[Contamination status and the health risk evaluation of dietary exposure of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics in animal derived foods in Ningbo City from 2018 to 2020].
To investigate the dietary exposure of Ningbo residents to quinolones and tetracyclines antibiotics in animal derived foods, so as to estimate the health risk caused by the exposure. Animal derived foods in Ningbo markets from 2018 to 2020 were collected and analyzed by ultra-fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the result of the measurements, median(M), P97.5, average and the maximum values of the data were obtained. Coupling the food intake data of residents in Zhejiang Province, an international point estimate model was applied to evaluate the health risk caused by the dietary exposure. Enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, doxycycline, oxytetracycline were detected in freshwater fishes, cultured pseudosciaena crocea, freshwater shrimps, chicken, eggs and pork. The detection rates of enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, doxycycline, oxytetracycline were 21.2%(77/363), 11.6%(42/363), 2.8%(10/363), 1.4%(5/363), 0.6%(2/363), respectively. The dietary exposure of adults and children from animal derived foods were in the range of 0.8-909.0 and 0.6-518.9 ng/(kg·d), respectively. The hazard quotient(HQ) values were in the range of 0.000030-0.17. Quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics such as enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline have no dietary health risk to the population.


Medial Meniscus Transplantation and Bone-Tendon-Bone Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
Performing medial meniscus allograft transplantation in combination with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is technically demanding. Medial meniscus allograft transplantation in combination with ACL reconstruction may be indicated for patients with meniscal deficiency in whom ACL reconstruction has failed and patients with medial-sided knee pain secondary to meniscal deficiency in combination with ACL deficiency. Despite the complex nature of this combined surgical procedure, numerous studies have reported considerable clinical improvements at midterm and long-term follow-up. This technique article describes the indications, preoperative considerations, surgical technique, postoperative rehabilitation, and outcomes of medial meniscus allograft transplantation in combination with ACL reconstruction.


Sex differences in frequency and intensity in reading and voice range profiles for Taiwanese adult speakers.
The purposes of the study were to (1) compare speaking frequency and speaking intensity between normal adult Taiwanese females and males, and (2) compare the physiological frequency and physiological intensity between normal adult Taiwanese females and males. Forty normal young Taiwanese females and 40 males were selected for study. The frequency and intensity variables in reading and in vocal range profiles were collected and analyzed. The independent t test was used to find a statistical significance between the female and male groups. In reading, the speaking fundamental frequency, the highest and lowest speaking ranges, and the maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency for the female group were significantly greater than those for the male group. In vocal range profiles, the lowest and highest frequencies, and the soft and loud voice for the female group were significantly greater than those for the male group. The maximum dynamic frequency range for the male group was significantly greater than that for the female group. The frequency and intensity ranges for both sexes in this study were greater than other findings for nontonal language speakers. The data may provide a voice assessment tool for Mandarin speakers in Taiwan and in other countries.


The myth of the multi-problem family.
It is suggested that the concept "multi-problem family" is a myth when viewed in the context of our current service delivery system. That system, itself fragmented, may do more to promote than relieve family distintegration, conflict, and personal anxiety. Continued professional training and tendencies that lead to viewing problems presented by individuals only as individual problems may result in overlooking opportunities for total family approaches to treatment and prevention.


Assessment of metal and PAH profiles in SUDS soil based on an improved experimental procedure.
The increasing use of infiltration-based systems for stormwater management questions the soil's ability to act as a long-term filter for runoff contaminants, and brings about operational matters regarding the most effective maintenance practices to enhance contaminant retention in SUDS. This paper reports the vertical extent of metal and PAH contamination in the soil of seven source-control devices in operation for more than 10 years, assessed via a two-step sampling strategy to optimize the representativeness of the contamination profiles. Metal distribution was typically characterized by a significant surface buildup, followed by a decrease in concentrations with increasing depth, usually coming close to the background values. PAH were more heterogeneously distributed with depth, but their accumulation was globally restricted to the upper 10-40 cm. This indicates an interesting potential for pollution interception by the upper horizons of soil, but does not necessarily prevent from downward fluxes, even while measuring low surface contents, as deeper strata may have lesser retention capacities. Specific amendments of the surface soil may help prevent this problem. Surface soil renewal - which would be necessary over 2.5-30 cm in four sites, according to the "strictest" standards for soil remediation - may regenerate the soil's sorption potential, but such a practice could disrupt the interactions with the local ecosystem, so this should be carried out exceptionally and not as a preventive measure.


[Study of the mechanisms of dyspnea during exercise in COPD].
To study the relationships between dyspnea and respiratory drive or respiratory muscle function in COPD. Thirty-one patients with COPD and 26 normal subjects were involved in the study. Routine pulmonary function, pulmonary diffusing capacity, P0.1, PI(max) were measured at rest. Oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), minute ventilation (VE) etc were observed during exercise test. Dyspnea was assessed with Borg Scale (BS) simultaneously. Arterial blood gas measured before and after exercise. (1) PI(max) of COPD (5.33 +/- 1.95) kPa decreased compared with the normal subjects (7.02 +/- 2.53) kPa, P < 0.05, P0.1 of COPD (0.37 +/- 0.12) kPa increased compared with the normal subjects (0.26 +/- 0.09) kPa, P < 0.05, inspiratory drive efficacy (V(T)/P0.1) of COPD (1.6 +/- 0.31) L/kPa decreased than that of the normal subjects (2.1 +/- 0.53) L/kPa, P < 0.05. P0.1/PI(max) of COPD (0.069 +/- 0.021) was higher than that of the normal individuals (0.037 +/- 0.009), P < 0.01. (2) Peak exercise dyspnea was correlated with dyspnea at rest and P0.1/PI(max) (r = 0.41, P < 0.05 and r = 0.48, P < 0.05, respectively), and P0.1/PI(max) was also positively correlated with the change in BS from rest to maximal exercise (deltaBS) (r = 0.44, P < 0.05) in COPD patients. In COPD, breathlessness during exercise is not simply related to hyperinflation and the damaged gas exchange, but also to the relatively increased respiratory drive and dysfunction of respiratory muscle.


Warning labels. A source of toxicity information for parents.
The Hazardous Substances Act specifies that warning labels for household products contain specific signal words. This study was designed to determine whether this warning label format provides enough information for parents to accurately assess product toxicity. One hundred forty-two parents from two different sites (community health clinic, private pediatrician's office) were asked to rate the toxicity of four common household products (Crystal Drano, Lysol Basin/Tub and Tile Cleaner, Clorox Bleach, Tempera Poster Paint) and four imaginary products based on the warning labels found on them. Parents had a fairly accurate perception of the toxicity of products and the toxicity to be anticipated based on the warning label. There was considerable variability in response for products which were less toxic or nontoxic. Confusion was noted regarding the meaning of the term nontoxic.


PACHYCHELES MONILIFER (DANA, 1852): THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE LABORATORY OF LARVAE FROM AN ATLANTIC SPECIMEN WITH A DISCUSSION OF SOME LARVAL CHARACTERS IN THE GENUS (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA; ANOMURA.
The complete larval development from hatching through megalopal stage is described and illustrated for Pachycheles monilifer, a shallow water porcellanid crab. The development at room temperature (27.8° C) under laboratory conditions consisted of a prezoeal stage of approximately one hour duration, two zoeal stages of approximately five and six days duration, respectively, and a megalopal stage of about eight days duration. The entire larval/postlarval portion of the life cycle is completed under the conditions described herein in approximately three weeks. The zoeal and megalopal stages of P. monilifer were compared with larvae known from two other western Atlantic species, and two species each from the eastern Pacific and Indo-Pacific oceans. As might be expected, larvae of the genus are quite similar in many respects, and difficulty may be encountered in separating them at the specific level. However, certain morphological features are recurrent in the zoeal stages and may be indicative at the generic level; among these are the presence of three spines on the antennal exopodite, four setae on the maxilliulary endopodite, and the hook-like spinules on the first two elongate plumose setae of the telson. A provisional synopsis is provided utilizing the most salient features occurring in all known Pachycheles larvae as an aid in recognizing such larvae, at least at the generic level, in the plankton.


Regional variations in the relationship between macular thickness measurements and myopia.
To investigate the relationship between myopia and macular thickness, as measured by optical coherence tomography. A total of 143 normal subjects comprising 80 eyes with high myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] < -6.0 D), 37 eyes with low to moderate myopia (SE between -6.0 and -0.5 D), and 26 nonmyopic eyes (SE > -0.5 D) were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Total average, foveal, and inner and outer average macular thicknesses measured by the StratusOCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA) were compared among the three diagnostic groups. Associations between macular thickness and refractive error/axial length were evaluated by linear regression analysis. The minimum foveal and average foveal (1-mm ring on the OCT retinal thickness map) thicknesses were significantly greater, and the outer ring macular (3-6-mm) thicknesses significantly lower in the high myopic eyes than in the low to moderate myopic and nonmyopic eyes. No significant difference was found in the inner ring (1-3-mm) macular thickness measurements among the groups. There was a positive correlation between the axial length and the average foveal thickness (r = 0.374, P < 0.001). Negative correlations were found between axial length and the average outer ring macular thickness (r= -0.471, P < 0.001) and total average macular thickness (r= -0.311, P < 0.001). Retinal thickness is related to refractive error/axial length in normal subjects with regional variations in correlation within the 6-mm macular region. Analysis of macular thickness in the evaluation of macular diseases and glaucoma should be interpreted only in the context of refractive errors and the location of measurement.


