The loss of flight in ant workers enabled an evolutionary redesign of the thorax for ground labour.
Explanations for the ecological dominance of ants generally focus on the benefits of division of labour and cooperation during foraging. However, the principal innovation of ants relative to their wasp ancestors was the evolution of a new phenotype: a wingless worker caste optimized for ground labour. Ant workers are famous for their ability to lift and carry heavy loads, but we know surprisingly little about the morphological basis of their strength. Here we examine the consequences of the universal loss of flight in ant workers on skeletomuscular adaptations in the thorax for enhanced foraging on six legs. Using X-ray microcomputed tomography and 3D segmentation, we compared winged queens and wingless workers in Euponera sikorae (subfamily Ponerinae) and Cataglyphis savignyi (subfamily Formicinae). Workers are characterized by five major changes to their thorax: i) fusion of the articulated flight thorax (queens) into a rigid box optimized to support the muscles that operate the head, legs and abdomen, ii) redesign of internal cuticular structures for better bracing and muscle attachment, iii) substantial enlargement of the neck muscles for suspending and moving the head, iv) lengthening of the external trochanter muscles, predominant for the leg actions that lift the body off the ground, v) modified angle of the petiole muscles that are key for flexion of the abdomen. We measured volumes and pennation angles for a few key muscles to assess their increased efficacy. Our comparisons of additional workers across five genera in subfamilies Dorylinae and Myrmicinae show these modifications in the wingless thorax to be consistent. In contrast, a mutillid wasp showed a different pattern of muscle adaptations resulting from the lack of wing muscles. Rather than simply a subtraction of costly flight muscles, we propose the ant worker thorax evolved into a power core underlying stronger mandibles, legs, and sting. This contrasts with solitary flightless insects where the lack of central place foraging generated distinct selective pressures for rearranging the thorax. Stronger emphasis is needed on morphological innovations of social insects to further our understanding of the evolution of social behaviours.


Subcloning of the 200-kDa Porphyromonas gingivalis antigen gene and inhibition of hemagglutination by an antibody against the recombinant protein.
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major etiologic agent of periodontitis and exhibits hemagglutinating and adherence activities. We previously succeeded in molecular cloning the 200-kDa cell-surface antigenic protein (200-k AP), designated pMD101, that is recognized in sera from periodontitis patients, and identified the 200-k AP as a hemagglutinin A (HagA) derivative. HagA is one of the hemagglutinins known to be a useful vaccine against periodontitis. HagA has four large, contiguous, direct repeats and the repeat unit is believed to contain the hemagglutinin domain. Because production of 200-k AP was low in the Escherichia coli host, it was difficult to obtain large amounts of recombinant protein. In this study, we attempt to subclone the gene encoding the useful antigen from pMD101 in an effort to obtain large quantities. A subclone, designated pMD160, encoding a fusion protein of 80-kDa HagA and maltose-binding protein was successfully constructed, and the novel clone produced relatively large amounts of recombinant protein. DNA nucleotide sequences of the pMD160 insert demonstrated that the 80-kDa protein contained a short hemagglutinin motif and a direct repeat unit region. The recombinant protein was purified to homogeneity and rabbit antiserum was raised. The antibody was capable of inhibiting the hemagglutinating activity of P. gingivalis. These findings suggest that novel 80-kDa HagA derivative proteins can be produced efficiently from E. coli hosts and these may be useful in developing immunotherapy against periodontitis infected by P. gingivalis.


[Effects of long-term administration of alfacalcidol on bone mass and bone metabolism in patients with primary osteoporosis--comparison with calcium preparations].
Long-term administration of active vitamin D3 can reduce the loss of bone mass and the incidence of fractures in Japanese whose intake of calcium (Ca) is low. In a crossover study, we examined the safety and efficacy of 1 alpha (OH)D3 and combination therapy with a Ca preparation. We measured bone mass, the incidence of fractures and bone metabolism in 33 elderly patients with a high risk of fracture (mean age: 77.5 %/- 7.8 (SD) years). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive calcium lactate alone for 12 months after 12 months of combination therapy with 1 alpha (OH)D3 (1 microgram/day) (A-C group, 17 patients) or to take calcium lactate alone for 12 months and then undergo 12 months of combination therapy with 1 alpha(OH)D3 (C-A group, 16 patients). These subjects were followed for 24 months. In the A-C group, the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L2-4 BMD) measured 6 months after the start of 1 alpha (OH)D3 administration was 3% higher than the baseline value. In the C-A group, L2-4 BMD measured 6 months after the start of calcium lactate administration had decreased by approximately 2%. The rate of decrease was the same 12 months after the start of administration. The differences in L2-4 BMD between the two groups 6 and 12 months after the start of administration were significant (p = 0.023 and p = 0.005, respectively). In the A-C group, the mean BMD of the distal one-third radius measured 6 months after the start of administration had increased by 5%, but the increase was 1% when measured 12 months after the start of administration. In the C-A group, there were no such changes. The incidence of vertebral fracture during combination therapy with 1 alpha(OH) D3 and Ca preparations in the A-C group was significantly lower than that in the C-A group (chi square test, p < 0.05). The serum Ca level in the C-A group gradually increased, as measured 6 and 12 months after the start of combination therapy with 1 alpha(OH) D3 and Ca preparations, although these changes were within the reference range. There was no hypercalciuria. Serum intact parathyroid hormone levels had decreased from 26.5 +/- 11.3 pg/ml and 30.7 +/- 10.3 pg/ml to 19.8 +/- 9.7 pg/ml and 25.5 +/- 9.6 pg/ml in the A-C group and the C-A group, respectively, by 6 months after the start of administration. The rate of decrease was significantly higher in the A-C group (p = 0.004). These findings suggest that long-term administration of 1 alpha(OH)D3 is safe even when combined with administration of Ca preparations, and that this agent inhibits parathyroid function, and thus prevents loss of bone mass and reduces the incidence of vertebral fracture.


Cost-effectiveness analysis of a rural/urban first-responder defibrillation program.
To analyze the cost-effectiveness of a proposed first-responder defibrillation program in a small rural area in comparison with a recently initiated first-responder program in an adjoining urban center in southwestern Ontario. The purpose of the analysis was to quantify the expected benefits of the proposed program to determine whether the costs are justified. This analysis was conducted on the city of Waterloo (population 80,000 over 25 square miles) and the adjoining rural township of Wellesley (population 8,000 over 105 square miles). The township has volunteer fire department first responders with basic life support (BLS), and basic life support/defibrillation (BLS-D) ambulances as the second tier; whereas the city's full-time fire department has recently adopted a first-responder defibrillation (BLS-D) program backed up by the same BLS-D ambulance service. The most relevant costs identified were the capital costs of the defibrillators, ancillary equipment, and biomedical service for preventive maintenance and routine nonwarranty work. Response intervals and percentage of patients found in ventricular fibrillation were projected and sensitivity analysis was applied. The projected cost per life saved is $6,776 (C) in the urban area and $49,274 (C) in the rural area using an incremental save rate of 6%. Applying sensitivity analysis to the data, the save rate varied from 2% to 10%, resulting in a cost per life saved of $20,328 (C) and $4,066 (C), respectively, in the urban community. For the rural area, the cost per life saved ranged from $147,821 (C) (2%) to $29,564 (C) (10%). Even the worst-case save rate for the urban center [2%; $20,328 (C)] is significantly less than the best-case save rate [10%; $29,564 (C)] for the rural area. The cost per life saved for a rural first-responder defibrillation program is significantly more expensive than one for an urban center. However, the cost per life saved is still economical compared with common treatments for other life-threatening illnesses.


A Radiometric Technique for Monitoring the Desulfurization Process of Blister Copper.
In this paper, a novel optical technique for following the progress of the blister copper desulfurization process is presented. The technique is based on the changes observed in the continuous spectrum of the visible-near-infrared (VIS-NIR) radiation that the blister melt emits while the chemical reactions of the sulfur elimination process are taking place. Specifically, the proposed technique uses an optical probe composed of an optical fiber, a collimating lens, and a quartz tube, which is immersed in the melt. This optical probe provides a field of view of the blowing zone where the desulfurization reaction occurs. The experimental results show that the melt VIS-NIR total irradiance evolves inversely to the SO2 concentration reported by a gas analyzer based on differential optical absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, the blister copper spectral emissivity as well as the total emissivity observed throughout the process show strong correlation with the sulfur content during desulfurization reaction.


Aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis by a resin-immobilized ribozyme.
We report herein a new method for the aminoacylation of tRNA, using a resin-immobilized ribozyme and the cyanomethyl ester (CME) of an amino acid substrate. The oxidized form of the ribozyme was immobilized on a hydrazine resin via covalent linkage. We performed aminoacylation of tRNAs using this ribozyme-resin to isolate aminoacyl-tRNAs. The column was recycled up to 5 times without significant activity loss. Thus, our ribozyme-based aminoacylation system has significant potential to be a powerful and practical technique for supplying various nonnatural aminoacyl-tRNAs for a highly efficient in vitro translation system.


Effect of osmotic stress on membrane fusion on solid substrate.
There is currently a lack of comprehensive understanding of osmotic effect on lipid vesicle fusion on solid oxide surface. The question has both biological and biomedical implications. We studied the effect by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring using NaCl, sucrose as osmolytes, and two different osmotic stress imposition methods, which allowed us to separate the osmotic effects from the solute impacts. Osmotic stress was found to have limited influence on the fusion kinetics, independently of the direction of the gradient. Further atomic force microscopy experiments and energy consideration implied that osmotic stress spends the majority of chemical potential energy associated in directed transport of water across membrane. Its contribution to vesicle deformation and fusion on substrate is therefore small compared to that of adhesion.


