Impact of roasting time on the sensory profile of arabica and robusta coffee.
Roasted coffee samples of the two major trade species (Coffea arabica and C. canephora) were studied to identify sensory descriptors that might be used to determine blends production and evaluation, following the expectations of consumers. Coffee beans were roasted at 220 + 10 °C, for 7, 9, and 11 min, and the sensory profiles of the beverages were assessed. From descriptive analysis the eigenvalues allowed the identification of two principal components (PCs), being the variance between samples 68.9% and 21.1%. In the first PC the characteristic odor, astringency, body, bitter flavor, burned aroma, and residual, typical, and burned tastes prevailed. The correlation coefficient between the second PC and citric acid flavor and aroma reached 0.96 and 0.78, respectively. It was concluded that in beverages of these species, the descriptors of both components can be separated according to bean roasting time. Considering roasting time, the overall quality was also rated.


Prasugrel-induced hypersensitivity skin reaction.
We report a case of hypersensitivity skin reaction to prasugrel. The patient exhibited a generalized skin rash after treatment with prasugrel, which was resolved after discontinuation of prasugrel and substitution to clopidogrel. Clopidogrel was successfully administered as an alternative to prasugrel without any signs of further hypersensitivity.


Infratentorial infarction: correlation of MR findings with neurological and angiographical features.
Using magnetic resonance imaging, we reviewed 141 infratentorial infarcts in 81 consecutive cases: 65 infarcts were seen in the paramedian pons, while 18 in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) territory and 17 in the watershed area between PICA and superior cerebellar artery. No comparable sign or symptom was observed for 44 (31.2%) infarcts, whereas 66 (46.8%) infarcts appeared symptomatic and 31 (22.0%) infarcts were regarded as equivocal mainly due to the coexisting supratentorial lesions or non-localizing symptoms. The frequent coexistence of basal ganglionic small infarcts in those with infratentorial small (< 15 mm) infarcts implicated their common pathogenetic background. The fact that atrial fibrillation was seen in 33.3% of those with large (> 15 mm) infarcts whereas it was seen in only 6.5% of those with small infarcts may suggest a cardiogenic embolism as a possible cause of infratentorial large infarcts. Major artery occlusive lesion was seen in 15 of 22 cases with cerebellar infarction, whereas no occlusive lesion was seen in the majority of cases with pontine small infarcts. With MR imaging, infratentorial infarcts were detected more frequently than in the previous studies based on X-ray CT, and they can be considered as a benign condition.


Does severe ADAMTS13 deficiency in thrombotic microangiopathy rule out complement-mediated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
In evaluating a patient with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), it is necessary to rule out thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura before a diagnosis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is made. There have been reports that mutations of complement factors can coexist with partial A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with a ThromboSpondin type 1 motif, member 13 deficiency. Here, we report the case of a 6-year-old girl who was initially diagnosed as nephrotic syndrome and developed TMA after five years of onset of illness. She had poor response to treatment and had multiple relapses due to associated complement factor mutation. Hence, genetic evaluation has to be considered in all children presenting with aHUS.


Langmuir probe array for the small angle slot divertor in DIII-D.
The DIII-D small angle slot (SAS) divertor is designed for divertor physics studies with enhanced neutral confinement and special target geometries in a closed divertor. The closed nature of the SAS makes optical diagnostic measurements difficult, so a specially designed, multipurpose array of Langmuir probes has been implemented to study the plasma conditions in and around the slot. The probes are spaced to provide at least 2 mm resolution (shorter than the energy decay length) of the near scrape-off layer when mapped to the outer mid-plane. Due to space limitations at the bottom of the slot, a novel spring-loaded probe and tile design was developed to clamp several short rooftop probe tips and insulators to the cooled baseplate. Initial probe measurements revealed tile to tile edge shadowing, especially where magnetic field line surface angles were less than 1°. Additionally, it was found, using three Langmuir probes (at 90°, 180°, and 270°), that the strike point variation of ±5 mm radially around the torus was not well aligned with the circular slot geometry [Watkins et al., Nucl. Mater. Energy 18, 46 (2019)]. These issues were resolved by (1) designing tiles with all probes mounted near the tile center instead of near the edges and (2) aligning these new custom tiles to the measured strike point toroidal surface with a very accurate laser scanning alignment tool. Post-alignment Langmuir probe measurements and plasma behavior demonstrated close agreement at two separate toroidal locations that were 45° apart.


Collagen Gels with Different Fibrillar Microarchitectures Elicit Different Cellular Responses.
The extracellular matrix consists of a complex mixture of fibrillar proteins, in which the architecture and mechanical properties of the protein fibrils vary considerably in various tissues. Here, we systematically polymerized collagen gels at different temperatures, providing substrates with tunable mechanics and defined local microarchitecture. We studied the dependence of spreading dynamics, proliferation, migration, and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on the fibrillar properties as compared to the bulk properties of the matrix. We found that high fiber stiffness, together with shorter fiber lengths, limited the transfer of cellular traction forces to nearby fibers. As a result, cells were not able to build up sufficient tension, which suppressed cell spreading, proliferation, and migration. Cells on such fibers also showed limited focal adhesion formation and different lineage selection preferences. In contrast, cell spreading, proliferation, and migration was always associated with fiber recruitment, long-range deformations in the collagen gel networks and an increase in collagen density around cells. Typically, cells on such substrates had a preference for osteogenic differentiation and showed higher levels of focal adhesions formation. These results contribute to a further understanding of the mechanotransduction process and to the design criteria for future biomimetic materials for tissue-engineering applications.


Differences in left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction between patients with cerebral hemorrhage and those with cerebral infarction.
Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dysfunction due to hypertension have been established as risk markers for stroke in hypertensive patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in LV hypertrophy and dysfunction between patients with cerebral hemorrhage and those with cerebral infarction. The study enrolled 23 hypertensive patients with cerebral infarction, 25 hypertensive patients with cerebral hemorrhage, and 24 normotensive controls (controls). Standard echocardiography was performed; LV mass index was measured to evaluate LV hypertrophy, and conventional diastolic transmitral flow velocities were measured to assess LV diastolic function, which was also evaluated by measuring mitral annular velocities using tissue Doppler echocardiography. The Tei index, which reflects both the diastolic and systolic function of LV, was also calculated. The LV mass index and Tei index were significantly higher in cerebral hemorrhage (116 +/- 38 g/m(2) and 0.57 +/- 0.13) than those in controls (92 +/- 20 g/m(2) and 0.46 +/- 0.10) (p < 0.05). In contrast, the LV mass index and Tei index in cerebral infarction (100 +/- 27 g/m(2) and 0.46 +/- 0.12) were not different from those in controls. Thus, the Tei index was significantly worse in the patients with cerebral hemorrhage than in those with cerebral infarction (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the parameters, which reflect diastolic function, showed no significant differences between cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction. These results indicate that LV hypertrophy and dysfunction due to hypertension are more apparent in patients with cerebral hemorrhage than in those with cerebral infarction.


Functional assessment of Broca's area using near infrared spectroscopy in humans.
We used near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to compare functional hemoglobin concentration changes (delta[oxy-Hb] and delta[deoxy-Hb]) over human language and motor cortices. Eight subjects performed finger opposition, tongue movement, and covert visual object naming in an interleaved block paradigm design. NIRS revealed paradigm specific patterns of delta[oxy-Hb] and delta[deoxy-Hb] providing cortical localization of each function. During each task, significant response overlap was observed when comparing the [oxy-Hb] signals, whereas delta[deoxy-Hb] seemed more localized. Furthermore, by applying magnitude and time to significance measures to the delta[deoxy-Hb] response profile, Broca's area was easily distinguished from neighboring tongue (and hand) motor representation. Delta[oxy-Hb] did not provide this level of specificity. These findings suggest delta[deoxy-Hb] as the preferential NIRS parameter to map language cortices.


Prevalence of bovine fascioliasis and economic impact associated with liver condemnation in abattoirs in Mongu district of Zambia.
Fascioliasis is a trematode zoonotic snail-borne disease of public health and economic importance. The disease causes liver damage and is hardly recognized by medical personnel hence, is rarely considered as the differential diagnosis. In animals, the disease leads to mortalities, growth retardation, drop in livestock production and condemnation of the infected livers during meat inspection. The cross-sectional study was conducted from 2013 to 2017 in abattoirs in Mongu district, Western province of Zambia. Each selected carcass was examined macroscopically for bovine fascioliasis by dissecting the liver and checking for adult liver flukes. Infested and condemned livers were weighed and incinerated. A total of 69,152 carcasses with their livers was examined at the abattoirs for adult Fasciola worms and 44,511 (64.4%) were positive. According to the intensity of pathological lesions, 55.3% constituted severely affected livers, 30.3% were moderately affected livers and 14.4% were lightly affected livers. Our observation revealed that the most prevalent liver fluke identified was Fasciola gigantica (56.1%) and it mostly affected the poor body conditioned animals (71.4%). The study also indicated that 164,600 kg liver was condemned and destroyed. This reduced the income base for small-scale livestock farmers to about ZMW 7,407,000.00, which was equivalent to 592,560 USD. In conclusion, our study suggests that the prevalence of bovine fascioliasis was high resulting in a large amount of liver being condemned and destroyed, leading to economic losses for affected livestock farmers in the area. Consequently, there is a need to take the necessary measures to control the disease and create awareness among medical personnel to consider it as a differential diagnosis in all functional liver deficiencies due to the zoonotic nature of the disease.