Transparent 1T-MoS2 nanofilm robustly anchored on substrate by layer-by-layer self-assembly and its ultra-high cycling stability as supercapacitors.
Two-dimensional MoS2 materials have attracted more and more interest and been applied to the field of energy storage because of its unique physical, optical, electronic and electrochemical properties. However, there are no reports on high-stable transparent MoS2 nanofilms as supercapacitors electrode. Here, we describe a transparent 1T-MoS2 nanofilm electrode with super-long stability anchored on the indium tin oxide (ITO) glass by a simple alternate layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly of a highly charged cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and negative single-/few-layer 1T MoS2 nanosheets. The ITO/(PDDA/MoS2)20 electrode shows a transmittance of 51.6% at 550 nm and obviously exhibits excellent transparency by naked eye observation. Ultrasonic damage test validates that the (PDDA/MoS2)20 film with the average thickness about 50 nm is robustly anchored on ITO substrate. Additionally, the electrochemical results indicate that the ITO/(PDDA/MoS2)20 film shows areal capacitance of 1.1 mF cm-2 and volumetric capacitance of 220 F cm-3 at 0.04 mA cm-2, 130.6% retention of the original capacitance value after 5000 cycles. Further experiments indicate that the formation of transparent (PDDA/MoS2) x nanofilm by LBL self-assembly can be extended to other substrates, e.g., slide glass and flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Thus, the easily available (PDDA/MoS2) x nanofilm electrode has great potential for application in transparent and/or flexible optoelectronic and electronics devices.


[Analysis of elderly breast cancer patients aged 90 years and older].
In recent years, although the number of elderly patients with breast cancer is increasing, there are very few reports of breast cancer in elderly patients aged 90 years and older. In this study, we examined breast cancer patients who were 90 years of age or older. Patient background characteristics, clinicopathologic features, and treatment strategies were examined for 9 elderly breast cancer patients aged 90 or older who were treated at our department from January 2000 to December 2012. The median age of the patients was 91 (range, 90-99)years, and complications were reported in 7 patients (77.8%). The median tumor diameter was 4.3 (range, 1.4-6.0) cm, and T4 disease was observed in 6 patients (66.7%). Axillary lymph node status was negative in 6 patients (66.7%). Pathological diagnoses were invasive ductal carcinoma in 8 patients and ductal carcinoma in situ in 1 patient. Seven patients were hormone receptor positive and 1 patient was hormone receptor negative. Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 status was negative in 8 patients. Surgery was performed safely in 5 patients and there were no signs of postoperative metastases. Four patients were treated with hormone therapy. The response rate( partial response[ PR] and complete response[ CR]) was 50%. Our findings suggest that when treating breast cancer patients aged 90 years or older, it would be necessary to offer medical treatment considering the possibility of comorbidities and the complications associated with medical treatment.


PTEN expression in renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma and prognosis.
Deletion or inactivation of the tumour suppressor gene PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome 10) contributes to tumorigenesis in a variety of human carcinomas. The present study evaluated PTEN expression in renal cell carcinomas and oncocytomas. A tissue microarray from 493 specimens including renal cell carcinomas (n = 440), oncocytomas (n = 21) and tumour-negative renal tissue (n = 32) from patients (n = 461) was incubated with an anti-PTEN antibody for subsequent analysis of PTEN expression. Furthermore, the effect of PTEN expression on the survival of renal carcinoma patients was evaluated. Renal cell carcinomas, and even more pronouncedly oncocytomas, expressed PTEN predominantly in the cytoplasm. In contrast to oncocytomas, PTEN expression was typically decreased in renal cell carcinoma subtypes. PTEN expression in sarcomatoid renal cell carcinomas was comparable to that in non-sarcomatoid subtypes. The PTEN expression pattern had no significant influence on prognosis. Renal tumours (renal cell carcinomas and oncocytomas) express PTEN protein predominantly in the cytoplasm. A reduction in PTEN expression appears to be an early step in renal cell carcinogenesis. However, the PTEN expression pattern of renal cell carcinomas apparently is not prognostic for patient survival.


Aspergillus oryzae meningitis.
In a patient with only meningitis, a septate hypha was seen in a Langhans giant cell, and the rarely pathogenic Aspergillus oryzae was cultured from the cerebrospinal fluid. Serologic results confirmed the diagnosis. The patient responded to therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine.


Effect of exercise intensity on Nrf2 signalling in young men.
The transcription factor Nrf2 is the master regulator of antioxidant defence. Recent data indicate a single bout of moderate-intensity stationary cycling at a constant workload upregulates Nrf2 signalling in young, but not older men; however, the role of exercise intensity on Nrf2 activation has not been tested. We hypothesised that a high-intensity interval session would elicit a greater Nrf2 response than moderate aerobic exercise. Nrf2 signalling in response to two 30-min cycling protocols (high-intensity interval and constant workload) was compared in young men (25 ± 1y, n = 16). Participants completed exercise trials in random order with blood collected pre-, immediately post-, and 30-mins post exercise. Five participants completed a control trial without any physical activity. Nrf2 signalling was determined by measuring protein expression of Nrf2 in whole cell and nuclear fractions. Plasma 8-isoprostanes as well as peripheral mononuclear cell glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase activity were measured as markers of oxidative stress. The exercise trials elicited significant increases in nuclear Nrf2 (p < .01), but increases in whole cell Nrf2 did not reach statistical significance. GR activity and plasma 8-isoprostanes increased significantly in response to exercise (p < .05), and GR response was higher in the high-intensity trial (p < .05). Our findings indicate that acute aerobic exercise elicits activation of nuclear Nrf2, regardless of exercise intensity, but that higher-intensity exercise results in greater activity of GR. Future experiments should explore the effect of exercise mode and duration on Nrf2 signalling, and the role of intensity in compromised populations.


[Using the histogram analysis method to assess the time-frequency features of rat EEG under different vigilance states].
To investigate the non-stationary time-frequency features in rat Electroencephalogram (EEG) under different vigilance states, the methods of multi-resolution wavelet transform (WT) and statistical histogram analysis were used. EEGs of the freely moving rats were recorded with implanted electrodes under the vigilance states of waking, slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement sleep (REM). The EEGs were firstly decomposed into four frequency components of delta, theta, alpha and beta by using multi-resolution wavelet transform. Then, the parameters of mean value, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis of the logarithm power histograms and the power percentage histograms of each of the frequency components were calculated. The results showed that the distributions of the logarithm power histograms were not quite different from the normal distribution. However, most of the power percentage histograms were significantly different from the normal distribution. The results of one-way ANOVA indicated that there were significant differences in the parameter values of the histograms both among different states and among different frequency components. Moreover, Skewness and kurtosis of the logarithm power histograms of some characteristic waves in EEG, such as delta wave during SWS and theta wave during waking and REM, obtained high values. Thus, the histogram parameters of EEG WT components might become as quantitative measures to describe the dynamic time-frequency features of EEG.


A guide to economic evaluation: methods for cost-effectiveness analysis of person-level data.
The authors introduce economic evaluation with particular attention to cost-effectiveness analysis. They begin by establishing why health care decisions should be guided by economics. They then explore different types of economic evaluations. To illustrate how to conduct and evaluate a cost-effectiveness analysis, a hypothetical study about the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder with psychotherapy versus pharmacotherapy is considered. The authors conclude with recommendations for increasing the strength and relevance of economic evaluations.


Household costs of dengue illness: secondary outcomes from a randomised controlled trial of dengue prevention in Guerrero state, Mexico.
Dengue is a serious public health problem with an important economic impact. This study used data from a cluster randomised controlled trial of community mobilisation for dengue prevention to estimate the household costs of treatment of dengue illness. It examined the economic impact of the trial intervention in the three coastal regions of Mexico's Guerrero State. The 2010 baseline survey covered households in a random sample of 90 clusters in the coastal regions; the clusters were randomly allocated to intervention or control and re-surveyed in 2012. The surveys asked about dengue cases in the last 12 months, expenditures on their treatment, and work or school days lost by patients and care givers. We did not assign monetary value to days lost, since a lost day to a person of low earning power is of equal or higher value to that person than to one who earns more. The 12,312 households in 2010 reported 1020 dengue cases in the last 12 months (1.9% of the sample population). Most (78%) were ambulatory cases, with a mean cost of USD 51 and 10.8 work/school days, rising to USD 96 and 11.4 work/school days if treated by a private physician. Hospitalised cases cost USD 28-94 in government institutions and USD 392 in private hospitals (excluding additional inpatient charges), as well as 9.6-17.3 work/school days. Dengue cases cost households an estimated 412,825 work/school days throughout the three coastal regions. In the follow up survey, 6.1% (326/5349) of households in intervention clusters and 7.9% (405/5139) in control clusters reported at least one dengue case. The mean of days lost per case was similar in intervention and control clusters, but the number of days lost from dengue and all elements of costs for dengue cases per 1000 population were lower in intervention clusters. If the total population of the three coastal regions had received the intervention, some 149,401 work or school days lost per year could have been prevented. The economic effect of dengue on households, including lost work days, is substantial. The Camino Verde trial intervention reduced household costs for treatment of dengue cases. The trial was registered as ISRCTN:27,581,154 .


An evaluation of daily bacteriologic monitoring to identify preventable episodes of catheter-associated urinary tract infection.
We evaluated the efficacy of a daily bacteriologic monitoring program for preventing symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTI) in hospitalized patients with temporary indwelling urethral catheters. We identified 99 instances in which bacteriuria was present at the time of catheter insertion among 1,140 catheterizations. Of those, 62 patients were asymptomatic and 37 patients had fever or symptoms attributable to UTI. Of the 37 symptomatic episodes, only 14 developed symptoms 24 hours or more after the first culture and might be considered potentially preventable. We also identified 76 episodes of acquired bacteriuria among 608 catheterizations that were initially nonbacteriuric in which at least two cultures were available. Of these 76 patients, 51 (67%) remained asymptomatic throughout their period of hospitalization. Of the 25 patients who developed symptomatic infections, only ten were potentially preventable. In all, only 24 symptomatic episodes among 1,140 catheterizations (2%) occurred 24 hours or more after colonization was first detected and might be considered potentially preventable. Our data suggest that routine daily bacteriologic monitoring of urine from all catheterized patients is not an efficient way to decrease the incidence of symptomatic, catheter-associated UTI.


