Gynaecological cancer follow-up: national survey of current practice in the UK.
To establish a baseline of national practice for follow-up after treatment for gynaecological cancer. Questionnaire survey. Gynaecological cancer centres and units. Members of the British Gynaecological Cancer Society and the National Forum of Gynaecological Oncology Nurses. A questionnaire survey. To determine schedules of follow-up, who provides it and what routine testing is used for patients who have had previous gynaecological cancer. A total of 117 responses were obtained; 115 (98%) reported hospital scheduled regular follow-up appointments. Two involved general practitioners. Follow-up was augmented or replaced by telephone follow-up in 29 responses (25%) and patient-initiated appointments in 38 responses (32%). A total of 80 (68%) cancer specialists also offered combined follow-up clinics with other specialties. Clinical examinations for hospital-based follow-up were mainly performed by doctors (67% for scheduled regular appointments and 63% for patient-initiated appointments) while telephone follow-up was provided in the majority by nurses (76%). Most respondents (76/117 (65%)) provided routine tests, of which 66/76 (87%) reported carrying out surveillance tests for ovarian cancer, 35/76 (46%) for cervical cancer, 8/76 (11%) for vulval cancer and 7/76 (9%) for endometrial cancer. Patients were usually discharged after 5 years (82/117 (70%)), whereas three (3%) were discharged after 4 years, nine (8%) after three years and one (1%) after 2 years. Practice varied but most used a standard hospital-based protocol of appointments for 5 years and routine tests were performed usually for women with ovarian cancer. A minority utilised nurse-led or telephone follow-up. General practitioners were rarely involved in routine care. A randomised study comparing various models of follow-up could be considered.


Herpes Simplex Virus Endotheliitis following Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.
To report a case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) endotheliitis following simultaneous phacoemulsification, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). A;45 year-old female with corneal endothelial decompensation and a mature cataract, and history of anterior uveitis underwent simultaneous phacoemulsification, IOL implantation and DMEK. Increased corneal edema and descemet's membrane (DM) detachment occurred on postoperative day 3 and 5, respectively. One week after surgery, active keratic precipitates (KPs) appeared. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed on an aqueous sample which was positive for herpes simplex virus (HSV). After initiating oral acyclovir and frequent topical corticosteroids, the corneal edema resolved and the donor tissue became spontaneously reattached to the recipient corneal stroma. HSV endotheliitis may occur in the early postoperative period after DMEK and manifest as endothelial dysfunction leading to donor detachment. Anti-viral medication may help treat the acute phase and reduce the risk of recurrence.


Downregulation of protein phosphatase 2A by apolipoprotein E: Implications for Alzheimer's disease.
The apolipoprotein E ε4 allele is the single most important genetic risk factor associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau phosphorylation and hyperphosphorylation is an underlying feature of AD and is regulated by specific kinases and phosphatases. Among phosphatases, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is the principal tau dephosphorylating enzyme in the brain. Several abnormalities of PP2A have been reported in AD, including among others decreased protein levels of PP2A, decreased mRNA and protein levels of the catalytic subunit PP2AC and variable regulatory B subunits and reduced methylation of the catalytic subunit, all of which results in disruption of the PP2A phosphatase activity. In earlier studies we described a novel mechanism for ApoE as a transcription factor that binds regions of double-stranded DNA with high affinity, including the promoter regions of ~3000 different genes. The list of genes also included PPP2R5E (B56ε), a regulatory B' subunit of protein phosphatase 2A. Using a combination of A172 human glioblastoma cells, ApoE3/4 and ApoE-/- NSC and human postmortem tissue, we now demonstrate that ApoE not only binds to the PPP2R5E promoter but also triggers a significant reduction in PP2A activity by two mechanisms: 1) ApoE transcriptionally represses PPP2R5E and reduces protein expression, and 2) ApoE triggers demethylation of the catalytic subunit (PP2AC) of PP2A, resulting in the disruption of the PPP2R5E-PP2AC complex. Our results indicated a significant down-regulation of PPP2R5E gene expression and reduction in PP2A activity by ApoE4 compared with ApoE3. This may also explain an elevated Tau phosphorylation in AD human brains that featured at least one ApoE4 allele. Thus, our present work links ApoE and PPP2R5E expression to a reduction in the PP2A catalytic activity that has implications for Alzheimer's disease.


[Seasonal variation of Haematobia irritans in the Santa Catarina State plateau and eficiency of the "Directed Control"].
This experiment had the aims of collecting information about seasonal variation; to evaluate the efficacy of the directed control method, in which only the most susceptible animals to Haematobia irritans infestations are treated and to reduce treatment costs. From February 2001 to April 2003, in two farms situated in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, two groups of 17 adult animals each (one group per farm) were used to count fly infestation every 14 days. In farm I, 29.4% of the animals were treated with pour-on cypermethrin, at 5 mg/kg live weight, when infestations reached an average above 200 flies (Directed Control). In farm II, treatments were used according to the farmer's decision. Evaluations of the efficacy of treatments were performed 1 to 7 days after treatment. The heaviest infestations occurred from November to April, and the number of flies did not surpassed 115.25 in average. Animals in farm I were treated only once, in December 2001, and a reduction of the infestation of H. irritans of 89.35% was showed. The 29.4% of most susceptible animals, in the time of heaviest infestations, sustained 65.97% of the total population of H. irritans. In farm II, animals were treated 9 times, and the efficacy of the treatments reached 98.25%. It was found that in this farm an excessive number of treatments have been used for the control of H. irritans.


25-Hydroxyvitamin D supplementation and health-service utilization for upper respiratory tract infection in young children.
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are the most common and costly condition of childhood. Low vitamin D levels have been hypothesized as a risk factor for URTI. The primary objective was to determine if serum vitamin D levels were associated with health-service utilization (HSU) for URTI including hospital admission, emergency department visits and outpatient sick visits. The secondary objectives were to determine whether oral vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy or childhood was associated with HSU for URTI. Cohort study. HSU was determined by linking each child's provincial health insurance number to health administrative databases. Multivariable quasi Poisson regression was used to evaluate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D supplementation and HSU for URTI. Toronto, Canada. Children participating in the TARGet Kids! network between 2008 and 2013. Healthy children aged 0-5 years (n 4962) were included; 52 % were male and mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 84 nmol/l (range 11-355 nmol/l). There were 105 (2 %), 721 (15 %) and 3218 (65 %) children with at least one hospital admission, emergency department visit or outpatient sick visit for URTI, respectively. There were no statistically significant associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D or vitamin D supplementation and HSU for URTI. A clinically meaningful association between vitamin D (continuously and dichotomized at <50 and <75 nmol/l) and HSU for URTI was not identified. While vitamin D may have other benefits for health, reducing HSU for URTI does not appear to be one of them.


Myocardial infarction. Effects of beta-blockade.
By the mid 1960s a beneficial effect of post-myocardial infarction treatment with beta-blockade had been proposed. However, it was not until 1981 that large clinical trials clearly demonstrated a beneficial effect both in terms of reduction in mortality and morbidity. Today treatment with beta-blockers both in the acute phase of acute myocardial infarction as well as in the stable post-myocardial infarction patient is well established. In this review article, different aspects of early and late treatment with beta-adrenoceptor blockers are discussed. The cardioprotective effects of beta-blockers on mortality and morbidity should not be considered class effects valid for all beta-blockers. Pooled data have clearly demonstrated that beta-blockers with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity have less marked effects. Impressive effects on mortality and morbidity have been obtained with propranolol, timolol, and metoprolol, which are noncardioselective as well as more beta 1-selective (metoprolol), but they are all lacking intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and, furthermore, have a relatively high degree of lipophilicity. It is clear that acute beta-adrenoceptor blockade in suspected acute myocardial infarction reduces mortality and morbidity as well as complications such as chest pain and ventricular arrhythmias during the acute phase. In post-myocardial infarction treatment, it is clear that both mortality and morbidity are reduced. Reports from extended follow-ups after termination of initial double-blind beta-blocker studies in postinfarction patients indicate that withdrawal of the active treatment may increase mortality after cessation of treatment. This is observed despite measures having been taken to avoid so-called acute withdrawal phenomena.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


HLA phenotype and clinicopathological behaviour of germ cell tumours: possible evidence for clonal evolution from seminomas to nonseminomas.
Analysis of 101 patients with germ cell tumours of the testis who have been typed for HLA DR antigens has provided confirmatory evidence for an association of DR5 with the development of seminoma and demonstrated an association of DR7 with metastases. These observations taken with the suggestion of HLA linkage in the small numbers of familial cases reviewed, does suggest that there is an HLA linked gene involved in the clinicopathological behaviour of germ cell tumours. Though of only theoretical interest at present these observations may be of considerable importance in the future given the observation in mice that transfection of missing MHC genes into a malignant tumour can produce a vaccine that enables previously unexposed animals to resist the original malignant tumour (Hui et al., 1984).


High-frequency activation of single CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to proliferate and secrete cytokines using anti-receptor antibodies and IL-2(1).
A high cloning efficiency single-cell culture system was developed to define the activation requirements of isolated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to proliferate and secrete cytokines. T cells were triggered using solid-phase anti-CD3 and anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 antibodies plus rIL-2. Activation was measured by microscopic scoring of proliferation and by measurement of cytokine production using the cytokine-responsive cell lines FDC-P1, which responds to GM-CSF, IL-3, IFN-gamma and IL-4, and 32D clone 3 which responds to IL-3 only. Whilst anti-CD3 plus rIL-2 triggered only 4% of peripheral T cells to proliferate, anti-CD3 plus anti-CD8 mAb triggered about 40% of CD8+ T cells; 80% of the resultant clones secreted cytokine and 90% of these were IL-3+. Anti-CD3 plus anti-CD4 mAb triggered proliferation in about 20% of CD4+ T cells, of which 34% formed cytokine-producing clones with 47% of these secreting IL-3. In addition to responding at higher frequency, CD8+ T cells formed larger clones which produced higher levels of cytokines than CD4+ cells. Cell separation on the basis of Pgp-1 expression suggested that this culture system did not select for previously activated cells. Whereas Pgp-1+ T cells from keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH)-primed mice were enriched in KLH-specific cells, no significant differences were observed in the clonogenicity or cytokine-secreting capacity of Pgp-1+ and Pgp-1- T cells from normal mice.


