RNAi-mediated gene function analysis in skin.
We have recently developed a method for RNAi-mediated gene function analysis in skin (Beronja et al., Nat Med 16:821-827, 2010). It employs ultrasound-guided in utero microinjections of lentivirus into the amniotic cavity of embryonic day 9 mice, which result in rapid, efficient, and stable transduction into mouse skin. Our technique greatly extends the available molecular and genetic toolbox for comprehensive functional examination of outstanding problems in epidermal biology. In its simplest form, as a single-gene function analysis via shRNA-mediated gene knockdown, our technique requires no animal mating and may need as little as only a few days between manipulation and phenotypic analysis.


Crosslinked Decellularized Porcine Pericardium as a Substrate for Conjunctival Reconstruction.
Seeking for suitable conjunctival reconstruction substitutes to overcome the limitations of current substitutes, such as amniotic membrane, is urgent. Decellularized tissues have become a promising strategy for tissue engineering. In this study, we prepared decellularized porcine pericardium (DPP) scaffolds by the phospholipase A2 method and crosslinked them with aspartic acid (Asp) and human endothelial growth factor (hEGF) to enhance biological performance on the DPP, obtaining DPP-Asp-hEGF scaffolds. In vitro DPP showed lower apoptosis, highly desirable, well preservation of extracellular matrix components, and favorable macro-microstructure, which was confirmed by histology, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, collagen and DNA quantification, and cytotoxicity assay, compared to the native porcine pericardium (NPP). The crosslinked efficacy of the DPP-Asp-hEGF was furtherer verified by in vitro experiments with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Through animal models of conjunctiva defect model, the DPP-Asp-hEGF revealed a closed, multilayer epithelium with an equal amount of goblet cells and no indication for conjunctival scarring after 28 days, compared to amniotic membrane (AM) groups and sham groups. These results suggested that DPP-Asp-hEGF can offer a good conjunctival reconstructive substitute both in structure and in function.


The response of human colonocytes to folate deficiency in vitro: functional and proteomic analyses.
Low folate intake is associated with colon cancer. We combined a proteomics and biochemical approach to identify proteins and pathways affected by folate deficiency in human colonocytes. Folate differentially altered activity and expression of proteins involved in proliferation [e.g., PCNA], DNA repair [e.g., XRCC5, MSH2], apoptosis [e.g., BAG family chaperone protein, DIABLO and porin], cytoskeletal organization [e.g., actin, ezrin, elfin], and expression of proteins implicated in malignant transformation [COMT, Nit2].


Modulation of leukocyte migration in mesenteric interstitium.
Intravital videomicroscopy was used to monitor the migration of leukocytes in rat mesenteric interstitium following exposure of the mesentery to either N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), platelet-activating factor (PAF), or ischemia-reperfusion (I-R). All inflammatory stimuli resulted in interstitial migration rates that were higher than those measured in unstimulated extravasated leukocytes. The median migration rate of cells stimulated with FMLP was significantly higher than those observed during superfusion with either LTB4 or PAF or following exposure to I-R. The enhanced leukocyte migration rates elicited by I-R were not attenuated by treatment with PAF- and LTB4-receptor antagonists, suggesting that these lipid mediators are not the inflammatory mediators responsible for I-R-induced leukocyte migration. Additional experiments revealed that the rate of leukocyte migration associated with FMLP stimulation was not significantly altered by either inhibitors of neutrophilic elastase and cathepsin G, a monoclonal antibody directed against the leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein CD11/CD18, or by altering interstitial hydration. This in vivo model provides a useful new approach for defining the factors that modulate leukocyte migration within the extravascular compartment.


Sub-regional hippocampal volumes in first-episode drug-naïve major depression disorder.
Hippocampal volume reduction was reported to underlie depressive symptomatology, however, the evidence to date remains inconsistent. For the complex intrinsic organization of hippocampus, the hippocampal volumes can be further divided into subfields or axial parts. The current study aimed to explore the alterations of hippocampal sub-regional volumes in first episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder (MDD) by two segmentation methods. Thirty-five first-episode drug-naïve MDD and 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Volumes of three sub-regions of hippocampus along the longitudinal axis (head, body and tail) were analyzed manually and eight transverse subfields were automatically determined using FreeSurfer. An asymmetric index (AI) of volumes was defined as (∣Left - Right∣/∣Left + Right∣) * 100. There were significant reductions in the volumes of bilateral hippocampal head in MDD compared to HC. The volumes of eight subfields were not different between groups. MDD patients had higher AI values in the subfield of cornu ammonis 4/dentate gyrus than HC. The change in hippocampal sub-regional volumes might be an imaging biomarker in the first-episode, drug-naïve patients with MDD. Current findings may contribute to developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for major depression.


In vitro reconstitution of septin assemblies on supported lipid bilayers.
Septins are polymerizing eukaryotic proteins that play conserved roles in cell cortex organization and are essential in many cell types. How septin dynamics and protein-protein interactions determine their function at the plasma membrane remains a mystery. Here, we present a method for recapitulating septin polymerization and lipid interaction utilizing supported lipid bilayers to mimic the eukaryotic plasma membrane. Septins on supported lipid bilayers can be visualized with single-molecule sensitivity using total internal reflective fluorescence microscopy. Microscopy-based in vitro assays have revolutionized our understanding of actin, microtubules, and bacterial cytoskeletal systems, and will likely immediately advance our understanding of the septin proteins. As such, we hope that this technique will be adopted and widely utilized by those interested in uncovering septin properties and functions of septin interacting proteins.


Gaze Direction Modulates the Relation between Neural Responses to Faces and Visual Awareness.
Gaze direction and especially direct gaze is a powerful nonverbal cue that plays an important role in social interactions. Here we studied the neural mechanisms underlying the privileged access of direct gaze to visual awareness. We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging in healthy human volunteers who were exposed to faces with direct or averted gaze under continuous flash suppression, thereby manipulating their awareness of the faces. A gaze processing network comprising fusiform face area (FFA), superior temporal sulcus, amygdala, and intraparietal sulcus showed overall reduced neural responses when participants reported to be unaware of the faces. Interestingly, direct gaze elicited greater responses than averted gaze when participants were aware of the faces, but smaller responses when they were unaware. Additional between-subject correlation and single-trial analyses indicated that this pattern of results was due to a modulation of the relationship between neural responses and awareness by gaze direction: with increasing neural activation in the FFA, direct-gaze faces entered awareness more readily than averted-gaze faces. These findings suggest that for direct gaze, lower levels of neural activity are sufficient to give rise to awareness than for averted gaze, thus providing a neural basis for privileged access of direct gaze to awareness. Significance statement: Another person's eye gaze directed at oneself is a powerful social signal acting as a catalyst for further communication. Here, we studied the neural mechanisms underlying the prioritized access of direct gaze to visual awareness in healthy human volunteers and show that with increasing neural activation, direct-gaze faces enter awareness more readily than averted-gaze faces. This suggests that for a socially highly relevant cue like direct gaze, lower levels of neural activity are sufficient to give rise to awareness compared with averted gaze, possibly because the human brain is attuned to the efficient neural processing of direct gaze due to the biological importance of eye contact for social interactions.


Spatio-Spectral Ultrasound Characterization of Reflection and Transmission Through Bone With Temperature Dependence.
Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a promising approach for the treatment of neurological disorders. It has proven useful in several clinical applications, with promising outcomes reported in the recent literature. Furthermore, it is currently being investigated in a range of neuromodulation (NM) and ablative applications, including epilepsy. In this application, tFUS access through the temporal window is the key to optimizing the treatment safety and efficacy. Traditional approaches have utilized transducers with low operating frequencies for tFUS applications. Modern array transducers and driving systems allow for more intelligent use of the temporal window by exploiting the spatio-spectral transmission bandwidth to a specified target or targets within the brain. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, we have investigated the ultrasound reflection and transmission characteristics for different access points within the temporal window of human skull samples ex vivo. Different transmit-receive (Rx) configurations are used for characterization of the spatio-spectral variability in reflection and transmission through the temporal window. In this article, we show results from a dual-piston transducer set up in the frequency range of 2-7 MHz. Broadband pulses as well as synthesized orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) waveforms were used. The latter was used to improve the magnitude and phase measurements in 100-kHz subbands within the 2-7 MHz spectral window. A temperature-controlled water bath was used to characterize the change in reflection and transmission characteristics with temperature in the 25°C-43°C range. The measured values of the complex reflection and transmission coefficients exhibited significant variations with space, frequency, and temperature. On the other hand, the measured transmission phase varied more with location and frequency, with smaller sensitivity to temperature. A measurement-based hybrid angular spectrum (HAS) simulation through the human temporal bone was used to demonstrate the dependence of focusing gain on the skull profile and spatial distribution of change of speed of sound (SOS) at different skull temperatures.


Interparticle interactions and structure in nonideal solutions of human serum albumin studied by small-angle neutron scattering and Monte Carlo simulation.
Moderately or highly concentrated nonideal solutions of macromolecules are very important systems e.g. in biology and in many technical processes. In this work we have used the small-angle neutron scattering technique (SANS) to study the interactions and interparticle structure in solutions of human serum albumin (HSA) up to a concentration of 0.26 g/cm3 in 1.08 M NaCl. In order to obtain a model for the interactions we have combined the SANS data with results obtained by Monte Carlo simulations where we calculate the structure factor S(Q) and the pair correlation function g(r). The advantage of using the Monte Carlo method is that completely general models for the particle shape and the interactions can be considered. It is found that the SANS data can be explained by a model where the shape of the HSA molecule is approximated by an ellipsoid of revolution with semiaxes a = 6.8 nm and b = c = 1.9 nm. The interaction potential between the HSA molecules consists of two parts: (a) the molecules are hard and impenetrable and (b) the molecules are surrounded by a spherically symmetric repulsive potential which can be expressed by an empirical formula containing the HSA concentration and the centre-centre distances as the only variables.