Is Angiostrongylosis a Realistic Threat for Domestic Cats?
Three species of Angiostrongylus have been found in felids thus far, i.e., Angiostrongylus chabaudi, Angiostrongylus felineus and Angiostrongylus vasorum. Angiostrongylus chabaudi lives in the right heart and pulmonary arteries of the definitive natural host, the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), and non-patent infections have been reported in domestic cats (Felis catus). Angiostrongylus felineus, described in the Puma yaguarondi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), has never been reported in domestic felids, while recently a non-patent infection by A. vasorum was unequivocally described in a F. catus. Nonetheless, epizootiological and clinical relevance of angiostrongylosis in domestic cats are practically unknown. This study investigated whether cases of angiostrongylosis may be missed in cats living in areas enzootic for Angiostrongylus spp. and other metastrongyloids. Overall, 100 cats that were either positive (n.50) or negative (n.50) for metastrongyloid larvae at the Baermann's test, were examined for Angiostrongylus spp. with DNA-based methods and with the serological test Angio Detect™ for circulating antigen. The PCR analysis confirmed the copromicroscopy results, where 25 cats scored positive for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, 16 for Troglostrongylus brevior and 9 for both, while no cats were positive for Angiostrongylus-like larvae, including A. chabaudi. None of the 100 sera samples scored positive at the Angio Detect™ test. These data suggest that currently feline angiostrongylosis is a minor parasitosis for domestic cats. Nevertheless, it cannot be excluded that the epizootiological drivers which have favored the spillover of A. vasorum and T. brevior from wildlife to dogs and cats, could promote the emergence of feline angiostrongylosis, with an unpredictable health impact.


[Comparative study and clinical implementation of two breathing-adapted radiotherapy techniques: dosimetric benefits for lung cancer treatment].
Breathing can lead to organ motions up to several centimeters. For radiotherapy of lung, these motions are generally taken into account by adding a specific margin around the target. Thus, treated volumes are often too large to allow for the high-dose values requested for local control. To manage respiratory motion, deep-inspiration breath-hold technique (DIBH) and gated radiotherapy are starting being used clinically. DIBH consists in asking the patient to perform breath-hold during the treatment and the image acquisition, DIBH level being measured by a spirometer. Gated radiotherapy consists in treating the patient at a certain phase of the free breathing. Linac is synchronized with the motion of a marker located on the patient chest. Planning images are obtained by a four-dimensional CT (4D-CT) using the same marker. We have assessed the value of these two methods. For lung treatment, compared to a standard treatment, toxicity reduction was mainly due to the lung total volume increase. It is therefore more significant for breath-hold approach. It is also due to the reduction of safety margins, which is similar for both methods. These two techniques, which have specific advantages and drawbacks, are used routinely at Curie Institute for a large proportion of lung patients, but also for some breast, liver or even Hodgkin disease treatments.


Hatching enzyme from the sea-squirt Ciona intestinalis: purification and properties.
We have purified a 34 kDa hatching enzyme from the water in which the embryos of the sea-squirt Ciona intestinalis hatch. This enzyme was obtained in homogeneous form as judged from SDS-PAGE and HPLC gel filtration. The enzyme possesses proteolytic activity and is able to digest the chorion of the egg of C. intestinalis. It is a metalloproteinase and contains one atom of Zn per molecule. The optimum pH is 8.5. The enzyme shows hydrolytic activity towards the -CO-NH- bonds, which are hydrolyzed by the members of the serine proteinase family. It has a trypsin-like activity in that it cuts the bond of Arg and Lys at P1 position of the scissile bond -P1-P1', but it differs from trypsin insofar as it hydrolyzes the peptide bond on either side of Arg and Lys. The purified enzyme is inhibited by the common metal-chelators and by the classical trypsin proteinase inhibitors. The apparent K(m) values at 37 degrees C and pH 8.5 toward tosyl-Gly-Pro-Arg-NHNap, tosyl-Gly-Pro-Lys-NHNap and Bz-Arg-Gly-Arg-NHNap were 0.125, 0.5 and 2.5 mM, respectively. The results obtained in this study suggest that the hatching enzyme from C. intestinalis exhibits both trypsin-like activity and metalloproteinase activity.


In vivo and in vitro responses to quinine and quinidine of Plasmodium falciparum.
A total of 66 Thai children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were treated orally with regimens of either quinine or quinidine. Radical cures were observed in 85% (28 of 33) of the children who received quinine and in 88% (29 out of 33) of those who received quinidine. Treatment failures in both groups were RI responses.The mean trough level of quinidine (10 mumol/l) was about 2.5-times less than that of quinine (25 mumol/l). The electrocardiograms of the two treatment groups differed significantly in that there was an acute prolongation of the QT(c) interval in 56% of those who received quinidine compared with 21.0% of those given quinine. In vitro assays of the pretreatment drug susceptibilities of the isolates of Plasmodium falciparum indicated that the mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for quinidine (1.44 mumol/l) was about half that for quinine (3.02 mumol/l). Although both drugs are equally effective, quinine is recommended for treatment of multidrug-resistant malaria in paediatric patients, primarily because of the cardiac effects produced by quinidine.


Pathogenesis and surgical treatment of aortitis syndrome.
A series of 58 patients of aortitis syndrome were analyzed from the standpoint of the pathogenesis and surgical treatment. Investigations of HLA revealed a high incidence of HLA-A9, BW52, MT1 and DR2 antigens with statistically significant differences in the chi-square test. These data indicate that a haplotype composed of A9, BW52, MT1 and DR2 is common in patients with aortitis syndrome and suggest that a genetic factor plays an important role on the pathogenesis of the disease. Experiences with the surgical treatment of various types of aortitis syndrome, such as operation for cerebrovascular insufficiency (7 cases), for hypertension produced by coarctation or renovascular stenosis (14 cases), for aortic regurgitation (2 cases), and for aneurysm (7 cases) were analyzed. Reconstructive surgery is difficult in many of them because of the complicated lesion produced by inflammatory changes. Attention should be paid to the selection of the most suitable time for operation, application of special surgical technique, and prevention of the complications to obtain favorable results.


Intracerebroventricularly administered corticotropin-releasing factor releases somatostatin through a cholinergic, vagal pathway in freely fed rats.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether corticotropin-releasing factor influences the plasma levels of somatostatin, gastrin or cholecystokinin when administered intracerebroventricularly to rats, and if such an effect could be vagally mediated, and dependent on the animals feeding states. Anaesthetized, freely fed rats were given 5 microliters intracerebroventricular injections of corticotropin-releasing factor in four doses; 10 pmol-1.28 nmol. Immediately following death, trunk blood was collected for subsequent peptide analysis with radioimmunoassay (RIA). The three higher doses of corticotropin-releasing factor elevated the plasma levels of somatostatin (P < 0.01) after 20 min but left the plasma levels of gastrin and cholecystokinin unchanged. Intraperitoneal injections of 60 and 320 pmol of corticotropin-releasing factor did not influence the somatostatin levels. Further, intracerebroventricular injections of 60 pmol of corticotropin-releasing factor produced a peak increase in somatostatin after 20 min (P < 0.01). After 60 min the somatostatin levels were still increased (P < 0.05). Gastrin and cholecystokinin remained unaltered at these time-points. Intracerebroventricular administration of 10 nmol of alpha-helical corticotropin-releasing factor 9-41 attenuated the basal levels of somatostatin and blocked the corticotropin-releasing factor-induced rise in somatostatin. Bilateral truncal vagotomy, as well as pretreatment with atropine (0.05 mg kg-1, subcutaneously) abolished the effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on somatostatin. In animals which were food-deprived for 24 h, corticotropin-releasing factor did not influence somatostatin, gastrin or cholecystokinin. Pretreatment with cholecystokinin did not potentiate corticotropin-releasing factor-induced somatostatin release in food-deprived rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Chlamydial infection morbidity in Lviv region during 1992-2012].
An epidemiological analysis (in retrospective form) of registered chlamydial infection morbidity in Lviv region during 1992-2012 on the basis of Lviv Regional Dermatovenerology Dispensary was performed. Two trends were detected during the epidemiological study of STI dynamic in Lviv region during 1992-2012: the decline in the number of registered patients with gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and increase the number of people suffering from urogenital mycoplasmosis. Chlamydial infection during last years has tended to reduce the number of registered patients, although the rates of decline are negligible. The number of patients with Chlamydial infection is growing among rural population.


Wavelength-tunable broadband lasers based on nanomaterials.
Nanomaterials are widely used in the fields of sensors, optoelectronics, biophotonics and ultrafast photonics due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical and magnetic properties. Particularly, owing to their nonlinear optical properties, fast response time and broadband operation, nanomaterials are ideal saturable absorption materials in ultrafast photonics, which contribute to the improvement of laser performance. Therefore, nanomaterials are of great importance to applications in wavelength-tunable broadband pulsed lasers. Herein, we review the integration and applications of nanomaterials in wavelength-tunable broadband ultrafast photonics. Firstly, the two integration methods, which are direct coupling and evanescent field coupling, and their characteristics are introduced. Secondly, the applications of nanomaterials in wavelength-tunable broadband lasers are summarized. Finally, the development of nanomaterials and broadband tunable lasers is reviewed and discussed.


Preparation and chromatographic performance evaluation of cucurbit[7]uril immobilized silica.
Cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), one host macromolecule, possesses a hydrophobic inner cavity and two identical hydrophilic carbonyl fringe portals, thus interacting with a variety of guest molecules through hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding and ion-dipole interactions. These characteristics make CB7 a good candidate as the stationary phase (SP) modifier in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the present work, CB7 was immobilized onto silica (CB7-SiO2) by a sol-gel approach. The obtained CB7-SiO2 was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and elemental analysis. The chromatographic performance of CB7-SiO2 was then studied in detail, in both reversed phase (RP) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic (HILIC) modes. For probe aromatic compounds and dyes, the typical RP behavior was observed, mainly due to the predominant hydrophobic interaction between the analytes and CB7-SiO2. For probe alkaloids, the "U-shape" curves were obtained; in the methanol-rich part, HILIC performance was obvious, probably owing to hydrogen bonding and ion-dipole interactions. Compared to bare SiO2 SP, the stronger retention and different selectivity were observed on CB7-SiO2. The CB7-SiO2 SP remained stable within at least 11,000 column volumes of the MP, revealing the satisfactory stability of it. The proposed method integrated the advantages of CB7 and sol-gel method provided a feasible way for the wider application of CBs in separation science.


