Intraepithelial p63-dependent expression of distinct components of cell adhesion complexes in normal esophageal mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma.
TP63 gene is a member of TP53 tumor suppressor gene family that encodes several protein isoforms involved in the process of epithelial stratification and in epithelial-mesenchyme interactions. TP63 is amplified in a significant proportion of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC), resulting in the hyper-expression of DeltaNp63 as the major p63 isoform. To better understand the contribution of this high expression to tumorigenesis, we have analyzed the impact of intraepithelial p63 expression on the expression of cell adhesion complexes in normal esophagus and in ESCC cell lines. Cells expressing p63 showed an adhesion pattern characterized by lack of tight junctions and presence of adherens junctions. Cell differentiation was accompanied by a decrease in p63 and by a shift to adhesion patterns involving tight junctions. Silencing of p63 mRNA in ESCC cell lines resulted in a similar shift, characterized by increased expression of component of tight junctions, decreased cell-to-cell communication and downregulation of cell proliferation. These results indicate that DeltaNp63 may contribute to esophageal squamous carcinogenesis by maintaining cell adhesion patterns compatible with cell proliferation.


Do not forget the distal lower limb veins in screening patients with spinal cord injuries for deep venous thromboses.
In this prospective study, we aimed to document the rate and localization of deep venous thromboses in patients with spinal cord injuries. Patients with paraplegia or tetraplegia were screened by a serial color duplex sonography protocol for deep venous thrombosis within the first 36 hours after admission, at day 7, and at day 21. Sonography was performed by a complete scan including the veins below the knee. A total of 139 patients were included (19-90 years, 63.5% male). Cumulative rate of deep venous thrombosis after 3 duplex scans was 45.3% (n = 63). In 71.4% (n = 45), thromboses were localized below the knee. Because of the relevant number of distal vein thromboses, inclusion of the calf veins during screening scans is suggested. Further studies are needed to analyze the clinical benefit of diagnosing and treating distal vein thromboses.


Subchromosomal localization and order of GLA, PGK1, HPRT, and G6PD loci on the X chromosome of the American mink (Mustela vison).
Segregation of the X-linked mink markers alpha-galactosidase (GLA), phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK1), hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was analyzed in hybrids of gamma-irradiated mink fibroblasts and Chinese hamster cells and in hybrids of nonirradiated mink fibroblasts and mouse hepatoma cells. Based on this analysis, the order of the four genes is GLA-PGK1-HPRT-G6PD on the mink X chromosome. Cytogenetic analysis of five mink x Chinese hamster hybrid clones containing mink GLA, PGK1, and HPRT, but lacking G6PD, tentatively localized mink G6PD to Xq15.22----qter and also confirmed the gene order as GLA-PGK1-HPRT-G6PD-qter. Comparison of this order with its counterpart in man and the mouse, as well as an analysis of the G-band patterns of their X chromosomes, demonstrated putative similarities between mink and man and differences in the mouse. These differences may be due to a different rate of X-chromosomal rearrangement in mammalian evolution.


Efficacy of propylthiouracil in the treatment of pregnancy with hyperthyroidism and its effect on pregnancy outcomes: A meta-analysis.
Hyperthyroidism affects about 0.2%-2.7% of all pregnancies, and is generally treated with propylthiouracil (PTU). However, previous studies about the effects of propylthiouracil on maternal or foetal are contentious. This meta-analysis was carried out to investigate the safety and efficacy of propylthiouracil during pregnancy. PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP database were searched from inception until August 31, 2021 for all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies that evaluated the efficacy of propylthiouracil and its effects on pregnancy outcomes. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for binary variables, weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for continuous variables. RevMan5.4 and Stata 16.0 were used for performing the meta-analysis. The researchers examined data from 13 randomized controlled trials and cohort studies involving 18948 infants. Congenital anomalies were not significantly associated with PTU in the pooled results (OR = 1.03, 95%CI: 0.84-1.25, P = 0.80, I2 = 40.3%). There were no statistically significant differences in neonatal hypothyroidism (OR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.06-4.92, P = 0.593, I2 = 57.0%) or hepatotoxicity (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.08-1.48, P = 0.151, I2 = 0.0%) exposed to PTU compared to the control group. The serum levels of FT3, FT4, TT3, and TT4 were significantly lower in the propylthiouracil group compared to the control group. This meta-analysis confirmed the beneficial effects of propylthiouracil treatment, namely the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes were not increased, and it also proved PTU's efficacy in the treatment of pregnant women with hyperthyroidism. The findings supported the use of propylthiouracil during pregnancy with hyperthyroidism in order to improve clinical pregnancy outcomes in patients with thyroid dysfunction.


Greenspace and mortality in the U.K. Biobank: Longitudinal cohort analysis of socio-economic, environmental, and biomarker pathways.
Exposure to natural greenspace benefits health through direct and indirect pathways: increasing physical activity, improving mental health, relieving social isolation, reducing exposure to extreme temperature, noise, and air pollution. Understanding the etiologic pathway of greenspace and health is needed. Here, we used a large cohort follow-up data from the U.K. Biobank to quantify the magnitude of behavioural factors, psychological factors, biomarkers/physiological measurements, co-morbid diseases, and environmental exposure as potential mediators in the relationship between greenspace and mortality. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) with Cox proportional hazards models, and undertook exploratory mediation analyses to quantify the relative contribution of five types of mediators. Our results indicate greenspace was strongly associated with lower mortality risks [per IQR of public greenspace (HR = 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.84)) and domestic gardens (HR = 0.91, (95% CI 0.88-0.94))]. The protective associations were especially pronounced among those with lower individual-level socioeconomic status or living in places with area-level deprivation. Exploratory mediation analysis detected benefits in pathways through reducing air pollution, relieving social isolation and depression, increased physical activity and time spent outdoor, better lung function (FEV1/FVC), and having higher serum vitamin D levels.


Nasal cytobrush cytology: evaluation of the hyperchromatic supranuclear stria.
To evaluate the hyperchromatic supranuclear stria (SNS) in various types of rhinopathies. The study included 42 patients with rhinopathies and a control group consisting of 28 healthy adults. The rhinopathy group was categorized into 4 subgroups, including allergic rhinitis, infective rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis and mixed group. Cytologic samples were obtained by cytobrush from the middle one third of the inferior turbinate. The hyperchromatic SNS was present in the majority of ciliated cells in a high percentage in the control group (91.7%), whereas in the pathologic group it was 40%. The difference is significant (p = 0.0000). Nasal cytology is a simple, reliable tool for the diagnosis of rhinopathies.


Physiological and perceptual responses to cycle and treadmill exercise during pregnancy.
We compared physiological and perceptual responses to non-weight bearing (cycle) and weight bearing (treadmill) exercise in 16 sedentary women throughout a normal term pregnancy. Subjects were recruited late in the first trimester (less than 13 wk gestation) and were studied at 4 wk intervals throughout pregnancy and 4 wk postpartum (PP). Exercise consisted of four 5 min protocols; two were performed on the cycle (C1 = 50 W; C2 = 75 W) and two on the treadmill (T1 = 66 m.min-1, 2.5% grade; T2 = 66 m.min-1, 12% grade). Measured variables included oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (VE), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, 10-point Borg scale). Absolute VO2 (ml.min-1) during cycle exercise increased (P less than 0.001) by 25 wk gestation, while relative VO2 (ml.kg-1.min-1) during treadmill walking was unchanged through late pregnancy and PP. This suggests that cycle exercise is not a true non-weight bearing exercise within a given group of women throughout gestation. Subjects' VO2max values were estimated at each test interval and found to increase (P less than 0.001) by 25-28 wk gestation. Heart rate and RPE responses to exercise remained constant throughout gestation and decreased (P less than 0.01) PP. Although they did not participate in a regular exercise program, it appears that our subjects experienced a mild aerobic training effect during late pregnancy.


Clinicopathologic study of intrapancreatic cancer spread in carcinoma of the body and tail of the pancreas.
The aims of this study were to clarify the type of intrapancreatic spread of cancer of the pancreatic body and tail and to assess whether a 2-cm transection margin is adequate to ensure negative margins. We selected 66 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for cancer of the pancreatic body and tail. We investigated intrapancreatic cancer spread in these patients histopathologically and analyzed the relationship between 2-cm-margin positivity and other clinicopathological characteristics. Two-centimeter-margin positivity was observed in 17 cases. In these, tumors had a tendency to spread toward the pancreatic head along the main pancreatic duct. As a result of statistical analysis, we considered venous invasion (odds ratio [OR], 15.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-148.94; P = 0.0177), 2-cm-margin fibrosis (OR, 173.88; 95% CI, 8.96-3375.03; P = 0.0007), and 2-cm-margin hardness (OR, 5.97; 95% CI, 1.07-33.46; P = 0.0420) as being independently related to 2-cm-margin positivity. The results suggest that 2 cm is not a safe length to ensure a negative margin. In the future, preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of the degree of fibrosis of pancreatic parenchyma could lead to cancer-free pancreatic cut-end margins.


Effect of AT2 blockade on cardiac hypertrophy as induced by high dietary salt in the proatrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene-disrupted mouse.
The role of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) during alterations in cardiac size remains largely unclear. Through employment of an AT2 antagonist, the present study explored a possible involvement of the AT2 receptor during salt-induced cardiac hypertrophy in the proatrial natriuretic peptide gene-disrupted mouse (ANP-/-). ANP-/- mice received either saline solution or the AT2 antagonist, PD123319, and were then placed on a high salt diet (8.0% NaCl) for 3 weeks. Cardiac and pulmonary size, expression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and the behaviour of various hypertrophy marker genes were assessed. PD123319 caused enhanced expression of the systemic RAS, yet the cardiac RAS was largely unaffected. Although AT2 blockade did not alter whole cardiac mass, right ventricle mass, as well as pulmonary mass-to-body mass ratios were significantly decreased. Collagen type I was decreased in the latter tissues, likely contributing to the regression in mass. Several players essential in the maintenance of myocardial extracellular matrix homeostasis including B-type natriuretic peptide, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tumour necrosis factor, and transforming growth factor were also significantly altered by PD123319. These data suggest that AT2 blockade is involved in significant changes in myocardial extracellular matrix components translating into decreases in tissue mass in the salt-sensitive ANP-/- animal.


