Successful Aging from the Viewpoint of Older Adults: Development of a Brief Successful Aging Inventory (SAI).
Researcher-defined criteria for successful aging (SA) have been criticized for their limited perspective and failure to acknowledge subjective perceptions of older individuals. We assessed the extent to which older individuals consider specific factors, which they had suggested, to be important in defining SA. The present study had 2 objectives: (a) to develop a brief multidimensional questionnaire for assessing SA and to evaluate its psychometric properties; and (b) to examine age associations with each dimension of SA. A survey was conducted with 550 participants in a panel study of older adult residents of an elderly retirement community and with community-dwelling older adults, regarding factors that they considered to be important for SA. The psychometric evaluation involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability and validity analyses, and measurement invariance testing. Partial correlations were used to examine the association of age with SA. The 4-factor solution provided a satisfactory fit to the data: proactive engagement, wellness resources, positive spirit, and valued relationships. Metric measurement invariance for this factor structure was confirmed across 2 age groups. The findings also suggest that the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI) scale might be a useful predictor of SA. Our findings highlight the value of considering more comprehensive models of SA that include social relationships and proactive engagement.


Rupture mechanism of a liquid film.
The rupture mechanism of edge-supported liquid films appears to involve the viscous and drag energies as well as previously postulated kinetic and surface energies. Although details are obscure, the mechanism appears to involve a liquid-gathering process at the free edge, followed by fragmentation of this thickened edge into drops whose radii are approximately 50 times the film's original thickness.


A generalisable methodology for stability assessment of walking aid users.
To assist balance and mobility, older adults are often prescribed walking aids. Nevertheless, surprisingly their use has been associated with increased falls-risk. To address this finding we first need to characterise a person's stability while using a walking aid. Therefore, we present a generalisable method for the assessment of stability of walking frame (WF) users. Our method, for the first time, considers user and device as a combined system. We define the combined centre of pressure (CoPsystem) of user and WF to be the point through which the resultant ground reaction force for all feet of both the WF and user acts if theresultant moment acts only around an axisperpendicular tothe ground plane. We also define the combined base of support (BoSsystem) to be the convex polygon formed by the boundaries of the anatomical and WF feet in contact with the ground and interconnecting lines between them. To measure these parameters we have developed an instrumented WF with a load cell in each foot which we use together with pressure-sensing insoles and a camera system, the latter providing the relative position of the WF and anatomical feet. Software uses the resulting data to calculate the stability margin of the combined system, defined as the distance between CoPsystem and the nearest edge of BoSsystem. Our software also calculates the weight supported through the frame and when each foot (of user and/or frame) is on the floor. Finally, we present experimental work demonstrating the value of our approach.


Chromium-Modified Li4Ti5O12 with a Synergistic Effect of Bulk Doping, Surface Coating, and Size Reducing.
Bulk doping, surface coating, and size reducing are three strategies for improving the electrochemical properties of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO). In this work, chromium (Cr)-modified LTO with a synergistic effect of bulk doping, surface coating, and size reducing is synthesized by a facile sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis prove that Cr dopes into the LTO bulk lattice, which effectively inhibits the generation of TiO2 impurities. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verifies the surface coating of Li2CrO4 on the LTO surface, which decreases impedance of the LTO electrode. More importantly, the size of LTO particles can be significantly reduced from submicroscale to nanoscale as a result of the protection of the Li2CrO4 surface layer and the suppression from Cr atoms on the long-range order in the LTO lattice. As anode material, Li4-xCr3xTi5-2xO12 (x = 0.1) delivers a reversible capacity of 141 mAh g(-1) at 10 °C, and over 155 mAh g(-1) at 1 °C after 1000 cycles. Therefore, the Cr-modified Li4Ti5O12 prepared via a sol-gel method has potential for applications in high-power, long-life lithium-ion batteries.


Electro-optic probe measurements of electric fields in plasmas.
The direct measurements of high-frequency electric fields in a plasma bring about significant advances in the physics and engineering of various waves. We have developed an electro-optic sensor system based on the Pockels effect. Since the signal is transmitted through an optical fiber, the system has high tolerance for electromagnetic noises. To demonstrate its applicability to plasma experiments, we report the first result of measurement of the ion-cyclotron wave excited in the RT-1 magnetosphere device. This study compares the results of experimental field measurements with simulation results of electric fields in plasmas.


USP7 deubiquitinase controls HIV-1 production by stabilizing Tat protein.
Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are key regulators of complex cellular processes. HIV-1 Tat is synthesized early after infection and is mainly responsible for enhancing viral production. Here, we report that one of the DUBs, USP7, stabilized the HIV-1 Tat protein through its deubiquitination. Treatment with either a general DUB inhibitor (PR-619) or USP7-specific inhibitor (P5091) resulted in Tat protein degradation. The USP7-specific inhibitor reduced virus production in a latently infected T-lymphocytic cell line J1.1, which produces large amounts of HIV-1 upon stimulation. A potent increase in Tat-mediated HIV-1 production was observed with USP7 in a dose-dependent manner. As expected, deletion of the USP7 gene using the CRISPR-Cas9 method reduced the Tat protein and supported less virus production. Interestingly, the levels of endogenous USP7 increased after HIV-1 infection in human T-cells (MOLT-3) and in mammalian cells transfected with HIV-1 proviral DNA. Thus, HIV-1 Tat is stabilized by the host cell deubiquitinase USP7, leading to enhanced viral production, and HIV-1 in turn up-regulates the USP7 protein level.


Expression of membrane-associated mucins MUC1 and MUC4 in major human salivary glands.
Mucins are high molecular weight glycoproteins secreted by salivary glands and epithelial cells lining the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive tracts. These glycoproteins, encoded in at least 13 distinct human genes, can be subdivided into gel-forming and membrane-associated forms. The gel-forming mucin MUC5B is secreted by mucous acinar cells in major and minor salivary glands, but little is known about the expression pattern of membrane-associated mucins. In this study, RT-PCR and Northern blotting demonstrated the presence of transcripts for MUC1 and MUC4 in both parotid and submandibular glands, and in situ hybridization localized these transcripts to epithelial cells lining striated and excretory ducts and in some serous acinar cells. The same cellular distribution was observed by immunohistochemistry. Soluble forms of both mucins were detected in parotid secretion after immunoprecipitation with mucin-specific antibodies. These studies have shown that membrane-associated mucins are produced in both parotid and submandibular glands and that they are expressed in different cell types than gel-forming mucins. Although the function of these mucins in the oral cavity remains to be elucidated, it is possible that they both contribute to the epithelial protective mucin layer and act as receptors initiating one or more intracellular signal transduction pathways.


Mycoprotein as chicken meat substitute in nugget formulation: Physicochemical and sensorial characterization.
The aim of this study was to replace chicken breast by mycoprotein in nuggets and optimizing the sensory and technological properties. In the first step of the study, 14 formulations were prepared by mixture design to evaluate the impact of three binding agents (as independent variables): soy protein isolate, phosphate, and carrageenan on sensory properties. Then, the optimized formulation of mycoprotein nugget (with higher acceptability) was characterized and compared to chicken nugget (control) from texture, color, and physicochemical aspects. The texture attributes including hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of the optimized sample (1.37 kg, 0.70 mm, 0.56, and 0.53 kg.mm) had no significant difference (p > .05) compared to control. Based on the results, optimized sample had a lower lightness and yellowness (a*, b*, and L* were 3.06, 18.62, and 59.23, respectively) rather than the similar value of the control (2.20, 21.27, and 79.10, respectively), which indicated carrageenan did not lead to any significant impact (p > .05) on the color. Also, mycoprotein nugget showed 33% lower cooking loss in comparison to control. Moisture, protein, lipid, and ash in optimized sample were 57.9 ± 1.9, 24.1 ± 1.0, 13.2 ± 1.2, and 2.1 ± 0.5, respectively. Investigation on physicochemical properties shows an acceptable characterization in optimized sample in comparison to control. The results of this study present an opportunity to produce nonmeat nuggets with similar texture and acceptable sensory and technological characteristics by using mycoprotein as meat alternative. The production of mycoprotein is eco-friendly, not dependent on climate (flood and drought) and landscape limitation, which is an important aspect in meat alternatives in the near future.


A SHARED OPERATIVE FIELD AND THE DISPUTE--IS THERE A WAY OUT?
Submental intubation is an alternative to tracheostomy in patients requiring surgical access to both oral and nasal cavities. It is relatively safe, simple, and low morbidity procedure and requires only basic surgical equipment to perform. We successfully performed a submental intubation in a young patient with maxillofacial hypoplasia undergoing Le Fort I maxillary advancement without any intra- and post-operative complications.


Collaboration and importance of federally sponsored Superfund research programs.
Numerous studies have shown that the release of hazardous substances in the environment impact the environment and human health. Communities want to know if they have been exposed, if their health is affected, and how they can protect themselves. For environmental impacts the concerns include how best to clean up and manage the contamination, and protect the environment. The answers to these questions are complex and many times unknown. Three federal agencies conduct Superfund-related research to answer a wide range of questions from identifying contaminants of concern and health risks to determining effective cleanup and prevention strategies. This article discusses the research programs for the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Office of Research and Development), and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Superfund Basic Research Program). The three agencies collaborate on their research programs and research agenda setting activities. This introduction to Superfund-related research provides a foundation and context for the scientific articles in this special edition of the journal. Because of the magnitude of environmental and human health concerns, there is a critical need for additional research to address many challenging questions involving exposures, biological responses, and environmental technologies.


