Ochronotic spondylarthropathy: two case reports of progressive destructive changes in the hip.
Abstract We report two cases of ochronotic spondylarthropathy who presented with spinal involvement followed by progressive destructive changes in the hip joint, which led to total hip replacement with a satisfactory outcome. Pathological examination revealed severe deterioration of the affected hip with unique cartilage degeneration associated with active inflammation in the synovium and bone marrow. These features were also evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in one case which presented with rapidly destructive changes in the hip. Spinal involvement may contribute to progressive destructive hip arthropathy in ochronosis.


Defluorinative Multi-Functionalization of Fluoroaryl Sulfoxides Enabled by Fluorine-Assisted Temporary Dearomatization.
Owing to its unique physical properties, fluorine is often used to open up new reaction channels. In this report, we establish a cooperation of [5,5]-rearrangement and fluorine-assisted temporary dearomatization for arene multi-functionalization. Specifically, the [5,5]-rearrangement of fluoroaryl sulfoxides with β,γ-unsaturated nitriles generates an intriguing dearomatized sulfonium species which is short-lived but exhibits unusually high electrophilicity and thus can be instantly trapped by nucleophiles and dienes at a remarkably low temperature (-95 °C) to produce four types of valuable multi-functionalized benzenes, respectively, involving appealing processes of defluorination, desulfurization, and sulfur shift. Mechanistic studies indicate that the use of fluorine on arenes not only circumvents the generally inevitable [3,3]-rearrangement but also impedes the undesired rearomatization process, thus provides a precious space for constructing and elaborating the temporarily dearomatized fluorinated sulfonium species.


Antimicrobial activity of Curcuma amada extract on Streptococcus mutans-An in vitro study.
Dental caries is prevalent in spite of widespread use of mechanical and chemical plaque control methods. Streptococcus mutans is said to have a strong background in initiation of dental caries. Hence, exceptional methods are required which would be effective against dental caries. Current era is taking people back to traditional or herbal medicine, which is said to have comparatively better healing effects than synthetic drugs in the market. Determine and analyse the minimum zone of inhibition of Curcuma amada against Streptococcus mutans. An In vitro Study. The well diffusion method using blood agar plates was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of 5%, 10% and 25% concentration of C. Amada extract against Streptococcus mutans in comparison with 0.2% chlorhexidine. Results were statistically analysed using independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U test to compare mean or median zone of inhibition between two groups. Thus, the zone of inhibition (in mm) was analysed using the mean of all the readings obtained and the level of significance at <0.05 was considered statistically significant at 5% of level of significance. Maximum zone of inhibition was found to be with C. amada compared to corresponding concentration of 0.2% chlorhexidine. Thus, inhibitory effect of C. amada is significantly better than 5%, 10% and 25% chlorhexidine mouthwash. The inhibitory effect increases as the concentration increases. The antibacterial activity of C. amada against Streptococcus mutans raises the possibility of incorporating it in various dental therapeutic agents.


[Surgical treatment for 2 fused teats].
The results of reconstructive surgery in congenital fusion of teats in five cows are reported. All cows could be hand-milked post-operatively, with the exception of one heifer showing basal obstruction; all four quarters of one heifer could be machine-milked, and the other four cows could be hand-milked in three quarters. It was concluded that post-operative productivity, as either four-quarter or three-quarter cows, was sufficient to justify surgery and retention of the cows in the herd.


Increased expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in atherectomy specimens from patients with restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
The plasma concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) antigen is higher in patients with restenosis after coronary angioplasty than in those who do not restenose. In this study the MCP-1 expression of coronary atherectomy specimens was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Samples were obtained from 12 patients with restenosis and 15 with de novo lesions by directional coronary atherectomy. MCP-1 immunoreactivity was found in all patients in the restenosis group and in 8 of the de novo group. The frequency of macrophage expression was higher in the restenosis group than in de novo group. These results indicate that local expression of MCP-1 may be associated with the mechanisms of vascular remodeling after coronary angioplasty.


[Clinical analysis of movement disorders in reactive states].
Fifty-two patients with reactive states were studied for specific features of their motor disorders. The clinical follow-up data were supplemented by electromyographic examinations. The motor pathology was shown to be characterized by polymorphism and marked atypical nature. It was revealed that under conditions of considerable functional disintegration of the cerebral motor systems, the motor pathology observed was similar to that seen with organic brain diseases.


Food surface texture measurement using reflective confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used in the reflection mode to characterize the surface texture (roughness) of sliced food surfaces. Sandpapers with grit size between 150 and 600 were used as height references to standardize the CLSM hardware settings. Sandpaper particle sizes were verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mean amplitude (in micrometers) of surface variation along line segments of the scanned sandpaper topographical image sets showed very close agreement between the measured result and the grit particle size (based on the U.S. Coated Abrasive Manufactures Inst. {CAMI], standard). The verified instrument settings were then used to measure the surface texture of mechanically sliced food surfaces, including cooked ham, salami, and cheese. Sliced food surface texture parameters of Ra (average height of a line segment), Rs (surface area ratio), Pa (average height on a region of interest), and Pq (root-mean-square height on a region of interest) were evaluated by this method. Values of the surface roughness of sliced ham, salami, and cheese were found to be comparable to the range of dimensions of selected sandpapers. The CLSM method may be useful for other surface texture measurements, and to investigate the impact of food surface texture on microbial adhesion or attachment, which might play a significant role in microbial transfer from one surface to another.


Exploring Rural-Urban Differences in Polygenic Associations for Health among Older Adults in the United States.
This paper contributes to research on health disparities among rural and urban residents by considering differences in the magnitude of genetic associations for physical health, mental health, and health behaviors across the two settings. Previous research has shown reduced genetic associations in rural compared to urban settings but none have utilized current genome-wide polygenic scores and none have focused on older adults. Using a sample of 14,994 adults from the 1992 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study our results suggest genetic associations for BMI (p<.018) and heart conditions (p < .023) are significantly reduced in rural compared to urban settings and we find weak evidence in support of this association for depression (p. < .065) and no evidence for smoking (p < 461). In sum, the weaker genetic associations in rural areas highlights the centrality of the social, economic, and built environment as a determinant of disparities.


Patient satisfaction with laser-sintered removable partial dentures: A crossover pilot clinical trial.
Clinical data regarding newly introduced laser-sintered removable partial dentures (RPDs) are needed before this technique can be recommended. Currently, only a few clinical reports have been published, with no clinical studies. This clinical trial compared short-term satisfaction in patients wearing RPDs fabricated with conventional or computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) laser-sintering technology. Twelve participants with partial edentulism were enrolled in this pilot crossover double-blinded clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to wear cast or CAD-CAM laser-sintered RPDs for alternate periods of 30 days. The outcome of interest was patient satisfaction as measured using the McGill Denture Satisfaction Instrument. Assessments was conducted at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. The participant's preference in regard to the type of prosthesis was assessed at the final evaluation. The linear mixed effects regression models for repeated measures were used to analyze the data, using the intention-to-treat principle. To assess the robustness of potential, incomplete adherence, sensitivity analyses were conducted. Statistically significant differences were found in patients' satisfaction between the 2 methods of RPD fabrication. Participants were significantly more satisfied with laser-sintered prostheses than cast prostheses in regard to general satisfaction, ability to speak, ability to clean, comfort, ability to masticate, masticatory efficiency, and oral condition (P<.05). At the end of the study, 5 participants preferred the laser-sintered, 1 preferred the cast RPD, and 3 had no preference. The use of CAD-CAM laser-sintering technology in the fabrication of removable partial dentures may lead to better outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction in the short term. The conclusion from this pilot study requires confirmation by a larger randomized controlled trial. ClinicalTrials.gov. A study about patient satisfaction with laser-sintered removable partial dentures; NCT02769715.


Correlation between elevated platelet count and immunoglobulin levels in the early convalescent stage of Kawasaki disease.
Kawasaki disease (KD) may be an acute systemic immune-mediated disease which occurs after infection of unknown KD pathogen(s). The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in platelet count and immunoglobulin (Ig) levels (IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE) during hospitalization.Forty-three patients with complete KD who received intravenous Ig at 2 g/kg were enrolled in South Korea. The platelet count and Ig levels of the patients were examined twice at presentation and around discharge (mean 6.2 ± 2.4 days apart) and the relationships between platelet level and Ig levels were evaluated.The mean patient age was 31 ± 18 months; 28 patients were male and 15 were female. The values of all parameters measured, with the exception of IgE, were significantly increased at the second examination compared with their values at presentation. These values gradually increased over time after fever onset, over periods ranging from 2 to 16 days. The extent by which platelet levels increased over these 2 time points was correlated with the extents by which IgG (P < .01), IgM (P < .01), and IgA levels (P = .01) increased.Both the platelet count and the Ig (IgG, IgM, and IgA) levels increased with a correlation each other during the early convalescent stage of KD. This finding suggests that all Ig subtypes except IgE and platelets may be involved in the recovery from KD and that the extent of increased parameters may reflect the degree of systemic inflammation in acute KD.


Fresh policies and procedures, transparency fuel ED turnaround.
The ED at Banner Payson Medical Center in Payson, AZ, has charted dramatic improvements on key metrics through a range of staff and policy changes. In just a few months, the ED has halved wait times, patient satisfaction has improved, and daily volume is up. Administrators say the secret to the success of the effort is a move to be transparent by posting key metrics regarding patient flow, a tactic that has helped the team pull together and feel a sense of accomplishment when performance goals are achieved. Administrators adjusted staff schedules to better match patient volume patterns in the ED, and they added staff to help nurses during peak hours. A new provider group enlisted the assistance of scribes during peak hours to manage the documentation workload while also enabling physicians to focus more patient interaction. Physicians hold end-of-shift huddles to review successes and challenges, and to improve physician/nurse communication. The tactic also helps develop the staff from an educational standpoint.