Interventional radiology in the management of malignant biliary obstruction.
Malignant biliary obstruction is commonly due to pancreatic carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic disease which are often inoperable at presentation and carry a poor prognosis. Percutaneous biliary drainage and stenting provides a safe and effective method of palliation in such patients, thereby improving their quality of life. It may also be an adjunct to surgical management by improving hepatic and, indirectly, renal function before resection of the tumor.


A Coarse-Grained Model for Free and Template-Bound Porphyrin Nanorings.
Coarse-grained simulation models are developed to study both template-bound and free porphyrin nanoring systems. Key interactions are modeled with relatively simple (and physically motivated) energy functions which allow for relatively facile transfer both between different ring sizes and between the template-bound and free nanoring systems. The effects of varying the model parameters on the respective radii of gyration are determined. The effects of including different templates on the ring structure are investigated both in terms of the detailed geometry of the template and the interaction strength between the template and the metal centers in the nanorings. The role of the template-nanoring interaction strength in controlling potential "caterpillar track" rotational motion is discussed. The relationship of the model to experimental small-angle X-ray, exchange spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance results is discussed.


Underreporting of unfavorable outcomes of congenital syphilis on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2007-2018.
to describe the frequency of underreporting of unfavorable outcomes of congenital syphilis in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2007-2018. this was a descriptive study of cases of abortion, fetal and non-fetal deaths due to congenital syphilis reported on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação - SINAN), and those of congenital syphilis registered in any line in the Death Certificate, on the Mortality Information System (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade - SIM), by means of probabilistic and deterministic linkage. of the 27,713 cases of congenital syphilis reported, 1,320 progressed to death (871 fetal deaths, 449 infant deaths) and were matched to the SIM; 355 deaths (259 fetal deaths, 96 infant deaths) were not included on SINAN; there was an increase in unfavorable outcomes,11.4% for infant deaths due to congenital syphilis, 3.0% for fetal deaths and 1.9% for abortions. the use of different relationship techniques proved to be adequate to identify the frequency of underreporting of unfavorable outcomes of congenital syphilis in the state of São Paulo.


A study of the effect of Bacillus thuringiensis serotype H14 (subspecies israelensis) delta endotoxin on Musca larva.
House flies (Musca domestica) are of major public health concern in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. Biological control through the use of parasitoids and pathogens is one of the alternatives to the use of chemical pesticides for control of insects of public health importance. The effects of the delta endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis on house fly larval mortality were studied. Gel filtration and SDS-PAGE methods were used for separation and purification of proteins. Delta endotoxin was incubated with larvae in concentrations of 0.43 mg/mL and 0.27 mg/mL in bioassay tests. The results of this study indicated protein crystal toxicity against larvae of the house fly. A concentration of 0.43 mg/mL of this toxin caused 100% mortality in house fly larvae. The LD50 amount of these toxins was calculated as 125 µg/g. The results of this study suggest that the use of the protein crystal including delta endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis serotype H14 is an effective weapon in the biological fight against the house fly.


Susceptibility of Chrysoperla externa eggs (Neuroptera: Chrisopidae) to conventional and biorational insecticides.
Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) is a generalist predator in agroecosystems. We assessed the effect of cypermethrin, endosulfan, methoxyfenozide, and spinosad on immature development time, survivorship, sex ratio, fecundity, and fertility on this organism in laboratory toxicity tests. Effects on second-generation organisms were also studied. Exposures were realized by dipping </=24-h-old eggs in pesticide solutions at maximum field recommended concentrations (MFRCs) registered in Argentina. Although no significant ovicidal effect was detected with any of the compounds, endosulfan and cypermethrin produced 96 and 100% mortality, respectively, on larvae 48 h after hatching. Spinosad caused significantly higher mortality than controls but this effect was less immediate, lasted longer and was less intense than effects with conventional insecticides. Methoxifenozide did not produce significant mortality in any stages. Spinosad and cypermethrin reduced egg development time, but no similar effects were observed with other insecticides. Methoxyfenozide inhibited the fecundity during the first 24 h; however, fertility was not affected. Spinosad had no effect on fecundity or fertility of the adults. No long-term detrimental effects on the progeny were detected for spinosad and methoxyfenozide. Conventional insecticides (endosulfan and cypermethrin) were more toxic than biorationals ones when applied to eggs of C. externa. The ecotoxicological studies showed the neonate-L(1) larvae as a susceptible developmental stage. These data indicate that the biorational insecticides tested are compatible with conserving C. externa.


Controlling the Motion of Ferrofluid Droplets Using Surface Tension Gradients and Magnetoviscous Pinning.
This work demonstrates the controlled motion and stopping of individual ferrofluid droplets due to a surface tension gradient and a uniform magnetic field. The surface tension gradients are created by patterning hydrophilic aluminum regions, shaped as wedges, on a hydrophobic copper surface. This pattern facilitates the spontaneous motion of water-based ferrofluid droplets down the length of the wedge toward the more hydrophilic aluminum end due to a net capillarity force created by the underlying surface wettability gradient. We observed that applying a magnetic field parallel to the surface tension gradient direction has little or no effect on the droplet's motion, while a moderate perpendicular magnetic field can stop the motion altogether effectively "pinning" the droplet. In the absence of the surface tension gradient, droplets elongate in the presence of a parallel field but do not travel. This control of the motion of individual droplets might lend itself to some biomedical and lab-on-a-chip applications. The directional dependence of the magnetoviscosity observed in this work is believed to be the consequence of the formation of nanoparticle chains in the fluid due to the existence of a minority of relatively larger magnetic particles.


Directed Copper-Catalyzed Tandem Radical Cyclization Reaction of Alkyl Bromides and Unactivated Olefins.
The free radical cyclization reaction is a promising strategy for ring framework formation. Herein, we report a copper-catalyzed tandem radical cyclization strategy for preparing substituted lactam derivatives. This reaction proceeds through a radical coupling approach, which not only allows a wide range of alkenes but also is quite compatible with the primary, secondary, and tertiary radicals. In addition, density functional theory calculations were performed to gain insights into the reaction mechanism.


Gold nanoparticle translocation dynamics and electrical detection of single particle diffusion using solid-state nanopores.
This paper describes the use of gold nanoparticles to study particle translocation dynamics through silicon nitride solid-state nanopores. Gold nanoparticles were dispersed in 20 mM KCl solution containing nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 and their translocation was studied at different applied voltages. The use of low electrolyte concentration resulted in current enhancement upon particle translocation. The counterion cloud around the nanoparticles is proposed to be the reason for current enhancement phenomena because associated counterion cloud is believed to increase the ion density inside the pore during particle translocation. Further, single particle diffusion events were also recorded at 0 mV voltage bias and 0 pA background ionic current with high signal-to-noise ratio as the particles moved down their concentration gradient. The ability of nanopore sensors to detect single particle diffusion can be extended to field-free analysis of biomolecules in their native state and at or near physiological salt concentrations.


Cryogenic transimpedance amplifier for micromechanical capacitive sensors.
We developed a cryogenic transimpedance amplifier that works at a broad range of temperatures, from room temperature down to 4 K. The device was realized with a standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor 1.5 mum process. Measurements of current-voltage characteristics, open-loop gain, input referred noise current, and power consumption are presented as a function of temperature. The transimpedance amplifier has been successfully applied to sense the motion of a polysilicon micromechanical oscillator at low temperatures. The whole device is intended to serve as a magnetometer for microscopic superconducting samples.


Electromagnetic density of modes for a finite-size three-dimensional structure.
The concept of the density of modes has been lacking a precise mathematical definition for a finite-size structure. With the explosive growth in the fabrication of photonic crystals and nanostructures, which are inherently finite in size, a workable definition is imperative. We give a simple and physically intuitive definition of the electromagnetic density of modes based on the Green's function for a generic three-dimensional open cavity filled with a linear, isotropic, dielectric material.


Effects of tunnelling and asymmetry for system-bath models of electron transfer.
We apply the newly derived nonadiabatic golden-rule instanton theory to asymmetric models describing electron-transfer in solution. The models go beyond the usual spin-boson description and have anharmonic free-energy surfaces with different values for the reactant and product reorganization energies. The instanton method gives an excellent description of the behaviour of the rate constant with respect to asymmetry for the whole range studied. We derive a general formula for an asymmetric version of the Marcus theory based on the classical limit of the instanton and find that this gives significant corrections to the standard Marcus theory. A scheme is given to compute this rate based only on equilibrium simulations. We also compare the rate constants obtained by the instanton method with its classical limit to study the effect of tunnelling and other quantum nuclear effects. These quantum effects can increase the rate constant by orders of magnitude.


Stabilising springs for fixed lingual retainer.
Most treated malocclusion needs fixed lingual retention. To stabilise fixed lingual retainer in the exact location needs proper stabilisation. Proper stabilization requires a holding spring. This Stabilising Spring should be easy to fabricate and help the clinician to stabilise the retainer quickly and save the chair side time. More over it should not irritate the mucosa and should be easy to insert and remove.


