Characterization of molecular aggregates of alpha 1 beta 1-integrin and other rat liver membrane proteins by combination of size-exclusion chromatography and chemical cross-linking.
Many membrane proteins display their biological activity in molecular aggregates of interacting counterparts. The analysis of these aggregates remains difficult; especially intermolecular complexes of membrane proteins tend to dissociate or artificially aggregate during detergent extraction out of membranes. Thus, the existence of protein aggregates was investigated by two approaches. First, after modest detergent extraction, the presence of three well characterized rat liver membrane proteins, alpha 1 beta 1-integrin, dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV (DPP IV) and cell-CAM 105 (CAM = cell adhesion molecule), in aggregates could be demonstrated when investigated by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) under non-denaturating conditions. However, the applied detergents partially influenced the resolution of the separation reducing the ability to discriminate between native and artificial protein aggregates. To circumvent these problems, a second approach based on covalent cross-linking of native protein complexes by dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate) was combined with the performance of denaturating SEC. Under such optimized some high-molecular-mass complexes of all model proteins consisting of unknown components could also be detected. Taken together, non-denaturating SEC and chemical cross-linking in combination with denaturating SEC represent methodological approaches for the characterization of protein aggregates.


Efficacy and safety of intravenous peramivir for treatment of seasonal influenza virus infection.
Peramivir, a sialic acid analogue, is a selective inhibitor of neuraminidases produced by influenza A and B viruses. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single intravenous dose of peramivir in outpatients with uncomplicated seasonal influenza virus infection. A total of 300 previously healthy adult subjects aged 20 to 64 years with a positive influenza virus rapid antigen test were recruited within 48 h of the onset of influenza symptoms and randomized to three groups: single intravenous infusion of either 300 mg peramivir per kg of body weight, 600 mg peramivir, or matching placebo on study day 1. Influenza symptoms and body temperature were self-assessed for 14 days. Nasal and pharyngeal swabs were collected to determine the viral titer. The primary endpoint was the time to alleviation of symptoms. Of the 300 subjects, 296 were included in the intent-to-treat infected population (300 mg peramivir, n = 99; 600 mg peramivir, n = 97; and placebo, n = 100). Peramivir significantly reduced the time to alleviation of symptoms at both 300 mg (hazard ratio, 0.681) and 600 mg (hazard ratio, 0.666) compared with placebo (adjusted P value, 0.0092 for both comparisons). No serious adverse events were reported. Peramivir was well tolerated, and its adverse-event profile was similar to that of placebo. A single intravenous dose of peramivir is effective and well tolerated in subjects with uncomplicated seasonal influenza virus infection.


A randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of an advanced wound dressing used in Iran.
To compare the wound healing rate and incidence of infection in wounds treated with either a bioactive dressing (containing hydrophilic mucopolysaccharide, chitosan) or conservative treatment (gauze). Eighty-five patients with diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers or leg ulcers were randomised to receive either the bioactive study dressing (n=33 patients, 45 wounds) or the control dressing (n=52 patients, 53 wounds) for 21 days. Wound size, stage where appropriate and the presence of infection were recorded at each dressing change. Thirty-one of these 85 patients dropped out of the study during the three-month post-treatment follow-up, when wound size and grade were assessed on a monthly basis. Data were therefore analysed on 54 patients, of whom 32 (34 wounds) were in the treatment group and 22 (26 wounds) in the control group. In the control group, four pressure ulcers healed, but the remaining wounds all deteriorated and became infected, requiring antibiotics. In contrast, in the treatment group 29/34 wounds healed completely, and none became infected; the remaining five wounds healed during the follow-up period. The difference between the two groups in the number of wounds that healed was statistically significant (p<0.001), as was that for the number of healed pressure ulcers p<0.05. Use of a moist bioactive wound dressing significantly increased the healing rate when compared with the traditional dressings used in the participating hospitals. This will in turn bring significant cost savings.


Density functional theory study of the hydrogen bond interaction between lactones, lactams, and methanol.
The structure and relative stability of methanol complexes with various cyclic ketones, lactones, lactams, and N-methyl lactams from three- to seven-membered rings have been investigated using the density functional theory method. The geometries, harmonic frequencies, and energies were calculated at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. Three stable structures, cis-a, cis-b, and trans, with respect to the ring oxygen (nitrogen) atom, were found to be local minima of the potential energy surface. For lactones and N-methyl lactams, the most stable structure is trans; it is stabilized, as in cyclic ketones, through the conventional hydrogen bond (HB) interaction between the basic carbonyl oxygen and the acidic methanolic hydrogen and an unconventional HB interaction between the methanolic oxygen and the CH hydrogen, in the alpha position of the carbonyl group. For unsubstituted lactams, the cis-a structure, stabilized through a HB interaction between the NH group and the methanol oxygen in addition to the conventional HB interaction, is the most stable. The topological properties of the electron density ratify the existence of conventional (N,O-H. . .O) and unconventional (C-H. . .O) hydrogen bonding. A good correlation was found between the HB distances and the electron density at the HB critical point. The unsubstituted lactams yield more stable complexes with methanol than N-methyl lactams, lactones, and cyclic ketones. In the most stable complexes, both components behave simultaneously as a HB donor and as a HB acceptor.


Changes in tobacco use among 13-15-year-olds between 1999 and 2007: findings from the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
This report focuses on change over time in tobacco use among adolescents in countries included in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) of the World Health Organization. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) was conducted in each site at least twice between 1999 and 2007. Results indicate that for students aged 13-15 years tobacco use is a major public health problem. Increase in the use of water pipe, the likely initiation of smoking by never smokers, and a potential increase in tobacco use among young girls was found in most of the EMR sites. The results from the GYTS can be used by all of the EMR countries involved to set their tobacco control programme and policy agenda


Comparing the Efficacy of Intravitreal Dexamethasone and Time-displaced Fluocinolone Acetonide on Central Retinal Thickness in Patients with Uveitis.
To compare the efficacy of intravitreally administered dexamethasone (Dex) and subsequent time-displaced fluocinolone acetonide (FA) on central subfield thickness (CST) in eyes with noninfectious uveitis. Retrospective analysis of twenty-three eyes (18 patients) subsequently receiving intravitreal Dex and FA implants. The main outcome measures were CST, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and status of inflammation. CST (Dex: p < .0001; FA: p = .0008) and BCVA (Dex: p = .0009; FA: p = .0005) improved significantly with both implants. Significantly better effects were noted with Dex for absolute and relative CST reduction (p = .0089 and p = .0051, respectively). Final BCVA did not differ between groups (p = .1893). Dex significantly increased IOP, whereas FA did not. One eye was actively inflamed after Dex and FA injection at follow-up (inflamed eyes before injection: [Dex: 2; FA: 6]). Both implants significantly reduced CST and induced a significant gain in visual acuity. Dex might be more effective in reducing CST.


In vitro and in vivo intracellular liposomal delivery of antisense oligonucleotides and anticancer drug.
The specific aims of this investigation were (1) to show that conventional and PEGylated liposomes can penetrate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo; (2) to demonstrate that liposomes can be successfully used both for cytoplasmic and nuclear delivery of therapeutics, including anticancer drugs and antisense oligonucleotides; (3) to examine the specific activity of anticancer drugs and nucleotides delivered inside tumor cells by PEGylated liposomes; and (4) to confirm that simultaneous inhibition of pump and nonpump cellular resistance by liposomal ASO can substantially enhance the antitumor activity of traditional well established anticancer drugs in mice bearing xenografts of human multidrug resistant ovarian carcinoma. Experimental results show that PEGylated liposomes are capable of penetrating directly into tumor cells after systemic administration in vivo and do successfully provide cytoplasmic and nuclear delivery of encapsulated anticancer drug (doxorubicin, DOX) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO). Encapsulation of DOX and ASO into liposomes substantially increased their specific activity. Simultaneous suppression of pump and nonpump resistance dramatically enhanced the ability of DOX for inducing apoptosis leading to higher in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumor activity.


Insulin and insulin-like growth factors stimulate in vivo receptor autophosphorylation and tyrosine phosphorylation of a 70K substrate in cultured fetal chick neurons.
Insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) have been shown to regulate neuronal growth and differentiation. To investigate the possible role of tyrosine phosphorylation in the neurotrophic actions of these peptides, we examined the effects of insulin, IGF-I, and IGF-II on tyrosine phosphorylation in cultured fetal chick neurons. Tyrosine phosphorylation was detected by immunoblot analysis using antiphosphotyrosine antibodies. Under basal conditions five major phosphoproteins (170K, 140K, 115K, 103K, and 44K) and a number of minor proteins were detected by three separate antisera. In response to insulin, IGF-I, or IGF-II, an 87K membrane-associated protein (pp87) became phosphorylated on tyrosine in a rapid, dose-dependent manner. The Mr of pp87 was identical to that of the insulin and IGF-I receptor beta-subunits. Comparison of the dose-response curves for pp87 phosphorylation by insulin and IGF-I suggests that each peptide stimulated autophosphorylation of its own receptor beta-subunit. The maximal response obtained with IGF-I was approximately 10-fold higher than that obtained with insulin (3- to 5-fold), consistent with the larger number of IGF-I receptors in these cells. The maximal response obtained with IGF-II was 4- to 7-fold higher than that with insulin, suggesting that it acts through the insulin receptor as well. Tyrosine that IGF-II acts through the insulin receptor as well. Tyrosine phosphorylation of other proteins by the activated receptor kinases was not detected in neurons cultured for 5 days, however neurons cultured for only several h contained a predominant 70K protein (pp70) that was phosphorylated on tyrosine in response to all three hormones. Tyrosine phosphorylation of pp70 was maximal after 2-5 h in culture and was undetectable in neurons cultured longer than 24 h. The time course and dose dependence of pp70 phosphorylation in response to hormone paralleled that of insulin and IGF-I receptor autophosphorylation. These results demonstrate that both insulin and IGF-I receptors are active tyrosine kinases in fetal neurons, and that pp70 represents a potential endogenous substrate for the insulin and IGF-I receptor kinases. The transient phosphorylation of pp70 may be involved in the neurotrophic effects of insulin and insulin-like growth factors.


