Endobronchial perfluorocarbon administration decreases lung injury in an experimental model of ischemia and reperfusion.
To verify the effects of liquid endobronchial perfluorocarbon (PFC) administered before reperfusion in an animal model of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. Eighteen Wistar rats were subjected to an experimental model of selective left pulmonary artery clamping for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 2 h. The animals were divided into three groups: the ischemia-reperfusion (IR) group, the sham group, and the PFC group. We recorded the hemodynamic parameters, blood gas analysis, and histology. A Western blot assay was used to measure the inducible nitric oxide synthase, caspase 3, and nuclear factor қB (subunit p65) activities. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. No significant differences were observed in lipid peroxidation among the groups. The superoxide dismutase activity was increased (P < 0.05) in the PFC-treated group. The expressions of nuclear factor қB, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and caspase 3 were significantly lower in the PFC group than in the IR group (P < 0.05). The histologic analysis showed a reduction in lung injuries in the PFC group compared with the sham and IR groups. The use of endobronchial PFC reduces the inflammatory response, preserves the alveolar structure, and protects the lungs against the hazardous effects of ischemia-reperfusion injuries.


Immunohistochemical Expression of PCNA in Epithelial Linings of Selected Odontogenic Lesions.
Though odontogenic lesions have in common origin from the primitive odontogenic epithelium , there is a diversity in their initiation behavior and growth. The aggressive nature of odontogenic keratocyst similar to ameloblastoma in comparision with the other common odontogenic (dentigerous and radicular) cyst could be due to possible differences in their epithelial linings. PCNA (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen) is a cell cycle related antigen, used in the study of cell kinetics of these epithelial linings, to corelate the biological behaviour among these common odontogenic lesions. This paper has intended to study the cell kinetics of 4 selected odontogenic lesions (dentigerous cyst, radicular cyst,odontogenic keratocyst and ameloblastoma) to demonstrate differences in their epithelial linings. Sixty samples of paraffin embedded tissue specimens (archival tissues) were included (15 radicularcysts, 15 odontogenic keratocysts; 15 dentigerous cysts and15 Ameloblastoma. Among cyst OKC had higher values than DC and RC. When staining results of all the cyst were compared individually with ameloblastoma ,the staining results of OKC was similar to ameloblastoma ,and ameloblastoma presented higher values than OKC (p=0.000). The results of this study show 1) Though OKC and DC are developmental in origin and radicular cyst is inflammatory, OKC has intrinsic growth potential among these cyst 2). Ameloblastoma has similar proliferative potential as OKC and hence it has been reinforced as KCOT(Keratocystic odontogenic tumour) in the recent classification.


Dexmedetomidine Alleviates LPS-Induced Neuronal Dysfunction by Modulating the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 Pathway in Hippocampal Neurons.
Dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, mitigates cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after surgery with general anesthesia. However, the underlying mechanism by which dexmedetomidine reduces cognitive dysfunction remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuronal dysfunction in cultured hippocampal neurons. LPS, in the presence and absence of dexmedetomidine, was applied to cultured hippocampal neurons to mimic post-surgical inflammation. Neuronal morphology, including neurite outgrowth and synaptic transmission, was observed, and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents were recorded by electrophysiological patch-clamp. LPS significantly impaired neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, which was reversed by dexmedetomidine treatment. Electrophysiological patch-clamp results showed that LPS induced synaptic transmission dysfunction, which was restored after dexmedetomidine addition. Furthermore, Western blotting assays showed that LPS suppressed the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway and dexmedetomidine countered the inhibitory effect of LPS by re-activating this pathway. In general, dexmedetomidine protected against the effects of LPS-induced hippocampal neuron damage, including neurite outgrowth and synaptic transmission. Overall, dexmedetomidine modulated the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway to alleviate LPS-induced neurological dysfunction.


Pulmonary hypertension in patients with Martorell hypertensive leg ulcer: a case control study.
Martorell hypertensive ischemic leg ulcer (Martorell ulcer) is characterized by distinct alterations in the arteriolar wall of subcutaneous vessels, leading to progressive narrowing of the vascular lumen and increase of vascular resistance. These changes are similar to the alterations observed in pulmonary arterioles in patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study was aimed to assess an association between the two disorders. In this case-control study, 14 patients with Martorell ulcer were clinically assessed for the presence of pulmonary hypertension using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. Data from patients were compared to 28 matched hypertensive controls. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) in patients with Martorell ulcer was significantly higher than in the control group (33.8 ± 16.9 vs 25.3 ± 6.5 mmHg, p = 0.023); the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension was 31% (5/14) in patients and 7% (2/28) in controls (p = 0.031). No differences were seen in left heart size and function between patients and controls. This study provides first evidence that subcutaneous arteriolosclerosis, the hallmark of Martorell ulcer, is associated with PH. These findings suggest that patients with Martorell leg ulcer might be at significant risk to develop elevated pulmonary arterial pressure. Patients with leg ulcers who present with dyspnea should be evaluated by echocardiography for the presence of pulmonary hypertension.


Surface properties of extracellular malaria parasites: morphological and cytochemical study.
Morphological and cytochemical surface characteristics of isolated malaria parasites (Plasmodium berghei) and host erythrocytes were compared by electron microscopy by using thin section and carbon replica techniques. Erythrocytes were uniform in shape and had fine, granular surfaces. In contrast, free parasites exhibited a variety of sizes, shapes, and surface textures. Fine surface stippling was a common topographical feature of isolated parasites. Small, infective forms often had patterned surfaces resulting from the protuberance of an underlying thick intermediate layer. Results of cytochemical analysis using a sialophilic colloidal iron stain indicated that the malaria parasite's surface lacked exposed sialic acid groups which would normally give rise to a net negative surface charge common to erythrocytes. Biochemical assay demonstrated that malaria parasites contained about one-half the amount of sialic acid per unit weight as did control red cell extracts. Similarly, external acidic mucopolysaccharide coats of free parasites, as revealed by ruthenium red staining were extremely thin as compared with the thick glycocalyx layer of red cells. Lipid plaques at the surface of parasites and red cells were localized by lipophilic iron colloid staining. Although the gross patchwork distribution of plaques was somewhat similar for the two cell types, the parasites were stained more intensely and had a closer-knit patchwork pattern than those exhibited by the erythrocytes. Such findings indicate that there are slight differences in the arrangement of phospholipids at the surfaces of limiting membranes of host cells and parasites. The significance of the above cytochemical surface properties of the malaria parasite (which are seemingly akin to those of intracellular organelles is discussed in relation to certain host-parasite interactions, such as parasite adhesion to target cells and enhanced clearance of extracellular parasites.


Permanent administration of d-fenfluramine in rats: paradoxical effects.
In order to test the hypothesis of Levitzky that d-fenfluramine (d-F) acts by modifying the ponderal set-point, we compared the effects of a permanent infusion of d-F on food intake and body weight (BW). The effect on the weight persisted as long as the infusion; the clear-cut anorectic effect lasted only a few days. This paradox is compatible with the set-point hypothesis. In rats rendered overweight by insulin treatment, the d-F-induced decrease in BW was approximately four times smaller than in controls. In rats rendered overweight by a cafeteria diet, the decrease in BW was twice as large in permanently cafeteria fed rats as in cafeteria, then, ad lib fed rats. In rats rendered underweight by a restricted chow diet and then returned to an ad lib feeding, the final BW depended only on the doses of d-F (0.6 or 12 mg/kg BW/day), whatever the weight at the beginning of infusion. Thus, the underweight paradigm fits well with the set-point hypothesis; the overweight paradigm fits only partially.


[Disorders of erythrocyte deformability].
The literature data on the disturbances of the deformability of erythrocyte membranes (DEM) in different conditions have been reviewed. The diseases characterized by reduced DEM have been enumerated. The causes of disturbed DEM have been indicated and the devices and methods investigating it have been outlined. The measures for the correction of disorders in the blood viscosity caused by changes in DEM have been reviewed.


[Long term prognosis in anorexia nervosa].
Follow-up studies using the same prognostic criteria have shown that about 48% of the patients had recovered at follow-up, while 28% revealed further difficulties with eating, weight and figure, and 24% remained anorectic. Our own study on 103 patients who underwent inpatient treatment, revealed unexpectedly good results: according to the criteria of Morgan and Russell, 72% (n = 58) showed a good prognosis, 11% (n = 9) a fair, and 17% (n = 14) an unfavourable prognosis. 3 patients had died during the follow-up interval. It was possible to predict the long-term outcome from weight recovery during inpatient treatment, more successfully in patients with favourable than unfavourable outcome. The best predictors were: time until weight stabilization, the ratio ideal weight/stabilized weight, and age at onset of the eating disorder.


Preparation and characterization of Rh catalyst supported on nanoporous alumina for the ethylene hydroformylation.
Nanoporous gamma-aluminas were prepared by a sol-gel method with and without surfactant, and characterized by nitrogen adsorption-desorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The resulting materials were applied to Rh catalyst supports for the ethylene hydroformylation. The ordered nanoporous alumina (A-1) which was prepared using surfactant, showed well-developed pore structures with high surface area. Rh catalyst supported on A-1 alumina (Rh/A-1) exhibited higher catalytic activity in the ethylene hydroformylation than other Rh catalysts. It is believed that the high catalytic performance of Rh/A-1 resulted from the well-developed pore structure with high surface area of ordered nanoporous A-1 and consequently finely dispersed Rh particle on the surface of gamma-alumina support.


Functional damage at diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma.
In a well defined population, all patients with newly diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma were classified according to the degree of functional damage at diagnosis. A comparison was made between patients with simple and capsular glaucoma. No difference could be found between the 2 types of glaucoma when the severity of visual damage at diagnosis was compared. Eyes with capsular glaucoma were found to have significantly higher intraocular pressure than eyes with simple glaucoma in corresponding glaucoma stage. No obvious correlation between age and functional damage at diagnosis was found.


