Molecular dynamics study of polarizability anisotropy relaxation in aromatic liquids and its connection with local structure.
The collective polarizability anisotropy dynamics in a set of three aromatic liquids, benzene (Bz), hexafluorobenzene (HFB), and 1,3,5-trifluorobenzene (TFB), has been studied by molecular dynamics simulation. These liquids have very similar shapes, but different electrostatic interactions due to opposite polarities of C-H and C-F bonds, giving rise to different local intermolecular structures in the liquid phase. We have investigated how these structural arrangements affect polarizability anisotropy dynamics observed in optical Kerr-effect (OKE) spectroscopy. We have modeled the interaction-induced polarizability with the first-order dipole-induced dipole approximation, with the molecular polarizability distributed over the carbon sites. Local contributions to the librational OKE spectrum were computed separately for molecules participating in parallel or perpendicular relative orientations within the first coordination shell. We found that the relative locations of parallel and perpendicular librational bands of the OKE spectra are closely related to the corresponding pair energy distributions of the closest four neighbors of a given molecule, corresponding to a model of a harmonic oscillator in a cage of nearest neighbors. This model predicts higher librational frequencies for more attractive intermolecular interactions, which in all three liquids correspond to parallel local arrangements. On the diffusive orientational time scale, all three liquids exhibit slower relaxation of molecules in parallel arrangements, although the difference in relaxation rates is substantial only in TFB, which has the strongest tendency toward parallel stacking. The analysis of the collective polarizability relaxation was performed using two different approaches, the projection scheme (J. Chem. Phys. 1980, 72, 2801) and the theory developed by Steele (Mol. Phys. 1987, 61, 1031) for the second time derivatives applied to collective time correlations. Both approaches allow the decomposition of the OKE response into contributions from orientational relaxation and other dynamical processes. We find that they lead to different predictions on how the response depends on collective reorientation and processes arising from fluctuations in the interaction-induced polarizability. We discuss the reasons for these differences and the advantages and disadvantages of the two analysis schemes.


Photochemical degradation of methylparathion in the presence of humic acid.
Photochemical degradation of methylparathion (O,O,-dimethyl O-4 nitrophenylphosphorothioate) in the presence of humic acid between pH 2 and 7 was monitored by differential pulse polarography. Humic acid was not electro-active under the experimental conditions used in this study. Only the pesticide and its main degradation product at pH 2 exhibited polarographic signals. Photolysis of methylparathion in acid media was sensitized by humic acid since the pesticide did not degrade in the absence of this compound. Methylparathion degradation in the presence of humic acid was observed at each of the studied pHs. The reaction was first-order with rate constant values ranging from 2 x 10(-3) to 6.3 x 10(-3) min(-1).


Effects of systemic and topical nicotine on pulpal blood flow in dogs.
It has been suggested that nicotine exerts cardiovascular effects which are similar to stimulation of the sympathoadrenal system. If this observation is true, nicotine administration would decrease pulpal blood flow and possible alter the pulpal response to injury. The purpose of this study was to measure pulpal blood flow in dogs using the radiolabelled microsphere method following topical or systemic administration of nicotine for 28 days. Thirteen dogs were divided into three groups. Group one received topical nicotine (8 mg nicotine/kg/day) combined with orabase which was applied in two equal doses to the mandibular anterior gingiva. Group two received systemic nicotine (2.5 mg/kg/day) delivered by osmotic pumps implanted subcutaneously in the back of each animals' neck. Group three were controls, and these animals received either topical orabase twice daily applied to the mandibular anterior gingiva or saline via osmotic pumps. Results indicated pulpal blood flow increased from Day 0 to Day 28 in both nicotine treated groups. Group one (topical nicotine) exhibited a mean increase in blood flow of 21.8 ml/min/100 g, while group two exhibited a mean increase of 50.1 ml/min/100 g. Group three, the control animals, exhibited a mean decrease in pulpal blood flow of 22.1 ml/min/100 g over the 28-day interval. These changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).


Epigenetically regulated clonal heritability of CTA expression profiles in human melanoma.
The intratumoral heterogeneity of cancer testis antigens (CTA) expression, which is driven by promoter methylation status, may hamper the effectiveness of CTA-directed vaccination of melanoma patients. Thus, we investigated whether the intratumoral heterogeneity of CTA expression is inherited at cellular level, or evolves throughout cellular replication, leading to a phenotypically unstable tumor cell population with reduced immunogenicity and/or able to escape immune control. Utilizing a previously characterized ex vivo clonal model of intratumoral heterogeneity of CTA expression in melanoma, Mel 313 MAGE-A3-low clone 5 (clone 5(M3-low)) and MAGE-A3-high clone 14 (clone 14(M3-high)) were sub-cloned and analyzed for CTA profile. Molecular assays demonstrated that levels of MAGE-A3 expression were highly conserved among generated sub-clones, as compared to parental clones. A similar behavior was identified for an extensive panel of other CTA investigated. Inherited levels of MAGE-A3 expression correlated with the extent of promoter methylation among clone 5(M3-low) and clone 14(M3-high) sub-clones analyzed. Treatment of clone 5(M3-low) with a DNA hypomethylating agent (DHA) resulted in an up-regulated expression of MAGE-A3, which was inherited at single cell level, being still detectable at day 60 in its sub-clones. Bisulfite sequencing demonstrated that also MAGE-A3 promoter methylation status was inherited among sub-clones generated from DHA-treated clone 5(M3-low) and strictly correlated with MAGE-A3 expression levels in investigated sub-clones. Similar results were obtained for additional CTA studied. Altogether our findings demonstrate that constitutive and DHA-modified CTA profiles of melanoma cells are clonally inherited throughout cellular replications, thus providing relevant insights to improve the effectiveness of CTA-based immunotherapy.


Measuring Sarcopenia Severity in Older Adults and the Value of Effective Interventions.
Little is known about the severity and long-term health and economic consequences of sarcopenia. We developed a sarcopenia index to measure severity in older Americans and estimated the long-term societal benefits generated by effective interventions to mitigate severity. Using a micro-simulation model, we quantified the potential societal value generated in the US in 2010-2040 by reductions in sarcopenia severity in older adults. All analyses were performed in Stata and SAS. Secondary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (N = 1634) and Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (N = 952) were used to develop a sarcopenia severity index in older adults. Multi-trait multi-method and factor analyses were used to validate and calibrate the sarcopenia severity index, which was modeled as a function of gait speed, walking without an assistive device, and moderate physical activity. In representative elderly populations, reducing sarcopenia severity by improving gait speed by 0.1 m/s in those with gait speed under 0.8 m/s generated a cumulative benefit of $65B by 2040 (2015 dollars). Improving walking ability in those with walking difficulty generated cumulative social benefit of $787B by 2040. Reducing sarcopenia severity would generate significant health and economic benefits to society-almost $800B in the most optimistic scenarios.


Ex vivo cultures and drug testing of primary acute myeloid leukemia samples: Current techniques and implications for experimental design and outcome.
New treatment options of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are rapidly emerging. Pre-clinical models such as ex vivo cultures are extensively used towards the development of novel drugs and to study synergistic drug combinations, as well as to discover biomarkers for both drug response and anti-cancer drug resistance. Although these approaches empower efficient investigation of multiple drugs in a multitude of primary AML samples, their translational value and reproducibility are hampered by the lack of standardized methodologies and by culture system-specific behavior of AML cells and chemotherapeutic drugs. Moreover, distinct research questions require specific methods which rely on specific technical knowledge and skills. To address these aspects, we herein review commonly used culture techniques in light of diverse research questions. In addition, culture-dependent effects on drug resistance towards commonly used drugs in the treatment of AML are summarized including several pitfalls that may arise because of culture technique artifacts. The primary aim of the current review is to provide practical guidelines for ex vivo primary AML culture experimental design.


The Dietary Inflammatory Index Is Associated with Colorectal Cancer Risk in the Multiethnic Cohort.
Background: Diet is known to influence systemic inflammation, a recognized risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies in ethnically diverse populations that examine the association between dietary inflammatory potential and CRC incidence are limited.Objectives: We used the Dietary Inflammatory Index to clarify the relation between the inflammatory potential of diet and CRC incidence across racial/ethnic groups. We hypothesized that proinflammatory diets would be associated with an increased risk of CRC, and that these associations may differ across racial/ethnic groups.Methods: The Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) follows a prospective study design. It includes 190,963 white, African-American, native Hawaiian, Japanese-American, and Latino men and women aged 45-75 y at recruitment and followed over 20 y. Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire from which energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII) scores were computed and categorized into quartiles. CRC incidence was documented through linkage to cancer registry programs. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs, adjusting for known or expected CRC risk factors.Results: Among all participants, more-proinflammatory diets (highest quartile compared with lowest quartile) were associated with an increased risk of CRC (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.32). However, the effect size was larger for men (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.45) than for women (HR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.33), although the interaction term for sex was not statistically significant (P-interaction = 0.17). When stratified by race/ethnicity, the association was significantly different between groups for men (P-interaction = 0.01), although not for women (P-interaction = 0.20). Significant associations with HRs ranging from 2.33 to 1.04 were observed in white, Japanese-American, and Latino men, and native Hawaiian women.Conclusions: Overall, more-proinflammatory diets, as identified by the E-DII, were associated with increased CRC risk in MEC participants across racial/ethnic groups. This study adds to the evidence suggesting that diets with high proinflammatory potential may increase CRC risk.


