Executive process training in young and old adults.
There is a growing body of research on the modifiability of executive functions in different stages of life. Previous studies demonstrate robust training effects but limited transfer in younger and particularly in older adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a theoretically derived intervention for executive functioning, addressing several basic processes (updating, shifting, and inhibition), can induce transfer effects in early and late adulthood. Fifty-nine healthy adults, 29 young and 30 older adults, were randomly assigned to either training or no-contact control groups. The training groups received 15 sessions of executive process training for about 45 min/session during 5 weeks. A test battery including a criterion task and near, intermediate, and far transfer tasks was administered before and after training. Results showed pronounced age-equivalent gains on the criterion task. Near transfer was seen to non-trained updating and inhibition tasks for the young and older trained participants. However, only the young adults showed intermediate transfer to two complex working memory tasks. No far transfer effects were seen for either age group. These findings provide additional evidence for age-related constraints in the ability to generalize acquired executive skills, and specifically show that training of multiple executive processes is not sufficient to foster transfer beyond the very near in older adults.


Developing prison telemedicine systems: the Greek experience.
Prison telemedicine systems operate in circumstances in which the provision of medical care is very expensive. In 1999 the Greek Ministry of Justice decided to use telemedicine to improve health services in the largest prison in Greece (Korydallos Prison, in Athens). The Nikea Hospital in Piraeus undertook to support the effort in order: to enable prison paramedics and guards to call for remote evaluation of inmates when the prison's doctors were off duty; to provide second opinions; and to allow screening and primary care coverage for inmates through teleconsultations with Nikea Hospital specialists. For 12 months following installation, intensive 'hands-on' training on the use of the system was offered to the staff of both the Korydallos Prison and the Nikea Hospital. In all, 400 physicians, nurses and paramedics were trained. Despite all this effort, there were serious operational problems related either to prison bureaucracy or to the inflexibility of the Greek national health system, which annulled the effectiveness of the prison telemedicine system. The experience suggests that prison telemedicine is a viable option if freed from bureaucratic and labour-related obstacles, and can improve the quality of care available to prisoners.


Hemodynamic changes after subselective intracoronary administration of nisoldipine in humans.
Hemodynamic changes after the subselective intracoronary administration of 50 micrograms of nisoldipine were analyzed in 24 nonstenotic coronary arteries using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind protocol. The following hemodynamic parameters were studied: (a) epicardial coronary artery diameter, assessed by quantitative angiography; (b) coronary blood flow velocity, measured by an intracoronary Doppler probe; (c) coronary blood flow, calculated from the above parameters; (d) coronary flow velocity reserve, assessed after intracoronary administration of 10 mg of papaverine hydrochloride; and (e) heart rate and arterial blood pressure. Since 3 patients were excluded due to unreliable Doppler signals, a total of 21 patients was eligible for complete analysis (placebo: n = 9; nisoldipine: n = 12). In placebo-treated patients, all studied parameters proved to be very stable on repeat measurement and no significant changes were found. In nisoldipine-treated patients, a significant increase in epicardial diameter (+19%; p = 0.0001) and coronary blood flow (+47%; p = 0.003) was found. The coronary blood flow velocity transiently increased after nisoldipine, with a maximum (+80%) after 2 min and returning to baseline within 10 min. Finally, nisoldipine resulted in a significant decrease in the coronary flow velocity reserve by 20% (p = 0.001). All coronary hemodynamic effects were observed in the absence of changes in heart rate and arterial blood pressure. Therefore, the present data demonstrate that nisoldipine acts as a potent dilator of epicardial as well as resistance vessels in nonstenotic human coronary arteries.


Reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation in children and young adults with ultrahigh-risk pediatric sarcomas.
Some subsets of pediatric sarcoma patients have very poor survival rates. We sought to determine the feasibility and efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in pediatric sarcoma populations with <25% predicted overall survival (OS). Patients with ultrahigh-risk Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, or desmoplastic small round cell tumors received EPOCH-fludarabine induction, a cyclophosphamide/fludarabine/melphalan preparative regimen, and HLA matched related peripheral blood stem cells. Thirty patients enrolled; 7 did not undergo alloHSCT because of progressive disease with diminishing performance status during induction. All 23 alloHSCT recipients experienced rapid full-donor engraftment, with no peritransplantation mortality. Five of 23 alloHSCT recipients (22%) remain alive (OS of 30% by Kaplan-Meier analysis at 3 years), including 3 of 7 (42%) transplanted without overt disease (median survival 14.5 versus 29.0 months from alloHSCT for patients transplanted with versus without overt disease, respectively). Among the 28 patients who progressed on the study, the median survival from date of progression was 1.9 months for the 7 who did not receive a transplant compared with 11.4 months for the 21 transplanted (P = .0003). We found prolonged survival after posttransplantation progression with several patients exhibiting indolent tumor growth. We also saw several patients with enhanced antitumor effects from posttransplantation chemotherapy (objective response to pretransplantation EPOCH-F was 24% versus 67% to posttransplantation EOCH); however, this was associated with increased toxicity. This largest reported series of alloHSCT in sarcomas demonstrates that alloHSCT is safe in this population, and that patients undergoing alloHSCT without overt disease show higher survival rates than reported using standard therapies. Enhanced chemo- and radiosensitivity of tumors and normal tissues was observed posttransplantation.


Endoscopic sonography in the diagnosis and treatment of a gastric wall abscess: a case report and review of the literature.
We report a case of a gastric wall abscess in a 50-year-old man who presented with epigastralgia and fever. Gastroscopy revealed a subepithelial lesion on the posterior wall of the gastric body into the antrum. A follow-up abdominal CT scan showed cystic lesions around the stomach. Endoscopic sonography helped to diagnose a gastric wall abscess. The gastric wall abscess was treated endoscopically with a needle knife incision for internal drainage. The patient was treated with antibiotics for 1 week and was discharged without complication. A follow-up endoscopy with endoscopic sonography 1 month later revealed complete resolution of the lesion.


Down-regulation of nuclear binding activities of OXBOX-REBOX transcription factors during cellular senescence.
Functional capacity of mitochondria declines during aging and this impairment may have a major role in aging process. Several observations indicate that transcriptional efficiency is reduced during aging. Our purpose was to find out whether aging and cellular senescence affect the nuclear binding activities of transcription factors which bind to OXBOX-REBOX sequence present in promoter regions of numerous nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. These factors regulate and coordinate the expression of mitochondrial proteins. We observed a strong down-regulation in the nuclear binding activities of OXBOX-REBOX factors in replicatively senesced human WI-38 and IMR-90 fibroblasts. On the contrary, SV-40 immortalization highly increased the nuclear binding activities. A considerable down-regulation of OXBOX-REBOX factors was also observed in UVB-irradiated WI-38 fibroblasts. Irradiation induced photoaging in fibroblasts which involved cell cycle arrest and senescent morphology. Interestingly, the nuclear binding activities of OXBOX-REBOX factors were also prominently decreased in the liver of Wistar rats at the age of 30 months but not yet at the age of 18 months. Our results suggest that the down-regulation of OXBOX-REBOX factors could affect the expression level of mitochondrial proteins encoded in nucleus and hence induce disturbances in mitochondrial function and promote the cellular aging process.


Protofibril-Fibril Interactions Inhibit Amyloid Fibril Assembly by Obstructing Secondary Nucleation.
Amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) assemble into both rigid amyloid fibrils and metastable oligomers termed AβO or protofibrils. In Alzheimer's disease, Aβ fibrils constitute the core of senile plaques, but Aβ protofibrils may represent the main toxic species. Aβ protofibrils accumulate at the exterior of senile plaques, yet the protofibril-fibril interplay is not well understood. Applying chemical kinetics and atomic force microscopy to the assembly of Aβ and lysozyme, protofibrils are observed to bind to the lateral surfaces of amyloid fibrils. When utilizing Aβ variants with different critical oligomer concentrations, the interaction inhibits the autocatalytic proliferation of amyloid fibrils by secondary nucleation on the fibril surface. Thus, metastable oligomers antagonize their replacement by amyloid fibrils both by competing for monomers and blocking secondary nucleation sites. The protofibril-fibril interaction governs their temporal evolution and potential to exert specific toxic activities.


Fatal massive hepatic necrosis: a probable hypersensitivity reaction to sulfasalazine.
Sulfasalazine (salicylazosulfapyridine) is a commonly prescribed oral medication for inflammatory bowel disease. We report a case of a 15-yr-old boy with ulcerative colitis who developed a generalized hypersensitivity reaction with a serum sickness-like syndrome and severe hepatotoxicity while taking sulfasalazine, perphenazine, and amitriptyline. The injury to the liver persisted for 5 months after withdrawal of the drugs, and the patient died of terminal hepatic failure with massive hepatic necrosis. Severe hepatic toxicity to sulfasalazine is uncommon, but it can be fatal.


Effects of N-acetylcysteine on histamine release by sodium fluoride and compound 48/80 from isolated rat mast cells.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) enhances the release of histamine induced by the fluoride-calcium system but not by compound 48/80. After preincubation of the cells for 2 h at room temperature (RT) as well as at 37 degrees C, NAC was found to enhance histamine release also when induced by compound 48/80. Both fluoride treatment and prolonged incubation at 37 degrees C (but not at RT) for 2 h decreased the ATP content of the cells. NAC was found to counteract the fall in ATP caused by prolonged incubation of the cells at 37 degrees C but not when induced by exposure to sodium fluoride. The results do not favor the concept that free radicals generated by fluoride treatment are responsible for the subsequent sensitivity of the cells to the secretory action of calcium. On the other hand, it cannot be excluded that free radicals generated during prolonged incubation of the cells at 37 degrees C might be involved in the decrease of the sensitivity of the cells to the secretory action of the fluoride-calcium system and of compound 48/80. This is supported by the finding that the presence of NAC not only activated the secretory response but also counteracted the decrease of the cellular ATP content noted following preincubation of the cells for 2 h at 37 degrees C.