Broken Kirschner or guide-wire retrieval: a report of 4 cases.
Migration of a broken wire into the hip joint or pelvis during surgery is rare, but it can cause significant complications. Retrieval can be extremely difficult and hazardous. We report 4 cases of broken Kirschner or guide wire removal around the hip joint. Two wires were inside the hip joint and two had protruded into the pelvis. The problems encountered and techniques used for retrieval are discussed.


A unique simultaneous occurrence of paratracheal granular cell tumor and papillary thyroid carcinoma.
We report an unusual case of granular cell tumor in the paratracheal region detected during total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma and clinically misdiagnosed as tracheal infiltration of thyroid neoplasia. Histologically, the granular cell tumor had infiltrated the thyroid gland close behind the papillary carcinoma. At immunohistochemical investigation, the cells showed diffuse positivity for S-100, neuron-specific enolase, and CD68, and surprisingly, positivity also for galectin-3 and HBME-1. A granular cell tumor should also be considered in the cytologic differential diagnosis of the thyroid and paratracheal nodules.


Microcurrent therapies: emerging theories of physiological information processing.
Throughout history, medical theories that have undergirded medical thinking and practice at any given time have been tied to the then current knowledge of human physiology. This knowledge has, in turn, always been predicated on the latest technology available to researchers. As modern investigational tools come on stream, it is possible to regress back in phylogenetic time to understand better the progression of an emerging medical model that will replace much of the current model and which will serve us in the near future.


In Situ Forming Silk Sericin-Based Hydrogel: A Novel Wound Healing Biomaterial.
In situ cross-linked hydrogels have the advantage of effectively fulfilling the wound in its shape and depth. Amongst the new generation of natural-based biopolymers being proposed for wound care and skin regeneration, silk sericin is particularly interesting due to its exceptional properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antioxidant behavior, among others. In this study, a new enzyme-mediated cross-linked hydrogel composed of silk sericin is proposed for the first time. The developed hydrogel cross-linking strategy was performed via horseradish peroxidase, under physiological conditions, and presented gelling kinetics under 3 min, as demonstrated by its rheological behavior. The hydrogels presented a high degree of transparency, mainly due to their amorphous conformation. Degradation studies revealed that the hydrogels were stable in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) (pH 7.4) for 17 days, while in the presence of protease XIV (3.5 U/mg) and under acute and chronic physiological pH values, the stability decreased to 7 and 4 days, respectively. During protease degradation, the present sericin hydrogels demonstrated antioxidant activity. In vitro studies using an L929 fibroblast cell line demonstrated that these hydrogels were noncytotoxic, promoting cell adhesion and massive cell colonization after 7 days of culture, demonstrating that cells maintained their viability and proliferation. In addition, the application of sericin-based hydrogel in an in vivo diabetic wound model validated the feasibility of the in situ methodology and demonstrated a local anti-inflammatory effect, promoting the healing process. This study presents a simple, fast, and practical in situ approach to produce a sericin-based hydrogel able to be applied in low exudative chronic wounds. Moreover, the study herein reported fosters the valorization of a textile industrial by-product by its integration in the biomedical field.


Antibiotic impregnated total femur spacers: a technical tip.
Simultaneous prosthetic joint infection of ipsilateral hip and knee arthroplasties is often accompanied by significant bone loss and presents a challenging reconstructive problem. Two-stage reconstruction is favored and requires the placement of a total femur spacer, which is not a commercially available device. We describe a surgical technique, reporting on 2 cases in which a customized total femur antibiotic impregnated spacer was created by combining an articulating knee spacer and an articulating hip spacer with a reinforced cement dowel construct connecting the 2 spacers. Custom total femoral spacers are useful in the management of infected femoral megaprostheses and cases with ipsilateral injected hip and knee arthroplasties and severe femoral bone loss.


A comparison of adverse renovascular experiences among osteoarthritis patients treated with rofecoxib and comparator non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit both cyclo-oxygenase (COX) isoenzymes, i.e. COX-1 and COX-2. Rofecoxib, an agent that selectively inhibits COX-2, has been shown to provide equivalent anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy to comparator non-selective NSAIDs in osteoarthritis (OA) and other pain models with a significant improvement in gastrointestinal (GI) safety and tolerability. Based on renal physiology studies, it was predicted that rofecoxib would have renovascular effects similar to those observed with non-selective NSAIDs--specifically edema, blood pressure elevation, attenuation of the effects of ACE inhibitors, and (in rare circumstances), acute renal failure might be manifest in a small percentage of patients. To assess the renovascular safety profile of rofecoxib in OA patients compared to that of non-selective NSAID comparators. Renovascular adverse experiences (AEs) in over 5,000 participants in Phase IIb/III OA clinical trials were reviewed and compared between rofecoxib and non-selective NSAID comparators (ibuprofen 800mg tid, diclofenac 50 mg tid, nabumetone 1,500 mg qd). The incidence of lower extremity edema (LEE) AEs was generally similar between rofecoxib 12.5 mg/day, rofecoxib 25 mg/day, and non-selective comparator NSAIDs. Treatment discontinuations due to LEE AEs and clinically significant weight gain (> or = 2 kg) associated with LEE AEs were infrequent and generally similar in all active treatment groups. Congestive heart failure (CHF) was rare in all treatment groups. The incidence of hypertension AEs was low in all active treatment groups. Discontinuations due to hypertension AEs and hypertension AEs requiring a change or adjustment in blood pressure medications were similar and uncommon in all treatment groups. There was only a single report of acute renal failure (in the ibuprofen treatment group). In the rofecoxib phase IIb/III OA database, the renal safety profile for rofecoxib, a selective inhibitor of COX-2, was generally similar to that of the comparator, non-selective NSAIDs which were studied.


Expression of the multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein is highly correlated with clinical outcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of a long-term prospective study.
The improved cure rate in childhood ALL may be attributed largely to the effective multidrug regimens currently applied in well-designed clinical trials. However, in a minority of patients with ALL, chemotherapy failure remains a leading cause of cancer related death, most probably due to cellular drug resistance. The better-known mechanism of such resistance is mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). In a long term prospective study (mean time of follow-up: 65 months) the multidrug efflux pump P-gp was examined immunocytochemically in leukemic cells of 102 protocol-treated children with de novo acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and of 37 children with relapsed ALL. Fourteen percent expressed P-gp at initial diagnosis and 35% were P-gp positive at relapse. The patients being P-gp positive at initial diagnosis had a higher rate of leukemic relapse than the P-gp negative patients (P = 0.02). In the relapsing patients, those who were P-gp positive had a 2.18-fold greater risk for leukemic death than those who were P-gp negative. Paired analysis on diagnostic and relapsed samples from 20 patients did not support the hypothesis of P-gp mediated expression being a chemotherapy induced phenomenon. The cumulative event free survival for de novo ALL patients was significantly higher in the P-gp negative patient group. Multivariate analysis showed that P-gp expression is independent of other known risk factors. In conclusion we strongly advise that tests for P-gp in leukemic blasts should be conducted for every child with ALL, since this parameter selects a subgroup of patients with increased risk for leukemic relapse.


Prescription privileges for psychologists: constituencies and conflicts.
The pros and cons of the proposal to link prescription privileges specifically to psychological training vary from the point of view of the constituencies involved. The present article analyzes those differences. Two surprising facts are noted. First, it is scientist-practitioners who are resisting the move toward prescription privileges, not so much the basic science organizations. Second, while the practice-based organizations have been avid in their support of prescription privileges, the same cannot be said for rank and file private practitioners. On closer examination, the costs, benefits, and views of the different constituencies make sense of these anomalies. The resistance to prescription privileges is not arbitrary or unreasonable and it is not likely to go away any time soon.


Enterococcus--virulence and susceptibility to photodynamic therapy of clinical isolates from Lower Silesia, Poland.
A collection of 400 enterococcal isolates from clinical samples of hospitalized patients were studied for their virulence traits according to the isolation site. Formation of biofilm and production of DNase, hemolysin, lipase, and gelatinase were characterized. Biofilms of selected strains were examined for their susceptibility to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). All strains were tested for biofilm production by microtiter method and the activity of hemolysin, gelatinase, lipase, and DNase by plate method with an adequate substrate. Photodynamic therapy with Photolon and red laser light was performed towards 48 h biofilms of eight representative strains. The viability of biofilms was tested by the BactLight assay and visualized under a fluorescent microscope. Among the 400 isolates, 69.8% strains of Enterococcus faecalis, 30% of Enterococcus faecium, and 0.2% of Enterococcus casseliflavus were identified. In vitro, production of biofilm was found in 65.7% of enterococci. Biofilm-positive strains were isolated from urinary tract infections (81%), wound infections (71%), respiratory tract infections (62%), and gastrointestinal tract (47%) (colonization). Hemolysin activity was observed in 28.5%, gelatinase in 24.5%, lipase in 23%, and DNase in 3.5% of all, mostly biofilm-positive, isolates. Photodynamic therapy with Photolon efficiently reduced the enterococcal biofilms. The study demonstrated the high prevalence of biofilm-producing clinical enterococci, their virulence potential being higher than for biofilm-negative strains, and the susceptibility to aPDT of mature biofilms produced by strains, regardless of their species and site of isolation.


TorchMD: A Deep Learning Framework for Molecular Simulations.
Molecular dynamics simulations provide a mechanistic description of molecules by relying on empirical potentials. The quality and transferability of such potentials can be improved leveraging data-driven models derived with machine learning approaches. Here, we present TorchMD, a framework for molecular simulations with mixed classical and machine learning potentials. All force computations including bond, angle, dihedral, Lennard-Jones, and Coulomb interactions are expressed as PyTorch arrays and operations. Moreover, TorchMD enables learning and simulating neural network potentials. We validate it using standard Amber all-atom simulations, learning an ab initio potential, performing an end-to-end training, and finally learning and simulating a coarse-grained model for protein folding. We believe that TorchMD provides a useful tool set to support molecular simulations of machine learning potentials. Code and data are freely available at github.com/torchmd.