Germinated, toasted and cooked chickpea as ingredients for breadmaking.
The effect of processing (germination, toasting and cooking) of chickpea beans was investigated on the resulting flours characteristics and their potential for obtaining gluten free breads. Rheological properties of dough were recorded using Mixolab(®) and breads were analyzed for their instrumental quality, nutritional and sensory properties. Chickpea based doughs showed low consistency and their rheological behavior was defined by the starch gelatinization and gelification. The bread made with cooked chickpea flour exhibited the lowest specific volume (0.58 mL/g), brightest crumb (L* = 76.20) and the softest texture, but cooking decreased the content of carbohydrates, ash and protein, although increased the protein digestibility. The highest specific volume was obtained in bread made with toasted chickpea flour, although crumb hardness was higher. Overall, processing of chickpea beans, concretely toasting and cooking led to flours that could be used for obtaining gluten free breads with the nutritional characteristics of the legumes and acceptable sensory characteristics.


In vivo imaging-guided microsurgery based on femtosecond laser produced new fluorescent compounds in biological tissues.
Femtosecond laser microsurgery has become an advanced method for clinical procedures and biological research. The tissue treated by femtosecond laser can become highly fluorescent, indicating the formation of new fluorescent compounds that can naturally label the treated tissue site. We systematically characterized the fluorescence signals produced by femtosecond laser ablation in biological tissues in vivo. Our findings showed that they possess unique fluorescence properties and can be clearly differentiated from endogenous signals and major fluorescent proteins. We further demonstrated that the new fluorescent compounds can be used as in vivo labelling agent for biological imaging and guided laser microsurgery.


The intranasal adjuvant Endocine™ enhances both systemic and mucosal immune responses in aged mice immunized with influenza antigen.
Despite availability of annual influenza vaccines, influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly. This is at least in part a result of immunosenescence; the age-dependent decrease in immunological competence that results in greater susceptibility to infections and reduced responses to vaccination. To improve protective immune responses in this age group, new vaccines strategies, such as the use of adjuvants, are needed. Here, we evaluated the mucosal vaccine adjuvant Endocine™, formulated with split influenza antigen and administered intranasally in aged (20-month old) mice. Humoral immune responses were assessed and compared to unadjuvanted intranasal and subcutaneous vaccines. We show that formulation with Endocine™ significantly enhances hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers, as well as serum IgG and mucosal IgA antibody titers, compared to both types of unadjuvanted vaccines. Thus, our results indicate that intranasal vaccination with Endocine™ is a possible approach for the development of mucosal influenza vaccines for the elderly.


Testicular toxicity of candidate fuel additive 1,6-dimethoxyhexane: comparison with several similar aliphatic ethers.
Previous studies of the toxicity of candidate fuel additives identified severe testicular toxicity in animals exposed to 1,6-dimethoxyhexane (DMH). A series of studies were conducted to characterize the effects of DMH on spermatogenesis and to compare the effects of DMH with responses to structural similar aliphatic ethers. In the first study, sexually mature male rats were administered a single dose (600 mg/kg) of DMH, and subsets of animals were sampled at intervals post exposure (PE). Both testis and thymus weight declined steadily after DMH exposure, both being significantly lower than control by 7 days PE. Treatment with DMH led, at 24 to 48 h PE, to an increase in dying primary spermatocytes in seminiferous tubule stages I-IV and stages XII-XIV, but not intervening stages. The affected cohort of germ cells was seen progressing through the developmental sequence of spermatogenesis as numbers of dying cells returned to control levels by 7 days PE, coincident with a significant decline in the proportion of round spermatids among germ cells as determined by flow cytometry. Resolution of round spermatids to control levels by day 21 PE coincided with a reduction in condensed spermatids (homogenization-resistant spermatid nuclei) and was followed at 28 days PE by a significant reduction in cauda epididymal sperm counts. Further studies of repeated exposures to DMH (200 mg.kg(-1).day(-1), 5 days per week for 4 weeks) confirmed the significant testis toxicity of this material. In contrast, similar treatment with any of a variety of structurally similar aliphatic ethers had little or no impact on testis function. Methoxyacetic acid, previously shown to cause rapid death of some meiotic germ cell stages, was found at high concentrations in the urine of DMH-treated rats but not in rats treated with other ethers, suggesting that DMH exerts its testis toxicity via metabolism to this substance. These results demonstrate that DMH selectively deletes germ cells from the testis At the very early or very late pachytene, diplotene, or M-phase spermatocyte stages, possibly through conversion to MAA.


Effects of the anti-angiogenic carbohydrate-peptide conjugate, chitooligosaccharide-ES2 on endothelial cells and tumor-bearing mice.
Most solid tumors require neovascularization during their growth. In our previous study, ES2 (IVRRADRAAVP) was covalently conjugated to soluble chitooligosaccharide chloride (HTCOSC) to form one novel HTCOSC-ES2 conjugate, which displayed better anti-angiogenic activity. In this work, the intracellular distribution and endocytosis of the conjugate in endothelial cells, as well effects on endothelial cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated. In addition, pharmacokinetic and antitumor studies were conducted. HTCOSC-ES2 entered the cell via clathrin and lipid valve pathway and was transported to the nucleus via lysosomal transport mechanism. Unlike ES2, HTCOSC-ES2 effectively inhibited the growth of endothelial cells and promoted apoptosis; thus, it could inhibit tumor angiogenesis, resulting in strong anti-tumor activity in vivo. The half-life of HTCOSC-ES2 was also prolonged, and its clearance was delayed. Immunohistochemistry assays showed that HTCOSC-ES2 obviously reduced the microvessel density, decreased the expression of VEGF, and increased the expression of caspase-3.


Assessing protein structures with a non-local atomic interaction energy.
We describe a new approach, based on the energy of non-local interactions, to assess protein structures. The method uses a very sensitive and accurate atomic mean force potential (AMFP) to calculate the non-local energy profile (NL-profile) of a proteins structure. Several protein models, built using the comparative modeling technique and containing several errors, were evaluated. These models exhibit a good stereochemistry and have been previously checked with different, widely used, methods that failed to detect the errors. The AMFP-derived energy profiles are able to correlate high scores with point errors and misalignments in the models. The point errors are frequently found in loops or regions of structural differences between the template and the target protein. The misalignments are clearly detected with very high scores. The performance of the method was also tested for the assessment of X-ray solved protein structures. In a data set of 143 well solved and non-redundant protein structures, we find that the average energy Z-scores, obtained from AMFP, increase as the resolution decreases. In the case of structures that have already been described as having an unusual stereochemistry, very high Z-scores are obtained. Moreover, energy calculations for some pairs of obsolete and replacement proteins always show higher Z-scores for the obsolete proteins. Finally, two particular cases show the usefulness of the profiles in the assessment of X-ray solved protein structures. First, the NL-profile of a protein structure refined in the incorrect space group has very high scores in several regions. One region has already been described to be out-of-register with the density map of the structure. The NL-profile of the re-refined structure with the correct space group is vastly improved. In the second case, the method is able to accurately point out disordered residues, even if the atoms of these residues do not violate the sum of the van der Waals radii. ANOLEA, the program used to calculate the NL-profile of a protein structure containing one or more chains is accessible through the World Wide Web at: http://www.fundp.ac.be/pub/ANOLEA.html.


CaMKII autonomy is substrate-dependent and further stimulated by Ca2+/calmodulin.
A hallmark feature of Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulation is the generation of Ca(2+)-independent autonomous activity by Thr-286 autophosphorylation. CaMKII autonomy has been regarded a form of molecular memory and is indeed important in neuronal plasticity and learning/memory. Thr-286-phosphorylated CaMKII is thought to be essentially fully active ( approximately 70-100%), implicating that it is no longer regulated and that its dramatically increased Ca(2+)/CaM affinity is of minor functional importance. However, this study shows that autonomy greater than 15-25% was the exception, not the rule, and required a special mechanism (T-site binding; by the T-substrates AC2 or NR2B). Autonomous activity toward regular R-substrates (including tyrosine hydroxylase and GluR1) was significantly further stimulated by Ca(2+)/CaM, both in vitro and within cells. Altered K(m) and V(max) made autonomy also substrate- (and ATP) concentration-dependent, but only over a narrow range, with remarkable stability at physiological concentrations. Such regulation still allows molecular memory of previous Ca(2+) signals, but prevents complete uncoupling from subsequent cellular stimulation.


A clinically euthyroid child with a large goiter due to a thyroglobulin gene defect: clinical features and genetic studies.
A 10-year old child born to consanguineous parents presented with an extremely large goiter, a low free T4 level and free T4 index, and normal TSH concentration. The findings of undetectable thyroglobulin (TG) and low free T4, and an elevated free T3/free T4 ratio suggested the possibility of a defect in TG synthesis. Noteworthy aspects of this case were the extremely elevated thyroidal radioiodide uptake despite a normal TSH concentration and the fact that the reduction in the size of her goiter only occurred when her TSH was suppressed below the normal range. Gene sequencing revealed that the patient was homozygous for a donor splice site mutation in intron 30 (IVS30+1G>C). Isolation of RNA obtained from the thyroid gland by fine needle aspiration and sequencing of the TG cDNA confirmed the prediction that exon 30 was skipped, resulting in an in-frame loss of 46 amino acids.


