Changes of collagen and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in human cancerous and normal prostate tissues studied using native fluorescence spectroscopy with selective excitation wavelength.
The fluorescence spectra of human cancerous and normal prostate tissues obtained by the selective excitation wavelength of 340 nm were measured. The contributions of principle biochemical components to tissue fluorescence spectra were investigated using the method of multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares. The results show that there is a reduced contribution from the emission of collagen and increased contribution from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in cancerous tissues as compared with normal tissue. This difference is attributed to the changes of relative contents of NADH and collagen during cancer development. This research may present a potential native biomarker for prostate cancer detection.


Morphological, nanomechanical and cellular structural characterization of human hair and conditioner distribution using torsional resonance mode with an atomic force microscope.
Characterization of the cellular structure and chemical and physical properties of hair are essential to develop better cosmetic products and advance the biological and cosmetic sciences. Although the morphology of the fine cellular structure of human hair has traditionally been investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy can be used for characterization in ambient conditions without requiring specific sample preparations and surface treatment. In this study, the tapping and torsional resonance modes in an atomic force microscope are compared for measurements of stiffness and viscoelastic properties. The materials were mapped using amplitude and phase angle imaging. The torsional resonance mode showed advantages in resolving the in-plane (lateral) heterogeneity of materials. This mode was used for investigating and characterizing the fine cellular structure of human hair. Various cellular structures (such as the cortex and the cuticle) of human hair and fine sublamellar structures of the cuticle, such as the A-layer, the exocuticle, the endocuticle and the cell membrane complex were easily identified. The distribution and thickness of conditioner on the treated hair surface affects the tribological properties of hair. The thickness of the conditioner was estimated using force distance measurements with an atomic force microscope.


Fluorescence in situ hybridization mapping of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene to 7q31.3.
We have used the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique to refine the localization of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene on human chromosome 7. The result shows that the gene is most likely located within band q31.3.


[Participation of neuropeptide Y Y3-receptor subtype in the increase in lung vascular permeability--for therapy of respiratory failure].
In order to find some treatments for respiratory failure caused by pulmonary edema, we investigated the mechanism of neurogenic pulmonary edema. Previously, stimulation of sympathetic nerves caused an increase in pulmonary vascular permeability, possibly due to neuropeptide Y. Neuropeptide Y injected into the trachea increased lung vascular permeability dose-dependently, the ED50 of which was 0.3-1 nM. Such an effect remained even after treatment with reserpine, as well as in the presence of alpha- and beta-blockers. And norepinephrine enhanced the effect of neuropeptide Y on lung vascular permeability. These responses were almost similar to those obtained by stimulation of sympathetic nerves. Furthermore, neuropeptide Y, in fibrin-induced pulmonary edema, was localized in alveolar macrophages and alveolar spaces, amounting to approximately 200 nM in edema fluid. The value was significantly greater than that obtained in hydrostatic pulmonary edema by 10-30 times. Peptide YY, an analogue of neuropeptide Y, had no action on lung vascular permeability, whereas the effect of neuropeptide Y was inhibited by pretreatment with neuropeptide Y- 13-36, an antagonist for Y3-recetor subtype. These results suggested that neuropeptide Y enhances the lung vascular permeability via Y3-recetor subtype. Neuropeptide Y- 13-36, in fibrin-induced pulmonary edema, decreased a ratio of protein concentration in edema fluid to that in serum, indicating that neuropeptide Y actually acts a role in the development of neurogenic pulmonary edema, via an increase in lung vascular permeability.


[Urinary lithiasis: between metabolism and dietetics].
Prevalence and incidence of urinary lithiasis are increasing in western countries. Oxalocalcic stone is the major form of urinary calculi but other forms are not unusual. Caracteristics of the collected stone may improve the diagnosis investigations. Rationnal blood and urine examinations are essential for this medical managment. Most of the various metabolic abnormalities in cause can be corrected from specific dietary measures.


Construction of Functional Materials in Various Material Forms from Cellulosic Cholesteric Liquid Crystals.
Wide use of bio-based polymers could play a key role in facilitating a more sustainable society because such polymers are renewable and ecofriendly. Cellulose is a representative bio-based polymer and has been used in various materials. To further expand the application of cellulose, it is crucial to develop functional materials utilizing cellulosic physicochemical properties that are acknowledged but insufficiently applied. Cellulose derivatives and cellulose nanocrystals exhibit a cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC) property based on rigidity and chirality, and this property is promising for constructing next-generation functional materials. The form of such materials is an important factor because material form is closely related with function. To date, researchers have reported cellulosic ChLC materials with a wide range of material forms-such as films, gels, mesoporous materials, and emulsions-for diverse functions. We first briefly review the fundamental aspects of cellulosic ChLCs. Then we comprehensively review research on cellulosic ChLC functional materials in terms of their material forms. Thus, this review provides insights into the creation of novel cellulosic ChLC functional materials based on material form designed toward the expanded application of cellulosics.


DNA typing and genetic mapping with trimeric and tetrameric tandem repeats.
Tandemly reiterated sequences represent a rich source of highly polymorphic markers for genetic linkage, mapping, and personal identification. Human trimeric and tetrameric short tandem repeats (STRs) were studied for informativeness, frequency, distribution, and suitability for DNA typing and genetic mapping. The STRs were highly polymorphic and inherited stably. A STR-based multiplex PCR for personal identification is described. It features fluorescent detection of amplified products on sequencing gels, specific allele identification, simultaneous detection of independent loci, and internal size standards. Variation in allele frequencies were explored for four U.S. populations. The three STR loci (chromosomes 4, 11, and X) used in the fluorescent multiplex PCR have a combined average individualization potential of 1/500 individuals. STR loci appear common, being found every 300-500 kb on the X chromosome. The combined frequency of polymorphic trimeric and tetrameric STRs could be as high as 1 locus/20 kb. The markers should be useful for genetic mapping, as they are sequence based, and can be multiplexed with the PCR. A method enabling rapid localization of STRs and determination of their flanking DNA sequences was developed, thus simplifying the identification of polymorphic STR loci. The ease by which STRs may be identified, as well as their genetic and physical mapping utility, give them the properties of useful sequence tagged sites (STSs) for the human genome initiative.


Crystallization-Driven Controlled Two-Dimensional (2D) Assemblies from Chromophore-Appended Poly(L-lactide)s: Highly Efficient Energy Transfer on a 2D Surface.
A rational approach towards precision two-dimensional (2D) assemblies by crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) of poly(L-lactides) (PLLAs), end-capped with dipolar dyes like merocyanine (MC) or naphthalene monoimide (NMI) and hydrophobic pyrene (PY) or benzene (Bn) is described. PLLA chains crystallize into diamond-shaped platelets in isopropanol, which forces the terminal dyes to assemble into a 2D array on the platelet surface by either dipolar interactions or π-stacking and exhibit tunable emission. Dipolar dyes play a critical role in imparting colloidal stability and structural uniformity to the 2D crystals, which is partly compromised for hydrophobic ones. Co-crystallization between NMI- and PY-labeled PLLAs yields similar diamond-shaped co-platelets with highly efficient (≈80 %) Förster Resonance Energy Transfer on the 2D surface. Further, the "living" CDSA method confers enlarged, segmented block co-platelets using one of the homopolymers as "seed" and the other as "unimer".


Beyond the political model of reporting: nonspecific symptoms in media communication about AIDS.
Mass media have functioned well in transmitting much of the basic information about the AIDS epidemic; however, media coverage of AIDS has been flawed. In many ways these flaws have resulted from the limitations and conventions of traditional journalism, especially the need to appeal to a large mainstream audience and a reliance on authorities as sources and validators of information. News stories typically rely on a single articulate authority, and articles that involve conspiracy or controversy or have a high entertainment value are favored. Although coverage of politics and social issues is not distorted by these journalistic conventions, coverage of science suffers. Analysis of news coverage of AIDS shows that mass media often respond to sensationalism rather than to important scientific developments. In addition, scientific disagreements are better adjudicated by evidence than by appeals to authority. As a result, media coverage often obscures the process of scientific deliberation. Public health officials need to consider setting up a special channel of communications to clarify information about AIDS.


Auxin: its role in genetic tumor induction.
Seedlings of the tumor-prone amphiploid Nicotiana suaveolens X N. langsdorffii were grown on nutrient medium supplemented with indoleacetic acid (IAA) and scored at regular intervals for the incidence of tumor formation. IAA at 2 x 10(-5)m caused a significant reduction in the rate of tumor formation. Plants were also grown on nutrient medium under two different intensities of illumination, and the endogenous level of IAA was determined in 23-day-old seedlings. Those grown under 2000 ft-c of illumination had a higher incidence of tumors and a significantly lower level of endogenous IAA than those grown under 500 ft-c of illumination. A correlation in time between decline in the endogenous level of IAA and onset of tumor formation was demonstrated in greenhouse-grown plants.


Comparison of pancreatic microcirculation profiles in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-kyoto rats by laser doppler and wavelet transform analysis.
Pancreatic microcirculatory dysfunction emerged as a novel mechanism in the development of hypertension. However, the changes of pancreatic microcirculation profiles in hypertension remain unknown. Pancreatic microcirculatory blood distribution pattern and microvascular vasomotion of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) were determined by laser Doppler. Wavelet transform analysis was performed to convert micro-hemodynamic signals into time-frequency domains, based on which amplitude spectral scalograms were constructed. The amplitudes of characteristic oscillators were compared between SHRs and WKYs. The expression of eNOS was determined by immunohistochemistry, and plasma nitrite/nitrate levels were measured by Griess reaction. Additionally, endothelin-1, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and interleukin-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SHRs exhibited a lower scale blood distribution pattern with decreased average blood perfusion, frequency and amplitude. Wavelet transform spectral analysis revealed significantly reduced amplitudes of endothelial oscillators. Besides reduced expression of eNOS, the blood microcirculatory chemistry complements micro-hemodynamic profiles as demonstrated by an increase in plasma nitrite/nitrate, endothelin-1, malondialdehyde, interleukin-6 and a decrease of superoxide dismutase in SHRs. Here, we described abnormal pancreatic microcirculation profiles in SHRs, including disarranged blood distribution pattern, impaired microvascular vasomotion and reduced amplitudes of endothelial oscillators.