[Comparison of immunogenicity and safety of Engerix B and Twinrix vaccine].
The objective of the study was to compare the immunogenicity and the safety profile of Engerix B and Twinrix vaccines. 72 people were qualified for the vaccination, including 41 women (average age 41.2) and 31 men (average age 44.8). The subjects were divided into two groups: Group I--vaccinated with Engerix B (37 persons) and Group II--vaccinated with Twinrix (35 persons). The vaccines were prepared and administered according to the recommended vaccination scheme: 0-1-6 months. 30 days after the last vaccine dose, qualitative and quantitative tests were performed for antibodies anti-HBs (Group I and II) and anti-HAV (Group II). Also, the occurrence of local and general adverse events after vaccinations was observed--on the vaccination day and during 3 consecutive days. In Group I, presence of anti-HBs antibodies was observed in 35 persons, not observed in 2 persons, while in Group II, anti-HBs antibodies were found in 34 persons, while in 1 person no such antibodies were stated. Anti-HAV antibodies were observed in 33 persons from Group II. The anti-HBs antibodies titres did not show significant statistical differences in the groups studied, except for the range 500-1000 IU/l (3 persons in Group I, lack in Group II) and 1000-5000 IU/l (2 persons in Group I, lack in Group II). Local side effects (redness, pain at the injection site, swelling) and general adverse events (fatigue, headache, temperature > 37.5 degrees C) were rare and disappeared within the 4-day observation period. The results achieved are a good recommendation for the vaccines studied, suggesting that vaccination with them are a safe and efficient form of prophylaxis against viral hepatitis.


Posttraumatic epilepsy and treatment.
Posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a major long-term complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). PTE usually develops within 5 years of head injury. The risk for developing PTE varies with TBI type. Both Korean and Vietnam war veterans with penetrating TBI had a 53% risk of developing PTE. The risk of developing PTE is between 10% and 25% in combat-associated closed-head trauma with positive brain imaging and about 5% in moderately severe closed-head injury without imaging finding. We do not know the risk of PTE among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veterans with minimal TBI because of blast exposure.Partial seizures may manifest with subtle behavioral alterations that can be mistaken for manifestations of posttraumatic stress disorder and improperly treated. Accidents and medical complications commonly occur during seizures. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is most frequent among 20- to 40-year-olds. Seizures increase the likelihood of refractory seizures years after TBI. Seizures are also a social stigma that compromise veterans' reintegration into society. People with uncontrolled epilepsy are not allowed to drive and have difficulty obtaining or maintaining employment. Optimal seizure control is essential to the physical and emotional health of veterans with TBI and to their ability to lead productive lives.


Risk factors for adverse outcome in low rectal cancer.
To demonstrate the oncologic outcomes of low rectal cancer and to clarify the risk factors for survival, focusing particularly on the type of surgery performed. Data from patients with low rectal carcinomas who underwent surgery, either sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS) or abdominoperineal resection (APR), at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in China from August 1994 to December 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Of 331 patients with low rectal cancer, 159 (48.0%) were treated with SPS. A higher incidence of positive resection margins and a higher 5-year cumulative local recurrence rate (14.7% vs 6.8%, P = 0.041) were observed in patients after APR compared to SPS. The five-year overall survival (OS) was 54.6% after APR and 66.8% after SPS (P = 0.018), and the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 52.9% after APR and 65.5% after SPS (P = 0.013). In multivariate analysis, poor OS and DFS were significantly related to positive resection margins, pT3-4, and pTNM III-IV but not to the type of surgery. Despite a higher rate of positive resection margins after APR, the type of surgery was not identified as an independent risk factor for survival.


Circumflex retroesophageal aorta mimicking aortic interruption: a rare cause of aortic obstruction in a neonate.
Critical obstruction of the aorta presenting in the neonate typically occurs with aortic interruption or coarctation, following ductus arteriosus closure. Circumflex retroesophageal aortic arch is a rare aortic arch anomaly in which a right aortic arch continues as a retroesophageal component and descends on the left of the spine. Obstruction within the arch can occur, usually identified incidentally in older children. We report a neonate with circumflex aorta with ventricular septal defect in which there was hypoplasia of the retroesophageal segment. The patient presented with cardiovascular collapse following duct closure mimicking aortic interruption. The case is presented, together with the surgical repair.


Voluntary wheel running promotes improvements in biomarkers associated with neurogenic activity in adult male rats.
In rodents, hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis phenomena are affected by exercise. However, the role of exercise parameters such as intensity, duration, and mode on molecular mechanisms involved in these processes has not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effects of different intensities and modes of running on the expression of genes contributing to neuronal differentiation and synapse formation in the hippocampus of adult male rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 24) were randomly divided into control, low-intensity running (LIR), high-intensity running (HIR), and the voluntary wheel running (WR) conditions. Changes in the expression of microRNA-124 (miR-124), microRNA-132 (miR-132), and their respective targets, were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting techniques. Our results showed that WR compared to treadmill running increased miR-124 and miR-132 expression, while reducing the expression of their respective targets, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), SRY-Box 9 (SOX9), and GTP-activated protein P250 (P250GAP). Differences in expression levels were statistically significant (ps < 0.05), except for the expression of GR in HIR (P = 0.09). Moreover, the expression level of gene coding for the transcription factor cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) was significantly higher in the WR group compared to the treadmill running groups (P = 0.001). Western blotting techniques indicated that the level of the CREB protein was higher in WR compared to the other groups qualitatively. These findings demonstrated a more dramatic effect for voluntary running on biomarkers that are associated with stimulating neurogenesis and synapse formation in the hippocampus of male rats compared with forced treadmill running. In addition, greater positive effects were observed for lower-intensity treadmill running as compared with high-intensity running.


Lipase-catalyzed transesterification of dihydrocaffeic acid with flaxseed oil for the synthesis of phenolic lipids.
Lipase-catalyzed transesterification reaction of dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA) with flaxseed oil in organic solvent media was investigated. Using equal molar concentration of DHCA and flaxseed oil, only phenolic monoacylglycerols were obtained with a transesterification yield (TY) of 18.9%. A 1:4 DHCA to flaxseed oil ratio resulted in the production of both phenolic mono and diacylglycerols, with TY of 39.6 and 27.8%, respectively. On the other hand, when 1:8 ratio of DHCA to flaxseed oil was used, the TY of phenolic diacylglycerols (46.0%) was higher than that of the phenolic monoacylglycerols (33.3%). The TY of phenolic diacylglycerols increased from 25.1 to 55.8%, when the ratio of the hexane/2-butanone reaction medium was changed from 65:35 to 85:25 (v/v); however, the TY of phenolic monoacylglycerols decreased slightly from 34.0 to 31.8%. The relative proportion of the C(18:3)n-3 was higher in the phenolic mono and diacylglycerols, 64.9 and 59.5%, respectively, as compared to the original flaxseed oil, 53.1%. The radical scavenging ability of phenolic lipids was significant; however, it was about half than that of alpha-tocopherol.


Enzymatic basis of thiol-stimulated secretion of porphyrins by Escherichia coli.
1-Thioglycerol (TG) stimulates the synthesis of porphyrin in aerobically growing Escherichia coli. Here the levels of delta-aminolevulinate biosynthetic enzymes in untreated and TG-treated E. coli THU and PUC2 (a mutant of THU which overproduces porphyrins in the presence of thiols) cells were determined. TG treatment elevated the activity of glutamyl-tRNA reductase in both strains. The increased activity was not caused by activation of preexisting enzymes by thiols or by oxidizing agents but was dependent on new protein synthesis.


Practical considerations for TLD-400/700-based gamma ray dosimetry for BNCT applications in a high thermal neutron fluence.
Operating experience with thermoluminescent dosimeters used in a boron neutron capture therapy research project is reported. In particular, certain facets of the use of thermoluminescent dosimeters for gamma ray dose measurements in the presence of a high thermal neutron fluence are discussed, including a comparison of TLD-400 and TLD-700 for gamma ray dosimetry, annealing procedures, and the effects of neutrons (56Mn activation) on TLD-400. The TLD-400 were observed to have a thermal neutron sensitivity (due to 56Mn beta decay) of 1.5 x 10(-13) Gy per n cm-2. An algorithm was developed to correct for the 56Mn beta decay thermal neutron-induced effects on TLD-400 by using a two-stage thermoluminescent readout for the thermoluminescent dosimeter chips.


Patients with failed renal transplant may be suitable for peritoneal dialysis.
It has been claimed that patients with late transplant failure returning to peritoneal dialysis have lower patient and technique survival. In this retrospective study, we aimed to clarify this issue in a large PD population. Thirty-four PD patients with a failed renal transplant (FTx) and 82 PD patients who had never received a kidney transplant (Non-Tx) or HD treatment were investigated. All fTx patients were using only steroids (5-10 mg/day) for first 3 months of peritoneal dialysis. The groups were similar regarding to age, sex, residual renal function and KT/V; none of them was diabetic. Ftx group had a higher number of peritonitis attack than Non-Tx group (2.42 +/- 0.41 v 1.61 +/- 0.15, attack per patient, p = 0.013). PET status was not different. One, 3 and 5 year patient survival calculated with the Kaplan Meier method were 93%; 93%; 93% respectively in Ftx and 97%; 89%; 82% respectively in Non-Tx patients. Technique survival was 83%; 77%; 60% in Ftx and 91%; 64%; 48% in Non-Tx patients respectively. We conclude that PD appears to be a good option for fTx patients. A previous renal transplantation does not adversely affect patient and technique survival. Although the somewhat higher infection risk is of some concern, we did not observe earlier loss of peritoneal functions (high transporter) in the post transplant patients.


Body contouring with suction lipectomy.
Liposuction is a procedure that permits elimination of localized fat deposits through a small incision that leaves an inconspicuous scar. The principal indications are fat deposits in the gluteocrural area, the hip, and the abdomen. In selected patients, submental and cervical fat pads are also an indication. For the obese patient, the technique should only be employed in combination with dermolipectomy. The author presents his original technique and discusses indications, drawbacks, and unfavorable results.


'I Can Step outside My Comfort Zone.'
On embarking upon such a multifactorial, professional degree as Pharmacy, students often find it difficult to meld the scientific- and practice-based components of the course. In final year of the undergraduate Masters of Pharmacy degree (MPharm) within the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences at Robert Gordon University (RGU), students undertake a research project within a specific area. The aims of this study were to explore the effectiveness of a novel practice based approach to a biomedical science project, to identify elements of difficulty in the process, and to explore students' perceptions and reflections. Final year students were assigned to perform a systematic literature review working within a defined area of pharmacovigilance. Students were given individual ownership of the research question and were able to choose a topic of interest. Following the successful completion of the assignment, students were invited to explore their attitudes and views of the project and reflect on the process through a focus group using a talking wall method. The findings clearly identified a shift in mindset from predominantly negative opinions initially to an overwhelming positive viewpoint.


