Flap irritation phenomenon (FLIP): etiology of chronic tenosynovitis after finger pulley rupture.
After a pulley rupture, most climbers regain the full function of their previously uninjured fingers. However, in some cases of pulley rupture, a persistent inflammation of the tendon sheath is observed. In this study, 16 cadaver fingers were loaded until pulley rupture and then studied for the rupturing mechanism. In addition, two patients with this pathology were investigated using ultrasound and MRI, and received surgery. In 13 fingers, a rupture of one or several pulleys occurred and almost always at the medial or lateral insertion. In one finger, a capsizing of the pulley underneath the intact tendon sheath was observed, leading to an avulsion between tendon and tendon sheath. A similar pathology was observed in the ultrasound imaging, in MRI, and during surgery in two patients with prolonged recovery after minor pulley rupture. In cases of prolonged tenosynovitis after minor pulley rupture, a capsizing of the pulley stump is probably the cause for constant friction leading to inflammation. In those cases, a surgical removal of the remaining pulley stump and sometimes a pulley repair may be necessary.


Children's educational attainment, occupation, and income and their parents' mortality.
Using data from Finland, this paper contributes to a small but growing body of research regarding adult children's education, occupation, and income and their parents' mortality at ages 50+ in 1970-2007. Higher levels of children's education are associated with 30-36 per cent lower parental mortality at ages 50-75, controlling for parents' education, occupation, and income. This association is fully mediated by children's occupation and income, except for cancer mortality. Having at least one child educated in healthcare is associated with 11-16 per cent lower all-cause mortality at ages 50-75, an association that is largely driven by mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Children's higher white-collar occupation and higher income is associated with 39-46 per cent lower mortality in the fully adjusted models. At ages 75+, these associations are much smaller overall and children's schooling remains more strongly associated with mortality than children's occupation or income.


Quantitative Detection of µ Opioid Receptor: Western Blot Analyses Using µ Opioid Receptor Knockout Mice.
Increasing evidence suggests that µ opioid receptor (MOP) expression is altered during the development of and withdrawal from substance dependence. Although anti-MOP antibodies have been hypothesized to be useful for estimating MOP expression levels, inconsistent MOP molecular weights (MWs) have been reported in studies using anti-MOP antibodies. In the present study, we generated a new anti-MOP antibody (N38) against the 1-38 amino acid sequence of the mouse MOP N-terminus and conducted Western blot analysis with wildtype and MOP knockout brain lysates to determine the MWs of intrinsic MOP. The N38 antibody detected migrating bands with relative MWs of 60-67 kDa in the plasma membrane fraction isolated from wildtype brain, but not from the MOP knockout brain. These migrating bands exhibited semi-linear density in the range of 3-30 µg membrane proteins/lane. The N38 antibody may be useful for quantitatively detecting MOP.


Revealing Topological Barriers against Knot Untying in Thermal and Mechanical Protein Unfolding by Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
The knot is one of the most remarkable topological features identified in an increasing number of proteins with important functions. However, little is known about how the knot is formed during protein folding, and untied or maintained in protein unfolding. By means of all-atom molecular dynamics simulation, here we employ methyltransferase YbeA as the knotted protein model to analyze changes of the knotted conformation coupled with protein unfolding under thermal and mechanical denaturing conditions. Our results show that the trefoil knot in YbeA is occasionally untied via knot loosening rather than sliding under enhanced thermal fluctuations. Through correlating protein unfolding with changes in the knot position and size, several aspects of barriers that jointly suppress knot untying are revealed. In particular, protein unfolding is always prior to knot untying and starts preferentially from separation of two α-helices (α1 and α5), which protect the hydrophobic core consisting of β-sheets (β1-β4) from exposure to water. These β-sheets form a loop through which α5 is threaded to form the knot. Hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions inside the core stabilize the loop against loosening. In addition, residues at N-terminal of α5 define a rigid turning to impede α5 from sliding out of the loop. Site mutations are designed to specifically eliminate these barriers, and easier knot untying is achieved under the same denaturing conditions. These results provide new molecular level insights into the folding/unfolding of knotted proteins.


Effects of skeletal muscle sarcomere length on in vivo capillary distensibility.
The structural integrity of the capillary wall is such that capillary luminal distensibility is largely determined by support provided by the tissue in which it is located. Given that O2 flux density is greatest across the skeletal muscle capillary endothelium, any changes in capillary diameter (dc) would be expected to affect O2 diffusing capacity as well as hemodynamic resistance. We used intravital microscopy techniques to study the maximally vasodilated rat (n = 5) spinotrapezius muscle microcirculation in vivo within the physiological sarcomere length range, at high and low mean arterial pressures (MAP) systematically altered by blood withdrawal and infusion. We tested the hypothesis that in vivo capillary diameter alterations in response to changes of MAP would be reduced at extended sarcomere lengths. At 2.4-microm sarcomere length, mean dc (dc) within the spinotrapezius increased from 5.6 +/- 0.1 to 5.9 +/- 0.1 microm (P < 0.01) as MAP increased from 33 to 94 mm Hg. However, there was absolutely no change (i.e., 5.2 +/- 0.1 vs 5.2 +/- 0.1 microm) in dc in response to changes in MAP at 3.2-microm sarcomere length. Furthermore, at sarcomere lengths <2.8 microm there was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in dc (n = 40) as MAP increased, whereas dc (n = 49) remained unchanged with alterations of MAP when sarcomere length was >/=2.8 microm (P > 0.05). These data suggest that pressure-induced alterations in capillary luminal diameter and thus "in vivo capillary distensibility" are dependent upon the presiding sarcomere length. Furthermore, we conclude that the MAP-induced increases in capillary luminal diameter at the shorter sarcomere lengths are modest ( approximately 5%) and unlikely to affect O2 diffusing capacity and vascular resistance appreciably.


A Short Isoform of Spermatogenic Enzyme GAPDHS Functions as a Metabolic Switch and Limits Metastasis in Melanoma.
Despite being the leading cause of cancer deaths, metastasis remains a poorly understood process. To identify novel regulators of metastasis in melanoma, we performed a large-scale RNA sequencing screen of 48 samples from patient-derived xenograft (PDX) subcutaneous melanomas and their associated metastases. In comparison with primary tumors, expression of glycolytic genes was frequently decreased in metastases, whereas expression of some tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle genes was increased in metastases. Consistent with these transcriptional changes, melanoma metastases underwent a metabolic switch characterized by decreased levels of glycolytic metabolites and increased abundance of TCA cycle metabolites. A short isoform of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, spermatogenic (GAPDHS) lacking the N-terminal domain suppressed metastasis and regulated this metabolic switch. GAPDHS was downregulated in metastatic nodules from PDX models as well as in human patients. Overexpression of GAPDHS was sufficient to block melanoma metastasis, whereas its inhibition promoted metastasis, decreased glycolysis, and increased levels of certain TCA cycle metabolites and their derivatives including citrate, fumarate, malate, and aspartate. Isotope tracing studies indicated that GAPDHS mediates this shift through changes in pyruvate carboxylase activity and aspartate synthesis, both metabolic pathways critical for cancer survival and metastasis. Together, these data identify a short isoform of GAPDHS that limits melanoma metastasis and regulates central carbon metabolism. This study characterizes metabolic changes during cancer metastasis and identifies GAPDHS as a novel regulator of these processes in melanoma cells.