Drains and seromas in TRAM flap breast reconstruction.
Surgeons who perform transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps have differing opinions about how many drains are required in the breast and abdomen to prevent seroma. The authors therefore decided to review their experience to determine whether the number of drains influenced the incidence of seroma. All patients who underwent breast reconstruction using TRAM or deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from January 1, 1995 to June 20, 2000 and whose charts could be retrieved were included in the study. The number of drains used was correlated with the presence or absence of seroma and wound infection in both the abdomen and the breast. Significance was analyzed using the Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. There were 608 patients and 768 reconstructive procedures in this series (160 reconstructions were bilateral). Of patients who had only one drain in the abdomen, seroma developed in 9 patients (7.1%), whereas of those having two drains in the abdomen, seroma developed in only 10 patients (2.1%) (p = 0.006). Also, of patients who had only one drain in the breast, seroma developed in the breast in 47 patients (9.1%), and in those with two drains, seroma developed in only 11 patients (4.3%) (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in the infection rate in either the breast or the abdomen, although the trends favored a lower infection risk when two drains were used. The authors found that using two drains in both the abdomen and the breast can reduce the risk for seroma without increasing the risk for infection. This study supports the use of two drains in both the breast (one each beneath the TRAM flap and in the axilla) and abdomen (beneath the abdominoplasty flap) for patients undergoing breast reconstruction using the TRAM flap.


The future of care: Part 3: An executive discussion.
The next decade will bring clinical and technological advances that will transform health care. Personalized medicine and genomics, the aging population, reform and other trends will impact how hospitals and their leaders operate. We convened a panel of health care executives to discuss the future of care and the implications for hospitals.


Polymorphisms in angiotensin-converting enzyme and glutathione s-transferase genes in Turkish population and risk for preeclampsia.
This study was conducted to investigate whether insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 and T1 genes are associated with increased risk for preeclampsia. Sixty-three patients with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and 85 controls were evaluated in a prospective case-control study. All subjects were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Allele frequencies of ACE gene I/D polymorphism were found significantly different between preeclampsia and the control groups (p = 0.001). Differences in genotype frequencies of ACE gene I/D polymorphism between the two groups were statistically significant (p = 0.004). Individuals homozygous for D allele were more likely to develop preeclampsia (OR = 2.29; 95% CI, 1.39-3.79), whereas heterozygous individuals were not at increased risk (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.56-1.49), compared to individuals homozygous for I allele. The differences in frequencies of functional and null alleles of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes between the two groups were not significant (p = 0.46 and p = 0.44, respectively). ACE gene DD genotype was found to be associated with increased risk of preeclampsia development, whereas the authors did not find any significant relationship with polymorphisms of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and preeclampsia.


Propagation of shock waves in elastic solids caused by cavitation microjet impact. I: Theoretical formulation.
To understand the physical process of the impingement of cavitation microjet and the resultant shock wave propagation in an elastic solid, a theoretical model using geometrical acoustics was developed. Shock waves induced in both the jet head (water) and the solid were analyzed during a tri-supersonic impact configuration when the contact edge between the jet head and the elastic boundary expands faster than the longitudinal wave speed in the solid. Impact pressure at the boundary was solved using continuity conditions along the boundary normal. Reflection and refraction of shock waves from a solid-water interface were also included in the model. With this model, the impact pressure at the solid boundary and the stress, strain as well as velocity discontinuities at the propagating shock fronts were calculated. A comparison with results from previous studies shows that this model provides a more complete and general solution for the jet impact problem.


[Mechanical plasmapheresis by means of the Haemonetics-ultralite- plasma collection system: 2. Generation of platelet-rich plasma].
70 plateletpheresis were performed in a clinical study to evaluate the quality of platelet-rich-plasma prepared by the new developed Haemonetics-Ultralite-Plasmacollection system. The procedure took in average 54 minutes, resulting in a platelet content of 1.6 X 10(11) platelets. Platelets function (hypotonic stress response, ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation) was well maintained. The after differential centrifugation prepared platelet concentrate may be stored in the collection bag for 1 day at room temperature with acceptable functional recovery.


Drosophila Adducin facilitates phase separation and function of a conserved spindle orientation complex.
Asymmetric cell division (ACD) allows stem cells to generate differentiating progeny while simultaneously maintaining their own pluripotent state. ACD involves coupling mitotic spindle orientation with cortical polarity cues to direct unequal segregation of cell fate determinants. In Drosophila neural stem cells (neuroblasts; NBs), spindles orient along an apical-basal polarity axis through a conserved complex of Partner of Inscuteable (Pins; human LGN) and Mushroom body defect (Mud; human NuMA). While many details of its function are well known, the molecular mechanics that drive assembly of the cortical Pins/Mud complex remain unclear, particularly with respect to the mutually exclusive Pins complex formed with the apical scaffold protein Inscuteable (Insc). Here we identify Hu li tai shao (Hts; human Adducin) as a direct Mud-binding protein, using an aldolase fold within its head domain (HtsHEAD) to bind a short Mud coiled-coil domain (MudCC) that is adjacent to the Pins-binding domain (MudPBD). Hts is expressed throughout the larval central brain and apically polarizes in mitotic NBs where it is required for Mud-dependent spindle orientation. In vitro analyses reveal that Pins undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation with Mud, but not with Insc, suggesting a potential molecular basis for differential assembly mechanics between these two competing apical protein complexes. Furthermore, we find that Hts binds an intact Pins/Mud complex, reduces the concentration threshold for its phase separation, and alters the liquid-like property of the resulting phase separated droplets. Domain mapping and mutational analyses implicate critical roles for both multivalent interactions (via MudCC oligomerization) and protein disorder (via an intrinsically disordered region in Hts; HtsIDR) in phase separation of the Hts/Mud/Pins complex. Our study identifies a new component of the spindle positioning machinery in NBs and suggests that phase separation of specific protein complexes might regulate ordered assembly within the apical domain to ensure proper signaling output.


Differing accessibility in chromatin of the antigenic sites of regions 1-58 and 63-125 of histone H2B.
Experiments with antibodies induced by separated fragments 1-58 and 63-125 of H2B histone indicated that the 1-58 portion of the molecule is much more accessible in chromatin than is the 63-125 region. In immunoabsorption and immunoelectron microscopic assays with bovine and chicken chromatins, anti-1-58 antibodies reacted with sheared or unsheared chromatin both at low ionic strength (1 mM Tris-HCl) and in 0.14 M NaCl. Anti-63-125 antibodies were bound only weakly by chromatin at low ionic strength and not at all in 0.14 M NaCl. Antibodies to whole H2B showed intermediate reactivity with chromatin in both assays. In tests of immunofluorescence with unfixed calf liver nuclei in suspension, anti-1-58 caused nucleolar as well as nucleoplasmic fluorescence, whereas anti-63-125 did not lead to detectable fluorescence; anti-H2B showed intermediate staining intensity. In control experiments, anti-H1 antibody was bound by chromatin at low ionic strength but not in 0.14 M NaCl; anti-H3 antibody was bound poorly under either condition.


Synthesis of Neocannabinoids Using Controlled Friedel-Crafts Reactions.
A one-step transformation to produce 8,9-dihydrocannabidiol (H2CBD) and related "neocannabinoids" via controlled Friedel-Crafts reactions is reported. Experimental and computational studies probing the mechanism of neocannabinoid synthesis from cyclic allylic alcohol and substituted resorcinol reaction partners provide understanding of the kinetic and thermodynamic factors driving regioselectivity for the reaction. Herein, we present the reaction scope for neocannabinoid synthesis including the production of both normal and abnormal isomers under both kinetic and thermodynamic control. Discovery and optimization of this one-step protocol between various allylic alcohols and resorcinol derivatives are discussed and supported with density functional theory calculations.


Purification of TSH receptor from porcine thyroid membrane and effect of various protease inhibitors on receptor stability.
Purification of porcine thyroid TSH receptors was attempted by using Lubrol, TSH-Sepharose, gel filtration and the immunoabsorption by anti-thyroglobulin (Tg) antibody-Sepharose. The effects of microbial protease inhibitors on the degradation of TSH receptors were also evaluated. Porcine thyroid membrane was solubilized with 1% Lubrol-PX and TSH receptors were purified by TSH affinity chromatography, followed by gel filtration on TSKgel-G3000SW. A partial purification was achieved; a 692-fold purification and 49.3% recovery of high affinity binding site and a 409-fold purification and 29.1% recovery of low affinity binding site, respectively. Rechromatography on G3000SW gel and immunoabsorption by anti-Tg antibody-Sepharose resulted in further reduction of contaminants. Among 10 protease inhibitors studied, a low concentration of chymostatin was the only one that showed a significant protective effect on the degradation of the receptors (p less than 0.05).


Giant non Hodgkin lymphoma of Scarpa's triangle: a case report.
A 72-year-old lady was admitted to hospital with a large, bleeding mass on the right groin and an 8-month history of deep vein thrombosis of the left leg with pulmonary microembolisation treated medically. On clinical examination there was a solid, necrotising and bleeding right inguinal mass which extended 20 cm below the right inguinal ligament. A tissue biopsy, performed under local anaesthesia, revealed the presence of a non Hodgkin lymphoma with giant B-cells of follicular origin. An angio-CT scan of the pelvis and of the leg showed the compression of the 30 cm diameter tumour on the surrounding tissues. The mass appeared to be extra-compartmental and to have a non-homogeneous aspect with internal areas of necrosis and colliquation. Particular attention was devoted to the femoral vessels which were apparently not involved in the tumour mass. The patient was then operated on by a team of vascular and plastic-reconstructive surgeons. She underwent an operation consisting in an inguinal mass excision and skeletisation of the femoral vessels and nerve. The wound was then closed using both an abdominal and lateral flap from the hip. Postoperatively the patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged from hospital on postoperative day 11. Follow-up at 3 months showed good healing of the wound and no signs of metastatic spread of the tumour.