Pulmonary hypertension during acute respiratory diseases in infants.
The study was undertaken to assess whether previously healthy infants with acute respiratory diseases develop elevated pulmonary artery pressures and to identify which type of disease is associated with pulmonary hypertension. We performed 2D and Doppler echocardiography in 137 infants, aged between 1 and 12 month, from November 2007 to December 2009. 75 infants had acute respiratory diseases (49 bronchiolitis, 16 interstitial pneumonia, 3 bronchopneumonia, 6 episodic wheezing, 1 lobar pneumonia) and 62 were in the control group. We excluded children with congenital heart diseases and other conditions associated with pulmonary hypertension. The method of time to peak velocity corrected for heart rate was used to estimate pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). We analysed 2 age-subgroups: 1-2 months and 2-12 months. A Student's t-test for independent samples was used to compare the mean values of variables. Increased mean pulmonary pressures (>25mmHg) were measured in 18 infants with respiratory diseases, with the next distribution: 14 bronchiolitis, 2 bronchopneumonia, 1 episodic wheezing, 1 interstitial pneumonia. The values were categorized as mild-moderate pulmonary hypertension. Mean PAP were significantly increased in subjects with clinically bronchoobstructive disease (bronchiolitis, episodic wheezing, bronchopneumonia) vs. control (p=0.05 in first age-subgroup and<0.001 in second age-subgroup). In infants with bronchoobstructive disease hospitalization was significantly longer in patients with pulmonary hypertension vs. normal PAP (p= 0.04 in first age-subgroup and 0.005 in second age-subgroup). In patients with bronchoobstructive diseases, mean PAPm and PAPs were significantly increased in subjects with a moderate/severe episode of wheezing at admission vs. a mild episode (p=0.02). Mean PAPm and PAPs were increased in subjects with interstitial pneumonia vs. control, but without statistic significance. Echocardiography is a non-invasive investigation, which brings valuable information regarding pulmonary hypertension in infantile acute respiratory pathology. We found increased PAP almost exclusively in bronchoobstructive diseases; the mechanic effect of hyperinflation on pulmonary vessels is probably the dominant mechanism. PHT could be a criterion in establishing the severity of an acute wheezing episode, a prognosis factor and an element of therapeutic guidance.


Pediatric Dentists' Attitudes, Perceptions, and Experience with the Affordable Care Act.
Pediatric oral health benefits were designated as one of 10 Essential Health Benefits (EHB) in the Affordable Care Act. Although it provided coverage for many children, several issues prevent its success. The purpose of this study was to document experience with, attitudes toward, and perceptions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) among pediatric dentists. The study was conducted using a survey consisting of nine multiple choice questions and one open-ended item and was distributed electronically in November 2015 to active and life members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Respondents reported patients deferring treatment due to high out-of-pocket costs. Providers perceive that patients do not have enough information to understand their benefits. Providers reported not having enough information to understand how these benefits affect their practices. Pediatric dentists report deferral of both preventive and restorative care due to high out-of-pocket costs. Pediatric dentists do not feel they have adequate information regarding the Affordable Care Act and its effect on their practices. The majority of pediatric dentists believe that parents have difficulty understanding their children's benefits.


Death risk in CAPD patients. The predictive value of the initial clinical and laboratory variables.
The characteristics, survival rate and risk factors associated with death in patients with end-stage renal failure treated with chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were studied. This is a retrospective study of a cohort of 206 patients, from which the follow-up was complete in 190 patients (92%). Only 16 patients (8%) were lost. The study group is composed of 118 males and 88 females, with a mean age of 39 +/- 15 years. The origin of the renal disease was: unknown in 90 patients (44%); diabetes mellitus in 50 (24%); systemic lupus erythematosus in 16 (8%); obstructive uropathy in 15 (7%); glomerulonephritis in 14 (7%), and miscellaneous in 21 (10%). The average follow-up was 12 +/- 11 months. At the end of study, 66 patients were dead (32%). CAPD was discontinued in 12 (6%). Thirty-eight patients (18%) received kidney transplantation. The survival rate for the whole group was 67 and 48% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Multivariate survival analysis according to the Cox proportional-hazard model showed that the most powerful predictor associated with high risk of death was low serum albumin levels. According to the Cox model other independent variables significantly associated with increase in the probability of death while on CAPD were advancing age, low serum creatinine concentrations and elevated serum cholesterol levels. These results indicate that the risk factors associated with death in CAPD patients are similar to those observed for hemodialysis patients and suggest that using simple laboratory measurements at the enrollment in CAPD the relative risk of death for each patient can be estimated.


Fatty-acid binding protein 5 modulates the SAR1 GTPase cycle and enhances budding of large COPII cargoes.
COPII-coated vesicles are the primary mediators of ER-to-Golgi trafficking. Sar1, one of the five core COPII components, is a highly conserved small GTPase, which, upon GTP binding, recruits the other COPII proteins to the ER membrane. It has been hypothesized that the changes in the kinetics of SAR1 GTPase may allow for the secretion of large cargoes. Here we developed a cell-free assay to recapitulate COPII-dependent budding of large lipoprotein cargoes from the ER. We identified fatty-acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) as an enhancer of this budding process. We found that FABP5 promotes the budding of particles ∼150 nm in diameter and modulates the kinetics of the SAR1 GTPase cycle. We further found that FABP5 enhances the trafficking of lipoproteins and of other cargoes, including collagen. These data identify a novel regulator of SAR1 GTPase activity and highlight the importance of this activity for trafficking of large cargoes.


[Doppler examination of portal venous flow in liver neoplasms].
An attempt was made to measure blood flow of portal system at various stages of neoplastic changes in the liver, which could be of some prognostic and therapeutic value. In the group of 80 studied persons, 20 patients had hepatic angioma, 6 patients hepatic cancer, 24 patients metastatic cancer affecting to the liver. Control group consisted of 50 healthy volunteers. No disturbances of blood flow in portal system in the group of patients with hepatic angioma were found. In the group with primary hepatic cancer decrease of TAV and TF in portal and splenic veins were noted, especially in 2 cases with numerous changes with relatively big sum of diameters, as compared with control method. In group with metastases of cancer to the liver slight decrease of blood flow in portal and splenic veins was observed as compared to the control group. Decrease in blood flow in the portal system was seen in cases with numerous and relatively big neoplastic focuses in the liver. Blood flow monitoring might be helpful in evaluation of the progress or regression of infiltrative changes in the liver.


Retrospective evaluation of negative-pressure pulmonary edema in dogs (2006-2018): 35 cases.
To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a population of dogs with negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) and to identify the main causes of the disease. To evaluate any associations with morbidity and mortality. Retrospective study. Three university teaching hospitals and 2 private referral centers in the United Kingdom. Thirty-five client-owned dogs presented with NPPE. None MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data collected included patient characteristics, clinical history, clinicopathological abnormalities, radiographic features, treatments, and outcomes. The median age was 4 months (range 2-90) and median weight was 7.1 kg (range 1.7-37.2). There were many causes of NPPE including leash tugs, near hanging, accidental choking, anatomical obstruction to airflow, and purposeful airway obstruction by people. The most common cause of NPPE was accidental choking (40% of cases). Dogs with an anatomical obstruction were older than 24 months. Hypoxemia with an increased alveolar-arterial gradient was common on presentation. The majority of thoracic radiographs (65.7%) showed an alveolar or interstitial pattern in the caudodorsal area as previously described in the literature. Oxygen therapy was administered to 33 (94.3%) dogs. Furosemide was administered to 18 (51.4%) dogs. The median length of hospitalization was 2 days (range 0-14). Twenty-eight (80%) dogs survived to discharge. Seven dogs were mechanically ventilated and only 2 of them (28.6%) survived to discharge. The requirement for mechanical ventilation was the only parameter associated with mortality (P < 0.001). Most cases of NPPE occur in juvenile dogs. Different incidents associated with upper airway obstruction can produce an episode of NPPE. Choking on food or toys and near hanging have not been previously described in the veterinary literature as inciting causes of NPPE. The overall prognosis is good.


Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and associated diseases: a review of the clinical and laboratory features.
There have been a number of recent advances in this field. First, the "International Consensus Statement on Testing and Reporting of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)" has been developed to optimize ANCA testing. It requires that all sera are tested by indirect immunofluorescent (IIF) examination of normal peripheral blood neutrophils and, where there is positive fluorescence, in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for antibodies against both proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Testing will be further improved when international standards and common ELISA units are available. Second, new diagnostic criteria for the small vessel vasculitides that take into account ANCA-positivity and target antigen specificity as well as histologic features are currently being produced. Third, we understand that the complications associated with treatment of the ANCA-associated vasculitides are often more hazardous than the underlying disease, and regimens that use effective but less toxic agents are being evaluated. The factors associated with increased risk of relapse, however, remain incompletely understood. Finally, ANCA with specificities other than PR3 and MPO are present in many nonvasculitic autoimmune diseases. Their clinical significance is still largely unclear, and some of the target antigens are present in other cells as well as neutrophils and thus are not strictly "ANCA."


The spectrum of immunohistochemical reactivity of monoclonal antibody DS6 in nongynecologic neoplasms.
DS6 is a murine monoclonal antibody that was developed using ovarian serous adenocarcinoma as immunogen. DS6 reacts immunohistochemically with a tumor-associated antigen, CA6, which has only a limited range of expression in normal human tissues. CA6 is most characteristically expressed in type II pneumocytes, fallopian tube epithelium, and urothelium, but lacks expression in mesothelium. The authors recently reported the spectrum of reactivity of DS6 with a wide variety of neoplasms of the gynecologic tract and found DS6 to be highly characteristic of serous neoplasms. CA6 is also expressed in other müllerian-derived epithelial neoplasms of the gynecologic tissues, but is not typically expressed by ovarian intestinal-type mucinous neoplasms, mesothelioma, mesenchymal neoplasms, ovarian germ cell tumors, or sex cord-stromal neoplasms. In this study, the authors tested the monoclonal antibody DS6 with 1,202 nongynecologic neoplasms to characterize the full range of expression of antigen CA6. This study has shown that CA6 is highly expressed by many carcinomas of breast, pancreas, and urothelium, and also shows expression in some carcinomas of renal and pulmonary origin, and some neoplasms of other sites. DS6 immunoreactivity is not seen in the majority of neoplasms with hematopoietic, mesenchymal, or germ cell differentiation.


