none in the coding region or the 3'UTR. Two of the three mutations had allele frequencies below 1% whereas the C -920-->A substitution had a minor allele frequency of 8%. In the group of young healthy subjects the insulin sensitivity index was higher among homozygous carriers of the A-allele than among heterozygous and wild-type subjects ( p=0.027, uncorrected). The same trend was found in the group of first-degree relatives of Type 2 diabetic patients. No association or linkage was found to Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Homozygosity for the A-allele of the C -920-->A promoter polymorphism of the SOCS3 gene may be associated with increased whole-body insulin sensitivity, but deserves further investigation.


Iodine content of salt in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
Iodine is an essential micronutrient, deficiency of which causes a number of disorders including goitre and cretinism. Inadequate data are available on the iodine content of salt consumed by beneficiaries in Andaman and Nicobar islands. A systematic study was therefore, undertaken to assess the iodine content of salt to initiate intervention measures, if required, to improve the quality of salt. A total of 275 salt samples, collected from equal number of households constituted the study sample. It was found that 57.1% of the salt samples had an iodine content of 15 ppm and above, 16% had between 10 ppm to <15 ppm, 26.5% had less than 10 ppm and only one salt sample had nil iodine content. The results of the study indicate that there is a need for further strengthening and monitoring of the quality of iodised salt procured and distributed by traders in the Union territory in order to combat iodine deficiency disorders.


Sex Differences in the Association of HOMA-IR Index and BDNF in Han Chinese Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia.
Background: Previous research has indicated that there are significant sex differences in serum BDNF levels and metabolic indicators in patients with schizophrenia. Studies have found that BDNF is involved in blood sugar regulation. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is currently a sensitive indicator for measuring insulin resistance. Our study aims to explore the sex differences in the relationship between serum BDNF levels and HOMA-IR in patients with chronic schizophrenia (CS). Methods: A total of 332 patients with CS were enrolled in this study. General information of all participants was collected. Haematological indicators were collected, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate psychiatric symptoms. Sex differences in serum BDNF levels, HOMA-IR index and other metabolic indexes were investigated. Then, linear regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship between the HOMA-IR index and BDNF levels in male and female patients. Results: The HOMA-IR index of female patients was significantly higher than that of males, but there was no significant difference in serum BDNF levels between male patients and female patients. There was a positive correlation between BDNF level and HOMA-IR index, and this relationship only existed in female patients. Conclusion: The results show that there are significant sex differences in HOMA-IR in patients with CS. In addition, only in female patients was there a positive correlation between the HOMA-IR index and BDNF level, which suggests that sex factors should be taken into account in evaluating the relationship between BDNF and blood glucose in patients with CS.


A Rare Case of Primary Cutaneous Gamma-Delta T-cell Lymphoma with Aberrant B-cell Marker Expression.
Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma (PCGDTL) is a rare and diagnostically challenging primary skin lymphoma. We present a case of a 78-year-old otherwise healthy man who developed nonhealing nodules on his right posterior calf. Initial biopsy showed a dense, atypical, lymphoid infiltrate with gamma-delta and cytotoxic T-cell immunophenotypes. The diagnosis of PCGDTL was rendered; however, concurrent flow cytometry revealed expression of aberrant B-cell markers, including CD19 and cytoplasmic CD79a. Subsequent immunohistochemical studies corroborated this result. We report the extremely rare phenomenon of aberrant B-cell marker expression in PCGDTL, the first formally reported case to our knowledge.


Epidemiological situation of Lyme borreliosis in germany: surveillance data from six Eastern German States, 2002 to 2006.
Lyme borreliosis is the most frequent vector-borne disease in Germany; however, in only six states in the eastern part of Germany (Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia) is early Lyme disease (erythema migrans and early neuroborreliosis) a notifiable disease. Between 2002 and 2006, the incidence increased constantly; in 2002, the incidence per 100,000 inhabitants was 17.8 and rose by 110% to 37.3 in 2006. The incidence among the states varies greatly with Brandenburg accounting for the highest incidence (77.6 per 100,000 inhabitants) and Berlin for the lowest incidence (5.7 per 100,00 inhabitants). The age distribution is bimodal with incidence peaks in childhood between the ages 5 to 9 and in adulthood in the age group 65 to 69 years. In general, females are more frequently affected than males (55% versus 45%). Erythema migrans and early neuroborreliosis affected 20,787 patients (90%) and 799 patients (3%), respectively. Around 70% of all cases occurred between June and September. Further studies are needed to answer the question to which extent the annual increase can be related to a changing epidemiological situation or to other factors such as growing awareness, better diagnostic tools and changing recreational habits.


The importance of a travel history in the preoperative assessment of an elective surgical patient.
The authors present the case of a 43-year-old gentleman who was admitted for an elective surgical removal of an eroded gastric band. The patient reported no medical concerns and other than a mild anaemia of haemoglobin of 10.6, his preoperative assessment was non-significant. Postoperatively, the patient spiked temperatures on multiple occasions. When a travel history was subsequently taken, the patient revealed he had returned from Nigeria the night before his elective surgery. The patient tested positive for Plasmodium falciparum malaria for which he was successfully managed with oral quinine and doxycycline, and recuperated well both from malaria and the surgery. P falciparum malaria is a medical emergency and increases the morbidity and mortality of anaesthesia and surgery. Travel histories are not currently routinely taken as part of the preoperative assessment for elective surgical admissions; the authors argue that it should become a mandatory part.


Specific cell cycle synchronization with butyrate and cell cycle analysis.
Synchronized cells have been invaluable in many kinds of cell cycle and cell proliferation studies. Butyrate induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells. We explore the possibility of using butyrate-blocked cells to obtain synchronized cells and we characterize the properties of butyrate-induced cell cycle arrest. The site of growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest was analyzed using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and flow cytometry analyses. Exposure of MDBK cells to 10 mM butyrate caused growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest in a reversible manner. Butyrate affected the cell cycle at a specific point both immediately after mitosis and at a very early stage of the G1 phase. After release from butyrate arrest, MDBK cells underwent synchronous cycles of DNA synthesis and transited through the S phase. It takes at least 8 h for butyrate-induced G1-synchronized cells to begin the progression into the S phase. One cycle of cell division for MDBK cells is about 20 h. By combining BrdU incorporation and DNA content analysis, not only can the overlapping of different cell populations be eliminated, but the frequency and nature of individual cells that have synthesized DNA can also be determined.


Facilitating stakeholder engagement in early stage translational research.
Stakeholder engagement can play an important role in increasing public trust and the understanding of scientific research and its impact. Frameworks for stakeholder identification exist, but these frameworks may not apply well to basic science and early stage translational research. Four Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs led six focus groups and two semi-structured interviews using a semi-structured discussion guide to learn from basic science researchers about stakeholder engagement in their work. The 24 participants represented fourteen clinical and academic disciplines. Early stage translational researchers reported engagement with a broad array of stakeholders. Those whose research has a clinical focus reported working with a more diverse range of stakeholders than those whose work did not. Common barriers to stakeholder engagement were grouped into three major themes: a poor definition of concepts, absence of guidance, and limited resources. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), the consortium of CTSAs, and the individual CTSA "hubs" are three actors that can help early stage translational researchers develop shared terms of reference, build the necessary skills, and assemble the appropriate resources for engaging stakeholders in Clinical and Translational Research. Getting this right will involve a coordinated push by all three entities.


Performance of the RACE Score for the Prehospital Identification of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke in a Suburban/Rural EMS Service.
Introduction: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers may identify and preferentially transport patients experiencing large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke to appropriate treatment centers. The Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation (RACE) scale was created for prehospital LVO detection, yet few studies have evaluated its function in real-world EMS settings. Our objective was to assess the prehospital performance of the RACE scale for detecting LVO stroke following implementation at a large suburban/rural agency in the United States. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, all 9-1-1 patients with an EMS provider primary or secondary impression of stroke treated by the agency between June 1, 2016 and November 1, 2017 were eligible for inclusion. Patient data were abstracted using a standardized form completed by receiving hospitals. Performance for LVO detection at each RACE cutoff value was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the discrimination of the RACE scale overall. A secondary analysis of RACE for patients experiencing strokes best treated at comprehensive stroke centers (LVO and intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH]) was conducted. Results: There were 440 patients with a documented RACE score and hospital outcome data included in the analysis. About half (51%, n = 220) were female and the median age was 70 years (IQR: 59-81). Last known well time was under 4.5 hours for 76% of patients (n = 261). Over half (61%, n = 269) had a hospital discharge diagnosis of stroke and 64/440 (15%) were classified as LVO. The ROC curve demonstrated adequate discrimination with a c-statistic of 0.72. Performance for identifying LVO in the prehospital setting was greatest for RACE scores ≥5 with a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 72%, PPV of 29%, and NPV of 93%. A RACE score ≥5 for both LVO and ICH demonstrated sensitivity: 63%, specificity: 77%, PPV: 47% and NPV: 86%. Conclusion: The RACE scale demonstrated acceptable discrimination, yet the sensitivity and positive predictive value were lower in this cohort of EMS professionals in the United States than in the original validation study conducted in Spain. Further work is needed to determine the optimal prehospital screening tool for identification of LVO.


