Head forward flexion, lateral bending and viewing distance in smartphone users: A comparison between sitting and standing postures.
Smartphones (SPs) are widely used by people of all age groups and genders. Users spend many hours per day on the SPs for different purposes, which imposes significant stress on their musculoskeletal system. This study explored head forward flexion, lateral bending angle, and viewing distance while working with a SP in sitting/standing postures and one-handed/two-handed grips. The users' performance as well as pain development were also investigated. Participants answered a questionnaire on pain experience before and after SP usage. Neck kinematics of 20 SP users were monitored by a motion analysis system while doing three tasks (typing, video watching, and reading) in sitting and standing postures. Performance was evaluated by number of typed words, amount of errors in typing, and total read words. The results indicated a significant increase in pain complaints in neck and upper limbs after test completion. Working with SPs in sitting and standing postures were, respectively, associated with greater head forward flexion for watching and viewing distance for two-handed typing tasks. Higher left lateral bending values were measured for one-handed watching and reading tasks in standing posture. The performance measures were superior for two-handed grips in all conditions. Overall, using SPs in sitting posture creates greater head forward flexion and lower lateral bending angles in all tasks and grip types. The findings of this study can be used to provide recommendations for SP users.


Impact of presymptomatic genetic testing on young adults: a systematic review.
Presymptomatic and predictive genetic testing should involve a considered choice, which is particularly true when testing is undertaken in early adulthood. Young adults are at a key life stage as they may be developing a career, forming partnerships and potentially becoming parents: presymptomatic testing may affect many facets of their future lives. The aim of this integrative systematic review was to assess factors that influence young adults' or adolescents' choices to have a presymptomatic genetic test and the emotional impact of those choices. Peer-reviewed papers published between January 1993 and December 2014 were searched using eight databases. Of 3373 studies identified, 29 were reviewed in full text: 11 met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was used to identify five major themes: period before testing, experience of genetic counselling, parental involvement in decision-making, impact of test result communication, and living with genetic risk. Many participants grew up with little or no information concerning their genetic risk. The experience of genetic counselling was either reported as an opportunity for discussing problems or associated with feelings of disempowerment. Emotional outcomes of disclosure did not directly correlate with test results: some mutation carriers were relieved to know their status, however, the knowledge they may have passed on the mutation to their children was a common concern. Parents appeared to have exerted pressure on their children during the decision-making process about testing and risk reduction surgery. Health professionals should take into account all these issues to effectively assist young adults in making decisions about presymptomatic genetic testing.


Predisposition of infants with chronic lung disease to respiratory syncytial virus-induced respiratory failure: a vascular hypothesis.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes the highest rate of severe respiratory infections and mortality in infants and children worldwide. Preterm infants with underlying chronic lung disease (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), are among those at high risk for severe morbidity, long term sequelae and mortality postinfection. The definition of CLD/BPD has evolved and is currently described as a disease of restricted lung development (i.e. impaired alveolar and pulmonary vascular development). This article describes potential mechanisms by which RSV infection causes respiratory failure in the infant with BPD. The opinions expressed in this article are based on a review of recent investigations into the mechanisms through which RSV infections could cause excessive pulmonary edema formation and subsequent respiratory failure in the infant with CLD. Although alveolar overinflation and atelectasis are well-described patterns of RSV-induced respiratory illness in this infant population, the finding of pulmonary edema is a complex, multifactorial process that is less well understood. Experimental evidence suggests that RSV infection in infants with CLD/BPD not only causes increases in pulmonary vascular reactivity but also precipitates pulmonary edema formation via multiple mechanisms (e.g. nonuniform elevations in pulmonary artery pressure, endothelial injury, alveolar epithelial damage and impairments of native alveolar liquid clearance mechanisms). Novel therapies for managing RSV-induced respiratory failure in the infant with CLD/BPD must consider factors responsible for the substantial pulmonary vascular component of this illness.


Comparative evaluation of left and right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy: differences in complication rate and diagnostic performance.
Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) represents the gold standard for diagnosing myocarditis and nonischemic cardiomyopathies. This study focuses on the risk of complications and the respective diagnostic performance of left ventricular (LV), right ventricular (RV), or biventricular EMB in patients with suspected myocarditis and/or cardiomyopathy of unknown origin. In this 2-center study, 755 patients with clinically suspected myocarditis (n=481) and/or cardiomyopathy of nonischemic origin including those with infiltrative or connective tissue disease (n=274) underwent either selective LV-EMB (n=265; 35.1%), selective RV-EMB (n=133; 17.6%), or biventricular EMB (n=357; 47.3%) after coronary angiography and exclusion of significant coronary artery disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance, including late gadolinium enhancement, imaging was performed in 540 patients (71.5%). The major complication rate for LV-EMB was 0.64% and for RV-EMB, 0.82%. Considering postprocedural pericardial effusion that occurred after biventricular EMB, the minor complication rate for LV-EMB varied between 0.64% to 2.89% and for RV-EMB, between 2.24% and 5.10%. Diagnostic EMB results were achieved significantly more often in those patients who underwent biventricular EMBs (79.3%) compared to those who underwent either selective LV-EMB or selective RV-EMB (67.3%; P<0.001). In patients with biventricular EMB, myocarditis was diagnosed in LV-EMB samples in 18.7% and in RV-EMB samples in 7.9% (P=0.002) , and it was diagnosed in both ventricles in 73.4%. There were no differences in the number of positive LV-EMB, RV-EMB, or LV- and RV-EMB findings when related to the site of cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based late gadolinium enhancement. Both LV-EMB and RV-EMB are safe procedures if performed by experienced interventionalists. The diagnostic yield of EMB may be optimized when samples from both ventricles are available. Preferential biopsy in regions showing late gadolinium enhancement on cardiovascular magnetic resonance does not increase the number of positive diagnoses of myocarditis.


Antioxidant property of Smilex china Linn.
Smilex china Linn. (Smilacaceae Syn Liliaceae) has special pharmacognostic feature as its root is multiseriate, with sclerenchymatic pericycle. The alcoholic extract of rhizome of S. china shows significant protection against FeSO4 induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate, but has no effect on the rate of oxidation of reduced glutathione. This fraction scavenges the superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, but the effect was more towards the removal of superoxide than that of hydroxyl radicals. Thus it could be concluded that rhizome of S. china has strong antioxidant property.


The release of GLP-1 and ghrelin, but not GIP and CCK, by glucose is dependent upon the length of small intestine exposed.
Previous observations suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is released into the bloodstream only when dietary carbohydrate enters the duodenum at rates that exceed the absorptive capacity of the proximal small intestine to contact GLP-1 bearing mucosa in more distal bowel. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of modifying the length of small intestine exposed to glucose on plasma concentrations of GLP-1 and also glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), insulin, cholecystokinin (CCK) and ghrelin, and antropyloric pressures. Glucose was infused at 3.5 kcal/min into the duodenum of eight healthy males (age 18-59 yr) over 60 min on the first day into an isolated 60-cm segment of the proximal small intestine ("short-segment infusion"); on the second day, the same amount of glucose was infused with access to the entire small intestine ("long-segment infusion"). Plasma GLP-1 increased and ghrelin decreased (P < 0.05 for both) during the long-, but not the short-, segment infusion. By contrast, increases in plasma CCK and GIP did not differ between days. The rises in blood glucose and plasma insulin were greater during the long- than during the short-segment infusion (P < 0.05). During the long- but not the short-segment infusion, antral pressure waves (PWs) were suppressed (P < 0.05). Isolated pyloric PWs and basal pyloric pressure were stimulated on both days. In conclusion, the release of GLP-1 and ghrelin, but not CCK and GIP, is dependent upon >60 cm of the intestine being exposed to glucose.


Why do they leave? Factors associated with job termination among personal assistant workers in home care.
Recruiting and retaining an adequate number of personal support workers in home care is both challenging and essential to allowing elders to age in place. A mixed-method, longitudinal study examined turnover in a sample of 261 personal support workers in Maine; 70 workers (26.8%) left their employment in the first year of the study. Logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age and lack of health insurance were significant predictors of turnover. Analysis of telephone interviews revealed three overarching themes related to termination: job not worthwhile, personal reasons, and burnout. Implications of study findings for gerontological social workers are outlined.


Challenges in assessing nanomaterial toxicology: a personal perspective.
Nanotechnology exploits the fact that nanoparticles exhibit unique physicochemical properties, which are distinct from fine-sized particles of the same composition. It follows that nanoparticles may also express distinct bioactivity and unique interactions with biological systems. Therefore, it is essential to assess the potential health risks of exposure to nanoparticles to allow development and implementation of prevention measures. Risk assessment requires data concerning hazard and exposure. Several challenges face the field of nanotoxicology in obtaining the necessary data for assessment of the bioactivity of nanoparticles. They include: (1) the vast number of nanoparticle types to be evaluated, (2) the need to use nanoparticle doses and structure sizes in cellular and animal test systems which are relevant to anticipated workplace exposures, and (3) artifactual in vitro results due to absorption of nutrients or assay indicator compounds from the culture media. This 'opinion' reviews the progress made in the field of nanotoxicology in recent years to overcome these challenges.


Effect of lupus anticoagulants on the activated partial thromboplastin time. Results of the College of American Pathologists survey program.
Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies that interfere with in vitro phospholipid-dependent coagulation reactions. In vivo, they have been associated with a variety of thromboembolic problems. Samples from patients with lupus anticoagulants were included in the 1986 and 1987 College of American Pathologists proficiency survey program. Participant performance on these samples demonstrated significant variation in the responsiveness of different activated partial thromboplastin reagents to lupus anticoagulants. The level of factor VIII in these samples reported by the participants also varied with the reagent used. Follow-up studies demonstrated striking reagent-dependent differences in the dilutional effect on apparent factor VIII, IX, XI, and XII activity. These results point out the importance of selecting sensitive and responsive reagents for appropriate identification of lupus inhibitors. In addition, the results indicate that the choice of reagent used for factor assays can affect the apparent factor activity as well as whether a dilutional effect is noted when a lupus anticoagulant is present in the test sample, an important consideration when trying to distinguish a lupus anticoagulant from a specific factor inhibitor.