Combining Vibrotactile Feedback with Volitional Myoelectric Control for Robotic Transtibial Prostheses.
In recent years, the development of myoelectric control for robotic lower-limb prostheses makes it possible for amputee users to volitionally control prosthetic joints. However, the human-centered control loop is not closed due to the lack of sufficient feedback of prosthetic joint movement, and it may result in poor control performance. In this research, we propose a vibrotactile stimulation system to provide the feedback of ankle joint position, and validate the necessity of combining it with volitional myoelectric control to achieve improved control performance. The stimulation system is wearable and consists of six vibrators. Three of the vibrators are placed on the anterior side of the thigh and the other three on the posterior side of the thigh. To explore the potential of applying the proposed vibrotactile feedback system for prosthetic ankle control, eight able-bodied subjects and two transtibial amputee subjects (TT1 and TT2) were recruited in this research, and several experiments were designed to investigate subjects' sensitivities to discrete and continuous vibration stimulations applied on the thigh. Then, we proposed a stimulation controller to produce different stimulation patterns according to current ankle angle. Amputee subjects were asked to control a virtual ankle displayed on the computer screen to reach different target ankle angles with a myoelectric controller, and control performances under different feedback conditions were compared. Experimental results indicated that subjects were more sensitive to stimulation position changes (identification accuracies were 96.39 ± 0.86, 91.11, and 93.89% for able-bodied subjects, TT1, and TT2, respectively) than stimulation amplitude changes (identification accuracies were 89.89 ± 2.40, 87.04, and 85.19% for able-bodied subjects, TT1, and TT2, respectively). Response times of able-bodied subjects, TT1, and TT2 to stimulation pattern changes were 0.47 ± 0.02 s, 0.53 s, and 0.48 s, respectively. Furthermore, for both TT1 and TT2, the absolute error of virtual ankle control reduced by about 50% with the addition of vibrotactile feedback. These results suggest that it is promising to apply the vibrotactile feedback system for the control of robotic transtibial prostheses.


Education for entry into nursing practice: revisited for the 21st century.
Professions progress through an expected evolutionary process. This consists of expanding the scientific base, creating technical workers to share in the essential mission of the field, standardizing and up-grading education for entry into practice, and moving forward with specialization. Nursing s progression has been spotty and incomplete, largely because of the influence of external communities of interest, and the fact that nurses have resisted and personalized decisions that are necessary for future generations. For nursing, education for entry into practice has been the most contentious issue in this scheme of professional evolution. For almost 100 years, nurses have debated "entry", but moved to little planned change. Rather, nursing has been swept along by a host of social and educational circumstances that had little to do with nursing. The result has been a myriad of programs with graduates used interchangeably in the real world. This absence of consensus within the discipline of nursing causes consumer confusion, seriously compromises our ability to serve the public, and is intimately associated with the nursing shortage of 2002. What is adequate educational preparation for entry into professional practice for the 21st Century? Agreement on this issue is an essential step towards a preferred future. This paper is intended to raise issues, and to stimulate discussion around these issues, rather than to provide answers.


Evaluation of the Binding Mechanism of Human Defensin 5 in a Bacterial Membrane: A Simulation Study.
Human α-defensin 5 (HD5) is a host-defense peptide exhibiting broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) layer on the Gram-negative bacterial membrane acts as a barrier to HD5 insertion. Therefore, the pore formation and binding mechanism remain unclear. Here, the binding mechanisms at five positions along the bacterial membrane axis were investigated using Molecular Dynamics. (MD) simulations. We found that HD5 initially placed at positions 1 to 3 moved up to the surface, while HD5 positioned at 4 and 5 remained within the membrane interacting with the middle and inner leaflet of the membrane, respectively. The arginines were key components for tighter binding with 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid (KDO), phosphates of the outer and inner leaflets. KDO appeared to retard the HD5 penetration.


Electrochromic behavior of W(x)Si(y)O(z) thin films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering at normal and glancing angles.
This work reports the synthesis at room temperature of transparent and colored W(x)Si(y)O(z) thin films by magnetron sputtering (MS) from a single cathode. The films were characterized by a large set of techniques including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopies. Their optical properties were determined by the analysis of the transmission and reflection spectra. It was found that both the relative amount of tungsten in the W-Si MS target and the ratio O(2)/Ar in the plasma gas were critical parameters to control the blue coloration of the films. The long-term stability of the color, attributed to the formation of a high concentration of W(5+) and W(4+) species, has been related with the formation of W-O-Si bond linkages in an amorphous network. At normal geometry (i.e., substrate surface parallel to the target) the films were rather compact, whereas they were very porous and had less tungsten content when deposited in a glancing angle configuration. In this case, they presented outstanding electrochromic properties characterized by a fast response, a high coloration, a complete reversibility after more than one thousand cycles and a relatively very low refractive index in the bleached state.


"Adult" trauma surgeons with pediatric commitment: a logical solution to the pediatric trauma manpower problem.
Pediatric trauma care by "adult" surgeons is debated, despite the paucity of pediatric trauma surgeons; 424 patients < or = 17 admitted to a Level I Center run by "adult" surgeons were analyzed. Demographics mirrored NPTR (mean ISS 11.5; mean age 10). "Adult" critical care surgeons treated MTOS-comparable patients with outcomes comparable to MTOS. Among other specialists, only neurosurgeons saw a MTOS-comparable population. Nonoperative protocols for solid organ injury were used appropriately. Z for all patients was +0.17 with M 0.908. Ps was 0.951; acute survival was 0.958 with 18 deaths (mean Ps 0.158). There were two unexpected survivors and one unexpected death; 73% of survivors had age-appropriate locomotion. Pediatric trauma outcomes by "adult" surgeons compare favorably to national standards. The recommendation that pediatric trauma care be directed by pediatric surgeons should be qualified in view of such outcomes and the paucity of pediatric trauma surgeons.


Influenza and Influenza Vaccine: A Review.
Influenza is a highly contagious, deadly virus, killing nearly half a million people yearly worldwide. The classic symptoms of influenza are fever, fatigue, cough, and body aches. In the outpatient setting, diagnosis can be made by clinical presentation with optional confirmatory diagnostic testing. Antiviral medications should be initiated as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of initiation of symptoms. The primary preventive measure against influenza is vaccination, which is recommended for all people 6 months of age or older, including pregnant and postpartum women, unless the individual has a contraindication. Vaccination should occur at the beginning of flu season, which typically begins in October. It takes approximately 14 days after vaccination for a healthy adult to reach peak antibody protection. There are challenges associated with vaccine composition and vaccine uptake. It takes approximately 6 to 8 months to identify and predict which influenza strains to include in the upcoming season's vaccine. During this time, the influenza virus may undergo antigenic drift, that is, mutating to avoid a host immune response. Antigenic drift makes the vaccine less effective in some seasons. The influenza virus occasionally undergoes antigenic shift, in which it changes to a novel virus, creating potential for a pandemic. There are also barriers to vaccine uptake, including lack of or limited access to care and misconceptions about receiving the vaccine. Interventions that improve access to and uptake of the influenza vaccine must be initiated, targeting multiple levels, including health care policy, patients, health care systems, and the health care team. This article reviews information about influenza identification, management, and prevention.


Chronic sorrow in parents of children with type 1 diabetes.
This paper reports on a study exploring parents' longer-term experiences of having a child with type 1 diabetes. Parents of children with type 1 diabetes may experience a grief reaction at diagnosis similar to that normally associated with bereavement, but little is known about their long-term emotional adaptation. Chronic sorrow, a sustained but intermittent grief reaction, is identified in adults with diabetes but has not previously been explored in relation to parents. In-depth interviews were conducted in 2007 with a convenience sample of 17 parents of children with type 1 diabetes 7-10 years after diagnosis. Data were explored within a theoretical framework of grief, loss, adaptation, and change. Parents had adapted to the needs of diabetes management but most had not 'come to terms' with the diagnosis. They experienced a resurgence of grief at critical times during their child's development and some, particularly mothers, became upset during their interviews, even though these took place 7-10 years after their child's diagnosis. Mothers elaborated more on their emotions than fathers, but continuing feelings associated with grief, such as anger and guilt, were expressed by both fathers and mothers. Greater understanding of parents' long-term emotional responses and recognition that grief may never resolve in these parents may enable healthcare professionals to provide appropriate and timely support at critical times.


Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activities of the essential oils from endemic Psiadia species growing in mauritius.
The composition of the leaf oils, obtained by hydrodistillation, of five endemic Psiadia species of the Asteraceae family were studied by GC/MS on both polar and non-polar columns. The analysis showed that the volatile components of the oils were made up essentially of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, aliphatics and other shikimic acid derivatives. With respect to the non-volatile components, great variations were observed: P. lithospermifolia contained (E)-isoasarone (51.5%); P. penninervia: eugenol (5.1%); P. terebinthina: eugenyl-acetate (4.0%); P. viscosa: pentyl-4-(1-methylethyl benzoate) (25.8%); P. arguta: isoeugenol (56.5%). In vitro antimicrobial assays using the agar-well diffusion method, revealed that most of the oils were not very active against the tested microorganisms except for that of P. lithospermifolia, which significantly inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aureofaciens, Aspergillus ochraceus, Candida pseudotropicalis, Kluyveromyces lactis and Fusarium moniliforme. This activity has been attributed to the presence of delta-elemene, (E)-farnesene, alpha-curcumene, selina-4,7(11)-diene, (E,Z)-alpha-farnesene, beta-bisabolene some of which have established antimicrobial profiles. Likewise, the fungi toxic action of the oil of P. arguta against Aspergillus ochraceus, Candida pseudotropicalis, and Fusarium moniliforme, may be attributed to the presence of isoeugenol, eugenol being known to be mycotoxic especially against Aspergillus species.