Dependence of cytochrome oxidase activity in the rat lateral geniculate nucleus on retinal innervation.
Patterns of cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity were examined histochemically in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd) and retina of pigmented rats. CO staining was not uniform and was distributed in a pattern similar to that of retinal afferents. Portions of the LGNd receiving an exclusively crossed projection were moderately reactive whereas regions receiving an uncrossed or overlapping crossed and uncrossed projection were darkly reactive. The dependence of oxidative metabolic activity in the LGNd on retinal innervation was verified in animals with unilateral enucleation. In adults, chronic monocular enucleation led to a decrease in CO staining in portions of the LGNd deprived of retinal input; in animals enucleated at birth, normal patterns of CO reactivity failed to develop and both LGNds had a more uniform pattern of moderate CO staining. Most neurons in the ganglion cell layer of the retina were moderately reactive for CO. However, there were approximately 3,000 darkly reactive cells, most of which appear to be ganglion cells. The darkly reactive cells were more numerous in the peripheral temporal retina. The laminar pattern of CO staining in the retina was similar to that described previously for carnivores and primates. The most reactive laminae were the inner and outer plexiform layers and the photoreceptor inner segments. Within the inner plexiform layer, sublamina a was more darkly stained than sublamina b. These results suggest that the physiological properties of crossed and uncrossed visual pathways in rats are functionally dissimilar at the level of both the retina and the LGNd.


[Effects of fusion gene encoding the hVEGF165 and fused hirudin on restenosis of injured carotid artery induced by angioplasty].
To study the effects of fusion gene encoding the hVEGF(165) and fused hirudin on restenosis of injured carotid artery. A fusion gene encoding hVEGF(165) and fused hirudin (hVEGF(165)-FH) was constructed and clone into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0, thus constructing the plasmid VEGF(165)-FH/pcDNA3.0. Its activities to stimulate endothelial cell proliferation and to inhibit thrombosis were identified. Sixteen New Zealand rabbits underwent ligation of external carotid artery and a balloon was inserted into the common carotid artery for 30 minutes so as to construct model of restenosis of injured carotid artery. Then the rabbits were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. In the one-week and 3-week control groups, 400 microg of DNA of the plasmid pcDNA3.0 were transfused into the arterial lumen at the injured part immediately after the angioplasty, and 400 microg of DNA of the plasmid VEGF(165)-FH/pcDNA3.0 were transfused in the 1-week and 3-week experimental groups. One week and 3 weeks after the treatment peripheral blood samples were collected to detect the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and platelet aggregation rate, and then the rabbits underwent angiography to observe the situation of restenosis. Then the rabbits were killed to take out the injured part of artery to undergo pathological examination and Western blotting. The values of APTT, TT, and platelet aggregation rate were not significantly different among the 4 groups. Angiography conducted 1 and 3 weeks later showed that restenosis was significantly mild in the 2 experimental groups in comparison with the 2 control groups, and severe restenosis was seen in the 3-week control group. Western blotting showed that expression of specific fused protein could be found in the 1-week and 3-week experimental group, the amount of the latter group being less than that of the former group; however, no expression of specific fused protein was found in the 2 control groups. Pathological examination showed that the narrowing of lumen 1-week and 3-week experimental groups were 11.50% and 19.75%, both significantly milder than those of the 1-week and 3-week control groups (33.25% and 52.25% respectively, both f P < 0.05). VB staining showed that the (intima/media (I/M) ratio of the 1-week and 3-week experimental groups were 0.12 and 0.35 respectively, both significantly lower than those of the 2 control groups (0.50 and 1.07 respectively, both P < 0.05). Accelerating re-endothelialization and inhibiting thrombosis, the fused gene hVEGF(165)-FH effectively prevents restenosis after angioplasty, On the basis of endothelial repair, construction of fused genes with double even multiple targets may be a novel and potential therapeutic approach for restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.


Polymyxin Delivery Systems: Recent Advances and Challenges.
Polymyxins are vital antibiotics for the treatment of multiresistant Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogen infections. However, their clinical value is limited by their high nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, as well as their poor permeability and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. This review focuses on various polymyxin delivery systems that improve polymyxin bioavailability and reduce drug toxicity through targeted and controlled release. Currently, the most suitable systems for improving oral, inhalation, and parenteral polymyxin delivery are polymer particles, liposomes, and conjugates, while gels, polymer fibers, and membranes are attractive materials for topical administration of polymyxin for the treatment of infected wounds and burns. In general, the application of these systems protects polymyxin molecules from the negative effects of both physiological and pathological factors while achieving higher concentrations at the target site and reducing dosage and toxicity. Improving the properties of polymyxin will be of great interest to researchers who are focused on developing antimicrobial drugs that show increased efficacy and safety.


Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary functions of workers employed in Turkish textile dyeing factories.
Dyes are known to be a causative agent of occupational asthma in workers exposed to them. We have evaluated respiratory symptoms among textile workers. The study population comprised 106 exposed workers and a control (unexposed) group. Data were collected by a questionnaire. PFTs (Pulmonary Function Test) were performed. Among the exposed workers 36.8% defined phlegm. Respiratory symptoms were not significantly different between two groups. The employment duration of the exposed workers with phlegm was longer than those without phlegm (p = 0.027). The mean % predicted of FEF(25-75) of the exposed workers was found to be significantly lower than the control (unexposed) group (p = 0.01). Our study suggests that textile dyeing might cause respiratory symptoms in workers.


Homogeneously staining regions in direct preparations from human neuroblastomas.
Previous descriptions of homogeneously staining regions in human neuroblastomas have been in karyotypes obtained from established cell lines. We now report homogeneously staining regions in direct preparations from two human neuroblastomas. In one of the cases, the homogeneously staining region identified in the primary tumor was also found in metastases to bone marrow and pleural fluid. The homogeneously staining region is, therefore, not an artifact of growth in vitro.


Traumatic basilar artery dissection causing locked-in syndrome.
We report on a patient with traumatic dissection limited to the basilar artery causing a locked-in syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed infarction of the basis pontis and a high signal intensity ring surrounding the central lumen of the basilar artery. Vertebral angiography revealed a double lumen within the basilar artery, consistent with a dissection. MRI and angiography are complementary to each other, and we consider both to be necessary for accurate diagnosis. Because MRI is less invasive than angiography, MR examinations should be performed before angiography for screening.


Nontraumatic clostridial myonecrosis: an indication for colonoscopy?
Clostridial myonecrosis (CM) is a rare infection that usually arises after traumatic injury. Spontaneous or nontraumatic CM is even more rare and has been described in association with colorectal malignancy. These infections carry a high mortality rate and require urgent surgical intervention and intensive antibiotic therapy. This report describes a patient who presented with nontraumatic CM of the lower extremity in association with adenocarcinoma of the cecum.


Aspirin: action on receptor in the tooth.
Impulse frequency recorded from dentinal receptors in the cat's tooth provided an indication of sensory excitation. Topical application of aspirin to the dentin promptly inhibited both steady-state discharge and response to a brief heat stimulus. When the drug was washed out, the initial excitability was restored in 15 minutes.


Fast initial decay of molecular excitations at insulator surfaces.
We investigate the initial decay of electron-hole excitations in a molecular layer after adsorption on an insulator substrate surface. This is done within ab initio many-body perturbation theory by calculating the time propagation of excited two-particle states. For a CO monolayer adsorbed on the MgO(001) surface we find very fast decay processes with lifetimes that are about 5 times shorter than the transfer of single charge carriers. This is due to a strong coupling of the molecular excitations to charge-transfer-exciton states between the adlayer and the substrate.


[Anti-MOG antibody in different types of immune-mediated optic neuritis].
To investigate the expression of anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab) in different types of immune-mediated optic neuritis (IM-ON). Case-control and cross section study. The serum of 129 consecutive cases of immune-mediated optic neuritis (IM-ON group) seen in Neuro-ophthalmology clinic in Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital during May 2010 and February 2011 were collected. All IM-ON cases were further classified into five different types as: 20 cases of multiple sclerosis related ON (MS-ON), 13 cases of neuromyelitis optical related ON (NMO-ON), 33 cases of autoimmune optic neuritis (AON), 43 cases of relapsing isolated optic neuritis (RION) and 20 cases of solitary isolated optic neuritis (SION). MOG-Ab was tested by ELISA. The positivity rate and titer of MOG-Ab among these groups were compared using chi-square test and ANOVA, t test by SPSS17.0 software. MOG-Ab was positive in 12 of all 129 tested IM-ON patients (9.3%), in which there were 5 of 20 MS-ON, none of 13 NMO-ON, 4 of 33 AON, 2 of 43 RION, and 1 of 20 SION patients. There were no statistical significant difference among five groups (Fisher's exact test, χ(2) = 7.051, P = 0.088), but MS-ON group showed statistically higher MOG-Ab positivity and titer than the "NMO spectrum optic neuritis" group which was merged from the other 4 IM-ON groups. MOG-Ab could be detected in different types of immune-mediated optic neuritis except NMO-ON and the expression of MOG-Ab was statistically higher in MS-ON group than the 'NMO spectrum optic neuritis' group.


Value of combined FDG PET and MR imaging in the evaluation of suspected recurrent local-regional breast cancer: preliminary experience.
To assess the performance and potential clinical effects of combined 2-[fluorine 18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the axilla and brachial plexus in patients suspected of having local-regional breast cancer metastases. Upper-body FDG PET and axillary and supraclavicular MR imaging were performed in 10 patients (age range, 45-71 years) with clinical findings suggestive of breast cancer metastases. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Imaging findings were correlated with clinical data and follow-up findings in all patients. Surgical findings were available in four patients. Nine patients had local-regional breast cancer metastases. MR imaging was diagnostic for tumor in five patients and was indeterminate in four patients with axillary or chest wall metastases. With FDG PET, metastatic tumor was positively identified in all nine patients. MR imaging was useful for determining the relationship of metastatic tumor to axillary and supraclavicular neurovascular structures. FDG PET helped confirm metastases in patients with indeterminate MR imaging findings and depicted unsuspected metastases outside the axilla. MR imaging and FDG PET are complementary in detecting and characterizing local-regional breast cancer metastases. Combined FDG PET and MR imaging provide useful treatment-planning data for patients clinically suspected of having recurrent axillary or supraclavicular breast cancer.