[On marriage and family trends in the Czech Republic in the mid-1990s].
"This paper discusses the latest trends in marriage and family behaviour in the Czech Republic. These trends show profound changes as compared with the situation before 1989.... It is claimed here that the decrease of the marriage rate and the fertility rate, and gradual increase of the age at first marriage and increase of illegitimacy rate are normal and even necessary characteristics of modern democratic societies." (SUMMARY IN ENG)


Diffusion from a Circular Stoma through a Boundary Layer: A FIELD-THEORETICAL ANALYSIS.
The case of diffusion of a gas from a single circular stoma through an unstirred boundary layer of finite thickness into a perfectly stirred atmosphere free of convective effects is examined theoretically, with the gas assumed to be at constant concentration across the stoma. The analysis employs a mathematical solution to an analogous problem in electrostatic physics previously obtained by Kuz'min (1972 Sov Phys Tech Phys 17: 473-476). The diffusion flux is shown to be no more than 1% greater than that into a perfectly unstirred atmosphere if the boundary layer is thicker than 40 times the stomatal radius. Under the conditions assumed, for realistic boundary-layer and stomatal dimensions, taking the diffusion flux through the boundary layer to be linear with the stomatal radius would usually involve no significant error. This result may indicate that the principal effect of wind velocity on mass exchange between leaf and atmosphere may be exerted through influencing convection outside the boundary layer rather than through determining the thickness of that layer.


Lipolysis in adipocytes.
Lipolysis in adipocytes, the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) to release fatty acids (FAs) and glycerol for use by other organs, is a unique function of white adipose tissue. Lipolysis in adipocytes occurs at the surface of cytosolic lipid droplets, which have recently gained much attention as dynamic organelles integral to lipid metabolism. Desnutrin/ATGL is now established as a bona fide TAG hydrolase and mutations in human desnutrin/ATGL/PNPLA2, as well as in its activator, comparative gene identification 58, are associated with Neutral Lipid Storage Disease. Furthermore, recent identification of AdPLA as the major adipose phospholipase A(2), has led to the discovery of a dominant autocrine/paracrine regulation of lipolysis through PGE(2). Here, we review emerging concepts in the key players in lipolysis and the regulation of this process. We also examine recent findings in mouse models and humans with alterations/mutations in genes involved in lipolysis and discuss activation of lipolysis in adipocytes as a potential therapeutic target.


Genetic analysis of tumorigenesis: a conserved region in the human and Chinese hamster genomes contains genetically identified tumor-suppressor genes.
Regional chromosome homologies were found in a comparison of human 11p with Chinese hamster 3p. By use of probes that recognize six genes of human 11p (INS, CAT, HBBC, CALC, PTH, and HRAS), the corresponding genes were localized by in situ hybridization on Chinese hamster chromosome 3. INS and CAT were located close to the centromere on 3p, whereas HBBC, CALC, and PTH were at 3q3-4 and HRAS at 3q4. Extensive prior data from chromosome studies of tumorigenic and tumor-derived Chinese hamster cells have suggested the presence of a tumor-suppressor gene on 3p. Two tumor-suppressor genes have been described on human 11p, one linked to CAT and one to INS. The present study raises the possibility that the Chinese hamster suppressor may be closely linked to INS or CAT.


The Mediating Effect of Creativity on the Relationship Between Mathematic Achievement and Programming Self-Efficacy.
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the relationship between mathematic achievement and programming self-efficacy, and adopt a mediation model to verify the mediating role of creativity on the relationship between mathematic achievement and programming self-efficacy. Methods: A total of 950 upper-secondary school students were surveyed using their math test scores, the Kirton Adaption-Innovation and the Programmed Self-Efficacy Scale. SPSS-26 was used for descriptive statistical analysis and correlation analysis of related variables. The PROCESS plugin was used to test the mediating effect of creativity. Results: (1) Mathematic achievement has a positive effect on programming self-efficacy, mathematic achievement is positively related to creativity, and creativity also has a positive influence on programming self-efficacy. (2) Creativity has a mediating effect on the relationship between mathematic achievement and programming self-efficacy. Conclusion: The results revealed that mathematic achievement affected programming self-efficacy directly and also indirectly through creativity. This provided certain ideas for the development of programming education for teenagers. Since students' mathematics learning and creativity are related to programming learning, it is necessary to pay attention to the integration of the disciplines of programming education and mathematics. Further, the cultivation of innovative thinking is also critical to facilitate programming learning.


[Clinical characteristics of 7 renal cell carcinoma patients developing a solitary pancreatic metastasis after nephrectomy].
A solitary metastasis from renal cell carcinoma is rarely occurred evidence. Therefore, we intended to study on the clinical characteristics of those patients who developed a solitary pancreatic metastasis after nephrectomy. Of seven hundred and fifty-two patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who had been treated during the past 38 years, 7 patients developed a solitary pancreatic metastasis after nephrectomy. We studied on the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities and prognosis of these 7 patients. Regarding the age distribution at the time of nephrectomy, the median age was 48 years old. Therefore, the median age of patients developing a pancreatic metastasis was 10 years younger than that of the whole group of RCC. Regarding the sex ratio of these 7 patients, there was no difference between the male and female group (male in 4, female in 3). Therefore, relatively higher rate of pancreatic metastasis in female patients was observed compared with the male counterpart. Furthermore, no difference in the affected side of the primary tumour was observed in these 7 patients (left in 4, right in 3). Regarding the stages at the time of nephrectomy, a majority of patients (85.7%) showed low stages (stages 1 and 2). As to the grade of primary lesion, a majority of these tumours (85.7%) showed low grades (grades I and II). In an analysis of the interval from the time of nephrectomy to the pancreatic metastasis, the median interval was 140 months. Therefore, the percentage of the late recurrent patients was 71.4%. As to the site of metastasis in the pancreas, various sites in the pancreas was affected, with dominant site being its body. The median size of metastatic lesion was 4.25 cm. Regarding the treatment of pancreatic metastasis, resection of the metastasis was performed in 5 patients, and the remaining 2 patients received chemotherapy in combination with administration of interferon. As to the clinical courses of these 7 patients, other organs became involved with metastases in 6 patients, and 5 of them died with the median survival of 18 months. Furthermore, of the remaining 2 patients, one survived for 73 months with persistent cancer, and the other survived for 4 months without cancer. In conclusion, renal cell carcinoma accompanied by later development of pancreatic metastasis tend to occur in younger patients and have higher incidence in females than in males when compared with otherwise similar renal cell carcinomas. Furthermore, they tend to be of low stage and grade, have longer intervals to the occurrence of metastasis and carry a poor prognosis.


Cerebral metabolism in sleep apnea. Evaluation by magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Repeated apneic episodes during sleep may lead to cerebral damage in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We performed proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic studies to examine cerebral metabolism in patients with OSA. We studied 15 healthy subjects and 23 patients with OSA who displayed no anatomical abnormalities on MR imaging. The patients were classified into two groups based on the results of polysomnography: mild OSA (11 patients) or moderate to severe OSA (12 patients). All the subjects were examined with two-dimensional chemical shift imaging. The N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/choline (Cho), NAA/creatine (Cre), and Cho/Cre ratios for cerebral cortex and white matter were calculated separately. A statistically significant intergroup difference was found for the NAA/Cho ratio in cerebral white matter (p < 0.005). This ratio was significantly lower in patients with moderate to severe OSA than in patients with mild OSA (p < 0.01) and healthy subjects (p < 0.01). Our findings indicate that cerebral metabolic changes occur in normal-appearing brain tissue in patients with moderate to severe OSA. The findings of a decreased NAA/Cho ratio suggests the presence of cerebral damage, probably caused by repeated apneic episodes. Proton MR spectroscopy may be useful for evaluating cerebral damage in patients with OSA.


[Practical experiences in conversion to the wide angle observation systems for vitreous surgery BIOM, SDI, VPF].
The wide-angle observation system for vitreous surgery introduced by Spitznas und Reiner has the following advantages: Wide angle of view. Large depth of field. Good view to the periphery even with narrow pupil. Easy gas fluid exchange in a phacic eye. Free mobility of the eye when working in the periphery. Changing from the conventional vitrectomy lens system to the BIOM an experienced surgeon is familiar with the new system in a very short time.


DNA methylation affects freezing tolerance in winter rapeseed by mediating the expression of genes related to JA and CK pathways.
Winter rapeseed is the largest source of edible oil in China and is especially sensitive to low temperature, which causes tremendous agricultural yield reduction and economic losses. It is still unclear how DNA methylation regulates the formation of freezing tolerance in winter rapeseed under freezing stress. Therefore, in this study, the whole-genome DNA methylation map and transcriptome expression profiles of freezing-resistant cultivar NTS57 (NS) under freezing stress were obtained. The genome-wide methylation assay exhibited lower levels of methylation in gene-rich regions. DNA methylation was identified in three genomic sequence contexts including CG, CHG and CHH, of which CG contexts exhibited the highest methylation levels (66.8%), followed by CHG (28.6%) and CHH (9.5%). Higher levels of the methylation were found in upstream 2 k and downstream 2 k of gene regions, whereas lowest levels were in the gene body regions. In addition, 331, 437, and 1720 unique differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified in three genomic sequence contexts in 17NS under freezing stress compared to the control. Function enrichment analysis suggested that most of enriched DMGs were involved in plant hormones signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and protein processing pathways. Changes of genes expression in signal transduction pathways for cytokinin (CK) and jasmonic acid (JA) implied their involvement in freezing stress responses. Collectively, these results suggested a critical role of DNA methylation in their transcriptional regulation in winter rapeseed under freezing stress.


Conductance of small molecular junctions.
A new method of fabricating small metal-molecule-metal junctions is developed, approaching the single-molecule limit. The conductance of different conjugated molecules in a broad temperature, source-drain, and gate voltage regime is reported. At low temperature, all investigated molecules display sharp conductance steps periodic in source-drain voltage. The position of these steps can be controlled by a gate potential. The spacing corresponds to the energy of the lowest molecular vibrations. These results show that the low-bias conductance of molecules is dominated by resonant tunneling through coupled electronic and vibration levels.