Gut symbiotic microbes imprint intestinal immune cells with the innate receptor SLAMF4 which contributes to gut immune protection against enteric pathogens.
Interactions between host immune cells and gut microbiota are crucial for the integrity and function of the intestine. How these interactions regulate immune cell responses in the intestine remains a major gap in the field. We have identified the signalling lymphocyte activation molecule family member 4 (SLAMF4) as an immunomodulator of the intestinal immunity. The aim is to determine how SLAMF4 is acquired in the gut and what its contribution to intestinal immunity is. Expression of SLAMF4 was assessed in mice and humans. The mechanism of induction was studied using GFPtg bone marrow chimaera mice, lymphotoxin α and TNLG8A-deficient mice, as well as gnotobiotic mice. Role in immune protection was revealed using oral infection with Listeria monocytogenes and Cytobacter rodentium. SLAMF4 is a selective marker of intestinal immune cells of mice and humans. SLAMF4 induction occurs directly in the intestinal mucosa without the involvement of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Gut bacterial products, particularly those of gut anaerobes, and gut-resident antigen-presenting cell (APC) TNLG8A are key contributors of SLAMF4 induction in the intestine. Importantly, lack of SLAMF4 expression leads the increased susceptibility of mice to infection by oral pathogens culminating in their premature death. SLAMF4 is a marker of intestinal immune cells which contributes to the protection against enteric pathogens and whose expression is dependent on the presence of the gut microbiota. This discovery provides a possible mechanism for answering the long-standing question of how the intertwining of the host and gut microbial biology regulates immune cell responses in the gut.


Clothianidin in agricultural soils and uptake into corn pollen and canola nectar after multiyear seed treatment applications.
Limited data are available on the fate of clothianidin under realistic agricultural production conditions. The present study is the first large-scale assessment of clothianidin residues in soil and bee-relevant matrices from corn and canola fields after multiple years of seed-treatment use. The average soil concentration from 50 Midwest US corn fields with 2 yr to 11 yr of planting clothianidin-treated seeds was 7.0 ng/g, similar to predicted concentrations from a single planting of Poncho 250-treated corn seeds (6.3 ng/g). The water-extractable (i.e., plant-bioavailable) clothianidin residues in soil were only 10% of total residues. Clothianidin concentrations in soil reached a plateau concentration (amount applied equals amount dissipated) in fields with 4 or more application years. Concentrations in corn pollen from these fields were low (mean: 1.8 ng/g) with no correlation to total years of use or soil concentrations. For canola, soil concentrations from 27 Canadian fields with 2 yr to 4 yr of seed treatment use (mean = 5.7 ng/g) were not correlated with use history, and plant bioavailability was 6% of clothianidin soil residues. Average canola nectar concentrations were 0.6 ng/g and not correlated to use history or soil concentrations. Under typical cropping practices, therefore, clothianidin residues are not accumulating significantly in soil, plant bioavailability of residues in soil is limited, and exposure to pollinators will not increase over time in fields receiving multiple applications of clothianidin.


Dual-radiolabeled nanoparticle SPECT probes for bioimaging.
A gold nanoparticle was radiolabeled with (125)I and (111)In and functionalized with an MMP9-cleavable peptide to form a multispectral SPECT imaging contrast agent. Peptide cleavage from the nanoprobe by MMP9 was observed in vitro, and distinct pharmacokinetic properties of the contrast agent were observed between tumors with high or low MMP9 expression.


Influence of Inflammation in the Process of T Lymphocyte Differentiation: Proliferative, Metabolic, and Oxidative Changes.
T lymphocytes, from their first encounter with their specific antigen as naïve cell until the last stages of their differentiation, in a replicative state of senescence, go through a series of phases. In several of these stages, T lymphocytes are subjected to exponential growth in successive encounters with the same antigen. This entire process occurs throughout the life of a human individual and, earlier, in patients with chronic infections/pathologies through inflammatory mediators, first acutely and later in a chronic form. This process plays a fundamental role in amplifying the activating signals on T lymphocytes and directing their clonal proliferation. The mechanisms that control cell growth are high levels of telomerase activity and maintenance of telomeric length that are far superior to other cell types, as well as metabolic adaptation and redox control. Large numbers of highly differentiated memory cells are accumulated in the immunological niches where they will contribute in a significant way to increase the levels of inflammatory mediators that will perpetuate the new state at the systemic level. These levels of inflammation greatly influence the process of T lymphocyte differentiation from naïve T lymphocyte, even before, until the arrival of exhaustion or cell death. The changes observed during lymphocyte differentiation are correlated with changes in cellular metabolism and these in turn are influenced by the inflammatory state of the environment where the cell is located. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exert a dual action in the population of T lymphocytes. Exposure to high levels of ROS decreases the capacity of activation and T lymphocyte proliferation; however, intermediate levels of oxidation are necessary for the lymphocyte activation, differentiation, and effector functions. In conclusion, we can affirm that the inflammatory levels in the environment greatly influence the differentiation and activity of T lymphocyte populations. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in these processes. The elucidation of these mechanisms would be of great help in the advance of improvements in pathologies with a large inflammatory base such as rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal inflammatory diseases, several infectious diseases and even, cancerous processes.


Enzyme and proton-activated prodrugs for a selective cancer therapy.
This review is a survey of two approaches for a selective anticancer therapy that are based on a specific cleavage of specially designed non-toxic prodrugs with the liberation of a cytotoxic compound either by antibody-enzyme conjugates targeted to tumor-associated antigens or by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the prodrugs due to the increased concentration of hydronium ions in malignant tissue under hyperglycemic conditions. Herein, the design, synthesis and the biological testing of prodrugs are described.


A physics-based machine learning technique rapidly reconstructs the wall-shear stress and pressure fields in coronary arteries.
With the global rise of cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis, there is a high demand for accurate diagnostic tools that can be used during a short consultation. In view of pathology, abnormal blood flow patterns have been demonstrated to be strong predictors of atherosclerotic lesion incidence, location, progression, and rupture. Prediction of patient-specific blood flow patterns can hence enable fast clinical diagnosis. However, the current state of art for the technique is by employing 3D-imaging-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The high computational cost renders these methods impractical. In this work, we present a novel method to expedite the reconstruction of 3D pressure and shear stress fields using a combination of a reduced-order CFD modelling technique together with non-linear regression tools from the Machine Learning (ML) paradigm. Specifically, we develop a proof-of-concept automated pipeline that uses randomised perturbations of an atherosclerotic pig coronary artery to produce a large dataset of unique mesh geometries with variable blood flow. A total of 1,407 geometries were generated from seven reference arteries and were used to simulate blood flow using the CFD solver Abaqus. This CFD dataset was then post-processed using the mesh-domain common-base Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (cPOD) method to obtain Eigen functions and principal coefficients, the latter of which is a product of the individual mesh flow solutions with the POD Eigenvectors. Being a data-reduction method, the POD enables the data to be represented using only the ten most significant modes, which captures cumulatively greater than 95% of variance of flow features due to mesh variations. Next, the node coordinate data of the meshes were embedded in a two-dimensional coordinate system using the t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) algorithm. The reduced dataset for t-SNE coordinates and corresponding vector of POD coefficients were then used to train a Random Forest Regressor (RFR) model. The same methodology was applied to both the volumetric pressure solution and the wall shear stress. The predicted pattern of blood pressure, and shear stress in unseen arterial geometries were compared with the ground truth CFD solutions on "unseen" meshes. The new method was able to reliably reproduce the 3D coronary artery haemodynamics in less than 10 s.


Crystal networks in silk fibrous materials: from hierarchical structure to ultra performance.
This review provides a comprehensive survey of the structural characteristics of crystal networks of silk soft fibrous materials in correlation with the macroscopic properties/performance and the network formation mechanisms. The correlation between the hierarchical mesoscopic structures and the mechanical properties of silk soft fibrous materials including silk fibroin hydrogels and naturally spun silk fibers are addressed based on the hierarchical crystal network models. Namely, two types of hierarchical networks are identified: the weak nanofibril-nanofibril interaction case (i.e., silk fibroin hydrogels), and the strong nanofibril-nanofibril interaction case (i.e., silk fibers). The macroscopic properties, i.e., the rheological/mechanical properties, can be controlled in terms of tuning different levels of hierarchical network structures by ultrasonication-induced gelation, introducing the initial nucleation centers, etc. Such controls take effect by different mesoscale assembly pathways, which are found to occur via different routes of the nucleation and growth processes. Furthermore, the hierarchical network model of soft fibrous materials can be applied to explain the superior mechanical properties and the unique strain-hardening behaviors of spider silk fibers within the framework of hierarchical breaking mechanism. Obviously, a knowledge of crystal networks will allow the prediction of the performance and engineering strategy of silk fibrous materials in generals.


Spinal cysticercosis.
Cysticercosis of the spinal cord is rare. A case is reported in a 40-year-old Hindu. Compression of the spinal cord by the cyst which was located in the arachnoid membrane resulted in a paraplegia. Removal of the cyst resulted in marked improvement.


Phosphoinositides, Major Actors in Membrane Trafficking and Lipid Signaling Pathways.
Phosphoinositides are lipids involved in the vesicular transport of proteins and lipids between the different compartments of eukaryotic cells. They act by recruiting and/or activating effector proteins and thus are involved in regulating various cellular functions, such as vesicular budding, membrane fusion and cytoskeleton dynamics. Although detected in small concentrations in membranes, their role is essential to cell function, since imbalance in their concentrations is a hallmark of many cancers. Their synthesis involves phosphorylating/dephosphorylating positions D3, D4 and/or D5 of their inositol ring by specific lipid kinases and phosphatases. This process is tightly regulated and specific to the different intracellular membranes. Most enzymes involved in phosphoinositide synthesis are conserved between yeast and human, and their loss of function leads to severe diseases (cancer, myopathy, neuropathy and ciliopathy).