Invited review: sex-based differences in gene expression.
Certain diseases are more prevalent among women than men. The reasons for this increased prevalence are unknown, but there could be a genetic basis. Increased expression of X-linked genes in females, protective effects of Y-linked genes in males, or sex-limited gene expression that is developmentally or hormonally regulated could all account for these differences. Analysis of individuals with and without genetic sex reversal provides a means for distinguishing between genetic and hormonal causes. This can be complemented by genetic linkage and gene expression profiling to aid in the identification of candidate genes.


Synthesis of trans-Tetrafluoro(trifluoromethyl)-λ6-sulfanyl (CF3SF4)-Containing Olefins via Cross Metathesis.
The cross-metathesis reactions of trans-tetrafluoro(trifluoromethyl)-λ6-sulfanyl (CF3SF4)-containing olefins expand the repertoire of synthetic transformations of CF3SF4-substituted molecules. Treatment of a primary alkene and 3-CF3SF4-propene with a second-generation Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst yielded the cross-metathesis product in good yield under very mild conditions (room temperature). CF3SF4-propene undergoes cross metathesis with substrates containing electron-withdrawing groups or electron-donating groups at room temperature or under dichloromethane reflux. The formation of the CF3SF4-propene homodimer and the utility of that dimer to undergo selective cross-metathesis reactions are described.


More is not better: brood size and population growth in a self-fertilizing nematode.
The normal form of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a self-fertilizing hermaphrodite, which produces from the same germ-line tissue first a limited number of sperm and then a larger number of oocytes. Self-progeny brood sizes are determined by the number of sperm, and most of the oocytes remain unfertilized. Therefore it might seem selectively advantageous to increase the number of sperm, and hence the size of the brood. A mutation that leads to a 50% increase in sperm production allows a comparison of population growth rates between the wild type (mean brood 327 progeny) and the mutant (mean brood 499 progeny). Wild-type populations grow faster, as measured by food consumption, indicating that increased brood size is not advantageous. The mutant appears to be at a disadvantage because the additional spermatogenesis leads to a delay in the onset of oogenesis, and hence to an increase in the minimum generation time. In support of the notion of an optimal brood size, it was found that different natural isolates of this species have self-fertilities similar to that of the standard laboratory strain, in the range 250-350 progeny per worm.


The perinatal period should be considered in neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome: comparison of the Montreux definition vs. the second pediatric acute lung injury consensus conference definition.
The recently developed Montreux definition for neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) partially differs from the Second Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference (PALICC-2) definition. Here, we compare the Montreux and PALICC-2 definitions regarding morbidity, mortality, and prognosis of neonatal cases of ARDS in order to evaluate which definition is more appropriate for newborns. Neonates admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between 1 January 2018 and 30 September 2019 who met the Montreux or PALICC-2 definition of neonatal ARDS were retrospectively analyzed (n = 472). One comparison was made between application of the Montreux and PALICC-2 definitions to neonates outside the perinatal period (> 7 d after birth). A second comparison was made between a diagnosis of neonatal ARDS within (≤ 7 d of birth) and outside (> 7 d after birth) the perinatal period using the Montreux definition. No significant differences in morbidity, mortality, severity, therapies, or prognosis were observed between neonates in the extra perinatal group according to the Montreux and PALICC-2 definitions. However, epidemiology, clinical course, and prognosis of neonatal ARDS within the perinatal period did differ from those outside the perinatal period according to the Montreux definition. Neonates with ARDS within the perinatal period have unique triggers, epidemiology, clinical course, and prognosis, yet a similar pathobiology pattern, to neonates at other ages. Therefore, it may be essential to consider the perinatal period when defining neonatal ARDS.


Mechanoelectrical transduction in chondrocytes.
Cartilage tissue lines the joints of mammals, helping to lubricate joint movement and distribute mechanical loads. This tissue is comprised of isolated cells known as chondrocytes which are embedded in an extracellular matrix. Chondrocytes produce and maintain the cartilage by sensing and responding to changing mechanical loads. Mechanosensitive ion channels have been implicated in chondrocyte mechanotransduction and recent studies have shown that both PIEZO1 and TRPV4 can be activated by mechanical stimuli in these cells. The 2 channels mediate separate but overlapping mechanoelectrical transduction pathways, PIEZO1 in response to stretch and substrate deflections and TRPV4 in response to substrate deflections alone. These distinct pathways of mechanoelectrical transduction suggest a mechanism by which chondrocytes can distinguish between different stimuli that arise in their complex mechanical environment.


Nonenzymatic deamidation of asparaginyl and glutaminyl residues in proteins.
Some asparagine and glutamine residues in proteins undergo deamidation to aspartate and glutamate with rates that depend upon the sequence and higher-order structure of the protein. Functional groups within the protein can catalyze this reaction, acting as general acids, bases, or stabilizers of the transition state. Information from specific proteins that deamidate and analysis of protein sequence and structure data bases suggest that asparagine and glutamine lability has been a selective pressure in the evolution of protein sequence and folding. Asparagine and glutamine deamidation can affect protein structure and function in natural and engineered mutant sequences, and may play a role in the regulation of protein folding, protein breakdown, and aging.


Morphological and structural evolution of WS2 nanosheets irradiated with an electron beam.
The morphological and structural evolution of WS2 nanosheets under electron irradiation is investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. During irradiation, the sulfur atoms that interacted with the electrons were sputtered first and the tungsten atoms began to sputter when the surrounding sulfur atoms had been sputtered. With an increasing irradiation time, the remaining tungsten atoms rearranged to form new structures. In addition, the damage to the WS2 nanosheets became more severe with increasing electron energies and irradiation times.


Cavity-Modified Chemiluminescent Reaction of Dioxetane.
Chemiluminescence is a thermally activated chemical process that emits a photon of light by forming a fraction of products in the electronic excited state. A well-known example of this spectacular phenomenon is the emission of light in the firefly beetle, where the formation of a four-membered cyclic peroxide compound and subsequent dissociation produce a light-emitting product. The smallest cyclic peroxide, dioxetane, also exhibits chemiluminescence but with a low quantum yield as compared to that of firefly dioxetane. Employing the strong light-matter coupling has recently been found to be an alternative strategy to modify the chemical reactivity. In the presence of an optical cavity, the molecular degrees of freedom greatly mix with the cavity mode to form hybrid cavity-matter states called polaritons. These newly generated hybrid light-matter states manipulate the potential energy surfaces and significantly change the reaction dynamics. Here, we theoretically investigate the effects of a strong light-matter interaction on the chemiluminescent reaction of dioxetane using the extended Jaynes-Cummings model. The cavity couplings corresponding to the electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom have been included in the interaction Hamiltonian. We explore how the cavity alters the ground- and excited-state path energy barriers and reaction rates. Our results demonstrate that the formation of excited-state products in the dioxetane decomposition process can be either accelerated or suppressed, depending on the molecular orientation with respect to the cavity polarization.


Mammalian lignans enterolactone and enterodiol, alone and in combination with the isoflavone genistein, do not promote the growth of MCF-7 xenografts in ovariectomized athymic nude mice.
This study determined the effect of the mammalian lignans enterolactone (ENL) and enterodiol (END) alone and in combination with the isoflavone genistein (GEN) on the growth of MCF-7 tumors in ovariectomized nude mice. Ovariectomized athymic nude mice with established MCF-7 tumors were fed a basal diet (AIN-93G) and divided into 5 groups that received daily subcutaneous injections (10 mg/kg body weight (BW)) of ENL, END, GEN, a mixture of these compounds (MIX), or vehicle as a negative control for 22 weeks. A positive control group was implanted with an estradiol pellet in order to establish an estrogenic tumor growth response. In the ENL- and END-treated mice, palpable tumors regressed significantly by 91 and 83%, respectively, resulting in final tumors that were similar to the negative control tumors. However, tumor cell apoptosis was significantly enhanced by the lignans. In the GEN-treated mice, tumors initially regressed significantly by 64% but regression ceased following prolonged treatment, resulting in final tumors that were significantly larger compared to negative control, ENL-, and END-treated mice, in part by increasing tumor cell proliferation. The MIX treatment significantly regressed palpable tumors by 87% similar to negative control group, with no effects on tumor cell apoptosis or proliferation. The isoflavone GEN alone promoted the growth of established MCF-7 human breast cancer xenografts after prolonged treatment while the mammalian lignans ENL and END did not. When these phytoestrogens were given in combination, no tumor growth-promoting effects were observed. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.


Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from patients with glioma.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) may represent a viable source of T cells for the biological treatment of patients with gliomas. Glioma tissue was obtained from 16 patients, tumor cell lines were established, and TILs were expanded in 16/16 cases using a combination of IL-2/IL-15/IL-21. Intracellular cytokine staining (ICS, IL-2, IL-17, TNFα and IFNγ production) as well as a cytotoxicity assay was used to detect TIL reactivity against autologous tumor cells or shared tumor-associated antigens (TAAs; i.e., NY-ESO-1, Survivin or EGFRvIII). TILs were analyzed by flow cytometry, including T-cell receptor (TCR) Vβ family composition, exhaustion/activation and T-cell differentiation markers (CD45RA/CCR7). IL-2/IL-15/IL-21 expanded TILs exhibited a mixture of CD4+, CD8+, as well as CD3+ CD4-CD8- T cells with a predominant central memory CD45RA-CCR7+ phenotype. TIL showed low frequencies of T cells testing positive for PD-1, TIM-3 and CTLA-4. LAG3 tested positive in up to 30% of CD8+ TIL, with low (1.25%) frequencies in CD4+ T cells. TIL cultures exhibited preferential usage of Vβ families and recognition of autologous tumor cells defined by cytokine production and cytotoxicity. IL-2/IL-15/IL-21 expanded TILs represent a viable source for the cellular therapy of patients with gliomas.