Provider perceptions of pharmacy-initiated tuberculosis referral services in Cambodia, 2005-2010.
Since 2005, private pharmacies linked to the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) and the Municipal Health Department in Phnom Penh have referred tuberculosis (TB) symptomatic patients to public sector TB clinics. To investigate the attitudes and practices of pharmacy-initiated referral service providers in Phnom Penh from 2005 to 2010. In a qualitative study, participants were purposively selected from the register of pharmacy owners providing referral services. Discussions were conducted in Khmer by trained facilitators. Participants discussed topics relating to their experiences and participation in the referral programme. In January 2011, 54 pharmacy owners participated in six focus group discussions held in Phnom Penh. Interpreted data showed consistency of message across all topics. The emergent themes-altruism, pragmatism and professionalism-underpinned owner commitment to programme goals. Issues associated with patient counselling, fear of infection and quality of care in public sector clinics were of concern to participants. Owners believed ongoing professional support, improved public sector patient care and media campaigns would strengthen their role. Pharmacy outlets provide further options for NTPs engaging with private sector providers. Recognising private provider needs and aspirations may be an essential component of public/private mix programmes to meet public health goals.


Clinical characteristics and early prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection undergoing joint arthroplasty during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The present study reported early clinical outcomes and perioperative precautions for medical staffs during joint arthroplasty procedures in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.The medical records of 8 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent joint arthroplasty from January 19 to September 24, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Perioperative precautions and follow-up (time length varies from 6 month to 13 months, 11 months in average) for SARS-CoV-2 infection of medical staffs were reported.All patients recovered well from both the primary disease and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Significant improved Visual analogue scale was observed with no major complications or recurrence of the COVID-19 at discharge. There was no evidence indicating SARS-CoV-2 infection in any health providers.Elective joint arthroplasties for patients in recovery period of SARS-CoV-2 infection could be continued under comprehensive preoperative evaluation and appropriate medical protection. For patients with currently confirmed or highly suspected COVID-19, the operation should be carried out only if it was essential.


[Prevalence of healthy lifestyle in adult residents of Lódź and Lublin voivodeships--project WOBASZ].
Recent epidemiologic studies have provided clear evidence of the substantial health benefits of following a healthy lifestyle. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of healthy lifestyle behaviors in the representative sample of adult inhabitants of two Polish counties (Lodz and Lublin voivodships). We analyzed data from 1237 randomly selected persons (645 women, 592 men) aged 20-74 years participating in the National Health Survey in Poland - Project WOBASZ. The following 4 healthy lifestyle behaviors were analyzed: nonsmoking, healthy weight, adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables, and regular physical activity. The 4 behaviors were summed to create a lifestyle index (range 0-4), and following all 4 behaviors were defined as a healthy lifestyle index. The prevalence of the individual health behaviors was as follows: nonsmoking--67%, healthy weight--43%, fruit and vegetables consumption--58%, and regular physical activity--35% of the studied population. The overall prevalence of the healthy lifestyle index (following all 4 behaviors) was 5.4% while in 3.8% the index was 0, in 25.6% was 1, and in 38.2% and 26.9% was 2 and 3, respectively. The prevalence of healthy lifestyle was significantly higher in women, younger, better educated, living in the country and small towns, with higher subjective health state. Extremely low prevalence of adults following 4 common modifiable healthy behaviors supports the need for more intensive and comprehensive primary prevention activities with special attention paid to significant differences in everyday lifestyle between various sociodemographic groups.


Proteomic analysis of microtubule inner proteins (MIPs) in Rib72 null Tetrahymena cells reveals functional MIPs.
The core structure of motile cilia and flagella, the axoneme, is built from a stable population of doublet microtubules. This unique stability is brought about, at least in part, by a network of microtubule inner proteins (MIPs) that are bound to the luminal side of the microtubule walls. Rib72A and Rib72B were identified as MIPs in the motile cilia of the protist Tetrahymena thermophila. Loss of these proteins leads to ciliary defects and loss of additional MIPs. We performed mass spectrometry coupled with proteomic analysis and bioinformatics to identify the MIPs lost in RIB72A/B knockout Tetrahymena axonemes. We identified a number of candidate MIPs and pursued one, Fap115, for functional characterization. We find that loss of Fap115 results in disrupted cell swimming and aberrant ciliary beating. Cryo-electron tomography reveals that Fap115 localizes to MIP6a in the A-tubule of the doublet microtubules. Overall, our results highlight the complex relationship between MIPs, ciliary structure, and ciliary function.


Induced interactions and the superfluid transition temperature in a three-component Fermi gas.
We study many-body contributions to the effective interaction between fermions in a three-component Fermi mixture. We find that effective interactions induced by the third component can lead to a phase diagram different from that predicted if interactions with the third component are neglected. As a result, in a confining potential a superfluid shell structure can arise even for equal populations of the components. We also find a critical temperature for the BCS transition in a 6Li mixture which can deviate strongly from the one in a weakly interacting two-component system.


A Monte Carlo study on internal wedges using BEAM.
To do calculations for wedged photon beams with the NRC Monte Carlo simulation package BEAM, a new Component Module for wedges called WEDGE has been designed and built. After an initial series of benchmarks using monoenergetic photon beams as well as realistic 6 MV and 10 MV beams, it was found, that the new CM did work fine for the large wedge (maximum field size 30 x 40 cm2) of the Elekta SL-linac. The next step was to calculate dose distributions and output factors for a range of wedged fields with field size from 3 x 3 cm2 to 30 x 30 cm2. Results from these simulations have been compared to measurements. Calculated values for the reference wedge transmission factor and the relative wedge transmission factors were within 1.5% from the measured data. Dose distributions showed an identical behavior; both depth-dose curves as well as cross profiles were within 1.5% from measured data, usually even better. Despite the increased mean energy, there was no indication that, as a result, the phantom scatter output factors will change for a 10 MV photon beam. It was found that by adding a wedge the contributions for the different sources of head scatter changed considerably as compared to the open fields, apart from the additional scatter from the wedge. Another consequence of inserting a wedge was an increase in the mean energy of both primary and scattered radiation with 0.3 MV and 0.7 MV, respectively, for all wedged fields with respect to the corresponding open fields. Despite the statistical uncertainty in the calculated data, which is in the same order of magnitude as the effect to be determined, it was possible to derive reliable data for the beam hardening from the calculated dose distributions. Only for the smallest field (field size 3 x 3 cm2) a large difference between the measured and calculated beam hardening factor was found due to the relative large voxel size of 1 x 1 x 1 cm3 compared to the field size. For a description of the influence of a wedge on a photon beam, the results of this study strongly support the use of a reference wedge transmission factor (determined under reference conditions) in combination with a relative wedge transmission factor. The product of these variables should replace the collimator scatter output factor used in open fields. The influence on the dose distribution should be incorporated by using the (field size dependent) beam hardening. The ultimate solution will be to make this beam hardening depending on the actual position in the radiation field, as the photon energy varies over the field (holds also for open fields).


[Immunohematologic surveillance of patients treated with ABO incompatible bone marrow allografts].
Direct antiglobulin test (DAT), ABO typing and isoagglutinins titers were regularly performed in 26 patients who received a marrow transplant from a major ABO incompatible donor (M = 10 cases), from a minor ABO incompatible donor (m = 10 cases) or both (B = 6 cases). Erythrocyte or plasma depletion of bone marrow infusate was used in all major or certain minor ABO incompatibilities respectively. A positive DAT was recorded in 19/26 patients at various times, but only a few of them, belonging to groups M or B, exhibited a significant hemolysis. No serious complication was observed after bone marrow infusion. Five patients showed evidence of hemolysis after transplantation, 1 patient died with a graft rejection and 3 patients had a delayed erythropoietic engraftment. In all cases of major ABO incompatibility, the erythrocyte recovery was preceeded by a decrease of antibodies against the donor's blood group. These antibodies finally disappeared in all patients except one who had a persistence of isoagglutinins beyond day + 650. A transient appearance of isoagglutinins against the recipient blood group was sometimes detected in minor ABO incompatibility without any clinical complications.


Grapevine Trunk Diseases: A Review of Fifteen Years of Trials for Their Control with Chemicals and Biocontrol Agents.
Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) represent one of the most important problems for viticulture worldwide. Beyond the original causes of this outbreak in some countries like France, the lack of efficient control protocols and the prohibition of using active ingredients such as sodium arsenite and benzimidazoles, until recently used to reduce the impact of some GTDs but deleterious for humans and the environment, have probably worsened the impact of the diseases, leading to increasing economic losses. Since 1990, searches have been made to find efficient tools to control GTDs, testing a wide range of active ingredients and biocontrol agents. This review provides readers with an overview of the results reported in the scientific literature over the last 15 years. In particular, the review focuses on the trials carried out applying chemicals or microorganisms to control Esca complex diseases, Botryosphaeria dieback, and Eutypa dieback, the most widespread GTDs.


Developing a Mentorship Program in Laos.
Skills strengthening and capacity building for maternal and newborn health (MNH) providers are essential to ensure quality care for mothers and newborns. There is, however, limited research regarding what constitutes an effective model in low-income countries. The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) has some of the region's worst outcomes for neonatal and maternal mortality. Moreover, with a 23-year hiatus in midwifery training, which ended approximately 7 years ago, there is a cadre of new and inexperienced midwives in practice without support systems, skills, or continuing professional development opportunities. Traditional didactic teaching methodologies prevail in Laos, but with little evidence of efficacy. As an alternative model, Save the Children International has been implementing a mentorship approach for MNH providers in two provinces in northern Laos since January 2016, with technical guidance and funding from the United States Agency for International Development-supported global Maternal Child Survival Program. This community case study will describe and reflect on the approach by highlighting the need and rationale for mentorship, followed by a description of the program's core components and the results observed so far. Lessons learned and the application of the approach to different contexts and health-care professionals, considering both constraints and opportunities, will be discussed.