Biochemical characterization of primary peritoneal carcinoma cell adhesion, migration, and proteinase activity.
Primary papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum (PPC) is clinically and histologically similar to advanced stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma. PPC classically presents with widespread intraperitoneal dissemination, superficial invasion, and minimal ovarian involvement. Surgical cytoreduction and combination chemotherapy utilized for patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma have produced varying results for patients with PPC. These differences in response may be secondary to the stage of disease or due to biological differences in metastatic behavior between these carcinomas. In this study, short-term primary cultures of PPC and epithelial ovarian carcinoma (OVCA) were compared to enable biochemical comparison with respect to components of the metastatic cascade including adhesion, migration, and proteinase activity. These data demonstrated similar properties in adhesive profiles of PPC and OVCA, with preferential adhesion to type I collagen and vitronectin. Matrix-degrading proteinases including matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and urinary-type plasminogen activator were produced by both cell types. PPC migration was stimulated by multiple extracellular matrix proteins, whereas OVCA cells demonstrated maximal migration on type I collagen coated surfaces. Together our data suggest biochemical similarities between PPC and OVCA with respect to individual components of the metastatic cascade.


Revising Substantial Leg Length Discrepancy in Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Computer-assisted Navigated Systems: A Case Series of Three Patients.
One of the primary challenges of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is equalizing the limb lengths to re-establishing normal hip biomechanics. Post-operative leg length discrepancies (LLD) lead to patient dissatisfaction and are a main source of orthopedic malpractice cases. The aim of this case series was to document three cases of substantial LLD that were corrected during THA with the assistance of an imageless computer navigation system. Medical records were reviewed for history and radiographs were consulted. All patients in this series presented with complaints related to hip fractures and reported a significant lengthening of leg length following THA. No surgical complications of adverse events were reported. In these cases, imageless navigation provided intraoperative measurements of leg length which allowed for enhanced accuracy of component placement and improved outcomes following surgery.


Policy Transfer Among Regional-Level Organizations: Insights from Source Water Protection in Ontario.
Organizations at the local and regional scales often face the challenge of developing policy mechanisms rapidly and concurrently, whether in response to expanding mandates, newly identified threats, or changes in the political environment. In the Canadian Province of Ontario, rapid, concurrent policy development was considered desirable by 19 regional organizations tasked with developing policies for protection of drinking water sources under very tight and highly prescribed mandates. An explicit policy transfer approach was used by these organizations. Policy transfer refers to using knowledge of policies, programs, and institutions in one context in the development of policies, programs, and institutions in another. This paper assesses three online mechanisms developed to facilitate policy transfer for source water protection in Ontario. Insights are based on a survey of policy planners from the 19 regional organizations who used the three policy transfer tools, supplemented by an analysis of three policies created and transferred among the 19 regional source water protection organizations. Policy planners in the study indicated they had used policy transfer to develop source protection policies for their regions-a finding confirmed by analysis of the text of policies. While the online policy transfer tools clearly facilitated systematic policy transfer, participants still preferred informal, direct exchanges with their peers in other regions over the use of the internet-based policy transfer mechanisms created on their behalf.


Interfacial equation of state for ionized surfactants at oil/water interfaces.
A new mathematical approach has been developed for describing the interfacial behaviour of oil/water interfaces in the presence of ionic surfactants. The approach relies on the ideal behaviour of ionized surfactants at oil/water interfaces, which is previously demonstrated by Lucassen-Reynders (J. Phys. Chem., 1966, 70, 1777-1785). The new derived equation simply relates the interfacial tension to the surfactant molecular size and the cmc value of the surfactant in the aqueous phase. The predicted values are in a reasonable agreement with the measured experimental data. Formation of complex multi-layers is considered and the related development is performed. It is shown that, assuming a multi-layer interface, the proposed model gives an area per surfactant molecule similar to the values obtained by techniques such as neutron reflectivity (NR), while a monolayer assumption yields about half the value. The discussion describes the impact of dissolved oil and ionic components on the interfacial tension of the ionized surfactants at oil/water interfaces.


Automating Giemsa banding of chromosomes: protocol for and evaluation of the use of a programmable, high-throughput automatic stainer.
The use of prometaphase chromosomes prepared for high-resolution imaging is essential for accurate cytogenetic investigations. The process of Giemsa chromosome banding (G-banding), however, is often time consuming and difficult to standardize owing to differing ambient conditions and inter-operator variability. Consequently, many laboratories currently are introducing automatic metaphase finder and analysis systems to achieve the goals of higher throughput of samples and more consistent chromosome quality. In this context, we investigated the use of automation to improve the G-banding process. We investigated the use of the Shandon Thermo Varistain Gemini automatic stainer to replicate the manual process of G-banding. We compared the current manual method and the automated procedure and found that automation provided equivalent quality, and increased consistency while decreasing the time required and reducing the cost per preparation.


Intraspecies differences in hemostatic venom activities of the South American rattlesnakes, Crotalus durissus cumanensis, as revealed by a range of protease inhibitors.
Crotalus durissus cumanensis is an endemic rattlesnake found in Venezuela and Colombia. In this study, a comparative analysis of hemorrhagic, coagulation and fibrino(geno)lytic activities in the presence or absence of protease inhibitors was performed with venoms of the same species Crotalus durissus cumanensis, from seven geographical regions of Venezuela (Lagunetica, Santa Teresa, Carrizales, Guarenas, Anzoátegui, Margarita and Maracay). Lagunetica, Carrizales and Anzoátegui venoms induced hemorrhagic activity. All venoms, except that of snakes from the Carrizales region presented thrombin-like activity, which was inhibited completely by phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride and ethylene glycol-bis-N, N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. This effect of the latter could be explained by the high chelant calcium effect, which is a cofactor for the fibrin polymerization process. Soybean trypsin inhibitor was effective on Santa Teresa venom. Antithrombin III/Hep complex and phenantroline partially inhibited this activity in all venoms except Margarita and Anzoátegui, respectively, which were not inhibited. Serine protease inhibitors were more effective against thrombin, kallikrein and plasmin-like amidolytic activities. Additionally, metalloprotease inhibitors significantly inhibited the t-PA-like amidolytic activity and completely the hemorrhagic and fibrino(geno)lytic activities. In conclusion, the thrombin-like activity observed in these venoms was partially reduced by serine protease inhibitors, indicating the possible presence of catalytic domains in those enzymes that do not interact with these inhibitors. Using protease inhibitors on venom hemostatic activities could contribute to our understanding of the active components of snake venom on the hemostatic system, and further reveal the intraspecies variation of venoms, which is important in the treatment of envenomation, and in addition represents an interesting model for the study of venom in hemostasis.


Dissipation of the Membrane Potential in Susceptible Corn Mitochondria by the Toxin of Helminthosporium maydis, Race T, and Toxin Analogs.
We have tested directly the effect of Helminthosporium maydis T (Hmt) toxin and various analogs on the membrane potential formed in mitochondria isolated from a Texas (T) cytoplasmic male-sterile and a normal (N) corn. ATP, malate or succinate generated a membrane potential (negative inside) as monitored by the absorbance change of a cationic dye, safranine. The relative membrane potential (Deltapsi) could also be detected indirectly as (45)Ca(2+) uptake. Hmt toxin added to T mitochondria dissipated the steady state Deltapsi similar to addition of a protonophore, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). Toxin analogs (Cpd XIII: C(41)H(68)O(12) and Cpd IV: C(25)H(44)O(6)), reduced native toxin (RT2C: C(41)H(84)O(13)) and Pm toxin (band A: C(33)H(60)O(8), produced by the fungus, Phyllosticta maydis) were effective in dissipating Deltapsi and decreasing Ca(2+) uptake with the following order: Pm (100) >> HmT (23-30) > Cpd XIII (11-25) >> RT2C (0-4-1.8) > Cpd IV (0.2-1.0). In contrast, the toxins and analogs had no effect on Deltapsi formed in N mitochondria. The striking similarities of the HmT toxin (band 1: C(41)H(68)O(13)) and Cpd XIII on T mitochondrial activities provide strong evidence supporting the correctness of the polyketol structure assigned to the native toxin. Since the Deltapsi in energized mitochondria is caused mainly by the electrogenic extrusion of H(+), the results support the idea that HmT toxin increases membrane permeability of T mitochondria to H(+). The host specificity of the toxin suggests that an interaction with unique target site(s) on the inner mitochondrial membrane of T corn causes H(+) leakage.


Trim33 conditions the lifespan of primitive macrophages and onset of definitive macrophage production.
Trim33 (Tif1γ) is a transcriptional regulator that is notably involved in several aspects of hematopoiesis. It is essential for the production of erythrocytes in zebrafish, and for the proper functioning and aging of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in mice. Here, we have found that, in zebrafish development, Trim33 is essential cell-autonomously for the lifespan of the yolk sac-derived primitive macrophages, as well as for the initial production of definitive (HSPC-derived) macrophages in the first niche of definitive hematopoiesis, the caudal hematopoietic tissue. Moreover, Trim33 deficiency leads to an excess production of definitive neutrophils and thrombocytes. Our data indicate that Trim33 radically conditions the differentiation output of aorta-derived HSPCs in all four erythro-myeloid cell types, in a niche-specific manner.


Training adult protective services workers about domestic violence: training needs and strategies.
Many cases of elder abuse involve instances of partner abuse. In this study, attention is given to whether adult protective services supervisors think their workers know enough about specific aspects of domestic violence. Attention is also given to the strategies that the supervisors think would be most useful to teach about domestic violence. According to the supervisors, workers need to know more about intervening with perpetrators, planning for their own safety, and dealing with frustrations. The supervisors rated the importance of understanding theoretical perspectives as low. Results also show that agencies with domestic violence training policies participate in domestic violence training programs more often.