[Quality management and consumer orientation: survey of referring pediatricians of a Berlin pediatric clinic].
Quality management in hospitals not only includes performance according to international medical standards but also the optimization of processes regarding internal staff as well as external customers. Total Quality Management (TQM) and the Business Excellence Model of the European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) require continuous evaluation of customer satisfaction. Specialists and family physician as external customers influence the patient's choice of a hospital. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the satisfaction of admitting physicians of a children's hospital with the help of a questionnaire. The results describe their needs and their level of satisfaction regarding service, information, cooperation and communication within the hospital.


Entropy from state probabilities: hydration entropy of cations.
Entropy is an important energetic quantity determining the progression of chemical processes. We propose a new approach to obtain hydration entropy directly from probability density functions in state space. We demonstrate the validity of our approach for a series of cations in aqueous solution. Extensive validation of simulation results was performed. Our approach does not make prior assumptions about the shape of the potential energy landscape and is capable of calculating accurate hydration entropy values. Sampling times in the low nanosecond range are sufficient for the investigated ionic systems. Although the presented strategy is at the moment limited to systems for which a scalar order parameter can be derived, this is not a principal limitation of the method. The strategy presented is applicable to any chemical system where sufficient sampling of conformational space is accessible, for example, by computer simulations.


Is tau aggregation toxic or protective: a sensible question in the absence of sensitive methods?
In Alzheimer's disease brain, the microtubule-associated protein tau detaches from the microtubules, pathologically interacts with cellular proteins, and eventually forms insoluble aggregates that also bind and trap a myriad of proteins. As these proteins are depleted from the cellular pool, they are unavailable for physiological functions. Thus elevated tau levels are pathogenic, even in the absence of tau aggregation. Whereas it is reasonable to assume that tau aggregation is toxic during late stages of disease, the question arises whether early in disease it may be protective. This question can be addressed in tau transgenic animal models in which tau aggregation has been correlated with behavioral impairment. We discuss ways of how tau aggregation is monitored in these mice and what the detection limits are of these methods. We conclude that new tools are needed to measure the different stages of tau aggregation.


Neisseria sicca endocarditis requiring mitral valve replacement in a previously healthy adolescent.
Infective endocarditis due to Neisseria sicca, a normal inhabitant of the upper respiratory tract, is rarely reported but associated with embolic phenomena and large vegetations often requiring surgical intervention. We report a previously healthy 12-year-old girl who presented with prolonged fever and altered mental status. The patient developed rapidly progressive respiratory insufficiency and cardiovascular instability, and echocardiography demonstrated a large vegetation on the mitral valve. She developed worsening mitral regurgitation with resultant pulmonary hemorrhage and underwent mitral valve replacement. Her blood culture was positive for N. sicca. This infection should be considered in patients with prolonged high fever and multiorgan dysfunction. Despite a typically severe course, reported mortality is low.


Is SYNTAX Score Predictive of Atrial Fibrillation after On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery?
The relationship of synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score and development of atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) has not been studied. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between the SYNTAX score and development of AF after CABG (POAF). The medical records of consecutive patients, who underwent CABG surgery from January 2013 to September 2015, were retrospectively reviewed for the development of AF in the postoperative period. SYNTAX score, clinical and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. The independent variables for the development of POAF were defined and their predictive values were measured. The study group consisted of 106 patients, of which 36 (34%) developed POAF. Age, hypertension, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM), left atrial diameter, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet large cell ratio, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and SYNTAX score were identified as important variables for the development of POAF. However, in logistic regression analysis COPD (OR=19.313, 95% CI=2.416-154.407, p=0.005), HF (OR=28.362, 95% CI=2.034-395.515, p=0.013), SYNTAX score (OR=0.863, 95% CI=0.757-0.983, p=0.026), and DM (OR=20.770, 95% CI=3.791-113.799, p<0.001) appeared as independent variables predicting the development of POAF. In receiver operation characteristic analysis, SYNTAX score (≥22.25) (AUC=0.777, 95% CI=0.676-0.877, p<0.001) was one of the strongest predictors for the development of POAF. The SYNTAX score level was independently associated with the development of AF after CABG.


Restoration of vasodilation and CBF autoregulation by genistein in rat pial artery after brain injury.
This study determined whether, after fluid percussion injury (FPI), tyrosine kinase activation is coupled to inhibition of K(+) channels and alteration in cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation in the rat pial artery. Injury of moderate severity (2--2.5 atm) was produced by FPI in anesthetized rats equipped with a closed cranial window. The suppressed vasodilation of the pial arterioles to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and levcromakalim (LMK) and altered lower limit of CBF autoregulation after FPI were restored by genistein but not by daidzein, an inactive analog. Vasodilation to S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (0.1--10 micromol/l) was, however, little influenced after FPI. The restored vasodilation was decreased by sodium orthovanadate, suggesting the reciprocal action of tyrosine phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. After FPI, CGRP-induced vasodilation restored by genistein (10 micromol/l) was strongly antagonized by iberiotoxin but not by glibenclamide, whereas LMK-induced vasodilation was, in contrast, inhibited by glibenclamide but not by iberiotoxin. Taken together, we suggest that, after FPI, activation of tyrosine kinase links the inhibition of K(+) channels to impaired autoregulatory vasodilation in response to acute hypotension and alteration in CBF autoregulation in the rat pial artery.


Association between PPAR-γ2 gene polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy risk: a meta-analysis.
A close association between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPAR-γ2) and the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been previously suggested. Herein, a meta-analysis was conducted to explore the association between PPAR-γ2 polymorphisms and DR risk by performing a systematic search and quantitative analysis. Overall, fourteen articles involving 10,527 subjects were included. The pooled results did not reveal an association between PPAR-γ2 rs1801282 C/G and DR susceptibility in the overall population (e.g., the dominant model: CG+GG vs. CC, OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.69-1.06, P=0.15, I2=62.9%). Furthermore, heterogeneity tests, cumulative analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias analyses were conducted and showed that the results were robust. Similarly, race-based subgroup analyses and other subgroup analyses did not reveal an association between the rs1801282 C/G and DR susceptibility. In addition, no significant association was observed between PPAR-γ2 rs3856806 C/T polymorphism and DR risk (e.g., the dominant model: CT+TT vs. CC, OR=1.12, 95%CI=0.91-1.37, P=0.28, I2=27.0%). Overall, based on the current sample size and the level of evidence presented in the study, the results suggest that PPAR-γ2 gene polymorphisms are not associated with DR risk.


Identification of a novel membrane transporter associated with intracellular membranes by phenotypic complementation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
A partial mouse cDNA was isolated by its ability to functionally complement a thymidine transport deficiency in plasma membranes of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The full-length cDNA encoded a previously unidentified 27-kDa protein (mouse transporter protein (MTP)) with four predicted transmembrane-spanning domains. MTP mRNA was detected in cells of several mammalian species, and its predicted protein sequence exhibited near identity (98%) with that of a human cDNA (HUMORF13). MTP and its homologs evidently reside in an intracellular membrane compartment because a protein (about 24 kDa) that was recognized by MTP-specific antibodies was observed in a subcellular fraction of rat hepatocytes enriched for Golgi membranes. Deletion of the hydrophilic C terminus of MTP, which encompassed two putative signal motifs for intracellular localization (Tyr-X-X-hydrophobic amino acid), allowed expression of recombinant protein (MTP deltaC) in plasma membranes of Xenopus laevis oocytes. MTP deltaC-expressing oocytes exhibited greater fragility than nonexpressing oocytes, and those that survived the experimental manipulations were capable of mediated uptake of thymidine, uridine, and adenosine. Thymidine uptake by MTP deltaC-expressing oocytes was inhibited by thymine and dTMP. MTP may function in the transport of nucleosides and/or nucleoside derivatives between the cytosol and the lumen of an intracellular membrane-bound compartment.


Expert panel method for nurse staffing and resource management.
The Expert Panel Nurse Staffing and Resource Management Method is a bold new approach for the identification of nurse staffing requirements and the management of resources. Expert panels comprised of those most knowledgeable of the patient population and the uniqueness of specific patient care areas identify staff needed to meet clinical, administrative, education, continuous quality improvement, and research needs. In addition, the expert panels explore opportunities for systems improvements, work redesign, and administrative restructuring within the context of budgetary realities.