Lensless computationally defined confocal incoherent imaging with a Fresnel zone plane as coded aperture.
We present a Fresnel zone plate (FZP) mask-based system for single-shot lensless confocal imaging. The system uses an FZP as coded aperture, which allows each point source to cast a unique pattern onto the sensor, representing their horizontal and axial positions. This results in a 2D sensor measurement comprising a series of FZP patterns, which records the spatial intensity distribution of the incoherent illuminant. The reconstruction process is facilitated by an algorithm based on compress sensing (CS) theory and the use of the nuclear norm of gradient scanning and hologram segmentation technology for autofocusing. The simulative and experimental results of this study align well with the expectation that every layered scene can be accurately recovered at the corresponding depth, without undesirable signals from other layers. Additionally, we analyze the deviation of the reconstruction results in the experiment, which emphasizes the need to consider the thickness of the FZP for a precise forward propagation model.


[Clinical significance of atypical squamous cells and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in cervical smear].
To investigate the clinical significance of atypical squamous cells (ASCUS) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). A total of 800 patients cytologically diagnosed with ASCUS and LSIL were referred for colposcopy. The histopathology diagnosis undergoing colposcopic biopsy, endocervical curettage (ECC), cervical loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) were analyzed. Using pathology as gold criterion, the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of colposcopy to detect cervical lesions and cervical cancer were measured. The follow-up results were recorded. (1) Among the 405 patients with ASCUS, the percentage with chronic cervicitis was 57.04%, LSIL was 34.81%, HSIL was 3.95%, otherwise 2 cases (0.49%) of microinvasive cervical cancer and 15 cases (3.70%) of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) were found respectively. Among the 395 patients with LSIL, the percentage with chronic cervicitis was 34.18%, LSIL was 50.89%, HSIL was 10.38%, 2 cases (0.51%) of microinvasive cervical cancer, 1 case (0.25%) of vulva squamous cancer and 15 cases (3.80%) of VIN was identified respectively. (2) The impression undergoing colposcopy was consistent with the histologically diagnosis in 637 of 800 cases (79.63%). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value was 96.17%, 58.41% and 73.34% respectively. (3) All patients with HSIL or above regressed to normal after 1 year of follow-up. 501 of 738 patients with chronic cervicitis, LSIL and VIN were followed up more than 1 year. ASCUS and LSIL does not represent a single biologic entity; it subsumes changes that are unrelated to neoplasia as well as findings that suggest the possible presence of underlying Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and rarely carcinoma. Thorough evaluation using colposcopy will detect early not only the histological cervical HSIL and cervical cancer, but also VIN and vulvar squamous cancer. Colposcopy is a viable option in management patients with ASCUS/LSIL.


Antibiotic resistance pattern of Pseudomonas spp. from patients in a tertiary hospital in South-West Nigeria.
Pseudomonads constitute critical agents of opportunistic infections in hospital settings particularly in immunocompromised patients and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major flagship member of these infectious agents. This study assessed the distribution of Pseudomonas spp. associated with infections in patients and their antibiotic resistance patterns as part of an antibiotic stewardship intervention program and resistance surveillance. One hundred and fifty Pseudomonas spp. from different clinical specimens were obtained from the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex Ile-Ife. Culture was carried out on MacConkey and blood agar while phenotypic characterization was done by Gram staining, oxidase, and catalase test. Species identification was done using MICROBACTTM 24E bacterial identification kit and confirmed by 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Antibiotic susceptibility testing to eight antibiotics in four classes was done. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently occurring species (96.0%); P. putida (2.67%) and P. fluorescens (0.67%) were also identified as well as an isolate of Burkholderia pseudomallei (0.67%). The highest resistance rate among isolates was observed towards gentamicin (35.4%); piperacillin/tazobactam was the most active antibiotic. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains constituted 12.8% of the isolates and most MDR strains also displayed a high multiple antibiotic resistance index (MAR). Pseudomonas aeruginosa is emerging as a highly MDR pathogen in our hospital setting. This calls for the establishment of a surveillance system and antimicrobial stewardship programme in place. Furthermore, we propose a review of the current antibiotics prescription policy, and infection control programmes (ICPs) if we must control the spread of MDR-P. aeruginosa in this environment.


Ablation of RhoA impairs Th17 cell differentiation and alleviates house dust mite-triggered allergic airway inflammation.
Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic airway inflammation in which Th2 and Th17 cells are key players in its pathogenesis. We have reported that RhoA of Rho GTPases orchestrated glycolysis for Th2 cell differentiation and allergic airway inflammation by the use of a conditional RhoA-deficient mouse line. However, the role of RhoA in Th17 cells remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of RhoA deficiency on Th17 cells in the context of ex vivo cell culture systems and an in vivo house dust mites (HDM)-induced allergic airway inflammation. We found that RhoA deficiency inhibited Th17 differentiation and effector cytokine secretion, which was associated with the downregulations of Stat3 and Rorγt, key Th17 transcription factors. Furthermore, loss of RhoA markedly suppressed Th17 and neutrophil-involved airway inflammation induced by HDM in mice. The infiltrating inflammatory cells in the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids were dramatically reduced in conditional RhoA-deficient mice. Th17 as well as Th2 effector cytokines were suppressed in the airways at both protein and mRNA levels. Interestingly, Y16, a specific RhoA inhibitor, was able to recapitulate the most phenotypes of RhoA genetic deletion in Th17 differentiation and allergic airway inflammation. Our data demonstrate that RhoA is a key regulator of Th17 cell differentiation and function. RhoA might serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for asthma and other inflammatory disorders.


An evaluation of some morphological traits in doubled haploid lines and their F1 hybrids of head cabbage Kamienna Głowa in the vegetative phase.
The internal stump length, head mass and head shape of doubled haploid (DH) lines and their F1 hybrids of head cabbage Kamienna Głowa were compared. It was found that the range of variation in the investigated traits of DH lines was higher than that of their F1 hybrids. The head mass of the DH lines indicated some level of inbreeding depression, but their F1 hybrids showed a significant effect of heterosis. Genes responsible for flattened head shape were dominant over rounded shape genes. The longer internal stump trait was dominant over the shorter one.


[Study on the zinc composition of cadmium zinc telluride (Cd(1 - y)Zn(y)Te) crystal by micro-photoluminescence spectra].
The micro-photoluminescence of five cadmium zinc telluride crystal wafers was measured by laser excited micro-Raman spectroscopy. The Eg value of cadmium zinc telluride material was calculated by fitting the micro-photoluminescence peaks which came from material band gap. Then the Zn composition of cadmium zinc telluride material could be obtained. By using the spectroscopic function of X-Y scanning technique fixing the photoluminescence peak, the mapping of Zn composition could be easily and non-destructively given.


Parvalbumin-Expressing GABAergic Neurons in Primary Motor Cortex Signal Reaching.
The control of targeted reaching is thought to be shaped by distinct subtypes of local GABAergic inhibitory neurons in primary forelimb motor cortex (M1). However, little is known about their action potential firing dynamics during reaching. To address this, we recorded the activity of parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) GABAergic neurons identified from a larger population of fast-spiking units and putative excitatory regular-spiking units in layer 5 of the mouse forelimb M1 during an M1-dependent, sensory-triggered reaching task. PV+ neurons showed short latency responses to the acoustic cue and vibrotactile trigger stimulus and an increase in firing at reaching onset that scaled with the amplitude of reaching. Unexpectedly, PV+ neurons fired before regular-spiking units at reach onset and showed high overall firing rates during both sensory-triggered and spontaneous reaches. Our data suggest that increasing M1 PV+ neuron firing rates may play a role in the initiation of voluntary reaching.


HIV-1 vaccine candidate evaluation in non-human primates.
The development of an HIV-1 vaccine in the last 13 years from an industrial point of view has focused on evaluating potential vaccine candidates in non-human primates. This review discusses the HIV-1 vaccine candidates that have been tested in chimpanzees or monkeys and includes those based on recombinant gp120, recombinant gp160, different viral and bacterial vectors expressing gp120, gp160, or only V3 peptide, naked DNA vaccines, and whole inactivated viruses. To help understand the result of efficacy studies in chimpanzees and monkeys, information regarding the challenge viruses used in these studies is also included. The review does not discuss the testing of SIV-related vaccines or the testing of HIV-1 vaccine candidates in other animal species other than non-human primates.