[Prevention of wound infections in neurosurgery].
Post-operative wound infections are a serious complication in neurosurgery. The average wound infection without antibiotics ranges between 5-11% in C.S.F. shunts, 2-5% in clean and clean contaminated patients; 11-38% in C.S.F. fistula. In C.S.F. shunt procedures, common skin commensals are responsible for most post-operative infections, mainly coagulase negative and positive staphylococci. Contradictory results of the studies evaluating the efficacy of antibioprophylaxis make it impossible to conclude whether antibiotics have any impact on the incidence of infections. Neverless the decision to adopt antibioprophylaxis must be left to each surgeon and based on their own experience (mean level of infection dropped from 5-11% to 1% with ABP in France). In clean and clean contaminated patients, the weight of evidence based on some large, prospective, randomized studies, suggest that ABP exert a protective effect, for which an antistaphylocci antibiotic would be appropriate. In case of Methi-R organisms, a second generation cephalosporin is an alternative candidate. Association of Vancomycin-Gentamycin is not recommanded routinely because of the risk of development of resistance. In skull fracture and C.S.F. fistula, the results of studies does not favour the routine administration of antibiotics.


Redefining the clinical management of type 2 diabetes: matching therapy to pathophysiology.
Conventional treatments for type 2 diabetes do not provide adequate glycaemic control to prevent the long-term progression of the disease. The introduction of increasingly intensive therapeutic regimens in stepwise management strategies aims to maintain glycaemic control in the face of progressive deterioration in beta-cell function. However, such an approach does not entirely address the underlying disease mechanisms. Although much remains unclear about the aetiology of type 2 diabetes, both beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance play important roles, and there is a complex, dynamic interaction between these two abnormalities. Growing evidence suggests that treatments that can reverse insulin resistance and improve beta-cell function may be able to slow or prevent the progression of the disease. The clinical management of type 2 diabetes therefore needs to be re-examined and redefined to reflect new insights into the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, including consideration of the potential benefits of early, aggressive intervention to counter both beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance.


The problem of evaluating in situ pinning of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: an experimental model and a review of 63 consecutive cases.
Over a 3-year follow-up period, 63 hips (in 49 patients) that were pinned as treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis were examined and evaluated. A 36.8% incidence of unsuspected pin penetration was discovered. Four types of experimental models representing different degrees of severity of slipped capital femoral epiphysis were designed and manufactured in the bioengineering laboratory. In situ pinning was performed on each model. An extensive series of controlled test films on the models indicated the difficulty of accurately determining the true position of the pins with conventional roentgenographic views. Subsequent fluoroscopic analysis revealed a verifiable correlation between the limited visualization of conventional X-ray analysis following the pinning of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis and unrecognized pin penetration.


In vitro histone lysine methylation by NSD1, NSD2/MMSET/WHSC1 and NSD3/WHSC1L.
Histone lysine methylation has a pivotal role in regulating the chromatin. Histone modifiers, including histone methyl transferases (HMTases), have clear roles in human carcinogenesis but the extent of their functions and regulation are not well understood. The NSD family of HMTases comprised of three members (NSD1, NSD2/MMSET/WHSC1, and NSD3/WHSC1L) are oncogenes aberrantly expressed in several cancers, suggesting their potential to serve as novel therapeutic targets. However, the substrate specificity of the NSDs and the molecular mechanism of histones H3 and H4 recognition and methylation have not yet been established. Herein, we investigated the in vitro mechanisms of histones H3 and H4 recognition and modifications by the catalytic domain of NSD family members. In this study, we quantified in vitro mono-, di- and tri- methylations on H3K4, H3K9, H3K27, H3K36, H3K79, and H4K20 by the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) of NSD1, NSD2 and NSD3, using histone as substrate. Next, we used a molecular modelling approach and docked 6-mer peptides H3K4 a.a. 1-7; H3K9 a.a. 5-11; H3K27 a.a. 23-29; H3K36 a.a. 32-38; H3K79 a.a. 75-81; H4K20 a.a. 16-22 with the catalytic domain of the NSDs to provide insight into lysine-marks recognition and methylation on histones H3 and H4. Our data highlight the versatility of NSD1, NSD2, and NSD3 for recognizing and methylating several histone lysine marks on histones H3 and H4. Our work provides a basis to design selective and specific NSDs inhibitors. We discuss the relevance of our findings for the development of NSD inhibitors amenable for novel chemotherapies.


Kidney swelling. Findings on DMSA scintigraphy.
To develop criteria identifying swollen kidneys on dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy in acute pyelonephritis with regard to the DMSA distribution pattern, kidney functional size, and radioactive uptake. Thirty-eight children aged 15 days to 7 years with known pyelonephritis were examined with DMSA renal scintigraphy. All children were observed 2 or 3 times. In total, 94 scintigrams were evaluated. Qualitative and quantitative criteria for swelling were defined. Thirty-one observed kidneys satisfied the criteria of swelling. Quantitatively, kidney length and width/length were greater in swollen kidneys. Kidney uptake in percent of injected dose and kidney uptake/background were lower in swollen kidneys. Qualitatively, focal radioactive uptake defects known from a previous examination were sometimes obscured by swelling, and reappeared at follow-up. In 5 children with signs of swelling on repeat imaging, scintigraphy reinfection at the time of swelling was verified. Swollen kidneys may be the only sign of acute pyelonephritis on DMSA scintigraphy and swelling may obscure focal radioactive uptake defects. Measurement of kidney size and radioactive uptake can help identify swollen kidneys at DMSA scintigraphy and disclose acute pyelonephritis in the absence of overt clinical symptoms.


In vitro inhibitory effects of Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) leaves proanthocyanidins on pancreatic α-amylase and their interaction.
Chinese bayberry leaves proanthocyanidins (BLPs) belongs to the prodelphinidin category with potent EGCG unit, whose inhibition effect on α-amylase and their interaction were investigated by in vitro digestion and enzyme kinetic analysis, multi fluorescence spectroscopies (fluorescence quenching, synchronous fluorescence, and three-dimensional fluorescence), circular dichroism spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and in silico modelling. The results revealed that BLPs was a mixed inhibitor to α-amylase with the IC50 value of 3.075 ± 0.073 μg/mL. BLPs could lead to a static fluorescence quenching of α-amylase, mainly by means of interacting with amino acids (mainly Try and Tyr residues) in one site on α-amylase molecule under the action of hydrogen bonding and/or Van der Waals force. This interaction further induced the change of secondary conformational structure, functional group structure and hydrophobicity of α-amylase, thus resulting in lowering activity. Molecular docking simulated that this binding occurred in a cavity on the surface of the α-amylase molecule, and BLPs trimer showed a relatively high binding energy. The present study provided a new insight of BLPs as an α-amylase inhibitor, which could be considered in anti-diabetic therapy.


Telemedicine with mobile devices and augmented reality for early postoperative care.
Advanced features are being added to telemedicine paradigms to enhance usability and usefulness. Virtual Interactive Presence (VIP) is a technology that allows a surgeon and patient to interact in a "merged reality" space, to facilitate both verbal, visual, and manual interaction. In this clinical study, a mobile VIP iOS application was introduced into routine post-operative orthopedic and neurosurgical care. Survey responses endorse the usefulness of this tool, as it relates to The virtual interaction provides needed virtual follow-up in instances where in-person follow-up may be limited, and enhances the subjective patient experience.


The dual imperative in refugee research: some methodological and ethical considerations in social science research on forced migration.
Social scientists doing fieldwork in humanitarian situations often face a dual imperative: research should be both academically sound and policy relevant. We argue that much of the current research on forced migration is based on unsound methodology, and that the data and subsequent policy conclusions are often flawed or ethically suspect. This paper identifies some key methodological and ethical problems confronting social scientists studying forced migrants or their hosts. These problems include non-representativeness and bias, issues arising from working in unfamiliar contexts including translation and the use of local researchers, and ethical dilemmas including security and confidentiality issues and whether researchers are doing enough to 'do no harm'. The second part of the paper reviews the authors' own efforts to conduct research on urban refugees in Johannesburg. It concludes that while there is no single 'best practice' for refugee research, refugee studies would advance its academic and policy relevance by more seriously considering methodological and ethical concerns.


[Study on association between the expression of galectin- 3 and the peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer].
To investigate the association between the expression of galectin- 3 protein and peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer. The expressions of galectin- 3 was detected in matching- samples including primary gastric cancer lesions,lymph node metastases,peritoneal metastases and paratumor normal tissues by immunohistochemistry. All specimens were gained from 35 patients who had synchronous peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer. The over- expression of galectin- 3 was observed in 97% (34/35) of the gastric cancer lesions, the peritoneal metastases and the lymph node metastases,whereas in 14% (5/35) of paratumor normal tissues. There were significant differences in the expression of galectin- 3 between paratumor normal tissues and the gastric carcinoma lesions,peritoneal metastases and lymph node metastases (P< 0.05),but there were no significant differences among the gastric cancer lesions,the peritoneal metastases,and the lymph node metastases (P> 0.05). The expression of galectin- 3 in gastric cancer lesions can be used as a biological marker of peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer before operation and as a prognostic factor of gastric cancer.


Measles and rubella microarray array patches to increase vaccination coverage and achieve measles and rubella elimination in Africa.
The African Region is committed to measles elimination by 2020 but coverage with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine was only 70% in 2017. Several obstacles to achieving high coverage with measles and rubella vaccines exist, some of which could be overcome with new vaccine delivery technologies. Microarray array patches (MAPs) are single-dose devices used for transcutaneous administration of molecules, including inactivated or attenuated vaccines, that penetrate the outer stratum corneum of the skin, delivering antigens to the epidermis or dermis. MAPs to deliver measles and rubella vaccines have the potential to be a transformative technology to achieve elimination goals in the African Region. MAPs for measles and rubella vaccination have been shown to be safe, immunogenic and thermostable in preclinical studies but results of clinical studies in humans have not yet been published. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of measles and rubella MAPs, their potential advantages for immunization programs in the African Region, and some of the challenges that must be overcome before measles and rubella MAPs are available for widespread use.