The radiological identification of tumours in children.
The diagnostic imaging procedures now available for the identification of tumours are many. Much of the information gained from one imaging procedure is simply duplicated by another without the addition of new information. This is wasteful of resources. An understanding of the advantages and limitations of each technique is essential for the selection of the best diagnostic pathways. These are briefly described and followed by a brief discussion of the role of radiology in the protocols for the treatment of childhood cancer. No attempt is made to indicate how each specific tumour should be investigated.


Sleep disturbance in mid-life women.
A correlational field survey was used to describe sleep disturbance and explore the relationship of that sleep disturbance to the psychological and menopausal status of 23 mid-life women. Subjects were 40-55 years of age and had self-reported sleep problems. Instruments included the sleep disturbance questionnaire (SDQ), Centre for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CES-D), Speilberger state-trait anxiety scale (STAI), a demographic form, 4 cc blood sample for follicle stimulating hormone analysis, and a 7-night sleep diary ('self report of sleep', or SRS). Ten of the 23 subjects reported periodic limb movement on the SDQ. Sleep diaries (SRS) revealed a characteristic sleep disturbance among 13 of the 23 subjects, which paralleled in some respects the changes in sleep efficiency observed with advancing age, but was more pronounced and was present at an earlier age. There was no statistically significant relationship between sleep disturbance and menopausal status or symptoms, or anxiety and depression among subjects, as shown by correlational coefficient and chi-square statistical tests. Results suggest that a characteristic sleep disorder accompanied by periodic limb movement may be responsible for sleep disturbance in mid-life women. What remains unclear is whether this sleep disturbance is related to aspects of the perimenopause not addressed in this study or to other aspects of ageing.


High-intensity focused ultrasound as a treatment option in renal cell carcinoma.
Due to the widespread use of modern imaging modalities, small renal masses are discovered incidentally at increasing rates. Advances in minimally invasive technologies have changed the treatment options for renal cell carcinoma. High-intensity focused ultrasound aims to completely ablate renal tumors in a noninvasive manner. Experimental studies have demonstrated principle feasibility and safety of the technology. However, clinical studies on renal cell carcinoma are very limited and no substantial oncologic results are available to date. Major technical improvements are mandatory to enable high-intensity focused ultrasound as an effective treatment option for patients with small renal masses.


Late relapse in early-stage Hodgkin's disease patients enrolled on European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer protocols.
The great majority of relapses after the treatment for early-stage Hodgkin's disease are observed within 4 to 5 years after treatment completion. This study describes the characteristics and outcome of patients who had late relapses, which was defined as relapses that occurred 5 or more years after initial treatment start. A total of 1,082 adult patients with early clinical stage Hodgkin's disease were enrolled on three consecutive European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) protocols (H1, H2, and H5 trials) from 1964 to 1981. Of these, 1,044 patients satisfied the eligibility criteria with a supradiaphragmatic localization, age greater than 15 years, and initial complete remission. Overall, 341 patients (32.6%) relapsed, 304 (29.1%) early and 37 (3.5%) late. For each of these 37 late relapsers, questionnaires were sent to the participating centers and detailed information for 34 relapses was obtained. Cumulative probabilities for developing a late relapse were estimated using the Kaplan and Meier method. Quantification of the relationship between late relapse and several confounding variables was performed using the Cox's proportional hazards model. The 10- and 15-year cumulative probabilities of late relapse in patients who were disease-free at 5 years were 4.8% and 8.3%, respectively. Patients treated on more recent protocols had a higher incidence of late relapse, possibly due to an attempt to tailor therapy to the specific prognostic factors (10-year cumulative probabilities, 4.6%, 2.6%, and 7.5% in trials H1, H2, and H5, respectively). Incidence of late relapses significantly correlated with male sex, B symptoms, mediastinal involvement, and treatment modality. Salvage treatment induced a complete response in 27 patients (79%) and a prolonged complete remission in 24 patients (71%). Twenty years after initial treatment start, similar overall survival rates were observed for late relapsing (72%) and nonrelapsing patients (75%). Late relapses of Hodgkin's disease are uncommon, but may be more frequent with recent protocols tailored to specific prognostic factors. If treated, their outcome is favorable. Late relapse is therefore another factor indicating that careful, long-term follow-up is needed for patients with Hodgkin's disease.


Short communication: Proinflammatory gene expression relative to the collection technique of endometrial samples from cows with and without subclinical endometritis.
Uterine inflammation negatively affects reproductive performance and is an important cause of infertility and subfertility in dairy cows. Several studies have investigated the use of gene expression in endometrial samples collected by biopsy or cytology to evaluate the inflammatory response of the cow uterus. This study aimed to compare the expression of the CCL5, CXCL8, IL6, and IL1B genes in the bovine endometrium according to the site of sample collection [caruncular (C) or intercaruncular (IC)], the collection method (biopsy or cytology), and the category of inflammation based on endometrial cytology (zero, medium, or high) in subclinical endometritis. The reproductive tracts of dairy cows were collected from a slaughterhouse, and punch-biopsy samples of endometrial tissues were obtained from both regions (C and IC). Endometrial cells from these regions were collected with the cytobrush technique and then used for the analysis of mRNA expression by quantitative PCR. After counting polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) by endometrial cytology, 20 uteri with an ovary at stage I (d 1-4 of estrous cycle) were categorized into 3 groups. Uteri with 0% PMN (n = 10) were assigned to group zero, uteri with 5 to 15% PMN (n = 5) to group medium (12.2 ± 1.6% PMN), and uteri with >15% PMN (n = 5) to group high (53.8 ± 32.9% PMN). All data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA with Bonferroni multiple comparison post test. The results from gene transcripts demonstrated that the region (C or IC) of the endometrial biopsy had no influence on any of the degrees of inflammatory reaction observed. However, gene expression was more elevated in the endometrium of cows with greater inflammation compared with those without inflammation (CCL5, CXCL8, IL6, IL1B) and those with medium inflammation (CCL5, IL6). Expression of the genes evaluated did not differ between the endometrium without inflammation and with medium inflammation. However, in the high inflammation group, all genes were comparatively more expressed in samples collected by cytology relative to those derived from biopsies for both anatomical regions. In conclusion, gene expression did not differ between the C and IC tissue. Samples collected from animals with greater inflammation had greater gene expression than those with zero or medium inflammation. In addition, cytology samples had greater gene expression than biopsy samples in the high inflammation group.


p63 Immunohistochemistry is a useful adjunct in distinguishing sclerosing cutaneous tumors.
Cutaneous sclerosing epithelial neoplasms are often difficult to diagnose. Though various immunohistochemical markers have proved useful, some cases remain a diagnostic challenge. We aimed to assess the utility of p63 immunohistochemical staining in distinguishing microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) from sclerosing basal cell carcinoma (SBCC) and desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE). Biopsy samples from 20 SBCC, 10 DTE, and 5 MAC were examined after immunohistochemical staining with p63. Although all adnexal tumors examined demonstrated p63 expression, the pattern of staining was strikingly different in MAC when compared with other tumor types. MAC exhibited a scattered pattern with p63-positive cells around the periphery of tumor nests and minimal staining within the center of the tumor islands. This pattern was more pronounced at increased depth of infiltration into the dermis. A robust and consistent diffuse pattern of staining with p63 was observed in all SBCCs and DTEs. We believe this pattern reflects the multi-differentiation pathway of MAC, with eccrine/sebaceous differentiation occurring at deeper levels of the dermis. The different staining patterns of MACs compared with DTEs and SBCCs can thus serve asa useful diagnostic adjunct in difficult lesions.


Distinct superficial and deep laminar domains of activity in the visual cortex during rest and stimulation.
Spatial patterns of spontaneous neural activity at rest have previously been associated with specific networks in the brain, including those pertaining to the functional architecture of the primary visual cortex (V1). However, despite the prominent anatomical differences between cortical layers, little is known about the laminar pattern of spontaneous activity in V1. We address this topic by investigating the amplitude and coherence of ongoing local field potential (LFP) signals measured from different layers in V1 of macaque monkeys during rest and upon presentation of a visual stimulus. We used a linear microelectrode array to measure LFP signals at multiple, evenly spaced positions throughout the cortical thickness. Analyzing both the mean LFP amplitudes and between-contact LFP coherences, we identified two distinct zones of activity, roughly corresponding to superficial and deep layers, divided by a sharp transition near the bottom of layer 4. The LFP signals within each laminar zone were highly coherent, whereas those between zones were not. This functional compartmentalization was found not only during rest, but also when the receptive field was stimulated during a visual task. These results demonstrate the existence of distinct superficial and deep functional domains of coherent LFP activity in V1 that may reflect the intrinsic interplay of V1 microcircuitry with cortical and subcortical targets, respectively.


[Monitoring microbiological safety of small systems of water distribution. Comparison of two sampling programs in a town in central Italy].
To determine the frequency of sampling in small water distribution systems (<5,000 inhabitants) and compare the results according to different hypotheses in bacteria distribution. We carried out two sampling programs to monitor the water distribution system in a town in Central Italy between July and September 1992; the Poisson distribution assumption implied 4 water samples, the assumption of negative binomial distribution implied 21 samples. Coliform organisms were used as indicators of water safety. The network consisted of two pipe rings and two wells fed by the same water source. The number of summer customers varied considerably from 3,000 to 20,000. The mean density was 2.33 coliforms/100 ml (sd= 5.29) for 21 samples and 3 coliforms/100 ml (sd= 6) for four samples. However the hypothesis of homogeneity was rejected (p-value <0.001) and the probability of II type error with the assumption of heterogeneity was higher with 4 samples (beta= 0.24) than with 21 (beta= 0.05). For this small network, determining the samples' size according to heterogeneity hypothesis strengthens the statement that water is drinkable compared with homogeneity assumption.