Fertilizer characterization: isotopic data (N, S, O, C, and Sr).
A detailed isotopic characterization (delta15N(Ntotal), delta15N(NO3), delta18O(NO3), delta34S(SO4), delta18O(SO4), (delta13C(Ctotal), and 87Sr/86Sr) of 27 commercial fertilizers used in Spain is presented in this paper. Results together with a compilation of fertilizer isotopic published data are used for two purposes: (i) to identify the origin of the primary constituents and raw materials used in fertilizer manufacture and relate these data with their heavy metals and rare earth elements (REE) contents; (ii) to compare the fertilizer isotopic signatures with natural values and other anthropogenic pollutants and evaluate the usefulness of multi-isotopic analyses to trace fertilizer contaminations in future study cases. Isotope data permit us to know, in most cases, the origin of the primary constituents of fertilizers, and the 87Sr/86Sr ratio distinguishes the origin of the phosphate content--phosphorites or carbonatites--which in turn implies a qualitatively defined and potentially contaminant presence of REE and heavy metals in fertilizers. Delta15N, delta34S, and 87Sr/86Sr have already been used to trace fertilizer contaminations. Their utility can be improved by the coupled use of delta15N(NO3)-delta18O(NO3) and delta34S(SO4)-delta18O(SO4) to evaluate the fractionation processes that can affect contaminants. Moreover, multi-isotopic analyses, using heavy isotopes, allow us to see beyond the fractionation effects to the fertilizer stable isotope signatures and a better distinction from other anthropogenic contaminants.


Molecular study on infection rates of Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma marginale in sheep and cattle in West-Azerbaijan province, Iran.
This study was carried out to determine the presence and frequency of Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma marginale in sheep and dairy cattle in West-Azerbaijan province, Iran. A total number of 200 blood samples were randomly collected via the jugular vein from apparently healthy cattle (100) and sheep (100). The extracted DNA from blood cells was screened using genus-specific (Anaplasma spp.) nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on 16S rRNA gene primer sets. Species-specific PCR was set up using major surface protein 4 (MSP4) gene primer set. None of cattle blood samples were positive for Anaplasma spp. by the first nested PCR. Five samples among the 100 sheep blood samples were both positive in the first nested PCR and A. ovis -specific PCR, based on MSP4 gene. In total, 5.00% of animals were A. ovis positive. This study identified a low prevalence of A. ovis in the blood of apparently healthy sheep in West Azerbaijan province.


Oxygen transport across vasa recta in the renal medulla.
In this model of oxygen transport in the renal medullary microcirculation, we predicted that the net amount of oxygen reabsorbed from vasa recta into the interstitium is on the order of 10(-6) mmol/s, i.e., significantly lower than estimated medullary oxygen requirements based on active sodium reabsorption. Our simulations confirmed a number of experimental findings. Low medullary PO(2) results from the countercurrent arrangement of vessels and an elevated vasa recta permeability to oxygen, as well as high metabolic needs. Diffusional shunting of oxygen between descending vasa recta (DVR) and ascending vasa recta also explains why a 20-mmHg decrease in initial PO(2) at the corticomedullary junction only leads to a small drop in papillary tip PO(2) (<2 mmHg with baseline parameter values). Conversely, small changes in the consumption rate of DVR-supplied oxygen, in blood flow rate, in hematocrit, or in capillary permeability to oxygen, beyond certain values sharply reduce interstitial PO(2). Without erythrocytes, papillary tip PO(2) cannot be maintained above 10 mmHg, even when oxygen consumption is zero.


The Perrault syndrome: clinical report and review.
We report on two Japanese sisters with Perrault syndrome, i.e., autosomal recessive ovarian dysgenesis associated with sensorineural deafness. They also had ataxic gait, pes equinovarus, nystagmus, limited extraocular movements, and short stature. One older affected sister had partial growth hormone deficiency. Our review included 21 patients from 8 families, including our patients; 16 are women with ovarian dysgenesis and deafness, 3 deaf males without gonadal defect, one a woman with ovarian dysgenesis without deafness, and one a girl with deafness in whom ovarian function was not evaluated. Perrault syndrome may not be uncommon; some cases may have gone unrecognized, especially when a single child in a family is affected.


Difurazano[3,4-b:3',4'-f]-4,5-diaza-1,8-dioxacyclododecine and an acyclic analogue.
The novel title furazan-containing macrocycle (systematic name: 6,9,14,17-tetraoxa-2,3,5,7,16,18-hexaazatricyclo[188.8.131.52(4,8)]octadeca-4,7,15,18-tetraene), C8H10N6O4, (I), is the first macrocycle where the furazan rings are connected via a hydrazine group. In spite of the strain in the 12-membered macrocycle of (I), the geometry of the furazan fragment is the same in (I) and in its acyclic analogue 1,8-bis(5-aminofurazan-4-yloxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane, C10H16N6O6, (II). In both compounds, the participation of the furazan rings in intermolecular hydrogen bonding equalizes the N-O bonds within the furazan rings, in contrast with rings which do not participate in such interactions.


Association Between Sarcopenia and Fracture Risk in a Population From the UK Biobank Database.
Studies on the fracture risk in presarcopenic and sarcopenic patients report contradictory results. The objective was to assess whether presarcopenia and sarcopenia are associated with an increase in fracture risk. We conducted a retrospective study using the UK Biobank cohort and the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) criteria. Muscle strength was evaluated using hand-grip strength (HGS) and muscle mass using the skeletal muscle index (SMI; from bioimpedance analysis). Presarcopenia was defined through the two definitions available in the literature, as low HGS with normal SMI and as normal HGS with low SMI, and sarcopenia as low HGS and low SMI. Fracture events were recorded as "fracture" (location compatible with an osteoporotic origin) and "major osteoporotic fracture" (MOF), as listed in the FRAX tool. Associations were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for sarcopenia and osteoporosis risk factors. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRa ) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. A total of 387,025 participants (women 54.4%; median age 58.0 years; interquartile range [IQR] 51.0-63.0 years) were included. At baseline, there were 18,257 (4.7%) presarcopenic participants-subgroup 1 (low HGS only), 7940 (2.1%) presarcopenic participants-subgroup 2 (low SMI only), and 1124 (0.3%) sarcopenic participants. Over a median follow-up of 12.0 years (IQR 11.4-12.6 years), 18,300 (4.7%) participants were diagnosed with at least one incident fracture. Presarcopenic (subgroups 1 and 2) and sarcopenic status were significantly associated with a higher risk of fracture (respectively adjusted HRs: HR = 1.26 [1.19-1.33], HR = 1.20 [1.11-1.30], HR = 1.30 [1.08-1.56]) and with a higher risk of MOF (respectively adjusted HRs: HR = 1.30 [1.21-1.40], HR = 1.19 [1.08-1.72], HR = 1.18 [0.93-1.49]). In a middle-aged population, the fracture and MOF risks were higher in both presarcopenic and sarcopenic participants compared with nonsarcopenic participants. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).


Prevalence and genetic diversity of fig mosaic virus isolates infecting fig tree in Iran.
Commercial and outdoor fig orchards in four Iranian provinces were surveyed for the incidence of fig mosaic virus (FMV), fig leaf mottle associated virus 2 (FLMaV-2) and fig mild mottle associated virus (FMMaV) from March 2011 to October 2012. A total of 350 asymptomatic and symptomatic fig samples were collected and tested by dot-immunobinding assay (DIBA) for the fig mosaic disease (FMD) using a polyclonal antiserum. According to DIBA results, FMD was present in 73% of the collected symptomatic samples from all visited regions. Samples with positive reactions in DIBA were then analyzed by RT-PCR using with specific primers. PCR results showed that about 14.8% of the FMD-positive samples from three inspected provinces are infected with at least one virus. FMV was the most widely spread virus (14%) followed by FLMaV-2 (1.5%), whereas FMMaV was not found. Phylogenetic analysis of the glycoprotein nucleotide and amino acid sequences of known FMV isolates showed two independent groups with high bootstrap values, with all Iranian isolates distinctly clustered in group I, subgroup IA beside those reported in Turkey. Nucleotide diversity was high within but low between different selected geographic regions and except for Europe, nucleotide distance within geographic regions was low. Statistical analyses indicated a correlation between the genetic structure of the FMV isolates and the geographical origin of isolation. Our analyses suggested that the FMV population is in a state of increase following a bottleneck or founder event in Iran.


Clinical management of perinatal depression: focus on paroxetine.
The literature on antidepressant use during pregnancy and lactation is replete with review articles and clinical decision algorithms. Remarkably, a limited number of such articles include the methodological advances that have served to define the extent of fetal and neonatal exposure to antidepressants. For this review, MEDLINE search for original research articles focusing on obstetrical, neonatal, and infant outcomes associated with antidepressant use was conducted. These articles were scrutinized to include those with data on the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and limited to breast-feeding studies that included infant serum concentrations.Sixty-seven articles were identified that included a total of 3050 cases of SSRI use during pregnancy and 240 cases of use during lactation. The amount of obstetrical outcome data available for each SSRI was proportional to the duration of time each medication has been available. In contrast, the lactation data were heavily weighted toward sertraline and paroxetine relative to other antidepressants. The myriad of confounds, failure to control for maternal depression, lack of prospective documentation of other medications, and environmental exposures preclude any definitive conclusions. There was no clear association between SSRI exposure and obstetrical complications or poor outcome. In contrast, the amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, and nursing infant sera literature demonstrated significantly different exposures to individual medications.