Roles in inhibitor recognition and quinol oxidation of the amino acid side chains at positions of cyt b providing resistance to Qo-inhibitors of the bc1 complex from Rhodobacter capsulatus.
The substitutions M1401, F144S and L, G152S, T163A and V333A in cytochrome b of the ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (bc1 complex) from Rhodobacter capsulatus provide resistance to the quinol oxidation (Qo) inhibitors myxothiazol, mucidin and stigmatellin. Site-directed mutagenesis with degenerate primers was used to define the role of these positions in inhibitor recognition and quinol oxidation, and a collection of various substitutions at each of these positions was obtained. The effects of these mutations on quinol oxidation, nature and level of inhibitor resistance, prosthetic group incorporation and assembly of the complex were analysed. Most of these mutations, unlike those at position 158 reported earlier, yielded functional bc1 complexes able to support the photosynthetic growth of R. capsulatus. However, they perturbed steady-state quinol oxidation and inhibitor recognition indicating that they are important for the function of the Qo site. In particular, the presence of a methyl group on the beta-carbon (Ile and Val residues) at position 140, the absence of an aromatic ring (Phe, Tyr and Trp residues) at position 144 and the loss of residues with small side chains (Gly and Ala) at position 152 correlated with resistance to myxothiazol. On the other hand, no myxothiazol resistance was observed with the substitutions at positions 163 and 333 suggesting that they affected solely the recognition of stigmatellin. Five substitutions, M140R, F144H and R, G152P and T163R, yielded photosynthesis-deficient mutants with assembled but impaired bc1 complexes. Unexpectedly, two substitutions at position 163 (T to F or P) yielded mutants lacking the three subunits of the bc1 complex indicating that this position affects its assembly or stability in vivo. These findings are discussed in terms of the contributions of these residues to inhibitor recognition and quinol oxidation at the Qo site of the bc1 complex.


The effectiveness of the double B-lynch suture as a modification in the treatment of intractable postpartum haemorrhage.
A broader range of more effective compression techniques are needed in the patients who have an intractable postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony despite medical treatment and B-Lynch sutures. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of a series of patients with haemorrhage who were managed by double B-Lynch suture. Fourteen patients who were treated in a tertiary hospital between July 2010 and February 2015 were included in the study. The intractable haemorrhage rate was 0.35% over 5 years (14/4000 births). Bleeding was controlled in all the patients with a double B-Lynch suture. The mean age of the patients was 24 ± 3.4 years. The mean estimated blood loss was 1696 ± 272.075 mL, and the mean transfusion rate was 4.2 ± 2.5 units. Pregnancy was observed in five patients at follow up. The double B-Lynch suture seems to be an effective and reliable solution to an intractable postpartum haemorrhage resulting from uterine atony and has no unfavourable impacts on fertility. It should be considered before the use of any aggressive surgical techniques such as a hypogastric artery ligation or a hysterectomy. This the first study to investigate the effectiveness of the double B-Lynch suture, and we showed that the hysterectomy and/or hypogastric artery ligation rate can be decreased by adding a second B-Lynch suture in cases where the medical treatment or a single B-Lynch has failed. Impact statement What is already known on the subject? Uterine atony is the most common cause of a primary postpartum haemorrhage. When a simple massage of the uterus and medication failed to manage this condition, various surgical solutions have been sought, including uterine compression sutures, uterine artery ligation, devascularisation of the uterus, internal iliac artery ligation and, ultimately, a hysterectomy. The B-Lynch suturing technique is particularly useful because of its simplicity of application, life-saving potential, relative safety and capacity for preserving the uterus and subsequent fertility. To-date, this suturing technique, when applied correctly, has been successful with no problems and no apparent complications. However in the cases of when it falls, usually a hysterectomy or a hipogastric artery ligation is preferred. What does this study add? A 'double B-Lynch suture seems to be an effective and reliable method in an intractable postpartum haemorrhage due to a uterine atony and has no unfavourable impact on fertility'. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice? The double B-Lynch suture seems to be an effective, reliable and technically easy method. With this aspect, it might be considered before any aggressive surgical techniques, such as a hypogastric artery ligation and hysterectomy in selected cases.


Intralesional botulinum toxin-A injection for the treatment of multiple eccrine hidrocystomas.
Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas (MEH) are benign cystic lesions of the sweat gland ducts. They are characterized by translucent, skin-colored or bluish dome-shaped papules on the face, causing cosmetic concern. Recently, botulinum toxin-A, because of its antiperspirant properties, has been used to treat facial MEH. However, there are only some case reports in the literature. Here, we conducted a prospective study to assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional injection of botulinum toxin-A (Dysport) for the treatment of MEH. Twenty patients (3 men and 17 women), aged from 31 to 75 years old, participated in this study. A 300 unit vial of botulinum toxin-A (Dysport, Ipsenn Biopharm, United Kingdom) was diluted with 4 ml of saline solution without preservative to achieve a concentration of 7.5U/.1 ml. Up to 1.5 unit of botulinum toxin was injected intradermally at the base of each lesion to raise a visible wheal. The patients were evaluated 7 days later, and any clinical changes or adverse effects were recorded. In all patients, more than 75% of eccrine hidrocystoma lesions resolved without any scaring. The result sustained for 2-5 months. In two patients mild smile asymmetry and in one patient lagophthalmos were noted approximately 5-7 days after injection that gradually resolved in 3 weeks. Intralesional botulinum toxin-A for treatment of multiple hidrocystomas is a simple and well-tolerated procedure. It is accompanied by excellent results, a good postoperative course, and no risk of scarring. It can be considered in patients who did not respond to other treatment or even as the first line therapy.


Laboratory and biometric predictors of cancer-related mortality in an insured population.
Identification of statistically significant laboratory and biometric predictors of cancer-related mortality among insured individuals. Numerous clinical studies have identified correlations between various laboratory results and physical measurements and cancer risk, often of a uni-variate nature. A study of life insurance claims has permitted a broad multivariate analysis of laboratory and biometric risk factors for cancer mortality in an insured population. Of the applicants with complete laboratory and physical measurement profiles, 1.25 million were available and followed for an average of 4.7 years. Dates of 518 life insurance claims resulting from cancer deaths were recorded, and the resulting data set analyzed by multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards regression to identify statistically significant predictors of cancer-related mortality among insured individuals. Among demographic variables, cancer deaths were found to be strongly associated with age and tobacco use, but not with gender. Among serum and urine analytes, liver function tests (principally GGT and ALP), hypocholesterolemia, proteinurea, and low fructosamine were found to be independently predictive of cancer mortality. Among physical measurement variables, there was a positive relationship between cancer mortality risk and height and relatively weak relationships with pulse and blood pressure. Weight and body mass index (BMI) were not statistically significant covariates. The findings highlight the potential value of laboratory analytes and biometric measurements to cancer risk assessment including low to low-normal values in analytes (particularly cholesterol and fructosamine) whose diagnostic value in clinical practice and underwriting may be advantageous.


Role of attractive methane-water interactions in the potential of mean force between methane molecules in water.
On the basis of a Gaussian quasichemical model of hydration, a model of non-van der Waals character, we explore the role of attractive methane-water interactions in the hydration of methane and in the potential of mean force between two methane molecules in water. We find that the hydration of methane is dominated by packing and a mean-field energetic contribution. Contributions beyond the mean-field term are unimportant in the hydration phenomena for a hydrophobic solute such as methane. Attractive solute-water interactions make a net repulsive contribution to these pair potentials of mean force. With no conditioning, the observed distributions of binding energies are super-Gaussian and can be effectively modeled by a Gumbel (extreme value) distribution. This further supports the view that the characteristic form of the unconditioned distribution in the high-epsilon tail is due to energetic interactions with a small number of molecules. Generalized extreme value distributions also effectively model the results with minimal conditioning, but in those cases the distributions are sufficiently narrow that the details of their shape are not significant.


Endocytosis of desmosomal plaques depends on intact actin filaments and leads to a nondegradative compartment.
Epithelial cells in situ can internalize their desmosomes. This can be induced in cell cultures after removal of calcium ions from the cell medium. To study this endocytic process, a nontumorigenic human breast epithelial cell line, HMT-3522, was used. HMT-3522 cells were grown in serum-free, chemically defined medium, containing epidermal growth factor (EGF). Removal of EGF from the medium led to growth arrest and a kind of epithelial differentiation process in which adjacent cells interdigitated and formed more desmosomes than in the proliferating state. Growth-inhibited HMT-3522 cells dissociated following EGTA treatment, the desmosomes divided in a symmetrical fashion, and the desmosomal plaques (half-desmosomes) on the cell surface became internalized. The internalization was independent of clathrin, since immunogold labeling of ultracryosections never showed clathrin on desmosomal plaque-associated membrane domains. Moreover, cytosol acidification, which selectively inhibits endocytosis from clathrin-coated pits, practically blocked the uptake of transferrin, whereas internalization of desmosomal plaques continued. In contrast, actin filaments appeared to be involved in the desmosomal internalization. Thus, depolymerization of actin filaments by cytochalasin D significantly reduced endocytosis of half-desmosomes. Immunogold labeling showed that the vesicles with desmosomal plaques were not enriched in MPR (cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor), cathepsin D or the lysosome-associated membrane protein lamp-1. In addition, the morphology was different. Thus, the endocytic vesicles with desmosomal plaques represent a special compartment, distinct from typical endosomes and lysosomes.