Differential expression of IFN-α, IL-12 and BAFF on renal immune cells and its relevance to disease activity and treatment responsiveness in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis.
Since molecularly targeted therapies are emerging for treating lupus nephritis (LN), this study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical findings of the cytokines in renal tissue and their pathological and clinical relevance in LN. Fifty patients with proliferative LN formed the case group; 5 with LN class II, IgA nephropathy and 10 with idiopathic haematuria were enrolled as controls. Immunohistochemical analysis for CD3, CD20, interferon (IFN)-α, interleukin (IL)-12/p40 and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) was performed by scoring the number of positive cells/area of the cortex. All immunohistochemical investigations were performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded renal tissue. Proliferative LN cases were grouped by the dominant expression of IFN-α, IL-12/p40 and BAFF, and subsequently, clinicopathological features were compared. Clinical data of patients with proliferative LN included urine protein creatinine ratio, 2.2 g/gCre; anti-double-stranded DNA antibody, 200.9 IU/mL; total complement activity (CH50), 21.9 U/mL and SLE Disease Activity Index, 19.8 points. Proliferative LN cases, including class III (n=18) and IV (n=32), were classified into three subgroups according to the immunohistochemical score based on the dominancy of IFN-α (n=17), IL-12 (n=16) and BAFF group (n=17) proteins. Hypocomplementaemia and glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity were significantly increased in the IFN-α group, whereas chronic lesions were significantly higher in the IL-12 group (p<0.05). The IFN-α group had a poorer renal prognosis in treatment response after 52 weeks. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) of IFN-α, IL-12 and BAFF for proliferative LN enabled grouping. Especially, the IFN-α and IL-12 groups showed different clinicopathological features and renal prognoses. The results indicated the possibility of stratifying cases according to the IHC of target molecules, which might lead to precision medicine.


Gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection is safe for day patients.
Although the advantages of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are well established, there are important limitations that relate to its higher cost and higher rate of complications compared with endoscopic mucosal resection. This study assessed the therapeutic safety and efficacy of ESD in the treatment of small gastric dysplasia and early gastric cancer (EGC) located within the antrum in an outpatient setting, and it compared the results with those from patients admitted to hospital for ESD treatment. This study was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database. We reviewed consecutive patients with EGC or gastric dysplasia who underwent ESD between October 2007 and May 2008. The lesions were smaller than 2 cm and were located in the antrum. We analyzed 105 lesions in 105 patients. The patients were assigned to two groups according to each patient's preference. The overall rates of complete resection were 98.1% in the inpatients group and 94.3% in the outpatients group. Immediate bleeding occurred in four inpatients, which included one patient in the outpatient group. Delayed bleeding occurred in one inpatient within 24 hours of the procedure. Macroperforations did not occur in either group. A microperforation was found in one outpatient. The safety and efficacy of ESD used to treat small gastric tumors in the antrum in an outpatient setting appeared to be similar to the safety and efficacy of ESD used to treat patients who were admitted to the hospital.


Instense red phosphors for UV light emitting diode devices.
Ca(x)Sr1-x-1.5y-0.5zMoO4:yEu3+ zNa+ red phosphors were prepared by solid-state reaction using Na+ as charge supply for LEDs (light emitting diodes). The content of charge compensator, Ca2+ concentration, synthesis temperature, reaction time, and Eu3+ concentration were the keys to improving the properties of luminescence and crystal structure of red phosphors. The photoluminescence spectra shows the red phosphors are effectively excited at 616 nm by 311 nm, 395 nm, and 465 nm light. The wavelengths of 395 and 465 nm nicely match the widely applied emission wavelengths of ultraviolet or blue LED chips. Its chromaticity coordinates (CIE) are calculated to be x = 0.65, y = 0.32. Bright red light can be observed by the naked eye from the LED-based Ca0.60Sr0.25MoO4:0.08Eu3+ 0.06Na+.


New diagnostic index for sarcopenia in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Sarcopenia is an aging and disease-related syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, with the risk of frailty and poor quality of life. Sarcopenia is diagnosed by a decrease in skeletal muscle index (SMI) and reduction of either handgrip strength or gait speed. However, measurement of SMI is difficult for general physicians because it requires special equipment for bioelectrical impedance assay or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to explore a novel, simple diagnostic method of sarcopenia evaluation in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We retrospectively investigated 132 inpatients with CVD (age: 72±12 years, age range: 27-93 years, males: 61%) Binomial logistic regression and correlation analyses were used to assess the associations of sarcopenia with simple physical data and biomarkers, including muscle-related inflammation makers and nutritional markers. Sarcopenia was present in 29.5% of the study population. Serum concentrations of adiponectin and sialic acid were significantly higher in sarcopenic than non-sarcopenic CVD patients. Stepwise multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that adiponectin, sialic acid, sex, age, and body mass index were independent factors for sarcopenia detection. Sarcopenia index, obtained from the diagnostic regression formula for sarcopenia detection including the five independent factors, indicated a high accuracy in ROC curve analysis (sensitivity 94.9%, specificity 69.9%) and the cutoff value for sarcopenia detection was -1.6134. Sarcopenia index had a significant correlation with the conventional diagnostic parameters of sarcopenia. Our new sarcopenia index using simple parameters would be useful for diagnosing sarcopenia in CVD patients.


Evolution of antimicrobial prophylaxis in obstetric surgery.
Problems concerning antimicrobial prophylaxis in obstetric surgery are reviewed from the first experiences with multiple-dose treatments to the new short-term prophylaxis. With the purpose to evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term scheme, a controlled population of 134 obstetric patients was treated with a double dose of 2 g i.m. of cefotetan. Clinically important infectious complications were not observed.


Investigation of biofilm production and icaA and icaD genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from heifers and cows with mastitis.
Biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus are important virulence factors in cases of mastitis in dairy cows. However, few studies have investigated mastitis strains isolated from heifers. Within this context, the objective of the present study was to investigate biofilm formation on Congo red agar, the presence of the icaA and icaD genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the percentage of in vitro antimicrobial resistance of 110 S. aureus isolates from mammary gland secretions of heifers and cows with mastitis. PCR detected the icaA and icaD genes in 98% and 100% of isolates, respectively. However, only 55.5% of all isolates produced a biofilm on Congo red agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 47.0% of isolates from heifers and 70.4% of isolates from cows were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobial agents tested. Resistance to penicillin and/or ampicillin was the most frequent (44.5%). These results indicate the need to implement prophylactic and control measures of mastitis for heifers. Heifers and cows can carry resistant strains with the capacity of biofilm production, a fact representing a threat to public health and animal well-being and generating losses to dairy farmers.


Nuclear receptor binding factor 2 (NRBF2) is required for learning and memory.
The mechanisms which underlie defects in learning and memory are a major area of focus with the increasing incidence of Alzheimer's disease in the aging population. The complex genetically-controlled, age-, and environmentally-dependent onset and progression of the cognitive deficits and neuronal pathology call for better understanding of the fundamental biology of the nervous system function. In this study, we focus on nuclear receptor binding factor-2 (NRBF2) which modulates the transcriptional activities of retinoic acid receptor α and retinoid X receptor α, and the autophagic activities of the BECN1-VPS34 complex. Since both transcriptional regulation and autophagic function are important in supporting neuronal function, we hypothesized that NRBF2 deficiency may lead to cognitive deficits. To test this, we developed a new mouse model with nervous system-specific knockout of Nrbf2. In a series of behavioral assessment, we demonstrate that NRBF2 knockout in the nervous system results in profound learning and memory deficits. Interestingly, we did not find deficits in autophagic flux in primary neurons and the autophagy deficits were minimal in the brain. In contrast, RNAseq analyses have identified altered expression of genes that have been shown to impact neuronal function. The observation that NRBF2 is involved in learning and memory suggests a new mechanism regulating cognition involving the role of this protein in regulating networks related to the function of retinoic acid receptors, protein folding, and quality control.


