Acaricidal activity of Lippia gracilis essential oil and its major constituents on the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.
The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil obtained from different L. gracilis genotypes and their major components, carvacrol and thymol against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (cattle tick) larvae and engorged females. The larval test was performed parallel to the adult immersion test for engorged females for four L. gracilis genotypes. Similar tests were further performed for their major compounds carvacrol and thymol. Carvacrol (LC50 of 0.22 and 4.46 mg/mL, to larvae and engorged females, respectively) was more efficient than thymol (LC50 of 3.86 and 5.50 mg/mL, to larvae and engorged females, respectively). The lethal concentrations obtained for the isolated essential oil from genotypes LGRA-201 against larvae (1.31 mg/mL) and LGRA-106 against engorged females (4.66 mg/mL) confirmed the acaricidal activity of L. gracilis essential oil and its effectiveness in controlling the southern cattle tick.


Sequential N2 Adsorption by the Nanopore Entrance Filling Scheme in Nanopores of Carbon Nanotubes.
The adsorption dynamics and mechanism of nitrogen molecules in 1-7 nm carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at 77 K were investigated by experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. The adsorbed nitrogen amount rapidly increased in 7 nm CNTs, while it gradually increased in 1 and 3 nm CNTs. The gradual increase in 3 nm CNTs was unexpected because of the presence of sufficient adsorption sites and the weak adsorption potential of nitrogen. The molecular dynamics simulations indicated that molecules were condensed in the entrance of nanopores after monolayer adsorption in 3 nm CNTs and monolayer and bilayer adsorption in 5 nm CNTs, called nanopore entrance filling. The proposed adsorption mechanism of nitrogen molecules in CNT nanopores is as follows: first, layer-by-layer adsorption occurs on monolayer sites, followed by preferential adsorption at the nanopore entrance. Consequently, preadsorbed molecules form a fluidic pore neck similar to an ink-bottle pore. Then, newly adsorbed molecules are condensed on the fluidic pore neck, and condensed molecules in the nanopore entrance finally move into the inner part of the nanopore. The proposed sequential adsorption mechanism via nanopore entrance filling without pore blocking starkly differs from micropore filling in micropores and layer-by-layer adsorption associated with capillary condensation in mesopores.


A prediction method for the isoelectric point of binary protein mixtures of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme adsorbed on colloidal titania and alumina particles.
Bovine serum albumin and lysozyme mixtures of different mole fractions were adsorbed to colloidal alumina (116 nm) and titania particle (271 nm) suspensions of 2 vol % solid content for 16 h at pH 7.5. The total protein amount normalized to the powder surface area was 1000 ng/cm2. The zeta potential of the protein-treated suspensions was measured as a function of pH and the isoelectric point (IEP) obtained. A simple prediction model in two refinement steps was derived and evaluated for the obtained IEPs. The best model fit which takes into account moles of protein and surface fractions yielded an average prediction error of 7.5% and a maximum error of 16.7%.


Thyroid Abnormalities in Patients With Extreme Insulin Resistance Syndromes.
Insulin and leptin may increase growth and proliferation of thyroid cells, underlying an association between type 2 diabetes and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Patients with extreme insulin resistance due to lipodystrophy or insulin receptor mutations (INSR) are treated with high-dose insulin and recombinant leptin (metreleptin), which may increase the risk of thyroid neoplasia. The aim of this study was to analyze thyroid structural abnormalities in patients with lipodystrophy and INSR mutations and to assess whether insulin, IGF-1, and metreleptin therapy contribute to the thyroid growth and neoplasia in this population. Thyroid ultrasound characteristics were analyzed in 81 patients with lipodystrophy and 11 with INSR (5 homozygous; 6 heterozygous). Sixty patients were taking metreleptin. The prevalence of thyroid nodules in children with extreme insulin resistance (5 of 30, 16.7%) was significantly higher than published prevalence for children (64 of 3202; 2%), with no difference between lipodystrophy and INSR. Body surface area-adjusted thyroid volume was larger in INSR homozygotes vs heterozygotes or lipodystrophy (10.4 ± 5.1, 3.9 ± 1.5, and 6.2 ± 3.4 cm2, respectively. Three patients with lipodystrophy and one INSR heterozygote had PTC. There were no differences in thyroid ultrasound features in patients treated vs not treated with metreleptin. Children with extreme insulin resistance had a high prevalence of thyroid nodules, which were not associated with metreleptin treatment. Patients with homozygous INSR mutation had thyromegaly, which may be a novel phenotypic feature of this disease. Further studies are needed to determine the etiology of thyroid abnormalities in patients with extreme insulin resistance.


A general edit distance between RNA structures.
Arc-annotated sequences are useful in representing the structural information of RNA sequences. In general, RNA secondary and tertiary structures can be represented as a set of nested arcs and a set of crossing arcs, respectively. Since RNA functions are largely determined by molecular confirmation and therefore secondary and tertiary structures, the comparison between RNA secondary and tertiary structures has received much attention recently. In this paper, we propose the notion of edit distance to measure the similarity between two RNA secondary and tertiary structures, by incorporating various edit operations performed on both bases and arcs (i.e., base-pairs). Several algorithms are presented to compute the edit distance between two RNA sequences with various arc structures and under various score schemes, either exactly or approximately, with provably good performance. Preliminary experimental tests confirm that our definition of edit distance and the computation model are among the most reasonable ones ever studied in the literature.


Surfactant assisted exfoliation of near infrared fluorescent silicate nanosheets.
Fluorophores that emit light in the near infrared (NIR) are advantageous in photonics and imaging due to minimal light scattering, absorption, phototoxicity and autofluorescence in this spectral region. The layered silicate Egyptian blue (CaCuSi4O10) emits as a bulk material bright and stable fluorescence in the NIR and is a promising NIR fluorescent material for (bio)photonics. Here, we demonstrate a surfactant-based (mild) exfoliation procedure to produce nanosheets (EB-NS) of high monodispersity, heights down to 1 nm and diameters <20 nm in large quantities. The approach combines planetary ball milling, surfactant assisted bath sonication and centrifugation steps. It avoids the impurities that are typical for the harsh conditions of tip-sonication. Several solvents and surfactants were tested and we found the highest yield for sodium dodecyl benzyl sulfate (SDBS) and water. The NIR fluorescence emission (λem ≈ 930-940 nm) is not affected by this procedure, is extremely stable and is not affected by quenchers. This enables the use of EB-NS for macroscopic patterning/barcoding of materials in the NIR. In summary, we present a simple and mild route to NIR fluorescent nanosheets that promise high potential as NIR fluorophores for optical applications.


Effect of a Multi-Dimensional and Inter-Sectoral Intervention on the Adherence of Psychiatric Patients.
In psychiatry, hospital stays and transitions to the ambulatory sector are susceptible to major changes in drug therapy that lead to complex medication regimens and common non-adherence among psychiatric patients. A multi-dimensional and inter-sectoral intervention is hypothesized to improve the adherence of psychiatric patients to their pharmacotherapy. 269 patients from a German university hospital were included in a prospective, open, clinical trial with consecutive control and intervention groups. Control patients (09/2012-03/2013) received usual care, whereas intervention patients (05/2013-12/2013) underwent a program to enhance adherence during their stay and up to three months after discharge. The program consisted of therapy simplification and individualized patient education (multi-dimensional component) during the stay and at discharge, as well as subsequent phone calls after discharge (inter-sectoral component). Adherence was measured by the "Medication Adherence Report Scale" (MARS) and the "Drug Attitude Inventory" (DAI). The improvement in the MARS score between admission and three months after discharge was 1.33 points (95% CI: 0.73-1.93) higher in the intervention group compared to controls. In addition, the DAI score improved 1.93 points (95% CI: 1.15-2.72) more for intervention patients. These two findings indicate significantly higher medication adherence following the investigated multi-dimensional and inter-sectoral program. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00006358.


Postoperative outcomes of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and conventional laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: a comparative study.
The present study aimed to determine the differences in outcomes between natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (NAVH) and conventional laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who between July 2012 and September 2015, were diagnosed as having benign uterine disease such as uterine myoma, endometriosis, or adenomyosis and managed via NAVH or LAVH in a single-center (Eulji University Hospital). Data such as age, body weight, height, parity, operation time, intra/post-operative complications, and uterus weight were obtained from the clinical charts. NAVH and LAVH recipients were matched 1:3 in terms of baseline characteristics, and the 2 groups were compared regarding surgical outcomes. Of the 160 patients with benign uterine disease included in the present study. Forty received NAVH and remaining 120 received LAVH. There were significant differences between the groups regarding operation time and hemoglobin change. Notably, although the operation time was shorter for LAVH, hemoglobin change was lower for NAVH. Additionally, although maximum hospitalization duration was shorter for LAVH, the average length of hospitalization was similar between NAVH and LAVH. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of other variables. NAVH may become a new alternative surgical method of choice for hysterectomy, as it represents a clinically feasible and safe approach; moreover is superior to LAVH in terms of bleeding loss.