GENETIC ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID ZONE BETWEEN THE FIRE-BELLIED TOADS, BOMBINA BOMBINA AND B. VARIEGATA, NEAR CRACOW IN SOUTHERN POLAND.
The fire-bellied toads Bombina bombina and B. variegata differ extensively in biochemistry, morphology, and behavior. We use a survey of five diagnostic enzyme loci across the hybrid zone near Cracow in Southern Poland to estimate the dispersal rate, selection pressures, and numbers of loci which maintain this zone. The enzyme clines coincide closely with each other and with morphological and mitochondrial DNA clines. Although the zone lies on a broad transition between environments suitable for bombina and variegata, the close concordance of diverse characters, together with increased aberrations and mortality in hybrids, suggest that the zone is maintained largely by selection against hybrids. There are strong "linkage disequilibria" between each pair of (unlinked) enzyme loci (R̄ = 0.129 [2-unit support limits: 0.119-0.139]). These are probably caused by gene flow into the zone, and they give an estimate of dispersal (σ = 890 [790-940] m gen-½ ). The clines are sharply stepped, with most of the change occurring within 6.15 (5.45-6.45) km, but with long tails of introgression on either side. This implies that the effective selection pressure on each enzyme marker (due largely to disequilibrium with other loci) is s* = 0.17 (0.159-0.181) at the center but that the selection acting directly on the enzyme loci is weak or zero (se < 0.0038). The stepped pattern implies a barrier to gene flow of 220 (48-415) km. This would substantially delay neutral introgression but would have little effect on advantageous alleles; the two taxa need not evolve independently. Strong selection is needed to maintain such a barrier: hybrid populations must have their mean fitness reduced by a factor of 0.65 (0.60-0.77). This selection must be spread over a large number of loci to account for the concordant patterns and the observed cline widths (N = 300 [80-2,000]).


The importance of effect mechanism in the design and interpretation of clinical trials: the role of magnesium in acute myocardial infarction.
The design and interpretation of randomized clinical trials and of meta-analyses of trials should be informed by a biologically plausible hypothesis of treatment effect. Without some insight on likely mechanism, trial conditions may not be optimum to allow a true treatment effect to be detected. Judgments on mechanism underpin decisions on the appropriateness of pooling studies in meta-analysis. Where statistical heterogeneity of trial results is found, the possibility of true biological effect modification can only be assessed by considering potential treatment mechanisms. These can then be tested in carefully designed laboratory models. Meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials of intravenous Mg(2+) in acute myocardial infarction gives a null effect (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.08) with a fixed effects model, but with strong evidence of heterogeneity (P <.0001) due to a single large study in which Mg(2+) was generally given late and after fibrinolytic treatment. A random effects model gives a pooled odds ratio 0.61 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.87, P = 0.006). Laboratory models show that timing of Mg(2+) administration before or after reperfusion critically determines whether myocardial protection occurs.


Assessment of Role of PPE in Preventing the Spread of Infection among the Dental Surgeons: A Prospective Study.
Although there is easy accessibility of infection control measures and recommendation regarding the PPE, most of the dentists failed to practice appropriate infection control measures. The aim of the current survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude regarding the role of PPE among the dental care professionals in COVID-19. This is cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey conducted among dental care professionals in Tamil Nadu. The self-administered questions related to the PPE infection control measures were collected from 500 subjects. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS (V 22.0). The frequency distribution was computed. This survey revealed that all the 500 (100%) respondents had awareness about the role of PPE in COVID-19 pandemic. Among the 500 study subjects, 93.2% had well-known knowledge about PPE, 60.4% of dentist strictly adheres to the use of PPE in routine dental practice, 80.2% of dentist mentioned PPE is safe and effective against spread of infection, and 93.4% of dentist had awareness about donning and doffing. From the beginning of this COVID-19, information provided by the health organization like CDC and WHO regarding the role of PPE had positive impact among the dental care professionals.


Influence of drugs on clinical chemical data for serum glucose, investigated with the automated glucose oxidase-perid method.
Fifty drugs, applied in the therapy of internal diseases, were investigated for their effect on the clinical chemical determination of serum glucose by the automated GOD-Perid method. The results showed a statistically significant depression of the reported glucose value, by 7 drugs containing the pyrazolone group and its derivatives (Baralgin, Butazolidine, Analgin, Novalgetol, Analgocain, Irgapyrin, Aminopyrin) P less than 0.001; P less than 0.01. The influence depends on the quantity of drug and on the time interval between loading and glucose analysis.


Co-overexpression of the Constitutively Active Form of OsbZIP46 and ABA-Activated Protein Kinase SAPK6 Improves Drought and Temperature Stress Resistance in Rice.
Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses threatening rice (Oryza sativa) production worldwide. Drought resistance is controlled by multiple genes, and therefore, a multi-gene genetic engineering strategy is theoretically useful for improving drought resistance. However, the experimental evidence for such a strategy is still lacking. In this study, a few drought-responsive genes from rice were assembled by a multiple-round site-specific assembly system, and the constructs were introduced into the rice cultivar KY131 via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The transgenic lines of the multi-gene and corresponding single-gene constructs were pre-evaluated for drought resistance. We found that the co-overexpression of two genes, encoding a constitutively active form of a bZIP transcription factor (OsbZIP46CA1) and a protein kinase (SAPK6) involved in the abscisic acid signaling pathway, showed significantly enhanced drought resistance compared with the single-gene transgenic lines and the negative transgenic plants. Single-copy lines of this bi-gene combination (named XL22) and the corresponding single-gene lines were further evaluated for drought resistance in the field using agronomical traits. The results showed that XL22 exhibited greater yield, biomass, spikelet number, and grain number under moderate drought stress conditions. The seedling survival rate of XL22 and the single-gene overexpressors after drought stress treatment also supported the drought resistance results. Furthermore, expression profiling by RNA-Seq revealed that many genes involved in the stress response were specifically up-regulated in the drought-treated XL22 lines and some of the stress-related genes activated in CA1-OE and SAPK6-OE were distinct, which could partially explain the different performances of these lines with respect to drought resistance. In addition, the XL22 seedlings showed improved tolerance to heat and cold stresses. Our results demonstrate that the multi-gene assembly in an appropriate combination may be a promising approach in the genetic improvement of drought resistance.


Total carnitine and acylated carnitine ratio: relationship of free carnitine with lipid parameters in pediatric dialysis patients.
Carnitine has an essential role in the mitochondrial oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. Carnitine deficiency has been described in patients with chronic kidney disease. Total carnitine (TC) deficiency or a lower-than-normal ratio of free carnitine to acylated carnitine (FC:AC) has been shown to be associated with disorders in metabolism and plasma lipids. Metabolism and therapeutic use of carnitine have therefore been a major area of interest in dialysis patients. In a prospective observational study, we determined carnitine status (TC and FC:AC) and its correlations with lipid plasma levels in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. In pediatric patients on chronic PD or HD, we evaluated nutritional status (weight and height), biochemical parameters (TC, FC, and AC levels), and fasting plasma lipoprotein concentrations. We studied 35 patients (16 boys, 19 girls; 25 on PD, 10 on HD). Median age was 5 years (range: 3 months-15 years). Median weight-to-height Z-score was -0.5 (range: -2.1 to 1.9), and median height-to-age Z-score was -2.5 (range: -0.3 to -2.9). The mean TC was 65.4 +/- 23.8 pg/mL (normal value: 40-55 pg/mL); the median AC was 18 pg/mL (range: 2-56pg/mL; normal value: 3-15 pg/mL); and the mean FC was 41.8 +/- 16.6 pg/mL (normal value: 25-35 pg/mL). Median serum FC:AC was 2.22 (range: 0.59-4.3; normal value: 4). A significantly higher AC and a lower FC:AC were observed in HD patients as compared with PD patients. No differences in TC and FC were observed when patients were grouped by dialysis modality, time on dialysis, or nutrition status. Total cholesterol was 200 mg/dL or higher in 20 patients, and 25 patients showed elevated triglycerides (> 150 mg/dL). The latter patients had a higher AC than did the group of patients with triglycerides below 150 mg/dL (AC: 22 pg/mL and 12.5 pg/mL respectively; Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.003). We found TC levels to be high in this group of patients. However, the FC:AC ratio was lower than normal in all except in 1 patient. Elevated triglycerides were associated with elevated AC, suggesting carnitine insufficiency in our patients.


Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures Associated with Recurrence of Periodontitis in Periodontal Maintenance Therapy: 5-Year Prospective Study.
Prospective studies that investigated the influence of surgical and nonsurgical procedures in the recurrence of periodontitis and tooth loss in periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) programs have not been previously reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate longitudinally the recurrence of periodontitis in regular compliers (RC) and irregular compliers (IC) individuals undergoing surgical and non-surgical procedures over 5 years in a program of PMT. A total of 212 individuals participated in this study. Full-mouth periodontal examination including bleeding on probing, probing depth, and clinical attachment level were determined at all PMT visits over 5 years. The recurrence of periodontitis was evaluated in RC and IC individuals undergoing surgical and non-surgical procedures in PMT. The influences of risk variables of interest were tested through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Recurrence of periodontitis was significantly lower among RC when compared to IC. Individuals with recurrence of periodontitis and undergoing surgical procedures showed higher probing depth and clinical attachment loss than those who received non-surgical procedures. Recurrence of periodontitis was higher in individual undergoing surgical procedures and irregular compliance during PMT. Irregular compliance and surgical procedures in individuals undergoing PMT presented higher rates of recurrence of periodontitis when compared to regular compliant patients undergoing non-surgical procedures.