Effect of UV-Blocking Plastic Films on Take-Off and Host Plant Finding Ability of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae).
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is a major pest of citrus worldwide due to its ability to transmit the bacteria associated with huanglongbing. Vision, behavior, and performance of insect pests can be manipulated by using ultraviolet (UV)-blocking materials. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate how UV-blocking plastic films may affect the take-off and host plant finding ability of D. citri. To assess the effect of a UV-deficient environment on take-off, adult psyllids were released from a vial inside a screenhouse covered by a UV-blocking or standard (control) film and the number of insects remaining on each vial under each treatment was counted at different time intervals. Moreover, to assess the ability of D. citri to find citrus plants under a UV-deficient environment, two independent no-choice host plant finding assays with different plant arrangements were conducted. In each treatment, the number of psyllids per plant at different time intervals was counted. Both D. citri take-off and host plant finding ability was clearly disrupted under a UV-deficient environment. The number of psyllids remaining in the vials was significantly higher under UV-blocking than standard film in all periods recorded. Furthermore, psyllids were present in significantly higher number on citrus plants under standard film than under UV-blocking film in all of the periods assessed and experiments conducted. Our results showed that UV-blocking materials could become a valuable strategy for integrated management of D. citri and huanglongbing in citrus grown in enclosed environments.


The effects of acid perfusion of the esophagus on ventilation and respiratory sensation.
The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and asthma remains controversial. Asthma symptoms worsen with GER, but are not consistently related to changes in lung function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acid perfusion (AP) of the esophagus alters ventilation and causes respiratory symptoms. Nonasthmatic patients with normal lung function and esophageal disease (16 females and nine males, FEV1 %predicted = 99+/-9.6), underwent a Bernstein test after motility testing. Airflow, rib cage (Vrc), and abdominal (Vab) tidal volumes, esophageal (Pes) and gastric (Pga) pressure, and surface (Es) and esophageal (Edi) diaphragm electromyographic (EMG) signals were measured. Throat, swallowing, chest, and stomach discomfort and respiratory sensation were estimated with the Borg scale. Minute ventilation (VE) increased during AP and declined during recovery with saline perfusion of the esophagus (7.1+/-1.5 to 8.5+/-2.4 to 7.3+/-2.1 L/min; n = 25; p = 0.0002). Respiratory rate (RR) went from 13.6+/-2.6 to 15.8+/-3.4 to 15.3+/-3.1 breaths/min (n = 25; p = 0.0002) during AP. VE was greater in the Bernstein-positive patients during AP. Tidal volume (VT), Vrc, Vab, Pes, Pga, Es, and Edi did not change during AP. Chest discomfort (D) correlated with ventilation (VE = 0.7 + 0.8 D; r = 0.67; p < 0.001) and respiratory effort sensation (B) (B = 0.2 + 0.4 VE; r = 0.70; p < 0.001) during AP. AP did not inhibit diaphragm activity. Increased VE may explain the paradox of GER worsening respiratory symptoms without changing lung function.


Prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Model development and external validation with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center model and the international metastatic renal cell carcinoma database consortium model.
To develop a new prognostic model for the overall survival of patients with clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) using Korean Renal Cancer Study Group (KRoCS) database and compared it with 2 renowned prognostic models: the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and the international metastatic renal cell carcinoma database consortium (IMDC) models.Data of 790 patients diagnosed with mRCC and receiving targeted therapy as their first-line treatment were pooled to this study. Data from 4 hospitals (n = 619) were used to develop the new model and those from other 5 hospitals (n = 171) were used for external validation. After detecting prognostic factors in multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, patients were classified into 3 risk groups, favorable (0), intermediate (1-2), and poor (3 and more) by the number of prognostic factors.Seven variables such as more than 2 metastasis sites, no prior nephrectomy, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2, low hemoglobin, high serum corrected calcium, high neutrophil, high serum alkaline phosphatase were identified as prognostic factors for poor overall survival. Also, risk groups were categorized into 3 groups; median overall survival was 61.1 months in favorable, 26.5 months in intermediate, and 6.8 months in poor group. KRoCS ranked the first in all 3 statistical parameters including akaike information criterion (AIC), concordance index and generalized R2 among other prognostic models.We developed the KRoCS model and validated it externally with demonstrating its superiority over MSKCC and IMDC models. The KRoCS model can provide useful information for counseling patients with clear cell mRCC regarding life-expectancy.


Assignment of the dynamin-1 gene (DNM1) to human chromosome 9q34 by fluorescence in situ hybridization and somatic cell hybrid analysis.
The dynamins are recently discovered GTP-binding proteins postulated to mediate the scission of clathrin-coated vesicles at the plasma membrane. Of the three known mammalian dynamins, dynamin-1 (DNM1) appears to be particularly important for the formation of synaptic vesicles at presynaptic nerve termini. To investigate the possibility that mutations in the DNM1 gene cause a human disease, we determined the chromosomal localization of human DNM1. We conclude from fluorescence in situ hybridization and from the analysis of somatic cell hybrids that the map position in 9q34. This region has syntenic homology with mouse chromosome 2p, in agreement with the map position of the mouse DNM1 gene [see accompanying article by Klocke et al. (1997, Genomics 41:290-292)]. We discuss the potential relevance of the human DNM1 localization to diseases that were mapped genetically to the same chromosomal region.


Gastric parietal cell and thyroid autoantibodies in patients with Behcet's disease.
Gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA), thyroglobulin antibody (TGA), and thyroid microsomal antibody (TMA) were rarely examined in Behcet's disease (BD) patients. This study mainly assessed the frequencies of serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities in 63 BD patients. The frequencies of serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities in 63 BD patients, 19 major-typed recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)/BD (major RAS/BD) patients, 44 minor-typed RAS/BD (minor RAS/BD) patients, 520 RAS patients, and 126 healthy control subjects were calculated and compared. We found that 14.3%, 20.6%, and 20.6% of 63 BD patients, 21.1%, 21.1%, and 26.3% of 19 major RAS/BD patients, 11.4%, 20.5%, and 18.2% of 44 minor RAS/BD patients, 11.5%, 18.5%, and 18.3% of 520 RAS patients, and 1.6%, 2.4%, and 2.4% of 126 healthy control subjects had serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities, respectively. BD, major RAS/BD, minor RAS/BD, and RAS patients all had significantly higher frequencies of serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities than healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in different serum autoantibody frequencies between BD, major RAS/BD, or minor RAS/BD patients and RAS patients. Of 16 TGA/TMA-positive BD patients whose serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured, 87.5%, 6.3%, and 6.3% of these TGA/TMA-positive BD patients had normal, lower, and higher serum TSH levels, respectively. Approximately 35% BD patients have serum GPCA/TGA/TMA positivity. However, BD patients do not have significantly higher frequencies of serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities than RAS patients.


Rapid and cost-effective polymorphism identification and genotyping using restriction site associated DNA (RAD) markers.
Restriction site associated DNA (RAD) tags are a genome-wide representation of every site of a particular restriction enzyme by short DNA tags. Most organisms segregate large numbers of DNA sequence polymorphisms that disrupt restriction sites, which allows RAD tags to serve as genetic markers spread at a high density throughout the genome. Here, we demonstrate the applicability of RAD markers for both individual and bulk-segregant genotyping. First, we show that these markers can be identified and typed on pre-existing microarray formats. Second, we present a method that uses RAD marker DNA to rapidly produce a low-cost microarray genotyping resource that can be used to efficiently identify and type thousands of RAD markers. We demonstrate the utility of the former approach by using a tiling path array for the fruit fly to map a recombination breakpoint, and the latter approach by creating and using an enriched RAD marker array for the threespine stickleback. The high number of RAD markers enabled localization of a previously identified region, as well as a second region also associated with the lateral plate phenotype. Taken together, our results demonstrate that RAD markers, and the method to develop a RAD marker microarray resource, allow high-throughput, high-resolution genotyping in both model and nonmodel systems.


A novel redox-fluorescence switch based on a triad containing ferrocene and perylene diimide units.
By taking advantage of the features of ferrocene as a redox-active electron donor unit and perylene diimide as a fluorescence unit, a new redox fluorescence switch can be constructed on the basis of this triad.


Rotational dynamics of hydration water in dicalcium silicate by quasielastic neutron scattering.
Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) has been used to investigate the single-particle dynamics of interfacial water in dicalcium silicate (C2S)/water paste. Our previous neutron-scattering studies on interfacial water have focused attention on the translational dynamics of the center of mass of water molecules. In this paper, we have collected QENS data on a wider range of wave-vector transfer so that both translational and rotational motions of water molecules are detected. The data have been analyzed by models for translation and rotation we recently proposed for supercooled water. The evolution of the parameters describing the relaxational dynamics of water embedded in the C2S matrix is given at temperature T=303 K as a function of the curing time.


Mal de débarquement syndrome – "sickness of disembarkment"
Mal de débarquement syndrome is an uncommon vestibular disorder characterized by a constant sensation of swaying or motion after one disembarks from a vehicle such as a ship or plane, however, spontaneous onset also appears. These symptoms temporarily subside when the patient is subjected again to passive motion like driving a car. Chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression are frequently associated with primary symptoms. The diagnosis is challenging, and often made by the patients themselves. The underlying pathophysiology and definitive therapy are unknown. Exposure to optokinetic stimulations and transcranial magnetic stimulations open therapeutic perspectives. We report a case series of 5 patients who presented with constant rocking, bobbing sensation that had been ongoing for several months. We found normal inner-ear function, non-related abnormalities and normal brain imaging. By presenting our patients' histories, we discuss the different diagnostic issues that help to diagnose this condition. We aimed to report the most recent findings on aetiology and treatment methods and to share our experiences with different therapeutic attempts. Mal de débarquement syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion and often unrecognized. A thorough clinical history, negative or non-specific clinical findings with a high degree of suspicion are needed for recognizing this disorder. Increasing awareness can lead to early diagnosis and prevent multiple physician visits and unnecessary diagnostic testing. Frequent diagnostic failure has a negative impact on the quality of life, associated with anxiety and depression. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(20): 846-851.