Ribociclib-Induced Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans (Ashy Dermatosis)-Like Pigmentation in a Metastatic Breast Cancer Patient.
Ribociclib is a selective cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor that has been approved in combination with endocrine therapy for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor 2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The main dermatological adverse events associated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors that are described in the literature include skin rash, an increased risk of alopecia, and stomatitis. Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP), also known as ashy dermatosis, is characterized by acquired small and large slate-gray hyperpigmented macules with erythematous borders. There are currently no published reports of EDP-like or pigmentary changes induced by CDK 4/6 inhibitors. This report describes the first case of EDP-like pigmentation associated with ribociclib therapy.


The effect of a telephone-based health coaching disease management program on Medicaid members with chronic conditions.
Despite the growing popularity of disease management programs for chronic conditions, evidence regarding the effect of these programs has been mixed. In addition, few peer-reviewed studies have examined the effect of these programs on publicly insured populations. To examine the effect of a telephone-based health coaching disease management program on healthcare utilization and expenditures in Medicaid members with chronic conditions. Using a difference-in-differences analysis, we examined changes in hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, ambulatory care visits, and Medicaid expenditures among program members for 1 year before and 2 years after their enrollment compared with a matched comparison group. Medicaid members aged 18 to 64 with a diagnosis of qualifying chronic conditions and 2 acute health service events of hospitalizations and/or ED visits within a 12-month period. Changes in acute hospitalizations, ambulatory care visits, and Medicaid expenditures before and after program enrollment were similar between the 2 study groups. However, during the second year after enrollment, program members had a significantly smaller decrease in ED visits than the comparisons (8% in program members and 23% in comparisons, P value=0.03). Compared with a matched comparison group, the telephone-based health coaching disease management program did not demonstrate significant effects on healthcare utilization and expenditures in Medicaid members with chronic conditions.


Game Related Statistics Discriminating Between Starters and Nonstarters Players in Women'S National Basketball Association League (WNBA).
The aim of the present study was to identify the game-related statistics that allow discriminating between starters and nonstarter players in women's basketball when related to winning or losing games and best or worst teams. The sample comprised all 216 regular season games from the 2005 Women's National Basketball Association League (WNBA). The game-related statistics included were 2- and 3- point field-goals (both successful and unsuccessful), free-throws (both successful and unsuccessful), defensive and offensive rebounds, assists, blocks, fouls, steals, turnovers and minutes played. Results from multivariate analysis showed that when best teams won, the discriminant game-related statistics were successful 2-point field-goals (SC = 0.47), successful free-throws (SC = 0.44), fouls (SC = -0.41), assists (SC = 0.37), and defensive rebounds (SC = 0.37). When the worst teams won, the discriminant game-related statistics were successful 2-point field- goals (SC = 0.37), successful free-throws (SC = 0.45), assists (SC = 0.58), and steals (SC = 0.35). The results showed that the successful 2-point field-goals, successful free-throws and the assists were the most powerful variables discriminating between starters and nonstarters. These specific characteristics helped to point out the importance of starters' players shooting and passing ability during competitions. Key pointsThe players' game-related statistical profile varied according to team status, game outcome and team quality in women's basketball.The results of this work help to point out the different player's performance described in women's basketball compared with men's basketball.The results obtained enhance the importance of starters and nonstarters contribution to team's performance in different game contexts.Results showed the power of successful 2-point field-goals, successful free-throws and assists discriminating between starters and nonstarters in all the analyses.


Causal Explanations for Weight Influence Children's Social Preferences: Biological-Essentialist Explanations Reduce, and Behavioral Explanations Promote, Preferences for Thin Friends.
The current study experimentally investigated the impact of causal-explanatory information on weight bias over development. Participants (n = 395, children ages 4-11 years and adults) received either a biological or behavioral explanation for body size, or neither, in three between-subjects conditions. Participants then made preference judgments for characters with smaller versus larger body sizes. Results showed that both behavioral and biological explanations impacted children's preferences. Relative to children's baseline preferences, behavioral explanations enhanced preferences for smaller characters, and biological explanations reduced these preferences-unlike the typical facilitative impact of biological-essentialist explanations on other biases. The explanations did not affect adults' preferences. In contrast to previous findings, we demonstrate that causal knowledge can impact weight bias early in development.


Wine phenolics.
Wine contains many phenolic substances, most of which originate in the grape berry. The phenolics have a number of important functions in wine, affecting the tastes of bitterness and astringency, especially in red wine. Second, the color of red wine is caused by phenolics. Third, the phenolics are the key wine preservative and the basis of long aging. Lastly, since phenolics oxidize readily, they are the component that suffers owing to oxidation and the substance that turns brown in wine (and other foods) when exposed to air. Wine phenolics include the non-flavonoids: hydroxycinnamates, hydroxybenzoates and the stilbenes; plus the flavonoids: flavan-3-ols, the flavonols, and the anthocyanins. While polymeric condensed tannins and pigmented tannins constitute the majority of wine phenolics, their large size precludes absorption and thus they are not likely to have many health effects (except, perhaps, in the gut). The total amount of phenols found in a glass of red wine is on the order of 200 mg versus about 40 mg in a glass of white wine.


Decreased total antioxidants in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.
To evaluate total antioxidant status (TAS) in the plasma of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and to compare it to that of the control group. Additionally, we aim to investigate the association of various POAG clinical indices with TAS level. Plasma samples were obtained from 139 POAG patients and 148 glaucoma-free controls of matching age, sex, and ethnicity. TAS in all samples was determined by spectrophotometric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods.We studied the possible association of the TAS level with various clinical indices relevant to POAG. The mean (±SD) total antioxidant (TAS) value was lower among patients: 0.47 (±0.32), than controls: 0.97 (±0.43) and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). TAS concentration was not significantly associated neither with the level of intraocular pressure, nor with number of anti-glaucoma medications (p = 0.532 and 0.084 respectively). However, TAS level shows a trend towards reduction with increased severity of glaucoma presented in a reversed significant association with cup/disc ratio (p = 0.043). Our findings provide evidence that TAS decreases in the plasma of POAG patients and that it may play a role in POAG pathogenesis. Association of TAS level with increased cup-to-disc ratio highlights TAS potential role as a predictive-marker for POAG-severity.


Embryological strategies for overcoming recurrent assisted reproductive technology treatment failure.
In every assisted reproductive technology (ART) programme there are patients who experience repeated failure. If all laboratory and stimulation parameters are controlled, it is assumed that the underlying cause of failure is physiological, and is attributable to either of the gametes or the embryo. Within the laboratory, few tools are available, other than careful observation and embryo selection, to aid in selecting the right embryo to overcome this failure. The morphology of the zygote, the state of the cleaving embryos on day 2 and day 3 of development, and the blastocyst can influence implantation rates. However, without functional gametes it is unlikely that success can be achieved. An early indicator of this functionality is the morphology of the zygote, which can be influenced by either the oocyte or the spermatozoon, and can be altered by either improving oocyte quality during stimulation or by using donor sperm if the failure to conceive is attributable to the male gamete. Subsequently, selecting embryos for transfer on the basis of the morphology of zygotes and embryos at day 3 or day 5 of development with the addition of fragmentation scoring and assisted hatching has been found to overcome many cases of repetitive failure to conceive after ART.


[Tuberculosis trends in Norway--has the decline stopped?].
The aim of the study was to present the trend as regards tuberculosis in Norway since 1950, on the basis of data on incidence and mortality in the total population and infection rate among pupils leaving primary school. The decline in incidence continued until the late 1980s. While the decline was 11% per year during the period 1950-74, it has been slower in recent years. In 1990-92 the incidence level was somewhat higher than in 1989, but figures for 1993-94 indicate a new decline. Mortality declined more slowly after the mid-1970s; a similar trend is found for prevalence of infection among pupils. The incidence is among the lowest in Europe. The proportion of cases among immigrants increased gradually from 4% in 1977 to 40% in 1993. Among the Norwegian-born population the incidence rate of infectious pulmonary tuberculosis has shown a steady decline, also during the last decades. Norwegian-born cases are mainly elderly persons infected many decades ago. New infection is probably rare, and the proportion of infected persons is gradually declining.