[Role of hypothalamic nonapeptides in interaction of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells].
The role of hypothalamic nonapeptides in the interaction of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells was studied in the experimental setting. Nonapeptides were found to stimulate the adaptive and regenerative properties of eukaryotic cells and they are likely to have an antimicrobic effect on prokaryotic ones. The paper discusses the modulating role of nonapeptides in the establishment of symbiotic relations in the bacterial agent-host system.


Self-esteem and aesthetics.
Self-esteem/self-concept and aesthetics were measured in three groups. One group prior to orthodontic treatment, one group following completion of active orthodontic treatment and an untreated group. Improvement in dental and/or facial aesthetics does not necessarily lead to an increase in self esteem.


[Refeeding syndrome].
Despite being known more than 60 years, refeeding syndrome (RS) still bears many uncertainties. For example, its definition is not clear and definite, and the attitude to it varies from the complete neglect to over-prevention.The term "refeeding syndrome" refers to electrolyte and metabolic changes occurring in malnourished patients after the readministration of nutrition. These changes concern especially to phosphates and ions. Potassium, magnesium, naturism and fluids balance are involved. The changes lead to cell energetic metabolism and electric potential disturbances, with related clinical symptoms.Fully developed refeeding syndrome is quite rare; nevertheless it can be fatal for the patient. However, even its development can lead to many complications increasing the patient's morbidity and the length of stay in the hospital. Yet the refeeding syndrome is more or less predictable and if kept in mind also preventable.The aim of this article is to get the reader to know more about this metabolic phenomenon and possible attitudes towards it.


Characteristics of respiratory viruses' circulation through a six-year period (2016-2022) in a pediatric population in Normandy, France, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
The report highlights an epidemiological change in the circulation of respiratory viruses in pediatric populations due to strategies adopted against COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has resulted in a significant increase in requests for multiplex respiratory research to identify the virus responsible for the symptoms. The diagnostic needs have increased, and the number of samples analyzed in 2021-2022 is equal to the samples analyzed over the four epidemic periods preceding the pandemic. The report suggests the importance of active surveillance of respiratory viruses' circulation and new recommendations for respiratory virus detection in pediatric patients.


Awareness about sexually transmitted diseases in women related to their age, education and income.
This study was conducted to assess the level of awareness about sexually transmitted diseases in females of different age groups and to investigate the role that education and social status may play in their knowledge. It was a cross-sectional study, conducted at the CMH Lahore's Gynaecology and Obstetrics out-patient department, from June 2019 till July 2019. Three hundred and thirty-seven participants were interviewed, after obtaining a written informed consent. These participants were females who presented at the CMH Gynaecology & Obstetrics OPD, with any particular complaint. Those who did not give consent were not included in the study. The participants were given a hard copy of the questionnaire to fill and any queries that they had were answered on the spot. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. Of the 337 participants interviewed, 158 were aged 26-35 years; 71 were undergraduates and 99 had completed post graduate studies. To determine their socioeconomic status, they were asked about their family income; 205 participants belonged to families with an income of less than Rs50,000. Most participants (229) had presented to the OPD for a routine pregnancy check-up. Of the 337 participants, 244 attested to know about STD's and the most common source of their knowledge was through TV (142), followed by the internet (137); 251 participants were familiar with limited STDs such as AIDS and Hepatitis B. The study showed that age, level of education, and income have a profound effect on the knowledge regarding sexually transmitted diseases amongst the women in Pakistan.


Acromegaly. The effects of various steroid hormones on the insulin-induced growth hormone response.
The availability of a sensitive assay for human growth hormone has made it possible to directly measure the effects of various agents purported to alter growth patterns. Acromegalic patients present a special problem both in early diagnosis and in therapy. Being able to measure growth hormone in these patients provides an accurate index of activity and a precise measure of therapeutic effectiveness. In an attempt to determine whether a pituitary block of growth hormone secretion is feasible in this condition, a study was made of the effects of estrogen, androgen and glucocorticoid administration on growth hormone response to a standard insulin tolerance test in a patient with active acromegaly. In the dosage schedules used in this study, it was not possible to suppress either basal growth hormone secretion or blunt its responsiveness to the normal physiologic stimulus of hypoglycemia.


Physical activity, sedentary behavior and total wellness changes among sedentary adults: a 4-week randomized controlled trial.
The construct of total wellness includes a holistic approach to the body, mind and spirit components of life. While the health benefits of reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are well documented, little is known about the influence on total wellness of an internet-based physical activity monitor designed to help people to achieve higher physical activity levels. The purpose of this four-week, personal activity monitor-based intervention program was to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity levels in daily living for sedentary adults and to determine if these changes would also be associated with improvement in total wellness. Twenty-two men and 11 women (27 years ± 4.0) were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n = 18) or control group (n = 15). The intervention group interacted with an online personal activity monitor (Gruve Solution™) designed to reduce sedentary time and increase physical activity during activities of daily living. The control group did not interact with the monitor, as they were asked to follow their normal daily physical activities and sedentary behavior routines. The Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle (WEL) inventory was used to assess total wellness. Sedentary time, light, walking, moderate and vigorous intensity physical activities were assessed for both intervention and control groups at baseline and at week-4 by the 7-day Sedentary and Light Intensity Physical Activity Log (7-day SLIPA Log) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Significant increases in pre-post total wellness scores (from 64% ± 5.7 to 75% ± 8.5) (t(17) = -6.5, p < 0.001) were observed in the intervention group by the end of week four. Intervention participants decreased their sedentary time (21%, 2.3 hours/day) and increased their light (36.7%, 2.5 hours/day), walking (65%, 1057 MET-min/week), moderate (67%, 455 MET-min/week) and vigorous intensity (60%, 442 MET-min/week) physical activity (all p < 0.001). No significant differences for total wellness were observed between the groups at baseline and no pre-post significant differences were observed for any outcome variable in the control group. Total wellness is improved when sedentary, but sufficiently physically active adults, reduce sedentary time and increase physical activity levels (i.e. light, waking, moderate and vigorous).


Evidence for a Second Type of Resistance against Cydia pomonella Granulovirus in Field Populations of Codling Moths.
Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) is an important biocontrol agent for the codling moth (CM) in organic and integrated apple production worldwide. Previously, Z chromosome-linked dominant resistance in at least 38 CM field populations in Europe was reported, threatening organic apple production. Growers responded by switching to a different resistance-breaking isolate of CpGV that could control these populations. Here, we report a nonuniform response of different CM field populations to CpGV isolates from CpGV genome groups A to E. Even more strikingly, one field population, NRW-WE, was resistant to all known CpGV genome groups except group B. Single-pair crossing experiments with a susceptible strain, followed by resistance testing of the F1 offspring, clearly indicated cross-resistance to CpGV isolates that had been considered to be resistance breaking. This finding provides clear evidence of a second, broader type of CpGV resistance with a novel mode of inheritance that cannot be fully explained by Z-linkage of resistance. CpGV is registered and used in virtually all commercial apple growing areas worldwide and is therefore the most widely used baculovirus biocontrol agent. Recently, resistance to CpGV products was reported in different countries in Europe, threatening organic growers who rely almost exclusively on CpGV products. This resistance appeared to be targeted against a 24-bp repeat in the pe38 gene in isolate CpGV-M of genome group A, which had been used commercially for many years. On the other hand, resistance could be broken by CpGV isolates from CpGV genome groups B to E. Here, we report clear evidence of a second type of field resistance that is also directed against resistance-breaking isolates of CpGV genome groups C, D, and E and which appears not to be targeted against CpGV pe38 Therefore, we propose to differentiate between type I resistance, which is targeted against pe38 of CpGV genome group A, and a novel type II resistance with an unknown molecular target. This finding stresses the need for further adoption of resistance management strategies for CpGV, since growers cannot rely solely on the use of resistance-breaking CpGV isolates.


Theory of thermal imaging using infrared to visible image up-conversion.
A novel method of thermal imaging based on the up-conversion of infrared radiation in nonlinear optical crystals is analyzed. An equation is derived giving the temperature resolution in terms of the pump laser energy E(p). For a proustite-ruby system based on the 8-13-micro band, a temperature resolution of better than 1 degrees C is predicted when the number of resolvable spots is 100 x 100 and E(p) = 10 J. Numerical results are also provided for eighteen possible systems having different combinations of pump laser (neodymium or ruby), infrared band (3-5 micro or 8-13 micro), nonlinear crystal (Ag(3)AsS(3), AgGas(2), ZnGeP(2), or LiNbO(3)), and imaging photocathode [S-1, S-20, GaAs/(Cs,O), or In(As,P)/(Cs,O)].


Evaluation of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between quinidine and nifedipine.
Quinidine and nifedipine appear to be subject to metabolism by the same isozyme of cytochrome P-450. In addition, both drugs have been reported to alter the pharmacokinetics of other compounds. To investigate a potential interaction, 10 healthy subjects (five male, five female) received quinidine sulfate (200 mg orally), nifedipine (20 mg orally), or the combination of both drugs every 8 hours for 4 doses using a randomized, cross-over study design with a 2-week washout period between treatments. Drug concentration, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were measured at frequent intervals after the final dose. Quinidine concentrations were unchanged by the co-administration of nifedipine. Nifedipine area under the curve (AUC0-8) increased 36.6% from 333 to 455 micrograms.hr/L (P < .05) after quinidine administration. Heart rate was significantly higher in the nifedipine-quinidine treatment at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 hours when compared with either drug alone. The maximum increase in heart rate (17.9 beats/minute) occurred at 0.5 hours after nifedipine administration and was significantly correlated with serum concentrations at that time (r = .78). These results suggest that quinidine inhibits nifedipine metabolism, and this pharmacokinetic interaction results in enhanced pharmacologic response.