Application of redox enzymes for probing the antigen-antibody association at monolayer interfaces: development of amperometric immunosensor electrodes.
Insulation of the electrical contact between a redox protein and an electrode surface upon association of an antibody to an antigen monolayer assembled on the electrode is used to develop immunosensor devices. In one configuration, a mixed monolayer consisting of the N epsilon-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)lysine antigen and ferrocene units acting as electron transfer mediators is applied to sense the dinitrophenyl antibody (DNP-Ab) in the presence of glucose oxidase (GOx) and glucose. In the absence of DNP-Ab, the mixed monolayer electrode stimulates the mediated electrocatalyzed oxidation of glucose that results in an amplified amperometric response. Association of the DNP-Ab to the modified electrode blocks the electrocatalytic transformation. The extent of the electrode insulation by the DNP-Ab is controlled by the Ab concentration in the sample. In the second configuration, a N epsilon-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)lysine antigen monolayer assembled on a Au electrode is applied to sense the DNP-Ab in the presence of a redox-modified GOx, exhibiting electrical communication with the electrode surface. Two kinds of redox-modified "electrically wired" GOx are applied: GOx modified by N-(ferrocenylmethyl)caproic acid, Fc-GOx, and a novel electrobiocatalyst generated by reconstitution of apo-GOx with a ferrocene-modified FAD semisynthetic cofactor. Electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose by the electrically wired biocatalysts proceeds in the presence of the antigen monolayer electrode, giving rise to an amplified amperometric signal. The electrocatalytic transformation is blocked upon association of the DNP-Ab to the monolayer electrode. The extent of electrode insulation toward the bioelectrocatalytic oxidation of glucose is controlled by the DNP-Ab concentrations in the samples. The application of biocatalysts for amperometric sensing of antigen-antibody interactions at the electrode surface makes the electrode insensitive to microscopic pinhole defects in the monolayer assembly. The antigen monolayer electrode is applied to sense the DNP-Ab in the concentration range 1-50 micrograms mL-1.


Lymphocyte subsets, natural killer cytotoxicity, and perioperative blood transfusion for elective colorectal cancer surgery.
Blood transfusions are associated with phenomena attributable to immune suppression. Since perioperative blood transfusion is associated with early cancer recurrence in patients with malignancies, we prospectively studied T-cell subsets and natural killer cytotoxicity in patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer. Preoperative total peripheral lymphocyte number was significantly (P = 0.0191) depressed in patients who were subsequently transfused, but returned to normal by follow-up 1 to 3 months after surgery. Natural killer cytotoxicity declined significantly (P less than 0.05) at follow-up in patients who were not transfused. These results do not explain the association of blood transfusion with cancer recurrence observed in colorectal cancer patients. Blood transfusion in this study was followed by increased numbers of peripheral lymphocytes and higher natural killer cytotoxicity.


The effects of fetal allogeneic umbilical cord tissue transplant following experimental spinal cord injury on urinary bladder morphology.
In continuation of our previous experimental study on spinal cord injury (SCI) using fetal stem cells, we investigated here the effects of fetal allogeneic umbilical cord tissue transplant on the urinary bladder morphology in a rat SCI model. Five pregnant albino Wistar rats at 12 days of gestation were used to obtain the umbilical cord cell graft. In Group 1 (n = 5), Th8-Th9 laminectomy was performed. Group 2 (n = 5) received spinal cord injury. In Group 3 (n = 5), the cultured fetal umbilical cord cells coated with alginate gel were placed into the lesion cavity. In Group 4 (n = 5), only alginate sponges without umbilical cord cells were placed into the injury cavity. The bladders of animals were analyzed pathologically at 21 days after surgery. The thickness of the epithelium and the lamina propria did not differ among studied groups (p > 0.05). The lamina muscularis thickness was significantly higher in Group 2 and Group 4 than the others (p < 0.05). The bladder weight was similar among Groups 1, 2, and 3 (p > 0.05). Fibrosis was significantly increased in Group 2 (p < 0.05); it was greater in Group 2 than in Group 3 (p < 0.05) but did not differ between Groups 1 and 3 (p > 0.05). This study suggests that allogeneic umbilical cord tissue transplantation after SCI may prevent bladder wall hypertrophy and fibrosis in the rat SCI model.


Performance of maximum parsimony and likelihood phylogenetics when evolution is heterogeneous.
All inferences in comparative biology depend on accurate estimates of evolutionary relationships. Recent phylogenetic analyses have turned away from maximum parsimony towards the probabilistic techniques of maximum likelihood and bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (BMCMC). These probabilistic techniques represent a parametric approach to statistical phylogenetics, because their criterion for evaluating a topology--the probability of the data, given the tree--is calculated with reference to an explicit evolutionary model from which the data are assumed to be identically distributed. Maximum parsimony can be considered nonparametric, because trees are evaluated on the basis of a general metric--the minimum number of character state changes required to generate the data on a given tree--without assuming a specific distribution. The shift to parametric methods was spurred, in large part, by studies showing that although both approaches perform well most of the time, maximum parsimony is strongly biased towards recovering an incorrect tree under certain combinations of branch lengths, whereas maximum likelihood is not. All these evaluations simulated sequences by a largely homogeneous evolutionary process in which data are identically distributed. There is ample evidence, however, that real-world gene sequences evolve heterogeneously and are not identically distributed. Here we show that maximum likelihood and BMCMC can become strongly biased and statistically inconsistent when the rates at which sequence sites evolve change non-identically over time. Maximum parsimony performs substantially better than current parametric methods over a wide range of conditions tested, including moderate heterogeneity and phylogenetic problems not normally considered difficult.


Electroporation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate induces repetitive calcium oscillations in murine oocytes.
The purpose of these experiments was to determine the effect of electroporation of IP3 into the cytosol of murine secondary oocytes and evaluate any alterations in [Ca2+]i resulting from Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. In addition, we evaluated the effect of ethanol (ETOH) on the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Oocytes were loaded with the Ca2+ indicator fluo-3 by incubation in 100 microliters drops of medium containing 2 microM fluo-3/AM for 60 min at 37 degrees C. Changes in fluorescence were monitored by use of an inverted microscope which had been connected to a spectrofluorometer. Fluorescent intensity measurements were acquired for a minimum of 416 sec time span or up to 1,248 sec, with integration readings of 1 sec duration obtained every 2 sec throughout the measurement period. The experimental design consisted of comparing the rise in [Ca2+]i of fluo-3 loaded secondary oocytes subjected to electroporation in PBS and Ca(2+)-free PBS, each containing 25 microM IP3, to that elicited by PBS and Ca(2+)-free PBS containing a final concentration of 7% ETOH. Non-pulsed control secondary oocytes were placed in PBS + 25 microM IP3 during monitoring of [Ca2+]i fluorescence. Pulsed control secondary oocytes were placed in Ca(2+)-free PBS, subjected to electroporation pulse, and monitored for [Ca2+]i fluorescence. Electroporation of IP3 was accomplished by placing fluo-3 loaded secondary oocytes between the electrodes of a glass slide fusion chamber which had been overlaid with 300 microliters of PBS + 25 microM IP3 or Ca(2+)-free PBS + 25 microM IP3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


A test of Berggren's model of dental fear and anxiety.
Berggren's (1984) model of dental fear and anxiety predicts that dentally anxious individuals postpone treatment, leading to a deteriorating dental state and subsequently to fear of negative evaluations in relation to their oral condition. The present study aimed to test one of the core assumptions of this model, namely that deterioration of dental health status would mediate the effects of avoidance of dental care on self-reported fear of negative evaluation. Participants were 73 patients (mean age 38.5 yr) meeting the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders - 4th edn - Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria of dental phobia. Variables in the theoretical model were operationalized with multiple measures. A series of Sobel tests indicated that mediation was present for the relationship between years of avoidance and fear of negative self-evaluation when dental health status was based on the assessment of dentists or patients' opinion of their own dental state, but not when dental health status was operationalized as decayed, missing or filled surfaces (DMFS). Although the findings are supportive of Berggren's model, other causal pathways that contribute to the perpetuation of anxiety and fear still need to be tested. The results suggest that individuals with high levels of dental anxiety would particularly benefit from interventions specifically designed to break their avoidance pattern.


[Bilateral malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma].
Non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the testis in young patient are rare. Bilateral involvement varies from 5 to 20% of cases and has a negative prognosis. The authors report a case of bilateral non Hodgkin's lymphoma of the testis in a 35 year old man. The patient died six months after the diagnosis.


Thermomechanical Behavior of Polymer Composites Based on Edge-Selectively Functionalized Graphene Nanosheets.
In this study, we demonstrate an effective approach based on a simple processing method to improve the thermomechanical properties of graphene polymer composites (GPCs). Edge-selectively functionalized graphene (EFG) was successfully obtained through simple ball milling of natural graphite in the presence of dry ice, which acted as the source of carboxyl functional groups that were attached to the peripheral basal plane of graphene. The resultant EFG is highly dispersible in various organic solvents and contributes to improving their physical properties because of its unique characteristics. Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4'-oxydianiline (ODA) were used as monomers for constructing the polyimide (PI) backbone, after which PI/EFG composites were prepared by in situ polymerization. A stepwise thermal imidization method was used to prepare the PI films for comparison purposes. The PI/EFG composite films were found to exhibit reinforced thermal and thermo-mechanical properties compared to neat PI owing to the interaction between the EFG and PI matrix.