Microfluidic Capillaric Circuit for Rapid and Facile Bacteria Detection.
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common bacterial infections and would greatly benefit from a rapid point-of-care diagnostic test. Although significant progress has been made in developing microfluidic systems for nucleic acid and whole bacteria immunoassay tests, their practical application is limited by complex protocols, bulky peripherals, and slow operation. Here we present a microfluidic capillaric circuit (CC) optimized for rapid and automated detection of bacteria in urine. Molds for CCs were constructed using previously established design rules, then 3D-printed and replicated into poly(dimethylsiloxane). CCs autonomously and sequentially performed all liquid delivery steps required for the assay. For efficient bacteria capture, on-the-spot packing of antibody-functionalized microbeads was completed in <20 s followed by autonomous sequential delivery of 100 μL of bacteria sample, biotinylated detection antibodies, fluorescent streptavidin conjugate, and wash buffer for a total volume ≈115 μL. The assay was completed in <7 min. Fluorescence images of the microbead column revealed captured bacteria as bright spots that were easily counted manually or using an automated script for user-independent assay readout. The limit of detection of E. coli in synthetic urine was 1.2 × 102 colony-forming-units per mL (CFU/mL), which is well below the clinical diagnostic criterion (>105 CFU/mL) for UTI. The self-powered, peripheral-free CC presented here has potential for use in rapid point-of-care UTI screening.


Regulation of olfactomedin 4 by Porphyromonas gingivalis in a community context.
At mucosal barriers, the virulence of microbial communities reflects the outcome of both dysbiotic and eubiotic interactions with the host, with commensal species mitigating or potentiating the action of pathogens. We examined epithelial responses to the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis as a monoinfection and in association with a community partner, Streptococcus gordonii. RNA-Seq of oral epithelial cells showed that the Notch signaling pathway, including the downstream effector olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4), was differentially regulated by P. gingivalis alone; however, regulation was overridden by S. gordonii. OLFM4 was required for epithelial cell migratory, proliferative and inflammatory responses to P. gingivalis. Activation of Notch signaling was induced through increased expression of the Notch1 receptor and the Jagged1 (Jag1) agonist. In addition, Jag1 was released in response to P. gingivalis, leading to paracrine activation. Following Jag1-Notch1 engagement, the Notch1 extracellular domain was cleaved by P. gingivalis gingipain proteases. Antagonism by S. gordonii involved inhibition of gingipain activity by secreted hydrogen peroxide. The results establish a novel mechanism by which P. gingivalis modulates epithelial cell function which is dependent on community context. These interrelationships have relevance for innate inflammatory responses and epithelial cell fate decisions in oral health and disease.


[Strategies for posterior teeth reconstruction after endodontic treatment: a case report].
Reconstruction of hard dental tissue after endodontic treatment is a difficult and important duty of the dentist. According to the general opinion, endodontically treated teeth are inferior in quality, more brittle, predisposed to fractures and cracking. Logically, such teeth require reconstruction to prevent fractures, cracks, and bacterial microleakage leading to reinfection. The procedure of choice in the nineties of the 20th century was restoration with a metal post and prosthetic crown. Advances in materials resulting in improved adhesion to hard dental tissue have prompted a change in the reconstruction strategy for posterior teeth after endodontic treatment. In the case of molars, the crown can be restored with composite materials thanks to additional retention offered by the chamber of these teeth. The recommendation for premolars is to reinforce them with a glass fiber post. We now present a case which illustrates the actual trends in reconstruction of posterior teeth after endodontic treatment.


Chromosomal localization of mouse satellite DNA.
Hybridization of radioactive nucleic acids with the DNA of cytological preparations shows that the sequences of mouse satellite DNA are located in the centromeric heterochromatin of the mouse chromosomes. Other types of heterochromatin in the cytological preparations do not contain satellite DNA.


Hyperplastic stomatitis and esophagitis in a tortoise (Testudo graeca) associated with an adenovirus infection.
A 2-year-old female, spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) was presented with poor body condition (1/5) and weakness. Fecal analysis revealed large numbers of oxyurid-like eggs, and radiographs were compatible with gastrointestinal obstruction. Despite supportive medical treatment, the animal died. At gross examination, an intestinal obstruction was confirmed. Histopathology revealed severe hyperplastic esophagitis and stomatitis with marked epithelial cytomegaly and enormous basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. Electron microscopy examination revealed a large number of 60-80 nm, nonenveloped, icosahedral virions arranged in crystalline arrays within nuclear inclusions of esophageal epithelial cells, morphologically compatible with adenovirus-like particles. PCR for virus identification was performed with DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. A nested, consensus pan-adenovirus PCR and sequencing analysis showed a novel adenovirus. According to phylogenetic calculations, it clustered to genus Atadenovirus in contrast with all other chelonian adenoviruses described to date. The present report details the pathologic findings associated with an adenovirus infection restricted to the upper digestive tract.


Designing a slippery/superaerophobic hierarchical open channel for reliable and versatile underwater gas delivery.
Achieving long-term and stable gas manipulation in an aqueous environment is necessary to improve multiphase systems relating to gas/liquid interaction. Inspired by the Pitcher plant and the hummingbird beak, we report a slippery/superaerophobic (SLSO) hierarchical fluid channel for continuous, durable, and flexible gas transport. The immiscible lubricant layer inside the SLSO channel promotes one-year stability of gas transport, and the maximum flux of this open channel can reach 3000 mL h-1. Further integration of a CO2 capturing microchip demonstrates the availability and potential of this gas-manipulating interface, which should provide a valuable platform to develop advanced materials and devices.


Diastereoselective Radical-Type Cyclopropanation of Electron-Deficient Alkenes Mediated by the Highly Active Cobalt(II) Tetramethyltetraaza[14]annulene Catalyst.
A new protocol for the catalytic synthesis of cyclopropanes using electron-deficient alkenes is presented, which is catalysed by a series of affordable, easy to synthesise and highly active substituted cobalt(II) tetraaza[14]annulenes. These catalysts are compatible with the use of sodium tosylhydrazone salts as precursors to diazo compounds in one-pot catalytic transformations to afford the desired cyclopropanes in almost quantitative yields. The reaction takes advantage of the metalloradical character of the Co complexes to activate the diazo compounds. The reaction is practical and fast, and proceeds from readily available starting materials. It does not require the slow addition of diazo reagents or tosylhydrazone salts or heating and tolerates many solvents, which include protic ones such as MeOH. The CoII complexes derived from the tetramethyltetraaza[14]annulene ligand are easier to prepare than cobalt(II) porphyrins and present a similar catalytic carbene radical reactivity but are more active. The reaction proceeds at 20 °C in a matter of minutes and even at -78 °C in a few hours. The catalytic system is robust and can operate with either the alkene or the diazo reagent as the limiting reagent, which inhibits the dimerisation of diazo compounds totally. The protocol has been applied to synthesise a variety of substituted cyclopropanes. High yields and selectivities were achieved for various substrates with an intrinsic preference for trans cyclopropanes.


Antiproliferative effects of the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix and of GnRH-II on human endometrial and ovarian cancer cells are not mediated through the GnRH type I receptor.
The majority of human endometrial and ovarian cancer cell lines express receptors for GnRH. Their proliferation is time- and dose-dependently reduced by GnRH-I and its superagonistic analogues. Recently, we have demonstrated that, in human endometrial and ovarian cancer cell lines except for the ovarian cancer cell line EFO-27, the GnRH-I antagonist cetrorelix has antiproliferative effects comparable to those of GnRH-I agonists, indicating that the dichotomy between GnRH-I agonists and antagonists might not apply to the GnRH system in cancer cells. We were also able to show that the proliferation of human endometrial and ovarian cancer cells was dose- and time-dependently reduced by GnRH-II to a greater extent than by GnRH-I agonists. In this study we have assessed whether or not the antiproliferative effects of the GnRH-I antagonist cetrorelix in endometrial and ovarian cancer cells are mediated through the GnRH-I receptor. We analysed the antiproliferative effects of the GnRH-I agonist triptorelin, the GnRH-I antagonist cetrorelix and GnRH-II in a panel of endometrial and ovarian cancer cell lines expressing GnRH-I receptors, in the SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cell line that does not express GnRH-I receptors, and in four GnRH-I receptor positive GnRH-I receptor knockout cell lines. We found that, after knockout of the GnRH-I receptor, the antiproliferative effects of the GnRH-I agonist triptorelin were abrogated, whereas those of the GnRH-I antagonist cetrorelix and of GnRH-II persisted. These data suggest that, in endometrial and ovarian cancer cells, the antiproliferative effects of cetrorelix and of GnRH-II are not mediated through the GnRH-I receptor.