The Nutritional Profile of Baby and Toddler Food Products Sold in Australian Supermarkets.
To examine the nutritional profile of baby and toddler foods sold in Australia. Nutrient information for baby and toddler foods available at Australian supermarkets was collected between Auguset and December 2013. Levels of declared energy, total fat, saturated fat, total sugar, sodium and estimated added sugar were examined, as well as the presence of additional micronutrients on the label. The Health Star Rating (HSR) system was used to determine nutritional quality. The range of products on offer was also examined by product type and by the age category for which the product was marketed. Of the 309 products included, 29% were fortified. On a per 100 g basis, these 309 products provided a mean (±SD) of 476 ± 486 kJ, 1.6 ± 2.4 g total fat, 10.7 ± 12.2 g total sugar, 2.7 ± 7.4 g added sugar, and 33.5 ± 66.5 mg sodium. Fruit-based products or products with fruit listed as an ingredient (58%) were the predominant product type. On the nutrition label, 42% displayed at least one additional micronutrient while 37% did not display saturated fat. The most common HSR was four stars (45%) and 6+ months was the most commonly identified targeted age group (36%). The majority of baby and toddler foods sold in Australian supermarkets are ready-made fruit-based products aimed at children under 12 months of age. Baby and toddler foods are overlooked in public policy discussions pertaining to population nutrient intake but their relatively high sugar content deriving from fruits requires close attention to ensure these foods do not replace other more nutrient dense foods, given children have an innate preference for sweet tastes.


Hairy leukoplakia; lessons learned: 30-plus years.
Well into the fourth decade of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, we can look back on the early years, the initial discoveries, and the broad sweep of the progress of our understanding of the nature, causes, and significance of the oral lesions seen in those infected with the virus. Prominent among these is oral hairy leukoplakia (HL), a previously unknown lesion of the mouth associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and initially seen only in people with AIDS, in the then-recognized risk groups, or those shown to be HIV positive. Subsequently, it became clear that the distribution of HL extends well beyond the HIV spectrum. In this brief review, we consider the clinical and histological features of HL, discuss how it was discovered, explore its cause, diagnosis, relationship with AIDS, pathogenesis, significance in EBV biology, options for management, and how it changes with HIV/AIDS therapy.


Population genetic analysis of Lobelia rhynchopetalum Hemsl. (Campanulaceae) using DNA sequences from ITS and eight chloroplast DNA regions.
DNA sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA and eight chloroplast DNA regions were used to investigate haplotypic variation and population genetic structure of the Afroalpine giant lobelia, Lobelia rhynchopetalum. The study was based on eight populations sampled from two mountain systems in Ethiopia. A total of 20 variable sites were obtained, which resulted in 13 unique haplotypes and an overall nucleotide diversity (ND) of 0.281 ± 0.15 and gene diversity (GD) of 0.85 ± 0.04. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a highly significant variation (P < 0.001) among populations (F(ST)), and phylogenetic analysis revealed that populations from the two mountain systems formed their own distinct clade with >90% bootstrap support. Each population should be regarded as a significant unit for conservation of this species. The primers designed for this study can be applied to any Lobelia and other closely related species for population genetics and phylogenetic studies.


Group-based randomized trial of contingencies for health and abstinence in HIV patients.
Contingency management (CM) treatments are usually applied individually for drug abstinence, but CM can also be targeted toward health behaviors and implemented in groups. This study evaluated effects of a group-based CM intervention that focused on reinforcing health behaviors. HIV-positive patients with cocaine or opioid use disorders (n = 170) were randomized to weekly CM or 12-step (TS) groups for 24 weeks (mean attendance was 10.8 +/- 8.1 sessions for CM participants and 9.0 +/- 6.9 session for TS participants). During the treatment period, both groups received compensation for attendance ($10 per session) and submission of urine samples (about $2 per sample). In addition, participants received $25 for submitting samples and completing evaluations at Months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12; 65-75 of the 81 participants assigned to TS and 71-80 of the 89 participants assigned to CM completed these evaluations. During the treatment period, patients in the CM group received chances to win prizes contingent upon completing health activities and submitting substance-free specimens (M = $260, SD = $267). Mean attendance was 10.8 +/- 8.1 sessions for CM participants and 9.0 +/- 6.9 sessions for TS participants. CM participants submitted a significantly greater number of consecutive drug-free specimens than did TS participants (5.2 +/- 6.0 vs. 3.7 +/- 5.6), but proportions of negative samples did not differ between groups during treatment or at follow-up evaluations. From pre- to posttreatment, CM participants showed greater reductions in viral loads and HIV-risk behaviors than did TS participants, but these effects were not maintained throughout the follow-up period. These data suggest the efficacy of group-based CM for HIV-positive substance abusers, but more research is needed to extend the long-term benefits.


Fractionation of chronic myelogenous leukemia marrow cells by stroma adherence: implications for marrow purging.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) progenitor cells have been shown to be defective in their ability to adhere to marrow stroma. It was the aim of the present study to investigate at the cytogenetic level marrow-derived CML clonogenic cells fractionated on the basis of their ability to adhere to preformed, allogeneic, normal marrow-derived stromal layers. Mononuclear marrow cells from CML patients (n = 15) were incubated with mafosfamide (100 micrograms/ml) or control medium, seeded onto marrow stromal layers and allowed to adhere (3 hrs, 37 degrees C). Following a short-term liquid culture, the different cell fractions were harvested and incorporated in methylcellulose cultures. CFU-GM grown from these cultures were analyzed by single colony karyotyping. On direct cytogenetic analysis, the overall mean (+/- SD) percentage of Ph-negative metaphases was 7 +/- 20%. Following stroma adherence and shortterm suspension culture, the mean (+/- SD) percentages of Ph-negative clones were as follows: 33 +/- 25% for adherent CFU-GM, 59 +/- 40% for adherent, mafosfamide-treated CFU-GM, 12 +/- 16% for non-adherent CFU-GM, and 32 +/- 26% for non-adherent-mafosfamide-treated CFU-GM. If only the patients showing a percentage of Ph-negative clones > or = 20% were included in this analysis, the mean (+/- SD) percentages of Ph-negative clones were 47 +/- 19% for adherent CFU-GM, and 81 +/- 21% for adherent-Mafosfamide-treated CFU-GM. In contrast, the majority of pH-positive CFU-GM were detected within the stroma non-adherent cell fraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Relation between body weight, growth rate, chronological age and puberty in male and female rats.
Body weight, growth rate, chronological age and puberty in female and male rats from litters of 8 and 12 offsprings/mother have been studied. Age and body weight at the moment of vaginal opening (VO) and balanopreputial separation (BPS) were analyzed. Results show that animals reared in smaller groups grew faster than others. After weaning there was an increase in growth rate. VO and BPS occurred at the same age in groups with different growth rates and different body weights. In conclusion this work evidences that external signs of sexual maturation are not linked to a "critical weight" or to a "growth rate".


Modeling the anisotropic self-assembly of spherical polymer-grafted nanoparticles.
Recent experimental results demonstrated that polymer grafted nanoparticles in solvents display self-assembly behavior similar to the microphase separation of block copolymers and other amphiphiles. We present a mean-field theory and complementary computer simulations to shed light on the parametric underpinnings of the experimental observations. Our theory suggests that such self-assembled structures occur most readily when the nanoparticle size is comparable to the radius of gyration of the polymer brush chains. Much smaller particle sizes are predicted to yield uniform particle dispersions, while larger particles are expected to agglomerate due to phase separation from the solvent. Selected aspects of our theoretical predictions are corroborated by computer simulations.


Filarial lymphatic pathology reflects augmented toll-like receptor-mediated, mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated proinflammatory cytokine production.
Lymphatic filariasis can be associated with the development of serious pathology in the form of lymphedema, hydrocele, and elephantiasis in a subset of infected patients. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are thought to play a major role in the development of filarial pathology. To elucidate the role of TLRs in the development of lymphatic pathology, we examined cytokine responses to different Toll ligands in patients with chronic lymphatic pathology (CP), infected patients with subclinical pathology (INF), and uninfected, endemic-normal (EN) individuals. TLR2, -7, and -9 ligands induced significantly elevated production of Th1 and other proinflammatory cytokines in CP patients in comparison to both INF and EN patients. TLR adaptor expression was not significantly different among the groups; however, both TLR2 and TLR9 ligands induced significantly higher levels of phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (MAPK) as well as increased activation of NF-κB in CP individuals. Pharmacologic inhibition of both ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase pathways resulted in significantly diminished production of proinflammatory cytokines in CP individuals. Our data, therefore, strongly suggest an important role for TLR2- and TLR9-mediated proinflammatory cytokine induction and activation of both the MAPK and NF-κB pathways in the development of pathology in human lymphatic filariasis.


Differences in recovery from cardiac surgery: a profile of male and female patients.
The specific aim of this study is to compare and contrast the biophysical and psychosocial profile of men and women undergoing cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass graft and valve replacement) during the perioperative and home recovery period. Coronary artery disease appears to be qualitatively worse in women than men although the prevalence in women does not approach that in men until the seventh decade. Valvular disorders also reveal a different profile by sex with the greater valvular problems in women related to the fact that women have more rheumatic heart disease. A prospective, longitudinal design with a convenience sample of 117 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and their spouses (234 subjects) from five Northern California hospitals was used to tap patient response at three critical perioperative data points. Female patients were observed during the perioperative period to have significantly more shortness of breath, poorer cardiac functional status (New York Heart Association), significantly longer intensive care unit stays, and proportionately more deaths. At 1 and 3 months after discharge, however, their recoveries did not differ significantly from men's when they were compared on sexuality, recreation, or return-to-work variables. Surprisingly, female patients had significantly less mood disturbances as measured by the Profile of Mood States than their male counterparts, and they scored higher on measures of family satisfaction than did male patients. Implications of the study involve early recognition of heart disease in women, preparation of families for longer intensive care unit stays, and appreciation of different psychosocial responses to surgery.


Effect of olive fruit fly infestation on the quality of olive oil from Chemlali cultivar during ripening.
Olive fruits are seriously deteriorated by pre and post harvest damage due to the attack of insects, such as Bactrocera olaea, which strongly alters the quality of olives. Olives from Chemlali cultivar were collected and divided into different groups according to the presence or absence of infestation (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 100%) by the olive fruit fly (B. olaea). The infestation of this pest has been studied to evaluate its influence on virgin olive oil quality (free acidity, K(232) and K(270), fatty acids composition, pigment concentration, organoleptic characteristics, phenolic content, and antioxidant power). Results showed that both attacks by B. oleae and maturity process affected the quantitative and qualitative composition of the oil. These analyses demonstrated that the degree of fly attack was positively correlated with free acidity, the values of this parameter increase from 0.6 to 1.5 and 3.4, at the infestation levels 10%, 15% and 100%, respectively (R(2)=0.7418, P<0.05), and negatively related to the phenolic content which was always lower at the 100% infestation level (R(2)=0.9155, P<0.05), and consequently, the organoleptic characteristics. In addition, the infestation by olive fly did not cause an important change in the fatty acid composition while it is clear that fatty acids levels change in relation to the fruit repining stage. The antioxidant activity decreased during maturation, it was correlated to the total phenol content and the fruit infestation level.