Interaction between interleukin 3 and dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 in schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a common psychotic mental disorder that is believed to result from the effects of multiple genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we explored gene-gene interactions and main effects in both case-control (657 cases and 411 controls) and family-based (273 families, 1,350 subjects) datasets of English or Irish ancestry. Fifty three markers in 8 genes were genotyped in the family sample and 44 markers in 7 genes were genotyped in the case-control sample. The Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction Pedigree Disequilibrium Test (MDR-PDT) was used to examine epistasis in the family dataset and a 3-locus model was identified (permuted p=0.003). The 3-locus model involved the IL3 (rs2069803), RGS4 (rs2661319), and DTNBP1 (rs2619539) genes. We used MDR to analyze the case-control dataset containing the same markers typed in the RGS4, IL3 and DTNBP1 genes and found evidence of a joint effect between IL3 (rs31400) and DTNBP1 (rs760761) (cross-validation consistency 4/5, balanced prediction accuracy=56.84%, p=0.019). While this is not a direct replication, the results obtained from both the family and case-control samples collectively suggest that IL3 and DTNBP1 are likely to interact and jointly contribute to increase risk for schizophrenia. We also observed a significant main effect in DTNBP1, which survived correction for multiple comparisons, and numerous nominally significant effects in several genes.


St. John's Wort Formulations Induce Rat CYP3A23-3A1 Independent of Their Hyperforin Content.
The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a ligand-activated regulator of cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A enzymes. Among the ligands of human PXR is hyperforin, a constituent of St John's wort (SJW) extracts and potent inducer of human CYP3A4. It was the aim of this study to compare the effect of hyperforin and SJW formulations controlled for its content on CYP3A23-3A1 in rats. Hyperiplant was used as it contains a high hyperforin content and Rebalance because it is controlled for a low hyperforin content. In silico analysis revealed a weak hyperforin-rPXR binding affinity, which was further supported in cell-based reporter gene assays showing no hyperforin-mediated reporter activation in presence of rPXR. However, cellular exposure to Hyperiplant and Rebalance transactivated the CYP3A reporter 3.8-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively, and they induced Cyp3a23-3a1 mRNA expression in rat hepatoma cells compared with control 48-fold and 18-fold, respectively. In Wistar rats treated for 10 days with 400 mg/kg of Hyperiplant, we observed 1.8 times the Cyp3a23-3a1 mRNA expression, a 2.6-fold higher CYP3A23-3A1 protein amount, and a 1.6-fold increase in activity compared with controls. For Rebalance we only observed a 1.8-fold hepatic increase of CYP3A23-3A1 protein compared with control animals. Even though there are differing effects on rCyp3a23-3a1/CYP3A23-3A1 in rat liver reflecting the hyperforin content of the SJW extracts, the modulation is most likely not linked to an interaction of hyperforin with rPXR. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Treatment with St John's wort (SJW) has been reported to affect CYP3A expression and activity in rats. Our comparative study further supports this finding but shows that the pregnane X receptor-ligand hyperforin is not the driving force for changes in rat CYP3A23-3A1 expression and function in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, CYP3A induction mimics findings in humans, but our results suggest that another so far unknown constituent of SJW is responsible for the expression- and function-modifying effects in rat liver.


Theoretical model of metabolic blood flow regulation: roles of ATP release by red blood cells and conducted responses.
A proposed mechanism for metabolic flow regulation involves the saturation-dependent release of ATP by red blood cells, which triggers an upstream conducted response signal and arteriolar vasodilation. To analyze this mechanism, a theoretical model is used to simulate the variation of oxygen and ATP levels along a flow pathway of seven representative segments, including two vasoactive arteriolar segments. The conducted response signal is defined by integrating the ATP concentration along the vascular pathway, assuming exponential decay of the signal in the upstream direction with a length constant of approximately 1 cm. Arteriolar tone depends on the conducted metabolic signal and on local wall shear stress and wall tension. Arteriolar diameters are calculated based on vascular smooth muscle mechanics. The model predicts that conducted responses stimulated by ATP release in venules and propagated to arterioles can account for increases in perfusion in response to increased oxygen demand that are consistent with experimental findings at low to moderate oxygen consumption rates. Myogenic and shear-dependent responses are found to act in opposition to this mechanism of metabolic flow regulation.


Binding of an amphiphilic phthalocyanine to pre-formed liposomes confers light-triggered cargo release.
Liposomes are able to load a range of cargos and have been used for drug delivery applications, including for stimuli-triggered drug release. Here, we describe an approach for imparting near infrared (NIR) light-triggered release to pre-formed liposomes, using a newly-synthesized cationic, amphiphilic phthalocyanine. When simply mixed in aqueous solution with cargo-loaded liposomes, the cationic amphiphilic phthalocyanine, but not a cationic hydrophilic azaphthalocyanine, spontaneously incorporates into the liposome bilayer. This enables subsequent release of loaded cargo (doxorubcin or basic orange) upon irradiation with NIR light. The rate of release could be altered by varying the amount of photosensitizer added to the liposomes. In the absence of NIR light exposure, stable cargo loading of the liposomes was maintained. Introduction.


[Value of the "region of interest" technique in the scintigraphic diagnosis of primary bone tumors (author's transl)].
Employing ROI-technique, a ratio Q was obtained from relating accumulation of 99mTc-MDP at the site of the bone lesion (n = 150) with that of contralateral non-involved osseous areas. Values of Q were correlated with histologic tumor diagnosis, its dignity and frequency. Values of Q of greater than 3.0 were found in 95% of all sarcomas, in 100% of the osteosarcomas but in only 3.8% of all benign bone tumors. Values ranging from 1.0 to 1.2 were exclusively measured in benign tumors (e.g., in 52% of juvenile bone cysts and in 67% of non-ossifying fibromas). Since the threshold--separating benign from malignant lesions--at Q = 3.0 was blurred by tumorlike lesions, metastases and especially by Paget's disease, this method does not precisely predict dignity. However, this method may complement radiographic evaluation with low values supporting the diagnosis of a benign lesion. The combined findings of radiography and these rations gained by nuclear imaging may help determine the pathway of a patient through further diagnosis and treatment.


K-ras mutations in aberrant crypt foci, adenomas and adenocarcinomas during azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis.
Ras mutations are an important early event in a number of carcinogen-induced rodent tumors. Colon carcinogenesis induced in rats by azoxymethane is a useful model as it mimics the adenoma-carcinoma sequence observed in humans. In addition, aberrant crypt foci develop in the rat and these lesions appear to be potentially important precursors to adenomas in colorectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that specific K-ras codon 12 and 13 mutations are present in up to 66% of carcinogen-induced rat colon adenocarcinomas. We studied the frequency of these mutations during the aberrant crypt focus-adenoma-carcinoma sequence in azoxymethane-induced Fisher F344 rats. K-ras codon 12 GAT and codon 13 GAC mutations were detected with a sensitive assay based on the amplification of DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. No mutations were present in normal mucosa. Of 27 aberrant crypt foci, K-ras mutations were identified in 2 lesions containing 5 and 10 aberrant crypts, respectively. Mutations were present in 1 of 23 and 10 of 27 adenomas and adenocarcinomas, respectively. These data suggest that K-ras mutations play a role during the stages of carcinogenesis in azoxymethane-induced rat colon cancer. The demonstration of a genetic mutation in aberrant crypt foci provides further evidence for the significance of these lesions as precursor markers of malignant potential during colorectal tumorigenesis.


[Methanol poisonings in 2007-08].
At the turn of 2007/2008, four Norwegian men died after ingestion of commercially available supposedly denatured ethanol. The four deaths are presented and discussed. Methanol concentrations, consistent with lethal methanol poisoning, were detected in blood and urine for all four. The imbibed mixture was subsequently shown to contain a 70/30 mixture of methanol/ethanol. The events emphasize the importance of investigating methanol findings from deceased to identify the source, and that investigations are instigated promptly to prevent further exposure.


Glutathione status in critically-ill patients: possibility of modulation by antioxidants.
Muscle tissue serves as a protein reservoir which is mobilized to meet the specific metabolic needs associated with various catabolic conditions in human subjects, such as trauma and critical illness. Glutathione is one of the most abundant short-chain peptides and a major source of non-protein thiol in the body, and tissue glutathione concentration is related to its oxidative capacity. Skeletal muscle is relatively unique with respect to a variety of metabolic properties, such as oxidative potential, patterns of amino acid utilization, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The glutathione concentration is not influenced by food intake, or by food deprivation. Moreover, there is no diurnal variation on muscle glutathione levels. Following elective surgery the muscle concentration of GSH (the reduced form) decreases by 40% 24 h post-operatively, while the concentration of GSSG (the oxidized form) remains unaltered. During critical illness a similar decrease in the GSH concentration is seen, but in addition a change in the redox status indicative of an elevated GSSG level occurs. Furthermore, correlations between the concentrations of glutamine as well as glutamate and GSH exist in these patients. From available evidence accumulated it is clear that glutathione plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of the intracellular redox status, the antioxidant vitamin levels, and the antioxidant enzyme functions under various metabolic conditions. The effectiveness of glutathione protection in the individual tissue depends on the tissue concentration of glutathione as well as the capacity of the tissue to import GSH and to export GSSG. The mechanisms by which catabolism regulates tissue glutathione levels and the enzyme activities associated with the gamma-glutamyl cycle are not completely understood and further studies need to be conducted.


Regulation of the T cell receptor-alpha mRNA expression in the human lymphoblastic T cell line CEM.
We analyzed the transcriptional events involved in the T cell receptor (TcR)-alpha mRNA expression in a human lymphoblastic T-cell line CEM. CD3-negative and CD3-positive CEM subclones that either lack mature TcR-alpha mRNA or express TcR-alpha mRNA were used. Exposure of the TcR-alpha mRNA negative subclones to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was followed by 2- to 3-fold increase of transcription, indicating that PMA acts on a transcriptional level. No increase of transcription was observed after blocking protein synthesis with cycloheximide (CHX) or after sequential stimulation with CHX followed by PMA. On the posttranscriptional level, CHX as well as PMA induced a progressive stabilization of TcR-alpha mRNA in the nuclear compartment, which was independent of ongoing transcription. The half-life of the TcR-alpha mRNA upon stimulation was about 6 hours. The accumulation of mature TcR-alpha mRNA seemed to be controlled by nuclear events on a transcriptional as well as posttranscriptional level. The data imply that alterations of TcR-alpha gene transcription are dependent on protein synthesis. DNA-binding proteins enhance transcription and labile nuclear proteins target TcR-alpha mRNA for rapid turnover.