Temperature dependence of the inward rectifier K+ channel gating in guinea-pig ventricular cells.
Whole-cell and single-channel currents of the inward rectifier K+ channels from guinea-pig ventricular myocytes were recorded over the range between 5 and 37 degrees C. The conductance for inward currents was decreased by lowering the temperature with a Q10 of 1.28 (whole cell), or 1.41 (single channel) between 20 and 30 degrees C. The open probability of the channel at -100 mV remained high (> 0.9). The distribution of open times was single exponential at all temperatures, confirming a single open state. The entropy change (delta S) for the closing rate of the channel obtained from open-time distribution was -14.0 e.u. (cal/mol/K), and enthalpy change (delta H) was 11.9 kcal/mol. The configuration of closed-time distribution varied markedly by altering the temperature, and three exponentials were necessary to fit the histogram. The slowest component showed higher temperature dependency (delta S = 13.6 e.u. and delta H = 19.0 kcal/mol) than the other two faster components. By assuming a reduced model of C-O at 37 degrees C, the difference in Gibb's free energy (GOC) between the open and closed states was approximately 2 kcal/mol, and the height of the energy barrier for the C-O transition was estimated to be approximately 15 kcal/mol.


Malignant effusions are sources of fibronectin and other promigratory and proinvasive components.
Metastatic dissemination is the primary cause of death in ovarian cancer (OvCa) patients, and dissemination to pleural and peritoneal effusions is a common clinical event. Effusion samples were collected from 15 OvCa patients. Twenty-six samples were collected prospectively, two were archival, and eight were taken from patients with other malignancies. Twenty-nine samples were from malignant ascites, and seven specimens were pleural fluids. In addition, six ascites and two pleural fluids from noncancer patients were studied as effusion controls. Effusion supernatants were tested for migration-stimulation activity, using A2058 human melanoma cells as the index responder cell. Malignant samples induced a 400-1200% increase in migration. Sixty percent of the migration was inhibited by incubation of the malignant fluid with antifibronectin (FN) antibody, in contrast to 75% inhibition of control fluid-stimulated migration (P = 0.017). Gelatin zymography and Western blot analyses showed that latent and activated MMP-2 and MMP-9 collagenases, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) were present in all malignant fluids. Serial samples were taken from several patients, and a trend for correlation between MMPs and clinical behavior of the tumors was shown. Free TIMP-2 correlated with CA-125 levels in two patients for whom serial samples were available. The demonstration of promigratory and proinvasive activity in malignant effusions is consistent with their association with other metastatic disease in OvCa patients and their function as a haven for metastatic cells.


CheY acetylation is required for ordinary adaptation time in Escherichia coli chemotaxis.
Recent studies demonstrated the dependence of speed adaptation in Escherichia coli on acetylation of the chemotaxis signaling molecule CheY. Here, we examined whether CheY acetylation is involved in chemotactic adaptation. A mutant lacking the acetylating enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase (Acs) requires more time to adapt to attractant stimulation, and vice versa to repellent stimulation. This effect is avoided by conditions that favor production of acetyl-CoA, thus enabling Acs-independent CheY autoacetylation, or reversed by expressing Acs from a plasmid. These findings suggest that CheY should be acetylated for ordinary adaptation time, and that the function of this acetylation in adaptation is to enable the motor to shift its rotation to clockwise. We further identify the enzyme phosphotransacetylase as a third deacetylase of CheY in E. coli.


Pre- and postnatal blood vessel development of the human spinal cord: association with myelination.
The material comprised spinal cord segments C8 or Th1 of 5 human fetuses aged from 18 up to 34 weeks and 6 infants aged from one day to 3 years. On formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections, peroxidase-antiperoxidase Sternberger's et al. (1970) method for visualization of blood vessels endothelium (lectin Ulex europeus and Factor VIII) and myelin basic protein (MBP) was used. A distinct F VIII immunoreactivity of vessels endothelium was recorded since a 1 day old newborn. Lectin immunoreactivity suggested the increased vascularization of the undergoing myelination spinal cord tracts. In the postnatal period, which was characterized morphologically by the nearly completed myelination, the spinal white matter appeared poorly vascularized. A temporary increase of spinal cord tract vascularization during myelination is probably caused by local secretion of angiogenic factors. It is possible that their source might be young developing myelin.


Rubella maculopathy.
Three patients with known history of congenital rubella and sudden decrease of vision are presented. Two of the 3 patients had previous eye examinations which showed typical rubella (salt and pepper) retinopathy. All 3 showed macular lesions associated with presumed subretinal neovascularisation.


The use of Macitentan in Fontan circulation: a case report.
The Fontan circulation, a result of a palliative procedure in patients with single systemic ventricles, is defined by chronically elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. When traditional heart failure therapies fail, pharmacological agents that reduce pulmonary artery pressures may be used. These include endothelial-receptor antagonists, prostanoids and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. We report the first use of macitentan, an endothelin-receptor antagonist, in a patient with a Fontan circulation. We describe the case of a 50 year old female with tricuspid atresia and transposition of the great arteries. Following complex surgery as a child, she subsequently underwent a fenestrated modified atrial pulmonary Fontan operation which was later converted to a total cavopulmonary anastomosis Fontan circulation. Due to failure of various medications to relieve her worsening symptoms, she was commenced on macitentan in April 2016. Few months later, she demonstrated a significant symptomatic improvement and associated increase in her incremental shuttle walking test distance. Macitentan has slower receptor dissociation kinetics compared to other endothelin-receptor antagonists, leading to enhanced pharmacological activity with promising effects in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The patient we report has shown considerable improvement in exercise capacity following introduction of this medication and thus we suggest further randomised trials to establish the role of different endothelin-receptor antagonists in the management of the Fontan circulation.


Serum CHI3L1 as a Biomarker for Non-invasive Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis.
Liver fibrosis is the early pathological manifestation of various chronic liver diseases (including schistosomiasis, alcoholic, viral, nonalcoholic, fatty liver, etc.), which can progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Out of the 7.7 billion world population, approximately 2 billion individuals have evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; of these, 350 to 400 million suffer from chronic HBV infection, accounting for about 5% of the global population. The global prevalence of hepatitis C is 3%. These figures indicate that liver fibrosis is quite common. 98 patients with liver fibrosis were included in this study. The serum chitinase-3 Like Protein-1 (CHI3L1) level was measured by the double antibody Sandwich ELISA method. Serum levels of CHI3L1 were significantly different between no-fibrosis and fibrosis groups (P < 0.01). There was a strong correlation between the levels of CHI3L1, elastometry, hyaluronan, CIV (P < 0.01) and age and sex, TBIL, DBIL, ALB, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, PLT, LN, PIINP, FIB-4, and APRI (P < 0.05). The expression of CHI3L1 was different from fibrosis grades S1, S3, and S4 (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). The expression of CHI3L1 was significantly different between F1 and F4 (P < 0.05). Serum CHI3L1 expression level can be a valuable metric for diagnosing liver fibrosis, with an AUC value of 0.812. Out of the 98 patients who had undergone liver puncture, 79 patients (30.38%) had ALT ≤ 2ULN. The expression level of serum CHI3L1 was significantly higher in patients with liver fibrosis than that in patients without liver fibrosis. The expression levels of serum CHI3L1 were different in different grades of liver fibrosis and increased with the severity of liver fibrosis. Serum CHI3L1 can distinguish early stage (S1) of liver fibrosis from late stage (S3-4) of liver fibrosis. Serum CHI3L1 combined with HA is even more effective in the diagnosis of S2-4 hepatic fibrosis. The diagnostic efficacy of serum CHI3L1 in patients with ALT ≤ 2ULN was better than that of the other non-invasive diagnostic models.


Glaucoma prevalence in the Nordic countries. Estimates based on glaucoma drug consumption.
Glaucoma prevalences in the 5 Nordic countries are estimated on basis of a) wholesale of glaucoma medicaments (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) and b) registered glaucoma patients receiving free medication (Finland). Prevalences are compared nationally and internationally. The estimated glaucoma prevalence is highest in Norway (2.19% related to the population greater than 40 years), lowest in Denmark (0.76% in the same age group). The prevalence in Iceland, Finland, and Sweden are 2.0, 1.94, and 1.55%, respectively. We suggest that the relatively large differences in glaucoma prevalence between the countries may be explained by geographical differences in occurrence of capsular glaucoma. The sources of error concerning prevalence estimates based on glaucoma drug consumption are discussed. Pre-supposing a balance numerically between undetected glaucoma cases and patients receiving glaucoma medication without really having glaucoma, the glaucoma drug sales statistics may be taken as fair indicators of glaucoma prevalence.


Two faces of competition: target-mediated reverse signalling in microRNA and mitogen-activated protein kinase regulatory networks.
Biomolecular regulatory networks are organised around hubs, which can interact with a large number of targets. These targets compete with each other for access to their common hubs, but whether the effect of this competition would be significant in magnitude and in function is not clear. In this review, the authors discuss recent in vivo studies that analysed the system level retroactive effects induced by target competition in microRNA and mitogen-activated protein kinase regulatory networks. The results of these studies suggest that downstream targets can regulate the overall state of their upstream regulators, and thus cannot be ignored in analysing biomolecular networks.


[Prevention of cerebral ictus, of carotid origin].
The current incidence of stroke in Europe and the USA is about 200 per 100,000 population per annum. Eighty percent of strokes are ischaemic and 20% are due to hemorrhage. Approximately half the patients with ischaemic strike have carotid artery stenosis and about one third (10% all stroke victims) have had no warning symptoms such as transient ischaemi attacks. The European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) and North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) have effectively shown that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can prevent strokes in symptomatic patients. The benefit of operation is, at present, confined to those with at least 70% stenosis; for 30-69%, the trials have not yet reported a result. In asymptomatic patients the Veterans Administration Study and the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS) have yielded promising results that surgery may reduce the risk of TIA and minor stroke. There is as yet no convincing evidence in asymptomatic patients that moderate or severe stroke (or death) can be prevented by CEA. The aim of this trial is to determine whether CEA and appropriate best medical treatment (BMT) can improve stroke free survival time when compared with BMT alone.


