BET N-terminal bromodomain inhibition selectively blocks Th17 cell differentiation and ameliorates colitis in mice.
T-helper 17 (Th17) cells have important functions in adaptor immunity and have also been implicated in inflammatory disorders. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins regulate gene transcription during lineage-specific differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells to produce mature T-helper cells. Inhibition of acetyl-lysine binding of the BET proteins by pan-BET bromodomain (BrD) inhibitors, such as JQ1, broadly affects differentiation of Th17, Th1, and Th2 cells that have distinct immune functions, thus limiting their therapeutic potential. Whether these BET proteins represent viable new epigenetic drug targets for inflammatory disorders has remained an unanswered question. In this study, we report that selective inhibition of the first bromodomain of BET proteins with our newly designed small molecule MS402 inhibits primarily Th17 cell differentiation with a little or almost no effect on Th1 or Th2 and Treg cells. MS402 preferentially renders Brd4 binding to Th17 signature gene loci over those of housekeeping genes and reduces Brd4 recruitment of p-TEFb to phosphorylate and activate RNA polymerase II for transcription elongation. We further show that MS402 prevents and ameliorates T-cell transfer-induced colitis in mice by blocking Th17 cell overdevelopment. Thus, selective pharmacological modulation of individual bromodomains likely represents a strategy for treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.


Infections Associated with Temporary External Fixation.
Infections associated with external fixation are thought to be related to the fixator construct, the length of time a fixator is on the limb and the injury severity score (ISS). Patients who had temporary external fixation applied for lower extremity fractures were included. Charts were reviewed for prevalence of infection, loss of reduction or other external fixator modification. Other variables were length of time the fixator was applied and the length of hospitalization. Seventy-five patients with 80 fractures met our study criteria. Of 80 fractures, 23 (28.8%) were associated with infection at the fracture site. Average time to conversion from external fixation to definitive fixation was 13.23 ± 19.8 for infected fractures and 20.03 ± 17.08 (p = 0.137) for those without infection. We did not find that the length of time a fixator was applied was associated with an increased infection rate of the fracture site, the pin sites or other regions. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 29(2):73-76, 2020).


Acute myocardial infarction mortality in comparison with lung and bladder cancer mortality in arsenic-exposed region II of Chile from 1950 to 2000.
Arsenic in drinking water is known to be a cause of lung, bladder, and skin cancer, and some studies report cardiovascular disease effects. The authors investigated mortality from 1950 to 2000 in the arsenic-exposed region II of Chile (population: 477,000 in 2000) in comparison with the unexposed region V. Increased risks were found for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with mortality rate ratios of 1.48 for men (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37, 1.59; p < 0.001) and 1.26 for women (95% CI: 1.14, 1.40; p < 0.001) during the high-exposure period in region II from 1958 to 1970. The highest rate ratios were for young adult men aged 30-49 years who were born during the high-exposure period with probable exposure in utero and in early childhood (rate ratio = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.79, 3.75; p < 0.001). Compared with lung and bladder cancer, AMI mortality was the predominant cause of excess deaths during and immediately after the high-exposure period. Ten years after reduction of exposures, AMI mortality had decreased, and longer latency excess deaths from lung and bladder cancer predominated. With these three causes of death combined, increased mortality peaked in 1991-1995, with estimated excess deaths related to arsenic exposure constituting 10.9% of all deaths among men and 4.0% among women.


Hormone replacement therapy may reduce high serum homocysteine in postmenopausal women.
In a prospective study we investigated the possible changes in fasting serum total homocysteine concentrations during continuous micronized 17 beta-oestradiol, 2 mg daily, in combination with cyclic dydrogesterone, 10 mg daily during the first 14 days of each 28 day cycle, in 21 healthy non-hysterectomized postmenopausal women. During the first six cycles mean serum homocysteine decreased by 10.9% (P = 0.013), after which no further significant changes were found during the 2 years of treatment. A 16.9% decrease (P = 0.017; n = 8) was found in women with high homocysteine concentrations, while in women with low homocysteine concentrations (n = 13) no significant changes were observed. The observed decrease in high homocysteine concentrations in postmenopausal women may in part contribute to the decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease during hormone replacement therapy.


Phylogeny and biogeography of the African burrowing snake subfamily Aparallactinae (Squamata: Lamprophiidae).
Members of the snake subfamily Aparallactinae occur in various habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The monophyly of aparallactine snakes is well established, but relationships within the subfamily are poorly known. We sampled 158 individuals from six of eight aparallactine genera in sub-Saharan Africa. We employed concatenated gene-tree analyses, divergence dating approaches, and ancestral-area reconstructions to infer phylogenies and biogeographic patterns with a multi-locus data set consisting of three mitochondrial (16S, cyt b, and ND4) and two nuclear genes (c-mos and RAG1). As a result, we uncover several cryptic lineages and elevate a lineage of Polemon to full species status. Diversification occurred predominantly during the Miocene, with a few speciation events occurring subsequently in the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Biogeographic analyses suggested that the Zambezian biogeographic region, comprising grasslands and woodlands, facilitated radiations, vicariance, and dispersal for many aparallactines. Moreover, the geographic distributions of many forest species were fragmented during xeric and cooler conditions, which likely led to diversification events. Biogeographic patterns of aparallactine snakes are consistent with previous studies of other sub-Saharan herpetofauna.


[Radiotherapy after prostatectomy: experiences in Luxembourg from 2005 to 2006].
Radical prostatectomy is a therapeutic option for the treatment of localized prostate cancer (T1 and T2). The prognostic factors which define risks of recurrence after prostatectomy are: capsular invasion, invasion of resection margins, seminal vesicle invasion. Two randomized trials show that adjuvant radiotherapy improves local control and biochemical recurrence-free survival. Between 2005 and 2006, 12 patients of Centre François Baclesse have been irradiated on theprostatic loge. Immediate post-operative radiotherapy was preferably used. Late toxicity (grade 1) occurred only in one patient (1 case out of 8). Based on the literature, immediate postoperative irradiation is preferentially proposed in case of unfavourable factors, or possibly used secondly, in case of biological recurrence (in early situation i.e. PSA < 0.5).


A comparative review of developmental screening tests.
Public Law 99-457 amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to include services for children from birth through 3 years. Inasmuch as detection and referral of children with developmental delays continues to reside largely with pediatricians and other health care professionals, developmental screening, using standardized tests, is increasingly important. To help physicians select from the array of instruments, 19 different screening tests were administered by a pediatrician and rated by a panel of pediatricians and a special educator. While the panel found few tests that fit within the time constraints of pediatric practice, several tests approached standards for educational and psychologic tests. These included the Battelle Developmental Inventory Screening Test, Infant Monitoring System, Developmental Indicators for Assessment of Learning-Revised, Screening Children for Related Early Educational Needs, and the Developmental Profile II.


Digital model superimpositions: are different software algorithms equally accurate in quantifying linear tooth movements?
To evaluate the accuracy of three different 3D digital model registration software packages for linear tooth movement measurements, with reference to a 3D digital virtual setup (DS). Twenty maxillary and mandibular pre-treatment scans of patients undergoing clear aligner therapy were used. Digital Setups were generated from pre-treatment scans using OrthoAnalyzer software. Both the pretreatment digital scans (T1) and Digital Setups (T2) were converted to STL files to be imported to the three studied software packages: Geomagic, OrthoAnalyzer and Compare. Linear changes in tooth positions were calculated for all the registered pairs. The change in tooth position was compared between the calculated tooth movement using each of the registration software packages versus the actual generated tooth movement from the Digital Setups. Continuous data was expressed as mean and standard deviation. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for agreements between Digital Simulation and each software was used. Intra and Inter-examiner reliabilities were also assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients. Significance of the obtained results was expressed at p ≤ 0.01. Geomagic software showed agreements > 0.90 for maxillary linear tooth movements and between 0.75 and 0.90 for mandibular measurements. OrthoAnalyzer software showed agreements between 0.50 and < 0.75 for maxillary and mandibular measurements. Compare software showed agreements > 0.90 for maxillary and mandibular linear tooth movements, indicating the best consistency. Compare and Geomagic software packages consistently showed maximum accuracy in measuring the amount of tooth movement in the maxillary arch compared to the reference standard. Compare software showed the highest agreements in the mandibular arch. None of the three studied software packages showed poor agreement with the Digital Setup across all tooth movement measurements. Buccolingual tooth movements showed the highest agreements amongst linear measurements.


Nickel-Catalyzed Hydroamination of Olefins with Anthranils.
A nickel-catalyzed polarity-reversed hydroamination of olefins has been achieved with anthranils as the electrophilic aminating agents and hydrosilane as the reductant. This protocol provides a facile access to N-alkyl-2-aminobenzophenones that are versatile intermediates in organic synthesis. A wide range of olefins and anthranils are compatible in this transformation, delivering the desired amines in useful to excellent yields (38 examples, up to 92% yield). The utility of this protocol is exhibited in the late-stage functionalization of drug molecules and the valuable derivatives of the obtained amination products.


Influence of repressive coping style on cortical activation during encoding of angry faces.
Coping plays an important role for emotion regulation in threatening situations. The model of coping modes designates repression and sensitization as two independent coping styles. Repression consists of strategies that shield the individual from arousal. Sensitization indicates increased analysis of the environment in order to reduce uncertainty. According to the discontinuity hypothesis, repressors are sensitive to threat in the early stages of information processing. While repressors do not exhibit memory disturbances early on, they manifest weak memory for these stimuli later. This study investigates the discontinuity hypothesis using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Healthy volunteers (20 repressors and 20 sensitizers) were selected from a sample of 150 students on the basis of the Mainz Coping Inventory. During the fMRI experiment, subjects evaluated and memorized emotional and neutral faces. Subjects performed two sessions of face recognition: immediately after the fMRI session and three days later. Repressors exhibited greater activation of frontal, parietal and temporal areas during encoding of angry faces compared to sensitizers. There were no differences in recognition of facial emotions between groups neither immediately after exposure nor after three days. The fMRI findings suggest that repressors manifest an enhanced neural processing of directly threatening facial expression which confirms the assumption of hyper-responsivity to threatening information in repression in an early processing stage. A discrepancy was observed between high neural activation in encoding-relevant brain areas in response to angry faces in repressors and no advantage in subsequent memory for these faces compared to sensitizers.