Treatment of relapsing polychondritis with rituximab: a retrospective study of nine patients.
Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen expressed by B cells, is now considered an effective second-line therapy in various systemic diseases. We describe here the effects of rituximab in patients with relapsing polychondritis. This was a retrospective study of 9 patients with relapsing polychondritis who received different regimens of rituximab in addition to their ongoing therapies. Clinical, laboratory, physiologic, and radiologic indicators were used to assess disease activity. We also examined their corticosteroid doses and any change in immunosuppressive agents. We then compared disease activity in the 6 months preceding rituximab administration and at 6 and 12 months after. At 6 months, 2 patients showed partial improvement, 4 were stable, and 3 had worsened disease; however, no patient had complete remission. At 12 months (after exclusion of the 3 patients whose disease had worsened at 6 months), 2 patients remained stable and 4 had worsened disease; however, there were no partial or complete remissions. B cells were counted in 8 patients during the first 6 months after treatment, and B cell depletion was observed in all of the patients. Although we cannot rule out the possibility that rituximab had a small effect, our patients' clinical courses did not improve significantly with this treatment.


[Effect of ulinastain on the expression of hemeoxygenase-1 in oleic acid-induced acute lung injury in rats].
To explore the effect of ulinastain on the expression of hemeoxy genase-1 (HO-1) in oil acid-induced acute lung injury in rats. The animal model of acute lung injury was established by oil acid. Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the blank control group (A), the acute lung injury group (B) and the acute lung injury group (C) followed by injecting 100 mL/kg ulinastatin. Each group consisted of 10 rats. Group A were given 0.2 mL/kg natural solution through the trial vein; Group B and C were given 0.2 mL/kg oil-acid through trial vein, while group C were injected 100mL/kg ulinastatin by the peritoneal cavity after injecting oil acid. After 4 hours, the rates of respiration were counted and blood samples were cramped out through the heart puncture for blood gas analysis. The expressions of hemeoxygenase-1 and the pathologic construction changes were determined by HE staining in the lower right lung of rats in the 3 groups. The respiration dysfunction caused by oil acid could be prominently improved by ulinastain. There was only a little expression of hemeoxygenase-1 in the lung of Group A, but the expression increased in Group B and significatively increased in Group C. Ulinastatin may protect the rats from acute lung injury through increasing the expression of HO-1.


Can transcranial Doppler really detect reduced cerebral perfusion states?
This study was designed to determine whether transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) may detect reduced perfusion states of the brain in patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus with suspected cerebral atherosclerosis and arteriolosclerosis. We determined blood flow velocity with TCD in the middle cerebral artery and cerebrovascular vasodilator responses to carbon dioxide in 22 patients with or without carotid artery occlusive disease and minor stroke; we compared the results with the measurements of cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism by positron emission tomography (PET). Blood flow velocity measured by TCD correlated with ipsilateral cerebral blood flow measured by PET in frontal, temporal, and striatal regions and throughout the entire hemisphere (P < .05 to P < .005). Relative changes in blood flow velocity and calculated cerebrovascular resistance tested by carbon dioxide inhalation both correlated closely with regional mean transit time (calculated as the ratio of cerebral blood volume divided by cerebral blood flow) in frontal, striatal, temporal, parietal, and occipital regions and also in the entire hemisphere (P < .05 to P < .0001). TCD variables did not correlate with hemispheric measurements of oxygen metabolism by PET. Although TCD is not useful in assessing impairments of cerebral metabolism, it is useful for detecting abnormalities of cerebral hemodynamics among patients with risk factors for cerebrovascular disease.


INCORPORATING WORKLOAD MEASURES INTO REHABILITATION AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION: A CASE REPORT.
and purpose: Second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates continue to be high, with a majority of injuries occurring soon after return-to-play, potentially because athletes may not be ready for the external load demands of the sport. Load metrics, tracked through wearable technology, may provide complementary information to standard limb symmetry indices in the return-to-play decision making process. The purpose of this case report was to quantify and monitor load using innovative technology during physical therapy rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction (ACLr) and compare to normative sport participation data.Case Description: The subject was a 12-year-old female soccer player that suffered an ACL injury followed by surgical reconstruction with a hamstring autograft and standard rehabilitation. Single-leg hop performance, isokinetic strength, and external loads (using wearable technology) were measured longitudinally during rehabilitation and analyzed at the time of return-to-play.Outcomes: The subject successfully achieved >90% LSI for isometric quadriceps strength (week 14), single leg hop battery (week 23), and isokinetic hamstrings (week 26) and quadriceps (week 31) strength by the time of return-to-play (week 39). At the time of return to play, external load metrics indicated that the subject's most intense rehabilitation session consisted of 36% less frequent movements, 38% lower total distances, and activity durations that were 29% lower than the expected demands of a match. Standard rehabilitation may underload patients relative to required sport demands. Measuring external load during the rehabilitation period may help clinicians adequately progress workload to the necessary demands of the patient's sport. With the current emphasis on restoring limb symmetry, clinicians may need to shift focus towards load preparation when returning a patient to their sport.Level of Evidence: 4Keywords: anterior cruciate ligament, load, rehabilitation, return to play, step count, movement system.


A patch technique for reconstruction of stenotic pulmonary bifurcation in a Rastelli-type operation after palliations for cyanotic congenital heart disease. A report of two cases.
A Rastelli-type operation was successfully performed on two patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease with pulmonary artesia (PA) and severe stenosis or obstruction of the pulmonary bifurcation, following the improvement of a pulmonary artery index (PA index) after palliative systemic pulmonary shunts. It is a point that stenotic or obstructive pulmonary bifurcation was reconstructed by a patch technique. An extracardiac conduit was used a combination of a bicuspid valved pericardial roll and a prosthetic vessel graft. In a 5-year-old male with an extreme type of tetralogy of Fallot associated with PA and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the enlargement of stenotic pulmonary bifurcation was attempted using a brimshaped equine pericardial patch in order to get sufficient suture margin and be safely anastomosed with a conduit. In a 6-year-old female with complete transposition of the great arteries, PA, PDA and right aortic arch (RAA), an obstructive pulmonary bifurcation behind the RAA was enlarged using a brimshaped equine pericardial patch. The attachment of the conduit was shifted to the left pulmonary artery to avoid compression of an extracardiac conduit and pulmonary artery behind RAA. Reconstruction of the pulmonary bifurcation using an equine pericardial patch is useful to anastomose an extracardiac conduit and the stenotic or obstructive pulmonary bifurcation.


The longitudinal buffering effects of resilience on alcohol use outcomes.
Traumatic events (TE) are a risk factor for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Resilience may be protective of the effects of TE exposure, but few studies have longitudinally tested the buffering hypothesis. Thus, the present study aimed to fill this gap. Participants (N = 6,015) were from a longitudinal investigation into substance use and health outcomes at a large, urban university. Participants completed self-report measures on precollege internalizing symptoms and lifetime trauma load. Resilience was calculated as a quantitative variable. At each of the follow-up assessments, participants reported on past month consumption, AUD symptoms, and new onset TEs. Longitudinal path modeling was used to test interactions. Higher new onset TE load was associated with greater AUD symptoms, and higher consumption at one time-point. Results demonstrate a significant main effect of resilience at Y1S and Y3S, and a significant interaction between resilience and new onset TE at the last time-point, whereby higher levels of new onset TE were associated with higher levels of AUD symptoms at low (β = .19, p < .001), and average (β = .20, p = .001) levels of resilience. This effect was attenuated at high levels of resilience (β = .07, p = .051). No significant main nor interaction effects of resilience on consumption were found. Findings suggest resilience as an important protective factor in relation to the development of AUD symptoms after exposure to a TE, though perhaps less so in relation to consumption. Findings are consistent with prior work demonstrating that AUD symptoms are more clinically relevant than consumption in this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).


Simultaneous determination of refractive indices and angles of prisms.
By using the Fraunhofer diffraction on a fine slit and the statistic models of the least-squares error plus the normal error distribution, the refractive indices and the angles of prisms can be determined simultaneously with a simple experimental setup. The accuracy is of the order of 10(-4) for refractive indices and of the order of minutes for angles. The computer algorithms to apply the statistical models are explained.


Impulsivity traits associated with disordered eating and binge drinking among female college students.
Objective: Disordered eating and problematic alcohol use may negatively impact women's health, and the two issues frequently occur together. We assessed the interaction between negative urgency and disordered eating variables on binge drinking frequency. We also examined impulsivity facets in relation to binge eating, purging, and restrictive eating using multiple linear regression. Methods: Undergraduate women (M age 19.02; SD 1.51; n 262) from a mid-sized southeastern university, reported quantity and frequency of alcohol use over the past 90 days, disordered eating measured by the Multifactorial Assessment of Eating Disorder Symptoms (MAEDS), and impulsivity on the UPPS-P. Results: Negative urgency was the best impulsivity predictor of binge eating and restrictive eating. Negative urgency was a significant predictor of binge drinking frequency (negative binomial regression, p values < .01), but no interaction was found. Conclusions: To reduce these behaviors, college students may benefit from campus programs offering adaptive strategies to cope with negative affect.


Childhood predictive genetic testing for Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Presymptomatic genetic testing in childhood for adult onset conditions is generally discouraged as it does not directly benefit the child and removes their autonomy. In certain cancer prone conditions such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and Von Hippel Lindau disease there are risks of disease in childhood and benefit to children not inheriting a mutation in being able to forego unpleasant screening tests. Li-Fraumeni syndrome caused by constitutional TP53 mutations there are also implications in childhood with a risk of around 20% of a childhood malignancy. However, as yet no evidence based surveillance programme has been identified. We describe our experience of childhood testing for four children in two Li-Fraumeni families caused by TP53 mutations.