Parstatin(1-26): the putative signal peptide of protease-activated receptor 1 confers potent protection from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Parstatin, the N-terminal 41-amino-acid peptide cleaved by thrombin from the protease-activated receptor 1, protects against rat myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. In this study, we determined that the parstatin fragment 1-26, the putative signal peptide of protease-activated receptor 1, contains the functional domain of parstatin. We assessed a synthesized parstatin(1-26) peptide in an in vivo rat model of myocardial regional ischemia-reperfusion injury (n = 6/group). Infarct size in control rat hearts was 58 +/- 1% area at risk. Parstatin(1-26) was able to reduce infarct size to 13 +/- 1% (P < 0.001) and 22 +/- 1% area at risk (P < 0.01) when given before or after reperfusion. The infarct-sparing effects of parstatin(1-26) were abolished by inhibition of G(i) proteins (pertussis toxin), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt (wortmannin), nitric-oxide synthase (NOS; N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine), soluble guanylyl cyclase [1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ)], and sarcolemmal and mitochondrial K(ATP) channels [glibenclamide, 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, and sodium (5-(2-(5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamido)ethyl)-2-methoxyphenylsulfonyl) (methylcarbamothioyl)amide (HMR 1098)]. Parstatin(1-26) cardioprotection was also abolished by atractyloside, a mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opener. The inhibitors and opener alone had no effect on infarct size. Furthermore, preischemic treatment with parstatin(1-26) increased Akt and endothelial NOS phosphorylation at the time of reperfusion. After a 120-min reperfusion, parstatin(1-26) increased nitric oxide levels (12 +/- 0.4 to 17 +/- 0.9 mmol/g tissue) and cyclic GMP levels (87 +/- 21 to 395 +/- 36 pmol/g tissue). Parstatin(1-26) treatment either before or after ischemia results in an extremely efficacious protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury that depends on a G(i) protein-mediated pathway involving mPTP, the end effector of the preconditioning pathway. This suggests that parstatin(1-26) has a potential therapeutic role in the treatment of ischemia and reperfusion injury.


Toxicity of select organic acids to the slightly thermophilic acidophile Acidithiobacillus caldus.
Acidithiobacillus caldus is a thermophilic acidophile found in commercial biomining, acid mine drainage systems, and natural environments. Previous work has characterized A. caldus as a chemolithotrophic autotroph capable of utilizing reduced sulfur compounds under aerobic conditions. Organic acids are especially toxic to chemolithotrophs in low-pH environments, where they diffuse more readily into the cell and deprotonate within the cytoplasm. In the present study, the toxic effects of oxaloacetate, pyruvate, 2-ketoglutarate, acetate, malate, succinate, and fumarate on A. caldus strain BC13 were examined under batch conditions. All tested organic acids exhibited some inhibitory effect. Oxaloacetate was observed to inhibit growth completely at a concentration of 250 microM, whereas other organic acids were completely inhibitory at concentrations of between 1,000 and 5,000 microM. In these experiments, the measured concentrations of organic acids decreased with time, indicating uptake or assimilation by the cells. Phospholipid fatty acid analyses indicated an effect of organic acids on the cellular envelope. Notable differences included an increase in cyclic fatty acids in the presence of organic acids, indicating possible instability of the cellular envelope. This was supported by field emission scanning-electron micrographs showing blebbing and sluffing in cells grown in the presence of organic acids.


Building an Advising Model for Physician Assistant Education.
Physician assistant education is balancing an explosion of new programs, an increase in novice faculty, and expectations from accreditation standards to track student progress longitudinally. The traditional "one-size fits all" model of advising will not meet the demands of this changing educational environment. This article introduces a longitudinal advising model that integrates various strategies from existing models such as proactive, appreciative advising, and the GROW (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) coaching model with a focus on the goal of achieving the new Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Competencies for the New Graduate.


Minimising total energy requirements in amplified links by optimising amplifier spacing.
We investigate the energy optimization (minimization) for amplified links. We show that using the using a well-established analytic nonlinear signal-to-noise ratio noise model that for a simple amplifier model there are very clear, fiber independent, amplifier gains which minimize the total energy requirement. With a generalized amplifier model we establish the spacing for the optimum power per bit as well as the nonlinear limited optimum power. An amplifier spacing corresponding to 13 dB gain is shown to be a suitable compromise for practical amplifiers operating at the optimum nonlinear power.


Resource exploitation efficiency collapses the home range of an apex predator.
Optimizing energy acquisition and expenditure is a fundamental trade-off for consumers, strikingly reflected in how mobile organisms use space. Several studies have established that home range size decreases as resource density increases, but the balance of costs and benefits associated with exploiting a given resource density is unclear. We evaluate how the ability of consumers to exploit their resources through movement (termed "resource exploitation") interacts with resource density to influence home range size. We then contrast two hypotheses to evaluate how resource exploitation influences home range size across a vast gradient of productivity and density of human-created linear features (roads and seismic lines) that are known to facilitate animal movements. Under the Diffusion Facilitation Hypothesis, linear features are predicted to lead to more diffuse space use and larger home ranges. Under the Exploitation Efficiency Hypothesis, linear features are predicted to increase foraging efficiency, resulting in less space being required to meet energetic demands and therefore smaller home ranges. Using GPS telemetry data from 142 wolves (Canis lupus) distributed over more than 500,000 km2 , we found that wolf home range size was influenced by the interaction between resource density and exploitation efficiency. Home range size decreased as linear feature density increased, supporting the Exploitation Efficiency Hypothesis. However, the effect of linear features on home range size diminished in more productive areas, suggesting that exploitation efficiency is of greater importance when resource density is low. These results suggest that smaller home ranges will occur where both linear feature density and primary productivity are higher, thereby increasing regional wolf density.


Angiotensin receptors contribute to blood pressure homeostasis in salt-depleted SHR.
This study evaluated the contribution of angiotensin peptides acting at various receptor subtypes to the arterial pressure and heart rate of adult 9-wk-old male conscious salt-depleted spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Plasma ANG II and ANG I in salt-depleted SHR were elevated sevenfold compared with peptide levels measured in sodium-replete SHR, whereas plasma ANG-(1-7) was twofold greater in salt-depleted SHR compared with salt-replete SHR. Losartan (32.5 micromol/kg), PD-123319 (0.12 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1)), [d-Ala(7)]ANG-(1-7) (10 and 100 pmol/min), and a polyclonal ANG II antibody (0.08 mg/min) were infused intravenously alone or in combination. Combined blockade of AT(2) and AT((1-7)) receptors significantly increased the blood pressure of losartan-treated SHR (+15 +/- 1 mmHg; P < 0.01); this change did not differ from the blood pressure elevation produced by the sole blockade of AT((1-7)) receptors (15 +/- 4 mmHg). On the other hand, sole blockade of AT(2) receptors in losartan-treated SHR increased mean arterial pressure by 8 +/- 1 mmHg (P < 0.05 vs. 5% dextrose in water as vehicle), and this increase was less than the pressor response produced by blockade of AT((1-7)) receptors alone or combined blockade of AT((1-7)) and AT(2) receptors. The ANG II antibody increased blood pressure to the greatest extent in salt-depleted SHR pretreated with only losartan (+11 +/- 2 mmHg) and to the least extent in salt-depleted SHR previously treated with the combination of losartan, PD-123319, and [d-Ala(7)]ANG-(1-7) (+7 +/- 1 mmHg; P < 0.01). Losartan significantly increased heart rate, whereas other combinations of receptor antagonists or the ANG II antibody did not alter heart rate. Our results demonstrate that ANG II and ANG-(1-7) act through non-AT(1) receptors to oppose the vasoconstrictor actions of ANG II in salt-depleted SHR. Combined blockade of AT(2) and AT((1-7)) receptors and ANG II neutralization by the ANG II antibody reversed as much as 67% of the blood pressure-lowering effect of losartan.


A comparison of peginterferon α-2a and α-2b for treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis C virus: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.
The standard treatments for chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are peginterferon α-2a or α-2b plus ribavirin, but it remains unclear if one has a better efficacy and safety profile. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing peginterferon α-2a and α-2b (in combination with ribavirin) treatments for chronic HCV. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Science Citation Index, and EMBASE were searched (1966-April 2010) to identify RCTs that evaluated the sustained virologic response (SVR) to peginterferon α-2a and peginterferon α-2b in patients with chronic HCV. The inclusion criteria were: RCT studies designed to compare the therapeutic effects of peginterferon α-2a (180 μg/wk) and peginterferon α-2b (1.5 μg/kg/wk) for treatment-naive patients with chronic HCV; patients treated for ≥24 weeks if infected with HCV genotypes 2 or 3 and for ≥48 weeks if infected with genotypes 1 or 4, with 24-week follow-ups; and publications written in any language. Reports of duplicated studies were excluded by examining the author list, parent institution, sample size, and results. The primary outcome was the SVR, and the other measures included the liver-related morbidity, all-cause mortality, and adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation. The literature search yielded 5580 studies, and 7 RCTs comprising 3212 patients matched the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Overall, the SVR rate was significantly higher in patients treated with peginterferon α-2a than in patients treated with peginterferon α-2b (50% vs 46%, respectively; relative risk [RR] = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.20; P < 0.05) and varying levels of ribavirin treatment. The subgroup analysis found that, in patients with genotypes 1 or 4, the difference between SVR rate in patients treated with peginterferon α-2a and patients treated with peginterferon α-2b was not statistically significant (43% vs 39%; RR = 1.25; 95% CI, 0.99-1.57). A significantly higher SVR rate was achieved in the HCV patients with genotypes 2 or 3 treated with peginterferon α-2a compared with the patients treated with peginterferon α-2b (86% vs 77%; RR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.22; P = 0.02). The meta-analysis of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation revealed no significant differences between the 2 treatments. The evidence reviewed in this meta-analysis suggests that peginterferon α-2a treatment was associated with a higher SVR rate than peginterferon α-2b treatment in patients with chronic HCV also treated with ribavirin. However, the available evidence on adverse events was insufficient to make recommendations.


Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Series of Spin-Related Rhabdomyolysis.
Exercise rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition if not adequately managed early. With the increase in the popularity of indoor cycling, known as Spinning®, over recent years, there has been an increased occurrence of spin-related rhabdomyolysis observed among previously fit adults after undertaking their first spin bike class session. They present with the triad of myalgia, muscle weakness, and dark tea-colored urine within a week of their first spin session. This case series highlights several admissions to the hospital with spin-related rhabdomyolysis and their clinical management.


Fast, repetitive light-activation of CaV3.2 using channelrhodopsin 2.
Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) is a light-gated ion channel that is successfully used in neurosciences to depolarize cells with blue light. In this regard control of membrane voltage with light opens new perspectives for the characterization of ion channels and the search for inhibitors or modulators. Here, we report a control of membrane potential with ChR2 and the potassium channel mTrek for the purpose of screening for ion channel specific drugs. To verify principle we have chosen the voltage gated calcium channel Ca(V)3.2 as potential drug target. For this purpose we transfected the ChR2 gene into a HEK293T-cell line that permanently expresses Ca(V)3.2 and the K-channel mTrek. The resting potential was adjusted with low concentration of extracellular potassium ions whereas transient depolarization was achieved by activation of ChR2 with short pulses of blue light. Calcium ion influx through Ca(V)3.2 was monitored by observing fura-2 fluorescence. This approach allowed a repetitive activation of Ca(V)3.2. The Ca(2+) influx was specifically blocked by the inhibitor mibefradil. Since this assay is genetically-encoded, it may be employed for a variety of voltage-gated calcium channels and should be applicable to multi-well reader formats for high-throughput screening.


Activation of extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2) predicts poor prognosis in urothelial bladder carcinoma and is not associated with B-Raf gene mutations.
The analysis of the presence of B-Raf gene mutations in relation to ERK1/2 activation in bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC), in order to determine their potential role in tumour aggressiveness and patients' survival. Polymerase chain reaction-single strand confirmation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequencing analysis were used for B-Raf gene mutation detection. pERK1/2 and FGFR3 expression were examined by immunohistochemistry in 152 and 116 primary UCs, respectively. None of the cases displayed mutations in exon 15 of B-Raf gene. Nuclear or cytoplasmic pERK immunoreactivity was displayed in 99.3% and 96.7% of cases, respectively. pERK nuclear expression increased with histological grade and with T-category. Nuclear and cytoplasmic pERK expression was unrelated to FGFR3 expression. In univariate survival analysis of muscle-invasive carcinomas, advanced T-category and higher pERK nuclear expression (p = 0.018) adversely affected survival. However, multivariate analysis in non-invasive as well as in muscle-invasive carcinomas selected only T-category as a significant prognosticator. Our findings suggest that elevated pERK expression occurs in UCs in the absence of B-Raf mutations and is not correlated with FGFR3 over-expression. Moreover, it implicates ERK activation in the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype. However, the assessment of pERK1/2 expression does not seem to add to the prognostic information provided by classical prognosticators.


[Spectroscopic study on the interaction between resveratrol and human serum albumin].
The interaction between resveratrol and human serum albumin (HSA) was studied by using fluorescence quenching spectra, synchronous fluorescence spectra and ultra-violet spectra. The Stern-Volmer curve of the fluorescence quenching of HSA by resveratrol indicated that the quenching mechanism between resveratrol and HSA was mainly static quenching, with nonradiation energy transfer occurring within single molecule. The binding constants (KA) were 2.39 x 10(5) (25 degrees C), 1.25 x 10(5) (35 degrees C) and 1.10 x 10(5) (45 degrees C), respectively. According to the Forster theory of nonradiation energy transfer, the binding distances (r) were 3.02 nm (25 degrees C), 3.46 nm (35 degrees C) and 3.79 nm (45 degrees C), respectively. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the interaction between resveratrol and HSA was mainly driven by hydrophobic force. Synchronous spectrum was used to investigate the conformational change of HSA.


Efficacy of Cerebrolysin in the reduction of spasticity during stroke rehabilitation.
This study assessed the efficacy of Cerebrolysin on post-stroke spasticity, motor recovery, and global functions in an outpatient rehabilitation setting. In this retrospective comparison study, Cerebrolysin was administered at a daily dosage of 10 ml for over 30 days as an intramuscular injection. Control patients did not receive Cerebrolysin. All the patients participated in a standardized physical and occupational rehabilitation therapy for one month at least two times per week. Efficacy was assessed at day 30 by using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for spasticity and the Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) for motor recovery. Global function was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at day 30. A total of 50 patients were eligible for participation according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 23 patients were treated with Cerebrolysin and 27 patients represented the control group. No significant group differences were observed at baseline. Patients treated with Cerebrolysin experienced a significant reduction of spasticity in muscles of the upper and lower limbs, whereas only minor changes were observed in the control group. In the Cerebrolysin group, differences were statistically significant at day 30. Significant improvements of muscle strength and global functions were observed in both groups at day 30. Cerebrolysin was safe and well tolerated. Cerebrolysin had a beneficial effect on post-stroke spasticity in an outpatient rehabilitation setting; intramuscular treatment for over 30 days was safe and well tolerated.


Maintenance of hepatic differentiation by hepatocyte attachment peptides derived from laminin chains.
Hepatocytes rapidly lose hepatic functions upon isolation from liver, perhaps due to disrupted cell/matrix interactions. The matrix macromolecule laminin-111 consists of three chains, α1, β1, and γ1; it is a major component of Matrigel, which can maintain hepatic differentiation. We previously showed that the A13 peptide (RQVFQVAYIIIKA, α1 chain 121-133) derived from mouse laminin α1 exhibits hepatocyte attachment activity and maintains hepatic differentiation. Here, we sought to identify hepatocyte adhesive sequences from the mouse laminin β1 and γ1 chains using 22 synthetic peptides that show biological activity for fibrosarcoma cells. Nine peptides showed hepatocyte attachment activity. Of these, B160 (VILQQSAADIAR, β1 chain 1607-1618), and C16 (KAFDITYVRLKF γ1 chain 139-150) exhibited the most potent activity. Hepatocytes cultured on both peptides also maintained expression of albumin, tyrosine aminotransferase, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase, and cytochrome P450. The morphology of hepatocytes on both peptides was a rounded shape typical for hepatic differentiation. We also characterized the nature of adhesion to the peptides. Heparin and EDTA inhibited cell attachment to both peptides, suggesting that hepatocyte attachment to the peptides was mediated by multiple receptors. The identification of active sequences regulating hepatic functions may facilitate the design of hepatocyte culture substrata that can regulate specific cellular behaviors in the context of a bioartificial liver.


Construction of β to carbonyl stereogenic centres by asymmetric 1,4-addition of alkylzirconocenes to dienones and ynenones.
Copper-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of alkylzirconium species to linear α,β,γ,δ unsaturated dienones and ynenones is reported. A variety of alkyl nucleophiles are introduced with good yields and excellent regio- and enantio-selectivities to give tertiary carbon centres bearing multiple functional groups. The method is also applicable to an ynethioate with ee's over 96%.


Characterisation of lavender essential oils by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with correlation of linear retention indices and comparison with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.
Nine samples of lavender essential oil were analysed by GC-MS using low-polarity and polar capillary columns. Linear retention indices (LRI) were calculated for each component detected. Characterisation of the individual components making up the oils was performed with the use of an mass spectrometry (MS) library developed in-house. The MS library was designed to incorporate the chromatographic data in the form of linear retention indices. The MS search routine used linear retention indices as a post-search filter and identification of the "unknowns" was made more reliable as this approach provided two independent parameters on which the identification was based. Around 70% of the total number of components in each sample were reliably characterised. A total of 85 components were identified. Semi-quantitative analysis of the same nine samples was performed by gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionisation detection (FID). The identified components accounted for more than 95% of each oil. By comparing the GC-MS results with the results from the GCxGC-FID analysis of a lavender essential oil, many more components could be found within the two-dimensional separation space.


Endothelial dysfunction in chronic renal failure: roles of lipoprotein oxidation and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), but the mechanisms responsible are controversial. We investigated the relationship of two sets of candidate mechanisms-indices of LDL oxidation and markers of inflammatory activity-with vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED). We carried out cross-sectional analysis of 23 dialysed and 16 non-dialysed CRF patients, 28 healthy controls, and 20 patients with stable angina and normal renal function. The following were determined: (i) LDL oxidation by Cu(2+) and ultraviolet light, serum autoantibodies to oxidized LDL (oxLDL); (ii) forearm flow-mediated vasodilatation, plasma concentrations of adhesion molecules, and von Willebrand factor (vWF); and (iii) circulating levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV) was lower in angina, pre-dialysis, and dialysis CRF patients than in controls (all P<0.005). Compared with controls, vWf (P<0.005) and adhesion molecules (vCAM-1, P<0.005; iCAM-1, P=0.01; E-selectin, P=0.05) were raised in dialysis, and vCAM-1 (P=0.01) in pre-dialysis CRF patients. Dialysed patients had lower HDL cholesterol (P=0.01) and higher triglyceride (P=0.05) than controls, but LDL-oxidation was similar in all groups. Autoantibodies to oxLDL were raised in angina (P<0.005) and pre-dialysis (P=0.006), but were absent in most dialysed patients. Concentrations of IL-6, TNF-alpha, CRP and fibrinogen were elevated in CRF compared with control and angina patients (P<0.005). In the whole population, IL-6 and TNF-alpha correlated negatively with EDV, HDL cholesterol, and positively with triglyceride, blood pressure, vWf, iCAM-1, vCAM-1 and E-selectin (r=-0.43 to +0.70, all P<0.05). Endothelial dysfunction is unrelated to LDL oxidation, suggesting that LDL oxidation might not be a major cause of VED in CRF. In contrast VED was more severe in CRF than in angina patients and is associated with increased acute-phase proteins and plasma cytokines, demonstrating a chronic inflammatory state. These observations may explain the VED and increased IHD risk of patients with CRF.