Vascular endothelial growth factor activating matrix metalloproteinase in ascitic fluid during peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer.
The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during peritoneal dissemination of ovarian carcinoma and the association with tumor microvessel density (MVD) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was investigated. To this end, MVD, tumor tissue and ascitic fluid levels of VEGF, and MMP activity of ascitic fluid were examined in patients with ovarian cancer and benign ovarian tumor. The effect of ascites on cell growth, cell invasion activity and angiogenesis was investigated in vitro. Ascitic fluid and tumor tissue samples were obtained from 15 patients with benign ovarian tumor and 24 patients with ovarian carcinoma. Tissue extract and ascitic fluid levels of VEGF were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Tumor microvessels were detected immunohistochemically. MMP activity was measured by gelatin zymography. For the in vitro experiment, the SKOV-3 human ovarian carcinoma cell line was utilized. Cell growth was examined using MTT-assay, cell invasion activity was measured by Matrigel in vitro invasion assay, and neovascularization was assessed using an angiogenesis kit. VEGF levels in tissue extract and ascitic fluid, MVD, expression of active form MMP-2 in ascitic fluid and ascites volume were higher in ovarian cancer patients than in benign ovarian tumor patients. In addition, these were elevated in stage III and IV diseases compared to stage I and II diseases in ovarian cancer patients. MVD and expression of active form MMP-2 in ascitic fluid were closely correlated with VEGF level in tissue extracts, and MVD and ascites volume were closely correlated with VEGF level in ascitic fluid. Cell invasive activity and angiogenesis activity increased when cells were exposed to ascites. These increases were apparent when exposed to ascites obtained from ovarian cancer patients and were related to VEGF concentrations of ascitic fluid and expression of active form MMP-2 in ascitic fluid. The increased VEGF secreted from tumor cells is suggested to enhance tumor growth through angiogenesis, to produce ascites and to elevate ascitic VEGF concentrations and expression of active form MMP-2. The progression of peritoneal involvement may be induced by elevated VEGF and expression of active form MMP-2, followed by increased VEGF in the primary tumor. Control of VEGF in the primary tumor may become an effective strategy against peritoneal dissemination of ovarian carcinoma.


IL23-Producing Human Lung Cancer Cells Promote Tumor Growth via Conversion of Innate Lymphoid Cell 1 (ILC1) into ILC3.
The plasticity of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has been reported in vitro and in the microenvironment of the intestine. However, whether ILC plasticity contributes to regulation of the tumor microenvironment remains unknown. In this study, we explored plasticity of ILCs in human lung cancer. We analyzed immune subsets and cytokine expression in lung cancers freshly obtained from 80 patients and explored conversion of ILC1 into ILC3 in coculture with lung cancer cells. Prognostic effects of converted ILC3 and related pathway were evaluated by retrospective cohort composed of 875 patients with lung cancer. Low percentages of ILC1, and high percentages of ILC3 were found in pulmonary squamous cell carcinomas (SqCC) but not adenocarcinomas (ADC). In non-small-cell lung cancers, the percentage of ILC3 was associated with IL23 expression in tumor cells but not immune cells. In cocultures, tumor cells of SqCCs converted ILC1 into ILC3 by producing IL23, thus promoting IL17-mediated tumor cell proliferation. Consistently, among IL17+ immune cells, the percentages of ILCs were higher in SqCCs than ADCs. Furthermore, the numbers of CD3-RORγt+ ILC3, IL17 expression level, and IL23- or IL17RA-expressing tumor cells were associated with short survival of patients with SqCC but not ADC. Conversion from ILC1 into ILC3 by IL23-producing SqCCs promotes IL17-mediated tumor progression, resulting in a poor prognosis.


The impact of cost of living differentials on migration of elderly people to Florida.
"In this paper the determinants of [the] migration [of elderly people] are analyzed with special reference to how cost of living influences the selection of a destination by migrating elderly persons (55 and over) during 1975-1980 [in the United States]. The results of the study support the hypothesis that cost of living differentials provide the elderly an incentive to move that is not unlike the incentive wage differentials provide members of the labor force. The results indicate that cost of living differentials among groups of Florida counties have a major impact on the migration decisions of elderly households."


Transcriptomic and physiological analysis of endocrine disrupting chemicals Impacts on 3D Zebrafish liver cell culture system.
In recent decades, extensive efforts have focused on developing in vitro platforms mimicking fish livers to better understand the acute or chronic effects of toxicants on lower aquatic vertebrates. Fish liver cell lines have emerged as a promising culture system for these in vitro platforms because they complement the currently limited in vitro tools that mostly consist of mammalian cell lines and adhere to the 3Rs: replacement, reduction, and refinement of living animal tests. However, monolayer cell lines have lower transcriptional and physiological responses upon exposure to toxic chemicals than freshly isolated primary cells. To overcome this challenge, we utilized a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid-based in vitro platform, in which hepatocyte cells had self-organized into spheroid forms via E-cadherin bonds. This platform exhibited augmented transcriptomic and phenotypic regulation of liver cells in comparison to monolayer cells. We examined the organoid platform using the zebrafish liver (ZFL) cell line as a model system. ZFL cells spontaneously clustered into 3D spheroids with long-term viability by optimizing cell seeding density on a non-adherent substrate. Interestingly, 3D ZFL spheroids treated with estrogenic chemicals were activated to synthesize a higher level of vitellogenin (Vtg) than monolayer cells. Whole-transcriptome sequencing analysis confirmed that 3D ZFL spheroids had greater transcriptional regulation of genes related to reproductive toxicological response and liver functions, such as the urea cycle, estrogen receptors, and vitellogenin, compared to monolayer cells. These results may contribute to the engineering of novel 3D in vitro platforms for screening harmful chemicals and improving understanding of the underlying liver toxicity mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels.


An algorithm for the preclinical development of anti-HIV topical microbicides.
Throughout the world, and especially in countries comprising the developing world, women are now bearing the brunt of the HIV pandemic, with over 50% living with HIV infection primarily contracted through sexual transmission in monogamous relationships. Thus, effective chemical or physical means of preventing HIV transmission are urgently needed and in the absence of an approved and effective vaccine, microbicides have become the strategy of choice to provide women with the ability to prevent HIV transmission from their infected partners. Topical microbicides include agents specifically developed and formulated for use in either the vaginal or rectal environment to prevent the sexual transmission of infectious organisms, including pathogenic viruses, bacteria and fungi. Although a microbicide product will have many of the same properties as other anti-infective therapeutic agents and would be similarly developed through a defined preclinical program leading to human clinical trials, microbicide development bears its own challenges related to appropriate and informative preclinical investigation, formulation and delivery, and the complex biological environment in which the product must act, as well as the requirement to develop a product that is acceptable to the user. Following years of microbicide development and a series of unsuccessful human clinical trials, a preclinical microbicide development algorithm has been continuously evolving as greater understanding of the required properties of a successful microbicide are defined through laboratory and clinical experience. Herein, we discuss currently accepted practices required for the development of a successful microbicide product which will prevent cell-free and cell-associated virus transmission in the vaginal and rectal vaults.


Mode of presentation and first line of management of non-recurrent urolithiasis in Kuwait.
To determine the incidence, mode of presentation, first line of management and composition of non-recurrent urolithiasis in Kuwait. Consecutive patients admitted between January 1999 and December 2002 with non-recurrent urolithiasis were prospectively analyzed. The average annual incidence of hospital admission for non-recurrent urolithiasis in Kuwait was 43.44 per 100,000 population, representing men and women (ratio, 9:1) with a median age of 41.91 years. Of the hospital admissions for non-recurrent urolithiasis, 57.2% of cases were acute. Overall, the most predominant symptom was flank pain, while the least common symptom was acute urinary retention. Ureteroscopic stone manipulation was the most common initial treatment modality in the present series, as it was utilized in 43.3% and 37.09% for patients admitted on elective and emergency basis, respectively. Of the calculi available for chemical analysis, 91% contained calcium, 73% contained calcium oxalate, 17% contained mixed calcium and 1% contained calcium phosphate. The composition of the rest of the stones were urate in 7%, struvite in 1% and cystine in 1%. Urolithiasis is a common disease in the Kuwait region that mainly presents with flank pain. Ureteroscopic calculus removal is the most common modality of treatment. The majority of the calculi seen in Kuwait contained calcium.


Enhanced adsorption of methylene blue by citric acid modification of biochar derived from water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes).
In this work, a novel potential adsorbent, citric acid (CA)-modified biochar, named as CAWB, was obtained from water hyacinth biomass by slow pyrolysis in a N2 environment at 300 °C. The CA modification focused on enhancing the contaminants adsorption capacity of biochar pyrolyzed at relatively low temperature. Over 90 % of the total methylene blue (MB) could be removed at the first 60 min by CAWB, and the maximum MB adsorption capacity could reach to 395 mg g-1. The physicochemical properties of CAWB was examined by FTIR, XPS, SEM, and BET analysis. The results indicated that the additional carboxyl groups were introduced to the surface of CAWB via the esterification reaction with CA, which played a significant role in the adsorption of MB. Batch adsorption studies showed that the initial MB concentration, solution pH, background ionic strength, and temperature could affect the removal efficiency obviously. The adsorption process could be well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the MB adsorption onto CAWB was an endothermic and spontaneous process. The regeneration study revealed that CAWB still exhibited an excellent regeneration and adsorption performance after multiple cycle adsorptions. The adsorption experiments of actual dye wastewater by CAWB suggested that it had a great potential in environmental application.


Surface modification of electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber membrane by plasma treatment for protein detection.
Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber membranes have 3-dementional (3-D) open pore channel and hence have excellent application potential in Western blot. In this study we have modified electrospun PVDF nanofiber membrane by argon (Ar) plasma treatment to improve the surface hydrophilic and detection sensitivity. The results showed that the detection sensitivity of the Ar plasma-treated PVDF nanofiber membrane increased with increasing plasma treatment time without the need for a methanol pre-wet step. This suggests that the Ar plasma treated PVDF nanofiber membrane can be useful in Western blot with high sensitivity and without methanol pre-wet step.