Insulin receptor synthesis and turnover in differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
3T3-L1 "preadipocytes" can be induced to differentiate in culture into cells having the morphological and biochemical characteristics of adipocytes. The binding of 125I-insulin to the cell-surface of differentiated and undifferentiated 3T3-L1 cells and nondifferentiating 3T3-C2 cells was compared. In the absence of agents which induce adipocyte conversion, ie, insulin or insulin plus methylisobutylxanthine (MIX) and dexamethasone (DEX), 3T3-L1 cells fail to express the adipocyte phenotype and maintain a constant number of insulin binding sites. Induction of adipocyte conversion with 3T3-L1 cells in the presence of insulin causes apparent down-regulation of insulin receptors followed by a 12--15-fold increase in receptor number which parallels differentiation. Approximately 170,000 insulin binding sites per cell are expressed when greater than 75% of the cells have differentiated. The rise of insulin receptor level is differentiation-dependent. 3T3-C2 cells, which do not differentiate in the presence of insulin or insulin plus MIX and DEX, exhibit only insulin-induced down-regulation of insulin receptors. The increase of insulin receptor level in 3T3-L1 cells in receptor-specific since the levels of epidermal growth factor receptor or choleragen receptor, respectively, remain constant or decrease substantially. A heavy isotope, density-shift technique was used to analyze insulin receptor synthesis and turnover in cells labeled with "heavy" (2H, 13C, and 15N) amino acids. Solubilized newly-synthesized "heavy" and old "light" receptors were separated by isopycnic banding on CsCl gradients and quantitated. The size of the soluble receptor isolated after isopycnic banding in CsCl gradients is approximately 400,000 daltons. Mixing of "light" and "heavy" membranes prior to extraction of receptor revealed no change in "light" or "heavy" receptor isopycnic banding densities. Thus, no detectable interchange of subunits occurs between receptor molecules during extraction or equilibrium centrifugation. Insulin receptor synthesis and turnover, studied by the density-shift technique showed that the rise of receptor level during differentiation results primarily from an increased rate of receptor synthesis. The rate of insulin receptor degradation was not significantly altered. The t1/2 for degradation of the insulin receptor in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells in culture was 6--7 hours in the presence of insulin. Removal of insulin from the medium did not materially affect the rate of receptor degradation. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide causes a lengthening of the t1/2 for insulin receptor degradation to 26 hours. Thus, the synthesis of a short-lived protein appears to be required for a critical step in the pathway of insulin receptor degradation.


Hormonal changes in the menopause transition.
The menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the loss of ovarian follicular activity. It is heralded by the menopausal transition, a period when the endocrine, biological, and clinical features of approaching menopause begin. A common initial marker is the onset of menstrual irregularity. The biology underlying the transition to menopause includes central neuroendocrine changes as well as changes within the ovary, the most striking of which is a profound decline in follicle numbers. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is an established indirect marker of follicular activity. In studies of groups of women, its concentration, particularly in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, begins to increase some years before there are any clinical indications of approaching menopause. The rise in FSH is the result of declining levels of inhibin B (INH-B), a dimeric protein that reflects the fall in ovarian follicle numbers, with or without any change in the ability of the lining granulosa cells to secrete INH-B. Estradiol levels remain relatively unchanged or tend to rise with age until the onset of the transition and are usually well preserved until the late perimenopause, presumably in response to the elevated FSH levels. During the transition, hormone levels frequently vary markedly - hence, measures of FSH and estradiol are unreliable guides to menopausal status. Concentrations of testosterone have been reported to fall by about 50% during reproductive life, between the ages of 20 and 40. They change little during the transition and, after menopause, may even rise. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEAS, its sulphate, on the other hand, decline with age, without any specific influence of the menopause. Symptoms of the menopause can be interpreted as resulting primarily from the profound fall in estradiol, occurring over a 3- to 4-year period around final menses, a fall that presumably contributes importantly to the beginning, in the late perimenopause, of loss of bone mineral density.


Selection of Leuconostoc strains isolated from artisanal Serrano Catarinense cheese for use as adjuncts in cheese manufacture.
Serrano Catarinense cheese is a raw bovine milk cheese produced in the region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Twelve representative strains of Leuconostoc isolated from 20 samples of this artisanal cheese were selected and submitted for evaluation of the acidifying, proteolytic, autolytic, aminopeptidase and lipolytic activities, NaCl and acid resistance, production of dextran and biogenic amines and antimicrobial activity. The aim was to genetically and technologically characterize the Leuconostoc strains in order to use them in mixed starter cultures for cheese manufacture. Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides was the species that accounted for the largest proportion of isolates of Leuconostoc genus. Two leuconostoc isolates stood out in the acidifying activity, with reduction in pH of 1.12 and 1.04 units. The isolates showed low proteolytic and autolytic activity. Most of the isolates were dextran producers, presented good resistance to the salt and pH conditions of the cheese and showed antimicrobial activity against cheese pathogen bacteria, and none of them produced biogenic amines. These results allowed the selection of five strains (UEL 04, UEL 12, UEL 18, UEL 21 and UEL 28) as good candidates for use as adjunct cultures for cheese manufacture. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.


[The inhibition of 18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid on thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats].
Objective: To explore the effect of 18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis (AR) rats. Methods: One hundred Wistar rats,half male and half female,were randomly divided into 5 groups by random number table method: control group, AR model group,budesonide group,18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid at dose of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg groups, with 20 rats in each group. AR animal models were established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization in the other four experimental groups. After successful modeling, budesonide and 18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid were given in each group,and the detection time points were 2 weeks and 4 weeks. The distribution of TSLP in rat nasal mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of TSLP in rat nasal mucosa was determined by Western blot at the protein level. The expression of TSLP-mRNA in rat nasal mucosa was detected and compared by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) at mRNA level. The concentrations of IL-4 and OVA-sIgE in rat serum were measured and compared by ELISA. One-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference method were used for the comparison among groups, LSD t test was used for the comparison between the two groups,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Results: Immunohistochemistry confirmed existence of TSLP in rat nasal mucosa, especially in epithelial cells,endothelial cells and epithelial cilia. Western blot and RT-PCR suggested that the expression of TSLP and TSLP-mRNA in nasal mucosa of AR model group was significantly higher than that of control group (2 weeks TSLP: 1.795 9±0.131 4 vs 0.990 5±0.164 2, 4 weeks TSLP: 1.809 7±0.253 4 vs 0.870 3±0.124 4; 2 weeks TSLP-mRNA:4.582 9±0.697 7 vs 1.108 7±0.081 1, 4 weeks TSLP-mRNA:4.814 4±0.662 8 vs 1.001 0±0.155 3; all P<0.05). After 2 weeks and 4 weeks of drug intervention,the expression of TSLP and TSLP-mRNA was inhibited in nasal mucosa of budesonide group,18β-sodium sodium glycyrrhetinic acid at dose of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg group,which was significantly different from that of AR model group (2 weeks TSLP: (0.897 8±0.081 8)/(1.072 1±0.113 6)/(1.396 6±0.133 9) vs 1.795 9±0.131 4; 4 weeks TSLP: (1.191 0±0.161 3)/(1.141 0±0.152 3)/(1.200 5±0.189 6) vs 1.809 7±0.253 4; 2 weeks TSLP-mRNA: (1.175 6±0.100 9)/(1.254 4±0.078 2)/(2.037 2±0.559 2) vs 4.582 9±0.697 7; 4 weeks TSLP-mRNA: (1.158 3±0.104 3)/(1.224 0±0.034 0)/(1.275 2±0.099 6) vs 4.814 4±0.662 8; all P<0.05), and not significantly different from control group. With the inhibition of TSLP, the concentrations of IL-4 and OVA-sIgE in rat serum were also decreased. Conclusion: 18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid has obvious inhibitory effect on TSLP in nasal mucosa of AR rats, which can control Th2 type immune inflammatory reaction.


Effect of corticosterone on serum concentrations of alpha 2 micro-globulin and on spermatogenesis in oestrogen-treated rats.
Treatment of adult male rats with oestradiol-17 beta (50 microgram/100 g body wt per day for 7 days) resulted 14 days later in reduced levels of alpha 2 micro-globulin in serum and inhibition of spermatogenesis. Administration of corticosterone (2 mg/day) for 14 days to oestrogen-treated rats raised the concentration of alpha 2 micro-globulin in the serum and prevented spermatogenic degeneration. It is concluded that endogenous alpha 2 micro-globulin induced by corticosterone may play a role in spermatogenesis in oestrogenized rats.


Band alignment and charge transfer predictions of ZnO/ZnX (X = S, Se or Te) interfaces applied to solar cells: a PBE+U theoretical study.
The engineering of semiconductor materials for the development of solar cells is of great importance today. Two topics are considered to be of critical importance for the efficiency of Grätzel-type solar cells, the efficiency of charge separation and the efficiency of charge carrier transfer. Thus, one research focus is the combination of semiconductor materials with the aim of reducing charge recombination, which occurs by spatial charge separation. From an experimental point of view, the combining of materials can be achieved by decorating a core with a shell of another material resulting in a core-shell system, which allows control of the desired photoelectronic properties. In this context, a computational simulation is mandatory for the atomistic understanding of possible semiconductor combinations and for the prediction of their properties. Considering the construction of ZnO/ZnX (X = S, Se or Te) interfaces, we seek to investigate the electronic influence of the shell (ZnX) on the core (ZnO) and, consequently, find out which of the interfaces would present the appropriate properties for (Grätzel-type) solar cell applications. To perform this study, we have employed density functional theory (DFT) calculations, considering the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functional. However, it is well-known that plain DFT fails to describe strong electronic correlated materials where, in general, an underestimation of the band gap is obtained. Thus, to obtain the correct description of the electronic properties, a Hubbard correction was employed, i.e. PBE+U calculations. The PBE+U methodology provided the correct electronic structure properties for bulk ZnO in good agreement with experimental values (99.4%). The ZnO/ZnX interfaces were built and were composed of six ZnO layers and two ZnX layers, which represents the decoration process. The core-shell band gap was 2.2 eV for ZnO/ZnS, ∼1.71 eV for ZnO/ZnSe and ∼0.95 eV for ZnO/ZnTe, which also exhibited a type-II band alignment. Bader charge analysis showed an accumulation of charges in the 6th layer of ZnO for the three ZnO/ZnX interfaces. On the basis of these results, we have proposed that ZnO/ZnS and ZnO/ZnSe core-shell structures can be applied as good candidates (with better efficiency) for photovoltaic devices.


High Frequency of Acute Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Lung Transplantation in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Receiving Preoperative Long-Term Intravenous Prostacyclin.
Adverse cardiovascular events after lung transplantation (LT) increase the mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Long-term intravenous prostacyclin is the usual treatment in severe patients with PAH, but it may increase the risk of hemorrhage due to its antiplatelet aggregation effect or thrombocytopenia. We investigated the impact of length of intravenous prostacyclin therapy on acute adverse cardiovascular events including hemorrhagic complication after LT. We retrospectively compared the incidence of adverse events (death, intrathoracic hematoma and bleeding, cardiac congestion or shock, cerebral infarction and pulmonary embolism) within 30 days after LT between no/short-term (median 0.6 years, n = 13) and long-term (median 3.7 years, n = 15) intravenous prostacyclin groups. There were no differences in the dose of intravenous prostacyclin and pulmonary artery pressure between the two groups. Among 22 adverse events (0.8 ± 1.1 events/patient), 4 events occurred in the no/short-term intravenous prostacyclin group and 18 occurred in the long-term intravenous prostacyclin group. The event rate per patient in the long-term intravenous prostacyclin group (1.2 ± 1.3 events/patient) was significantly higher than that in the no/short-term intravenous prostacyclin group (0.3 ± 0.5 events/patient) (P < 0.05). Intrathoracic hematoma and bleeding was the most frequent adverse event (9 events, 41%). Preoperative long-term intravenous prostacyclin therapy increases acute adverse cardiovascular events after LT in patients with PAH.