[The medical social risk factors of developing the iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant women].
The results of study of medical social risk factors of developing the iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant women are presented. The medical case history data, the characteristics of pregnancy, delivery and puerperal period course, the indicators of laboratory and instrumental findings are discussed in their dynamics. The analysis of significance of risk factors is carried out, the results of comparing of parameters of basic and control groups according Student's test were used. The most significant risk factors were revealed. They are to be taking into account in forecasting anemia and in choosing the corresponding preventive and curative measures at the first visit of pregnant woman to the maternity clinic.


IgG4 related sclerosing disease with multiple organ involvements and response to corticosteroid treatment.
Great attention has been drawn toward the recently defined IgG4 related sclerosing disease, an entity incorporating autoimmune pancreatitis and other organ involvements, hypergammaglobulinemia and deposition of IgG4 in affected tissues. We demonstrate an index case of this disease with multiple organ involvements and an excellent response to corticosteroid treatment. A 69-year-old white man was diagnosed with IgG4 related sclerosing disease with involvement of lungs, pancreas, submandibular glands, lymph nodes, and kidney. In addition, the patient had polyclonal IgG hypergammaglobulinemia and hypocomplementemia. A renal biopsy showed tubulointerstitial nephritis with extensive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Biopsy of the lung showed "inflammatory pseudotumor" with lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration. IgG4 positive plasma cells were seen in the biopsy of submandibular gland and the kidney. Immuno-staining of the renal biopsy specimen showed vascular deposition of complement split product C4d. Corticosteroid treatment of 2 months showed complete resolution of the disease process. We demonstrate deposition of C4d in the IgG4 related tubulointerstitial nephritis for the first time.


Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and asthma: would be possible to improve therapy on the basis of what is now known?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic and relapsing clinical condition, associated or not to histopathologic alteration resulting from repeated contact of oesophageal mucosa with gastric content. This condition occurs with high prevalence in the general population and represents one of the most frequent reasons for health care-seeking addressed to primary care physician and gastroenterologists. A plethora of extra-oesophageal manifestations have been described in patients suffering from GORD and a causal relationship has been postulated by many investigators. A large cohort of studies has focused on the possible cause-effect interaction between GORD and asthma. However, despite the improvement in both asthma symptoms and medication requirements after anti-secretory therapy, no change in pulmonary function is evident. Furthermore, the pathogenetic mechanism, a vagally mediated reflex, microaspiration or increasing reactivity to the stimuli, is yet unclear. Since conflicting conclusions and the failure to find a causal relationship are generally due to the heterogeneity of the studies, further research is needed to clarify the role of GORD in asthma pathogenesis, or viceversa, and whether a medical or surgical anti-secretory treatment may be an approach to curing the asthma patients non-responders to the classical therapy.


Thermal Niche for Seed Germination and Species Distribution Modelling of Swietenia macrophylla King (Mahogany) under Climate Change Scenarios.
Swietenia macrophylla is an economically important tree species propagated by seeds that lose their viability in a short time, making seed germination a key stage for the species recruitment. The objective of this study was to determine the cardinal temperatures and thermal time for seed germination of S. macrophylla; and its potential distribution under different climate change scenarios. Seeds were placed in germination chambers at constant temperatures from 5 to 45 °C and their thermal responses modelled using a thermal time approach. In addition, the potential biogeographic distribution was projected according to the Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4). Germination rate reached its maximum at 37.3 ± 1.3 °C (To); seed germination decreased to near zero at 52.7 ± 2.2 °C (ceiling temperature, Tc) and at 12.8 ± 2.4 °C (base temperature, Tb). The suboptimal thermal time θ150 needed for 50% germination was ca. 190 °Cd, which in the current scenario is accumulated in 20 days. The CCSM4 model estimates an increase of the potential distribution of the species of 12.3 to 18.3% compared to the current scenario. The temperature had an important effect on the physiological processes of the seeds. With the increase in temperature, the thermal needs for germination are completed in less time, so the species will not be affected in its distribution. Although the distribution of the species may not be affected, it is crucial to generate sustainable management strategies to ensure its long-term conservation.


Knockdown of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin with antisense oligonucleotide does not exacerbate smoke induced lung injury.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) is a serum protease inhibitor that regulates increased lung protease production induced by cigarette smoking. Mutations in the Serpina1 gene cause AAT to form hepatoxic polymers, which can lead to reduced availability for the protein's primary function and severe liver disease. An AAT antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) was previously identified to be beneficial for the AATD liver disease by blocking the mutated AAT transcripts. Here we hypothesized that knockdown of AAT aggravates murine lung injury during smoke exposure and acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups each for the smoking and smoke-flu injury models. The ASO and control (No-ASO) were injected subcutaneously starting with smoking or four days prior to influenza infection and then injected weekly at 50 mg/kg body weight. ASO treatment during a 3-month smoke exposure significantly decreased the serum and lung AAT expression, resulting in increased Cela1 expression and elastase activity. However, despite the decrease in AAT, neither the inflammatory cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) nor the lung structural changes were significantly worsened by ASO treatment. We observed significant differences in inflammation and emphysema due to smoke exposure, but did not observe an ASO treatment effect. Similarly, with the smoke-flu model, differences were only observed between smoke-flu and room air controls, but not as a result of ASO treatment. Off-target effects or compensatory mechanisms may account for this finding. Alternatively, the reduction of AAT with ASO treatment, while sufficient to protect from liver injury, may not be robust enough to lead to lung injury. The results also suggest that previously described AAT ASO treatment for AAT mutation related liver disease may attenuate hepatic injury without being detrimental to the lungs. These potential mechanisms need to be further investigated in order to fully understand the impact of AAT inhibition on protease-antiprotease imbalance in the murine smoke exposure model.


Broadly binding and functional antibodies and persisting memory B cells elicited by HIV vaccine PDPHV.
Since publishing our original reports on the safety and immunogenicity of a polyvalent DNA prime-protein boost HIV vaccine (PDPHV) which elicited high titer antibody responses with broad specificity, neutralizing activities to multiple HIV-1 subtypes, as well as poly-functional T cell responses, accumulated findings from other HIV vaccine studies indicated the important roles of Ig isotype distribution, Fc medicated functions and the persistence of memory immune responses which were not studied in previous PDPHV related reports. The current report provides further detailed characterization of these parameters in human volunteers receiving the PDPHV regimen. Antibody responses were assessed using IgG isotype and gp70-V1V2-binding ELISAs, peptide arrays, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. B cell ELISPOT was used to detect gp120-specific memory B cells. Our results showed that the gp120-specific antibodies were primarily of the IgG1 isotype. HIV-1 envelope protein variable regions V1 and V2 were actively targeted by the antibodies as determined by specific binding to both peptide and V1V2-carrying scaffolds. The antibodies showed potent and broad ADCC responses. Finally, the B cell ELISPOT analysis demonstrated persistence of gp120-specific memory B cells for at least 6 months after the last dose. These data indicate that broadly reactive binding Abs and ADCC responses as well as durable gp120-specific memory B cells were elicited by the polyvalent heterologous prime-boost vaccination regimens and showed great promise as a candidate HIV vaccine.


Knowledge and awareness of biosimilars and shared decision-making among gastroenterology team members in Colorado, USA.
Background: There are gaps in gastroenterologist team members' understanding of various topics related to biosimilars. We aimed to examine perspectives, views, and attitudes toward biosimilar and shared decision-making (SDM) among gastroenterology team members in Colorado, USA. The ultimate goal was to increase knowledge and awareness of biosimilars and SDM. Research design and methods: We developed educational materials focused on biosimilars and SDM and distributed them to each participating gastroenterology office. Subsequently, we conducted a survey of all team members from participating offices. Results: Responses were obtained from 54 gastroenterology team members. Most respondents identified the correct answer regarding biosimilars, the nocebo effect, and SDM. Almost half (47.2%) of respondents scored their level of awareness regarding biosimilars prior to reading our educational materials as poor, and nearly one quarter (26.4%) indicated so for SDM. Improvement in scores after reading our materials was significant for both biosimilars and SDM (i.e. biosimilar: z = 6.276, p-value <0.001 and SDM z = 6.328, p-value <0.001). Conclusions: Educational efforts effectively increased the low baseline knowledge and awareness of biosimilars and SDM among gastroenterology team members. More educational projects focused on biosimilars and SDM are needed to reduce the nocebo effect and prevent hampering of the cost-savings of biosimilars.


Retrospective analysis of 200 severe post-burn cases in cambodia and bangladesh.
The experience is reported of two years' surgical activity carried out in hospitals for civil war victims in Battambang (Cambodia) and in an NGO hospital in Dhaka (Bangladesh) with regard to the treatment of non-acute burn patients. The aim of this report is to demonstrate that work in field hospitals deficient in means and equipment achieves the same results as those usually obtained in western hospitals. Our experience covers the surgical treatment of 200 patients with scars due to fire, acids, and land mines. We mainly treated patients with scars compromising or preventing the normal activity of limbs and extremities, with the aim of restoring correct functionality and an aesthetically satisfactory appearance.


Relationship between sexual abstinence duration and the acrosome index in teratozoospermic semen: analysis of 1800 semen samples.
A high acrosome index (percentage of sperm with normal acrosome morphology--cutoff value > or =10%) is known to be associated with an improved fertilization rate in conventional IVF. A retrospective evaluation of the relationship between duration of sexual abstinence and acrosome index among oligozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples with teratozoospermia was undertaken. A significant (P = 0.001) decrease in the acrosome index was observed among the normozoospermic samples (n = 1264) between the peak value of 10.2 +/- 3.6% on day 2 and 8.5 +/- 4.0% on day 5 of abstinence, while for the oligozoospermic samples (n = 536) the peak value of 8.7 +/- 3.5% was observed on day 1 and the lowest values of 6.8 +/- 3.7% (P = 0.04) on day 5 of abstinence. The results suggest that an optimal acrosome index will be obtained following a short sexual abstinence.