Endovascular treatment of an internal iliac artery aneurysm using a nitinol vascular occlusion plug.
To report endovascular occlusion of an internal iliac artery (IIA) aneurysm with an Amplatz nitinol vascular occlusion plug. A 71-year-old asymptomatic man who had previously undergone open aortic aneurysm repair presented for annual follow-up. A bifurcated Dacron graft had been inserted 12 years ago from the infrarenal aorta to the left common femoral artery and the right common iliac artery. The left common iliac artery was ligated proximally, and the left external iliac artery (EIA) provided retrograde flow into the IIA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 7.4-cm aneurysm of the left IIA. After transfemoral calibrated catheter angiography was performed, the proximal EIA was occluded with an Amplatz nitinol vascular occlusion plug. In addition, microcoils were placed distal to the vascular plug to achieve complete thrombosis of the vessel. One day after treatment, the patient was discharged free of symptoms after MRI had shown complete obliteration of the IIA aneurysm. At 6 months, the patient was free from symptoms, and angiography confirmed exclusion of the IIA aneurysm. This case illustrates the technical feasibility and successful short-term follow-up of a novel embolization approach to IIA aneurysms in patients with an aortofemoral graft.


[RP-HPLC determination of betulinic acid in Callicarpa macrophylla].
To establish an RP-HPLC method for determination of betulinic acid in Callicarpa macrophylla, a commonly used herbal in Yunnan. A Kromasil-C18 column (4.6 mm x 200 mm, 5 microm) and a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid (63: 37) were used. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) and the UV detector wavelength was 205 nm. Betulinic acid was well separated from other compounds in C. macrophylla. The content of betulinic acid in C. macrophylla from different origins showed apparent differences, the content of betulinic acid in C. macrophylla from Yunnan was the highest. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.016 6-0.332 mg x mL(-1) of betulinic acid with correlation coefficient 0.999 8. The average recovery of betulinic acid was 98.5%. The method is simple, accurate and reproducible, and is suitable for the quality control of C. macrophylla.


Mechanism of destruction of transport barriers in geophysical jets with Rossby waves.
The mechanism of destruction of a central transport barrier in a dynamical model of a geophysical zonal jet current in the ocean or the atmosphere with two propagating Rossby waves is studied. We develop a method for computing a central invariant curve which is an indicator of existence of the barrier. Breakdown of this curve under a variation in the Rossby wave amplitudes and onset of chaotic cross-jet transport happen due to specific resonances producing stochastic layers in the central jet. The main result is that there are resonances breaking the transport barrier at unexpectedly small values of the amplitudes that may have serious impact on mixing and transport in the ocean and the atmosphere. The effect can be found in laboratory experiments with azimuthal jets and Rossby waves in rotating tanks under specific values of the wave numbers that are predicted in the theory.


Targeted expression of a multifunctional chimeric neurotrophin in the lesioned sciatic nerve accelerates regeneration of sensory and motor axons.
Peripheral nerve injury markedly regulates expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in the lesioned nerve. However, the role of endogenously produced neurotrophins in the process of nerve regeneration is unclear. Expression of a multifunctional neurotrophin, pan-neurotrophin-1 (PNT-1), was targeted to the peripheral nerves of transgenic mice by using a gene promoter that is specifically activated after nerve lesion but that is otherwise silent in all other tissues and during development. PNT-1 is a chimeric neurotrophin that combines the active sites of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin-3 and binds and activates all known neurotrophin receptors. In adult transgenic mice, PNT-1 was highly expressed in transected but not in intact sciatic nerve. Morphometric analyses at the electron microscopy level showed increased and accelerated recovery of axon diameter of myelinated fibers in crushed peripheral nerves of transgenic mice compared with wild type. Examination of nerve bundles in target tissues indicated accelerated reinnervation of foot pad dermis and flexor plantaris muscle in transgenic mice. Moreover, transected sensory and motor axons of transgenic mice showed faster and increased return of neurophysiological responses, suggesting an accelerated rate of axonal elongation. Importantly, transgenic mice also showed a markedly ameliorated loss of skeletal muscle weight, indicating functional regeneration of motor axons. Together, these data provide evidence, at both the anatomical and functional levels, that neurotrophins endogenously produced by the lesioned nerve are capable of significantly accelerating the regeneration of both sensory and motor axons after peripheral nerve damage. In addition, our results indicate that exogenous PNT-1 administration may be an effective therapeutic treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.


The effect of pertussis vaccine on the insulin-dependent diabetes induced by streptozotocin in mice.
Protective effect of pertussis vaccine (PV) against the development of insulin-dependent diabetes (IDD) induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in young CD-1 male mice were studied. When PV at a dose of 1.2 X 10(10) microorganism was administered on -10, 0, or +4 d relative to a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body wt) on d 0, it completely aborted the development of IDD after 140 d. When PV was given on +30 d after STZ injection and followed by PV booster injections, 66% of mice reverted to normoglycemic state. Intact islet cells in the pancreas were confirmed by histologic findings and normal plasma insulin values. The effect of PV was compared with that of boiled PV in another model of IDD induced by multiple injections of STZ (40 mg/kg for five doses). In this model, 60% of mice either remained or reverted to normoglycemic state with PV and booster injections whereas boiled PV protected 40% of mice from developing IDD. The protective effect appeared to reside in the biologic property of both pertussigen and endotoxin of Bordetella pertussis.


Rationale and study protocol for 'Switch-off 4 Healthy Minds' (S4HM): a cluster randomized controlled trial to reduce recreational screen time in adolescents.
Excessive recreational screen time (i.e., screen use for entertainment) is a global public health issue associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Considering the growing popularity of screen-based recreation in adolescents, there is a need to identify effective strategies for reducing screen time among adolescents. The aim of this paper is to report the rationale and study protocol for the 'Switch-off 4 Healthy Minds' (S4HM) study, an intervention designed to reduce recreational screen time among adolescents. The S4HM intervention will be evaluated using a cluster randomized controlled trial in eight secondary schools (N=322 students) in New South Wales, Australia. The 6-month multi-component intervention will encourage adolescents to manage their recreational screen time using a range of evidence-based strategies. The intervention is grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and includes the following components: an interactive seminar for students, eHealth messaging, behavioral contract and parental newsletters. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6-months (i.e., immediate post-test). The primary outcome is recreational screen time measured by the Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ). Secondary outcomes include: self-reported psychological well-being, psychological distress, global physical self-concept, resilience, pathological video gaming and aggression, and objectively measured physical activity (accelerometry) and body mass index (BMI). Hypothesized mediators of behavior change will also be explored. The S4HM study will involve the evaluation of an innovative, theory-driven, multi-component intervention that targets students and their parents and is designed to reduce recreational screen time in adolescents. The intervention has been designed for scalability and dissemination across Australian secondary schools.


Efficacy of systemic vitamin C supplementation in reducing corneal opacity resulting from infectious keratitis.
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin C supplementation on reducing the size of corneal opacity resulting from infectious keratitis.The study included 82 patients (82 affected eyes), admitted for infectious keratitis from January 2009 to August 2013, who were followed for more than 3 months. Patients were divided into control, oral vitamin C (3 g/d), and intravenous vitamin C (20 g/d) groups during hospitalization. Corneal opacity sizes were measured using anterior segment photographs and Image J program (version 1.27; National Institutes of Health, Jinju, South Korea) at admission, discharge, and final follow-up. The corneal opacity size used for analysis was the measured opacity size divided by the size of the whole cornea.The corneal opacity size decreased by 0.03 ± 0.10 in the oral vitamin C group, 0.07 ± 0.22 in the intravenous vitamin C group, and 0.02 ± 0.15 in the control group. Intravenous vitamin C reduced the corneal opacity size more than oral vitamin C (P = 0.043). Intravenous vitamin C produced greater reduction in corneal opacity size in younger patients (P = 0.015) and those with a hypopyon (P = 0.036).Systemic vitamin C supplementation reduced the size of corneal opacity resulting from infectious keratitis. Intravenous vitamin C was more beneficial than oral supplementation, especially in younger patients and those with hypopyon.


Stack bonding in polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
Parallel displacement of π-stacked component molecules enhances the efficiency of organic semiconductors by maximizing interpenetration of the π-densities. Dimers of symmetric polyaromatic hydrocarbons coronene, hexabenzo[bc,de,gh,kl,no,qr]coronene, circumcoronene, kekulene, and circumcircumcoronene are examined using density functional theory from the stack bonding perspective which considers π-stacking interactions in terms of contributions of monomer π-orbital overlap to the character of dimer orbitals. Energetically favored parallel displaced and/or twisted dimer conformations are consistent with patterns of mixing of the monomer molecular orbitals (MOs) that maximize interpenetration of the π densities. The multiple minima found along parallel displacement (PD) coordinates coincide with the formation of dimer MOs formally antibonding between the monomers at the sandwich conformation to bonding at the PD minima. Minima identified with favorable stack bonding are consistent with polymorphs found in large polyaromatic hydrocarbons.


Evaluation of the microagglutination test in the diagnosis of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in chickens.
The sensitivity and specificity of the microagglutination (MA), serum-plate-agglutination (SP), and hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test for Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) were compared in groups of chickens infected with MG, M. synoviae, or Pasteurella multocida or inoculated with bacterins prepared from Staphylococcus aureus or Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Of the three tests evaluated, the HI test had the highest specificity, but it was the least sensitive. Both the MA and SP tests were more sensitive than the HI test but lower in specificity. The MA test was less sensitive than the SP test in detecting antibodies against heterologous MG strains.


[Use of recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rHGH)].
Recombinant human growth hormone, synthesized in E.coli or mammalian cells cultures, is since 1985, a useful therapeutic resource to increase growth velocity and final height. In this paper are discussed the four phases (aims, security and efficacy, utility and efficiency) indispensables to define the start of treatment, as well as the absolute, relative and metabolic indications and the transitory and permanent conditions that contraindicate its use. It is commented the way to optimize the results (simple but indispensables indications for the physician, the patients and their family). Finally it is analyzed the results of treatment in patients with growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, chronic renal failure, Prader-Willi syndrome, Noonan syndrome, SHOX deficiency, intrauterine growth retardation and idiopathic short stature.


