The Herb-Drug Interaction of Clopidogrel and Xuesaitong Dispersible Tablet by Modulation of the Pharmacodynamics and Liver Carboxylesterase 1A Metabolism.
Clopidogrel and Xuesaitong dispersible tablet (XST) have been clinically proven to be effective for treating cardiocerebrovascular disease. The present study was to investigate the herb-drug interaction of Clopidogrel and XST by modulation of the pharmacodynamics and liver Carboxylesterase 1A(CES1A) metabolism. 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (equal volumes of saline, 6 rats for mRNA analysis), a clopidogrel group (clopidogrel with dose 30 mg/kg), and a combination group (clopidogrel and XST, with dose 30 and 50 mg/kg respectively, each group continuous administration once daily for 30 days). The clopidogrel and combination group comprised 12 rats, with 6 designated for mRNA analysis and 6 for the pharmacokinetic study. The 2-bromo-3'-methoxyacetophenone- (MPB-) derivatized clopidogrel active thiol metabolite (CAMD) was measured by UHPLC-MS/MS for pharmacokinetics (n=6). The expression of CES1A mRNA was examined with real-time RT-PCR (n=6). Molecular simulation was used to investigate the inhibition effect of XST on the CES1A protein. The CAMD pharmacodynamics and CES1A metabolism were investigated to evaluated the herb-drug interaction. Clopidogrel and XST coadministration appreciably increased the Cmax, AUC, and MRT of CAMD. However, the expression of CES1A mRNA was decreased accordingly. It also indicated that the bioactive components in XST had good interaction with the CES1A metabolism target by molecular simulation. The animal study indicated that clopidogrel and XST coadministration produced significant herb-drug interactions at active CAMD pharmacokinetic and CES1A metabolic enzyme aspect. 30-days dose of coadministration altered hepatic CES1A protein and resulted in reduced plasma levels of active CAMD. both the decreased CES1A mRNA expression and the inhibition on the protein were due to the combination of XST, which accordingly upregulated the pharmacokinetics of plasma active CAMD.


[Study of post-transcriptional regulation of secreted frizzle-related protein 1 in MC3T3-E1 cells].
To study the molecular mechanisms underlying the post-transcriptional regulation of secreted frizzle-related protein 1(SFRP1)gene in MC3T3-E1 murine pre-osteoblast cells using a newly constructed plasmid pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR in which the expression of luciferase was regulated by the 3'UTR of mouse SFRP1 gene. The mRNA and protein levels of SFRP1 gene in MC3T3-E1 cells were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting at 0, 7 and 10 days respectively after osteogenic differentiation was induced in these cells using 50 mg/L of ascorbic acid. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH)and β-actin served as controls, respectively. The 3'UTR of mouse SFRP1 gene was then amplified from total RNA isolated from MC3T3-E1 cells using PCR. The SFRP1 3'UTR fragment was then subcloned into the vector, pMIR-REPORT, resulting in a new plasmid named as pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR. pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR was transfected into MC3T3-E1 and NIH3T3 cells, and the luciferase levels were determined.Cells transfected with pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR were assigned to pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR group, and cells transfected with pMIRREPORT were assigned to pMIR-REPORT group. SFRP1 mRNA levels in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with ascorbic acid for 0, 7 and 10 days were 1.00±0.12, 1.97±0.34(P>0.05, vs. 0 d group)and 4.98±0.99(P<0.05, vs. 0 d group), respectively. After treated with ascorbic acid for 0, 7 and 10 days, the protein levels of SFRP1 in MC3T3-E1 cells were 0.94 ± 0.13,1.26 ± 0.16(P>0.05, vs. 0 d group)and 1.30 ± 0.15(P>0.05, vs. 0 d group), respectively. Luciferase levels in MC3T3-E1 cells transfected with pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR and pMIRREPORT were 74 ± 10 and 487 ± 34, respectively(P<0.05). In contrast, luciferase levels in NIH3T3 cells transfected with pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR and pMIR-REPORT were 2 240±175 and 2 707±117, respectively(P<0.05). The 3'UTR of mouse SFRP1 gene was successfully amplified and subcloned into pMIRREPORT. The3'UTR of SFRP1 geneis involved in the cell-specific post-transcriptional regulation of SFRP1 gene.


Specific resistance of T cells to CD95-induced apoptosis during S phase of the cell cycle.
We have examined the susceptibility of mouse thymocytes and Con A-activated mature T cells to CD95 (Fas; APO-1)-induced apoptosis at different phases of the cell cycle. Signaling through CD95, induced by murine CD95 ligand expressed on fibroblasts, resulted in the preferential apoptosis of T cells in G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle. T cells in S phase were selectively protected. CD95-induced apoptosis was inhibited by exogenous IL-2, which increases the percentage of cells in S phase. The inverse relationship between DNA synthesis and apoptosis in CD95-ligated T cells was not observed during the spontaneous death of T cells in culture or during propriocidal apoptosis due to TCR cross-linking, to which cells in S phase were susceptible. These results show that in T cells there is no distinctively apoptosis-vulnerable phase of the cell cycle; instead, apoptosis can occur at different phases of the cycle depending on the apoptotic stimulus.


Crossovers that link populations with the same vital rates.
"In this paper, we consider crossovers of demographic density distributions from...populations that have the same fertility and mortality rates. We focus on observed populations and their associated stationary and stable models, and on proportional distributions of persons, births, deaths and reproductive values.... Three different populations were selected to represent a range of demographic behavior. Those populations are Japan 1963, a low mortality, low fertility population; Togo 1961, a high mortality, high fertility population; and the United States 1919-1921, a population whose fertility and mortality are intermediate."


Sulfur Reduction at Hyperthermoacidophilic Conditions with Mesophilic Anaerobic Sludge as the Inoculum.
Sulfur reduction at hyperthermoacidophilic conditions represents a promising opportunity for metal sulfide precipitation from hot acidic metallurgical streams, avoiding costly cooling down. The suitability of mesophilic anaerobic sludges as the inoculum for sulfur-reducing bioreactors operated at high temperature and low pH was explored. We examined sludges from full-scale anaerobic reactors for sulfur-reducing activity at pH 2.0-3.5 and 70 or 80 °C, with H2 as an electron donor. At pH 3.5 in batch experiments, sulfidogenesis started within 4 days, reaching up to 100-200 mg·L-1 of dissolved sulfide produced after 19-24 days, depending on the origin of the sludge. Sulfidogenesis resumed after removing H2S by flushing with nitrogen gas, indicating that sulfide was limiting the conversion. The best performing sludge was used to inoculate a 4 L gas-lift reactor fed with H2 as the electron donor, CO2 as the carbon source, and elemental sulfur as the electron acceptor. The reactor was operated in semibatch mode at a pH 3.5 and 80 °C, and stable sulfide production rates of 60-80 mg·L-1·d-1 were achieved for a period of 24 days, without formation of methane or acetate. Our results reveal the potential of mesophilic anaerobic sludges as seed material for sulfur-reducing bioprocesses operated at hyperthermoacidophilic conditions. The process needs further optimization of the volumetric sulfide production rate to gain relevance for practice.


Photocoagulation of microvascular and hemorrhagic lesions of the vocal fold with the KTP laser.
Ectasias and varices of the vocal fold are microvascular lesions that are often due to chronic abuse of the voice, and are occasionally encountered in association with other disorders such as polyps, Reinke's edema, and hematoma. The KTP laser can be used for photocoagulation of small vascular lesions, because the laser beam is well absorbed by hemoglobin, and damage to the epithelium is minimal. The present pilot study examined how the KTP laser could be used for microvascular lesions and their associated lesions. Twelve patients who had undergone phonomicrosurgery were enrolled in the present study. The microvascular lesions were treated by photocoagulation with the laser set at a low power of 1.5 W in the continuous mode, while preserving the epithelium, and associated lesions were then treated by microdissection with cold instruments. The postoperative phonatory function was assessed by maximum phonation time, a perceptual test rating (GRBAS scale), and stroboscopy. The procedures were completed successfully in all cases. An exceptional case of a small hemorrhagic polyp allowed treatment with the laser only. The postoperative stroboscopic findings, maximum phonation time, and perceptual test rating all showed significant improvement compared with the preoperative state. No adverse effects, such as scarring or reduction of the mucosal wave, were observed in the current series. KTP laser photocoagulation is a relatively simple and safe procedure for treating microvascular lesions of the vocal fold. It is not recommended for photocoagulation of hemorrhagic polyps or hematomas, because such lesions have little blood flow inside and thus photocoagulation is usually impossible or requires too much laser energy. However, photocoagulation of perimeter or feeding vessels of such disorders may facilitate the following procedure by avoiding unnecessary bleeding, as well as preventing recurrence of hemorrhagic lesions.


A comparison of cleaning regimes for the effective removal of fingerprint deposits from brass.
Effective removal of fingerprint deposits is crucial for experimentation related to the corrosion of metals by fingerprint deposits. Such removal is also necessary prior to deposition of test fingerprints. The effectiveness of four regimes in removing fingerprint deposits from brass is considered. Sustained wiping of the deposit with a tissue at applied pressures of up to c. 1430 Pa or rubbing while the brass was immersed in acetone both failed to remove completely all traces of fingerprint deposits. Heating the brass to 600 degrees C was an effective remover; however, this also oxidized the surface of the metal except where inhibited by fingerprint deposits. The most effective regime, and the only one of the four that removed all traces of deposit without affecting the properties of the metal surface, was immersion in warm soapy water while rubbing with a tissue. We propose this as the preferred method for fingerprint removal.