The Mycobacterium tuberculosis 71-kDa heat-shock protein induces proliferation and cytokine secretion by murine gut intraepithelial lymphocytes.
Murine intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) respond poorly to T cell mitogens and to monoclonal antibody stimulation of T cell receptor (TCR)- and CD3- associated molecules. In contrast, we found that a soluble extract of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), but not purified protein derivative of tuberculin, induced significant proliferative responses in IEL cultures. The active component was apparently a heat shock protein (HSP), since recombinant 71-kDa HSP from Mtb induced IEL to proliferate, while 65-kDa HSP from M. bovis and M. leprae did not. Both alpha/beta and gamma/delta TCR-enriched IEL gave proliferative responses to 71-kDa HSP. Further, culture supernatants from IEL stimulated with 71-kDa HSP contained elevated levels of interleukin-(IL)-3/granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-gamma and IL-6, but not IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 or transforming growth factor-beta. Finally, several IEL T cell clones have been maintained for up to 6 weeks, when stimulated with 71-kDa HSP, IL-2 and feeder cells. Our results show that the 71-kDa HSP of Mtb induces IEL T cells to divide and to secrete cytokines and this may offer a model for cloning and study of IEL T cells in vitro.


Twin helical undulator beamline for soft X-ray spectroscopy at SPring-8.
A very high resolution soft X-ray beamline, BL25SU, has been designed and is under construction at SPring-8. Completely right or left circularly polarized light is supplied on a common axis of a newly designed twin helical undulator. A helicity modulation up to 10 Hz can be performed using five kicker magnets. The fundamental radiation covers the region 0.5-3 keV. Higher-order radiation is rather weak on the axis. A monochromator with varied-line-spacing plane gratings is installed to cover the region below 1.5 keV. A very high resolution beyond 10(4) is expected for the whole energy region.


Fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the management of choroidal melanoma.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of choroidal melanoma offers an opportunity to determine the prognosis for metastasis and provide tissue resources for further study to develop molecular-based targeted therapies. Patients increasingly desire as much information as possible about their cancer so that they may plan their lives and investigate new treatments. Physicians who treat choroidal melanoma must become skilled in the technique so that even the smallest tumors, in patients who might benefit most from early treatment, may be safely biopsied. Individualized molecular therapies of the future will be predicated on the results of a patient's fine-needle biopsy. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy for metastatic prognostication was first performed in North America at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, the University of California, Los Angeles in 2004. Subsequent reports from the major ophthalmic oncology centers have since evaluated several platforms for prognostication using mainly DNA-based approaches. Monosomy 3 of the primary tumor is the cytogenetic abnormality most strongly associated with the development of metastasis. The longest clinical follow-up of a cohort of patients at the Jules Stein Eye Institute who underwent biopsy for prognostication reported in 2012 revealed no increase in ocular morbidity or metastatic risk. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy for prognostication in choroidal melanoma is the current standard of care because of new molecular knowledge and a more patient-centered approach to healthcare. Future targeted molecular therapies and metastatic surveillance in patients with choroidal melanoma may be directed by the results of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the primary tumor.


[Treatment of foreign body impactions in oesophagus].
Foreign body impactions in oesophagus occur frequently. The causes are oesophageal pathology (anatomical, functional or inflammatory diseases). X-ray may be performed to determine the diagnosis or suspected perforation. Treatment can be conservative with carbonated drinks and observation for up to 24 hours, as up to two thirds of the impactions pass spontaneously. There is no evidence for medical treatment with buscopane, diazepam or glucagone. Emergent endoscopy is performed at risk of perforation by erosive or sharp objects, by obstruction over 24 hours, at risk of aspiration and complete obstruction.


Synthetic detergents induced-biochemical and histological changes in skin of guinea pigs.
The linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) based synthetic detergents-induced decrease in lipid peroxydation and increase in histamine content in exposed skin of guinea pigs in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological alterations of exposed skin included moderate degree of hyperkeratinization at lower concentration but necrosis, scarring, sloughing as well as discontinuity of epidermis at higher concentrations. The results shows that the contact of skin with detergents causes dermal toxicity.


Splenectomy is not indicated in living donor liver transplantation.
Simultaneous splenectomy (SPX) is preferentially performed in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) to modulate portal flow; increase postoperative platelet count, especially among those with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; and modulate the immunologic status in ABO-incompatible cases. The negative effects of the procedure, however, are not well established. Records of 395 LDLTs performed at our institution, including 169 (42.8%) patients with simultaneous SPX and 226 (57.2%) patients with spleen preservation, were reviewed with special reference to the simultaneous SPX cases. The most common indication for SPX was HCV-related disease (n = 114), followed by low preoperative platelet count (n = 52), and other reasons (n = 3). Simultaneous splenectomy did not increase the platelet count in the early postoperative period, but the incidence of reoperation for postoperative hemorrhage was increased, mainly at the SPX site, within the first week. In addition, the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and incidence of lethal infectious disease were significantly higher in the SPX group, whereas the incidence of small-for-size syndrome was comparable between groups. Finally, SPX was an independent predictor for both postoperative hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR] = 2.451; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.285-4.815; P = 0.006) and lethal infectious complication (OR = 3.748; 95% CI = 1.148-14.001; P = 0.03). In conclusion, on the basis of the present findings, we do not recommend simultaneous SPX in LDLT. Liver Transplantation 22 1526-1535 2016 AASLD.


Labial salivary gland biopsies in Sjögren's syndrome: still the gold standard?
The accuracy and diagnostic benefits of the labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsy for Sjögren's syndrome (SS) have received mixed reviews. This study was conducted to assess (1) the inter-rater agreement among 5 pathologists, and (2) the relationship between biopsy findings and clinical disease parameters. Three oral pathologists (OP) and two surgical pathologists (SP) provided independent diagnoses, focus scores, and plasma cell characterizations for 37 LSG biopsies. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using percentage of overall agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients. Relationships between diagnoses and clinical parameters were assessed by nonparametric correlations. Overall agreement among the pathologists was poor, although the intra-specialty agreement was good. The ratings of OP were most highly correlated with serological measures, while those of SP were correlated with salivary flow rate and disease damage. Since the LSG biopsy can be the determining factor in SS diagnoses, these demonstrated inconsistencies merit further consideration.


The Impact of Rendered Protein Meal Oxidation Level on Shelf-Life, Sensory Characteristics, and Acceptability in Extruded Pet Food.
Pet foods are expected to have a shelf-life for 12 months or more. Sensory analysis can be used to determine changes in products and to estimate products' shelf-life. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate how increasing levels of oxidation in rendered protein meals used to produce extruded pet food affected the sensory properties and (2) determine the effect of shelf-life on pet owners' acceptability of extruded pet food diet formulated without the use of preservative. Pet food diets contained beef meat bone meal (BMBM) and chicken byproduct meal (CBPM) in which the oxidation was retarded with ethoxyquin, mixed tocopherols, or none at all, and then extruded into dry pet foods. These samples represented low, medium, and high oxidation levels, respectively. Samples were stored for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months at ambient temperature. Each time point, samples were evaluated by six highly trained descriptive panelists for sensory attributes related to oxidation. Samples without preservatives were chosen for the acceptability test, since the differences in sensory characteristics over storage time were more distinguishable in those samples. Pet owners evaluated samples for aroma, appearance and overall liking. Descriptive sensory analysis detected significant changes in oxidized-related sensory characteristics over storage time. However, the differences for CBPM samples were more pronounced and directional. The consumer study showed no differences in pet owners' acceptability for BMBM samples. However, the noticeable increase in aroma characteristics (rancid aroma 0.33-4.21) in CBPM samples over storage time did have a negative effect on consumer's liking (overall liking 5.52-4.95).


A study on the temperature field of a bronze-bonded diamond wheel dressed using a laser/ultrasonic vibration combined method.
To solve problems in dressings for metal-bonded super-hard abrasive wheels, such as low efficiency and rapid wear, this article introduces a laser-assisted ultrasonic vibration dressing technique. Firstly, finite-element simulations were conducted on the dressing process of a bronze-bonded diamond wheel, and the wheel's temperature field distributions under different laser parameters were simulated. By analysing the simulation results of temperature fields and the melting point of the bronze bond, the laser parameters for laser-assisted ultrasonic vibration dressing tests were optimized, and then actual tests were carried out on the bronze-bonded diamond wheel. Results showed that, with appropriate technology parameters, the laser-assisted ultrasonic vibration dressing technique achieved desirable dressing results; specifically, the dressing force was low, the abrasive particles had high protrusions and the wheel had a large chip space and favourable surface topography.


Twinks, Fairies, and Queens: A Historical Inquiry into Effeminate Gay Bottom Identity.
Effeminate gay bottoms, or gender nonconforming men who are anally receptive and/or give oral sex to other men who are also "gender nonconforming," are persistently marginalized in gay and LGBTQ+ communities in Britain and the US. For some LGBTQ+ commentators, "twink" has become relexified to mean a young-looking, slim, hairless effeminate bottom, whereas originally the term primarily denoted a body type and age bracket among gay men. This article explores how the twink has come to bear connotations of effeminacy and bottom subjectivity, highlighting the steady erosion of other available cultural terms to denote a bottom whose gender expression does not conform to dominant cultural masculine stereotypes. It offers an analysis of two key historical effeminate bottom identities in Britain and the US, the "fairy" and "queen," and argues that the twink not only now carries connotations originally attached to these historical identities, but that it merges their gendered and sexual connotations with new characteristics concerning age and body type that may cause considerable anxiety among contemporary gay men due to their unsustainable "shelf life."