Expression and action of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta1, TGFbeta2, and TGFbeta3) during embryonic rat testis development.
The objective of the current study was to determine the role of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) during seminiferous cord formation and embryonic testis development. The expression pattern of mRNA for TGFbeta isoforms was evaluated during testis development through a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) procedure. Expression of mRNA for TGFbeta1 was highest at postnatal day 0 (P0) and P10. In contrast, TGFbeta2 was high at embryonic day 15 (E15), declined at E16, and showed a transient increase at P0 through P3 of testis development. Interestingly, expression of mRNA for TGFbeta3 was high during embryonic development and then declined after P3. Immunohistochemical localization of TGFbeta1 and TGFbeta2 demonstrated expression in Sertoli cells at E14 and in the seminiferous cords at P0. Selective interstitial cells expressed high concentrations of TGFbeta1 and TGFbeta2 in P0 testis. TGFbeta3 was expressed in selective cells at the junction of the E14 testis and mesonephros. The cells expressing TGFbeta3 in the testis appeared to be preperitubular cells that resided around the seminiferous cords. TGFbeta3 was localized to gonocytes in P0 testis. TGFbeta1 was found to have no influence on seminiferous cord formation in embryonic organ cultures of E13 testis. In contrast, growth of both E13 and E14 embryonic organ cultures was inhibited by TGFbeta1 and resulted in reduced testis size (40% of controls) with fewer cords present. A P0 testis cell culture and thymidine incorporation assay were used to directly examine the effects of recombinant TGFbeta1. TGFbeta1 alone had no influence on thymidine incorporation in P0 testis cell cultures when compared to controls. Interestingly, TGFbeta1 inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF), and 10% calf serum stimulated P0 testis cell growth but not FSH-stimulated growth. Therefore, TGFbeta1 appears to inhibit testis growth in both the embryonic and early postnatal periods. The hormonal regulation of TGFbeta expression was measured using P0 testis cell cultures and a QRT-PCR procedure for each TGFbeta isoform. High concentrations of EGF stimulated expression of mRNA for TGFbeta1 after 24 h but suppressed expression of TGFbeta3. In contrast, there was no effect of FSH on TGFbeta isoform expression. In summary, TGFbeta regulates embryonic and P0 testis growth through inhibiting the actions of positive growth factors such as EGF. In addition, EGF but not FSH appears to regulate TGFbeta isoform expression. Combined observations from the present study demonstrate that TGFbeta isoforms are differentially expressed and appear to be regulators of testis growth during the embryonic and early postnatal periods.


Catecholamine modulation of rapid potassium shifts during exercise.
Plasma potassium rises during muscular exercise and falls rapidly when exercise is stopped. Since the sympathoadrenal system is stimulated with exertion and both alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists affect internal potassium homeostasis, we studied the influence of catecholamines on potassium shifts during and after exercise. Six healthy subjects were given maximal exercise stress tests under three conditions: with no medication (control), during beta-blockade with propranolol, and during alpha-blockade with phentolamine. Compared with a peak rise in plasma potassium of 1.23 +/- 0.27 mmol per liter (mean +/- S.E.M.) during the control study, propranolol caused a rise of 1.89 +/- 0.35 (P less than 0.01) and a sustained elevation during recovery. Phentolamine diminished the rise of potassium (0.70 +/- 0.21 mmol per liter; P less than 0.01) and lowered the potassium level throughout recovery. These effects of catecholamines were independent of the venous pH, the plasma bicarbonate and serum glucose levels, and urinary potassium excretion, and they did not appear to be due to insulin. High norepinephrine and epinephrine levels confirmed the release of catecholamines capable of stimulating alpha- and beta-receptors. Exercise work did not differ among the groups. beta-Adrenergic receptors appear to moderate the acute hyperkalemia of exercise, whereas alpha-adrenergic receptors act to enhance hyperkalemia and may protect against hypokalemia when exertion ceases.


In vitro cytocompatibility assessment of beta-tricalcium phosphate/carboxymethyl-chitin composite.
A novel bioabsorbable bone substitute composed of a beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and a carboxymethyl-chitin (CM-chitin) sodium has been developed. Rabbit tibia defects (4 mm in diameter) were repaired after 4 weeks more effectively by the composite compared with a sham-operation group. To further investigate the biological safety of the components, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of an extract prepared from the composite were determined using four different in vitro assays. The main extract component was identified as CM-chitin sodium [average molecular weight (Mw) approximately 230 kDa] as determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography analysis. The concentrations of P and Ca possibly derived from beta-TCP were 17.7 and 37.1 microg/g, respectively, as determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Both the metabolic activation and nonactivation (-S9) systems of the rat microsome S9 fraction were used to perform a genotoxicity evaluation using the Ames test and chromosome aberration assay on Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells treated with the extract. In these assays, no genotoxicity was detected with doses < or =5 mg/mL (maximum concentration). The cell transformation assay using BALB/c 3T3 cells and the metabolic cooperation assay with V79 cells both showed negative results for any tumor-promoting activity caused by the extract (approximately 5 mg/mL). These results indicate that the bioabsorbable beta-TCP/CM-chitin composite is a highly biocompatible bone substitute.


Predictors of Strength of In-Group Identity in Northern Ireland: Impact of Past Sectarian Conflict, Relative Deprivation, and Church Attendance.
Social identity in Northern Ireland is multifaceted, with historical, religious, political, social, economic, and psychological underpinnings. Understanding the factors that influence the strength of identity with the Protestant or Catholic community, the two predominate social groups in Northern Ireland, has implications for individual well-being as well as for the continuation of tension and violence in this setting of protracted intergroup conflict. This study examined predictors of the strength of in-group identity in 692 women (mean age 37 years) in post-accord Northern Ireland. For Catholics, strength of in-group identity was positively linked to past negative impact of sectarian conflict and more frequent current church attendance, whereas for Protestants, strength of in-group identity was related to greater status satisfaction regarding access to jobs, standard of living, and political power compared to Catholics; that is, those who felt less relative deprivation. The discussion considers the differences in the factors underlying stronger identity for Protestants and Catholics in this context.


Socially modulated cell proliferation is independent of gonadal steroid hormones in the brain of the adult green treefrog (Hyla cinerea).
Gonadal steroid hormones have been shown to influence adult neurogenesis in addition to their well-defined role in regulating social behavior. Adult neurogenesis consists of several processes including cell proliferation, which can be studied via 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling. In a previous study we found that social stimulation altered both cell proliferation and levels of circulating gonadal steroids, leaving the issue of cause/effect unclear. In this study, we sought to determine whether socially modulated BrdU-labeling depends on gonadal hormone changes. We investigated this using a gonadectomy-implant paradigm and by exposing male and female green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) to their conspecific chorus or control stimuli (i.e. random tones). Our results indicate that socially modulated cell proliferation occurred independently of gonadal hormone levels; furthermore, neither androgens in males nor estrogen in females increased cell proliferation in the preoptic area (POA) and infundibular hypothalamus, brain regions involved in endocrine regulation and acoustic communication. In fact, elevated estrogen levels decreased cell proliferation in those brain regions in the implanted female. In male frogs, evoked calling behavior was positively correlated with BrdU-labeling in the POA; however, statistical analysis showed that this behavior did not mediate socially induced cell proliferation. These results show that the social modulation of cell proliferation can occur without gonadal hormone involvement in either male or female adult anuran amphibians, and confirms that it is independent of a behavioral response in males.


Serum albumin promotes ATP-binding cassette transporter-dependent sterol uptake in yeast.
Sterol uptake in fungi is a multistep process that involves interaction between external sterols and the cell wall, incorporation of sterol molecules into the plasma membrane, and subsequent integration into intracellular membranes for turnover. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters have been implicated in sterol uptake, but key features of their activity remain to be elucidated. Here, we apply fluorescent cholesterol (NBD-cholesterol) to monitor sterol uptake under anaerobic and aerobic conditions in two fungal species, Candida glabrata (Cg) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc). We found that in both fungal species, ABC transporter-dependent uptake of cholesterol under anaerobic conditions and in mutants lacking HEM1 gene is promoted in the presence of the serum protein albumin that is able to bind the sterol molecule. Furthermore, the C. glabrata ABC transporter CgAus1p expressed in S. cerevisiae requires the presence of serum or albumin for efficient cholesterol uptake. These results suggest that albumin can serve as sterol donor in ABC transporter-dependent sterol uptake, a process potentially important for growth of C. glabrata inside infected humans.


Uterine perforation during intrauterine procedures and its management.
Uterine perforation is a potential, not rare complication of all intrauterine procedures and may be associated with injury of surrounding organs and structures. The incidence, risk factors, possible prevention, dia-gnosis, management and impact on future reproduction is reviewed here. Systematic review of available sources on the topic was carried out using the PubMed database and textbooks of Czech authors. Some risk factors that make access to the uterine cavity difficult may be prevented, however, others remain unpreventable. For patients in whom the perforation occurred during sondage, dilatation or insertion of blunt and cold instrument, without significant bleeding and who are hemodynamically stable, observation is recommended rather than immediate abdominal exploration. The exception are young women planning pregnancy in whom endoscopic suture is indicated. Abdominal exploration is required in patients who have been injured by electrosurgical or sharp device, laser, vacuum curette, who are hemodynamically unstable or show signs of severe bleeding or visceral injury.


Citrate in the management of urolithiasis.
Citrate therapy for recurrent calcium urolithiasis has become common over the last decade. The hypotheses that chronic stone formers must have biochemical defects that increase recurrence risks have instigated medical therapy directed at these defects. The utilization of stone clinics, detailed metabolic evaluations, and meticulous follow-up of recurrent stone formers has led to a greater understanding and knowledge of treatment options. Citrate therapy has been used like aspirin in the medical community perhaps without a clear understanding of its mechanism of action and indications. This article provides a synopsis of citrate use in the medical and surgical treatment of urolithiasis.


Multimodal 3D imaging of cells and tissue, bridging the gap between clinical and research microscopy.
Absorption dyes are widely used in traditional cytology and pathology clinical practice, while fluorophores and nanoparticles are more often used in biologic research. Optical projection tomographic microscopy (OPTM) is a platform technology that can image the same specimen in multiple modes in 3D, providing morphologic and molecular information concurrently and in exact co-registration. The depth-of-field of a high numerical aperture objective is extended by scanning the focal plane through the sample to generate an optical projection image. Samples of cells or tissue are brought into the OPTM instrument through a microcapillary tube filled with optical index-matching gel. Multiple optical projection images are taken from different perspectives by rotating the tube. Computed tomography (CT) algorithms are applied to these optical projection images to reconstruct 3D structure of the sample. Image segmentation and analysis based on these 3D images provide quantitative biosignatures for cancer diagnosis that represents a clear improvement over conventional 2D image analysis. In this article, we introduce the OPTM platform, optical Cell-CT, and Tissue-CT instruments, and some applications using these OPTM instruments.