Effects of exercise on sex hormones and expression of relevant genes in the hypothalamus in obese mice.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of different exercise loads on sex hormones and expressions of relevant genes in hypothalamus in obese mice. Sixty weaning male C57BL/6 mice were used as subjects. Among them, 15 mice were randomly classified into the normal diet group (CON group), and the remaining 45 mice into high-fat diet group (MOB group). The obesity was successfully achieved by high-fat diet 10 weeks later. Then the rats were randomly divided into three groups based on weight, namely, obesity control group (OBC group), obesity with moderate-intensity exercise group (MOBC group), and obesity with high-intensity exercise group (HOBC group), with 15 mice in each group. Mice in the MOBC group and HOBC group were offered 8 weeks of swimming training, and the exercise time increased incrementally until 2 h and 4 h per day. After the training was over, ELISA method was used to determine the serum levels of Adiponectin (Adipo), luteotropic hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T). Real-time PCR was implemented to detect the transcriptional levels of genes of Adipo and other relevant proteins in the hypothalamus. The result showed that compared with the CON group, there was a significant reduction in the serum levels of Adipo, LH, FSH and T in the OBC group (P<0.05). As compared with the OBC group, the serum levels of Adipo, LH, FSH and T increased significantly in the OBC group (P<0.05). There was a significant increase in the transcriptional levels of Adipo, Adipo receptor 1 (Adipo R1), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the OBC group (P<0.05) compared to in the CON group; meanwhile, the transcriptional levels of kisspeptin (Kiss) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) decreased significantly (P<0.05). In conclusion, long-term moderate-intensity exercise could improve the negative effect of obesity on sex development. Long-term high-intensity exercises could not improve the inhibitory effect of obesity on sex development.


Livestock Development in Hanoi City, Vietnam-Challenges and Policies.
The rapid urban growth of Hanoi city requires a livestock production system that ensures both food security and the livelihoods of dwellers. This paper reviews the existing policies for livestock production of Hanoi city and the changes in livestock population between 2014 and 2018 and identifies major challenges for livestock development of the city. While a remarkable increase of the livestock population in recent years is evident, the dominance of small-scale farms, the presence of animal diseases, the slow progress of transiting farms out of urban areas, as well as the lack of analysis of climate change and gender impacts are major challenges that could affect the livestock development of Hanoi.


The Phytophthora sojae genome contains tandem repeat sequences which vary from strain to strain.
The oömycete Phytophthora sojae causes root and stem rot of soybean. In P. sojae, 37 cultivarspecific physiological races have been reported with different reactions against 13 single dominant resistance genes in soybean. Recent genetic studies have demonstrated that the P. sojae-soybean interaction follows Flor's gene-for-gene model. Genomic subtraction was carried out to isolate race-specific DNA sequences possibly including avirulence genes. DNA from a race 1 isolate was subtraction-enriched with the DNAs from race 19 and race 22 isolates. The enriched DNAs were used to differentially screen a P. sojae genomic library. Characterization of the clones obtained identified repetitive sequences with variable copy numbers among isolates. Five of these repetitive sequences were tandemly repeated and were localized on single chromosomes. The sixth corresponded to the ribosomal RNA genes. These observations suggest that gene amplification could contribute to the generation of genetic diversity in P. sojae. Enriched sequences corresponding to avirulence genes were not detected.


Dynamic polarization response of polarization-maintaining fibers by periodic thermal cycling method.
We report a periodic thermal cycling method to investigate the dynamic response of the polarization of a laser propagating through polarization-maintaining (PM) optical fiber, driven by periodic weak temperature modulation. Consequently, temperature modulation on the surface of the coating material of the PM fiber was found to cause a continuous periodic change in the polarization state of the output laser without approaching the steady state of the resulting dynamic polarization response. Additionally, the response was found to depend on the temperature-modulation frequency and amplitude. These experimental results are qualitatively in good agreement with that of the simple theoretical model. Our research would be applied not only to the method of measuring properties of a PM optical fiber by utilizing the continuous modulation of the differential refractive index with a wide modulation-frequency range but also to various applications of the dynamic control of the periodic refractive index in materials.


Facial reanimation by transplantation of a microneurovascular muscle: long-term follow-up.
The two-stage operation for reanimation of long-standing facial paralysis by cross-facial nerve grafting and later free microneurovascular muscle transfer has been the treatment of choice for nearly 25 years. However, the functional outcome may be unpredictable. We therefore need to know more about the factors that influence the final result. We have recorded the long-term results of microneurovascular surgery in facial paralysis, and evaluated which factors influenced the functional outcome. Twenty-seven of 40 patients aged 7 to 65 years (mean 40) operated on at Helsinki University Hospital between 1986 and 2000 were available for interview and video recording. The gracilis, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior muscles were used for microneurovascular transfer in 11, 10, and 6 cases, respectively. The outcome of microneurovascular muscle transfer was graded on House's scale 1 to 6. The mean follow-up period was 8.5 years (range 2 to 15). Sixteen patients (59%) displayed only mild or moderate dysfunction (grades 2 to 3) after reconstruction. In 8 patients (30%) dysfunction was graded as moderately severe, and in 3 (11%) as severe. There was a correlation between final functional outcome and the follow-up time after microneurovascular facial reanimation. The longer the follow-up time after muscle transplantation the poorer the functional result (p = 0.003). Twenty-one patients (78%) considered that their quality of life was better or much better after facial reanimation. Patients' satisfaction correlated with a good functional result.


Graphene Oxide Modulating the Bioelectronic Properties of Penicillinase Immobilized in Lipid Langmuir-Blodgett Films.
In this paper, graphene oxide was incorporated in penicillinase-lipid Langmuir monolayers and transferred to solid supports as Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films so that the enzyme catalytic properties could be evaluated. Adsorption of penicillinase and graphene oxide on dimyristoylphosphatidic acid (DMPA) monolayers at the air-water interface was investigated by tensiometry, vibrational spectroscopy, and Brewster angle microscopy. The LB films were characterized by quartz crystal microbalance, infrared spectroscopy, luminescence spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Enzyme activity was studied with UV-vis spectroscopy, and the feasibility of the supramolecular device nanostructured as ultrathin films was essayed as an optical sensor device. The presence of graphene oxide in the enzyme-lipid LB film not only tuned the catalytic activity of penicillinase but also helped conserve its enzyme activity after weeks. These results may be related not only to the molecular architecture provided by the film but also to the synergism between the compounds on the active layer, leading to a molecular architecture that allowed a fast analyte diffusion owing to a suitable molecular accommodation which also preserved the penicillinase activity. This work then demonstrates the feasibility of employing LB films composed of lipids, graphene oxide, and enzymes as optical devices for biosensing applications as a proof-of-concept experiment.


Sleep fluoroscopy for localization of upper airway obstruction in children.
The management of children with upper airway obstruction (UAO) in whom previous airway surgeries or concomitant craniofacial or neuromuscular abnormalities exist is complicated by potential obstruction at multiple sites. Sleep fluoroscopy (SF) provides a dynamic representation of relative degrees of obstruction at multiple levels of the pediatric airway. Fifty-five SF studies were performed on 50 infants and children to localize obstructive sites. Correlation was assessed with findings on direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy under spontaneous ventilation. In 24 (44%), endoscopic and SF findings correlated exactly. The SF studies identified a site of UAO in 11 patients with normal findings on endoscopic examination and multiple sites of UAO in 16 others. Two thirds of these occurred at the hypopharynx and tongue base. The SF studies failed to detect 5 airway abnormalities in 4 patients. The sensitivity of SF for endoscopically verified laryngotracheal lesions was lowest for glottic (67%) and subglottic (70%) locations and higher for tracheal (92%) and supraglottic (100%) sites. Sleep fluoroscopy altered the course of treatment in 26 (52%) children. It appears to be a valuable adjunct to endoscopy in the identification and management of pediatric UAO when hypopharyngeal collapse or multiple levels of obstruction are suspected.


Antineoplastic Activity of New Transition Metal Complexes of 6-Methylpyridine-2-carbaldehyde-N(4)-ethylthiosemicarbazone: X-Ray Crystal Structures of [VO(2)(mpETSC)] and [Pt(mpETSC)Cl].
New complexes of dioxovanadium(V), zinc(II), ruthenium(II), palladium(II), and platinum(II) with 6-methylpyridine-2-carbaldehyde-N(4)-ethylthiosemicarbazone (HmpETSC) have been synthesized. The composition of these complexes is discussed on the basis of elemental analyses, IR, Raman, NMR ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P), and electronic spectral data. The X-ray crystal structures of [VO(2)(mpETSC)] and [Pt(mpETSC)Cl] are also reported. The HmpETSC and its [Zn(HmpETSC)Cl(2)] and [Pd(mpETSC)Cl] complexes exhibit antineoplastic activity against colon cancer human cell lines (HCT 116).


Secrecy Capacity of a Class of Erasure Wiretap Channels in WBAN.
In wireless body area networks (WBANs), the secrecy of personal health information is vulnerable to attacks due to the openness of wireless communication. In this paper, we study the security problem of WBANs, where there exists an attacker or eavesdropper who is able to observe data from part of sensors. The legitimate communication within the WBAN is modeled as a discrete memoryless channel (DMC) by establishing the secrecy capacity of a class of finite state Markov erasure wiretap channels. Meanwhile, the tapping of the eavesdropper is modeled as a finite-state Markov erasure channel (FSMEC). A pair of encoder and decoder are devised to make the eavesdropper have no knowledge of the source message, and enable the receiver to recover the source message with a small decoding error. It is proved that the secrecy capacity can be achieved by migrating the coding scheme for wiretap channel II with the noisy main channel. This method provides a new idea solving the secure problem of the internet of things (IoT).