The structural integrity of endosperm/cotyledon cells and cell modification affect starch digestion properties.
Nutritional and epidemiological studies suggest that the excessive intake of highly processed starchy foods contributes to the risk of type II diabetes and obesity in consumers. This is partly caused by the disruption of the cellular structure of cereal endosperms or legume cotyledons in foods during processing, which releases large amounts of highly digestible starch though the cell wall structure. Thus, to improve the production of starch-based foods with slowly digestible starch, it is necessary to clarify the influence of the structural integrity of cereal endosperm and legume cotyledon cells and the modification of their structure during processing on the starch digestion properties. However, the effect of mechanical, chemical, biological, or enzymatic modification of the cell wall during the processing of cereals and legumes on the digestive properties of starch has not been summarized well. Accordingly, in the present review, we fill this gap by summarizing the biophysical properties of common cereal and legume endosperm/cotyledon cells. Furthermore, we elaborate on the mechanisms involved in imparting cell wall integrity and controlling the starch digestion properties. Subsequently, the starch release pattern after cell wall modification is also discussed. In addition, a new classification system is proposed, which is beneficial for conducting cell research. This review provides new insights into the cell wall integrity of starch sources and the effect of the modification of cereal and legumes on starch digestion, which will benefit the scientific community and industry.


In situ synthesis of P3HT-capped CdSe superstructures and their application in solar cells.
Organic/inorganic hybrid solar cells have great potentials to revolutionize solar cells, but their use has been limited by inefficient electron/hole transfer due to the presence of long aliphatic ligands and unsatisfying continuous interpenetrating networks. To solve this problem, herein, we have developed a one-pot route for in situ synthesis of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-capped CdSe superstructures, in which P3HT acts directly as the ligands. These CdSe superstructures are in fact constructed from numerous CdSe nanoparticles. The presence of P3HT ligands has no obvious adverse effects on the morphologies and phases of CdSe superstructures. Importantly, higher content of P3HT ligands results in stronger photoabsorption and fluorescent intensity of CdSe superstructure samples. Subsequently, P3HT-capped CdSe superstructures prepared with 50 mg P3HT were used as a model material to fabricate the solar cell with a structure of PEDOT:PSS/P3HT-capped CdSe superstructures: P3HT/Al. This cell gives a power conversion efficiency of 1.32%.


Rat growth during chronic centrifugation.
Female weanling rats were chronically centrifuged at 4.15 g with controls at terrestrial gravity. Samples of 6 to 10 rats were sacrificed for body composition studies at 0, 28, 63, 105, 179 and 308 days of centrifugation and 57 days after centrifugation ended. The centrifuged group had a significantly lower mature body mass than the controls (251 vs 318 g) but the rate of approach to the mature values was the same in both groups. Retirement to 1 g on the 60th day resulted in complete recovery. Masses of muscle, bone, skin, CNS, heart, kidneys, body water and body fat were changed in the centrifuged group. However, an analysis of the growth in mass of individual components relative to growth of the total fat-free compartment revealed that only skin (which increased in mass) was responding to centrifugation per se.


Antimicrobial activity of cetylpyridinium chloride against Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters and subsequent effect on quality attributest.
Frankfurters inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes were treated with 1% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or with 1% CPC followed by a water rinse at various combinations of spray temperatures (25, 40, and 55 degrees C), spray pressures (20, 25, and 35 psi), and times of exposure (30, 40, and 60 s). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the reductions achieved by 1% CPC + water wash and those achieved with 1% CPC treatment alone. L. monocytogenes populations were reduced by ca. 1.7 log CFU/g immediately following treatment, with no differences (P > 0.05) observed for different spray temperatures, pressures, or exposure times. The effectiveness of 1% CPC spray treatment (at 25 degrees C, 20 psi, and 30 s of exposure) against L. monocytogenes on vacuum-packaged frankfurters stored at 0 and 4 degrees C for 42 days was then evaluated. Application of a 1% CPC surface spray to frankfurters immediately prior to packaging reduced L. monocytogenes concentrations by 1.4 to 1.7 log CFU/g and further restricted growth of the pathogen during 42 days of refrigerated storage, thereby meeting U.S. Department of Agriculture alternatives 1 and 2 criteria for Listeria control. CPC treatment reduced aerobic plate counts, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli populations on noninoculated frankfurters to below detectable limits. The 1% CPC treatment did not affect the color (L*, a*, and b* values) of frankfurters stored for 42 days at 0 or 4 degrees C (P > 0.05). The effect of 1% CPC treatment on the firmness of frankfurters was also negligible.


Octreotide inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through P300-HAT activity and the interaction of ZAC and P300.
Somatostatin (SST) exhibits a wide range of physiological functions, including the regulation of tumor cell growth. Octreotide (OCT) is a synthetic analogue of SST that can be used to slow gastrointestinal bleeding, inhibit the release of growth hormone and impede gastrointestinal tumor growth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of OCT underlying the inhibition of gastric cancer cell proliferation. Proteins of interest were detected using western blotting, and the zinc finger protein (ZAC)-P300 complex was quantified using co-immunoprecipitation. P300-histone acetyltransferase (P300-HAT) activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The results showed that OCT decreased the phosphorylation of Akt which caused the level of ZAC to increase. In turn, the interaction between ZAC and P300 increased the activity of P300-HAT; ultimately, the phosphorylation of serine 10 in histone H3 (pS10-H3) was decreased and the acetylation of lysine 14 in histone H3 (acK14-H3) was increased. These results suggest that OCT attenuates SGC-7901 cell proliferation by enhancing P300-HAT activity through the interaction of ZAC and P300, causing a reduction in pS10-H3 and an increase in acK14-H3. These findings provide insight for future research on OCT and further demonstrate the potential of OCT to be used as a therapeutic agent for gastric cancer.


Osteoarticular tuberculosis in Central India: Changing epidemiological profile and emerging challenges.
Osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB) is a form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) affecting bones and joints. There is a paucity of data on skeletal TB epidemiology in the annual TB reports and current literature. Many atypical presentations of the disease have also emerged. This necessitates periodic observation of the epidemiological profile of OATB. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevailing epidemiological trends of OATB in Central India. The 5-year ambispective observational study was conducted at the department of orthopedics of a tertiary care center in Central India. Records of patients diagnosed with OATB from January 2017 to December 2021 were analyzed for demographic factors, site of lesion, comorbidities (pulmonary TB, human immunodeficiency virus, and diabetes), etc., Chi-square test for linear trend was used to determine whether a linear trend exists in the number of diagnosed cases. Two hundred and ten skeletal TB lesions were found in 208 patients included in the study. OATB was highly reported in young adults and females. Spinal lesions were three times more common than extraspinal OATB lesions. The lumbar spine was the most affected region. Hip was the most common extraspinal site. Unusual sites such as sternoclavicular joint and ischial tuberosity were also involved. The burden of OATB is increasing, especially spinal TB. The involvement of atypical sites insists on strong clinical suspicion for early diagnosis. The practice of empirical antitubercular chemotherapy needs to be reviewed considering the risk of drug resistance.


Hypercalcemic VX-2 carcinoma in rabbits: a clinicopathologic study.
Rabbits receiving intramuscular injections of VX-2 carcinoma cells in biceps femoris muscles developed rapidly progressive neoplastic growths at 14 to 21 days associated with a significant hypercalcemia. The biologic behavior of the VX-2 carcinoma was characterized by local infiltration and metastases to regional lymph nodes and lungs. No metastases to skeletal tissues were evident. Femora from intramuscularly injected rabbits had varying degrees of osteophytosis and lysis evident roentgenographically. Histopathologic evaluation of femoral sections revealed periosteal new bone growth, cortical osteolysis, endosteal new bone growth, and in a few long term rabbits, pathologic fractures. Bone lesions were evident histologically in the vicinity of neoplastic growth (i.e., femora, tibiae) but not at distant sites (i.e., humeri and vertebrae). Mineral analyses of VX-2 carcinoma tissues and kidneys from VX-2-bearing rabbits revealed concentrations of calcium 83 and 3 times greater, respectively, than those of skeletal muscle and kidneys from controls. These findings correlated well with histochemical evidence of excessive amounts of calcium in sections of kidneys and VX-2 carcinoma tissues. Rabbits receiving intraperitoneal injections of VX-2 carcinoma cells did not develop hypercalcemia despite an extensive, progressive neoplastic burden with metastases to abdominal and thoracic viscera. Roentgenographic, histopathologic, and physiochemical analyses of selected bones from these rabbits revealed no significant alterations. These findings indicate that VX-2 carcinoma cells need to be in close proximity to skeletal tissues in order to induce hypercalcemia. The development of a significant hypercalcemia in intramuscularly injected rabbits precedes the invasion of osseous tissues by VX-2 carcinoma cells. Therefore, it appears that VX-2 carcinoma cells have the ability to alter skeletal morphology and physiochemistry through a dual humoral/cellular mechanism. The clinicopathologic characteristics of the VX-2 carcinoma in the rabbit suggest that the neoplasm is a good experimental model to study osseous-mediated hypercalcemia of malignancy.


Rapid electrical and delayed molecular signals regulate the serum response element after nerve injury: convergence of injury and learning signals.
Axotomy elicits changes in gene expression, but little is known about how information from the site of injury is communicated to the cell nucleus. We crushed nerves in Aplysia californica and the sciatic nerve in the mouse and found short- and long-term activation of an Elk1-SRF transcription complex that binds to the serum response element (SRE). The enhanced short-term binding appeared rapidly and was attributed to the injury-induced activation of an Elk1 kinase that phosphorylates Elk1 at ser383. This kinase is the previously described Aplysia (ap) ERK2 homologue, apMAPK. Nerve crush evoked action potentials that propagated along the axon to the cell soma. Exposing axons to medium containing high K(+), which evoked a similar burst of spikes, or bathing the ganglia in 20 microM serotonin (5HT) for 20 min, activated the apMAPK and enhanced SRE binding. Since 5HT is released in response to electrical activity, our data indicate that the short-term process is initiated by an injury-induced electrical discharge that causes the release of 5HT which activates apMAPK. 5HT is also released in response to noxious stimuli for aversive learning. Hence, apMAPK is a point of convergence for injury signals and learning signals. The delay before the onset of the long-term SRE binding was reduced when the crush was closer to the ganglion and was attributed to an Elk1 kinase that is activated by injury in the axon and retrogradely transported to the cell body. Although this Elk1 kinase phosphorylates mammalian rElk1 at ser383, it is distinct from apMAPK.