Pathogenesis of malaria and clinically similar conditions.
There is now wide acceptance of the concept that the similarity between many acute infectious diseases, be they viral, bacterial, or parasitic in origin, is caused by the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines initiated when the organism interacts with the innate immune system. This is also true of certain noninfectious states, such as the tissue injury syndromes. This review discusses the historical origins of these ideas, which began with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and spread from their origins in malaria research to other fields. As well the more established proinflammatory mediators, such as TNF, interleukin-1, and lymphotoxin, the roles of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, which are chiefly inhibitory, are discussed. The established and potential roles of two more recently recognized contributors, overactivity of the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) and the escape of high-mobility-group box 1 (HMGB1) protein from its normal location into the circulation, are also put in context. The pathogenesis of the disease caused by falciparum malaria is then considered in the light of what has been learned about the roles of these mediators in these other diseases, as well as in malaria itself.


Efficacy of caspofungin and posaconazole in a murine model of disseminated Exophiala infection.
Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis is an uncommon infection affecting immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals in which response to older antifungal agents has been variable. We compared the effect of six days of therapy with caspofungin, posaconazole, and amphotericin B in parallel studies of survival and fungal burden in an immunocompromised mouse model of Exophiala infection. Mice immunocompromised with cyclophosphamide were treated for 6 days starting one day after initiation of infection. Treatment regimens included amphotericin B, caspofungin, and posaconazole. In the survival studies, experimental animals were observed for 14 days. In the fungal burden tests the experimental animals were sacrificed 7 days after infection and brain and kidney burden determined. Treatment with any agent decreased mortality (P < 0.05), with 40%, 30%, and 80% observed survival of the animals treated with amphotericin B, caspofungin, and posaconazole, respectively. Amphotericin B and posaconazole treatment resulted in a decrease in fungal burden compared to untreated controls (P < 0.05). No reduction in fungal burden was noted in the caspofungin group. All three antifungals evaluated improved survival of immunocompromised mice in this otherwise fatal disseminated phaeohyphomycosis. Amphotericin B and posaconazole reduced fungal burden. Posaconazole and caspofungin appear to have potential for use in treatment of this rare infection.


Quantification of Plasmodesmata Permeability in Arabidopsis Leaves by Tracing the Movement of GFP.
Plasmodesmata (PD) play an important role in plant growth and development and defense. The permeability of PD is strictly regulated. Here, we describe an assay for measuring the permeability of PD in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, which relies on tracing intercellular movement of green fluorescent protein (GFP) upon transient expression of the protein-encoding plasmid delivered by particle bombardment. The method allows to assess GFP movement at single-cell resolution.


Down syndrome associated malformations.
This paper reports the associated malformations and the clinical findings that were observed in 417 cytogenetically confirmed Down Syndrome patients. Among them congenital heart defects have occurred more frequently [75; 17.98%] than osteoarticular malformations [23; 5.52]; eye anomalies [22; 5.27%]; and gastroenterological malformations [n 16; 3.84%]. With regard to prognosis and treatment appropriate counselling has been given to Down Syndrome patients and their families.


Anticoagulation and population risk of stroke and death in incident atrial fibrillation: a population-based cohort study.
Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke and death. Anticoagulation therapy is an effective treatment for stroke prevention, but remains underused in the community. We sought to determine the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulation therapy in an inception cohort with new-onset atrial fibrillation in the province of Alberta, Canada. We conducted a population-based cohort study of atrial fibrillation using an administrative database from Alberta's publicly funded and universally available health care system. All new-onset atrial fibrillation patients from Jan. 1, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2010, were included in the cohort and followed through Dec. 31, 2013. We assessed anticoagulation status as a predictor of stroke and death using time-to-event analysis and adjusted for sex and CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 yr, diabetes mellitus and prior stroke or transient ischemic attack) score using Cox proportional hazards modelling. We identified 10 745 patients, 7358 (68.5%) of whom received anticoagulation therapy, principally with warfarin (n = 6997, 95.1%). Anticoagulation therapy was associated with significantly decreased risk of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.82), all stroke (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.65-0.91), all stroke and death (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.62-0.72) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.62-0.72), despite an association with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.17-3.16). There was a neutral association with subdural (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.53-1.93) and gastrointestinal (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.70-1.31) hemorrhage. Anticoagulation therapy is effective and safe for stroke prevention and decreases mortality in patients with incident atrial fibrillation. These population data support an aggressive approach to screening for atrial fibrillation and treatment with anticoagulant medicines to prevent stroke and death.


Amino acid sequence of guinea pig C3a anaphylatoxin.
The anaphylatoxin peptide, C3a, was isolated in its inactive des-arginine form from complement-activated guinea pig serum and the complete amino acid sequence was determined. The peptide was isolated using a modification of previously described methods for anaphylatoxin purification and yielded 18 mg of guinea C3ades Arg judged homogeneous by cellulose acetate electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography, amino acid composition, and sequence analyses. The complete amino acid sequence of the molecule was determined by automated Edman degradation of intact C3ades Arg following performic acid oxidation, and of four peptides obtained from CNBr, endoproteinase Lys-C, or endoproteinase Glu-C (V8 protease) digests of reduced and alkylated C3ades Arg. The sequence is as follows: Guinea pig C3ades Arg has approximately 70% overall sequence identity with human, porcine, rat and mouse anaphylatoxins. As with C3a's from other species, the guinea pig molecule has an invariant C-terminal tetrapeptide sequence, LGLA, and six invariant cysteinyl residues at positions 23, 24, 37, 50, 57, and 58.


Youth Vaping During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic Period: Adjusted Annual Changes in Vaping Between the Pre-COVID and Initial COVID-Lockdown Waves of the COMPASS Study.
Adolescence is a critical period for vaping onset. The purpose of this article was to examine the effect of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic period on youth vaping. We used 3-year linked data from the COMPASS study, including 7585 Canadian (Quebec, Ontario) adolescents from which 1949 completed all three survey waves (pre-COVID-19 [2018, 2019] and online [2020] during the early pandemic period [May-July 2020]) and provided vaping data. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and difference-in-difference (DD) models were used to estimate pre-COVID-19 to initial COVID-19 pandemic period change (2019-2020) in vaping (monthly, weekly, daily) compared with 2018-2019 change to adjust for age-related effects. Models were adjusted for age of entry into the cohort and sociodemographic characteristics. In the SEM and DD models, the proportion of youth who were monthly and weekly vaping increased from 2018 to 2019 but decreased from 2019 to 2020; daily vaping increased across all waves. However, for all vaping outcomes modeled, the expected increases from the pre-COVID-19 wave (2019) to the initial COVID-19 period wave (2020) were lesser relative to the changes seen across the 2018 to 2019 waves. The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic period appear to be associated with a reduction in the proportion of youth who were monthly and weekly vapers in our adjusted longitudinal models. While daily vaping increased over this same period of time, the magnitude of the increase in our adjusted longitudinal models appears attenuated by the early stages of the pandemic. This large prospective study of youth that included pre-pandemic data is unique in that we were able to identify that the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic period was associated with a reduction in the proportion of youth who were monthly and weekly vapers in our adjusted longitudinal models. Conversely, the proportion of youth who were daily vaping increased over this same period of time, but the magnitude of the increase appears smaller than expected during the early stages of the pandemic in our adjusted longitudinal models. This study provides novel robust evidence that the patterns of vaping most aligned with onset and progression (i.e., monthly and weekly use) appear attenuated during the initial pandemic period.


A microsatellite linkage map of Barramundi, Lates calcarifer.
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is an important farmed marine food fish species. Its compact genome (approximately 700 Mb) is among the smallest genomes of food fish species. We established a first-generation genetic linkage map of Barramundi with a mapping panel containing three parents (two males and one female) and 93 progeny. A total of 240 microsatellite markers were mapped into 24 linkage groups. Among these markers, 10 were located in ESTs and known genes. The total lengths of the female and male maps were 873.8 and 414.5 cM with an average marker spacing of 6.20 and 4.70 cM, respectively. Comparing the flanking sequences of the 240 Barramundi microsatellites with the assembled whole-genome sequences of Tetraodon nigrovidiris revealed 55 homologous sequences located in 19 of the 21 chromosomes of T. nigrovidiris. The map will not only enable the mapping of quantitative trait loci, but also provide new resources for understanding the evolution of fish genomes.


Suction blister lesions and epithelialization monitored by optical coherence tomography.
Our objective was to assess epithelialization of suction blister lesions by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and benchmark it to histology using epidermal thickness (ET) as the primary outcome. Thirty-two healthy volunteers were recruited to Study 1 and 2. One 10-mm suction blister was raised on each buttock, and the blister roof was excised. Lesions were covered with moisture-retaining dressing. In Study 1, the lesions were OCT-scanned on day 0 (D0), D2 and D4 and excised for histological examination. In Study 2, the progress of epithelialization and skin barrier function were monitored to D14. ET increased from D0 to D2 by 46 μm (P<.001) and from D2 to D4 by 19 μm (P=.004). Compared with histology, OCT overestimated the presence of the epithelium (P<.0001) and ET on D4. Reliable measurements were obtained when the ET of the lesions reached the ET of the normal epidermis from D5-D7 and onwards. The ET development was reflected in decreased transepidermal water loss. We found that the OCT technique was poorly discriminative with respect to the neoepithelium and the moist lesion surface material in the early postinjury period. In the later stages, OCT seemed valuable for estimating the advancement of epithelialization.