Substituent Effects on the N-H Bond Dissociation Enthalpies, Ionization Energies, Acidities, and Radical Scavenging Behavior of 3,7-Disubstituted Phenoxazines and 3,7-Disubstituted Phenothiazines.
The substituent effects on the N-H bond dissociation enthalpies (BDE), ionization energies (IE), acidities (proton affinity, PA), and radical scavenging behavior of 3,7-disubstituted phenoxazines (PhozNHs) and 3,7-disubstituted phenothiazines (PhtzNHs) were determined using density functional theory, with the M05-2X functional in conjunction with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. These thermochemical parameters calculated in both gas phase and benzene solution with respect to the changes in several different substituents including halogen, electron-withdrawing, and electron-donating groups at both 3 and 7 positions in both PhozNHs and PhtzNHs systems were analyzed in terms of the inherent relationships between them with some quantitative substituent effect parameters. The kinetic rate constants of hydrogen-atom exchange reactions between PhozNH and PhtzNH derivatives with the HOO• radical were also calculated, and the effects of the substituents on the kinetic behaviors of these reactions were thereby quantitatively evaluated.


Eosinophils in allergy: role in disease, degranulation, and cytokines.
For over 100 years, the eosinophil has been associated with allergic disease. At present, eosinophils appear to be associated pathologically with asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, and certain eye diseases. The effector functions of eosinophils appear to be derived primarily from release of lipid mediators and proteins, including cytokines and granule proteins. Eosinophil degranulation results in the release of several cytotoxic cationic granule proteins. Furthermore, release of cytokines by eosinophils and other cells involved in inflammation amplifies and regulates localized immune responses. Altogether, the eosinophil's capacity to release and be influenced by a variety of mediators, including the granule proteins and cytokines, implicates this cell in the pathology of inflammation and in the perpetuation of the inflammatory response.


[The use of polymerase chain reaction method for the detection of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi in wild rodents].
We studied the applicability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection of R. tsutsugamushi in wild rodents. The PCR method which amplified the gene coding for the group-specific antigen of R. tsutsugamushi was used in this study. Specific PCR products (88 bp) were obtained with the DNAs from three reference strains (Gilliam, Karp, and Kato) and two cell culture adapted field isolates (KN-1 and GJ-1). The minimum number detectable by the PCR method was estimated to be 1.3 copies of rickettsial genome. In a study with experimentally infected mice, the PCR method could detect rickettsial DNA in one of two infected mice at four months after inoculation. Thereafter, fifty five wild rodents were captured in five areas of Okayama Prefecture, and R. tsutsugamushi DNA was detected, by the PCR method, by amplifying DNA from the spleen of each rodent. The rickettsia was also isolated from the same rodents by the mouse inoculation method. By the PCR method, rickettsia DNAs could be detected in 12 of 13 rodents from which the rickettsiae were isolated, and in 10 of 42 rodents from which no rickettsiae were isolated. These findings indicate that the PCR method is a simple and specific procedure to detect R. tsutsugamushi in wild rodents. On the other hand, the results of the PCR method demonstrated that the middle area of Okayama Prefecture was highly (44-81%) contaminated with R. tsutsugamushi.


Dabigatran: an oral novel potent reversible nonpeptide inhibitor of thrombin.
Dabigatran is a highly selective, reversible, and potent thrombin inhibitor and is orally available as the prodrug, dabigatran etexilate. It has shown antithrombotic efficacy in animal models of thrombosis, with a rapid onset of action and predictable pharmacodynamic response. Peak plasma concentrations of dabigatran occur 1 to 2 hours after ingestion of the prodrug. The terminal half-life of dabigatran is 12 to 14 hours in elderly volunteers. Dabigatran is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and does not interact with food. Dabigatran has a low potential for drug-drug interactions and is predominantly renally excreted. Dabigatran etexilate as chronic therapy effectively prevents the recurrence of venous thromboembolism and cardioembolic stroke. For the first time, it has been demonstrated clinically that there may be an effective and safe alternative to warfarin.


Conversion from farnesyl diphosphate synthase to geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase by random chemical mutagenesis.
Prenyltransferases catalyze the consecutive condensation of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) with allylic diphosphates to produce prenyl diphosphates whose chain lengths are absolutely determined by each enzyme. In order to investigate the mechanisms of the consecutive reaction and of the determination of ultimate chain length, a random mutational approach was planned. The farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase gene of Bacillus stearothermophilus was subjected to random mutagenesis by NaNO2 treatment to construct libraries of mutated FPP synthase genes on a high-copy plasmid. From the libraries, the mutants that showed the activity of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) synthase were selected by the red-white screening method (Ohnuma, S.-i., Suzuki, M., and Nishino, T. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 14792-14797), which utilized carotenoid synthetic genes, phytoene synthase, and phytoene desaturase, to visualize the formation of GGPP in vivo. Eleven red positive clones were identified from about 24,300 mutants, and four (mutant 1, 2, 3, and 4) of them were analyzed for the enzyme activities. Results of in vitro assays demonstrated that all these mutants produced (all-E)-GGPP although the amounts were different. Each mutant was found to contain a few amino acid substitutions: mutant 1, Y81H and L275S; mutant 2, L34V and R59Q; mutant 3, V157A and H182Y; mutant 4, Y81H, P239R, and A265T. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that Y81H, L34V, or V157A was essential for the expression of the activity of GGPP synthase. Especially, the replacement of tyrosine 81 by histidine is the most effective because the production ratios of GGPP to FPP in mutant 1 and 4 are the largest. Based on prediction of the secondary structure, it is revealed that the tyrosine 81 situates on a point 11 approximately 12 A apart from the first DDXXD motif, whose distance is similar to the length of hydrocarbon moiety of FPP. These data might suggest that the aromatic ring of tyrosine 81 blocks the chain elongation longer than FPP. Comparisons of kinetic parameters of the mutated and wild type enzymes revealed several phenomena that may relate with the change of the ultimate chain length. They are a decrease of the total reaction rate, increase of Kmfor dimethylallyl diphosphate, decrease of Vmax for dimethylallyl diphosphate, and allylic substrate dependence of Km for IPP.


An outbreak of Eltor cholera in Aizwal town of Mizoram, India.
During the months of May, June and through early part of July 1994, an unusual occurrence of severe dehydrating watery diarrhoea cases and deaths were reported from Aizwal town, the capital of Mizoram, a North-Eastern state of India. Vibrio cholerae 01 biotype Eltor, the causative agent responsible for this outbreak, was isolated from 50.0% of hospitalised cases. The disease affected older children and adults more (52.9%) than younger children below five years of age. Vibrio cholerae 01 strains isolated were uniformly resistant to furazolidone and co-trimoxazole, which are commonly advocated in the treatment of cholera specially in children of developing countries. Emergence of such resistant strain is alarming and is of great public health importance.


Spatial Variation of Cladophora Epiphytes in the Nan River, Thailand.
Cladophora is an algal genus known to be ecologically important. It provides habitats for microorganisms known to provide ecological services such as biosynthesis of cobalamin (vitamin B12) and nutrient cycling. Most knowledge of microbiomes was obtained from studies of lacustrine Cladophora species. However, whether lotic freshwater Cladophora microbiomes are as complex as the lentic ones or provide similar ecological services is not known. To illuminate these issues, we used amplicons of 16S rDNA, 18S rDNA, and ITS to investigate the taxonomy and diversity of the microorganisms associated with replicate Cladophora samples from three sites along the Nan River, Thailand. Results showed that the diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic members of Cladophora microbiomes collected from different sampling sites was statistically different. Fifty percent of the identifiable taxa were shared across sampling sites: these included organisms belonging to different trophic levels, decomposers, and heterotrophic bacteria. These heterogeneous assemblages of bacteria, by functional inference, have the potential to perform various ecological functions, i.e., cellulose degradation, cobalamin biosynthesis, fermentative hydrogen production, ammonium oxidation, amino acid fermentation, dissimilatory reduction of nitrate to ammonium, nitrite reduction, nitrate reduction, sulfur reduction, polyphosphate accumulation, denitrifying phosphorus-accumulation, and degradation of aromatic compounds. Results suggested that river populations of Cladophora provide ecologically important habitat for microorganisms that are key to nutrient cycling in lotic ecosystems.


Immunogold localization of high-affinity glucose transporter isoforms in normal rat kidney.
Facilitative glucose transporters (GLUT) have unique kinetic characteristics and distributions suited to the functions of the tissues in which they reside. However, little is known about their individual roles in renal glucose metabolism, and previous investigations of renal GLUT expression have been extensive only with respect to their mRNA levels. We provide here a complete analysis of three GLUT isoforms along the nephron using a sensitive immunodetection method. Normal rat kidneys were harvested, fixed in paraformaldehyde, and embedded in either paraffin or resin as required for immunogold labeling of individual GLUT Isoforms 1, 3, and 4. Samples were evaluated by light microscopy and selected regions analyzed by high resolution optical scanning with computer-assisted detection of immunogold-labeled GLUT at the subcellular level. We describe, compare, and related to the local patterns of glucose metabolism the cellular and subcellular expression patterns of these GLUT along the nephron. GLUT1 was most intensely labeled in the medullary thick ascending limbs of Henle, cortical collecting ducts, and inner medullary collecting ducts. In contrast, GLUT3 was most prominent in the inner medullary collecting ducts and GLUT4 in medullary thick ascending limbs of Henle. All three GLUT were detected in glomerular tufts, and GLUT1 was also detected in parietal epithelial cells. The predominant subcellular distributions in tubule cells were: basolateral and basolateral/cytoplasmic for GLUT1; basolateral and cytoplasmic for GLUT3; and perinuclear/cytoplasmic for GLUT4. GLUT 1 and 3 expressions were confirmed in specific regions by immunoblotting. 1) GLUT 1, 3, and 4 are expressed in both glomeruli and renal tubules. 2) The unique GLUT expression patterns along the renal tubules suggests unique functional roles for these isoforms. 3) The renal cortex demonstrates lesser labeling intensity for the high-affinity GLUT compared with the medulla, where higher rates of glucose oxidation and glycolytic metabolism are paralleled by higher GLUT labeling intensities.


Direct or Spillover Effect: The Impact of Pure Technical and Scale Efficiencies of Water Use on Water Scarcity in China.
The spatial relationship between water use efficiency and water scarcity has been widely discussed, but little attention has been paid to the impact of the pure technical and scale efficiencies of water use on water scarcity. Using input-oriented data envelopment analysis (DEA) and panel spatial Durbin models (SDM), the direct and spillover effects of different water use efficiencies on water scarcity from 2007 to 2016 in China were examined at the regional scale. The results show that the water use pure technical efficiency had significantly negative direct effects on water scarcity; however, the water use scale efficiency did not have a similar effect. The improvement in water use pure technical efficiency in one region could aggravate the water scarcity in neighboring regions through spatial spillover effects, but the same effect was not observed between the water use scale efficiency and water scarcity. Finally, we propose solutions to improve the water use efficiency to reduce the water scarcity.