C9/12 Ribbon-Like Structures in Hybrid Peptides Alternating α- and Thiazole-Based γ-Amino Acids.
According to their restricted conformational freedom, heterocyclic γ-amino acids are usually considered to be related to Z-vinylogous γ-amino acids. In this context, oligomers alternating α-amino acids and thiazole-based γ-amino acids (ATCs) were expected to fold into a canonical 12-helical shape as described for α/γ-hybrid peptides composed of cis-α/β-unsaturated γ-amino acids. However, through a combination of X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, FTIR experiments, and DFT calculations, it was determined that the folding behavior of ATC-containing hybrid peptides is much more complex. The homochiral α/(S)-ATC sequences were unable to adopt a stable conformation, whereas the heterochiral α/(R)-ATC peptides displayed novel ribbon structures stabilized by unusual C9/12 -bifurcated hydrogen bonds. These ribbon structures could be considered as a succession of pre-organized γ/α dipeptides and may provide the basis for designing original α-helix mimics.


Clonal analysis of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to reovirus.
Reovirus has previously been classified into three serotypes based on hemagglutination inhibition assays. In the present study, the specificity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) generated in reovirus type 3-infected C3H/HeN mice was investigated at the population and clonal levels. Short-term CTL lines generated in response to reovirus type 3 preferentially lysed cells infected with reovirus type 1 or 3 and, in some instances, type 2-infected cells as well. Eleven CTL clones established from the lines demonstrated two unique patterns of recognition. A single clone was exquisitely specific for reovirus type 3-infected cells and did not cross-react on reovirus type 1- or 2-infected cells. Ten of the clones recognized reovirus type 1- and type 3-infected cells. These clones had low levels of cross-reactivity on reovirus type 2-infected cells that was revealed only at high effector:target cell ratios. Precursor frequency analysis further revealed that the majority of the CTL generated against reovirus type 3 could cross-react on both reovirus type 1- and type 2-infected cells. Some CTL could be detected that had a more restricted pattern of recognition and recognized reovirus type 3-infected cells exclusively or recognized reovirus type 3-infected cells and either reovirus type 1- or type 2-infected cells. These results indicate that a minimum of four epitopes are recognized by reovirus-specific CTL and that the response is dominated by CTL that recognize an epitope common to all three serotypes of reovirus.


The diabetes educator: trying hard, but must concentrate more on behaviour.
Current guidelines state that education is fundamental to help people with diabetes modify their lifestyle and prevent ill health and early death. However, many people with diabetes are not receiving adequate education. There is a widespread assumption that transferring knowledge will improve health outcomes but there is little empirical support for this assertion. Indeed, knowledge and behaviour are poorly correlated. Knowledge may be a necessary condition but is rarely a sufficient condition for behaviour change. Single interventions, cognitive or behavioural, have had disappointing results, unsurprisingly given the complexity of human behaviour. The most effective interventions are multifaceted and include education, behavioural and psychosocial elements, and target lifestyle change and factors such as self-efficacy and empowerment. We advocate that educational interventions should have multiple components. They should aim to improve patients' sense of self-efficacy and empowerment, and build attitudes towards diabetes that will support the lifestyle changes needed for successful self-management. These conclusions have implications for future research and clinical practice.


Interactions of adenosine, prostaglandins and nitric oxide in hypoxia-induced vasodilatation: in vivo and in vitro studies.
Adenosine, prostaglandins (PG) and nitric oxide (NO) have all been implicated in hypoxia-evoked vasodilatation. We investigated whether their actions are interdependent. In anaesthetised rats, the PG synthesis inhibitors diclofenac or indomethacin reduced muscle vasodilatation evoked by systemic hypoxia or adenosine, but not that evoked by iloprost, a stable analogue of prostacyclin (PGI(2)), or by an NO donor. After diclofenac, the A(1) receptor agonist CCPA evoked no vasodilatation: we previously showed that A(1), but not A(2A), receptors mediate the hypoxia-induced muscle vasodilatation. Further, in freshly excised rat aorta, adenosine evoked a release of NO, detected with an NO-sensitive electrode, that was abolished by NO synthesis inhibition, or endothelium removal, and reduced by ~50 % by the A(1) antagonist DPCPX, the remainder being attenuated by the A(2A) antagonist ZM241385. Diclofenac reduced adenosine-evoked NO release by ~50 % under control conditions, abolished that evoked in the presence of ZM241385, but did not affect that evoked in the presence of DPCPX. Adenosine-evoked NO release was also abolished by the adenyl cyclase inhibitor 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine, while dose-dependent NO release was evoked by iloprost. Finally, stimulation of A(1), but not A(2A), receptors caused a release of PGI(2) from rat aorta, assessed by radioimmunoassay of its stable metabolite, 6-keto PGF(1alpha), that was abolished by diclofenac. These results suggest that during systemic hypoxia, adenosine acts on endothelial A(1) receptors to increase PG synthesis, thereby generating cAMP, which increases the synthesis and release of NO and causes muscle vasodilatation. This pathway may be important in other situations involving these autocoids.


Darzi and dentistry: the emerging quality agenda for GDPs in England.
This article aims to give dental practitioners the background to the new NHS quality agenda. The clinical context of Lord Darzi's NHS review is examined alongside other policy documentation and Professor Jimmy Steele's independent review of NHS dental services. The potential impact of the new quality requirements on general dental practitioners is considered. Finally, opportunities for development are suggested so that practitioners can engage with the quality agenda and can demonstrate quality measures and improvements. All general dental practitioners in both the NHS and private sectors have an obligation to continue to deliver high quality dental services. Dentists practising in England will need to ensure that they comply with new quality requirements by 2011.


Comparison of Alternative Methods to Improve Weight-Bearing Sagittal Plane Anterior Leg Rotation.
vonGaza, GL, and Chiu, LZF. Comparison of alternative methods to improve weight-bearing sagittal plane anterior leg rotation. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3315-3321, 2021-Promoting rearfoot plantar flexion may permit greater sagittal plane anterior leg rotation in weight-bearing tasks. Anterior leg rotation, where the proximal tibia translates forward, is required for tasks such as squatting and landing from a jump. Twenty-eight individuals with less than 25° anterior leg rotation during a weight-bearing lunge test were enrolled and randomly assigned to self-massage and stretching only (n = 15; 14 subjects retained) or self-massage and stretching plus gastrocnemius exercise (n = 13). Anterior leg rotation was assessed during a weight-bearing lunge test and a partial squat; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the change score and Cohen's d effect size were calculated. Anterior leg rotation in the weight-bearing lunge increased in the self-massage and stretching only (left: 95% CI [2.1°-5.4°], d = 1.14; right: 95% CI [2.3°-6.0°], d = 1.22) and self-massage and stretching plus gastrocnemius exercise (left: 95% CI [2.3°-7.5°], d = 1.71; right: 95% CI [4.2°-8.6°], d = 1.48) groups. There were no changes in anterior leg rotation in the partial squat for self-massage and stretching only (left: 95% CI [-1.2° to 2.5°], d = 0.15; right: 95% CI [-0.5° to 2.6°], d = 0.24) or self-massage and stretching plus gastrocnemius exercise (left: 95% CI [-0.2° to 4.8°], d = 0.55; right: 95% CI [-0.2° to 4.0°], d = 0.59) groups. Increases in anterior leg rotation in the weight-bearing lunge may be due to decreased passive stiffness in the plantar structures.


An automated sonic tomography system for the inspection of historical masonry walls.
Background: The conservation of the built masonry heritage requires a comprehensive understanding of its geometrical, structural, and material characteristics. Non-destructive techniques are a preferred approach to survey historical buildings, given the cultural value of their fabric. However, currently available techniques are typically operated manually, consuming much time at operational and processing level and thus hindering their use for the on-site inspection of heritage structures. Methods: A novel automated sonic tomography system was designed and built to inspect and obtain information about the inner structure and damage of historic masonry walls. The system consists of a hitting device mounted on a frame that can be placed adjacent to the wall under analysis. The hitting device can move along the surface within the frame area in X, Y and Z directions, generating the sonic wave. The receiving system is a scanning laser vibrometer, able to measure from the distance the displacement of a focused point over time, recording the wave when it reaches the opposite surface. Results: Six stone masonry walls with different interior geometries were constructed at the laboratory by a professional stonemason. The construction of the walls was carefully documented, including the generation of detailed photogrammetric models of each single stone. The system was applied to survey the six masonry walls. Since the inner morphology of the walls is known, the resulting tomographic images could be compared with the ground truth. Conclusions: Automating the inspection allowed to collect thousands of data in a few hours. New software was also developed to automate the processing of the data. Results are expected to highlight the potential of tomography to obtain quantitative information about the interior of heritage structures, while providing new tools that make the implementation of the technique more practical for professionals. Data, software and models have been made publicly available.


Angiogenesis imaging in neoplasia.
Angiogenesis plays a key role in physiological and pathophysiological processes and is recognized as being essential for tumor growth and metastases. The recent oncological development of anti-angiogenic drugs brings with it a need for angiogenesis quantification and monitoring of response. The nature of these agents means that traditional anatomical methods of assessing morphologic change are outmoded and functional imaging techniques and/or agents are necessary. Herein, we describe the various imaging techniques that can be employed to assess angiogenesis, along with their inherent advantages and disadvantages and discuss the current and future developments in the field.