Distinct Roles of Honeybee Gut Bacteria on Host Metabolism and Neurological Processes.
The honeybee possesses a limited number of bacterial phylotypes that play essential roles in host metabolism, hormonal signaling, and feeding behavior. However, the contribution of individual gut members in shaping honeybee brain profiles remains unclear. By generating gnotobiotic bees which were mono-colonized by a single gut bacterium, we revealed that different species regulated specific modules of metabolites in the hemolymph. Circulating metabolites involved in carbohydrate and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways were mostly regulated by Gilliamella, while Lactobacillus Firm4 and Firm5 mainly altered amino acid metabolism pathways. We then analyzed the brain transcriptomes of bees mono-colonized with these three bacteria. These showed distinctive gene expression profiles, and genes related to olfactory functions and labor division were upregulated by Lactobacillus. Interestingly, differentially spliced genes in the brains of gnotobiotic bees largely overlapped with those of bees unresponsive to social stimuli. The differentially spliced genes were enriched in pathways involved in neural development and synaptic transmission. We showed that gut bacteria altered neurotransmitter levels in the brain. In particular, dopamine and serotonin, which show inhibitory effects on the sensory sensitivity of bees, were downregulated in bacteria-colonized bees. The proboscis extension response showed that a normal gut microbiota is essential for the taste-related behavior of honeybees, suggesting the contribution of potential interactions among different gut species to the host's physiology. Our findings provide fundamental insights into the diverse functions of gut bacteria which likely contribute to honeybee neurological processes. IMPORTANCE The honeybee possesses a simple and host-restricted gut community that contributes to the metabolic health of its host, while the effects of bacterial symbionts on host neural functions remain elusive. We found that the colonization of specific bee gut bacteria regulates distinct circulating metabolites enriched in carbohydrate, amino acid, and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways. The brains of bees colonized with different gut members display distinct transcriptomic profiles of genes crucial for bee behaviors and division of labor. Alternative splicing of genes related to disordered bee behaviors is also mediated. The presence of gut bacteria promotes sucrose sensitivity with major neurotransmitters being regulated in the brain. Our findings demonstrate how individual bee gut species affect host behaviors, highlighting the gut-brain connections important for honeybee neurobiological and physiological states.


Magnetically Recyclable Graphene Oxide Demulsifier Adapting Wide pH Conditions on Detachment of Oil in the Crude Oil-in-Water Emulsion.
In the present work, an amphiphilic and magnetically recyclable graphene oxide (MR-GO) demulsifier was devised and synthesized by graft of magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2-APTES) and ethylenediamine on the GO surface. The wettability and surface charges of MR-GO under various pH conditions can be regulated via adjusting the contents and species of surface functional groups (such as amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl). In the demulsificaition test, MR-GO displayed favorable demulsification performance for crude oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion under pH of 2.0-10.0, thusly greatly improving the application scope of common demulsifier. The optimal dosage of MR-GO was 200 mg/L and the demulsification efficiency attained a maximum value of 99.7% for crude O/W emulsion with pH of 6.0. What's more, owing to its magnetic response performance, the MR-GO can be reused and the demulsification efficiency remained above 91.0% after six cycles. Based on the strong interfacial activity, MR-GO can arrive to the crude oil-water interface. With the synergy effects of interfacial adsorption (π-π/n-π) interactions and electrostatic attraction of demulsifier and interfacial films, and the aid of external mechanical forces, the interfacial films stabilized the emulsion were disrupted. Therefore, the oil droplets coated on the water droplets were gathered rapidly to form oily flocs and then migrated to the water surface to accomplish the demulsification of crude O/W emulsion.


Protective role of intraperitoneally administered vitamins C and E and selenium on the levels of lipid peroxidation in the lens of rats made diabetic with streptozotocin.
The aim of this work was to determine the protective effects of intraperitoneally administered vitamins C and E and selenium on the lipid peroxidation (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced glutathione (rGSH) activities in the lens of rats induced diabetic with streptozotocin (STZ). Lenses in the diabetic control group had a slightly higher mean level of MDA compared with lenses of the vitamin E and selenium groups, although the mean levels of MDA were significantly lower in control, combination, and vitamin C groups than in the diabetic control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). However, MDA levels were significantly lower in vitamin C, vitamin E, and combination groups than in controls (p < 0.01). The GSH-Px activities of lenses were significantly higher in vitamin C-, vitamin E- and selenium-injected groups than that in the diabetic control group (p < 0.01), whereas, the activity of GSH-Px was significantly lower in the diabetic control group than in the control group. In addition, the rGSH content was seen to decrease only in the vitamin C group compared to both control and diabetic control groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results from these experiments indicate that vitamins C and E and selenium can protect the lens against oxidative damage, but the effect of vitamin C appears to be much greater than that of vitamin E and selenium.


Comparative mapping of 9 human chromosome 22q loci in the laboratory mouse.
We present a comparative map of genes on human chromosome 22q and homologous loci in the mouse genome. Gene order in humans was established using a panel of somatic cell hybrids. Genetic maps spanning homologous segments on three mouse chromosomes were generated using an interspecific backcross. The conserved linkage between human chromosome 22 and mouse chromosome 16 includes two closely linked loci, Comt and IgI-1. The second conserved linkage involves human chromosome 22 and mouse chromosome 11 and contains two genetically and physically linked loci, Lif and Nfh. Finally, conserved synteny involving mouse chromosome 15 and human chromosome 22 spans 30 cM and contains five loci (Acr, Bzrp, Dia-1, Il2rb and Pdgfb). Loci within this conserved synteny have been sublocalized to different portions of human chromosome 22. The order of genes on mouse chromosome 15 and human chromosome 22 provides further evidence for chromosomal rearrangements within the conserved synteny that have occurred since the divergence of lineages leading to mice and humans.


Combined Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C for refractory glaucoma.
To describe the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of a procedure for refractory glaucoma, concurrent Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. Medical records of all patients who underwent combined Prolene-ligated BGI and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C were retrospectively reviewed. Main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, visual acuity, and complications. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine success, defined as IOP < 22 mm Hg, no reoperation for glaucoma, and no loss of light perception vision. The mean +/- SD follow-up period for 38 eyes of 36 patients was 34 +/- 36 months (range, 3-121 months), during which 18 of 38 eyes (47%) required laser suture lysis of the Prolene suture. Intraocular pressure was reduced from a mean (+/- SD) preoperative value of 35.7 +/- 12.8 to 12.7 +/- 4.7 mm Hg at 1-year follow-up and 11.9 +/- 5.5 mm Hg at the last follow-up visit ( < 0.001). Number of medicines used for glaucoma was reduced from a mean +/- SD preoperative value of 2.5 +/- 0.9 to 0.5 +/- 0.6 at 1-year follow-up and 0.6 +/- 0.8 at the last follow-up visit ( < 0.001). LogMar visual acuity remained stable at mean of 1.15 +/- 0.85 preoperatively, compared with 1.14 +/- 1.05 at 1-year follow-up, but declined to 1.61 +/- 1.01 at the last follow-up visit, a loss of an average of four lines of vision ( = 0.004). Cumulative success was 91% at year 1, 86% at year 2, and 81% at year 3. Three eyes (8%) had suprachoroidal hemorrhages, one eye (3%) needed reoperation for an extruded implant, one (3%) eye had poor vision due to chronic hypotony, three eyes (8%) required additional glaucoma surgery during the postoperative period, and one eye (3%) needed revision of the implant for pressure control. Combined BGI and mitomycin C trabeculectomy provides excellent postoperative IOP control in patients with refractory glaucoma.


Screening healthy people for diabetes: is it worthwhile?
The objectives of this study were (1) to estimate the prevalence of previously unknown diabetes mellitus in an apparently healthy population aged 40 years and older, (2) to estimate the ratio of known to unknown diabetics, and (3) from this information, to estimate the true prevalence of diabetes. A one in five random sample of healthy patients aged 40 years and older attending six rural family physician offices had their fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level tested with a reflectance glucometer. If the FPG was greater than or equal to 7.8 mmol/L (140.5 mg/dL), a second FPG test was done on a later day. The sample of 1264 patients contained 139 known patients with diabetes. Of the remaining 1125 patients, 936 (83%) were tested. Twenty-three patients had an elevated FPG level on the first test, but only nine of them had an elevated FPG level on the second test. One new patient with diabetes was found for each 15 patients already diagnosed; thus, the prevalence of unknown diabetes in the study population was 0.7%. As a result of this survey, the estimated prevalence of diabetes in the population age 40 years and older rose from 11.0% to 11.7%, and the estimated prevalence for the entire population rose from 4.4% to 4.6%. Routine screening for diabetes mellitus in otherwise healthy patients aged 40 years and older is not worthwhile. Such screening should be restricted to high-risk groups.


Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Podophage Penshu1.
Escherichia coli 4s is a Gram-negative bacterium found in the equine intestinal ecosystem alongside diverse other coliform bacteria and bacteriophages. This announcement describes the complete genome of the T7-like E. coli 4s podophage Penshu1. From its 39,263-bp genome, 54 protein-encoding genes and a 179-bp terminal repeat were predicted.


[A case of advanced gastric cancer responding to combination chemotherapy with low-dose 5-FU plus CDDP].
A 56-year-old man presented with dysphagia, and was found to have a type 3 advanced gastric cancer with bilateral multiple lung metastases. This patient was treated with low-dose 5-FU plus CDDP chemotherapy. In the first course, CDDP (6 mg/m2/day) plus 5-FU (300 mg/m2/day) were infused for 5 successive days a week, but a tumor response was not achieved. Therefore, in the second course, CDDP (6 mg/m2/day) plus 5-FU (600 mg/m2/day) were infused every other day (3 days a week). In response to the treatment, both the gastric tumor and the lung metastases almost completely disappeared (reduction rate 95%), and PR was achieved. The CEA level markedly decreased, from 260.3 to 1.4 ng/ml and the patient's symptoms disappeared. Following this treatment, low-dose CDDP plus UFT therapy was performed and the PR was maintained for 12 months. This report shows a case of advanced gastric cancer that responded to low-dose 5-FU plus CDDP.