An integrated analysis of dysregulated SCD1 in human cancers and functional verification of miR-181a-5p/SCD1 axis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), one of the most lethal cancers, has become a global health issue. Stearoyl-coA desaturase 1 (SCD1) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in human cancers. However, pan-cancer analysis has revealed little evidence to date. In the current study, we systematically inspected the expression patterns and potential clinical outcomes of SCD1 in multiple human cancers. SCD1 was dysregulated in several types of cancers, and its aberrant expression acted as a diagnostic biomarker, indicating that SCD1 may play a role in tumorigenesis. We used ESCC as an example to demonstrate that SCD1 was dramatically upregulated in tumor tissues of ESCC and was associated with clinicopathological characteristics in ESCC patients. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high SCD1 expression was correlated with poor progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in ESCC patients. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and module analysis by PINA database and Gephi were performed to identify the hub targets. Meanwhile, the functional annotation analysis of these hubs was constructed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Functionally, the gain-of-function of SCD1 in ESCC cells promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; in contrast, loss-of-function of SCD1 in ESCC cells had opposite effects. Bioinformatic, QPCR, Western blotting and luciferase assays indicated that SCD1 was a direct target of miR-181a-5p in ESCC cells. In addition, gain-of-function of miR-181a-5p in ESCC cells reduced the cell growth, migratory, and invasive abilities. Conversely, inhibition of miR-181a-5p expression by its inhibitor in ESCC cells had opposite biological effects. Importantly, reinforced SCD1 in miR-181a-5p mimic ESCC transfectants reversed miR-181a-5p mimic-prevented malignant phenotypes of ESCC cells. Taken together, these results indicate that SCD1 expression influences tumor progression in a variety of cancers, and the miR-181a-5p/SCD1 axis may be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC treatment.


The role of histamine in changes which occur in the gastric mucosal barrier with bile damage.
H1 and H2 histamine receptor antagonists were used in dogs with Heidenhain pouches during experiments in which the mucosa was damaged with sodium taurocholate. In these experiments when both antagonists were used together the usual increase in hydrogen and sodium ion flux across the mucosa was not observed, but the usual fall in transmucosal potential difference occurred. The results suggest that mucosal histamine probably mediates the changes in ionic flux across gastric mucosa which follow exposure to bile. Attempts to establish the source of this histamine were made in both rats and dogs using compound 48/80 over a period to degranulate the mast cells. Treatment with this compound did not affect the change in ionic fluxes which followed exposure to bile acid, suggesting that the source of histamine mediating changes in ionic flux is probably from tissue sites other than mast cells.


Human serum paraoxonase-1 (hPON1): in vitro inhibition effects of moxifloxacin hydrochloride, levofloxacin hemihidrate, cefepime hydrochloride, cefotaxime sodium and ceftizoxime sodium.
In this study, we investigated the effects of antibacterial drugs (moxifloxacin hydrochloride, levofloxacin hemihidrate, cefepime hydrochloride, cefotaxime sodium and ceftizoxime sodium) on human serum paraoxonase-1 (hPON1) enzyme activity from human serum in vitro conditions. For this purpose, hPON1 enzyme was purified from human serum using simple chromatographic methods. The antibacterial drugs exhibited inhibitory effects on hPON1 at low concentrations. Ki constants were calculated to be 2.641 ± 0.040 mM, 5.525 ± 0.817 mM, 35.092 ± 1.093 mM, 252.762 ± 5.749 mM and 499.244 ± 10.149 mM, respectively. The inhibition mechanism of moxifloxacin hydrochloride was competitive, whereas levofloxacin hemihidrate, cefepime hydrochloride, cefotaxime sodium and ceftizoxime sodium were noncompetitive inhibitors.


Lithographically Patterned Functional Polymer-Graphene Hybrids for Nanoscale Electronics.
Two-dimensional (2D) materials are believed to hold significant promise in nanoscale optoelectronics. While significant progress has been made in this field over the past decade, the ability to control charge carrier density with high spatial precision remains an outstanding challenge in 2D devices. We present an approach that simultaneously addresses the dual issues of charge-carrier doping and spatial precision based on a functional lithographic resist that employs methacrylate polymers containing zwitterionic sulfobetaine pendent groups for noncovalent surface doping of 2D materials. We demonstrate scalable approaches for patterning these polymer films via electron-beam lithography, achieving precise spatial control over carrier doping for fabrication of high-quality, all-2D, lateral p-n junctions in graphene. Our approach preserves all of the desirable structural and electronic properties of graphene while exclusively modifying its surface potential. The functional polymer resist platform and concept offers a facile route toward lithographic doping of graphene- and other 2D material-based optoelectronic devices.


Plasma palmitoleic acid content and obesity in children.
Palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) is a product of endogenous lipogenesis. In human obesity, 16:1n-7 is reported to correlate with indexes of adiposity and insulin concentrations. We investigated the relation between adiposity, especially in the abdominal region, and plasma monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) profiles in obese children. A case-control study was performed. The study subjects were 59 obese children (x +/- SD age: 11.8 +/- 3.8 y) and 53 age- and sex-matched healthy, nonobese children (aged 12.5 +/- 0.5 y). The study's variables included anthropometric measurements, serum lipids, leptin, and fatty acid composition in plasma. MUFA profiles of obese subjects showed a significantly higher content of 16:1n-7, 18:1n-9, and 20:1n-9 and significantly higher stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity (ratio of 16:1n-7 to 16:0) than in nonobese controls. In a multiple regression analysis, percentage body fat, waist-to-height ratio, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were significant determinants of 16:1n-7 content. SCD activity had a positive, significant correlation with leptin. However, in a multiple regression analysis that included percentage body fat, WHR, and leptin as independent determinants, WHR was the only determinant of SCD activity. Plasma 16:1n-7 content has a significant relation with abdominal adiposity in obese children. This change in the MUFA profile may be caused by activation of SCD that is not sufficiently suppressed by leptin. Endogenous lipogenesis may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of obesity in children.


Analysis of the biological function of ELDF15 using an antisense recombinant expression vector.
ELDF15, homologous with AT2 receptor-interaction protein 1 (ATIP1), may play an important role in cell differentiation, proliferation, and carcinogenesis. We aimed to understand the biological function of ELDF15 via construction and transfection of a recombinant expression vector containing antisense ELDF15. Recombinant expression vectors were successfully constructed and transfected into K562 cells. A stable transfectant, known as pXJ41-asELDF15, stably produced antisense ELDF15. Compared with K562 and K562-zeo cells, K562- pXJ41-asELDF15 cells showed inhibition of cell proliferation. RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression and protein level of ELDF15 decreased significantly in K562 cells transfected with pXJ41-asELDF15. Expression of hemoglobin increased in K562 cells transfected with pXJ41-asELDF15 by benzidine staining. increases NBT reduction activity in K562 cells transfected with pXJ41-asELDF15.Colony forming efficiency in two-layer soft agar was clearly inhibited as assessed by electron microscopy. These results suggest that ELDF15 plays a potential role in cell differentiation, proliferation and carcinogenesis.


Yoga stretching for improving salivary immune function and mental stress in middle-aged and older adults.
Protection against age-related immune suppression is important in elderly individuals. This study determined the effect of yoga on mucosal immune function and mental stress. Saliva samples were collected from 23 adult women (age: 60.4 ± 10.4 years) before and after 90 minutes of yoga stretching or rest to measure secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), cortisol, and testosterone. The SIgA concentration and secretion rate were significantly higher after yoga than before (p < .05). The cortisol concentration and secretion rate were lower and testosterone secretion rate higher after yoga (p < .05). Yoga stretching can reduce stress and enhance mucosal immune function in elderly women.


[Relationship of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein to adiponectin ratio with femoral intima-media thickness and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus].
To explore the relationship between plasma adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), adiponectin (APN) levels and A-FABP/APN ratio with femoral intima-media thickness (FA-IMT) and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Plasma A-FABP and APN in 133 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. FA-IMT, endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilation of brachial artery was measured by high-resolution vascular ultrasound. Upper quartile of FA-IMT was regarded as a criterion of elevated FA-IMT, defined as early atherosclerosis (AS). The patients were subdivided into low FA-IMT group (FA-IMT < 0.60 mm, n = 34), middle FA-IMT group (0.60 mm </= FA-IMT < 0.73 mm, n = 33), high FA-IMT group (0.73 mm </= FA-IMT < 0.80 mm, n = 33) and early AS group (FA-IMT >/= 0.80 mm, n = 33). Plasma A-FABP/APN ratio was higher in early AS group than in low IMT control group [A-FABP/APN x 1000, 3.9(2.8 approximately 6.1) vs 2.9(1.8 approximately 5.7), P < 0.05]. FA-IMT correlated positively with plasma A-FABP/APN ratio (r = 0.216, P = 0.006) and negatively with APN (r = -0.179, P = 0.020). After adjusted for age, gender and BMI, FA-IMT still correlated positively with plasma A-FABP/APN ratio (r = 0.217, P = 0.007) and negatively with APN (r = -0.172, P = 0.026). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation correlated negatively with plasma A-FABP/APN ratio (r = -0.166, P = 0.028). After adjusted for age, gender and BMI, endothelium-dependent vasodilation still correlated negatively with plasma A-FABP/APN ratio (r = -0.153, P = 0.042). Plasma A-FABP/APN ratio is closely associated with FA-IMT and endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Plasma A-FABP/APN ratio may be a better clinical marker of AS and endothelial dysfunction than A-FABP or APN alone in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.


Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Ureters With Intravenous Indocyanine Green During Radical Cystectomy to Prevent Ureteroenteric Anastomotic Strictures.
To determine whether intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging of the distal ureter using intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) could provide assessment of vascular adequacy and potentially decrease the risk of ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture (UAS). A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients undergoing open radical cystectomy by a single surgeon over a 2-year period. Patients were divided into ICG and non-ICG cohorts based on utilization of ICG. For the ICG group, adequacy of ureteral perfusion was based on visual inspection and the ureter was cut back proximally accordingly prior to anastomosis. Follow-up encounters were reviewed to determine development of benign UAS. A total of 30 and 31 patients were in the non-ICG and ICG cohorts, respectively. There were no differences in baseline demographic and operative data including operative time. Median follow-up was 23.2 months (interquartile range [IQR] 7-29.3) in the non-ICG group compared to 15.8 months (IQR 12.2-18.1) in the ICG group. In the non-ICG cohort, 5 of 30 (16.7%) patients were diagnosed with UAS compared to 1 of 31 (3.2%) in the ICG cohort. The median time to stricture formation for non-ICG cohort was 5.7 months (IQR 3.6-6.6) compared to 7.5 months in the ICG cohort. The use of near-infrared fluorescence imaging with intravenous ICG to assess ureteral vascularity prior to ureteroenteric anastomosis may reduce the risk of UAS.


[Direct fluorescence microscopy in the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis].
The use of the method of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) in the examination of the renal biopsy tissue, differentiation of various forms of glomerulonephritis, identification of immunopathogenetic mechanisms of the disease and mediators of immune reaction, are presented. In the study are described the characteristics findings of DIF in differentiation of morphologic groups of glomerulonephritis, made after light microscopy (LM). Here are presented the type and localisation of immune deposits within the kidney tissue (glomerules, blood vessels, tubules and interstitium). It was performed 52 renal biopsies in the period between 1997 and 2001 year, at the Institute of Nephrology in Sarajevo, than divided after DIF and LM in 11 different groups, with dominant membranous glomerulopathy (11 cases), diffuse mesangioproliferative with IgA nephropathy (9 cases) and minimal change glomerulonephritis (9 cases), between them. It was described the method of renal biopsy, the preservation and preparation of biopsy spacemen, and the act of fluorescence microscopy.


A case report and overview of organophosphate (OP) poisoning.
A case of organophosphate (OP) poisoning who recovered after requiring almost 1000 mg of atropine, 10 gm of PAM and ventilatory support for 7 days is presented here. The overview of organophosphate poisoning and its management is given. With the approach adopted, the mortality reported in the general medicine unit in the central hospital in Nepal is 7.4%. The two important aspects of the management are vigilance of the atropine drip, especially at night, and other physical and psychological support care of the patients.


Detecting the relationships among multivariate time series using reduced auto-regressive modeling.
An information theoretic reduction of auto-regressive modeling called the Reduced Auto-Regressive (RAR) modeling is applied to several multivariate time series as a method to detect the relationships among the components in the time series. The results are compared with the results of the transfer entropy, one of the common techniques for detecting causal relationships. These common techniques are pairwise by definition and could be inappropriate in detecting the relationships in highly complicated dynamical systems. When the relationships between the dynamics of the components are linear and the time scales in the fluctuations of each component are in the same order of magnitude, the results of the RAR model and the transfer entropy are consistent. When the time series contain components that have large differences in the amplitude and the time scales of fluctuation, however, the transfer entropy fails to detect the correct relationships between the components, while the results of the RAR modeling are still correct. For a highly complicated dynamics such as human brain activity observed by electroencephalography measurements, the results of the transfer entropy are drastically different from those of the RAR modeling.


Pneumococcal Vaccination Among Medicare Beneficiaries Occurring After the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommendation for Routine Use Of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine for Adults Aged ≥65 Years.
On September 19, 2014, CDC published the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation for the routine use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) among adults aged ≥65 years, to be used in series with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) (1). This replaced the previous recommendation that adults aged ≥65 years should be vaccinated with a single dose of PPSV23. As a proxy for estimating PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥65 years before and after implementation of these revised recommendations, CDC analyzed claims for vaccination submitted for reimbursement to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Claims from any time during a beneficiary's enrollment in Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) since reaching age 65 years were assessed among beneficiaries continuously enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B during annual periods from September 19, 2009, through September 18, 2016. By September 18, 2016, 43.2% of Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years had claims for at least 1 dose of PPSV23 (regardless of PCV13 status), 31.5% had claims for at least 1 dose of PCV13 (regardless of PPSV23 status), and 18.3% had claims for at least 1 dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23. Claims for either type of pneumococcal vaccine were highest among beneficiaries who were older, white, or with chronic and immunocompromising medical conditions than among healthy adults. Implementation of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee's standards for adult immunization practice to assess vaccination status at every patient encounter, recommend needed vaccines, and administer vaccination or refer to a vaccinating provider might help increase pneumococcal vaccination coverage and reduce the risk for pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease among older adults (2).


Analysis of metabolome changes in the HepG2 cells of apatinib treatment by using the NMR-based metabolomics.
Neovascularization is required for the growth of tumors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and related signal pathways are important in tumor angiogenesis. Apatinib is a highly selective and potent antiangiogenesis drug targeting the receptor of VEGFR2, blocking downstream signal transduction and inhibiting angiogenesis of tumor tissue. Apatinib has a wide range of antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo, but its effect on metabolic changes has not deeply research at present. Nowadays, our research first systematically studied the metabolic changes affected by apatinib in the HepG2 cells at the half-maximal inhibitory concentration value. We used the metabolomics by using 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H-NMR) to analyze the HepG2 cell culture media. Multivariable Statistics was applied to analyze the 1 H-NMR spectra of the cell media, including principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal PLS-DA (OPLS-DA). Compared with the uncultured and cultured media (negative/positive control), the metabolic phenotypes were changed in the apatinib treatment with a continuous effect over time. The metabolic pathway analysis is shown that the mainly disturbed metabolic pathways pyruvate metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism and amino acid metabolism associated with them in the apatinib treatment. The differential metabolites which were identified from the reconstructed OPLS-DA loading plots also reflected in these disturbed metabolic pathways. Our works could allow us to well understand the therapeutic effect of apatinib, especially in metabolism.


Oxidative Insults and Mitochondrial DNA Mutation Promote Enhanced Autophagy and Mitophagy Compromising Cell Viability in Pluripotent Cell Model of Mitochondrial Disease.
Dysfunction of mitochondria causes defects in oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggering the activation of the cell death pathway that underlies the pathogenesis of aging and various diseases. The process of autophagy to degrade damaged cytoplasmic components as well as dysfunctional mitochondria is essential for ensuring cell survival. We analyzed the role of autophagy inpatient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells generated from fibroblasts of patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) with well-characterized mitochondrial DNA mutations and distinct OXPHOS defects. MELAS iPS cells recapitulated the pathogenesis of MELAS syndrome, and showed an increase of autophagy in comparison with its isogenic normal counterpart, whereas mitophagy is very scarce at the basal condition. Our results indicated that the existence of pathogenic mtDNA alone in mitochondrial disease was not sufficient to elicit the degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria. Nonetheless, oxidative insults induced bulk macroautophagy with the accumulation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes upon marked elevation of ROS, overload of intracellular calcium, and robust depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, while mitochondria respiratory function was impaired and widespread mitophagy compromised cell viability. Collectively, our studies provide insights into the dysfunction of autophagy and activation of mitophagy contributing to the pathological mechanism of mitochondrial disease.


Quantitative Fundus Autofluorescence in Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy: RPE Lipofuscin is not Increased in Non-Lesion Areas of Retina.
Since the lipofuscin of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Best vitelliform macular dystrophy, we quantified fundus autofluorescence (quantitative fundus autofluorescence, qAF) as an indirect measure of RPE lipofuscin levels. Mean non-lesion qAF was found to be within normal limits for age. By spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) vitelliform lesions presented as fluid-filled subretinal detachments containing reflective material. We discuss photoreceptor outer segment debris as the source of the intense fluorescence of these lesions and loss of anion channel functioning as an explanation for the bullous photoreceptor-RPE detachment. Unexplained is the propensity of the disease for central retina.


Causes of hypereosinophilia in 100 consecutive patients.
Hypereosinophilia (HE, persistent peripheral blood eosinophilia > 1.5 × 109 /L) and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES, HE with end-organ damage) are classified as primary (due to a myeloid clone), secondary (due to a wide variety of reactive causes), or idiopathic. Diagnostic evaluation of eosinophilia is challenging, in part because secondary causes of HE/HES such as lymphocyte-variant HES (L-HES) and vasculitis are difficult to diagnose, and emerging causes such as immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) have rarely been examined. We reviewed 100 consecutive patients with HE/HES who underwent extensive evaluation for primary and secondary eosinophilia at a single tertiary care center to determine causes of HE/HES in a modern context. Six patients had primary HE/HES, 80 had a discrete secondary cause identified, and 14 had idiopathic HE/HES. The most common causes of secondary eosinophilia were L-HES/HES of unknown significance (L-HESus) (20), IgG4-RD (9), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) (8). In contrast to other large published series of HE/HES, most patients in this study were found to have a discrete secondary cause of eosinophilia and only 14 were deemed idiopathic. These findings highlight the importance of extensive evaluation for secondary causes of eosinophilia such as L-HES, IgG4-RD, and EGPA.


Immunometabolic adaptation and immune plasticity in pregnancy and the bi-directional effects of obesity.
Mandatory maternal metabolic and immunological changes are essential to pregnancy success. Parallel changes in metabolism and immune function make immunometabolism an attractive mechanism to enable dynamic immune adaptation during pregnancy. Immunometabolism is a burgeoning field with the underlying principle being that cellular metabolism underpins immune cell function. With whole body changes to the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipids well recognised to occur in pregnancy and our growing understanding of immunometabolism as a determinant of immunoinflammatory effector responses, it would seem reasonable to expect immune plasticity during pregnancy to be linked to changes in the availability and handling of multiple nutrient energy sources by immune cells. While studies of immunometabolism in pregnancy are only just beginning, the recognised bi-directional interaction between metabolism and immune function in the metabolic disorder obesity might provide some of the earliest insights into the role of immunometabolism in immune plasticity in pregnancy. Characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation including in pregnant women, obesity is associated with numerous adverse outcomes during pregnancy and beyond for both mother and child. Concurrent changes in metabolism and immunoinflammation are consistently described but any causative link is not well established. Here we provide an overview of the metabolic and immunological changes that occur in pregnancy and how these might contribute to healthy versus adverse pregnancy outcomes with special consideration of possible interactions with obesity.