Identification, analysis of deleterious SNPs of the human GSR gene and their effects on the structure and functions of associated proteins and other diseases.
Hereditary glutathione reductase deficiency, caused by mutations of the GSR gene, is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by decreased glutathione disulfide (GSSG) reduction activity and increased thermal instability. This study implemented computational analysis to screen the most likely mutation that might be associated with hereditary glutathione reductase deficiency and other diseases. Using ten online computational tools, the study revealed four nsSNPs among the 17 nsSNPs identified as most deleterious and disease associated. Structural analyses and evolutionary confirmation study of native and mutant GSR proteins using the HOPE project and ConSruf. HOPE revealed more flexibility in the native GSR structure than in the mutant structure. The mutation in GSR might be responsible for changes in the structural conformation and function of the GSR protein and might also play a significant role in inducing hereditary glutathione reductase deficiency. LD and haplotype studies of the gene revealed that the identified variations rs2978663 and rs8190955 may be responsible for obstructive heart defects (OHDs) and hereditary anemia, respectively. These interethnic differences in the frequencies of SNPs and haplotypes might help explain the unpredictability that has been reported in association studies and can contribute to predicting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs that make use of GSR.


Mineral and collagen fiber orientation in human secondary osteons.
Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray microdiffraction studies were conducted on single isolated osteons appearing "bright," "dark" and "intermediate" under crossed polaroids and the orientations of collagen fibers and crystallites within them determined.


Psychosocial implications of strabismus surgery in adults.
Adults with socially noticeable strabismus have been known to experience psychosocial difficulties as a result of their abnormal eye position. This study was designed to assess the impact of noticeable strabismus in adults and the psychosocial effects of surgical correction. A total of 31 adults who underwent surgery for longstanding horizontal strabismus where poor alignment was the primary reason for consenting to surgery were requested to complete a self-reporting repertory grid to appraise the psychosocial consequences of corrective strabismus surgery. Prior to corrective surgery, the majority of subjects reported various psychosocial difficulties, considered by them to be wholly or partly due to their unsightly strabismus. A significant improvement in interpersonal interactions is apparent following strabismus surgery. Surgery to improve ocular alignment appears to herald major improvements in the quality of psychosocial functioning for the majority of adults undergoing such surgical procedures (P < 0.001).


Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for a large pancreatic lymphoepithelial cyst: a rare entity.
Lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) of the pancreas are rare true pancreatic cysts. Their cause is not known. The differential diagnosis is broad and includes many benign and malignant cystic lesions of the pancreas and surrounding organs. A combination of imaging modalities and fine needle aspiration might narrow the differential diagnosis. However, the final diagnosis can only be achieved with certainty after resection of the cyst. In this study, we report the largest LEC of the pancreas to have been resected laparoscopically. A 43-year-old man presented with upper abdominal pain, a 7.5 cm mutlioculated cystic mass in the pancreatic body and tail on imaging, and a raised serum cancer antigen-19-9. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy was performed. Histologic examination revealed a LEC. This study discusses the diagnostic difficulties and management decisions which face surgeons treating pancreatic cysts.


The impact of irradiation dose on the computed tomography radiographic response of metastatic nodes and clinical outcomes in cervix cancer in a low-resource setting.
The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the radiation dose to pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, nodal response, and clinical outcomes in a resource-poor setting based on computed tomography (CT) nodal size alone. This retrospective study from 2009 to 2015 included 46 cervical cancer patients with 133 metastatic pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes definitively treated with chemoradiation and brachytherapy in a public hospital with limited access to positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Hence, short axis of the lymph node on CT scan was used as a measure of metastatic nodal disease, before and following radiation therapy. Inclusion criteria required the pelvic and para-aortic nodes to have the shortest axis diameter on CT scan of ≥8 mm and ≥10 mm, respectively. Based on PET resolution, a node that decreased to half of its inclusion cutoff size was considered to have a complete response (CR). Relevant clinical outcomes were documented and correlated with nodal features, nodal radiation doses, and treatment characteristics. After controlling for other predictive factors, increased nodal dose was associated with increased probability of CR per study definition (P = 0.005). However, there was no statistically significant association between dose and pelvic/para-aortic, distant and total recurrence (TR), and any recurrence at any location (P = 0.263, 0.785, 1.00, respectively). Patients who had no CR nodes had shorter pelvic/para-aortic recurrence-free survival (PPRFS) and TR-free survival (TRFS) than patients who had at least one CR node (P = 0.027 and 0.046, respectively). Patients with no CR nodes also had shorter PPRFS than patients who had all nodes completely respond (P < 0.05). Using CT-based measures, we found that increased nodal dose is associated with an increased probability of CR (as defined) and nodal CR is associated with increased PPRFS and TRFS. We were unable to determine the cutoff dose required for a CR.


Mouse antibodies to the insulin receptor developing spontaneously as anti-idiotypes. II. Effects on glucose homeostasis and the insulin receptor.
Mice immunized to bovine insulin were observed to develop anti-idiotypic antibodies which behaved in in vitro assays as antibodies to the insulin receptor. The studies described here were undertaken to investigate the effects of these antibodies in vivo on the physiology of glucose homeostasis and the state of insulin receptors. Mice developing anti-idiotypic receptor antibodies manifested abnormal fasting blood glucose concentrations: a period of hypoglycemia followed by a period of hyperglycemia. Moreover, the mice were deficient in their ability to respond to a glucose load. Changes in the number and activity of insulin receptors were associated with these physiological aberrations. In an insulin binding assay, adipocytes obtained from immunized mice had only 40% of the number of insulin receptors demonstrable on the adipocytes of control mice. The lipogenic response of the affected adipocytes was also relatively insensitive to insulin, and in addition, they manifested only 70% of the maximal response to high concentrations of insulin. Thus, development of anti-idiotypic receptor antibodies appeared to be associated with insulin resistance of adipocytes and abnormal glucose homeostasis.


Word learning is mediated by the left arcuate fasciculus.
Human language requires constant learning of new words, leading to the acquisition of an average vocabulary of more than 30,000 words in adult life. The ability to learn new words is highly variable and may rely on the integration between auditory and motor information. Here, we combined diffusion imaging tractography and functional MRI to study whether the strength of anatomical and functional connectivity between auditory and motor language networks is associated with word learning ability. Our results showed that performance in word learning correlates with microstructural properties and strength of functional connectivity of the direct connections between Broca's and Wernicke's territories in the left hemisphere. This study suggests that our ability to learn new words relies on an efficient and fast communication between temporal and frontal areas. The absence of these connections in other animals may explain the unique ability of learning words in humans.


[Terminal ballistics. 2. (The skin)].
It goes without saying that, at first glance, it is the velocity with which the fired bullet pierces the solid target and perhaps even penetrates it that bears witness to the efficiency of a firearm. Prior to the advent of ceramic and composite materials, iron and its clone, steel, provided the most satisfactory and most coveted evidence as a test material in both the positive and negative senses. It the biological field, wood and deal in particular were for decades the only witnesses, alongside tests in cadavers, which, despite obvious reservations, provided us with a wealth of data, much of which is still regarded today as among the mainstays of forensic didactics. Prominent among these, in terms of clinical importance, in that they mark the start of the bullet wound, are the velocity and energy thresholds per presentation area. The bullet, after overcoming the barrier of the skin, continues on its course through the soft tissues, and there leaves its most authentic and singular mark as a bullet wound.


Technology-enhanced simulation in emergency medicine: Updated systematic review and meta-analysis 1991-2021.
Over the past decade, the use of technology-enhanced simulation in emergency medicine (EM) education has grown, yet we still lack a clear understanding of its effectiveness. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize studies evaluating the comparative effectiveness of technology-enhanced simulation in EM. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify EM simulation research that compares technology-enhanced simulation with other instructional modalities. Two reviewers screened articles for inclusion and abstracted information on learners, clinical topics, instructional design features, outcomes, cost, and study quality. Standardized mean difference (SMD) effect sizes were pooled using random effects. We identified 60 studies, enrolling at least 5279 learners. Of these, 23 compared technology-enhanced simulation with another instructional modality (e.g., living humans, lecture, small group), and 37 compared two forms of technology-enhanced simulation. Compared to lecture or small groups, we found simulation to have nonsignificant differences for time skills (SMD 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.23 to 0.89, n = 3), but a large, significant effect for non-time skills (SMD 0.82, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.46, n = 8). Comparison of alternative types of technology-enhanced simulation found favorable associations with skills acquisition, of moderate magnitude, for computer-assisted guidance (compared to no computer-assisted guidance), for time skills (SMD 0.50, 95% CI -1.66 to 2.65, n = 2) and non-time skills (SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.80, n = 6), and for more task repetitions (time skills SMD 1.01, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.86, n = 2) and active participation (compared to observation) for time skills (SMD 0.85, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.45, n = 2) and non-time skills (SMD 0.33 95% CI 0.08 to 0.58, n = 3). Technology-enhanced simulation is effective for EM learners for skills acquisition. Features such as computer-assisted guidance, repetition, and active learning are associated with greater effectiveness.


Imine macrocycle with a deep cavity: guest-selected formation of syn/anti configuration and guest-controlled reconfiguration.
A dynamic covalent bond is one of the ideal linkages for the construction of large and robust organic architectures. In the present article, we show how organic templates can efficiently transform a complex dynamic imine library into a dynamic imine macrocycle. Not only is the constitution well controlled, but also the syn/anti host configuration is efficiently selected and even the orientation of the guest in the asymmetric cavity of the host can be well aligned. This is attributed to the delicate balance and the cooperation of multiple noncovalent interactions between the hosts and the guests. Through sequential additions of three guests in appropriate amounts, controlled structural reconfiguration of dynamic covalent architectures has been achieved for the first time.


Synthesis of the Novel Type of Bimodal Ceramic Nanowires from Polymer and Composite Fibrous Mats.
The purpose of this paper was to produce SiO₂ and TiO₂ nanowires via the electrospinning process from a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)/Titanium (IV) butoxide (TNBT)/dimethylformamide (DMF) and ethanol (EtOH) solution. The as-obtained nanofibers were calcined at temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 600 °C in order to remove the organic phase. The one-dimensional ceramic nanostructures were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to analyze the influence of the used temperature on the morphology and structures of the obtained ceramic nanomaterials. In order to examine the chemical structure of the nanowires, energy dispersive spectrometry (EDX) and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used. The optical property analysis was performed on the basis of UV-Vis spectra of absorbance as a function of the wavelength. Using the modified Swanepoel method, which the authors proposed and the recorded absorbance spectra allowed to determine the banded refractive index n, real n' and imaginary k part of the refractive index as a function of the wavelength, complex dielectric permeability ε, and real and imaginary part εr and εi of the dielectric permeability as a function of the radiation energy of the produced ceramic nanowires.