Fronto-temporal vulnerability to disconnection in paediatric moderate and severe traumatic brain injury.
In patients with moderate and severe paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), we investigated the presence and severity of white matter (WM) tract damage, cortical lobar and deep grey matter (GM) atrophies, their interplay and their correlation with outcome rating scales. Diffusion tensor (DT) and 3D T1-weighted MRI scans were obtained from 22 TBI children (13 boys; mean age at insult = 11.6 years; 72.7% in chronic condition) and 31 age-matched healthy children. Patients were tested with outcome rating scales and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). DT MRI indices were obtained from several supra- and infra-tentorial WM tracts. Cortical lobar and deep GM volumes were derived. Comparisons between patients and controls, and between patients in acute (<6 months from the event) vs. chronic (≥6 months) condition were performed. Patients showed a widespread pattern of decreased WM FA and GM atrophy. Compared to acute, chronic patients showed severer atrophy in the right frontal lobe and reduced FA in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus and corpus callosum (CC). Decreased axial diffusivity was observed in acute patients versus controls in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and CC. Chronic patients showed increased axial diffusivity in the same structures. Uncinate fasciculus DT MRI abnormalities correlated with atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes. Hippocampal atrophy correlated with reduced WISC scores, whereas putamen atrophy correlated with lower functional independence measure scores. The study isolated a distributed fronto-temporal network of structures particularly vulnerable to axonal damage and atrophy that may contribute to cognitive deficits following TBI.


To Explore the Effect of Preoperative Hemodynamic Factors on The Outcome of Pseudolumen After Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection TEVAR Based on Computer Fluid Dynamics.
The preoperative aortic hemodynamic data of patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection were obtained by computer fluid dynamics (CFD). Then we explored the relationship between hemodynamic data and short-term residual pseudolumen after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and predict the latter through the former. We collected the relevant data of 53 patients who underwent TEVAR in our hospital. They were divided into the A group (residual false lumen group) and B group (closed false lumen group), according to whether there was a residual false cavity around the stent recently after TEVAR. Three-dimensional reconstruction and CFD analysis of the thoracic and abdominal aorta was performed by DSCTA before the operation to obtain the aortic wall shear stress (WSS) and maximum blood flow velocity of the true and false lumen at the entrance, middle point of the long axis, and distal decompression port at the peak time of ventricular systolic velocity. Through the statistical analysis, we further studied the predictive value of hemodynamic data for residual pseudolumen. There was no significant difference in age, male, preoperative and postoperative thoracic and abdominal aorta DSCTA interval, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, smoking, Pt and APTT at admission between the two groups (P > 0.05). The blood flow velocity and shear stress at the entrance of the false lumen and the distal decompression port in the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05), while the other hemodynamic indexes were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis further showed that the shear stress of the false lumen at the level of the distal decompression port (OR = 1.73, P = 0.01) was an independent risk factor for the residual false lumen around the stent in the early stage after TEVAR. The ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC area of the ROC curve corresponding to the shear stress of the false cavity at the level of the distal decompression port was 0.83, the best cross-sectional value was 9.49pa, and the sensitivity and specificity were 84.60% and 72.50%. The residual pseudolumen after TEVAR is related to the hemodynamic factors in the aorta before TEVAR. Preoperative hemodynamic data also have good predictive value. When the shear stress of the false lumen at the level of the distal decompression port is greater than 9.49pa, the probability of residual false lumen around the stent during the perioperative period significantly increases.


Microbe-induced gene silencing boosts crop protection against soil-borne fungal pathogens.
Small RNA (sRNA)-mediated trans-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi) between host and pathogen has been demonstrated and utilized. However, interspecies RNAi in rhizospheric microorganisms remains elusive. In this study, we developed a microbe-induced gene silencing (MIGS) technology by using a rhizospheric beneficial fungus, Trichoderma harzianum, to exploit an RNAi engineering microbe and two soil-borne pathogenic fungi, Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum, as RNAi recipients. We first detected the feasibility of MIGS in inducing GFP silencing in V. dahliae. Then by targeting a fungal essential gene, we further demonstrated the effectiveness of MIGS in inhibiting fungal growth and protecting dicotyledon cotton and monocotyledon rice plants against V. dahliae and F. oxysporum. We also showed steerable MIGS specificity based on a selected target sequence. Our data verify interspecies RNAi in rhizospheric fungi and the potential application of MIGS in crop protection. In addition, the in situ propagation of a rhizospheric beneficial microbe would be optimal in ensuring the stability and sustainability of sRNAs, avoiding the use of nanomaterials to carry chemically synthetic sRNAs. Our finding reveals that exploiting MIGS-based biofungicides would offer straightforward design and implementation, without the need of host genetic modification, in crop protection against phytopathogens.


A study of mortality in China in the 1980s.
"This article offers a detailed discussion of Chinese mortality as confirmed by data from the 1982 and 1990 censuses. It points out that, in measuring the actual mortality in China in the 1980s, attention should be paid not only to infant mortality but also to failures in reporting deaths of old people. Based on age-differentiated population as reported by the two censuses, the author computes the population's average life span and re-evaluates the error in age-differentiated mortality as calculated by using mortality data from the censuses."


[Operative treatment of femoral neck fractures in elderly patients].
Experience of the hip joint endoprosthesis for the femur colli fracture in 186 elderly patients is presented. The hip joint endoprosthesis expediency and its advantages in comparison with the femur osteosynthesis were substantiated.


Base stacking and unstacking as determined from a DNA decamer containing a fluorescent base.
Time-resolved fluorescence decay of a single-stranded DNA decamer d(CTGAAT5CAG), where d5 is the fluorescent base 1-(beta-D-2'-deoxyribosyl)-5-methyl-2-pyrimidinone, was measured and analyzed at several temperatures. The d5 base in the decamer is resolved into three states according to their fluorescence decay lifetime characteristics and temperature dependence of their associated amplitudes: fully extended and completely unstacked state, loosely associated state, and fully stacked state. These states are in slow exchange compared to their fluorescence decay rates. The population of the fully extended and completely unstacked state is small and decreases further with increasing temperature. The loosely associated state, whose fluorescence can still be efficiently quenched by other DNA bases, occupies a large portion of the conventionally defined unstacked state. Stacking enthalpy and entropy for the d5 base with thymine or cytosine bases in the DNA decamer are calculated to be -6.6 kcal/mol and -22 cal/mol.K, respectively. This work shows that fluorescent bases in DNA can be useful to the study of local conformations of bases.