Stress radiographical measurement of the anteroposterior, medial and lateral stability of the knee joint.
A hydraulically operated machine for applying well-defined forces to the knee joint is described. The measurement of anteroposterior as well as lateral and medial stability in the knee joint is based upon roentgenograms exposed while the forces are being exerted on the patient. The advantage of the radiological measuring method over methods using external measurements is the elimination of inaccuracies due to displacements of the soft tissues of the limb. The accuracy was evaluated by test/retest examination of 50 healthy subjects. The radiographs were measured at random after cessation of examinations in the gonylaxometer. The accuracy is +/- 1.2 nm for medial/lateral, +/- 2.4 nm for drawer sign. Diagnostically the difference between the two knees must exceed 2.0 nm (collateral instability) or 3.1 nm (drawer) to exceed standard values. The standard values for the different ligament laxities are given. The applied force to be used for evaluation of medial/lateral stability is recommended to be 9 kg, and for anteroposterior stability between 20 and 30 kg.


Immunological properties of mononuclear cells from blood stem cell harvests following mobilization with erythropoietin + G-CSF in cancer patients.
Although the recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a good CD34 cell mobilizer, the effects of G-CSF mobilization on the immune effector function of the individual is not always optimal. We studied the functional and phenotypic properties of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) collected from 15 cancer patients mobilized with G-CSF plus recombinant erythropoietin (EPO). The patients received EPO (300 U/kg) and (G-CSF 1 microg/kg) per day as mobilizing cytokines and an autologous graft product was collected with at least daily apheresis procedures until a target number of CD34 cells and mononuclear cells were obtained. Mononuclear cells from the first four PBSC collections were tested for their natural killer (NK), activated NK and lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cytotoxicity in vitro against K562 and Raji tumor target cells. There was a significant increase in NK, activated NK and LAK cytotoxicity in EPO + G-CSF mobilized cells when compared to mononuclear cells from premobilization blood baseline values. Although there was no increase in CD3+ T cells, there was a significant increase in myeloid cells (CD14+), B-cells (CD20+) and NK cells (CD56+) following mobilization. There was no difference in T cell response to the mitogens PHA and Con-A, but there was an increase in B-cell response to PWM following mobilization. Thus, the combination of EPO + G-CSF not only mobilized hematopoietic precursor cells but also increased the number of immune effector cells in the PBSC collections.


Monoclonal antibody against EV71 3Dpol inhibits the polymerase activity of RdRp and virus replication.
Enterovirus A 71 (EV71) is a neurotropic virus that may lead to acute flaccid paralysis, encephalitis, cardiopulmonary failure or even death. No vaccine and defensive drug controlling EV71 is currently available, novel and efficient antiviral drug or vaccine is therefore urgently needed. 3Dpol (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)) has been an important target for anti-EV71 drug development. A panel of monoclonal IgG antibodies (mAbs) against EV71 3Dpol were generated by traditional cell fusion methods. And the antibody affinity and specificity to EV71 3Dpol were evaluated by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Indirect Fluorescent Assay (IFA) and Western blotting. Antiviral activities of these antibodies were also determined in vitro and in vivo. Two mAbs towards EV71 3Dpol were able to effectively suppress EV71 replication in Vero-1008 cell when intracellarly delivered. And they also dampened the RNA polymerase activity of 3Dpol in vitro. More importantly, these mAbs provided partial protection in EV71-challenged neonatal murine challenge model. These results showed that two of mAbs against EV71 3Dpol inhibited EV71 replication and could be utilized as promising therapeutic drug candidate.


COVID-19 infection in infant with severe CHD.
We describe the case of a 2-month-old born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who presented with fever and vomiting and was found to be infected with the novel corona virus (COVID-19). He underwent treatment with supplemental oxygen, heparin, and dexamethasone. After a 6-day hospitalisation, he recovered remarkably well without major adverse effects.


Tissue-specific expression of a soybean hypersensitive-induced response (HIR) protein gene promoter.
A Glycine max gene encoding a putative protein similar to hypersensitive-induced response proteins (HIR) was identified as a gene with preferred expressions in flowers and developing seeds by whole transcriptome gene expression profiling. Its promoter gm-hir1 was cloned and revealed to strongly express a fluorescence reporter gene primarily in integuments, anther tapetum, and seed coat with unique tissue-specificity. Expression in the inner integument was apparent prior to pollination, while expression in the outer integument started to develop from the micropylar end outward as the embryo matured. A 5'-deletion study showed that the promoter can be truncated to 600 bp long relative to the translation start site without affecting expression. A positive regulatory element was identified between 600 and 481 bp that controls expression in the inner integument, with no noticeable effect on expression in the outer integument or tapetum. Additionally, removal of the 5'UTR intron had no effect on levels or location of gm-hir1 expression while truncation to 370 bp resulted in a complete loss of expression suggesting that elements controlling both the outer integument and tapetum expression are located within the 481-370 bp region.


Influence of Fimasartan (a Novel AT(1) Receptor Blocker) on Catecholamine Release in the Adrenal Medulla of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.
The aim of this study was to determine whether fimasartan, a newly developed AT(1) receptor blocker, can affect the CA release in the isolated perfused model of the adrenal medulla of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Fimasartan (5~50 µM) perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min produced dose- and time-dependently inhibited the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high K(+) (56 mM, a direct membrane depolarizer), DMPP (100 µM) and McN-A-343 (100 µM). Fimasartan failed to affect basal CA output. Furthermore, in adrenal glands loaded with fimasartan (15 µM), the CA secretory responses evoked by Bay-K-8644 (10 µM, an activator of L-type Ca(2+) channels), cyclopiazonic acid (10 µM, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase), and veratridine (100 µM, an activator of Na(+) channels) as well as by angiotensin II (Ang II, 100 nM), were markedly inhibited. In simultaneous presence of fimasartan (15 µM) and L-NAME (30 µM, an inhibitor of NO synthase), the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high K(+), DMPP, Ang II, Bay-K-8644, and veratridine was not affected in comparison of data obtained from treatment with fimasartan (15 µM) alone. Also there was no difference in NO release between before and after treatment with fimasartan (15 µM). Collectively, these experimental results suggest that fimasartan inhibits the CA secretion evoked by Ang II, and cholinergic stimulation (both nicotininc and muscarinic receptors) as well as by membrane depolarization from the rat adrenal medulla. It seems that this inhibitory effect of fimasartan may be mediated by blocking the influx of both Na(+) and Ca(2+) through their ion channels into the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells as well as by inhibiting the Ca(2+) release from the cytoplasmic calcium store, which is relevant to AT(1) receptor blockade without NO release.


Cervical cancer screening in adolescents: an evidence-based internet education program for practice improvement among advanced practice nurses.
The literature reports great variation in the knowledge levels and application of the recent changes of cervical cancer screening guidelines into clinical practice. Evidence-based screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer offers healthcare providers the opportunity to improve practice patterns among female adolescents by decreasing psychological distress as well as reducing healthcare costs and morbidities associated with over-screening. The purpose of this pilot intervention study was to determine the effects of a Web-based continuing education unit (CEU) program on advanced practice nurses' (APNs) knowledge of current cervical cancer screening evidence-based recommendations and their application in practice. This paper presents a process improvement project as an example of a way to disseminate updated evidence-based practice guidelines among busy healthcare providers. This Web-based CEU program was developed, piloted, and evaluated specifically for APNs. The program addressed their knowledge level of cervical cancer and its relationship with high-risk human papillomavirus. It also addressed the new cervical cancer screening guidelines and the application of those guidelines into clinical practice. Results of the study indicated that knowledge gaps exist among APNs about cervical cancer screening in adolescents. However, when provided with a CEU educational intervention, APNs' knowledge levels increased and their self-reported clinical practice behaviors changed in accordance with the new cervical cancer screening guidelines. Providing convenient and readily accessible up-to-date electronic content that provides CEU enhances the adoption of clinical practice guidelines, thereby decreasing the potential of the morbidities associated with over-screening for cervical cancer in adolescents and young women.


Direct cost analysis for 32,783 samples with preanalytical phase errors.
Errors in the laboratory process often occur in the preanalytical phase (PA). The study aims to calculate the direct cost elements of PA errors, including material, logistics, transfer, personnel workforce, and medical waste. Medical laboratory PA phase errors were retrospectively reviewed using the Laboratory Information Management System. We evaluated the whole 2019 laboratory data of the 836-bed Health Sciences University Umraniye Training and Research Hospital (UTRH). We assessed the direct cost elements of PA errors, such as those related to material, logistics, transfer, human resources, and waste. We performed the procedure for both samples analyzed in the hospital and transferred to the central laboratory. We analyzed 1,939,650 patient samples and 46,534,532 parameters studied in 2019 for UTRH. The rates for rejected tests and rejected samples (tube) for UTRH were noted as 0.32% and 1.7%, respectively. The total direct cost for PA errors was TRY 438,284.51 (68,918.07 euros) for 32,783 patient samples and 147,893 tests. We calculated the total cost for PA test errors detected in the hospital as TRY 390,238.06, while the total cost for PA test errors detected in the central laboratory was TRY 48,046.45. 89% of the total cost was for PA errors detected in the hospital, and 11% was for the errors detected in the central laboratory. The 2019 direct PA error cost we calculated based on our hospital's data was 0.153% of the 2019 hospital operating cost. We calculated the direct cost per rejected sample as TRY 13.37 (2.1 Euro). Providing reliable laboratory service with the least possible financial loss is one of the main goals in terms of laboratory medicine. In achieving this goal, the prevention of error costs is a priority. The direct cost elements for the PA phase, where laboratory errors are concentrated, can be easily identified. The amount of PA phase error direct cost will attract the attention of health policy decision-makers and field professionals and inspire further research. Therefore, we tried to determine a threshold cost regarding interventions and practices required to prevent PA phase errors.