Constraint-induced movement therapy for recovery of upper-limb function following traumatic brain injury.
A volunteer sample of 22 participants with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) (onset >1 year) and relative hemiplegia that revealed moderate disability in the more-affected upper limb (UL) participated. Constraint-induced (CI) movement therapy (CI therapy) was employed for a 2-week period; treatments included massed practice, shaping of the more-affected UL, behavioral contracts, and other behavioral techniques for affecting transfer to a real-world setting. We used the Wolf Motor Function Test, the Fugl-Meyer Motor Performance Assessment, and the Motor Activity Log to measure outcomes. All outcome measures improved significantly as a result of the intervention. More-adherent participants had more improvement compared with less-adherent participants. These preliminary results suggest that CI therapy may be effective for improving UL motor function following chronic TBI.


Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its regulators are major targets of triple-negative breast cancer.
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) represent a distinct subtype of breast cancers that are associated with early recurrence and an aggressive metastatic progression of the disease and consequently poor outcome. Recently, it was reported that c-Met growth factor receptor is overexpressed in around 52% of TNBCs. On the other hand, it is known that c-Met signaling pathways initiate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenomenon, which is described as a crucial event during cancer metastasis. Herein, we discuss the association between c-Met and EMT in the TNBC group.


Understanding the HIV/AIDS context in Pakistan.
The social context of sexual relations is important in understanding the AIDS epidemic. So far, HIV in Pakistan has spread by heterosexual contact and blood transfusions. The magnitude of the problem is difficult to assess but health authorities estimate between 10,000 to 12,000 HIV infected people. This paper outlines that rapid urbanization, together with single migrant workers, deported HIV infected expatriates, exploitation of women and easy availability of narcotic drugs, especially in the metropolis of Karachi, are some important factors that may be responsible for the spread of HIV in Pakistan (Venereology 1995;8 [3]:160-3).


Evaluation of success of a meniscus repair device for vertical unstable medial meniscus tears in ACL-reconstructed knees.
We retrospectively reviewed the success of meniscus repair with the FasT-Fix meniscus repair device for vertical unstable medial meniscus tears at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A repair failure was defined as patients having medial knee symptoms leading to a subsequent arthroscopy confirming a tear at the repair site. Objective follow-up was obtained on 27 patients at a mean of 3.1 years postoperatively (range, 2-5 years). Two of 22 repairs (9%) in the red-red vascular zone and 4 of 5 repairs (80%) in the red-white vascular zone retore at the repair site at an average of 9 months postoperatively (range, 3-20 months). The results of this study showed a high failure rate (22%) of unstable vertical medial meniscus repairs with ACL reconstruction, especially for repairs done to tears in the red-white vascular zone.


Effects of glyburide on renal tubule transport and potassium-channel activity.
Renal clearance, microperfusion and patch-clamp techniques were used to investigate the effects of the K-channel blocker glyburide on electrolyte excretion, the transport properties of the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle and K-channel activity in the apical membrane of the TAL and of the cortical collecting tubule. Our data suggest that the K-channel blocker glyburide can inhibit transport of Na and K in the TAL by blocking K recycling across the apical membrane. Additionally, inhibition of K secretion in the collecting ducts occurs by decreasing the activity of apical K channels and prevents kaliuresis.


Comparative histologic features of liver biopsy specimens from patients coinfected with hepatitis G and C viruses with chronic hepatitis C virus alone: an age-, sex-, disease duration-, and transmission-matched controlled study of chronic hepatitis.
Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a recently described, parenterally spread, positive-strand RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. There is a high rate of HGV coinfection in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Whether HGV can cause or is pathogenetically related to clinically apparent chronic liver disease, or whether HGV alters the course of hepatitis C in patients who are coinfected with both viruses is unknown. We studied 13 biopsy specimens from 11 patients coinfected with HGV and HCV and compared them with 15 biopsy specimens from a group of patients infected only with HCV who were matched for age, sex, disease duration, and transmission mode to characterize the histologic features of coinfected liver biopsy specimens and to look for any histologic features that might allow identification of coinfected patients. Three of the biopsy specimens from coinfected patients had a modified histologic activity index score of minimal chronic hepatitis, three of mild, two of mild/moderate, and five of moderate chronic hepatitis. Bile duct injury was absent in seven specimens, minimal in five, and mild in one. The biopsy specimens from patients who were coinfected with HGV and HCV had similar histologic features to the biopsy specimens of patients infected with HCV alone. There were no detectable histologic differences between the biopsy specimens from the two patient groups. The P values for the statistical comparisons confirmed this impression. In addition, no group of histologic features distinguished the coinfected patient group from the control group. Any suspicion that a clinician might have about the presence of HGV requires confirmation by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing of serum samples. Our results suggest that HGV most likely does not actively participate in the cytotoxic effects of chronic hepatitis or does so by a mechanism as yet undefined. Although HGV can cause chronic infection, the present study provides no evidence that it causes or contributes to chronic hepatitis.


Functional screening of mammalian mechanosensitive genes using Drosophila RNAi library- Smarcd3/Bap60 is a mechanosensitive pro-inflammatory gene.
Disturbed blood flow (d-flow) induces atherosclerosis by altering the expression of mechanosensitive genes in the arterial endothelium. Previously, we identified >580 mechanosensitive genes in the mouse arterial endothelium, but their role in endothelial inflammation is incompletely understood. From this set, we obtained 84 Drosophila RNAi lines that silences the target gene under the control of upstream activation sequence (UAS) promoter. These lines were crossed with C564-GAL4 flies expressing GFP under the control of drosomycin promoter, an NF-κB target gene and a marker of pathogen-induced inflammation. Silencing of psmd12 or ERN1 decreased infection-induced drosomycin expression, while Bap60 silencing significantly increased the drosomycin expression. Interestingly, knockdown of Bap60 in adult flies using temperature-inducible Bap60 RNAi (C564ts-GAL4-Bap60-RNAi) enhanced drosomycin expression upon Gram-positive bacterial challenge but the basal drosomycin expression remained unchanged compared to the control. In the mammalian system, smarcd3 (mammalian ortholog of Bap60) expression was reduced in the human- and mouse aortic endothelial cells exposed to oscillatory shear in vitro as well as in the d-flow regions of mouse arterial endothelium in vivo. Moreover, siRNA-mediated knockdown of smarcd3 induced endothelial inflammation. In summary, we developed an in vivo Drosophila RNAi screening method to identify flow-sensitive genes that regulate endothelial inflammation.


Utilization of chiropractic services in patients with osteoarthritis and spine pain at a publicly funded healthcare facility in Canada: A retrospective study.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent and disabling musculoskeletal diseases worldwide. There is preliminary evidence from experimental studies and consensus documents that chiropractic management may alleviate spine and/or extremity OA related pain in the short term. This research explores the potential relationship of a pragmatic course of care, including soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulation, and other treatments commonly delivered by chiropractors, to spine and extremity pain in patients with OA. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the chiropractic program at a publicly funded healthcare facility was conducted. The primary outcome measures for patients diagnosed with spine and/or extremity OA (n= 76) were numeric pain scores of each spinal and extremity region at baseline and discharge, and a change score was determined. Statistically significant improvements that exceed a clinically meaningful difference in pain numeric rating scale scores were demonstrated by point change reductions from baseline to discharge visits. Change scores exceeding a minimally clinically important difference of "2-points" were present in the sacroiliac (-2.91), extremity (-2.84), cervical (-2.73), thoracic (-2.61), and lumbar (-2.59) regions. Patients diagnosed with OA in a socioeconomically disadvantaged community demonstrated reductions in mean pain scores in both a clinically meaningful and statistically significant manner concurrent with a course of chiropractic care.


Evolution of zidovudine resistance-associated genotypes in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patients.
Substantial differences have been described in the response of individual patients to zidovudine (ZDV) therapy, both in the clinical impact and in virus load. Genotypic changes associated with the appearance of drug resistance may also be different or occur at different rates. We have obtained the nucleotide sequence of the RT domain of individual HIV-1 genomes extracted from 10 plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples donated by two haemophiliac patients before, during, and after long-term ZDV therapy. Although the plasma virus load was similar throughout, the order and timing of appearance of resistance-associated substitutions differed in the two patients. In patient p74, K70R appeared after 4 months, T215Y at 5.5 months, and M41L at 13 months. In p87, K70R also appeared at 4 months, but T215Y and K219Q were not observed until 18 months and M41L not at all. Much greater sequence change overall occurred in p74. The evolution of the viral population in that patient was dominated by the unique appearance of T215Y and subsequently M41L, with all sequences from the last time point being descended by a single path from the pretreatment samples. However, in p87, several different lineages of RT sequences were found to persist throughout treatment. We propose that these differences in outcome may be determined by differences in genetic background at sites other than the five generally considered to be associated with ZDV sensitivity.


Neuroprotective Properties of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Parkinson's Disease: A Review.
Neurodegenerative disease is a collective term given for the clinical condition, which results in progressive degeneration of neurons and the loss of functions associated with the affected brain region. Apart from the increase in age, neurodegenerative diseases are also partly affected by diet and lifestyle practices. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a slow onset neurodegenerative disorder and the second most common neurodegenerative disease, which affects the motor system. Although there is no prescribed treatment method to prevent and cure PD, clinical procedures help manage the disease symptoms. Green tea polyphenols are known for several health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activity. The current manuscript summarizes the possible mechanisms of neuroprotective potential of green tea with a special focus on PD. Studies have suggested that the consumption of green tea protects against free-radicals, inflammation, and neuro-damages. Several in vivo studies aid in understanding the overall mechanism of green tea. However, the same dose may not be sufficient in humans to elicit similar effects due to complex physiological, social, and cultural development. Future research focused on more clinical trials could identify an optimum dose that could impart maximum health benefits to impart neuroprotection in PD.