Mixed gonadal dysgenesis: histological and ultrastructural findings in two cases.
Mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD) is an intersex genetic abnormality characterized by a streak gonad and a contralateral testis (that is typically cryptorchid) or bilateral streak testes. A uterus and one or both fallopian tubes also may be present. The external genitalia are frequently ambiguous. We studied two phenotypic "females" with MGD. One had a mosaic 45X (40%) and 46XYq (60%) karyotype, a left streak gonad, and a small testis in a right inguinal hernia, whereas the other had a 46XY karyotype, a left streak gonad, and, on the right, a testis with gonadoblastoma. On histological and ultrastructural examination the testis in the first case showed prepubertal tubules lined by a few spermatogonia and immature Sertoli cells with asynchronism in nuclear-cytoplasmic maturation. Ultrastructural examination of the gonadoblastoma in the second case showed neoplastic Sertoli cells. Irregular maturation of Sertoli cells appears to be a feature of MGD. Gonadal extirpation and pathological examination in these cases are important in order to make the correct diagnosis and prevent neoplastic changes.


[Effects of the loss of alveolar bone on the areas of periodontal ligament, mechanical fulcrum and fracture resistance of root and post-core system].
To assess the effects of loss of alveolar bone on the areas of periodontal ligament (PL), mechanical fulcrum and fracture resistance of root and post-core system. One hundred and eight simulated roots in the same length, taper and diameter were made of polymethylmethacrylate and were divided into 13 groups. Then the wax patterns of post-cores were casted and cemented. Each specimen was embedded in acrylic resin in accordance with different loss of alveolar bone and different mechanical fulcrum. Base on the anatomic and physiological special features of the periodontal tissues, three mechanical methods were designed. The compress test was run by the speed of 1 mm/min and the fracture resistance was recorded. The areas of periodontal ligament were measured and calculated. When the loss of alveolar bone and the mechanical fulcrum were 0 mm and 12/12 group, 1 mm and 11/12 group, 2 mm and 10/12 group, 3 mm and 9/12 group, 3.5 mm and 8.5/12 group, 4 mm and 8/12 group, 4.5 mm and 7.5/12 group, 5 mm and 7/12 group,5. 5 mm and 6.5/12 group, 6 mm and 6/ 12 group, 7 mm and 5/12 group, 8 mm and 4/12 group, 9 mm and 3/12 group, the means of the areas of PL (mm2) and fracture resistance (N) were 178.95 and 232. 90 +/- 25. 93, 159. 64 and 195.58 +/- 12.46, 141.18 and 173.92 +/- 13.51, 123.27 and 154.00 +/- 11.74, 106.14 and 123.25 +/- 14.29, 89.67 and 96.86 +/- 6. 20, 73.90 and 59.14 +/- 7.28, 58.82 and 52.52 +/- 5. 82, 44.44 and 45.90 +/- 7.40, 30.76 and 58.60 +/- 6.63 (mm, N). The linear correlations were found between the percentage of the loss of alveolar bone and surplus areas of PL, the loss of alveolar bone and the fracture resistance of root and post-core system, the percentage of the areas of PL and the fracture resistance of root and post-core system, the distance of the fulcrum and the percentage of the loss of alveolar bone. The loss of alveolar bone caused the decrease in areas of PL, the dessent of mechanical fulcrum, and the diminution of the fracture resistance of root and post-core system.


Atomic Quadrupole Moment Measurement Using Dynamic Decoupling.
We present a method that uses dynamic decoupling of a multilevel quantum probe to distinguish small frequency shifts that depend on m_{j}^{2}, where m_{j}^{2} is the angular momentum of level |j⟩ along the quantization axis, from large noisy shifts that are linear in m_{j}, such as those due to magnetic field noise. Using this method we measured the electric-quadrupole moment of the 4D_{5/2} level in ^{88}Sr^{+} to be 2.973_{-0.033}^{+0.026}ea_{0}^{2}. Our measurement improves the uncertainty of this value by an order of magnitude and thus helps mitigate an important systematic uncertainty in ^{88}Sr^{+} based optical atomic clocks and verifies complicated many-body quantum calculations.


Relative worth of estrogen or progesterone receptor and pathologic characteristics of differentiation as indicators of prognosis in node negative breast cancer patients: findings from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-06.
This study correlates the disease-free survival (DFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), and survival (S) of 1,157 histologically node negative breast cancer patients with the estrogen and/or progesterone receptor (ER, PR) and with the nuclear or histologic grade (NG, HG) of their tumors. All were treated by operation without systemic adjuvant therapy. The DFS, DDFS, and S were significantly greater (P = .005, .004, less than .001) in patients with ER positive than ER negative tumors but the magnitude of the differences after 5 years of follow-up was slight (8% in both DFS and DDFS and 10% in S). Differences of that magnitude are insufficient to discriminate clearly between patients who should or should not receive systemic therapy. As with ER, there were outcome differences in favor of PR positive tumors but only in S was the difference significant (8% at 5 years; P = .002). When combined with ER, PR made no independent contribution in the outcome prediction. Regression analysis indicated that NG was the most important single marker of outcome. The prognosis of women with unknown ER or PR was equivalent to or better than that in those with ER or PR positive tumors. This finding seems to be related to tumor size in that a higher proportion of tumors with unknown receptors were less than 1.0 cm, thus having insufficient tissue for analysis. Our findings disclose that in node negative breast cancer patients, NG is a better marker of prognosis than is tumor ER, and that PR is of little or no value. Tumor NG may also be useful for selecting the type of systemic therapy to be used in these patients.


[Comparison of Therapeutic Efficacy of Anticoagulation and Its Combination with Catheter-directed Thrombolysis for Deep Venous Thrombosis of Lower Extremities].
To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of anticoagulation(AC) and its combination with catheter-directed thrombolysis(CDT) for deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities. One hundred and thirty-nine patients with deep venous thrombosis of early lower extremities treated in our hospital from May 2011 to September 2013 were selected and randomly divided into the AC group(n= 66) and CDT+AC group(n= 73). The thrombolytic effects, adverse reactions, post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and quality of life were evaluated. There were no serious adverse events during treatment and after treatment in the 2 groups. Hematomas in 2 cases and gross hematuria in 3 cases were observed in the CDT+AC group. The gums bleed or gross hematuria in 3 cases were observed in the AC group. Compared with the AC group, the number of grade I thrombolysis in CDT+AC group decreased significantly (60.61% vs 9.59%)(P< 0.05), and the number of grade III thrombolysis increased significantly(7.57% vs 49.31%)(P< 0.05). During follow-up, the incidence of PTS in both groups showed increase year by year, and none of the patients had severe PTS. The incidence PTS in CDT+AC group at 12 months and 18 months were lower than those of AC group(17.81% vs 33.33%, 24.66% vs 43.94%)(P< 0.05). Compared with the AC group, the scores of physiological role and vitality in CDT+AC group at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months were higher (P< 0.05). Catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with AC therapy can promote the mitigation of clinical symptoms in patients with DVT of lower extremities and is beneficial to promoting the life quality of patients.


The infant gastroesophageal reflux questionnaire revised: development and validation as an evaluative instrument.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently experienced by infants, and disease-specific measures are needed to evaluate treatment benefits. We revised the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (I-GERQ) on the basis of information from parents of infants with GERD and physicians and subjected it to a psychometric evaluation. A 3-week, multi-country observational study of 185 caregivers of infants younger than 18 months with GERD and 93 caregivers of control infants was conducted. Caregivers completed the I-GERQ-R weekly and recorded symptoms in a Daily Diary. Caregivers and physicians rated global disease severity and change in overall GERD symptoms. Slightly more than half of infants were male with a mean age of 6.7 months, and most infants had been diagnosed with GERD for a little more than 2 months (mean, 66.7 days). Internal consistency reliability for the I-GERQ-R ranged from 0.86 to 0.87, and test-retest reliability was 0.85. Construct validity was demonstrated by significant differences between cases and controls on all item scores (all P<.01) and the total score (P<.0001), correlations with relevant Daily Diary symptoms, and both physician-rated (P<.05) and caregiver-rated disease severity (P<.05). Mean baseline to 3-week I-GERQ-R change scores for those infants whose caregivers reported improvement was -5.7 compared with -0.3 for those whose caregivers reported worse/same (P<.001). Physician ratings of change resulted in similar findings, with mean changes of -5.7 for those rated improved and -0.1 for those rated as worse/same (P<.0001). This study demonstrated the I-GERQ-R is a reliable, valid, and clinically responsive measure of infant GERD symptoms.


Mechanism of action of phalloidin on the polymerization of muscle actin.
Under conditions where muscle actin only partially polymerizes, or where it does not polymerize at all, a significant enhancement of polymerization was observed if equimolar phalloidin was also present. The increased extent of polymerization in the the presence of phalloidin can be explained by the reduced critical actin concentration of partially polymerized populations at equilibrium. Under such conditions, the rate of polymerization, as judged by the length of time to reach half the viscosity plateau, was found to be essentially independent of the phalloidin concentration. Moreover, the initial rate of polymerization of actin was also found to be independent of phalloidin concentration. However, phalloidin apparently causes a reduction in the magnitude of the reverse rates in the polymerization reaction, as was demonstrated by the lack of depolymerization of phalloidin-treated actin polymers. This effect of phalloidin is also supported by the identification of actin nuclei and short polymers in populations of G-actin incubated with phalloidin in the absence of added KCl. Our conclusion, then, is that phalloidin influences the polymerization of actin by stabilizing nuclei and polymers as they are formed.


