[Virologic analysis of 1,000 blood samples processed for cytomegalovirus isolation (viremia) and pp65 antigenemia in immunodepressed patients].
To study the principal virological aspects of 1,000 blood samples processed for cytomegalovirus (CMV) isolation (viremia) and pp65 antigenemia assay in immunosuppressed patients, and to compare the diagnostic efficacy of both technics. All the blood samples collected with EDTA, were fraccionated by dextran sedimentation. The polymorfonuclear rich fraction was used for the isolation of CMV by the shell-vial cell culture and the pp65 antigenemia assay. The cell cultures were stained at 18-24 hours with a monoclonal antibody against p72 CMV antigen. The 1,000 blood samples studied belonged to 363 patients (299 infected by the HIV, 49 renal transplant recipients, and 15 patients with haematologic diseases). 78 patients (21.4%) developed a CMV infection and/or disease. The overall results obtained in the comparative study for the CMV detection in peripheral blood were 86.7% for the antigenemia assay and 58.5% for the shell-vial culture (p = 0.0001). Of 49 patients with renal transplant, 20 (40.8%) presented with a CMV infection versus 19.3% in the HIV-positive group. The transplant recipient patients presented most frequently positivity for both diagnostic technics, and the HIV-positive patients a higher percentage of antigenemia-positive with culture negative. The shell-vial culture (viremia) had most diagnostic efficacy in the transplant recipients group. In the immunosuppressed patients the pp65 antigenemia assay has demonstrated a high diagnostic efficacy for CMV detection in peripheral blood. However because the antigenemia not always correlates with a replicative viral load, it is necessary to routinely perform culture of the blood in a cell culture system, preferently by the shell-vial method, because this system allows to make the diagnosis of CMV infection in a short period of time.


Anticipatory Processing, Maladaptive Attentional Focus, and Postevent Processing for Interactional and Performance Situations: Treatment Response and Relationships With Symptom Change for Individuals With Social Anxiety Disorder.
Anticipatory processing, maladaptive attentional focus, and postevent processing are key cognitive constructs implicated in the maintenance of social anxiety disorder (SAD). The current study examined how treatment for SAD concurrently affects these three cognitive maintaining processes and how these processes are associated with each other as well as with symptom change from pre- to posttreatment. The sample consisted of 116 participants with SAD receiving group cognitive behavioral therapy. All three cognitive maintaining processes were measured relative to a speech task and again relative to a conversation task. Across both tasks, the three cognitive process variables demonstrated decreases from pre- to posttreatment. Within the same task, a slower rate of decrease in a specific cognitive process variable from pre- to posttreatment was predicted from higher pretreatment levels of either one or both of the other cognitive process variables. Additionally, higher levels of pretreatment conversation-related anticipatory processing and maladaptive attentional focus predicted a slower rate of decrease in social anxiety symptoms from pre- to posttreatment. Results are consistent with cognitive models of SAD and have important implications for enhancing existing treatments.


Analysis of the dental morphology of Plio-Pleistocene hominids. IV. Mandibular postcanine root morphology.
The subocclusal morphology of 168 permanent mandibular premolars (N = 77) and molars (N = 91) of Plio-Pleistocene hominids has been investigated. The taxonomic allocation of the teeth, which represent at least 46 individuals, was based on nondental evidence. Specimens were allocated to one of two major taxonomic categories, (EAFROB or EAFHOM), East African Homo erectus (EAFHER), or their taxonomic affinity was regarded as 'unknown' (N = 17). Information about the root system was derived from radiography and direct observation. Morphometric data were in the form of nine linear and two angular measurements based on eighteen reference points. Root form was also assessed using a scheme which recognised four classes of root morphology. Data were compared using both univariate and multivariate techniques, including Principal Component and Canonical Variate analysis. Posterior probabilities derived from the latter were used (in a two-taxon design model) to assess the affinities of the 'unknown' specimens. The variation in hominid mandibular premolar root form was interpreted as two morphoclines, based on the presumed primitive condition of the P3 (with mesiobuccal and distal roots, 2R: MB and D) and P4 (with mesial and distal root, 2R: M and D) root systems. One trend apparently leads towards root reduction (i.e. P3 = 1 R; P4 = 1 R), and the other to root elaboration (i.e. P3 and P4 = 2R: M and D). The extreme form of the latter is the 'molarisation' of the premolar roots seen in EAFROB. Despite major differences in root form there was relatively little taxonomic variation in root metrics, except for a more robust distal root system in EAFROB. Molar root form showed little interspecific variation except for M2 in which the roots in EAFROB were larger and more robust, with differences in root height being greater for the distal than for the mesial roots. Root form and metrics enable four of the 'unknown' specimens (KMN-ER 819, 1482, 1483 and 1801) to be tentatively allocated to EAFHOM, and a single specimen, KMN-ER 3731, to EAFROB. Published assessments of the root morphology of the 'robust' australopithecines from Swartkrans suggest that the premolar root form of Australopithecus (Paranthropus) robustus is not obviously intermediate between the presumed ancestral condition, and the 'molarised' mandibular premolar root systems of Australopithecus (Paranthropus) boisei.


Assessing decisional capacity in the elderly.
Elderly cancer patients may differ from younger patients in their preferences for treatment, in decisional style, and in the kinds of information. In addition, both the prevalence of cognitive disorders and risk for delirium in severe illness increase among the elderly. This discussion presents research findings on decisional style in the elderly and on determination of decisional capacity. The legal standard of capacity requires demonstrating understanding, appreciation, reasoning and stating a choice. We present formal screening tools and informal interview techniques for assessment, as well as guidelines for when formal assessment may be helpful.


Simulating washoff of Cu-based fungicide sprays by using a rotating shear device.
Foliar washoff causes a loss of copper-based pesticides sprayed on crops, leading to an increase in the number of applications and contamination of the soil with Cu. In field studies, the variables that determine the amount of Cu loss are difficult to control. An experimental setup based on a rotating shear device (RSD) was used to estimate the influence of physical factors in the loss of Cu due to washoff of three copper-based fungicides: copper oxychlorhide (CO), Bordeaux mixture (BM), and a mixture of copper oxychlorhide and propylene glycol (CO-PG). Full factorial designs were used to model the loss of Cu from fungicides sprayed on the polypropylene surface of the RSD. Variables in the experiments were rotation speed, wash water volume, and fungicide dose. Good reproducibility was obtained for Cu loss, with a coefficient of variation less than 8%. Mean Cu losses were 27.0, 33.0, and 13.5% of the copper applied in fungicide for the BM, CO, and CO-PG, respectively. Empirical equations were obtained to calculate Cu losses from the rotation speed, wash water volume, and dose, as well as their interactions. CO losses were consistent with a model of particle detachment in which such losses depended on a threshold boundary shear stress required to initiate particle motion. Also, percent CO losses were found to be significantly correlated with the linear momentum at the surface boundary. The momentum values obtained in the RSD tests were similar to those estimated for a rainfall event of 20 mm h(-1) lasting 10 min. The most important mechanism in the loss of CO was the erosion of Cu-bearing particles.


circRNA RPPH1 Facilitates the Aggravation of Breast Cancer Development by Regulating miR-542-3p/ARHGAP1 Pathway.
Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have important roles in human malignancies, including breast cancer (BC). In this study, we explored the function of circRNA ribonuclease P RNA component H1 (circ_RPPH1) in BC development and clarify the mechanistic pathway. Materials and Methods: Expression of circ_RPPH1, microRNA-542-3p (miR-542-3p), and Rho GTPase-activating protein 1 (ARHGAP1) in BC tissues and cells was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot assay. The stability of circ_RPPH1 was confirmed by RNase R and actinomycin D treatment. Cell viability and colony formation ability were measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and colony formation assay, respectively. Western blot analysis was also used to detect proliferation biomarker (Ki67) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin). Flow cytometry and Transwell assays were performed to monitor cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The binding potency between miR-542-3p and circ_RPPH1 or ARHGAP1 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Functional role of circ_RPPH1 in vivo was investigated by xenograft tumor reporter assay. Results: Upregulation of circ_RPPH1 and ARHGAP1, and downregulation of miR-542-3p were detected in BC tissues and cells. circ_RPPH1 knockdown or miR-542-3p introduction inhibited BC cell proliferation and metastasis, while promoted apoptosis in vitro. circ_RPPH1 sponged miR-542-3p to upregulate ARHGAP1 expression, thereby affecting BC progression. Moreover, depletion of circ_RPPH1 suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions: circ_RPPH1 contributed to BC tumorigenesis by sponging miR-542-3p and upregulating ARHGAP1, affording a novel mechanistic pathway in BC development.


Ablation of Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase α1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes Diet-Induced Atherosclerotic Calcification In Vivo.
Atherosclerotic calcification is highly linked with plaque rapture. How calcification is regulated is poorly characterized. We sought to determine the contributions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in atherosclerotic calcification. Aortic calcification was evaluated in aortic roots and brachiocephalic arteries of atherosclerotic prone ApoE(-/-) mice or in mice with dual deficiencies of ApoE and AMPKα isoforms in whole body (ApoE(-/-)/AMPKα1(-/-) and ApoE(-/-)/AMPKα2(-/-)) or vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific or macrophage-specific knockout of AMPKα1 fed with Western diet for 24 weeks. Genetic deficiency of AMPKα1 but not of AMPKα2 promoted atherosclerotic calcification and the expression of Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor). Conversely, chronic administration of metformin, which activated AMPK, markedly reduced atherosclerotic calcification and Runx2 expression in ApoE(-/-) mice but had less effects in ApoE(-/-)/AMPKα1(-/-) mice. Furthermore, VSMC-specific but not macrophage-specific ablation of AMPKα1 promoted aortic calcification in vivo. Ablation of AMPKα1 in VSMC prevented Runx2 from proteasome degradation in parallel with aberrant osteoblastic differentiation of VSMC, whereas AMPK activation promoted Runx2 post-translational modification by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO, SUMOylation), which is associated with its instability. Mechanically, we found that AMPKα1 directly phosphorylated protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 (PIAS1), the SUMO E3-ligase of Runx2, at serine 510, to promote its SUMO E3-ligase activity. Finally, mutation of protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 at serine 510 suppressed metformin-induced Runx2 SUMOylation and subsequently prevented metformin's effect on reducing oxidized low-density lipoprotein-triggered Runx2 expression in VSMC. AMPKα1 phosphorylated protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 to promote Runx2 SUMOylation and subsequently lead to its instability. AMPKα1 deficiency in VSMC increased Runx2 expression and promoted atherosclerotic calcification in vivo.