Synthesis of Thermoresponsive PNIPAM-Grafted Cellulose Sulfates for Bioactive Multilayers via Layer-by-Layer Technique.
The robust thermoresponsive and bioactive surfaces for tissue engineering by combining poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) and cellulose sulfate (CS) remain highly in demand but not yet realized. Herein, PNIPAM-grafted cellulose sulfates (PCSs) with diverse degrees of substitution ascribed to sulfate groups (DSS) are synthesized for the first time. Higher sulfated PCS2 generally forms larger aggregates than lower sulfated PCS1 at their cloud point temperatures (TCP) of around 33 °C, whereas PCS1 leads to larger aggregates at body temperature (37 °C). Via the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, biocompatible polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) composed of PCSs as polyanions in combination with poly-l-lysine (PLL) or quaternized chitosan (QCHI) as polycations were fabricated. The resulting surfaces contained a more intermingled structure of polyanions with both polycations, while higher sulfated cellulose derivatives (CS2 and PCS2) displayed greater stability. Studies on toxicity and biocompatibility of PEM using 3T3 mouse fibroblasts showed a lower cytotoxicity of PEM with PCS2 and CS2 than PCS1 and CS1. Furthermore, the PEM using PCS2 particularly in combination with QCHI demonstrated excellent biocompatibility that is promising for new bioactive, thermoresponsive coatings on biomaterials and substrata for culturing adhesion-dependent cells.


Periosteal margin in soft-tissue sarcoma.
Soft-tissue sarcomas frequently rest in contact with bone. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the risk of local recurrence for sarcomas adjacent to bone and to determine whether the periosteum provides an adequate margin of resection. Fifty patients with soft-tissue sarcomas abutting bone were treated at a single institution between 1990 and 2004. All patients had high-grade, T2 (>5 cm), nonmetastatic disease in the lower extremity. Bone contact was verified by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT) scans. Forty-three of 50 patients received preoperative radiation with a mean dose of 50 Gy. In 11 cases a composite resection of bone and soft tissue was performed. In 39 cases the excision involved only soft tissue. True bone invasion was verified by histopathologic examination in 3 of 50 cases (6%). Local recurrence in the soft tissues developed in 8 of 50 (16%) patients. In no case did the recurrence involve destruction of cortical bone or erosion into bone. The recurrent tumor resided against the region of previous bone contact in 1 of 8 cases. There was no statistically significant difference in local recurrence between patients who had composite bone resection and patients who had soft-tissue resection only (P = .87). Relatively few sarcomas are able to penetrate cortical bone. Composite bone and soft-tissue resections are indicated primarily for frank bone invasion. In the absence of this, the periosteum is an adequate surgical margin for sarcomas treated with wide excision and radiation.


Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 protects against sepsis-induced kidney injury by modulating mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy.
This study was undertaken to investigate the cytoprotective role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in sepsis-induced kidney injury. The Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was employed to induce septic kidney injury in C57BL/6 mice. Six hours before CLP or a sham procedure, mice were injected intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg hemin or 30 mg/kg of the TRPA1 antagonist A-967079. Our study showed that mice treated with A-967079 exhibited less sepsis-induced mortality and kidney injury compared with those in the sham group. Moreover, A-967079 prevented multiple organ dysfunction, pathological changes, and increased secretion of in proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, A-967079 decreased the levels of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney tissues. The protein levels of mitochondrial biogenesis markers, including Sirt1, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A, were decreased in the A-967079 treatment group. Additionally, A-967079 treatment attenuated mitochondrial mitophagy. The levels of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 increased and parkin levels decreased compared to the untreated CLP group. Our findings suggest that TRPA1 prevents septic injury by modulating mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy.


Guided versus blind liver biopsy for chronic hepatitis C: clinical benefits and costs.
Our objectives were: (1) to assess the clinical benefits and costs of performing ultrasound-guided liver biopsy with an automated needle compared to blind biopsy with a conventional Trucut needle in patients with chronic hepatitis C; (2) to compare the histological yield of automated needles with Trucut needles. We prospectively studied 166 patients with hepatitis C virus who underwent either ultrasound-guided biopsy using automated ASAP needles or blind biopsy using conventional Trucut needles. Both groups were matched for age, sex, cirrhosis, needle gauge and operator experience. Patient tolerance, complications and histological adequacy were assessed. In a separate in vitro study, we assessed the histological adequacy of liver biopsy specimens obtained using automated and Trucut needles from 10 fresh autopsy cases. Ultrasound-guided biopsy caused significantly less biopsy pain (36.4% vs. 47.3%; p < 0.0001) and significantly less pain-related morbidity (1.8% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.05). Although, there was no significant difference in diagnostic yield between guided and blind biopsy (98% vs. 94%, p = 0.15), 3 blind biopsies (3.3%), including 2 which yielded extra-hepatic tissue, had to be repeated. The additional expense of performing guided liver biopsy with automated needles was 42 Irish Pounds per patient. In vitro, automated ASAP 15G needles provided liver specimens comparable to Trucut 15G needles and had the highest histopathologic score among the automated needles assessed. Even in the absence of major complications, ultrasound-guided liver biopsy with an automated needle in HCV patients is safer, more comfortable and only marginally more expensive than blind Trucut biopsy.


Dendritic cells dysfunction in tumour environment.
Several studies indicate that most tumours are immunogenic and they rarely succeed to induce an efficient immune response. Many mechanisms have been involved in the tumour escape from host immune surveillance. The tumour microenvironment has emerged as an important component contributing to dendritic cells (DCs) dysfunction. There is evidence that DCs play a key role in the induction of tumour-specific immune responses, especially via cross-priming through MHC-class I antigens presentation. In this review we will discuss the potential role of the tumour microenvironment in DCs dysfunction.


Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous Rituximab in Previously Untreated Patients with CD20+ Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma or Follicular Lymphoma: Results from an Italian Phase IIIb Study.
Subcutaneous (SC) rituximab may be beneficial in terms of convenience and tolerability, with potentially fewer and less severe administration-related reactions (ARRs) compared to the intravenous (IV) form. This report presents the results of a phase IIIb study conducted in Italy. The study included adult patients with CD20+ DLBCL or FL having received at least one full dose of IV RTX 375 mg/m2 during induction or maintenance. Patients on induction received ≥4 cycles of RTX SC 1400 mg plus standard chemotherapy and FL patients on maintenance received ≥6 cycles of RTX SC. Overall, 159 patients (73 DLBCL, 86 FL) were enrolled: 103 (54 DLBCL, 49 FL) completed induction and 42 patients with FL completed 12 maintenance cycles. ARRs were reported in 10 patients (6.3%), 3 (4.2%) with DLBCL and 7 (8.1%) with FL, all of mild severity, and resolved without dose delay/discontinuation. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and serious adverse events occurred in 41 (25.9%) and 14 patients (8.9%), respectively. Two patients with DLBCL had fatal events: Klebsiella infection (related to rituximab) and septic shock (related to chemotherapy). Neutropenia (14 patients, 8.9%) was the most common treatment-related TEAE. Two patients with DLBCL (2.8%) and 6 with FL (7.0%) discontinued rituximab due to TEAEs. 65.2% and 69.7% of patients with DLBCL and 67.9% and 73.6% of patients with FL had complete response (CR) and CR unconfirmed, respectively. The median time to events (EFS, PFS, and OS) was not estimable due to the low rate of events. At a median follow-up of 29.5 and 47.8 months in patients with DLBCL and FL, respectively, EFS, PFS, and OS were 70.8%, 70.8%, and 80.6% in patients with DLBCL and 77.9%, 77.9%, and 95.3% in patients with FL, respectively. The switch from IV to SC rituximab in patients with DLBCL and FL was associated with low risk of ARRs and satisfactory response in both groups. This trial was registered with NCT01987505.


Combining information obtained from magnetic resonance imaging and conventional radiographs to detect sacroiliitis in patients with recent onset inflammatory back pain.
To compare the contribution of changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conventional radiography (CR) in the sacroiliac joints of patients with recent onset inflammatory back pain (IBP) in making an early diagnosis of spondyloarthritides. The study involved 68 patients with IBP (38% male; mean (SD) age, 34.9 (10.3) years) with symptom duration less than two years. Coronal MRI of the sacroiliac joints was scored for inflammation and structural changes, and pelvic radiographs were scored by the modified New York (mNY) grading. Agreement between MRI and CR was analysed by cross tabulation per sacroiliac joint and per patient. A structural change was detected in 20 sacroiliac joints by MRI and in 37 by CR. Inflammation was detected in 36 sacroiliac joints by MRI, and 22 of these showed radiographic sacroiliitis. Fourteen patients fulfilled the mNY criteria based on CR. Classification according to the modified New York criteria would be justified for eight patients if it was based on MRI for structural changes only, for 14 if it was based on structural changes on CR, for 14 (partly) different patients if it was based on inflammation on MRI only, for 16 if it was based on inflammation and structural changes on MRI, for 19 if it was based on inflammation on CR combined with MRI, and for (the same) 19 if it was based on inflammation and structural damage on CR combined with MRI. CR can detect structural changes in SI joints with higher sensitivity than MRI. However, inflammation on MRI can be found in a substantial proportion of patients with IBP but normal radiographs. Assessment of structural changes by CR followed by assessment of inflammation on MRI in patients with negative findings gives the highest returns for detecting involvement of the SI joints by imaging in patients with recent onset IBP.