Comparison of the cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitory properties of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective COX-2 inhibitors, using sensitive microsomal and platelet assays.
Two forms of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and thromboxanes in mammalian cells. There is now convincing evidence, obtained with a number of structurally distinct inhibitors, that selective COX-2 inhibitors possess anti-inflammatory effects with an improved gastrointestinal tolerability compared with conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) affecting both COX-1 and COX-2. As more selective COX-2 inhibitors are being developed, assays with a high degree of sensitivity to inhibition are needed to compare the relative effects of compounds on COX-1 activity. In the present report, we describe a sensitive assay for the inhibition of human COX-1 based on the production of prostaglandin E2 by microsomes from U937 cells incubated with a subsaturating concentration of arachidonic acid. More than 45 NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors were tested in this assay. IC50 values ranged from 1 nM for flunixin and flurbiprofen to about 200-500 microM for salicylate and acetaminophen. Potent and nonselective NSAIDs such as sulindac sulfide, diclofenac, and indomethacin showed IC50 values of < 20 nM. Among the compounds that have been reported to show selectivity for COX-2, the rank order of potency against COX-1 was DuP 697 > SC-58451 > celecoxib > nimesulide-meloxicam-piroxicam-NS-398-RS-57067 > SC-57666 > SC-58125 > flosulide > etodolac > L-745,337 > DFU-T-614, with IC50 values ranging from 7 nM to 17 microM. A good correlation was obtained between the IC50 values for the inhibition of microsomal COX-1 and both the inhibition of TXB2 production by Ca2+ ionophore challenged platelets and the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production by CHO cells stably expressing human COX-1. However, the microsomal assay was more sensitive to inhibition than cell-based assays and allowed the detection of inhibitory effects on COX-1 for all NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors examined with discrimination of their potency under conditions of limited availability of arachidonic acid.


Cancer immunotherapy with peptide-based vaccines: what have we achieved? Where are we going?
Many human tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) have recently been identified and molecularly characterized. When bound to major histocompatibility complex molecules, TAA peptides are recognized by T cells. Clinical studies have therefore been initiated to assess the therapeutic potential of active immunization or vaccination with TAA peptides in patients with metastatic cancer. So far, only a limited number of TAA peptides, mostly those recognized by CD8(+) T cells in melanoma patients, have been clinically tested. In some clinical trials, partial or complete tumor regression was observed in approximately 10%-30% of patients. No serious side effects have been reported. The clinical responses, however, were often not associated with a detectable T-cell-specific antitumor immune response when patients' T cells were evaluated in ex vivo assays. In this review, we analyze the available human TAA peptides, the potential immunogenicity (i.e., the ability to trigger a tumor-specific T-cell response) of TAA peptides in vitro and ex vivo, and the potential to construct slightly modified forms of TAA peptides that have increased T-cell stimulatory activity. We discuss the available data from clinical trials of TAA peptide-based vaccination (including those that used dendritic cells to present TAA peptides), identify possible reasons for the limited clinical efficacy of these vaccines, and suggest ways to improve the clinical outcome of TAA peptide-based vaccination for cancer patients.


Association between ACR1 gene product expression and cardiomyopathy in children.
Cardiomyopathy is a heterogeneous heart disease. Although morbidity of pediatric cardiomyopathy has been on the increase, effective treatments have not been identified. The aim of the study was to examine the expression of ACR1 gene products in association with cardiomyopathy in children. In total, 73 patients and 76 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study, from April, 2013 to April, 2015. The relative expression of ACR1 mRNA and protein were quantified in all cases, using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), ELISA and western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to stain cardiac tissue samples to reveal differences between the patients and the control group. The results showed that the level of ACR1 mRNA by RT-qPCR was not different between the two study groups. However, ELISA and western blot analysis showed a significant difference, with patients expressing lower levels of ACR1. Additionally, immunohistochemistry revealed the levels of ACR1 were reduced in patients as the time course of disease increased. Thus, there is an association between the inhibition of ACR1 expression and the development of the disease. These findings are useful in the elucidation of the pathogenesis of pediatric cardiomyopathy, a severe disease with few effective treatment options available.


Assessing vulnerability to invasion by nonnative plant species at multiple spatial scales.
Basic information on where nonnative plant species have successfully invaded is lacking. We assessed the vulnerability of 22 vegetation types (25 sets of four plots in nine study areas) to nonnative plant invasions in the north-central United States. In general, habitats with high native species richness were more heavily invaded than species-poor habitats, low-elevation areas were more invaded than high-elevation areas, and riparian zones were more invaded than nearby upland sites. For the 100 1000-m2 plots (across all vegetation types), 50% of the variation in nonnative species richness was explained by longitude, latitude, native plant species richness, soil total percentage nitrogen, and mean maximum July temperature (n = 100 plots; P < 0.001). At the vegetation-type scale (n = 25 sets of four 1000-m2 plots/type), 64% of the variation in nonnative species richness was explained by native plant species richness, elevation, and October to June precipitation (P < 0.001). The foliar cover of nonnative species (log) was strongly positively correlated with the nonnative species richness at the plot scale (r = 0.77, P < 0.001) and vegetation-type scale (r = 0.83, P < 0.001). We concluded that, at the vegetation-type and regional scales in the north-central United States, (1) vegetation types rich in native species are often highly vulnerable to invasion by nonnative plant species; (2) where several nonnative species become established, nonnative species cover can substantially increase; (3) the attributes that maintain high native plant species richness (high light, water, nitrogen, and temperatures) also help maintain nonnative plant species richness; and (4) more care must be taken to preserve native species diversity in highly vulnerable habitats.


MicroRNAs in control of cardiac hypertrophy.
MicroRNAs refer to a subfamily of small non-coding RNA species that are designed to influence gene expression in nearly all cell types studied to date. Studies from the past decade have demonstrated that microRNAs are atypically expressed in the cardiovascular system under specific pathological conditions. Gain- and loss-of-function studies using in vitro and in vivo models have revealed distinct roles for specific microRNAs in cardiovascular development, physiological functions, and cardiac pathological conditions. In this review, the current relevant findings on the role of microRNAs in cardiac hypertrophic growth are updated, the target genes of these microRNAs are summarized, and the future of microRNAs as potential therapeutic targets is discussed.


[Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patientcarrying SOD1-V14M mutation].
To generate familial ALS patient specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines and motor neurons and provide a cell-based disease model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Han Chinese. iPS cells were derived from familial ALS patient by introducing 4 transcription factors OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC into fibroblast cells by retroviruses. Karyotypic analysis, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to identify the pluripotency of these iPS cell lines. In addition, motor neurons were derived from these iPS cells by inhibiting SMAD pathway. IPS cell lines were established from ALS patient carrying SOD1-V14M mutation. They had pluripotency and were similar to human ES cells. Furthermore, motor neurons were successfully induced from these iPS cells. SOD1-V14M mutation does not affect the reprogramming of fibroblast cells and pluripotency of iPS cells, nor does it prevent differentiation of motor neurons. Furthermore, the above cell-based disease model can recapitulate key aspects of ALS pathogenesis so that it provides an indispensible resource for further elucidating ALS disease pathogenesis and screening appropriate drug candidates in Han Chinese.


Intravenous Delivery of Living Listeria monocytogenes Elicits Gasdmermin-Dependent Tumor Pyroptosis and Motivates Anti-Tumor Immune Response.
The facultative intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (Lmo) has great potential for development as a cancer vaccine platform given its properties. However, the clinical application of Lmo has been severely restricted due to its rapid clearance, compromised immune response in tumors, and inevitable side effects such as severe systemic inflammation after intravenous administration. Herein, an immunotherapy system was developed on the basis of natural red blood cell (RBC) membranes encapsulated Lmo with selective deletion of virulence factors (Lmo@RBC). The biomimetic Lmo@RBC not only generated a low systemic inflammatory response but also enhanced the accumulation in tumors due to the long blood circulation and tumor hypoxic microenvironment favoring anaerobic Lmo colonization. After genome screening of tumors treated with intravenous PBS, Lmo, or Lmo@RBC, it was first found that Lmo@RBC induced extensive pore-forming protein gasdermin C (GSDMC)-dependent pyroptosis, which reversed immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and promoted a systemic strong and durable anti-tumor immune response, resulting in an excellent therapeutic effect on solid tumors and tumor metastasis. Overall, Lmo@RBC, as an intravenous living bacterial therapy for the selective initiation of tumor pyrolysis, provided a proof-of-concept of live bacteria vaccine potentiating tumor immune therapy.