Bayesian hierarchical statistics for traffic safety modelling and forecasting.
Road traffic accidents (RTAs) represent a serious problem globally causing losses in many ways. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have a high rate of RTAs compared to other high-income countries. In this study, a Bayesian hierarchical model was utilized for accident counts forecasting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This work will help traffic planners and decision makers to enhance road safety levels and decrease accident fatality rate. Accidents data along 5 years from 2008 to 2012 at 143 road sites in Abu Dhabi with 5,511 accidents were used. The proposed model considered a number of covariates; speed limit, type of road, number of lanes, type of area, weather, time, surface condition and seat belt usage. Five sites with the highest numbers of accidents were studied. Year 2012 was used to validate predictions. The model prediction accuracy was 72%.


Parental reactions, distress, and sense of coherence after prenatal versus postnatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease.
A diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) in offspring triggers psychological distress in parents. Results of previous studies have been inconsistent regarding the psychological impact of a prenatal versus a postnatal diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the time of diagnosis on levels of parental distress. Pregnant women and their partners with a fetus diagnosed with complex CHD, parents of children with postnatally diagnosed CHD, and pregnant women and their partners with uncomplicated pregnancies were invited to participate. Data were collected during pregnancy and 2-6 months after delivery using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, sense of coherence, life satisfaction, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale. During pregnancy, the prenatal group scored lower sense of coherence compared to controls (p=0.044). Postnatally the prenatal group scored lower on sense of coherence compared to the postnatal group and controls (p=0.001; p=0.001). Postnatally, the prenatal and postnatal groups had higher levels of anxiety compared to controls (p=0.025; p=0.0003). Life satisfaction was lower in the prenatal group compared to that in the postnatal group and in controls (p=0.000; p=0.0004). Parents with a prenatal diagnosis of CHD in offspring report a low sense of coherence already during pregnancy which decreased further at follow-up. The same group reported a lower satisfaction with life compared to parents of a child with postnatal diagnosis of CHD and parents of a healthy child. This motivates further efforts to improve counselling and support during pregnancy and for parents after a prenatal diagnosis.


Shwachman-Diamond syndrome: the clinical imitator of cystic fibrosis.
In this case we report the autopsy findings of a four-month-old boy with the diagnosis of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. The clinical and pathologic findings are discussed with emphasis on the differential diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and a brief review of current literature.


Two-Step Separation of Chitin from Shrimp Shells Using Citric Acid and Deep Eutectic Solvents with the Assistance of Microwave.
In this research, a two-step extraction approach was developed for chitin preparation from shrimp shells by utilizing citric acids and deep eutectic solvents (DESs), which effectively removed minerals and proteins. In the first step, minerals of shrimp shells were removed by citric acid, and the demineralization efficiency reached more than 98%. In the second step, the removal of protein was carried out using deep eutectic solvents with the assistance of microwave, and the deproteinization efficiency was more than 88%. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the quality of DES-prepared chitin was comparable to that of traditional acid/alkali-prepared chitin. These results were realized without utilizing hazardous chemicals, which are detrimental to the environment. This research indicates that a DES-based preparation approach has the potential for application in the recovery of biopolymers from natural resources.


Traumatic brain injury in the presence of Aβ pathology affects neuronal survival, glial activation and autophagy.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents a widespread health problem in the elderly population. In addition to the acute injury, epidemiological studies have observed an increased probability and earlier onset of dementias in the elderly following TBI. However, the underlying mechanisms of the connection between TBI and Alzheimer's disease in the aged brain and potential exacerbating factors is still evolving. The aim of this study was to investigate cellular injury-induced processes in the presence of amyloid β (Aβ) pathology. For this purpose, a co-culture system of cortical stem-cell derived astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes were exposed to Aβ42 protofibrils prior to a mechanically induced scratch injury. Cellular responses, including neurodegeneration, glial activation and autophagy was assessed by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, ELISA and transmission electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate that the combined burden of Aβ exposure and experimental TBI causes a decline in the number of neurons, the differential expression of the key astrocytic markers glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 calcium-binding protein beta, mitochondrial alterations and prevents the upregulation of autophagy. Our study provides valuable information about the impact of TBI sustained in the presence of Aβ deposits and helps to advance the understanding of geriatric TBI on the cellular level.


Immune-Mediated Cerebellar Ataxia Associated With Neuronal Surface Antibodies.
Immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias (IMCAs) are common in paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) but rarely occur in patients with neuronal surface antibodies (NSAbs). Although cerebellar ataxias (CAs) associated with anti-NMDAR and anti-CASPR2 have been reported in a few cases, they have never been studied systematically. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of anti-NSAbs-associated CAs. A retrospective investigation was conducted to identify patients using the keywords IMCAs and NSAbs. We collected the clinical data of 14 patients diagnosed with anti-NSAbs-associated CAs. The median age was 33 years (16-66), and the male-to-female ratio was 4:3. Nine were positive for NMDAR-Ab, two for LGI1-Ab, two for CASPR2-Ab, and one for AMPA2R-Ab. CAs were initial symptoms in three patients and presented during the first two months of the disease course (10 days on average) among the rest of the patients. After the immunotherapy, two cases were free from symptoms, and eight cases recovered satisfactorily (10/14, 71.4%). Compared with other causes of IMCAs, anti-NSAbs were more frequently associated with additional extra-cerebellar symptoms (85.7%), mostly seizures (78.6%) and mental abnormalities (64.3%). In the CSF analysis, pleocytosis was detected in ten patients (71.4%) and oligoclonal bands (OB) were observed in nine patients (64.3%). Moreover, compared with PCD and anti-GAD65-Ab-associated CAs, anti-NSAbs-associated CAs showed a better response to immunotherapy. IMCAs are rare and atypical in autoimmune encephalitis with neuronal surface antibodies. Compared with other forms of IMCAs, more symptoms of encephalopathy, a higher rate of pleocytosis and positive OB in CSF, and positive therapeutic effect were the key features of anti-NSAbs-associated CAs.


Spreading of DNA methylation across integrated foreign (adenovirus type 12) genomes in mammalian cells.
The establishment of de novo-generated patterns of DNA methylation is characterized by the gradual spreading of DNA methylation (I. Kuhlmann and W. Doerfler, J. Virol. 47:631-636, 1983; M. Toth, U. Lichtenberg, and W. Doerfler, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:3728-3732, 1989; M. Toth, U. Müller, and W. Doerfler J. Mol. Biol. 214:673-683, 1990). We have used integrated adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) genomes in hamster tumor cells as a model system to study the mechanism of de novo DNA methylation. Ad12 induces tumors in neonate hamsters, and the viral DNA is integrated into the hamster genome, usually nearly intact and in an orientation that is colinear with that of the virion genome. The integrated Ad12 DNA in the tumor cells is weakly methylated at the 5'-CCGG-3' sequences. These sequences appear to be a reliable indicator for the state of methylation in mammalian DNA. Upon explantation of the tumor cells into culture medium, DNA methylation at 5'-CCGG-3' sequences gradually spreads across the integrated viral genomes with increasing passage numbers of cells in culture. Methylation is reproducibly initiated in the region between 30 and 75 map units on the integrated viral genome and progresses from there in either direction on the genome. Eventually, the genome is strongly methylated, except for the terminal 2 to 5% on either end, which remains hypomethylated. Similar observations have been made with tumor cell lines with different sites of Ad12 DNA integration. In contrast, the levels of DNA methylation do not seem to change after tumor cell explanation in several segments of hamster cell DNA of the unique or repetitive type. Restriction (HpaII) and Southern blot experiments were performed with selected cloned hamster cellular DNA probes. The data suggest that in the integrated foreign DNA, there exist nucleotide sequences or structures or chromatin arrangements that can be preferentially recognized by the system responsible for de novo DNA methylation in mammalian cells.


N-Glycosylation site analysis of proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae by using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-based enrichment, parallel deglycosylation, and mass spectrometry.
N-Glycosylation site analysis of baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is of fundamental significance to elucidate the molecular mechanism of human congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). Here we present a mass spectrometry (MS)-based workflow for the profiling of N-glycosylated sites in S. cerevisiae proteins. In this workflow, proteolytic glycopeptides were enriched by using a hydrophilic material named Click TE-Cys to improve the glycopeptide selectivity and coverage. To enhance the reliability of the identified results, the enriched glycopeptides were subjected to parallel deglycosylation by using two endoglycosidases (i.e., PNGase F and Endo Hf), respectively, prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. On the basis of the workflow, a total of 135 N-glycosylated sites including 6 known, 93 potential, and 36 novel sites were identified and mapped to 79 proteins. Among the novel-type sites, nine sites from eight proteins, which were simultaneously identified via PNGase F and Endo Hf deglycosylation, are believed to possess high confidence. The established workflow, together with the profile of N-glycosylated sites, will contribute to the improvement of S. cerevisiae model for revealing the pathogenesis of CDG.


Pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoma in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease.
A 61-year-old female with a past medical history significant for von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome presented with multiple bilateral pulmonary lesions found on surveillance computed tomography scan. Positron emission tomography demonstrated avidity in a lesion in the right upper lobe. After an equivocal biopsy, a lobectomy via a thoracoscopic approach was performed as this lesion was concerning for a primary lung cancer. Pathology revealed a diagnosis of pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a pulmonary MALT lymphoma in a patient with VHL.


Cue-specific effects of categorization training on the relative weighting of acoustic cues to consonant voicing in English.
In English, voiced and voiceless syllable-initial stop consonants differ in both fundamental frequency at the onset of voicing (onset F0) and voice onset time (VOT). Although both correlates, alone, can cue the voicing contrast, listeners weight VOT more heavily when both are available. Such differential weighting may arise from differences in the perceptual distance between voicing categories along the VOT versus onset F0 dimensions, or it may arise from a bias to pay more attention to VOT than to onset F0. The present experiment examines listeners' use of these two cues when classifying stimuli in which perceptual distance was artificially equated along the two dimensions. Listeners were also trained to categorize stimuli based on one cue at the expense of another. Equating perceptual distance eliminated the expected bias toward VOT before training, but successfully learning to base decisions more on VOT and less on onset F0 was easier than vice versa. Perceptual distance along both dimensions increased for both groups after training, but only VOT-trained listeners showed a decrease in Garner interference. Results lend qualified support to an attentional model of phonetic learning in which learning involves strategic redeployment of selective attention across integral acoustic cues.