The immunologic approach to analysis of malignant lymphoma. Mantle zone lymphoma of the ileocecal region.
We studied an unusual type of lymphoma of the ileocecal region using an established protocol that combines morphologic, flow cytometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. This lymphoma grew as multiple submucosal nodules, some of which had coalesced into a mass in the terminal ileum. Histologically, the lesion resembled a lymphoma of follicular center-cell origin except for germinal centers that appeared reactive and greatly expanded follicular mantles. Flow cytometric studies showed that the lymphoma contained a monoclonal, kappa+ population of B-lymphocytes. Evaluation of sections of frozen tissue by an immunoperoxidase technique revealed that the germinal centers were polyclonal (nonneoplastic) and that the neoplastic cells were confined to the mantle zone. The additional information led to classification of the neoplasm as the mantle zone variant of intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma. This type of lymphoma may pursue a more aggressive course than a follicular lymphoma derived from the germinal center. We review our general approach to the analysis of hematolymphoid neoplasms and discuss how certain techniques may be useful adjuncts in the evaluation of these types of tumors.


Peritoneal-pleural communications in hepatic hydrothorax demonstrated by thoracoscopy.
To understand the mechanism of hepatic hydrothorax clearly, thoracoscopy was performed with a flexible bronchoscope. It revealed an intrathoracic influx of ascitic fluid via a bleb and two defects located in the tendinous portion of the right hemidiaphragm and confirmed the existence of transdiaphragmatic peritoneal-pleural communications.


Communicating with limited English proficiency (LEP) patients: question of health-care access.
In the United States, the ability to understand English plays an essential role in how well patients and health-care providers communicate. This article highlights the concerns of providers, differential health-care outcomes, and risk management concerns of providing health care in an increasingly diverse and polyglot population.


Health-Related Quality of Life Following Total Laryngectomy: A Systematic Review.
Treatment of advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer has shifted from total laryngectomy (TL) toward laryngeal-preserving therapies due to a general perception that TL has a significantly negative impact on the individual's life. However, whether the physical impairments related to TL translate to a reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has not yet been determined. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to determine how HRQoL is affected following TL. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Inclusion criteria were original studies describing quality of life following TL after larynx/hypopharynx cancer using a formally developed patient-reported questionnaire. Study quality assessment was carried out with the tool developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Forty-six studies using 12 different questionnaires were included. The majority were cross-sectional (85%), and study quality was rated poor in 30%, fair in 30%, and good in 39% of studies. When comparing results from the four most frequently used questionnaires with normative data, we found that in more than 60% of studies, differences to the reference population were of clinical importance, with only few exceptions. In general, we found that people who received TL have a worse HRQoL than the male normative reference population. However, even though TL patients experience a clinically important difference in many domains when compared with normative data, their burden of symptoms is generally mild. The current review also makes it evident that despite the relatively large number of studies conducted, the strength of evidence remains weak. Laryngoscope, 131:820-831, 2021.


Spectral-to-temporal amplitude mapping polarization spectroscopy of rotational transients.
A new implementation of pump-probe polarization spectroscopy is presented where the revivals of an impulsively excited rotational wavepacket are mapped onto a broad-band, chirped continuum pulse to measure a long temporal window without the need for delay scanning. Experimental measurements and a theoretical framework for spectral-temporal amplitude mapping polarization spectroscopy (STAMPS) as applied to impulsive rotational motion are presented. In this technique, a femtosecond laser pulse is used to prepare a rotational wavepacket in a gas-phase sample at room temperature. The rotational revivals of the wavepacket are then mapped onto a chirped continuum (400-800 nm) pulse created by laser filamentation in argon. Nearly single-shot time-resolved rotational spectra are recorded over a 65 ps time window. The transient birefringence spectra are simulated by including terms for polarization rotation of the probe as well as cross-phase modulation. Measurements and simulations are presented for the cylindrically symmetric N2, O2, and CO2 molecules. The long time window of the method allows measurement of rotational spectra for asymmetric top molecules, and here we present measurements for ethylene and methanol.


Identification of quantitative trait loci for four morphologic traits under water stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.).
Late season drought coinciding with the rice booting to heading stage affects the development of plant height, panicle exsertion, and flag leaf size, and causes significant yield loss. In this study, a recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between paddy and upland cultivars was used for data collection of the morphologic traits under well water and drought stress conditions. Drought stress was applied at the stage of panicle initiation in the field in 2002 and at the booting stage in PVC pipes in 2003. The data from stress conditions and their ratios (trait measured under stress condition/trait measured under well water condition) or differences (trait measured under stress condition minus trait measured under well water condition) were used for QTL analysis. Totally, 17 and 36 QTLs for these traits were identified in 2002 and 2003, respectively, which explained a range of 2.58%-29.82% of the phenotypic variation. Among them, six QTLs were commonly identified in the two years, suggesting that the drought stress in the two years was different. The genetic basis of these traits will provide useful information for improving rice late season drought resistance, and their application as indirect indices in rice late season drought resistance screening was also discussed.


Therapeutic efficacy and clinical acceptability of fusafungine in follicular pharyngitis.
Eighty-one patients suffering from follicular pharyngitis were treated for 7 days in a double-blind, multicentre controlled study of fusafungine versus placebo. Evaluations were performed at inclusion, after 7 days of treatment, and 3 weeks after the end of the treatment. The effects of the pharyngitis on day-to-day life, changes in symptoms, morphological changes of lesions, and general changes observed by the investigator and expressed by the patient were the parameters evaluated at each visit. Results confirmed the efficacy of fusafungine in the treatment of local and symptomatic manifestations of follicular pharyngitis. Effects of follicular pharyngitis on day-to-day life decreased after 7 days of treatment and the differences between the treatment group and the placebo group was close to significance in favour of fusafungine. For the majority of symptoms, the percentage of patients who did not display the symptoms at D7 was greater in the fusafungine group. Postnasal drip decreased significantly in the fusafungine group. The investigators' and patients' judgement was also in favour of the fusafungine treatment. These improvements were confirmed at least 3 weeks after the end of the treatment.


Alternating current driven electroluminescence from ZnSe/ZnS:Mn/ZnS nanocrystals.
We present a novel technique for room temperature, solution-based fabrication of alternating current thin-film electroluminescent (AC-TFEL) devices using phosphor-doped nanocrystals. Synthesis for stable ZnSe/ZnS:Mn/ZnS nanocrystals that exhibit a quantum yield of 65 +/- 5% is outlined, and their electroluminescence is demonstrated in structures consisting of only wide band gap ceramic layers. Both the nanocrystal and the ceramic films have minimal absorption across the visible light spectrum, enabling us to demonstrate transparent AC-TFEL devices.


An Experimentally Validated Numerical Modeling Technique for Perforated Plate Heat Exchangers.
Cryogenic and high-temperature systems often require compact heat exchangers with a high resistance to axial conduction in order to control the heat transfer induced by axial temperature differences. One attractive design for such applications is a perforated plate heat exchanger that utilizes high conductivity perforated plates to provide the stream-to-stream heat transfer and low conductivity spacers to prevent axial conduction between the perforated plates. This paper presents a numerical model of a perforated plate heat exchanger that accounts for axial conduction, external parasitic heat loads, variable fluid and material properties, and conduction to and from the ends of the heat exchanger. The numerical model is validated by experimentally testing several perforated plate heat exchangers that are fabricated using microelectromechanical systems based manufacturing methods. This type of heat exchanger was investigated for potential use in a cryosurgical probe. One of these heat exchangers included perforated plates with integrated platinum resistance thermometers. These plates provided in situ measurements of the internal temperature distribution in addition to the temperature, pressure, and flow rate measured at the inlet and exit ports of the device. The platinum wires were deposited between the fluid passages on the perforated plate and are used to measure the temperature at the interface between the wall material and the flowing fluid. The experimental testing demonstrates the ability of the numerical model to accurately predict both the overall performance and the internal temperature distribution of perforated plate heat exchangers over a range of geometry and operating conditions. The parameters that were varied include the axial length, temperature range, mass flow rate, and working fluid.


Intraperitoneal rupture of cysticercosal cyst mimicking appendicular perforation.
Anaphylaxis following intraperitoneal rupture of a cysticercosal cyst mimicking pelvic peritonitis secondary to appendicular perforation is reported. Human cysticercosis occurs following ingestion of Taenia solium eggs, usually from faecally contaminated food. A case of pelvic cysicercosis presenting with signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and peritonitis is reported, with plausible explanations for this unusual presentation.


Hydrogen peroxide: a signaling messenger.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a well-documented component of living cells. It plays important roles in host defense and oxidative biosynthetic reactions. In addition there is growing evidence that at low levels, H2O2 also functions as a signaling agent, particularly in higher organisms. This review evaluates the evidence that H2O2 functions as a signaling agent in higher organisms in light of the known biology and biochemistry of H2O2. All aerobic organisms studied to date from prokaryotes to humans appear to tightly regulate their intracellular H2O2 concentrations at relatively similar levels. Multiple biochemical strategies for rapidly reacting with these low endogenous levels of H2O2 have been elucidated from the study of peroxidases and catalases. Well-defined biochemical pathways involved in the response to exogenous H2O2 have been described in both prokaryotes and yeast. In animals and plants, regulated enzymatic systems for generating H2O2 have been described. In addition oxidation-dependent steps in signal transduction pathways are being uncovered, and evidence is accumulating regarding the nature of the specific reactive oxygen species involved in each of these pathways. Application of physiologic levels of H2O2 to mammalian cells has been shown to stimulate biological responses and to activate specific biochemical pathways in these cells.