How do you know that? Automatic belief inferences in passing conversation.
There is an ongoing debate, both in philosophy and psychology, as to whether people are able to automatically infer what others may know, or whether they can only derive belief inferences by deploying cognitive resources. Evidence from laboratory tasks, often involving false beliefs or visual-perspective taking, has suggested that belief inferences are cognitively costly, controlled processes. Here we suggest that in everyday conversation, belief reasoning is pervasive and therefore potentially automatic in some cases. To test this hypothesis, we conducted two pre-registered self-paced reading experiments (N1 = 91, N2 = 89). The results of these experiments showed that participants slowed down when a stranger commented 'That greasy food is bad for your ulcer' relative to conditions where a stranger commented on their own ulcer or a friend made either comment - none of which violated participants' common-ground expectations. We conclude that Theory of Mind models need to account for belief reasoning in conversation as it is at the center of everyday social interaction.


Dragon's blood may have radioprotective effects in radiation-induced rat brain injury.
Dragon's blood is a bright red resin obtained from Dracaena cochinchinensis. It is a traditional medicinal that is used for wound healing and to stop bleeding. Its main biological activity appears to be from phenolic compounds found in Dragon's blood. In this study, the radioprotective effects of Dragon's blood were examined after whole brain irradiation of rats with either 100 MeV/u Carbon (12)C(6+) heavy ions or (60)Co γ-rays. The amounts of radiation-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis in irradiated rat brains were compared with and without Dragon's blood treatment. Compared to the "irradiation only" control group, the Dragon's blood treatment group significantly decreased malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels, and increased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels induced by oxidative stress in radiation exposed rats (P < 0.05). Dragon's blood also significantly reduced radiation-induced inflammatory cytokines of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and interleukin-6 levels (P < 0.05) and inhibited hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in (60)Co γ-ray irradiated rats. Furthermore, Dragon's blood significantly increased expression of brain-derived neurophic factor and inhibited the expression of pro-apoptotic caspase 3 (P < 0.05-0.01). Finally, Dragon's blood significantly inhibited expression of the AP-1 transcription factor family members c-fos and c-jun proteins (P < 0.05-0.01). The results obtained here suggest that Dragon's blood has radioprotective properties in rat brains after both heavy ions and (60)Co γ-ray exposure.


Viability of the encysted metacercariae of Echinostoma caproni judged by light microscopy versus chemical excystation.
The purpose of this study was to determine the viability of encysted metacercariae of Echinostoma caproni stored in Locke's solution 1:1 at 4 C for 1-24 wk. Viability was judged by light microscopy (LM) based on morphological characteristics of the encysted metacercariae versus chemical excystation of the cysts in a trypsin-bile salts excystation medium. The percent viability was very similar under both methods of assessment at 4, 8, and 16 wk poststorage. At 1 and 24 wk poststorage, viability was found to be about 2x greater based on excystation than using LM. We concluded that LM alone underestimated the viability of cysts and that determination of cyst viability was more accurate under assessment by chemical excystation.


An unfortunate case of Pendred syndrome.
To report a patient with Pendred syndrome who developed life-threatening hypokalaemia as an unpredicted consequence of implant-induced imbalance and alcohol dependency, leading to multiple cardiac arrests. Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. Case report and review of the English language literature concerning Pendred syndrome and cochlear implantation in Pendred syndrome patients. Pendred syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder which mainly affects the inner ear, thyroid and kidneys. It accounts for 10 per cent of syndromic hearing loss cases. The majority of Pendred syndrome patients are referred to cochlear implant programmes for hearing assessment and therapy. They may also have an underlying metabolic abnormality which is not clinically apparent. Providing cochlear implants to patients with Pendred syndrome demands extensive knowledge of this condition, in order to avoid potential morbidity.


Cyclooxygenase-2 polymorphisms confer susceptibility to sarcoidosis but are not related to prognosis.
The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) gene and susceptibility to sarcoidosis, as well as the relation between these SNPs and the evolution of the disease. This multicenter investigation involved seven hospitals in Spain. We used a case-control design followed by a prospective follow-up study. Sarcoid patients were recruited from the participating institutions during outpatient routine visits. Age- and gender-matched control subjects were recruited mainly from among outpatients attending the participating hospitals. Four SNPs in the COX2 gene (COX2.5909 T > G, COX2.8473 T > C, COX2.926 G > C, and COX2.3050 G > C) were genotyped using fluorescent hybridization probes among 131 patients with sarcoidosis (63 males; mean age: 47 +/- 15 years) and 157 healthy controls (83 males; mean age: 50 +/- 16 years). We employed a binomial multiple logistic regression analysis to test the association between the selected SNPs and disease susceptibility. The clinical, functional and radiological prognosis of the sarcoidosis patients was determined after a mean follow-up of 37.4 +/- 30.4 months. Carriers of the homozygous CC genotype of the COX2.8473 T > C polymorphism had a higher risk of sarcoidosis compared with TT carriers (OR: 3.08; 95% CI: 1.2-7.7; p = 0.035). 84% of patients achieved improvement or complete remission at follow-up. No association between the investigated SNPs and prognosis was seen. Our data suggest that the homozygous CC genotype of the COX2.8473 T > C polymorphism may be associated with sarcoidosis susceptibility. No significant association with prognosis was detected.


Modification of the EMIT tox benzodiazepine assay for screening of alprazolam in serum.
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a relatively new triazolobenzodiazepine which is anxiolytic in man and is also prescribed in the treatment of panic attacks. The objective of this study was to optimize the reactivity of the EMIT tox serum benzodiazepine assay for toxicologic screening of alprazolam. The standard EMIT procedure was extensively modified so that therapeutic concentrations of alprazolam could be detected. Modifications for Methods A and B included a single dilution of specimens, increasing incubation temperature to 37 degrees C, dilution of Reagents A and B, and increasing specimen volume to 100 microL. Method B also included supplementing Reagent A with additional glucose-6-phosphate and beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Using serum standards, the modified EMIT assays have detection limits of approximately 25 ng/mL (Method A) and 20 ng/mL (Method B). The patient specimens analyzed were considered positive by Method B and 24/28 positive by Method A. All 28 patient specimens tested by Method B were confirmed positive by gas chromatography/electron capture detection. The day-to-day precision of both methods was less than 2% CV with diluted EMIT calibrators (N = 6). In conclusion, the modified EMIT assay can be used to screen for alprazolam in serum at therapeutic concentrations.


MPC-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liners retrieved from short-term total hip arthroplasty: Further evidences for the unsuitability of the MPC method.
An analysis is presented of four short-term retrieved highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) hip liners grafted with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) on their bearing surfaces, which were recently commercialized as a new generation of artificial hip joints. Straightforward evidences by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that the MPC layer peeled off on the bearing surface of all short-term liners in both main wear and nonwear zones. Analyses by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection assessed the extent of surface oxidation and revealed the type of oxidative species. Electron spin resonance analyses, which compared retrievals and as-received samples, revealed the presence of different species of alkoxyl CO• radicals. This study suggests that MPC grafts on polyethylene do not offer any additional protection from oxidation and can delaminate prematurely after short-term in vivo exposure.


[Association Between SNP rs6007897 of CELSR1 and Acute Ischemic Stroke in Western China Han Population: a Case-control Study].
To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6007897 of CELSR1 and acute ischemic stroke in Western China Han population. All subjects (759 acute ischemic stroke patients and 786 controls) were genotyped using ligation detection reaction (LDR). We analyzed the differences between SNP rs6007897 genotypes and allele frequencies between two groups. Two genotypes (AA, AG) of rs6007897 were found in both stroke and control group. There was no statistically significance between two groups about genotype and allele frequency. After adjusting for risk factors, we found there was no significant association between rs6007897 and ischemic stroke CP = 0.797, odds ratio (OR) = 0.886, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.352-2.227). SNP rs6007897 of CELSR1 was not significantly associated with ischemic stroke in Western China Han population.


A matched case-control study: investigating the relationship between youth assets and sexual intercourse among 13- to 14-year-olds.
The number of teenagers engaging in sexual intercourse has consistently changed over the past several years. This can become a major challenge when trying to determine why teens continue to have sex. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the relationship between youth assets and sexual intercourse among 13- to 14-year-olds. Cross-sectional data were collected using in-person at-home interviews from a random sample of inner-city neighbourhood 13- to 14-year-old teenagers (n = 64 matched pairs; 36% 13-year-olds, 53% female, 45% white, 28% African-American, 16% Hispanic and 11% Native American). Nine individual youth assets were analysed using conditional logistic regression (matching for several demographic variables) to assess the association between assets and abstinence in younger teens. Conditional logistic regression analyses showed that two assets, positive Peer Role Models [odds ratios (OR) = 4.67, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.93, 11.27] and Use of Time (Religion) (OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.04, 4.65), were significantly related (P < 0.05) to younger teens never having engaged in sexual activity. These findings suggest, when considering abstinence behaviour, involvement in religious activities and having positive peer role models appear to be protective factors related to delaying sexual intercourse among teens aged 13-14 years.


Anaesthetic management of a patient with Plott's syndrome.
There are only seven reported cases of Plott's syndrome and no anaesthetic descriptions of this rare syndrome which is characterized by vocal cord paralysis, psychomotor retardation and sixth nerve palsy. The major anaesthetic implication is postoperative upper airway control. We describe the anaesthetic management of a 15-year-old boy who presented for magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] of his brain.


Computed tomography in medial maxilla-orbital fractures.
The frontal process of the maxilla together with the anterior wall of the antrum constitute a major support of the midface. If this is fractured and goes unrecognized, serious facial deformities result. Fractures through this process occurred in 13 of 50 patients who received computed tomographic examination for facial trauma. The fracture had been missed on plain film examination in all but three of the 13 patients. The frontal process is usually displaced directly posteriorly in the more complex midface fractures. It may rotate about its long axis when associated with trimalar fractures and in some of the isolated injuries of the medial maxilla. Computed tomography is the ideal technique for demonstrating these fractures because of ease of examination, optimal anatomical display for demonstrating rotational and posterior displacements, and superior contrast in the severely traumatized facial skeleton.