Automated sensitivity analysis of stiff biochemical systems using a fourth-order adaptive step size Rosenbrock integration method.
Sensitivity analysis is one of the most effective approaches for studying mathematical models of biochemical systems. A stiff Rosenbrock integrator has been developed for sensitivity analysis using a direct sensitivity approach. Automated sparse Jacobian and Hessian calculations of the coupled system (the original model equations and the sensitivity equations) have been implemented in the freely available software package CellSim. The accuracy and efficiency of the integrator are tested extensively on the complex mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway model of Bhalla and Iyengar. Both time-dependent concentration and parameter-based sensitivity coefficients are measured using several integration schemes. The method is shown to perform sensitivity analysis in a manner that is cost effective with moderate accuracy. The error control strategy between the decoupled direct method and the Rosenbrock with direct method is discussed and their computational accuracies are compared. The method is used to analyse the positive feedback loop within the MAPK signal transduction pathway.


Atomistic Approach toward Selective Photocatalytic Oxidation of a Mustard-Gas Simulant: A Case Study with Heavy-Chalcogen-Containing PCN-57 Analogues.
Here we describe the synthesis of two Zr-based benzothiadiazole- and benzoselenadiazole-containing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the selective photocatalytic oxidation of the mustard gas simulant, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). The photophysical properties of the linkers and MOFs are characterized by steady-state absorption and emission, time-resolved emission, and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. The benzoselenadiazole-containing MOF shows superior catalytic activity compared to that containing benzothiadiazole with a half-life of 3.5 min for CEES oxidation to nontoxic 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide (CEESO). Transient absorption spectroscopy performed on the benzoselenadiazole linker reveals the presence of a triplet excited state, which decays with a lifetime of 9.4 μs, resulting in the generation of singlet oxygen for photocatalysis. This study demonstrates the effect of heavy chalcogen substitution within a porous framework for the modulation of photocatalytic activity.


Selective cytotoxicity of marine-derived fungal metabolite (3S,6S)-3,6-dibenzylpiperazine-2,5-dione against cancer cells adapted to nutrient starvation.
The cancer cells that are adapted to the hypoxic and nutrient-starved conditions of the tumor microenvironment have become a key target for anticancer therapies. In the course of search for selective cytotoxic substances against cancer cells adapted to nutrient starvation, (3S,6S)-3,6-dibenzylpiperazine-2,5-dione (1) was isolated from culture extract of marine-derived Paecilomyces formous 17D47-2. Compound 1 showed cytotoxic activity on the human pancreatic carcinoma PANC-1 cells adapted to glucose-starved conditions with IC50 value of 28 µM, whereas no effect was observed against PANC-1 cells under general culture conditions up to 1000 µM. Further studies on the mechanism of the selective cytotoxicity of 1 against the glucose-starved PANC-1 cells suggest that it may function via uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.


Hypochondriasis in the elderly: a reaction to social stress.
Hypochondriasis in the elderly is often a preventable or reversible syndrome. It can become chronic if the patient finds no relief from social stress or becomes dependent upon medical services as a source of support. When this is recognized, psychotherapeutic intervention is necessary. Although no socioeconomic group is exempt, hypochondriasis in the elderly occurs more often among the lower social classes. Its higher prevalence in this group is attributable to the frequency and severity of social stress and the loss of alternative social opportunities. If psychotherapeutic intervention is necessary, the elderly hypochondriac patient should be helped to recognize social stress as a major source of the problem and to develop a realistic method of coping with it. Apparently the precipitating factors are often in the socioeconomic sphere; hence, social planners should be aware of this fact if the demands on the health care system are to be reduced.


Histological response of Eptesicus serotinus (Mammalia: Chiroptera) to Argas vespertilionis (Acari: argasidae).
The sequential histological development of Argas vespertilionis (Acarina: Argasidae) feeding sites on Eptesicus serotinus (Mammalia: Chiroptera) was evaluated. Neutrophils, followed by Langerhans cells, were the major components of the cellular infiltrate throughout the earliest phase of tick infestation. The host tended to isolate the tick mouthparts by means of a progressive formation of epithelial tissue in the feeding cavity.


The Intergroup Value Protection Model: A Theoretically Integrative and Dynamic Approach to Intergroup Conflict Escalation in Democratic Societies.
We review social-psychological evidence for a theoretically integrative and dynamic model of intergroup conflict escalation within democratic societies. Viewing individuals as social regulators who protect their social embeddedness (e.g., in their group or in society), the intergroup value protection model (IVPM) integrates key insights and concepts from moral and group psychology (e.g., group identification, outrage, moralization, protest) into a functional intergroup value protection process. The model assumes that social regulators are continuously looking for information diagnostic of the outgroup's intentions to terminate the relationship with the ingroup, and that their specific cognitive interpretations of an outgroup's action (i.e., as a violation of ingroup or shared values) trigger this process. The visible value-protective responses of one group can trigger the other group's value-protective responses, thus dynamically increasing chances of conflict escalation. We discuss scientific implications of integrating moral and group psychology and practical challenges for managing intergroup conflict within democratic societies. The 2021 Capitol Hill attack exemplifies a major "trigger event" for different groups to protect their values within a democratic society. Which specific perceptions generate such a triggering event, which value-protective responses does it trigger, and do such responses escalate intergroup conflict? We offer the intergroup value protection model to analyze the moral and group psychology of intergroup conflict escalation in democratic societies. It predicts that when group members cognitively interpret another group's actions as violating ingroup or shared values, this triggers the intergroup value protection process (e.g., increased ingroup identification, outrage, moralization, social protest). When such value-protective responses are visible to the outgroup, this can in turn constitute a trigger event for them to protect their values, thus increasing chances of intergroup conflict escalation. We discuss scientific implications and practical challenges for managing intergroup value conflict in democratic societies, including fears of societal breakdown and scope for social change.


A Stretchable Electromagnetic Absorber Fabricated Using Screen Printing Technology.
A stretchable electromagnetic absorber fabricated using screen printing technology is proposed in this paper. We used a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate to fabricate the stretchable absorber since PDMS exhibits good dielectric properties, flexibility, and restoring capabilities. DuPont PE872 (DuPont, Wilmington, CT, USA), a stretchable silver conductive ink, was used for the screen printing technique. The reflection coefficient of the absorber was measured using a vector network analyzer and a waveguide. The proposed absorber was designed as a rectangular patch unit cell, wherein the top of the unit cell acted as the patch and the bottom formed the ground. The size of the patch was 8 mm × 7 mm. The prototype of the absorber consisted of two unit cells such that it fits into the WR-90 waveguide (dimensions: 22.86 mm × 10.16 mm) for experimental measurement. Before stretching the absorber, the resonant frequency was 11 GHz. When stretched along the x-direction, the resonant frequency shifted by 0.1 GHz, from 11 to 10.9 GHz, demonstrating 99% absorption. Furthermore, when stretched along the y-direction, the resonant frequency shifted by 0.6 GHz, from 11 to 10.4 GHz, demonstrating 99% absorption.


Associations between the composition of functional tooth units and nutrient intake in older men: the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project.
Inadequate nutrient intakes have been linked with poor dentition in older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the composition of functional tooth units (FTU) and nutrient intakes in older men. A cross-sectional study with a standardised validated diet history assessment and comprehensive oral health assessments. FTU were categorised by dentition type: (i) Group A (Natural FTU Only), (ii) Group B (Natural and Replaced FTU) and (iii) Group C (No Natural FTU). Attainment of nutrient reference values (NRV) for sixteen micronutrients was incorporated into a micronutrient risk variable, dichotomised 'good' (≥ 12) or 'poor' (≤ 11), and for seven macronutrients into a macronutrient risk variable, dichotomised 'good' (≥ 5) or 'poor' (≤ 4). Subjects selected from the local Sydney geographical areas. Community-dwelling older men (n 608). 32 % (n 197) of participants were categorised as Group A, 27 % (n 167) as Group B and 40 % (n 244) as Group C. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, being in Group C, compared with Group A, was associated with intakes below NRV recommendations for fibre (OR: 2·30, 95 % CI 1·30, 4·05). Adjusted analysis also showed that men in Group C, compared with Group A, were more likely to have poor intake of macronutrients (OR: 2·00, 95 % CI 1·01, 3·94). Our study shows statistically significant associations between the composition of FTU and poor macronutrient intakes. Maintaining natural pairs of occluding FTU may be important for attaining adequate nutrient intakes in older men.


Subzero-temperature homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction for the stereoselective determination of chiral triadimefon and its metabolite in water, fruit juice, vinegar, and fermented liquor by HPLC.
A novel method based on homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction with deep eutectic solvents (DES) under subzero-temperature conditions in combination with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the determination of chiral fungicide triadimefon (TF) and its metabolite triadimenol (TN) in water, fruit juice, vinegar, and fermented liquor was developed in this study. The method involved using deep eutectic solvents (DES) under subzero-temperature conditions in combination with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This novel technique, known as subzero-temperature homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction (STHLLE), offers several advantages, including high efficiency, time-saving, low-cost, and eco-friendliness. The enantiomers of chiral TF and TN were simultaneously separated and quantified using HPLC coupled with a Daicel Chiralpak OD-RH column. Various experimental parameters such as DES composition and volume, freezing condition, salt concentration, and pH were optimized to enhance the recoveries of the target analytes. Under the optimized conditions, spiked recoveries of six enantiomers (i.e., S-TF, R-TF, SR-TN, RS-TN, SS-TN, and RR-TN) in the water, fruit juice, vinegar, and fermented liquor samples were 82.2-100.1% with relative standard deviations of 0.4-10.1%. The current method demonstrated a detection range of 0.03-0.06 mg L-1 in the target analytes. This established technique exhibits potential for efficient and precise extraction and quantification of the enantiomers of TF and TN in water phase samples.