Ethnic variation in medical and lifestyle risk factors for B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A case-control study among Israelis and Palestinians.
Risk factors for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) have not been assessed among Palestinian Arabs (PA) and Israeli Jews (IJ). In a case-control study we investigated self-reported medical and lifestyle exposures, reporting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals [CIs], by ethnicity, for overall B-NHL and subtypes. We recruited 823 cases and 808 healthy controls. Among 307 PA/516 IJ B-NHL cases (mean age at diagnosis = 51 [±17] versus 60 [±15] years, respectively) subtype distributions differed, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) being prominent among PA (71%) compared to IJ (41%); follicular lymphoma (FL), was observed in 14% versus 28%, and marginal zone lymphoma, in 2% versus 14%, respectively. Overall B-NHL in both populations was associated with recreational sun exposure OR = 1.43 [CI:1.07-1.91], black hair-dye use OR = 1.70 [CI:1.00-2.87], hospitalization for infection OR = 1.68 [CI:1.34-2.11], and first-degree relative with hematopoietic cancer, OR = 1.69 [CI:1.16-2.48]. An inverse association was noted with alcohol use, OR = 0.46 [CI:0.34-0.62]. Subtype-specific exposures included smoking (FL, OR = 1.46 [CI:1.01-2.11]) and >monthly indoor pesticide use (DLBCL, OR = 2.01 [CI:1.35-3.00]). Associations observed for overall B-NHL in PA only included: gardening OR = 1.93 [CI:1.39-2.70]; history of herpes, mononucleosis, rubella, blood transfusion (OR>2.5, P<0.01 for all); while for IJ risk factors included growing fruits and vegetables, OR = 1.87 [CI:1.11-3.15]; and self-reported autoimmune diseases, OR = 1.99 [CI:1.34-2.95]. In these geographically proximate populations we found some unique risk factors for B-NHL. Heterogeneity in the observed associations by ethnicity could reflect differences in lifestyle, medical systems, and reporting patterns, while variations by histology infer specific etiologic factors for lymphoma subtypes.


NRF2 Activation and Downstream Effects: Focus on Parkinson's Disease and Brain Angiotensin.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are signalling molecules used to regulate cellular metabolism and homeostasis. However, excessive ROS production causes oxidative stress, one of the main mechanisms associated with the origin and progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. NRF2 (Nuclear Factor-Erythroid 2 Like 2) is a transcription factor that orchestrates the cellular response to oxidative stress. The regulation of NRF2 signalling has been shown to be a promising strategy to modulate the progression of the neurodegeneration associated to Parkinson's disease. The NRF2 pathway has been shown to be affected in patients with this disease, and activation of NRF2 has neuroprotective effects in preclinical models, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of this pathway. In this review, we highlight recent advances regarding the regulation of NRF2, including the effect of Angiotensin II as an endogenous signalling molecule able to regulate ROS production and oxidative stress in dopaminergic neurons. The genes regulated and the downstream effects of activation, with special focus on Kruppel Like Factor 9 (KLF9) transcription factor, provide clues about the mechanisms involved in the neurodegenerative process as well as future therapeutic approaches.


Tridimensional study of the deep cortex of the rat lymph node. VI. The deep cortex units of the germ-free rat.
The deep cortex of the normal rat lymph node consists of semirounded lymphocytic structures, termed deep cortex "units," each being centered on the opening of an afferent lymphatic. The aim of the present work was to investigate the morphologic features of the units in germ-free animals, in an attempt to evaluate the influence on natural exogenous antigenic stimulation on the development of the units. For this, the lymph nodes from various anatomic locations from 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley germ-free rats were analysed tridimensionally. The observations revealed that, in comparison with the lymph nodes of normal rats, the units of the cervical and mesenteric lymph nodes of the germ-free animals were underdeveloped, while those of the brachial, inguinal, and popliteal lymph nodes were unchanged. Moreover, the germ-free state modified the units of the mesenteric lymph nodes in a manner not encountered in the remaining lymph nodes. Other morphologic features of the peripheral cortex of the lymph nodes of germ-free rats also differed from those of normal ones. The significance of these differences is discussed with respect to immune responses and the process of lymphocyte recirculation. They are of interest because they support previous proposals regarding some aspects of the functioning of the normal lymph node, accounting for the features of the structures and overall architecture of the organ.


Acquired toxoplasmosis of the buccal area with extranodular involvement: report of an unusual case.
Acquired toxoplasmosis is a common parasitic infection in humans. It can be caused by ingestion of infected meat or other food that has been contaminated by the feces of infected cats. Approximately 90% of immunocompetent patients with acquired toxoplasmosis are asymptomatic and undiagnosed; in the other 10%, toxoplasmosis manifests as a nonspecific, self-limited illness that usually does not require treatment. In symptomatic cases, cervical lymphadenopathy is one of the most common clinical findings. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman who experienced unilateral facial swelling secondary to toxoplasmosis. In addition to the atypical location of her disease (i.e., the buccal area), the atypical histopathologic findings in this case (e.g., extranodular involvement) constituted a very unusual presentation of toxoplasmosis.


Metabolism and Fitness of Urinary Tract Pathogens.
Among common infections, urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most frequently diagnosed urologic disease. The majority of UTIs are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli. The primary niche occupied by E. coli is the lower intestinal tract of mammals, where it resides as a beneficial component of the commensal microbiota. Although it is well-known that E. coli resides in the human intestine as a harmless commensal, specific strains or pathotypes have the potential to cause a wide spectrum of intestinal and diarrheal diseases. In contrast, extraintestinal E. coli pathotypes reside harmlessly in the human intestinal microenvironment but, upon access to sites outside of the intestine, become a major cause of human morbidity and mortality as a consequence of invasive UTI (pyelonephritis, bacteremia, or septicemia). Thus, extraintestinal pathotypes like uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) possess an enhanced ability to cause infection outside of the intestinal tract and colonize the urinary tract, the bloodstream, or cerebrospinal fluid of human hosts. Due to the requirement for these E. coli to replicate in and colonize both the intestine and extraintestinal environments, we posit that physiology and metabolism of UPEC strains is paramount. Here we discuss that the ability to survive in the urinary tract depends as much on bacterial physiology and metabolism as it does on the well-considered virulence determinants.


Laser Capture and Deep Sequencing Reveals the Transcriptomic Programmes Regulating the Onset of Pancreas and Liver Differentiation in Human Embryos.
To interrogate the alternative fates of pancreas and liver in the earliest stages of human organogenesis, we developed laser capture, RNA amplification, and computational analysis of deep sequencing. Pancreas-enriched gene expression was less conserved between human and mouse than for liver. The dorsal pancreatic bud was enriched for components of Notch, Wnt, BMP, and FGF signaling, almost all genes known to cause pancreatic agenesis or hypoplasia, and over 30 unexplored transcription factors. SOX9 and RORA were imputed as key regulators in pancreas compared with EP300, HNF4A, and FOXA family members in liver. Analyses implied that current in vitro human stem cell differentiation follows a dorsal rather than a ventral pancreatic program and pointed to additional factors for hepatic differentiation. In summary, we provide the transcriptional codes regulating the start of human liver and pancreas development to facilitate stem cell research and clinical interpretation without inter-species extrapolation.


The Impact of Funding Insulin Research on Open Access Publishing: A 20-Years Bibliometric Analysis.
The recent report of The World Health Organization on diabetes has stressed on the burden of diabetes on low/middle income countries. Recent studies advocated the importance of funding more research on diabetes and insulin in these countries. Recently, the European Research Council advocated the importance of gold Open Access (OA) publishing, where the funded research should be immediately accessible. In this study, we aim to assess funding for insulin research, where we will compare the OA status between funded and unfunded research. We used Scopus database to assess insulin research published from January 1st, 1999 to December 31st, 2018. Our bibliometric analysis consisted of three main sections: analysis of all publications on insulin, analysis of funded insulin publications, and analysis of unfunded insulin publications. We found a total of 388,202 publications, of which only 83,180 (21.4%) were funded. USA produced around 30.1% of the total publications, and the National Institute of Health (NIH) was the major funder with 18.6% of all publications. Of the funded publications, 29,143 (35%) were OA publications, compared to 97,347 (31.9%) of the unfunded publications. We didn't find a significant difference in OA status between funded and unfunded research. In concordance with the European Research Council's decision to support gold OA publishing model, we found that only 35% of the funded and 31.9% of the unfunded insulin research were OA. Although the funded research is increasing in China, most of it is produced in high income countries. This highlights the importance of allocating more funds to low/middle income countries.


Beyond neighborhood poverty: family management, neighborhood disorder, and adolescents' early sexual onset.
The authors examined how neighborhood disorder modifies associations between family management practices and youth transitions to sex among low-income African American and Latino urban families. The sample included 846 young adolescents and their mothers who participated in Welfare, Children and Families: A Three-City Study. Results from multilevel logistic regression models indicated no main effects of family management practices or neighborhood-level conditions on transitions to sex once accounting for demographics. However, higher levels of family routines and parental knowledge (i.e., awareness of youths' friends, whereabouts, and activities) were more strongly associated with a lower probability of youth sexual onset as neighborhood disorder increased. Results provide further evidence for the contextually specific nature of parenting impacts on adolescent adjustment.


Critical health psychology in New Zealand: Developments, directions and reflections.
We examine how critical health psychology developed in New Zealand, taking an historical perspective to document important influences. We discuss how academic appointments created a confluence of critical researchers at Massey University, how interest in health psychology arose and expanded, how the critical turn eventuated and how connections, both local and international, were important in building and sustaining these developments. We discuss the evolution of teaching a critical health psychology training programme, describe the research agendas and professional activities of academic staff involved and how this sustains the critical agenda. We close with some reflections on progress and attainment.