Structural basis of protein kinetic stability: resistance to sodium dodecyl sulfate suggests a central role for rigidity and a bias toward beta-sheet structure.
The term kinetic stability is used to describe proteins that are trapped in a specific conformation because of an unusually high-unfolding barrier that results in very slow unfolding rates. Motivated by the observation that some proteins are resistant to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-induced denaturation, an attempt was made to determine whether this property is a result of kinetic stability. We studied many proteins, including a few kinetically stable proteins known to be resistant to SDS. The resistance to SDS-induced denaturation was investigated by comparing the migration on polyacrylamide gels of identical boiled and unboiled protein samples containing SDS. On the basis of the different migration of these samples, eight proteins emerged as being resistant to SDS. The kinetic stability of these proteins was confirmed by their slow unfolding rate upon incubation in guanidine hydrochloride. Further studies showed that these proteins were also extremely resistant to proteolysis by proteinase K, suggesting that a common mechanism may account for their resistance to SDS and proteolytic cleavage. Together, these observations suggest that a rigid protein structure may be the physical basis for kinetic stability and that resistance to SDS may serve as a simple assay for identifying proteins whose native conformations are kinetically trapped. Remarkably, most of the kinetically stable SDS-resistant proteins in this study are oligomeric beta-sheet proteins, suggesting a bias of these types of structures toward kinetic stability.


Variability among hospitals and staff in collection of race, ethnicity, birthplace, and socioeconomic information in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Hospital data on race, ethnicity, birthplace, and socioeconomic status (SES) are important for identifying health disparities; however, little is known about the consistency across and within hospitals in the collection of these data. This study examined hospital practices and policies for the collection of these data and the variability across hospital staff and hospital characteristics. Surveys were mailed to selected hospital staff in all 59 hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area, and completed questionnaires were received from 141 (of 367) staff from 41 hospitals. While most hospitals collect race/ethnicity (83% always collect) and birthplace (60% always or sometimes collect), few hospitals collect patient information on education (75% never collect) and income (55% never collect). There is vast variability in reported practices and policies across staff within hospitals, and variability across hospitals with regards to certain hospital characteristics. Nationally standardized policies, including standards for where, what, and when these data should be collected, are necessary for accurate and uniform data collection, and for effectively addressing health disparities.


Lateral organization of biological membranes: role of long-range interactions.
The lateral organization of biological membranes is of great importance in many biological processes, both for the formation of specific structures such as super-complexes and for function as observed in signal transduction systems. Over the last years, AFM studies, particularly of bacterial photosynthetic membranes, have revealed that certain proteins are able to segregate into functional domains with a specific organization. Furthermore, the extended non-random nature of the organization has been suggested to be important for the energy and redox transport properties of these specialized membranes. In the work reported here, using a coarse-grained Monte Carlo approach, we have investigated the nature of interaction potentials able to drive the formation and segregation of specialized membrane domains from the rest of the membrane and furthermore how the internal organization of the segregated domains can be modulated by the interaction potentials. These simulations show that long-range interactions are necessary to allow formation of membrane domains of realistic structure. We suggest that such possibly non-specific interactions may be of great importance in the lateral organization of biological membranes in general and in photosynthetic systems in particular. Finally, we consider the possible molecular origins of such interactions and suggest a fundamental role for lipid-mediated interactions in driving the formation of specialized photosynthetic membrane domains. We call these lipid-mediated interactions a 'lipophobic effect.'


An evaluation of pediatric asthma educational resources.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate newly developed educational resources for children with asthma. Children with asthma, their parents, and pediatric health care professionals were invited to review age-appropriate asthma resources. Key findings revealed: (1) the perceived usefulness of these resources, particularly for creating discussion opportunities between children and their caregivers through implemented resource use; (2) the need for health education materials to balance goals of depth of information versus child enjoyment in order to increase effective knowledge transfer and application; and (3) a renewed call for future educational resources to be both relevant and interactive in their outreach and engagement of children, potentially involving mediums of advanced technology. Clinical experience and the literature note a current lack of pediatric asthma education materials. The positive findings of this review of novel educational materials in asthma address an important gap relative to pediatric practice, resource evaluation, and knowledge translation.


[Studies on chemical constituents of roasted seeds of Cassia obtusifolia].
To investigate the chemical constituents of the roasted seeds of Cassia obtusifolia to illuminate the change of its effective components before and after roasted. Compounds were separated by silica gel chromatography, and their structures were evaluated by spectral analysis and chemical evidence. Seven compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract. Their structures were identified as chrysophanol (1), physcion (2), 8-methoxylchrysophanol (3), beta-sitosterol (4), emodin (5), obtusin (6) and obtusifolin-2-O-beta-D-(6'-O-acetyl) glucopyranside (7). Compounds 1-7 were isolated from the roasted seeds of C. obtusifolia for the first time, and compound 7 was a new compound.


Kinetic study on the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on catalase, cytochrome P450 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in human HaCaT and THP-1 cell lines.
Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been found to produce a variety of biological effects. These effects of ELF-EMF depend upon frequency, amplitude, and length of exposure, and are also related to intrinsic susceptibility and responsiveness of different cell types. Although the mechanism of this interaction is still obscure, ELF-EMF can influence cell proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA replication and protein expression. The aim of this study was to estimate various kinetic constants of catalase, cytochrome P450 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in response to ELF-EMF exposure in human HaCaT and THP-1 cell lines. In order to evaluate the effect of ELF-EMF on the modulation of cellular responses to an inflammatory stimulus, both cell lines were treated with lipopolysaccharide. To the best of our knowledge there is no available report on such type of kinetic study of selected enzymes in response to ELF-EMF in these cell lines. Therefore, the current study may reveal novel mechanism of ELFEMF biological interaction with the enzymological and hormonal systems of living organisms. These new insights may be important for ELF-EMF application particularly for wound healing, tissue regeneration, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.


Plasmonic gold nanodiscs fabricated into a photonic-crystal nanocavity.
We fabricate and characterise an optical structure consisting of a photonic crystal L3 nanocavity containing two gold nanodisks placed close to a field antinode. We use finite difference time domain (FDTD) modelling to show that the optical properties of the nanocavity are sensitive to the physical separation between the gold nanodisks, and that at reduced separation, the q-factor of a cavity mode polarised parallel to the dimer long-axis is reduced, indicating coupling between the cavity mode and a localised plasmon. Preliminary experimental measurements indeed indicate a damping of the cavity mode in the presence of the dimer; a result consistent with the FDTD modelling. Such a scheme may be used to integrate plasmonic systems into all-optical photonic circuits.


Concomitant Existence of Bilateral Adrenal Adenomas. To Operate or Not?
Nowadays, through the wide use of both magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, the diagnosis of adrenal incidentaloma is becoming increasingly frequent. Pheochromocytomas are neuroendocrine tumors which produce catecholamine, and they are characterized by headaches, palpitations, sweating and hypertension. Aldosterone-secreting adrenal cortical adenomas can cause various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases due to aldosterone excess. Our aim is to present a rare case of a concomitant existence of pheochromocytoma in the right adrenal and a functioning adrenal cortical adenoma in the left, worthwhile mentioning since the appearance of these two entities in different location in the same patient is unprecedented. The treatment remains challenging.


Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Young Adults With Established Cardiovascular Diseases.
There has been an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among young adults in the United States that has been attributed, in part, to a rise in overweight and obesity, use of combustible tobacco and unhealthy diet and exercise patterns. These factors are influenced further by socioeconomic status and other social determinants of health. In the My Research Legacy study, we examined ideal cardiovascular health in young adults aged 18- <50 years with cardiovascular disease using the Life's Simple 7 survey and data from digital health devices. Young adults with cardiovascular disease (n = 349) were older, had a lower socioeconomic status, a higher prevalence of risk factors, and lower Life's Simple 7 Health Scores (6.4 ± 1.5 vs. 7.1 ± 1.5, p < 0.01) compared to young adults without cardiovascular disease (n = 696). Analysis of digital health device data revealed that young adults with cardiovascular disease performed a similar number of weekly minutes of moderate and vigorous exercise as those without disease leading to similar ideal activity scores. Young adults with cardiovascular disease also shared similarities in modifiable risk factors with adults aged ≥50 years with cardiovascular disease (n = 217), including weight, dietary habits, and weekly minutes of exercise. Latent class analysis identified two phenogroups of young adults with cardiovascular disease: phenogroup 1 was characterized by more advantageous cardiovascular health factors and behaviors resulting in higher Life's Simple 7 Health Scores than phenogroup 2 (7.4 ± 1.2 vs. 5.5 ± 1.1, p < 0.01). These findings in young adults with cardiovascular disease may inform the design of behavioral and therapeutic interventions in the future to decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.


Reproducibility of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI derived transfer coefficient Ktrans in lung cancer.
Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is a useful method to monitor therapy assessment in malignancies but must be reliable and comparable for successful clinical use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intrarater reproducibility of DCE-MRI in lung cancer. At this IRB approved single centre study 40 patients with lung cancer underwent up to 5 sequential DCE-MRI examinations. DCE-MRI were performed using a 3.0T system. The volume transfer constant Ktrans was assessed by three readers using the two-compartment Tofts model. Inter- and intrarater reliability and agreement was calculated by wCV, ICC and their 95% confident intervals. DCE-MRI allowed a quantitative measurement of Ktrans in 107 tumors where 91 were primary carcinomas or intrapulmonary metastases and 16 were extrapulmonary metastases. Ktrans showed moderate to good interrater reliability in overall measurements (ICC 0.716-0.841; wCV 30.3-38.4%). Ktrans in pulmonary lesions ≥ 3 cm showed a good to excellent reliability (ICC 0.773-0.907; wCV 23.0-29.4%) compared to pulmonary lesions < 3 cm showing a moderate to good reliability (ICC 0.710-0.889; wCV 31.6-48.7%). Ktrans in intrapulmonary lesions showed a good reliability (ICC 0.761-0.873; wCV 28.9-37.5%) compared to extrapulmonary lesions with a poor to moderate reliability (ICC 0.018-0.680; wCV 28.1-51.8%). The overall intrarater agreement was moderate to good (ICC 0.607-0.795; wCV 24.6-30.4%). With Ktrans, DCE MRI offers a reliable quantitative biomarker for early non-invasive therapy assessment in lung cancer patients, but with a coefficient of variation of up to 48.7% in smaller lung lesions.