Association of P-Wave Dispersion with Overall and Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients.
The P-wave parameters that are measured using a 12-lead electrocardiogram are commonly used as noninvasive tools for assessing left atrial enlargement. This study was designed to assess whether P-wave dispersion is associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. This study enrolled 209 hemodialysis patients. We measured the P-wave dispersion corrected by heart rate, that is, the corrected P-wave dispersion (PWdisperC), and assessed its correlation with overall and cardiovascular mortalities. The mean PWdisperC of all the patients was 93.3 ± 21.1 ms. During the follow-up period (mean 5.4 years), 58 deaths and 37 cardiovascular deaths were recorded. The adjusted value of PWdisperC was also associated with overall (hazards ratio (HR) 1.018, 95% CI 1.004-1.033, p = 0.014) and cardiovascular (HR 1.032, 95% CI 1.012-1.053, p = 0.002) mortalities. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified tertile 3 of PWdisperC (vs. tertile 1) to be associated with overall (HR 2.472, 95% CI 1.181-5.174, p = 0.016) and cardiovascular (HR 3.896, 95% CI 1.463-10.376, p = 0.007) mortalities, after adjustment for demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters. Adding PWdisperC to a model of clinical features could significantly improve the predictive value for overall (p = 0.044) and cardiovascular (p = 0.002) mortalities. We concluded that PWdisperC was positively associated with overall and cardiovascular mortalities in hemodialysis patients and could provide additional prognostic values. Screening hemodialysis patients by using PWdisperC may facilitate identifying a group of patients with poor prognosis.


Age-Friendly Communities and Cultural Pluralism: Examining Saskatoon's Chinese-Canadian Social Enclave.
This article uses findings from qualitative interviews to examine the experiences of members of Saskatoon's Chinese-Canadian older-adult community in terms of their realities of aging and access to important geriatric resources. Promoting an understanding of both group experience and a broader conceptualization of age-friendly development, we argue that the notion and implications of a spatial ethnic enclave are replaced in the Saskatoon context by a social enclave. This network of social support is evident in Chinese-Canadian older adults' access to housing, recreation, transportation, and health services. The article concludes with lessons learned that would help enhance culturally pluralistic age-friendly development. This work underlines the significance of social capital development within more marginalized older-adult communities, both as a reaction to outside discrimination, and as a means of ensuring healthy and inclusive community aging.


Measurement of total selenium and selenium(IV) in seawater by stripping chronopotentiometry.
We developed a stripping chronopotentiometric method (constant current stripping analysis, CCSA) with a mercury film electrode for selenium quantification in seawater. A sensitivity and detection limit of 222 ms ng(-1) l and 4 ng l(-1) (50 pM), respectively, were accomplished for a 3-min electrolysis time. Compared to the other chronopotentiometric methods available for a single selenium measurement only in natural waters, our procedure exhibits a ten times better sensitivity. It, therefore, allows one to reach the current concentration thresholds found in coastal and oceanic waters (30-200 ng l(-1)). Moreover, a simple change in operating conditions enables one to also quantify Se(IV), a toxic dissolved species. With respect to the other electrochemical methods of current use, our procedure is beneficial because of its ease-of-use: it needs neither degassing step, nor catalyser.


[Is there a link between the food-cobalamin malabsorption and the pernicious anemia?].
A relation between food-cobalamin malabsorption and pernicious anemia has been suggested, particularly in the event of food-cobalamin malabsorption related to hypochlorhydric atrophic gastritis. This work describes three cases of well-documented cobalamin deficiency related to food-cobalamin malabsorption in three women aged 56, 82 and 68 Years who had atrophic gastritis (not associated with Helicobacter pylori infection) and later developed authentic pernicious anemia. This work illustrates the potential relation between these two disorders responsible for cobalamin deficiency.


[Retinopathy of prematurity: 10-year retrospective study at the University Hospital of Strasbourg].
This work was splitted in two parts: the first one was the study of retinopathy incidence in premature infants less than 33 weeks gestation, born between 1988 and 1997; the second one is the identification of severe retinopathy different risk factors. Our study was retrospective over ten years. All premature infants less than 33 weeks gestation born between January 1, 1988 and December 31 1997, admitted to the Strasbourg neonatal intensive care unit with retinopathy, were included (164 children). First we studied the incidence evolution of retinopathy over these ten years; then by a statistical study (univaried and multivaried) we looked for a significant difference for several factors between the infants with mild retinopathy and the group with severe ocular disease. Retinopathy incidence decreased in ten years from 13.7 to 6.7% for the moderate forms (P < 0.001) and from 3.7 to 1.7% for severe stage (non significant). A significant difference was found for various factors after comparison between both groups. The birth weight (P = 5 x 10(-4)), the gestational age (P = 4 x 10(-6)), were weaker in the group with severe retinopathy. A maternofetal or nosocomial infection (P = 0.009; P = 0.002), hemodynamic shock (P = 10(-6)), patent ductus arteriosus (P = 10(-6)), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P = 3 x 10(-6)), postnatal steroid treatment (P = 0.007), respiratory distress syndrome (P = 0.01), were all more frequent in the severe retinopathy sample. The number of days with oxygenotherapy (P = 10(-6)) and mechanical ventilation (P = 10(-6)) the number of blood transfusion (P = 10(-5)) were higher in this group than in the other. The logistic regression analysis showed that the hemodynamic parameters influence mostly on the risk of severe ocular disease, like an hemodynamic shock syndrome (OR = 16.94; CI = 2.12-135.77) or a patent ductus arteriosus (OR = 5.36; CI = 1.53-18.74). A decrease of the retinopathy incidence in premature infants was observed in ten years, probably due to better care in the neonatal period. An unstable hemodynamic state would be one prominent risk factor in the genesis of severe retinopathy of prematurity.


[Value of the endoscopic diagnosis on the lesions of the skull base in postradiotherapeutic patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma].
Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of the endoscopic biopsy operation to the lesions of the skull base in the patients with nasopharyngealcarcinoma after radiotherapy. Methods: From February 2006 to February 2010, 84 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma suffered from the lesions of the skull base after radiotherapy were included in this study. The relationship between the pathologic results of endoscopic biopsies from the skull base and the imaging results by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) was compared and discussed. The relationship between the pathologic results and more than 2-years' follow-up was also investigated. Results: There were 71 cases with clivus, 5 cases with pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa, 4 cases with parapharyngeal space, and 4 cases with cavernous sinus. The pathologic results of endoscopic biopsies indicated that 35 cases with recurrence including 30 case with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, 5 cases with cancer nests, 49 cases with non-tumor. Chi-square test showed that there was close relationship between MRI and pathologic results (P<0.05). In the patients followed up over 2 years, the pathologic results showed 28 cases with recurrence, 48 cases with non-tumor. MRI showed 36 cases with recurrence, 40 cases with non-tumor. But during follow-up, 30 cases were proved to be recurrent and 46 cases had non-tumor. However, Chi-square test showed that there was no statistically significance between the pathological results and follow-up(P=0.62). The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the endoscopic diagnosis were 90.0%, 97.8% and 95.0%. Chi-square test also showed that there was no statistically significance between MRI and follow-up (P=0.24). The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of MRI were 80.0%, 73.9% and 76.0%. Conclusions: The endoscopic method is a specific, sensitive, safe, effective and minimally invasive in diagnosis of lesions of the skull base in postradiotherapeutic patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.


Characterization of C-type lectins reveals an unexpectedly limited interaction between Cryptococcus neoformans spores and Dectin-1.
Phagocytosis by innate immune cells is an important process for protection against multiple pathologies and is particularly important for resistance to infection. However, phagocytosis has also been implicated in the progression of some diseases, including the dissemination of the human fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans. Previously, we identified Dectin-1 as a likely phagocytic receptor for C. neoformans spores through the use of soluble components in receptor-ligand blocking experiments. In this study, we used gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays with intact cells to evaluate the in vivo role of Dectin-1 and other C-type lectins in interactions with C. neoformans spores and discovered stark differences in outcome when compared with previous assays. First, we found that non-phagocytic cells expressing Dectin-1 were unable to bind spores and that highly sensitive reporter cells expressing Dectin-1 were not stimulated by spores. Second, we determined that some phagocytes from Dectin-1-/- mice interacted with spores differently than wild type (WT) cells, but the effects varied among assays and were modest overall. Third, while we detected small but statistically significant reductions in phagocytosis by primary alveolar macrophages from Dectin-1-/- mice compared to WT, we found no differences in survival between WT and Dectin-1-/- mice challenged with spores. Further analyses to assess the roles of other C-type lectins and their adapters revealed very weak stimulation of Dectin-2 reporter cells by spores and modest differences in binding and phagocytosis by Dectin-2-/- bone marrow-derived phagocytes. There were no discernable defects in binding or phagocytosis by phagocytes lacking Mannose Receptor, Mincle, Card-9, or FcRγ. Taken together, these results lead to the conclusion that Dectin-1 and other C-type lectins do not individually play a major roles in phagocytosis and innate defense by phagocytes against C. neoformans spores and highlight challenges in using soluble receptor/ligand blocking experiments to recapitulate biologically relevant interactions.