Complete obliteration of a basilar artery aneurysm after insertion of a self-expandable Leo stent into the basilar artery without coil embolization.
We report a case of a 45-year-old man who underwent endovascular treatment in the acute setting of a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of a wide-necked basilar trunk aneurysm. The patient was treated with stent implantation without coiling. A control angiographic scan obtained immediately after the procedure revealed significantly decreased intraaneurysmal flow. Follow-up angiography performed after one month demonstrated total aneurysm occlusion.


Correlation between morphologic and nonmorphologic prognostic markers of neuroblastoma.
Morphologic (Shimada classification--SC, original and modified histologic grades--OHG and MHG) and nonmorphologic (serum LDH, 1 p del, DNA index, N-myc copy number, telomerase activity, and expression of MRP, MDR1, and TRK) prognostic markers for NB have been reviewed. The functional role of these nonmorphologic markers in the development and progression of this disease include abnormal cell proliferation, resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, and induction of apoptosis. A statistically significant association between high OHG/MHG (grade 3), DNA index of 1 (diploidy), > 1 copy of N-myc per haploid genome and serum LDH of > or = 1500 IU/1 (p < 0.001 for each) has been described. In SC, undifferentiated histology and high MKI are associated with N-myc amplification. However, a lack of correlation between morphology and N-myc amplification has been found in localized NB. Confirmation of these observations must now be obtained on larger numbers of prospectively studied cases. Data on correlation for various prognostic markers could provide guidelines for identification of subsets of NB having strongly significant, readily determinable, reproducible, and relatively inexpensive prognostic markers that could ultimately be used to design an algorithm for risk-specific therapy.


[Afterloading interstitial brachytherapy by Ir-192 seed assembly for malignant brain tumor].
We developed and applied interstitial after-loading endocrine therapy as a cancer treatment modality. Between Sept. 1982 and May 1983, 5 patients with malignant brain tumors were treated using the removable after-loading Iridium-192 seed assembly implant technique. 4 of the 5 patients experienced recurrent gliomas after the operation alone or in combination with external post-operative radiotherapy. In 3 patients, local control was achieved and has been maintained for more than 11 months. Our preliminary brachytherapy procedures for the treatment of malignant brain tumors are described.


Recently disclosed chemical entities as potential candidates for management of tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. The drug discovery process of novel, safe and effective agents to combat TB involves identification of new molecular targets and novel chemical scaffolds. The current anti-TB drug pipeline includes several small molecules with more to follow as new candidates are disclosed. This review highlights the most significant findings described in 78 international, European and US patents for chemically diverse compounds as prospective anti-TB medications. Main points of emphasis include chemical classification, in vitro and in vivo activity, ADME/Tox profile and mycobacterial target as described in each patent. The collective mass of compounds disclosed in the reviewed patents introduces new candidates as potential therapeutic agents for TB infections.


Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36) amide stimulates surfactant secretion in human type II pneumocytes.
To determine the influence of glucagon-like peptides on the secretion of human pulmonary surfactant, we used human type II pneumocytes. In these cells, GLP-1(7-36) amide and exendin-4 stimulated phosphatidylcholine secretion (PC) and cAMP formation in a concentration-dependent manner; these effects were reversed by exendin(9-39). No changes were observed with other related peptides. The mechanism by which GLP-1(7-36) amide exerts its stimulatory effect was investigated with various agents that are well known to be stimulators or inhibitors of PC secretion. Thus, 8-bromo-cAMP increased and both Rp-cAMPS and H-89, the latter an inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), reduced pulmonary surfactant secretion in type II pneumocytes. Also, GLP-1(7-36) amide and TPA exerted additive effects in stimulating PC secretion, and Calph C, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), blocked most of the effect of GLP-1(7-36) amide. By contrast, both the calcium ionophore A23187 and GLP-1(7-36) amide had additive effects in increasing PC secretion, and the specific inhibitor of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (Ca-CM-PK), KN-62, inhibited the effect of A23187 but did not alter the stimulatory action of GLP-1(7-36) amide. Our findings suggest that both PKA and PKC are involved in the stimulatory effects of GLP-1(7-36) amide on PC secretion, whereas this peptide has no effect on PC secretion through a Ca-CM-PK mechanism.


Inactivation of p21-Activated Kinase 2 (Pak2) Inhibits the Development of Nf2-Deficient Tumors by Restricting Downstream Hedgehog and Wnt Signaling.
Because loss of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene results in p21-activated kinase (Pak) activation, PAK inhibitors hold promise for the treatment of NF2-deficient tumors. To test this possibility, we asked if loss of Pak2, a highly expressed group I PAK member, affects the development of malignant mesothelioma in Nf2;Cdkn2a-deficient (NC) mice and the growth properties of NC mesothelioma cells in culture. In vivo, deletion of Pak2 resulted in a markedly decreased incidence and delayed onset of both pleural and peritoneal malignant mesotheliomas in NC mice. In vitro, Pak2 deletion decreased malignant mesothelioma cell viability, migration, clonogenicity, and spheroid formation. RNA-sequencing analysis demonstrated downregulated expression of Hedgehog and Wnt pathway genes in NC;Pak2-/- mesothelioma cells versus NC;Pak2+/+ mesothelioma cells. Targeting of the Hedgehog signaling component Gli1 or its target gene Myc inhibited cell viability and spheroid formation in NC;P+/+ mesothelioma cells. Kinome profiling uncovered kinase changes indicative of EMT in NC;Pak2-/- mesothelioma cells, suggesting that Pak2-deficient malignant mesotheliomas can adapt by reprogramming their kinome in the absence of Pak activity. The identification of such compensatory pathways offers opportunities for rational combination therapies to circumvent resistance to anti-PAK drugs. We provide evidence supporting a role for PAK inhibitors in treating NF2-deficient tumors. NF2-deficient tumors lacking Pak2 eventually adapt by kinome reprogramming, presenting opportunities for combination therapies to bypass anti-PAK drug resistance.


Giant Pericardial Cyst: A Case Report and Review of Literature.
Pericardial cysts are rare lesions. These benign anomalies are located in the middle mediastinum. In this article, we present a 24-year-old man who was referred to the emergency department with dyspnea and persistent cough. In physical exam, no abnormality was found. His past medical history was normal. His trans-thoracic echocardiogram showed an echo-lucent space next to the right atrium at the right cardiophrenic angle. No pericardial effusion was found. The patient underwent surgery. After midsternotomy, a huge cyst measuring approximately 13 × 8 × 5 cm in diameters was found on the right side and outside the pericardium that was totally excised. After 5 days, the patient was discharged and pathologic report confirmed preoperative diagnosis of pericardial cyst. Giant pericardial cysts are not common and in this report, we will review published case reports.


Unhealthy money: the growth in health PACs' congressional campaign contributions.
The health and insurance industries have launched a massive lobbying and public relations effort to undermine popular support in the United States for a national health care system. As part of their campaign, these industries have increased dramatically their PAC contributions to members of Congress. This article provides a detailed account of these PAC contributions to congressional incumbents and candidates, and discusses additional information on the health insurance industry's advertising campaigns.


Gut commensal Limosilactobacillus reuteri induces atypical memory-like phenotype in human dendritic cells in vitro.
Memory-like responses in innate immune cells confer nonspecific protection against secondary exposures. A number of microbial agents have been found to induce enhanced or diminished recall responses in innate cells, however, studies investigating the ability of probiotic bacteria to trigger such effects are lacking. Here, we show that priming of human monocytes with a secretome from the gut probiotic bacterium Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri induces a mixed secondary response phenotype in monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mo-DCs), with a strong IL-6 and IL-1β response but low TNFα, IL-23 and IL-27 secretion. Instead, blood DC priming with L. reuteri-secretome resembles a tolerant state upon secondary exposure. A similar pattern was found in conventional and gut-like (retinoic acid exposed) DCs, although retinoic acid hampered TNFα and IL-6 production and enrichment of histone modifications in L. reuteri-secretome primed mo-DC cultures. Further, we show that the memory-like phenotype of mo-DCs, induced by priming stimuli, is important for subsequent T helper (Th) cell differentiation pathways and might determine the inflammatory nature of Th cells. We also show enhanced recall responses characterized by robust inflammatory cytokines and lactate production in the gut-like mo-DCs derived from β-glucan primed monocytes. Such responses were accompanied with enriched histone modifications at the promoter of genes associated with a trained phenotype in myeloid cells. Altogether, we demonstrate that a gut commensal-derived secretome prompts recall responses in human DCs which differ from that induced by classical training agents such as β-glucan. Our results could be beneficial for future therapeutic interventions where T cell responses are needed to be modulated.


Comparative Study of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens X030 on the Intestinal Flora and Antibacterial Activity Against Aeromonas of Grass Carp.
Beneficial microorganisms to control bacterial diseases has been widely used in aquaculture, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BaX030) as a probiotic feed additive was a commonly biological control method. Added sucrose promoted the growth of BaX030, and the yield of its antibacterial substance macrolactin A was enhanced by 1.46-fold. A total of 2055 proteins were screened through proteomics, with 143 upregulated and 307 downregulated. Differential protein expression analysis and qRT-PCR verification showed that the pentose phosphate pathway and the fatty acid synthesis pathway were upregulated, thereby providing sufficient energy and precursors for the synthesis of macrolactin A. The influence of some potential regulatory factors (SecG, LiaI, MecG and ComG) on macrolactin A was discovered. After grass carp were fed with BaX030, the abundance of probiotics (Fusobacterium, Proteobacteria, Gemmobacter) were higher than the control group, and the abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria (Planctomycetes, Aeromonas) were significantly lower than the control group. The cell and challenge experiments showed that BaX030 can significantly increase the expression of C3 and IL8 in the liver and kidney, which decreases the risk of immune organ disease. Moreover, BaX030 effectively reduced the mortality of grass carp. The results revealed that BaX030 can significantly improve the structure of the intestinal flora, enhance immunity and it is beneficial to the control of grass carp Aeromonas.