Effects of vibration on cutaneous silent period.
Suppression of an ongoing muscle contraction following noxious digital stimulation is called cutaneous silent period (CSP) which is under the influence of several physiological factors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of group Ia afferents on the cutaneous silent period (CSP) by applying 2-min vibration. CSP was obtained from abductor pollicis brevis muscle after stimulating index finger. The recordings were repeated three times-before, during and after vibration-which was applied over the tendon of flexor carpi radialis muscle. Onset latency, duration and magnitude of total CSP, inhibitory phases I1 and I2, and of the long-loop reflex were measured and compared. Suppression indices of CSP, I1 and I2 increased significantly during and after vibration, indicating significantly less exteroceptive EMG suppression outlasting the time of vibration. Vibration also caused mild shortening of I2 end latency (p = 0.048) and I2 duration (p = 0.019). Our findings indicate that vibration exerts a powerful influence on CSPs and causes reduction in the magnitude of exteroceptive EMG suppression during and after vibration. Although vibration is known to activate Ia afferents, we cannot exclude contribution of other afferents, e.g. mechanoreceptors, as well as pre- or postsynaptic inhibitory effects on ensuing interneurons, or enhanced vibration-related excitatory influence.


Diversity of human intestinal helminthiasis in Lao PDR.
Food-borne trematodiasis is an emerging public health problem, including in Lao PDR. We investigated the diversity of intestinal helminthes and polyparasitism in patients with hepatobiliary or intestinal symptoms in hospital and community-based surveys. Stool samples from 232 individuals aged >or=15 years were examined by the Kato-Katz method (three samples) and a formalin ethyl-acetate concentration technique (one sample). Opisthorchis viverrini and minute intestinal flukes (MIF) were common, with prevalences of 86.2% and 62.9%, respectively. Hookworm was the predominant soil-transmitted helminth (65.9%). The prevalences of Taenia spp., Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura were 22.8%, 10.3% and 8.6%, respectively. Additionally, 97 individuals were purged; O. viverrini and Haplorchis taichui were found in 95 and 76 participants, respectively. Other trematodes included Phaneropsolus bonnei (22.7%), Prosthodendrium molenkampi (14.4%), Haplorchis pumilio (5.2%), Haplorchis yokogawai (3.1%) and Echinochasmus japonicus (3.1%). Co-infection with O. viverrini and MIFs was rampant (81.4%). Polytrematode infection is highly prevalent in Lao PDR and hence requires urgent attention.


Setup of a rapid method to distinguish among dead, alive, and viable but not cultivable cells of Pseudomonas spp. in mozzarella cheese.
Pseudomonas spp. is the main psychrotrophic genus involved in the spoilage of raw milk and more in general of dairy products, such as mozzarella cheese. The members of this bacterial species are able to produce heat-resistant proteolytic enzymes, determining the casein hydrolysis, and as a consequence, a reduction of the shelf life and sensory quality of the products. Therefore, the spoilage activity could be attributed not only to viable, but also to viable but noncultivable (VBNC) cells. For this reason, the setup of a non-culture-based method is useful for a rapid detection of cells that are still alive, but no longer cultivable, such as VBNC cells. Here we propose a method based on DNA or RNA content (or both) to reveal the presence of dead, alive, and VBNC cells belonging to the genus Pseudomonas. The obtained results clearly indicate the limits of the classical plating count overcome by molecular detection of Pseudomonas spp. through DNA and RNA analysis, enabling us to establish the presence of different states of the cells.


Precision and bias of spatial capture-recapture estimates: A multi-site, multi-year Utah black bear case study.
Spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models are powerful analytical tools that have become the standard for estimating abundance and density of wild animal populations. When sampling populations to implement SCR, the number of unique individuals detected, total recaptures, and unique spatial relocations can be highly variable. These sample sizes influence the precision and accuracy of model parameter estimates. Testing the performance of SCR models with sparse empirical data sets typical of low-density, wide-ranging species can inform the threshold at which a more integrated modeling approach with additional data sources or additional years of monitoring may be required to achieve reliable, precise parameter estimates. Using a multi-site, multi-year Utah black bear (Ursus americanus) capture-recapture data set, we evaluated factors influencing the uncertainty of SCR structural parameter estimates, specifically density, detection, and the spatial scale parameter, sigma. We also provided some of the first SCR density estimates for Utah black bear populations, which ranged from 3.85 to 74.33 bears/100 km2 . Increasing total detections decreased the uncertainty of density estimates, whereas an increasing number of total recaptures and individuals with recaptures decreased the uncertainty of detection and sigma estimates, respectively. In most cases, multiple years of data were required for precise density estimates (<0.2 coefficient of variation [CV]). Across study areas there was an average decline in CV of 0.07 with the addition of another year of data. One sampled population with very high estimated bear density had an atypically low number of spatial recaptures relative to total recaptures, apparently inflating density estimates. A complementary simulation study used to assess estimate bias suggested that when <30% of recaptured individuals were spatially recaptured, density estimates were unreliable and ranged widely, in some cases to >3 times the simulated density. Additional research could evaluate these requirements for other density scenarios. Large numbers of individuals detected, numbers of spatial recaptures, and precision alone may not be sufficient indicators of parameter estimate reliability. We provide an evaluation of simple summary statistics of capture-recapture data sets that can provide an early signal of the need to alter sampling design or collect auxiliary data before model implementation to improve estimate precision and accuracy.


Molecular Mechanisms of Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury.
Mechanical ventilation (MV) has long been used as a life-sustaining approach for several decades. However, researchers realized that MV not only brings benefits to patients but also cause lung injury if used improperly, which is termed as ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). This review aimed to discuss the pathogenesis of VILI and the underlying molecular mechanisms. This review was based on articles in the PubMed database up to December 2017 using the following keywords: "ventilator-induced lung injury", "pathogenesis", "mechanism", and "biotrauma". Original articles and reviews pertaining to mechanisms of VILI were included and reviewed. The pathogenesis of VILI was defined gradually, from traditional pathological mechanisms (barotrauma, volutrauma, and atelectrauma) to biotrauma. High airway pressure and transpulmonary pressure or cyclic opening and collapse of alveoli were thought to be the mechanisms of barotraumas, volutrauma, and atelectrauma. In the past two decades, accumulating evidence have addressed the importance of biotrauma during VILI, the molecular mechanism underlying biotrauma included but not limited to proinflammatory cytokines release, reactive oxygen species production, complement activation as well as mechanotransduction. Barotrauma, volutrauma, atelectrauma, and biotrauma contribute to VILI, and the molecular mechanisms are being clarified gradually. More studies are warranted to figure out how to minimize lung injury induced by MV.


Rapid retraction of microvolume aqueous plugs traveling in a wettable capillary.
We report a transport behavior-specifically, rapid retraction movement-of small (∼μL) deionized water plugs traveling in series within a small wettable tubular geometry. In this study, two water plugs separated by a certain distance in a dry cylindrical glass capillary were moved by positive pressure airflow applied at the tube inlet. As the plugs travel, a thin aqueous film is generated between the plugs as a result of the leading plug's aqueous deposition onto the inner surface of the tube. The leading plug continuously loses volume by film deposition onto the surface and eventually ruptures. Then, the lagging plug quickly travels the distance initially separating the two plugs (plug retraction). Our studies show that the rapid retraction of the lagging plug is caused by surface tension in addition to the positive pressure applied. Furthermore, the plug retraction speed is strongly affected by tube radius and the distance between the plugs.


Cognitive Reserve and the Risk of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction.
Post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurs in 10 to 54% of older patients during the first few weeks after surgery, but little is known about risk factors predisposing to POCD. Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of cognitive reserve indicators and POCD risk. Fifteen studies on 5104 patients were included. Follow-up periods spanned 1 day to 6 months. Educational level was the most commonly assessed cognitive reserve indicator, and a longer time spent in education was associated with a reduced risk of POCD (relative risk [RR] per year increment 0.90; 95% confidence interval: [0.87; 0.94]), i.e. each year increase in education was associated with a 10% reduced risk. Similar findings were made for some analyses on education as a categorical predictor (high school versus further/higher education, RR 1.71, [1.30; 2.25]; lower than high school versus further/higher education, RR 1.69, [1.17; 2.44]) though risk was equivalent for patients with high school education and those with lower than high school education (RR 1.02; [0.78; 1.32]). Patients with a relatively higher level of education are at reduced risk of POCD. Risk stratification of surgical patients according to educational level may prove useful.