Characterisation of the microbial diversity in a pig manure storage pit using small subunit rDNA sequence analysis.
The microbial community structure of pig manure slurry (PMS) was determined with comparative analysis of 202 bacterial, 44 archaeal and 33 eukaryotic small subunit (SSU) rDNA partial sequences. Based on a criterion of 97% of sequence similarity, the phylogenetic analyses revealed a total of 108, eight and five phylotypes for the Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya lineages, respectively. Only 36% of the bacterial phylotypes were closely related (>or=97% similarity) to any previously known sequence in databases. The bacterial groups most often represented in terms of phylotype and clone abundance were the Eubacterium (22% of total sequences), the Clostridium (15% of sequences), the Bacillus-Lactobacillus-Streptococcus subdivision (20% of sequences), theMycoplasma and relatives (10% of sequences) and the Flexibacter-Cytophaga-Bacteroides (20% of sequences). The global microbial community structure and phylotype diversity show a close relationship to the pig gastrointestinal tract ecosystem whereas phylotypes from the Acholeplasma-Anaeroplasma and the Clostridium purinolyticum groups appear to be better represented in manure. Archaeal diversity was dominated by three phylotypes clustering with a group of uncultured microorganisms of unknown activity and only distantly related to the Thermoplasmales and relatives. Other Archaea were methanogenic H2/CO2 utilisers. No known acetoclastic Archaea methanogen was found. Eukaryotic diversity was represented by a pluricellular nematode, two Alveolata, a Blastocystis and an Entamoebidae. Manure slurry physico-chemical characteristics were analysed. Possible inhibitory effects of acetate, sulphide and ammonia concentrations on the microbial anaerobic ecosystem are discussed.


Women's satisfaction with birth control.
Contraception is a major component of preventive health care for women. There are indications that women are not satisfied with the methods of birth control currently available. Dissatisfaction with contraceptive methods may lead to unplanned pregnancies. Adult women visiting the family health center over a 1-year period were invited to participate in a research interview. Questions were asked about demographic variables and the women's use of, and their satisfaction with, contraceptive methods. Many women were displeased with the present methods of birth control. This is reflected in the numerous methods used by each woman, and by frequent use of permanent sterilization as a contraceptive method. Women were as dissatisfied with oral contraceptives as they were with the less efficacious methods such as condoms, foams, gels, and rhythm. The only methods that had a greater than 70% satisfaction rate were tubal ligations and partner's vasectomies. There is significant dissatisfaction with the methods of contraception currently available. Increased patient-physician discussion and education may improve satisfaction with birth control methods now used. New methods of contraception may be needed to prevent unplanned pregnancies.


[Influence of the redistribution of liquid volumes on atrial natriuretic factor].
Several studies evidence that volume or pressure increase stimulates atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) secretion by atrial cardiocyte stretch. In order to study the relationship between plasma renin activity (PRA) and ANF plasma level in experimental weightlessness, six healthy male subjects were submitted to antigravity (anti-g) suit inflation which shifts fluid in the thoracic region. Firstly, blood samples were taken at rest after 15 mn in supine position, secondly after 25 mn in upright position with and without anti-g suit. During the tilt test, plasma ANF decreased from 35 +/- 4.1 to 28 +/- 6.6 pg/ml (p less than 0.05) without anti-g suit and rose to 38 +/- 4.1 pg/ml (p less than 0.05) with anti-g suit. This demonstrates the stimulating effect of weightlessness on the ANF release. During the same tilt test PRA increased from 2.69 +/- 0.29 to 4.76 +/- 0.83 ng/ml/h that evidences the perfusion pressure fall on the intrarenal baroreceptors. Anti-g suit inflation abolished this PRA response to the orthostatism, since PRA increase was only 3.23 +/- 0.79 ng/ml/h (p less than 0.05). ACTH and aldosterone levels do not change significantly. These results demonstrate that ANF and PRA which have opposite effects on aldosterone release and Na excretion, change in opposite sens during fluid shifts, to produce antinatriuresis in upright position, or natriuresis in experimental weightlessness.


What do young people think about the dangers of sunbathing, skin cancer and sunbeds? A questionnaire survey among Italians.
Previous experience in Australia and Sweden showed that public education programs produced substantial changes in people's opinions, attitudes and perceptions about melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, sunlight, sunbeds and suntanning. In order to organize effective prevention campaigns, more must be known about the sunbathing habits of children and adolescents. The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge that young people in a southern European country have about sun exposure. A total of 764 young people ranging from 16 to 22 years old (mean age: 19.3+/-1.2 years) responded to a questionnaire. Our study indicates that young people are very aware of the risks associated with sunbathing but that they continue to expose themselves without taking precautions. This suggests that: a) the majority of young Italians are reasonably well-informed but they do not take preventative measures; b) one effective measure could be promotion of the idea that an untanned body is more esthetically pleasing than a tanned one; c) a crucial point in the programming of future safety measures in suntan centers involves rigorous and regular controls.


Association of Both High and Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction With Increased Risk After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
While reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a known risk factor for complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the relevance of higher LVEF values has not been established. Currently, most risk stratification tools consider LVEF values above a certain point as normal. However, since this does not account for insufficient ventricular filling or increased adrenergic tone, higher values may have clinical significance. To improve our understanding of this situation, we investigated the relationship of preoperative LVEF values with short- and long-term outcomes after CABG using a strategy that allowed for the identification of nonlinear relationships. We hypothesised that both higher and lower values are independently associated with increased postoperative complications and death in this population. We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery. All patients had a preoperative measurement of their LVEF. Surgery involving mitral valve repair was excluded in order to eliminate the impact of mitral regurgitation. The primary outcome was long-term mortality; secondary outcomes included atrial fibrillation, operative mortality, and a composite outcome including any postoperative adverse event. Fractional polynomial equations were used to model the relationship between LVEF and outcomes so we could account for nonlinear relationships if present. Adjustments for confounders were made using multivariable logistic regression and Cox models. A total of 7,932 subjects were included in the study. After adjusting for patient and surgical characteristics, LVEF remained associated with the primary outcome as well as the composite outcome of any postoperative adverse event. Both these relationships were best described by a J-shaped curve given that higher LVEF values were associated with increased risk, albeit not as high has lower values. Regarding long-term mortality, individuals with a preoperative LVEF of 60% demonstrated the longest survival. A statistically significant relationship was not found between LVEF and operative mortality or atrial fibrillation after adjustment for confounders. Higher preoperative LVEF values may be associated with increased risk for patients undergoing CABG surgery. Future studies are needed to better characterise this phenotype.


Hypothalamic orexin, OX1, alphaMSH, NPY and MCRs expression in dopaminergic D2R knockout mice.
In 5-month-old male and female dopamine receptor 2 (D2R) knockout mice food intake per animal was unaltered while food per g BW was increased. We wished to evaluate the effect of D2R disruption on different components of energy balance and food intake regulation. We determined hypothalamic orexin precursor (PPO) expression, its receptor OX1, serum leptin levels, hypothalamic leptin receptor (OBR), circulating and pituitary alpha MSH levels, as well as central MC3 and MC4 receptors and NPY mRNA in wildtype and D2R knockout mice (KO). Loss of D2R caused a marked increase in serum prolactin levels, to higher levels in females compared to male KO mice. On the other hand, it produced a female-specific increase in circulating alphaMSH, and hypothalamic alphaMSH content, while neurointermediate alphaMSH content was decreased in both sexes. No differences were found in hypothalamic NPY, MC3R or MC4R concentration. Hypothalamic PPO mRNA expression was significantly decreased only in female KOs, while OX1 mRNA was not different between genotypes. Serum leptin levels were also similar in both genotypes. Our results show that in female and not in male mice disruption of the D2R produces two potentially anorexigenic events: an increase in serum and hypothalamic alphaMSH, and a decrease in hypothalamic orexin expression. Very high prolactin levels, which are orexigenic, probably counterbalance these effects, so that food intake is slightly altered. In males, on the other hand, hypothalamic PPO, and serum or hypothalamic alphaMSH are not modified, and increased prolactin levels may account for increased food intake per g BW. These results suggest a sexually dimorphic participation of the D2R in food intake regulation.


Selective use of sequential digital dermoscopy imaging allows a cost reduction in the melanoma detection process: a belgian study of patients with a single or a small number of atypical nevi.
Dermoscopy is a technique which improves melanoma detection. Optical dermoscopy uses a handheld optical device to observe the skin lesions without recording the images. Sequential digital dermoscopy imaging (SDDI) allows storage of the pictures and their comparison over time. Few studies have compared optical dermoscopy and SDDI from an economic perspective. The present observational study focused on patients with one-to-three atypical melanocytic lesions, i.e. lesions considered as suspicious by optical dermoscopy. It aimed to calculate the "extra-costs" related to the process of melanoma detection. These extra-costs were defined as the costs of excision and pathology of benign lesions and/or the costs of follow-up by SDDI. The objective was to compare these extra-costs when using optical dermoscopy exclusively versus optical dermoscopy with selective use of SDDI. In a first group of patients, dermatologists were adequately trained in optical dermoscopy but worked without access to SDDI. They excised all suspicious lesions to rule out melanoma. In a second group, the dermatologists were trained in optical and digital dermoscopy. They had the opportunity of choosing between immediate excision or follow-up by SDDI (with delayed excision if significant change was observed). The comparison of extra-costs in both groups was made possible by a decision tree model and by the division of the extra-costs by the number of melanomas diagnosed in each group. Belgian official tariffs and charges were used. The extra-costs in the first and in the second group were respectively €1,613 and €1,052 per melanoma excised. The difference was statistically significant. Using the Belgian official tariffs and charges, we demonstrated that the selective use of SDDI for patients with one-to-three atypical melanocytic lesions resulted in a significant cost reduction.


Poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized polymeric microchips for capillary electrophoresis.
Recently, we reported the synthesis, fabrication, and preliminary evaluation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-functionalized polymeric microchips that are inherently resistant to protein adsorption without surface modification in capillary electrophoresis (CE). In this study, we investigated the impact of cross-linker purity and addition of methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a comonomer on CE performance. Impure poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) induced electroosmotic flow (EOF) and increased the separation time, while the addition of MMA decreased the separation efficiency to approximately 25% of that obtained using microchips fabricated without MMA. Resultant improved microchips were evaluated for the separation of fluorescent dyes, amino acids, peptides, and proteins. A CE efficiency of 4.2 x 10(4) plates for aspartic acid in a 3.5 cm long microchannel was obtained. Chiral separation of 10 different D,L-amino acid pairs was obtained with addition of a chiral selector (i.e., beta-cyclodextrin) in the running buffer. Selectivity (alpha) and resolution (R(s)) for D,L-leucine were 1.16 and 1.64, respectively. Good reproducibility was an added advantage of these PEG-functionalized microchips.


[Advanced gastric cancer(Stage IV)leading to perforation during chemotherapy with S-1 plus cisplatin].
A 60-year-old man was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer(Type 3)with multiple liver and lymph node metastases. The clinical stage was determined to be T3(SS), N2, M1, P0, H1, Stage IV, and a chemotherapy regimen of S-1 plus cisplatin (CDDP)was selected for treatment. During 3 courses of chemotherapy, the patient complained of severe abdominal pain, and an urgent laparotomy was performed with a tentative diagnosis of perforated gastric cancer. Surgical findings revealed a 5-mm perforation in the upper part of the anterior wall of the stomach, from the center of the tumor. Although we detected a metastasis only in S6 of the liver, we decided to perform total gastrectomy, D1 lymphadenectomy, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Pathological findings demonstrated that cancer cells were replaced by fibrosis, and tumor response after treatment was determined to be Grade 2. No lymph node metastasis was observed. The patient received chemotherapy with S-1 4 weeks after the operation, without any perioperative complications. The patient is alive 12 months after the operation, without any enlargement of the liver metastasis.


Mouse germ cells go through typical epigenetic modifications after intratesticular tissue grafting.
Since spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT) and testicular tissue grafting (TTG) may have important clinical applications, the safety of these promising techniques has to be proved. This study was designed to characterize epigenetic modifications in prepubertal and adult mouse germ cells and to study these epigenetic mechanisms after SSCT and TTG. Testicular cell suspensions were transplanted to the testes of genetically sterile W/W(v) recipients. Intratesticular tissue grafting was performed between green fluorescent protein (GFP(+)) donors and GFP(-) acceptor mice. DNMT1 and DNMT3A expression, the general methylation status and the histone modifications H3K4me3, H3K9ac, H4K5ac, H4K8ac, H4K12ac and H4K16ac were studied in a stage-dependent manner by immunohistochemistry and compared with data from adult control mice. The expression levels of DNMT1 and DNMT3A, the DNA methylation status and most of the stage-specific histone modifications after SSCT or TTG were not different from fertile adult controls. Although, in elongated spermatids, the acetylation pattern was as expected, the stage-dependent expression of H4K5ac and H4K8ac was altered after SSCT. Intratesticular tissue grafting might be the better choice for fertility restoration. Disrupting the stem cell niche might influence epigenetic patterns. Since the function of H4K5ac and H4K8ac in spermatogonia and spermatocytes still has to be explored, in-depth epigenetical analyses are warranted.


Breast milk and complementary food intake in Brazilian infants according to socio-economic position.
(a) To compare breast milk and complementary food intake between breast-fed infants from high and low socio-economic status (SES) aged 8 months of age; (b) To compare these intakes with PAHO/WHO recommendations. Cross-sectional, community-based study in Pelotas, Brazil. Breast milk and complementary food intake were compared between 8-month-old infants from high (n=35) and low SES (n=30). Breast milk intake was measured using the 'dose-to-the mother' deuterium-oxide turnover method; complementary food intake was assessed using a questionnaire and by 24 hours food weighing. Energy intake from breast milk (51.1 ± 26.4 kcal/kg/d) was not different between social groups, being in line with current recommendations. However, energy intake from complementary foods (34.5 ± 22.7 kcal/kg/d) and from milk, including breast milk, cow's milk and formula (60.1 ± 19.6 kcal/kg/d), were significantly higher than recommendations. Total energy intake was 20% higher than recommended (93.3 ± 24.4 versus 77.3 kcal/kg/day, p<0.001). This was mainly due to a high intake of complementary foods and addition of cow's milk to breast milk. Introduction of complementary foods before 6 months was common. In the high SES group, more infants consumed vegetables (p=0.005) and fruit (p=0.020), whereas fats and sugar tended to be consumed less frequently (p=0.05 and p=0.17, respectively). Feeding habits deviate from PAHO/WHO recommendations, especially for infants of lower SES. Of main concern are the high-energy intake and early introduction of cow's milk and complementary foods. This may be important in view of metabolic programming and the development of obesity and associated diseases later in life.


The onset of xylogenesis in Smith fir is not related to outer bark thickness.
The resumption of stem growth varies across the ontogenetic development of trees. Compared with younger trees, older ones have thicker outer bark with a temperature-insulating effect that could potentially prevent the stem from warming in the spring. However, the question of whether xylogenesis in old trees is influenced by the thick bark still remains unresolved. We investigated the onset of xylogenesis across the ontogenetic development of Smith fir (Abies georgei var. smithii) trees in the Sygera Mountains, southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The outer bark of older trees was also removed. Xylogenesis was monitored in microcores we collected every 3 days during May and June in 2017. Xylogenesis began in late May in young (<50 yr) and mature (50-100 yr) trees, 1 week earlier than in adult (>100-150 yr) and old (>150-200 yr) trees. Older (>200 yr) trees had the latest onset of xylogenesis, 2 weeks after young trees. The resumption of xylogenesis was similar between the control and bark-removed trees. Growth resumption was delayed in older and bigger trees. Outer bark did not affect the onset of xylogenesis, which indicated that the delayed resumption of growth during the lifespan of trees could be more related to endogenous factors than to an insulating effect of the thick bark of older individuals.


Iodination of proteins by IPy2BF4, a new tool in protein chemistry.
Iodination is a very useful method for protein characterization and labeling. However, derivatization chemistries used in most conventional iodination procedures may cause substantial alterations in protein structure and function. The IPy(2)BF(4) reagent [bis(pyridine)iodonium (I) tetrafluoroborate] has been shown to be an effective iodinating reagent for peptides. Herein we report the first application of IPy(2)BF(4) in protein iodination in an aqueous medium using three representative substrates: insulin, lysozyme, and the enzyme 1,3-1,4-beta-d-4-glucanohydrolase. Our results show that IPy(2)BF(4) has clear advantages over existing methods in that the reaction is quantitative, fast, and selective for the most accessible Tyr residues of a protein, and it preserves the functional integrity of the protein when moderate Tyr labeling levels are pursued.


Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and the radiologist.
When a hospital acquires a lithotripter it is unlikely that the volume of interventional radiology performed by personnel in that institution will be reduced. On the contrary, a significant increase in workload will probably occur. This will encompass not only interventional procedures on the urinary tract, but will also involve abdominal radiographs, excretory urograms, and so forth. Additional demands on the radiology department in the form of space, equipment, and possibly technical personnel will go hand in hand with an increase in the professional responsibilities of the attending radiologists. Radiologists must prepare themselves and their departments to meet these new responsibilities so that high standards of patient care can be maintained.


[Anales de Medicina Interna: standardization, dissemination and bibliometric indicators. (II) Bibliometric analysis].
National and international diffusion, composition of the collective of authors who publish in the journal, and cocitation were studies for the journal An. Med. Interna. Diffusion was analyzed by examining the presence of the journal in medical data bases and specialized libraries in Spain. The institutional affiliations and geographical location of authors were determined on the basis of the affiliations given in the article by-lines. The journal is included in the major medical data bases and in approximately 80% of the libraries studied. The predominant professional affiliation among authors was clinical (hospital); the geographical origin of the authors (expressed as a percentage of all authors) approximately paralleled the volume of scientific publications generated by each of Spain's 17 autonomous regions. The cocitation study showed that An. Med. Interna ranked somewhere in the middle of the group' of 38 Spanish medical journals considered representative of research being done in Spain.


HAEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS IN PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN.
Introduction: Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an extremely rare, life-threatening disease, caused by uncontrolled activation of lymphocytes T and macrophages. This situation leads to cytokine storm, infiltration and internal organs failure. HLH can be categorised into either primary (familiar) or secondary which may be associated with infections, immunodeficiency syndromes, autoimmune diseases and malignancy. The secondary HLH is difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms and complicated differential diagnostics. The aim: To conduct a comparative analysis of pregnant and puerperal patients diagnosed with HLH. Material and methods: Review of available literature on haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis during pregnancy and the puerperium. Results: Review of the latest literature shows that HLH can occur at any time during pregnancy and in the puerperium. Symptoms of the disease are non-specific: fever not responding to antibiotic therapy, sometimes hectic, hepatosplenomegaly, swelling, lymphadenopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, multi-organ failure and death. In laboratory tests, worsening bicytopenia or pancytopenia, increasing indicators of organ damage, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia and abnormally high serumferritin levels are observed. Conclusions: HLH, due to non-specific symptoms and rarity, is often overlooked in the diagnostic process. Due to the high mortality and morbidity rates of HLH during pregnancy for mother and foetus, timely diagnosis and the inclusion of specialist treatment are particularly important. An interdisciplinary approach to the patient is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. The assessment of serum ferritin concentrations facilitates diagnosis. The bone marrow is essential to diagnosis and should be performed as early as possible.