Efficacy of anastrozole in male breast cancer.
Metastatic breast carcinoma in men is usually responsive to hormonal therapy. Most ablative and additive hormonal therapies reported have had objective response rates in excess of 50%. Anastrozole has excellent antitumor activity in postmenopausal women, but no data exist on its efficacy in men. Medical records for all men with a diagnosis of breast cancer who were treated at M. D. Anderson from 1990 to 1999 were reviewed. Five male patients with metastatic breast cancer who were treated at M. D. Anderson with anastrozole were identified. We now report on these five cases.


The design and implementation of insect resistance management programs for Bt crops.
Cotton and corn plants with insect resistance traits introduced through biotechnological methods and derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been widely adopted since they were first introduced in 1996. Because of concerns about resistance evolving to these Bt crops, they have been released with associated IRM programs that employ multiple components and reflect the input of academic, industrial and regulatory experts. This paper summarizes the current status of Bt crop technologies in cotton and corn, the principles of IRM for Bt crops and what they mean for the design of IRM programs. It describes how these IRM programs have been implemented and some of the key factors affecting successful implementation. Finally, it suggests how they may evolve to properly steward these traits in different geographies around the world. The limited number of reported cases of resistance after more than 15 years of intensive global use of Bt crops suggest that this exercise has been broadly successful. Where resistance issues have been observed, they have been associated with first generation technologies and incomplete or compromised IRM programs (i.e., inadequate structured refuge). Next generation technologies with multiple pyramided modes of action, together with the implementation of IRM strategies that are more dependent upon manufacturing and less dependent upon grower behavior, such as seed mixes, should further enhance IRM programs for Bt crops.


Circadian fluctuations in plasma corticosterone, corticosterone-binding activity and total protein in male rats: possible disruption by serial blood sampling.
Male rats were bled serially every 6 h for 48 consecutive hours. Plasma so obtained was assayed for corticosterone (B), corticosterone-binding activity (CBA) and total plasma protein (TPP). Although the averaged data indicated a significant circadian rhythm in plasma B, inspection of the circadian changes in individual animals showed that 40% had irregular or aberrant patterns of plasma B. Additionally, circadian fluctuations in plasma CBA were approximately 3-fold lower in magnitude than previously reported, and there was no significant circadian change in TPP. Running wheel activity during the 48 h blood sampling period decreased by over 50% indicating that the serial sampling procedure caused disruption of the activity cycle. However, the majority of wheel-running activity occurred during the dark portion of the day-night cycle. Because circadian fluctuations in plasma proteins, including corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG), may be directly related to changes in locomotor activity, it is suggested that the attenuation of circadian changes in CBA and TPP were due to disruption of the daily cycle of locomotor activity. The abnormal circadian patterns in plasma B observed in some animals also may have been caused by disruption of the activity cycle in spite of the fact that the rats did not appear to be stressed as evidenced by concentrations of plasma B that were well within the normal range.


Duration of symptoms and case fatality of sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in Tororo, Uganda.
Although there have been recent molecular biological studies for evidence of possible changes in trypanosome biochemistry, such studies are not yet complemented by parallel clinical studies to determine the possible implications to the sleeping sickness patient. The study of the duration of symptoms and the case fatality of T. b. rhodesiense showed that the disease progressed to the stage of central nervous system involvement between three weeks to two months of infection. Most (> 80%) deaths occurred within six months of illness. The case fatality rate of treated sleeping sickness patients was 6% of which the rate in the late-stage of sleeping sickness was more than two and a half times that in the early stage. The incidence of melarsoprol encephalopathy was 2.5% and case fatality due to this condition was 1.0% and similar to previous findings. Thus it appears the virulence of T. b. rhodesiense circulating in south east Uganda has not changed during the past decades.


The effect of smoking on arterial stiffness.
A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library to determine the effect of acute, chronic and passive smoking on arterial stiffness and to determine whether these effects are reversible after smoking cessation. A total of 39 relevant studies were identified and included. Acute smoking was found to cause an acute increase in arterial stiffness. Similarly, passive smoking increased arterial stiffness acutely and chronically. The majority of studies identified chronic smoking as a risk factor for increasing arterial stiffness. However, some studies found no statistical difference in arterial stiffness between nonsmokers and long-term smokers, although chronic smoking seems to sensitize the arterial response to acute smoking. In addition, whether arterial stiffness is reversed after smoking cessation and the timeline in which this may occur could not be determined from the identified literature. The effect of smoking discontinuation on arterial stiffness remains to be established by prospective smoking cessation trials.


Study Model-based Evaluation of Built-in Tip, Torque, and In-out Characteristics of a Third-generation Preadjusted Edgewise Appliance.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of MBT™ preadjusted edgewise appliance (PEA) in terms of achieving the optimal expression of its built-in characteristics of tip, torque, and in-out. Pretreatment and posttreatment study models of 20 subjects who received full fixed appliance treatment involving four first premolar extractions using the MBT™ appliance were measured for tip, torque, and in-out using the method described by Andrews. Treatment changes were analyzed statistically, and the posttreatment measurements were compared with the MBT™ specifications as well as Andrews' values for the above-mentioned parameters. Except for the maxillary canines and second premolars, the built-in tip of MBT™ appliance was nearly fully expressed, though there was some lack of correlation with Andrews' values. Despite the fact that the full amount of torque built into the MBT™ appliance was not expressed, torque measurements for all teeth except the maxillary second premolars and the first molars showed either no statistically significant difference or were significantly higher than Andrews' values for these teeth. In-out readings were lower than both MBT™ and Andrews' values, but the relative order of crown prominences was similar. Conclusion and clinical significance: The MBT™ appliance is thus effective in ensuring a successful treatment result, though individual adjustments may be necessary for optimal tooth positioning at the end of the treatment, as with any preadjusted appliance.


Middle-aged and older adults' acceptance of mobile nutrition and fitness tools: A qualitative typology.
The utilization of mobile health (mHealth) devices such as nutrition and fitness tools seems to be promising in facilitating healthy lifestyle behaviors in middle-aged and older adults. As user acceptance plays a decisive role in the successful implementation of mHealth tools, it is vital to examine the target groups' acceptance, particularly their usage behavior and attitudes toward these tools. This qualitative study aimed to explore how far middle-aged as well as older adults accept mobile nutrition and fitness tools and to identify facilitators and barriers shaping their acceptance. Twenty-one qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with German adults aged 50 years and older. Data material was analyzed using Qualitative Content Analysis (Kuckartz). A comprehensive acceptance typology with three acceptance types could be reconstructed: The Rejection Type, The Selective Acceptance Type, and The Comprehensive Acceptance Type. The target group's acceptance of mobile nutrition and fitness tools appeared to differ considerably across the three acceptance types and between the two different types of mHealth tools - with mobile nutrition tools having been less accepted. Among others, high levels of usability were identified as a key facilitator, while a desire for autonomy and privacy concerns showed to be prominent barriers. The resulting typology indicates a pronounced heterogeneity among middle-aged and older adults regarding their acceptance of mobile nutrition and fitness tools. The findings highlight a need for more individualized mHealth tools along with respective promotion strategies that are specifically tailored to the needs and expectations of middle-aged and older adults.


[Ender nailing for stabilization of pertrochanteric fractures in advanced age. A safe procedure?].
The postoperative course of 138 patients with a pertrochanteric fracture treated by nailing according to Ender is analysed with regard to the operative morbidity and lethality. As secondary factors associated with morbidity the specific and unspecific rate of complications, the lethality, the perioperative loss of blood and the duration of postoperative hospitalisation are evaluated. Specific complications occurred in 27%, unspecific complications in 50%, and the rate of hospital mortality was 15.2%, 60.9% of patients required a postoperative transfusion to compensate the perioperative blood loss. In contrast to other authors we cannot regard Ender nail osteosynthesis as a lowrisk procedure with a low operative morbidity. When choosing the treatment procedure alternative methods of stabilisation should be taken into account. An intensive postoperative care is of utmost importance in elderly patients.


Use of decitabine for patients with refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Background: Approximately, one-third of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are refractory to initial induction chemotherapy and relapse occurs in most patients who achieve remission. This study evaluates the efficacy of decitabine in the management of refractory or relapsed AML. Methods: After literature search in electronic databases (Google Scholar, Embase, Ovid, and PubMed) studies were selected by following pre-determined eligibility criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to achieve effect sizes of complete remission (CR) rate, response rate (RR), and median survival after therapy. Subgroup analyses were performed with regards to use of decitabine with either epigenetics-based therapy, molecular therapy or chemotherapy. Results: Twenty studies were included (310 patients; age 55.1 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 43.8, 66.4]; 57% [52%, 63%] males). Overall RR was 46.1% [95% CI: 36.1%, 56.1%]. Overall CR rate was 23.5% [95% CI: 22.1%, 24.9%] but was 14.85% [95% CI: 3.8%, 25.9%] for decitabine with epigenetics-based therapies, 15.4% [95% CI: 6.7%, 24.0%] for decitabine with immunotherapy or molecular therapy, 34.8% [95% CI: 18.7%, 50.9%] for decitabine with chemotherapy, and 37.5% [36.4%, 38.7%] for decitabine with chemotherapy and molecular therapy. Median survival was 7.2 months [95% CI: 5.17, 9.3]. Major adverse events were neutropenia, nausea/vomiting, infections, fatigue, febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, anemia, anorexia, leukopenia, hemorrhage, and hyperglycemia. Conclusion: Decitabine in combination with chemotherapy or molecular therapy has shown efficacious properties in refractory or relapsed AML patients.


Efficacy of risperidone treatment in Smith-Magenis syndrome (del 17 pll. 2).
Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a clinically recognizable multiple congenital anomaly and mental retardation syndrome caused by an interstitial deletion of chromosome 17 pll.2. Although the physical and molecular genetic features of SMS are increasingly well understood, work is more limited on SMS's behavioral phenotype, which includes self-injury, tantrums, aggression, attention deficit, and sleep disturbance. This case-report describes the lowering of the aggression level of a 13 year old individual with SMS.