Arthrogenic muscle response induced by an experimental knee joint effusion is mediated by pre- and post-synaptic spinal mechanisms.
Knee joint effusion results in quadriceps inhibition and is accompanied by increased excitability in the soleus musculature. The purpose of this study was to determine if soleus arthrogenic muscle response is regulated by pre- or post-synaptic spinal mechanisms. Ten healthy adults (two females and eight males) were measured on two occasions. At the first session, subjects had their knee injected with 60 ml of saline and in the other session they did not. Pre- and post-synaptic spinal mechanisms were measured at baseline, immediately following a needle stick, immediately following a Xylocaine injection, and 25 and 45 min post-saline injection. A mixed effects model for repeated measures was used to analyze each dependent variable. The a priori alpha level was set a P < or = 0.05. The percentage of the unconditioned reflex amplitude for recurrent inhibition (P < 0.0001) and reflex activation history (P < 0.0001) significantly increased from baseline at 25 and 45 min post-effusion. Soleus arthrogenic muscle response seen following knee joint effusion is mediated by both pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms. In conclusion, the arthrogenic muscle response seen in the soleus musculature following joint effusion is regulated by both pre- and post-synaptic control mechanisms. Our data are the first step in understanding the neural networks involved in the patterned muscle response that occurs following joint effusion.


Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated NFkappaB/p65 in human keratinocytes by alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone peptides.
Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has pigmentary, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and general immunomodulatory roles. It can oppose several cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha in a number of tissues, including skin. We have previously shown that alpha-MSH can inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated intercellular adhesion molecule 1 upregulation and nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) transcription factor activation in melanocyte and melanoma cells. It is thought, however, that this MSH biology may also extend to other cells of the skin and in this study we extend our work to keratinocytes. We have investigated in detail the ability of three alpha-MSH peptides to inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha stimulated NFkappaB activation in nonpigmentary HaCaT keratinocytes (alpha-MSH, L-Lys-L-Pro-L-Val, and L-Lys-L-Pro-D-Val) and two adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) peptides (1-17 and 1-39), reported to be present in skin tissue. NFkappaB/p65 activation was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunofluorescent microscopy. alpha-MSH, L-Lys-L-Pro-L-Val, and L-Lys-L-Pro-D-Val all significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha stimulated NFkappaB activation, whereas ACTH 1-17 and 1-39 did not, in the HaCaT keratinocytes. MSH peptides and ACTH 1-39 were effective, however, at inhibiting NFkappaB activation in normal human keratinocytes. Immunolabeling of inhibitor kappaBalpha of NFkappaB (IkappaBalpha) revealed an abnormal localization to the nucleus of HaCaT cells, which was unaffected by MSH/ACTH peptides. In contrast, normal human keratinocytes showed a normal IkappaBalpha distribution that responded to MSH/ACTH with nuclear translocation. Our data support previous work on the role of MSH/ACTH peptides as immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory regulators, and extend this work to keratinocytes identifying a novel IkappaBalpha mechanism and extends findings to ACTH peptides, identifying an abnormal IkappaBalpha mechanism in the immortal HaCaT versus normal keratinocyte.


Anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis presenting with catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome in patients with intellectual disability and autism.
We report anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis in two patients with autism and intellectual disability presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms of catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Case reports such as these help raise awareness of this clinical issue. By paving the way for earlier diagnoses they ultimately maximise the potential for curative treatments and prevention of long-term complications.


Changes in enzyme levels in hypertensive heart tissue.
The levels of activity of some enzymes involved in oxidative metabolism have been determined in left ventricular tissue from spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with those in normotensive controls. Levels of pyruvate kinase were increased about 1.3 fold indicative of elevated glycolytic activity. Similarly, enhanced levels of lactate dehydrogenase were found, consistent with a requirement for increased oxidation of cytosolically-generated NADH. In addition a more active malate-aspartate shuttle, which in heart provides the major route for transfer of reducing equivalents to the mitochondria, was suggested by elevated levels of the cytosolic isoenzyme of aspartate aminotransferase; malate dehydrogenase did not increase but the activity of this enzyme is very high and unlikely to be rate-limiting in the shuttle. The levels of expression of mRNAs for three of these enzymes (pyruvate kinase, aspartate aminotransferase and malate dehydrogenase) were also determined and correlated well with the extent of change, if any, in the changes in enzymatic activity. Thus it seems that one response to development of hypertension in rats is an increase in expression of the genes for certain key enzymes involved in oxidative metabolism.


Leukemia Stem Cells as a Potential Target to Achieve Therapy-Free Remission in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
Leukemia stem cells (LSCs, also known as leukemia-initiating cells) not only drive leukemia initiation and progression, but also contribute to drug resistance and/or disease relapse. Therefore, eradication of every last LSC is critical for a patient's long-term cure. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder that arises from multipotent hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have dramatically improved long-term outcomes and quality of life for patients with CML in the chronic phase. Point mutations of the kinase domain of BCR-ABL1 lead to TKI resistance through a reduction in drug binding, and as a result, several new generations of TKIs have been introduced to the clinic. Some patients develop TKI resistance without known mutations, however, and the presence of LSCs is believed to be at least partially associated with resistance development and CML relapse. We previously proposed targeting quiescent LSCs as a therapeutic approach to CML, and a number of potential strategies for targeting insensitive LSCs have been presented over the last decade. The identification of specific markers distinguishing CML-LSCs from healthy HSCs, and the potential contributions of the bone marrow microenvironment to CML pathogenesis, have also been explored. Nonetheless, 25% of CML patients are still expected to switch TKIs at least once, and various TKI discontinuation studies have shown a wide range in the incidence of molecular relapse (from 30% to 60%). In this review, we revisit the current knowledge regarding the role(s) of LSCs in CML leukemogenesis and response to pharmacological treatment and explore how durable treatment-free remission may be achieved and maintained after discontinuing TKI treatment.


Apaf-1 is a transcriptional target for E2F and p53.
Loss of function of the retinoblastoma protein, pRB, leads to lack of differentiation, hyperproliferation and apoptosis. Inactivation of pRB results in deregulated E2F activity, which in turn induces entry to S-phase and apoptosis. Induction of apoptosis by either the loss of pRB or the deregulation of E2F activity occurs via both p53-dependent and p53-independent mechanisms. The mechanism by which E2F induces apoptosis is still unclear. Here we show that E2F1 directly regulates the expression of Apaf-1, the gene for apoptosis protease-activating factor 1. These results provide a direct link between the deregulation of the pRB pathway and apoptosis. Furthermore, because the pRB pathway is functionally inactivated in most cancers, the identification of Apaf-1 as a transcriptional target for E2F might explain the increased sensitivity of tumour cells to chemotherapy. We also show that, independently of the pRB pathway, Apaf-1 is a direct transcriptional target of p53, suggesting that p53 might sensitize cells to apoptosis by increasing Apaf-1 levels.


Electroacupuncture for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Although electroacupuncture (EA) is an effective treatment for pain relief, there has been no systematic review of EA treatment for temporomandibular disorder TMD. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA in TMD management. We searched 14 databases until April 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of EA on TMDs. Eleven RCTs with 667 patients that used three acupuncture points (ST6, ST7, and LI4) were included. Two RCTs reported significant effects of EA plus microwave treatment compared with EA treatment alone on the total effectiveness rate (TER) for TMD. Further, two studies reported that compared with ultrashort wave alone, EA plus ultrashort wave had a significant effect on the TER for TMD and visual analog scale. All RCTs did not report adverse events. Our findings demonstrated the positive potential of EA in TMD management. However, there was weak evidence regarding EA use for TMD management given the poor quality and small sample sizes of the included studies. In the future, well-designed RCTs are required. It is necessary to investigate clinical trials and systematic reviews to compare the effectiveness and safety of EA and acupuncture for TMD.


Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Diaryl Acetamides, Benzofurans, Benzophenones, and Xanthenes by Transition-Metal-Free Oxidative Cross-Coupling of sp3 and sp2 C-H Bonds.
A chemo- and regioselective intermolecular sp3 C-H and sp2 C-H coupling reaction for C-C bond formation is described to access unsymmetrical diaryl acetamides under TM-free conditions from sec- and tert-arylacetamides and nitroarenes using tert-butoxide base in DMSO at room temperature. The coupling partners with sensitive functionalities such as chloro, bromo, hydroxy, and cyano were also amenable to the developed reaction. Synthesized α-(2/4-nitroaryl) phenylacetamides have been transformed into biologically important benzofurans, xanthenes, diaryl indoles, and unsymmetrical benzophenones by novel routes without applying a transition metal. Overall, an economical, yet efficient, strategy has been devised to access unsymmetrical diarylacetamides with the possibility of their further elaboration into a variety of biologically important heterocycles. Mechanistic understanding suggests that the reaction proceeds by a nucleophilic addition of a phenylacetamide carbanion, which is generated in the presence of tert-butoxide base, to the para or ortho (if para is substituted) position of nitrobenzene. The formed α-(4-nitrocyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-yl) phenylacetamide anion intermediate oxidized by a basic solution of DMSO or atmospheric oxygen led to the desired sp3 C-H and sp2 C-H coupled α-(2/4-nitroaryl) phenylacetamides.


Animal welfare implications of treating wildlife in Australian veterinary practices.
To evaluate the extent, costs, demands and expectations of Australian veterinary practices in the treatment of wildlife, to identify potential risks to animal welfare based on the current situation and to propose recommendations for improvements. A survey was sent to all veterinary practices across Australia identified through the website Yellow Pages®. The survey was designed as a cross-sectional study. Data were collected using an online self-completed questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS 19.0. Of the 902 veterinary practices contacted, 132 (14.6%) completed the questionnaire. Most practices (82%) saw less than 10 wildlife patients per week, with birds and marsupials most commonly admitted. Vehicular trauma, trauma (other) and predation made up the majority (82%) of presentations. However, wildlife cases were only examined immediately upon presentation in 20% of practices, with 74% reporting they only attended to wildlife whenever they had spare time. The majority (90%) of veterinary practices never or rarely received reimbursement for their wildlife work, indicating most is performed pro bono. Several barriers to treatment were highlighted, including time and a lack of knowledge/skills. Private veterinary practices play a more significant role in wildlife treatment than has been previously thought. The effect of perceived barriers on willingness to treat wildlife requires further research. Further investigation into educational resources to aid veterinary assessment of wildlife should also be considered.