Where to in the next ten years of health informatics education?
To explore whether education in health/medical informatics should continue to evolve along the lines pursued since the early seventies, or whether a change is advisable. Roots and key resulting characteristics for European and US American approaches HI education are identified. In Europe holistic approaches based on a synthesis of medicine and informatics (= computer science) with programs ranging from vocational training through university programs to doctoral and postdoctoral programs were characteristic. The US American approaches emphasized the higher levels of education and a diverse selection of specialized subjects. Changes in health and health informatics are summarized. Two types of changes are identified: high-tech applications arising at the interface of imaging, robotics, and the -omics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics), and invasive applications centering on consumer health informatics and a move from curative to prospective health care. It is proposed that curative medicine is adequately served by current educational approaches, but that the move towards prospective health care requires a move towards education and change management for health professionals and health informatics professionals.


Microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein is required for lumenal accretion of triacylglycerol not associated with ApoB, as well as for ApoB lipidation.
The assembly of very low density lipoproteins in hepatocytes requires the microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein (MTP). This microsomal lumenal protein transfers lipids, particularly triacylglycerols (TG), between membranes in vitro and has been proposed to transfer TG to nascent apolipoprotein (apo) B in vivo. We examined the role of MTP in the assembly of apoB-containing lipoproteins in cultured murine primary hepatocytes using an inhibitor of MTP. The MTP inhibitor reduced TG secretion from hepatocytes by 85% and decreased the amount of apoB100 in the microsomal lumen, as well as that secreted into the medium, by 70 and 90%, respectively, whereas the secretion of apoB48 was only slightly decreased and the amount of lumenal apoB48 was unaffected. However, apoB48-containing particles formed in the presence of inhibitor were lipid-poor compared with those produced in the absence of inhibitor. We also isolated a pool of apoB-free TG from the microsomal lumen and showed that inhibition of MTP decreased the amount of TG in this pool by approximately 45%. The pool of TG associated with apoB was similarly reduced. However, inhibition of MTP did not directly block TG transfer from the apoB-independent TG pool to partially lipidated apoB in the microsomal lumen. We conclude that MTP is required for TG accumulation in the microsomal lumen and as a source of TG for assembly with apoB, but normal levels of MTP are not required for transferring the bulk of TG to apoB during VLDL assembly in murine hepatocytes.


A new application of lipid nanoemulsions as coating agent, providing zero-order hydrophilic drug release from tablets.
The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate potential of nanoemulsions as a coating material for the tablets. The nanoemulsion of size less than 100 nm was prepared using a simple and low-energy spontaneous emulsification method. Conventional tablets containing theophylline as a model hydrophilic drug were prepared. The theophylline tablets were coated with the nanoemulsion using a fluid bed coater. The effect of different levels of the nanoemulsion coating on the theophylline release was evaluated. The theophylline tablets containing different levels of the nanoemulsion coating could be successfully prepared. Interestingly, the coating of tablet with the nanoemulsion resulted in zero-order release of theophylline from the tablets. The noncoated theophylline tablets release the entire drug in less than 2 minutes, whereas nanoemulsion coating delayed the release of theophylline from tablets. This investigation establishes the proof of concept for the potential of nanoemulsions as a coating material for tablets.


Queen Bees: How Is Female Managers' Happiness Determined?
This paper aims to study the determinants of subjective happiness among working females with a focus on female managers. Drawn on a large social survey data set (N = 10470) in China, this paper constructs gender development index at sub-national levels to study how institutional settings are related to female managers' happiness. We find that female managers report higher levels of happiness than non-managerial employees. However, the promoting effect is contingent on individual characteristics and social-economic settings. The full sample regression suggests that female managers behaving in a masculine way generally report a high level of happiness. Meanwhile, female managers who refuse to support gender equality report low happiness levels. Sub-sample analysis reveals that these causalities are conditioned on regional culture. Masculine behavior and gender role orientation significantly predict subjective happiness only in gender-egalitarian regions. This study is one of the first to consider both internal (individual traits) and external (social-economic environment) factors when investigating how female managers' happiness is impacted. Also, this study challenges the traditional wisdom on the relationship between female managers' job satisfaction and work-home conflict. This study extends the literature by investigating the impacts of female managers' masculine behavior on their happiness. This study is useful for promoting female managers' leadership effectiveness and happiness.


[Lymphedema. New non-invasive methods for diagnosis and follow up].
Lymphedema is still a difficult clinical problem, poorly investigated and new methods of evaluation are needed to improve the understanding of its pathophysiology. Lymphoscintigraphy is diagnostic but cannot be repeated frequently in the follow-up. In this study we have evaluated four new methods of evaluation of lymphedema which may be used to quantify the problem and to follow-up patients. These methods are: A. the evaluation of the ratio between the concentration of lymphatic fluid proteins and plasma proteins concentration (CL/CP); B. the test of the spontaneous clearance of a haematoma; C. high-resolution ultrasound imaging of low density spaces (SBD) in the subcutaneous tissue, possibly corresponding to dilated lymphatic spaces; D. the combination of imaging and CL/CP ratio. Comparable groups of normal subjects, patients with primary lymphedema diagnosed with lymphoscintigraphy and patients with chronic venous insufficiency have been evaluated. The four methods appeared useful to differentiate normal subjects from those with lymphedema. However the separation between lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency was less evident. Edema due to systemic causes (cardiac failure, nephrotic syndrome or chronic venous insufficiency) is also differentiated from lymphedema. In conclusion these tests may be useful to evaluate lymphedema (particularly in the early phases, when the clinical presentation is unclear), to follow-up its evolution and possibly to evaluate the effects of treatments.


A Systematic Review With Network Meta-Analysis of the Available Biologic Therapies for Psoriatic Disease Domains.
Introduction: Several new treatments have been developed for psoriatic disease, an inflammatory condition that involves skin and joints. Notwithstanding, few studies have made direct comparisons between treatments and therefore it is difficult to select the ideal treatment for an individual patient. The aim of this systematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA) was to analyze available and approved biologic therapies for each domain of psoriatic disease: skin, peripheral arthritis, axial arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, and nail involvement. Methods: Data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. A systematic review was performed using the MEDLINE database (July 2020) using PICO criteria. Bayesian NMA was conducted to compare the clinical efficacy of biological therapy in terms of the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR, 24 weeks) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI, 10-16 weeks). Results: Fifty-four RCTs were included in the systematic review. Due to the design of the RCTs, namely, outcomes and time points, network meta-analysis was performed for skin and peripheral arthritis domains. For the skin domain, 30 studies reporting PASI100 were included. The peripheral arthritis domain was analyzed through ACR70 in 12 studies. From the therapies approved for both domains, secukinumab and ixekizumab were the ones with the highest probability of reaching the proposed outcomes. There is a lack of outcome uniformization in the dactylitis, enthesitis, and nail domains, and therefore, an objective comparison of the studies was not feasible. Nevertheless, secukinumab was the treatment with the best compromise between the number of studies in each domain and the results obtained in the different outcomes. Conclusion: Secukinumab and ixekizumab were the treatments with the highest probability of reaching both PASI100 and ACR70 outcomes. Due to the lack of a standard evaluation of outcomes of the other psoriatic disease domains, a network meta-analysis for all the domains was not possible to perform.


Discrepancies between children's and caregivers' child maltreatment reporting and their associations with child wellbeing.
Child maltreatment reporting is critical for case investigation and service disposition. However, reporting discrepancies across informants is a challenge for child welfare services. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (n = 3150), the current study examined child-caregiver discrepancies in reporting the frequencies of psychological and physical maltreatment. Multivariate models were used to examine how caregivers' reports, children's reports, and discrepancies between the two were associated with child anxiety, depression, aggression, and delinquency. A quarter of the children reported psychological maltreatment at a higher (25.7 %) or lower (23.8 %) frequency than their caregivers' report, respectively; 8.4 % and 8.7 % of the children did so in physical maltreatment reports, respectively. Multivariate models showed that children's maltreatment reports were more closely associated with children's anxiety, depression, and delinquency than caregivers' reports, while caregivers' reports were more closely associated with children's aggression. After accounting for caregivers' reporting and other covariates, children who reported more frequent psychological maltreatment than their caregivers' report had a higher level of anxiety, depression, and delinquency (b = 0.17 to 0.25, p < 0.001), and the opposite was true (b = -0.36 to -0.13, p < 0.001). Similarly, children who reported more frequent physical maltreatment than their caregivers' report had a higher level of all negative outcomes (b = 0.04 to 0.44; p = 0.04 to <0.00), and the opposite was true for aggression (b = -0.08, p = 0.004). The findings suggest that in addition to other reporting barriers, children and caregivers may perceive maltreatment differently, and such discrepancies are related to children's wellbeing.


In vivo effects of prostaglandins on human retinoblastoma cells in nude mice.
Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and 64E, a derivative of PGs, were tested for their capacity to suppress the growth of retinoblastoma in the nude mouse. Ten million cells of an established cell line of human retinoblastoma, Y-79 cells, were transferred subcutaneously into the nude mouse, and after the transferred cells became a tumor with a diameter larger than 7.5 mm, either PGD2 (1, 2, or 4 mg/kg/day) or 64E (4 mg/kg/day) dissolved in Hanks' solution was daily injected subcutaneously near the tumor for 14 days. The estimated tumor weight as defined by the formula of (length) X (width)2/2 was evaluated at various time intervals after the treatment. Although a low dose of PGD2, 1 mg/kg/day, had no effect, higher doses of PGD2 had a clear effect in suppressing the growth of retinoblastoma in the nude mouse. Tumors in 64E-treated animals were also markedly suppressed in their growth. Histological examination revealed that tumors treated with these drugs had a much larger area of necrosis with fewer tumor cells than the tumors in control animals.


[Contents of armillarin and melleolid at different stages of development of Armillaria mellea (Vahl ex Fr.) Quel].
The contents of armillarin and melleolid in different stages of development of Armillaria mellea were determined by means of HPLC. The results indicated that the content of armillarin was 0.0085% in mycelia 0.54 mg/L in fermenting liquor, 0.002% in fruit-body, 0.0008% in rhizomorph; melleolid 0.0002% in mycelia 0.0011% in fruit-body and 0.0011% in rhizomorph.