Retroviral v-myc infection of primary fetal liver cells: transformation of monocytes in vitro.
Oncogenes carried by retroviruses can alter the growth properties of many cell types. We examined the molecular mechanism by which a retrovirus containing one or a combination of oncogenes can transform and immortalize hematopoietic cells. Murine fetal liver cells were used as an enriched source of early hematopoietic cell progenitors; the cells were infected with a series of recombinant murine retroviruses capable of expressing the avian v-myc, v-H-ras and v-raf oncogenes. Three factor-independent cell lines were obtained: FL-ras/myc, FL-J2 (v-raf/v-myc) and FL-myc, a unique cell line generated using a single oncogene. Cytochemical, morphologic and phenotypic analyses indicated that these cell lines were of the monocyte lineage. Southern and Northern blot analyses revealed that the three cell lines had integrated viral DNA and were expressing the mRNA transcripts corresponding to these viral oncogenes. To examine the mechanism of factor independence, supernatants from these cell lines were tested for CSF-1 activity. Supernatants from FL-myc and FL-ras/myc cells were shown to contain CSF-1 activity and Northern blot analysis of the three cell lines revealed the presence of mRNA transcripts for the CSF-1 and c-fms genes. It is possible that the growth factor independence of these cell lines is related to the development of autocrine-induced proliferation.


Primary isolated osteoma cutis of the face.
We report a healthy, 44-year-old woman presenting with an at least a 20-year history of hardened papules in the forehead region, extending to the scalp. The biopsy and histopathologic exam confirmed a diagnosis of osteoma cutis. We review the literature review and discuss the classification of the cutaneous ossification process presented, along with the results of the surgical treatment.


Use of sunbeds or sunlamps and malignant melanoma in southern Sweden.
In a population-based, matched case-control study from the South Swedish Health Care Region, which has the highest risk for melanoma in Sweden, the relation between the use of sunbeds or sunlamps and malignant melanoma was investigated. Between July 1, 1988, and June 30, 1990, a total of 400 melanoma patients and 640 healthy controls aged 15-75 years answered a comprehensive questionnaire containing different epidemiologic variables. Questions regarding the use of sunbeds or sunlamps were included. The odds ratio for developing malignant melanoma after ever having used sunbeds or sunlamps was 1.3. Considering all age groups, the odds ratio was significantly elevated after exposure more than 10 times a year to sunbeds or sunlamps (odds ratio (OR) = 1.8). When the study was restricted to patients and controls younger than age 30 years because the use of tanning devices is much more common among young persons, the odds ratio was higher (OR = 7.7 for more than 10 times a year vs. none). These findings were independent of constitutional factors and factors regarding sun exposure. A dose-response relation was evident. Furthermore, among melanoma patients in this young age group, the ratio of females to males was significantly higher than in older patients. When different melanoma presentation sites were considered, only lesions of the trunk were significantly associated with sunbed or sunlamp use (OR = 4.2 for more than 10 times a year vs. none).


Involvement of class II MHC molecules in the LPS-induction of IL-1/TNF secretions by human monocytes. Quantitative differences at the polymorphic level.
Anti-class II ag mAb (DR and DQ) inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, LPS-induced IL-1 and TNF secretions from human monocytes (34 to 95% inhibition). The potentiating effect of IFN-gamma on LPS-induced TNF secretion (15.3 +/- 0.7 to 44 +/- 0.6 ng/ml) was also blocked by anti-class II ag mAb (44 +/- 0.6 to 0.3 +/- 0.03 ng/ml). We also report a relationship between interindividual differences in monocyte IL-1 and TNF secretions and the HLA-D-encoded genetic polymorphism. Heterozygotes were, in general, higher secretors of those cytokines than homozygotes. Analysis of these secretions in heterozygotes demonstrated a differential effect of certain haplotype combinations (i.e., DR2-DR4 vs DR2-DR3) that could be arbitrarily characterized as being "low" or "high" secretors (6,230 +/- 2,950 vs 13,029 +/- 6,541 cpm for IL-1, and 12 +/- 10 vs 25 +/- 15 ng/ml for TNF, p = 0.006 and 0.048). DR-associated Dw subtypes appeared to account for differences within certain haplotype combinations (Dw18 vs Dw19 in DRw13/DR4) (11,227 +/- 3,648 vs 17,166 +/- 3,176 cpm for IL-1, and 13 +/- 9 vs 25 +/- 10 ng/ml for TNF, p = 0.02 and 0.047). Interindividual differences were better explained by differences in LPS sensitivity than by differences in the kinetics of secretion and related not to the secretory process itself but to the rate of cytokine synthesis. Finally, there were no relationships between high secretor genotypes and IDD high risk genotypes. Thus, we conclude that, a) LPS-induced IL-1 and TNF secretions are, at least in part, regulated by class II MHC molecules, b) that HLA-D region-encoded genetic polymorphism accounts for interindividual differences in these secretions, and c) that the HLA-associated risk to develop IDD is not explained by these cytokine secretory differences as previously proposed.


Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activities of transition metal complexes with a nicotinohydrazone ligand.
The reaction of divalent transition metal salts and (E)-N'-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene)nicotinohydrazide (penh) led to the formation of [Mn(penh)2] (complex 1), [Co(penh)2] (complex 2), [Cu(penh)2] (complex 3) and [Cd (penh)2] (complex 4) complexes. The four complexes were characterized using elemental analyses, infrared spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Subsequently, the complexes were used for in vitro cell level experiments to determine potential antitumor effects. The results demonstrated that the complexes exhibited a similar structure; however, they were crystallized with distinct space groups. In comparison with the uncomplexed penh ligand, all four complexes were able to markedly decrease the proliferation rate of various types of tumor cell, including the human lung cancer cell line A549, human gastric cancer cell line BGC823 and human esophageal cancer cell line Eca109, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the complexes promoted tumor cell apoptosis, as demonstrated in the apoptosis assay, and this was confirmed using electrophoresis.


Ultrastructural investigation of the effect of toothpastes containing different remineralizing agents on demineralized enamel.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of remineralizing agents on demineralized enamel intended for use as fluoride substitutes or supplements for oral hygiene applications. Enamel samples were obtained from 30 bovine teeth. The enamel blocks were stored in 20 mL of demineralization solution for 72 h. They were then brushed with the following toothpaste for the remineralization protocol: NaF, NaF/SnF2 combination, NovaMin, or nano-hydroxyapatite. SEM/EDX examinations and microhardness measurements of the samples were performed to investigate the remineralization efficacy of the studied toothpaste. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey's HSD test was used to analyze the change in microhardness values in different remineralization protocols (p < 0.05). Differences in the mean remineralization (%RP) and hardness recovery (%HR) were determined between the groups (p < 0.05). Groups 1 and 4 showed significant differences in %RP (p < 0.05). In the SEM/EDX examinations, the samples treated with n-HAp showed an accumulation of crystal deposits on the enamel surface, although at a lower density than those treated with NaF and NaF/SnF2 combination. The remineralization strategy in toothpaste plays an important role in enamel remineralization. NovaMin-containing toothpaste showed positive effects on the enamel surface with better Ca/P ratio. Toothpastes containing n-HAp triggered less change in the increase of microhardness values compared to other toothpastes. The use of SnF2 in toothpaste in combination with NaF significantly increased the binding of fluoride to demineralized enamel compared to toothpaste containing NaF alone.


Ecological annotation of genes and genomes through ecological genomics.
Ecological genomics is a research field that aims to determine how a genome or a population of genomes interacts with its environment across ecological and evolutionary timescales. This matter was the central theme of the symposium on Ecological Genomics that took place at the First meeting of the Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, held at the University of Toronto in May 2007. Through their research on a diverse array of organisms, the various speakers illustrated how ecology and evolution benefit from genomics, and indirectly how genomics can benefit from evolutionary ecology.


Aneurysm arising from the branch of the superior mesenteric artery.
Superior mesenteric branch aneurysms are rare and usually become symptomatic at the time of rupture. Pain, gastrointestinal blood loss and intra-abdominal hemorrhage draw attention to the presence of aneurysms in 70% of the reported cases. We report on a 64-year-old male patient who had an emergent laparotomy for acute abdominal pain at a local hospital in Changhua in March of 1988. The operative finding was an unresectable mesentric mass, and the pathologic finding of the biopsy was a chronic abscess. Because of two episodes of tarry stools after the operation, the patient was referred to the National Taiwan University Hospital for further evaluation of the intra-abdominal mass. After admission in April of 1990, abdominal sonogram and CT examinations demonstrated the presence of a multilobulated mass which was suspected to be an aneurysm. Selective superior mesenteric arteriography confirmed this diagnosis and showed that the aneurysm arose from the origin of the ileocolic branch. At surgery, the aneurysm was found to have a fistula tract communicating with the terminal ileum. The aneurysm and the associated segment of the terminal ileum were successfully removed. We herein report this unusual case.


[Pharmacological correction of energy metabolism disturbance in the inflammatory-dystrophic process in the periodontium].
The influence of lipoic acid on the energy homeostasis in rats with chronic generalized parodontitis has been investigated. Lipoic acid possesses the energy-saving activity, which is related to an increase in oxidative phosphorylation efficiency.