Enantioselective total syntheses and absolute configuration of JBIR-02 and Mer-A2026B.
The first total syntheses of the piericidin related natural products Mer-A2026B and JBIR-02 are reported. Key features of the synthetic approach involve an Ir-catalyzed one-pot C-H activation/oxidation procedure for the preparation of the hydroxypyridine, a vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction, and a final Negishi cross-coupling of an advanced pyridine derivative with an allylic side chain precursor. In addition, the absolute configuration of Mer-A2026B (9R,10R) and JBIR-02 (9R,10R) was established.


Nutritional and hormonal regulation of the gene for malic enzyme.
In vivo, refeeding starved chickens stimulates transcription of the avian gene for malic enzyme in liver; in hepatocytes in culture, triiodothyronine (T3) and insulin stimulate transcription of this gene. In vivo, starvation, and in hepatocytes in culture, glucagon, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) inhibit transcription of the malic enzyme gene. We have defined a T3-response unit in the 5'-flanking DNA of the malic enzyme gene; it contains one major T3 response element and several minor ones; maximum responsiveness is dependent on the presence of all of these elements. LCFA probably act by inhibiting binding of T3 to its nuclear receptor. MCFA appear to act by a different mechanism. Inhibitory MCFA have chain lengths of six, seven or eight carbons; a common feature of other inhibitory compounds is that they can be metabolized to MCFA. Eight-carbon fatty acids with a hydroxyl on the 2- or 3-carbon are more potent inhibitors than octanoate, whereas 2-bromo-fatty acids and 2-hydroxy hexanoate are not inhibitory. In transfection experiments with a large variety of constructs derived from the malic enzyme 5'-flanking DNA, the ability of fatty acids to inhibit promoter function localizes to regions of DNA that contain T3REs. Promoter function of artificial T3REs also is inhibited by MCFA. Inhibition of promoter function using malic enzyme DNA is relatively constant in magnitude irrespective of the size of the T3 response. We postulate that MCFA directly regulates one of the functions of the T3 receptor.


Regularity and packing of the horizontal cell mosaic in different strains of mice.
The present study describes the relationships between mosaic regularity, intercellular spacing, and packing of horizontal cells across a two-fold variation in horizontal cell density in four strains of mice. We have tested the prediction that mosaic patterning is held constant across variation in density following our recent demonstration that intercellular spacing declines as density increases, by further examination of that dataset: Nearest-neighbor and Voronoi-domain analyses were conducted on multiple fields of horizontal cells from each strain, from which their respective regularity indices were calculated. Autocorrelation analysis was performed on each field, from which the density recovery profile was generated, and effective radius and packing factor were calculated. The regularity indexes showed negative correlations with density rather than being held constant, suggesting that the strong negative correlation between intercellular spacing and density exceeded that required to produce a simple scaling of the mosaic. This was confirmed by the negative correlation between packing factor and density. These results demonstrate that the variation in the patterning present in the population of horizontal cells across these strains is a consequence of epigenetic mechanisms controlling intercellular spacing as a function of density.


Evaluation of two procedures to determine acid and neutral detergent fibers in ruminant feeds of the temperate region of Argentina.
The objective of this work was to compare the traditional Van Soest's procedure to analyze neutral detergent fibers (NDF) and acid detergent fibers (ADF) using filtering crucibles (VS) with a semiautomatic method which uses filter bags in an ANKOM Technology Corp. instrument (ANK). Nine ruminant feeds widely used in the temperate region of Argentina were analyzed: soybean meal expeller, alfalfa, pasture silage, ryegrass, corn silage, weeping lovegrass, tall wheatgrass, guinea grass, and barley grass. Four runs were done for each technique and feed. The comparison of ADF and NDF means by the means test for paired samples showed no significant differences between techniques (alpha = 0.01). The variability among runs was greater with the VS method than the ANK, both for NDF, standard deviation (SD) = 0.71 vs 0.39, and for ADF, SD = 0.83 vs 0.56, but the differences were not significant. The linear regressions were VS = 1.43 + 0.95 ANK; R2 = 0.99, and VS = 0.53 + 0.98 ANK; R2 = 0.99 for NDF and ADF, respectively, which indicated a strong linear relationship among the results of both procedures. It was concluded that the ANK procedure gave results comparable to those of the VS method when ruminant feeds from the temperate region of Argentina were analyzed.


Photocatalytic Synthesis of Difluoroacetoxy-containing Sulfoximines.
[Bis(difluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene and NH-sulfoximines react to give new hypervalent iodine(III) reagents, which under photocatalysis transfer difluoroacetoxy and sulfoximidoyl groups to styrenes with high regioselectivity. The results of mechanistic investigations suggest the intermediacy of radicals and reveal the importance of the difluoroacetoxy group on the iodine reagent.


Lethal multiple pterygium syndrome.
We report on two fetuses with a lethal form of multiple-pterygium syndrome born to first cousins. The two pregnancies aborted spontaneously in the 2nd trimester, the fetuses, 10-11 weeks of embryonic age, showing multiple pterygia and multiple cartilaginous fusions. One had cleft lip and palate. In both cases the microscopic anatomy of the placenta showed villi with scalloped border and intravillous trophoblastic invaginations.


Antibacterial effect of Rubus chingii flower extract against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Rubus chingii is a well reputed member of Chinese traditional medicine system and is used for managing different ailments since historic times. The present report elucidates the growth impeding effect of R. chingii flower extract against multidrug resistant Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The extracts were prepared using standard Soxhlet extraction method using ethanol, methanol and acetone as a solvent. The extracts were further subjected to agar streak method and the stains that showed their sensitivity were further evaluated for minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) assessment through TCC method. Subsequently the MIC was further used for well diffusion assay. All the strains used in the study showed their sensitivity towards R. chingii flowers extract in respective solvents. Highest antibacterial activity was seen against E. coli. and S. aureus whereas the lowest activity was recorded against K. pneumoniae. Thus the study reported herewith provided an insight into the antibacterial efficacy of R. chingii flower extract against MDR E. coli., S. aureus and K. pneumoniae.


The effect of substrate stiffness on cancer cell volume homeostasis.
Existing studies on the mechanism of cell volume regulation are mainly relevant to ion channels and osmosis in extracellular fluid. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that cellular mechanical microenvironment also influences the cell volume. Herein, we investigated the regulation of substrate stiffness on the cell volume homeostasis of MCF-7 cells and their following migration behaviors. We found that cell volume increases with increasing substrate stiffness, which could be affected by blocking the cell membrane anion permeability and dopamine receptor. In addition, the cell migration is significantly inhibited by decreasing the cell volume using tamoxifen and such inhibition effect on migration is enhanced by increasing substrate stiffness. The cell membrane anion permeability might be the linker between cellular mechanical microenvironment and cellular volume homeostasis regulation. This work revealed the regulation of substrate stiffness on cell volume homeostasis for the first time, which would provide a new perspective into the understanding of cancer metastasis and a promising anti-cancer therapy through regulation of cell volume homeostasis.


Resources for preventing sickness absence due to low back pain.
After an episode of non-specific low back pain (LBP) some individuals fail to return to work. The factors leading to such LBP-related sickness absence are not yet fully understood. To identify individual resources, over and above the already established predictors, for preventing LBP-related sickness absence in a population-based sample of workers experiencing an episode of LBP. Cohort study with 1-year follow-up. Participants were from a working population who reported an episode of acute or subacute LBP at baseline. Four potential resources-life satisfaction, doing sports, job satisfaction and social support at work-were examined for their incremental value in predicting sickness absence over and above baseline sickness absence and fear-avoidance beliefs about work. In all, 279 workers participated in the study. All four resources showed an inverse relationship with regard to sickness absence. A multiple regression analysis revealed that life satisfaction as a resource protected against sickness absence, when controlling for established risk factors. Job satisfaction and social support at work minimized the influence of sickness absence at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. In a non-clinical working sample of individuals experiencing an acute/subacute episode of LBP, life satisfaction was a unique predictor of sickness absence after 1 year. Prevention in the occupational setting should not only address common risk factors but also occupational and individual resources that keep workers satisfied with life despite having LBP.


Types of Eating Disorder Prodrome in Adolescence: The Role of Decision Making in Childhood.
Psychiatric disorders like eating disorders (EDs) might be underpinned by differences in decision making. However, little previous research has investigated this potential relationship using longitudinal data. This study aimed to understand how components of decision making (delay aversion, risk adjustment, risk taking, quality of decision making and deliberation time) measured by the Cambridge Gambling Task in the United Kingdom's Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; n = 11,303; female = 50.17%) at age 11 might explain clusters/types of ED prodrome involving body dissatisfaction, intention to lose weight, dietary restraint, excessive exercise and significant under/overweight measured in the MCS at age 14. Latent class analysis revealed two groups within the cohort: a non-prodromal eating pathology group, who were more likely to be of "average" weight, according to the UK90, with minimal disordered attitudes and behaviors in relation to eating and weight; and a second group with prodromal eating pathology, who had more body dissatisfaction, a desire to lose weight, were using dietary restriction and exercise to influence weight and were more likely to be "overweight" according to the UK90. Logistic regression showed that, after adjustment for confounding, higher risk-taking scores were associated with a 60% greater probability of being in the prodromal eating pathology group (b = 0.47, OR = 1.60, p < 0.01), and higher scores on quality of decision making were associated with a 30% lower probability of being in the prodromal eating pathology group (b = -0.34, OR = 0.70, p < 0.05). Helping young people to engage in moderate risk taking and improving decision making might reduce the later presence of ED prodromes.


Longitudinal study of [D10]phenanthrene metabolism by the diol epoxide pathway in smokers.
The extent of metabolism of [D10]phenanthrene to [D(10)]r-1,t-2,3,c-4-tetrahydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetradeuterophenanthrene ([D10]PheT) could be a biomarker of human metabolic activation of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, leading to identification of smokers particularly susceptible to lung cancer. The longitudinal stability of [D10]PheT was evaluated in 24 cigaret smokers given 7-8 oral doses of [D10]phenanthrene (10 µg) over 5.5 months. [D10]PheT in 6 h urine was quantified after each dose. The overall coefficient of variation for 24 subjects was (mean ± S.D.) 27.4% ± 8.83%. Thus, a single administration of [D10]phenanthrene is likely sufficient to determine a smoker's ability to metabolize it to [D10]PheT.