Decreased slow wave sleep increases risk of developing hypertension in elderly men.
The importance of sleep to health and cardiovascular disease has become increasingly apparent. Sleep-disordered breathing, sleep duration, and sleep architecture may all influence metabolism and neurohormonal systems, yet no previous study has evaluated these sleep characteristics concurrently in relation to incident hypertension. Our objective was to determine whether incident hypertension is associated with polysomnography measures of sleep-disordered breathing, sleep duration, and sleep architecture in older men. Participants were 784 community-dwelling, ambulatory men ≥65 years of age (mean age: 75.1±4.9 years) from the Outcomes of Sleep Disorders in Older Men Study who did not have hypertension at the time of their in-home polysomnography sleep studies (2003-2005) and who returned for follow-up (2007-2009). Of 784 older men included in this report, 243 met criteria for incident hypertension after a mean follow-up of 3.4 years. In unadjusted analyses, incident hypertension was associated with increased hypoxemia, increased sleep stages N1 and N2, and decreased stage N3 (slow wave sleep [SWS]). After adjustment for age, nonwhite race, study site, and body mass index, the only sleep index to remain significantly associated with incident hypertension was SWS percentage (odds ratio for lowest to highest quartile of SWS: 1.83 [95% CI: 1.18 to 2.85]). No attenuation of this association was seen after accounting for sleep duration, sleep fragmentation, and indices of sleep-disordered breathing. Percentage time in SWS was inversely associated with incident hypertension, independent of sleep duration and fragmentation, and sleep-disordered breathing. Selective deprivation of SWS may contribute to adverse blood pressure in older men.


Respiration and heartbeat monitoring using a distributed pulsed MIMO radar.
This paper addresses non-contact monitoring of physiological signals induced by respiration and heartbeat. To detect the tiny physiological movements of the chest or other parts of the torso, a Mulitple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar is used. The spatially distributed transmitters and receivers are able to detect the chest surface movements of one or multiple persons in a room. Due to several bistatic measurements at the same time a robust detection and measuring of the breathing and heartbeat rate is possible. Using an appropriate geometrical configuration of the sensors even a localization of the person is feasible.


Infrared photodissociation spectroscopy of Co(+)(NH(3))(n) and Ni(+)(NH(3))(n): preference for tetrahedral or square-planar coordination.
Coordination structures of the Co(+)(NH(3))(n) and Ni(+)(NH(3))(n) ions are probed by infrared (IR) photodissociation spectroscopy with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The IR spectra of N(2)-tagged Co(+)(NH(3))(n) (n = 1-4) exhibit two distinct bands assignable to the symmetric and antisymmetric NH stretches of the NH(3) molecules binding directly to Co(+). Size-dependent changes in the spectra of Co(+)(NH(3))(n) (n = 4-8) indicate that the first shell of Co(+) is filled with four NH(3) molecules and the resulting 4-coordinated structure forms the central core of further solvation. The spectra of Ni(+)(NH(3))(n) (n = 3-8) suggest that the coordination number of Ni(+) is also four, although a minor 3-coordinated isomer is identified for Ni(+)(NH(3))(4). Despite the same coordination number, the DFT calculations predict a distorted square-planar coordination for Ni(+)(NH(3))(4) and a distorted tetrahedral coordination for Co(+)(NH(3))(4). The coordination of Ni(+)(NH(3))(4) is explainable by using a simple model based on the geometry of a half-filled 3d orbital in Ni(+). This suggests that the Ni(+) ion gives priority to the minimization of the metal-ligand repulsion in accommodating four ligands in the first shell. On the other hand, the same model fails to explain the coordination of Co(+)(NH(3))(4). An interpretation for this is that the Co(+) ion gives priority to the minimization of the ligand-ligand repulsion.


Super resolution from pure/hybrid nanoscale solid immersion lenses under dark-field illumination.
We report a super-resolution strategy based on pure/hybrid nanoscale solid immersion lenses (n-SILs) under dark-field illumination. Dependences of the focusing performance of pure n-SILs on different diameters, locations, and substrates are investigated. Simulation results demonstrate a higher resolution (up to a 22.8% improvement) of pure n-SILs under dark-field illumination than convergent plane wave illumination. A hybrid n-SIL with a higher-index nanorod embedded into the n-SIL is proposed. Under dark-field illumination, the hybrid n-SIL can generate a near-field focal spot with a much higher resolution (~λ/8) that is beyond the Abbe diffraction limit in the nanorod. These results have potential applications in data storage, near-field mapping and spectra, and nanoscale lithography.


Rosai-Dorfman disease of the nasal cavities: A CO(2) laser excision.
Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare nonneoplastic histiocytic proliferative disorder characterized by painless massive lymphadenopathy. Extranodal manifestations frequently occur in the head and neck area. We report the clinical and histological features of nasal cavities and cervical lymph node RDD in a 72-year-old woman, who complained of major nasal obstruction and hyposmia. Nasal endoscopy revealed polypoid masses arising from the turbinates; the septum was intact. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed staining for S-100 protein, CD68, and alpha-1 antitrypsin. The presence of the Epstein-Barr virus was revealed by serology and also by in situ hybridization. The general examination and systemic evaluation did not find other extranodal localization. Because the disease is known for not responding to local or systemic steroids, CO(2) laser excision was used to clear the nasal obstruction with a satisfactory result. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first description of the use of laser excision for nasal cavities RDD.


Tea Tree Oil Prevents Mastitis-Associated Inflammation in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells.
The main purpose of this study was to explore the effect of tea tree oil (TTO) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis model using isolated bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC). This mastitis model was used to determine cellular responses to TTO and LPS on cellular cytotoxicity, mRNA abundance and cytokine production. High-throughput sequencing was used to select candidate genes, followed by functional evaluation of those genes. In the first experiment, LPS at a concentration of 200 μg/mL reduced cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and upregulated protein concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). Addition of TTO led to reduced cellular apoptosis along with downregulated protein concentrations of nuclear factor kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 (MAPK4) and caspase-3. In the second experiment, BMEC challenged with LPS had a total of 1,270 differentially expressed genes of which 787 were upregulated and 483 were downregulated. Differentially expressed genes included TNF-α, IL6, STAT1, and MAPK4. Overall, results showed that TTO (at least in vitro) has a protective effect against LPS-induced mastitis. Further in vivo research should be performed to determine strategies for using TTO for prevention and treatment of mastitis and improvement of milk quality.


Preparation and Properties of 3D Printed Alginate⁻Chitosan Polyion Complex Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering.
Three-dimensional (3D) printing holds great potential for preparing sophisticated scaffolds for tissue engineering. As a result of the shear thinning properties of an alginate solution, it is often used as 3D printing ink. However, it is difficult to prepare scaffolds with complexity structure and high fidelity, because the alginate solution has a low viscosity and alginate hydrogels prepared with Ca2+ crosslinking are mechanically weak. In this work, chitosan powders were dispersed and swelled in an alginate solution, which could effectively improve the viscosity of an alginate solution by 1.5⁻4 times. With the increase of chitosan content, the shape fidelity of the 3D printed alginate⁻chitosan polyion complex (AlCh PIC) hydrogels were improved. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs showed that the lateral pore structure of 3D printed hydrogels was becoming more obvious. As a result of the increased reaction ion pairs in comparison to the alginate hydrogels that were prepared with Ca2+ crosslinking, AlCh PIC hydrogels were mechanically strong, and the compression stress of hydrogels at a 90% strain could achieve 1.4 MPa without breaking. In addition, human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) adhered to the 3D printed AlCh PIC hydrogels and proliferated with time, which indicated that the obtained hydrogels were biocompatible and could potentially be used as scaffolds for tissue engineering.


Preventing or reversing immunosenescence: can exercise be an immunotherapy?
There is now a strong body of evidence demonstrating that aging is accompanied by severe alterations in the immune system, a process known as immunosenescence. Among these changes are alterations in T-cell subpopulation size, cytokine secretion pattern, cell replicative capacity and antibody production, all of which culminate in a proinflammatory state called 'inflammaging' and a diminished capacity to respond to new antigens. These alterations are closely related to the increased mortality and morbidity rates observed in this population. However, the role of exercise on the prevention or treatment of immunosenescence is virtually unknown. Data gathered from the literature regarding the effects of physical activity on immune system aging are still limited and conflicting, with existing reports either advocating benefits or asserting a lack of evidence. Exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle has already been shown to provide long-term benefits with regard to cardiovascular, cognitive, psychosocial and other aspects of the elderly. If positive effects are also observed for immunosenescence, exercise could be a highly cost-effective measure to improve human quality of life compared with other strategies currently being pursued.


Lyophilization provides long-term stability for a lipid nanoparticle-formulated, nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine.
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines have proven to be very successful in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. They are effective, safe, and can be produced in large quantities. However, the long-term storage of mRNA-LNP vaccines without freezing is still a challenge. Here, we demonstrate that nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNPs can be lyophilized, and the physicochemical properties of the lyophilized material do not significantly change for 12 weeks after storage at room temperature and for at least 24 weeks after storage at 4°C. Importantly, we show in comparative mouse studies that lyophilized firefly luciferase-encoding mRNA-LNPs maintain their high expression, and no decrease in the immunogenicity of a lyophilized influenza virus hemagglutinin-encoding mRNA-LNP vaccine was observed after 12 weeks of storage at room temperature or for at least 24 weeks after storage at 4°C. Our studies offer a potential solution to overcome the long-term storage-related limitations of nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP vaccines.


[Application and comparison of allograft and autograft bone for interbody fusion in cervical tuberculosis].
To evaluate the clinical results of allogeneic bone graft for interbody fusion in cervical tuberculosis. Between January 2000 and January 2008, 30 cases of cervical tuberculosis were treated with allogeneic (group A, n = 15) or autologous (group B, n = 15) iliac crest bone graft combined with anterior fixation after radical debridement. In group A, there were 8 males and 7 females with an average age of 38 years; the disease duration was 6 to 14 months; the preoperative kyphosis Cobb angle was (8.6 +/- 11.3) degrees; the preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 13.0 +/- 3.1 for neurological function; and the length of bone graft was 32 mm on average. In group B, there were 9 males and 6 females with an average age of 42 years; the disease duration was 4 to 17 months; the preoperative kyphosis Cobb angle was (4.9 +/- 7.4) degrees; the preoperative JOA score 12.3 +/- 4.2; and the length of bone graft was 34 mm on average. There was no significant difference in general data between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The operation time and bleeding volume in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P < 0.05). Wound effusion were found in 2 cases of group A, and the other incisions healed by first intention. No infection occurred in group B. In group A, 13 cases were followed up 12-48 months; in group B, 14 cases were followed up 13-46 months. The time of bone graft healing in group A [(7.6 +/- 2.1) months] was significantly longer than that in group B [(4.2 +/- 1.1) months] (t = 2.773, P = 0.005). The kyphosis Cobb angles were significantly improved at 6 months and last follow-up after operation in 2 groups when compared with that before operation (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between 2 groups at different time after operation (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in JOA score at 6 months after operation between group A (14.1 +/- 2.6) and group B (14.3 +/- 2.4) (t = 1.655, P = 0.162). The improvement rate for neural function were 83.7% in group A and 87.8% in group B, showing no significant difference (chi2 = 3.150, P = 0.071). There was no loosening of internal fixation and recurrence of tuberculosis in 2 groups during follow-up. Five cases had chronic pain at iliac donor sites in group B. According to Bridewell et al. evaluation standard, the bone fusion was satisfactory in 11 cases (84.6%) and unsatisfactory in 2 cases (15.4%) in group A, and was satisfactory for all in 14 cases (100%) in group B. The satisfactory rate of bone fusion showed no significant difference between 2 groups (chi2 = 2.680, P = 0.115). Allogeneic bone grafting has a good clinical result for spinal fusion in cervical tuberculosis surgery, which can treat tuberculosis bone defect effectively.