Age changes in the perception of comfortable mandibular occlusal positions.
It has been shown that a zone of comfort in maxillo-mandibular relationships in edentulous subjects can be identified with some precision. Whilst the neurophysiological mechanism involved has not been explained fully, the phenomenon is influenced by starting position and by fatigue. This experiment was set up to test the hypothesis that age is another significant factor in perception of the comfortable zone. A group of seventeen subjects with a mean age of 62 years and an equivalent younger group, the mean age of which was 28 years, were tested with Timmer screw jacks applied using the central approach to record the upper and lower limits of the zone fifteen times in succession for each subject. A linear statistical model was used to analyse the data from upper and lower borders separately. The results showed that the effect of making successive adjustments, whilst not significant statistically in the young group, was significant in the more elderly. Regression lines from the young group data were horizontal signifying the high degree of accuracy with which their perceptual mechanisms worked: the upwards inclination of those from the more elderly was interpreted as showing that initial appreciations were subjected to constant correction.


Coach Encouragement During Soccer Practices Can Influence Players' Mental and Physical Loads.
This study analyzed the influence of the coaches' encouragement on the mental and physical load in soccer practices. The participants were 36 semiprofessional Spanish soccer players (Mage = 22.40; SD = 2.25) belonging to two male teams and one female team. Following the same practices' design and order, two training sessions of each team were completed. In one session, coaches maintained a passive verbal attitude, whereas in the other session, coaches intervened with an active attitude through continuous general encouragement. The mental load and fatigue were measured using self-reported questionnaires (Likert scales), and internal and external physical loads were quantified using the rating of perceived exertion and the Global Position System. A t-test for related samples and magnitude based on an inference spreadsheet was performed. The results demonstrated that mental and internal physical loads increased when coaches participated with active verbal encouragement. Especially, increases in performance satisfaction, mental effort, and RPE values, and decreases in unsafety values were detected due to encouragement interventions. Nevertheless, the external physical load did not show a clear trend. Based on these findings, coaches can use this information to manipulate their verbal encouragement during practices according to their physical and mental objectives with specific soccer strategies.


Bioaccumulation and Spatiotemporal Trends of Polyhalogenated Carbazoles in Great Lakes Fish from 2004 to 2016.
Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) were recently discovered in Great Lakes sediment and other aquatic systems. However, knowledge about their bioaccumulation and potential risks to fish and wildlife remains very limited. The present study investigated PHCZs in Great Lakes lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush) and walleye ( Sander vitreus; Lake Erie only) composites collected between 2004 and 2016. Median concentrations of ∑PHCZs by lake ranged from 54.7 to 154 ng/g lipid weight or lw (6.8-28.0 ng/g wet weight). Dominant congeners included 3,6-dichlorocarbazole, 1,3,6-tribromocarbazole, and 1,3,6,8-tetrachlorocarbazole. The highest ∑PHCZs concentrations were found in Lakes Michigan and Ontario fish, followed by Lake Huron, whereas Lakes Erie and Superior fish contained the lowest concentrations. Congener profiles of PHCZs also exhibited spatial variations. After age normalization to minimize fish age influence on bioaccumulation rates, fish ∑PHCZs' concentrations declined significantly over time in all lakes except Lake Erie, with slopes ranging from -10.24% to -3.85% per year. The median toxic equivalent (TEQ) of PHCZs due to their dioxin-like activity was determined to range from 8.7 to 25.7 pg/g lw in Great Lakes fish. This study provides the first insight into the bioaccumulation and spatiotemporal trends of PHCZs in Great Lakes and suggests the need for further research on this group of chemicals.


Stimulation of a Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase by GM1 ganglioside in nerve growth factor-treated PC12 cells.
We have investigated the ability of exogenous gangliosides to modulate nerve growth factor (NGF) signal transduction in PC12 cells. The effects of exogenous ganglioside GM1 on multiple protein kinase activities were assayed by analyzing site-specific serine phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TyrOHase) by two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping. In the presence of NGF, exogenous GM1 (1-10 microM) increased 32P incorporation into TyrOHase phosphopeptide T2, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase substrate whose phosphorylation is not normally affected by NGF treatment. In the absence of NGF, GM1 treatment had no significant effects on TyrOHase phosphorylation. The removal of extracellular Ca2+ or blockade of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels prevented the GM1-induced increases in 32P incorporation into phosphopeptide T2. Exogenous GM1 also potentiated K+ depolarization-induced increases in the phosphorylation of TryOHase. These results suggest that the stimulatory effects of exogenous GM1 ganglioside on NGF actions may be due to its ability to potentiate a Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathway.


A new member of the Nudiviridae from the Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria).
Menippe mercenaria, the Florida stone crab, supports an unconventional fishery across the southern USA and Caribbean that involves claw-removal and the return of de-clawed animals to the sea. We provide pathological, ultrastructural, and genomic detail for a novel hepatopancreatic, nucleus-specific virus - Menippe mercenaria nudivirus (MmNV) - isolated from M. mercenaria, captured during fisheries-independent monitoring. The virus has a genome of 99,336 bp and encodes 84 predicted protein coding genes and shows greatest similarity to Aratus pisonii nudivirus (ApNV) (<60% protein similarity and 31 shared genes of greatest similarity), collected from the Florida Keys, USA. MmNV is a member of the Gammanudivirus genus (Naldaviricetes: Lefavirales: Nudiviridae). Comparisons of virus genome size, preferred host environment, and gene number revealed no clear associations between the viral traits and phylogenetic position. Evolution of the virus alongside the diversification of host taxa, with the potential for host-switching, remain more likely evolutionary pathways.


[Association of asymptomatic hyperuricemia with mortality in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention].
Objective: This study investigated the influence of asymptomatic hyperuricemia on the prognosis of patients who had undergone elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 3 452 consecutive patients , who had preoperative serum uric acid level record and were without gout, underwent elective PCIs between July 2009 and September 2011 were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on their preoperative serum uric acid levels. The association between baseline serum uric acid levels and postoperative mortality was investigated through 1.5 years of follow up. Results: Of the 3 452 patients in the study population, 516 had elevated uric acid and 2 936 had normal uric acid.Patients in the elevated uric acid group were older, more frequently had prior history of hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction and interventional procedure, less likely to have prior history of diabetes mellitus.Other significant differences included higher white blood cell, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels; lower left ventricular ejection fraction, estimated glomerular filtration rate and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, more companied by multivessel disease, more PCI lesions, lower complete revascularization rate.More patients with elevated uric acid level were treated with ACEI/ARB and diuretics at the time of hospital discharge.The results of a multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that preoperative elevated uric acid was an independent predictive factor for mortality after adjustment for other factors (hazard ratio 3.252, 95% confidence interval 1.902-5.560, P<0.001). Conclusion: Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is an independent predictive factor of mortality in patients undergoing elective PCI.


Is there still a place for carotid endarterectomy?
Carotid endarterectomy is a controversial procedure. Despite the increasing incidence of its performance, there have been as yet no prospective randomised trials which have conclusively shown its benefits for patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis. Until the results of such studies become available, a rational approach to the estimation of stroke risk in these patients can be based on an understanding of their carotid plaque morphology. Over the past 4 years we have examined plaque morphology with a B-mode duplex scanner and have been able to categorise the degree of heterogeneity of plaques into 4 types depending on the degree of plaque echolucency. We have shown good correlation between the preoperative plaque type and the operation specimen. Furthermore, we have found that the risk of symptom development correlates with the development of a more echolucent plaque. Finally, while plaque heterogeneity may be a good predictor of the risk of embolism from the plaque, other deleterious factors such as hypertension may determine the severity of the ensuing neurological event. The approach in our unit has been to operate on symptomatic patients with demonstrated high grade or heterogeneous carotid artery atherosclerosis appropriate to the patient's symptoms. We have found that most asymptomatic patients have subcritical stenoses and dense homogeneous plaques, and we treat these conservatively. On the other hand, surgery is recommended for asymptomatic patients with high grade stenoses and heterogeneous plaques. We have been able to follow this policy with a morbidity and mortality of 2.6% and 1.0% respectively.


Peroral pancreatoscopy for the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases.
The efficacy associated with peroral pancreatoscopy to diagnose and differentiate pancreatic diseases is herein reviewed and clarified, and problems with this modality are discussed. Three types of pancreatoscopes are presently available: (a) a thin fiberscope with a diameter of 3.3 or 4.5 mm, which has an angulation system and a forceps channel; (b) an ultrathin pancreatoscope with a diameter of 0.75 or 0.8 mm, which can be inserted via an ordinary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cannula without endoscopic sphincterotomy; and (c) an ultrathin pancreatoscope combined with a catheter that has an outer diameter of 1.67 mm. Peroral pancreatoscopy facilitates the detection of small lesions of the duct in malignancy or chronic pancreatitis. In particular, it is quite useful in differentiating pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis in cases with local stenosis or elevated lesions of the main pancreatic duct. Among patients with a mucus-producing tumor of the pancreas, pancreatoscopy is also very useful, especially in determining lesion extent. Despite some unresolved problems, we predict that pancreatoscopy will retain a limited or specific and definite role in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy for pancreatic diseases.


Renal mu opioid receptor mechanisms in regulation of renal function in rats.
Studies were performed in pentobarbital anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats to determine whether mu opioid receptor agonists produce changes in renal function via intrarenal mechanisms. Left renal artery infusion of isotonic saline vehicle or the selective mu opioid receptor agonist, dermorphin (0.5 nmol/kg/min), did not alter mean arterial pressure or heart rate. In contrast, left renal artery dermorphin administration produced a significant decrease in left kidney urinary flow rate and sodium excretion without altering glomerular filtration rate or effective renal plasma flow; function of the right kidney was unaffected. Pretreatment of the left kidney with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, 50 micrograms/kg into left renal artery, prevented changes in urinary flow rate and sodium excretion induced by subsequent left renal artery dermorphin administration. Prior bilateral renal denervation abolished the antidiuretic and antinatriuretic responses to left renal artery dermorphin administration. These results suggest that mu opioid receptor agonists participate in the process of renal tubular sodium and water reabsorption via an intrarenal action that is dependent on an interaction with renal sympathetic nerves. This may occur via an action of mu opioid receptor agonists to facilitate the nerve terminal release and/or the direct tubular action of norepinephrine to affect renal tubular sodium and water reabsorption.