Moving From Organ Donation to Knowledge Donation: A Novel Opportunity for Surgical Education Following Organ Donation.
The objective of this article is to share how our institution implemented the use of organ donors for surgical education following organ recovery. Despite technological advances, realistic surgical simulation models are lacking, leaving little opportunity to practice a procedure prior to performance on a living patient. Utilization of organ donors following organ donation offers an opportunity for life-like surgical simulation. We developed a pathway to use organ donor tissue in the post-recovery period for robotic simulation. We obtained support from our local Institutional Review Board, Ethics Committee, and organ procurement organization to create a "knowledge donor" program. Our knowledge donation program provided learners hands-on experience with a novel procedure and also provided organ donors another opportunity to express their altruism. We found that the process was well accepted by donor families and learners. We implemented a knowledge donation program at our hospital that provides valuable surgical experience. We discuss future directions for knowledge donation at our institution.


Hormonal regulation of the p53 tumor suppressor protein in T47D human breast carcinoma cell line.
Under normal culturing conditions, the T47D human breast cancer cell line expresses progesterone receptor constitutively and is responsive to estrogen. Because the tumor suppressor protein p53 plays a central role in determining genetic stability and cell proliferation, we have examined the effects of 17 beta-estradiol, the synthetic progestin R5020, and the antiprogestin RU486 on the levels of this protein in T47D cells. Western blot analysis of cellular extracts, performed with a monoclonal antibody capable of quantitatively supershifting a specific p53-p53 response element complex in a gel mobility shift assay, detected a single immunoreactive band representing p53. When cells were grown for 4-5 days in culture medium containing charcoal-treated fetal calf serum, p53 levels declined to 10% of the level seen in the control (no charcoal treatment) group. Supplementation of culture medium containing charcoal-treated calf serum with 0.1-1 nM 17 beta-estradiol restored p53 to its normal levels. A 4-day treatment of cells with R5020 or RU486 lowered the p53 levels in cells grown in normal culturing conditions to 15 and 30% of control levels, respectively. R5020 and RU486 treatments also caused down-regulation and/or hyperphosphorylation of the progesterone receptor, which correlated with the down-regulation of p53. These observations by estradiol while R5020 down-regulates this protein. Since estradiol is known to promote cell proliferation, the induction of p53 observed in this study leads us to propose that estradiol stimulates p53 to regulate proliferation of T47D cells in culture.


Combined Baerveldt glaucoma implant and scleral buckling surgery for patients with retinal detachment and coexisting glaucoma.
To report on the usefulness of combined Baerveldt glaucoma implantation (BGI) and scleral buckling surgery for patients with glaucoma requiring a scleral buckle for retinal detachment repair. Retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative, and interventional case series of 30 eyes (30 patients) that underwent simultaneous scleral buckle and BGI surgery, using a staged (group 1, n=21 patients) or nonstaged (group 2, n=9 patients) approach to BGI implantation. Successful intraocular pressure (IOP) control was defined as 6 mm Hg≤IOP≤18 mm Hg. Although not statistically significant, mean best corrected visual acuity (LogMAR) improved from 2.0 before surgery to 1.7 after surgery (P=0.13) with a mean follow-up of 27.7 months. Of the 21 patients in group 1, only 13 (62%) required second-stage tube insertion at a mean of 7.0±8.0 months (range, 1 to 24 mo) postoperatively. For these eyes combined with group 2 eyes, mean IOP was reduced from 31.1±10.8 to 12.7±6.0 mm Hg (P<0.0001), and the mean number of glaucoma medications was reduced from 2.9±1.4 to 1.2±1.3 (P<0.001). Life table rates of successful IOP control were 90% and 80% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Combined scleral buckle and BGI is an effective technique for managing coexisting glaucoma and retinal detachment and provides the clinician with a useful surgical option while minimizing surgical risk.


Lobular carcinoma of the breast can be managed by breast-conserving therapy.
There has been a reluctance to treat patients with invasive lobular carcinoma by breast-conserving therapy because of the possibility of increased rates of local recurrence. This study is a retrospective review of 226 patients with pure invasive lobular carcinoma 4 cm or less treated by breast conservation therapy or mastectomy. Local relapse occurred in four of 52 patients (8 per cent) after breast conservation compared with 21 of 174 (12 per cent) after mastectomy. Breast conservation for invasive lobular carcinoma did not result in a higher incidence of local relapse and patients with invasive lobular and ductal carcinomas may be managed in a similar fashion.


Comparative assessment of the results of detection of СagА-positive strains of Helicobacter pylori by molecular-genetic and immunochromatographic methods in different biological materials.
A comparative analysis of the detection of CagA-positive strains of H. pylori by immunochromatographic and molecular genetic methods was carried out. We used H. pylori strains isolated from individuals with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The immunochromatographic method was implemented using a developed experimental model of an immunochromatographic test system for detecting the H. pylori CagA protein in various biological materials. Determination of the pathogenicity gene cagA of H. pylori was carried out using the «Helikopol SA» test system («Litekh», Russia). The assessment of the comparability of the results of detecting CagA-positive strains of H. pylori was carried out using statistical methods: Monte-Carlo, calculation of the chi-square test (χ2) and Kendall's τ-b and Somer's d coefficients. Statistical analysis was performed using the software packages «Microsoft Office Excel», «Statistica 10.0», «WinBUGS 1.4.0.» The study showed the absence of a statistically significant difference and the presence of a direct strong correlation between the results of detecting CagA-positive strains by molecular genetic and immunochromatographic methods, which indicates that these methods provide similar results in identifying highly pathogenic strains of H. pylori.


Parietal bone non-secreting solitary myeloma (plasmacytoma) with spread to the epidural space and scalp. Case report.
A case of solitary osteolytic lesion in the parietal bone in an otherwise asymptomatic patient is reported. Skull radiographs showed a radio-lucent lesion with well-defined margins without sclerotic reaction, CT scan demonstrated a mass that markedly enhanced extending from the epidural to the subcutaneous space of the parietal region. The patient underwent surgery and tumor was completely excised. Pathological examination showed tumor to be a plasmacytoma synthesizing kappa chains. Postoperatively the patient received radiotherapy. Four years after treatment there was no sign of local recurrence on CT can and of progression of multiple myeloma on clinical and laboratory studies. Our recommended treatment is that of a complete surgical excision followed by radiation to dose levels of 45-50 Gy. The patients should be followed carefully because of either local recurrence or possible progression to multiple myeloma. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy should started when signs of progression or other significant disease manifestations occur.


Kinetics of Flavoenzyme-Catalyzed Reduction of Tirapazamine Derivatives: Implications for Their Prooxidant Cytotoxicity.
Derivatives of tirapazamine and other heteroaromatic N-oxides (ArN→O) exhibit promising antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and tumoricidal activities. Their action is typically attributed to bioreductive activation and free radical generation. In this work, we aimed to clarify the mechanism(s) of aerobic mammalian cell cytotoxicity of ArN→O performing the parallel studies of their reactions with NADPH:cytochrome P-450 reductase (P-450R), adrenodoxin reductase/adrenodoxin (ADR/ADX), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1); we found that in P-450R and ADR/ADX-catalyzed single-electron reduction, the reactivity of ArN→O (n = 9) increased with their single-electron reduction midpoint potential (E17), and correlated with the reactivity of quinones. NQO1 reduced ArN→O at low rates with concomitant superoxide production. The cytotoxicity of ArN→O in murine hepatoma MH22a and human colon adenocarcinoma HCT-116 cells increased with their E17, being systematically higher than that of quinones. The cytotoxicity of both groups of compounds was prooxidant. Inhibitor of NQO1, dicoumarol, and inhibitors of cytochromes P-450 α-naphthoflavone, isoniazid and miconazole statistically significantly (p < 0.02) decreased the toxicity of ArN→O, and potentiated the cytotoxicity of quinones. One may conclude that in spite of similar enzymatic redox cycling rates, the cytotoxicity of ArN→O is higher than that of quinones. This is partly attributed to ArN→O activation by NQO1 and cytochromes P-450. A possible additional factor in the aerobic cytotoxicity of ArN→O is their reductive activation in oxygen-poor cell compartments, leading to the formation of DNA-damaging species similar to those forming under hypoxia.


Hepatectomy and pancreatectomy with combined vascular resection in patients with hepato-biliary and pancreas diseases at a single cancer institute.
In advanced cancers of hepatobiliary and pancreatic lesions, major vascular resection and reconstruction are necessary to accomplish curative resection, which may provide better patient outcomes. Surgical records, morbidity and mortality, and prognosis were examined in patients with combined vascular resection. Thirty-six patients underwent 18 hepatectomies and 18 pancreatectomies. In 18 patients who underwent hepatic resection, the resected vessels were the portal vein (PV) in 10, vena cava or hepatic vein in 9 and right hepatic artery (RHA) in 3. An artificial graft was used in 2 to replace the vena cava. Vascular bypass was performed in 5 patients. Morbidity was due to biliary stricture in 1 patient and adult respiratory distress syndrome in another who died during hospital stay. Fourteen (82%) had cancer recurrence, of whom 12 died of cancer, one died of other disease, and 2 survived cancer-free. The 5-year survival was 28%. In 18 patients who underwent pancreatectomy, resected vessels were PV in 18 and RHA in 1. An artificial graft was used in 3 and vascular passive bypass was performed in 6. One patient died of sepsis after total pancreatectomy during hospital stay. Eleven (64%) had cancer recurrence, of whom 11 died of cancer, 2 died of other disease, and 4 survived cancer-free. The 3-year survival was 27%. Complete surgical resection (R0) combined with main vascular resection could be safely performed in many patients with disease of the hepatobiliary and pancreas, which achieved longer survival in some patients even in the advanced stage.