Cardioprotective effect of breviscapine: inhibition of apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes via the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway following simulated ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Breviscapine (BE) is a standardized Chinese herbal medicine extracted from Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz. It has been widely used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, there are no reports on the protective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of BE action on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In the present study, we aimed to confirm the cardioprotective effect of BE from MI/R injury in vivo, and investigate the potential molecular mechanisms against simulated ischemia/reperfusion (SI/R)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vitro. The rat model of MI/R injury was induced by 30 min of transient vessel occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. BE significantly reduced the myocardium infarct size and production of cardiac troponin (cTnl) in serum. In an in vitro experiment, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were incubated with vehicle or ischemic buffer during hypoxia; then, they were reoxygenated with or without BE. BE markedly improved the cell viability and decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. We confirmed the anti-apoptotic effect of BE with the Hoechst 33258 staining assay, and this effect was associated with an increase in Bcl-2 and a decrease in active caspase-3 expression. Western blot analysis also showed that BE increased the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS in H9c2 cells, and the protective effects of BE were partially inhibited by the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) specific inhibitor LY294002. Our results suggested that BE could provide significant cardioprotection against MI/R injury, and the potential mechanisms might involve suppression of cardiomyocyte apoptosis through activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.


[Diversified prescription of narcotics to heroin addicts. Basis, design, research plan].
The measures taken by the National Government in 1991 against drug problems in Switzerland included new therapeutic experimentation; among others, it mentioned trials with diversified prescription of narcotics (including injectable heroin, morphine and methadone as well as smokable heroin and cocaine) to heroin-dependent persons with severe health and/or social problems. The number of persons receiving heroin is limited to 250, for a period not exceeding the end of 1996. The trials have to respond to scientific criteria of evaluation as well as to standards of comprehensive care. Research questions concern the feasibility, the efficacy and the cost effectiveness of trials in comparison with usual methadone maintenance programs. First trials started in Zurich, others are planned in Basle, Berne, Fribourg, Olten, Schaffhausen, Thun and Zug.


Improving gene regulatory network inference and assessment: The importance of using network structure.
Gene regulatory networks are graph models representing cellular transcription events. Networks are far from complete due to time and resource consumption for experimental validation and curation of the interactions. Previous assessments have shown the modest performance of the available network inference methods based on gene expression data. Here, we study several caveats on the inference of regulatory networks and methods assessment through the quality of the input data and gold standard, and the assessment approach with a focus on the global structure of the network. We used synthetic and biological data for the predictions and experimentally-validated biological networks as the gold standard (ground truth). Standard performance metrics and graph structural properties suggest that methods inferring co-expression networks should no longer be assessed equally with those inferring regulatory interactions. While methods inferring regulatory interactions perform better in global regulatory network inference than co-expression-based methods, the latter is better suited to infer function-specific regulons and co-regulation networks. When merging expression data, the size increase should outweigh the noise inclusion and graph structure should be considered when integrating the inferences. We conclude with guidelines to take advantage of inference methods and their assessment based on the applications and available expression datasets.


An easy RHD genotyping strategy for D- East Asian persons applied to Korean blood donors.
In East Asian populations RHD alleles are known to occur frequently among D- donors, requiring suitable genotyping strategies. The molecular basis of the "RHD(el)" allele previously reported in Taiwan to harbor a genomic 1013-bp deletion was questioned by several authors. The presence of the RHD gene was investigated in 126 random serologic D- blood donors from Gwangju, southwest Korea. Four donors who typed weakly positive for the D antigen were also analyzed. RH alleles were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with sequence-specific priming (PCR-SSP) or nucleotide sequencing. Seventy-five percent of the serologically D- samples lacked the RHD gene, 10 percent carried the hybrid RHD-CE(2-9)-D2 or RHD-CE(2-7)-D2 alleles, 13 percent represented the RHD(K409K), and 2 percent were weak D type 15 and type 17. Among the four donors typing weak D, two carried weak D type 15, one RHD(K409K), and one the novel weak D type 43. Critical molecular characteristics of RHD(K409K) and its population frequencies were indistinguishable to those reported for the RHDel allele. Korean RHD allele frequencies are comparable to Chinese and Japanese frequencies. It is concluded that the RHDel allele may actually not exist but is identical to RHD(K409K). A practical RHD genotyping strategy applicable to D- donors in all East Asian populations was devised. The strategy requires four PCR-SSP procedures only for RHD intron 4 and exon 7 as well as RHD(K409K) and non-RHD(K409K).


Interventions for female drug-using offenders.
This is an updated version of a Cochrane review first published in Issue 3, 2006 (Perry 2006). The review represents one in a family of four reviews focusing on the effectiveness of interventions in reducing drug use and criminal activity for offenders. This specific review considers interventions for female drug-using offenders. To assess the effectiveness of interventions for female drug-using offenders in reducing criminal activity or drug use, or both. We searched 14 electronic bibliographic databases (between 2004 and 21st March 2013) and five additional web resources (between 2004 and November 2011). We contacted experts in the field for further information. We include randomised controlled trials designed to reduce, eliminate or prevent relapse in female drug-using offenders. We also report data on the cost and cost effectiveness of interventions. We used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. We identified 76 trials across the four reviews. Following a process of prescreening, we judged that 11 trials met the inclusion criteria of the specified review; four of the 11 trials are awaiting classification in the review. The remaining seven trials cover 1236 participants. The interventions included in this review report on therapeutic communities (TCs), gender-responsive treatment (GRT), use of case management and cognitive skills, and a pharmacological intervention using buprenorphine. Trial quality and risks of bias varied across each study. The majority of studies were rated as being at 'unclear' risk of bias due to a lack of descriptive information. Overall the interventions showed statistically significant reductions in self-reported drug use, (four studies, 734 participants, risk ratio (RR) 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 0.80) and re-incarceration, (four studies, 745 participants, RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.72). We found a statistically non-significant result for re-arrest (three studies, 803 participants, RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.53 to 1.19). Individual treatment results found that TCs and a GRT programme showed a statistically significant reduction in re-incarceration (one study, 509 participants, RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.60) but not for re-arrest, (one study, 314 participants, RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.03) and self-reported drug use (two studies, 825 participants, RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.14 to 1.53). Case management and cognitive skills programmes did not significantly reduce re-arrests, (one study, 183 participants RR 1.12; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.41) or self-reported drug use, (one study, 77 participants, RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.20 to 2.12), but did show a statistically significant reduction in re-incarceration, (three studies, 236 participants, RR 0.63; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.81). Buprenorphine did not significantly reduce self-reported drug use (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.25 to 1.35), but this result came from a single study with only 36 participants. Due to the small number of studies we were unable to analyse the impact of treatment setting on outcome. No cost and cost effectiveness evidence was reported in the studies. The seven trials show some positive results for the use of treatments to reduce self-reported drug use and subsequent re-incarceration. However, the studies overall showed a high degree of statistical variation, requiring a degree of caution in the interpretation of the magnitude of effect and direction of benefit for treatment outcomes. Descriptions of treatment modalities are required to identify the important elements for treatment success in drug-using female offenders. More trials are required to increase the confidence with which we can draw conclusions about the effectiveness of treatments for female drug-using offenders.


The impact of extensive clonal growth on fine-scale mating patterns: a full paternity analysis of a lily-of-the-valley population (Convallaria majalis).
The combination of clonality and a mating system promoting outcrossing is considered advantageous because outcrossing avoids the fitness costs of selfing within clones (geitonogamy) while clonality assures local persistence and increases floral display. The spatial spread of genetically identical plants (ramets) may, however, also decrease paternal diversity (the number of sires fertilizing a given dam) and fertility, particularly towards the centre of large clumped clones. This study aimed to quantify the impact of extensive clonal growth on fine-scale paternity patterns in a population of the allogamous Convallaria majalis. A full analysis of paternity was performed by genotyping all flowering individuals and all viable seeds produced during a single season using AFLP. Mating patterns were examined and the spatial position of ramets was related to the extent of multiple paternity, fruiting success and seed production. The overall outcrossing rate was high (91 %) and pollen flow into the population was considerable (27 %). Despite extensive clonal growth, multiple paternity was relatively common (the fraction of siblings sharing the same father was 0·53 within ramets). The diversity of offspring collected from reproductive ramets surrounded by genetically identical inflorescences was as high as among offspring collected from ramets surrounded by distinct genets. There was no significant relationship between the similarity of the pollen load received by two ramets and the distance between them. Neither the distance of ramets with respect to distinct genets nor the distance to the genet centre significantly affected fruiting success or seed production. Random mating and considerable pollen inflow most probably implied that pollen dispersal distances were sufficiently high to mitigate local mate scarcity despite extensive clonal spread. The data provide no evidence for the intrusion of clonal growth on fine-scale plant mating patterns.