Prenatal and postnatal differentiation of the small intestine in rat.
The gastrointestinal tract in the early prenatal development is an endoblastic mesenchyme-lined tube. The endoblast differentiates and gives origin to all epithelial structures (covering epithelium, glands). The mesenchyme develops into connective tissue, blood vessels, the smooth muscle cells of lamina muscularis mucosae and muscular tunic. Neuroectoblast cells participate in these processes--individual cells with future endocrine function, nerve cells and fibers that form nerve plexuses and vegetative ganglia. AIM OF THE PRESENT STUDY: To trace the changes in the small intestine development during the prenatal period in rat embryos and fetuses, and during the postnatal period in newborn rats. We specifically studied the beta-actin expression in the cytoskeletal structures of the covering epithelium and in the contractile elements of the differentiating smooth muscle cells. The presence and localization of the enteroendocrine EC cell was studied using the immunohistochemical expression of serotonin in them. Material from rat embryos and fetuses aged 8-11, 12-15, 16-20 days of gestation and small intestine fragments from newborn rats was studied using routine hematoxylin-eosin staining, enzymohistochemically for succinate dehydrogenase and immunohistochemically for beta-actin and serotonin. In the early embryogenesis (8-11 day of gestation), the primitive gut of rat embryos is an endoblastic tube of 2-3 layers of cuboidal cells covered with a thin layer of mesenchyme. In the subsequent stages of embryonic and fetal development the processes of differentiation run at different rates in the different tissues. The maturation process in the small intestine wall of one-day-old newborn rats is incomplete. The mucosa presents with shallow crypts and loosely set villi. Differentiated resorptive and enteroendocrine EC cells are found in the lining epithelium. The changes we found in the beta-actin expression in the contractile elements of the differentiating smooth muscle cells and the cytoskeletal structures of the lining epithelium probably reflect the induction interference between the derivatives of the mesenchyme and endoblast.


Development of renal failure in IgA nephropathy: the importance of interstitial infiltration and deposition of fibrinogen.
We analyzed renal biopsy specimens of 60 patients with IgA nephropathy, 34 male and 26 female, aged 32, 8 +/- 9, 1. Patients were divided into 5 classes according to the morphological classification proposed on the basis of WHO criteria: 1, minimal lesions; 2, minor changes; 3, focal and segmental glomerulonephritis; 4, diffuse mesangial proliferation; and 5, sclerotic changes. Interstitial infiltration on optical microscopy and fibrinogen deposition on immunofluorescent microscopy were graded using a semiquantitative score. Clinical features (hypertension, proteinuria, erythruria/hematuria, renal function) were taken into consideration. The Mann-Whitney test was used for comparison of results between different classes. Classes 1 and 2 were younger (p < 0.01) and had significantly better renal function than classes 3 and 4. Proteinuria was significantly higher in classes 2 and 3 (p < 0.001) than the others. Macroscopic hematuria was more frequent in classes 1 and 2. Hypertension was absent in class 1 and correlated with the severity of histologic changes. Interstitial infiltration was absent in class 1 and also correlated with the degree of histological changes, but in contrast, fibrinogen deposits were more severe in earlier histological classes.


Arthritis-related work transitions: a prospective analysis of reported productivity losses, work changes, and leaving the labor force.
To prospectively examine arthritis-related productivity losses, work changes, and leaving employment, the relationships among these work transitions, and the factors associated with them. Participants with inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis were interviewed at 4 time points, 18 months apart, using a structured questionnaire. At baseline (T1), all participants (n = 490; 381 women, 109 men) were employed. At T2, T3, and T4, the sample decreased to 413, 372, and 349 participants, respectively. Respondents were recruited using community advertising and from rheumatology and rehabilitation clinics. Work transitions considered were productivity losses (absenteeism, job disruptions), work changes (reduced hours, changing jobs), and leaving employment. Also measured were demographic, illness, work context, and psychological variables. Generalized estimation equations modeled predictors of work transitions over time. Although 63.1% of respondents remained employed throughout the study, work transitions were common (reported by 76.5% of participants). Productivity losses, especially job disruptions such as being unable to take on extra work, were the most frequently reported. Work transitions were related to subsequently making other work transitions, including leaving employment. Age, sex, education, activity limitations, control, depression, and arthritis-work spillover were also associated with work transitions. This study sheds light on a process of diverse employment changes that may occur in the lives of many individuals with arthritis. It emphasizes the interrelationships among work transitions, as well as other factors in predicting work transitions, and it provides insight into work changes that may signal impending difficulties with remaining employed.


3-T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of central neurocytoma: 3 case reports and review of the literature.
Central neurocytoma (CNC), first described by Hassoun et al in 1982, is a rare neuronal tumor of the central nervous system, accounting for 0.25% to 0.5% of all central nervous system tumors. To our knowledge, there are only 5 published articles reporting the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) findings of neurocytomas. The 3-T proton MRS findings of 3 cases with CNC confirmed by immunohistochemical stains are reported here. Increased choline (Cho)/creatine (Cr) ratios with decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/Cr ratios were observed in all 3 cases, but only 1 case had an increased peak at 3.55 ppm known as glycine (Gly). The other case with an increased alanine peak at 1.5 ppm had a poor prognosis. Therefore, we conclude that the presence of a Gly peak may suggest the diagnosis of CNC but that the absence of Gly does not exclude the diagnosis of CNC.


The A1 Subunit of Shiga Toxin 2 Has Higher Affinity for Ribosomes and Higher Catalytic Activity than the A1 Subunit of Shiga Toxin 1.
Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections can lead to life-threatening complications, including hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), which is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children in the United States. Stx1 and Stx2 are AB5 toxins consisting of an enzymatically active A subunit associated with a pentamer of receptor binding B subunits. Epidemiological evidence suggests that Stx2-producing E. coli strains are more frequently associated with HUS than Stx1-producing strains. Several studies suggest that the B subunit plays a role in mediating toxicity. However, the role of the A subunits in the increased potency of Stx2 has not been fully investigated. Here, using purified A1 subunits, we show that Stx2A1 has a higher affinity for yeast and mammalian ribosomes than Stx1A1. Biacore analysis indicated that Stx2A1 has faster association and dissociation with ribosomes than Stx1A1. Analysis of ribosome depurination kinetics demonstrated that Stx2A1 depurinates yeast and mammalian ribosomes and an RNA stem-loop mimic of the sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) at a higher catalytic rate and is a more efficient enzyme than Stx1A1. Stx2A1 depurinated ribosomes at a higher level in vivo and was more cytotoxic than Stx1A1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Stx2A1 depurinated ribosomes and inhibited translation at a significantly higher level than Stx1A1 in human cells. These results provide the first direct evidence that the higher affinity for ribosomes in combination with higher catalytic activity toward the SRL allows Stx2A1 to depurinate ribosomes, inhibit translation, and exhibit cytotoxicity at a significantly higher level than Stx1A1.


Prevalence and molecular phylogenetic characterization of Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) minasense in the peripheral blood of small neotropical primates after a quarantine period.
Neotropical primates of the Cebidae and Callitrichidae, in their natural habitats, are frequently infected with a variety of trypanosomes including Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes a serious zoonosis, Chagas' disease. The state of trypanosome infection after a 30-day quarantine period was assessed in 85 squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) and 15 red-handed tamarins (Saguinus midas), that were wild-caught and exported to Japan as companion animals or laboratory animals, for biomedical research, respectively. In addition to many microfilariae of Mansonella (Tetrapetalonema) mariae at a prevalence of 25.9%, and Dipetalonema caudispina at a prevalence of 3.5%, a few trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) minasense were detected in Giemsa-stained thin films of blood from 20 squirrel monkeys at a prevalence of 23.5%. Although few T. minasense trypomastigotes were found in Giemsa-stained blood films from tamarins, a buffy-coat examination detected trypanosomes in 12 red-handed tamarins (80.0%), and PCR amplification of a highly variable region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU rDNA) for Trypanosoma spp. detected the infection in 14 of the 15 tamarins (93.3%). Nucleotide sequences of the amplicons were identical for trypanosomes from tamarins and squirrel monkeys, indicating a high prevalence but low parasitemia of T. minasense in imported Neotropical nonhuman primates. Based on the SSU rDNA and 5.8S rDNA, the molecular phylogenetic characterization of T. minasense indicated that T. minasense is closely related to trypanosomes with Trypanosoma theileri-like morphology and is distinct from Trypanosoma (Tejeraia) rangeli, as well as from T. cruzi. Using some blood samples from these monkeys, amplification and subsequent sequencing of the glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) gene fragments detected 4 trypanosome genotypes, including 2 types of T. cruzi clade, 1 type of T. rangeli clade, and 1 T. rangeli-related type, but failed to indicate its phylogenetic position based on the gGAPDH gene. Furthermore, species ordinarily classified in the Megatrypanum by morphological criteria do not form a clade in any molecular phylogenetic trees based on rDNA or gGAPDH genes.


Memristive behaviour of Si-Al oxynitride thin films: the role of oxygen and nitrogen vacancies in the electroforming process.
The resistive switching properties of silicon-aluminium oxynitride (SiAlON) based devices have been studied. Electrical transport mechanisms in both resistance states were determined, exhibiting an ohmic behaviour at low resistance and a defect-related Poole-Frenkel mechanism at high resistance. Nevertheless, some features of the Al top-electrode are generated during the initial electroforming, suggesting some material modifications. An in-depth microscopic study at the nanoscale has been performed after the electroforming process, by acquiring scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images. The direct observation of the devices confirmed features on the top electrode with bubble-like appearance, as well as some precipitates within the SiAlON. Chemical analysis by electron energy loss spectroscopy has demonstrated that there is an out-diffusion of oxygen and nitrogen ions from the SiAlON layer towards the electrode, thus forming silicon-rich paths within the dielectric layer and indicating vacancy change to be the main mechanism in the resistive switching.