Long noncoding RNAs: New evidence for overlapped pathogenesis between major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
About half of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have clinically meaningful levels of anxiety. Greater severity of depressive illness and functional impairment has been reported in patients with high levels of anxiety accompanying depression. The pathogenesis for the comorbidity was still unsure. This study aimed to determine whether there would be molecular link for overlapped pathogenesis between MDD and anxiety disorder. Using long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) microarray profiling and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, six downregulated lncRNAs and three upregulated lncRNAs had been identified to be the potential biomarkers for MDD and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), respectively. Then, the lncRNAs were cross-checked in forty MDD patients, forty GAD patients, and forty normal controls. Compared with normal controls, six downregulated MDD lncRNAs also had a significantly lower expression in GAD (P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference between GAD and MDD (P > 0.05). In addition, three upregulated GAD lncRNAs had no different expression in MDD (P > 0.05), but there was remarkable difference between MDD and GAD (P < 0.01). These results indicated that lncRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells could be potential molecular link between MDD and GAD, which added new evidence to the overlapped pathogenesis and suggested that anxious depression could be a valid diagnostic subtype of MDD.


5,6-Dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines as Alternative of New Drugs with Cytotoxic Activity.
In this study, the pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines 4a-n were synthesized in good yields in a three steps synthesis from the corresponding α,β-unsaturated esters starting materials. These compounds were tested on six human cancer cells lines to measure the cytotoxic activity as a function of the electronic properties and aromaticity of the substituent at the C-2 position of the pyrroloisoquinoline. Our results reveal that the cytotoxic activity could be explained in terms of the distribution of electronic density across the ring joined to C-2. Also, this study identified 3-hydroxy (4d) and 3-chloro (4j) derivatives with powerful cytotoxic activities. The IC50 values of these compounds were found to be comparable to those of the commercially available Topotecan, Irinotecan, Etoposide, Tamoxifen, and Cisplatin.


Relationship between Plasma Leptin Level and Chronic Kidney Disease.
Background. Leptin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone shown to be related to several metabolic, inflammatory, and hemostatic factors related to chronic kidney disease. Recent animal studies have reported that infusion of recombinant leptin into normal rats for 3 weeks fosters the development of glomerulosclerosis. However, few studies have examined the association between leptin and CKD in humans. Therefore, we examined the association between plasma leptin levels and CKD in a representative sample of US adults. Methods. We examined the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants >20 years of age (n = 5820, 53.6% women). Plasma leptin levels were categorized into quartiles (≤4.3 Fg/L, 4.4-8.7 Fg/L, 8.8-16.9 Fg/L, >16.9 Fg/L). CKD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) estimated from serum creatinine. Results. Higher plasma leptin levels were associated with CKD after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension, and serum cholesterol. Compared to quartile 1 of leptin (referent), the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of CKD associated with quartile 4 was 3.31 (1.41 to 7.78); P-trend = 0.0135. Subgroup analyses examining the relation between leptin and CKD by gender, BMI categories, diabetes, and hypertension status also showed a consistent positive association. Conclusion. Higher plasma leptin levels are associated with CKD in a representative sample of US adults.


Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis.
The past 3 years have seen a remarkable growth in the interest of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis. There have been studies published documenting an increased incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular conditions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with individuals without rheumatoid arthritis. There has also been interest in the occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis and in the role of antirheumatic therapy, including cyclooxygenase-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate, corticosteroids, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. A number of studies using noninvasive means to detect atherosclerosis have shown that patients with rheumatoid arthritis may be prone to atherosclerosis. This information should be important to physicians who provide care to patients with rheumatoid arthritis, given the difficulty of recognizing cardiovascular signs and symptoms among patients with the disease.


Preparation of Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles and Its Application for Reliable Measurement of Sudan Red Contaminants in Natural Waters at Parts-Per-Billion Levels.
The health threat from Sudan red dyes has been the subject of much attention in recent years and is crucial to design and establish reliable measurement technologies. In the present study, a new magnetic nanomaterial, polyamidoamine dendrimer-modified magnetic nanoparticles (Gn-MNPs), was synthesized and characterized. The nanomaterials had good adsorption capacity for Sudan dyes from natural waters. G1.5-MNPs possessed excellent adsorption capacity and a linear adsorption relationship over the range from 0.02 to 300 μg L-1 of Sudan dyes with relative coefficients all larger than 0.996. The sensitivity of the proposed method was excellent with detection limits over the range from 1.8 to 5.5 ng L-1 and the precision was less than 3.0%. G1.5-MNPs showed a remarkable application potential for the enrichment of trace environment pollutants in aqueous samples and the developed method based on this nanomaterial could be a robust and reliable alternative tool for routine monitoring of such pollutants.


Lyme borreliosis and facial paralysis--a prospective analysis of risk factors and outcome.
To evaluate the incidence of Lyme borreliosis in patients with acute idiopathic facial paralysis with special emphasis on the risk factors that explain the poor outcome of facial paralysis and occurrence of Lyme borreliosis. During a 2-year period, we prospectively studied 503 consecutive patients with acute idiopathic facial paralysis for the presence of Lyme borreliosis. We screened the patients for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi and for symptoms or signs related to Lyme borreliosis. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used for the statistical analysis. Special attention was paid to strict criteria for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Eleven (2.2%) of the 503 patients with facial paralysis had Lyme borreliosis. Fever, headache, pharyngalgia, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, bilateral paralysis, and arthralgia were more common in patients with Lyme borreliosis than in those without it. In the logistic regression modeling the best combination of explanatory variables for predicting the occurrence of Lyme borreliosis included summer season at the onset of facial paralysis, presence of enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and arthralgia. The best combination of explanatory variables to predict the poor outcome of facial paralysis was total paralysis of facial nerves, recurrent facial paralysis, and hyperacusis. Lyme borreliosis is an important infectious cause of facial paralysis. In our study, 11 of 503 patients with acute idiopathic facial paralysis had Lyme borreliosis. The screening for serum antibodies in addition to the thorough evaluation of the history of the patient and of the patient's clinical signs or symptoms possibly linked with Lyme borreliosis, are essential when diagnosing Lyme borreliosis.


Identification of amino acid residues of Gsalpha critical to repression of adipogenesis.
Gsalpha regulates the differentiation of 3T3-L1 mouse embryonic fibroblasts to adipocytes, a process termed adipogenesis. Through the expression of chimera created by substituting regions of Gsalpha with corresponding regions of the G protein Gialpha2, the domain of Gsalpha involved in repression of adipogenesis was localized to sequence 146-235 of the molecule (Wang, H-y., Johnson, G. L., Liu, X. , Malbon, C. C. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 22022-22029). As a prelude to alanine-scanning mutagenesis, chimeras in Gsalpha constructed from trisection of the sequence 125-213 of Gialpha2 were expressed stably, and clones were evaluated for the ability of the chimera to repress adipogenesis in response to the inducers, dexamethasone and methylisobutylxanthine, in combination. The chimera containing sequence 150-177 of Gialpha2 repressed adipogenesis, whereas the chimeras with either sequence 125-149 or 178-213 of Gialpha2 failed to repress induction of adipogenesis. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis of these two critical domains was performed first in clusters and then confirmed by analysis of single mutations. Six residues unique to Gsalpha were identified as critical to repression of adipogenesis, Asn167, Cys200, Leu203, Ser205, Val214, and Lys216. Leu203 and Ser205 are required in tandem, as mutagenesis to alanine of either one alone was without effect on repressor activity. The remaining four residues are required for repressor activity; mutation of any one of these abolishes the ability of Gsalpha to repress adipogenesis, although not affecting the ability of the mutant form of Gsalpha to regulate adenylylcyclase. Using conserved landmarks found in the crystal structures of Gialpha1 and Gsalpha, the Leu203 and Ser205 cluster appears to be exposed, closely aligned and located in switch I region. Asn167, Val214, and Lys216 project to regions on Gsalpha that are exposed in the GTPgammaS-liganded state of the alpha subunit. We speculate that these residues constitute an important contact domain between Gsalpha and the effector controlling adipogenesis, which is yet to be identified.


Flower-like W/WO3 as a novel cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) with exceptional safety and cost-effective features have captured researchers' attention, but the cathode materials available still need to be further explored. Herein, a flower-like W/WO3 hybrid is developed as a cathode of ZIBs. Impressively, the W/WO3-ZIBs exhibit extraordinary rate performance (158 mA h g-1 under 0.1 A g-1) and remarkable cycling performance (96% over 1000 cycles). Additionally, an electrochemical mechanism based on reversible Zn2+ insertion/extraction in W/WO3 is firstly demonstrated, and the impressive flexibility and excellent capabilities of the soft-packaged batteries are also realized. Therefore, this research will pave a novel consideration of metal/metal oxide hybrids in designing cathodes of ZIBs with high electrochemical performance.


An immunoelectron microscopic and immunofluorescent study on the antigenic relationship between the coronavirus-like agent, CV 777, and several coronaviruses.
A possible antigenic relationship between the porcine enteropathogenic coronavirus-like agent (CVLA) and 6 known coronaviruses was examined by immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) and by immunofluorescence (IF). CVLA did not show cross reactivity with infectious bronchitis virus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), canine coronavirus (CCV) hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (HEV), neonatal calf diarrhea coronavirus (NCDCV) or feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Antigenic relationship was detected by IEM between TGEV and CCV, NCDCV and HEV and by IF between TGEV and CCV, TGEV and FIPV, HEV and NCDCV.