Emergent Uterine Arterial Embolization Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate in Postpartum Hemorrhage with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation.
Although it is widely accepted that uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective therapeutic strategy for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), no consensus has been reached regarding the efficacy of UAE in patients with PPH with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients treated with UAE using NBCA for PPH between 2010 and 2015. The patients were divided into DIC and non-DIC groups, according to the obstetrical DIC score and the overt DIC diagnostic criteria issued by the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), and their clinical outcomes were compared. There were 28 patients treated with UAE using NBCA. Complete hemostasis was achieved by UAE in 19 of 28 patients. In eight of nine patients with unsuccessful hemostasis, surgical hemostatic interventions were performed after UAE, and hemostasis was achieved in seven patients. UAE using NBCA showed no significant intergroup differences in complete hemostasis according to the presence or absence of DIC based on obstetrical DIC score (70% versus 62.5%, P = 1.000) or ISTH DIC score (54.5% versus 76.5%, P = 0.409). UAE using NBCA may be a useful first-choice treatment for PPH with DIC.


The tobacco aquaporin NtAQP1 is a membrane CO2 pore with physiological functions.
Aquaporins, found in virtually all living organisms, are membrane-intrinsic proteins that form water-permeable complexes. The mammalian aquaporin AQP1 has also shown CO2 permeability when expressed heterologously in Xenopus oocytes, although whether this is a biochemical curiosity or of physiological significance is a matter of debate. Here we report that, in the same expression system, a CO2 permeability comparable to that of the human AQP1 is observed for the tobacco plasma membrane aquaporin NtAQP1. NtAQP1 facilitates CO2 membrane transport in the homologous plant system at the cellular level, and has a significant function in photosynthesis and in stomatal opening. NtAQP1 overexpression heightens membrane permeability for CO2 and water, and increases leaf growth. The results indicate that NtAQP1-related CO2 permeability is of physiological importance under conditions where the CO2 gradient across a membrane is small, as is the case between the atmosphere and the inside of a plant cell.


Frailty in Portuguese Older Patients From Convalescence Units: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome, associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, studies about frailty in continuous care units are scarce. In this way, this study aimed to assess frailty in older patients admitted in convalescence units (CUs) and analyze its association with demographic, social and clinical characteristics. This cross-sectional study included older patients admitted in eight CUs of the Integrated Continued Care National Network in Northern Portugal. Exclusion criteria were: total ≤ 11 in Glasgow coma scale, < 10 in mini-mental state examination or being unable to communicate. A comprehensive protocol was administered to assess health-related and lifestyle characteristics, comorbidity, dependence on activities of daily living (ADL), depressive and anxiety symptoms, cognition, and socio-familial risk. Frailty was assessed by Tilburg frailty indicator (TFI). A sample of 165 patients was included (median age = 77; 65% female), with 80% classified as frail, mostly women (P = 0.002), widowed (P = 0.016), shorter (P = 0.005), feeling more tired (P < 0.005) and with less energy (P < 0.005). Also, these patients reported more vision problems (P = 0.006), difficulties in walking (P = 0.022) and climbing stairs (P = 0.029), pain (P = 0.004), falls (P = 0.046), non-alcohol use (P = 0.043) and non-physical activity (P = 0.032). Frail patients had a higher number of previous hospitalizations (P = 0.018), comorbidity (P = 0.006), dependence on instrumental (P < 0.001) and basic (P = 0.006; P < 0.001) ADL, depressive (P < 0.001) and anxiety (P = 0.002) symptoms. After adjusting for covariates, frailty was associated with females (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.45, P = 0.011), vascular disease (aOR = 4.40, P = 0.040), vision problems (aOR = 10.85, P < 0.001), high dependency on instrumental ADL (aOR = 0.74, P = 0.002), and depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.37, P = 0.001). Frailty is high among older patients in CUs, particularly in females, with vascular disease, vision problems, instrumental ADL dependence and depressive symptoms. Thus, frailty should be screened, and preventive and therapeutic measures should be considered for those at high risk, in order to minimize possible negative consequences.


Phytochemical and anti-inflammatory properties of Scurrula ferruginea (Jack) Danser parasitising on three different host plants elucidated by NMR-based metabolomics.
Scurrula ferruginea (Jack) Danser is a hemi-parasitic shrub that is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine. To elucidate the anti-inflammatory activity of S. ferruginea parasitising on three different hosts of Vitex negundo L., Micromelum minutum (G. Forst.) Wight & Arn. and Tecoma stans (L.) Juss ex HBK., as well as, to determine the metabolite differences related to their anti-inflammatory properties. Two plant parts of S. ferruginea, stems and leaves, were extracted in water. The freeze-dried stem of S. ferruginea grown on T. stans was liquid-liquid partitioned into several solvents. Their potential anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The metabolite variation was examined using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H-NMR) combined with multivariate data analysis (MVDA). Scurrula ferruginea stems parasitising on T. stans and V. negundo which were freeze dried exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 114.47 ± 2.96 and 118.87 ± 2.31 μg/mL, respectively. The mid-polar ethyl acetate fraction of S. ferruginea hosted on T. stans displayed the highest NO inhibition with 84.80 ± 0.45% at 200 μg/mL. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated notable and clear discriminations among the different plant parts and host plants based on the identified metabolites. Furthermore, partial least squares (PLS) regression model suggested the anti-inflammatory bioactivity might be associated with the presence of choline, isoleucine, catechin, leucine and chlorogenic acid. This study suggests S. ferruginea could serve as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, highlighting the importance of T. stans as the host plant.


Plasma leptin concentrations are independently associated with insulin sensitivity in lean and overweight cats.
This study investigated relationships between plasma leptin, insulin concentrations, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in lean and overweight cats. Leptin concentrations were measured in 16 cats during glucose tolerance tests before and after gaining weight, and after feeding a test meal in overweight cats. An important finding of this study is that in both lean (r=-0.79) and overweight (r=-0.89) cats, the higher the leptin concentrations, the more insulin resistant the cat, independent of the degree of adiposity. Leptin concentrations at baseline and after consuming a meal tended to be higher in overweight cats with glucose intolerance, compared to overweight cats with normal glucose tolerance, although the difference was not significant. After feeding the test meal to overweight cats in the early morning, plasma leptin concentrations initially decreased before subsequently rising to peak 15 h later, which coincided with late evening. The leptin peak occurred 9 h after the insulin peak following ingestion of the test meal. Importantly, this study suggests that increased leptin concentrations may contribute to the diminished insulin sensitivity seen in overweight cats. Alternatively, the compensatory hyperinsulinaemia found with insulin resistance in overweight cats could stimulate leptin production.


To scan or not to scan? Efficacy of transthoracic ultrasonography for ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma screening in a large commercial UK sheep flock.
Transthoracic ultrasonography (TTUS) is currently the only widely used method to diagnose preclinical or subclinical ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) in the live sheep. However, little is known about the test characteristics of TTUS. One thousand and seventy-four breeding ewes in a flock with evidence of low OPA prevalence underwent TTUS by an experienced operator. Fifty-one sheep were diagnosed with OPA and underwent gross postmortem examination (PME). Lesions consistent with OPA were found in only 24% (12/51) of the culled ewes. Thirty-five percent (18/51) of culled ewes had gross lesions consistent with other pulmonary disease and 41% (21/51) had no detectable gross lesions on PME. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed OPA in only the 12 animals identified with OPA lesions from PME. Great caution should be exercised when deciding if TTUS is an appropriate screening test in groups of sheep where OPA prevalence may be anticipated to be low. TTUS is a subjective test and thus individual operator ability will influence the sensitivity and specificity of TTUS for OPA diagnosis while the underlying prevalence influences the eventual positive predictive value.


Disturbances of visual information processing in early states of psychosis and experimental delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol altered states of consciousness.
Recent data on alterations of the endogenous cannabinoid system in schizophrenia have raised the question of its functional role in this disease. The psychoactive compound of Cannabis sativa, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC), has been shown to induce psychotic symptoms, but it is unknown to what extend prodromal states of psychoses are reflected by these experimental approaches. This study compares four groups of subjects: antipsychotic-naïve patients suffering from acute paranoid schizophrenic or schizophreniform psychosis (SZ), patients in the prodromal state (IPS), healthy controls without any pharmacological intervention (HC) and a second group of healthy volunteers who were orally administered synthetic Delta9-THC (Dronabinol) (HC-THC). Neither SZ and IPS nor HC received the experimental drug. All subjects were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Binocular Depth Inversion Illusion Test (BDII). The latter represents a sensitive measure of impaired visual information processing that manifests in various experimental and naturally occurring psychotic states. BDII values were well comparable in SZ, IPS and HC-THC, and all groups differed significantly to HC. The BPRS revealed no significant difference between HC-THC and IPS while both were significantly different from SZ and HC, respectively. Our results suggest that Delta9-THC-induced altered states of consciousness may serve as a useful tool for modeling psychotic disorders, particularly their prodromal states. Furthermore, they provide insight into the perceptual and psychopathological alterations induced by Delta9-THC, which is essential for the understanding of the pro-psychotic effects of herbal cannabis preparations with highly enriched Delta9-THC content.


Pyogenic granuloma associated with bone loss in an eight year old child: A case report.
Soft tissue enlargements of the oral cavity often present a diagnostic challenge because a diverse group of pathologic processes can produce such lesions. An enlargement may represent a variation of normal anatomic structures, inflammation, cysts, developmental anomalies and neoplasm. Within these lesions is a group of reactive hyperplasias, which develop in response to a chronic, recurring tissue injury that stimulates an exuberant or excessive tissue repair response. The pyogenic granuloma is a reactive enlargement that is an inflammatory response to local irritation such as calculus, a fractured tooth, rough dental restoration and foreign materials. This article aims to present a case of pyogenic granuloma in 8 year old child patient associated with resorption of bone in relation to the tooth.