Lipoprotein (a): a potential biological marker for unruptured intracranial aneurysms.
The diagnosis and treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) prior to rupture reduces the high morbidity and mortality associated with their occurrence. Elevated serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level, an independent risk factor for atherogenesis, has been demonstrated in sporadic IA disease (1). The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of correlation between elevated Lp(a) levels and the occurrence of IAs in asymptomatic first degree relatives of index cases from three families exhibiting a familial tendency towards IA development. 25 family members and 41 healthy controls were screened by random serum Lp(a) sampling. All family members received 4-vessel cerebral angiography. Eleven family members were found on angiography to harbour asymptomatic aneurysms and all were successfully treated by surgery. Of these 11, ten had significantly raised serum Lp(a) levels (> 30 mg%). Fourteen family members had negative angiograms. Eight of this latter group, mean age 43.6 +/- 3.8 years, had serum Lp(a) levels above the normal range. Mean Lp(a) levels were 53.7 +/- 1.2 mg% in subjects with aneurysms compared with 22.1 +/- 1.45 mg% in subjects without demonstrable aneurysms and 10.5 +/- 0.48 mg% in the control population. The prevalence of elevated Lp(a) levels in these families and the high degree of association of raised Lp(a) levels with the presence of IAs in several family members warrants follow up of angiographically negative young subjects. We require a case-control study to establish whether particular polymorphisms at the apoprotein (a) gene level are associated with the occurrence of IAs in these families.


Bio-corrosion behavior, antibacterial property and interaction with osteoblast of laserin-situfabricated Ti-Si-Cu coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
Ti-Si-xCu coatings (TS-xC,x= 5, 10 and 15 wt.%) with advanced bio-corrosion resistance, excellent antibacterial property and biocompatibility were laser cladded on Ti-6Al-4V (TAV) substrate which is widely used as endosseous implants. The bio-corrosion resistance of the TAV substrate was improved due to the presence of Ti5Si3and TiCu phases in the coatings. The addition of Cu in the precursor contributes to the improvement of the antibacterial property of TAV substrate. Meanwhile, induced normal cytoskeleton, well-developed focal adhesion contacts, significant higher cell attachment and proliferation rate were observed for the TS-xC coated samples due to the formation of micro-textured morphology and presence of new phases. The bio-corrosion resistance and antibacterial property depend on Cu content addition in the TS-xC precursor. The results provide a way to fabricate such multiple functional biocoating that would improve the bio-corrosion resistance, antibacterial performance and biocompatibility of TAV.


The Reliability of Computerized Physician Order Entry Data for Research Studies.
In the United States, adolescents account for nearly half of the newly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections annually, and many of these infections are asymptomatic. Adolescents often seek care in pediatric emergency departments; thus, the emergency department is an important setting to implement adolescent sexually transmitted infection screening. Before implementation, baseline data reflecting current screening rates of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were needed. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of provider-reported rates of symptomatic and asymptomatic chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) testing in adolescents overall and pre-electronic health record (EHR) and post-EHR order modification in preparation for a research intervention. This was a 1-year prospective, observational study. Provider reason for CT/GC testing was added to the existing EHR order. Chart reviews were performed to ensure the accuracy of clinician CT/GC testing choices (symptomatic vs asymptomatic). Frequencies of testing choices were obtained. Order modifications were made to further clarify the definitions. A Student t test was used to compare data preorder and postorder modification. When relying on providers to report reasons for CT/GC testing (symptomatic vs asymptomatic), many patients were misclassified based on a priori defined testing reasons. After order modification, rates of provider-reported symptomatic testing remained unchanged (P = 0.16). Provider-reported asymptomatic testing significantly declined (P = 0.004); however, 23.2% of those tested continued to be misclassified. Provider-entered EHR data are increasingly being used in research studies; thus, it is important to ensure its accuracy and reliability before study implementation.


Stereospecific Decarboxylative Nazarov Cyclization Mediated by Carbon Dioxide for the Preparation of Highly Substituted 2-Cyclopentenones.
Highly substituted 2-cyclopentenones were stereospecifically and regioselectively constructed with high catalytic efficiency through Lewis-acid catalyzed decarboxylative Nazarov cyclization of the cyclic carbonate derivative, which is prepared by reacting the propargyl alcohol with carbon dioxide in the presence of a silver catalyst. The stereochemistry of the 2-cyclopentenone is strictly controlled by the geometry of the alkene in the starting material. This method is applicable for various substrates.


Effects of Dancing Associated With Resistance Training on Functional Parameters and Quality of Life of Aging Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a dance intervention associated with resistance training or health education program on functional paramaters and quality of life of aging women. Thirty-six women were allocated to dance plus resistance training group (D + RT) or dance plus health education group (D + HE). Both interventions lasted 8 weeks and were performed twice a week. Dance sessions lasted 60 min. Resistance training was composed by two to three sets of 10-15 repetitions in five exercises. Improvements were found in 30-s chair stand (D + RT: 6 ± 1 repetitions; D + HE: 7 ± 1 repetitions), 30-s arm curl (D + RT: 7 ± 1 repetitions; D + HE: 7 ± 1 repetitions), 6-min walk (D + RT: 43 ± 12 m; D + HE: 55 ± 12 m), timed up and go (D + RT: -1.1 ± 0.3 s; D + HE: -1.4 ± 0.2 s), and psychological domain of quality of life (D + RT: 6 ± 2%; D + HE: 5 ± 3%), with no difference between groups. Both groups improve functional parameters and quality of life of aging women.


Artificial cells in hemoperfusion and other applications.
The present status of artificial cells is discussed. Discussions include the applications of artificial cells for acute intoxication, artificial kidney, artificial liver, immunosorbents, red blood cell substitutes, enzyme replacements and other areas.


Manifestly covariant Jüttner distribution and equipartition theorem.
The relativistic equilibrium velocity distribution plays a key role in describing several high-energy and astrophysical effects. Recently, computer simulations favored Jüttner's as the relativistic generalization of Maxwell's distribution for d=1,2,3 spatial dimensions and pointed to an invariant temperature. In this work, we argue an invariant temperature naturally follows from manifest covariance. We present a derivation of the manifestly covariant Jüttner's distribution and equipartition theorem. The standard procedure to get the equilibrium distribution as a solution of the relativistic Boltzmann's equation, which holds for dilute gases, is here adopted. However, contrary to previous analysis, we use Cartesian coordinates in d+1 momentum space, with d spatial components. The use of the multiplication theorem of Bessel functions turns crucial to regain the known invariant form of Jüttner's distribution. Since equilibrium kinetic-theory results should agree with thermodynamics in the comoving frame to the gas the covariant pseudonorm of a vector entering the distribution can be identified with the reciprocal of temperature in such comoving frame. Then by combining the covariant statistical moments of Jüttner's distribution a form of the equipartition theorem is advanced which also accommodates the invariant comoving temperature and it contains, as a particular case, a previous not manifestly covariant form.


Dietary fats significantly influence the survival of penumbral neurons in a rat model of chronic ischemic by modifying lipid mediators, inflammatory biomarkers, NOS production, and redox-dependent apoptotic signals.
Brain stroke is the third most important cause of death in developed countries. We studied the effect of different dietary lipids on the outcome of a permanent ischemic stroke rat model. Wistar rats were fed diets containing 7% commercial oils (S, soybean; O, olive; C, coconut; G, grape seed) for 35 d. Stroke was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Coronal slices from ischemic brains and sham-operated animals were supravitally stained. Penumbra and core volumes were calculated by image digitalization after 24, 48, and 72 h poststroke. Homogenates and mitochondrial fractions were prepared from different zones and analyzed by redox status, inflammatory markers, ceramide, and arachidonate content, phospholipase A2, NOS, and proteases. Soybean (S) and G diets were mainly prooxidative and proinflammatory by increasing the liberation of arachidonate and its transformation into prostaglandins. O was protective in terms of redox homeostatic balance, minor increases in lipid and protein damage, conservation of reduced glutathione, protective activation of NOS in penumbra, and net ratio of anti-to proinflammatory cytokines. Apoptosis (caspase-3, milli- and microcalpains) was less activated by O than by any other diet. Dietary lipids modulate NOS and PLA2 activities, ceramide production, and glutathione import into the mitochondrial matrix, finally determining the activation of the two main protease systems involved in programmed cell death. Olive oil appears to be a biological source for the isolation of protective agents that block the expansion of brain core at the expense of penumbral neurons.


[Management of carotid artery stenosis].
Carotid artery atherosclerosis remains one of the major causes of stroke. The efficacy of carotid artery recanalization has already been established and is considered significant for symptomatic stenosis >70% and moderate for stenosis between 50-69 %. Regarding asymptomatic stenosis, carotid artery recanalization should be reserved for carefully selected patients with a stenosis between 70-90 % and an estimated procedural risk at less than 3 %. Two therapeutic options are currently available : angioplasty with stent placement and endarterectomy. While the endovascular approach may be associated with a higher periprocedural complication rate of stroke, there remains a significant decrease in the rate of myocardial infarction and peripheral nerve palsy compared to surgery. As a result, each case should be reviewed with a multidisciplinary approach in order to propose the best therapeutic strategy.


Dicing and slicing: the core machinery of the RNA interference pathway.
RNA interference (RNAi) is broadly defined as a gene silencing pathway that is triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Many variations have been described on this theme. The dsRNA trigger can be supplied exogenously, as an experimental tool, or can derive from the genome in the form of microRNAs. Gene silencing can be the result of nucleolytic degradation of the mRNA, or by translational suppression. At the heart of the pathway are two ribonuclease machines. The ribonuclease III enzyme Dicer initiates the RNAi pathway by generating the active short interfering RNA trigger. Silencing is effected by the RNA-induced silencing complex and its RNaseH core enzyme Argonaute. This review describes the discovery of these machines and discusses future lines of work on this amazing biochemical pathway.