Painful ophthalmoplegia following treated squamous carcinoma of the forehead. Orbital apex involvement from centripetal spread via the supraorbital nerve.
Intraneural and perineural spread of squamous carcinoma from the face to the cranial cavity is an important cause of delayed cranial nerve palsies after local excision of a skin tumour. As exemplified in reports of two cases, signs of this type of centripetal spread of squamous cell tumour along the branches and trunk of the supraorbital nerve are (i) severe unremitting orbital and forehead pain with associated hypoaesthesia, (ii) palpable or radiological evidence of thickening of the nerve at the supraorbital notch and (iii) evolution of ophthalmoplegia, blindness, and sensory loss in the first division of the trigeminal nerve. Appearance of severe supraorbital neuralgia months or years after excision of a skin tumour from the forehead should alert the clinician to extension of tumour cells along the supraorbital nerve. This may enable him to institute timely treatment before a complete orbital apex syndrome has developed.


Peroral endoscopic myotomy: An emerging minimally invasive procedure for achalasia.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an emerging minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of achalasia. Due to the improvements in endoscopic technology and techniques, this procedure allows for submucosal tunneling to safely endoscopically create a myotomy across the hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. In the hands of skilled operators and experienced centers, the most common complications of this procedure are related to insufflation and accumulation of gas in the chest and abdominal cavities with relatively low risks of devastating complications such as perforation or delayed bleeding. Several centers worldwide have demonstrated the feasibility of this procedure in not only early achalasia but also other indications such as redo myotomy, sigmoid esophagus and spastic esophagus. Short-term outcomes have showed great clinical efficacy comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). Concerns related to postoperative gastroesophageal reflux remain, however several groups have demonstrated comparable clinical and objective measures of reflux to LHM. Although long-term outcomes are necessary to better understand durability of the procedure, POEM appears to be a promising new procedure.


[Oral ulcer as primary manifestation of HIV infection in an 80-year-old man].
Oral lesions such as candidiasis, Kaposi's sarcoma, hairy leukoplakia, herpes simplex infection, and ulcerative periodontitis are associated with HIV infection and may be the primary presentation in persons with undiagnosed HIV. We report a clinical case in which an 80-year-old man presented with an oral ulcer with morphological signs of immuno-suppression. The patient was perceived to be at low risk of HIV infection and thus, diagnostic HIV testing was delayed until subsequent development of Kaposi's sarcoma on the skin.


Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Risk of Burnout in Child Care Workers - A Cross-Sectional Study.
German child care workers' job satisfaction is influenced by the consequences of unfavourable underlying conditions. Child care workers tend to suffer from psychosocial stress, as they feel that their work is undervalued. The objective of the present study is to investigate how the psychosocial factors of the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model influence musculoskeletal symptoms (MS) and the risk of burnout. To our knowledge this is the first study investigating the association between the factors of the ERI model and MS in child care workers. Data from 199 child care workers were examined in a cross-sectional study. Psychosocial factors were recorded with the ERI questionnaire. MS was recorded with the Nordic Questionnaire and risk of burnout with the Personal Burnout scale of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Multivariate analysis was performed using linear and logistic regression models. The response rate was 57%. In most of the sample (65%), an effort-reward imbalance was observed. 56% of the child care workers were at risk of burnout and 58% reported MS. Factors associated with risk of burnout were subjective noise exposure (OR: 4.4, 95%CI: 1.55-12.29) and overcommitment (OR: 3.4; 95%CI: 1.46-7.75). There were statistically significant associations between MS and overcommitment (low back pain-OR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.04-4.51), low control (overall MS OR: 3.8; 95%CI: 1.68-3.37) and risk of burnout (overall MS OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 1.01-5.28). For ERI no statistically significant associations were found with reference to risk of burnout or MS. Overcommitment in child care workers is related to MS and risk of burnout. There is also evidence that low control is associated with MS and subjective noise exposure with risk of burnout. Effort-reward imbalance is not related to either outcome. This occupational health risk assessment identifies changeable working factors in different types of facilities.


ROR2 knockdown suppresses breast cancer growth through PI3K/ATK signaling.
The receptor tyrosine kinase like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of human cancers, including breast cancer. Here, we analyzed the clinical significance of ROR2 in breast cancer (BC) progression, and its function in the regulation of BC cell proliferation and growth. Analysis of ROR2 mRNA levels in 45 BC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues revealed that ROR2 expression was significantly increased in BC tissues, and that it correlated with tumor diameter. Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival (DFS) analysis demonstrated that BC patients with higher ROR2 expression had lower DFS. Knockdown of ROR2 suppressed in vitro proliferation of BC cells and promoted apoptosis, while ROR2 overexpression induced BC cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis. Importantly, ROR2 suppression also reduced the tumor growth in mouse BC xenografts, indicating that ROR2 promotes BC tumorigenesis in vivo. In addition, our data revealed that ROR2 promotes proliferation of BC cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Together, our results indicate that ROR2 acts as an oncogenic gene in breast cancer, and suggest that the ROR2/PI3K/AKT regulatory network contributes to breast cancer progression.


[Neuroendocrine tumors of the stomach (stomach carcinoid)].
We report about two patients with gastric neuroendocrine tumours (carcinoids) and chronic atrophic gastritis. A 68-year-old woman presented with nonspecific dyspeptic complaints. Gastroscopy revealed a single neuroendocrine tumour of the corpus. 33 months after endoscopic therapy she is free of detectable tumour. As cause of an upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a 75-year-old woman, a small ulcerated fundic neuroendocrine tumour was found together with other multiple tumours. Repeated endoscopic removals of these and further developing similar tumours were necessary during a follow-up of 25 months. Neuroendocrine tumours of the stomach are rare and are potentially malignant. According to their clinical context they can be divided into three subtypes: 1. tumours in chronic atrophic gastritis, 2. tumours in multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, 3. sporadic tumours, not associated with particular diseases. The first two types may be gastrin-promoted; they occur often multifocal only in the nonantral mucosa and seem to behave relatively benign. Metastasis limited to regional lymph nodes has not been described often. The very rare third type appears solitary in the whole stomach and seems to have a higher malignant potential with frequent distant metastasis to the liver. Therapy should be mainly guided by subtype and tumour size.


Blood and nerves revisited: menopause and the privatization of the body in a Newfoundland postindustrial fishery.
Ethnographic data from a longitudinal, interpretive study of women's changing social and cultural constructions of menopause in a postindustrial, Newfoundland fishing village indicate that three major changes have taken place in the way women conceptualize female, reproductive life-cycle events and processes. First, folk idioms of nerves and blood that once linked soma, psyche, place, and tradition are now trivialized and have been superseded by biomedical models of menopause. Second, physicians, television, magazines, and school teachers have replaced the community's middle-aged women and the mutual communication of shared experience as major sources of information and advice on reproduction and aging. Third, women's bodies have become privatized, and bodily metaphors that once linked women in complex individual and collective assessments of shared, highly valued traditions and mutual judgment of moral character have lost their dominance in village life.


The local phospholipid environment modulates the activation of blood clotting.
Examples abound of membrane-bound enzymes for which the local membrane environment plays an important role, including the ectoenzyme that triggers blood clotting, the plasma serine protease, factor VIIa, bound to the integral membrane protein, tissue factor. The activity of this enzyme complex is markedly influenced by lipid bilayer composition and further by tissue factor partitioning into membrane microdomains on some cell surfaces. Unfortunately, little is known about how membrane microdomain composition controls factor VIIa-tissue factor activity, as reactions catalyzed by membrane-tethered enzymes are typically studied under conditions in which the experimenter cannot control the composition of the membrane in the immediate vicinity of the enzyme. To overcome this problem, we used a nanoscale approach that afforded complete control over the membrane environment surrounding tissue factor by assembling the factor VIIa.tissue factor complex on stable bilayers containing 67 +/- 1 phospholipid molecules/leaflet (Nanodiscs). We investigated how local changes in phospholipid bilayer composition modulate the activity of the factor VIIa.tissue factor complex. We also addressed whether this enzyme requires a pool of membrane-bound protein substrate (factor X) for efficient catalysis, or alternatively if it could efficiently activate factor X, which binds directly to the membrane nanodomain adjacent to tissue factor. We have shown that full proteolytic activity of the factor VIIa.tissue factor complex requires extremely high local concentrations of anionic phospholipids and further that a large pool of membrane-bound factor X is not required to support sustained catalysis.


Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: an overview.
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a multisystemic disorder, belonging to the small vessel anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, defined as an eosinophil-rich and necrotizing granulomatous inflammation often involving the respiratory tract, and necrotizing vasculitis predominantly affecting small to medium-sized vessels, associated with asthma and eosinophilia. EGPA pathogenesis is not well known: HLA-DRB1*04 and *07, HLA-DRB4 and IL10.2 haplotype of the IL-10 promoter gene are the most studied genetic determinants. Among the acquired pathogenetic factors, the exposure to different allergens, infections, vaccinations, drugs, and silica exposure have been involved. Eosinophils are the most characteristic cells in EGPA and different studies have demonstrated their role as effector and immunoregulatory cells. EGPA is considered as a disease with a prevalent activation of the Th-2 cellular-mediated inflammatory response and also humoral immunity plays an important role. A link between B and T inflammatory responses may explain different disease features. EGPA typically develops into three sequential phases: the allergic phase, distinguished by the occurrence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis, the eosinophilic phase, in which the main pathological finding is the eosinophilic organ infiltrations (e.g., lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal system), and the vasculitic phase, characterized by purpura, peripheral neuropathy, and constitutional symptoms. ANCA (especially pANCA anti-myeloperoxidase) are present in 40-60% of the patients. An elevation of IgG4 is frequently found. Corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide are classically used for remission induction, while azathioprine and methotrexate are the therapeutic options for remission maintenance. B-cell depletion with rituximab has shown promising results for remission induction.