Impact of Diabetes Mellitus Following Tonsillectomy in Adults: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis.
To identify 30-day complication rates specific to patients with diabetes mellitus following tonsillectomy. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to identify patients undergoing tonsillectomy between 2005 and 2018. Patients were stratified into 3 cohorts: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and non-diabetes mellitus (NODM). Coarsened-exact-matching was utilized to account for baseline differences between cohorts. Outcomes studied included post-operate complications, prolonged hospitalization, and unplanned readmissions. A total of 986 DM and 26 774 NODM patients were included, and the mean age of patients undergoing tonsillectomy was 29.5 ± 11.6 and 28.7 ± 11.0 years, respectively. The majority of patients were female (70.5% for both DM and NODM cohorts) and White/Caucasian (89.2% vs 89.3%). Among patients undergoing tonsillectomy, a greater proportion of DM patients experienced an operative time greater than or equal to the 75th percentile (35 minutes; 25.9% vs 22.8%, P = .024), overall morbidity (12.6% vs 5.4%, P < .001), pneumonia (0.6% vs 0.2%, P = .036), and reoperation (10.2% vs 3.5% P < .001) in comparison to NODM patients. In an analysis between IDDM (n = 379) and NIDDM (n = 211) patients, IDDM patients were at an increased risk for prolonged hospitalization (1.4% vs 0.0%, P = .045), pneumonia (5.2% vs 0.5%, P < .001), urinary tract infections (3.3% vs 0.3% P = .004), major complications (15.6% vs 7.7%, P = .002), minor complications (19.9% vs 8.2%, P < .001), and overall complications (10.0% vs 1.3%, P < .001). DM patients are at a heightened risk for complications following tonsillectomy. Standardized protocols, careful pre-operative planning, and stringent glycemic management may help optimize patient outcomes.


Contrasting electronic requirements for C-H binding and C-H activation in d(6) half-sandwich complexes of rhenium and tungsten.
A computational study of the interaction half-sandwich metal fragments (metal = Re/W, electron count = d(6)), containing linear nitrosyl (NO(+) ), carbon monoxide (CO), trifluorophosphine (PF3 ), N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with alkanes are conducted using density functional theory employing the hybrid meta-GGA functional (M06). Electron deficiency on the metal increases with the ligand in the order NHC < CO < PF3 < NO(+). Electron-withdrawing ligands like NO(+) lead to more stable alkane complexes than NHC, a strong electron donor. Energy decomposition analysis shows that stabilization is due to orbital interaction involving charge transfer from the alkane to the metal. Reactivity and dynamics of the alkane fragment are facilitated by electron donors on the metal. These results match most of the experimental results known for CO and PF3 complexes. The study suggests activation of alkane in metal complexes to be facile with strong donor ligands like NHC.


Functional Characterisation of Bile Metagenome: Study of Metagenomic Dark Matter.
Gallbladder metagenome involves a wide range of unidentified sequences comprising the so-called metagenomic dark matter. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise three gallbladder metagenomes and a fosmid library with an emphasis on metagenomic dark matter fraction. For this purpose, a novel data analysis strategy based on the combination of remote homology and molecular modelling has been proposed. According to the results obtained, several protein functional domains were annotated in the metagenomic dark matter fraction including acetyltransferases, outer membrane transporter proteins, membrane assembly factors, DNA repair and recombination proteins and response regulator phosphatases. In addition, one deacetylase involved in mycothiol biosynthesis was found in the metagenomic dark matter fraction of the fosmid library. This enzyme may exert a protective effect in Actinobacteria against bile components exposure, in agreement with the presence of multiple antibiotic and multidrug resistance genes. Potential mechanisms of action of this novel deacetylase were elucidated by molecular simulations, highlighting the role of histidine and aspartic acid residues. Computational pipelines presented in this work may be of special interest to discover novel microbial enzymes which had not been previously characterised.


Pre-Clinical Assessment of Lu-Labeled Trastuzumab Targeting HER2 for Treatment and Management of Cancer Patients with Disseminated Intraperitoneal Disease.
Studies from this laboratory have demonstrated the potential of targeting HER2 for therapeutic and imaging applications with medically relevant radionuclides. To expand the repertoire of trastuzumab as a radioimmunoconjugate (RIC) vector, use of (177)Lu was investigated. The combination of a 6.7 d half-life, lower energy β(-)-emissions (500 keV max; 130 keV ave), and an imagable γ-emission make (177)Lu an attractive candidate for radioimmunotherapy (RIT) regimens for treatment of larger tumor burdens not possible with α-zparticle radiation. Radiolabeling trastuzumab-CHX-A"-DTPA with (177)Lu was efficient with a specific binding of 60.8 ± 6.8% with HER2 positive SKOV-3 cells. Direct quantitation of tumor targeting and normal tissue uptake was performed with athymic mice bearing subcutaneous and intraperitoneal LS-174T xenografts; a peak tumor %ID/g of 24.70 ± 10.29 (96 h) and 31.70 ± 16.20 (72 h), respectively, was obtained. Normal tissue uptake of the RIC was minimal. Tumor targeting was also demonstrated by γ-scintigraphy. A therapy study administering escalating doses of (177)Lu-trastuzumab to mice bearing three day LS-174T i.p. xenografts established the effective therapeutic dose of i.p. administered (177)Lu-trastuzumab at 375 μCi with a median survival of 124.5 d while a median survival of 10 d was noted for the control (untreated) group. In conclusion, trastuzumab radiolabeled with (177)Lu has potential for treatment of disseminated, HER2 positive, peritoneal disease.


Endoscopic removal of esophageal and ruminal foreign bodies in 5 Holstein calves.
Endoscopic removal of esophageal and ruminal foreign bodies was successfully performed in 5 Holstein-Friesian calves under sedation or general anesthesia by using an electrocautery snare or a wire-guided Dormi basket. This report describes the endoscopic manipulations, treatment, and outcomes of esophageal foreign body removal in these calves.


A novel 2D material with intrinsically low thermal conductivity of Ga2O3(100): first-principles investigations.
The discovery of new semiconducting materials with low thermal conductivity is of vital importance in promoting thermal energy conversion and management. Herein, lattice dynamical and thermal transport mechanism of new energetically stable 2D Ga2O3(100) is presented using density functional theory. The results show that 2D Ga2O3(100) possesses an extremely low lattice thermal conductivity of ∼0.71 W mK-1 at 300 K. We find that 2D Ga2O3(100) possesses two intrinsic features that decrease the lattice thermal conductivity: (1) the existence of interspersed distorted tetrahedral and pentahedral coordination geometries, which improves the phonon anharmonicity of the system; (2) compared to bulk β-Ga2O3, the reduced dimensionality suppresses heat transfer by introducing interfacial scattering in 2D Ga2O3(100). Additionally, the strong Ga-O covalent bond results in a low speed of sound, high phonon-phonon scattering rates, and thus low lattice thermal conductivity. Our finding is remarkable because ultralow thermal conductivity can be realized in a simple 2D oxide, which provides replaceable materials for further applications in the field of thermal management.


Probing tRNA interaction with biogenic polyamines.
Biogenic polyamines are found to modulate protein synthesis at different levels. This effect may be explained by the ability of polyamines to bind and influence the secondary structure of tRNA, mRNA, and rRNA. We report the interaction between tRNA and the three biogenic polyamines putrescine, spermidine, spermine, and cobalt(III)hexamine at physiological conditions, using FTIR spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis, and molecular modeling. The results indicated that tRNA was stabilized at low biogenic polyamine concentration, as a consequence of polyamine interaction with the backbone phosphate group. The main tRNA reactive sites for biogenic polyamine at low concentration were guanine-N7/O6, uracil-O2/O4, adenine-N3, and 2'OH of the ribose. At high polyamine concentration, the interaction involves guanine-N7/O6, adenine-N7, uracil-O2 reactive sites, and the backbone phosphate group. The participation of the polycation primary amino group, in the interaction and the presence of the hydrophobic contact, are also shown. The binding affinity of biogenic polyamine to tRNA molecule was in the order of spermine > spermidine > putrescine with K(Spm) = 8.7 × 10(5) M(-1), K(Spd) = 6.1 × 10(5) M(-1), and K(Put) = 1.0 × 10(5) M(-1), which correlates with their positively charged amino group content. Hill analysis showed positive cooperativity for the biogenic polyamines and negative cooperativity for cobalt-hexamine. Cobalt(III)hexamine contains high- and low-affinity sites in tRNA with K(1) = 3.2 × 10(5) M(-1) and K(2) = 1.7 × 10(5) M(-1), that have been attributed to the interactions with guanine-N7 sites and the backbone PO(2) group, respectively. This mechanism of tRNA binding could explain the condensation phenomenon observed at high Co(III) content, as previously shown in the Co(III)-DNA complexes.


Predicting Performances on Processing and Memorizing East Asian Faces from Brain Activities in Face-Selective Regions: A Neurocomputational Approach.
For more than two decades, a network of face-selective brain regions has been identified as the core system for face processing, including occipital face area (OFA), fusiform face area (FFA), and posterior region of superior temporal sulcus (pSTS). Moreover, recent studies have suggested that the ventral route of face processing and memory should end at the anterior temporal lobes (i.e., vATLs), which may play an important role bridging face perception and face memory. It is not entirely clear, however, the extent to which neural activities in these face-selective regions can effectively predict behavioral performance on tasks that are frequently used to investigate face processing and face memory test that requires recognition beyond variation in pose and lighting, especially when non-Caucasian East Asian faces are involved. To address these questions, we first identified during a functional scan the core face network by asking participants to perform a one-back task, while viewing either static images or dynamic videos. Dynamic localizers were effective in identifying regions of interest (ROIs) in the core face-processing system. We then correlated the brain activities of core ROIs with performances on face-processing tasks (component, configural, and composite) and face memory test (Taiwanese Face Memory Test, TFMT) and found evidence for limited predictability. We next adopted an multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) approach to further explore the predictability of face-selective brain regions on TFMT performance and found evidence suggesting that a basic visual processing area such as calcarine and an area for structural face processing such as OFA may play an even greater role in memorizing faces. Implications regarding how differences in processing demands between behavioral and neuroimaging tasks and cultural specificity in face-processing and memory strategies among participants may have contributed to the findings reported here are discussed.


Changes in the odorants of boiled carp fillet (Cyprinus carpio L.) as affected by increasing methionine levels in feed.
Sixty common carp in groups of five in four tanks per treatment were given three diets containing different increasing amounts of methionine. The aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) of the boiled carp fillets resulted in 32 odorants, of which 26 were identified. Ten compounds were quantified using an internal standard (IS), and the very low concentrations of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, (Z)-1, 5-octadien-3-one, and methional were calculated by the nasally determined detection limit. The concentration of methional seemed to increase with increasing methionine in the diet. Because the unstable methional could be converted by beta-elimination into methanethiol, the impact resulting in an off-flavor was investigated by headspace analysis. The investigation revealed no difference in the methanethiol contents between the treatments with the lowest and highest methionine supplies.