The Importance of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Controlling Food Intake and Regulating Energy Balance.
The gastrointestinal tract, the key interface between ingested nutrients and the body, plays a critical role in regulating energy homeostasis. Gut-derived signals convey information regarding incoming nutrients to the brain, initiating changes in eating behavior and energy expenditure, to maintain energy balance. Here we review hormonal, neural, and nutrient signals emanating from the gastrointestinal tract and evidence for their role in controlling feeding behavior. Mechanistic studies that have utilized pharmacologic and/or transgenic approaches targeting an individual hormone/mediator have yielded somewhat disappointing body weight changes, often leading to the hormone/mediator in question being dismissed as a potential obesity therapy. However, the recent finding of sustained weight reduction in response to systemic administration of a long-acting analog of the gut-hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 highlights the therapeutic potential of gut-derived signals acting via nonphysiologic mechanisms. Thus, we also review therapeutics strategies being utilized or developed to leverage gastrointestinal signals in order to treat obesity.


Assessment of interpersonal skills in obese women with binge eating disorder.
Based upon interpersonal theory that suggests an association between binge eating disorder (BED) and interpersonal problems, the present study examined empathy and other social skills of obese women with BED. The findings showed that five social skills were statistically associated with the chance of presenting BED. Obese women with less assertiveness, lower ability to express feelings, lower capacity to deal with strangers, lower ability to understand the perspective of others, and with higher levels of distress in interpersonal situations had a higher probability of presenting the diagnosis of BED. These results highlight an association between social skills deficits and BED.


Oligonucleotide microarrays for identification of microbial pathogens and detection of their virulence-associated or drug-resistance determinants.
Microarrays are spatially ordered arrays with ligands chemically immobilized in discrete spots on a solid matrix, usually a microscope slide. Microarrays are a high-throughput large-scale screening system enabling simultaneous identification of a large number of labeled target molecules (up to several hundred thousand) that bind specifically to the immobilized ligands of the array. DNA microarrays represent a promising tool for clinical, environmental, and industrial microbiology since the technology allows relatively rapid identification of large number of genetic determinants simultaneously, providing detailed genomic level information regarding the pathogen species, including identification of their virulence-associated factors and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. In this chapter, we describe key aspects and methodologies important for the development and use of DNA microarrays for microbial diagnostics.


Ballistic abdominal exercises: muscle activation patterns during three activities along the stability/mobility continuum.
The purpose of this study was to document the muscle activity and spine motion during several tasks requiring rapid abdominal contraction. Eight healthy men from a university population were instrumented to obtain surface electromyography of selected trunk and hip muscles, together with video analysis to calculate joint moments and electromagnetic lumbar spine position sensor to track spine posture. Exercises included a punch, throw, and a ballistic torso-stiffening maneuver. This study found that no muscle turned on significantly before any other muscle during both the 1-in. punch and ballistic torso-stiffening maneuver. Conversely, there was a significant order or muscle onset during the baseball throw. Muscles reached peak activation significantly before any other muscle during the baseball throw and 1-in. punch, but there were no significant differences for the torso-stiffening maneuver. The exercises quantified in this study demonstrated how muscle contraction dynamics change to meet differing demands for stiffening, for force/moment production, and for rapid movements. Specifically, it seems that there is an order of contraction when movement is the goal but not when just spine stability is required. Thus, a different intensity of abdominal bracing is required to achieve the different objectives of sports tasks and exercises.


Eotaxin-1 Levels in Patients with Myocardial Infarction.
Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Eotaxin-1, an eosinophil-specific chemoattractant, has been shown to be overexpressed in human atherosclerotic lesions. Eotaxin-1 levels are higher in coronary artery disease patients than in healthy individuals. In this study, we aimed to determine the eotaxin-1 concentrations of patients with myocardial infarction and to investigate the role of eotaxin-1 in myocardial infarction. The study included 42 patients diagnosed with AMI (patients with suspected AMI based on history, physical examination, ECG, and biochemical markers and confirmed by angiography) and 40 healthy controls. Plasma eotaxin-1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Eotaxin-1, troponin-I, CK, and CKMB levels were statistically higher in the patient group than in the control group. ROC analysis demonstrated that eotaxin-1 gave a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 48% once the cutoff value was 341.6 pg/mL. Additionally, the ROC analysis showed that troponin I yielded a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 91% when the cutoff value was 0.025 µg/L. Eotaxin-1/eosinophils appear to have a role in coronary artery disease independent of known risk factors. Accordingly, this study and recent studies suggest that eotaxin-1 may be useful in the diagnosis of AMI in addition to other cardiac markers.


[Determination of absorbed dose to water for high energy photon and electron beams--comparison of different dosimetry protocols].
The determination of absorbed dose to water for high-energy photon and electron beams is performed in Germany according to the dosimetry protocol DIN 6800-2 (1997). At an international level, the main protocols used are the AAPM dosimetry protocol TG-51 (1999) and the IAEA Code of Practice TRS-398 (2000). The present paper systematically compares these three dosimetry protocols, and identifies similarities and differences. The investigations were performed using 4 and 10 MV photon beams, as well as 6, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 MeV electron beams. Two cylindrical and two plane-parallel type chambers were used for measurements. In general, the discrepancies among the three protocols were 1.0% for photon beams and 1.6% for electron beams. Comparative measurements in the context of measurement technical control (MTK) with TLD showed a deviation of less than 1.3% between the measurements obtained according to protocols DIN 6800-2 and MTK (exceptions: 4 MV photons with 2.9% and 6 MeV electrons with 2.4%). While only cylindrical chambers were used for photon beams, measurements of electron beams were performed using both cylindrical and plane-parallel chambers (the latter used after a cross-calibration to a cylindrical chamber, as required by the respective dosimetry protocols). Notably, unlike recommended in the corresponding protocols, we found out that cylindrical chambers can be used also for energies from 6 to 10 MeV.


YY1 is a negative regulator of transcription of three sterol regulatory element-binding protein-responsive genes.
Ying Yang 1 (YY1) is shown to bind to the proximal promoters of the genes encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase, farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase, and the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. To investigate the potential effect of YY1 on the expression of SREBP-responsive genes, HepG2 cells were transiently transfected with luciferase reporter constructs under the control of promoters derived from either HMG-CoA synthase, FPP synthase, or the LDL receptor genes. The luciferase activity of each construct increased when HepG2 cells were incubated in lipid-depleted media or when the cells were cotransfected with a plasmid encoding mature sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1a. In each case, the increase in luciferase activity was attenuated by coexpression of wild-type YY1 but not by coexpression of mutant YY1 proteins that are known to be defective in either DNA binding or in modulating transcription of other known YY1-responsive genes. In contrast, incubation of cells in lipid-depleted media resulted in induction of an HMG-CoA reductase promoter-luciferase construct by a process that was unaffected by coexpression of wild-type YY1. Electromobility shift assays were used to demonstrate that the proximal promoters of the HMG-CoA synthase, FPP synthase, and the LDL receptor contain YY1 binding sites and that YY1 displaced nuclear factor Y from the promoter of the HMG-CoA synthase gene. We conclude that YY1 inhibits the transcription of specific SREBP-dependent genes and that, in the case of the HMG-CoA synthase gene, this involves displacement of nuclear factor Y from the promoter. We hypothesize that YY1 plays a regulatory role in the transcriptional regulation of specific SREBP-responsive genes.