Cucumis sativus L. Seeds Ameliorate Muscular Spasm-Induced Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Disorders by Simultaneously Inhibiting Calcium Mediated Signaling Pathway.
Cucumis sativus L. is globally cultivated as an edible vegetable. Besides its nutritional benefits, it is used in traditional medicines against various ailments. The current study was designed to elucidate the multi-target mechanisms of a C. sativus seeds extract against asthma and diarrhea using network pharmacology along with a molecular docking approach. Furthermore, in-vitro and in-vivo experiments were conducted to verify the mechanistic insight of in silico studies. LC-ESI-MS/MS was performed to identify the bioactive compounds in the extract; later, some compounds were quantified by HPLC. C. sativus seed. EtOH has kaempferol in higher concentration 783.02 µg/g, followed by quercetin (693.83 µg/g) and luteolin (617.17 µg/g). In silico studies showed that bioactive compounds interfered with asthma and diarrhea-associated target genes, which are members of calcium-mediated signaling to exert a calcium channel blocker activity. The seeds extract exerted a concentration-dependent spasmolytic response on isolated jejunum, trachea, and urinary bladder preparations and caused relaxation of spastic contraction of K+ (80 mM) with suppressed calcium concentration-response curves at dose 0.3 and 1 mg/mL. It also showed antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal and antisecretory activity in animal models. Thus, C. sativus seeds have therapeutic effects by regulating the contractile response through a calcium-mediated signaling pathway.


Risk factors for retrolental fibroplasia: experience with 3,025 premature infants. National Collaborative Study on Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants.
The rate of retrolental fibroplasia in relation to prenatal and neonatal characteristics was explored on the basis of a cohort of 3,025 neonates with birth weight less than 1,750 g. The overall rate of retrolental fibroplasia of any degree at hospital discharge was 11%, varying from 43% for those with birth weight between 500 and 749 g to 3% for those in the 1,500- to 1,750-g category. Among the potential determinants, the main interest was in nonhyperoxic characteristics, conditional on measures of prematurity and oxygen supplementation. Maternal diabetes and antihistamine use during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy were associated with significantly higher rates of retrolental fibroplasia, whereas toxemia was associated with lower rates. Frequent apneic spells, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and sepsis in the neonate were also associated with significantly higher rates. On the other hand, the data indicate no independent role of low Apgar score, intraventricular hemorrhage, exchange transfusion, patent ductus arteriosus, or certain other characteristics previously postulated as risk factors.


Highly Sensitive Bifunctional Probe for Colorimetric Cyanide and Fluorometric H2S Detection and Bioimaging: Spontaneous Resolution, Aggregation, and Multicolor Fluorescence of Bisulfide Adduct.
A 4-methylbenzothiazole linked maleimide-based single molecular bifunctional probe 1 has been synthesized for the colorimetric and fluorometric detection of highly competitive H2S and cyanide ion in aqueous DMSO media. The probe 1 selectively detected CN- under the UV-vis spectroscopy through the rapid appearance of deep pink color. The bright pink color developed due to ICT in the moderately stable cyano substituted enolate intermediate. The absorbance titration of 1 with CN- revealed a new band at 540 nm and the nonlinear curve fitting analysis showed good fit with 1:1 model. In fluorescence channel, 1 was found to be highly selective to H2S in 50% aqueous buffer (pH 7). It exhibited ∼16-fold fluorescence intensity enhancement at 435 nm after reaction with 1 equiv of H2S due to the inhibition of PET. The 1-SH adduct showed TICT phenomenon and behaved like molecular rotor. It further displayed aggregation behavior at higher concentration and excitation wavelength dependent multicolor emission properties. Most interestingly, the spontaneous resolution of chiral S-isomer of the 1-SH adduct occurred during crystallization. The cell imaging study revealed the staining of the cell and multicolor emission in the presence of H2S.


Activation of phosphatidylcholine signalling during oxidative stress in synaptic endings.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the involvement of phosphatidylcholine (PC) signalling in synaptic endings incubated under oxidative stress conditions. Synaptosomes purified from adult rats (4 months old) cerebral cortex were exposed to oxidative insult (FeSO(4), 50microM) or vehicle, and diacylglycerol (DAG) generation and free fatty acid (FFA) release were subsequently evaluated using exogenous [(14)C]PC as substrate. DAG formation increased after 5, 30, and 60min of Fe(2+)-exposure with respect to the control conditions. The contribution of PC-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD) pathways to DAG generation was evaluated using ethanol in the enzyme assays. Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) production was measured as a marker of PLD activity. In the presence of ethanol (2%) iron significantly stimulated DAG and PEth production at all times assayed. FFA release from PC, however, was inhibited after 5 and 60min of iron exposure. Similar results were observed in aged animals (28 months old) when compared with adult animals. DAG generation from PC was also evaluated in the presence of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and herbimycin A. Inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity did not modify the stimulatory effect exerted by iron on PC-PLC and PLD activities. Moreover, the presence of LY294002 (a specific PI3K inhibitor) did not alter DAG production. Our results demonstrate that oxidative stress induced by free iron stimulates the generation of the lipid messenger DAG from PC in synaptic endings in adult and aged rats.


Proton pump inhibitors--uncommon adverse effects.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most popularly prescribed drugs in Australia for conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease and functional dyspepsia. Despite their good safety profile, PPIs have potential adverse effects, yet they are often overprescribed and without a clear indication. This article reviews the uncommon adverse effects of PPIs and provides recommendations for managing patients receiving this therapy. Uncommon adverse effects include rebound acid hypersecretion syndrome, fragility fractures, interstitial nephritis, electrolyte derangements, pneumonia, enteric infection and vitamin B12 deficiency. General practitioners should be aware of these potential adverse effects and ensure that PPIs are used appropriately and where benefit clearly outweighs any harmful effects.


Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assisted CT/MRI Image Fusion Technique in Preoperative Evaluation of a Pelvic Bone Osteosarcoma.
Surgeries of pelvic bone tumors are very challenging due to the complexity of anatomical structures and the irregular bone shape. CT and MRI are used in clinic for tumor evaluation, each with its own advantages and shortcomings. Combining the data of both CT and MRI images would take advantage of the merits of both images and provide better model for preoperative evaluation. We utilized an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted CT/MRI image fusion technique and built a personalized 3-D model for preoperative tumor margin assessment. A young female patient with pelvic osteosarcoma was evaluated with our novel image fusion 3-D model in comparison with the 3-D model based solely on CT images. The fusion image model showed more detailed anatomical information and discovered multiple emboli within veins which were previously neglected. The discovery of emboli implied abysmal prognosis and discouraged any attempts for complex reconstruction after tumor resection. Based on the experience with this pelvic osteosarcoma, we believe that our image fusion model can be very informative with bone tumors. Though further validation with a large number of clinical cases is required, we propose that our model has the potential to benefit the clinic in the preoperative evaluation of bone tumors.


Development and psychometric testing of an inventory to measure patient-centred care in dietetic practice - dietitian version.
The lack of a valid instrument to measure patient-centred care (PCC) in dietetic practice makes it challenging to evaluate how patient-centred dietitians are. The present study aimed to develop and psychometrically test a dietitian-reported inventory to measure PCC in dietetic practice. The inventory was compiled based on a literature review of existing validated scales that measured the dimensions of PCC. Next, the inventory was distributed as a cross-sectional survey to 180 Australian Accredited Practicing Dietitians who worked in primary care. Exploratory factor analysis was performed using principal factor analysis with Promax rotation. Cronbach's alpha (criteria ≥0.80), inter-item correlations and corrected item-total correlations (criteria 0.30-0.70) were computed to evaluate the internal consistency of each scale. Five factors were extracted accounting for 56.9% of the variance. Most variables had strong loadings on only one factor. Factors were labelled as: shared decision-making; holistic and individualised care; patient-dietitian communication; knowing the patient; and caring patient-dietitian relationships. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 for the total inventory and ranged from 0.73 to 0.91 for the individual factors. Inter-item correlations and corrected item-total correlations mostly fell in the desired range. The present study offers a preliminary, conceptually grounded dietitian-reported inventory, which is the first instrument developed and tested to measure PCC in dietetic practice. These findings illustrate the underlying factor structure of the inventory and support the reliability of the scales. With further testing, this inventory may provide useful to clinicians and researchers working to better understand and improve dietetic practice.


Neutrophil activation and hyperamylasaemia after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: potential role for the leukocyte in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.
Hyperamylasaemia occurs in up to 60% of patients following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and in a small proportion of patients (1-5%) acute pancreatitis may develop. We evaluated the role of the neutrophil in post-ERCP hyperamylasaemia and acute pancreatitis by measuring circulating CD11b adhesion receptor expression--an indicator of leukocyte activation. A total of 43 patients undergoing elective ERCP were studied. Peripheral blood measurements of amylase activity and neutrophil CD11b content (by flow cytometry) were made immediately before ERCP (baseline), and at 2 and 24 hours after the procedure. ERCP induced an increase in amylase level above baseline in 41 of 43 patients. The 2-hour and 24-hour post-ERCP amylase levels were directly related (R = 0.9, P < 0.01). Baseline CD11b receptor status was positively correlated with post-ERCP amylase activity (R = 0.4, P < 0.05), and this relationship was stronger when pancreatography had been performed (R = 0.67, P < 0.01). Three patients (7%) developed clinical acute pancreatitis, with post-ERCP amylase levels persistently elevated above 1000 IU/l. Multiple linear regression identified CD11b expression as the most significant explanatory variable for amylase level after ERCP (multiple R = 0.74, P < 0.01). The findings from this pilot study indicate an association between neutrophil activation and hyperamylasaemia following ERCP, and suggest a role for this leukocyte in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis. Further study of neutrophil characteristics may allow identification of individual susceptibility to ERCP-induced pancreatic injury.