Severe Gardner syndrome in families with mutations restricted to a specific region of the APC gene.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is associated with a number of extraintestinal manifestations, which include osteomas, epidermoid cysts, and desmoid tumors, often referred to as "Gardner syndrome." Recent studies have suggested that some of the phenotypic features of FAP are dependent on the position of the mutation within the APC gene. In particular, the correlation between congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE) and APC genotype indicates that affected families may be divided into distinct groups. We have investigated the association between the dentoosseous features of GS on dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) and APC genotype in a regional cohort of FAP families. DPRs were performed on 84 affected individuals from 36 families, and the dento-osseous features of FAP were quantified by a weighted scoring system. Significant DPR abnormalities were present in 69% of affected individuals. The APC gene mutation was identified in 27 of these families, and for statistical analysis these were subdivided into three groups. Group 1 comprised 18 affected individuals from seven families with mutations 5' of exon 9; these families (except one) did not express CHRPE. Groups 2 comprised 38 individuals from 16 families with mutations between exon 9 and codon 1444, all of whom expressed CHRPE. Group 3 comprised 11 individuals from four families with mutations 3' of codon 1444, none of whom expressed CHRPE. Families with mutations 3' of codon 1444 had significantly more lesions on DPRs (P < .001) and appeared to have a higher incidence of desmoid tumors. These results suggest that the severity of some of the features of Gardner syndrome may correlate with genotype in FAP.


[Laparoscopic treatment of insulinoma: surgical technique and perisurgical results].
Our experience with the laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic insulinomas is reported. Four patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of insulinoma were treated between January 2000 and September 2005. All the patients were laparoscopically approached to attempt the tumor enucleation. In three cases complete enucleation was possible; the remaining case was converted to perform the resection of the middle portion of the pancreas. One patient developed a pancreatic fistula that closed spontaneously. In all cases histological evaluation of the tumor showed benign islet cell tumor. Blood glucose levels returned to normality. Laparoscopic enucleation of pancreatic insulinoma is a feasible and safe technique.


Size-controlled synthesis of conjugated polymer nanoparticles in confined nanoreactors.
Soluble conjugated polymeric nanoparticles are synthesized by Suzuki-type polycondensation of two monomers (Ax + By, x>2, y≥2) in the channel of ordered mesoporous silica-supported carbon nanomembranes (nanoreactors). These synthesized soluble conjugated microporous polymers (SCMPs) exhibit uniform particle-size distributions and well-controlled particle sizes. The control of particle size stems from the fact that the polycondensations exclusively take place inside the mesochannels of the nanoreactors. Photoluminescence studies show that polymeric nanoparticles with tetraphenylethene and pyrene substructures are highly fluorescent. The combination of both physical stability and processability offered by the soluble polymeric nanoparticles makes them particularly attractive in light emitting and other optoelectronic applications.


Synthesis and antiviral activity of 3-formyl- and 3-cyano-2,5,6-trichloroindole nucleoside derivatives.
A series of trichlorinated indole nucleosides has been synthesized and tested for activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and for cytotoxicity. The previously reported 3-formyl-2,5,6-trichloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)indole (FTCRI) and its 3-cyano homologue (CTCRI) were chemically modified at the 3-position. The formation of hydrazones and oximes of FTCRI was accomplished by a dehydrative addition of the appropriate hydrazine or hydroxylamine derivatives, respectively. A carboxamide oxime and imidate were synthesized from CTCRI by the addition of hydroxylamine or methanol, respectively, to the 3-nitrile substituent. Analogues synthesized from FTCRI generally had less antiviral activity than either FTCRI or CTCRI. However, the derivatives of CTCRI were potent and selective inhibitors of HCMV in vitro. The analogue 2,5,6-trichloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)indole-3-carboxamide oxime was especially selective (HCMV IC50 = 0.30 microM, CC50 > 100 microM). None of the analogues had significant activity against HSV-1.


Vector Transmission Alone Fails to Explain the Potato Yellow Vein Virus Epidemic among Potato Crops in Colombia.
The potato yellow vein disease, caused by the potato yellow vein virus (PYVV), is a limiting potato disease in northern South America. The virus can be transmitted either by the greenhouse whitefly (GWF), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), or through vegetative propagules, such as infected tubers. Recently, GWF populations have been spotlighted as one of the main drivers of PYVV re-emergence, and consequently, PYVV management has been predominantly directed toward vector control, which is heavily based on insecticide use. However, the drivers of the PYVV outbreaks as well as the contribution of GWF populations on the spread of PYVV among potato crops are still not completely understood. This study aims to assess the role of the GWF as a driver of the PYVV epidemic in the potato-producing areas in Colombia, one of the countries more severely affected by the PYVV epidemic, and whose geography allows the study of the spatial association between the vector and the disease epidemic across a wide altitude range. The geographical clusters where the PYVV epidemic is concentrated, as well as those of farms affected by the GWF were identified using a novel spatial epidemiology approach. The influence of altitude range on the association between PYVV and T. vaporarioum was also assessed. We found a relatively poor spatial association between PYVV epidemic and the presence of the GWF, especially at altitudes above 3,000 m above mean sea level. Furthermore, GWF populations could only explain a small fraction of the extent of the PYVV epidemic in Colombia. Movement of infected seed tubers might be the main mechanism of dispersion, and could be a key driver for the PYVV infection among potato crops. Agricultural policies focused on improving quality of seed tubers and their appropriate distribution could be the most efficient control intervention against PYVV dispersion.


[Analysis of sedative effect of chloral hydrate and diazepam on children during CT examination].
Before CT examination, make those non-cooperation children take chloral hydrate or diazepam according to their ages can go beyond the limit to reduce the repeation and dose of taking medicine and shorten the waiting time. The author collected 204 samples and divided them into three groups of baby, infant and preschool children. Among them, there were 94 samples of taking orally chloral hydrate and 110 ones having intravenous injection with diazepam according to doctor's order. The author also compared the effect of sedation and the chi 2 test showed that chloral hydrate and diazepam had similar effect on babies (P > 0.05), while the sedative effect of diazepam on infants and preschool children was superior to that of chloral hydrate on them (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).


[The use of the reverse latissimus dorsi muscle flap in the management of bronchopleural fistula].
The management of a postoperative bronchopleural fistula remains a major challenge for the thoracic surgeon. We present a series of three patients who underwent closure of the fistulas with the distal flap of the divided latissimus dorsi muscle (the reverse latissimus dorsi muscle flap) and a limited thoracoplasty. The primary resections, which were performed through a standard posterolateral thoracotomy, were right lower lobectomy in two patients and right middle and lower bilobectomy in the other. The initial myoplasty produced prompt fistula closure in 2 patients and failed in the other patient because of a large empyema space. The reverse latissimus dorsi muscle flap could be used for the management of bronchopleural fistula in selected patients who underwent lower lobectomy or middle and lower bilobectomy.


Neonatal exposure to p-tert-octylphenol causes abnormal expression of estrogen receptor alpha and subsequent alteration of cell proliferating activity in the developing Donryu rat uterus.
In the present study, we investigated immunohistochemically the time-course alterations in estrogen receptor alpha (ER) expression and cell proliferating activity in the developing uteri of Donryu rats exposed neonatally to a high dose p-tert-octylphenol (OP), an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). OP-treatment (sc injections of 100 mg/kg, every other day from postnatal days 1 to 15) induced an early and enhanced ER expression in the luminal epithelium compared with age-matched controls from postnatal day (PND) 10, and increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cells up to PND21. At PND28, ER expression in the luminal epithelium of the OP-treated group was decreased, in association with decline in the luminal epithelial areas. PND14, the second week of life, is coincident with the normal time for differentiation when the luminal epithelium invaginates into the stroma to form uterine glands. OP-treatment, however, delayed and inhibited gland-formation, and suppressed ER expression in the invaginated-luminal and glandular epithelium at this time. These results indicate that ER expression in these sites is strongly linked with cell proliferating activity. In stromal cells, ER was expressed from PND6 in both groups without any PCNA positive cells, but significantly lower values were noted in the OP-treated group up to PND10. Our immunohistochemical investigation did not reveal any abnormalities in expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos, mitotic inhibitor p21, or epidermal growth factor antigen, although the apoptotic index in the luminal epithelium was slightly increased in the OP-treated group. These results demonstrate neonatal effects of a high dose of OP, already detectable at PND10, with early and enhanced ER expression, resulting in increase of cell proliferative activity in the luminal epithelium, though expression in the glandular epithelium was suppressed in relation to inhibited gland-genesis. The present study thus suggests that neonatal exposure to high doses of EDCs with estrogenic activity can induce abnormal differentiation in the developing rat uteri via abnormal ER expression and subsequent alteration of cell proliferating activity.


Fast NMR flow measurements in plants using FLASH imaging.
A fast method for quantitative NMR imaging of flow velocities in intact plants is described. The purpose of this method is to observe dynamic changes of flow velocity in the xylem of plants after fast changes of environmental conditions. The spatial image resolution is 47 x 188 micrometer(2) in-plane. The method applies a fast gradient echo sequence (FLASH). Compared to other flow NMR imaging sequences, the imaging time was reduced by a factor of 6 with comparable signal-to-noise ratio. A complete flow measurement consists of a set of 8 different flow weighted images with a total acquisition time of 3.5 min.