Erythrocyte L-arginine uptake in peritoneal dialysis patients changes over time.
During long-term exposure to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD), the characteristics of the peritoneal membrane may be altered. The substrate for nitric oxide synthesis is L-arginine, which may enter cells via the y+ and y+L transport systems. Peritoneal membrane characteristics may depend on vascular function and the L-arginine-NO pathway. Maximal capacity for L-arginine transport is higher in patients with a lower dialysis adequacy index. Our aim was to evaluate erythrocyte L-arginine uptake in PD patients at the start and end of a 3-year interval. Our longitudinal study evaluated 8 stable patients on PD who were not using NO donors and who had been free of peritonitis for at least 1 month. Uptake of L-arginine was measured in 2003 and again in 2006. Maximal transport capacity (Vmax, in micromoles per liter-cells per hour) and half-saturation constant (km, in micromoles per liter) were measured in erythrocytes using 14C as a marker and N-ethylmaleimide as inhibitor of the y+ system. For the years 2003 and 2006 respectively, mean +/- standard deviation for total L-arginine uptake Vmax was 749 +/- 182 micromol/L-cells/h and 1146 +/- 365 micromol/L-cells/h (p = 0.016, paired t-test),for y+L Vmax was 180 +/- 58 micromol/L-cells/h and 515 +/- 142 micromol/L-cells/h (p = 0. 002), and for y+ Vmax was 556 +/- 177 micromol/L-cells/h and 662 +/- 267 micromol/ L-cells/h (nonsignificant). The total y+L and y+km were not significantly different. The L-arginine maximal uptake capacity in erythrocytes increased after 3 years of PD treatment. These findings agree with the suggestion of an association between y+L activity and dialysis adequacy or uremia toxicity. Peritoneal membrane characteristics may depend on vascular function and the L-arginine-NO pathway.


A comparison of three ventricles used for left ventricular bypass in the calf.
Long-term synchronized left ventricular bypass has been performed in calves using pneumatically powered pumps having a smooth lining fabricated of segmented polyurethane. Three different pump designs have been employed: a) sac pump, b) longitudinal tethered sac pump, and c) transverse tethered sac pump. Sizeable thrombi occurred in the apex of the sac and longitudinal tethered sac pumps. In the transverse tethered sac pumps, a considerably smaller thrombus was seen only at the flexion point on the inlet side of the pump. Thrombi occurred in areas of low flow velocity and were not prevented by anticoagulation or surface coating techniques. This study indicates the importance of ventricle design in the development of thrombus free pumps and suggests modifications to the present pumps to reduce or eliminate thrombus formation.


Investigation of the vasoconstrictor action of subarachnoid haemoglobin in the pig cerebral circulation in vivo.
1. Angiographic techniques have been used to study the influence of intracisternally injected haemoglobin on the diameters of the main intrathecal and representative extrathecal (ascending pharyngeal and facial) cranial arteries of the anaesthetized pig. 2. Intracisternal injection of haemoglobin caused concentration-dependent decreases in the diameters of intra- but not extrathecal arteries suggesting that haemoglobin possesses local vasoconstrictor activity. 3. When infused into one ascending pharyngeal artery, acetylcholine (ACh) caused slight dilatation of the intrathecal arteries but no change in the diameters of the ascending pharyngeal and facial arteries. The dilator response induced by ACh in the intrathecal arteries was converted into frank constriction after intracisternal injection of haemoglobin (cerebrospinal fluid concentration approximately 2 x 10(-5) M). 4. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that subarachnoid haemoglobin can induce cerebral artery constriction by acting as an extraluminal 'sink' for intimally released endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and may be relevant to the pathogenesis of vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage in man.


A modified and convenient method for assessing tumor cell invasion and migration and its application to screening for inhibitors.
In order to screen potent inhibitors of tumor invasion and metastasis, we here devised a simple and reproducible in vitro assay for tumor invasion and migration. A conventional cell-counting assay using a Transwell chamber with a microporous membrane filter is troublesome and time-consuming, involving visually counting the cells under a microscope, and the invaded or migrated cells are sometimes distributed unevenly in predetermined fields on the lower surface of the filter. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the invasive and migratory abilities of tumor cells easily and quantitatively by the cell counting method. In the present study, crystal violet dye was used for staining the invaded cells and colorimetrically assessing the invasive ability per filter as an absorbance. In this crystal violet assay, tumor cell invasion into a reconstituted basement membrane Matrigel was proportional to both the cell number added into the chamber and the incubation period, and inversely proportional to the amount of Matrigel barrier on the upper surface of filter. The results obtained by this dye-uptake method were highly consistent with those of a conventional cell-counting assay. Using this crystal violet assay, the anti-invasive effect of doxorubicin (DOX) was detected more easily and found to be highly proportional to that by the conventional cell-counting method. We therefore applied this convenient assay method to screen anti-invasive and anti-metastatic compounds. As a result, caffeic acid was found to be more active in the inhibition of both tumor cell invasion and migration without showing direct cytotoxicity in vitro than other related compounds.


Changes in sexual risk behavior among participants in a PrEP HIV prevention trial.
One of the concerns raised regarding the introduction of any new HIV-prevention measure, such as PrEP, is the potential for risk disinhibition or sexual risk compensation. The oral tenofovir HIV prevention trial has been the subject of international discussion in this regard. This article maps the changes in sexual risk behavior among women participating in the oral tenofovir HIV prevention trial in Ghana. Content-driven, thematic analysis was carried out on qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews with study participants. Growth curve analysis was the primary method used to document trends over time in self-reported sexual behavior collected monthly. Overall, the study found that sexual risk behavior did not increase during the trial. Number of sexual partners and rate of unprotected sex acts decreased across the 12-month period of study enrollment. Certain subgroups of women, however, exhibited different growth curves. Data indicate that the HIV prevention counseling associated with the trial was effective. Counseling during the trial was effective. Different types of counseling and messaging may be needed for different subgroups within a population. These findings also have implications for required sample sizes for future HIV prevention trials where seroconversion is the main outcome.


Evaluation of antipruritic effects of several agents on scratching behavior by NC/Nga mice.
We investigated the effects of several agents on the established itching model in NC/Nga mice, model of atopic dermatitis-like disease, to elucidate related characteristics. The number of spontaneous scratching behaviors (the duration time is over 1.5 s) by NC/Nga mice with severe skin lesions was measured before and after administration of agents for 24 h. The scratching behavior by NC/Nga mice was significantly suppressed by administration of dexamethasone or tacrolimus, but not by chlorpheniramine maleate or cyproheptadine hydrochloride. These results suggest that this method shows a good correlation with the effectiveness of drugs prescribed for itching in humans with atopic dermatitis, and histamine and serotonin do not play an important role in causing the scratching behavior seen by NC/Nga mice. The scratching behavior was also significantly suppressed by naloxone hydrochloride, dibucaine or capsaicin. These results suggest that the scratching behavior seen in this model is caused by itching signal transmission through neural system. Furthermore, we found that theophylline, pinacidil or limaprost had scratching suppression effects in this model.


Synthesis of One-Dimensional Pillar Arrays by Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing for Glucose Sensor.
One-dimensional (1-D) Ag arrays were formed by electrohydrodynamic jet-printing (EHD) of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, 1,300 k, Aldrich) solution ink. The 1-D Ag arrays were formed on slide glass by controlling the viscosity and printing conditions such as the tip to the substrate distance, the applied voltage, the flow rate of ink and the velocity. The printed pillars were dried at 80 °C to get rid of the solvent and sintered at 400 °C for 30 min. We found that the arrays of Ag pillars can be fabricated by using the EHD printing method. We could control the diameter of the pillars in the range of 100–200 μm and the length rage between 300 and 700 μm. In order to produce a better performance of glucose sensor, we infiltrated a glucose oxidase as a glucose detector into the Ag pillars previously coated with the mixed solution of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT, Iljin), Nafion and Pt nanoparticles. In addition, the Ag array electrode with glucose oxidase was used as a working electrode for glucose detection via the three-electrode electrochemical method.


Automated high-throughput synthesis of artificial glycopeptides. Small-molecule probes for chemical glycobiology.
A fully automated method for the synthesis of artificial glycopeptides having two (similar or different) carbon-linked glycosyl moieties on a dipeptide scaffold has been developed. By use of this approach that combines the diversity of peptide/pseudopeptide and glycosides, different glycoside moieties can be incorporated onto the peptide/pseudopeptide backbone in a highly controlled manner. The approach utilizes a stepwise reductive amination with glycoside aldehyde derivatives (model 1) or (ii) glycoside reductive amination followed by glycoside amide bond formation (model 2). Further, an automated method has been utilized in the high-throughput library synthesis of 4 x 96 artificial glycopeptides. These libraries were tested as chemical probes/inhibitors of enzyme systems that convert a glucose moiety into rhamnose prior to incorporation of the rhamnose unit and the conversion of UDP-galactopyranose to UDP-galactofuranose via UDP-galactopyranose mutase enzyme during the biosynthesis of the mycobacterium cell wall.