Implementing simulation in oncology emergencies education: A quasi- experimental design.
High-fidelity simulation (HFS) as a teaching-learning method has increased, especially in medical programs. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of using HFS on the satisfaction, self-confidence, self-efficacy, and knowledge of undergraduate students in oncology care. A pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design was utilized. Random sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. The scenarios including septic shock and infusion reaction were implemented. The training program including lectures and the simulation was run in a high fidelity simulation lab. There was a significant difference (t=-5.95, p= 0.001) between the experimental group (M= 13.95, SD= 3.35) and the control group (M= 6.25, SD= 2.65) regarding knowledge, confidence (t=-22.75, p= 0.001) between the experimental group (M= 61.25, SD= 12.10) and the control group (M= 38.50, SD= 6.20), satisfaction level t=-18.25, p= 0.001; experimental group - M= 42.25, SD= 4.25; and control group - M= 28.50, SD= 3.15), and there was a significant difference between the experimental group (M= 35.50, SD= 3.25) and control group (M= 24.25, SD= 2.85) regarding self-efficacy (t=-13.25, p= 0.001). High-fidelity simulation in nursing increased student knowledge, self-confidence, satisfaction, and self-efficacy in managing septic shock and infusion reaction as common oncology emergencies.


The Development Process of Bipolar Bone Defects From Primary to Recurrent Instability in Shoulders With Traumatic Anterior Instability.
Recurrence of glenohumeral joint instability after primary traumatic anterior instability is not rare, and bipolar bone loss is one of the most critical factors for recurrent instability, but the development process of bipolar bone defects is still unclear. To investigate the development process of bipolar bone defects from primary to recurrent instability among shoulders with traumatic anterior instability evaluated at least twice by computed tomography (CT). Case series; Level of evidence, 4. There were 44 patients (47 shoulders) with recurrence after primary instability in which bone morphology was evaluated by 3-dimensional reconstructed CT at primary instability (initial CT) and after recurrence. As CT was performed 3 times for 3 shoulders including primary injury and the second episode of instability (first recurrence), there were 50 CT evaluations. Morphological changes between the initial CT evaluation at primary instability and the second CT evaluation at first recurrence were investigated for 25 shoulders, with the mean interval since initial CT being 9.8 months (range, 2-23 months). Changes between initial CT evaluation and final CT evaluation after ≥2 recurrences were also investigated for 25 shoulders, while the mean number of instability episodes including primary instability was 8.0 (range, 3-40) and the mean interval since initial CT was 18.5 months (range, 5-56 months). At primary instability, the prevalence of Hill-Sachs lesions (66.0%) was almost double that of glenoid defects (34.0%), but their prevalence was different between shoulders with primary subluxation (42.3% and 23.8%, respectively) and those with primary dislocation (84.7% and 42.3%, respectively). After recurrence, glenoid defects became significantly more frequent (at first recurrence, 72%; after ≥2 recurrences, 76%), while Hill-Sachs lesions showed a smaller increase (88% and 80%, respectively), so there was no difference between the prevalence of the 2 lesions. The sizes of glenoid defects and Hill-Sachs lesions also enlarged after recurrence, and large bone defects were frequently recognized after recurrence. While bipolar bone loss was not so frequent at primary instability (29.8%), bipolar bone loss increased significantly after recurrence (at first recurrence, 72%; after ≥2 recurrences, 72%). All Hill-Sachs lesions were on track at primary instability, but off-track lesions were recognized in 3 of 47 shoulders (6.4%) after recurrence. In most shoulders with recurrent instability, a Hill-Sachs lesion developed first, followed by a glenoid defect, leading to bipolar bone loss. Off-track Hill-Sachs lesions were detected only after recurrence.


Benefits of adding food education sessions to an exercise programme on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
To evaluate the impact of adding food education sessions to an exercise programme on cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), a randomised parallel-group study was performed. Glycated haemoglobin, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass (FM) and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and after 9 months. The recruitment was made in three primary healthcare centres from Vila Real, Portugal. Thirty-three patients (65⋅4 ± 5⋅9 years old) were engaged in a 9-month community-based lifestyle intervention programme: a supervised exercise programme (EX; n = 15; combined aerobic, resistance, agility/balance and flexibility exercise; three sessions per week; 75 min per session); or the same exercise programme plus concomitant food education sessions (EXFE; n = 18; 15-min lectures and dual-task strategies during exercise (answer nutrition questions while walking); 16 weeks). Significant differences between groups were identified in the evolution of BMI (P < 0.001, ) and FM (P < 0.001, ), with best improvements observed in the EXFE group. The addition of a simple food education dietary intervention to an exercise programme improved body weight and composition, but not glycaemic control and blood pressure in middle-aged and older patients with T2D.


An in vitro evaluation of human DNA topoisomerase I inhibition by Peganum harmala L. seeds extract and its beta-carboline alkaloids.
Peganum harmala L. (Zygophyllaceae) seeds extract is one of the main components of an ethnobotanical preparation used in the treatment of neoplasms in Iran. Cytotoxic effects of P. harmala extract on cancerous cell-lines have been reported before. beta-carbolines like harmaline and harmine are the major alkaloids present in the seeds of the P. harmala. Considering reports concerning DNA topoisomerase inhibition by other beta-carbolines like harmane, we have used DNA relaxation assays to investigate topoisomerase I inhibitory activity of P. harmala seeds extract and its beta-carboline alkaloids to further inspecting the mechanism of its cytotoxic activity. Harmine and harmaline contents of the extract were determined using an HPTLC method. DNA topoisomerase I enzyme needed for investigating inhibitory effect of the compounds using DNA relaxation assay, was partially purified from the human placenta. DNA relaxation assay is based on the conversion of a supercoiled plasmid substrate to its relaxed form by the catalytic activity of the enzyme. The supercoiled substrate and its relaxed product can be easily distinguished using agarose gel electrophoresis, since the relaxed topological isomers of DNA migrate more slowly than supercoiled species. Using HPTLC method, it was found that each gram of dried extract contained 55.5 and 79.0 mg of harmine and harmaline respectively. In the DNA relaxation assay, order of potency was harmine > harmane > harmaline > extract. The most active compound was harmine with IC50 value of 13.5 +/- 1.7 microg/ml. Our in vitro findings demonstrate that P. harmala seeds extract do inhibit human DNA topoisomerase I and based on the results of HPTLC analysis, it appears that the biological activity of the extract can be explained by its beta-carboline content.


Heritability of carotid artery distensibility in Hispanics: the Northern Manhattan Family Study.
Reduced arterial distensibility has been introduced as a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis. The importance of the genetic contribution to variation in distensibility is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to estimate heritability of carotid distensibility. The ongoing Northern Manhattan Family Study recruits high-risk Caribbean Hispanic families to study genetic effects on stroke/cardiovascular risk factors. The distensibility metrics (strain, stiffness, distensibility, and elastic modulus) were measured from the right common carotid artery, and the heritability for each was estimated. Variance component methods were used to estimate age- and sex-adjusted heritability. Correlations were calculated to evaluate the relationship between distensibility phenotypes and intimamedia thickness (IMT) at each carotid segment. The current data included 88 probands and 605 relatives from 88 families. Age- and sex-adjusted heritability was 25% for strain, 17% for distensibility, 20% for stiffness, and 20% for elastic modulus. Without adjustment for covariates, strong correlations were found between distensibility metrics and IMT: the absolute values of correlation coefficients were between 0.2 and 0.5, and all P values were <0.001. However, the correlation coefficients were reduced substantially after adjusting for age and sex. These results suggested that genetic factors explained a moderate proportion of the variability of carotid distensibility. The correlations between distensibility and IMT were mainly attributable to age and sex effects. The regulation of carotid distensibility and IMT may reflect different underlying genetic and environmental mechanisms.


[Consensus of Chinese experts on diagnosis of severe periodontitis and treatment principles of periodontitis in special population].
Today, there is greater awareness about periodontal diseases amongst Chinese dental clinicians. However, confusions regarding some clinical conditions have been remained in diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Therefore, the Chinese Society of Periodontology undertook the formation of consensus in order to provide perspective to the dental clinicians and to help them in evaluation of the patient's risk factors, so as to make a better treatment decisions in their clinical practice. In the present consensus report, the diagnosis of severe chronic periodontitis at individual level and treatment recommendations of patients with systemic diseases and specific conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, tumour, period of pregnancy, and the aged, were provided.


Monozygotic twins with neuroblastoma MS have a similar molecular profile: a case of twin-to-twin metastasis.
Fetoplacental neuroblastoma metastasis has been postulated as a mechanism accounting for concordant cases where one twin develops a primary tumour and the second twin manifests the disease without an identifiable primary site. These tumours may originate and spread concomitantly due to the same genetic background shared by monozygotic twins. This study investigated the molecular profile of stage MS neuroblastoma presenting concomitantly in monozygotic twins. Comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) was done for each of the twin liver tumour and peripheral blood samples at diagnosis. Comparison of copy-number variation (CNV) regions revealed a set of CNVs that were common to both tumour specimens and not apparent in the blood. The CNV signature in both twins' tumours was highly similar, suggesting a common clonal origin. Additional findings included large deletion of chromosome 10 and amplification of chromosome 17. Notably, both liver samples had amplification of a short region involving DEIN (chromosome 4q34.1). Similar CNVs strongly support a common clonal origin and metastatic spread from one twin to the other. DEIN is a long-coding RNA (IncRNA) that has been found highly expressed in stage MS neuroblastoma and is likely involved in biological processes such as cell migration and metastasis.


[Potential use of the monosaccharide composition of bacteria for their identification].
The monosaccharide composition of cell hydrolysates can be used as a criterion for the chemical differentiation of gram-positive bacteria. The monosaccharide composition of six bacterial species belonging to the genus Bacillus has been determined using gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and computers. The qualitative composition was similar, glucose, galactose, ribose and glucosamine being the main components in all of the species. Some Bacillus species differed in their minor components. Although the monosaccharide composition appeared to be homogeneous, bacteria can be identified in terms of their carbohydrate profile using computers. To this end, the monosaccharide composition of bacterial cells is represented as a two-dimensional data file including the qualitative composition of components and the quantity of each component.