Calcium-dependent transglutaminase of rat sympathetic ganglion in development and after nerve injury.
The activity of transglutaminase (TG) was examined in the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) during development and after postganglionic nerve crush. During postnatal development the enzyme activity is increased by sevenfold in parallel to protein content of the ganglion and reaches adult levels by day 35 after birth. The endogenous activity (enzyme activity assayed in the absence of the exogenous substrate) during development is transiently elevated with a peak at day 21 postnatal. In the adult ganglion the enzyme specific activity is evenly distributed in all subcellular compartments, but most of it is contained in the cytosol. Within the first hour after axotomy TG activity is rapidly and transiently elevated. The peak value, 80% above control levels, is attained by 30 min postoperative. At this time the activity is increased in all subcellular fractions, but the endogenous activity is selectively increased in the fraction containing nuclei. The enhanced TG activity after axotomy can be prevented by topical treatments with verapamil, an inhibitor of voltage-dependent calcium fluxes across excitable membranes, or with the calcium chelator EGTA. The results show that intracellular TG activity is present in the SCG and that it increases with postnatal growth of the ganglion. After axotomy the enzyme activity is rapidly and transiently increased in the ganglion and this elevation critically depends on calcium fluxes.


Perceptions of nursing students on men entering nursing as a career.
The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of nursing students who were enrolled in an under-graduate nursing programme in a rural university, on men entering nursing as a career. Questionnaires were returned by 38 males (63%) and 117 females (50%). The major findings were that male nursing students intend to work in specialty areas such as emergency nursing, operating room nursing and intensive care. Both male and female nursing students perceived that the public displayed an increasing respect and acceptance of male nurses. Differences between male and female nursing students were evident in demographic characteristics, course interests, career aspirations, motivating factors and barriers associated with males choosing a nursing career.


A familial analysis of two brothers with azoospermia caused by maternal 46,Y, t(X; 1) (q28; q21) chromosomal abnormality.
Chromosomal abnormality is a primary genetic factor that lead to azoospermia and male infertility. Here, we report the cases of two brothers with primary infertility, whose chromosomes displayed a balanced translocation, and their karyotypes were 46,Y, t(X; 1) (q28; q21). Both presented an azoospermia phenotype without abnormal clinical symptoms. Their mother's karyotype was 46,X, t(X; 1) (q28; q21), and their father's chromosome karyotype was 46,XY. No abnormal changes were noted in the copy number of chromosome fragments in the whole genome. This study is the first to report showing that 46,Y, t(X; 1) (q28; q21) chromosomal abnormalities are associated with azoospermia.


The Impact of Nutrition-Specific and Nutrition-Sensitive Interventions on Hemoglobin Concentrations and Anemia: A Meta-review of Systematic Reviews.
Anemia is a multifactorial condition arising from inadequate nutrition, infection, chronic disease, and genetic-related etiologies. Our aim was to assess the impact of nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions on hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and anemia to inform the prioritization and scale-up of interventions to address the multiple causes of anemia. We performed a meta-review synthesis of information by searching multiple databases for reviews published between 1990 and 2017 and used standard methods for conducting a meta-review of reviews, including double independent screening, extraction, and quality assessment. Quantitative pooling and narrative syntheses were used to summarize information. Hb concentration and anemia outcomes were pooled in specific population groups (children aged <5 y, school-age children, and pregnant women). Methodological quality of the systematic reviews was assessed using Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) criteria. Of the 15,444 records screened, we identified 118 systematic reviews that met inclusion criteria. Reviews focused on nutrition-specific interventions (96%). Daily and intermittent iron supplementation, micronutrient powders, malaria treatment, use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and delayed cord clamping were associated with increased Hb concentration in children aged <5 y. Among children older than 5 y, daily and intermittent iron supplementation and deworming, and in pregnant women, daily iron-folic acid supplementation, use of ITNs, and delayed cord clamping, were associated with increased Hb concentration. Similar results were obtained for the reduced risk of anemia outcome. This meta-review suggests the importance of nutrition-specific interventions for anemia and highlights the lack of evidence to understand the influence of nutrition-sensitive and multifaceted interventions on the condition.


Alternating hemiplegia syndrome: electroencephalogram, brain mapping, and brain perfusion SPECT scan study in a Chinese girl.
A 3-year-old Chinese girl with alternating hemiplegia syndrome failed to respond to anticonvulsants, antimigrainous drugs, and calcium channel blockers. She made a complete remission with a 4-week course of steroid, and relapsed after steroid withdrawal. Electroencephalogram and brain mapping during the hemiplegic attack showed unilateral high-voltage sharp slow-wave discharges in the temporo-occipital region contralateral to the hemiplegic side and diffuse high-voltage slowing during attacks of quadriplegia or other clinical manifestation such as dullness, lethargy, or yawning. Brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) scan study during the attack showed decreased uptake in the temporoparietal region contralateral to the hemiplegic side and in the ipsilateral basal ganglia, whereas the perfusion was normal between attacks. Electroencephalogram background activity was improved while the child was in clinical remission with steroid treatment. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain were normal. Carotid angiogram failed to show any structural or dynamic changes of the carotid arteries. The possible mechanism underlying alternating hemiplegia syndrome might be transient and reversible cerebral ischemia with high-voltage slow-wave discharges shown in the electroencephalogram and decreased perfusion in SPECT scan.


The risk of later surgery at the anastomotic site following right hemicolectomy for Crohn's disease in a national cohort of 12 230 patients.
Crohn's disease (CD) has a high-risk of bowel resection and later surgery for recurrent disease. Recent guidelines recommend colonoscopy 6-12 months following surgery to reduce further surgical intervention through medical therapy intensification. To investigate the risk of further surgery at the anastomosis following right hemicolectomy for CD. Hospital Episode Statistics were used to identify patients with CD and a right hemicolectomy between 2007 and 2016. Adherence to post-resection colonoscopy guidance timing and risk of further surgery at the anastomosis were examined. Cox proportional hazards models assessed risk factors for further surgery. 12 230 patients were identified: 45% male; median age 36 (IQR 26-49) years. Median follow-up was 5.9 (IQR 3.6-8.6) years: totalling 74 960 person-years. Median time to further surgery was 2.9 (IQR 1.2-5.3) years. By 5 years 9% and by 10 years 16.9% of those with sufficient follow-up had at least one further surgery involving the anastomotic site. Older, less deprived patients and those whose index surgery took place on an elective admission had a reduced risk of further surgery. The annual number of right hemicolectomies increased over the study from 1063 to 1317, driven by the increasing prevalence of CD. Overall, 78% of patients did not have a colonoscopy, as recommended, within 6-12 months following index resection. Further surgery involving the anastomotic site remains common following index right hemicolectomy for CD. Post-surgical colonoscopy was only undertaken in 22% of patients within suggested timeframes. Increased colonoscopy may lead to a reduced need for surgery if early optimisation of medical therapy is undertaken for recurrence.


Cavity-Free Ultrastrong Light-Matter Coupling.
Strong coupling between light and matter can occur when the interaction strength between a confined electromagnetic field and a molecular resonance exceeds the losses to the environment, leading to the formation of hybrid light-matter states known as polaritons. Ultrastrong coupling occurs when the coupling strength becomes comparable to the transition energy of the system. It is widely assumed that the confined electromagnetic fields necessary for strong coupling to organic molecules can only be achieved with external structures such as Fabry-Pérot resonators, plasmonic nanostructures, or dielectric resonators. Here we show experimentally that such structures are unnecessary and that a simple dielectric film of dye molecules supports sufficiently modified vacuum electromagnetic fields to enable room-temperature ultrastrong light-matter coupling. Our results may be of use in the design of experiments to probe polaritonic chemistry and suggest that polaritonic states are perhaps easier to realize than previously thought.


A personal technique: mammaplasty with J scar.
Mastopexy and reduction mammaplasty techniques have evolved with time, pursuing the aim of an effective and reliable technique that produces a well-shaped breast and reduces the amount of scarring. The authors believe that the L mammaplasty achieves the best results in terms of a short scar and a good, stable shape. They present their technique of a modified L mammaplasty with a resulting scar in the shape of a J, which implies a central breast resection with the nipple-areola complex transposed on a superior pedicle. The correct execution of the preoperative markings and the shaping of the gland tissue are mandatory to obtaining the desired result. The technique has been used during the past 7 years on 326 patients, providing satisfactory results with short scars and virtually no complications.


Possible involvement of the A20-A21 peptide bond in the expression of the biological activity of insulin. 3. [21-Desasparagine,20-cysteine ethylamide-A]insulin and [21-desasparagine,20-cysteine 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamide-A]insulin.
We have synthesized [21-desasparagine,20-cysteine ethylamide-A]insulin and [21-desasparagine,20-cysteine 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamide-A]insulin, which differ from natural insulin in that the C-terminal amino residue of the A chain, asparagine, has been removed and the resulting free carboxyl group of the A20 cysteine residue has been converted to an ethylamide and a trifluoroethylamide group, respectively. [21-Desasparagine,20-cysteine ethylamide-A]insulin displayed equivalent potency in receptor binding and biological activity, ca. 12% and ca. 14%, respectively, relative to bovine insulin. In contrast, [21-desasparagine,20-cysteine 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamide-A]insulin displayed a divergence in these properties, ca. 13% in receptor binding and ca. 6% in biological activity. This disparity is ascribed to a difference in the electronic state of the A20-A21 amide bond in these two analogues. A model is proposed to account for the observation of divergence between receptor binding and biological activity in a number of synthetic insulin analogues and naturally occurring insulins. In this model, changes in the electronic state and/or the orientation of the A20-A21 amide bond can modulate biological activity independently of receptor binding affinity. The A20-A21 amide bond is thus considered as an important element in the "message region" of insulin.