Efficacy of digital radiography for detecting a second mesiobuccal canal adjacent to unfilled or filled canals.
The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of digital periapical radiography for the detection of the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal when the adjacent canals are unfilled or filled with gutta percha. Forty human maxillary first molars were selected, 20 of which had an MB2 canal. The presence or absence of the MB2 canal was confirmed using microcomputed tomography. Digital periapical radiographs of each tooth were obtained from 3 horizontal angles before and after the adjacent root canals were filled with gutta percha. Three experienced oral radiologists evaluated all images and indicated the presence or absence of the MB2 canal using a confidence scale of 5 points. To assess intraobserver and interobserver agreement, weighted kappa coefficients were calculated. The diagnostic test (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) values were calculated and compared between groups (n = 40): radiographs of the first molars with unfilled adjacent canals and radiographs of the same teeth with filled adjacent canals. For all observers, intraobserver reproducibility ranged from substantial (0.70) to almost perfect (0.86), and interobserver reproducibility ranged from fair (0.39) to substantial (0.67). Similar values of specificity and Az for the detection of the MB2 canal were observed with unfilled and filled adjacent canals. The sensitivity and accuracy were slightly greater when the adjacent root canals were filled with gutta percha. Detection of the MB2 canal on digital periapical radiographs can be challenging even when obtained at varying horizontal angles, and the presence of gutta percha does not influence the detection.


Band engineering for novel two-dimensional atomic layers.
The discovery of graphene has sparked much interest in science and lead to the development of an ample variety of novel two-dimensional (2D) materials. With increasing research interest in the field of 2D materials in recent years, the researchers have shifted their focus from the synthesis to the modification of 2D materials, emphasizing their electronic structures. In this review, the possibilities of altering the band structures are discussed via three different approches: (1) alloying 2D materials, so called ternary 2D materials, such as hexagonal carbonized boron nitrides (h-BCN) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) ternary materials; (2) stacking 2D materials vertically, which results in 2D heterostructures named van der Waals (vdW) solids (using hexagonal boron nitrides (h-BN)/graphene and TMDs stacking as examples), and growing lateral TMDs heterostructrues; (3) controlling the thickness of 2D materials, that is, the number of layers. The electronic properties of some 2D materials are very sensitive to the thickness, such as in TMDs and black phosphorus (BP). The variations of band structures and the resulting physical properties are systematically discussed.


A comparison of 5-minute povidone-iodine scrub and 1-minute povidone-iodine scrub followed by alcohol foam.
The purpose of this study was to determine if a 1-minute scrub with povidone-iodine followed by alcohol foam is as effective as a 5-minute scrub with povidone-iodine in reducing skin bacterial counts. A 1-minute scrub with povidone-iodine followed by alcohol foam and a 5-minute scrub with povidone-iodine was done. In the first study, cultures were obtained after 1 hour, and in the second study, cultures were obtained after 2 hours. Cultures were obtained by imprinting the first, second, and third fingers on nutrient agar plates. Bacterial counts were then obtained at 24 and 48 hours. The study involved two groups of 12 participants and a total of 37 patients over a period of 5 months. The results show that there was no significant difference between the number of colonies cultured for the 1-minute scrub compared with the 5-minute scrub for either the 1-hour or the 2-hour study. In fact, the total number of bacterial colonies was less after the 1-minute scrub with alcohol foam than after the standard 5-minute scrub in both the 1-hour group (10 vs. 18) and the 2-hour group (18 vs. 44).


Rehabilitation of mine soils by phytostabilization: Does soil inoculation with microbial consortia stimulate Agrostis growth and metal(loid) immobilization?
Metal(loid) soil pollution resulting from mining activities is an important issue that has negative effects on the environment (soil acidification, lack of vegetation, groundwater pollution) and human health (cancer, chronic diseases). In the context of a phytostabilization process for the bioremediation of a mine soil highly contaminated by arsenic (As) and lead (Pb), a pot experiment was set up to study the effect of plant sowing and microbial inoculation on soil properties, metal(loid) (im)mobilization in soil and accumulation in plant, and plant growth. For this, mine soil was sown with endemic metallicolous Agrostis seeds and/or inoculated with endogenous microbial consortia previously selected for their As and Pb tolerance. Agrostis was able to develop on the contaminated mine soil and immobilized metal(loid)s through metal(loid) accumulation in the roots. Its growth was improved by microbial consortium inoculation. Moreover, microbial consortium inoculation increased soil organic content and electrical conductivity, and led to an increase in soil microbial activities (linked to C and P cycles); however, it also induced a metal(loid) mobilization. In conclusion, microbial consortium inoculation stimulated the growth of endemic Agrostis plants and thus ameliorated the phytostabilization of a former mine soil highly polluted by As and Pb. This study is thus a good example of the benefits of coupling several approaches such as phytostabilization and bioaugmentation for the bioremediation of former mine contaminated sites.


A Proposed Chaperone of the Bacterial Type VI Secretion System Functions To Constrain a Self-Identity Protein.
The bacterium Proteus mirabilis can communicate identity through the secretion of the self-identity protein IdsD via the type VI secretion (T6S) system. IdsD secretion is essential for self-versus-nonself recognition behaviors in these populations. Here we provide an answer to the unresolved question of how the activity of a T6S substrate, such as IdsD, is regulated before secretion. We demonstrate that IdsD is found in clusters that form independently of the T6S machinery and activity. We show that the IdsC protein, which is a member of the proposed DUF4123 chaperone family, is essential for the maintenance of these clusters and of the IdsD protein itself. We provide evidence that amino acid disruptions in IdsC are sufficient to disrupt IdsD secretion but not IdsD localization into subcellular clusters, strongly supporting the notion that IdsC functions in at least two different ways: maintaining IdsD levels and secreting IdsD. We propose that IdsC, and likely other DUF4123-containing proteins, functions to regulate T6S substrates in the donor cell both by maintaining protein levels and by mediating secretion at the T6S machinery.IMPORTANCE Understanding the subcellular dynamics of self-identity proteins is crucial for developing models of self-versus-nonself recognition. We directly addressed how a bacterium restricts self-identity information before cell-cell exchange. We resolved two conflicting models for type VI secretion (T6S) substrate regulation by focusing on the self-identity protein IdsD. One model is that a cognate immunity protein binds the substrate, inhibiting activity before transport. Another model proposes that DUF4123 proteins act as chaperones in the donor cell, but no detailed molecular mechanism was previously known. We resolve this discrepancy and propose a model wherein a chaperone couples IdsD sequestration with its localization. Such a molecular mechanism restricts the communication of identity, and possibly other T6S substrates, in producing cells.


Antinephritic effect of prostaglandin E1 on serum sickness nephritis in rats (5). Effect of PGE1 on disposal of heat-aggregated bovine serum albumin in the glomerulus.
In the present study, we investigated whether prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) could accelerate the disposal of heat-aggregated BSA (a-BSA) in the glomerulus by mesangial cells and/or resident mesangial cells. ICR mice were injected i.v. with 90 mg/100 g B.W. of a-BSA 3 times at 4-hr intervals. Kidneys were isolated at various times after the first injection of a-BSA. The location of a-BSA in the glomerulus was then detected by immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence. A-BSA was detected in the mesangium and along capillary walls by both techniques. The amount of glomerular a-BSA increased with time, attaining a peak about 12 to 14 hr after the first administration of a-BSA and then disappeared by 36 hr after. The mice injected with a-BSA 3 times received 150, 200, 300 and 400 micrograms/mouse of PGE1, s.c., and 200 and 400 micrograms/mouse of PGE2 or PGF2 alpha, s.c., at 12 hr; and their kidneys were isolated at 16 hr. The mice with 300 and 400 micrograms/mouse of PGE1 had 34.3% and 37.6% less a-BSA than the control mice, respectively. Additionally, the mice with 400 micrograms/mouse of PGE2 had 63.2% less a-BSA than the control mice. However, PGF2 alpha failed to reduce glomerular a-BSA to a level less than that of the control. In conclusion, we confirmed that PGE1 accelerates breakup of macromolecules by mesangial cells and/or resident mesangial cells in the glomerulus.


Role of targeted immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment: An overview.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid tumors with a high mortality rate and poor survival rate. Depending on the tumor stage, PDAC is either treated by resection surgery, chemotherapies, or radiotherapies. Various chemotherapeutic agents have been used to treat PDAC, alone or in combination. Despite the combinations, chemotherapy exhibits many side-effects leading to an increase in the toxicity profile amongst the PDAC patients. Additionally, these standard chemotherapeutic agents have only a modest impact on patient survival due to their limited efficacy. PDAC was previously considered as an immunologically silent malignancy, but recent findings have demonstrated that effective immune-mediated tumor cell death can be used for its treatment. PDAC is characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment accompanied by the major expression of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and M2 tumor-associated macrophages. In contrast, the expression of CD8+ T cells is significantly low. Additionally, infiltration of mast cells in PDAC correlates with the poor prognosis. Immunotherapeutic agents target the immunity mediators and empower them to suppress the tumor and effectively treat PDAC. Different targets are studied and exploited to induce an antitumor immune response in PDAC patients. In recent times, site-specific delivery of immunotherapeutics also gained attention among researchers to effectively treat PDAC. In the present review, existing immunotherapies for PDAC treatment along with their limitations are addressed in detail. The review also includes the pathophysiology, traditional strategies and significance of targeted immunotherapies to combat PDAC effectively. Separately, the identification of ideal targets for the targeted therapy of PDAC is also reviewed exhaustively. Additionally, the review also addresses the applications of targeted immunotherapeutics like checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell therapy etc.


Factors influencing health and safety practices among Vietnamese nail salon technicians and owners: A qualitative study.
This qualitative study explored factors that influence health and safety practices among Vietnamese nail salon technicians and owners. We conducted semi-structured focus group discussions and individual interviews with a sample of 17 Vietnamese nail salon technicians and owners in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Pennsylvania. Analysis of transcripts revealed perceived health benefits/concerns, knowledge about work-related hazards, salon's management and policies attributed to owners, client influence, external policies/regulations, and protective equipment-specific challenges were among factors affecting workplace health promotion practices at the salons. The study highlighted a complex interplay among the various stakeholders including nail technicians, owners, clients, policy makers, and enforcers. Interventions addressing barriers at the personal and organizational levels, as well as public policy change and enforcement are needed to create sustainable behavioral and organizational change in nail salons.