Ultrastructural investigation of renomedullary interstitial cells in "endocrine kidney".
In the renomedullary interstitial cells of rats with Selye's "endocrine kidney" in the phase of beginning hypertension there appeared bilateral stress hypergranulation and an ultrastructural pattern of intensive prostaglandin synthesis. In the interstitial tissue of the left medulla there appeared light and dense (fibroblast- or macrophage-like) cells. Along with the stabilization of hypertension a relative degranulation of interstitial cells in the right kidney and an absolute degranulation in the left kidney took place. Necrobiotic changes, appearing in the ischaemic kidney, reflected an exhaustion of morphological substrates of prostaglandin synthesis. The changes in the interstitial cells, possessing endocrine activity, present the decisive links in the genesis of experimental malignant hypertension in rats.


Association Between Adiponectin and Clinical Manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Adiponectin (APN) belongs to adipokines. Previous studies showed contradictory results that have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We set out to detect the levels of APN and the correlations between APN and the clinical manifestations in RA patients. Sera of 60 newly diagnosed patients with RA and 29 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were collected. Clinical parameters, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor (RF), antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide, disease activity score 28, and bone erosion conditions, were collected. The serum levels of total APN and high-molecular-weight APN (HMW-APN) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. As a result, total APN and HMW-APN levels were all lower in patients with RA compared with healthy controls. The levels of APN and HMW-APN were all positively correlated with CRP levels. There was also positive correlation between HMW-APN levels and RF levels. Moreover, patients with higher disease activities had higher HMW-APN levels; patients with more severe synovial thickening had higher APN and HMW-APN levels. Therefore, APN, especially HMW-APN, may play a regulatory role in RA.


PDAY risk score predicts cardiovascular events in young adults: the CARDIA study.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk prediction equations apply to older adults. For this study, the Pathobiologic Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY) risk score, based on post-mortem measurements of atherosclerosis in 15-34-year olds dying accidentally, was used to predict ASCVD events, specifically myocardial infarction and revascularization, in middle age, from risk measured at ≤40 years of age. The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA) collected longitudinal cardiovascular risk data, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, and ASCVD data beginning at age 18 and 30 years with 30-year follow-up. Predictive accuracy for ASCVD of the PDAY risk score, calculated at baseline (mean age 24) and at all six CARDIA examinations up until year 15, was examined. We also examined whether the presence of CAC improved model discrimination. The cohort for this study comprised 5004 Black and White men and women, at baseline and 3558 with data at year 15. Each standard deviation increase in PDAY score, at each examination, was significantly associated with future ASCVD. Hazard ratios (per standard deviation) increased from 1.74 to 2.04 from year 0 to year 15. C-statistics ranged from 0.771 to 0.794. Coronary artery calcium measurement at age 33-45 years improved risk prediction only if the score was 0. Cumulative risk exposure over the first 15 years of the CARDIA study also had high-predictive value (c-statistic 0.798, 95% confidence interval 0.762-0.835). The PDAY risk score may be used in young adults, prior to age 40 years to predict ASCVD events.


Use of synthetic discriminant functions for handwritten-signature verification.
Handwritten-signature verification is treated as a two-class synthetic discriminant function (SDF) problem. Images of valid and casually forged signatures are collected and binarized, using an electronic digitizing camera. Performance of this approach with a small number of valid signatures in the training set is examined, and substantial improvement is demonstrated when forgeries are included in the set. In particular, the equal-error rate for the SDF classifier with forgeries included is shown to average approximately 4% across nine different subjects. The effects of image preprocessing on false acceptance and true rejection rates are examined. The use of alternatives to forged signatures in the training matrix is explored. Finally, SDF performance is shown to deteriorate when the tested forgeries are produced with some a priori knowledge of the target signature.


Lactic Acidosis and Hypoglycemia in a Patient with Gastric Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma due to the Warburg Effect.
Lactic acidosis is pathophysiologically classified into type A and type B. The latter is a rare but potentially life-threatening emergency, mainly described in hematological malignancies. The association between Type B lactic acidosis and malignancy is known as the Warburg effect. Patients with the Warburg effect have a very poor prognosis. Herein, we report a case of gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with severe lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia owing to the Warburg effect that were effectively treated by prompt introduction of chemotherapy. A 73-year-old woman with a 2-month history of abdominal distension was referred to us for suspected peritoneal cancer. Pathological examination revealed gastric DLBCL with peritoneal dissemination. After hospitalization, blood test results revealed prolonged hypoglycemia, with a blood sugar level of 50-70 mg/dL; severe lactic acidosis with pH 7.166; lactate level 12.7 mmol/L; and base excess -21.0 mEq/L, despite continuous administration of glucose and sodium bicarbonate. The cause of lactic acidosis and/or hypoglycemia was considered to be the Warburg effect. We initiated a 50% reduced-dose CHOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, prednisolone) chemotherapy regimen without rituximab until information on the CD20-positive status was available. During chemotherapy, acidosis, hypoglycemia, and impaired consciousness promptly improved. If lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia is present in patients with malignant tumors, it is important to suspect the possibility of the Warburg effect and to introduce cancer treatment as soon as possible.


[Preference policy for levothyroxine: switch between brands may lead to symptoms and extra costs].
A considerable percentage of the Dutch population has primary hypothyroidism and is therefore lifelong treated with levothyroxine. Recently, Dutch healthcare insurance companies made plans to change their reimbursement policies with regard to levothyroxine. This policy change implies that the healthcare insurer will only reimburse one specific brand of levothyroxine usually the most inexpensive brand with the aim of reducing healthcare costs. The more expensive brands will no longer be reimbursed, forcing patients to switch between brands. However, clinical experience and previous research reveal that substitution between levothyroxine brands can lead to symptoms both with and without changes of serum thyroxine levels. Do the advantages of levothyroxine substitution even outweigh the disadvantages?


Short term effect of a single dose of formoterol or tiotropium on the isolated nocturnal hypoxemia in stable COPD patients: a double blind randomized study.
Patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diurnal PaO2 > 60 mmHg may have transient oxygen desaturation during sleep. The effect of bronchodilators on nocturnal hypoxemia is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate if a single dose of Formoterol or Tiotropium, administered in the evening, could improve nocturnal hypoxemia in patients with stable middle/severe COPD. Thirty-seven patients (25 M/12 F; mean age 68.97 +/- 8.57, range 50-78; mean FEV1% of predicted 46.29 +/- 9.2) with PaO2 > 60 mmHg, but with significant oxygen desaturation during sleep and apnea/hypopnea index < or = 10 were selected. They randomly underwent three consecutive nocturnal pulsoxymetry: baseline and after taking placebo and 12 microg of Formoterol (20 pts) or 18 microg of Tiotropium (17 pts) in the evening. FEV1 and IC, measured after 1 h of taking bronchodilators, were significantly higher than placebo. The variation, with regards to baseline values, in mean heart rate and Lowest SpO2% measured after Tiotropium (-1.68 +/- 4.01 and 3.23 +/- 8.58 respectively) was higher (p < 0.05) than placebo (-0.108 +/- 2.85 and 0.29 +/- 7.05 respectively). Moreover, the trend time of SpO2% (measured by pulse-oximeter at each hour of total time registration) after Tiotropium was significantly higher than baseline or placebo (p < 0.01). Instead, the trend time of SpO2% after Formoterol, except for an initial transient hypoxemia fall, was similar to baseline condition and after placebo. Also the trend time of heart rate resulted significantly lower in the Tiotropium group, but higher in the Formoterol group. In conclusion, Formoterol does not seem to influence the nocturnal hypoxemia in stable COPD patients probably for the worsening V/Q ratio. On the contrary, a single dose of tiotropium seems to decrease the severity in the nocturnal desaturations in stable COPD patients probably due to the reduction in the nocturnal bronchial colinergic tone.