Transobturator four-arms mesh in the surgical management of cystocele: a long-term follow-up.
We studied the long-term efficacy and safety of cystocele operation by polypropylene mesh. A total of 198 women with stage ≥2 cystocele who had anterior vaginal wall repair with transobturator four-arm polypropylene mesh during 2003 to 2015 were evaluated. Outcomes including clinical characteristics and complications were reviewed by extracting patient data from electronic medical records. In addition, telephone interviews were conducted using a validated questionnaire along with physical examination. The follow-up period was 9.3±0.3 years. The cystocele stage in patients was significantly decreased post-operation compared to that preoperation. The anatomical cure rate for cystocele was 93.4%, and that for stress urinary incontinence was 95%. Comparing the three questionnaires indicated overall average score was improved significantly, except for Female Sexual Function Index Assessment. Early complications were either resolved spontaneously or controlled medically in four cases of hematoma or abscess, three cases of vaginal infection and urinary tract infection, and four cases of difficult micturition. In late complications, four cases of pain were managed, five cases of recurrence were observed and two cases of mesh exposure were treated with ointment and local excision. Transobturator four-arms mesh is an effective and safe method for cystocele repair with low rate of recurrence and complications. We suggest that the use of transobturator four-arm mesh is a still good choice for the old patients with cystocele who are not suitable for general anesthesia and reside in areas where laparoscopy and robots are not available.


Transcriptome Profiling of Oocytes at the Germinal Vesicle Stage from Women from Mongolia with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Evidence indicates that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. The molecular basis of PCOS is not well understood. Whole-genome RNA sequencing was performed on single oocyte at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage from females with normal ovulation and females with PCOS. All subjects were women from Mongolia undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection in vitro fertilization (ICSI-IVF) who met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS. Women with normal ovulation who were undergoing ICSI-IVF owing to male factor infertility were recruited as control subjects. A total of 1313 differentially expressed genes were found by bio-informatics software in the GV oocytes of PCOS patients and compared with the control group. There were 367 upregulated and 946 downregulated genes (fold change > 2, false discovery rate < 0.01). When compared with the healthy controls, it was shown that the DEGs like VEGF, IGF, FADS1 et al were investigated as potential causes of PCOS oocytes. The DEGs were related to kinase activity, cell proliferation, gene regulation, and the signaling pathways of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Hippo, and ECM-receptor pathway in patients with PCOS. In addition, the interconnected gene co-expression network was constructed by gene bionetwork analysis, indicating that ITGB5, ITGB3, and CAV2 were the core genes in regulating the module expression of DEGs in PCOS. RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated DEGs were linked to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and lipid metabolism in the GV oocytes of women with PCOS. We hypothesize that ITGB5, ITGB3, and CAV2 may be involved in metabolic disorders associated with the different phenotypes of PCOS.


A five-step procedure for the clinical use of the MPD in neuropsychological assessment of children.
Described a five-step procedure that can be used to detect organicity on the basis of children's performance on the Minnesota Percepto Diagnostic Test (MPD). The first step consists of examining the T score for rotations to determine whether it is below the cut-off score, which has been established empirically as an indicator of organicity. The second step consists of matching the examinee's configuration of error scores, separation of circle-diamond (SpCD), distortion of circle-diamond (DCD), and distortion of dots (DD), with empirically derived tables. The third step consists of considering the T score for rotations and error configuration jointly. The fourth step consists of using empirically established discriminant equations, and the fifth step involves using data from limits testing and other data sources. The clinical and empirical bases for the five-step procedure also are discussed.


Freeze-dried powdered yacon: effects of FOS on serum glucose, lipids and intestinal transit in the elderly.
Freeze-dried powdered yacon (FDY) can be considered a prebiotic product due to its fructooligosaccharides (FOS) content. The effect of 9 weeks of daily intake of FDY containing 7.4 g of FOS on glucose, lipid metabolism and intestinal transit in a group of elderly people was investigated. Seventy-two elderly (mean age 67.11 ± 6.11) men and women were studied for 9 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. They were randomly assigned to the supplement group (which received 7.4 g of FOS as FDY) or the control group. At the beginning and end of the study, anthropometric measurements, blood sampling, clinical analyses and dietary intake were assessed. A daily intake of FDY containing 7.4 g of FOS for 9 weeks was associated with a mean decrease in serum glucose (p = 0.013), but supplementation did not reduce serum lipids in the study group. The administered dose did not adversely affect intestinal transit. It did not cause bloating, flatulence or intestinal discomfort. Freeze-dried powdered yacon is a good source of FOS, and daily consumption can have a favourable effect on serum glucose in the elderly. It is also practical, easy and safe to use and store.


Repurposing auranofin as an antifungal: In vitro activity against a variety of medically important fungi.
Repositioning old drugs can significantly decrease the time and effort that it takes to develop novel antifungal therapeutics, which represents a pressing and unmet clinical need due to the devastating nature of fungal infections. We have previously described the activity of auranofin, a gold thiol compound used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, against Candida albicans biofilms. Here we evaluate its antifungal spectrum of action and describe its activity against a variety of medically important fungi.


Radionuclide imaging for the assessment of esophageal motility disorders in mixed connective tissue disease patients: relation to pulmonary impairment.
Esophageal functional abnormalities may lead to regurgitation, chronic esophagitis and life-threatening conditions such as aspiration pneumonia. In mixed connective tissue disease patients, previous reports showed that esophageal dysfunction varies according to the method employed for investigation. Our study was conceived to: (i) assess esophageal motility and mucosal aspects in patients with mixed connective tissue disease by endoscopy, cine-esophogram and scintigraphy focusing on the prevalence of each exam; and (ii) verify the association between pulmonary and esophageal dysfunctions. Twenty-four mixed connective tissue disease patients were enrolled for this study. Cine-esophogram and upper digestive endoscopy with mucosal biopsy were performed according to previous standardization. Radionuclide esophageal scintigraphy was performed with a semisolid meal with (99m)Tc. Eleven healthy individuals voluntarily submitted to scintigraphy as controls. Cine-esophogram showed esophageal delayed emptying in 90% of patients. At scintigraphy there was a significant delay in total esophageal transit time in the group of patients when compared to healthy controls (35.3 +/- 8.2 s. vs. 13.6 +/- 9.5 s.; P < 0.0001). The whole esophageal body showed dysmotility in 96% of patients. The cine-esophogram detected functional esophageal impairment similar to scintigraphic findings. Histopathologic examination found esophagitis in 95% of studied patients. Reduced lung volumes were associated with esophagitis and delayed esophageal clearance at scintigraphy, observed at the distal portion of the esophagus. Esophageal scintigraphy is easy to perform, with good acceptance by patients with low radiation exposition. It is a useful non-invasive test for follow-up and interventional studies concerning esophagus dysfunction.


How seals avoid myocardial infarction when they should have got it.
The arterial oxygen tension of diving seals decreases to values as low as 1.33 kPa at the end of prolonged dives. In spite of this, cardiac function is unimpaired due to a profound reduction of myocardial oxygen demands: Heart rate is immediately reduced some 90%, left ventricular dP/dt(max) is reduced some 25%, and ventricular wall tension is slightly reduced. This reduction of myocardial workload even allows coronary blood flow to be reduced some 90% and a significant proportion of myocardial energy expenditure to be covered by anaerobic metabolism based on endogenous stores of glycogen. It is suggested that the myocardial ischaemic defence, as worked out by nature herself, in the diving seal has important implications for the treatment of acute myocardial ischaemia in man.


Stenosis Caused by Suture-Mediated Vascular Closure Device in an Angiographic Normal Common Femoral Artery: Its Mechanism and Management.
Vascular closing devices (VCDs) are widely used to replace manual compression at the femoral puncture site and to reduce the discomfort of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary procedure by shortening bed rest. Among the vascular complications related to these devices, the femoral artery stenosis or occlusion is rarely reported, and its standard management is not well established. We report a case of symptomatic femoral artery stenosis caused by suture-mediated VCD and managed using rotational atherectomy device and balloon angioplasty. In addition, we propose the possible mechanisms for this complication.


FtsK--a bacterial cell division checkpoint?
FtsK is a multifunctional, multidomain protein that acts to co-ordinate chromosome unlinking, segregation and cell division. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, the report by Dubarry et al. reveals new insight into the surprisingly complex relationship between the different activities of FtsK. The new study makes extensive use of fusion proteins to highlight the role of the FtsK 'linker' domain in helping to co-ordinate these processes. This, taken together with previous studies, suggests that FtsK is intimately involved in septum constriction, physically contacting several other divisome proteins. Further, it is attractive to speculate that FtsK can regulate the late stages of septation to act as a checkpoint to ensure DNA is fully cleared from the septum before it is allowed to close, as well as being the driving force to unlink the chromosomes and segregate the DNA away from the septum.