Effect of the Thermocouple on Measuring the Temperature Discontinuity at a Liquid-Vapor Interface.
The coupled heat and mass transfer that occurs in evaporation is of interest in a large number of fields such as evaporative cooling, distillation, drying, coating, printing, crystallization, welding, atmospheric processes, and pool fires. The temperature jump that occurs at an evaporating interface is of central importance to understanding this complex process. Over the past three decades, thermocouples have been widely used to measure the interfacial temperature jumps at a liquid-vapor interface during evaporation. However, the reliability of these measurements has not been investigated so far. In this study, a numerical simulation of a thermocouple when it measures the interfacial temperatures at a liquid-vapor interface is conducted to understand the possible effects of the thermocouple on the measured temperature and features in the temperature profile. The differential equations of heat transfer in the solid and fluids as well as the momentum transfer in the fluids are coupled together and solved numerically subject to appropriate boundary conditions between the solid and fluids. The results of the numerical simulation showed that while thermocouples can measure the interfacial temperatures in the liquid correctly, they fail to read the actual interfacial temperatures in the vapor. As the results of our numerical study suggest, the temperature jumps at a liquid-vapor interface measured experimentally by using a thermocouple are larger than what really exists at the interface. For a typical experimental study of evaporation of water at low pressure, it was found that the temperature jumps measured by a thermocouple are overestimated by almost 50%. However, the revised temperature jumps are still in agreement with the statistical rate theory of interfacial transport. As well as addressing the specific application of the liquid-vapor temperature jump, this paper provides significant insight into the role that heat transfer plays in the operation of thermocouples in general.


Approaches to the discovery of pharmacogenomic markers in oncology: 2000-2010-2020.
Pharmacogenomics is emerging as an important component both in facilitating new drug development and in improving the utility of existing chemotherapeutic agents. Both candidate gene and genome-wide approaches have been used to identify genetic markers associated with chemotherapeutic response and/or toxicity. New molecular targeted agents have been designed based on a sophisticated understanding of the molecular alterations defining cancers. Over the next decade, the translation of these findings into clinical practice, as well as functional studies of genetic variants, is likely to take center stage. More comprehensive evaluation of the human genome, including the examination of rare SNPs, copy number variations, tandem repeats and epigenetic effects, will further improve our understanding of the relationship between genetics and drug response.


Induction of fatigue-like behavior by pelvic irradiation of male mice alters cognitive behaviors and BDNF expression.
Fatigue and cognitive deficits are often co-occurring symptoms reported by patients after radiation therapy for prostate cancer. In this study, we induced fatigue-like behavior in mice using targeted pelvic irradiation to mimic the clinical treatment regimen and assess cognitive behavioral changes. We observed that pelvic irradiation produced a robust fatigue phenotype, a reduced rate of spontaneous alternation in a Y-maze test, and no behavioral change in an open field test. We found that reversal learning for fatigued mice was slower with respect to time, but not with respect to effort put into the test, suggesting that fatigue may impact the ability or motivation to work at a cognitive task without impairing cognitive capabilities. In addition, we found that mice undergoing pelvic irradiation show lower whole-brain levels of mature BDNF, and that whole-brain proBDNF levels also correlate with spontaneous alternation in a Y-maze test. These results suggest that changes in BDNF levels could be both a cause and an effect of fatigue-related changes in behavior.


Development of an adjustable Kirkpatrick-Baez microscope for laser driven x-ray sources.
A prototype of a highly adjustable Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) microscope has been designed, built, and tested in a number of laser driven x-ray experiments using the high power (200 TW) VEGA-2 laser system of the Spanish Centre for Pulsed Lasers (CLPU). The presented KB version consists of two, perpendicularly mounted, 500 μm thick silicon wafers, coated with a layer of platinum, a few tens of nanometers thick. Unlike the usual millimeter thick glass substrate, this design allows for a larger bending flexibility and large adjustment range. According to simulations, this KB microscope offers broadband multikiloelectron volt reflection spectra (1 eV-20 keV), allowing more spectral tunability than conventional Bragg crystals. In addition to be vacuum compatible, this prototype is characterized by a relatively small size (21 cm × 31 cm × 27 cm) and permits remote control and modification both of the radii of curvature (down to 10 m) and of the grazing incidence angle (up to 60 mrad). A few examples of focusing performance tests and experimental results are discussed.


The Mongolian Vowel Acoustic Model Based on the Clustering Algorithm.
In order to solve the problem of vowel acoustic modeling in the Mongolian language and provide more scientific core technical support for speech recognition system, a vowel acoustic model based on the clustering algorithm and speech recognition technology was proposed. The language vowel recognition system and Mongolian speech recognition system are constructed, the Mongolian vowel acoustic database is mainly designed, and the number of vowel samples is constantly increased to ensure the acoustic and linguistic phenomena that may be encountered in the Mongolian vowel database. At the same time, classification modeling and context modeling are used to improve the accuracy of the acoustic model. Through experiments, it is found that the experimental results of sparse tritones show that the model has the highest recognition accuracy of 45% for sentences and 86% for words, which is more than 2% higher than before, providing some technical support for Mongolian learning and pronunciation.


Broadband tunable microwave photonic phase shifter with low RF power variation in a high-Q AlN microring.
An all-optically tunable microwave photonic phase shifter is demonstrated based on an epitaxial aluminum nitride (AlN) microring with an intrinsic quality factor of 3.2×106. The microring adopts a pedestal structure, which allows overcoupling with 700 nm gap size and facilitates the fabrication process. A phase shift for broadband signals from 4 to 25 GHz is demonstrated by employing the thermo-optic effect and the separate carrier tuning technique. A phase tuning range of 0°-332° is recorded with a 3 dB radio frequency (RF) power variation and 48 mW optical power consumption. In addition, AlN exhibits intrinsic second-order optical nonlinearity. Thus, our work presents a novel platform with a low propagation loss and the capability of electro-optic modulation for applications in integrated microwave photonics.


Exercise preconditioning exhibits neuroprotective effects on hippocampal CA1 neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia.
Recent evidence has suggested the neuroprotective effects of physical exercise on cerebral ischemic injury. However, the role of physical exercise in cerebral ischemia-induced hippocampal damage remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of pre-ischemia treadmill training on hippocampal CA1 neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia. Male adult rats were randomly divided into control, ischemia and exercise + ischemia groups. In the exercise + ischemia group, rats were subjected to running on a treadmill in a designated time schedule (5 days per week for 4 weeks). Then rats underwent cerebral ischemia induction through occlusion of common carotids followed by reperfusion. At 4 days after cerebral ischemia, rat learning and memory abilities were evaluated using passive avoidance memory test and rat hippocampal neuronal damage was detected using Nissl and TUNEL staining. Pre-ischemic exercise significantly reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells and necrotic cell death in the hippocampal CA1 region as compared to the ischemia group. Moreover, pre-ischemic exercise significantly prevented ischemia-induced memory dysfunction. Pre-ischemic exercise mighct prevent memory deficits after cerebral ischemia through rescuing hippocampal CA1 neurons from ischemia-induced degeneration.


Are Your Eyes "on the Road"? Findings from the 2019 National Study on Vision and Driving Safety in Spain.
Background: Vision is an undisputable contributor to the explanation of many human-factor related traffic crashes happening every day. The Inland Transport Committee (ITC), the United Nations regulatory platform, included on 1st April 2020 special action on the vision of road users inside the ITC Recommendations for Enhancing Road Safety Systems. The results of this wide-scale study on drivers' vision health conducted in Spain perfectly illustrates the need of global action and its potential impact on the public health figures and the burden of potentially preventable traffic causalities. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess three key visual health issues (i.e., visual acuity, visual field campimetry and glare recovery) among Spanish drivers, in order to formulate implications and possible guidelines to enhance road safety. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the visual health of a representative sample of 3249 drivers (70% females and 30% males) with a mean age of 41 (SD = 13) years, gathered from all the 17 autonomous communities of Spain. Results: The tests performed allowed to determine that 15% of Spanish drivers have a poor photopic vision, while 38% of them present an inadequate mesopic vision. Further, 23% of drivers have deficiencies in peripheric visual field campimetry, and the average time for full-vision recovery after a 10-s glare was 27 s. Sex, age and driver type (professional vs. non-professional) differences were found for the study variables. Conclusions: The findings of this study support the idea that certain demographic-based population groups of drivers present several unaddressed deficiencies and impairments in visual health. Overall an estimated 29.5% of Spanish drivers present visual issues, that need to be attended in order to enhance the prevention of driving crashes and the road safety of all road users.


[Contribution and limits of CD157 in the detection of the paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria clone: a case report].
Flow cytometry is the gold standard for the detection of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clones. Several antibody panels have been used with varying sensitivities and specificities. The CD157 is one of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored molecules tested and widely used. The CD157 deficiency is rare. We report a case of an isolated CD157 deficiency discovered during the search for the PNH clone in a patient with a plastic anemia. The interpretation of the results in this case poses a problem of false positive. We discuss how to deal with these difficulties encountered by the biologist, detailing the various possible causes. This observation also underlines the importance of following international guidelines before making the diagnosis of the PNH clone which has significant implications.


The vascular protective role of oestradiol: a focus on postmenopausal oestradiol deficiency and aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
The steroid hormone, oestradiol, has pleiotropic functions. The protective effects of oestradiol are attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-atherogenic, anti-apoptotic, vasodilatory activities and regulation of micro RNA. Oestradiol upregulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene expression and increases the production of nitric oxide, an important vasodilator. It suppresses the renin-angiotensin system and monitors haemodynamic stress. The hormone maintains the integrity of blood vessels by reducing oxidative stress while upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and prevents vascular inflammation by regulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) occurring as a consequence of the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is a devastating cerebrovascular event, representing 5-7% of all strokes. Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to aSAH compared to men in the same age group. This gender disparity has been attributed to reduced levels of the vascular protective hormone oestradiol following menopause. This review is focused on the protective role of oestradiol on vasculature and how the drop in oestradiol levels after menopause dramatically increases the incidence of aSAH in women. During menopause, oestradiol deficiency may affect vascular integrity causing dysregulation of vascular homeostasis by affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and inflammatory and apoptotic cascades, resulting in the weakening of the cerebral arterial wall and potentially to development of an aneurysm and its rupture. In view of the role of oestradiol in maintaining vascular integrity, treatments involving hormone replacement could be a promising approach in postmenopausal women who are at risk of developing or rupturing an intracranial aneurysm.