Identification of a novel toll gene (Shtoll3) from the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense and its expression pattern changes in response to cadmium followed by Aeromonas hydrophila infection.
Toll signaling is essential for expression of immune genes which are important for defense against bacterial, fungal and viral infections in invertebrates. Although several toll genes have been identified in the crustaceans, none of them has been investigated in freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense. Moreover, the effect of cadmium (Cd) on toll gene expression has never been examined on the freshwater crabs which live in the sediments and are prone to heavy metal bioaccumulation. Our transcriptomic analysis of hepatopancreas tissue reveals that toll3 gene expression has been decreased when treated with Cd. In this study, we cloned one toll gene (hereby designated Shtoll3) from the crab. The full-length cDNA of Shtoll3 was 4488 bp, with an ORF of 3693 bp encoding a putative protein of 1230 amino acids, a 5'-untranslated region of 414 bp and a 3'-untranslated region of 781 bp. Phylogenetic analysis showed that ShToll3 was clustered into the group of DmToll8. The tissue distribution results showed that Shtoll3 was expressed widely in different tissues, with the highest in gills, and the lowest in hemocytes. Shtoll3 expression was down-regulated only in midguts after Aeromonas hydrophila infection. With Cd presence, Shtoll3 expression in response to A. hydrophila were up-regulated in midguts and gills, which was further confirmed by western blotting analysis. Moreover, the mRNA level of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) crustin and c-lys, which possibly responded to Cd and A. hydrophila stimulation through Shtoll3, were analysised. Thus, we conclude that Cd changes the susceptibility of Shtoll3 to A. hydrophila infection in gills and midguts. This suggest that Shtoll3 may contribute to the innate immune defense of S. henanense to A. hydrophila and Cd can modify the immune function in epithelium.


Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Patients With Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
The objective of this article was to determine the frequency of different electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at the medicine department at Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan, between November 2018 and May 2019. Both female and male participants aged 18-60 years with acute exacerbation of COPD (as per the operational definition) for more than three days who did not receive any treatment for exacerbation were included in the study. Twelve-lead ECG was recorded (Schiller AG, Baar, Switzerland) for 10 minutes after the supine rest, with a 50 mm/s of paper speed, 10 mm/mV of gain, and filter default settings. In total, 140 participants (male: n = 124 [88.6%] and female: n = 16 [11.4%]) were included the research. The mean age of the participants was 40.43 ± 11.51 years. In terms of severity, 46 (32.95) patients presented with mild, 46 (32.9%) with moderate, and 48 (34.4%) with severe exacerbation. Moreover, 33 (23.65%) participants had ECG abnormalities, i.e., 13 (9.3%) patients presented with right atrial enlargement, and eight (5.7%) with right ventricular hypertrophy. Patients with a longer smoking duration (years) were likely to present with ECG abnormalities. Patients with COPD who had severe acute exacerbation and a long smoking duration have a high prevalence of ECG abnormalities. Hence, ECG may be a valuable tool for detecting ischemic abnormalities among patients with COPD, independent of previously known heart disease, in clinical settings.


A feasibility study of postoperative chemotherapy with S-1 and cisplatin (CDDP) for gastric carcinoma (CCOG0703).
The outcome of stage III gastric cancer patients treated by D2 dissection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 remains unsatisfactory. Moreover, some patients with a preoperative diagnosis of stage II/III turn out to be stage IV after surgical exploration, and a standard postoperative treatment for this population has not been established. A feasibility study of postoperative S-1/cisplatin (CDDP) was performed with patients who underwent gastrectomy for what turned out to be a stage IV gastric cancer. The primary endpoint of the trial was the relative dose intensity during five courses of S-1/CDDP. Several criteria to skip, postpone, or reduce the dose had been predetermined. Between 2007 and 2009, 31 patients were accrued, including 19 patients who were positive for peritoneal washing cytology, 6 with peritoneal seeding, 5 with metastasis to the paraaortic nodes, and 4 with other distant metastases. Only 7 patients completed five cycles as planned (median, two cycles). The median relative dose intensities of S-1 and CDDP were 37% and 40%, respectively. Causes of treatment failure were failure to fulfill criteria for starting a new course within 5 weeks of the last administration of S-1 in 7, patient refusal in 6, disease recurrence/progression in 4, need to reduce dose by two levels in 4, and two successive skips of CDDP in 3 patients. The median progression-free survival time of all patients was 363 days. Although promising in the neoadjuvant and advanced/metastatic setting, S-1/CDDP is too toxic as a postgastrectomy treatment for Japanese patients.


Impacts of human-induced environmental disturbances on hybridization between two ecologically differentiated Californian oak species.
Natural hybridization, which can be involved in local adaptation and in speciation processes, has been linked to different sources of anthropogenic disturbance. Here, we use genotypic data to study range-wide patterns of genetic admixture between the serpentine-soil specialist leather oak (Quercus durata) and the widespread Californian scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia). First, we estimated hybridization rates and the direction of gene flow. Second, we tested the hypothesis that genetic admixture increases with different sources of environmental disturbance, namely anthropogenic destruction of natural habitats and wildfire frequency estimated from long-term records of fire occurrence. Our analyses indicate considerable rates of hybridization (> 25%), asymmetric gene flow from Q. durata into Q. berberidifolia, and a higher occurrence of hybrids in areas where both species live in close parapatry. In accordance with the environmental disturbance hypothesis, we found that genetic admixture increases with wildfire frequency, but we did not find a significant effect of other sources of human-induced habitat alteration (urbanization, land clearing for agriculture) or a suite of ecological factors (climate, elevation, soil type). Our findings highlight that wildfires constitute an important source of environmental disturbance, promoting hybridization between two ecologically well-differentiated native species.


A Precision Variable, Double Prism Attenuator for CO(2) Lasers.
A precision, double prism attenuator for CO(2) lasers, calibrated by its gap capacitance, was constructed to evaluate its possible use as a standard for attenuation measurements. It was found that the accuracy was about 0.1 dB with a dynamic range of about 40 dB.


Temporomandibular joint involvement in ankylosing spondylitis.
Frequency of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has varied from 4% to 35%. It is more common in men and produces generalised stiffness in involved joints. Clinician should be suspicious of AS when a patient reports with painful restricted movements of joint, neck or back and with no trauma history. Conventional radiographic methods have allowed the demonstration of TMJ abnormalities in patients with AS, but CT is necessary to establish joint space relations and bony morphology. We describe a case of severe AS with TMJ involvement in a 40-year-old female patient and demonstrated TMJ changes on CT. A CT was able to demonstrate articular cartilage changes, disc- and joint abnormalities. Thus, if conventional radiographs in a symptomatic patient with rheumatic diseases are unable to demonstrate changes, CT can provide valuable additional information of the changes in the TMJ.


Microsatellite instability and other molecular abnormalities in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been considered to represent the defect of DNA mismatch repair systems and has been implicated in the tumourigenesis of several human malignancies. To investigate the possible presence of microsatellite instability in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), we examined 48 primary ALL samples. Instability was determined at 85 different microsatellite loci localized to 12 different chromosome arms. Microsatellite instability was detected in five (10%) samples. Interestingly, the instability was found at chromosomal regions associated with frequent alterations. Two samples had instability at the microsatellite marker within the TEL gene on chromosome arm 12p. Two other samples had instability at a microsatellite marker close to CDKN2/p16 on 9p; one of these samples had a homozygous deletion at 9p21. The fifth sample had instability at the microsatellite marker on 6q, which we have found is a frequent region of loss of heterozygosity in childhood ALL. Taken together, instability was rare in childhood ALL, but was localized to the three most frequently deleted chromosome regions in childhood ALL, suggesting that localized microsatellite instability may identify a fragile chromosomal region which could result in alteration of surrounding target genes and lead to leukaemia.


[A giant follicular cyst of the ovary in a newborn infant].
The tumoral lesions proceeding of ovary in the newborns are the 3-6% of all abdominal tumors. The most frequent tumor is ovarian follicular cyst which will be diagnosed prenatally. As a result of ovarian stimulation by fetal gonadotrophins, maternal estrogen and placenta + gonadotrophins. Maternal antecedents reported diabetes, toxemia and isoimmunization. The most frequent complication is torsion. We present the case of one female newborn, with abdominal mass present by abdominal palpation referred of the first gestation of mother with 27 years of age, with primary sterility of 11 years without treatment, with toxemia during the pregnancy. The abdominal x-film show a intraperitoneal mass the ultrasound show cystic and solid mass, without determined origin, and the scan magnetic resonance (MR) a tumoral mass with origin in the pelvic hole with extension to the infrahepatic zone. The surgical finding was left ovarian cyst with left oophorectomy and salpingectomy.


Ca(2+) channel properties in smooth muscle cells of the urinary bladder from pig and human.
Ca(2+) channel properties of pig and human bladder smooth muscle were investigated utilizing standard whole-cell patch clamp techniques. Both the amplitude obtained and the current density of Ca(2+) channel current evoked by step depolarization were larger in human than in pig myocytes. The inward currents were sensitive to an L-type Ca(2+) channel antagonist, nifedipine, the effects of which were not significantly different between species. In both species, prior application of ATP (0.1 mM) had no effect on activation of this voltage-sensitive channel current, while a muscarinic receptor agonist, carbachol (0.1 mM), significantly attenuated the amplitude of this current. Furthermore, inclusion of GDP-beta-S or Heparin in the pipette abolished or had no effect on the suppression of Ca(2+) current by carbachol, respectively. These results forward the pig as a good model for the human in detrusor Ca(2+) channel properties, especially with regard to neural modulation, although voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels seem to make greater contribution in human bladder physiology.


Technique to collect fungiform (taste) papillae from human tongue.
The sense of taste is critical for human life. It informs the body about the quality of food that will be potentially ingested and stimulates metabolic processes that prepare the alimentary canal for digestion. Steady progress is being made towards understanding the early biochemical and molecular events underlying taste transduction (for a review, Breslin and Spector, 2008). However, progress to date has largely resulted from animal models. Yet, since marked differences in receptor specificity and receptor density vary among species, human taste transduction will only be understood by using human taste tissue. Here we describe a biopsy technique to collect human fungiform papillae, visible as rounded pink anterior structures, about 0.5 mm in diameter that contain taste buds. These biopsied papillae are used for several purposes including the isolation of viable taste bud cells, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and, through techniques of molecular biology, the identification of taste-specific novel proteins.