Shaping the Future of Higher Education: Practical, Community-Driven Initiatives to Improve Academic Climate.
Historically, efforts to improve academic climate have been siloed-many efforts involve the collection of data to understand issues affecting diversity at an institutional level, while others prioritize recruitment and retention of historically marginalized groups. Few initiatives, however, effectively combine the two in order to create concrete action plans to eliminate structural barriers that hinder the retention of minorities in STEM. In this Editorial, we present the history and details of a collaborative effort to improve the academic climate of the Department of Chemistry at University of California, Berkeley. This initiative began in 2016 as a graduate student-led, grassroots movement to develop a method to assess the department's academic climate. Over the past several years-and with support from stakeholders at all levels-it has grown into a department-wide effort to systematically collect data, exchange ideas, and implement goal-oriented interventions to make our academic community more inclusive. With the recent development of a five-year strategic plan and funding increase to provide financial support for student-led programs, we have institutionalized a method to maintain the initiative's momentum. Here, we share our approaches, insights, and perspectives from community members who have shaped this movement. We also provide advice to help other academic communities determine a practical path toward affecting positive cultural change.


Assessment of the Quality of Outpatient Endoscopic Procedures by Using a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire.
Endoscopic procedures represent an important part of daily practice, both for gastroenterologists and nurses, enabling diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. An optimal level of quality needs to be obtained for endoscopic procedures to be efficient, which is reflected directly by patient satisfaction. The Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Satisfaction Questionnaire (GESQ) has already been validated in a multicenter trial as an efficient method for measuring patient satisfaction. Aim The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality of endoscopic procedures and patient satisfaction by applying a modified version of the GESQ in an outpatient facility, with or without deep sedation performed under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Our study included 552 patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower GI endoscopies, including endoscopic ultrasound procedures (EUS) performed under propofol sedation, from September 2015 to February 2016. Consecutive patients examined during these 6 months received the questionnaire which was handed by the endoscopy nurse two hours after procedure. The GESQ was modified to include different sections for: 1) communication skills with questions regarding the quantity and clarity of the information delivered to the patient before and after the procedures; 2) pain and discomfort related to the examination with an added question about the specific procedure the patient had undergone; 3) staff manners; 4) physician's technical skills; 5) facility organization (waiting time, comfort in the recovery room, good facilities and equipment) and 6) overall satisfaction. The questionnaire did not include personal data, while answers were analyzed in a confidential manner. A total number of 552 patients agreed to answer our questionnaire, 192 (34,7%) underwent gastroscopies, 288 (52,1%) colonoscopies and 72 (13,2%) EUS examinations. Regarding the overall level of satisfaction (assessed on a five-point scale), 476 (86,2%) were very satisfied or satisfied, 69 (12,5%) dissatisfied and the remainder 7 (1,3%) were indifferently. For the communication section 16 (3%) patients were not satisfied with the explanations received before the procedure or with the answers to their questions. Pain and discomfort were mentioned by 29 (5,2%) of the patients, usually related to colonoscopies or EUS examinations. 13 (2,3%) of the patients considered the comfort or intimacy of the recovery room to be poor, and 11 (2%) patients were not satisfied with the waiting time before the procedure. Our modified questionnaire showed good overall patient satisfaction with our endoscopy unit, while also suggesting some areas in need of improvement, such as staff communication skills, better time management and reorganization of the recovery area. Our study demonstrates the importance of such questionnaires in providing feedback information meant to improve standards in endoscopy, including staff skills and organization.


Displacement effects in large-scale chromatography?
Displacement effects in large-scale (total column volume v(t) = 150 L) and preparative ion-exchange chromatography purifying human erythrocyte superoxide dismutase are described in the present article. The biomolecules are eluted in a very small peak elution volume (<0.2 v(o)) behind the salt wave using a step gradient. The theoretical peak width and retention behavior are calculated according to the model of Yamamoto. The theoretical values are then compared with the experimental data. There was a difference observed between the elution type I (also called fronting) and the experimentally obtained elution. Some instructions are given on how to achieve these phenomenona because a beneficial effect in respect to resolution and recovery of a biomolecule is observed.


The personality basis of aggression: The mediating role of anger and the moderating role of emotional intelligence.
High neuroticism and low agreeableness have been found to predict higher levels of aggression through an increase of negative emotions such as anger. However, previous research has only investigated these indirect associations for physical aggression, whereas evidence for such indirect effects on other types of aggression (i.e., verbal or indirect aggression) is currently lacking. Moreover, no previous work has investigated the moderating role of Ability Emotional Intelligence (AEI), which may buffer against the effects of anger on aggression. The present study (N = 665) directly addresses these gaps in the literature. The results demonstrate that high neuroticism and low agreeableness were indirectly related to higher levels of physical, verbal, and indirect aggression via increased chronic accessibility to anger. Importantly however, the associations with physical aggression were significantly weaker for those higher (vs. lower) on AEI, confirming the buffering role of AEI. We discuss the implications of our findings for theoretical frameworks aiming to understand and reduce aggression and violent behavior.


Implicit processing during change blindness revealed with mouse-contingent and gaze-contingent displays.
People often miss salient events that occur right in front of them. This phenomenon, known as change blindness, reveals the limits of visual awareness. Here, we investigate the role of implicit processing in change blindness using an approach that allows partial dissociation of covert and overt attention. Traditional gaze-contingent paradigms adapt the display in real time according to current gaze position. We compare such a paradigm with a newly designed mouse-contingent paradigm where the visual display changes according to the real-time location of a user-controlled mouse cursor, effectively allowing comparison of change detection with mainly overt attention (gaze-contingent display; Experiment 2) and untethered overt and covert attention (mouse-contingent display; Experiment 1). We investigate implicit indices of target detection during change blindness in eye movement and behavioral data, and test whether affective devaluation of unnoticed targets may contribute to change blindness. The results show that unnoticed targets are processed implicitly, but that the processing is shallower than if the target is consciously detected. Additionally, the partial untethering of covert attention with the mouse-contingent display changes the pattern of search and leads to faster detection of the changing target. Finally, although it remains possible that the deployment of covert attention is linked to implicit processing, the results fall short of establishing a direct connection.


An evaluation of a workshop for teachers of nursing by comparing the members' expectations with their opinions of the outcome.
Fifty-seven teachers of nursing, who comprised 42 women and 15 men and who also comprised 12 senior tutors, 16 nurse tutors and 29 clinical teachers, participated in a study to evaluate a workshop which they attended. The method of inquiry used was that of a survey by questionnaire. Two questionnaires were used, one being set at the beginning of the workshop and the other at the end of the proceedings. The learning objectives for the workshop were used as the questionnaire items and comprised 20 in all. When the before and after scores relating to the questionnaire items were compared through the use of t tests significant differences were found on 12 out of the 20 objectives. In the course of the paper the differences found are identified and discussed. Some of the limitations of the method of inquiry used are discussed and finally some conclusions are reached.


Mothers' Grief, Forgiveness, and Posttraumatic Growth After the Loss of a Child.
The aim of this study was to investigate maternal grief after losing a child in relation to forgiveness and posttraumatic growth. A sample of 60 grieving mothers from Slovakia completed the following battery: The Texas Revised Inventory of Grief, a modified version of the Enright Forgiveness Inventory, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The results showed a negative association between forgiveness and grief and a strong positive association between forgiveness and posttraumatic growth, which was not moderated by the time elapsed since the loss. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 mothers. The data were analyzed through Consensual Qualitative Research to gain deeper understanding of forgiveness and posttraumatic growth experiences after the loss of a child. Categories and subcategories are discussed.


Photobiomodulation at Defined Wavelengths Regulates Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Redox Balance in Skin Fibroblasts.
Starting from the discovery of phototherapy in the beginning of the last century, photobiomodulation (PBM) has been defined in late 1960s and, since then, widely described in different in vitro models. Robust evidence indicates that the effect of light exposure on the oxidative state of the cells and on mitochondrial dynamics, suggesting a great therapeutic potential. The translational scale-up of PBM, however, has often given contrasting and confusing results, mainly due to light exposure protocols which fail to adequately control or define factors such as emitting device features, emitted light characteristics, exposure time, cell target, and readouts. In this in vitro study, we describe the effects of a strictly controlled light-emitting diode (LED)-based PBM protocol on human fibroblasts, one of the main cells involved in skin care, regeneration, and repair. We used six emitter probes at different wavelengths (440, 525, 645, 660, 780, and 900 nm) with the same irradiance value of 0.1 mW/cm2, evenly distributed over the entire surface of the cell culture well. The PBM was analyzed by three main readouts: (i) mitochondrial potential (MitoTracker Orange staining), (ii) reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (CellROX staining); and (iii) cell death (nuclear morphology). The assay was also implemented by cell-based high-content screening technology, further increasing the reliability of the data. Different exposure protocols were also tested (one, two, or three subsequent 20 s pulsed exposures at 24 hr intervals), and the 645 nm wavelength and single exposure chosen as the most efficient protocol based on the mitochondrial potential readout, further confirmed by mitochondrial fusion quantification. This protocol was then tested for its potential to prevent H2O2-induced oxidative stress, including modulation of the light wave frequency. Finally, we demonstrated that the controlled PBM induced by the LED light exposure generates a preconditioning stimulation of the mitochondrial potential, which protects the cell from oxidative stress damage.