[Neonatal resuscitation in delivery room: new advances].
The need for resuscitation of a distressed newborn in delivery room is more and more easily predictable. The two principal reasons are improvement of obstetrical survey and best perinatal regionalisation. Perinatal asphyxia and premature labour, especially before 32 weeks of gestational age, are the more frequent situation needing resuscitation at birth. A good survey of pregnancy and labor, verification of availability and efficiency of care devices and material in the delivery room are essential. In all guidelines respiratory resuscitation is today the priority in the first minutes. Non invasive positive pressure ventilation and early use of exogenous surfactant are the recent advances for the care of very premature baby in delivery room. Having a neonatal ventilator and pulse oximetry monitoring is recommended and can improve results. For the pregnant woman and the baby, maternal transfer if no contra-indications exist and when it is possible, is preferred to postnatal transportation in case of very premature labor or high risk pregnancy. In all the other situations neonatal transport must be strictly organised and realised by well-trained pediatric team, with adapted material and in the best conditions for security and comfort. The goal is to prevent any rupture until arrival in the referring neonatal intensive car unit.


[Thrombosis of the superior longitudinal sinus in patients with AIDS. A review of the literature].
Cerebral dural sinus thrombosis (CSDT) is a rare disease with a high rate of mortality. Until now it has not been well-documented in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Prompt diagnosis is essential for initiation of suitable treatment, especially in cases with progressive neurological involvement. The diagnostic methods include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conventional angiography. MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have become the methods of choice because of their sensitivity and noninvasive nature. An unusual AIDS-patient, who at the time of CSDT presentation had an associated toxoplasmosis infection is described. To our knowledge, this is the first case of CSDT diagnosed by MRI and MRA in an AIDS patient. In the follow-up, MRI and MRA showed the repermeabilitation of the sinus thrombosis. Cerebral dural sinus thrombosis should be considered as a possible cause of neurological decline in a HIV-patient with central nervous system opportunistic infection.


Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms in adult patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in the Southwest Region of Cameroon.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge and depression is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease. Current evidence suggests that there is an association between depressive symptoms and TB, lower adherence to treatment, and increased morbidity and mortality. However, there is paucity of data regarding these associations in Cameroon. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of depression in adult patients with pulmonary TB (PTB) in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 265 patients with PTB was conducted from 2(nd) January to 31(st) March 2015 in the Limbe Regional Hospital and the Kumba District Hospital. Depression was diagnosed using the standard nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and classified as none, mild or moderate. Logistic regressions were used to investigate correlates of depression in these patients. Of the 265 patients (mean age 36.9 ± 10 years) studied, 136 (51.3 %) were female. The prevalence of depression was 61.1 % (95 % CI: 55.1-66.8), with a significant proportion (36.6 %) having mild depression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being female (aOR = 3.0, 95 % CI (1.7-5.5), P < 0.001), having a family history of mental illness (aOR = 2.5, 95 % CI: 1.3-5.4, P > 0.05), being on retreatment for TB (aOR = 11.2, 95 % CI: 5.2-31.1, P < 0.001), having discontinued treatment (aOR = 8.2, 95 % CI: 1.1-23.3, P < 0.05) and having a HIV/TB co-infection (aOR = 2.5, 95 % CI: 1.2-6.5, P < 0.001) were factors associated with having a higher chance of being depressed. Our study suggests that there is a high prevalence of depression among PTB patients, with more than one in two patients affected. Multidisciplinary care for TB patients involving mental health practitioners is highly encouraged, especially for high-risk groups.


Ribavirin antagonizes the in vitro anti-hepatitis C virus activity of 2'-C-methylcytidine, the active component of valopicitabine.
Ribavirin antagonizes the in vitro anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity of the pyrimidine nucleoside analogue 2'-C-methylcytidine, the active component of the experimental anti-HCV drug valopicitabine. In contrast, the combination of ribavirin with either the purine nucleoside analogue 2'-C-methyladenosine or the HCV protease inhibitor VX-950 resulted in an additive antiviral activity. These findings may have implications when planning clinical studies with valopicitabine.


Chiral aryl iodide catalysts for the enantioselective synthesis of para-quinols.
Molecular modelling of an iodine(III) phenoxide was used as a starting point in the design of chiral aryl iodide catalysts for stereoselective oxidative dearomatization reactions. Using this approach, catalysts derived from 8-iodotetralone and tartaric acid were constructed and used to synthesize enantioenriched para-quinols from phenols.


Primer in Genetics and Genomics, Article 4-Inheritance Patterns.
Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, much has been uncovered about inheritance of various illnesses and disorders. There are two main types of inheritance: Mendelian and non-Mendelian. Mendelian inheritance includes autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and Y-linked inheritance. Non-Mendelian inheritance includes mitochondrial and multifactorial inheritance. Nurses must understand the types of inheritance in order to identify red flags that may indicate the possibility of a hereditary disorder in a patient or family.


Corticospinal Tract Microstructure Correlates With Beta Oscillatory Activity in the Primary Motor Cortex After Stroke.
Cortical beta oscillations are reported to serve as robust measures of the integrity of the human motor system. Their alterations after stroke, such as reduced movement-related beta desynchronization in the primary motor cortex, have been repeatedly related to the level of impairment. However, there is only little data whether such measures of brain function might directly relate to structural brain changes after stroke. This multimodal study investigated 18 well-recovered patients with stroke (mean age 65 years, 12 males) by means of task-related EEG and diffusion-weighted structural MRI 3 months after stroke. Beta power at rest and movement-related beta desynchronization was assessed in 3 key motor areas of the ipsilesional hemisphere that are the primary motor cortex (M1), the ventral premotor area and the supplementary motor area. Template trajectories of corticospinal tracts (CST) originating from M1, premotor cortex, and supplementary motor area were used to quantify the microstructural state of CST subcomponents. Linear mixed-effects analyses were used to relate tract-related mean fractional anisotropy to EEG measures. In the present cohort, we detected statistically significant reductions in ipsilesional CST fractional anisotropy but no alterations in EEG measures when compared with healthy controls. However, in patients with stroke, there was a significant association between both beta power at rest (P=0.002) and movement-related beta desynchronization (P=0.003) in M1 and fractional anisotropy of the CST specifically originating from M1. Similar structure-function relationships were neither evident for ventral premotor area and supplementary motor area, particularly with respect to their CST subcomponents originating from premotor cortex and supplementary motor area, in patients with stroke nor in controls. These data suggest there might be a link connecting microstructure of the CST originating from M1 pyramidal neurons and beta oscillatory activity, measures which have already been related to motor impairment in patients with stroke by previous reports.


Photoacoustic chopping frequency studies on uncoated zinc selenide.
Experimental photoacoustic (PA) signal amplitude and phase data were obtained as a function of chopping frequency on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown zinc selenide. The light source was a CO(2) laser operating at 10.6 microm with about a cw 24-W power level. The PA amplitude had an f(-n) dependence with n = 1.04. The PA phase angle plot yielded a phase difference between 1000 and 500 Hz and 50 Hz of 13 degrees ; between 1000 and 500 Hz and 100 Hz, of 6 degrees . Laser rate calorimetry on these samples gave an average beta(eff) = beta(B) + 2beta(s)/l = 4.32 x 10(-3) cm(-1), where l is the sample thickness, beta(B) is the bulk optical absorption coefficient in cm(-1), and beta(s), is the dimensionless surface absorption. The average value of l was 0.79 cm. Theoretical calculations were made using several PA theories and parameters relevant to CVD ZnSe. A modified version of the Rosencwaig-Gersho (RG) theory was derived to explicitly include surface absorption. The RG theory calculations yielded results that differed greatly from experiment. Calculations using the McDonald-Wetsel composite-piston model, an extension of the RG theory, yielded results closer to experiment. A comparison of various calculations using the Bennett-Forman theory indicated that the best consensus value for the surface-to-bulk optical absorption ratio, r identical with beta(S)/beta(B), was r = 0.025 cm. Using this value yields beta(B) = 4.06 x l0(-3) cm(-1) and beta(s) = 0.000102. Thus for these samples 94% of the measured beta(eff) is due to beta(B). This value for r is about an order of magnitude smaller than that obtained from a study on similar samples using the multithickness technique. Calculations using the modified RG theory were almost identical to the results of the Bennett-Forman theory for the same value of r.


Amino acid profiles of muscle and liver tissues of Australian Merino, Damara and Dorper lambs under restricted feeding.
Seasonal weight loss (SWL) is a major constraint in extensive animal production systems in the tropics and Mediterranean. The objective of this study was to characterize the amino acid profile of muscle and hepatic tissues of Australian Merino, Damara and Dorper lambs under restricted feeding to evaluate the impact of SWL at the metabolic and physiological levels. SWL induced generalized muscle protein breakdown among restricted groups of all breeds, with varying intensity. Dorper breed mobilized less muscle amino acids when under these conditions, with the Damara having frequent significant differences, namely by having lower amino acid concentrations in the muscle of restricted lambs. Damara lambs showed greater ability to catabolize branched-chain amino acids in the muscle tissue, which indicates yet another mechanism that provides the Damara with the necessary tools to endure harsh conditions. Overall, the Damara breed mobilized more muscle amino acids than the other breeds, with a better capacity to catabolize branched-chain amino acids in the muscle, while maintaining muscle structural integrity.