Intracerebroventricular injection of ghrelin decreases wheel running activity in rats.
There is an increasing interest in elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which voluntary exercise is regulated. In this study, we examined how the central nervous system regulates exercise. We used SPORTS rats, which were established in our laboratory as a highly voluntary murine exercise model. SPORTS rats showed lower levels of serum ghrelin compared with those of the parental line of Wistar rats. Intracerebroventricular and intraperitoneal injection of ghrelin decreased wheel-running activity in SPORTS rats. In addition, daily injection of the ghrelin inhibitor JMV3002 into the lateral ventricles of Wistar rats increased wheel-running activity. Co-administration of obestatin inhibited ghrelin-induced increases in food intake but did not inhibit ghrelin-induced suppression of voluntary exercise in rats. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of SPORTS rats was not difference that in control rats. We created an arcuate nucleus destruction model by administering monosodium glutamate (MSG) to neonatal SPORTS rats. Injection of ghrelin into MSG-treated rats decreased voluntary exercise but did not increase food intake, suggesting that wheel-running activity is not controlled by the arcuate nucleus neurons that regulate feeding. These results provide new insights into the mechanism by which ghrelin regulates voluntary activity independent of arcuate nucleus neurons.


Short communication: bovine kappa-casein variants result in different angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides.
Proteins in bovine milk are a common source of bioactive peptides. The peptides are released by the digestion of caseins and whey proteins. Peptides derived from the different genetic variants A, B, C, E, F1, F2, G1, G2, H, I, and J of bovine kappa-casein (CSN3) were investigated for their inhibitory activities against angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE). Amino acid sequences of the CSN3 variants were analyzed in silico to detect potential ACE inhibitory peptides. Besides known biologically active peptides, exclusive peptides were identified in some CSN3 variants and their biological activity was determined: within CSN3*B and CSN3*C, the ACE inhibitory peptide ASP (IC50 = 242.3; the IC50 value is equivalent to the micromolar concentration of peptide mediating a 50% inhibition of ACE activity) and within CSN3*C the peptide AHHP (IC50 = 847.6) was detected. Furthermore, the peptides VSP (IC50 = 21.8) and ACHP (IC50 = 360.7) were identified in CSN3*F1 and CSN3*G2, respectively.


Increased seroprevalence of HAV and parvovirus B19 in children and of HEV in adults at diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis.
Preceding viral infections have mostly been described in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in single cases. We aimed to identify viral infections that potentially trigger AIH, as suggested for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections. Therefore, antibodies against hepatitis A (HAV), B, C and E viruses; hepatotropic herpesviruses; and parvovirus B19 (PVB19) were analyzed retrospectively in 219 AIH patients at diagnosis, 356 patients with other liver diseases and 89 children from our center. Untreated adult AIH (aAIH) patients showed higher anti-HEV seroprevalences at diagnosis than patients with other liver diseases. Untreated aAIH patients had no increased incidence of previous hepatitis A, B or C. Antibodies against hepatotropic herpesviruses in untreated AIH were in the range published for the normal population. Untreated pediatric AIH (pAIH) patients had evidence of more previous HAV and PVB19 infections than local age-matched controls. The genetic AIH risk factor HLA DRB1*03:01 was more frequent in younger patients, and DRB1*04:01 was more frequent in middle-aged patients without an obvious link to virus seropositivities. Pediatric and adult AIH seem to be distinct in terms of genetic risk factors and preceding viral infections. While associations cannot prove causal relations, the results suggest that hepatotropic virus infections could be involved in AIH pathogenesis.


Functional esophageal disorders.
Functional esophageal disorders represent processes accompanied by typical esophageal symptoms (heartburn, chest pain, dysphagia, globus) that are not explained by structural disorders, histopathology-based motor disturbances, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the preferred diagnosis when reflux esophagitis or excessive esophageal acid exposure is present or when symptoms are closely related to acid reflux events or respond to antireflux therapy. A singular, well-defined pathogenetic mechanism is unavailable for any of these disorders; combinations of sensory and motor abnormalities involving both central and peripheral neural dysfunction have been invoked for some. Treatments remain empirical, although the efficacy of several interventions has been established in the case of functional chest pain. Management approaches that modulate central symptom perception or amplification often are required once local provoking factors (eg, noxious esophageal stimuli) have been eliminated. Future research directions include further determination of fundamental mechanisms responsible for symptoms, development of novel management strategies, and definition of the most cost-effective diagnostic and treatment approaches.


The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Erpobdella octoculata (Hirudinea: Arhynchobdellida: Erpobdellidae).
Erpobdella octoculata (Linnaeus, 1758; Hirudinea: Arhynchobdellida: Erpobdellidae) is a very common and morphologically variable macrophagous predators of aquatic invertebrates. Here we determined the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of this species, as the first representative of the suborder Erpobdelliformes. This genome is 14,407 bp in length with an A + T content of 71.55%, containing 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes and a non-coding region (NCR). It has high AT content and the same gene arrangement pattern as those of typical annelids. The complete mtDNA sequence of E. octoculata provides useful genetic markers for identification, ecological and evolutionary studies of leeches.


Ectopic thyroid in the aortic valve of a Han Wistar rat.
Histological examination of the heart of a clinically normal, 10-week-old female Han Wistar rat revealed a 600 x 400-mum mass of ectopic thyroid tissue within the subendothelial connective tissue of the aortic valve. The mass protruded into the left ventricular lumen and was composed of single layers of cuboidal to low-columnar epithelium organized into follicles often containing colloid. Parafollicular cells were not evident. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of intracardiac ectopic thyroid gland in the rat and the first report of ectopic thyroid within a heart valve in a mammal.


[Importance of studying the balance of vaginal content (BAVACO) in the preventive control of sex workers].
The aim of this work was to study the vaginal microenvironment in sex workers from Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut. For that purpose, BAVACO procedures were applied. A total of 229 female sex workers attended public health centers. Vaginal secretions were analyzed by Gram and Giemsa stains. The following results were obtained: normal microbiota 35.37 %, intermediate microbiota 15.72 %, bacterial vaginosis 23.14 %, microbial non-specific vaginitis, Donders'"aerobic vaginitis" 10.48 %, yeast vulvovaginitis 8.30 %, and trichomoniasis 6.99 %. The intermediate microbiota was characterized by a decrease in the number of lactobacilli and the presence of diphtheroid bacilli cell types. The population studied shared increased values of vaginal dysfunctions. These results are considered risk factors for obstetric and gynecologic diseases.