Human trophoblast progenitors: where do they reside?
In humans, very little is known about the factors that regulate trophoblast (TB) specification, expansion of the initial TB population, and formation of the cytotrophoblast (CTB) populations that populate the chorionic villi. The absence of human trophoblast progenitor cell (hTPC) lines that can be propagated in vitro has been a limiting factor. Because attempts to derive TB stem cells from the trophectoderm of the human blastocyst have so far failed, investigators use alternative systems as cell culture models including TBs derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), immortalized CTBs, and cell lines established from TB tumors. Additionally, the characteristics of mature TBs have been extensively studied using primary cultures of CTBs and explants of placental chorionic villi. However, none of these models can be used to study TB progenitor self-renewal and differentiation. Furthermore, the propagation of human TB progenitors from villous CTBs (vCTBs) has not been achieved. The downregulation of key markers of cell cycle progression in vCTBs by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy may indicate that these cells are not a source of human TB progenitors later in pregnancy. In contrast, mesenchymal cells of the villi and chorion continue to proliferate until the end of pregnancy. We recently reported isolation of continuously self-renewing hTPCs from chorionic mesenchyme and showed that they differentiated into the mature TB cell types of the villi, evidence that they can function as TB progenitors. This new cell culture model enables a molecular analysis of the seminal steps in human TB differentiation that have yet to be studied in humans. In turn, this information can be used to trace the origins of pregnancy complications that are associated with faulty TB growth and differentiation.


Plasma renin activity and cAMP in termination of pregnancy induced by sulprostone.
Plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma concentrations of cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and the serum levels of oestradiol, progesterone, chorionic gonadotrophin, potassium, sodium and calcium were estimated in connection with termination of pregnancy induced in 23 women by sulprostone, a derivative of prostaglandin E2. A rapid decrease in PRA was observed during and after infusion of 1000 micrograms or 1500 micrograms sulprostone. PRA returned to the initial values at 24 h after drug administration. The lowest levels of PRA were 36% and 51% of the initial values (P less than 0.001) in the two drug concentration groups. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The value for plasma cAMP did not correspond completely to the changes in PRA. Serum concentrations of oestradiol, progesterone and chorionic gonadotrophin showed a gradual decrease during drug administration. The changes in serum potassium, sodium and calcium were minimal. The decrease in PRA associated with sulprostone is very surprising. Our finding elucidates in part the still rather poorly known mechanisms and function of renin-angiotensin system in pregnancy.


Diffuse skeletal abnormalities in Forestier disease.
Forestier disease, or ankylosing hyperostosis, is a common disorder of middle-aged and elderly persons. Characteristic clinical and radiographic features enable the physician to distinguish between this disease and ankylosing spondylitis. The principal clinical features include aching spinal stiffness with relative preservation of function and minimal evidence of spinal immobility. Many patients have elbow and heel pain and dysphagia. Typical radiographic findings are ligament ossification, para-articular osteophytosis, and bone production at sites of tendon and ligment attachment in spinal and extraspinal locations. The extraspinal roentgenographic manifestations are so characteristic that when present, they allow the diagnosis of spinal ankylosing hyperostosis to be suggested, even in the absence of axial radiographs.


Environmental exposure to pesticides and the risk of Parkinson's disease in the Netherlands.
Exposure to pesticides has been linked to Parkinson's disease (PD), although associations between specific pesticides and PD have not been well studied. Residents of rural areas can be exposed through environmental drift and volatilization of agricultural pesticides. Our aim was to investigate the association between lifetime environmental exposure to individual pesticides and the risk of PD, in a national case-control study. Environmental exposure to pesticides was estimated using a spatio-temporal model, based on agricultural crops around the residential address. Distance up to 100m from the residence was considered most relevant, considering pesticide drift potential of application methods used in the Netherlands. Exposure estimates were generated for 157 pesticides, used during the study period, of which four (i.e. paraquat, maneb, lindane, benomyl) were considered a priori relevant for PD. A total of 352 PD cases and 607 hospital-based controls were included. No significant associations with PD were found for the a priori pesticides. In a hypothesis generating analysis, including 153 pesticides, increased risk of PD was found for 21 pesticides, mainly used on cereals and potatoes. Results were suggestive for an association between bulb cultivation and PD. For paraquat, risk estimates for the highest cumulative exposure tertile were in line with previously reported elevated risks. Increased risk of PD was observed for exposure to (a cluster of) pesticides used on rotating crops. High correlations limited our ability to identify individual pesticides responsible for this association. This study provides some evidence for an association between environmental exposure to specific pesticides and the risk of PD, and generates new leads for further epidemiological and mechanistic research.


The side effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (diphereline) in treatment of idiopathic central precocious puberty.
Treatment of central precocious puberty (CPP) is the administration of GnRH analogs. Metabolic syndrome comprised metabolic disturbances that confer increased risk of (CVD) diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease. This study is a longitudinal prospective study in pediatric endocrinology clinic. 30 non-obese children with idiopathic CPP were involved. Total body weight, height, blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference of the patients along with their triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting plasma sugar (FPS) were evaluated at the beginning and during 3 and 6 months GnRH analog therapy. All of the patients involved in this study were female with age 9.5±1.02 years. Waist circumference, weight and BMI were 69.3 cm, 37.21 kg, and 19.13 kg/cm(2) before therapy and 72.25 cm, 40.11 kg, and 19.54 kg/m(2) 6 months after therapy respectively. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the patients before therapy was 96.83 mmHg, 66mmHg and after 6 months therapy was 98.66 mmHg, 89.63 mmHg respectively. Mean TG, LDL, HDL and FPS were 90.06 mg/dl, 91.6 mg/dl, 43.7 mg/dl and 89.6 mg/dl before therapy and 96.4 mg/dl, 93.1 mg/dl, 44.7 mg/dl and 91.36 after 6 months therapy respectively. GnRH analog therapy doesn't cause metabolic syndrome after 3 and 6 month therapy but it may cause hyperlipidemia and central obesity.


[Short- and medium-term effectivenesses of stemless hip arthroplasty for treating hip joint disease in young and middle-aged patients].
To summarize the short- and medium-term effectivenesses of stemless hip arthroplasty for treating hip joint disease in young and middle-aged patients. Between June 2005 and December 2010, 25 cases (27 hips) of hip joint disease were treated with stemless hip arthroplasty. There were 17 males (19 hips) and 8 females (8 hips) with an average age of 45.6 years (range, 30-57 years), including 13 left hips, 10 right hips, and 2 bilateral hips. The causes included avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) secondary to femoral neck fracture in 5 cases (5 hips), ANFH in 15 cases (16 hips), osteoarthritis of the hip joint caused by ankylosing spondylitis in 2 cases (3 hips), osteoarthritis of the hip joint caused by dysplasia of acetabular in 2 cases (2 hips), and rheumatoid arthritis in 1 case (1 hip). The disease duration was 1-17 years (mean, 6.1 years). Before operation, the Harris score was 47.6 ± 14.2. The incision healed by first intention in all patients, and no complications occurred, such as infection, periprosthetic fracture, and deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity. Twenty-five patients (27 hips) were followed up 36-96 months (mean, 51 months). One case (1 hip) had sciatic nerve injury after operation, which was relieved by symptomatic treatment. One case (1 hip) had prosthesis loosening, which was relieved after revision. The survival rate of prosthesis was 96.3% (26/27). At last follow-up, the Harris score was 92.1 ± 3.6, which was significantly better than preoperative score (t = 18.241, P = 0.000). The excellent and good rate was 88.9% (excellent in 19 hips, good in 5 hips, fair in 2 hips, and poor in 1 hip). The X-ray films showed good location of prosthesis, and no evidence of dislocation, bone resorption, osteolysis, and heterotopic ossification. Because of reserving femoral neck, biomechanics conduction and distribute of the proximal femur achieve natural biomechanics state of the human body. The short- and medium-term effectivenesses of stemless hip arthroplasty for treating hip joint disease in young and middle-aged patients are satisfactory, but the long-term effectiveness need further observation.


Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells using hybrid nanofibers with different configurations and dimensionality.
Novel, hybrid fibrinogen/polylactic acid (FBG/PLA) nanofibers with different configuration (random vs aligned) and dimensionality (2-D vs 3-D environment) were used to control the overall behavior and the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Aligned nanofibers in both the 2-D and 3-D configurations are proved to be favored for osteodifferentiation. Morphologically, we found that on randomly configured nanofibers, the cells developed a stellate-like morphology with multiple projections; however, time-lapse analysis showed significantly diminished cell movements. Conversely, an elongated cell shape with advanced cell spreading and extended actin cytoskeleton accompanied with significantly increased cell mobility were observed when cells attached on aligned nanofibers. Moreover, a clear tendency for higher alkaline phosphatase activity was also found on aligned fibers when ADMSCs were switched to osteogenic induction medium. The strongest accumulation of Alizarin red (AR) and von Kossa stain at 21 days of culture in osteogenic medium were found on 3-D aligned constructs while the rest showed lower and rather undistinguishable activity. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis for Osteopontin (OSP) and RUNX 2 generally confirmed this trend showing favorable expression of osteogenic genes activity in 3-D environment particularly in aligned configuration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2065-2074, 2017.


Training translators for smart drug discovery.
To achieve advances in clinical medicine, we need investigators with a sophisticated understanding of medicine and pharmacology who are capable of projecting their preclinical research across the translational divide. Such expertise in translational medicine and therapeutics has become scant in academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. Here we discuss strategies for addressing this deficit in human capital.