Effects of low-protein diets on acute phase proteins and heat shock protein 70 responses, and growth performance in broiler chickens under heat stress condition.
A study with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was conducted to investigate the effects of 4 dietary protein levels and 2 environmental conditions on acute phase proteins (APP), brain heat shock protein (HSP) 70 density, and growth performance of broiler chickens. Day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were fed isocaloric diets but with various levels of crude protein (CP), namely, (1) 21.0 and 19.0% CP in starter and finisher diets, respectively (control), (2) 19.5 and 17.5% CP in starter and finisher diets, respectively (Diet A), (3) 18.0 and 16.0% CP in starter and finisher diets, respectively (Diet B), and (4) 16.5 and 14.5% CP in starter and finisher diets, respectively (Diet C). Equal numbers of birds from each diet were subjected to either 23±1°C throughout or 33±1°C for 6 h per d from 22 to 35 d of age. From d 1 to 21, feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) decreased linearly (P = 0.021 and P = 0.009, respectively), as CP level was reduced. During the heat treatment period (d 22 to 35), there were significant (P = 0.04) diet × heat treatment interactions for FCR. Diet had no effect on FCR among the unheated birds, but the ratio increased linearly (P = 0.007) as dietary CP level decreased. Irrespective of ambient temperature, there was a significant linear decrease in FI (P = 0.032) and WG (P < 0.001) as dietary CP level decreased. Low-CP diets improved the survivability of heat-stressed broilers when compared to those fed control diets. Low-CP diets linearly decreased (P < 0.01) APP (ovotransferrin and alpha-acid glycoprotein) responses. Both APP and HSP 70 reactions were elevated following heat treatment. In conclusion, feeding broilers with low-CP diets adversely affect the growth performance of broilers under heat stress condition. However, low-CP diets were beneficial in improving the survivability. Because APP are involved in the restoration of homeostasis, the adverse effect of low-CP diet on the synthesis of these proteins could be of concern.


Abortion in context: historical trends and future changes.
Reform of abortion laws in the United States stemmed from concern over the health consequences of illegal abortion. Feminists were relative latecomers to the movement, and abortion did not become a major political issue until after the Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court. Most social scientists began to study public attitudes toward abortion, which have been relatively stable since that 1973 decision, only after the Supreme Court ruling, and they thus probably missed documenting the period in which the major attitudinal changes occurred. Polls showed that the American public is most likely to approve of abortion when there is a fetal defect and when the pregnancy endangers maternal health or is the result of rape. These single reasons do not seem to jibe with the complexities of real life, however: The majority of women who have abortions indicate more than one reason for doing so, and the major reasons given concern the conflicting responsibilities of school, work and family and an inability to afford another child. A view of the abortion controversy that puts it into a larger context than do most polls and most American research suggests that legal abortion in the United States is unlikely to be jeopardized in the long run. The trend in most Western industrial nations is toward a more secularized society that features more individual discretion and less control by religious and political institutions over private aspects of life. In the immediate future, a number of factors will perpetuate the need for access to abortion. Among them are early sexual activity that often results in pregnancies among very young women; dim prospects for innovative technological advances in the contraceptive field; and the AIDS epidemic, which may result in the use of contraceptives that are more effective against that deadly virus but less effective at preventing pregnancy. Nor will abortion decisions become any easier for the families and individuals involved, as technology continues to advance in its ability to identify fetal defects and to keep alive babies born at earlier and earlier stages of gestation.


Management of preterm premature rupture of membranes.
In conclusion, the suggested management for PROM follows two general principles. The first principle, which is accepted by most, consists of searching for a positive history of PROM, confirming PROM (by speculum examination, pooling, positive Nitrazine testing, and ferning), and obtaining cervical and vaginal cultures (for group B streptococcus/gonococcus and chlamydia). If free-flowing fluid from the cervix is seen, or if pooling is present, a sample should be sent for L-S and PG analysis. The cervix is assessed (for position, dilatation, and abnormalities), monitoring of maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate is done, white blood cell and differentials are obtained, and finally, immediate ultrasonogrpahy should be performed to document fetal position and viability, the number of fetuses, the amount of amniotic fluid, fetal anatomy, gestational age, and estimated weight. The other principle is a controversial one. It involves the use of amniocentesis for determination of fetal lung maturity and the presence of bacteria (if technically feasible); the use of a short course of tocolysis (terbutaline, 0.250 mg subcutaneously, or a similar medication for patient evaluation) if patient has contractions and all information is not yet available; the administration of steroids to accelerate fetal lung maturity; and finally, the administration of prophylactic antibiotics. In any event, delivery is indicated if there is clinical evidence of chorioamnionitis, as evidenced by maternal fever and tachycardia, tender uterus, fetal tachycardia, elevated white blood cell count with bands or left shift, and a positive Gram stain on examination of amniotic fluid. Antibiotic prophylaxis or treatment is only used if group B streptococcus or N. gonorrhea, or both, are present. Cesarean sections are reserved for obstetrical indications only. Furthermore, delivery is also indicated if there is evidence of lung maturity, fetal distress, active labor or advanced cervical dilatation (greater than or equal to 4 cm), PROM before the 20th to 22nd week of gestation, advanced gestational age of more than 36 weeks, or hemorrhage. In all circumstances, monitoring of the fetus with PROM is essential, with a nonstress test performed every other day to assess variable decelerations or a daily biophysical profile performed, as previously recommended. Even though no absolute recommendation exists as to the frequency of intrapartum testing, evaluation of the fetus with PROM should be done frequently, even on a daily basis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


The Retrograde Transposition of the Remnant Earlobe in Patients With Low-Set Microtia.
During auricle reconstruction, lobular transposition has become a routine technique applied by most of surgeons. But to some low-set remnant ears, it is difficult to manipulate the conventional lobule transposition method in clinical application. In this article, the authors introduce a method to retrogradely transpose the remnant ear with the the ratio of length:width of the lobular flap being 4-5:1. The lobule transposition could be applied during the first stage of Nagata method or the third stage using expansion method. The authors take the superior part of the remnant ear as the pedicle and make the incision at the middle and inferior parts of the remnant ear to form the lobular flap. Then the inferior lobule is rotated posteriorly and superiorly to cover the rear end of the framework and to form the inferior part of helical rim. The results of the reconstructed auricles are satisfactory with aesthetic natural earlobes and the location of the reconstructed ear is symmetric to the contralateral ear. The authors believe that to the 2% to 5% patients with low-set microtia, this is a good way to make use of remnant ear for the purpose of a real earlobe.


Functional analysis of FOXE3 mutations causing dominant and recessive ocular anterior segment disease.
Mutations in FOXE3 are associated with both recessive and dominant inheritance of severe anterior ocular malformations and glaucoma. However, functional analyses of putative pathogenic mutations have not been performed. We tested the hypothesis that variations in FOXE3 activity underlie the different modes of inheritance and disease phenotype. In band shift assays, three recessive mutants showed loss-of-function, one retained DNA binding activity, whereas two dominant mutants showed altered activity. All six mutants showed reduced transactivation function compared with wild-type, and modeling the heterozygous state resulted in an intermediate level of activity providing no evidence for dominant negative action. Our in vitro data are consistent with loss-of-function below a dosage sensitive threshold as a mechanism of action for recessive mutations, but indicate an altered mutant protein function rather than a haploinsufficient mechanism for dominant mutations. This study provides the first functional evidence demonstrating that FOXE3 mutations identified in patients impair protein function with differential effects.


[Clinical and epidemiological profile of ulcerative colitis in a hospital in Lima].
The Non-specific Ulcerative Colitis (NUC) is an inflammatory disease of the rectum and the colon that can extend from the distal part of the rectum to the colon. Only in rare occasions is the terminal ileum compromised. To know the clinic and epidemiological profile of the NUC, in the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital-EsSALUD (Lima-Peru). Prospective and descriptive study of 43 patients diagnosed with NUC, from June, 2001 to May, 2003. The patients were 27 women (62.8%) and 16 men (37.2%); 31 from previous analysis (72.1%) and 12 new patients (27.9%); the largest compromised age group was between 30 to 39 years old (23.3%). The main symptoms were diarrhea (86%), rectal bleeding (58.1%), and abdominal pain (37.2%). Follow-up showed: remission (65.1%), recurrence (28%), persistency (2.3%) and fulminant course (2.3%). One patient died (2.3%). The colon compromise was: rectosigmoid (32.6%), left (30.3%), pancolitis (20.9%), to transverse (9.3%) and distal (6.9%). The incidence was of 2.1 cases per year, the average age was 45 years old (at the time of diagnosis), with a prevalence of women (62.8%). The main symptoms were diarrhea, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. The main factor of recurrence was the interruption of the medication and anaemia was a frequent problem observed in the follow-up.


Evaluation of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in the general population in Turkey by use of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay.
The cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assay was originally developed as an ideal system for measuring DNA damage, cytostasis and cytotoxicity. The objective of the present study is to simultaneously evaluate the background levels of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), nuclear buds (NBUDs), cell death (necrosis or apoptosis) and nuclear division index (NDI) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of non-occupationally exposed, healthy subjects living in the city of Kayseri in Turkey. We used the CBMN-Cyt assay, taking into account factors - age, gender, and smoking habits - that might affect MN frequency and also other CBMN-Cyt assay parameters. Ninety-six healthy subjects (48 female and 48 male) were selected with ages varying between 21 and 60 years. The parameters, except for the number of binucleated (BN) cells with NPBs, showed no statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers. There were significant differences between female and male groups in MN frequency (higher in females) and in the number of NPBs (lower in females), while the other parameters were not significantly different between genders. The correlations between years of age and MN frequency, number of NPBs and the frequency of necrotic cells were statistically significant, while the correlations between the years of age and the other parameters were not. The results of the correlation analysis between years of smoking and MN frequency were positive, although no statistically significant correlation was found between the years of smoking and the other parameters. Among the smokers, no correlation was found either between the pack-years of smoking and the parameters assessed in this group. The results of the present study provide evidence of increasing MN frequency, number of NPBs and frequency of necrotic cells with increasing age in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy individuals and influencing MN frequency and number of NPBs by gender.