Efficacy of Plai Cream in Adult Patients with Muscle Strain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a standard treatment option for muscle strain; however, side effects persist. This clinical trial was designed to compare the efficacy of Plai cream compared to placebos in adult patients with muscle strain. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 140 participants aged over 18 years with muscle strain were randomized to receive either Plai cream (n = 70 patients, treatment group) or placebos (n = 70 patients, control group) . Outcome assessments included the visual analog scale (VAS), quality of life (QoL), the amount of remaining cream, and the number of acetaminophen tablets used. After 2 weeks, the mean pain scores following treatment with both Plai cream and placebos in patients with muscle strain decreased from baseline to the end of the study at week 2. However, no significant difference for VA S score was found. The QoL of the two groups showed improvements in QoL as witnessed by increased mean QoL scores from baseline to week 2; however, these differences were not statistically significant. In general, mean QoL scores above 50 indicate good quality of life. The amount of Plai cream used reduced from baseline to week 2, but no significant difference in the amount of cream remaining was found between the two groups at each visit. Similarly, the number of acetaminophen tablets used was not statistically different between the treatment and control groups. There was no difference in pain reduction in the 2-week period between patients with muscle strain using Plai cream and those given placebos, but Plai cream tended to reduce pain in the long term. No side effects were found from Plai cream, so this non-invasive treatment may be offered to patients.


Mycobacterium iranicum pulmonary disease in an elderly patient with extensive usual interstitial pneumonia: Case report.
We report the first case of Mycobacterium iranicum pulmonary disease in an elderly patient with extensive usual interstitial pneumonia and traction bronchiectasis. He was treated with oral doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim daily for 9 months. This was associated with eradication of the microorganism in the sputum and steady weight gain.


The nasality severity index: an objective measure of hypernasality based on a multiparameter approach. A pilot study.
There is a need for an objective measure that describes normal resonance and resonance disorders. The current standard of practice has not led to mismanagement but a refined objective assessment protocol will benefit a more precise objective assessment of velopharyngeal disorders. The purpose of the present study is to construct a nasality severity index (NSI) that reflects the multidimensional nature of resonance. Objective and subjective assessment techniques were used to determine the nasalance, the nasality and aerodynamic capacities in 21 children with cleft palate and a control group of 25 children without cleft palate. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the optimal index. The NSI consists of a linear combination of 4 variables, where each variable has a different weight. The equation is: NSI = -60.69 - (3.24 x percent oral text) - (13.39 x Glatzel value /a/) + [0.244 x maximum duration time (seconds)] - (0.558 x % /a/) + (3.38 x percent oronasal text). NSI sensitivity is 88% and specificity is 95%. Daily clinical use of the NSI has shown it to be an efficient and practical tool to describe the presence of hypernasality. Three distinct follow-up cases are presented to illustrate the impact of a surgical technique, the use of a speech bulb and velopharyngeal biofeedback training on NSI. The implementation of the NSI may help clinicians to quantitatively assess the severity of nasality disorders beside the perceptual judgments.


Prevalence Rate and Risk Factors of Victimization in Adult Patients With a Psychotic Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Psychotic disorders often have been linked with violence. However, studies have shown that people with a psychotic disorder are more often victim than perpetrator of violence. The objective of this meta-analysis was to review prevalence rates for different types of victimization and to identify risk factors associated with victimization. Based on a search in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, 27 studies were found with samples consisting of adults with a psychotic disorder and possible victimization occurring during adulthood and data on "violent victimization," "sexual victimization," "non-violent victimization," and/or "victimization not otherwise specified." The median prevalence rate for violent victimization was 20%, for sexual victimization 20%, nonviolent victimization 19%, and for victimization not otherwise specified 19%. Victimization rates were approximately 4-6 times higher than in the general community. Meta-analyses showed the following significant risk factors: delusion (OR = 1.69), hallucinations (OR = 1.70), manic symptoms (OR = 1.66), drugs (OR = 1.90) or alcohol abuse (OR = 2.05), perpetration of a crime (OR = 4.33), unemployment (OR = 1.31), and homelessness (OR = 2.49). Other risk factors like previous victimization, impaired social functioning, personality disorder, and living in a disadvantaged neighborhood were found only in 1 or 2 studies. Based on the results, we conclude that, depending on the examined time period, 1 in 5 (assessment period ≤3 y) or 1 in 3 (assessment period entire adulthood) people with a psychotic disorder was victim of a crime. Clinical, behavioral, and sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with victimization, as well as previous victimization. Prospective research into risk factors is needed to capture causal trajectories of victimization.


Treatment patterns and real-world effectiveness of warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation within a managed care system.
To examine warfarin utilization and clinical effectiveness among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation within usual clinical care in a managed care system. A retrospective analysis of health care claims for an approximately four million member managed care organization was performed. Health plan members with a diagnosis of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in calendar year 2000 were identified and stratified into two cohorts: Warfarin Therapy (newly initiating warfarin) or Warfarin Candidates (eligible for warfarin therapy according to the ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation, but did not receive warfarin). The occurrence of thromboembolism, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhage during a maximum 720-day follow-up were compared between cohorts, adjusting for age, gender, and other risk factors, using Cox regression. Among 12 539 subjects (mean age 78.0 +/- 8.8 years) with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, 4895 (39.0%) initiated Warfarin Therapy and 7644 (61.0%) were Warfarin Candidates. Event occurrences among Warfarin Therapy vs. Warfarin Candidates were: ischemic stroke, 3.7% vs. 4.5%; any thromboembolism, 7.8% vs. 10.8%; and hemorrhage, 4.4% vs. 4.9%, respectively. Warfarin therapy was not associated with an increased risk for hemorrhage (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82-1.15), while risks for ischemic stroke and any thromboembolism were significantly reduced, by 22% (HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.65-0.93) and 34% (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.59-0.75), respectively. Within usual clinical care for the managed care population examined, warfarin remains underused despite current guidelines recommending its use in nearly all patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Although utilization of anticoagulation clinics and INR values attained were unknown in this study, the observed risk reductions for ischemic stroke and thromboembolism were lower than those achieved in clinical trials, while no increased risk for hemorrhage was observed. These findings suggest that warfarin is used conservatively, and dosed cautiously, diminishing the full potential benefit of anticoagulant therapy in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.


[Optimization of the conditions for the immunochemical nephelometric analysis of IgG, IgA and IgM].
Immunonephelometric analysis (INA) is widely used in practical chemistry. the authors have examined the possibility of using Soviet reagents in an ICS Analyzer Beckman (USA) nephelometer. The effects of polyethylene glycol concentration, the reaction buffer pH and ionic strength on the results of INA were under study. Optimal conditions for INA with the test systems anti-IgA-IgA, anti-IgG-IgG, and anti-IgM-IgM with Soviet reagents have been developed. Lyophilized immunoreagents from the Mancini radial immunodiffusion kit, prepared at the N. F. Gamaleia Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology, can be employed for analysis with this nephelometer.


[Analysis of fungal diversity in intestines of Hepialus gonggaensis larvae].
Studied fungi diversity in the guts of larval Hepialus gonggaensis using culture-independent and traditional culturing methods. For the culture-independent method, the total DNA of fungus was extracted from the intestinal contents and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were amplified with fungal universal primers. A near-full length ITS gene library was constructed. Subsequently, the fingerprints of the microorganisms were analyzed by isolated plasmid and digestion with Msp I, HaeIII and Taq I enzymes, respectively. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis based on the fungal ITS sequences indicated that the library established includes 23 operational taxonomic units (OTUS) and a phylogenetic tree depicted the linkage of the isolated fungi. Abundant fungi were in the intestines of H. gonggaensis larvae, but their abundance was very different. The dominant fungi belonged to Mortierellaone and Trichosporon and accounted for 46.34 % and 39.02 % of the total ITS clones, respectively. Only three genera of fungi were identified from eight isolated fungal populations by traditional culturing methods. We could get more information by combined traditional culturing and molecular biology methods.


Lasting neuropsychiatric sequelae of (+-)methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('ecstasy') in recreational users.
Two persons are described who demonstrated prolonged neuropsychiatric syndromes after the ingestion of large doses of (+-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a recreationally used amphetamine analog. These cases suggest that MDMA, known to be neurotoxic to serotonin neurons in several experimental animals, may also produce untoward effects in humans. In addition, they provide evidence that ingestion of large doses of MDMA can produce lasting adverse functional consequences in vulnerable persons.


[Blood amino acid pattern in thyreopathic patients. (pre- and post-operative analysis)].
On the basis of the effects, demonstrated in vitro, of the thyroid hormones on the amino-acidic metabolism at cellular level, the Authors analysed the aminoacidogram of 15 thyreopathic patients. They remarked significant preoperative modifications of some amino-acids, coming back to standard values after operation. The authors think the preoperative modifications are to be ascribed to thyreopathy, whereas the postoperative ones depend on the surgical trauma.


Classification and Prediction of Skyrmion Material Based on Machine Learning.
The discovery and study of skyrmion materials play an important role in basic frontier physics research and future information technology. The database of 196 materials, including 64 skyrmions, was established and predicted based on machine learning. A variety of intrinsic features are classified to optimize the model, and more than a dozen methods had been used to estimate the existence of skyrmion in magnetic materials, such as support vector machines, k-nearest neighbor, and ensembles of trees. It is found that magnetic materials can be more accurately divided into skyrmion and non-skyrmion classes by using the classification of electronic layer. Note that the rare earths are the key elements affecting the production of skyrmion. The accuracy and reliability of random undersampling bagged trees were 87.5% and 0.89, respectively, which have the potential to build a reliable machine learning model from small data. The existence of skyrmions in LaBaMnO is predicted by the trained model and verified by micromagnetic theory and experiments.