Serogroup C meningococcal disease outbreak associated with discotheque attendance during carnival.
In the week following a carnival during 19-24 February 1998, an outbreak of meningococcal disease occurred in a rural German county. The available isolates belonged to phenotype C:2a:P1.2,5 and were clonally related by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A case-control study was done to identify risk factors for the outbreak and to define possible vaccination target groups. Five persons aged 13-16 years who fell ill during 24-27 February were included in the study. Four of 5 cases and 10 of 32 controls visited local discotheques (OR = 8.8; P = 0.06). Cases also visited discotheques more frequently than controls (chi2 for trend, P = 0.0002). Multiple discotheques during the carnival may have been predominant locations of transmission in this outbreak. Because this risk factor was limited in time, a mass community vaccination campaign was not initiated.


Serum Biomarkers in Carotid Artery Disease.
Carotid artery disease is considered a major cause of strokes and there is a need for early disease detection and management. Although imaging techniques have been developed for the diagnosis of carotid artery disease and different imaging-based markers have been proposed for the characterization of atherosclerotic plaques, there is still need for a definition of high-risk plaques in asymptomatic patients who may benefit from surgical intervention. Measurement of circulating biomarkers is a promising method to assist in patient-specific disease management, but the lack of robust clinical evidence limits their use as a standard of care. The purpose of this review paper is to present circulating biomarkers related to carotid artery diagnosis and prognosis, which are mainly provided by statistical-based clinical studies. The result of our investigation showed that typical well-established inflammatory biomarkers and biomarkers related to patient lipid profiles are associated with carotid artery disease. In addition to this, more specialized types of biomarkers, such as endothelial and cell adhesion, matrix degrading, and metabolic biomarkers seem to be associated with different carotid artery disease outputs, assisting vascular specialists in selecting patients at high risk for stroke and in need of intervention.


Neuroprotection of hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning in neonatal brain with hypoxic-ischemic injury.
The neonatal brain is susceptible to hypoxic-ischemic injury due to its developmental characteristics. Hypoxia-ischemia means a decreased perfusion of oxygen and glucose, which can lead to severe encephalopathy. Although early initiation of therapeutic hypothermia was reported to provide neuroprotection for infants after HI, hypothermia administered alone after the acute insult cannot reverse the severe damage that already has occurred or improve the prognosis of severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Therefore, exploring new protective mechanisms for treating hypoxic-ischemic brain damage are imperative. Until now, many studies reported the neuroprotective mechanisms of hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning in protecting the hypoxic-ischemic newborn brains. After hypoxia and ischemia, hypoxia-inducible factor signaling pathway is involved in the transcriptional regulation of many genes and is also play a number of different roles in protecting brains during hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning. Hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning could protect neonatal brain by several mechanisms, including vascular regulation, anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidation, suppression of excitotoxicity, immune regulation, hormone levels regulation, and promote cell proliferation. This review focused on the protective mechanisms underlying hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning for neonatal brain after hypoxia-ischemia and emphasized on the important roles of hypoxia inducible factor 1 signaling pathway.


Discovery of RTA ricin subunit inhibitors: a computational study using PM7 quantum chemical method and steered molecular dynamics.
Ricin is a potent toxin derived from the castor bean plant and comprises two subunits, RTA and RTB. Because of its cytotoxicity, ricin has alarmed world authorities for its potential use as a chemical weapon. Ricin also affects castor bean agribusiness, given the risk of animal and human poisoning. Over the years, many groups attempted to propose small-molecules that bind to the RTA active site, the catalytic chain. Despite such efforts, there is still no effective countermeasure against ricin poisoning. The computational study carried out in the present work renews the discussion about small-molecules that may inhibit this toxin. Here, a structure-based virtual screening protocol capable of discerning active RTA inhibitors from inactive ones was performed to screen over 2 million compounds from the ZINC database to find novel scaffolds that strongly bind into the active site of the RTA. Besides, a novel score method based on ligand undocking force profiles and semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations provided insights into the rescore of docking poses. Summing up, the filtering steps pointed out seven main compounds, with the SCF00-451 as a promising candidate to inhibit the killing activity of such potent phytotoxin.


[Integrating types of households and families].
The author outlines a household classification system that takes demographic, social, and economic criteria into account. He "also deals with a question of methodological character, namely how processing the personal and housing data of population censuses in the function of types of households would provide information which can be utilized better than before. Applying this method would also make data processing more economical, since the system mentioned above integrates the types of households and families...[so] that the latter appear...separately from non-family...households." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND RUS)


Functional organization of inferior area 6.
The rostral part of the agranular frontal cortex (area 6) of the monkey consists of two large sectors: a superior sector lying medial to the spur of the arcuate sulcus (superior area 6) and an inferior sector lying lateral to it (inferior area 6). Single neurons have been recorded from inferior area 6 in behaving monkeys (Macaca nemestrina). The results were: (a) Proximal movements are essentially represented caudally in the histochemically defined area F4. Neurons related to these movements respond strongly to tactile and visual stimuli. Visual receptive fields are located in the space around the animal's body (peripersonal space) and their location does not change with eye movements. The direction of movements effective in triggering the neurons is congruent with the position of their visual receptive field. (b) Distal movements are represented rostrally in the anterior part of F4 and in F5. Neurons related to these movements discharge vigorously during motor acts that have a precise aim. The neurons were subdivided into four classes: grasping-with-the-hand neurons, grasping-with-the-hand-and-mouth neurons, holding neurons, and tearing neurons. Regardless of the class they belong to a large number of neurons show specificity for different types of object prehension--discharging, for example, during precision grip but not during whole-hand prehension. It is proposed that inferior area 6 contains a vocabulary of motor acts related to hand-mouth movements. The motor acts can be retrieved by visual and somatosensory stimuli. The possibility is discussed that a series of vocabularies where movements of various complexity are stored represents the neural basis of cortical motor organization.


[Progress on application of spatial epidemiology in HIV/AIDS control and prevention].
Spatial epidemiology focuses on the use of geographic information systems and spatial analysis to study spatial distribution and change tendency of diseases and explore the health status of specific populations. In recent years, spatial epidemiology has been applied in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and control. This review summarizes the progress in the application of spatial epidemiology in the analysis of spatiotemporal distribution, non-monitoring area data estimation, influencing factors of AIDS and health resource allocation and utilization to provide reference for its application in the prevention and control of AIDS in the future.


Next-generation sequencing reveals how RNA catalysts evolve from random space.
Catalytic RNAs are attractive objects for studying molecular evolution. To understand how RNA libraries can evolve from randomness toward highly active catalysts, we analyze the original samples that led to the discovery of Diels-Alderase ribozymes by next-generation sequencing. Known structure-activity relationships are used to correlate abundance with catalytic performance. We find that efficient catalysts arose not just from selection for reactivity among the members of the starting library, but from improvement of less potent precursors by mutations. We observe changes in the ribozyme population in response to increasing selection pressure. Surprisingly, even after many rounds of enrichment, the libraries are highly diverse, suggesting that potential catalysts are more abundant in random space than generally thought. To highlight the use of next-generation sequencing as a tool for in vitro selections, we also apply this technique to a recent, less characterized ribozyme selection. Making use of the correlation between sequence evolution and catalytic activity, we predict mutations that improve ribozyme activity and validate them biochemically. Our study reveals principles underlying ribozyme in vitro selections and provides guidelines to render future selections more efficient, as well as to predict the conservation of key structural elements, allowing the rational improvement of catalysts.


Organ Specificity and Light Regulation of NADH-Dependent Hydroxypyruvate Reductase Transcript Abundance.
By probing total RNA blots with an NADH-dependent hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR) cDNA clone, we have found that HPR transcript abundance is highly regulated in developing cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seedlings. HPR transcript levels in light-grown seedlings are 50-fold more abundant in leaves and cotyledons than in roots. When 12-day light-grown seedlings are shifted to the dark for 4 days, the HPR transcript level in leaves drops 20-fold. Upon return of these dark-adapted plants to the light, HPR transcript levels rise to 50% of the previous light-grown level within 2 hours.


Zika and chikungunya: mosquito-borne viruses in a changing world.
The reemergence and growing burden of mosquito-borne virus infections have incited public fear and growing research efforts to understand the mechanisms of infection-associated health outcomes and to provide better approaches for mosquito vector control. While efforts to develop therapeutics, vaccines, and novel genetic mosquito-control technologies are underway, many important underlying ecological questions remain that could significantly enhance our understanding and ability to predict and prevent transmission. Here, we review the current knowledge about the transmission ecology of two recent arbovirus invaders, the chikungunya and Zika viruses. We introduce the viruses and mosquito vectors, highlighting viral biology, historical routes of transmission, and viral mechanisms facilitating rapid global invasion. In addition, we review factors contributing to vector global invasiveness and transmission efficiency. We conclude with a discussion of how human-induced biotic and abiotic environmental changes facilitate mosquito-borne virus transmission, emphasizing critical gaps in understanding. These knowledge gaps are tremendous; much of our data on basic mosquito ecology in the field predate 1960, and the mosquitoes themselves, as well as the world they live in, have substantially changed. A concerted investment in understanding the basic ecology of these vectors, which serve as the main drivers of pathogen transmission in both wildlife and human populations, is now more important than ever.


Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Powder on the Physicochemical Properties and Quality Characteristics of Wheat Dough and Fresh Wet Noodles.
Effects of ginkgo biloba powder (GBP) on the chemical, physicochemical properties and quality of dough and fresh wet noodles were investigated. Lower contents of gluten and starch, and higher contents of fibre, amylose and flavonoids in GBP than wheat flour, were detected. Water absorption of dough increased and the development time and stability time of dough were decreased with GBP addition. Meanwhile, the pasting properties results showed that the addition of GBP reduced the aging degree of starch and improved the thermal stability of dough. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that addition of GBP smoothed the surface of raw noodles while increasing the hole size of the cooked noodles. With increased GBP addition (0~40%), the chewiness and extensibility of the fresh wet noodles increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the sensory scores changed, ascending from 0~20% substitution, and then descending from 20~40% substitution. The digestibility and estimated glycemic index (eGI) values of the GBP fresh wet noodles decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In general, 20% GBP addition could improve the chewiness, extensibility, taste and nutrition of fresh wet noodles, and decrease the digestibility and eGI values of noodles. Thus, GBP has potential for application in the noodle industry.


Expression of soybean glycinin subunit precursor cDNAs in Escherichia coli.
As the cDNAs encoding A1aB1b and A2B1a subunit precursors of the glycinin A2 subfamily contain a unique NcoI site sequence, (A)CCATGG, occurring at their translation initiation sites, plasmids were constructed to direct the synthesis of those precursor proteins by inserting NcoI/PstI fragments derived from those cDNA clones into the NcoI/PstI-pKK233-2 expression vector in Escherichia coli MV1190, respectively. The resultant plasmids directed the expression of 57-kDa protein components that have molecular masses in agreement with those of the in vitro translation products directed by glycinin A2 subfamily mRNAs, by the addition of isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactoside. These proteins, which comprised as much as 1% of the total bacterial protein, are immunoprecipitable with rabbit antibodies specific for glycinin subunits. This procedure makes glycinin subunits available as a model for studying structure-function relationships in seed proteins using site-directed mutagenesis. This is the first expression of glycinin-like storage protein in E. coli.


The role of induction therapy before autologous stem cell transplantation in low disease burden AL amyloidosis patients.
Induction therapy is recommended before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for AL amyloidosis patients with high disease burden [bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs) > 10%], but the role of induction therapy before ASCT in patients with low disease burden (BMPCs ≤ 10%) is still unknown. A total of 227 patients with AL amyloidosis were included in this study. Among 227 patients, 124 patients received bortezomib-based induction prior to ASCT and were defined as group A, 35 patients received other chemotherapeutic induction and were defined as group B, and the other 68 patients without induction were defined as group C. We compared the differences of efficacy and prognosis between the three groups. The haematological overall response rates (ORR) of groups A, B and C were 91%, 67% and 75%, respectively. The complete response rates (CR) of groups A, B and C were 50%, 25% and 20%, respectively. Both the ORR and CR rates of group A were significantly higher than those of groups B and C. The renal response rates of groups A, B and C were 64%, 46% and 47%, respectively. The cardiac response rates of groups A, B and C were 74%, 45% and 40%, respectively. The renal and cardiac responses rates of group A were also significantly higher than those of the other two groups. After a median follow-up of 44 months, the median OS was not reached. The 5-year estimated overall survival (OS) rates of groups A, B and C were 81%, 57% and 67%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 83 months for all patients. The 5-year estimated PFS rates of groups A, B and C were 61%, 38% and 49%, respectively. Both the OS and PFS of group A were higher than those of both group B and group C. On multivariate analysis, baseline dFLC > 50 mg/L was associated with worse survival, but induction with bortezomib was associated with better survival. Our study demonstrated that low disease burden AL patients who are eligible for ASCT may benefit from bortezomib-based induction therapy.


[Pharmacology of botulinum neurotoxin type A].
The efficacies and potencies of Dysport and Botox, botulinum neurotoxin type A complexes approved for therapy, were investigated under various conditions. Conditions for maximal expression of biological activities of both commercial products were explored in vitro in the phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation whilst conditions for optimal distribution of Dysport were tested in vivo in a double blind trial involving volunteers, using the foot Muscles extensor digitorum brevis. Whilst Dysport and Botox expressed the same potency in vitro when albumin was added, their potencies markedly departed from each other when the products were reconstituted as recommended by the manufacturer. The biological availability of Dysport could be enhanced in vivo by (1) lowering its concentration, (2) supplementing with albumin and (3) increasing the injection volume. Thus, Dysport can be recovered more efficiently by deviating from the manufacturer's recommendations allowing a more economical use of Dysport.


Topological measurement of protein-induced DNA bend angles.
A new method measures independently the changes in the DNA bend and winding angles that occur when a protein binds to its specific site in DNA. The procedure requires an investigation of the change in DNA topology induced when the protein binds to tandemly repeated sites of varying repeat length in circular DNA. This new method is superior to currently used methods because topology permits the measurements to be derived absolutely from first principles, and no comparison standards are required. The method is used to determine the bend and winding angles induced when catabolite gene activator protein binds to its site. The bend value obtained (69 +/- 4 degrees) is intermediate to those reported for two crystal forms of the complex.


Characteristics of Dysregulated Proinflammatory Cytokines and Cognitive Dysfunction in Late-Life Depression and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Late-life depression (LLD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are two different diseases associated with a high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both diseases are accompanied by dysregulation of inflammation. However, the differences and similarities of peripheral inflammatory parameters in these two diseases are not well understood. We used Luminex assays to measure 29 cytokines simultaneously in the plasma of two large cohorts of subjects at high risk for AD (23 LLD and 23 aMCI) and 23 normal controls (NCs) in the community. Demographics and lifestyle factors were also collected. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Chinese versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (C-MoCA) and neuropsychological test battery (NTB). We observed a remarkably increased level of IL-6 in the plasma and reduced levels of chemokines (CXCL11 and CCL13) in the LLD group compared with the aMCI group. The LLD group also showed lower levels of CXCL16 than the NC group. Furthermore, altered cytokine levels were associated with abnormal results in neuropsychological testing and Geriatric Depression Scale scores in both the LLD and aMCI groups. Notably, combinations of cytokines (IL-6 and CCL13) and two subitems of C-MoCA (orientation and short-term memory) generated the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC = 0.974). A novel model based on proinflammatory cytokines and brief screening tests performs with fair accuracy in the discrimination between LLD and aMCI. These findings will give clues to provide new therapeutic targets for interventions or markers for two diseases with similar predementia syndromes.


[Successful tracheal intubation in a child with facial multi-clefts and difficult airway: case report.].
A male patient, aged 7 years, was intended to undergo plastic surgery under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation for his severe facial abnormities as a result of 5, 6, 7 combined facial clefts. Because of his severe facial abnormities and preoperative undetected bilateral antiadoncus, during the period of induction, dyspnoea and dysventilation took place, which were relieved by inserting a medium-sized oropharyngeal airway with difficulty; during euthyphoirally exploring his endolarynx with direct laryngoscope, laryngospasm occurred, which was relieved through inserting airway and pressurizing ventilation; repetitively attempted to blindly insert tracheal intubation through nostril, but failed. Finally, his intubation was achieved by blindly intubating through oral cavity under the assistance of direct laryngoscope.


Quality of life in newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer in a developing country: is it important?
There are no data regarding quality of life (QoL) assessments in lung cancer in developing countries like India. Quality of life was evaluated in 76 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients by using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire in Hindi (WHOQoL-Bref) (men 87%). The mean age was 55 years (SD = 10). Cough, dyspnoea, chest pain and haemoptysis were present in 83%, 72%, 66% and 43% of patients respectively. The median duration of symptoms was 5.9 months (range 1-13). Eighty-nine per cent had non-small cell lung cancer. The median pack-years smoked was 23 (range 0.5-88). Most patients (53%) had a Karnofsky's Performance Status (KPS) of 70 and 83% had stage III or IV disease. Quality of life did not correlate with age, gender, presence or duration of symptoms, histological type, stage of disease or degree of smoking. The physical and psychological domains of QoL correlated significantly with the KPS (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01 respectively). Patients with a KPS of 80 had better physical (P < 0.001), psychological (P < 0.01) and social (P < 0.05) QoL than those with a KPS of 70. In conclusion, patients with lung cancer in a developing country like India have an unsatisfactory QoL. The Karnofsky's Performance Scale is a simple and reliable surrogate marker for assessing QoL in these patients. Larger multi-centric studies may help in providing a more comprehensive evaluation of the effect of various demographic and clinical variables on QoL in this setting.


Stable precursor fragments of vasoactive peptides in umbilical cord blood of term and preterm infants.
Though various neurohormonal systems are concurrently activated during birth, their biological effectors are not always easy to measure due to their short half-life in vivo, instability in biological samples, or very low concentrations. Using a recently discovered chemiluminescence assay, we measured the stable precursor fragments mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), C-terminal pro-endothelin-1 (CT-proET-1) and C-terminal pro-vasopressin (CT-proAVP or copeptin) immediately after birth in umbilical venous cord blood from 119 infants with a gestational age of 23-42 weeks and evaluated their possible functions. Cord blood levels of MR-proANP, MR- proADM, CT-proET-1, and CT-proAVP were considerably higher compared with normal adult levels. The CT-proAVP concentrations were 10-fold higher in term, and 70-fold higher in extremely preterm infants. MR-proANP showed 4-fold higher levels in term infants and 20-fold higher levels in extremely preterm infants. Levels of MR-proADM and CT-proET-1 were 2- to 3-fold higher in preterm and term infants. All four parameters showed significantly decreased values with increasing gestational age and a significant correlation between CT-proET-1 and MR-proADM. Our results indicate that vasoactive and natriuretic mediators play a functionally relevant role in circulatory transition from fetal to neonatal life.