Synthetic peptides in the diagnosis of HIV infection.
Peptide-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays have been found to be enough sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus specific antibodies in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. This review provides an overview of the most important peptides developed for use as synthetic antigens in immunodiagnosis of HIV-infected patients. In particular, many studies have been devoted to discriminate between the two retroviruses HIV-1 and HIV-2, as well as different subtypes.


Solid crystal suspension of Efavirenz using hot melt extrusion: Exploring the role of crystalline polyols in improving solubility and dissolution rate.
Poor aqueous solubility of drugs has emerged as a major issue for pharmaceutical scientists from many decades. The current study explores the manufacture and development of a thermodynamically stabilized solid crystal suspension (SCS) of poorly water soluble drug efavirenz via hot melt extrusion. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and belongs to BCS class II. The SCS was prepared using pearlitol and xylitol as a crystalline carrier. The drug-excipient blend was processed by hot melt extrusion with up to 50% (w/w) drug loading. Physico-chemical characterization of the SCS conducted via a scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage microscopy confirmed that SCS are in crystalline state. Similarly, X-ray powder diffraction analysis revealed highly crystalline existence of pure drug, crystalline carriers and developed SCS. The FTIR chemical imaging analysis of SCS formulations showed a homogeneous drug distribution within respective crystalline carriers while an advanced chemical analysis via atomic force microscopy and Raman analysis complemented the foregoing findings. The developed SCS1 formulation showed up to 81 fold increase in the solubility and 4.1 fold increase in the dissolution rate of the drug compared to that of the bulk substance. Surprisingly, the developed SCS formulation remained stable for a period of more than one year at accelerated conditions inferred from dissolution studies. It can be concluded that the SCS approach can be used as an alternative contemporary technique to enhance the dissolution rates of many other poorly water-soluble drugs by means of thermal HME processing.


Differential proteomic analysis of proteins in wheat spikes induced by Fusarium graminearum.
Scab, caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a serious spike disease in wheat. To identify proteins in resistant wheat cultivar Wangshuibai induced by F. graminearum infection, proteins extracted from spikes 6, 12 and 24 h after inoculation were separated by 2-DE. Thirty protein spots showing 3-fold change in abundance when compared with treatment without inoculation were characterized by MALDI-TOF MS and matched to proteins by querying the mass spectra in protein databases or the Triticeae EST translation database. Based on their volume profiles, these proteins were classified into four categories. The first one fell off rapidly at the initial inoculation and then rose at 12 or 24 hai, the second one decreased considerably after inoculation and remained at low level, the third one rose at the initial inoculation and then declined at 12 or 24 hai, the forth one showed steady increase after inoculation and maintained at a high level. Many of the proteins identified in the first two categories are related to carbon metabolism and photosynthesis. While most of proteins identified in the last two categories are related to stress defense of plants, indicating that proteins associated with the defense reactions were activated or translated shortly after inoculation.


Analytical Methods in Tracing Honey Authenticity.
Honey is a precious natural product that is marketed with a wide range of nutritional and medicinal properties. However, it is also a product subjected to frequent adulteration through mislabeling and mixing with cheaper and lower-quality honeys and various sugar syrups. In that sense, honey authentication regarding its genuine botanical and geographical origins, as well as the detection of any adulteration, is essential in order to protect consumer health and to avoid competition that could create a destabilized market. Various analytical techniques have been developed to detect adulterations in honey, including measuring the ratios of stable isotopes (mostly 13C/12C) and the use of different spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical methods. This review aims to provide a cross-section of contemporary analytical methods used for the determination of honey authenticity in order to help the scientific community engaged in the field of honey chemistry make appropriate choices and select the best applications that should lead to improvements in the detection and elimination of fraudulent practices in honey manufacturing.


A teaching learning based optimization based on orthogonal design for solving global optimization problems.
In searching for optimal solutions, teaching learning based optimization (TLBO) (Rao et al. 2011a; Rao et al. 2012; Rao & Savsani 2012a) algorithms, has been shown powerful. This paper presents an, improved version of TLBO algorithm based on orthogonal design, and we call it OTLBO (Orthogonal Teaching Learning Based Optimization). OTLBO makes TLBO faster and more robust. It uses orthogonal design and generates an optimal offspring by a statistical optimal method. A new selection strategy is applied to decrease the number of generations and make the algorithm converge faster. We evaluate OTLBO to solve some benchmark function optimization problems with a large number of local minima. Simulations indicate that OTLBO is able to find the near-optimal solutions in all cases. Compared to other state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms, OTLBO performs significantly better in terms of the quality, speed, and stability of the final solutions.


Adenocarcinomas of appendix: a rare tumor. Two case reports.
Primary Adenocarcinomas of the appendix are rare tumor. Most commonly diagnosis was made after surgical pocedure of appendicectomy for suspect acute appendicitis and the pathology report confirms appendiceal neoplasm. Laboratory exams and imaging show low sensibility and specificity for preoperative diagnosis. We report two cases of primary mucinous adenocarcinoma in caucasian men misdiagnosed as having acute appendicitis. Appendicectomy was done and excised appendix was sent for histopathological examination. Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the appendix was confirmed after histopathological examination. Right hemicolectomy, peritonectomy and Intraoperative Hyperthermic Chemotherapy were done as a second stage procedure. The surgical treatment of these neoplasms depends from the histological stage and local presentation. Cytoreductive surgery associated with Intraoperative Hyperthermic Chemotherapy show best results in advanced cases.


External apical root resorption in African American orthodontic patients.
External apical root resorption (EARR) is a side effect of orthodontic treatment that results in root shortening. However, this condition has yet to be evaluated in African Americans. The aim of this study was to determine the EARR prevalence within this ethnicity and investigate how patient and treatment-related factors contribute to root resorption. The records of 336 African Americans treated at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics were retrospectively analyzed with Dolphin Imaging software. Pre-treatment and post-treatment panoramic radiographs were used to measure EARR. Resorption was recorded when final roots were at least 2 mm shorter after orthodontic treatment. Additionally, moderate and severe EARR was reported when 20% and 50% or more of the root structure was lost for any of the four maxillary incisors, respectively. The Pearson chi-square test was used to evaluate the associations of individual patient and treatment-related factors with EARR. The prevalence of root resorption with 2 mm or greater of root structure loss was 51.8%. The prevalence of ≥ 20% EARR was 29.8%. Only one patient displayed severe resorption (0.3%). The associations between the patient-specific and treatment-specific variables and EARR were not statistically significant (P > .05). More than half of the African American patients exhibit at least 2 mm of root resorption with orthodontic treatment. However, in this ethnicity, patient-related factors such as age, gender, dental malocclusion, and skeletal classifications, as well as treatment-related factors do not indicate a significant correlation with the risk of developing EARR.


The RuvA homologues from Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma pneumoniae exhibit unique functional characteristics.
The DNA recombination and repair machineries of Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma pneumoniae differ considerably from those of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Most notably, M. pneumoniae is unable to express a functional RecU Holliday junction (HJ) resolvase. In addition, the RuvB homologues from both M. pneumoniae and M. genitalium only exhibit DNA helicase activity but not HJ branch migration activity in vitro. To identify a putative role of the RuvA homologues of these mycoplasmas in DNA recombination, both proteins (RuvA(Mpn) and RuvA(Mge), respectively) were studied for their ability to bind DNA and to interact with RuvB and RecU. In spite of a high level of sequence conservation between RuvA(Mpn) and RuvA(Mge) (68.8% identity), substantial differences were found between these proteins in their activities. First, RuvA(Mge) was found to preferentially bind to HJs, whereas RuvA(Mpn) displayed similar affinities for both HJs and single-stranded DNA. Second, while RuvA(Mpn) is able to form two distinct complexes with HJs, RuvA(Mge) only produced a single HJ complex. Third, RuvA(Mge) stimulated the DNA helicase and ATPase activities of RuvB(Mge), whereas RuvA(Mpn) did not augment RuvB activity. Finally, while both RuvA(Mge) and RecU(Mge) efficiently bind to HJs, they did not compete with each other for HJ binding, but formed stable complexes with HJs over a wide protein concentration range. This interaction, however, resulted in inhibition of the HJ resolution activity of RecU(Mge).


Hardware Acceleration of the STRIKE String Kernel Algorithm for Estimating Protein to Protein Interactions.
Protein-protein interaction (PPI) is an important field in bioinformatics which helps in understanding diseases and devising therapy. PPI aims at estimating the similarity of protein sequences and their common regions. STRIKE was introduced as a PPI algorithm which was able to achieve reasonable improvement over existing PPI prediction methods. Although it consumes a lower execution time than most of other state-of the-art PPI prediction methods, its compute-intensive nature and the large volume of protein sequences in protein databases necessitate further time acceleration. In this paper, we develop hardware accelerator designs for the STRIKE algorithm. Results indicate that the weighted STRIKE accelerator execution times are about 10x longer than the unweighted STRIKE accelerator execution times. To further accelerate the performance of the weighted STRIKE, a parallel module accelerator organization duplicating the weighted STRIKE modules is introduced, achieving near linear speedups for long sequences of 100 or more characters. As demonstrated by Verilog simulations and FPGA runs, the weighted STRIKE module accelerator exhibits three orders of magnitude speed improvement over multi-core and cluster computers. Much higher speedups are possible with the parallel module accelerator.