Caudate-Precuneus Functional Connectivity Is Associated with Obesity Preventive Eating Tendency.
There exists diversity among individuals in difficulty controlling body weight. Body weight control, or obesity prevention, requires cognitive control over ingestive behavior, which may account for the diverse ability of body weight control. The caudate nuclei, especially the dorsal area, have been shown to play critical roles in ingestive behaviors, which significantly influences body weight control. However, the practice of body weight control is dependent on the body weight status, because the current obesity status determines the need for body weight control. To elucidate the underlying neural mechanism that accounts for individual differences in obesity prevention, we aimed to isolate functional caudate connectivity responsible for the underlying tendency of obesity prevention, independent of the current obesity status, using resting state fMRI data, body mass index (BMI), and assessment of ingestive behavior from 185 individuals from the NKI-Rockland sample. The underlying tendency of obesity prevention was estimated from BMI and behavioral and cognitive components of food intake. Functional connectivities between the caudate head and the whole brain were tested as a function of the estimated tendency in a voxel-wise manner. The bilateral precuneus showed inverse association between its connectivity to the caudate and the estimated tendency. Caudate-precuneus connectivity may have significant implications to understanding personal differences that accounts for the success in body weight control.


Evolutionary dynamics of autosomal-heterosomal rearrangements in a multiple-X chromosome system of tiger beetles (Cicindelidae).
Genetic systems involving multiple X chromosomes have arisen repeatedly in sexually reproducing animals. Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) exhibit a phylogenetically ancient multiple-X system typically consisting of 2-4 X chromosomes and a single Y. Because recombination rates are suppressed in sex chromosomes, changes in their numbers and movement of genes between sex chromosomes and autosomes, could have important consequences for gene evolution and rates of speciation induced by these rearrangements. However, it remains unclear how frequent these rearrangements are and which genes are affected. Karyotype analyses were performed for a total of 26 North American species in the highly diverse genus Cicindela, tallying the number of X chromosomes and autosomes during mitosis and meiosis. The chromosomal location of the ribosomal rRNA gene cluster (rDNA) was used as an easily scored marker for genic turnover between sex chromosomes or autosomes. The findings were assessed in the light of a recent phylogenetic analysis of the group. While autosome numbers remained constant throughout the lineage, sex chromosome numbers varied. The predominant karyotype was n = 9+X1X2X3Y which was also inferred to be the ancestral state, with several changes to X1X2Y and X1X2X3X4Y confined to phylogenetically isolated species. The total (haploid) numbers of rDNA clusters varied between two, three, and six (in one exceptional case), and clusters were localized either on the autosomes, the sex chromosomes, or both. Transitions in rDNA localization and in numbers of rDNA clusters varied independently of each other, and also independently of changes in sex chromosome numbers. Changes of X chromosome numbers and transposition of the rDNA locus (and presumably other genes) between autosomes and sex chromosomes in Cicindela occur frequently, and are likely to be the result of fusions or fissions between X chromosomes, rather than between sex chromosomes and autosomes. Yet, translocations between sex chromosomes and autosomes appear to be common, as indicated by the patterns of rDNA localization. Rearranged karyotypes involving multiple sex chromosomes would reduce recombination, and hybrid dysgenesis selects against polymorphic populations. Hence, the high frequency of these rearrangements could be a cause of the great species diversity in Cicindela.


Granular Cell Tumor in Auditory Meatus: A Case Report.
Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare benign soft tissue neoplasm that develops primarily in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the head and neck, frequently in the tongue, but has not been observed in the auditory meatus. These tumors generally present as slow-growing nodules with few unique clinical or radiological features, and so must be confirmed by pathological examination. Here, we present the case of a 62-year-old female with right hearing loss and benign GCT in the right auditory meatus initially misdiagnosed as cholesteatoma.


The earliest stages of follicular development: follicle formation and activation.
The formation of primordial follicles to establish a reservoir of resting follicles and the gradual depletion of that reservoir to provide a succession of growing follicles are key to female fertility, but little is known about the regulation of these early stages of follicular development. This review summarizes the efforts of our laboratory to elucidate these critical processes in cattle. Primordial follicles first appear in fetal ovaries around the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (Day 90), during a decline in fetal ovarian production of estradiol and progesterone. In ovarian cortical pieces from 90 to 120-day-old fetuses, follicles form in vitro and estradiol or progesterone inhibits follicle formation, whereas the non-aromatizable androgen 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) does not. Newly formed bovine follicles are not capable of activating within 2 days in vitro, but they can acquire the capacity to activate during a longer culture; estradiol and progesterone inhibit the acquisition of their capacity to activate. When primordial follicles first form in cattle, their oocytes are not yet in meiotic arrest and acquisition of competence to activate is correlated with their progression to meiotic arrest at the diplotene stage of first prophase. After they acquire the competence to activate, bovine primordial follicles can be stimulated to activate in vitro by insulin or kit ligand, whereas anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is inhibitory. Although few follicles progress to the secondary stage in vitro, addition of testosterone or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) dramatically increased the incidence of that transition. Regulation of the earliest stages of follicular development is complex and far from understood; better understanding could lead to new interventions to enhance fertility.


Sodium levels on admission are associated with mortality risk in hospitalized patients.
Abnormal sodium values are common among hospitalized patients. We aimed to investigate the association of admission sodium values and mortality. Historical prospectively data of adult patients hospitalized to medical wards between January 2011 and December 2013. Admission sodium values were classified to five categories: severe hyponatremia (<125mEq/L), mild hyponatremia (125-135mEq/L), normal sodium values (135-145mEq/L), mild hypernatremia (145-150mEq/L) and severe hypernatremia (>150mEq/L). Main outcomes were length of hospitalization, in-hospital mortality and mortality at the end-of-follow-up. The cohort included 27,889 patients (mean age 67±18years, 52% males). The total follow-up was 1065days. Most patients had normal sodium values (76%), 22% had hyponatremia, 3% had hypernatremia. Mean age increased with increase in severity of hyponatremia or hypernatremia. Median length of hospitalization was longer with mild and severe hypernatremia (7 and 5days, respectively) or with mild and severe hyponatremia (4 and 4days, respectively), compared to normal sodium levels (3days). Compared to in-hospital mortality with normal sodium levels (5%), mortality was higher with mild and severe hyponatremia (9% and 14%, respectively) and was highest with mild (28%), and severe hypernatremia (52%). Mortality rate at the end of follow-up was 28% with normal sodium levels, 44% and 48% with mild and severe hyponatremia, 66% and 90% with mild and severe hypernatremia, respectively. Abnormal sodium values on admission were associated with longer hospitalization and increased short- and long-term mortality. Mortality risk was higher with hypernatremia, compared to hyponatremia.


Development of real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays to quantify insulin-like growth factor receptor and insulin receptor expression in equine tissue.
The insulin-like growth factor system (insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin-like growth factor 2, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor and six insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins) and insulin are essential to muscle metabolism and most aspects of male and female reproduction. Insulin-like growth factor and insulin play important roles in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and the maintenance of cell differentiation in mammals. In order to better understand the local factors that regulate equine physiology, such as muscle metabolism and reproduction (e.g., germ cell development and fertilisation), real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays for quantification of equine insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and insulin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid were developed. The assays were sensitive: 192 copies/μL and 891 copies/μL for insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, messenger ribonucleic acid and insulin receptor respectively (95% limit of detection), and efficient: 1.01 for the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor assay and 0.95 for the insulin receptor assay. The assays had a broad linear range of detection (seven logs for insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and six logs for insulin receptor). This allowed for analysis of very small amounts of messenger ribonucleic acid. Low concentrations of both insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and insulin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid were detected in endometrium, lung and spleen samples, whilst high concentrations were detected in heart, muscle and kidney samples, this was most likely due to the high level of glucose metabolism and glucose utilisation by these tissues. The assays developed for insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and insulin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid expression have been shown to work on equine tissue and will contribute to the understanding of insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor physiology in the horse.


MicroRNA-155 acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer by targeting CTHRC1 in vitro.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies. Aberrant expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to have strong associations with colorectal cancer by repressing their targets. Therefore, miRNAs are thought to have significant promise in the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Previous studies indicated that miR-155 and collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) were both involved in pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, but the underlying mechanisms of miR-155 and CTHRC1 are still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the biological functions of miR-155 and CTHRC1 in colorectal cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to examine miR-155 and CTHRC1 expression levels. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to verify the target interaction between miR-155 and CTHRC1. Proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion were measured using the MTT assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assays, respectively. Results showed that miR-155 expression was decreased, but CTHRC1 expression was increased in colorectal cancer tissue and cell lines. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that miR-155 negatively regulated CTHRC1. Additionally, miR-155 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and promoted cell apoptosis, while an inhibitor of miR-155 facilitated cell proliferation and cell cycle and repressed apoptosis. Transwell experiments indicated that miR-155 inhibited the cell migratory and invasive abilities of HT-29 cells, but miR-155 inhibitor enhanced these abilities of HT-29 cells. These results suggested that miR-155 prevented colorectal cancer progression and metastasis via silencing CTHRC1 in vitro, which provides evidence for miR-155 and CTHRC1 as a novel anti-onco molecular target for the treatment of colorectal cancer in the future.


Evidence for receptor-mediated binding of glycoproteins, glycoconjugates, and lysosomal glycosidases by alveolar macrophages.
Alveolar macrophages have been shown to bind glycoproteins and synthetic glycoconjugates (neoglycorpoteins) that have mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, or glucose in the exposed, nonreducing position. Galactose-terminal glycoproteins are not bound. Binding of radiolabeled ligands to cells is nearly completely impaired by the presence of an excess of yeast mannan. Binding is temperature sensitive and proceeds optimally at pH 7.0. Prior treatment of the cells with trypsin severely decreases their capacity to bind ligands. An inhibition assay has been developed, using radioiodinated glucose-albumin conjugate, agalacto-orosomucoid, beta-glucuronidase, and RNase B as ligands. Various glycoproteins have been shown to be effective inhibitors of ligand binding including horseradish peroxidase, agalacto-orosomucoid, beta-glucuronidase, ovalbumin, agalacto-fetuin, and RNase B. RNase A and asialo-fetuin are ineffective as antagonists. The results suggest the presence of a cell surface receptor on alveolar macrophages that binds glycoproteins having terminal sugars with the mannose or glucose configuration.