Effects of TNF, IL-1, and the combination of both cytokines on cholesterol metabolism in Syrian hamsters.
Infection and inflammation are associated with alterations in lipid metabolism that may be mediated by cytokines such as TNF and IL-1. This study determined the effects of TNF and IL-1 on certain aspects of cholesterol metabolism. TNF or IL-1 administration to Syrian hamsters increased serum cholesterol levels by 17 and 21%, respectively, and decreased HDL cholesterol levels by 20 and 15%, respectively. TNF + IL-1 increased serum cholesterol levels by 58% and decreased HDL cholesterol levels by 58%. TNF or IL-1 increased hepatic HMG CoA reductase mRNA levels by 3.5- and 3-fold, respectively. TNF + IL-1 increased HMG CoA reductase mRNA levels by 7-fold. IL-1 increased hepatic LDL receptor mRNA levels by 2-fold while TNF and a combination of TNF + IL-1 had minimal effects. TNF or IL-1 did not affect hepatic apo E or apo A-I mRNA levels while a combination of TNF + IL-1 decreased both mRNA levels by 50%. Our results demonstrate that TNF and IL-1 similarly affect the parameters of cholesterol metabolism studied. Furthermore, the combination of TNF + IL-1 was, in most cases, more effective than either cytokine alone, and reproduced many of the effects of LPS.


Predictor of the Postoperative Swelling After Craniotomy for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Sphericity Index as a Novel Parameter.
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a serious type of stroke with high mortality and disability rates. Surgical treatment options vary; however, predicting edema aggravation is crucial when choosing the optimal approach. We propose using the sphericity index, a measure of roundness, to predict the aggravation of edema and guide surgical decisions. We analyzed 56 cases of craniotomy and hematoma evacuation to investigate the correlation between the sphericity index and patient outcomes, including the need for salvage decompressive craniectomy (DC). The patients included 35 (62.5%) men and 21 (37.5%) women, with a median age of 62.5 years. The basal ganglia was the most common location of hemorrhage (50.0%). The mean hematoma volume was 86.3 cc, with 10 (17.9%) instances of hematoma expansion. Cerebral herniation was observed in 44 (78.6%) patients, intraventricular hemorrhage in 34 (60.7%), and spot signs in 9 (16.1%). Salvage DC was performed in 13 (23.6%) patients to relieve intracranial pressure. The median follow-up duration was 6 months, with a mortality rate of 12.5%. The sphericity index was significantly correlated with delayed swelling and hematoma expansion but not salvage DC. The sphericity index is a promising predictor of delayed swelling and hematoma expansion that may aid in the development of surgical guidelines and medication strategies. Further large-scale studies are required to explore these aspects and establish comprehensive guidelines.


Corrigendum: The effect of unstable job on employee's turnover intention: the importance of coaching leadership.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1068293.].


The Functional Amyloid Curli Protects Escherichia coli against Complement-Mediated Bactericidal Activity.
Escherichia coli strains may be beneficial or pathogenic. Many E. coli strains that cause human disease, especially those responsible for bacteremia and sepsis, express virulence factors that impart resistance to the complement system. The bacterial amyloid curli functions in bacterial adherence and enhances the formation of biofilms. Survival of curli-producing parental and curli-deficient mutant E. coli in the context of a human complement response was evaluated using an in vivo murine model of bacteremia. Results showed that curli production enhanced E. coli survival, which suggests that curli defends against complement-mediated killing. This observation was supported by the results of in vitro assays comparing bacterial survival in human serum. Experiments in which the classical or alternative complement pathways were blocked indicated that the classical pathway is the major contributor to complement activation and that curli inhibits this activity. Our analyses indicate that curli does not appear to play a role in protecting E. coli against alternative pathway complement activation. We found that curli increases binding of E. coli cells to complement component Complement component 1q (C1q) but does not affect Complement component 3b (C3b) binding. We conclude that curli defends E. coli against complement-mediated killing via inhibition of the classical complement pathway.


[Disulfiram and digestive motility; effect on absorption of ethanol in the rat].
The influence of disulfiram, ethanol and the association disulfiram-ethanol on gastro-intestinal motility and ethanol absorption was studied in rats. It was observed that disulfiram (25 mg/kg) and ethanol (0,8 g/kg), separately administered, decrease gastric emptying a nd increase propulsion in the small intestine; association of the two treatments results in the addition of the particular effects, except in the first intestinal segment. Disulfiram reduces ethanol absorption; very significant correlations have been noted between gastric emptying and ethanol absorption.


Any use for alternative lock solutions in the prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections?
The prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI) in hemodialysis (HD) patients remains a challenge because of high morbidity and mortality associated to CRBSI. Alternative locking solutions (ALS) containing an antithrombotic substance with additional antimicrobial or antibiofilm properties (citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA], 70% ethanol, thrombolytics) with or without the addition of molecules with specific antimicrobial activity (antibiotics, taurolidine, paraben-methylene-blue) has been proposed with the aim to prevent or eradicate intraluminal biofilm colonization and subsequent CRBSI. In this review, we examine the available evidence concerning their efficacy and potential side effects, in order to determine whether ALS should be implemented widely or only in selected cases.


Isolation and partial characterization of an elastase-type protease in human vulva fibroblasts: its possible involvement in vulvar elastic tissue destruction of patients with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.
A complete disappearance of orcein positive material was observed in the superficial dermis of patients suffering from Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. An elastase-type protease was isolated and partially purified from Triton X-100 extracts of human vulvar fibroblasts by gel permeation chromatography. It presents the characteristics of a metalloenzyme hydrolyzing Succinoyl-tri-alanine paranitroanilide maximally at pH 8.0 and is also active towards insoluble elastin. When partially purified enzyme is directly applied on to rabbit skin sections or when injected intradermally to young rabbits, it produces appreciable degradation of elastic fibers. The involvement of this protease in the disappearance of elastic fibers in Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is postulated.


Multinodular goiter compressing the trachea following open heart surgery.
Acute hemorrhage into an adenomatous goiter following cardiac surgery is a rare cause of acute upper airway obstruction. We report an unusual presentation of respiratory distress in a patient with goiter recovering from open heart surgery, which was successfully treated by left hemithyroidectomy. A mandatory evaluation of the upper trachea in patients with long-standing benign goiter is recommended prior to cardiac surgery.


Role of caspase in CD80 expression of superantigen-stimulated monocytes.
In this study, we demonstrated evidence for the induction of CD80+ monocytes by staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) via caspase actions. Pre-treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB, resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage of SEB- and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) (produced by SEB) -induced CD80+ monocytes. SEB and IFN-gamma activated NF-kappaB, which was inhibited by PDTC. SEB induced the activation of caspase-3 and -8, and pre-treatment with z-VAD-fmk, a broad-spectrum inhibitor of caspases, prevented the induction of apoptosis. Treating with z-VAD-fmk resulted in a reduction of the generation of CD80+ monocytes. These results indicated that CD80 driven by NF-kappaB is regulated by the enzymatic actions of caspases, which allows monocytes to participate in massive T-cell activation.


Metabolic and transcriptomic response of the wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain EC1118 after an oxygen impulse under carbon-sufficient, nitrogen-limited fermentative conditions.
During alcoholic fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is exposed to continuously changing environmental conditions, such as decreasing sugar and increasing ethanol concentrations. Oxygen, a critical nutrient to avoid stuck and sluggish fermentations, is only discretely available throughout the process after pump-over operation. In this work, we studied the physiological response of the wine yeast S. cerevisiae strain EC1118 to a sudden increase in dissolved oxygen, simulating pump-over operation. With this aim, an impulse of dissolved oxygen was added to carbon-sufficient, nitrogen-limited anaerobic continuous cultures. Results showed that genes related to mitochondrial respiration, ergosterol biosynthesis, and oxidative stress, among other metabolic pathways, were induced after the oxygen impulse. On the other hand, mannoprotein coding genes were repressed. The changes in the expression of these genes are coordinated responses that share common elements at the level of transcriptional regulation. Beneficial and detrimental effects of these physiological processes on wine quality highlight the dual role of oxygen in 'making or breaking wines'. These findings will facilitate the development of oxygen addition strategies to optimize yeast performance in industrial fermentations.


Experimental chronic pulmonary infection in mice caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Examination of mouse strain differences in susceptibility to experimental respiratory tract infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae 27 revealed that a chronic pulmonary infection model could be established using CBA/J mice. After 6 X 10(5) colony-forming units of K. pneumoniae 27 were inoculated into the lung, the bacterial counts in the lungs changed with time showing four different phases: initial decrease, regrowth, steady-state, and final increase leading to death. Throughout the course of the infection, the challenge bacteria were isolated mainly from the respiratory organs. Pulmonary gross lesions appeared on day 2 after infection and persisted thereafter. Lobar consolidation was the primary lesion and occurred mainly in the anterior and middle lobes of the right lung, and the median lobe. Mice began to die from 4 weeks after aerosol exposure. This model may be useful for investigating the pathogenesis of chronic pulmonary infection by Klebsiella and its therapy.


Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation Facilitates Immediate Restoration of Dormant Motor and Autonomic Supraspinal Pathways after Chronic Neurologically Complete Spinal Cord Injury.
Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation (eSCS) in combination with extensive rehabilitation has been reported to restore volitional movement in a select group of subjects after motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Numerous questions about the generalizability of these findings to patients with longer term SCI have arisen, especially regarding the possibility of restoring autonomic function. To better understand the effect of eSCS on volitional movement and autonomic function, two female participants five and 10 years after injury at ages 48 and 52, respectively, with minimal spinal cord preservation on magnetic resonance imaging were implanted with an eSCS system at the vertebral T12 level. We demonstrated that eSCS can restore volitional movement immediately in two female participants in their fifth and sixth decade of life with motor and sensory-complete SCI, five and 10 years after sustaining severe radiographic injuries, and without prescribed or significant pre-habilitation. Both patients experienced significant improvements in surface electromyography power during a volitional control task with eSCS on. Cardiovascular function was also restored with eSCS in one participant with cardiovascular dysautonomia using specific eSCS settings during tilt challenge while not affecting function in a participant with normal cardiovascular function. Orgasm was achieved for the first time since injury in one participant with and immediately after eSCS. Bowel-bladder synergy improved in both participants while restoring volitional urination in one with eSCS. While numerous questions remain, the ability to restore some supraspinal control over motor function below the level of injury, cardiovascular function, sexual function, and bowel and bladder function should promote intense efforts to investigate and develop optimization strategies to maximize recovery in all participants with chronic SCI.


Terahertz plasmonic excitations in Bi2Se3 topological insulator.
After the discovery of Dirac electrons in condensed matter physics, more specifically in graphene and its derivatives, their potentialities in the fields of plasmonics and photonics have been readily recognized, leading to a plethora of applications in active and tunable optical devices. Massless Dirac carriers have been further found in three-dimensional topological insulators. These exotic quantum systems have an insulating gap in the bulk and intrinsic Dirac metallic states at any surface, sustaining not only single-particle excitations but also plasmonic collective modes. In this paper we will review the plasmon excitations in different microstructures patterned on Bi2Se3 topological insulator thin films as measured by terahertz spectroscopy. We discuss the dependence of the plasmon absorption versus the microstructure shape, wavevector, and magnetic field. Finally we will discuss the topological protection of both the Dirac single-particle and plasmon excitations.


Exploring longitudinal course and treatment-baseline severity interactions in secondary outcomes of smoking cessation treatment in individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A double blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial (NCT00253747) evaluating osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) for smoking-cessation revealed a significant interaction effect in which participants with higher baseline ADHD severity had better abstinence outcomes with OROS-MPH while participants with lower baseline ADHD severity had worse outcomes. This current report examines secondary outcomes that might bear on the mechanism for this differential treatment effect. Longitudinal analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of OROS-MPH on three secondary outcomes (ADHD symptom severity, nicotine craving, and withdrawal) in the total sample (N = 255, 56% Male), and in the high (N = 134) and low (N = 121) baseline ADHD severity groups. OROS-MPH significantly improved ADHD symptoms and nicotine withdrawal symptoms in the total sample, and exploratory analyses showed that in both higher and lower baseline severity groups, OROS-MPH statistically significantly improved these two outcomes. No effect on craving overall was detected, though exploratory analyses showed statistically significantly decreased craving in the high ADHD severity participants on OROS-MPH. No treatment by ADHD baseline severity interaction was detected for the outcomes. Methylphenidate improved secondary outcomes during smoking cessation independent of baseline ADHD severity, with no evident treatment-baseline severity interaction. Our results suggest divergent responses to smoking cessation treatment in the higher and lower severity groups cannot be explained by concordant divergence in craving, withdrawal and ADHD symptom severity, and alternative hypotheses may need to be identified.


Transformation of Mycosis Fungoides/Sezary Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis.
Transformed mycosis fungoides (T-MF) is a rare variant of MF with an aggressive course. In this study, we aimed to describe characteristics of MF/Sezary syndrome (SS) patients with transformation. Patients diagnosed with T-MF among MF/SS patients between 2000 and 2014 in a tertiary single center were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, clinical data, laboratory data, immunophenotype features, response to treatment, survival, and histopathologic features were analyzed. Among 254 MF patients, 25 patients with T-MF were identified (10.2%) and included in the study. The male-to-female ratio was 2.6/1. The median time between MF diagnosis and transformation was 32 months (range: 0-192). Nine (36%) patients were diagnosed initially with T-MF. Advanced disease stage and high serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were indicators of poor prognosis and treatment response. Five of the 18 patients with progressive disease had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Allo-HSCT resulted in complete remission in three (60%) patients. Ten (40%) patients died as a result of disease progression. Mean survival time was 25.2±14.9 (2-56) months after transformation. Advanced stage, high serum LDH levels, and loss of CD26 and CD7 expression in the peripheral blood are poor rognostic factors in T-MF. Treatment-resistant tumors and nodules should be cautionary for T-MF. Patients with T-MF have a shortened survival. Some patients may respond to first-line treatments. However, the majority of patients who do not respond to first-line therapies also are unresponsive to second or third-line therapies. Allo-HSCT may be an alternative option in patients with T-MF.


Morbidity and mortality following high order caesarean section in a developing country.
To determine the morbidity and mortality associated with multiple (four and higher order) caesarean section. A group of 92 women who had undergone four or more caesarean sections was compared with another group of 184 women who had three or less such procedures at the obstetric unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2007. The record were retrieved by trained staff and data was extracted using pre-tested forms. SPSS 15 and Z test were used for statistical analysis. There were a total of 1,755 caesarean sections out of which 92 (5.24%) were higher order repeat caesarean. Three women had the 6th caesarean section, while one had her seventh. Women in the study group were three times more likely to have primary postpartum haemorrhage (p = 0.001); to spend more time on the operation table; and to receive blood transfusion (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. More neonatal morbidities were observed among the controls. Hypertensive disorder was the second most common indication for caesarean section in the control group. There was no clear difference in terms of hospital stay, pre-operative haemoglobin concentration, and caesarean hysterectomy in the two groups. No death was observed during the period. Higher order caesarean section was associated with increased maternal morbidity but there was no mortality. Every effort to reduce primary and repeat caesarean sections should be encouraged, as this will reduce the higher order caesarean section rate, especially in the developing world which places high premium on child-bearing and large family size. Counselling on different methods of contraception during visits to antenatal clinics must be done to limit family size.


Delay of the excision of UV light-induced DNA adducts is involved in the coclastogenicity of UV light plus arsenite.
Chromatid exchanges and chromatid breaks were synergistically increased by a 2-h post-treatment with arsenite (VS treatment) but not with arabinofuranosyl cytosine (VA treatment) of UV-irradiated late-G1 Chinese hamster ovary cells. In order to determine the mechanism of this UV-arsenite coclastogenicity, we have compared the effects of arsenite and arabinofuranosyl cytosine on the generation of DNA strand breaks in UV-irradiated cells by alkaline elution and alkaline sucrose sedimentation. Only very small numbers of DNA breaks were detected immediately after VS treatment, however the breaks in parental strands increased as the cells reached mitosis in drug-free medium, whereas a large number of breaks were detected immediately after VA treatment but the breaks decreased thereafter. By labelling the newly synthesized DNA, we have also shown that the VS-treated cells had more breaks in daughter strands than the VA-treated cells at the time of reaching mitosis. The effect of a 2-h post-treatment with arsenite on the excision of UV-induced DNA adducts was further investigated by using the exponentially growing cells. The results confirmed that very low amount of breaks was detectable immediately after VS treatment, however the amount of breaks increased upon the removal of arsenite. Therefore, the breaks in the daughter strands of VS-treated cells may come from DNA replication using templates containing unexcised adducts, or using broken templates. It is conceivable that gaps in the overlapping regions of parental and daughter strands may result in chromatid breaks and that misreplication, because of unexcised adducts or gaps in the parental strands, may result in chromatid exchanges.


Switchable Aromaticity of Phthalocyanine via Reversible Nucleophilic Aromatic Addition to an Electron-Deficient Phosphorus(V) Complex.
Reversible nucleophilic addition to a phthalocyanine core was observed for the first time for the electron-deficient cationic phosphorus(V) complex [PcP(OMe)2]+, whose reaction with KOH afforded a highly distorted nonaromatic adduct bearing an OH group at one of the α-pyrrolic carbon atoms. This adduct was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, ESI HRMS, and NMR, and UV-vis spectroscopy, together with quantum-chemical modeling. The acidic treatment of this adduct restored aromaticity and recovered the starting cationic complex. The reversible aromaticity breakage resulted in dramatic changes in the photophysical properties of the studied complex, which could pave the way to novel switchable Pc-based compounds and materials.


Synergistic intrafibrillar/extrafibrillar mineralization of collagen scaffolds based on a biomimetic strategy to promote the regeneration of bone defects.
The mineralization of collagen scaffolds can improve their mechanical properties and biocompatibility, thereby providing an appropriate microenvironment for bone regeneration. The primary purpose of the present study is to fabricate a synergistically intra- and extrafibrillar mineralized collagen scaffold, which has many advantages in terms of biocompatibility, biomechanical properties, and further osteogenic potential. In this study, mineralized collagen scaffolds were fabricated using a traditional mineralization method (ie, immersed in simulated body fluid) as a control group and using a biomimetic method based on the polymer-induced liquid precursor process as an experimental group. In the polymer-induced liquid precursor process, a negatively charged polymer, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), was used to stabilize amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) to form nanocomplexes of CMC/ACP. Collagen scaffolds mineralized based on the polymer-induced liquid precursor process were in gel form such that nanocomplexes of CMC/ACP can easily be drawn into the interstices of the collagen fibrils. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the porous micromorphology and synergistic mineralization pattern of the collagen scaffolds. Compared with simulated body fluid, nanocomplexes of CMC/ACP significantly increased the modulus of the collagen scaffolds. The results of in vitro experiments showed that the cell count and differentiated degrees in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group. Histological staining and micro-computed tomography showed that the amount of new bone regenerated in the experimental group was larger than that in the control group. The biomimetic mineralization will assist us in fabricating a novel collagen scaffold for clinical applications.


Root cause analysis and nursing management responsibilities in wrong-site surgery.
The most fundamental reason for the failure or inefficiency of a process, in any work setting, is referred to as a root cause. Root cause analysis is the process of learning from consequences wherein healthcare providers take a step back and gain knowledge from near-misses, adverse events, or sentinel events in the operating room and all areas of healthcare. This article discusses root cause analysis and nursing management responsibilities as they relate to wrong-site surgery.