Assessment of Multiple Risk Outcomes, Strengths, and Change with the START:AV: A Short-Term Prospective Study with Adolescent Offenders.
The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability: Adolescent Version (START:AV; Nicholls, Viljoen, Cruise, Desmarais, & Webster, 2010; Viljoen, Cruise, Nicholls, Desmarais, & Webster, in preparation) is a clinical guide designed to assist in the assessment and management of adolescents' risk for adverse events (e.g., violence, general offending, suicide, victimization). In this initial validation study, START:AV assessments were conducted on 90 adolescent offenders (62 male, 28 female), who were prospectively followed for a 3-month period. START:AV assessments had good to excellent inter-rater reliability and strong concurrent validity with Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth assessments (SAVRY; Borum, Bartel, & Forth, 2006). START:AV risk estimates and Vulnerability total scores predicted multiple adverse outcomes, including violence towards others, offending, victimization, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. In addition, Strength total scores inversely predicted violence, offending, and street drug use. During the 3-month follow-up, risk estimates changed in at least one domain for 92% of youth, and 27% of youth showed reliable changes in Strength and/or Vulnerability total scores (reliable change index, 90% confidence interval; Jacobsen & Truax, 1991). While these findings are promising, a strong need exists for further research on the START:AV, the measurement of change, and on the role of strengths in risk assessment and treatment-planning.


The Number of Central Lymph Nodes on Preoperative Ultrasound Predicts Central Neck Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Prospective Cohort Study.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the number of central compartment lymph nodes (CLNs) on ultrasound (US) in predicting CLN metastasis (CLNM). We prospectively studied 309 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients who underwent thyroidectomy with CLN dissection at our center from May 2017 to July 2017. The number and features of CLNs were evaluated preoperatively via US. All US examinations were performed using a Philips iU 22 or a GE Logiq 9 machine. Correlations between CLNs observed via preoperative US and amount of CLNM were evaluated. We found that ≥2 CLNs on the preoperative US was associated with CLNM (P < 0.01). For this feature, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were 54.3%, 66.1%, and 0.61, respectively. The presence of both suspected metastasis and ≥2 CLNs on US had a specificity of 86.5%. In addition, ≥3 CLNs on preoperative US was associated with large-volume CLNM (>5 metastatic CLNs) (P < 0.01). For this feature, the sensitivity, specificity and AUC were 54.8%, 74.5% and 0.65, respectively. The presence of both suspected metastasis and ≥3 CLNs on US had a specificity of 84.9%. The presence of suspected metastasis and/or ≥3 CLNs had a sensitivity of 80.6%. Our results suggest that ≥2 and ≥ 3 CLNs on preoperative US may serve as ancillary preoperative markers for predicting CLNM.


Effect of operating conditions on speciation and bioavailability of trace metals in submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors.
This study investigated the effect of changes in pH (7, 6.5 and 6), hydraulic retention time (HRT) (6h, 4h, and 2h), solids retention time (SRT) (100d and 25d) on the speciation of trace metals (TMs) in submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors (SAMBRs). The results showed that the metal retention capacity of SAMBRs reduced when the pH, HRT and SRT were reduced i.e. up to 21.9%, 39.1%, and 17.1%, respectively, but it was also found that the speciation of these TMs generally shifted towards highly bioavailable fractions i.e. Soluble and Exchangeable. The degree of shifting in speciation depended on the affinity of the TMs for anaerobic sludge and their sensitivity to the changes. TMs with the most and the least significant changes in speciation were Fe and Mn, respectively.


Potential impacts of Russo-Ukraine conflict and its psychological consequences among Ukrainian adults: the post-COVID-19 era.
Since February 2022, the nation of Ukraine has become entangled in an escalating conflict that erupted after coronavirus outbreak fostering a situation of indeterminacy and precariousness, which adversely affected several facets, especially psychological well-being. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the psychological well-being of Ukrainians during the Russo-Ukraine war, as well as their coping strategies in response to the war's repercussions. Consequently, this investigation endeavors to explore the prevalence of symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia and to correlate these symptoms with Ukrainians' effective coping mechanisms during the ongoing war. An online survey was administered in Ukraine from June to August 2022 due to the ongoing Russo-Ukraine conflict. The survey employed a quota sampling technique, targeting 2,664 individuals (≥18 years). Out of the total sample, 1,833 valid responses were obtained, yielding a response rate of 68. 81%. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21), while the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was utilized to evaluate insomnia symptoms. In addition, Brief-COPE was adopted to evaluate the coping mechanisms of the selected study participants. Of 1,833 Ukrainian adults, 60.5% had symptoms of stress; 62.4% of them reported symptoms of anxiety; and 58.2% reported symptoms of depression. Symptom criteria for insomnia were found in about 21.8% of the study sample. The factors of sex, living area, area occupied by Russian forces, and having older adults and children in the house were statistically significant with symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The productive coping strategies of self-distraction, using instrumental support, planning, and behavioral disengagement, were observed as statistically significant with four psychological constructs. The study outcomes highlight a substantial prevalence of symptoms related to depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia attributed to the accumulated consequences of ongoing conflict and the COVID-19 outbreak. The aforementioned findings emphasize the imperative of providing healthcare services and facilitating effective coping strategies among Ukrainians amid the ongoing war.


Hematological and biochemical studies in children with Down syndrome.
Eighty-three children with Down syndrome were submitted to hematological and biochemical studies; 69 normal children were included as controls. The variables analyzed were: HbF, HbA2, serum B12 vitamin (B12), folates, total iron and iron binding capacity, hematic cytology, and the red blood cell enzymes adenosine deaminase (ADA), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The most relevant results were: macrocytosis, normal leucocytes, HbF, B12 and folates, as well as high levels of the enzymes ADA and G6PD. An indirect association between macrocytosis, ADA and G6PD is discussed.


Is glaucoma blindness a disease of deprivation and ignorance? A case-control study for late presentation of glaucoma in India.
The aim was to identify the presenting symptoms and social risk factors for late presentation of primary glaucoma in newly diagnosed cases. It was a case-control study in a tertiary eye care center in Maharashtra, India. Newly diagnosed patients with primary glaucoma were classified as cases (late presenters) where there was no perception of light in one eye or severe visual field loss affecting an area within 20° of fixation or a cup-disc (C:D) ratio ≥0.8 and controls (early presenters), presenting relative scotoma within 20° of fixation or a C:D ratio <0.8, but >0.5. All patients underwent a comprehensive ocular examination including gonioscopy, perimetry, and detailed family and social history. Occupation, education, and socioeconomic status were graded. SPSS version 12.0 was used, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Gradual progressive painless loss of vision was the commonest symptom (175, 87.5%). Primary angle closure glaucoma was more common in females (P = 0.001) and lower socioeconomic groups (P = 0.05). Patients who were less educated were more likely to have late presentation of glaucoma (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02-0.25). Knowledge of family history of glaucoma (P = 0.80, odds ratio = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.36-3.71) and eye clinic attendance in past 2 years still resulted in late presentation (P = 0.45, odds ratio = 1.34, 95% CI, 0.63-2.82). Lack of education and awareness of glaucoma were major risk factors for late presentation.


Coexistence of serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome: does it exist?
We report a 21-year-old man with bipolar disorder who was on a stable dose of escitalopram and risperidone. Tramadol and cough syrup (dextromethorphan) were added for his recent attack of upper respiratory tract infection. However, he developed various neurological symptoms. Haloperidol and ondansetron were added after hospitalisation. However, his condition deteriorated. A diagnosis of serotonin syndrome (SS) was made, and cyproheptadine was started. Cyproheptadine provided relief in most of the symptoms within 48 hours except for the presence of fever and rigidity. The addition of bromocriptine provided a complete resolution of the symptoms. We considered the presence of both SS and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in this case. There are four similar cases in the literature. We discussed a diagnostic and therapeutic approach for patients who are on both serotonergic agents and neuroleptics and develop SS-like or NMS-like clinical features.


Usefulness of Optimization of Interventricular Delay Using an Electrical Cardiometry Method in Patients with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Implantation.
There are no studies examining interventricular (VV) delay optimization by an electrical cardiometry method in relation to subsequent cardiac function in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) -implanted patients. This study aimed to compare the VV delay in CRT-implanted patients by the dp/dt and electrical cardiometry and to examine the optimization of VV delay and improvement of cardiac function. We examined 19 consecutive CRT-implanted patients. The protocol included biventricular stimulation with either simultaneous or sequential pacing, and we evaluated systolic volume (SV) using an electrical cardiometry and the dp/dt of the left ventricle. The optimal VV delay was determined by the maximum SV using the electrical cardiometry. Two groups were defined, those whose increase in SV was at or above the median and those whose SV increase was below the median; changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The correlation between the VV delay optimized by the electrical cardiometry and dp/dt methods was high (R = 0.61, P = 0.006). Compared to the baseline SV (43.4 mL), the SV increased to 47.8 mL with simultaneous biventricular pacing (versus baseline P = 0.008) and further increased to 49.8 mL with optimized VV delay (versus simultaneous biventricular pacing P = 0.020). LVEF after 6 months significantly improved in the above-median SV increase group (37.6 versus 28.2%, P = 0.041), but not in the below-median SV increase group (26.5 versus 26.5%, P = 0.985). In conclusion, the optimal VV delay by electrical cardiometry method was almost concordant with that by the dp/dt method. Cardiac function significantly improved in the group with the above-median SV increase.


Safety of Daiobotampito in the Treatment of Acute Diverticulitis of the Colon: A Single-Center, Open-Label, Prospective Trial.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of daiobotampito in the treatment of acute diverticulitis of the colon. We conducted a single-center, open-label, prospective study. Ten patients who suffered from diverticulitis of the colon were recruited. The patients were treated with fasting, antibacterial agents, and daiobotampito extract for 10 days in or out of hospital. The patients individually recorded their body temperature, grade of abdominal pain, number of times that analgesics were used, and number of stools daily. We checked whether the patients had adverse reactions such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. No patients experienced serious adverse reactions. One patient had moderate abdominal pain and diarrhea soon after daiobotampito intake. This patient discontinued daiobotampito on day 4, and the pain and diarrhea quickly resolved. The abdominal pain of this patient was worse 6 days before treatment, and the pain was almost relieved with initial daiobotampito treatment. Daiobotampito is a safe treatment option for early stage, acute diverticulitis.