Effect of MOSFET dosimeters' calibration method on calibration factors and radiation doses measured with the dosimeters in radiology.
MOSFET dosimeters have widely been used to measure radiation doses caused by x-rays. When using the MOSFET dosimeters, calibration factors (CFs) have a direct effect on reliability of dose measurements. The aim of this paper was to study the effect of various calibration methods on the CFs of the MOSFET dosimeters. The CFs were measured on clinical digital x-ray angiography (XA) and computed tomography (CT) devices using a calibrated CT ionization chamber and a standard polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom. The measurements were conducted by having the dosimeters (1) in air, (2) on the surface of the PMMA phantom and (3) inside the phantom. A statistically significant difference was seen between the CFs measured on the XA and CT devices. The CFs measured on the CT device were 20%-165% higher than those measured with the XA device (p < 0.001) in every calibration geometry. Furthermore, the calibration geometry had a notable effect on the CFs on CT. The CFs on the surface of the phantom were 18%-25% higher than in air (p < 0.05), and the CFs inside the phantom were 32%-39% smaller than in air (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the calibration of the MOSFET dosimeters should be conducted with the same device that is used in actual dose measurements. Also, the scattering conditions and the calibration geometry should be similar in the calibration and subsequent dose measurements.


A novel electrochemical device for the disinfection of fluids by OH radicals.
This paper describes a novel, composite device, based not on optical excitation but on the transfer of holes from Si to the TiO(2)/air or TiO(2)/water interface, for the disinfection and detoxification of fluid streams.


Perceptions of illness and its development in patients with multiple sclerosis: a prospective cohort study.
This paper is a report of a study to examine the degree to which socio-demographic variables, clinical variables and health-related quality of life are related to perceptions of disease severity and changes in disease severity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Studies have shown that patients with multiple sclerosis report lower quality of life than the general population. Questionnaires measuring health-related quality of life and perceived multiple sclerosis severity were mailed twice, 1 year apart, in May/June of 2000 and 2001, (t1 and t2), to patients with confirmed multiple sclerosis in Oslo, Norway (n=502). Clinical data about disease onset and course were retrieved from the Oslo City Multiple Sclerosis Registry. Among the 313 (62.4%) people who responded at both times, those with primary progressive disease course reported higher perceived multiple sclerosis severity (P<0.001), more mental health problems (P=0.004) and lower physical functioning (P<0.001) than those with a relapsing remitting/secondary progressive disease course. Patients with primary progressive disease course reported higher mean scores for multiple sclerosis severity at t2 than at t1. Multivariate regression analysis showed that social functioning was the only factor with statistically significant relationships to perceived multiple sclerosis severity among all sub-domains of health-related quality of life or personal factors. However, physical impairment was also independently related to patients' ratings of changes in multiple sclerosis severity during the year and illness severity 1 year later. In addition to patients' physical impairment, healthcare workers should pay special attention to issues related to their social functioning.


Ocular and systemic toxicity of intravitreal topotecan in rabbits for potential treatment of retinoblastoma.
Treatment of intraocular retinoblastoma with vitreous seeding is a challenge. Different routes of chemotherapy administration have been explored in order to attaining pharmacological concentrations into the posterior chamber. Intravitreal drug injection is a promissing route for maximum bioavailability to the vitreous but it requires a well defined dose for achieving tumor control while limited toxicity to the retina. Topotecan proved to be a promising agent for retinoblastoma treatment due to its pharmacological activity and limited toxicity. High and prolonged concentrations were achieved in the rabbit vitreous after 5 μg of intravitreal topotecan. However, whether a lower dose could achieve potentially therapeutic levels remained to be determined. Thus, we here study the pharmacokinetics of topotecan after 0.5 μg and the toxicity profile of intravitreal topotecan in the rabbit eye as a potential treatment of retinoblastoma. A cohort of rabbits was used to study topotecan disposition in the vitreous after a single dose of 0.5 μg of intravitreal topotecan. In addition, an independent cohort of non-tumor bearing rabbits was employed to evaluate the clinical and retinal toxicity after four weekly injections of two different doses of intravitreal topotecan (Group A, 5 μg/dose; Group B, 0.5 μg/dose) to the right eye of each animal. The same volume (0.1 ml) of normal saline was administered to the left eye as control. A third group of rabbits (Group C) served as double control (both eyes injected with normal saline). Animals were weekly evaluated for clinical and hematologic values and ocular evaluations were performed with an inverse ophthalmoscope to establish potential topotecan toxicity. Weekly controls included topotecan quantitation in plasma of all rabbits. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded before and after topotecan doses. One week after the last injection, topotecan concentrations were measured in vitreous of all eyes and samples for retinal histology were obtained. Our results indicate that topotecan shows non linear pharmacokinetics after a single intravitreal dose in the range of 0.5-5 μg in the rabbit. Vitreous concentration of lactone topotecan was close to the concentration assumed to be therapeutically active after 5 h of 0.5 μg intravitreal administration. Eyes injected with four weekly doses of topotecan (0.5 or 5 μg/dose) showed no significant differences in their ERG wave amplitudes and implicit times in comparison with control (p > 0.05). Animals showed no weight, hair loss or significant changes in hematologic values during the study period. There were no significant histologic damage of the retinas exposed to topotecan treatments. After intravitreal administration no topotecan could be detected in plasma during the follow-up period nor in the vitreous of treated and control animals after 1 week of the last injection. The present data shows that four weekly intravitreal injection of 5 μg of topotecan is safe for the rabbit eye. Despite multiple injections of 0.5 μg of topotecan are also safe to the rabbit eye, lactone topotecan vitreous concentrations were potentially active only after 5 h of the administration. We postulate promising translation to clinics for retinoblastoma treatment.


Implications for connective tissue and bone alterations resulting from resistance exercise training.
Few studies have addressed the effects of resistance training on connective tissue. Inferences from studies investigating the effects of endurance training or "loaded" exercise training can be made. The available data suggest that 1) physical activity can increase connective tissue strength and mass, 2) activation of the antigravity muscles must be accomplished to adequately stimulate connective tissue, and 3) the volume, intensity, and load-bearing nature of the exercise training are important factors in causing connective tissue adaptations. Based on the above factors, a speculative model of training for increased maximum strength of connective tissue has been developed.


Education and Cognitive Aging: Accounting for Selection and Confounding in Linkage of Data From the Danish Registry and Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe.
Earlier studies report inconsistent associations between education and cognitive aging. We assessed the association, accounting for selective dropout due to death or dementia, and, in a subsample, accounting for confounding by early-life intelligence. Data from the Danish component of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (n = 3,400) were linked to registry data (education records, dementia diagnoses, and mortality) and the Danish Conscription Database (youth intelligence measurements for 854 men). Word recall and verbal fluency were assessed up to 4 times over 10 years (2004-2013) and combined by averaging the z scores. We fitted a joint model linking a time-to-event model for dementia or death to a linear mixed-effects model for cognitive change. Rate of cognitive decline was slower among people with high education compared with low education (β = 0.112, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.056, 0.170). Adjusting for youth intelligence did not attenuate the association between education and cognitive decline (crude β = 0.136, 95% CI: 0.028, 0.244 vs. adjusted β = 0.145, 95% CI: 0.022, 0.269). The results suggest that higher education may slow cognitive decline in later life. In this sample, results changed little when accounting for selective attrition and confounding by intelligence.


From rare to common and back again: 60years of lysosomal dysfunction.
Sixty years after its discovery, the lysosome is no longer considered as cell's waste bin but as an organelle playing a central role in cell metabolism. Besides its well known association with lysosomal storage disorders (mostly rare and life-threatening diseases), recent data have shown that the lysosome is also a player in some of the most common conditions of our time; and, perhaps even most important, it is not only a target for orphan drugs (rare disease therapeutic approaches) but also a putative target to treat patients suffering from common complex diseases worldwide. Here we review the striking associations linking rare lysosomal storage disorders such as the well-known Gaucher disease, or even the recently discovered, extremely rare Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis-11 and some of the most frequent, multifaceted and complex disorders of modern society such as cancer, Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.