Therapeutic action of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 on retinopathy in OXYS rats linked with improvement of VEGF and PEDF gene expression.
The incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the main cause of blindness in older patients in the developed countries, is increasing with the ageing population. At present there is no effective treatment for the prevailing geographic atrophy, dry AMD, whereas antiangiogenic therapies successful used in managing the wet form of AMD. Recently we showed that mitochondria-targeted antioxidant plastoquinonyl-decyl-triphenylphosphonium (SkQ1) is able to prevent the development and moreover caused regression of pre-existing signs of the retinopathy in OXYS rats, an animal model of AMD. Here we examine the effects of SkQ1 on expression of key regulators of angiogenesis vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) and its antagonist pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) genes in the retina of OXYS rats as evidenced by real-time PCR and an ELISA test for VEGF using Wistar rats as control. Ophthalmoscopic examinations confirmed that SkQ1 supplementation (from 1.5 to 3 months of age, 250 nmol/kg) prevented development while eye drops SkQ1 (250 nM, from 9 to 12 months) caused some reduction of retinopathy signs in OXYS rats and did not reveal any negative effects on the control Wistar rat's retina. Prevention of premature retinopathy by SkQ1 was connected with an increase of VEGF mRNA and protein in OXYS rat's retina up to the levels corresponding to the Wistar rats, and did not involve changes in PEDF expression. In contrast the treatment with SkQ1 drops caused a decrease of VEGF mRNA and protein levels and an increase in the PEDF mRNA level in the middle-aged OXYS rats, but in Wistar rats the changes of gene expression were the opposite. The beneficial effects of SkQ1 on retinopathy connected with normalization of expression of VEGF and PEDF in the retina of OXYS rats and depended on age of the animals and the stage of retinopathy.


Ovarian abscess caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report.
Nontyphoidal Salmonella infection in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rare. A 24-year-old woman with a 9-year history of SLE, on corticosteroids, presented with severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and diarrhea for 1 day. Transabdominal sonography and abdominal computed tomography showed a right-sided well-defined pelvic mass. Laboratory study revealed leukocytosis. An emergency laparotomy revealed a right ovarian mass with purulent exudate. A right partial oophorectomy was performed. Pathologic examination revealed a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst with focal abscess. Culture of the ovarian mass grew Salmonella typhimurium. Postoperatively the patient did well and was discharged 5 days later. Patients with SLE are at risk of Salmonella infection. Gynecologists should be aware of the possibility of an ovarian abscess caused by Salmonella in such patients presenting with a pelvic mass and fever.


Patient Endorsement of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Total Joint Replacement (TJR) clinical trial draft core domain set.
A patient- and surgeon-Delphi-derived Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) draft core domain set for total joint arthroplasty (TJR) trials was recently developed. Our objective was to obtain further patient stakeholder endorsement of draft core domain set for TJR clinical trials. We surveyed two patient groups: (1) OMERACT patient partners; and (2) patients who had undergone hip or knee TJR. Patients received an introductory email with explanations about the core domain set and instructions to rate the core domains, i.e., important aspects, of OMERACT TJR clinical trial draft core domain set. Rating was on a nominal scale, where 1-3 indicated a domain of limited importance, 4-6 an important, but not critical domain, and 7-9 a critical domain. We used Mann-Whitney test (a non-parametric test) to compare the distribution of ratings between the two groups. Thirty one survey participants from the OMERACT patient partner group and 118 knee/hip TJR patients responded with response rates of 66 and 80%, respectively. Majority of the survey respondents were female, 87 vs. 53%, and were 55 years or older, 57 vs. 94%. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) scores for six core domains by OMERACT and knee/hip TJR patient groups were, respectively: pain, 8 [8, 9] and 9 [8, 9]; function, 9 [8, 9] and 9 [8, 9]; patient satisfaction, 8 [8, 9] and 8 [7, 9]; revision surgery, 7 [7, 8] and 7 [5, 9]; adverse events, 8 [7, 9] and 8 [6, 9]; and death, 9 [6, 9] and 9 [4, 9]. No statistically significant differences in rating were noted for any of the six core domains between the two groups (p ≥ 0.31). Among the additional domains, ratings for patient participation did not differ by group (p = 0.98), but ratings for cost were significantly different (p = 0.005). Patients provided qualitative feedback regarding core domains, and did not propose any modifications to the draft core domain set. Two separate patient stakeholder groups endorsed the OMERACT TJR draft core domain set for TJR trials.


[Clinical results of the treatment of ovarian carcinoma following 16 years of experience with the chemotherapy resistance test (author's transl)].
A prospective study on the results of chemotherapy selected by the treatment chemotherapy resistance test of Limburg an Krahe (oncobiogram) of 191 cancers of the ovary from the same department from the years 1962-1978 is presented. In 152 cases (79.6%) surgical or radio-therapy was impossible or insufficient because of the advanced spread of the tumour (T4 of FIGO 3 and 4). Nevertheless in the hopeless state T4 Nx M1b (N = 89) a two years survival rate of 58% was obtained following the selective treatment according to the oncobiogram compared to 28% two years survival in blind chemotherapy. The five year survival rate was 38% compared to 18%. The total five years survival rate of all patients was 25% in a series with 80% inoperable cases. The advantages of chemotherapy following the oncobiogram with the chemotherapy resistance test compared to treatment after other testing methods or compared to blind chemotherapy are described and discussed in detail.


Cardiac protein content and synthesis in vivo after voluntary running or head-down suspension.
The adaptive responses of myocardial protein metabolism to chronic increases in work load were evaluated in juvenile female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were studied under four conditions: normal weight bearing (N), voluntary wheel running (WR) for < or = 4 wk, head-down-tilt suspension for 7 days (HS), or wheel running (2 or 3 wk) followed by 7 days of suspension (WR-HS). WR activity plateaued after 2 wk at 16 km/day and was maintained through week 4. WR did not affect normal whole body growth. Protein metabolism was studied by measuring heart protein content and in vivo fractional rate of protein synthesis with the [3H]phenylalanine "flooding dose" method. Two weeks of WR increased (P < 0.05) absolute heart protein content (22%) and protein synthesis (21%) relative to age-matched N group values. These differences in protein content and synthesis were maintained for > or = 4 wk. Rats failed to gain significant body weight during suspension. Heart protein content increased (P < 0.05) by 12% to 26% as did protein synthesis (14% to 22%) in HS compared with N group. In WR-HS group, cardiac protein content and protein synthesis were maintained at significantly elevated levels. These findings indicate that 1) high-volume WR by young rats provides a convenient noninvasive method for producing rapid and substantial cardiac hypertrophy, which results, at least in part, from enhanced cardiac protein synthesis; and 2) head-down suspension of sedentary juvenile rats leads to increased cardiac protein synthesis, which helps to increase cardiac protein content despite a lack of whole body growth.


Assessment of Adult ADHD With College Students.
Objective: When assessing adult ADHD, self-report measures are commonly used to guide clinical diagnosis. Self-report measures may be broadband covering a range of behaviors or narrowband and specific to symptoms associated with ADHD. Method: This study examined the results of broadband and narrowband measures for college students referred for evaluation of ADHD at a university clinic. Results: With consideration of diagnosis, which included additional information, the group of students who received a diagnosis of ADHD differed significantly from those who did not receive an ADHD diagnosis only on the symptom sets associated with ADHD for both the broadband and narrowband. At the same time, for the total sample, significant correlations emerged for ADHD symptoms with social stress, anxiety, and sense of inadequacy. Conclusion: This suggests the need for consideration of alternative or co-occurring factors influencing symptom presentation and functional impairment.


Matrix Metalloproteases 8 Polymorphism as Risk Factor for Rotator Cuff Tear.
Rotator Cuff Tear (RCT) is a multifactorial disease, but an important one is the increased collagen degradation that would lead to a higher chance of tear. MMP-8 is a protein that degrades type I collagen, and it is known that MMP-8 has a polymorphism in which a T allele in the gene promoter region increases its transcription activity. This study aims to investigate the association between MMP-8 polymorphism g.-799 C>T (rs11225394) and RCT. To do that, we collected DNA samples from buccal epithelial cells of 128 patients (separated into RCT group and control group in a proportion 1:1) and genotyped the DNA using PCR. The statistical analyses were done using the ARLEQUIN Version 2.0, and the data normality was tested with the Shapiro-Wilk test. The results showed a significantly higher frequency of T/T genotype in the test group (29% in the control group and 39% in the test group, p=0.0417), and that would represent a risk factor for increased collagen degradation. The MMP-8 g.-799 C>T (rs11225394) SNP was associated with RCT. With the description of a new risk factor, future research can be done to analyze how to prevent RCT or develop new treatment strategies since the disease's failure index is currently high.


Observations on two strains of bovine malignant catarrhal fever virus in tissue culture.
Two cell-free strains of bovine malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) virus were examined by fluorescent antibody staining and for cytopathogenicity in secondary bovine thyroid (BTh) and secondary bovine kidney cell cultures, and in a bovine embryo lung cell line. The hartebeest-derived strain (K30) induced syncytia and intra-nuclear inclusions in all three systems, whereas the widebeest-derived strain (WC11) induced intra-nuclear inclusions in all systems, but syncytia in only BTh cells. Fluorescent antibody staining detected virus in tissue culture at least 24 h before the appearance of cytopathic effect.


The interface of positive psychology with a psychology of loss: a brave new world?
In this paper, it is argued that a psychology of loss can help to illuminate one of the central themes of positive psychology: That is, showcasing those human skills that emphasize human strengths and optimal functioning. However, the interface of positive psychology and a psychology of loss also contains a definite paradox. Loss is not an intrinsically positive event that will necessarily build human strength. Yet, the experience of loss can become a profound means for showcasing human strengths and potential. We also caution that a positive psychology, in its quest to focus on the more uplifting qualities of the human experience, must also realize that suffering and loss is inherent to the human condition.