Frame Transmission Efficiency-Based Cross-Layer Congestion Notification Scheme in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks.
Different from the traditional wired network, the fundamental cause of transmission congestion in wireless ad hoc networks is medium contention. How to utilize the congestion state from the MAC (Media Access Control) layer to adjust the transmission rate is core work for transport protocol design. However, recent works have shown that the existing cross-layer congestion detection solutions are too complex to be deployed or not able to characterize the congestion accurately. We first propose a new congestion metric called frame transmission efficiency (i.e., the ratio of successful transmission delay to the frame service delay), which describes the medium contention in a fast and accurate manner. We further present the design and implementation of RECN (ECN and the ratio of successful transmission delay to the frame service delay in the MAC layer, namely, the frame transmission efficiency), a general supporting scheme that adjusts the transport sending rate through a standard ECN (Explicit Congestion Notification) signaling method. Our method can be deployed on commodity switches with small firmware updates, while making no modification on end hosts. We integrate RECN transparently (i.e., without modification) with TCP on NS2 simulation. The experimental results show that RECN remarkably improves network goodput across multiple concurrent TCP flows.


[Vibrio spp. infections of clinical significance and implication for public health].
Vibrio spp. infections still are a Public Health concern. Vibrio spp. can be found in marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments, and can be able to cause diseases in fish, shellfish, mammals, as well as in humans. Since '80 to date, the number of species within the genus increased from 21 to more than 100. The most important is Vibrio cholerae, the etiological agent of the cholera, responsible of seven pandemics; serotypes O1 and O139 can produce cholera toxin, while serotypes non-O1/non-O139 are generally associated with sporadic cholera cases and extraintestinal infections. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an important cause of gastroenteritis associated with contaminated seafood consumption, whereas Vibrio vulnificus and V. alginolyticus can be related to wound infections or seafoodborne primary septicemia in immunocompromised patients. Disease prevention is mainly based on the application of proper individual or collective preventive measures.


Cancer patients' experience of receiving variant of uncertain significance results: An Asian perspective.
Due to a lack of ancestry-matched, functional, and segregation data, Asians have a higher rate of receiving a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) result following panel testing. Managing VUS results presents challenges, as it often leads to increased anxiety and distress among cancer patients undergoing genetic testing. This exploratory study aims to investigate the experience of Asian cancer patients upon receiving a VUS result. A qualitative, semi-structured interview study was conducted, involving cancer patients who had received a VUS result through the Cancer Genetics Service of the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Twenty participants were interviewed, and their responses were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes: (1) VUS results are interpreted as uncertain outcomes; (2) a VUS result provides relief and prompts positive behavioral adjustments; (3) patients employ fatalism and religion as coping mechanisms to navigate uncertainty; (4) genetic counselors, family, and the community offer reassurance and support; (5) patients value updates on variant classifications for future management. While this novel study provides unique insights into the perspectives of Asian patients who receive VUS results, it also highlights patients' effective management of VUS results and uncertainty, which has implications for improving counseling practices in Asia. Emphasis must be placed on accurate interpretation and clear communication of VUS results to dispel the possibility of misconceptions, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement in cancer care.


Chemical approaches to selective inhibition of viral multiplication.
There are more than 300 immunological types of viruses that infect man, but most are members of only eight major groups, each group characterized by distinguishing physical and chemical features. Chemical inhibitors have been discovered which are selectively directed against members of individual groups of viruses. These inhibitors interfere with virus-specific processes and have no effects on host cell metabolism at concentrations sufficient to prevent or stop virus multiplication. The biochemical basis of such selective action is understood in some cases. In addition, synthetic chemicals and biological products are known that inhibit members of several groups of viruses. The basis of their selective action is not clear.


Understanding public support for COVID-19 pandemic mitigation measures over time: Does it wear out?
COVID-19 mitigation measures intend to protect public health, but their adverse psychological, social, and economic effects weaken public support. Less favorable trade-offs may especially weaken support for more restrictive measures. Support for mitigation measures may also differ between population subgroups who experience different benefits and costs, and decrease over time, a phenomenon termed "pandemic fatigue." We examined self-reported support for COVID-19 mitigation measures in the Netherlands over 12 consecutives waves of data collection between April 2020 and May 2021 in an open population cohort study. Participants were recruited through community panels of the 25 regional public health services, and through links to the online surveys advertised on social media. The 54,010 unique participants in the cohort study on average participated in 4 waves of data collection. Most participants were female (65%), middle-aged [57% (40-69 years)], highly educated (57%), not living alone (84%), residing in an urban area (60%), and born in the Netherlands (95%). COVID-19 mitigation measures implemented in the Netherlands remained generally well-supported over time [all scores >3 on 5-point scale ranging 1 (low)-5 (high)]. During the whole period studied, support was highest for personal hygiene measures, quarantine and wearing face masks, high but somewhat lower for not shaking hands, testing and self-isolation, and restricting social contacts, and lowest for limiting visitors at home, and not traveling abroad. Women and higher educated people were more supportive of some mitigation measures than men and lower educated people. Older people were more supportive of more restrictive measures than younger people, and support for more socially restrictive measures decreased most over time in higher educated people or in younger people. This study found no support for pandemic fatigue in terms of a gradual decline in support for all mitigation measures in the first year of the pandemic. Rather, findings suggest that support for mitigation measures reflects a balancing of benefits and cost, which may change over time, and differ between measures and population subgroups.


Cytoprotective effects of graphene oxide for mammalian cells against internalization of exogenous materials.
To date, graphene oxide (GO), an oxidized version of graphene, has been utilized in many research areas including bioapplications such as drug delivery and bioanalysis. Unlike other spherical or polygonal nanomaterials, GO exhibits a sheet-like structure, which in itself suggests interesting applications based on its shape. Here we show that GO can protect cells from internalization of toxic hydrophobic molecules, nanoparticles, and nucleic acids such as siRNA and plasmid DNA by interacting with cell surface lipid bilayers without noticeably reducing cell viability. Furthermore, the cytoprotective effect of GO against the internalization of extracellular materials enabled spatial control over gene transfection through region-selective gene delivery only into GO-untreated cells, and not into the GO-treated cells.


Evaluation of p53 gene expression and prognosis characteristics in uveal melanoma cases.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the expression of p53 gene and the prognosis after local excision in uveal melanoma. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and Western blot were used to detect the expression of p53 in C918, MUM-2B, and D78 cell lines at the levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein. Immunohistochemistry staining was done in the tissues of 68 patients, which were diagnosed with uveal melanoma. Furthermore, the effects of p53 protein on the invasion abilities of both the cell lines were studied by transinfection of p53 small interfering RNA. The clinical and prognostic data regarding the effect of p53 protein on the patient's prognosis were calculated and further analyzed by Kaplan-Meier univariate analysis method. The results of RT-PCR and Western blot revealed that p53 mRNAs were highly expressed in C918 and MUM-2B cells. The high expression rate of p53 among the 88 uveal melanoma tissues was 77.27%. Transinfection of p53 serine could inhibit the expression of p53 in uveal melanoma and the invasion ability of the cells. This study found that the high expression of p53 and the prognosis of uveal melanoma patients were statistically correlated. The expression of p53 protein in uveal melanoma was unusual and was associated with the invasion ability of uveal melanoma. This indicates that the highest expression of p53 protein indicates worse prognosis of uveal melanoma patients.


Protective Dressings, Injury, and Device Failure in Preterm Infants Receiving Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
To investigate the protective effect of a hydrocolloid nasal dressing on the incidence and severity of nasal injury and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure in preterm infants receiving nasal CPAP (N-CPAP). A randomized controlled trial was conducted over 4 months in 2019 at level 3 neonatal ICUs in two hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Eighty eligible infants were born at 32 weeks of gestation or younger and/or with a birth weight of 1,500 g or less and had received between 4 and 72 hours of CPAP. Infants were randomly assigned to two groups; the intervention group used a protective dressing, and the control group received routine care. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and nasal injury assessment score chart. The incidence and severity of nasal injury in preterm infants undergoing N-CPAP. Infants in the intervention group had a significantly lower incidence and severity of nasal injury compared with the control group: 15 of 40 (37.5%) versus 37 of 40 (92.5%; P < .001). Overall, the injuries identified in this study were mostly mild and moderate, with only three severe injuries in the intervention group and five in the control group. No significant differences were detected in CPAP failure (P > .05). The studied nasal barrier dressing is a safe and convenient solution to reduce nasal injury in preterm infants receiving N-CPAP.


Rosiglitazone Requires Hepatocyte PPARγ Expression to Promote Steatosis in Male Mice With Diet-Induced Obesity.
Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists that may reduce hepatic steatosis through their effects in adipose tissue and therefore have been assessed as potential therapies to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans. However, some studies suggest that expression and activation of hepatocyte PPARγ promotes steatosis and that would limit the benefits of TZD as a NAFLD therapy. To further explore this possibility, we examined the impact of short-term rosiglitazone maleate treatment after the development of moderate or severe diet-induced obesity, in both control and adult-onset hepatocyte-specific PPARγ knockout (PpargΔHep) mice. Independent of the level of obesity and hepatic PPARγ expression, the TZD treatment enhanced insulin sensitivity, associated with an increase in white adipose tissue (WAT) fat accumulation, consistent with clinical observations. However, TZD treatment increased hepatic triglyceride content only in control mice with severe obesity. Under these conditions, PpargΔHep reduced diet-induced steatosis and prevented the steatogenic effects of short-term TZD treatment. In these mice, subcutaneous WAT was enlarged and associated with increased levels of adiponectin, while hepatic levels of phosphorylated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase were also increased. In addition, in mice with severe obesity, the expression of hepatic Cd36, Cidea, Cidec, Fabp4, Fasn, and Scd-1 was increased by TZD in a PPARγ-dependent manner. Taken together, these results demonstrate that hepatocyte PPARγ expression offsets the antisteatogenic actions of TZD in mice with severe obesity. Therefore, in obese and insulin resistant humans, TZD-mediated activation of hepatocyte PPARγ may limit the therapeutic potential of TZD to treat NAFLD.