Detection of the SYT-SSX chimeric RNA of synovial sarcoma in paraffin-embedded tissue and its application in problematic cases.
We report the development of a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay that detects (in paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue) the SYT-SSXchimeric RNA transcript resulting from the t(X;18) of synovial sarcoma. The primers chosen detect both of the SSX1 and SSX2 partners, and the target sequence is small enough (87 base pairs) to be reliably detected in archival and variably processed consultation material. To demonstrate its usefulness, we applied it to 14 problematic cases, including spindle cell tumors of the thoracic region, of the neck, and of subcutaneous tissue. For instance, we show that, depending on the location, synovial sarcoma can mimic malignant solitary fibrous tumor, the spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation, or skin adnexal tumors. Molecular detection of the SYT-SSX chimeric RNA should allow the reclassification of difficult cases in which the morphologic features overlap different entities or in which tumor nosology is still evolving.


Proteogenomics Reveals Enriched Ribosome Assembly and Protein Translation in Pectoralis major of High Feed Efficiency Pedigree Broiler Males.
Background: In production animal agriculture, the cost of feed represents 60-70% of the total cost of raising an animal to market weight. Thus, development of viable biomarkers for feed efficiency (FE, g gain/g feed) to assist in genetic selection of breeding stock remains an important goal in commercial breeding programs. Methods: Global gene (cDNA microarray, RNAseq) and protein expression (shotgun proteomics) analyses have been conducted on breast muscle samples obtained from pedigree broiler males (PedM) exhibiting high and low FE phenotypes. Using the entire datasets (i.e., no cutoffs for significance or fold difference in expression) the number of genes or proteins that were expressed numerically higher or lower in the high FE compared to the low FE phenotype for key terms or functions, e.g., ribosomal, mitochondrial ribosomal, tRNA, RNA binding motif, RNA polymerase, small nuclear ribonucleoprotein, and protein tyrosine phosphatase, were determined. Bionomial distribution analysis (exact) was then conducted on these datasets to determine significance between numerically up or down expression. Results: Processes associated with mitochondrial proteome expression (e.g., mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial transcription, mitochondrial tRNA, and translation) were enriched in breast muscle from the high FE compared to the low FE pedigree male broiler phenotype. Furthermore, the high FE phenotype exhibited enrichment of ribosome assembly (e.g., RNA polymerase, mitochondrial and cytosolic ribosomes, small, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins), as well as nuclear transport and protein translation processes compared to the low FE phenotype. Quality control processes (proteosomes and autophagy) were also enriched in the high FE phenotype. In contrast, the low FE phenotype exhibited enrichment of cytoskeletal proteins, protein tyrosine phosphatases, and tyrosine kinases compared to the high FE phenotype. These results suggest that processes of mitochondrial and cytosolic ribosomal construction, activity, and protein translation would be enhanced in high FE breast muscle, and that phosphorylation of tyrosine moieties of proteins could be prolonged in the high compared to low FE phenotype. The results indicate the presence of a proteogenomic architecture that could enhance ribosome construction, protein translation, and quality control processes and contribute to the phenotypic expression of feed efficiency in this PedM broiler model.


Evaluation of semen parameters from Fleckvieh-Simmental bulls and the influence of age and season of collection.
The aim of this paper was to evaluate semen parameters from Czech Fleckvieh (dual-purpose breed) bulls used in artificial insemination in the Fleckvieh population. The ejaculate was collected from bulls only once a week, which is not usual. Respectively, the effects of age and season of collection on semen parameters were tested. The average volume of ejaculate by Fleckvieh bulls was 8.72 mL, which is higher than results in studies of bulls which were collected usually more than once a week. The average total motility was 72.82 % and progressive motility was 67.99 %. Sperm concentration reached on average 1254.10 × 10 6 mL - 1 . The total motility of spermatozoa after thawing was 40.88 %. A significant influence of age was observed on ejaculate volume, total and progressive motility, and total motility after thawing ( P < 0.05 ). The season of collection had a significant influence on the volume of ejaculate, total motility, progressive motility, concentration of spermatozoa, and total count of spermatozoa ( P < 0.01 ).


Structural Characterization of Sm(III)(EDTMP).
Samarium-153 ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid) ((153)Sm-EDTMP, or samarium lexidronam), also known by its registered trademark name Quadramet, is an approved therapeutic radiopharmaceutical used in the palliative treatment of painful bone metastases. Typically, patients with prostate, breast, or lung cancer are most likely to go on to require bone pain palliation treatment due to bone metastases. Sm(EDTMP) is a bone-seeking drug which accumulates on rapidly growing bone, thereby delivering a highly region-specific dose of radiation, chiefly through β particle emission. Even with its widespread clinical use, the structure of Sm(EDTMP) has not yet been characterized at atomic resolution, despite attempts to crystallize the complex. Herein, we prepared a 1:1 complex of the cold (stable isotope) of Sm(EDTMP) under alkaline conditions and then isolated and characterized the complex using conventional spectroscopic techniques, as well as with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and density functional structure calculations, using natural abundance Sm. We present the atomic resolution structure of [Sm(III)(EDTMP)-8H](5-) for the first time, supported by the EXAFS data and complementary spectroscopic techniques, which demonstrate that the samarium coordination environment in solution is in agreement with the structure that has long been conjectured.


Microbubble contrast agent with focused ultrasound to create brain lesions at low power levels: MR imaging and histologic study in rabbits.
To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-based thermometry for predicting the onset and spatial extent of lesions produced by focused ultrasound combined with a microbubble contrast agent (Optison; GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wis) and to compare the resulting induced temperature increase and threshold for damage with those in studies performed without the agent. The experiments were approved by the animal care committee. Fifty-three locations in the brains of 15 rabbits were sonicated with various exposure parameters by using a 1.5-MHz focused ultrasound transducer. MR imaging was used to map the temperature rise and, along with light microscopy, to examine the lesions. Diameters of isotherms created from thermometry were compared with the resulting lesions by using Bland-Altman analysis and linear regression. The minimum acoustic power necessary for lesion creation was determined, and the apparent temperature threshold for damage was calculated with probit analysis. These thresholds were compared with prior work performed without the contrast agent. The heating induced with the microbubbles was compared with that in sonications performed without them by using a t test. The MR imaging-mapped temperature distributions matched the shape of the lesions. The diameters of isotherms correlated well with diameters measured at contrast material-enhanced MR imaging (mean difference between measurements, 0.0 mm +/- 0.5; R = 0.93). The temperature increase with microbubbles was statistically larger (P < .01) than for sonications performed without microbubbles. In some locations (mostly continuous wave exposures), damage was observed along the ultrasound beam path. The time-averaged acoustic power damage threshold was reduced by 91% for 10-second exposures when compared with earlier studies performed without microbubbles. The probability of producing lesions was 50% at a temperature increase of 5.9 degrees C, 5.5 degrees C lower than was observed earlier without the agent. MR imaging-based temperature measurements appeared to correlate with focused ultrasound-induced lesions in the brain when microbubbles were present, even though the temperature appeared to be below the threshold for thermal damage.


The role of vaccination in the control of sars.
We assess pre-outbreak and during-outbreak vaccination as control strategies for SARS epidemics using a mathematical model that includes susceptible, latent (traced and untraced), infectious, isolated and recovered individuals. Scenarios focusing on policies that include contact tracing and levels of self-isolation among untraced infected individuals are explored. Bounds on the proportion of pre-outbreak successfully vaccinated individuals are provided using the the basic reproductive number. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses on the reproductive number are carried out. The final epidemic size under different vaccination scenarios is computed.


[A case of leiomyosarcoma of the spermatic cord].
We report a case of leiomyosarcoma of the spermatic cord that we consider singular because of the excellent outcome. The patient is alive and tumor-free 8 years following the initial diagnosis. We discuss the management of these patients, a controversial subject since there are no definitive therapeutic guidelines because of the very limited series of patients.


Bidirectional effects of dexmedetomidine on human platelet functions in vitro.
Platelets express the imidazoline (I)-receptor, I1 and I2, as well as the α2-adrenoceptor. Although dexmedetomidine, a selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist with some affinity for the I-receptor is expected to affect platelet function, the effects of dexmedetomidine on platelet functions remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dexmedetomidine on human platelet functions in vitro. The effects of dexmedetomidine on platelet aggregation were examined using aggregometers. The formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in platelets was measured by an enzyme immunoassay. In addition, P-selectin expression in platelets was estimated by flow cytometry. We showed that dexmedetomidine enhances platelet aggregation. But in the presence of yohimbine, an α2-antagonist, dexmedetomidine suppressed platelet aggregation. Efaroxan, an I1-antagonist, and methylene blue, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, abolished the suppressive effect of dexmedetomidine, whereas idazoxan, an I2-antagonist, showed no effect. Dexmedetomidine suppressed cAMP formation and enhanced P-selectin expression in platelets, and these effects were inhibited by yohimbine. Dexmedetomidine increased cGMP formation in platelets in the presence of yohimbine, and this increase was suppressed by efaroxan. These results demonstrated that dexmedetomidine has both enhancing and suppressive effects on human platelet functions through its action on the α2-adrenoceptor and on the I1-imidazoline receptor, respectively.


A meta-analytic comparison of the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression as measures of treatment outcome.
Some clinicians have considered the Beck Depression Inventory, a self-rating scale, too reactive to patient halo effects and, therefore, a liberal measure of treatment outcome. On the other hand, interviewer-rating scales, like the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression have been viewed as more conservative measures of treatment gain. Studies which compared the Beck Depression Inventory to the Hamilton Rating Scale, as dependent measures, were reviewed for the purpose of determining if the scales provided comparable data for assessing treatment effects. The use of meta-analysis techniques resulted in a comparison of effect sizes which indicated that the Beck Depression Inventory was significantly less liberal than the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The implications of these results for selecting outcome measures and the application of meta-analysis techniques for comparing dependent measures are discussed.