SH-5, an AKT inhibitor potentiates apoptosis and inhibits invasion through the suppression of anti-apoptotic, proliferative and metastatic gene products regulated by IkappaBalpha kinase activation.
Because the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-AKT pathway is emerging as an important regulator of tumor cell survival, inhibitors of this pathway have enormous potential in cancer treatment. A specific inhibitor of AKT, [d-3-deoxy-2-O-methyl-myo-inositol-1-[(R)-2-methoxy-3-(octadecyloxy)propyl hydrogen phosphate]] (SH-5) has been recently synthesized, but little is known about its effects on cytokine signaling. We found that SH-5 potentiated the apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as indicated by intracellular esterase staining, annexin V staining, and caspase-3 activation. This effect of SH-5 correlated with downregulation of various gene products that mediate cell survival, proliferation, metastasis, and invasion, all known to be regulated by NF-kappaB. SH-5 also blocked NF-kappaB activation induced by TNF-alpha, lipopolysaccharide, phorbol ester, and cigarette smoke but not that activated by hydrogen peroxide and RANK ligand, indicating differential requirement of AKT. Inhibition of NF-kappaB correlated with abrogation of phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha through the inhibition of activation of IkappaBalpha kinase (IKK). This led to suppression of the phosphorylation and translocation of p65 and also of NF-kappaB reporter activity induced by TNFR1, TRADD, TRAF2, NIK, and IKKbeta but not that induced by p65 transfection. Thus, our results clearly demonstrate that inhibition of AKT leads to potentiation of apoptosis through modulation of NF-kappaB signaling.


Term Coverage of Dietary Supplements Ingredients in Product Labels.
As the clinical application and consumption of dietary supplements has grown, their side effects and possible interactions with prescribed medications has become a serious issue. Information extraction of dietary supplement related information is a critical need to support dietary supplement research. However, there currently is not an existing terminology for dietary supplements, placing a barrier for informatics research in this field. The terms related to dietary supplement ingredients should be collected and normalized before a terminology can be established to facilitate convenient search on safety information and control possible adverse effects of dietary supplements. In this study, the Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) was chosen as the data source from which the ingredient information was extracted and normalized. The distribution based on the product type and the ingredient type of the dietary supplements were analyzed. The ingredient terms were then mapped to the existing terminologies, including UMLS, RxNorm and NDF-RT by using MetaMap and RxMix. The large gap between existing terminologies and ingredients were found: only 14.67%, 19.65%, and 12.88% of ingredient terms were covered by UMLS, RxNorm and NDF-RT, respectively.


Tribulus Terrestris may decrease muscle damage markers following a high-intensity resistance exercise: A pilot study.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two weeks of Tribulus Terrestris (TT) on the responses of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and enzymes creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) following a single session of resistance exercise (RE). Eighteen healthy non-athlete males (age: 22.44 ± 2.54 years, BMI: 26.15 ± 1.62 kg/m2) participated in this study and were divided randomly into two 9-person groups of supplementation or placebo. The participants consumed two 250-mg capsules of TT or placebo (maltodextrin) per day and performed six REs with the intensity 80, 85, and 90% of 1RM in three circles at the day after the end of supplementation period. Blood samples were collected before the initiation of supplementation, and before and after the RE session. Total changes of IL-6 (p<0.001) and LDH (p=0.005) were significant in both groups. Bonferroni post hoc test showed that increased values of IL-6 and CPK in both groups were significant after exercise compared with pre-exercise and baseline (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in relation to within- and between-group changes in hs-CRP (p>0.05). Moreover, differences between the groups regarding post-exercise IL-6 and CPK were not significant (p>0.05). However, post-exercise LDH in supplementation group were lower than placebo group (p=0.015). In conclusion, short-term supplementation with TT has no effect on IL-6 and hs-CRP, but may be effective on the reduction of muscle damage enzymes CPK and LDH following high-intensity circuit RE.


Isolated free intraperitoneal fluid in young male after blunt abdominal sport trauma: two case reports from the World Cup 2022.
The presence of isolated intraperitoneal free fluid (IFIPF) indicates the presence of mesenteric, organ, or bowel injury, which necessitates surgical exploration. The advances in computerized tomographic scanning (CT scan) allow even smaller amounts of IFIPF being detected. However, the clinical significance of IFIPF following blunt abdominal trauma remains not well-studied. Moreover, IFIPF is an unexpected condition in healthy male in the absence of mesenteric or organ injury on abdominal imaging. Herein, we presented two cases with IFIPF detected by CT scan in two healthy football male players during the World Cup 2022. The two players were managed conservatively and rejoined safely their football team during the same competition.


Effect of retinoic acid on cell proliferation and differentiation as well as on lipid synthesis, lipoprotein secretion, and apolipoprotein biogenesis.
Dietary vitamin A and its active metabolites are essential nutrients for many functions as well as potent regulators of gene transcription and growth. Although the epithelium of the small intestine is characterized by rapid and constant renewal and enterocytes play a central role in the absorption and metabolism of alimentary retinol, very little is known about the function of retinoids in the human gastrointestinal epithelium and mechanisms by which programs engage the cell cycle are poorly understood. We have assessed the effects of 10 microM 9- and 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA) on proliferation and differentiation processes, lipid esterification, apolipoprotein (apo) biogenesis and lipoprotein secretion along with nuclear factor gene transcription. Treatment of Caco-2 cells with RA at different concentrations and incubation periods revealed the reduction of thymidine incorporation in 60% preconfluent or 100% confluent cells. Concomitantly, RA 1) modulated D-type cyclins by reducing the mitogen-sensitive cyclin D1 and upregulating cyclin D3 expressions and 2) caused a trend of increase in p38 MAPK, which triggers CDX2, a central protein in cell differentiation. RA remained without effect on lipoprotein output and apo synthesis, even for apo A-I that possesses RARE in its promoter. RA, in combination with 22-hydroxycholesterol, could induce apo A-I gene expression without any impact on apo A-I mass. Only the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)beta, retinoic receptor (RAR)beta, and RARgamma was augmented and no alteration was noted in PPARalpha, PPARgamma, liver X receptor (LXR)alpha, LXRbeta, and retinoid X receptors. Taken together, these data highlight RA-induced cell differentiation via specific signaling without a significant impact on apo A-I synthesis.


Increased survival of immigrant compared to native dialysis patients in an urban setting in the Netherlands.
Data from the United States and Canada suggest that survival rates of Caucasian dialysis patients are lower compared to those of black patients and patients from Asian regions. Information regarding the survival rate of immigrant dialysis patients in Europe is scarce. We retrospectively analysed incident haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients who entered an Amsterdam renal service between January 1996 and December 2005. To explore the origin of differences in survival between natives and immigrants, we ran a series of Cox models with adjustment for demographic, clinical and laboratory variables at baseline and initial adequacy variables. Of 303 incident dialysis patients, 58% were natives and 42% were immigrants. Fifty-nine percent of natives and 54% of immigrants had HD as initial treatment modality. At initiation of dialysis, native patients were older and had higher rates of vascular and coronary artery diseases and malignancies and a lower prevalence of hypertension. Glomerulonephritis was more common among immigrants as primary kidney disease. Mean haematocrit and calcium levels for natives were higher compared to immigrants. Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed an increased relative mortality risk (RR) of 2.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9-3.9] for natives compared to immigrants. Adjustment for age at the start of dialysis attenuated the RR to 1.9 (CI 1.3-2.7). Adjustment for the other variables did not materially influence this RR. We demonstrate increased survival for immigrant compared to native dialysis patients in an urban setting in the Netherlands. This survival advantage is only partly explained by younger age of immigrants at the start of dialysis compared to native patients.


Identification of amino acid residues that determine the differential ligand specificities of folate receptors alpha and beta.
The homologous folate receptor (FR) types alpha and beta from both human and murine sources have opposite stereospecificities for reduced folate coenzymes and different affinities for a variety of (anti)folate compounds. The present study identifies the critical amino acid sequence divergence underlying functional differences between FR-alpha and FR-beta. Chimeric constructs of the cDNAs encoding human FR-alpha and FR-beta were expressed in human 293 fibroblasts. The resulting membrane associated proteins were characterized in terms of their ability to bind [3H]folic acid and their relative affinities for the (6S) and (6R) diastereoisomers of N5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Substitution of the amino-terminal portion (residues 1-92) in the mature FR-alpha polypeptide with the corresponding segment of FR-beta resulted in folate binding characteristics similar to FR-beta. Next, a series of chimeric constructs were generated, involving substitution of progressively shorter segments within residues 1-92 in FR-alpha with the corresponding peptides of FR-beta. In this fashion, it was determined that the alanine residue at position 49 in FR-alpha was critical for its functional divergence from FR-beta, since substitution at this position with Leu (the corresponding residue in FR-beta) resulted in the folate binding characteristics of FR-beta. Reciprocal substitution in FR-beta with peptide 1-92 of FR-alpha resulted in poor expression of a [3H]folic acid binding protein. By analysis of chimeric constructs, the poor [3H]folic acid binding of the FR-alpha(1-92)/beta(93-237) chimera could be attributed to interference of a short segment from FR-alpha in the vicinity of Ala 49 (peptide 39-59) with proper folding of the chimera. Conversion of the ligand binding properties of FR-beta to those of FR-alpha required the reciprocal mutation of Leu 49 to Ala, but in addition, substitution of one or more residues downstream of amino acid 92 of FR-beta with the corresponding residues in FR-alpha was essential. The homologous murine FR types alpha and beta, which are functionally analogous to the human receptor isoforms, also contain a similar Ala vs Leu substitution. These results indicate that steric/hydrophobic effects of the side chains of Leu vs Ala at position 49 will critically modulate the affinities and stereospecificities of FR isoforms for folate compounds. Furthermore, additional amino acid sequence divergence at one or more positions downstream of residue 92 in FR-alpha is also an essential determinant of the unique functional characteristics of this receptor isoform.