Swiss Learning Health System: A national initiative to establish learning cycles for continuous health system improvement.
The health system in Switzerland is considered as one of the best in the world. Nevertheless, to effectively and efficiently meet current and future challenges, an infrastructure and culture are needed where the best evidence is systematically made available and used, and the system evolves on the basis of a constant exchange between research, policy, and practice. The Swiss Learning Health System institutionalizes this idea as a multistakeholder national initiative to ensure continuous improvement through ongoing research and implementation. This article presents the objectives and mechanisms of the Swiss Learning Health System in the context of international initiatives to strengthen health systems and improve population health through learning cycles.


(1)H-MR spectroscopy indicates prominent cerebellar dysfunction in benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy.
To investigate the neurochemical pattern in patients with benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy (BAFME/FAME), an inherited form of myoclonic epilepsy, by proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS). Eleven BAFME patients from three families showing linkage to 2p11.1-q12.2 were compared with 11 age-matched healthy control subjects. MR imaging of all the patients and healthy subjects exhibited no structural abnormalities on detailed visual assessment. However, compared with healthy subjects, patients with BAFME displayed elevated choline/creatine ratio in the cerebellar cortex (p = 0.01), whereas there was no significant difference for the other ratios. No (1)H-MRS values in the frontal and occipital cortex differed significantly in the patients compared with the healthy controls. No correlation was detected between (1)H-MRS values and disease duration (p = -0.35) as well as myoclonus severity (p = -0.48). Our findings suggest that the cerebellum is a prominent site of dysfunction in BAFME. The abnormal choline concentrations could reflect changes in the chemical and functional nature of cell membranes. (1)H-MRS was able to detect brain changes also in patients with recent disease onset and may be a useful tool supporting the diagnosis based on familial and electrophysiologic data. The relationship between cortical tremor and the cerebellum is also discussed.


Evaluation of endoscopic submucosal dissection using a new endosurgical knife DN-D2718B: a first clinical feasibility study.
Endosurgical devices with injection function have been reported to decrease endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) operation times for experts, but the efficacy of these devices for inexperienced endoscopists is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ESD using a novel ESD knife (DN-D2718B). This is a single-center prospective pilot clinical feasibility study. Patients diagnosed with superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms were enrolled. A pre-specified group of ESD trainees with ESD experience on a porcine gastric model and fewer than 30 cases of ESD in their selected fields performed ESD under expert supervision, using the DN-D2718B. En bloc resection rates, R0 resection rates, procedure times, and incidence of intra-operational/post-operational adverse events were assessed. Between June 2015 and January 2016, 13 esophageal, 27 gastric, and 14 colorectal ESD cases were performed per-protocol with mean resection speeds of 10.2, 12.0, and 15.5 mm 2 /min, respectively. There were no intra-operational complications. ESD with this novel knife is feasible even when performed by non-experts.


Thermodiffusion of CO2 in Water by Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
The components of a fluid mixture may segregate due to the Soret effect, a coupling phenomenon in which mass flux can be induced by a thermal gradient. In this work, we evaluate systematically the thermodiffusion of the CO2-H2O mixture, and the influence of the geothermal gradient on CO2 segregation in deep saline aquifers in CO2 storage. The eHeX method, a nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation approach, is judiciously selected to simulate the phenomenon. At 350 K, 400 bar, and CO2 mole fraction of 0.02 (aquifer conditions), CO2 accumulates on the cold side, and the thermal diffusion factor is close to 1 in a number of force fields. The lower the temperature, the higher is the separation and the thermal diffusion factor. In colder regions, water self-association is stronger, whereas the CO2-H2O cross-association and the CO2-CO2 interactions enhance at higher temperatures. Thermodiffusion and gravitational segregation have opposite effects on CO2 segregation. At typical subsurface conditions, the Soret effect is more pronounced than gravity segregation, and CO2 concentrates in the top (colder region). Our work sets the stage to model the effect of electrolytes on CO2 segregation in subsurface aquifers and other areas of interest.


Animal Silk-Derived Amorphous Carbon Fibers for Electricity Generation and Solar Steam Evaporation.
Animal silk-derived carbon materials are of interest to various applications, such as smart cloth and wearable sensors. However, it remains a challenge to massively transform silks into continuous carbon fibers. In this work, carbon fibers based on two kinds of animal silks, i.e., Bombyx mori (B. mori) silk and Antheraea pernyi (A. pernyi) silk, are prepared by using a large-scale-capable one-step heating process without any additives or activation process. These carbon fibers and yarns are electroconductive and mechanically robust. To expand the application of these carbonized silks, we further weaved them with cotton yarns to obtain composite fabrics with different textures and evaluated their performance for solar steam evaporation. Our results confirmed that the advantages of these composite fabrics in light absorption, large surface area, and hierarchical liquid transport channels allowed them to be used as a solar steam generation for desalination and sewage treatment. In addition, we reported that these conductive carbon fibers could be assembled into fluidic nanogenerators to generate electricity from the water flow. This work is expected to guide a large-scale preparation and use of animal silk-derived amorphous carbon fibers.


Long noncoding RNA ALOX12-AS1 inhibits cervical cancer cells proliferation via targeting miR-3171.
Cervical cancer is a common female malignancy worldwide, and the molecular mechanism of cervical tumorigenesis remains poorly understood. A large piece of evidence have demonstrated the important roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis, cancer progression and drug resistance. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the lncRNAs expression pattern in cervical cancer using RNA sequencing and microarray data from the cancer genome atlas, gene expression omnibus and Genotype Tissue Expression. Moreover, we assessed the correlation between lncRNA expression levels and cervical cancer patient's survival. We uncovered hundreds of lncRNAs that are upregulated or downregulated in cervical cancer tissues. Among these aberrantly lncRNAs, some are significantly associated with cervical patients' poorer prognosis, such as ALOX12-AS1 and LINC00173. ALOX12-AS1 expression is downregulated in cervical cancer, and over-expression of ALOX12-AS1 could inhibit cervical cancer cells proliferation in vitro. Further, mechanistically investigation revealed that ALOX12-AS1 could interact with AGO2 and sponge miR-3171, thereby antagonizing its' repression of tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog expression in cervical cancer cell. Taken together, this study provides lncRNA candidates in cervical cancer and highlights the critical role of ALOX12-AS1 in cervical cancer.


Arginine and citrulline do not stimulate growth of two Oenococcus oeni strains in wine.
Arginine metabolism by wine lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may lead to wine quality degradation. While arginine is essential for growth of the wine relevant LAB Oenococcus oeni, it remains unclear whether it also stimulates its growth. This study evaluated the effect of arginine and citrulline, the partially metabolized intermediate of the arginine deiminase pathway, on the growth of two commercial O. oeni strains in comparison with a Lactobacillus buchneri strain in wine and at wine pH values. Neither arginine nor citrulline increased growth of both O. oeni strains in comparison with the L. buchneri strain. However, arginine and citrulline were partially degraded in all incubations. The extent of citrulline degradation correlated with lower pH values in oenococcal cultivations but with higher pH values in those of the L. buchneri strain. The degradation kinetics of O. oeni and L. buchneri for malic acid and arginine differed and the latter grew in sterile filtered post-malolactic fermentation wine. This study shows that arginine and citrulline did not stimulate growth of the two O. oeni strains studied, and that their physiological role differed among the wine LAB considered. While arginine may play a role in wine microbiological stability, other nutrients should be investigated for their suitability to create a selective ecological advantage for O. oeni strains in wine.


Digital examination and transrectal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer.
The efficiency of digital examination and transrectal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer was examined in 109 untreated male patients with symptoms of urinary obstruction, including 32 cases of prostatic cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of digital examination were 69 and 79%, respectively, with an efficiency of 76%; while, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography were 88 and 77%, respectively, with an efficiency of 80%. Of the 10 cases of subclinical cancer, where the patient had a clinically benign gland with histological evidence of cancer, 8 were correctly diagnosed ultrasonographically. Five of the 8 cases could be diagnosed by the presence of a focal hypoechoic lesion in the unilateral lobe of the prostate. These results indicate that transrectal ultrasonography is more efficient than digital examination for the diagnosis of prostatic cancer and that hypoechoic change is an important point for detecting such subclinical cancer on ultrasonography.


Chronic Pain Severity and Sociodemographics: An Evaluation of the Neurobiological Interface.
Chronic pain is variably associated with brain structure. Phenotyping based on pain severity may address inconsistencies. Sociodemographic groups also differ in the experience of chronic pain severity. Whether differences by chronic pain severity and/or sociodemographic groups are indicated in pain-related areas of the brain is unknown. Relations between 2 measures of chronic pain severity and brain structure via T1-weighted MRI were investigated and sociodemographic group differences explored. The observational study included 142 community-dwelling (68 non-Hispanic Black [NHB] and 74 non-Hispanic White [NHW]) adults with/at risk for knee osteoarthritis. Relationships between chronic pain severity, sociodemographic groups, and a priori selected brain structures (postcentral gyrus, insula, medial orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate, rostral middle frontal gyrus, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus) were explored. Chronic pain severity associated with cortical thickness. NHB participants reported lower sociodemographic protective factors and greater clinical pain compared to NHWs who reported higher sociodemographic protective factors and lower clinical pain. Greater chronic pain severity was associated with smaller amygdala volumes in the NHB group and larger amygdala volumes in the NHW group. Brain structure by chronic pain stage differed between and within sociodemographic groups. Overall, chronic pain severity and sociodemographic factors are associated with pain-related brain structures. Our findings highlight the importance of further investigating social and environmental contributions in the experience of chronic pain to unravel the complex array of factors contributing to disparities. PERSPECTIVE: The study presents data demonstrating structural brain relationships with clinical pain severity, characteristic pain intensity and chronic pain stage, differ by sociodemographic groups. Findings yield insights into potential sources of previous inconsistent pain-brain relationships and highlights the need for future investigations to address social and environmental factors in chronic pain disparities research.