Ultrasonic degradation of schizophyllan, an antitumor polysaccharide produced by Schizophyllum commune Fries.
Schizophyllan, a water-soluble beta-D-glucan elaborated by Schizophyllum commune Fries, was partially depolymerized by ultrasonic irradiation to a low-molecular-weight polysaccharide, designated "sonic-degraded schizophyllan". Both native and degraded polysaccharides exhibited essentially the same antitumor activities against Sarcoma-180 ascites. Both glucans are comprised solely of D-glucose residues and have a main chain of (1 leads to 3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl residues, one out of three glucose residues being attached as single, (1 leads to 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl groups. Although both glucans have similar structural features, significant differences are observed in such physical properties as molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity. End-group analysis by using radioisotope-labeled glucans suggests that ultrasonic degradation occurs mainly by cleavage of glycosidic bonds of the main chain of schizophyllan. The molecular weights of the native and sonic-degraded schizophyllan were shown to be 75% of those of corresponding, original schizophyllan preparations, suggesting that there is no anomalous linkage sensitive to periodate oxidation, and ultrasonic irradiation may cause random hydrolysis of (1 leads to 3)-beta-D-glucosidic linkages in the main chain.


Corticosteroids for induction of labour.
The role of corticosteroids in the process of labour is not well understood. Animal studies have shown the importance of cortisol secretion by the fetal adrenal gland in initiating labour in sheep. Infusion of glucocorticosteroids into the fetus has also shown to induce premature labour in sheep. Some assumptions have been proposed regarding the mode of action of corticosteroids, including both a paracrine and autocrine action, following the identification of glucocorticoid receptors on human amnion. Given these studies it has been postulated that corticosteroids given intraamniotically will promote the induction of labour. This is one of a series of reviews of methods of cervical ripening and labour induction using standardised methodology. To determine the effects of corticosteroids for third trimester cervical ripening or induction of labour in comparison with other methods of cervical priming or induction of labour. The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and bibliographies of relevant papers. Last searched: November 2000. (1) clinical trials comparing corticosteroids used for third trimester cervical ripening or labour induction with placebo/no treatment or other methods listed above it on a predefined list of labour induction methods; (2) random allocation to the treatment or control group; (3) adequate allocation concealment; (4) violations of allocated management not sufficient to materially affect conclusions; (5) clinically meaningful outcome measures reported; (6) data available for analysis according to the random allocation; (7) missing data insufficient to materially affect the conclusions. A strategy has been developed to deal with the large volume and complexity of trial data relating to labour induction. This involves a two-stage method of data extraction. There are no included trials, hence no results are presented. The effectiveness of corticosteroids for induction of labour is uncertain. Use of this method of induction of labour is not commonly used and further research in this area is probably unwarranted.


A Simple PSA-Based Computational Approach Predicts the Timing of Cancer Relapse in Prostatectomized Patients.
Recurrences of prostate cancer affect approximately one quarter of patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy. Reliable factors to predict time to relapse in specific individuals are lacking. Here, we present a mathematical model that evaluates a biologically sensible parameter (α) that can be estimated by the available follow-up data, in particular by the PSA series. This parameter is robust and highly predictive for the time to relapse, also after administration of adjuvant androgen deprivation therapies. We present a practical computational method based on the collection of only four postsurgical PSA values. This study offers a simple tool to predict prostate cancer relapse. Cancer Res; 76(17); 4941-7. ©2016 AACR.


COVID-19 pandemic and food poverty conversations: Social network analysis of Twitter data.
This novel and mixed-method study investigated food poverty conversations at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdown on the social media platform Twitter. NodeXL Pro software was used to collect tweets using the terms 'food' and 'poverty' in any order somewhere in a tweet sent on selected days between April 5 and May 23, 2020. The data obtained from NodeXL Pro were cleaned. Social network analysis tools were used to analyse and visualise our data. Using this method, sentiment-related words (positive or negative words), the top (the most mentioned) 10 hashtags, top words and top word pairs were identified. The patterns of word pairs communicated in our network were visualised based on each word pair's frequency. This also enabled us to carry out a content analysis to create coding of the word pairs' data. A total of 81 249 tweets were identified that contained the terms 'food' and 'poverty'. Our findings revealed that individuals' tweets overwhelmingly contained views about the increase in hunger, food poverty and food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Twitter users perceived that when the pandemic measures began, many food-secure families were pushed into food insecurity due to a rapid rise in unemployment and rising poverty due to the quarantine and stay-at-home instructions in place at the time. They also addressed the sharp rise in food poverty being driven by panic buying, food shortages, food affordability and disruptions in food supply and food systems. Our analysis of this data suggests that to mitigate food poverty or to prevent a 'hunger pandemic' for future pandemic emergencies, comprehensive and longer term policy responses and economic supports are needed to strengthen the resilience of food systems. However, the highlighted limitations of this study must be considered.


Fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase multigene family involved in the assimilation of n-alkanes in Yarrowia lipolytica.
In the n-alkane assimilating yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, n-alkanes are oxidized to fatty acids via fatty alcohols and fatty aldehydes, after which they are utilized as carbon sources. Here, we show that four genes (HFD1-HFD4) encoding fatty aldehyde dehydrogenases (FALDHs) are involved in the metabolism of n-alkanes in Y. lipolytica. A mutant, in which all of four HFD genes are deleted (Δhfd1-4 strain), could not grow on n-alkanes of 12-18 carbons; however, the expression of one of those HFD genes restored its growth on n-alkanes. Production of Hfd2Ap or Hfd2Bp, translation products of transcript variants generated from HFD2 by the absence or presence of splicing, also supported the growth of the Δhfd1-4 strain on n-alkanes. The FALDH activity in the extract of the wild-type strain was increased when cells were incubated in the presence of n-decane, whereas this elevation in FALDH activity by n-decane was not observed in Δhfd1-4 strain extract. Substantial FALDH activities were detected in the extracts of Escherichia coli cells expressing the HFD genes. Fluorescent microscopic observation suggests that Hfd3p and Hfd2Bp are localized predominantly in the peroxisome, whereas Hfd1p and Hfd2Ap are localized in both the endoplasmic reticulum and the peroxisome. These results suggest that the HFD multigene family is responsible for the oxidation of fatty aldehydes to fatty acids in the metabolism of n-alkanes, and raise the possibility that Hfd proteins have diversified by gene multiplication and RNA splicing to efficiently assimilate or detoxify fatty aldehydes in Y. lipolytica.


Revision ossiculoplasty.
Although ossiculoplasty, also known as ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR), was attempted initially in the early 1900s, it was not until the 1950s that it became commonplace and relatively well understood. Since then, there have been numerous technologic advances and a gain in the understanding of ossiculoplasty. However, successful OCR with resulting long-term stability can be a daunting task. Typically, the most common condition requiring revision OCR is chronic suppurative otitis media (COM) with or without cholesteatoma. Primary and revision OCR are performed also for blunt and penetrating trauma-induced conductive hearing loss, congenital defects (eg, atresia), and benign and malignant tumors. Typically, reconstruction in ears with COM is more difficult than in ears without infection. This article discusses the key factors involved in successful revision OCR.


Effectiveness of Positioning Stents in Radiation-Induced Xerostomia in Patients with Tongue Carcinoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
The aim of this study was to perform an objective and subjective evaluation of the efficacy of positioning stents in radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with tongue carcinoma. A total of 30 patients with tongue carcinoma and undergoing conventional radiotherapy were randomly assigned to control (n = 15) and study (n = 15) groups, without and with a positioning stent, respectively. Assessment of salivary output reduction was done before and after radiotherapy, at 3- and 6-month intervals, by measurement of unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates (objective evaluation). Xerostomia (subjective evaluation) was noted using six items from the Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (QLQ-H&N35) as proposed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. The significance level was set at .05. Mean unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates at 3- and 6-month intervals revealed significantly (P < .05) higher scores for the study group as compared with the control group. The mean quality of life scores in the study group were significantly (P < .05) lower compared with the control group. The use of a positioning stent minimized radiation-induced xerostomia and its symptoms.


[Prevalence of migraine in the medical student population as determined by means of the 'Alcoi 1992' questionnaire].
A group of medical students were interviewed using the 'Alcoi 1992' questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS) in order to assess the prevalence and various characteristics of migraine. This questionnaire for headache diagnosis was approved in 1993, showing both high sensitivity and exactness in diagnosing migraine. Sensitivity, exactness, predictive value and agreement index of the questionnaire in migraine diagnosis were 100%, 94%, 90% (positive) or 100% (negative) and 0.71% respectively. The group was made up of 96 students of both sexes, with an average age of 23.3 years (standard deviation 1.87). A total of 92 students, 35 male and 57 female, reported headaches. The total prevalence rate for headache was 95.8%, the reliability interval (RI) being 76.7-114.9. In the case of female students, the prevalence rate for headache was 96.6% (RI 71.7-121.5) and in the case of male students it was 94.6% (RI 63-125.7). A total of 20 students, six male and 14 female, fulfilled the criteria for migraine. The overall prevalence rate for migraine was 20.8% (RI 11.9-29.7), the prevalence for females being 23.7% (RI 11.6-35.8) and that for males 16.2% (RI 3.7-28.7). The questionnaire would appear to be a useful, rapid and simple method in the assessment of migraine diagnostic.


The effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty without tonsillectomy using local anaesthesia: a prospective long-term follow-up.
This paper presents the long-term effect of restricted surgery for snoring and sleep apnoea. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSAS) (19) or heavy snoring (HS) (36) were studied prospectively for five to seven years after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty without tonsillectomy performed by regular surgical technique using local anaesthesia (LUPP). Five years after surgery, 90 per cent answered a questionnaire. All OSAS patients were offered a polysomnography, and the HS patients were offered a sleep study. Eighty per cent still showed a positive effect on daytime somnolence, and 77 per cent on snoring. Side-effects were reported by 40 per cent; most common was choking (20 per cent) the first year. Eighteen per cent had local problems such as globus sensation. The polysomnography showed that 80 per cent were still 'responders' with an apnoea index (AI) reduction of > 50 per cent. None of the HS patients had developed OSAS. In conclusion, LUPP in selected patients with OSAS or HS has a good long-term effect. Side-effects are common, but diminish with time.