Nitrogen Utilization in Lemna: I. Relations between Net Nitrate Flux, Nitrate Reduction, and in Vitro Activity and Stability of Nitrate Reductase.
Cultures of Lemna gibba L. G3 were maintained at a constant, N-limited growth rate by adding nitrate daily in amounts calculated to sustain a rate of culture N increment of 0.20 day(-1). Nitrate added to the culture was consumed within 8 to 10 hours and the partitioning to reduction and accumulation during this phase corresponded to, on the average, 75 and 25% of net uptake, respectively. The calculated rate of nitrate reduction was stimulated by onset of net uptake without delay and decreased when net uptake ceased. NADH-nitrate reductase (NR) activity measured in vitro without inclusion of antiproteolytic agents more than doubled during the first hour after nitrate addition and then gradually fell to its original level over the rest of the 24 hour interval. In the presence of the proteinase inhibitor leupeptin during extraction, however, NR activity was in general much higher and without any apparent cycles. The relative stabilizing effect of leupeptin was greatest on NADH-NR and reduced flavin adenine mononucleotide-NR activities whereas the effect was less on NADH-cytochrome c reductase activity (diaphorase) and reduced methylviologen-NR activity. The constant nitrate reductase activity measured in the presence of proteinase inhibitors is assumed to reflect the physiological situation. It thus appeares that short-term changes in nitrate assimilation by N-limited Lemna is related to the flux of nitrate to the reducing site and not to changes in nitrate reductase activity.


UK standards for microbiology investigations of ear infection (SMI B1) are inadequate for the recovery of fungal pathogens and laboratory diagnosis of otomycosis: A real-life prospective evaluation.
We evaluated the recovery of fungal pathogens from clinical external ear samples from patients with otitis externa (OE) using the UK national Standard Microbiology Investigations of ear infection (SMI B1). The UK SMI B1 protocol including a single Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol (SABC) incubated at 37°C for 48 hours was compared with a standard fungal-specific culture method using two SABC agar plates incubated at 28 and 37°C for 2 weeks with an extra Candida chromogenic agar incubated at 37°C for 5 days. This real-life evaluation was undertaken on ear samples from patients with OE from January 2020 to December 2020. Altogether, 304 individual patient ear swabs were prospectively examined. The positivity rate of UK standard was 14% (42/304) versus 26% (79/304) for the fungal-specific protocol (p < .05). The standard protocol identified seven compared with 17 species using the fungal-specific protocol. A total of 93 fungal isolates were recovered; nine different yeasts and eight filamentous fungal species. Candida parapsilosis (38/304; 13%), C. albicans (10/304; 3%) and C. orthopsilosis (6/304; 2%) were common yeast species. Aspergillus niger complex (16/304; 5%) was the most common mould, followed by A. fumigatus complex (3/304; 1%). Many less common and emerging yeasts and moulds were only isolated from samples cultured using a fungal-specific protocol. Our results suggest that the UK SMI B1 media and procedures are inadequate to detect all fungal agents causing otomycosis. Fungal-specific culture protocols increase the recovery rate and diversity of fungal pathogens isolated from external ear samples.


Valtrate antagonizes malignant phenotypes of lung cancer cells by reducing SLC7A11.
This research explored the efficacy of valtrate (Val) in lung cancer (LC). A549 and H1299 cells were dealt with Val. SLC7A11 was overexpressed by cell transfection. Xenograft model was established in nude mice. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8, EdU and Annexin-V and propidium iodide staining, respectively. Ferroptosis was assessed by iron assay kit. reactive oxygen species level was tested by ROS assay kit. Histopathological changes in tumor tissues were analyzed by HE staining. Protein expression was analyzed employing Immunohistochemical staining and western blot. A549 and H1299 cell viability were notably lowered by Val in a concentration-dependent way. Cell proliferation was markedly repressed by 10 and 20 μM of Val, while apoptosis and ROS generation were markedly augmented. SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression was both distinctly lowered, while Fe2+ level was remarkably improved by 10 and 20 μM of Val. However, 20 μM of Val-triggered effects were distinctly counteracted by SLC7A11 overexpression. In vivo assay revealed that both tumor volume and weight were distinctly declined by 10 mg/mL Val. The variations of proliferation, apoptosis and ferroptosis-related proteins were in line with the results in vitro assay. Val might antagonize malignant phenotypes of LC cells by reducing SLC7A11.


Acute pancreatitis and acute renal failure complicating doxylamine succinate intoxication.
Doxylamine succinate is an antihistaminic drugwith additional hypnotic, anticholinergic and local anesthetic effects first described in 1948. In Korea and many other countries, it is a common-over-the counter medication frequently involved in overdoses. Clinical symtomatology of doxylamine succinate overdose includes somnolence, coma, seizures, mydriasis, tachycardia, psychosis, and rhabdomyolysis. A serious complication may be rhabdomyolysis with subsequent impairment of renal function and acute renal failure. We report a case of acute renal failure and acute pancreatitis complicating a doxylamine succinate intoxication.


Williams-Beuren syndrome: an update and review for the primary physician.
Williams-Beuren syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder resulting from a submicroscopic deletion of contiguous genes on the long arm of chromosome 7. It consists of a variety of hallmark physical features, which include distinctive facial characteristics, cardiac anomalies (of which the most common is supravalvular aortic stenosis), and occasional idiopathic hypercalcemia. The condition also includes a unique cognitive profile, with relative sparing of language and facial recognition skills against a background of mental retardation. This paper reviews the early history and clinical experience with this syndrome, how it unfolds from infancy through adulthood, and how it manifests in different organ systems. Evidence-based recommendations are then offered for the treatment of the specific developmental and medical issues that arise in patients with Williams syndrome.


Skeletal regeneration in the brittle star Amphiura filiformis.
Brittle stars regenerate their whole arms post-amputation. Amphiura filiformis can now be used for molecular characterization of arm regeneration due to the availability of transcriptomic data. Previous work showed that specific developmental transcription factors known to take part in echinoderm skeletogenesis are expressed during adult arm regeneration in A. filiformis; however, the process of skeleton formation remained poorly understood. Here, we present the results of an in-depth microscopic analysis of skeletal morphogenesis during regeneration, using calcein staining, EdU labeling and in situ hybridization. To better compare different samples, we propose a staging system for the early A. filiformis arm regeneration stages based on morphological landmarks identifiable in living animals and supported by histological analysis. We show that the calcified spicules forming the endoskeleton first appear very early during regeneration in the dermal layer of regenerates. These spicules then mature into complex skeletal elements of the differentiated arm during late regeneration. The mesenchymal cells in the dermal area express the skeletal marker genes Afi-c-lectin, Afi-p58b and Afi-p19; however, EdU labeling shows that these dermal cells do not proliferate. A. filiformis arms regenerate through a consistent set of developmental stages using a distalization-intercalation mode, despite variability in regeneration rate. Skeletal elements form in a mesenchymal cell layer that does not proliferate and thus must be supplied from a different source. Our work provides the basis for future cellular and molecular studies of skeleton regeneration in brittle stars.


Nucleation and growth characteristics of a binary low-mass organogel.
The system of bis(2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate and 4-chlorophenol, when dissolved in a nonpolar organic solvent, forms an organogel. The fibers of this organogel are formed through a nucleation-growth phenomenon. By reducing evaporation of the pregel solution, the fibers can be directed to grow with extremely long persistence lengths. Alignment of multiple fibers is achieved by inducting growth at the air-solution interface. The interplay of two zones, one above the critical nucleation concentration and the other below, allows orientation to be accomplished as fiber growth proceeds. The observations have implications for the use of the organogel as a template for materials synthesis.


Hydrogen peroxide biosensor based on direct electrochemistry of soybean peroxidase immobilized on single-walled carbon nanohorn modified electrode.
Single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) were used as a novel and biocompatible matrix for fabricating biosensing devices. The direct immobilization of acid-stable and thermostable soybean peroxidase (SBP) on SWCNH modified electrode surface can realize the direct electrochemistry of enzyme. Cyclic voltammogram of the adsorbed SBP displays a pair of redox peaks with a formal potential of -0.24 V in pH 5 phosphate buffer solution. The formal potential has a linear relationship with pH from 3 to 9 with a slope of -48.7 mV/pH, close to the value of -55.7 mV/pH expected at 18 degrees C for the reversible transfer of one proton and one electron. Bioactivity of SBP remains good in SWCNH microenvironment, along with effective catalysis of the reduction of H(2)O(2). In the absence of a mediator, this H(2)O(2) biosensor exhibited a high sensitivity (16.625 microAL/mmol), a linear range from 0.02 to 1.2 mmolL(-1), and a detection limit of 5.0 x 10(-7) mmolL(-1), as well as acceptable preparation reproducibility and excellent stability.


Thymosin beta 4 is associated with collateral development in coronary artery disease.
Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) plays an essential role in cardiac vessel development and is currently being developed as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in some experimental studies. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association of serum Tβ4 levels and collateral formation in patients presenting with severely stenotic CAD. Thirteen patients with poor collateral development and 16 age- and sex-matched patients with good collateral development who had ≥ 95% stenosis in at least one major coronary artery on coronary angiogram (CAG) were enrolled in the study. The Gensini score was calculated for each patient by using CAG results. Collateral development was classified according to the Cohen-Rentrop method. Serum Tβ4 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in regard to clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients except for Tβ4 levels. The Tβ4 levels in the well-collateralized study group were found to be significantly higher than those of the poorly collateralized study group and serum Tβ4 levels were positively correlated with the collateral development. Our findings suggest that serum Tβ4 levels are significantly associated with the collateral development in severe CAD.