Affinity capture mass spectrometry of biomarker proteins using peptide ligands from biopanning.
Affinity capture mass spectrometry was used to isolate and ionize protein A from Staphylococcus aureus from both a commercial source and cell culture lysate using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. Two surfaces are compared: gold surfaces with immunoglobulin G covalently immobilized and silica surfaces with a covalently bound small peptide discovered via biopanning. A detection limit of 2.22 bacterial cells/mL of culture fluid was determined for the immobilized peptide surfaces. This study emphasizes the ability to use peptide ligands to effectively capture a biomarker protein out of a complex mixture. This demonstrates the potential to use biopanning to generate capture ligands for a large variety of target proteins and subsequently detect the captured protein using MALDI mass spectrometry.


Plant Hormesis Management with Biostimulants of Biotic Origin in Agriculture.
Over time plants developed complex mechanisms in order to adapt themselves to the environment. Plant innate immunity is one of the most important mechanisms for the environmental adaptation. A myriad of secondary metabolites with nutraceutical features are produced by the plant immune system in order to get adaptation to new environments that provoke stress (stressors). Hormesis is a phenomenon by which a stressor (i.e., toxins, herbicides, etc.) stimulates the cellular stress response, including secondary metabolites production, in order to help organisms to establish adaptive responses. Hormetins of biotic origin (i.e., biostimulants or biological control compounds), in certain doses might enhance plant performance, however, in excessive doses they are commonly deleterious. Biostimulants or biological control compounds of biotic origin are called "elicitors" that have widely been studied as inducers of plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The plant response toward elicitors is reminiscent of hormetic responses toward toxins in several organisms. Thus, controlled management of hormetic responses in plants using these types of compounds is expected to be an important tool to increase nutraceutical quality of plant food and trying to minimize negative effects on yields. The aim of this review is to analyze the potential for agriculture that the use of biostimulants and biological control compounds of biotic origin could have in the management of the plant hormesis. The use of homolog DNA as biostimulant or biological control compound in crop production is also discussed.


A systematic review and meta-analysis of the influence of case analysis teaching in clinical anesthesia education.
The success or failure of anesthesia determines the success or failure of surgery. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the training of students majoring in clinical anesthesia. Traditional teaching methods rely on teacher explanation, and thus students depend greatly on their teachers. In recent years, case analysis teaching has become increasingly popular as an educational mode and is widely praised by students. Many studies have shown that case analysis teaching can not only improve students' enthusiasm but also enable students to apply what they have learned into clinical practice. The English databases PubMed, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched from database establishment to April 2021, with the keywords "case analysis teaching", "clinical anesthesia teaching", and "effect analysis". Review Manager 5.3 was used for meta-analysis of experimental data. A total of 3 documents involving 143 students were analyzed to investigate the influence of case analysis teaching in clinical anesthesia education. The results showed that after case analysis teaching, students in the experiment group scored significantly higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (MD =2.50, 95% CI: 1.84-3.16, Z=7.41, P<0.00001). Studies have found that case analysis teaching allows students to better master knowledge. This meta-analysis analyzed 3 previous studies to investigate the influence of case analysis teaching in clinical anesthesia education.


Predictors of caregiver depression and family functioning after perinatal stroke.
Perinatal stroke is a leading cause of cerebral palsy and lifelong neurological morbidity. Studies on perinatal stroke outcomes are increasing, although examinations of its broader impact on parents and families have been limited. A recent study found that parents of children with moderate and severe outcomes have increased risk for psychosocial concerns, including depressive symptoms and poor family functioning. Other parents adapt remarkably well, but how this occurs is unknown. The primary aim of this study was to examine predictors of parent and family outcomes, namely caregiver depression and family functioning. The secondary aim was to explore potential mediators and moderators of the relationship between condition severity and parent and family outcomes. Parents were recruited from a large, population-based perinatal stroke research cohort, and they completed measures assessing their demographics, social supports, stress levels, marital quality, feelings of guilt and blame, psychological well-being, and family functioning. Bivariate analyses compared these variables. Predictor variables, mediators, and moderators were chosen according to the strength of their relationship with the outcome variables (i.e., caregiver depression and family functioning) and theory. Hierarchical regression, mediator, and moderator analyses were conducted accordingly. A total of 103 parents participated in this study (76 mothers, 27 fathers; mean age of 39.2 years; mean child age of 7.46 years). Condition severity, anxiety, social support, and blame independently predicted caregiver depression while condition severity, stress levels, and marital quality independently predicted family functioning. Blame regarding the cause of their child's condition also mediated the relationship between condition severity and caregiver depression. Adverse parental outcomes can be predicted in perinatal stroke populations. Moreover, anxiety and stress management techniques, marital support, and psychoeducation regarding the unpreventable nature of perinatal stroke may be utilized in the future to enhance family outcomes.


Catecholamine uptake, melanization, and oxygen toxicity in Cryptococcus neoformans.
Oxygen sensitivity mutations of Cryptococcus neoformans were mapped to three genetic loci. Three oxygen-sensitive mutants had mutations that appeared allelic and exhibited albinism tightly linked to oxygen sensitivity; these three and a fourth exhibited defects in catechol uptake and catechol oxidation to melanin. Catecholamine metabolism appears to protect C. neoformans from oxidants.


Physical Fitness, Grit, School Attendance, and Academic Performance among Adolescents.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of grit as a construct representing perseverance to overcoming barriers and the total number of school absences to academic performance (AP) while controlling for sociodemographics, fitness (i.e., PACER), and Body Mass Index (BMI). Adolescents (N = 397, SD = 1.85; 80.9% females; 77.1% Hispanic) from an urban, minority-majority city in the Southern United States completed the FitnessGram® assessment of physical fitness (e.g., aerobic capacity and Body Mass Index (BMI)) and the valid and reliable short grit survey. The schools provided sociodemographics, attendance, and AP data for the adolescents. Adolescents with higher grit scores (rs = 0.21, P < 0.001) and less total absences (rs = -0.35, P < 0.001) performed better on AP. Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that grit and absences were associated with AP (β = 0.13, P < 0.01 and β = -0.35, P < 0.001, resp.). Grit and a total number of absences are significant contributors to academic success, particularly among Hispanic adolescents. Further, grit and school attendance may serve as a better measure of protective factors over proximal health measures of cardiovascular health and BMI.


The ethnic gap in mobility: a comparison of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants and the general Finnish population.
Many ethnic minority populations have poorer health than the general population. However, there is limited knowledge on the possible ethnic gap in physical mobility. We aim to examine the prevalence of mobility limitations in working-age Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants in comparison to the general population in Finland. We also determine whether the association between ethnic group and mobility limitation remains after taking into account socio-economic and health-related factors. We used data from the Finnish Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study (Maamu) and the Finnish Health 2011 Survey. The participants comprised 1880 persons aged 29-64 years. The age-adjusted prevalence of difficulties in various mobility tasks was calculated using predictive margins. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between socio-economic, health- and migration-related factors and mobility limitation (self-reported difficulty in walking 500 m or stair climbing). The association between ethnic group and mobility limitation was calculated using logistic regression analysis. Mobility limitations were much more prevalent among Somali origin women (46 %) and Kurdish origin men (32 %) and women (57 %) compared to men and women in the general Finnish population (5-12 %). In Russian origin men and women, the prevalence of mobility limitation (7-17 %) was similar to the general Finnish population. Socio-economic and health-related factors, but not migration-related factors (time lived in Finland and language proficiency in Finnish or Swedish), were found to be associated with mobility limitation in the studied populations. Somali and Kurdish origin migrants were found to have increased odds for mobility limitation compared to the general Finnish population, even after adjusting for socio-economic and health-related factors (Somalis odds ratio [OR] 3.61; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.07-6.29, Kurds OR 7.40; 95 % CI 4.65-11.77). This study demonstrates a functional disadvantage in Somali and Kurdish origin populations compared to the general Finnish population, even after adjusting for socio-economic and health-related factors. The high prevalence of mobility limitation among Somali origin women and Kurdish origin men and women in Finland demonstrates an acute need to promote the health and functioning of these populations.


Spheroplast induction in clinical isolates of Serratia marcescens in the presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+.
Serratia marcescens was easily induced to form spheroplasts by beta-lactam antibiotics in the presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+ without an osmotic stabilizer such as sucrose. The spheroplasts grew in volume, although they could not divide. They were stable for more than 10 h at 37 degrees C in a medium containing a high concentration of antibiotic, and they had the ability to revert to the original bacillary form. Ca2+ was more effective in spheroplast induction than Mg2+. The effect was proportional to the concentration of cations. In 40% of 180 clinical isolates of S. marcescens, more than 40% of the original bacterial cells were induced to form spheroplasts by ceftizoxime in a medium supplemented with 40 mM Ca2+. A high spheroplast induction rate was observed even in medium with 10 mM Ca2+. Few isolates that were supersusceptible to ceftizoxime (MIC, less than 0.2 microgram/ml) were induced to form spheroplasts at a high rate. No difference in spheroplast induction rate or extent between antibiotic-resistant strains and relatively susceptible strains (MIC, greater than 0.2 microgram/ml) was found. The serotype of S. marcescens had no effect on the spheroplast induction rate. Monocations (Na+ and K+) had little effect on spheroplast induction.


Foreign students in Germany: a comparative report of satisfaction with medical behavioral sciences education.
Since it is a challenge to study in a foreign country, educators might wonder how foreign students feel about their studies. Through our quantitative student evaluation of classes on Medical Psychology & Research Methodology and on Doctor/Patient Communication, I found that foreign students had a significantly higher level of satisfaction with their studies than their German peers. Reflections are offered as to why our foreign students were so much more satisfied with these courses than their German peers, and the implications of these findings are discussed. This paper thus aims to stimulate further research on how international students view their medical education.