Autogenous interpositional block graft vs onlay graft for horizontal ridge augmentation in the mandible.
Interpositional block graft revealed promising results in vertical ridge augmentation in the mandible, while scarce evidence is available regarding the use of interpositional block graft for horizontal ridge augmentation in the mandible. To compare the efficacy of autogenous block interpositional graft vs onlay graft in terms of horizontal ridge augmentation in the mandible. Twenty patients were randomly divided in two groups interpositional and onlay groups, using autogenous blocks harvested from the mandibular symphysis as the donor site. For the interpositional group, the mandibular ridge was split and the harvested block was inserted in the created space and fixated using titanium screws. For the onlay group, the defect site was decorticated and the harvested block was firmly fixated buccally using titanium screws. Immediate and 4 months postoperative cone beam computed tomography scans were taken for assessment. In the interpositional group, the mean preoperative bone width was 3.85 ± 0.6 mm, after 4 months, the mean bone width was 8.84 ± 0.54 mm. While in the onlay group, the mean preoperative bone width was 3.74 ± 0.83 mm while after 4 months the mean bone width was 7.37 ± 1.98 mm. this was statistically significant. Within the limits of this study, interpositional block graft appears to be a viable treatment option for horizontal ridge augmentation in the mandible.


A randomized, controlled trial of corneal collagen cross-linking in progressive keratoconus: three-year results.
To report the refractive, topographic, and clinical outcomes 3 years after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in eyes with progressive keratoconus. Prospective, randomized controlled trial. One hundred eyes with progressive keratoconus were randomized into the CXL treatment or control groups. Cross-linking was performed by instilling riboflavin 0.1% solution containing 20% dextran for 15 minutes before and during the 30 minutes of ultraviolet A irradiation (3 mW/cm(2)). Follow-up examinations were arranged at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. The primary outcome measure was the maximum simulated keratometry value (Kmax). Other outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA; measured in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] units), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA; measured in logMAR units), sphere and cylinder on subjective refraction, spherical equivalent, minimum simulated keratometry value, corneal thickness at the thinnest point, endothelial cell density, and intraocular pressure. The results from 48 control and 46 treated eyes are reported. In control eyes, Kmax increased by a mean of 1.20±0.28 diopters (D), 1.70±0.36 D, and 1.75±0.38 D at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively (all P <0.001). In treated eyes, Kmax flattened by -0.72±0.15 D, -0.96±0.16 D, and -1.03±0.19 D at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively (all P <0.001). The mean change in UCVA in the control group was +0.10±0.04 logMAR (P = 0.034) at 36 months. In the treatment group, both UCVA (-0.15±0.06 logMAR; P = 0.009) and BSCVA (-0.09±0.03 logMAR; P = 0.006) improved at 36 months. There was a significant reduction in corneal thickness measured using computerized videokeratography in both groups at 36 months (control group: -17.01±3.63 μm, P <0.001; treatment group: -19.52±5.06 μm, P <0.001) that was not observed in the treatment group using the manual pachymeter (treatment group: +5.86±4.30 μm, P = 0.181). The manifest cylinder increased by 1.17±0.49 D (P = 0.020) in the control group at 36 months. There were 2 eyes with minor complications that did not affect the final visual acuity. At 36 months, there was a sustained improvement in Kmax, UCVA, and BSCVA after CXL, whereas eyes in the control group demonstrated further progression.


Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Vitamin K Antagonist-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage - Global Evidence and the Japanese Perspective.
Patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are at increased risk of bleeding. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this population, and is a particular concern among Japanese clinicians, given reports of an elevated risk of this bleeding type in patients of Asian ethnicity. Patients with VKA-associated ICH require rapid international normalized ratio (INR) reversal, and treatment guidelines suggest the use of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) or plasma for this purpose. Although European and US guidelines recommend PCCs for the treatment of VKA-associated major bleeding, they do not make a specific recommendation in the setting of ICH, owing to the lack of comparative evidence. In contrast, Japanese guidelines recommend the use of PCCs rather than plasma for VKA reversal in patients with ICH; however, these agents are not currently licensed in Japan for this indication. Here we review the available evidence on the use of PCCs for the treatment of VKA-associated ICH, both globally and specifically in Japanese settings. Overall, the evidence reviewed here supports the use of PCC for rapid VKA reversal in these patients.


Brain substance P receptors in Parkinson's disease.
The distribution of SP receptors was studied both in the normal human brain and in the parkinsonian brain by means of tritiated SP. The highest levels of binding were found in the striatal areas and in the NbM. The distribution was similar to that found in laboratory animals in earlier studies. In PD the binding was significantly reduced in the NbM and parietal cortex as compared with controls. The level of SPLI was reduced in both parts of the SN, in the NbM, and in the GPi.


Optimized Peppermint Essential Oil Microcapsules Loaded into Gelatin-Based Cryogels with Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity.
In this study, chitosan (Chi) was used to microencapsulate peppermint essential oil (PEO). A novel gelatin-based cryogel loaded with PEO microcapsules was further developed and characterized for potential applications. Four different cryogel systems were designed, and the morphological, molecular, physical and antibacterial properties were investigated. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of PEO, alone and microcapsulated, incorporated into the cryogel network were evaluated. The observed gel structure of cryogels exhibited a highly porous morphology in the microcapsules. The highest values of the equilibrium swelling ratio were acquired for the GelCryo-ChiCap and GelCryo-PEO@ChiCap samples. The contact angle GelCryo-PEO@ChiCap sample was lower than the control (GelCryo) due to the water repelling of the essential oil. It has been found that the incorporation of encapsulated PEO into the cryogels would be more advantageous compared to its direct addition. Moreover, GelCryo-PEO@ChiCap cryogels showed the strongest antibacterial activities, especially against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria). The system that was developed showed promising results, indicating an improved antibacterial efficacy and enhanced structural properties due to the presence of microcapsules. These findings suggest that the system may be an appropriate candidate for various applications, including, but not limited to, drug release, tissue engineering, and food packaging. Finally, this system demonstrates a strategy to stabilize the releasing of the volatile compounds for creating successful results.


Sexual harassment at work within Belgian Defence: a prevalence study.
Sexual harassment (SH) at work can have an impact on the general health and well-being and on the productivity of the employee. To date, the Belgian Armed Forces do not have any accurate data about SH. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of SH within Belgian Defence. The prevalence of SH and staff mental well-being was investigated in a sample of 399 female soldiers. Using quantitative analysis, we measured the impact on mental well-being and the relation to demographic characteristics. Using a qualitative analysis in a subsample of eight female soldiers, we investigated barriers to reporting SH and the impact on professional performance and psychosocial well-being. The prevalence of non-physical SH is 36.1% over the last 12 months and 64.4% over the course of a career. Physical SH has a prevalence of 16.1% and 43.4%, respectively. Rape prevalence was reported to be 1.4% over the past 12 months, 9% over the course of their career.One in three female soldiers suffer from reduced mental well-being, which was significantly associated with SH. In the interviews, female employees report an impact of SH on professional and personal performance. The willingness to report is low due to misunderstanding, disinformation and psychosocial insecurity. High prevalence numbers were found suggesting an important impact on the professional performance and mental well-being of female military personnel. Organisational changes may create more willingness among victims to report incidents to the designated services.


Artery balloon angioplasty and depression symptoms.
Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) as a chronic disease is associated with physical, psychological and social distress for elderly patients and their families. The study has three main aims: 1. to evaluate the occurrence and the relevance of depression symptoms in patients with PAOD, 2. to evaluate the effect of age and Fontaine stage of PAOD on relevance of depression in patients with PAOD, and 3. to evaluate the effect of artery balloon angioplasty (ABA) on occurence and relevance of depression symptoms. The study was prospective and longitudinal. Dates were obtained during year 2006. The total number of subjects with PAOD was 42 (28 males, 14 females). Thirty subjects with PAOD (20 male, 10 female) treated by ABA filled in Zung's scale 3-6 months after ABA (61%). The mean age of all subjects was 65.4 years (aged 45-79). The evaluation of occurrence and relevance of depression was performed with Czech version of Zung self-rating depression scale (ZSRS). The mean Zung self-rating depression score (ZSRDS) certifies the presence of signs of minimum or mildly depression in patients with PAOD. The results proved statistically significant dependence of depression on age and on Fontaine stage of PAOD. Also, the results proved that artery balloon angioplasty has a highly positive effect on occurrence and relevance of depression symptoms. The results had shown the existence of the association between PAOD, depression and ABA.


[Functional evaluation of the penile venous system using dynamic pharmaco-cavernosometry and cavernosography].
The penile venous system plays an important role in the haemodynamics of erection. Failure of the venous occlusive mechanism leads to venous incompetence and impotence. The authors have examined the functional capacity of the penile venous system by dynamic pharmacocavernosometry in 31 patients with erectile dysfunction. This diagnostic tool enables to evaluate quantitatively the extent of the venous incompetence. In 26 patients it was possible to localize cavernosographically the site of venous leakage through one of the three venous systems draining the penis. Dynamic cavernosometry and cavernosography together with systematic knowledge of the anatomy of the penile venous system are of primary importance for correct diagnosis and treatment of the erectile dysfunction caused by venous incompetence. (Tab. 2, Fig. 7, Ref. 27.)


Barriers to reporting sexual assault for women and men: perspectives of college students.
The authors asked college students to rate the importance of a list of barriers to reporting rape and sexual assault among male and female victims. The authors' findings indicate that barriers prevalent 30 years ago, prior to efforts by the rape reform movement, continue to be considered important among college men and women. The barriers rated as the most important were (1) shame, guilt, embarrassment, not wanting friends and family to know; (2) concerns about confidentiality; and (3) fear of not being believed. Both genders perceived a fear of being judged as gay as an important barrier for male victims of sexual assault or rape and fear of retaliation by the perpetrator to be an important barrier for female victims.