Close relationship between clinical regression and specific serology in the follow-up of patients with alveolar echinococcosis in different clinical stages.
We compared four enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with 172 serum samples from 28 patients with alveolar echinococcosis in different clinical stages according to the World Health Organization-PNM (P = parasitic mass in the liver, N = involvement of neighboring organs, M = metastasis) staging system. The sequential antibody responses against Em (2plus), Em10, and Em18 antigens, and a crude antigen extract were measured in cohorts with resected and unresected lesions. Antibody levels in all assays correlated with the PNM stage before treatment, and the highest correlation was shown for the Em18 assay. The PNM stage did not influence the antibody kinetics, but changes in antibody levels depended on the treatment. In patients after curative surgery, seroreversion in the Em (2plus) ELISA indicated successful resection of lesions in more patients than any other assay, irrespective of the clinical stage. There were no significant differences in the time before assays that use recombinant or purified antigens became unreactive. Antibodies directed against crude antigens were detectable longer than other antibodies in all patient cohorts and stages.


Induction of the acrosome reaction in sperm by exposure to low temperature increases their rate of fusion with zona-free hamster oocytes.
The fusion rate of human sperm with zona-free hamster ova was investigated after induction of the acrosome reaction by exposure to a low temperature (4 degrees C). Sperm were collected from 14 patients, and selected by the 'swim-up' method. The sperm were incubated for 24 h at either room temperature (control group) or at 4 degrees C (low temperature group), followed by additional incubation at 37 degrees C for 3 h. The mean sperm penetration rate, number of swollen sperm heads as well as the number of sperm attached to the oocyte increased significantly after exposing sperm to low temperature. The sperm penetration rate showed a significant correlation (Spearman test, r = 0.572, n = 28, P less than 0.0035) with the acrosome reaction in the low temperature group. These results were associated with an increase in the rate of penetration of hamster ova observed in this study, presumably due to the increase in induction of the acrosome reaction by low temperature. Incubation of sperm at low temperature might be useful in the evaluation of so-called false negative results in the zona-free hamster test.


Enantioselective synthesis of sphingadienines and aromatic ceramide analogs.
A new approach to the synthesis of sphingoid bases has been developed. The strategy is based on Sonogashira coupling of a chiral acetylenic carbamate that can be prepared in enantiomerically enriched form from 2,3-epoxy-4-pentyn-1-ol, which is readily accessible by Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation. Several N-Boc-sphingadienines and aromatic ceramide analogs have been synthesized.


Light-induced Polysome Formation in Etiolated Leaves: Kinetics of Inhibition by Antibiotics.
Red light-induced, far red light-reversible increase in etiolated bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, var. Asgrow Valentine) leaf polyribosomes was shown to be sensitive to actinomycin D, cycloheximide, and rifampicin inhibition. Actinomycin prevented response to red light if administered simultaneously with a 10-minute illumination, had no immediate effect if given 2 hours after illumination, but was again rapidly inhibitory at 4 and 6 hours. The effects of actinomycin and far red light were more than additive.Cycloheximide consistently inhibited polysome formation within 1 hour at all times tested.Formation of both cytoplasmic and organelle polysomes was depressed by rifampicin, an antibiotic whose action is primarily on RNA synthesis in organelles.The results are interpreted to show that light-triggered polysome formation exhibits a changing need for RNA synthesis and an obligate dependence on protein synthesis during the 1st hours following brief illumination.


Modulation of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System Restores Plasticity in Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons of the APP/PS1 Alzheimer's Disease-Like Mice.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by memory and cognitive deficits that in part are related to a diminished ability to activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. In AD, an attenuated long-term potentiation has been correlated with a deficit of synaptic plasticity-relevant proteins and protein turnover. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) critically regulates the protein turnover and contributes to dynamic changes of the protein milieu within synapses. In AD, UPS aberration has been implicated in inadequate proteostasis and synaptic malfunction. However, here we show that the inhibition of proteasome-mediated protein degradation by MG132 or lactacystin restored an impaired activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in an AD-like mouse model. In this whole-cell voltage-clamp study, we provided evidence that an amelioration of long-term plasticity by modulating UPS activity in pyramidal neurons.


Labeling sexual harassment in the military: an extension and replication.
Research conducted by V. Magley, C. Hulin, L. F. Fitzgerald, and M. DeNardo (1999) has suggested that women who experience sexual harassment report worse outcomes independent of the labeling process. This study replicates and extends that work. Discriminant analyses were conducted on a sample of approximately 28,000 men and women from the military. The authors included variables similar to those used by V. Magley et al., as well as a variety of antecedent variables. Two significant functions were obtained from the discriminant analysis. The 1st function ordered groups according to the frequency of harassment and accounted for substantially more variance than did the 2nd function, which ordered groups according to whether they labeled their experiences as sexual harassment. The overall results from these analyses demonstrate that labeling incidents as sexual harassment is of marginal meaningfulness in terms of job outcomes and antecedents of harassment.


Venous Thromboembolism in COVID-19.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is our latest pandemic, preceded by the H1N1 swine flu in 2009, which lasted approximately 19 months. One of the special characteristics of COVID-19 is the propensity to cause venous thromboembolism (VTE). Thromboinflammation seems to play a prominent role in the pathogenesis. We will here review some mechanisms in the pathogenesis and discuss some hematological biomarkers, and also whether they serve as useful risk factors for VTE. The role of general risk assessment models for medically ill patients specifically in COVID-19 is appraised. The type of prophylaxis and particularly whether standard or augmented doses of chemoprophylaxis should be used is reviewed based on available evidence. We are also comparing recommendations from 10 different guidance or position/consensus statements. Treatment recommendations for patients with COVID-19 and pulmonary embolism are discussed with current general treatment guidelines as reference. Specifics for patients with COVID-19 are pointed out and the potential role of thrombolytic treatment is explored.


Diagnostic tools for bacterial infections in travellers: Current and future options.
International travel has increased dramatically over the past 50 years, and travel destinations have diversified. Although physicians are more familiar with the panel of aetiological agents responsible for illnesses of returning travellers, thanks to regular epidemiological studies, the spectrum of pathogens potentially encountered in various travel destinations is nevertheless increasing. In addition, the wide array of approaches currently available and addressed in this paper could render the procedures for microbiological analyses increasingly complex. As the time to result is crucial to adequately manage patients, modern approaches have been developed to shorten diagnosis delays. The syndromic approach, which consists of simultaneously testing a wide panel of microorganisms, substantially increases the diagnostic yield with significant time savings, particularly when coupled with point-of-care laboratories. The tools commonly used for this purpose are immunochromatographic tests, mainly targeting bacterial antigens, and multiplex real-time PCR. The emergence of next-generation sequencing technologies, which enable random amplification of genetic material of any microbe present in a clinical specimen, provides further exciting perspectives in the diagnosis of infectious diseases.


[Ecological characteristics of Zostera japonica population in Swan Lake of Rongcheng, Shandong Province of China].
In this study, a large area of well preserved Zostera japonica dominated meadow was found in a coastal lagoon, Swan Lake, in Rongcheng of Shandong Province. Due to its unique geographical position and high biomass, this meadow may act as a typical Z. japonica bed in the coastal area of Shandong. From September, 2011 to October, 2012, an annual investigation was conducted on the Z. japonica and its habitats in east coast of Swan Lake, and the distribution of the Z. japonica and its habitats ecological characteristics were preliminarily understood. The major ingredients of sediments particles in the Z. japonica bed was sand (81%) and silt (14%). The C and N contents in the sediments were the highest in winter, and the C/N ratio was the highest in autumn. The shoot density, shoot height, and biomass of the Z. japonica were all significantly correlated with water temperature (P < 0.05). There was an obvious change in the Z. japonica growth among seasons, with the peak biomass obtained in August-September. The C and N contents and C/N in Z. japonica leaves also varied with seasons. The leaf C content was significantly higher in autumn than in spring and summer (P < 0.05), the leaf N content was significantly lower in summer than in spring and autumn (P < 0.01), whereas the leaf C/N ratio was significantly higher in summer than in spring (P < 0.05). The annual carbon sequestration by the Z. japonica in the Swan Lake was estimated to be 111.4 g C x m(-2).


[Establishment of a Multidrug Resistance Cell Line A549/cDDP of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma and Expression Analysis of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Genes.].
It has been proven that chemotherapy failure caused by multidrug resistance in lung tumor cells is the main cause for the patient's survival rate. The aim of this study is to establish a multidrug resistance cell line of human lung adenocarcinoma and study the mechanism of multidrug resistance. Human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 was induced to multidrug resistance cell line A549/cDDP by intermittent administration of high dose of cisplatin (cDDP). The multidrug resistance was detected by using MTT assay. The levels of expression of MDR-1 gene-coded P-glycoportein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), and GSH/GST were examined by flow cytometric assay. The levels of expression of MDR and MRP gene were also detected by RTPCR in both A549/cDDP and A549 cell lines. A549/cDDP was resistant to many anti-tumor agents. The IC50 of A549/cDDP was 16.87 times higher than that of A549. The expressions of P-gp and MRP in A549/cDDP were increased significantly to (70.5+/-4.9)% and (29.4+/-2.9)%, respectively, vs (42.4+/-5.6)% and (21.4+/-3.5)% in A549. There was no difference of the GSH/GST expression between A549/cDDPand A549 cells A549/cDDP is a model with multidrug resistance and the levels of MDR and MRP mRNA expressions are remarkably higher in A549/cDDP than those in A549.


Interaction between double helix DNA fragments and the new antitumor agent sabarubicin, Men10755.
Among the disaccharide derivatives of the antitumor anthracycline doxorubicin, sabarubicin (Men10755) is more active and less cytotoxic than doxorubicin. It showed a strong in vivo antitumor activity in all preclinical models examined, in conjunction with a better tolerability, and is now in phase II clinical trials. The interaction of sabarubicin and Men10749 (a similar disaccharide with a different configuration at C-4' of the proximal sugar) with the hexanucleotides d(CGTACG)(2) and d(CGATCG)(2) was studied by a combined use of 2D-(1)H and (31)P NMR techniques. Both (1)H and (31)P chemical shifts of imino protons and phosphates allowed to established the intercalation sites between the CG base pairs, as it occurs for other anthracyclines of the series. The dissociation rate constants (k(off)) of the slow step of the intercalation process were measured for Men10755 and Men10749, by NMR NOE-exchange experiments. The increase of k(off) , with respect of doxorubicin, showed that the intercalation process is significantly faster for both drugs, leading to an average residence time for sabarubicin into d(CGTACG)(2) sixfold shorter than for doxorubicin. This could give account of both higher cytoplasmic/nuclear ratio and lower cellular uptake of sabarubicin in comparison with doxorubicin and accordingly of the lower cytotoxicity of these disaccharide analogues. A relevant number of NOE interactions allowed the structure of the complexes in solution to be derived through restrained MD calculations. NMR-DOSY experiments were performed with several drug/oligonucleotide mixtures in order to determine the structure and the dimension of the aggregates.