Martian craters: comparison of statistical counts.
Comparisons of the various crater counts obtained from the Mariner IV photographs indicate that, out of 300 to 600 possible craters mapped by different investigators, only about 120 craters can be reliably identified. Thus, only a lower limit for the Martian crater density can be established from the Mariner IV data.


Design of a Protocol for Soil-Transmitted Helminths (in Light of the Nematode Toxocara canis) DNA Extraction from Feces by Combining Commercially Available Solutions.
One of the main challenges for the mass introduction of the molecular diagnostics of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) into clinical practice is the lack of a generally recognized effective method for isolating parasitic DNA from fecal samples. In the present study, we assessed the effects of various pretreatment procedures on the efficiency of removing PCR inhibitors and extracting Toxocara canis DNA from feces. We evaluated the effectiveness of four destructive methods (bead beating, the action of temperature-dependent enzymes, freeze-heat cycles, and incubation in a lysis buffer) on the integrity of T. canis eggs and the efficiency of DNA extraction. Also, we evaluated the effects of prewashes and the use of commercial concentrators on DNA extraction from fecal samples contaminated with T. canis eggs. A bead beating procedure was sufficient to destroy the T. canis eggs, while the effects of enzymes and freeze-heat cycles did not lead to a significant destruction of the eggs or the release of Toxocara DNA. Helminth DNA isolation protocols that do not include a bead beating step are not preferred. The preconcentration of STH eggs from feces using a commercial concentrator and subsequent washing can significantly increase the yield of DNA from STHs and reduce PCR inhibition.


Synergistic effect between defect sites and functional groups on the hydrolysis of cellulose over activated carbon.
The chemical oxidation of activated carbon by H2 O2 and H2 SO4 is investigated, structural and chemical modifications are characterized, and the materials are used as catalysts for the hydrolysis of cellulose. Treatment with H2 O2 enlarges the pore size and imparts functional groups such as phenols, lactones, and carboxylic acids. H2 SO4 treatment targets the edges of carbon sheets primarily, and this effect is more pronounced with a higher temperature. Adsorption isotherms demonstrate that the adsorption of oligomers on functionalized carbon is dominated by van der Waals forces. The materials treated chemically are active for the hydrolysis of cellulose despite the relative weakness of most of their acid sites. It is proposed that a synergistic effect between defect sites and functional groups enhances the activity by inducing a conformational change in the glucan chains if they are adsorbed at defect sites. This activates the glycosidic bonds for hydrolysis by in-plane functional groups.


Dissipative flow and vortex shedding in the Painlevé boundary layer of a Bose-Einstein condensate.
This paper addresses the drag force and formation of vortices in the boundary layer of a Bose-Einstein condensate stirred by a laser beam following the experiments of Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 2502 (1999)]. We make our analysis in the frame moving at constant speed where the beam is fixed. We find that there is always a drag around the laser beam. We also analyze the mechanism of vortex nucleation. At low velocity, there are no vortices and the drag has its origin in a wakelike phenomenon: This is a particularity of trapped systems since the density gets small in an extended region. The shedding of vortices starts only at a threshold velocity and is responsible for a large increase in drag. This critical velocity for vortex nucleation is lower than the critical velocity computed for the corresponding 2D problem at the center of the cloud.


[Preparation of covalently bonded cellulose tris (4-methylbenzoate) derivative chiral stationary phases through a polymerization reaction].
Cellulose tris (4-methylbenzoate) derivatives (CTMB) having methacryloyl groups were synthesized with regio-selective or nonselective procedures, and were immobilized on gamma-methacrylatepropylated silica (gamma-MAPS) through a polymerization reaction. The obtained chiral stationary phases ( CSPs) were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) resolution of 9 racemates (3-butyl-phthalide, ketoprofen, trans-stilbene oxide, benzoin, benzoin analogue, Tröger' s base, warfarin, 4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylenedioxy-biphenyl-2,2'-dicarboxylate and 4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylenedioxy-biphenyl-2-methylcarboxylate-2'-ethylcarboxylate). For regio-nonselective procedure, increasing the content of vinyl group on CTMB would lead to higher immobilization efficiency and enantio-selectivity. CSPs prepared by regio-selective procedure possessed slightly higher enantioselectivities than those prepared by regio-nonselective procedure, while the latter showed some advantages for rapid and facile preparation. CSPs prepared with silica gel II (Fuji, 5 microm, 30 nm, ca. 150 m2/g) showed higher enantioselectivities than those prepared with silica gel I (Kromasil, 5 microm, 20 nm, ca. 240 m2/g). The prepared CSPs could keep stable under different eluents, even with 40% of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in mobile phases.


Tooth developmental biology: disruptions to enamel-matrix assembly and its impact on biomineralization.
Dental enamel is a composite bioceramic material that is the hardest tissue in the vertebrate body, containing long, thin crystallites of substituted hydroxyapatite (HAP). Over a lifetime of an organism, enamel functions under repeated and immense loads, generally without catastrophic failure. Enamel is a product of ectoderm-derived cells called ameloblasts. Recent investigations on the formation of enamel using cell and molecular approaches are now being coupled to biomechanical investigations at the nanoscale and mesoscale levels. For amelogenin, the principal structural protein for forming enamel, we have identified two domains that are required for its proper self-assembly into supramolecular structures referred to as nanospheres. Nanospheres are believed to control HAP crystal habit. Other structural proteins of the enamel matrix include ameloblastin and enamelin, but little is known about their biological importance. Transgenic animals have been prepared to investigate the effect of overexpression of wild-type or mutated enamel proteins on the developing enamel matrix. Amelogenin transgenes were engineered to contain deletions to either of the two self-assembly domains and these alterations produced significant defects in the enamel. Additional transgenic animal lines have been prepared and studied and each gives additional insights into the mechanisms for enamel biofabrication. This study summarizes the observed enamel phenotypes of recently derived transgenic animals. These data are being used to help define the role of each of the enamel structural proteins in enamel and study how each of these proteins impact on enamel biomineralization.


Protocol Adherence in Prehospital Medical Care Provided for Patients with Chest Pain and Loss of Consciousness; a Brief Report.
Although many protocols are available in the field of the prehospital medical care (PMC), there is still a notable gap between protocol based directions and applied clinical practice. This study measures the rate of protocol adherence in PMC provided for patients with chest pain and loss of consciousness (LOC). In this cross-sectional study, 10 educated research assistants audited the situation of provided PMC for non-traumatic chest pain and LOC patients, presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary level teaching hospital, compare to national recommendations in these regards. 101 cases with the mean age of 56.7 ± 12.3 years (30-78) were audited (55.4% male). 61 (60.3%) patients had chest pain and 40 (39.7%) cases had LOC. Protocol adherence rates for cardiac monitoring (62.3%), O2 therapy (32.8%), nitroglycerin administration (60.7%), and aspirin administration (52.5%) in prehospital care of patients with chest pain were fair to poor. Protocol adherence rates for correct patient positioning (25%), O2 therapy (75%), cardiac monitoring (25%), pupils examination (25%), bedside glucometery (50%), and assessing for naloxone administration (55%) in prehospital care of patients with LOC were fair to poor. There were more than 20% protocol violation regarding prehospital care of chest pain patients regarding cardiac monitoring, O2 therapy, and nitroglycerin and aspirin administration. There were same situation regarding O2 therapy, positioning, cardiac monitoring, pupils examination, bedside glucometery, and assessing for naloxone administration of LOC patients in prehospital setting.


Energy efficiency increase in a chemical production site.
Sustainability has become a key factor for the chemical industry. One element of sustainability is energy efficiency in manufacturing processes. This article illustrates the strategic energy initiatives of a leading global operating company and the implementation of its elements into practice. Some successful energy-saving projects are highlighted.


Brivaracetam (UCB 34714).
Brivaracetam (UCB 34714) is chemically related to levetiracetam (LEV, Keppra). It possesses a binding affinity for the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) ten-fold above that of LEV and also shows an ability to inhibit Na+ channels. This correlates with a higher potency in suppressing epileptiform responses in vitro and a more potent and complete suppression of different seizure types in animals with an acquired or genetic epilepsy. Brivaracetam has been tested in a comprehensive safety pharmacology, toxicology, developmental toxicology, and genotoxicity program. It is of low acute toxicity, target organ for toxic effects is the hepatobiliary tract. Carcinogenicity studies are ongoing. Human pharmacology studies have shown that brivaracetam has a half-life of 8 h and nearly complete bioavailability. Brivaracetam is primarily metabolized via hydrolysis of the acetamide group and CYP2C8-mediated hydroxylation. Its metabolites are not pharmacologically active. Excretion of over 95% of the dose, including metabolites, occurs renally within 72 h. Healthy volunteer studies demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile. Treatment emergent adverse events were mild to moderate, mostly of CNS origin, and resolved within 24 hrs, with decreasing incidence after repeated intake. Drug-drug interaction studies with high dose of brivaracetam (400 mg/d) showed a dose-dependent increase of carbamazepine-epoxide levels. No significant interaction with low doses of phenytoin was observed at the same high dose levels of brivaracetam, and only a moderate pharmacokinetic interaction with an oral contraceptive, without impact on hormonal levels or ovulation, was observed. The pharmacokinetic profile of brivaracetam is unaltered in elderly subjects or those with impaired renal function. Clearance of brivaracetam is reduced in patients with hepatic insufficiency. In the photoparoxysmal response model in patients with photosensitive epilepsy brivaracetam was effective at all tested doses (10 - 80 mg) in reducing or abolishing EEG discharges evoked by a photic stimulus. Phase 2 studies in patients with refractory partial onset seizures have recently been completed.