The Bacterial Mobile Resistome Transfer Network Connecting the Animal and Human Microbiomes.
Horizontally acquired antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in bacteria are highly mobile and have been ranked as principal risk resistance determinants. However, the transfer network of the mobile resistome and the forces driving mobile ARG transfer are largely unknown. Here, we present the whole profile of the mobile resistome in 23,425 bacterial genomes and explore the effects of phylogeny and ecology on the recent transfer (≥99% nucleotide identity) of mobile ARGs. We found that mobile ARGs are mainly present in four bacterial phyla and are significantly enriched in Proteobacteria The recent mobile ARG transfer network, which comprises 703 bacterial species and 16,859 species pairs, is shaped by the bacterial phylogeny, while an ecological barrier also exists, especially when interrogating bacteria colonizing different human body sites. Phylogeny is still a driving force for the transfer of mobile ARGs between farm animals and the human gut, and, interestingly, the mobile ARGs that are shared between the human and animal gut microbiomes are also harbored by diverse human pathogens. Taking these results together, we suggest that phylogeny and ecology are complementary in shaping the bacterial mobile resistome and exert synergistic effects on the development of antibiotic resistance in human pathogens. The development of antibiotic resistance threatens our modern medical achievements. The dissemination of antibiotic resistance can be largely attributed to the transfer of bacterial mobile antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Revealing the transfer network of these genes in bacteria and the forces driving the gene flow is of great importance for controlling and predicting the emergence of antibiotic resistance in the clinic. Here, by analyzing tens of thousands of bacterial genomes and millions of human and animal gut bacterial genes, we reveal that the transfer of mobile ARGs is mainly controlled by bacterial phylogeny but under ecological constraints. We also found that dozens of ARGs are transferred between the human and animal gut and human pathogens. This work demonstrates the whole profile of mobile ARGs and their transfer network in bacteria and provides further insight into the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance in nature.


Improved environmental stability for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition SiO2 waveguides using buried channel designs.
Ridge and buried channel waveguides (BCWs) made using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition SiO2 were fabricated and tested after being subjected to long 85°C water baths. The water bath was used to investigate the effects of any water absorption in the ridge and BCWs. Optical mode spreading and power throughput were measured over a period of three weeks. The ridge waveguides quickly absorbed water within the critical guiding portion of the waveguide. This caused a nonuniformity in the refractive index profile, leading to poor modal confinement after only seven days. The BCWs possessed a low index top cladding layer of SiO2, which caused an increase in the longevity of the waveguides, and after 21 days, the BCW samples still maintained ~20% throughput, much higher than the ridge waveguides, which had a throughput under 5%.


Neural network assessment of herbal protection against chemotherapeutic-induced reproductive toxicity.
The aim of this study is to assess the protective effects of Ginkgo biloba's (GB) extract against chemotherapeutic-induced reproductive toxicity using a data mining tool, namely Neural Network Clustering (NNC) on two types of data: biochemical & fertility indicators and Texture Analysis (TA) parameters. GB extract (1 g/kg/day) was given orally to male albino rats for 26 days. This period began 21 days before a single cisplatin (CIS) intraperitoneal injection (10 mg/kg body weight). GB given orally significantly restored reproductive function. Tested extract also notably reduced the CIS-induced reproductive toxicity, as evidenced by restoring normal morphology of testes. In GB, the attenuation of CIS-induced damage was associated with less apoptotic cell death both in the testicular tissue and in the sperms. CIS-induced alterations of testicular lipid peroxidation were markedly improved by the examined plant extract. NNC has been used for classifying animal groups based on the quantified biochemical & fertility indicators and microscopic image texture parameters extracted by TA. NNC showed the separation of two clusters and the distribution of groups among them in a way that signifies the dose-dependent protective effect of GB. The present study introduces the neural network as a powerful tool to assess both biochemical and histopathological data. We also show here that herbal protection against CIS-induced reproductive toxicity utilizing classic methodologies is validated using neural network analysis.


The risk of hyponatremia in the elderly compared with younger in the hospital inpatient and outpatient.
to comparise the prevalences of hyponatremia between elderly and younger patients in hospital inpatients and outpatients setting. this study was done using cross-sectional design. Medical records of all adult patients (age of more than 13 years) from March 2008 to March 2009 in Siloam Hospital Lippo-Village whose sodium plasma level data were recorded. The patients were divided into two main groups according to their age, that were elderly and younger. These two main groups were then divided into 4 sub-groups that were general inpatient, special inpatient, general outpatient, and emergency outpatient. The prevalence ratio of the proportion of hyponatremia between the elderly and the younger in the four sub-groups were then analyzed. Independency between the 4 sub-groups and frequency of hyponatremia in each of the two main group were tested by Chi-Square test, using SPSS statistics version 17. in the general inpatient, the prevalence of hyponatremia in the elderly group and the young group were 26.32% and 10.85% respectively, with the Prevalence Ratio of 2,43 (95% CI, 0,11-0,19). In the general outpatient, the prevalence of hyponatremia in the elderly group and the young group were 7.18% and 2.98% respectively, with the Prevalence Ratio of 2,40 (95% CI, 0,02-0,06). In the emergency outpatient, the prevalence of hyponatremia in the elderly group and the young group were 18.28% and 7.71% respectively, with the Prevalence Ratio of 2,37 (95% CI, 0,08-0,14). In the special inpatient, the prevalence of hyponatremia in the elderly group and the young group were 14.98% and 5.58% respectively, with the Prevalence Ratio of 2,69 (95% CI, 0,05-0,13). The risk to get hyponatremia during inpatient was significantly higher in the elderly with the Prevalence Ratio of 2.79 (95% CI, 0,03-0,07). Chi Square analysis which was done in both the elderly and the younger group revealed that the place of the services will influence the frequency of hyponatremia significantly (p = 0.000). compared with the younger group, the mean of the risk for the elderly group to get hyponatremia in the hospital inpatient and outpatient is 2.54 times higher.


A further look at the prognostic power of young children's reports of depressed mood and feelings.
A primary objective of the present study was to determine the validity of first graders' self-reports of depressed mood and feelings. To that end, the prognostic power of first grade self-reports of depressed mood and feelings was examined with respect to later psychopathology and adaptive functioning in a population of urban school children (N = 946). First grade self-reports of depressed mood predicted later child academic functioning, the need for and use of mental health services, suicidal ideation, and a diagnosis of major depressive disorder by age 14. The prognostic power of these early self-reports suggests that children as young as 5 or 6 years of age are capable of providing valid reports of depressed mood and feelings.


Reliability and validity of the SmartDiet Canadian version questionnaire.
Measuring the outcomes of nutrition interventions in health promotion settings can be a challenge. Nutrition screening tools are often used to measure dietary patterns and nutrition intervention outcomes, but these tools may lack quantitative scoring methods. Using the SmartDiet questionnaire from Oslo, Norway, as a model, the SmartDiet Canadian Version questionnaire was developed to assess fiber and fat intake. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of this new questionnaire. In 2007, 54 volunteer subjects (63% men, mean age 68.3+/-9.7 years) were recruited from the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Test-retest reliability was assessed by having subjects complete the questionnaire at recruitment and 1 month later. Intraclass correlation coefficients of reliability (ICC) for both fiber and fat intake were calculated. For fiber scores the ICC was 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.48, 0.79) and for fat scores the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.59, 0.84). Validity was assessed by correlating the completed questionnaire at recruitment with a 3-day food diary. The daily fat and fiber scores from the questionnaire were correlated with the corresponding average daily fat and fiber scores from the 3-day food diary by means of the Spearman correlation coefficient. For fiber scores, Spearman rho was 0.53 (P<0.001), and for fat scores it was 0.48 (P<0.001). The SmartDiet Canadian Version questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the daily fiber and fat intake of cardiac rehabilitation clients.


MSF-LRR: Multi-Similarity Information Fusion Through Low-Rank Representation to Predict Disease-Associated Microbes.
An Increase in microbial activity is shown to be intimately connected with the pathogenesis of diseases. Considering the expense of traditional verification methods, researchers are working to develop high-efficiency methods for detecting potential disease-related microbes. In this article, a new prediction method, MSF-LRR, is established, which uses Low-Rank Representation (LRR) to perform multi-similarity information fusion to predict disease-related microbes. Considering that most existing methods only use one class of similarity, three classes of microbe and disease similarity are added. Then, LRR is used to obtain low-rank structural similarity information. Additionally, the method adaptively extracts the local low-rank structure of the data from a global perspective, to make the information used for the prediction more effective. Finally, a neighbor-based prediction method that utilizes the concept of collaborative filtering is applied to predict unknown microbe-disease pairs. As a result, the AUC value of MSF-LRR is superior to other existing algorithms under 5-fold cross-validation. Furthermore, in case studies, excluding originally known associations, 16 and 19 of the top 20 microbes associated with Bacterial Vaginosis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, respectively, have been confirmed by the recent literature. In summary, MSF-LRR is a good predictor of potential microbe-disease associations and can contribute to drug discovery and biological research.