Clinical and Endoscopy Findings in Children With Accidental Exposure to Concentrated Detergent Pods.
Caustic ingestion with concentrated detergent pods (CDPs) is a common problem encountered in pediatric population. There is insufficient literature about endoscopic findings in CDP ingestion and hence no current consensus or guidelines regarding the need for endoscopic evaluation. To review cases of children with exposure to CDPs from 2010 to 2016 at a tertiary care children's hospital and to identifying the possibility of a correlation between clinical presentation and the endoscopic findings. A retrospective review identified pediatric patients with accidental caustic exposure to CDPs. Data on demographics, type of exposure, clinical symptoms, physical examination, details of the hospital course were collected. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) findings and direct laryngoscopy-bronchoscopy findings were also collected. Descriptive statistics were computed for all demographic and clinical variables. The association between EGD findings and clinical presentation were tested using Fisher exact test. A total of 23 (28%) cases of CDP ingestion were identified out of 83 total cases of caustic ingestion between January 2010 and June 2016. Median age was 15 months. gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 21 (91%) patients. Examination findings were present in 8 of 23 (35%) patients. EGD (done by gastroenterologists) evaluation was done in 21 (91%) patients and positive findings were seen in 5 of 21 (24%). The proportion of patients with positive examination findings was significantly higher in patients with positive EGD findings (80% vs 20%, respectively; P = 0.0307). Direct laryngoscopy-bronchoscopy (done by otolaryngologists) evaluation was done in 6 (26%) patients and positive findings were seen in 4 of 6 (67%). Our results suggest that oropharyngeal examination findings increase the likelihood of endoscopy findings; hence, we recommend endoscopic evaluation of patients who have examination findings secondary to exposure to CDPs. In other patients, it will be reasonable to evaluate the need for endoscopy on a case-by-case basis.


Self-determination and information seeking in end-stage cancer.
When patients learn that their cancer has recurred after primary treatments or is no longer responding to therapy and no alternative treatment options exist, their motivation to carry on living may be impacted greatly. Using the Self-Determination Theory, this article's reflective analysis explores the unique situation of a woman with end-stage cancer and her continuous motivation to seek information about her illness. Information was gathered during clinical observations and informal conversations. The analysis showed how the patient sought information about her illness, how she manifested motivation, and how the hospital's social environment influenced her behavior. To understand the experience of being confronted with a terminal illness, the following issues are identified: expansion of awareness, life-facing knowledge contradictions, being open-minded and an active explorer of information sources, medical truth, and professional attitudes toward patients' informational needs. Nurses must understand patients' reasons for self-determination when facing illness uncertainty. Reflecting on such situations will strengthen nursing practice.


Ticlopidine improves dialysis clearance of solutes in uremic patients by reducing blood clotting in dialyser fibers.
Ticlopidine, a platelet aggregation inhibitor was tested, in a double blind comparative cross-over study versus placebo, in 51 dialysed uremic patients who had increased dialyser blood clotting (> 25 fibers clotted/dialyser). At the end of a 7-day treatment period with 250 mg daily, the clearance of urea, creatinine and phosphate was determined at 30 and 210 minutes of dialysis, as well as the number of fibers clotted at the end of dialysis. Ticlopidine improved dialyser clearances for urea, creatinine and phosphate from 165 +/- 41 to 182 +/- 35 (p < 0.01), 135 +/- 37 to 143 +/- 35 (p < 0.05), and 120 +/- 36 to 130 +/- 35 (p < 0.05) ml/min, respectively, at 30 min of HD and a similar effect was seen after 210 min of dialysis. The number of dialyser fibers clotted after dialysis was reduced by ticlopidine therapy from 110 +/- 48 to 15 +/- 8 (p < 0.01). Ticlopidine reduced the initial dialysis-induced drop in leucocyte count by 20% (p < 0.05); no change in platelet or erythrocyte count was observed. Two out of 51 patients experienced an adverse reaction from ticlopidine (cutaneous haematoma and minor gingival bleeding). We conclude that ticlopidine is an efficient and safe drug for dialysed uremic patients since it can reduce blood clotting and thereby increase dialysis efficiency.


Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmosphere: monitoring, sources, sinks and fate. II: Sinks and fate.
This paper reviews the transformation processes that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) undergo in the atmosphere. These processes can take place both in the gas phase and in the particulate/aerosol one. Among the gas-phase processes, the most important ones are the daytime reaction with *OH and the nighttime reaction with *NO3. The relative importance of the two processes depends on the particular PAH molecule. For instance, gaseous naphthalene is mainly removed from the atmosphere upon reaction with *OH, while gaseous phenanthrene is mainly removed by reaction with *NO3. Oxy-, hydroxy-, and nitro-PAHs are the main transformation intermediates. Reaction with ozone and photolysis play a secondary role in the transformation of gaseous PAHs. The particle-associated processes are usually slower than the gas-phase ones, thus the gas-phase PAHs usually have shorter atmospheric lifetimes than those found on particulate. Due to the higher residence time on particulate when compared with the gas phase, direct or assisted photolysis plays a relevant role in the transformation of particle-associated PAHs. Among the other processes taking place in the condensed phase, nitration plays a very important role due to the health impact of nitro-PAHs, some of them being the most powerful mutagens found so far in atmospheric particulate extracts.


Mucins Inhibit Coronavirus Infection in a Glycan-Dependent Manner.
Mucins are a diverse and heterogeneous family of glycoproteins that comprise the bulk of mucus and the epithelial glycocalyx. Mucins are intimately involved in viral transmission. Mucin and virus laden particles can be expelled from the mouth and nose to later infect others. Viruses must also penetrate the mucus layer before cell entry and replication. The role of mucins and their molecular structure have not been well-characterized in coronavirus transmission studies. Laboratory studies predicting high rates of fomite transmission have not translated to real-world infections, and mucins may be one culprit. Here, we probed both surface and direct contact transmission scenarios for their dependence on mucins and their structure. We utilized disease-causing, bovine-derived, human coronavirus OC43. We found that bovine mucins could inhibit the infection of live cells in a concentration- and glycan-dependent manner. The effects were observed in both mock fomite and direct contact transmission experiments and were not dependent upon surface material or time-on-surface. However, the effects were abrogated by removal of the glycans or in a cross-species infection scenario where bovine mucin could not inhibit the infection of a murine coronavirus. Together, our data indicate that the mucin molecular structure plays a complex and important role in host defense.


Diallyl Disulfide Suppresses Inflammatory and Oxidative Machineries following Carrageenan Injection-Induced Paw Edema in Mice.
Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is the major organosulfur constituent in garlic, with a variety of pharmacological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Here, we examined the potential antiedematous impact of DADS- versus carrageenan-mediated paw edema in mice. Carrageenan injection potentiated an inflammatory reaction as presented by the elevated serological C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and transcription of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, Tnfα), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β, Il1b), interleukin-2 (IL-2, Il2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2, Ptgs2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, Ccl1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, while interleukin-10 (IL-10) was declined in the injured paw tissue. Additionally, carrageenan elevated lipid peroxidation in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased glutathione content (GSH). Remarkably, DADS was found to inhibit the inflammatory signaling, suppressed the developed oxidative damage, and protected the histopathological alterations in the inflamed paw tissue in response to carrageenan injection. Our findings suggest that DADS could be used as an alternative therapy used to alleviate the pathophysiological changes associated with the genesis of paw edema through its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant impacts.


Protective effects of tenuigenin on Staphylococcus aureus-induced pneumonia in mice.
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in infants and young children. Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) is one of the most important bacteria that leads to pneumonia. Tenuigenin (TGN), a major active component isolated from the root of the Chinese herb Polygala tenuifolia, has been known to have anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of TGN on S.aureus-induced pneumonia in mice. The results showed that TGN significantly attenuated S.aureus-induced lung histopathological changes. TGN also inhibited lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β production. Furthermore, S.aureus-induced NF-κB activation was significantly inhibited by the treatment of TGN. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that TGN protected against S.aureus-induced pneumonia by inhibiting NF-κB activation. TGN might be a potential agent in the treatment of pneumonia induced by S.aureus.


Negative consequences and cognitions about drinking and driving.
Drinking and driving has been found to be a highly persistent behavior, even after experiencing negative consequences, such as arrest. This study tested the association between consequences of drinking and driving and cognitions related to drinking and driving (e.g., attitudes, normative beliefs). We tested whether exposure to negative consequences was associated with perceptions of risk associated with drinking and driving. Participants were 938 college students. The sample was 57% female and primarily white (86%). Questionnaire measures were used to assess alcohol use, drinking and driving behaviors, drinking and driving cognitions, and lifetime drinking and driving consequences. Results indicated that participants who had experienced consequences of drinking and driving (either as a driver or rider) reported more current drinking and driving and greater alcohol consumption. Analyses indicated that most cognition measures differentiated those reporting lifetime consequences from the rest of the sample, with the consequence groups reporting more risky cognitions. However, experiencing a personal consequence of drinking and driving was associated with perceiving negative consequences of drinking and driving to be more likely. These results provide evidence that most cognitive risk factors for drinking and driving remain high even after experiencing a negative consequence. This may contribute to the persistence of drinking and driving in prior offenders. The finding that the perception of negative consequences may be influenced by experiencing consequences may have implications for intervention and treatment efforts.


Mutagenic and genotoxic activities of four pesticides: captan, foltaf, phosphamidon and furadan.
The mutagenic and genotoxic potential of four pesticides viz. captan, foltaf, phosphamidon and furadan was evaluated by the Ames mutagenicity assay and their DNA damaging ability on radiation repair defective E. coli K-12 strains respectively. The mutagenic spectrum revealed captan to be most mutagenic in the absence of metabolic activation, while the presence of S9 mix led to an attenuated mutagenic response. Foltaf, phosphamidon and furadan were detected as relatively weaker mutagens. A significant decrease in the survival of SOS defective mutants, recA, lexA and pol- of E. coli was observed as compared to their wild-type counterparts in the presence of the pesticides. The role of SOS repair genes gains further support from the Salmonella strains triggering the error-prone SOS response.