Prehatch entrainment of circadian rhythms in the domestic chick using different light regimes.
The onset of circadian rhythms in many animals occurs during prenatal development. We conducted four experiments, using the domestic chick as a model, to assess when these rhythms can first be entrained and the type of light zeitgeber necessary. In Experiment 1, the presence of circadian rhythms was assessed using tonic immobility, an antipredator behavior, whereas in Experiments 2 to 4 body temperature was studied. We demonstrate that (a) circadian rhythms can be entrained during the late stage of the chick's 21-day incubation period (prehatch Days 13-18), (b) only 1 day of light cues [12:12 hr light:dark (12L:12D)] on prehatch Day 13 is necessary for entrainment, and (c) short bouts of light, which simulate the light cues embryos typically experience during natural incubation, can act as zeitgebers although they are not as effective as 12L:12D. The onset of entrainment is earlier than predicted and suggests that the brain structures mediating circadian rhythms mature sooner than proposed by previous research.


Mosquitoes of Western Yunnan Province, China: seasonal abundance, diversity, and arbovirus associations.
The western borderland between Yunnan Province, China, and Myanmar is characterized by a climate that facilitates year-round production of mosquitoes. Numerous mosquito-transmitted viruses, including Japanese encephalitis virus circulate in this area. This project was to describe seasonal patterns in mosquito species abundance and arbovirus activity in the mosquito populations. Mosquitoes were collected in Mangshi and Ruili cities of Dehong Prefecture near the border of China and Burma in Yunnan Province, the Peoples Republic of China in 2010. We monitored mosquito species abundance for a 12-month period using ultraviolet light, carbon dioxide baited CDC light and gravid traps; and tested the captured mosquitoes for the presence of virus to evaluate mosquito-virus associations in rural/agricultural settings in the area. A total of 43 species of mosquitoes from seven genera were collected, including 15 Culex species, 15 Anopheles spp., four Aedes spp., three Armigeres spp., one Mimomyia spp., two Uranotaenia spp. and three Mansonia spp.. Species richness and diversity varied between Mangshi and Ruili. Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles sinensis and Anopheles peditaeniatus were the most abundant species in both sampling sites. Ultraviolet light traps collected more specimens than CDC light traps baited with dry ice, though both collected the same variety of mosquito species. The CDC gravid trap was the most effective trap for capture of Culex quinquefasciatus, a species underrepresented in light trap collections. A total of 26 virus strains were isolated, which included 13 strains of Japanese encephalitis virus, four strains of Getah virus, one strain of Oya virus, one strain from the orbivirus genus, and seven strains of Culex pipien pallens densovirus. The present study illustrates the value of monitoring mosquito populations and mosquito-transmitted viruses year-round in areas where the climate supports year-round adult mosquito activity.


Where no consent = death.
Men must be made to understand the value of family planning - particularly in societies where men hold the power of decision in the family. Dr. Kotha Pannikar, chairman of the Kedah Family Planning Association (FPA) in Malaysia, illustrated this point in discussion which followed the Consultation of Medical and Communication Fieldworkers conference in Kuala Lumpur in August, with a story about 1 of her own patients. When the girl, who had a rheumatic heart, was 16, Dr. Pannikar advised the parents that she needed cardiac surgery if she were to be a healthy wife and mother. But the parents lived some distance from Dr. Pannikar's surgery and did not heed the advice. The girl was married to a carpenter from a traditional Chinese family, in which "the man is lord and master." Her new home had no piped water, and in additional to normal domestic tasks she had to carry water from a source 1 1/2 miles agay. In the 7th month of her 1st pregnancy, she went into cardiac failure. After the 3rd pregnancy and a 3rd cardiac failure, Dr. Pannikar tried to arrange a sterilization "but we could not get consent - her husband refused to turn up at the hospital." When the girl was admitted to hospital 6 months into her 4th pregnancy, Dr. Pannikar got hold of her patient's mother-in-law. "I told her if she wanted a servant in the house, it was easy to get one. But no servant would look after her grandchildren the way their mother would. I told her if she wanted to save the girl's life she had better speak to her son." During the 4th delivery, the girl went into cardiac arrest and spent 2 weeks in intensive care. The mother-in-law prevailed upon her son to at least consent, and the girl was sterilized before she left hospital. But "it was a very near thing," Dr. Pannikar recalls "and it wouldn't have happened if the husband had felt he was responsible in parenthood." The Kedah FPA makes special efforts to reach men. Dr. Pannikar herself talks to men's organizations like the Lions and Rotary Clubs, and arranges education programs for trade unions and workers on the rubber estates. She thinks women need to be told repeatedly that they have a basic human right to choose whether they want to have a baby, and when. "Women feel," she says, "that their only function is to cook, wash clothes and feed the baby. We need to tell them they have a part to play in the society of today because their children will be the citizens of tomorrow."o


[Use of dextrofer-100 and vitamin B12 on newborn pigs].
Studies were carried out with the iron dextran preparation-100 and vitamin B12 at 100 gamma, applied to 80 pigs of 10 sows of the Camborough hybrid on two swine breeding complexes of different raising technologies. The pigs were divided into 4 groups of animals each. The Ist group was treated with dextrofer, the IInd--with dextrofer + vit. B12, the IIIrd--with vit. B12, and the IVth was left as control. The hemoglobin rate, erythrocyte, count, iron, and live-weight were followed up. It was found that the hemoglobin values at birth with the Ist group on the two complexes were within the range of 8.89 +/- 1.3 to 10.24 +/- 1.36 g/100 cm-3, while with the IInd group they were higher at weaning--11.8 +/- 0.48 g/100 cm3. The IIIrd and IVth group showed very low values at weaning--7.47 +/- 0.46 g/100 cm3 and 6.35 +/- 1.05 cm3. The twofold injection at a 7-day interval did not alter essentially the hemoglobin values. The pigs of the IInd group, injected twice, had much higher values of the erythrocyte count--7.58 +/- 0.09 T/L. The liveweight of the pigs of all four groups from the 7th day on ranged from 2.15 to 2.4 +/- 0.2 kg. Following a twofold injection with the pigs of the IInd group it rose to 6.1 +/- 0.14 kg. Similar proved the data concerning the iron in the blood plasma. Its values were highest with the pigs of the IInd group which were injected twice--38.86 +/- 1.7 mol/l.


Evaluation of the AnaeroPack system for growth of anaerobic bacteria.
Growth of anaerobic bacteria in the AnaeroPack (Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America, Inc., New York, N.Y.) anaerobic atmosphere generation systems, both the AnaeroPack jar and pouch and the AnaeroPack in a GasPak jar were considered equivalent to or better than growth obtained in the corresponding GasPak jar or pouch system (Becton Dickinson Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.) for 89 (86%) of the 103 anaerobes tested. There were a total of 26 discrepancies after 48 h of incubation, with 16 discrepancies unresolved after 96 h of incubation. The AnaeroPack jar and pouch never failed to reduce the anaerobic indicator. The AnaeroPack systems are easy to use and performed at least as well as or better than the BBL GasPak systems for growth of anaerobic bacteria.


Stereotactic radiosurgery for WHO grade I meningiomas.
Meningiomas represent a common intracranial tumor in the adult population. Although extirpation to achieve a gross total resection or at least decrease mass effect has been the mainstay of treatment, stereotactic radiosurgery has come to play an increasingly important role in the management of patients with meningiomas. Radiosurgery utilizes highly focused, beams of ionizing radiation to inactivate tumor cells. Image guidance and a steep dose fall off are critical features of this approach. The radiobiology of radiosurgery differs in certain advantageous ways from conventional radiotherapy. Radiosurgery initially was utilized to treat recurrent or residual skull base meningiomas. As success was observed in this setting, radiosurgery has gradually expanded its role so as to treat convexity meningiomas; it is also used as an upfront treatment for patients for whom clinical and neuro-imaging findings are consistent with a meningioma. Most large series demonstrate tumor control rates for patients with grade I meningiomas in excess of 85%. Neurological function is generally preserved or improved for patients with meningiomas. However, complications can occur. Longitudinal follow-up including neurologic and radiologic assessment is required. Single and multisession stereotactic radiosurgery will likely play an expanded role in the treatment of patients with meningiomas.


Electroless deposition of nickel-boron coatings using low frequency ultrasonic agitation: Effect of ultrasonic frequency on the coatings.
The effect of ultrasound on the properties of Nickel-Boron (NiB) coatings was investigated. NiB coatings were fabricated by electroless deposition using either ultrasonic or mechanical agitation. The deposition of Ni occurred in an aqueous bath containing a reducible metal salt (nickel chloride), reducing agent (sodium borohydride), complexing agent (ethylenediamine) and stabilizer (lead tungstate). Due to the instability of the borohydride in acidic, neutral and slightly alkaline media, pH was controlled at pH 12±1 in order to avoid destabilizing the bath. Deposition was performed in three different configurations: one with a classical mechanical agitation at 300rpm and the other two employing ultrasound at a frequency of either 20 or 35kHz. The microstructures of the electroless coatings were characterized by a combination of optical Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The chemistry of the coatings was determined by ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometry) after dissolution in aqua regia. The mechanical properties of the coatings were established by a combination of roughness measurements, Vickers microhardness and pin-on-disk tribology tests. Lastly, the corrosion properties were analysed by potentiodynamic polarization. The results showed that low frequency ultrasonic agitation could be used to produce coatings from an alkaline NiB bath and that the thickness of coatings obtained could be increased by over 50% compared to those produced using mechanical agitation. Although ultrasonic agitation produced a smoother coating and some alteration of the deposit morphology was observed, the mechanical and corrosion properties were very similar to those found when using mechanical agitation.


[Diversity of couple relationships].
"This article focuses on differences between married women who cohabited prior to marriage, married women who did not cohabit prior to marriage, and cohabiting women. There are quite remarkable differences between these three groups: in opinions about primary relationships and separations, in motives for marrying, in behaviour (stability of union, labour force participation) and individual and couple-related characteristics (number of children, religion). These results come from the Netherlands Family and Fertility Survey 1993 conducted by Statistics Netherlands." (SUMMARY IN ENG)