KCNQ2-Neonatal Epileptic Encephalopathy Complicated by Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Report.
Introduction: Mutations in KCNQ2 are related to a spectrum of neonatal epileptic phenotypes. Here we report a case of KCNQ2-related neonatal epileptic encephalopathy (KCNQ2-NEE) that is complicated by an incidentally found ventricular tachycardia. Case Presentation: An infant boy presented with very early onset refractory focal tonic seizures and developmental delay, and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Trio-whole exome sequencing identified a previously reported de novo mutation in KCNQ2 [c.794C>T; p. (Ala265Val)], a known pathogenic variant for KCNQ2-NEE. Interestingly, ventricular tachycardia was incidentally found on electrocardiography. Conclusions: We here suggest the possibility of a potential electrophysiologic link between the two phenotypes and that they may be attributable to the same de novo mutation.


Validation of a Romanian version of the short form of the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) for use in an urban adult population.
To obtain a valid Romanian version of the OHIP-14 for use among Romanian adults, either in Romania or abroad. The Romanian version of the OHIP-14 was obtained through the back translation technique and pre-tested in a pilot study. Subsequently, it was self-administered to 187 adults who also underwent a clinical examination. Cronbach alpha was used to check the internal consistency and reliability analysis and validity tests were used to determine the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. The Cronbach alpha coefficient obtained was 0.88. Inter-item correlation coefficients were between 0.01 and 0.74; item-total correlation values ranged between 0.25 and 0.77. There were statistically significant associations (p <= 0.001) between the respondents' self-perceived oral health (r = 0.41), the dental treatment need (r = 0.35) and the mean of the OHIP-14 total scores. Similar statistically significant associations (p <= 0.001) existed between the OHIP-14 total scores mean and the clinical data - the number of decayed (D) and of missing (M) teeth and the prosthetic treatment need - proving the construct validity of the questionnaire. The subscales 'physical pain' and 'psychological disability' have the most important impact on the overall OHIP-14 score. The subscales 'social disability' and 'handicap' seem to make the least contribution to the overall OHIP-14 score. The Romanian version of the OHIP-14 is a valid and reliable questionnaire that can be used in future studies.


Local intra-arterial administration of urokinase in the treatment of a feline distal aortic thromboembolism.
A 5-year old neutered male cat was admitted to our hospital in the early morning with sudden onset of bilateral hindlimbs paralysis. Conservative anticoagulant therapy using heparin, warfarin, and dipyridamole, and thrombolytic therapy with urokinase administered by intravenous infusion were started. However, no improvement was noted even after 2 days of treatment, and the cat was started on local intra-arterial administration of urokinase via a catheter on disease day 3. Successful thrombolysis could be accomplished by this approach, and the motor function of both hindlimbs recovered on disease day 5. The cat could be discharged on disease day 9. Complications such as hemorrhage and hyperkalemia were not observed during the thrombolytic therapy. These results suggest that local intra-arterial administration of urokinase may be an effective approach for the treatment of FATE.


Comparison of methods for activating mouse oocytes for spermatid nucleus transfer.
In the mouse, mature oocytes injected with prespermatozoal cell nuclei remain unactivated. Additional stimulation is needed to trigger oocyte activation leading to embryo development. We compared various electrical stimulations, treatment with cycloheximide alone or in combination with electrical stimulation, and injection of sperm-borne oocyte-activating factor (oscillogen) in terms of their oocyte activation and embryo development rates. Of all the treatments tested, a single electrical pulse (1.0 kV/ cm, 128 microns) was the simplest, yet very effective, in allowing the development of the oocytes injected with spermatid nuclei.


Leukocyte adhesion, edema, and development of postischemic capillary no-reflow.
The aim of this study was to determine whether the formation of edema that occurs secondary to the neutrophil-dependent increase in microvascular permeability contributes to the genesis of no-reflow in postischemic skeletal muscle. To address this issue, four experimental approaches were used. In the first group, capillary perfusion was assessed in nonischemic canine gracilis muscles in which interstitial fluid volume was increased to a level similar to that in postischemic muscle. In the second and third groups, edema formation was prevented in postischemic skeletal muscles by administration of phalloidin or a hypertonic hyperosmotic saline-dextran solution (HSD; 7.5% saline-6% Dextran 70), and the extent of capillary no-reflow was assessed. In the final group of experiments, a monoclonal antibody (MAb) that binds to the common beta-subunit of the leukocyte integrin CD11/CD18 (MAb IB4) was administered after the development of postischemic edema, and capillary perfusion was determined. Formation of edema in nonischemic preparations and ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) were associated with marked reduction in the number of patent capillaries per fiber (1.2 +/- 0.1 and 0.4 +/- 0.1, respectively) compared with nonedematous nonischemic controls (2.5 +/- 0.3). Treatment with phalloidin or HSD prevented edema formation and attenuated the reduction in the number of patent capillaries per fiber (1.62 +/- 0.2 and 1.71 +/- 0.2, respectively) induced by I-R, whereas administration of MAb IB4 after the formation of edema in reperfused muscles failed to limit capillary no-reflow (0.5 +/- 0.1 patent capillaries/fiber).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Fluprostenol in mares: clinical trials for the treatment of infertility.
Fluprostenol (ICI 81,008) is a 16-aryloxyprostaglandin, structurally related to PGF2alpha. It is a highly potent luteolytic agent, being effective in thoroughbred mares at a single intramuscular dose of 250 mug and having a wide margin of safety in this species. A total of 941 mares have been treated with fluprostenol in an international trial, for various forms of infertility associated with abnormal persistence of luteal function. These mares were selected for treatment on the basis of clinical examination and 760 (approximately 80 per cent) responded fluprostenol by showing oestrus within seven days of the injection. The fertility of the oestrus following prostaglandin-induced luteal regression has been consistently shown to be normal. A number of causes have been identified for the lack of response in the remaining 20 per cent of animals.


CFD modeling of the underwash effect of military helmets as a possible mechanism for blast-induced traumatic brain injury.
Underwash occurs as the incoming shockwaves enter the helmet subspace and develop a high pressure region at the opposite side of the head. The mechanism leading to the underwash is yet not well understood. To investigate this effect, the turbulent, supersonic flow of compressible air approaching the head-helmet assembly from different directions was studied through computational fluid dynamics simulations. The effects of different incident overpressures and helmet gap size on the underwash incidence were further evaluated. The backflow-induced pressure from the air traveling outside of the helmet on the outflow from the helmet, as well as the momentum change in the backside curve of the helmet were postulated as the main reasons for this effect. Side shockwaves predicted the highest underwash overpressures. The increase rate of the underwash reduced with increasing the incident shockwave intensity.


Exercise combined with heat treatment improves insulin resistance in diet-induced obese rats.
Insulin resistance is a risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, which seriously threaten human health. Thus, finding a safe, effective and economical strategy to treat insulin resistance is urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise combined with heat treatment on the insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle of diet-induced obese (DIO) rats. Obese rats were induced by a 10-week high-fat diet and were randomly divided into normal temperature + control (NC), normal temperature + exercise (NE), heat treatment + control (HC) and heat treatment + exercise (HE) groups for 7 weeks of incremental load endurance exercise and heat treatment (exposure to a high-temperature environment room). At the end of the 7-week intervention, we measured fasting blood glucose, serum fasting insulin, serum leptin, serum adiponectin, protein expression of HSF1/HSP27 and JAK2/STAT3 pathway in soleus (primarily composed of slow-twitch fibres) and extensor digitorum longus (primarily composed of fast-twitch fibres) muscles. The results showed that exercise combined with heat treatment can effectively improve insulin resistance by regulating HSF1/HSP27 and JAK2/STAT3 pathways in the slow-twitch muscle of DIO rats. Importantly, exercise combined with heat treatment is more effective in improving insulin resistance in DIO rats than exercise or heat treatment alone. Low-moderate intensity exercise that stimulates slow-twitch muscle, combined with heat treatment is an effective strategy to treat insulin resistance.


Current and future methods of probiotic therapy for necrotizing enterocolitis.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a complex intestinal disease that primarily affects premature neonates. Given its significant mortality and morbidity, there is an urgent need to develop improved prophylactic measures against the disease. One potential preventative strategy for NEC is the use of probiotics. Although there has been significant interest for decades in probiotics in neonatal care, no clear guidelines exist regarding which probiotic to use or for which patients, and no FDA-approved products exist on the market for NEC. In addition, there is lack of agreement regarding the benefits of probiotics in neonates, as well as some concerns about the safety and efficacy of available products. We discuss currently available probiotics as well as next-generation probiotics and novel delivery strategies which may offer an avenue to capitalize on the benefits of probiotics, while minimizing the risks. Thus, probiotics may still prove to be an effective prevention strategy for NEC, although further product development and research is needed to support use in the preterm population.


The safety and tolerability of nintedanib in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease that primarily affects older individuals. Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of IPF in several countries. The safety and tolerability of nintedanib have been investigated in clinical trials and in real-world studies (compassionate use programs and post-marketing surveillance). Areas covered: Most frequent adverse events reported in patients treated with nintedanib (gastrointestinal); additional adverse events of special interest (elevations in liver enzymes, bleeding, cardiovascular adverse events); recommendations for managing adverse events. Expert opinion: Experience with nintedanib in real-world clinical practice suggests that it has a safety and tolerability profile consistent with that observed in clinical trials. Upon initiation of nintedanib, patient education, regular monitoring and proactive management of adverse events such as diarrhea are needed to minimize the risk of permanent treatment discontinuation. Algorithms are available to help manage diarrhea and liver enzyme elevations. Further investigation of the safety and tolerability profile of nintedanib when used in combination with pirfenidone is warranted.