The preexposure prophylaxis of stomatological diseases among the population of ukraine in the practice of the family doctor and the pediatrician.
The dental health is one of the direct measures indicators of the population's health, integrated indicator of the nation's health, its invigoration and preservation are the most important medical, social and economic problems. The aim to investigate the position and the role of a family doctor and a pediatrician in the preexposure prophylaxis orthodontic pathology among the population of Ukraine. The book-semantic analysis of the scientific literature; the content analysis - research of the regulatory and legal framework; the system analysis - analysis of the system of doctors' carrying preexposure prophylaxis of the stomatological diseases. The health system reforming will allow approaching the preexposure medical aid to the population, providing its quality, a doctor's responsibility for his patients. One of the direction of a pediatrician's and a family doctor's work will be the prevention and early diagnosis of the orthodontic pathology, the advocacy promotion of the health alimentation and the healthy lifestyle for adults and children, saving the dental health in general.


Rapid identification of cervus antlers by species-specific PCR assay.
A rapid PCR technology was developed to differentiate Cervus antlers species and adulteration based on the difference in mitochondrial genome. Three specifically designed primer sets were confirmed to have high inter-species specificity and good intra-species stability. Limits of detection were estimated to be 1 ng of genomes for reindeer and 10 ng for the other species. Especially, when the mixture of Cervus antlers and reindeer or sambar was assayed, these primer sets still exhibited strong capability of differentiation but not the conventional COI barcoding. By using the newly developed approach, five batches out of fourteen commercial Cervus antler products were identified to be fake products made from reindeer antlers. It has shown its good potential to be extensively applied in the identification of counterfeits or adulterates of Cornu Chinese medicines for their pulverized and processed form, and even the traditional Chinese patent medicines composed of these species.


Whole genome sequencing confirms source of pathogens associated with bacterial foodborne illness in pets fed raw pet food.
Reports of raw meat pet food containing zoonotic foodborne bacteria, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, are increasing. Contaminated raw pet food and biological waste from pets consuming those diets may pose a public health risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network conducted 2 case investigations, involving 3 households with animal illnesses, which included medical record review, dietary and environmental exposure interviews, animal sample testing, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacteria isolated from the pets and the raw pet food. For each case investigation, WGS with core genome multi-locus sequence typing analysis showed that the animal clinical isolates were closely related to one or more raw pet food bacterial isolates. WGS and genomic analysis of paired animal clinical and animal food isolates can confirm suspected outbreaks of animal foodborne illness.


Primary angioplasty for infarction due to isolated right ventricular artery occlusion.
We report an unusual case of an isolated right ventricular infarction with haemodynamic compromise caused by spontaneous isolated proximal occlusion of the right ventricular branch of the right coronary artery (RCA), successfully treated by balloon angioplasty. A 58-year-old gentleman presented with epigastric pain radiating into both arms. Electrocardiograph with right ventricular leads confirmed ST elevation in V4R and a diagnosis of isolated right ventricular infarction was made. Urgent primary percutaneous intervention was performed which revealed occlusion of the right ventricular branch of the RCA. During the procedure, the patient's blood pressure dropped to 80/40 mmHg, and echocardiography showed impaired right ventricular systolic function. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation, the patient remained hypotensive, continued to have chest pain and persistent electrocardiograph changes, and hence balloon angioplasty was performed on the proximal right ventricular branch which restored flow to the vessel and revealed a severe ostial stenosis. This was treated with further balloon angioplasty which restored TIMI 3 flow with resolution of patient's symptoms. Repeat echocardiography showed complete resolution of the ST-elevation in leads V4R and V5R and partial resolution in V1. Subsequent dobutamine-stress echocardiography at 4 wk showed good left and right ventricular contractions. The patient was discharged after a 3-d in-patient stay without any complications.


Adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones in the Nigerian population: an audit of reports submitted to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre from 2004 to 2016.
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) recorded in national pharmacovigilance databases in developed countries have been analyzed. However, adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones were observed globally despite their wide use and safety concerns. We provided information on the pattern of adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones reported spontaneously to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC), Nigeria. ADRs to fluoroquinolones reported to the NPC, over a period of 12 years, were analyzed. Evaluation was done for annual reports, age and gender of patients, type of reporter, suspected fluoroquinolones and adverse reactions, onset and outcome of ADRs, and causality. A total of 18527 ADR reports were received by the NPC. Antibiotics accounted for 1371(7.4%) of the total reports and fluoroquinolones accounted for 256 (18.7%) cases. A total of 540 ADRs due to fluoroquinolones was experienced by the patients. Multiple ADRs were experienced by 165 (65%) patients. Norfloxacin (2; 0.8%), moxifloxacin (3; 1.2%), ofloxacin (10; 3.9%), ciprofloxacin (112; 43.8%), and levofloxacin (129; 50.4%) were responsible for the ADRs. Neurological disorders (121; 22.4%), gastrointestinal disorders (118; 21.9%), and skin-appendage disorders (116; 21.5%) were the most reported ADRs, while pruritus (41; 7.6%), abdominal pain (34; 6.3%), vomiting (34; 6.3%), and skin rash (27; 5.0%) were the most frequently reported specific ADRs. Thirty-four (6.4%) patients experienced serious ADRs. Fluoroquinolones accounted for a small but significant proportion of ADRs spontaneously reported to the NPC in Nigeria. Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin were the two most culpable fluoroquinolones due to their inappropriate use or increased use in multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment.


Elafin expression in mucosa of fallopian tubes is altered by hydrosalpinx.
Elafin is a natural antimicrobial molecule and a member of the antileukoproteinase (Trappin) family. It is normally expressed in the mucosae of fallopian tubes. Hydrosalpinx is a chronic inflammatory process of the fallopian tubes. The objective of this study is to compare the localization of elafin protein and levels of elafin messenger RNA (mRNA) in the mucosa of oviducts with and without hydrosalpinx. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on tissue sections of hydrosalpinx (n = 10) and normal tubes (n = 22) from paraffin-embedded blocks, obtained from patients who underwent salpingectomy for benign conditions. The main outcome measure was the intensity of staining with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine calculated by ImageJ software and mRNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The mean intensity of elafin (mean ± standard deviation) in mucosae of the fallopian tubes was 69.68 ± 24.55 in controls and 32.03±18.16 in patients with hydrosalpinx (P < .0001). Elafin mRNA levels were reduced in hydrosalpinx, although not significantly (P = .05, n = 9 from each group). Therefore, tubal epithelium of women with hydrosalpinx seems to have a lower expression of elafin, an elastase inhibitor and a natural antimicrobial molecule, compared to normal tubes.


Seven-year-olds' aggressive choices in a computer game can be predicted in infancy.
Concerns about the relationship between computer games and children's aggression have been expressed for decades, but it is not yet clear whether the content of such games evokes aggression or a prior history of aggression promotes children's interest in aggressive games. Two hundred and sixty-six 7-year-old children from a nationally representative longitudinal sample in the UK played a novel computer game (CAMGAME) in which the child's avatar encountered a series of social challenges that might evoke aggressive, prosocial or neutral behaviour. Aggressive choices during the game were predicted by well-known risk factors for aggressive conduct problems and the children's own early angry aggressiveness as infants. These findings suggest that children who are predisposed to aggression bring those tendencies to virtual as well as real environments.


Towards Kilo-Hertz 6-DoF Visual Tracking Using an Egocentric Cluster of Rolling Shutter Cameras.
To maintain a reliable registration of the virtual world with the real world, augmented reality (AR) applications require highly accurate, low-latency tracking of the device. In this paper, we propose a novel method for performing this fast 6-DOF head pose tracking using a cluster of rolling shutter cameras. The key idea is that a rolling shutter camera works by capturing the rows of an image in rapid succession, essentially acting as a high-frequency 1D image sensor. By integrating multiple rolling shutter cameras on the AR device, our tracker is able to perform 6-DOF markerless tracking in a static indoor environment with minimal latency. Compared to state-of-the-art tracking systems, this tracking approach performs at significantly higher frequency, and it works in generalized environments. To demonstrate the feasibility of our system, we present thorough evaluations on synthetically generated data with tracking frequencies reaching 56.7 kHz. We further validate the method's accuracy on real-world images collected from a prototype of our tracking system against ground truth data using standard commodity GoPro cameras capturing at 120 Hz frame rate.


Decompressive Craniectomy vs. Craniotomy Only for Traumatic Brain Injury: A Propensity-Matched Study of Long-Term Outcomes in Neuropsychology.
Both decompressive craniectomy (DC) and craniotomy only (CO) are commonly performed to treat patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by evacuation of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and control intracranial pressure (ICP). The outcomes of these two procedures have been well-studied; however, most research studies have focused on physical functions. The purpose of our study is to assess long-term outcomes in neuropsychology after DC or CO in TBI patients. Information was collected from patients with TBI who had undergone DC or CO and were then in the postoperative stable phase (6-24 months after injury). Propensity scoring matched the patients in a 1:1 ratio for demographics, cause of injury, TBI subtype, TBI severity, computed tomography (CT) findings, surgery side, and interval from TBI. We used Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Chinese Revision (WAIS-RC), Wechsler Memory Scale-Chinese Revision (WMS-RC), Physical Self-maintenance Scale (PSMS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) to measure the long-term outcomes in TBI patients, especially in neuropsychology. There were 120 TBI patients included in our study. After matching, 74 patients were paired into the DC group (n = 37) and the CO group (n = 37). There were no differences in the gender (P = 1.000), age at injury (P = 0.268), marital status (P = 0.744), pre-injury employment (P = 0.711), comorbidities (P = 1.000), education level (P = 0.969), cause of injury (P = 0.357), TBI subtype (P = 0.305), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) total score (P = 0.193), unconsciousness (P = 0.485), traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) (P = 0.102), unresponsive pupil (P = 1.000), midline shift (P = 0.409), cisterns compressed or absent (P = 0.485), surgery side (P = 0.795), and interval from TBI (P = 0.840) between the two groups. The CO group was associated with better cognitive function in WAIS-RC OIQ (P = 0.030) and WAIS-RC FIQ (P = 0.021) and better daily function in IADL (P = 0.028) and ADL total (P = 0.030). The DC group also had a lower GOSE (P = 0.004) score compared to the CO group. No difference was observed in WAIS-VIQ (P = 0.062), WMS-RC MQ (P = 0.162), and PSMS (P = 0.319). In the matched cohort, patients who underwent CO had better long-term outcomes in cognitive and daily function compared with DC. Future randomized control trials are needed for intensive studies on physical and neuropsychological prognosis in TBI patients.