Children's and adults' salivary alpha-amylase responses to a laboratory stressor and to verbal recall of the stressor.
Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), an enzyme produced by the salivary glands, increases in response to physical and psychosocial stressors in adults. Whether similar increases are evident among children, though, is less clear, and there is a lack of studies directly comparing children's and adults' sAA responses to an identical stressor. In this study, 24 children (9-12 years; 12 female) and 26 adults (18-23 years; 16 female) were exposed to an identical psychosocial laboratory stressor and a recall interview regarding that stressor after a 2-week delay. Saliva was collected before and 1, 10, 20, and 30 min after the stressor/recall interview. Among adults, concentrations of sAA increased on both study days, but similar increases were not detected among children. Findings suggest developmental differences in sAA reactivity, and underscore the need to characterize the confluence of elements that will reliably elicit sAA responses to mild stress in youth.


Increased abundance of proteobacteria in aggressive Crohn's disease seven years after diagnosis.
Intestinal dysbiosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients depend on disease activity. We aimed to characterize the microbiota after 7 years of follow-up in an unselected cohort of IBD patients according to disease activity and disease severity. Fifty eight Crohn's disease (CD) and 82 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients were included. Disease activity was assessed by the Harvey-Bradshaw Index for CD and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index for UC. Microbiota diversity was assessed by 16S rDNA MiSeq sequencing. In UC patients with active disease and in CD patients with aggressive disease the richness (number of OTUs, p = 0.018 and p = 0.013, respectively) and diversity (Shannons index, p = 0.017 and p = 0.023, respectively) were significantly decreased. In the active UC group there was a significant decrease in abundance of the phylum Firmicutes (p = 0.018). The same was found in CD patients with aggressive disease (p = 0.05) while the abundance of Proteobacteria phylum showed a significant increase (p = 0.03) in CD patients. We found a change in the microbial abundance in UC patients with active disease and in CD patients with aggressive disease. These results suggest that dysbiosis of the gut in IBD patients is not only related to current activity but also to the course of the disease.


Case studies of a new approach using partial and selective occlusion for the clinical treatment of diplopia.
Diplopia is a serious and intolerable sequelae to the problems of strabismus, ophthalmoplegia, gaze palsy, and decompensated binocular skills that occur in patients with head injury, stroke and other neurologically compromising conditions. A variety of treatment measures are available for diplopia, but they are not always successful. When treatment is either not used, or fails, patching has been used to occlude the vision of one eye. Although patching is effective in eliminating diplopia, it creates problems by rendering the patient monocular. Monocular vision causes a loss of stereopsis and reduction of peripheral visual field which in turn causes problems in eye hand coordination, depth judgments, orientation, balance, and mobility. A new method of treating diplopia, the 'spot patch', has been successfully evaluated. It is a procedure that eliminates diplopia without the limitations and side effects of traditional patching.


Cooperation between the thyroid hormone receptor TRalpha1 and the WNT pathway in the induction of intestinal tumorigenesis.
Colorectal tumorigenesis is a multistep process involving the alteration of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, leading to the deregulation of molecular pathways that govern intestinal homeostasis. We have previously shown that the thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 (TRalpha1) controls intestinal development and homeostasis through the WNT pathway. More precisely, TRalpha1 directly enhances the transcription of several components of this pathway, allowing increased expression of beta-catenin/Tcf4 target genes and stimulation of cell proliferation. Because the WNT pathway is a major player in controlling intestinal homeostasis, we addressed whether the TRalpha1 receptor has tumor-inducing potential. We generated mice overexpressing TRalpha1 specifically in the intestinal epithelium in a wild-type (vil-TRalpha1) or a WNT-activated (vil-TRalpha1/Apc(+/1638N)) genetic background. The intestine of vil-TRalpha1 mice presents aberrant intestinal mucosal architecture and increased cell proliferation and develops adenoma at a low rate. However, TRalpha1 overexpression is unable to induce cancer development. On the contrary, we observed accelerated tumorigenesis in vil-TRalpha1/Apc(+/1638N) mice compared with the Apc(+/1638N) mutants. Our results suggest that this phenotype is due to cooperation between the activated TRalpha1 and WNT pathways. This is the first report describing the tumor-inducing function of TRalpha1 in the intestine.


Cortical involvement for action imitation of hand/arm postures versus finger configurations: an fMRI study.
We used fMRI to study the human imitation of hand/arm postures and finger configuration, subjects imitated hand/arm postures in the hand condition, and they imitated finger configurations in the finger condition. Compared with the control condition, only the finger condition showed significant activation in Broca's area and symmetrical activation in the bilateral inferior parietal lobes, while the hand condition showed left lateralised superior parietal activation pattern. Our findings suggest that Broca's area might be involved more in the imitation of finger configuration than that of hand/arm postures. The result of parietal activation patterns was fully consistent with formerly reported clinical findings, and the relationship between the lesion laterality and the patients' perfomance of hand/finger action imitation.


NRAMP1 Polymorphisms like Susceptibility Marker in Mexican Focus of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in Campeche state, Mexico. Host and parasite factors are involved in the establishment and development of CL. Host factors include immune response and genetic background. NRAMP1 (Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1) is important in innate immunity. Polymorphisms in NRAMP1 have been associated with susceptibility or resistance to infectious and autoimmune diseases. To study the association of NRAMP1 mutations with CL in patients from Calakmul, Campeche, samples from 115 CL patients and 69 samples of healthy people from the same area were evaluated. Five regions in NRAMP1 were amplified and digested, looking for mutations in the promoter region (-524G/C), exon 3 (274C/T), exon 8 (823 C7T), and exon 15 (G/A) and deletion of 4 bp in the 3'UTR region. We found a statistical association between polymorphisms in 3'UTR region and exon 8 and CL [χ2 = 13.26; p < 0.05; OR = 17.00; IC of 95% (2.24-128.99)]. Some patients who needed more than 40 doses of Glucantime® to heal injuries presented mutations in exons 3, 8, and 15. Multiple or ear lesions were not associated with NRAMP1 polymorphism.


In Vivo Selection Yields AAV-B1 Capsid for Central Nervous System and Muscle Gene Therapy.
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have shown promise as a platform for gene therapy of neurological disorders. Achieving global gene delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) is key for development of effective therapies for many of these diseases. Here we report the isolation of a novel CNS tropic AAV capsid, AAV-B1, after a single round of in vivo selection from an AAV capsid library. Systemic injection of AAV-B1 vector in adult mice and cat resulted in widespread gene transfer throughout the CNS with transduction of multiple neuronal subpopulations. In addition, AAV-B1 transduces muscle, β-cells, pulmonary alveoli, and retinal vasculature at high efficiency. This vector is more efficient than AAV9 for gene delivery to mouse brain, spinal cord, muscle, pancreas, and lung. Together with reduced sensitivity to neutralization by antibodies in pooled human sera, the broad transduction profile of AAV-B1 represents an important improvement over AAV9 for CNS gene therapy.


Simple and simultaneous determination of glutathione, thioacetamide and refractory organic matter in natural waters by DP-CSV.
Although reduced sulphur substances, such as thiol compounds, contain extremely reactive functional groups in the cell, and influence metal speciation and solubility, very few techniques have been developed to quantify such substances in natural waters. In this paper we present a novel method that allows for the simultaneous identification and quantification of glutathione (GSH), thioacetamide-like compounds (TA), and refractory organic matter (ROM) by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DP-CSV). Organic compounds are initially deposited on a mercury drop electrode at 0.000 V, pH 1.95, in the presence of ~200 nmol L(-1) Mo(VI), and then stripped, creating reduction peak currents at specific potentials. Using a 60-s deposition time, limits of detection (LODs) are 1 nmol L(-1), 81 nmol L(-1) and 14 μg C L(-1) for GSH, TA and ROM, respectively. By increasing the deposition time to 300 s, LOD is decreased to 0.2 nmol L(-1), 22 nmol L(-1) and 2 μg C L(-1), respectively. This method has a number of advantages in terms of its rapidity, low cost, and relative simplicity (due to the lack of derivatization and pre-concentration steps) and is also an effective method for simultaneously analysing GSH, TA and ROM in water. When not mixed in solution, GSH, L-cysteine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, as well as TA-like compounds and thiourea, can be detected and identified by measuring their peak potential and standard addition, due to the acidic pH, which also allows for a longer preservation of the filtered sample. The new method described in this paper was tested along an entire river-seawater gradient of the Aulne Estuary (Brittany, France) to assess its capability in terms of determining these natural organic compounds in various surface waters.


Mitigation strategies for heat-related illness during mass gatherings: Hajj experience.
To mitigate morbidity, mortality, and impacts of heat-related illnesses (HRIs) on health, it was vital to implement a comprehensive framework for HRI prevention and control. A recognized tool from the field of trauma prevention known as the Haddon matrix was applied. The matrix states that any event is affected by three factors: host, agent, and environment. In addition, another recognized tool known as the combined model was used in this study. The combined model is a three-dimensional model that includes the idea for the three axes of Haddon's matrix with the methodology of the community risk reduction (CRR) model. To identify the environmental and individual risk factors of HRIs based on the Haddon matrix and the recommended prevention strategies by the CRR tool by using the combined model. An extensive literature review was conducted to assess all the risk factors associated with HRI, as well as preventive measures. Then the Haddon matrix was used to structure, separating human factors from technical and environmental details and timing. After that, the combined model was used to set all responses and mitigation measures for each element obtained from the Haddon matrix tool. Projected increases in heat stress over the globe require the formulation and implementation of evidence-based HRI mitigation and preventive measures. In this study, we implemented the combined model that was utilized as a systematic strategy for the more theoretical framework of Haddon's matrix. Using the Haddon matrix to determine the HRI risk factors and the combined model to mitigate its impact was practical and helpful in planning, preparedness, and mitigating the HRIs during Hajj, provided a broad approach equivalent to the Swiss cheese model, and would facilitate an informed decision.