Significant THz absorption in CH3NH2 molecular defect-incorporated organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite thin film.
The valid strong THz absorption at 1.58 THz was probed in the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite thin film, CH3NH3PbI3, fabricated by sequential vacuum evaporation method. In usual solution-based methods such as 2-step solution and antisolvent, we observed the relatively weak two main absorption peaks at 0.95 and 1.87 THz. The measured absorption spectrum is analyzed by density-functional theory calculations. The modes at 0.95 and 1.87 THz are assigned to the Pb-I vibrations of the inorganic components in the tetragonal phase. By contrast, the origin of the 1.58 THz absorption is due to the structural deformation of Pb-I bonding at the grain boundary incorporated with a CH3NH2 molecular defect.


Rare Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Double Draining Veins: 1 Draining Vein Mimicking Artery of Adamkiewicz: Case Report and Review of Literature.
Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) typically has a single intradural drainage vein, abnormally connecting with the radiculomeningeal artery at the dura root sleeve. Multiple intradural draining veins are extremely rare. To date, only 1 case of spinal DAVF with multiple draining veins has been reported. A 62-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of progressive weakness and numbness in her lower extremities. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed extensive edema of the cord and prominent vascular flow voids. Spinal angiography demonstrated a right L3 DAVF with supply from the left L3 lumbar artery. The feeding artery was also thought to give rise to the artery of Adamkiewicz. The spinal DAVF was surgically treated, and the artery of Adamkiewicz was retained. Her postoperative symptoms gradually improved. Eight months after the surgery, her symptoms gradually worsened. Repeat spinal angiography revealed a right L3 DAVF at the same location of the first fistula. In retrospect, the draining vein identified on the second angiography was mistakenly considered as the artery of Adamkiewicz at the first angiography. Therefore the initial fistula was drained through double draining veins, 1 of them mimicking the artery of Adamkiewicz. The fistula was coagulated and divided. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms gradually improved. Three months after the second surgery, she was able to walk independently. Spinal DAVF is a rare disease, but clinicians should be cautious of possible multiple drainage veins in diagnosis and treatment.


Pathophysiology of Anemia in HIV-Infected Children Exposed to Malaria.
Anemia is a common condition in HIV-infected children; however, its pathophysiology and the contribution of frequent causes of anemia such as iron deficiency (ID) and malaria are poorly understood. We carried out an ancillary study on the effect of HIV on anemia as part of a case-control study on risk factors of anemia among Mozambican children aged 1-59 months with documented HIV status. Of them, 390 children were admitted to the hospital with anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] < 11 g/dL), whereas 272 children without anemia (Hb ≥ 11 g/dL) were recruited in the community. We assessed differences by HIV status in the presentation of anemia etiological factors and the effect of HIV infection on the association of each factor with anemia. Among the 99 HIV-infected and 563 uninfected children included, HIV-infected anemic children had an increased risk of undernutrition (P < 0.0001), Epstein-Barr virus infection (P < 0.0001), bacteremia (P = 0.0060), a decreased risk of malaria (P < 0.0001), and a similar risk of ID (P = 0.7371) compared with anemic-uninfected children. HIV-infected children were significantly less likely to have anemia associated with Plasmodium falciparum hyperparasitemia (P = 0.0444) and had a lower prevalence of parasitemia in the bone marrow (BM) (P < 0.0001) than anemic-uninfected children. Levels of BM erythropoiesis and dyserythropoiesis were comparable between groups. These findings suggest that the pathophysiology of anemia among HIV-infected malaria-exposed children is not related to HIV-specific effects. For unclear reasons, HIV-infected children had reduced risk of malaria infection, whereas ID prevalence was comparable in HIV-infected and uninfected children, suggesting that iron supplementation recommendations should not be different in HIV-infected children.


Influences of acids and salts on the crystalline phase and morphology of TiO2 prepared under ultrasound irradiation.
Nanocrystalline TiO2 powders were rapidly prepared by hydrolysis of Ti(OC4H9)4 under ultrasound irradiation. The influences of acids (HCl, HNO3, and H2SO4) and their corresponding salts (NaCl, KNO3, and Na2SO4) on the crystalline phase and morphology of products were investigated, respectively. Compared with NaCl and KNO3 that show no evident influence on the crystalline phase, HCl and HNO3 have a decisive influence on the crystalline phase of the products. However, both H2SO4 and Na2SO4 are favorable for the formation of anatase. By adjusting the concentration of SO2-(4) in the reaction medium, the contents of anatase and rutile phases in the TiO2 powders can be successfully controlled. The morphology of TiO2 crystallites are shown to be strongly related to the type of acid used in the reaction medium.


Bioreduction and biocrystallization of palladium by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans NCIMB 8307.
The reduction of Pd(II) to Pd(0) was accelerated by using the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans NCIMB 8307 at the expense of formate or H(2) as electron donors at pH 2-7. With formate no reduction occurred at pH 2, but with H(2) 50% of the activity was retained at pH 2, with the maximum rate (1.3-1.4 micromol min(-1) mg dry cells(-1)) seen at pH 3-7, which was similar to the rate with formate at neutral pH. Excess nitrate was inhibitory to Pd(II) reduction using formate, but not H(2). Chloride ion was inhibitory as low as 100 mM using formate but with H(2) only ca. 25% inhibition was observed at 500 mM Cl(-) and H(2) was concluded to be the electron donor of choice for the potential remediation of industrial wastes. Deposited Pd was visible on the cells using transmission and scanning electron microscopy and analysis by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDAX) identified the deposit as Pd, confirmed as Pd(0) by X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD). The crystal size of the biodeposited Pd(0) was determined to be only 50% of the size of Pd(0) crystals manufactured chemically from Pd(II) at the expense of H(2) and, unlike the chemically manufactured material, the biocrystal size was independent of the pH. The "biological" Pd(0) functioned as a superior chemical catalyst in a test reaction which liberated hydrogen from hypophosphite. Pd, and also Pt and Rh, could be recovered by resting cell suspensions under H(2) from an industrial processing wastewater, suggesting a possible future application of bioprocessing technology for precious metals.


The estimation of melting points and fusion enthalpies using experimental solubilities, estimated total phase change entropies, and mobile order and disorder theory.
Melting points and fusion enthalpies are predicted for a series of 81 compounds by combining experimental solubilities in a variety of solvents and analyzed according to the theory of mobile order and disorder (MOD) and using the total phase change entropy estimated by a group additivity method. The error associated in predicting melting points is dependent on the magnitude of the temperature predicted. An error of +/- 12 K (+/- 1 sigma) was obtained for compounds melting between ambient temperature and 350 K (24 entries). This error increased to +/- 23 K when the temperature range was expanded to 400 K (46 entries) and +/- 39 K for the temperature range 298-555 K (79 entries). Fusion enthalpies were predicted within +/- 2sigma of the experimental values (+/- 6.4 kJ mol(-1)) for 79 entries. The uncertainty in the fusion enthalpy did not appear dependent on the magnitude of the melting point. Two outliers, adamantane and camphor, have significant phase transitions that occur below room temperature. Estimates of melting temperature and fusion enthalpy for these compounds were characterized by significantly larger errors.


Guided tissue regeneration: the new frontier in periodontics.
The ideal goal of periodontal therapy is the reestablishment and regeneration of the lost periodontal tissues. Many different treatment regimens have been suggested to achieve this dream; however, most are unpredictable and highly debated in the periodontal literature. This paper discusses the most current philosophy in periodontal regeneration--guided tissue regeneration. A brief review of the literature, surgical technique, and case presentations pertaining to this procedure are provided.


Stereovision for action reflects our perceptual experience of distance and depth.
Binocular vision is widely recognized as the most reliable source of 3D information within the peripersonal space, where grasping takes place. Since grasping is normally successful, it is often assumed that stereovision for action is accurate. This claim contradicts psychophysical studies showing that observers cannot estimate the 3D properties of an object veridically from binocular information. In two experiments, we compared a front-to-back grasp with a perceptual depth estimation task and found that in both conditions participants consistently relied on the same distorted 3D representation. The subjects experienced (a) compression of egocentric distances: objects looked closer to each other along the z-axis than they were, and (b) underconstancy of relative depth: closer objects looked deeper than farther objects. These biases, which stem from the same mechanism, varied in magnitude across observers, but they equally affected the perceptual and grasping task of each subject. In a third experiment, we found that the visuomotor system compensates for these systematic errors, which are present at planning, through online corrections allowed by visual and haptic feedback of the hand. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the two phenomena would give rise to estimates of the same depth interval that are geometrically inconsistent. Indeed, in a fourth experiment, we show that the landing positions of the grasping digits differ systematically depending on whether they result from absolute distance estimates or relative depth estimates, even when the targeted spatial locations are identical.


Sera total oxidant/antioxidant status in lung cancer patients.
We investigated oxidative stress parameters in the sera of patients with lung cancer and healthy individuals to evaluate their correlations with lung cancer.Ninety-four lung cancer patients and 64 healthy controls were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Their sera oxidative stress parameters were measured.Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were significantly different between patients and healthy groups (all P < .001). TAS gradually decreased and TOS and OSI gradually increased from stage I to III, but it did not reach statistical significance (all P > .05). TAS and OSI were significantly different between the nonsmoking and smoking groups, radiotherapy and without radiotherapy groups, chemotherapy and without chemotherapy groups (P < .05), but not TOS (P > .05). In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis comparing patients with lung cancer with healthy controls, the Youden indices of TOS, TAS, and OSI were 0.541, 0.532, and 1, respectively.The oxidative stress may be correlation with lung cancer staging. Smoking, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy showed correlation with parts oxidative stress parameters.


Mice with genetically altered GABA transporter subtype I (GAT1) expression show altered behavioral responses to ethanol.
It is widely accepted that the GABAergic system plays an important role in the action of ethanol in vivo. GABA transporter subtype 1 (GAT1) constructs high affinity reuptake sites in the CNS and regulates GABAergic transmissions. In this study, mice lacking the GAT1 were developed by homologous recombination. Both hetero- and homozygous GAT1 mutant mice were tested for ethanol, saccharin or quinine consumption, ethanol-conditioned place preference, ethanol-conditioned taste aversion, ethanol-simulated motor activity, and ethanol-induced sedation/hypnosis. The GAT1(-/-) mice showed decreased ethanol aversion and ethanol reward, and insensitivity to both the sedative/hypnotic and the motor stimulant effects of ethanol, along with increased avoidance of quinine preference and consumption. GAT1(+/-) mice showed significantly increased consumption of ethanol and saccharin, however, enhanced the rewarding and preference effect of ethanol, increased avoidance of quinine, and higher sensitivity to the motor stimulant effect of ethanol. These results demonstrate that GAT1, perhaps in a bi-directional way, modulates some behavioral effects of ethanol. The GAT1 mutant mice provided us a very useful model to investigate the mechanisms of ethanol action in vivo.