A parallelism between human body temperature and performance independent of the endogenous circadian pacemaker.
A battery of performance tests involving manual dexterity, serial search, and verbal reasoning was given about seven times per day to 2 healthy young male subjects (22 and 25 years of age) involved in separate forced desynchrony studies, each involving several months of temporal isolation. In these studies, the period lengths (denoted T) of the imposed day lengths (sleep/wake and light/dark cycles) were 25.8 and 26.0 h for the 2 subjects. For each subject, the endogenous circadian pacemaker (ECP) failed to entrain to a period of T and instead free ran at a period length denoted tau (24.2 and 24.5 h). By educing performance rhythms (and rectal temperature rhythms) separately at tau and at T (after three complete beating cycles for the first subject and two complete beating cycles for the second subject), the hypothesis could be tested as to whether performance and temperature were parallel, both when educed at tau (indicating ECP influence) and when educed at T (indicating sleep/wake cycle influences). The hypothesis was consistently confirmed at tau and mostly confirmed at T. For most variables, when educed at T, both performance speed and body temperature showed an inverted V-shaped function, with a peak about 9 to 12 h after waking.


ZnO-CuO Core-Hollow Cube Nanostructures for Highly Sensitive Acetone Gas Sensors at the ppb Level.
This paper presents a ZnO-CuO p-n heterojunction chemiresistive sensor that comprises CuO hollow nanocubes attached to ZnO spherical cores as active materials. These ZnO-CuO core-hollow cube nanostructures exhibit a remarkable response of 11.14 at 1 ppm acetone and 200 °C, which is a superior result to those reported by other metal-oxide-based sensors. The response can be measured up to 40 ppb, and the limit of detection is estimated as 9 ppb. ZnO-CuO core-hollow cube nanostructures also present high selectivity toward acetone against other volatile organic compounds and demonstrate excellent stability for up to 40 days. The outstanding gas-sensing performance of the developed nanocubes is attributed to their uniform and unique morphology. Their core-shell-like structures allow the main charge transfer pathways to pass the interparticle p-p junctions, and the p-n junctions in each particle increase the sensitivity of the reactions to gas molecules. The small grain size and high surface area of each domain also enhance the surface gas adsorption.


Properties of locomotor generators in man.
There is little behavioural information on either the functional capacities or the limitations of the coupling system between the locomotor generators of limbs. In this experiment, 10 subjects produced maximal stepping frequencies under eight randomly-assigned conditions consisting of all combinations of standing and sitting, one leg and two legs, and auditorily-cued or self-paced. There was a significant difference in the mean maximum frequency while sitting and standing with higher frequencies found under the seated condition. There were no significant differences between the one-leg and two-legs condition and no significant difference was found between cued- and self-paced stepping. In three subjects who underwent ten training sessions, under all conditions, no significant learning effect was found. Both swing and stance phases showed a decrease with increasing frequency during cued stepping. These results are discussed in terms of the functional properties of locomotor generators in man.


Bipolar disorder: from families to genes.
Genetic factors are known to contribute to the etiology of bipolar illness, but the actual genetic mechanisms remain to be clarified. This paper reviews the research undertaken to establish the genetic basis of bipolar illness and to elucidate the nature of its genetic predisposition. The presented findings suggest that bipolar affective disorder is a heterogeneous condition characterized by a complex relationship between the genetic susceptibility and the clinical presentation. Linkage studies have generated promising and replicated findings on chromosomes 18 and 21. In spite of the methodological difficulties inherent in the genetic study of psychiatric disorders recent investigations have made important advances and promise to identify specific susceptibility genes.


Optimal insemination concentration for human in vitro fertilization (IVF).
This study is looking for optimal insemination concentration to achieve optimal IVF pregnancy. Sperm lateral head displacement, total abnormal form, Kruger morphology and index, hypo-osmotic swelling test were significantly correlated with fertilization in vitro. Based on those parameters, logistic regression models were formulated. These models predict either fertilization probability provided with an insemination concentration or insemination concentration assigned with a definite fertilization percentage. These models showed that increased insemination concentration can increase fertilization percentage. The increase of fertilization didn't compensate for the significant loss of implantation by increasing insemination concentration.


Intensity-modulated radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer.
To evaluate the dosimetry, efficacy and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. A retrospective study was performed on 7 patients who were definitively treated with IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy. Patients who did not receive IMRT radiation and concurrent chemotherapy were not included in this analysis. IMRT plans were evaluated to assess the tumor coverage and normal tissue avoidance. Treatment response was evaluated and toxicities were assessed. Five- to nine-beam IMRT were used to deliver a total dose of 59.4-66 Gy (median: 64.8 Gy) to the primary tumor with 6-MV photons. The minimum dose received by the planning tumor volume (PTV) of the gross tumor volume boost was 91.2%-98.2% of the prescription dose (standard deviation [SD]: 3.7%-5.7%). The minimum dose received by the PTV of the clinical tumor volume was 93.8%-104.8% (SD: 4.3%-11.1%) of the prescribed dose. With a median follow-up of 15 mo (range: 3-21 mo), all 6 evaluable patients achieved complete response. Of them, 2 developed local recurrences and 2 had distant metastases, 3 survived with no evidence of disease. After treatment, 2 patients developed esophageal stricture requiring frequent dilation and 1 patient developed tracheal-esophageal fistula. Concurrent IMRT and chemotherapy resulted in an excellent early response in patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. However, local and distant recurrence and toxicity remain to be a problem. Innovative approaches are needed to improve the outcome.


Hydrogen titanate nanofibers covered with anatase nanocrystals: a delicate structure achieved by the wet chemistry reaction of the titanate nanofibers.
Hydrogen titanate nanofibers synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction, are chemically reactive, readily reacting with dilute acid. This reaction is a topochemical process in which in situ phase transition from H-titanate to anatase takes place and the product retains the fibril morphology. The extent of this reaction can be precisely controlled, allowing us to achieve a delicate composite structure at nanoscale: long titanate fibers of 40-100 nm thick and up to 30 mum long covered with anatase nanocrystals of 10-30 nm. The structure has desired photocatalytic properties and can be separated readily after use. This study demonstrates new opportunities to create delicate inorganic nanostructures with advanced functions by wet chemical reactions.


Diversity and complexity of CD8+ T cell responses against a single epitope of adenovirus E1B.
This study describes the characteristics of the immune responses against adenovirus in C57BL/6 mice. CTL responses could be induced against E1Bp of adenovirus type 5, when whole viruses were immunized. A panel of E1Bp-specific CTL clones showed a wide range of T cell avidity. Recognition of the E1Bp peptide and a panel of variant peptides containing a single alanine substitution by CTL clones revealed that the fine specificity of the CTL response was quite diverse, rather than being limited to a certain clonal preference. Moreover, the variant peptides with a substitution at the TCR contact residue had antagonistic properties to some of the CTL clones, while being agonistic to others, reflecting the extensive diversity of the T cells. These results imply that the functional diversity of T cells to even a single epitope should be considered in manipulating immunity to viruses and in developing adoptive immunotherapy for immunocompromised individuals.


Computed tomography changes following cryotherapy for hepatic cancer.
Encouraging survival and tumour marker results have been described in patients where the focally destructive technique, hepatic cryotherapy, is used to treat primary and secondary hepatic malignancy. Radiology allows assessment of the cryotherapy procedure and follow-up treatment. This paper aims to review and describe the appearance of hepatic cryotherapy by CT.


Practical Strategies for Improving Sustainability and Scale-up of Noncommunicable Disease-related Public Health Interventions: Lessons from the Better Health Program in Southeast Asia.
The Better Health Program has been addressing key health system issues in the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. As the program comes to an end, the sustainability and scaling-up of issues have assumed importance. The objective is to assess how well sustainability and scale-up strategies have been integrated into the design and implementation of a 3-year multicountry technical program; to explore enablers and barriers of sustainability and scaling up; and to identify practical strategies that can improve sustainability and scale-up of Better Health Program interventions. We applied a staged approach to explore barriers and enablers and to identify practical strategies to improve sustainability and scale-up of four NCD interventions: community-based obesity prevention, front-of-pack labeling, local learning networks (LLNs), and NCD surveillance. We extracted evidence from peer-reviewed literature and local documents. We also conducted in-depth interviews with the implementation teams and key stakeholders. We conducted a thematic synthesis of the resulting information to identify practical strategies that improve sustainability and scale-up of the four interventions. Strong engagement of stakeholders at higher levels of the health system was identified as the main enabler, while limited funding and commitment from local governments were identified as a key barrier to sustainability and scale-up. Strengthening the social and institutional anchors of community health volunteers, enhancing evidence-based advocacy for front-of-pack labeling, trailblazing the LLN innovation, and securing the commitment of local governments in the implementation of NCD surveillance were among the key strategies for improving sustainability and scale-up of Better Health Program interventions in Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, respectively. This study identified practical strategies for improving sustainability and scale-up of NCD-related interventions. Implementation of the strategies that had high priority and feasibility will improve the sustainability of critical elements of the program in the respective countries.


Endovascular treatment of internal carotid artery pseudo-aneurysm presenting with epistaxis. A case report.
Recurrent epistaxis is a rare presentation of internal carotid artery C4/C5 segment pseudo-aneurysm rupture. We describe a case of a traumatic internal carotid artery pseudo-aneurysm with recurrent epistaxis as a leading symptom that was finally managed with endovascular treatment with stent-assisted coil placement. Clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid orally were introduced in the therapy for further stent thrombosis prevention and epistaxis did not recur on six-month follow-up. Endovascular treatment with stent-assisted coil placement seems to be a good method for pseudo-aneurysm treatment while keeping the lumen of the parent artery patent.