Impact of a better adherence to antihypertensive agents on cerebrovascular disease for primary prevention.
The benefits of antihypertensive (AH) drugs on the risks of major cardiovascular outcomes have been demonstrated in clinical trials. However, approximately half of hypertensive patients do not adhere well to their prescribed AH therapy in actual practice. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of adherence to AH agents on the incidence of cerebrovascular disease (CD) in real-world practice. A cohort of 83 267 hypertensive patients was reconstructed from the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec databases. Subjects included were between 45 and 85 years old, initially free of cardiovascular disease, and newly treated for hypertension with AH agents between 1999 and 2004. A nested case-control design was conducted to study CD occurrence. Every case was matched for age and duration of follow-up with up to 15 randomly selected control subjects. The adherence to AH drugs was measured by calculating the medication possession ratio. Conditional logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between adherence to AH agents and CD adjusting for various potential confounders. At cohort entry, the mean patient age was 65 years, 37.3% were male, 8.6% had diabetes, and 19.5% had dyslipidemia. High adherence (>/=80%) to AH drugs significantly decreased the risk of CD by 22% (rate ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.87) compared with lower adherence. Male gender, occurrence of cardiovascular disease during follow-up, and dyslipidemia were risk factors for CD. High adherence to AH therapy is associated with a reduced risk of CD outside the context of clinical trials in primary prevention.


Shear Performance at Room and High Temperatures of Glass⁻Ceramic Sealants for Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell Technology.
To provide a reliable integration of components within a solid oxide electrolysis cell stack, it is fundamental to evaluate the mechanical properties of the glass⁻ceramic sealing materials, as well as the stability of the metal⁻glass⁻ceramic interface. In this work, the mechanical behavior of two previously developed glass⁻ceramic sealants joined to Crofer22APU steel is investigated at room temperature, 650 °C, and 850 °C under shear load. The mechanical properties of both the glass⁻ceramics showed temperature dependence. The shear strength of Crofer22APU/glass⁻ceramic/Crofer22APU joints ranged from 14.1 MPa (20 °C) to 1.8 MPa (850 °C). The elastic modulus of both glass⁻ceramics also reduced with temperature. The volume fraction of the crystalline phases in the glass⁻ceramics was the key factor for controlling the mechanical properties and fracture, especially above the glass-transition temperature.


Effect of sugarcane fiber digestibility, conservation method and concentrate level on the ruminal ecosystem of beef cattle.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sugarcane neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD), conservation method, and concentrate level on the ruminal microbial population of steers. Eight ruminal-cannulated Nellore steers were distributed in two contemporary 4 × 4 Latin Square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Experiment 1: diets were formulated with 60% of concentrate level, and two sugarcane genotypes (high or low NDFD) either freshly cut or as silage. Experiment 2: diets were formulated with two levels of concentrate (60 or 80%), and two sugarcane genotypes (high or low NDFD) offered as freshly cut. Each experimental period lasted for 14 d, with the last 4 d used for ruminal fluid collection. Three cellulolytic bacteria (Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens), two amylolytic (Streptococcus bovis, Ruminobacter amylophilus), and a lactate fermenting microorganism (Megasphaera elsdenii) were quantified by qPCR. Experiment 1: diets with fresh sugarcane increased the population of S. bovis, and M. elsdenii. Sugarcane with high NDFD increased F. succinogenes population only when sugarcane was offered as freshly cut. Experiment 2: increasing concentrate in the diet decreased S. bovis population, and increased R. amylophilus. Sugarcane with high NDFD increased the population of cellulolytic bacteria only at the 60% concentrate diet. Providing sugarcane with high NDFD favored the growth of fibrolytic bacteria, and this effect were dependent on the conservation method and on diet concentrate level. In addition, sucrose appears to have great effect on the composition of ruminal microflora, especially S. bovis.


AID from bony fish catalyzes class switch recombination.
Class switch recombination was the last of the lymphocyte-specific DNA modification reactions to appear in the evolution of the adaptive immune system. It is absent in cartilaginous and bony fish, and it is common to all tetrapods. Class switching is initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), an enzyme expressed in cartilaginous and bony fish that is also required for somatic hypermutation. Fish AID differs from orthologs found in tetrapods in several respects, including its catalytic domain and carboxy-terminal region, both of which are essential for the switching reaction. To determine whether evolution of class switch recombination required alterations in AID, we assayed AID from Japanese puffer and zebra fish for class-switching activity in mouse B cells. We find that fish AID catalyzes class switch recombination in mammalian B cells. Thus, AID had the potential to catalyze this reaction before the teleost and tetrapod lineages diverged, suggesting that the later appearance of a class-switching reaction was dependent on the evolution of switch regions and multiple constant regions in the IgH locus.


Facilitation of bilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion with axillary cannulation and retrograde coronary sinus catheter.
Over the past several decades, techniques for surgery of the aortic arch have undergone significant evolution. In addition, there have been refinements in the mechanism of cerebral protection utilized intraoperatively. However, significant practice variations in the strategy of antegrade selective cerebral perfusion continue to persist. Here, we describe a simple and easily reproducible technique for selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, utilizing axillary cannulation and retrograde coronary sinus balloon catheters.


Communicating Uncertainty in the Radiology Report.
The purposes of this article are to explore the issue of diagnostic uncertainty in radiology and how the radiology report has often fallen short in this regard and to suggest approaches that can be helpful in addressing this challenge. The practice of medicine involves a great deal of uncertainty, which is an uncomfortable reality for most physicians. Radiologists are more often than not faced with considerable diagnostic uncertainty and in their written reports are challenged to effectively communicate that uncertainty to referring physicians and others.


Music therapy career aptitude and generalized self-efficacy in music therapy students.
While the Music Therapy Career Aptitude Test (MTCAT) provides a measure of student aptitude, measures of perceived self-efficacy may provide additional information about a students' suitability for a music therapy career. As a first step in determining whether future studies examining combined scores from the MTCAT and the Generalized Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale would be useful to help predict academic success in music therapy, we explored the internal reliability of these two measures in a sample of undergraduate students, and the relationship (concurrent validity) of the measures to one another. Eighty undergraduate music therapy students (14 male; 66 female) completed the MTCAT and GSE. To determine internal reliability we conducted tests of normality and calculated Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha for each measure. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to ascertain the strength of the relationship between the MTCAT and GSE. MTCAT scores were normally distributed and had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.706). GSE scores were not normally distributed, but had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.748). The correlation coefficient analysis revealed that MTCAT and GSE scores were moderately correlated ((r = 0.426, p < 0.0001). MTCAT scores can be used to partially determine perceived self-efficacy in undergraduate music therapy students; however, a more complete picture of student suitability for music therapy may be determined by administering the GSE alongside the MTCAT. Future studies are needed to determine whether combined MTCAT and GSE scores can be used to predict student success in an undergraduate music therapy program.


The assessment of phonatory and ventilatory functions in patients after microsurgery for Reinke's edema.
Short and long-term results of microsurgical treatment with the mini-microflap technique in patients with Reinke's edema (RE) were assessed based on the phonatory and ventilatory functions of the larynx. To assess the short and long-term results of microsurgical treatment with the mini-microflap technique in patients with RE based on the phonatory and ventilatory functions of the larynx. Twenty patients diagnosed with advanced stage of RE confirmed with laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) were enrolled in the study. Phonatory function disturbances were additionally assessed on the basis of Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) measurement, Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-ROOL) questionnaires. Ventilatory function was assessed using spirometry. The aforementioned complex examinations were conducted prior to surgery and 1, 6 and 9 months following the surgery. Good postsurgical results were obtained in subjective and objective evaluation, which assessed the phonatory function and ventilatory parameters. Post-surgery increase in MPT, VHI and VQROL was noticed in all patients in 3 check points (p < 0.001). The results demonstrate postsurgical improvement for some LVS parameters, including assessment of glottis closure (p < 0.003) observed 6 months after the surgery. An improvement in most of the ventilation parameters was observed also 6 months after surgery (p < 0.001). For the spirometry flow parameter PEF, significant improvement was noted in each check point (p1 < 0.004, p6 < 0.001, p9 < 0.001). The study revealed a correlation between phonatory parameter - MPT and PEF observed 1 month after the procedure (p = 0.026), confirming the interdependence of ventilatory efficiency and phonatory condition of larynx. Mini-microflap surgery brings satisfactory clinical effect in patients with advanced stages of RE by optimization of phonatory and ventilatory functions of the larynx.


Genistein protects pancreatic beta cells against cytokine-mediated toxicity.
In the past few decades, the use of genistein as an anti-inflammatory agent has gained much attention. Our current study focuses on the preventive effects of genistein on cytokine-induced pancreatic beta-cell damage. Treatment of RINm5F (RIN) rat insulinoma cells with interleukin (IL)-1beta and interferon (IFN)-gamma induced cell damage, which was correlated with nitric oxide (NO) production. Genistein completely prevented cytokine-mediated cytotoxicity and NO production, a finding that correlated well with reduced levels of the inducible form of NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein. The molecular mechanism of genistein inhibition of iNOS gene expression appeared to involve the inhibition of NFkappaB activation. The cytokine induced increases in NFkappaB binding activity, nuclear p50 and p65 subunit levels, and IkappaBalpha degradation in cytosol compared to unstimulated cells; genistein abolished all of these parameters. The cytoprotective effects of genistein are also mediated through the suppression of ERK-1/2 and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways. In a second set of experiments, rat islets were used. The findings on beta-cell protective effects of genistein were essentially the same as for the RIN cell data, namely genistein prevented cytokine-induced NO production, iNOS expression, ERK-1/2 activation, JAK/STAT activation, and impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Collectively, these results suggest that genistein might be used to preserve functional beta-cell mass.