Usefulness of echo-guided cardiac resynchronization pacing in patients undergoing "ablate and pace" therapy for permanent atrial fibrillation and effects of heart rate regularization and left ventricular resynchronization.
An acute comparative study of right ventricular (RV) pacing and echocardiographically guided cardiac resynchronization pacing (CRP) was performed in patients who underwent "ablate and pace" therapy for permanent atrial fibrillation. It was hypothesized that optimized CRP guided by tissue Doppler echocardiography would exert an additive beneficial hemodynamic effect to that of rate regularization achieved through atrioventricular junction ablation. An acute intrapatient comparison of echocardiographic parameters was performed between baseline preablation values and RV pacing and CRP (performed <24 hours after ablation) in 50 patients. Optimized CRP configuration was defined as the modality of pacing corresponding to that of the shortest intra-left ventricular (LV) delay among simultaneous biventricular pacing, sequential biventricular pacing, and single-chamber pacing. The intra-LV delay was defined as the difference between the longest and the shortest activation time in the six basal segments of the left ventricle. Compared with preablation measures, the ejection fraction increased by 10.8% during RV pacing (19% in patients with intra-LV delays <47.5 ms and 3% in those with intra-LV delays >47.5 ms). Compared with RV pacing, CRP caused a 9.2% increase in the ejection fraction, a 6.8% decrease in LV systolic diameter, and a 17.3% decrease in mitral regurgitation area; LV dyssynchrony was reduced from 52 +/- 27 to 21 +/- 12 ms. Similar results were observed in patients with and without depressed systolic function and in patients with and without left bundle branch block. In conclusion, rate regularization achieved through atrioventricular junction ablation and RV pacing provides a favorable hemodynamic effect that is inversely related to the level of LV dyssynchrony. Minimizing LV dyssynchrony by means of optimized CRP yields an additional important benefit.


SARS-CoV-2 NSP5 and N protein counteract the RIG-I signaling pathway by suppressing the formation of stress granules.
As a highly pathogenic human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has to counteract an intricate network of antiviral host responses to establish infection and spread. The nucleic acid-induced stress response is an essential component of antiviral defense and is closely related to antiviral innate immunity. However, whether SARS-CoV-2 regulates the stress response pathway to achieve immune evasion remains elusive. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 NSP5 and N protein were found to attenuate antiviral stress granule (avSG) formation. Moreover, NSP5 and N suppressed IFN expression induced by infection of Sendai virus or transfection of a synthetic mimic of dsRNA, poly (I:C), inhibiting TBK1 and IRF3 phosphorylation, and restraining the nuclear translocalization of IRF3. Furthermore, HEK293T cells with ectopic expression of NSP5 or N protein were less resistant to vesicular stomatitis virus infection. Mechanistically, NSP5 suppressed avSG formation and disrupted RIG-I-MAVS complex to attenuate the RIG-I-mediated antiviral immunity. In contrast to the multiple targets of NSP5, the N protein specifically targeted cofactors upstream of RIG-I. The N protein interacted with G3BP1 to prevent avSG formation and to keep the cofactors G3BP1 and PACT from activating RIG-I. Additionally, the N protein also affected the recognition of dsRNA by RIG-I. This study revealed the intimate correlation between SARS-CoV-2, the stress response, and innate antiviral immunity, shedding light on the pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19.


[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in 13 Dutch centres: treatment and longterm follow-up].
Analysis of the incidence, treatment modalities and disease course of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in the Netherlands. Retrospective follow-up study. 13 centres in the Netherlands. Regarding all patients admitted between 1-1-1979 and 1-1-1992 to one of 13 Dutch haematological centres, in whom the diagnosis of TTP was made for the first time, information was gathered from the medical records and from the patients own physicians on patient characteristics at presentation and the occurrence of relapse or death. The follow-up period tended on 1-4-1995. A total of 65 patients with newly diagnosed TTP were identified: 0.34 per 1,000,000 persons a year (95% confidence interval (95%-CI): 0.26-0.45), increasing to 0.83 in the last year of the study. Forty-six (95%) patients were treated with fresh frozen plasma: 18 (28%) by plasma infusion and 44 (68%) by plasma exchange; 48 (74%) (additionally) received corticosteroids. All 52 patients (80%) who survived the first four weeks after admission reached complete remission. Twelve patients with relapsing TTP underwent splenectomy in remission. The 5-year survival rate was 77% (95% CI: 66-87) and the 5-year relapse-free survival rate 38% (95% CI: 25-52). Cardiac symptoms, severe thrombocytopenia and a high serum LDH were risk factors for acute mortality, but no risk factors for relapse or late-occurring death could be identified. TTP is a rare disease which is increasingly being recognized. Plasma exchange and corticosteroids are the most frequently used therapies. The disease has a high mortality rate in the acute phase of the disease.


Oxidant stress, mitochondria, and cell death mechanisms in drug-induced liver injury: lessons learned from acetaminophen hepatotoxicity.
Hepatotoxicity is a serious problem during drug development and for the use of many established drugs. For example, acetaminophen overdose is currently the most frequent cause of acute liver failure in the United States and Great Britain. Evaluation of the mechanisms of drug-induced liver injury indicates that mitochondria are critical targets for drug toxicity, either directly or indirectly through the formation of reactive metabolites. The consequence of these modifications is generally a mitochondrial oxidant stress and peroxynitrite formation, which leads to structural alterations of proteins and mitochondrial DNA and, eventually, to the opening of mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MPT) pores. MPT pore formation results in a collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and cessation of adenosine triphosphate synthesis. In addition, the release of intermembrane proteins, such as apoptosis-inducing factor and endonuclease G, and their translocation to the nucleus, leads to nuclear DNA fragmentation. Together, these events trigger necrotic cell death. Alternatively, the release of cytochrome c and other proapoptotic factors from mitochondria can promote caspase activation and apoptotic cell death. Drug toxicity can also induce an inflammatory response with the formation of reactive oxygen species by Kupffer cells and neutrophils. If not properly detoxified, these extracellularly generated oxidants can diffuse into hepatocytes and trigger mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidant stress, which then induces MPT and necrotic cell death. This review addresses the formation of oxidants and the defense mechanisms available for cells and applies this knowledge to better understand mechanisms of drug hepatotoxicity, especially acetaminophen-induced liver injury.


NFkappaB and caspase-3 activity in apoptotic hepatocytes of galactosamine-sensitized mice treated with TNFalpha.
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) induces apoptosis in hepatocytes only under transcriptional arrest induced by galactosamine (GalN). In this study we demonstrated the shuttle of the transcription factor NFkappaB (nuclear factor-kappa B) in the liver tissue of mice within 30 min-4.5 hr hours after GalN/TNFalpha treatment. NFkappaB translocation from cytoplasm to the nucleus is initiated by its separation from the inhibitory IkappaB proteins which include IkappaBalpha, IkappaBbeta, and IkappaB. Thirty minutes after GalN/TNFalpha administration, NFkappaBp65 in hepatocellular nuclei becomes increasingly detectable and reaches its highest level after 2.5 hr. Then export back into cytoplasm begins but, surprisingly, approximately 30% of NFkappaB remains in the nuclear fraction and appears as an immunoprecipitate in the nuclei of apoptotic hepatocytes. Non-apoptotic hepatocytes do not show any reaction product in the nuclei 4.5 hr after treatment. Correspondingly, the amount of dissociated IkappaBbeta decreases in the cytoplasm up to 2.5 hr and increases again afterwards, although it does not reach the level of the control samples. No evidence of IkappaBbeta in the nuclei was found either immunocytochemically or biochemically. Caspase-3 activity, which is responsible for apoptosis, increases significantly after 3.5 hr. At that time, apoptotic hepatocytes can occasionally be observed and, 4.5 hr after GalN/TNFalpha treatment, constitute approximately 30% of the hepatocytes.


Phylogenetic relationships amongst the African genera of subtribe Orchidinae s.l. (Orchidaceae; Orchideae): Implications for subtribal and generic delimitations.
Phylogenetic relationships within the Orchideae sensu Pridgeon et al, remain one of the biggest unresolved issues in our understanding of the taxonomy of the orchids. Members of the Orchideae are numerous and widespread in Africa but remain poorly represented in phylogenetic research. In this study we included a broad sampling of African taxa for which we sequenced three plastid (rbcl, matK and trnL + trnL-F) and two nuclear regions (ITS and 18S). We used 368 sequences representing 278 species and 49 genera to infer relationships using the Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood method. Our results show strong support for three clades, two of which almost entirely match the historical circumscription of Orchidinae and Habenariinae, and the third, Bartholininae, sister to the former two, includes the genera Holothrix and Bartholina. Stenoglottis should be assigned to Orchidinae and not to Habenariinae. Several genera such as Habenaria, Cynorkis and Benthamia are shown to be para- or polyphyletic: Bonatea, Centrostigma, Platycoryne and Roeperocharis are all embedded in Habenaria; Physoceras, Arnottia and part of Benthamia are embedded in Cynorkis. We propose a subdivision of Orchideae sensu lato into nine subtribes, but refrain from making generic re-arrangements until more extensive or more in-depth studies have been done.


Microsatellite markers for population genetic studies of the blowfly Chrysomya putoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae).
The investigation of the genetic variation and population structure of Chrysomya species is of great interest for both basic and applied research. However, very limited genetic information is available for this genus across its geographical distribution. Here, we describe 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from Chrysomya putoria with expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.1402-0.8312. These markers are of potential applied interest for forensic entomologists and for the characterisation of the genetic structure of C. putoria from recently colonised regions, with great promise for understanding the colonisation dynamics and spread of the genus Chrysomya in the New World.