Menorrhagia Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Treatments (MOMITS): A 2 to 5-year follow-up.
We conducted a retrospective postal questionnaire-based study to assess the effectiveness and patient experience of minimally invasive treatments for menorrhagia by performing a two- to five-year follow up of patient symptoms. Questionnaires were distributed to 111 and 117 women following thermal balloon endometrial ablation (TBEA) and levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), with response rates of 58.5% and 43.6% respectively. Sanitary pad use during the heaviest day of bleeding reduced by 8.4 and 5.2 pads in the TBEA and LNG-IUS groups respectively (p<0.05). An improvement in patients' quality of life (QOL) score exceeding 10 points was found in 79% and 61% in the TBEA and LNG-IUS groups respectively. Patient satisfaction (PS) improved in all areas, more so regarding participation in social activities in the TBEA group (p<0.05). Women undergoing TBEA would recommend the procedure to other women in 95%, and 93% in the LNG-IUS group. TBEA and LNG-IUS are highly acceptable management options for the treatment of menorrhagia, with improvement in QOL, PS and menstrual blood loss.


Mathematics anxiety in deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing college students.
While mathematics anxiety (MA) has been widely researched in recent decades, this study addresses significant gaps: namely, research that explores the relationship between MA and self-reported mathematics experiences; samples adults with a range of MA levels; and controls for general anxiety. Additionally, the study sampled deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students, whose diverse life and educational experiences often differ from hearing students'. We investigated whether DHH students' experiences with mathematics (i.e., parental behaviors, school environment, and mathematics feelings) and demographic variables (i.e., hearing status, age, and gender) predict their MA, and whether these relationships differ from those in hearing students. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 296 DHH and hearing college students. Linear regression analyses controlling for general anxiety led to the following inference: DHH students who reported more positive attitudes toward mathematics and school environments demonstrated higher MA. Also, the relationships between mathematics feelings, parental behaviors, and MA differed between DHH and hearing students. Logistic regression analyses showed no contribution of MA to students' likelihood of pursuing STEM degrees in either DHH or between DHH and hearing groups. Overall, this work breaks new ground in the study of MA in DHH students and challenges standard views of the relationships between MA and individual experiences.


Atrial fibrillation: an independent risk factor for nonaccidental falls in older patients.
Nonaccidental falls are often the result of a combination of factors including cardiovascular disorders such as orthostatic hypotension and unspecified cardiac arrhythmias. The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and nonaccidental falls. We reviewed the records of 442 consecutive patients >65 years old who presented to the Emergency Department at the University of Utah Medical Center with a complaint of fall. Two-hundred eleven patients presented with nonaccidental fall, 231 patients with accidental fall. Patients with nonaccidental fall were more likely to be older, have a history of hypertension and neurological disorders, and taking five or more medications when compared to patients with accidental fall. Despite a similar prevalence of sinus rhythm at presentation, the prevalence of a history of AF was significantly higher in patients with nonaccidental fall compared to patients with accidental fall (26% vs 15%; P = 0.003). After adjusting for clinically and statistically significant predictors with a multivariate logistic regression analysis, AF, neurological disorders, and age ≤81 years were independent predictors of nonaccidental fall. In patients ≤81 years old (median age), the risk of nonaccidental falls was 2.5 times greater in patients with a history of AF when compared to those without a history of AF (odds ratio = 2.53 [confidence interval 95% 1.3-5], P = 0.007). AF is an independent risk factor for nonaccidental falls. Our results emphasize the need to screen for AF in patients presenting with nonaccidental fall.


Sensitive Cytokine Assay Based on Optical Fiber Allowing Localized and Spatially Resolved Detection of Interleukin-6.
We demonstrated a cytokine detection device based on gold nanoparticle modified silica optical fiber for the monitoring of locally variable cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations using a sandwich immunoassay scheme. The fiber is designed to be introduced into an intrathecal catheter with micrometer-sized holes drilled along its length to enable fluid exchange between the outside and inside of the catheter. An exposed optical fiber (diameter 125 μm) modified with a layer of gold nanoparticles was functionalized with the IL-6 capture antibody to form the sensing interface. The immunocapture device was incubated with a cytokine solution to capture the analyte. The device was then exposed to the IL-6 detection antibody which was loaded on the fluorescently labeled magnetic nanoparticles, making it possible to quantify the cytokine concentration based on the intensity of fluorescence. A reliable method for quantifying the fluorescent signal on a 3D structure was developed. This device was applied to the detection of cytokine IL-6 with the low limit of detection of 1 pg mL-1 in a sample volume of 1 μL. The device has the linear detection range of 1-400 pg mL-1 and spatial resolution on the order of 200-450 μm, and it is capable of detecting localized IL-6 secreted by live BV2 cells following their liposaccharide stimulation. This biological detection system is suitable for monitoring multiple health conditions.


[The treatment of respiratory ailments with essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants].
In-vitro and clinical studies suggest the therapeutic potential of aromatic herbs in the treatment of respiratory ailments. The pharmacological and clinical activity of Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, Origanum syriacum, Salvia fruticosa and Rosmarinus officinalis, include anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities. Some of these herbs have direct activity on the respiratory tract, the coughing reflex and the airflow in the nasal tract. This article reviews the evidence on the efficacy and safety of aromatic trees and herbs which grow in Israel, in the scope of the field of otorhinolaryngology.


Effect of pesticides on the reproductive output of Eisenia fetida.
We investigated the effects of three different pesticides (carbendazim, dimethoate, and glyphosate) and their mixture on the growth and reproduction of the earthworm species, Eisenia fetida. The study was conducted following the suggestion of the International Workshop on Earthworm Ecotoxicology. The results showed that the pesticide treatment had a marked negative impact on the growth and reproduction of earthworms. Carbendazim and dimethoate were found to cause greater harm to the selected earthworm species than glyphosate.


A possible mechanism for alteration of human erectile function by digoxin: inhibition of corpus cavernosum sodium/potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity.
Digoxin use has long been recognized to affect adversely male sexual function but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Digoxin is a known inhibitor of sodium/potassium adenosine triphosphatase (sodium pump), a plasma membrane enzyme that has a role in the regulation of smooth muscle tone. We investigated the effects of digoxin on human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle contractility and overall erectile function. In human corporeal smooth muscle strips the in vitro effects of digoxin were assessed on sodium pump activity as measured by digoxin inhibitable uptake of 86rubidium, basal tone and endothelium dependent, neurogenic and nitric oxide donor induced relaxation. An in vivo prospective double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover, 4-period investigation was performed in 6 healthy male volunteers. The effects of digoxin on serum hormones, erectile function questionnaire, visual sexual stimulation and nocturnal penile tumescence were recorded. In vitro digoxin caused concentration dependent inhibition of 86rubidium uptake (half maximum effect at 0.01 microM.) and contraction of corporeal smooth muscle (half maximum effect at 0.8 microM.). Therapeutic concentrations of digoxin (2 nM.) also inhibited relaxation induced by acetylcholine and electrical field stimulation, which release nitric oxide from corpus cavernosum endothelial cells and nonadrenergic noncholinergic nerves, respectively. In vivo digoxin diminished penile rigidity during visual sexual stimulation and nocturnal penile tumescence testing compared to placebo without influencing libido or serum testosterone, estrogen or luteinizing hormone levels. Digoxin associated alteration of human erectile function may be explained, in part, by inhibition of corporeal smooth muscle sodium pump activity, which promotes contraction and impedes nitric oxide induced relaxation. Such findings suggest therapeutic use of digoxin for treatment of recurrent priapism states.


[Nephrology : What's new in 2016 ?]
The first treatment which slows the course of polycystic kidney disease is now available in Switzerland. There is no benefit of immunosuppression when treating IgA nephropathy. Rituximab has been proved effective in the treatment of membranous nephropathy. When to start renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury ? The debate still continues. In selected patients with end-stage renal failure, starting with twice a week hemodialysis is a desirable option. Peritoneal dialysis can be considered in frail patients. Better being transplanted with a HLA-incompatible living donor than to be on the waiting list. Immunosuppression without a calcineurin inhibitor is a potential immunologic hazard even for stable transplants. Long-term results of belatacept-based immunosuppression instead of cyclosporin showed better graft and patient survival but more acute rejection.


CD8+ T-cell responses to different HIV proteins have discordant associations with viral load.
Selection of T-cell vaccine antigens for chronic persistent viral infections has been largely empirical. To define the relationship, at the population level, between the specificity of the cellular immune response and viral control for a relevant human pathogen, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the 160 dominant CD8(+) T-cell responses in 578 untreated HIV-infected individuals from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Of the HIV proteins targeted, only Gag-specific responses were associated with lowering viremia. Env-specific and Accessory/Regulatory protein-specific responses were associated with higher viremia. Increasing breadth of Gag-specific responses was associated with decreasing viremia and increasing Env breadth with increasing viremia. Association of the specific CD8(+) T-cell response with low viremia was independent of HLA type and unrelated to epitope sequence conservation. These population-based data, suggesting the existence of both effective immune responses and responses lacking demonstrable biological impact in chronic HIV infection, are of relevance to HIV vaccine design and evaluation.


Show, no show and sterilization.
The study investigates the factors involved in the decision of a sample of women to break appointments for sterilizations at the Fertility Management Unit of the University of the West Indies. A case control study involved 50 women who did not show up (no-shows) and an equal number who did show up (shows) over the same period. The no-shows had spent a shorter time in their current union than the shows, and some had no children for their partners at the time the appointments were made. Marriage was the single most important event that would encourage the no-shows to consider sterilization in the future. As long as poor women see child bearing as a precondition for financial assistance from spouses, they will hesitate to give up this capability.