Genetic association analysis using microsatellite markers in atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is presumed to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In this study, 54 patients with AD were examined for disease association by the use of 12 microsatellite markers. Several significant associations were recognized in the alleles on chromosome 5, 7 and 11. AD genes were mapped near the FC epsilon RI beta gene (around D11S1314 locus) on chromosome 11, the IL4 gene cluster on chromosome 5 and the TCR gamma gene on chromosome 7. This distribution in close proximity to candidate loci for AD is very similar to that of atopic genes, therefore implying that an atopic trait is genetically responsible for the development of AD.


Controls on planktonic foraminifera apparent calcification depths for the northern equatorial Indian Ocean.
Within the world's oceans, regionally distinct ecological niches develop due to differences in water temperature, nutrients, food availability, predation and light intensity. This results in differences in the vertical dispersion of planktonic foraminifera on the global scale. Understanding the controls on these modern-day distributions is important when using these organisms for paleoceanographic reconstructions. As such, this study constrains modern depth habitats for the northern equatorial Indian Ocean, for 14 planktonic foraminiferal species (G. ruber, G. elongatus, G. pyramidalis, G. rubescens, T. sacculifer, G. siphonifera, G. glutinata, N. dutertrei, G. bulloides, G. ungulata, P. obliquiloculata, G. menardii, G. hexagonus, G. scitula) using stable isotopic signatures (δ18O and δ13C) and Mg/Ca ratios. We evaluate two aspects of inferred depth habitats: (1) the significance of the apparent calcification depth (ACD) calculation method/equations and (2) regional species-specific ACD controls. Through a comparison with five global, (sub)tropical studies we found the choice of applied equation and δ18Osw significant and an important consideration when comparing with the published literature. The ACDs of the surface mixed layer and thermocline species show a tight clustering between 73-109 m water depth coinciding with the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM). Furthermore, the ACDs for the sub-thermocline species are positioned relative to secondary peaks in the local primary production. We surmise that food source plays a key role in the relative living depths for the majority of the investigated planktonic foraminifera within this oligotrophic environment of the Maldives and elsewhere in the tropical oceans.


Intraperitoneal Fat through GRP78: A Risk Factor for Endometrial Cancer.
Introduction. The identification of biological markers that indicate an increased risk for the development or recurrence of endometrial cancer (EC) in obese women might be useful for decreasing EC mortality and morbidity. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a major protein of the endoplasmic reticulum expressed in all normal cells. Overexpression of GRP78 has been reported to be a tumoral biomarker. Increased detection of GRP78 is positively correlated with the tumoral stage and prognosis. This study aimed to identify a correlation between intraperitoneal fat, plasma GRP78 levels, and EC. Materials and Methods. Two groups of patients were included in the study: group I, 44 patients diagnosed with EC, and group II, 44 patients without gynecological pathology or inflammatory disorders. Visceral fat was determined by ultrasound and plasma GRP78 levels were measured. Results. Plasma GRP78 levels were significantly higher in patients with EC compared to the control group. Intraperitoneal fat was in a positive linear correlation with the plasma GRP78 level (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. The measurement of the GRP78 level associated with the determination of intraperitoneal fat can be a useful predictor for EC.


Traumatic asymmetrical bilateral hip dislocation: A rare case report.
Traumatic bilateral hip dislocation is a rare phenomenon. Simultaneous traumatic asymmetrical bilateral hip dislocation is even more unusual. There is no report in the literature regarding the mechanism of injury in tramcar squeezing. A 49-year-old male who had a serious tramcar accident and developed asymmetric bilateral hip dislocations (left posterior, right anterior) combined with fracture of left acetabulum and multiple injuries was admitted. Right hip dislocation was treated with manual reduction. Left hip dislocation, fracture of acetabulum and bilateral pubis, and open wound of left thigh were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. In conclusion, hip dislocation should be performed with manual reduction within 6 h. If manual reduction fails, open reduction and even internal fixation can be performed to prevent complications, such as avascular necrosis of the femoral and heterotopic ossification.


Quiescent T cells and HIV: an unresolved relationship.
The ability of HIV to infect quiescent CD4+ T cells has been a topic of intense debate. While early studies suggested that the virus could not infect this particular T cell subset, subsequent studies using more sensitive protocols demonstrated that these cells could inefficiently support HIV infection. Additional studies showed that the kinetics of infection in quiescent cells was delayed and multiple stages of the viral life cycle were marred by inefficiencies. Despite that, proviral DNA has been found in these cells presenting them as a potential viral reservoir. Therefore, a better understanding of the relationship between HIV and quiescent T cells may lead to further advances in the field of HIV.


Identification of a DNA element determining synaptic expression of the mouse acetylcholine receptor delta-subunit gene.
mRNAs for acetylcholine receptor genes are highly concentrated in the endplate region of adult skeletal muscle largely as a result of a transcription restricted to the subneural nuclei. To identify the regulatory elements involved, we employed a DNA injection of a plasmid containing a fragment of the acetylcholine receptor delta-subunit gene promoter (positions -839 to +45) linked to the reporter gene lacZ with a nuclear localization signal. Injection of the wild-type construct into mouse leg muscles yielded preferential expression of the reporter gene in the synaptic region. Analysis of various mutant promoters resulted in the identification of a DNA element (positions -60 to -49), referred to as the N box, that plays a critical role in subneural expression. Disruption of this 12-bp element in the context of a mouse delta-subunit promoter from positions -839 to +45 gives widespread expression of the reporter gene throughout the entire muscle fiber, indicating that this element is a silencer that represses delta-subunit gene transcription in extrajunctional areas. On the other hand, this element inserted upstream of a heterologous basal promoter preferentially enhances expression in the endplate region. This element therefore regulates the restricted expression of the delta-subunit gene both as an enhancer at the endplate level and as a silencer in extrajunctional areas. Furthermore, gel-shift experiments with mouse muscle extracts reveal an activity that specifically binds the 6-bp sequence TTCCGG of this element, suggesting that a transcription factor(s) controls the expression of the delta-subunit gene via this element.


Concurrent measurement of isokinetic muscle strength of the trunk, knees, and ankles in patients with lumbar disc herniation with sciatica.
A cross-sectional study comparing normal subjects and patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with sciatica. To simultaneously measure the isokinetic muscle strength of the trunk, knees, and ankles in both groups. Coordination between the trunk and lower extremity muscles is important for normal physical activity. Reduced trunk and knee muscle strength have been reported in patients with lower level LDH; however, ankle performance in these patients is still unknown. We recruited 43 normal subjects as controls and 33 patients with lower level LDH with sciatica. The isokinetic strength of the trunk, knees, and ankles was measured at 2 velocities in random order: 60°/s and 120°/s, and 60°/s and 180°/s for trunk and ankle strength and for knee strength, respectively. The isokinetic trunk strength was significantly lower in the LDH group irrespective of test modes or velocity. Despite unilateral sciatica or test modes and velocity, the unilateral knee strength was significantly lower in the LDH group than that in the control group. Knee extension torque was also found to be significantly lower in the limbs with sciatica than in those without sciatica at the testing velocity of 180°/s (80.25 ± 24.88 vs. 95.42 ± 26.29 Nm, P < 0.05). Irrespective of unilateral sciatica or test velocity, ankle plantar flexion torque revealed to be significantly lower in the LDH group than the control group; however, dorsiflexion torque was not different. Significant correlations were demonstrated among the total muscle strength of the trunk, knees, and ankles in both groups. Besides the lower trunk strength, concurrent lower unilateral knee and ankle plantar flexion but not dorsiflexion strength was demonstrated in the LDH subjects with unilateral sciatica, regardless of its location. As compared to the limbs without sciatica, an additional 14% reduction of knee extension torque at 180°/s was found in the limbs with sciatica in the LDH patients.


Spontaneously hypertensive rats are sensitive to thoracic aorta damage induced by a hot and humid environment.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a hot and humid environment on thoracic aorta damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=8 in each group): Control group (WKY-CN), heat exposure for 8 h group (WKY-8) and heat exposure for 24 h group (WKY-24). The CN group was exposed to room temperature (24°C); WKY-8 and WKY-24 group were exposed to heat (32°C) and 65% relative humidity for 8 and 24 h, respectively. Accordingly, SHRs were randomly divided into three groups (n=8 each group): SHR-CN, SHR-8 and SHR-24. After 7 days of heat exposure, the weight, food consumption and blood pressure of rats was measured. Noradrenaline (NA)-induced contraction of aorta rings was measured using an organ bath system, and vascular morphology was observed. Expression levels of apoptotic genes and proteins in the thoracic aorta were also measured. The experimental results indicated that, in the heat exposure environment, rat food intake was reduced. Rat weight was significantly increased in all groups except SHR-24 (all P<0.01 except SHR-8, P<0.05). Heat exposure significantly increased the blood pressure of rats in the WKY-24 (P<0.01 for systolic; P<0.05 for diastolic), SHR-8 and SHR-24 (all P<0.01) groups. This effect was more notable in SHR compared with WKY. NA-induced contraction of aorta rings significantly increased in the SHR-CN group, compared with the WKY-CN group (P<0.01). Heat exposure significantly elevated the NA-induced contraction in both 8 h groups compared with the CN groups (P<0.01). This effect was accompanied by structural damage to the thoracic aorta and increased expression of apoptotic genes and proteins. In conclusion, thoracic aorta damages in SHRs were more sensitive to heat exposure. The enhanced NA-induced contraction may have partly been due to increased apoptosis in the thoracic aorta.