Psychosocial job quality, mental health, and subjective wellbeing: a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline wave of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health.
Employment status and working conditions are strong determinants of male health, and are therefore an important focus in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health (Ten to Men). In this paper, we describe key work variables included in Ten to Men, and present analyses relating psychosocial job quality to mental health and subjective wellbeing at baseline. A national sample of males aged 10 to 55 years residing in private dwellings was drawn using a stratified multi-stage cluster random sample design. Data were collected between October 2013 and July 2014 for a cohort of 15,988 males, representing a response fraction of 35 %. This analysis was restricted to 18-55 year old working age participants (n = 13,456). Work-related measures included employment status, and, for those who were employed, a number of working conditions including an ordinal scale of psychosocial job quality (presence of low job control, high demand and complexity, high job insecurity, and low fairness of pay), and working time-related stressors such as long working hours and night shift work. Associations between psychosocial job quality and two outcome measures, mental ill-health and subjective wellbeing, were assessed using multiple linear regression. The majority of participants aged 18-55 years were employed at baseline (85.6 %), with 8.4 % unemployed and looking for work, and 6.1 % not in the labour force. Among employed participants, there was a high prevalence of long working hours (49.9 % reported working more than 40 h/week) and night shift work (23.4 %). Psychosocial job quality (exposure to 0/1/2/3+ job stressors) prevalence was 36 %/ 37 %/ 20 %/ and 7 % of the working respondents. There was a dose-response relationship between psychosocial job quality and each of the two outcome measures of mental health and subjective wellbeing after adjusting for potential confounders, with higher magnitude associations between psychosocial job quality and subjective wellbeing. These results extend the study of psychosocial job quality to demonstrate associations with a global measure of subjective wellbeing. Ten to Men represents a valuable new resource for the longitudinal and life course study of work and health in the Australian male population.


Broadband 7-fs diffractive-optic-based 2D electronic spectroscopy using hollow-core fiber compression.
We demonstrate noncollinear coherent two-dimensional (2D) electronic spectroscopy for which broadband pulses are generated in an argon-filled hollow-core fiber pumped by a 1-kHz Ti:Sapphire laser. Compression is achieved to 7 fs duration (TG-FROG) using dispersive mirrors. The hollow fiber provides a clean spatial profile and smooth spectral shape in the 500-700 nm region. The diffractive-optic-based design of the 2D spectrometer avoids directional filtering distortions and temporal broadening from time smearing. For demonstration we record data of cresyl-violet perchlorate in ethanol and use phasing to obtain broadband absorptive 2D spectra. The resulting quantum beating as a function of population time is consistent with literature data.


Transcriptome analysis and functional identification of GmMYB46 in soybean seedlings under salt stress.
Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress that limits crop growth and productivity. We investigated the transcriptomes of salt-treated soybean seedlings versus a control using RNA-seq to better understand the molecular mechanisms of the soybean (Glycine max L.) response to salt stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed 1,235 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under salt stress. Several important pathways and key candidate genes were identified by KEGG enrichment. A total of 116 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) were identified, and 17 TFs were found to belong to MYB families. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these TFs may be involved in salt stress adaptation. Further analysis revealed that GmMYB46 was up-regulated by salt and mannitol and was localized in the nucleus. The salt tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing GmMYB46 was significantly enhanced compared to wild-type (WT). GmMYB46 activates the expression of salt stress response genes (P5CS1, SOD, POD, NCED3) in Arabidopsis under salt stress, indicating that the GmMYB46 protein mediates the salt stress response through complex regulatory mechanisms. This study provides information with which to better understand the molecular mechanism of salt tolerance in soybeans and to genetically improve the crop.


Low-cost Negative-pressure Wound Therapy Using Wall Vacuum: A 15 Dollars by Day Alternative.
Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been marketed for about 20 years and remains popular. The only real obstacle to NPWT is the cost; therefore, we designed an inexpensive NPWT connected to a wall vacuum. Here, we report the feasibility and safety of this product, which we call PROVACUUM (Z-Biotech, Saint-Avertin, France). As a first step, the constraints imposed on the manufacturer were equipment quality similar to that of commercial NPWT systems, with an average treatment cost of $15/d. Then, we conducted a prospective study of patients with indications for NPWT from September 2013 to January 2015. Data collected included ease of use, quality of materials, and occurrence of complications during treatment. We enrolled 23 patients with a mean age of 50.8 years. The average duration of treatment was 8.5 days (range, 3-21 days). The dressings were changed every 3.3 days (range, 2-4 days). Two hematomas occurred that required surgical revision and the transfusion of 2 units after large debridement of pressure ulcer. No other adverse events or infections occurred. The surgeons found that our device was similar to commercial NPWT devices. We developed an inexpensive NPWT that costs an average of $15/d. Our process is not intended to replace portable or stand-alone devices with batteries, but rather offers a less expensive alternative for hospitalized patients and makes NPWT accessible to the most precarious countries and institutions.


Women's oral health across the lifespan. Part Two: Developmental perspectives.
This two-part series is intended to provide dental practitioners with information related to the clinical aspects of women's health in general and women's oral health in particular. Part One in the series presented a historical perspective from the inception and evolution of women's oral health to current issues of relevance. Part Two in the series presents a developmental perspective on women's oral health across the lifespan from infancy through the post-menopausal stages. Emphasis is focused on medical and dental aspects of each developmental stage.


[Blood serum and synovial fluid proteins in Reiter's syndrome].
Individual proteins (transferrin, ceruloplasmin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, IgG, IgA and IgM) were examined in blood and synovial fluid of 11 patients with Reiter's syndrome. ARA-1981 was used as a diagnostic criteria. The control group included 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 31 with osteoarthrosis of the knee joint. Statistically significant differences between the concentrations of individual proteins in patients with Reiter's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis were only established in synovial fluid for IgM and for IgM index Csf/CS.


Investigating Gender Convergence in Alcohol Consumption in Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, and Switzerland: A Repeated Survey Analysis.
Since the 1970s there has been concern that women may have started to adopt the drinking behaviors of men, a process seen as the result of emancipation in which women increasingly move into professions and/or lifestyles similar to those of men. This is called the convergence hypothesis. The present analysis investigated a possible closing of the gender gap and includes four countries that had national survey data for at least two time points: Finland (1984, 1992), Germany (1984, 1990), The Netherlands (1981, 1989), and Switzerland (1987, 1992). Significant convergence could be found only in Finland, which consisted of a greater increase of Finnish women becoming current drinkers and of a greater relative increase in the women's mean consumption. The fact that gender convergence was found only for Finland could be due not only to the longer observation period, but also to the egalitarian position of women and the changing drinking culture of the country.


MCD spectroscopy of hexanuclear Mn(III) salicylaldoxime single-molecule magnets.
The hexanuclear cages [Mn(6)O(2)(R-sao)(6)L(2)(EtOH)(x)(H(2)O)(y)] "Mn(6)" behave as single-molecule magnets (SMMs) below a characteristic blocking temperature. As with [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CR)(16)(H(2)O)(4)] "Mn(12)" the electronic absorption spectra are rather featureless, yielding little information on the electronic structure of the magnetic ions. Low temperature Magnetic Circular Dichroism (MCD) spectra afford greater resolution of the optical transitions and also probe the magnetic properties of the system. Both the ground state spin and blocking temperature of the Mn(6) cages are determined by subtle structural perturbations of a generic Mn(6)O(2) core. Absorbance and MCD spectra are reported for [Mn(6)O(2)(Et-sao)(6){O(2)CPh(Me)(2)}(2)(EtOH)(6)] (1), [Mn(6)O(2)(Et-sao)(6){O(2)CPh}(2)(EtOH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)] (2), [Mn(6)O(2)(sao)(6){O(2)CPh}(2)(EtOH)(4)]·EtOH (3) and the trinuclear precursor [Mn(3)O(Et-sao)(3)(MeOH)(3)](ClO(4)) (4) cast into polymer film. SMM behaviour has previously been observed using magnetic susceptibility measurements on powder and single-crystal samples. The ligand field environment of the magnetic ions is assumed to be similar in (1) and (2) and their different blocking temperatures are attributed to the magnitude of the effective exchange constant. The MCD spectra of (1) and (2), in which the ground state spin S = 12, show that the ligand field environments of the Mn ions are almost identical and that magnetic hysteresis persists for isolated molecules when crystal packing forces are removed. The subtle structural differences between (1) and (2) are manifested in the field dependence of the MCD response at different wavelengths that reflect changes in band polarisation. The MCD spectrum of (3) contains features not apparent in those of (1) and (2). These are attributed to 5-coordinate Mn(iii), which is unique to (3) among the compounds studied. (3) has ground state spin S = 4, a lower blocking temperature and consequently no observable hysteresis in the MCD down to 1.7 K. Comparison of the MCD spectra of (1)-(3) to that of (4) confirms the integrity of the Mn(6)O(2) core when these materials are cast into polymer film.


Piezoelectric and semiconducting coupled power generating process of a single ZnO belt/wire. A technology for harvesting electricity from the environment.
This paper presents the experimental observation of piezoelectric generation from a single ZnO wire/belt for illustrating a fundamental process of converting mechanical energy into electricity at nanoscale. By deflecting a wire/belt using a conductive atomic force microscope tip in contact mode, the energy is first created by the deflection force and stored by piezoelectric potential, and later converts into piezoelectric energy. The mechanism of the generator is a result of coupled semiconducting and piezoelectric properties of ZnO. A piezoelectric effect is required to create electric potential of ionic charges from elastic deformation; semiconducting property is necessary to separate and maintain the charges and then release the potential via the rectifying behavior of the Schottky barrier at the metal-ZnO interface, which serves as a switch in the entire process. The good conductivity of ZnO is rather unique because it makes the current flow possible. This paper demonstrates a principle for harvesting energy from the environment. The technology has the potential of converting mechanical movement energy (such as body movement, muscle stretching, blood pressure), vibration energy (such as acoustic/ultrasonic wave), and hydraulic energy (such as flow of body fluid, blood flow, contraction of blood vessels) into electric energy that may be sufficient for self-powering nanodevices and nanosystems in applications such as in situ, real-time, and implantable biosensing, biomedical monitoring, and biodetection.