[Sentinel lymph node biopsy in cervical and endometrial cancers: a feasibility study].
The sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has been proposed for the cancers of the uterus in order to optimize the diagnosis of lymphatic metastases and micrometastases in early stage tumors. Patients with early invasive cervical (n = 8) or endometrial (n = 15) cancers were enrolled. A lymphoscintigraphy was carried out before the intervention. Intraoperative SLN identification was performed with blue dye combined to a handheld gamma probe detection. Non-sentinel pelvic nodes were separately cleared out. SLNs were examined with frozen sections, permanent sections with hematoxylin-eosin staining and further serial sections with immunohistochemistry if negative. Six cervical cancer patients and 13 endometrial cancer patients had a positive lymphoscintigraphy, showing in 5 patients extra-iliac SLN(s). The intraoperative detection was successful in 6 cervical cancer patients and 14 endometrial cancer patients. The higher detection rate was obtained with the isotopic method. Most of the SLNs were ilio-obturator. Four endometrial cancer patients had a lymphatic spread, only involving the SLN in each case. No false negative SLN has been noted. SLN biopsy appears feasible in cervical and endometrial cancers. This procedure could improve the lymphatic evaluation of these cancers.


Culturally Competent Interventions for Child Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review of the Literature and the Implications for American Samoa.
Significant stigma regarding child sexual abuse exists in American Samoa. Although cultural interventions may help prevent child sexual abuse, very little is known about such interventions. Therefore, through a scoping review process, this study aimed to gain a broad understanding of past and current culturally tailored interventions to prevent child sexual abuse. Because no studies examine interventions to prevent child sexual abuse in American Samoa specifically, the reviewed literature investigates interventions in different cultures. The literature search initially identified 180 relevant articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine studies met the eligibility criteria for review. Extracted data from these articles included the country or population, sample, study methods, children's age, intervention type, and details about the intervention. Results suggest that culturally tailored interventions for preventing child sexual abuse exist in various countries and cultural contexts. Results highlight that child sexual abuse prevention interventions are effective if translated into the native language. Findings from this study highlight the importance of using a culturally tailored approach to addressing child sexual abuse and can help guide the development of new interventions. Although more research on the prevention of child sexual abuse in American Samoa is needed, the results of this study might inform the development of culturally tailored interventions for the region.


Photodegradation of micropollutants using V-UV/UV-C processes; Triclosan as a model compound.
Non-potable reuse of treated wastewater is becoming widespread as means to address growing water scarcity. Removal of micropollutants (MPs) from such water often requires advanced oxidation processes using OH radicals. OH can be generated in-situ via water photolysis under vacuum-UV (λ<200nm) irradiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of unmasking V-UV radiation from low pressure Hg lamps (emitting at 185 and 254nm), commonly used in decentralized treatment systems, for enhancing MPs removal efficiency. Triclosan, a biocide of limited biodegradability, served as a model compound for MPs that are not very biodegradable. Its degradation kinetics and identification of intermediate products were investigated under 254nm and under combined 254/185nm irradiation both in dry thin films and in aqueous solutions. In the latter, degradation was faster under combined 254/185nm radiation, although the 185nm radiation accounted for only 4% of the total UV light intensity. In contrast, triclosan photodegradation in dry film did not show significant differences between these irradiation wavelengths, suggesting that the enhanced degradation of dissolved triclosan under combined radiation is mainly due to oxidation by OH formed via water photolysis under V-UV. This conclusion was supported by slower TCS degradation in aqueous solution when methanol was added as OH scavenger. Under both irradiation types (254, 254/185nm) three transformation products (TPs) were identified: 2,8-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 5-chloro-2-(4- or 2-chlorophenoxy)phenol, and 2-hydroxy-8-chlorodibenzodioxin. In-silico QSAR toxicity assessment predicted potential toxicity and moderate-to-low biodegradability of these TPs. Removal of these TPs was faster under 254/185nm irradiation. Considering the low cost, simple operation (i.e. no chemicals addition) and small size of such low-pressure mercury lamps, this is a promising direction. Further investigation of the process in flow-through reactors and real wastewater/greywater effluent is needed for its future implementation in small on-site systems for post-treatment of persistent pollutants.


Irradiation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells With Low and High Doses of Alpha Particles Induces Senescence and/or Apoptosis.
The use of high-linear energy transfer charged particles is gaining attention as a medical tool because of the emission of radiations with an efficient cell-killing ability. Considerable interest has developed in the use of targeted alpha-particle therapy for the treatment of micrometastases. Moreover, the use of helium beams is gaining momentum, especially for treating pediatric tumors. We analyzed the effects of alpha particles on bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which have a subpopulation of stem cells capable of generating adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. Further, these cells contribute toward maintenance of homeostasis in the body. MSCs were irradiated with low and high doses of alpha particles or X-rays and a comparative biological analysis was performed. At a low dose (40 mGy), alpha particles exhibited a limited negative effect on the biology of MSCs compared with X-rays. No significant perturbation of cell cycle was observed, and a minimal increase in apoptosis or senescence was detected. Self-renewal was preserved as revealed by the CFU assay. On the contrary, with 2000 mGy alpha particles, we observed adverse effects on the vitality, functionality, and stemness of MSCs. These results are the consequence of different proportion of cells targeted by alpha particles or X-rays and the quality of induced DNA damage. The present study suggests that radiotherapy with alpha particles may spare healthy stem cells more efficaciously than X-ray treatments, an observation that should be taken into consideration by physicians while planning irradiation of tumor areas close to stem cell niches, such as bone marrow. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2993-3002, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


The economic burden and managed care implications of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a symmetric demyelinating peripheral neuropathy with either a progressive or relapsing remitting course. CIDP is both debilitating and degenerative, leaving patients with functional impairment due to nerve damage in their extremities. Along with its medical burden, CIDP has a significant economic impact, with disease-related expenses and the often fairly high costs related to the immune therapies used to treat the disease. Costs for patients with this disorder often exceed those of other immune-mediated neuromuscular diseases. For these reasons, it is necessary for clinicians to better determine optimal long-term treatment strategies for patients with CIDP that are designed to address both the clinical and economic burden of its management and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.


Mycoplasma genitalium Nonadherent Phase Variants Arise by Multiple Mechanisms and Escape Antibody-Dependent Growth Inhibition.
Antigenic variation of the immunodominant MgpB and MgpC proteins has been suggested to be a mechanism of immune evasion of the human pathogen Mycoplasma genitalium, a cause of several reproductive tract disease syndromes. Phase variation resulting in the loss of adherence has also been documented, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this process and its role in pathogenesis are still poorly understood. In this study, we isolated and characterized 40 spontaneous, nonadherent phase variants from in vitro-passaged M. genitalium cultures. In all cases, nonadherence was associated with the loss of MgpBC protein expression, attributable to sequence changes in the mgpBC expression site. Phase variants were grouped into seven classes on the basis of the nature of the mutation. Consistent with the established role of RecA in phase variation, 31 (79.5%) variants arose via recombination with MgPa repeat regions that contain mgpBC variable sequences. The remaining mutants arose via nonsense or frameshift mutations. As expected, revertants were obtained for phase variants that were predicted to be reversible but not for those that arose via an irreversible mechanism. Furthermore, phase variants were enriched in M. genitalium cultures exposed to antibodies reacting to the extracellular, conserved C terminus of MgpB but not in cultures exposed to antibodies reacting to an intracellular domain of MgpB or the cytoplasmic HU protein. Genetic characterization of the antibody-selected phase variants confirmed that they arose via reversible and irreversible recombination and point mutations within mgpBC These phase variants resisted antibody-mediated growth inhibition, suggesting that phase variation promotes immune evasion.


Anti-HCV reactive blood donors: clinical and epidemiological factors associated with false-reactive results.
In certain clinical settings, false-reactive anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) results are rare because the majority of persons being tested have evidence of liver disease and the specificity of the screening assays is high. However, among healthy populations, such as blood donors, mainly in regions with a low prevalence of HCV infection, this situation does occur. In this study, we sought to assess clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of blood donors with false-reactive anti-HCV screening tests. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 537 anti-HCV reactive blood donors referred to a tertiary care centre for liver diseases. The mean age was 36.5+/-11.2 years and 71.8% were men. Blood donors of older age (P=0.010), history of alcohol abuse (P=0.039), past transfusion (P<0.001), intravenous drug use (P<0.001), and with antibody against core antigen of hepatitis B virus reactivity (P=0.003) were less likely to have a false-reactive anti-HCV result. By multivariate analysis, only the absence of parenteral risk factors (prior transfusion and intravenous drug use) was independently associated with false-reactive anti-HCV tests. Blood donors with reactive anti-HCV screening tests with no risk factors for parenterally acquired HCV infection are more likely to present with false-reactive results.


In situ measurement of magnesium carbonate formation from CO2 using static high-pressure and -temperature 13C NMR.
We explore a new in situ NMR spectroscopy method that possesses the ability to monitor the chemical evolution of supercritical CO(2) in relevant conditions for geological CO(2) sequestration. As a model, we use the fast reaction of the mineral brucite, Mg(OH)(2), with supercritical CO(2) (88 bar) in aqueous conditions at 80 °C. The in situ conversion of CO(2) into metastable and stable carbonates is observed throughout the reaction. After more than 58 h of reaction, the sample was depressurized and analyzed using in situ Raman spectroscopy, where the laser was focused on the undisturbed products through the glass reaction tube. Postreaction, ex situ analysis was performed on the extracted and dried products using Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and magic-angle spinning (1)H-decoupled (13)C NMR. These separate methods of analysis confirmed a spatial dependence of products, possibly caused by a gradient of reactant availability, pH, and/or a reaction mechanism that involves first forming hydroxy-hydrated (basic, hydrated) carbonates that convert to the end-product, anhydrous magnesite. This carbonation reaction illustrates the importance of static (unmixed) reaction systems at sequestration-like conditions.