Coating of Nanosize Silver Particles with Silica.
The formation of silica shells on core silver particles by a modified Stöber process was investigated and the coated particles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electrophoresis. The deposition conditions, such as reagent concentrations and reaction time, were optimized in order to obtain uniform surface layers of silica and to avoid excess precipitation of the latter. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.


Differential effects of intrathecally administered morphine and its interaction with cholecystokinin-B antagonist on thermal hyperalgesia following two models of experimental mononeuropathy in the rat.
Cholecystokinin-B receptor activation has been reported to reduce morphine analgesia. Neuropathic pain is thought to be relatively refractory to opioids. One possible mechanisms for a reduced effect of morphine on neuropathic pain is the induction of cholecystokinin in the spinal cord by nerve injury. The authors evaluated the role of the spinal cholecystokinin-B receptor on morphine analgesia in two rat neuropathic pain models: chronic constriction injury and partial sciatic nerve injury. A chronic constriction injury is created by placing four loosely tied ligatures around the right sciatic nerve. A partial sciatic nerve injury was created by tight ligation of one third to one half of the right sciatic nerve. All drugs were injected intrathecally 7 and 11 days after the nerve injury. The effect of the drugs was reflected in the degree of paw withdrawal latency to thermal nociceptive stimulation. The paw withdrawal latencies of injured and uninjured paws were measured 5, 15, 30, and 60 min after the drugs were injected. In the chronic constriction injury model, intrathecal morphine increased the paw withdrawal latencies of injured and uninjured paws. PD135158, a cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonist, potentiated the analgesic effect of morphine on injured and uninjured paws. In the partial sciatic nerve injury model, the effect of morphine on the injured paw was less potent than that on the uninjured paw, and PD135158 potentiated the morphine analgesia in the uninjured paw and had only a minor effect on the morphine analgesia in the injured paw. The effectiveness of morphine for thermal hyperalgesia after nerve injury depends on the type of nerve injury. The role of the cholecystokinin-B receptor in morphine analgesia in thermal hyperalgesia after nerve injury also depends on the type of nerve injury.


Effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration in normal and experimentally infected newborn rats.
We investigated the effects of repetitive recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) administration at three different doses (every 12 h times six doses, starting at 12-24 h of age) on the kinetics of neutrophil production in Sprague-Dawley rats. We determined WBC counts, differentials, the number of total nucleated cells, the myeloid mitotic pool cells (promyelocytes and myelocytes), the storage pool cells (metamyelocytes, bands, and polymorphonuclear cells [PMNs]) and the granulocyte-macrophage (granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units, CFU-GM) and macrophage (macrophage colony-forming units, CFU-M) progenitor cells of the bone marrow, spleen, and the liver before the first dose of rhG-CSF administration and 12 h after the second, fourth, and sixth dose. Control animals were given the diluent by the same schedule. Recombinant human G-CSF-treated rats showed a significant dose-dependent increase in the number of total WBC and neutrophil counts at all time points compared to control rats. The total number of CFU-GM and myeloid mitotic pool cells (marrow plus spleen plus liver) progressively increased with age in both control and G-CSF groups, but the G-CSF treated groups showed a significantly larger number of mitotic pool cells at hour 24, continuing up to hour 72, compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference at any time point in the number of CFU-G/GM as detected by the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-supported culture system. Priming of newborn rats with injections every 12 h of rhG-CSF times two doses, or six doses followed by inoculation of group B streptococci (GBS) did not significantly change the sepsis death rate of animals, although the neutrophil counts in infected rhG-CSF-primed animals were significantly larger than the infected control animals. Injection of human i.v. gammaglobulin 3 h following inoculation with GBS significantly improved the survival of animals compared to G-CSF administration or administration of the diluent alone (control). Thus G-CSF alone may not be beneficial for the treatment of neonates with sepsis. Additional work is needed to determine whether combination of G-CSF with antibiotics or other cytokines, such as GM-CSF or interleukin 6 (IL-6) may be of benefit.


Relative contribution of off- and on-frequency spectral components of background noise to the masking of unprocessed and vocoded speech.
The present study examined the relative influence of the off- and on-frequency spectral components of modulated and unmodulated maskers on consonant recognition. Stimuli were divided into 30 contiguous equivalent rectangular bandwidths. The temporal fine structure (TFS) in each "target" band was either left intact or replaced with tones using vocoder processing. Recognition scores for 10, 15 and 20 target bands randomly located in frequency were obtained in quiet and in the presence of all 30 masker bands, only the off-frequency masker bands, or only the on-frequency masker bands. The amount of masking produced by the on-frequency bands was generally comparable to that produced by the broadband masker. However, the difference between these two conditions was often significant, indicating an influence of the off-frequency masker bands, likely through modulation interference or spectral restoration. Although vocoder processing systematically lead to poorer consonant recognition scores, the deficit observed in noise could often be attributed to that observed in quiet. These data indicate that (i) speech recognition is affected by the off-frequency components of the background and (ii) the nature of the target TFS does not systematically affect speech recognition in noise, especially when energetic masking and/or the number of target bands is limited.


Four new genera of Neactic-Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) for species previously incorrectly placed.
Four new genera belonging to the tribe Dasineurini (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Lasiopteridi) are described for previously incorrectly placed species. The new genera are: Cembrotia Gagné, type species Janetiella coloradensis Felt; Cupressatia Gagné, type-species Janetiella siskiyou Felt; Strobilotia Gagné, type species Phytophaga carpophaga Tripp; and Rhizocecis Gagné, type species Cecidomyia rhois Coquillett. Resulting new combinations are: Cembrotia coloradensis (Felt), Cupressatia siskiyou (Felt), Cupressatia thujae (Hedlin), Strobilotia carpophaga (Tripp) and Rhizocecis rhois (Coquillett).


Local endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms. From operating theater to lab bench.
Current treatment of aortic abdominal aneurysms by conventional surgery or endoprosthesis is flawed by high post-operative mortality and unpredictable durability of haemodynamic exclusion, respectively. We have developed endovascular approaches with cell and gene transfer, aimed at controlling further diameter expansion in an animal model of already-developed aneurysms in rats. Preliminary results suggest that both cell and gene endovascular therapy can be used to control expansion of aneurysms generated by inflammation and proteolytic destruction of the aortic wall.


Spherical TiO2 aggregates with different building units for dye-sensitized solar cells.
Tailoring the architectures of spherical TiO2 aggregates is crucial to obtain superior photovoltaic properties and promote their application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, we synthesized spherical TiO2 aggregates using different building units, including nanocrystallites, nanorods, nanosheets, and nanotubes, via a hydrothermal method, and studied the effect of the building units on the performances of DSSCs. The aggregates assembled by uniform nanosheet and nanotube building units were synthesized with the use of spherical TiO2 nanorod aggregates as titanium sources in an alkaline hydrothermal reaction. Compared with TiO2 nanoparticles, the spherical TiO2 aggregates possess higher surface area, more efficient light scattering ability, and better electron transport properties. Among the four types of spherical TiO2 aggregates; the nanorod, nanotube, and nanosheet aggregates demonstrate better electron transport properties than the nanocrystallite aggregates; the nanotube and nanosheet aggregates exhibit more efficient light scattering than the nanocrystallite and nanorod aggregates; and the nanotube aggregates show the highest surface area. Thus the DSSC based on nanotube aggregates exhibited the highest energy conversion efficiency of 7.48%, which is 16.0%, 9.7%, and 19.5% higher than those of the DSSCs based on the nanosheet, nanorod, and nanocrystallite aggregates, respectively.


Frequency, risk stratification and therapeutic management of acute post-traumatic coagulopathy.
Uncontrolled haemorrhage is still responsible for more than 50% of all trauma-related deaths within the first 48 h after hospital admission. Clinical observations together with recent research resulted in a new appreciation of the central role of coagulopathy in acute trauma care. A synopsis of different analyses based on datasets from severely multiple-injured patients derived from the TR-DGU database (Trauma Registry of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (DGU)/German Society of Trauma Surgery) with respect to incidence, risk stratification and therapeutic management of acute post-traumatic coagulopathy is presented. Retrospective analyses based on datasets from severely multiple-injured patients derived from the TR-DGU database and development/validation of a scoring system (TASH score = trauma-associated severe haemorrhage) that allows an early and reliable estimation for the probability of massive transfusion as a surrogate for life-threatening haemorrhage after severe multiple injuries. There is a high frequency of acute post-traumatic coagulopathy already present upon ER admission which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in multiple-injured patients. The TASH score is recognized as an easy-to-calculate and valid scoring system to predict the individual's probability for massive transfusion and thus ongoing life-threatening haemorrhage at a very early stage after severe multiple injuries. An early aggressive management of acute post-traumatic coagulopathy including a more balanced administration of blood products to favour improved outcome is advocated.


The organization of flight muscle fibers in the Odonata.
The cytological organization of flight muscle fibers of Odonata has been investigated. These fibers, in representatives of the Zygoptera and Anisoptera, have been compared and found to be similar, except that, in the former, pairs of lamellar fibrils, rather than single fibrils, alternate with the mitochondria. In each instance, in these synchronous muscles, the actin filaments of the myofibrils are found to lie opposite to and midway between pairs of myosin filaments-a configuration previously reported in asynchronous flight muscle fibers. The disposition of the T system and sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes in glutaraldehyde-fixed anisopteran muscle is described in detail: the T system tubules are shown to be radially continuous across the fiber, and are derived as openmouthed invaginations from the surface cell-membrane. The detailed organization of the dyad junctions between these tubules and the adjoining cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum is described. The accessibility of the T system interior to diffusion exchange with the general extracellular milieu has been investigated by studies on the penetration of ferritin into the fiber: molecules of this marker have been found to diffuse solely along the T system tubules, and their presence in the tubule extremities adjoining the centrally placed nuclei confirms the morphological evidence suggesting that these tubules provide open diffusion channels extending across the radius of the fiber. The possible physiological role of these membrane components and their distribution in synchronous muscles of insects and vertebrates and in asynchronous insect flight muscle are discussed.