Narrow band imaging characteristics of gastric polypoid lesions: a single-center prospective pilot study.
Gastric polypoid lesions (GPL) are endoscopic findings whose histological nature is difficult to determine with white-light endoscopy. Hyperplastic polyps (HP), type-1 gastric carcinoids (T1-GC) and adenomas are the most frequent GPL needing different management. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) has high accuracy for gastric malignant lesions but few studies assessed whether GPL display specific NBI characteristics. We aimed to investigate the endoscopic NBI appearances of GPL. During gastroscopies, images of GPL were recorded, and lesions were removed for histological evaluation. Two endoscopists blindly reviewed the digital images and registered the endoscopic NBI appearances on a specific check-list. GPL were categorized in HP, adenomas and T1-GC using histology as gold standard. Overall 52 GPL, observed in 40 patients [F55%; age 63 (36-85) years], were included: 29 (55.8%) HP; 18 (34.6%) T1-GC; 5 (9.6%) adenomas. The median size was seven (2-35) mm. A regular circular mucosal pattern was more frequently observed in HP and T1-GC compared to adenomas (P < 0.001). T1-GC showed a central erosion in 77.8% (P < 0.001 versus HP) with a clear demarcation line in 33.3%. Adenomas had tubule-villous mucosal pattern in 80% (P = 0.01 versus other lesions). NBI analysis of the mucosal pattern seems to be effective to endoscopically discriminate between adenomas and HP while the main characteristic of T1-GC seems to be the presence of a central erosion, sometimes with demarcation line. The endoscopic NBI characterization of GPL may contribute to optimize the management of these lesions.


[Correlation of polymorphisms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A7 gene to genetic susceptibility of lung cancer].
UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A7 (UGT1A7) plays an important role in detoxification through catalyzing combination of glucuronic acid and tobacco carcinogens, including benzo [alpha] pyrene, nitrosamine, and heterocyclic amine PhIP, therefore, inactivates the carcinogens. This study was to examine the correlation of polymorphisms of UGT1A7 gene to genetic susceptibility of lung cancer. Polymorphisms of UGT1A7 gene at 12-131 and 208 sites in peripheral lymph cells of 312 patients and 317 age- and sex-matched controls were detected by polymerase chain reaction-denaturized high performance liquid chromatography (PCR-DHPLC) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP); the correlation of these polymorphisms to genetic susceptibility of lung cancer was analyzed. Compared with the UGT1A7*1/*1 genotype carriers, the UGT1A7*3/*1 genotype carriers had a 1.80-fold increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-3.12], the UGT1A7*3 genotype carriers had a 1.59-fold increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma (adjusted OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 0.96-2.63). The UGT1A7 polymorphisms had no correlation with risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma. UGT1A7 gene polymorphisms may increase the genetic susceptibility of lung adenocarcinoma in Chinese.


The differential flow of epidural local anaesthetic via needle or catheter: a prospective randomized double-blind study.
The extent of epidural anaesthesia and pattern of spread of contrast medium, using different injection techniques, has not been well documented. Therefore, in this prospective, randomized double-blind study, the extent of anaesthesia and pattern of spread of contrast medium following an epidural bolus injection, via either a Tuohy needle or an epidural catheter, were compared. The study had two parts. In the first, 59 of 79 patients scheduled for a lower extremity operation under epidural anaesthesia were randomly allocated to one of the two groups. Anaesthesia was achieved with an epidural injection of 10 to 15 ml (including a 3 ml test dose) of 0.75% ropivacaine and fentanyl 25 microg via either a Tuohy needle (Group N, n=31) or a catheter (Group C, n=28). The level of sensory anaesthesia was recorded. In the second part, the remaining 20 patients were randomized to initially receive 5 ml of contrast medium via either a Tuohy needle (Group NE, n= 10) or a catheter (Group CE, n = 10). The extent of spread was recorded radiologically. Unilateral or missed blocks and additional dose requirement were absent in Groups N and C. No differences were found in the extent of sensory anaesthesia or the spread of contrast medium. Twenty per cent of catheter tips lay outside the lateral margins of the vertebral bodies. We found that an epidural bolus injection, via either a Tuohy needle or a catheter, made no difference in regard to spread of local anaesthetic or contrast medium in the epidural space.


Localisation of Y chromosome sequences in normal and 'XX' males.
Three unique sequences derived from the Y chromosome have been mapped within the human genome. A Y specific sequence DYS20 is localised to Yq11.2. DXYS25 and DXYS27 are both X-Y homologous sequences which map to the Y short arm and to Xq21. DXYS25 maps more distally than DXYS27, on the Y short arm and on the X long arm. Y specific restriction fragments for these two sequences are shown to be present in the genome of two XX males, and an aberrant signal for DXYS25 is demonstrated at the tip of an X chromosome short arm in one XX male by in situ hybridisation. The implications of these findings for the location of the testis determining factor are discussed.


Elbow dislocation with arterial injury.
Elbow dislocations are most often the result of a hyperextension mechanism with the forearm levered and displaced posterior to the humerus. Recurrent instability and arterial disruption are uncommon sequelae of this injury. Any asymmetry in distal pulses after joint reduction demands a study of arterial anatomy (arteriogram or duplex scan) to rule out avulsion or intimal damage.


Physician offered prayer and patient satisfaction.
While there is ongoing debate about the role of physician-offered prayer during the physician-patient encounter, many physicians feel inclined to include prayer in their practices. This randomized-controlled trial evaluated patients' acceptance of physician-offered prayer in a family practice setting, and the impact of physician-offered prayer on patient satisfaction with the physician-patient encounter. Subjects were 137 patients in an urban, largely African American, Southeastern family medicine practice who were randomized to receive usual care plus an offer of physician-led prayer or usual care alone. Satisfaction surveys were administered following the clinical encounter. The outcomes of interest were the rate of acceptance of physician-offered prayer and the impact of the prayer offer on patient satisfaction. Personal characteristics and satisfaction scores for patients accepting prayer were compared to those for patients declining prayer. Over 90% of patients accepted the offer of prayer. The offer of prayer had no significant impact on patient satisfaction scores. The number of patients declining prayer was too low to permit comparison of prayer decliners with acceptors. This small pilot trial demonstrated that patient responses to spiritual interventions by physicians can be evaluated using randomized study designs. A large majority of patients accepted an offer of physician-led prayer, but no significant short-term impact on patient satisfaction was detected. Future research with larger sample sizes and more diverse patient populations should evaluate the effects of physician-offered prayer on the physician-patient relationship. Difficulties in conducting such research are discussed.


Relationship between the electron density of the heme Fe atom and the vibrational frequencies of the Fe-bound carbon monoxide in myoglobin.
We analyzed the vibrational frequencies of the Fe-bound carbon monoxide (CO) of myoglobin reconstituted with a series of chemically modified heme cofactors possessing a heme Fe atom with a variety of electron densities. The study revealed that the stretching frequency of Fe-bound CO (ν(CO)) increases with decreasing electron density of the heme Fe atom (ρ(Fe)). This finding demonstrated that the ν(CO) value can be used as a sensitive measure of the ρ(Fe) value and that the π back-donation of the heme Fe atom to CO is affected by the heme π-system perturbation induced through peripheral side chain modifications.


An overlooked effect of systemic anticholinergics: alteration on accommodation amplitude.
To investigate the effect of oral solifenacin succinate, tolterodine-L-tartarate and oxybutinin hydrochloride (HCl) on accommodation amplitude. Female overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) patients who were planned to use oral anticholinergics, patients that uses solifenacin succinate 5 mg (Group I, n=25), tolterodine-L-tartarate 4 mg (Group II, n=25), and oxybutinin HCl 5 mg b.i.d (Group III, n=25) and age matched healthy female subjects (Group IV, n=25) were recruited and complete ophthalmological examination and accommodation amplitude assessment were done at baseline and 4wk after initiation of treatment. The mean age of 100 consecutive female subjects was 51.6±5.7 (40-60)y and there were no statistically significant difference with regard to the mean age (P=0.107) and baseline accommodation amplitude (P=0.148) between study groups. All treatment groups showed a significant decrease in accommodation amplitude following a 4-week course of anticholinergic treatment (P=0.008 in Group I, P=0.002 in Group II, P=0.001 in Group III), but there was no statistically significant difference in Group IV (P=0.065). A 4-week course of oral anticholinergic treatment have statistically significant effect on accommodation amplitude. Clinicians should avoid both overestimating this result, as this would unnecessarily restrict therapeutic possibilities, and also underestimating it which may lead to drug intolerance.


[Hemifacial spasm as an early symptom of posterior fossa meningioma].
A rare case of a 47-year old female with hemifacial spasm of the one-year duration as the initial and only symptom of posterior fossa meningioma is reported. At first the patient did not consent to surgery and was unsuccessfully treated with anticonvulsants. A month prior to her admission she started to complain of headache and balance disorder, and developed sensory loss to light touch in II and III branches of the right V nerve. CT revealed a huge posterior fossa meningioma. After a total removal of meningioma, the patient's hemifacial spasm disappeared.


Development of self-compressing BLSOM for comprehensive analysis of big sequence data.
With the remarkable increase in genomic sequence data from various organisms, novel tools are needed for comprehensive analyses of available big sequence data. We previously developed a Batch-Learning Self-Organizing Map (BLSOM), which can cluster genomic fragment sequences according to phylotype solely dependent on oligonucleotide composition and applied to genome and metagenomic studies. BLSOM is suitable for high-performance parallel-computing and can analyze big data simultaneously, but a large-scale BLSOM needs a large computational resource. We have developed Self-Compressing BLSOM (SC-BLSOM) for reduction of computation time, which allows us to carry out comprehensive analysis of big sequence data without the use of high-performance supercomputers. The strategy of SC-BLSOM is to hierarchically construct BLSOMs according to data class, such as phylotype. The first-layer BLSOM was constructed with each of the divided input data pieces that represents the data subclass, such as phylotype division, resulting in compression of the number of data pieces. The second BLSOM was constructed with a total of weight vectors obtained in the first-layer BLSOMs. We compared SC-BLSOM with the conventional BLSOM by analyzing bacterial genome sequences. SC-BLSOM could be constructed faster than BLSOM and cluster the sequences according to phylotype with high accuracy, showing the method's suitability for efficient knowledge discovery from big sequence data.