Torsional energy levels of CH₃OH⁺/CH₃OD⁺/CD₃OD⁺ studied by zero-kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
The torsional energy levels of CH3OH(+), CH3OD(+), and CD3OD(+) have been determined for the first time using one-photon zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy. The adiabatic ionization energies for CH3OH, CH3OD, and CD3OD are determined as 10.8396, 10.8455, and 10.8732 eV with uncertainties of 0.0005 eV, respectively. Theoretical calculations have also been performed to obtain the torsional energy levels for the three isotopologues using a one-dimensional model with approximate zero-point energy corrections of the torsional potential energy curves. The calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental data. The barrier height of the torsional potential energy without zero-point energy correction was calculated as 157 cm(-1), which is about half of that of the neutral (340 cm(-1)). The calculations showed that the cation has eclipsed conformation at the energy minimum and staggered one at the saddle point, which is the opposite of what is observed in the neutral molecule. The fundamental C-O stretch vibrational energy level for CD3OD(+) has also been determined. The energy levels for the combinational excitation of the torsional vibration and the fundamental C-O stretch vibration indicate a strong torsion-vibration coupling.


The pattern recognition molecule ficolin-1 exhibits differential binding to lymphocyte subsets, providing a novel link between innate and adaptive immunity.
Ficolin-1 is a soluble pattern recognition molecule synthesized by myeloid cells and capable of activating the lectin pathway of complement on the surface of pathogens. It is tethered to the membranes of monocytes and granulocytes; however, the biological significance of cell-associated ficolin-1 is unknown. Recognition of healthy host cells by a pattern recognition molecule constitutes a potential hazard to self cells and tissues, emphasizing the importance of further elucidating the reported self-recognition. In the current study we investigated the potential recognition of lymphocytes by ficolin-1 and demonstrated that CD56(dim) NK-cells and both CD4(+) and CD8(+) subsets of activated T-cells were recognized by ficolin-1. In contrast we did not detect binding of ficolin-1 to CD56(bright) NK-cells, NKT-cells, resting T-cells or B-cells. Furthermore, we showed that the protein-lymphocyte interaction occurred via the pathogen-recognition domain of ficolin-1 to sialic acid on the cell surface. Thus, the differential binding of ficolin-1 to lymphocyte subsets suggests ficolin-1 as a novel link between innate and adaptive immunity. Our results provide new insight about the recognition properties of ficolin-1 and point toward additional immune modulating functions of the molecule besides its role in pathogen recognition.


HLA matching in unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation.
The availability of an HLA-matched sibling donor in only 30% to 35% of patients requiring allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has led to the proposal of unrelated donors as an alternative source of bone marrow. The greater HLA incompatibility, which, although present, was undetected until recently in many unrelated donor BMT cases, has resulted in a higher rate of posttransplant complications and impaired acturial survival when compared with HLA-matched sibling BMT. Molecular HLA typing enables us to evaluate the impact of incompatibility at each locus in the outcome of unrelated donor BMT. The overall retrospective data would recommend that HLA-A, -B and -C allelic molecular matching should be implemented in addition to HLA-DR allelic matching. Further retrospective analysis is needed in order to assess which incompatibility or combinations are better tolerated than others. Only the definitive knowledge at the sequence level of the donor and the recipient HLA allelic diversity involved in controlling the allogeneic immune response will allow us to understand the precise biologic rationale of the graft-versus-host disease. Knowledge and control of the HLA incompatibilities should allow us to offset the detrimental effects of histoincompatibility while developing strategies to take advantage of the beneficial graft-versus-leukemia effect. Also the role of minor histocompatibility antigens remains largely unknown and will require careful evaluation before minor antigens can be used as a selection criterion in BMT. Carefully designed prospective studies will enable us to test the impact of each HLA locus. HLA typing and BMT represent a successful example of productive cooperation between basic and clinical sciences that should be pursued for the improvement of the clinical outcome of unrelated donor BMT.


Interexaminer reliability of activator methods' relative leg-length evaluation in the prone extended position.
To investigate the interexaminer reliability of the prone extended relative leg-length check as described by Activator Methods, Inc. Thirty-four subjects were selected from a pool of 52 consecutive patients visiting a private chiropractic office. Exclusion criteria included congenital or acquired conditions known to affect lower extremity length and inability to lie prone for a 10-minute period. Two experienced chiropractors who specialize in Activator Methods and are "advanced-proficiency rated" by Activator Methods, Inc. assessed each patient in random order for leg length inequality. Findings were recorded as left short leg, equal leg length, or right short leg. The data for 34 subjects were organized in a 3 x 3 contingency table. Total agreement was 85%. A simple, unweighted kappa value yielded kappa = 0.66. A disproportionately greater number of right short leg findings than left short leg findings were observed by both examiners. In only 2 instances were equal leg lengths observed, and both were detected by the same examiner. Because examiners found only 2 of 34 subjects with equal leg lengths, several secondary analyses involving data reductions were conducted. The resulting kappa values were similar to the 3 x 3 analysis. There was good reproducibility between 2 examiners by using the Activator Method to detect leg length inequality in the prone extended position. This study does not address the validity or clinical significance of the measurement method. Future studies should include larger numbers, a wider variety of subjects, and a diversity of examiners.


Integrin alpha 7 beta 1 in muscular dystrophy/myopathy of unknown etiology.
To investigate the role of integrin alpha 7 in muscle pathology, we used a "candidate gene" approach in a large cohort of muscular dystrophy/myopathy patients. Antibodies against the intracellular domain of the integrin alpha 7A and alpha 7B were used to stain muscle biopsies from 210 patients with muscular dystrophy/myopathy of unknown etiology. Levels of alpha 7A and alpha 7B integrin were found to be decreased in 35 of 210 patients (approximately 17%). In six of these patients no integrin alpha 7B was detected. Screening for alpha 7B mutation in 30 of 35 patients detected only one integrin alpha 7 missense mutation (the mutation on the second allele was not found) in a patient presenting with a congenital muscular dystrophy-like phenotype. No integrin alpha 7 gene mutations were identified in all of the other patients showing integrin alpha 7 deficiency. In the process of mutation analysis, we identified a novel integrin alpha 7 isoform presenting 72-bp deletion. This isoform results from a partial deletion of exon 21 due to the use of a cryptic splice site generated by a G to A missense mutation at nucleotide position 2644 in integrin alpha 7 cDNA. This spliced isoform is present in about 12% of the chromosomes studied. We conclude that secondary integrin alpha 7 deficiency is rather common in muscular dystrophy/myopathy of unknown etiology, emphasizing the multiple mechanisms that may modulate integrin function and stability.


Studying the Association Between Knowledge of Professionalism and Demographic Characteristics in King Saud University Medical Students.
Objectives To study the association between the level of knowledge regarding professionalism and demographic characteristics among medical students from years three to five at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods Data for this quantitative observational cross-sectional study were collected using stratified random sampling. The participants included male and female students from years three to five studying at the College of Medicine, King Saud University. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the Student's t-test and a one-way ANOVA test. Results The study comprised 112 female (52%) and 103 male (48%) students who completed 215 questionnaires. The mean percentage values of correct answers by females and males were 59.99% and 59.31%, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the mean percentage of correct answers given by males and females (p=0.684). The mean percentage of correct answers among the 3rd, 4th, and 5th-year medical students was 59.27%, 56.56%, and 62.72%, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the academic year groups (p<0.05), and the grade point average (GPA) groups showed significant differences (p<0.05). Conclusion A highly significant association was found between knowledge of professionalism and both academic level and performance among medical students. This suggests that professional perception evolves parallel to acquiring basic science and clinical knowledge.


Carotid intima media thickness, inflammatory markers, and endothelial activation markers in HIV Patients with lipoatrophy increased at 48 weeks regardless of use of rosiglitazone or placebo.
Rosiglitazone may be useful for the treatment of antiretroviral therapy-associated lipoatrophy, but an association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been questioned in diabetics. We evaluated rosiglitazone's effect on surrogate markers of CVD in HIV-infected individuals with lipoatrophy. HIV(+) patients with lipoatrophy on thymidine-sparing regimens were randomized to rosiglitazone vs. placebo for 48 weeks. We serially assessed carotid IMT, fasting metabolic profiles, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, soluble receptors (sTNFRI and II), interleukin (IL)-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and endothelial activation markers [von Willebrand factor (vWF), soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecules-1 (sVCAM-1)]. Seventy-one subjects enrolled: 17% were female and 51%were white. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups except for higher total cholesterol in the placebo group (p = 0.04). At 48 weeks, common carotid artery (CCA) IMT changed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) within but not between the groups (p = 0.36): the median (IQR) increase was 0.10 (0.05, 0.25) mm and 0.15 (0, 0.25) mm in the rosiglitazone and placebo groups, respectively. hsCRP, sTNFRI and II, sVCAM-1, and vWF changed significantly (p ≤ 0.02) within but not between groups. Total cholesterol increased significantly in the rosiglitazone group (p = 0.008). In our study of virologically controlled subjects with lipoatrophy, rosiglitazone did not independently increase carotid IMT, endothelial activation, and inflammatory cytokines.


Choice of Mastectomy May Increase the Extent of Axillary Surgery in Women with Breast Cancer.
Based on the ACOSOG Z0011 trial, women who undergo breast conservation therapy (BCT) and have limited disease in the axilla on sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy do not require axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). In this study we investigate the incidence of ALND in patients undergoing elective mastectomy with limited disease in the axilla to identify how many women may have been spared additional axillary surgery if they chose BCT. All women with invasive breast cancer treated at a single tertiary care breast center from 2010-2018 who were candidates for BCT but elected mastectomy and underwent SLN biopsy were identified through retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of ALND in women found to have a limited burden of disease in the axilla (1-2 positive SLNs). The study population comprised 151 patients with invasive breast cancer eligible for BCT who chose mastectomy. On final pathology, 34 patients had 1-2 positive SLNs, and 16 of these patients underwent completion ALND. These 16 patients out of 151 overall lumpectomy candidates electing mastectomy (10.6%) could have been spared ALND if they did not elect mastectomy. BCT candidates electing mastectomy have a 10.6% chance of undergoing more extensive axillary surgery than would have been recommended with BCT alone. The increased risk of undergoing additional axillary surgery should be incorporated into the preoperative discussion for patients choosing between BCT and mastectomy.