Preliminary attempts at bacteriocin typing of lactic streptococci.
Preliminary attempts at typing Streptococcus lactis, S. lactis subsp. diacetylactis and Streptococcus cremoris strains by bacteriocins (lactostrepcins) are presented. Among 106 strains used about 85% were sensitive to lactostreptocins. The highest proportion of bacteriocin-typing strains was observed in S. lactis species. Lactostrepcin-sensitive strains could be divided into 6 types. The results confirm some individual features of S. diacetylactis compared with S. lactis.


Parenteral iron therapy is associated with a characteristic pattern of iron staining on bone marrow aspirate smears.
We developed anecdotal evidence that parenteral iron therapy is associated with a characteristic pattern of iron staining in bone marrow aspirate smears. In this pattern, uniform blue granules are observed within reticuloendothelial cells/stromal cells with Prussian blue staining, many times in curvilinear arrays. To test this hypothesis, marrow cases submitted for morphologic evaluation to our laboratory during an approximate 2-month period in 2006 were assessed for this pattern, and, when it was observed, clinical information was sought to determine if the patient had received parenteral iron. Fourteen cases were identified that displayed the pattern of interest. In 10 of these cases, the pattern was widespread (numerous granules present within virtually all marrow spicules), whereas in 4 cases, the pattern was seen only focally. In all cases in which the pattern was widespread, patients were found to have received parenteral iron at some point before the aspiration procedure. Our findings indicate that parenteral iron therapy is associated with a characteristic pattern of iron staining in bone marrow aspirate smears.


A comment on DSM-IV's diagnostic taxa.
It is suggested that the current American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic and statistical manual does not distinguish between natural or identity categories and artificial or equivalence categories and that, while this has facilitated research on social policy, it has hampered the development of therapies.


Antimicrobial Drug Resistance in Fish Pathogens.
Major concerns surround the use of antimicrobial agents in farm-raised fish, including the potential impacts these uses may have on the development of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in fish and the aquatic environment. Currently, some antimicrobial agents commonly used in aquaculture are only partially effective against select fish pathogens due to the emergence of resistant bacteria. Although reports of ineffectiveness in aquaculture due to resistant pathogens are scarce in the literature, some have reported mass mortalities in Penaeus monodon larvae caused by Vibrio harveyi resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and streptomycin. Genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance have been described in aquaculture environments and are commonly found on mobile genetic elements which are recognized as the primary source of antimicrobial resistance for important fish pathogens. Indeed, resistance genes have been found on transferable plasmids and integrons in pathogenic bacterial species in the genera Aeromonas, Yersinia, Photobacterium, Edwardsiella, and Vibrio. Class 1 integrons and IncA/C plasmids have been widely identified in important fish pathogens (Aeromonas spp., Yersinia spp., Photobacterium spp., Edwardsiella spp., and Vibrio spp.) and are thought to play a major role in the transmission of antimicrobial resistance determinants in the aquatic environment. The identification of plasmids in terrestrial pathogens (Salmonella enterica serotypes, Escherichia coli, and others) which have considerable homology to plasmid backbone DNA from aquatic pathogens suggests that the plasmid profiles of fish pathogens are extremely plastic and mobile and constitute a considerable reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes for pathogens in diverse environments.


Photothermal strain imaging.
Vulnerable plaques are the major cause of cardiovascular disease, but they are difficult to detect with conventional intravascular imaging techniques. Techniques are needed to identify plaque vulnerability based on the presence of lipids in plaque. Thermal strain imaging (TSI) is an imaging technique based on ultrasound (US) wave propagation speed, which varies with the medium temperature. In TSI, the strain that occurs during tissue temperature change can be used for lipid detection because it has a different tendency depending on the type of tissue. Here, we demonstrate photothermal strain imaging (pTSI) using an intravascular ultrasound catheter. pTSI is performed by slightly and selectively heating lipid using a relatively inexpensive continuous laser source. We applied a speckle-tracking algorithm to US B-mode images for strain calculations. As a result, the strain produced in porcine fat was different from the strain produced in water-bearing gelatin phantom, which made it possible to distinguish the two. This suggests that pTSI could potentially be a way of differentiating lipids in coronary artery.


Ideal mate personality concepts and compatibility in close relationships: a longitudinal analysis.
How 2 personalities may be best combined in a couple has often been answered in terms of similarity in partner's personality characteristics. However, results have been inconsistent. The present study proposed that relationship outcomes should depend more on the similarity between individuals' ideal mate personality concepts (IMPCs) and their partner's personality as both perceived by the self and self-reported by the partner. Study 1 introduces a new Q-sort to assess IMPCs and provides evidence for the interindividual variability and the short-term consistency of IMPC. By following nonmarried couples over a 9-month period, Study 2 replicated findings from Study 1 and demonstrated that, overall, the current concept of congruence predicts relationship outcomes better than both personality similarity and the partner's individual personality traits.


Selective attention increases both gain and feature selectivity of the human auditory cortex.
An experienced car mechanic can often deduce what's wrong with a car by carefully listening to the sound of the ailing engine, despite the presence of multiple sources of noise. Indeed, the ability to select task-relevant sounds for awareness, whilst ignoring irrelevant ones, constitutes one of the most fundamental of human faculties, but the underlying neural mechanisms have remained elusive. While most of the literature explains the neural basis of selective attention by means of an increase in neural gain, a number of papers propose enhancement in neural selectivity as an alternative or a complementary mechanism. Here, to address the question whether pure gain increase alone can explain auditory selective attention in humans, we quantified the auditory cortex frequency selectivity in 20 healthy subjects by masking 1000-Hz tones by continuous noise masker with parametrically varying frequency notches around the tone frequency (i.e., a notched-noise masker). The task of the subjects was, in different conditions, to selectively attend to either occasionally occurring slight increments in tone frequency (1020 Hz), tones of slightly longer duration, or ignore the sounds. In line with previous studies, in the ignore condition, the global field power (GFP) of event-related brain responses at 100 ms from the stimulus onset to the 1000-Hz tones was suppressed as a function of the narrowing of the notch width. During the selective attention conditions, the suppressant effect of the noise notch width on GFP was decreased, but as a function significantly different from a multiplicative one expected on the basis of simple gain model of selective attention. Our results suggest that auditory selective attention in humans cannot be explained by a gain model, where only the neural activity level is increased, but rather that selective attention additionally enhances auditory cortex frequency selectivity.


Assessing students' communication and interpersonal skills across evaluation settings.
Medical students' interpersonal and communication skills are a fundamental dimension of their clinical competence and will be measured on the anticipated US Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) standardized patient (SP) exam. We compared students' performance on measures of SP satisfaction on a third-year family medicine Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with measures of SP satisfaction on a fourth-year Clinical Practice Examination (CPX). A total of 127 students completed both the clerkship OSCE and a CPX. The CPX was a pilot of the National Board of Medical Examiners Standardized Patient Exam. To assess students' interpersonal skills, both exams used modified versions of the American Board of Internal Medicine Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Students' scores were standardized, and correlations were calculated. A logistic regression model examined the ability of the OSCE to predict poor performance on the CPX. The correlation between the OSCE and CPX patient satisfaction scores was.08. There was no significant predictive ability of the OSCE for poor performance on the CPX. Our study calls into question the ability of a routine end-of-clerkship OSCE to identify students' interpersonal skills abilities on fourth-year clinical performance exams and potentially that component of the anticipated USMLE SP exam.


Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of tissue revascularization following connective tissue graft at implant sites.
To assess the Doppler ultrasonographic tissue perfusion at dental implant sites augmented with connective tissue graft (CTG) using coronally advanced flap (CAF) or tunnel technique (TUN). Twenty-eight patients presenting with isolated healthy peri-implant soft-tissue dehiscence (PSTD) were included in this randomized clinical trial. PSTDs were treated with either CAF + CTG or TUN + CTG. Ultrasound scans were taken at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months. Tissue perfusion at the mid-facial, mesial and distal aspects of the implant sites was assessed by colour Doppler velocity (CDV) and power Doppler imaging (PDI). Early vascularization of the graft and the flap at 1 week and at 1 month were evaluated via dynamic tissue perfusion measurements (DTPMs), including flow intensity (FI), mean perfusion relief intensity (pRI) and mean perfused area (pA). Regression analysis did not reveal significant differences in terms of mid-facial CDV and PDI changes between CAF and TUN over 12 months (p > .05), while significant differences between the two groups were observed at the interproximal areas (p < .001 for both CDV and PDI changes). Higher early DTPMs were observed at the TUN-treated sites in terms of mean FI of the graft (p = .027) and mean FI (p = .024) and pRI of the flap (p = .031) compared with CAF-treated sites at 1 week. Assessment of the FI direction showed that CTG perfusion at 1 week and at 1 month mainly occurred from the flap towards the implant/bone. Early tissue perfusion outcomes were found to be associated with the 12-month mean PSTD coverage and mucosal thickness gain. Doppler ultrasonography shows tissue perfusion changes occurring at implant sites augmented with CTG. The main differences in tissue perfusion between CAF and TUN were observed at the interproximal sites, with early perfusion associated with clinical and volumetric outcomes at 12 months.


Body composition measurement by air displacement plethysmography in pregnancy: Comparison of predicted versus measured thoracic gas volume.
Body composition measurements with air displacement plethysmography (ADP) define body volume, which must be corrected for thoracic gas volume (TGV). We hypothesized that physiologic changes owing to pregnancy could affect the accuracy of predicted TGV and introduce errors into body composition measurements. We investigated the effect of measuring versus predicting TGV on the accuracy of body composition calculations measured with ADP in overweight and obese pregnant women. The fat and fat-free masses of 110 women were determined with ADP with predicted and measured TGV. Measured TGV decreased from early to late pregnancy (P = 0.0002). Compared with measured TGV, predicted TGV was 6.3% higher during early gestation and 12.6% higher during late gestation (both P ≤ 0.001). The use of predicted instead of measured TGV in body composition calculations resulted in an overestimation of fat mass by 0.8% during the early stage, and 2.6% during the late stage of pregnancy (both P ≤ 0.001). Measuring TGV increases the accuracy of body composition measurement by ADP in overweight and obese women, particularly during the late stage of pregnancy.