Enhanced processing fluency leads to biases in source memory.
The present experiments were conducted to determine whether processing fluency affects source memory decisions. In the first three experiments, participants decided whether test items appeared in the same sensory modality (Experiments 1A, 1B) or perceptual form (font type, Experiment 2) at study and test. The results were consistent across the three studies and showed that perceptual priming leads to an increase in reports that stimuli were presented in the same sensory or perceptual form during the study and test phase. Experiment 3 showed that conceptual fluency affects source attributions in much the same way as perceptual fluency, and Experiment 4 showed that fluency is associated with a subjective experience of familiarity even when it might serve as a basis for source inference. These results are consistent with recent neuropsychological and neuroimaging evidence that familiarity-based processes contribute to source memory decisions under some circumstances, such as when items and contexts are unitized rather than merely bound together at encoding.


Biosilica: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Function in Demosponges as well as its Applied Aspects for Tissue Engineering.
Biomineralization, biosilicification in particular (i.e. the formation of biogenic silica, SiO(2)), has become an exciting source of inspiration for the development of novel bionic approaches following 'nature as model'. Siliceous sponges are unique among silica-forming organisms in their ability to catalyze silica formation using a specific enzyme termed silicatein. In this study, we review the present state of knowledge on silicatein-mediated 'biosilica' formation in marine demosponges, the involvement of further molecules in silica metabolism and their potential applications in nano-biotechnology and bio-medicine. While most forms of multicellular life have developed a calcium-based skeleton, a few specialized organisms complement their body plan with silica. Only sponges (phylum Porifera) are able to polymerize silica enzymatically mediated in order to generate massive siliceous skeletal elements (spicules) during a unique reaction, at ambient temperature and pressure. During this biomineralization process (i.e. biosilicification), hydrated, amorphous silica is deposited within highly specialized sponge cells, ultimately resulting in structures that range in size from micrometres to metres. This peculiar phenomenon has been comprehensively studied in recent years, and in several approaches, the molecular background was explored to create tools that might be employed for novel bioinspired biotechnological and biomedical applications. Thus, it was discovered that spiculogenesis is mediated by the enzyme silicatein and starts intracellularly. The resulting silica nanoparticles fuse and subsequently form concentric lamellar layers around a central protein filament, consisting of silicatein and the scaffold protein silintaphin-1. Once the growing spicule is extruded into the extracellular space, it obtains final size and shape. Again, this process is mediated by silicatein and silintaphin-1/silintaphin-1, in combination with other molecules such as galectin and collagen. The molecular toolbox generated so far allows the fabrication of novel micro- and nano-structured composites, contributing to the economical and sustainable synthesis of biomaterials with unique characteristics. In this context, first bioinspired approaches implement recombinant silicatein and silintaphin-1 for applications in the field of biomedicine (biosilica-mediated regeneration of tooth and bone defects) with promising results.


Epidemiology of burn injuries in south-eastern Iran: a retrospective study.
To explore the epidemiology of burn injuries in Zahedan, Southeastern Iran. A retrospective review of 730 medical records, of burnt patients, for a period of two years was done. Predesigned data recording forms were used to collect data. The SPSS-15 was used to analyze data. Overall, 713 medical records were analyzed: two-thirds (62.0%) were fire-related and one-third related to scalds (33.1%). Intentional self-harm injuries accounted for 14.3% of all admissions. A significant difference existed between patients' age or sex and the causes of burns (P < 0.001). Burns more than 60% closely correlated with death rate and hospital stay (P < 0.001). Lack of the necessary, socio-economic infrastructure, language and cultural barriers, low level of literacy, flammability of women's clothes and unsafe application/design of stove and heaters are likely to contribute to the high frequency of burn injuries in this area.


Pharmacodynamic Profiling of a Siderophore-Conjugated Monocarbam in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Assessing the Risk for Resistance and Attenuated Efficacy.
The objective of this study was to investigate the risk of attenuated efficacy due to adaptive resistance for the siderophore-conjugated monocarbam SMC-3176 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) approach. MICs were determined in cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) and in Chelex-treated, dialyzed MHB (CDMHB). Spontaneous resistance was assessed at 2× to 16× the MIC and the resulting mutants sequenced. Efficacy was evaluated in a neutropenic mouse thigh model at 3.13 to 400 mg/kg of body weight every 3 h for 24 h and analyzed for association with free time above the MIC (fT>MIC). To closer emulate the conditions of the in vivo model, we developed a novel assay testing activity mouse whole blood (WB). All mutations were found in genes related to iron uptake: piuA, piuC, pirR, fecI, and pvdS. Against four P. aeruginosa isolates, SMC-3176 displayed predictable efficacy corresponding to the fT>MIC using the MIC in CDMHB (R(2) = 0.968 to 0.985), with stasis to 2-log kill achieved at 59.4 to 81.1%. Efficacy did not translate for P. aeruginosa isolate JJ 4-36, as the in vivo responses were inconsistent with fT>MIC exposures and implied a threshold concentration that was greater than the MIC. The results of the mouse WB assay indicated that efficacy was not predictable using the MIC for JJ 4-36 and four additional isolates, against which in vivo failures of another siderophore-conjugated β-lactam were previously reported. SMC-3176 carries a risk of attenuated efficacy in P. aeruginosa due to rapid adaptive resistance preventing entry via the siderophore-mediated iron uptake systems. Substantial in vivo testing is warranted for compounds using the siderophore approach to thoroughly screen for this in vitro-in vivo disconnect in P. aeruginosa.


Characteristics and influencing factors of CD19+ B cell reconstitution in patients following haploidentical/mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
In patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), B cells exert important, prolonged effects that provide protection from infection. In this study, we analyzed characteristics and influencing factors of CD19+ B cell reconstitution in 83 patients who underwent unmanipulated haploidentical/mismatched blood and bone marrow transplantation. Of these patients, 45 % showed a normal CD19+ B cell count at +360 days. Factors associated with lower CD19+ B cell levels were as follows: aGVHD grades II-IV had a trend to affect CD19+ B cell reconstitution at +180 days; clinically extensive cGVHD was significantly associated with CD19+ B cell deficiency at +360 days and serum IgG level at +180 and +360 days; cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurred after +38 days was correlated with lower B cell level at both +90 and +360 days, while those occurred before +38 days did not show this effect; glucocorticoids used around +90 and +180 days was associated with lower CD19+ B cell levels at +90 and +360 days, respectively, especially in patients that did not experience extensive cGVHD. In contrast, the number of HLA-mismatched locus positively correlated with CD19+ B cell at +90 days and serum IgG level at +180 days. In conclusion, CD19+ B cell recovery after haploidentical/mismatched HSCT was mainly influenced by GVHD and/or its treatment, CMV infection that occurred later (after +38 days) and use of glucocorticoids. Improvement of B cell recovery is likely to be achieved through effective prophylaxis of GVHD, minimized use of glucocorticoids, and preemptive treatment of CMV infection occurring after +38 days. More HLA-mismatched loci may initiate a stronger humoral response toward alloantigens >180 days after HSCT, which may be beneficial for the eradication of minimal residual disease and protection from infection.


Expectations, perceptions, and satisfaction of graduate nurses.
There is little research investigating the expectations and perceptions of graduate nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expectations, perceptions, and satisfaction of graduate nurses. Individual interviews were performed at 1, 6, and 12 months. Results indicate that nurses were fairly satisfied, and two themes emerged: Establishing Relationships and Learning the Job. Findings contribute firsthand accounts of graduate experiences, which are valuable for staff development professionals creating programs to meet the needs of graduate nurses.


Description of Colletotrichum lupini comb. nov. in modern terms.
Gloeosporium lupini Bondar is transferred to Colletotrichum. The fungus is characterized morphologically and illustrated. The two varieties, Colletotrichum lupini (Bondar) Nirenberg, Feiler & Hagedorn, comb. nov. var. lupini and Colletotrichum lupini var. setosum Nirenberg, Feiler & Hagedorn var. nov. are described. They are compared with additional Colletotrichum species reported from lupins and other hosts by morphological and physiological methods as well as by RAPD-PCR and DNA-sequencing.


Biomechanical response to hamstring muscle strain injury.
Hamstring strains are common injuries, the majority of which occur whilst sprinting. An understanding of the biomechanical circumstances that cause the hamstrings to fail during sprinting is required to improve rehabilitation specificity. The aim of this study was to therefore investigate the biomechanics of an acute hamstring strain. Bilateral kinematic and ground reaction force data were captured from a sprinting athlete prior to and immediately following a right hamstring strain. Ten sprinting trials were collected: nine normal (pre-injury) trials and one injury trial. Joint angles, torques and powers as well as hamstring muscle-tendon unit lengths were computed using a three-dimensional biomechanical model. For the pre-injury trials, the right leg compared to the left displayed greater knee extension and hamstring muscle-tendon unit length during terminal swing, an increased vertical ground reaction force peak and loading rate, and an increased peak hip extensor torque and peak hip power generation during initial stance. For the injury trial, significant biomechanical reactions were evident in response to the right hamstring strain, most notably for the right leg during the proceeding swing phase after the onset of the injury. The earliest kinematic deviations in response to the injury were displayed by the trunk and pelvis during right mid-stance. Taking into account neuromuscular latencies and electromechanical delays, the stimulus for the injury must have occurred prior to right foot-strike during the swing phase of the sprinting cycle. It is concluded that hamstring strains during sprinting most likely occur during terminal swing as a consequence of an eccentric contraction.