[Trends in prevalence of risk factors and global cardiovascular risk in general population of albacete, Spain (1992-94 a 2004-06)].
To establish strategies for prevention of cardiovascular disease implies to know its epidemiology and evolution in time. The objective of this study is to know the prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular risk in two moments during the following of a grownup general population. Study of cohorts, followed at random selected general population during 12 years (1992-94 to 2204-06). Two transversal studies were made, one at the beginning and the other one at the end of this follow-up. The population in this study was 18 years and older registered in the province of Albacete. Random sampling, stratified and two-stage. The sample size for the first cut was 2121 subjects and for second one 1577. One specific anamnesis was made, physical examination, measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiogram and extraction of venous blood. The studied variables were: age, sex, personal and familiar antecedents, risk factors and global cardiovascular risk. 1322 subjects went to the appointment for the first examination (mean age 48.2 years. 53.6% women) and 997 for the second (mean age 52.8 years. 56.7% women). Has Increased the prevalence of hypertension (32.7% to 41,2%), diabetes (9,8 to 11,4%), obesity (27,8 to 34,3%) and hypercolesterolemia (47,5 to 53,5%), whereas smokers have decreased (32,6 to 23,7%) and have handicapped the average values of arterial pressure (132/81 to 129/73 mmHg), glycaemia (100,8 to 92,8 mg/dl) and LDL-cholesterol (128,7 to 116,7 mg/dl) and also a lowering of cardiovascular risk with Framingham (10,8% to 8,2%) and Score (2,3% to 1,6%). In the last years an increasing prevalence of risk factors has been seen (hypertension, diabetes and hypercolesterolemia), a better control of them, and lower prevalence of smoking and cardiovascular risk in the population has also be seen.


Replacing red meat and processed red meat for white meat, fish, legumes or eggs is associated with lower risk of incidence of metabolic syndrome.
Few studies have assessed the association between consumption of red meat (RM) and processed red meats (PRM) and the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and results have been inconsistent. We investigated associations between total consumption of meat and its subtypes and incident MetS and estimated the effect of substituting RM or PRM for alternative protein-rich foods. We analyzed 1868 participants (55-80 years-old) recruited into the PREDIMED study who had no MetS at baseline and were followed for a median of 3.2 years. MetS was defined using updated harmonized criteria. Anthropometric variables, dietary habits, and blood biochemistry were determined at baseline and yearly thereafter. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of MetS were estimated for the two upper tertiles (versus the lowest one) of mean consumption of meat and its subtypes during the follow-up as exposure. Comparing the highest vs the lowest tertile of consumption, we observed an increased risk of MetS incidence, with HRs of 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.45) and 1.46 (CI: 1.22-1.74) for total meat and pooled RM and PRM, respectively. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile, those in the highest tertile of poultry and rabbit consumption had a lower risk of MetS incidence. The risk of MetS was lower when one-serving/day of RM or PRM was replaced by legumes, poultry and rabbit, fish or eggs. RM and PRM consumption was associated with higher risk of MetS. Replacing RM or PRM with other protein-rich foods related to a lower risk of MetS and should, therefore, be encouraged. This trial was registered at controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN35739639.


The association of prenatal and childhood pyrethroid pesticide exposure with school-age ADHD traits.
Pyrethroid insecticides are commonly used in residential settings, and their use has increased rapidly. Although research has been scarce, they have been reported to be associated with impaired neurodevelopment. Moreover, susceptible exposure windows and the long-term effects of pyrethroids have not been investigated. We examined the association between pyrethroid exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms over time, with exposure windows spanning from the prenatal period to school-age. Using 524 mother-child pairs, we measured urinary concentrations of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), a major pyrethroid metabolite, and asked parents to fill-out the ADHD Rating Scale IV (ARS). We used Poisson regression to identify the susceptible periods of pyrethroid exposure, by correlating various 3-PBA exposure windows (prenatal, ages 2, 4, 6 and 8) with ADHD symptoms at ages 6 and 8. Doubling of prenatal and age 2 3-PBA concentrations was associated with increased ADHD symptoms at age 6 (2.7% change, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3, 5.2; 5.2% change [95% CI: 0.5, 10.2], respectively). The 3-PBA concentrations at age 4 and age 6 were linked with ADHD symptoms at age 8 (2.7% change [95% CI: 0.3, 5.3]; 3.3% change [95% CI: 0.2, 6.4], respectively). There were no clear sex-specific patterns in association. Both prenatal and early-childhood exposure to 3-PBA were found to be associated with ADHD symptoms. Exposure during pregnancy, and at ages 2 to 6 were found to be susceptible periods for pyrethroid neurotoxicity at ages 6 and 8.


Laparoscopic posterior partial fundoplication: analysis of 100 consecutive cases.
Performance of a laparoscopic posterior partial fundoplication (LPPF) for severe gastroesophageal reflux disease may have significant advantages. These include a low incidence of postop dysphagia, maintenance of the ability to belch, excellent antireflux effects, and the ease of performance of the surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this antireflux procedure for these advantages to determine both its safety and effectiveness. Over 200 LPPFs have been performed by the authors in a community setting. One hundred consecutive cases are evaluated for indications, preop, and postop studies (EGD, manometry, 24 h pH), time of operation, hospital stay, complications, and conversions to an open procedure. Our technique of LPPF is presented in detail. All patients maintained the ability to belch. Postop dysphagia resolved totally in 4 patients by 7 days. Four pneumothoraces occurred; 1 patient required bilateral chest tube placement. There were no esophageal, stomach, or splenic injuries. The average hospital stay was 1.6 days. Postop 24 h pH studies revealed resolution of the esophageal reflux. Postop manometric studies show a median increase of 9.2 mm Hg for the LES pressure. No patients have resumed antireflux medication. No short gastric vessels were divided and no esophageal sutures were placed. There were no conversions to a laparotomy. Laparoscopic posterior partial fundoplication is a safe and effective antireflux procedure.


Evaluation of truncated readout-echo MR images obtained at 0.35 T.
It is possible to acquire a truncated echo, in which part of the information at the beginning or end of the echo is missing, and to restore the missing information by conjugation. This process was shown by means of edge spread function in phantoms and brain images in volunteers to introduce little, if any, degradation of image quality and can be used to improve sequence efficiency or to shorten echo time.


[Optimization of the process of culturing yeast in the presence of the dispersed mineral palygorskite].
A positive effect from introduction of the highly dispersed mineral palygorskite in the nutrient medium for aerobic batch cultivation of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Kyivsky strain, used in production of champagne has been established experimentally. An adequate mathematical model describing the process of growth has been constructed. Optimal cultivation conditions have been determined which provided for the achievement of such yeast cell concentration in the culture fluid as 116 mln/ml, palygorskite concentration in the nutrient medium being 0.37 g/l and sucrose 2.0 +/- 0.2%. The yeast obtained possess higher fermentation activity.


Apolipoprotein E-Mimetic COG1410 Reduces Acute Vasogenic Edema following Traumatic Brain Injury.
The degree of post-traumatic brain edema and dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) influences the neurofunctional outcome after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previous studies have demonstrated that the administration of apolipoprotein E-mimetic peptide COG1410 reduces the brain water content after subarachnoid hemorrhage, intra-cerebral hemorrhage, and focal brain ischemia. However, the effects of COG1410 on vasogenic edema following TBI are not known. The current study evaluated the effects of 1 mg/kg daily COG1410 versus saline administered intravenously after a controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury on BBB dysfunction and vasogenic edema at an acute stage in mice. The results demonstrated that treatment with COG1410 suppressed the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9, reduced the disruption of the BBB and Evans Blue dye extravasation, reduced the TBI lesion volume and vasogenic edema, and decreased the functional deficits compared with mice treated with vehicle, at an acute stage after CCI. These findings suggest that COG1410 is a promising preclinical therapeutic agent for the treatment of traumatic brain injury.


Development and Characterization of Novel EST-SSRs from Larix gmelinii and Their Cross-Species Transferability.
A set of 899 L. gmelinii expression sequence tags (ESTs), available at the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), was employed to address the feasibility on development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for Larch species. Totally, 634 non-redundant unigenes including 145 contigs and 489 singletons were finally identified and mainly involved in biosynthetic, metabolic processes and response to stress according to BLASTX results, gene ontology (GO) categories and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) maps. Approximately 11.7% (74) unigenes contained 90 candidate SSRs, which were mainly trinucleotides (29, 32.2%) and dinucleotides (26, 28.9%). A relatively high frequency of SSRs was respectively found in the Open Reading Frame (ORF, about 54.4%) and 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR, 31.2%), while a low frequency was observed in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR, about 14.4%). Of the 45 novel EST-SSRs markers, nine were found to be polymorphic at two L. gmelinii populations. The number of alleles per locus (Na) ranged from two to four, and the observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity values were 0.200-0.733 and 0.408-0.604, respectively. The inbreeding coefficients (FIS) for all loci were more than zero except Lg41. Most of these 9EST-SSR markers were transferable to its related species L. kaempferi, L. principis-rupprechtii and L. olgensis. These novel EST-SSRs will be useful for further research on comparative genomics, genetic resources conservation and molecular breeding in larch trees.


[Phylogenetic distance between Giardia intestinalis isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic children].
The purpose of the present investigation, was to analyze the sequences of 16S ribosomal genes partially amplified from 17 isolated Giardia intestinalis obtained from faces of 13 children with intestinal pathology and four symptoms-free children with intestinal pathology. Analysis was made also with Giardia Portland-I and four Giardias isolated from dogs. Children ages in both groups ranged from six to twelve years. Genomic DNA was isolated using the phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol technique, and partial amplification of 16S rRNA ribosomal gene was carried out by the Polymerase Chain Reaction. Sequences of rDNA were compared with Portland-I by using CLUSTAL-W (1.81) and PHYLIP (3.6) software in order to determine phylogenic associations. Our results showed that only one isolate from symptoms-free children and three from the symptomatic children were associated with Portland I. The other isolated Giardias were associated between them and with two samples obtained from dogs that are phylogenetically distant from Portland-I. Two isolates from dog constituted a different group. These results suggest a zoonotic infection and presence of symptoms in children from the present investigation; probably it was associated with host or special characteristics of Giardia strains. The last two situations have a special epidemiological and public health interest.