The six fold symmetry of the B880 light-harvesting complex and the structure of the photosynthetic membranes of Rhodopseudomonas marina.
The reaction center free light-harvesting core complex of Rp. marina was purified by DEAE 52 ion exchange chromatography in the presence of the detergent OG. The protein complex was crystallised by microdialysis yielding two-dimensional crystals with a diameter of up to 10 microns. The crystals were negatively stained with uranyl acetate or prepared in vitrified ice and electron micrographs were taken. They exhibited a hexagonal lattice with a lattice constant of 102 +/- 3 A. The optical diffraction pattern of the best ordered areas of electron micrographs showed spots up to a resolution of 29 A. Image processing revealed a six fold symmetry of the ring like B880-complex. The protein ring is hexagonal with one subunit in each corner of the hexagon and two subunits forming the connection site to the neighbouring B880-complex in the crystal. In freeze fracture preparations of whole cells the intra-cytoplasmic photosynthetic membranes are seen to be organised into large stacks that affect the organisation of the photosynthetic complexes. Most notably, the stacked membrane regions exhibit hexagonally packed photosynthetic complexes with a repeat of approximately 100 A, which is very similar to the lattice of the artificial B880-complex crystals. The same quasi-crystalline structure appeared in the cytoplasmic membrane of the contact sites with the intra-cytoplasmic membrane stack, but was absent from the end membrane of the stack. Thus, membrane stacking appears to induce the formation of the crystalline arrays, presumably through interactions between the cytoplasmic surface domains of the photosynthetic complexes. Tight packing of the photosynthetic particles is not sufficient to induce the crystalline order. The intra cytoplasmic membranes form a continuum with the cytoplasmic membrane via their origins at the round invagination sites.


Dietary fiber intake is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and cardiovascular risk, but not protein nutritional status, in adults with CKD.
Evidence suggests that dietary fiber benefits patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, this conclusion requires further validation. In this study, we examined the effects of dietary fiber on kidney function, inflammation, indoxyl sulfate, nutritional status, and cardiovascular risk in patients with advanced CKD. We performed linear regressions to assess the association between dietary fiber intake and CKD parameters. The aforementioned parameters were compared over an 18-month follow- up period. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to investigate the association between fiber intake and Cardiac vascular disease (CVD). In total, 157 patients were included in this study. Dietary fiber and inflammatory indices were associated (interleukin [IL]-6: β=-0.024, p=0.035). The differential estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR) as well as levels of C-reactive protein, IL-6, indoxyl sulfate, and serum cholesterol in the higher fiber intake (>=25 g/day) group were lower than those in the lower fiber intake (<25 g/day) group (p<0.05). Differences in IL-6 and indoxyl sulfate levels were more significant in patients in the higher protein intake group (p<0.05). Dietary fiber intake may be a protective factor associated with CVD (hazard ratio=0.537 and 0.305- 0.947). The protein nutritional status was not different between the two groups (p>0.05). Our results suggest that increasing fiber intake can retard the decrease in the eGFR; can reduce the levels of proinflammatory factors, indoxyl sulfate, and serum cholesterol; and is negatively associated with cardiovascular risk, but does not disrupt the nutritional status of patients with CKD.


Campylobacter contamination and the relative risk of illness from organic broiler meat in comparison with conventional broiler meat.
Danish organic broiler meat, represented by carcasses sampled at the end of processing after chilling, was more frequently contaminated with thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. than conventional broiler carcasses; the yearly mean prevalence being 54.2% (CI: 40.9-67.5) for organic and 19.7% (CI: 14.8-24.7) for conventional carcasses. Campylobacter jejuni was the most frequently isolated species. The difference in prevalence was obvious in all quarters of the year. Contamination of organic and conventional broiler carcasses was more likely to occur in the warmer summer months, in this case in the third quarter, as also documented for conventional broiler flocks. When contaminated, the mean concentration of Campylobacter on neck skin samples of organic and conventional carcasses was not significantly different (P=0.428); 2.0±0.65 log 10 cfu/g and 2.1±0.93 log 10 cfu/g, respectively. Assessing the relative risk of becoming ill following exposure to Campylobacter on conventional or organic broiler meat indicated that the risk per serving from organic carcasses was 1.7 times higher than that of conventional carcasses. The higher risk of illness from organic broiler carcasses compared with conventional broiler carcasses emphasizes the importance of implementing control measures in organic broiler production.


Vascular myocyte-derived nitric oxide is an autocrine that limits vasoconstriction.
Vascular myocytes and endothelial cells possess the enzymatic machinery to generate nitric oxide from L-arginine. This study tests the hypothesis that myocyte-derived nitric oxide has an autocrine function to inhibit contraction. Rat aortic rings were placed in muscle baths for isometric force measurement. Denuded and intact rings contracted to N omega nitro-L-arginine; L-arginine reversed these contractions. Compared to intact rings, contractile sensitivity to phenylephrine was increased in denuded rings; N omega nitro-L-arginine caused a further enhancement of phenylephrine sensitivity. Acetylcholine contracted denuded rings but not intact rings; these contractions were also potentiated by N omega nitro-L-arginine. In intact rings contracted with phenylephrine, acetylcholine caused relaxation that was inhibited by N omega nitro-L-arginine. Denuded rings did not relax to acetylcholine. In summary, contractile responses of rat aortae to interventions that alter nitric oxide production are the composite of enzymatic activity in both the endothelial cells and myocytes. Thus, myocyte-derived nitric oxide modulates vascular tone.


Knowledge-Based Analysis for Mortality Prediction From CT Images.
Low-Dose CT (LDCT) can significantly improve the accuracy of lung cancer diagnosis and thus reduce cancer deaths compared to chest X-ray. The lung cancer risk population is also at high risk of other deadly diseases, for instance, cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, predicting the all-cause mortality risks of this population is of great importance. This paper introduces a knowledge-based analytical method using deep convolutional neural network (CNN) for all-cause mortality prediction. The underlying approach combines structural image features extracted from CNNs, based on LDCT volume at different scales, and clinical knowledge obtained from quantitative measurements, to predict the mortality risk of lung cancer screening subjects. The proposed method is referred as Knowledge-based Analysis of Mortality Prediction Network (KAMP-Net). It constitutes a collaborative framework that utilizes both imaging features and anatomical information, instead of completely relying on automatic feature extraction. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating quantitative clinical measurements to assist CNNs in all-cause mortality prediction from chest LDCT images. The results of this study confirm that radiologist defined features can complement CNNs in performance improvement. The experiments demonstrate that KAMP-Net can achieve a superior performance when compared to other methods.


Factors influencing the intention of women in rural Ghana to adopt postpartum family planning.
Uptake of postpartum family planning (PPFP) remains low in sub-Saharan Africa and very little is known about how pregnant women arrive at their decisions to adopt PPFP. This information is needed to guide the development of interventions to promote PPFP. We conducted a survey among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in a rural district in Ghana. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to explore how knowledge of various family planning (FP) methods, past experience with their use and the acceptability of PPFP to male partners and close relations influenced the intention of pregnant women to adopt PPFP. We interviewed 1914 pregnant women in four health facilities. About 84% considered PPFP acceptable, and 70% intended to adopt a method. The most preferred methods were injectables (31.5%), exclusive breastfeeding (16.7%), and oral contraceptive pills (14.8%). Women whose first choice of PPFP method were injectables were more likely to be women who had had past experience with its use (O.R = 2.07, 95% C.I. 1.50-2.87). Acceptability of PPFP by the pregnant woman (O.R. = 3.21, 1.64-6.26), perception of partner acceptability (O.R. = 3.20, 1.94-5.48), having had prior experience with the use of injectables (O.R. = 3.72, 2.61-5.30) were the strongest predictors of the intention to adopt PPFP. Conversely women who knew about the diaphragm (O.R. = 0.59, 0.38-0.93) and those who had past experience with IUD use (O.R. = 0.13, 0.05-0.38) were less likely to want to adopt PPFP. Acceptability of PPFP to the pregnant woman, male partner approval, and past experience with the use of injectables are important factors in the PPFP decisions of women in this population. Antenatal and early postnatal care need to be adapted to take these factors into consideration.


Agarivorans gilvus sp. nov. isolated from seaweed.
A novel agarase-producing, non-endospore-forming marine bacterium, WH0801(T), was isolated from a fresh seaweed sample collected from the coast of Weihai, China. Preliminary characterization based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that WH0801(T) shared 96.1 % similarity with Agarivorans albus MKT 106(T), the type species of the genus Agarivorans. A polyphasic taxonomic study was conducted and confirmed the phylogenetic affiliation of strain WH0801(T) to the genus Agarivorans. Isolate WH0801(T) produces light-yellow-pigmented colonies; cells are Gram-stain-negative, straight or curved rods, which are motile with a single polar flagellum. Strain WH0801(T) grew in 0.5-5 % NaCl, with optimum growth at 3 % NaCl, and its optimal pH and cultivation temperature were 8.4-8.6 and 28-32 °C, respectively. Data from biochemical tests, whole-cell fatty acid profiling, 16S rRNA gene sequence studies and DNA-DNA hybridization clearly indicated that isolate WH0801(T) represented a novel species within the genus Agarivorans, for which the name Agarivorans gilvus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Agarivorans gilvus sp. nov. is WH0801(T) (=NRRL B-59247(T) =CGMCC 1.10131(T)).