Large-Gap Quantum Spin Hall State in MXenes: d-Band Topological Order in a Triangular Lattice.
MXenes are a large family of two-dimensional (2D) early transition metal carbides that have shown great potential for a host of applications ranging from electrodes in supercapacitors and batteries to sensors to reinforcements in polymers. Here, on the basis of first-principles calculations, we predict that Mo2MC2O2 (M = Ti, Zr, or Hf), belonging to a recently discovered new class of MXenes with double transition metal elements in an ordered structure, are robust quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulators. A tight-binding (TB) model based on the dz2-, dxy-, and dx2-y2-orbital basis in a triangular lattice is also constructed to describe the QSH states in Mo2MC2O2. It shows that the atomic spin-orbit coupling (SOC) strength of M totally contributes to the topological gap at the Γ point, a useful feature advantageous over the usual cases where the topological gap is much smaller than the atomic SOC strength based on the classic Kane-Mele (KM) or Bernevig-Hughes-Zhang (BHZ) model. Consequently, Mo2MC2O2 show sizable gaps from 0.1 to 0.2 eV with different M atoms, sufficiently large for realizing room-temperature QSH effects. Another advantage of Mo2MC2O2 MXenes lies in their oxygen-covered surfaces which make them antioxidative and stable upon exposure to air.


Measurement of associated production of a W boson and a charm quark in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te .
Measurements are presented of associated production of a W boson and a charm quark ( W + c ) in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 Te . The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.7 fb - 1 collected by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC. The W bosons are identified by their decay into a muon and a neutrino. The charm quarks are tagged via the full reconstruction of D ∗ ( 2010 ) ± mesons that decay via D ∗ ( 2010 ) ± → D 0 + π ± → K ∓ + π ± + π ± . A cross section is measured in the fiducial region defined by the muon transverse momentum p T μ > 26 Ge , muon pseudorapidity | η μ | < 2.4 , and charm quark transverse momentum p T c > 5 Ge . The inclusive cross section for this kinematic range is σ ( W + c ) = 1026 ± 31 (stat) + 76 - 72 (syst) pb . The cross section is also measured differentially as a function of the pseudorapidity of the muon from the W boson decay. These measurements are compared with theoretical predictions and are used to probe the strange quark content of the proton.


Diurnal variations in intestinal barrier integrity and liver pathology in mice: implications for alcohol binge.
Recent studies suggest that circadian rhythms regulate intestinal barrier integrity, but it is not clear whether there are daily variations in barrier integrity. This study investigated daily variations in intestinal barrier integrity, including whether there are differences in alcohol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction after an alcohol binge at different times of day and whether this is associated with concurrent liver injury. C57BL6/J male mice were fed a standard chow diet, an alcohol-containing liquid diet, or an alcohol control diet for 4 wk. During week 5 (i.e., on days 43-45), mice received three once-daily gavages of alcohol (6 g/kg) or the control (phosphate-buffered saline) at the same time each day. Immediately after the binge on the second day, intestinal permeability was assessed. Four hours after the third and final binge, mice were euthanized and tissue samples collected. The results demonstrated diet-specific and outcome-specific effects of time, alcohol, and/or time by alcohol interaction. Specifically, the alcohol binge robustly influenced markers of intestinal barrier integrity, and liver markers were robustly influenced by time of day. Only intestinal permeability (i.e., sucralose) demonstrated a significant effect of time and also showed a binge by time interaction, suggesting that the time of the alcohol binge influences colonic permeability. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigated daily variations in intestinal barrier integrity, including whether there are differences in alcohol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction after an alcohol binge at different times of day and whether this is associated with concurrent liver injury. We conclude that 1) alcohol binge significantly impacted markers of intestinal permeability, 2) time of day significantly affected liver outcomes, and 3) the time of day influenced colonic permeability.


Genetic variants in RKIP are associated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma risk in a Chinese population.
Raf-1 kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) plays a critical role in tumor development by regulating cell functions such as invasion, apoptosis and differentiation. Down-regulation of RKIP expression has been implicated in the development and progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Herein, we hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms in RKIP might be associated with susceptibility and progression of RCC. A total of 5 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) in RKIP were selected and genotyped by SNapShot method in a case-control study of 859 RCC patients and 1004 controls. The logistic regression was used to evaluate the genetic association with occurrence and progression of RCC. The functionality of the important SNP was preliminary examined by qRT-PCR. We found that the rs17512051 in the promoter region of RKIP was significantly associated with decreased clear cell RCC (ccRCC) risk (TA/AA vs. TT: P = 0.039, OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.62-0.99). Another SNP (rs1051470) in the 3'UTR region of RKIP was marginally associated with increased ccRCC risk (TT vs. CC+CT: OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.01-2.09). In the stratified analysis, the protective effect of rs17512051 was more predominant in the subgroups of male, non-smokers, non-drinkers as well as subjects without history of diabetes. Furthermore, we observed higher RKIP mRNA levels in the presence of the rs17512051A allele in normal renal tissues. Our results suggest that the potentially functional RKIP rs17512051 polymorphism may affect ccRCC susceptibility through altering the endogenous RKIP expression level. Risk effects and the functional impact of this polymorphism need further validation.


Fifteen years' experience of treating atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis by interventional nephrologists in India.
Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is an important cause of kidney disease, accelerated hypertension (HTN), and its treatment is controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes, safety, and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for ARAS. Retrospective analysis of ARAS was performed among 470 angiographies during 1995-2010. Patients with nonatherosclerotic RAS and renal transplant were excluded. We assessed preintervention and postintervention mean arterial pressure (MAP), antihypertensive medications, and renal function to classify as deteriorated (>10% increase in MAP/increase in drugs/>20% reduced GFR), improved (>10% reduced MAP/reduced drugs/>20% increased eGFR), or stabilized (<10% change in MAP/same antihypertensive drugs/<20% change in eGFR) at last follow-up. A total of 220 subjects with mean age of 57.6 ± 10.4 years underwent PTA and/or stenting. The average follow-up was 23.07 ± 21.2 months. Accelerated HTN, HTN onset >50 years, unexplained renal failure, and unilateral small kidney were the most common presentations. In all, 255 significant stenotic lesions in 220 patients (119 unilateral, 66 single functioning kidney, and 35 bilateral) were observed. In total, 255 PTA were performed, including 177 stenting. Technical success was seen in 220/243 (90.5%) subjects. Combined MAP and antihypertensive drugs improved in 154/220 (70%) patients. Renal function improved/stabilized in 175/220 (79.5%). Angioplasty and stenting are relatively safe and feasible tools for control of blood pressure (BP) in ARAS. Angioplasty produced improvement/stabilization of BP in 70%, and the renal function in 79.5% subjects.


Augmentation of the antibacterial activities of Pt5-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) by amino acid substitutions: Design of novel AMPs against MDR bacteria.
The ever-growing concerns on multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria lead to urgent demands for novel antibiotics including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Pt5, a peptide consisting of the C-terminal 55 residues of zebrafish phosvitin, has been shown to function as an antibacterial agent. Here we used Pt5 as a template to design new AMPs by shortening the sequence and substituting with tryptophan (W) and lysine (K) at selected positions. Among the resultant Pt5-derived peptides, Pt5-1c showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including MDR bacteia, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1.2 μM to 4.8 μM. Electron microscopic examination showed that Pt5-1c was able to kill the bacteria directly. ELISA revealed that Pt5-1c possessed high affinity to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PGN). Importantly, Pt5-1c was able to disrupt the bacterial membrane by a combined action of membrane depolarization and permeabilization, with little cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that Pt5-1c has considerable potential for future development as novel peptide antibiotics against MDR bacteria.


Distinct gut microbial communities and functional predictions in divergent ophiuroid species: host differentiation, ecological niches, and adaptation to cold-water habitats.
Gastrointestinal microorganisms are critical to the survival and adaptation of hosts, and there are few studies on the differences and functions of gastrointestinal microbes in widely distributed species. This study investigated the gut microbes of two ophiuroid species (Ophiura sarsii and its subspecies O. sarsii vadicola) in cold-water habitats of the Northern Pacific Ocean. The results showed that a combination of host and environmental factors shapes the intestinal microbiota of ophiuroids. There was a high similarity in microbial communities between the two groups living in different regions, which may be related to their similar ecological niches. These microorganisms played a vital role in the ecological success of ophiuroids as the foundation for their adaptation to cold-water environments. This study revealed the complex relationship between hosts and their gut microbes, providing insights into the role they play in the adaptation and survival of marine species.


Macroporous ZnO foams by high internal phase emulsion technique: synthesis and catalytic activity.
Zinc(II) oxide nanoparticles were used for the stabilization of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)-water-based high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), which were subsequently cured using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The morphology of the resulting ZnO-pDCPD nanocomposite foams was investigated in correlation to the nanoparticle loading and nanoparticle surface chemistry. While hydrophilic ZnO nanoparticles were found to be unsuitable for stabilizing the HIPE, oleic acid coated, yet hydrophobic ZnO nanoparticles were effective HIPE stabilizers, yielding polymer foams with ZnO nanoparticles located predominately at their surface. These inorganic/organic hybrid foam-materials were subsequently calcined at 550 °C for 15 min to obtain inorganic macroporous ZnO foams with a morphology reminiscent to the original hybrid foam, and a specific surface area of 1.5 m(2) g(-1). Longer calcination time (550 °C, 15 h) resulted in a sea urchin like morphology of the ZnO foams, characterized by higher specific surface area of 5.5 m(2) g(-1). The latter foam type showed an appealing catalytic performance in the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) process for the destruction of bisphenol A.