Harnessing the Microbiomes of Suppressive Composts for Plant Protection: From Metagenomes to Beneficial Microorganisms and Reliable Diagnostics.
Soil-borne diseases cause significant yield losses worldwide, are difficult to treat and often only limited options for disease management are available. It has long been known that compost amendments, which are routinely applied in organic and integrated farming as a part of good agricultural practice to close nutrient cycles, can convey a protective effect. Yet, the targeted use of composts against soil-borne diseases is hampered by the unpredictability of the efficacy. Several studies have identified and/or isolated beneficial microorganisms (i.e., bacteria, oomycetes, and fungi) from disease suppressive composts capable of suppressing pathogens (e.g., Pythium and Fusarium) in various crops (e.g., tomato, lettuce, and cucumber), and some of them have been developed into commercial products. Yet, there is growing evidence that synthetic or complex microbial consortia can be more effective in controlling diseases than single strains, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Currently, a major bottleneck concerns the lack of functional assays to identify the most potent beneficial microorganisms and/or key microbial consortia from complex soil and compost microbiomes, which can harbor tens of thousands of species. This focused review describes microorganisms, which have been isolated from, amended to or found to be abundant in disease-suppressive composts and for which a beneficial effect has been documented. We point out opportunities to increasingly harness compost microbiomes for plant protection through an integrated systems approach that combines the power of functional assays to isolate biocontrol and plant growth promoting strains and further prioritize them, with functional genomics approaches that have been successfully applied in other fields of microbiome research. These include detailed metagenomics studies (i.e., amplicon and shotgun sequencing) to achieve a better understanding of the complex system compost and to identify members of taxa enriched in suppressive composts. Whole-genome sequencing and complete assembly of key isolates and their subsequent functional profiling can elucidate the mechanisms of action of biocontrol strains. Integrating the benefits of these approaches will bring the long-term goals of employing microorganisms for a sustainable control of plant pathogens and developing reliable diagnostic assays to assess the suppressiveness of composts within reach.


Failure of dual plating in a complex open distal femur fracture as the result of major trauma.
A 61-year-old polytrauma patient was admitted with a right distal comminuted metaphyseal femoral fracture with intra-articular extension (Orthopaedic Trauma Association 33C2.3 classification) among other injuries. Due to the high degree of comminution and massive bone loss, this was initially managed with a dual plating open reduction internal fixation. Dual plating has shown to be a superior fixation method than single variable angle locking compression plate (VA-LCP) plating providing greater fixation in metaphyseal bone. Our case reports the failure of dual plating which required removal of metalwork and subsequent fixation using intramedullary nail and plate technique. Failure of dual plating is not well documented in the literature. The most recent radiographs taken 15 months postrevision surgery show that the bone has started to heal with evidence of callus formation.


Controlled Growth of Well-Defined Conjugated Polymers from the Surfaces of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Photoresponse Enhancement via Charge Separation.
The installation of heterojunctions on the surfaces of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is an effective method for promoting the charge separation processes needed for CNT-based electronics and optoelectronics applications. Conjugated polymers are proven state-of-the-art candidates for modifying the surfaces of CNTs. However, all previous attempts to incorporate conjugated polymers to CNTs resulted in unordered interfaces. Herein we show that well-defined chains of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) were successfully grown from the surfaces of multiwalled CNTs (MWNTs) using surface-initiated Kumada catalyst-transfer polycondensation. The polymerization was found to proceed in a controlled manner as chains of tunable lengths were prepared through variation of the initial monomer-to-initiator ratio. Moreover, it was determined that large-diameter MWNTs afforded highly ordered P3HT aggregates, which exhibited a markedly bathochromically shifted optical absorption due to a high grafting density induced planarization of the polymer chains. Using ultrafast spectroscopy, the heterojunctions formed between the MWNTs and P3HT were shown to effectively overcome the binding energy of excitons, leading to photoinduced electron transfer from P3HT to MWNTs. Finally, when used as prototype devices, the individual MWNT-g-P3HT core-shell structures exhibited excellent photoresponses under a low illumination density.


Towards collinear evolution equations in electroweak theory.
We investigate collinear factorization in electroweak radiative corrections to hard inclusive processes at the TeV scale. Because of the uncanceled double logs found previously, we find a factorization pattern which is qualitatively different from the analogous one in QCD. New types of splitting functions emerge which are needed to describe the initial beam charges and are dependent on an infrared cutoff provided by the symmetry breaking scale. We derive such splitting functions at the one-loop level for broken SU(2) gauge theory, and we also discuss the structure functions' evolution equations, under the assumption that isospin breaking terms are sufficiently subleading at higher orders.


Development of Body Modification and Excessive Exercise Scales for adolescents.
The present study was designed to develop a Body Modification Scale (BMS) to measure body change among adolescents and to modify an Excessive Exercise Scale (EES) into a shorter form for adolescents. Two hundred and twenty-one girls and 192 boys from Grades 7 to 10 completed the BMS and the EES. Factor analysis revealed three identical factors for the BMS for girls and boys: weight loss, weight gain, and muscle mass. Two identical factors for girls and boys were also revealed for the EES. Both factor structures were further validated on a separate sample of 286 adolescents (140 girls, 146 boys). The BMS and EES demonstrated excellent reliability (alpha > .86) and high test-retest reliability (alpha > .82) over 1 month. Good concurrent validity was also found for the weight loss factor of the BMS. These findings demonstrate the utility of these two scales for use with adolescents.


Dopamine transporter gene variation modulates activation of striatum in youth with ADHD.
Polymorphisms in the 3'UTR variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) of exon 15 of the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) have been linked to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); moreover, variability in DAT1 3'UTR genotype may contribute to both heterogeneity of the ADHD phenotype and differences in response to stimulant medications. The impact of this VNTR on neuronal function in individuals with ADHD remains unclear despite evidence that the polymorphisms influence dopamine transporter expression. Thus, we used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the impact of DAT1 3'UTR genotype on brain activation during response inhibition in unmedicated children and adolescents with ADHD. Twenty-one youth with ADHD who were homozygous for the 10-repeat (10R) allele of the DAT1 3'UTR and 12 youth who were carriers of the 9-repeat (9R) allele were scanned while they performed a Go/No-Go task. Response inhibition was modeled by contrasting activation during correct No-Go trials versus correct Go trials. Participants who were homozygous for the DAT1 3'UTR 10R allele and those who had a single 9R allele did not differ on percent of trials with successful inhibition, which was the primary measure of inhibitory control. Yet, youth with the DAT1 3'UTR 10R/10R genotype had significantly greater inhibitory control-related activation than those with one 9R allele in the left striatum, right dorsal premotor cortex, and bilaterally in the temporoparietal cortical junction. These findings provide preliminary evidence that neural activity related to inhibitory control may differ as a function of DAT1 3'UTR genotype in youth with ADHD.


Bioprospecting for Antithrombotic Polar Lipids from Salmon, Herring, and Boarfish By-Products.
Marine polar lipids (PLs) have exhibited promising cardioprotection. In this study, marine by-products such as salmon heads (SHs), their brain, eyes and main optic nerves (SBEON), and head-remnants after SBEON removal (RemSH), as well as herring fillets (HFs), herring heads (HHs) and minced boarfish (MB), were evaluated as potential sustainable sources of such bioactive PLs. The antithrombotic bioactivities of PLs derived from these marine by-products were assessed for the first time in human platelets against platelet-activating factor (PAF), thrombin, collagen, and adenosine diphosphate (ADP), while their fatty acid composition was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). PLs from all marine by-products tested possess strong antithrombotic activities against aggregation of human platelets induced by all platelet agonists tested. RemSH, SBEON, HHs, HFs, and MB exhibited strong anti-PAF effects, similar to those previously reported for salmon fillets. PLs from MB had the strongest anti-collagen effects and PLs from SHs and SBEON were the most active against thrombin and ADP. PLs from HHs had similar antithrombotic effects with those from HFs in all agonists. RemSH was less active in all agonists, suggesting that SBEON is the main source of bioactive PLs in SHs. All PLs were rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3PUFA), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid, with favourable low values of the ω6/ω3 ratio. Salmon, herring, and boarfish by-products are rich sources of bioactive marine PLs with potent antithrombotic and cardioprotective properties.


Quantification of functional deficits associated with rectus abdominis muscle flaps.
To evaluate the deficits in trunk flexion due to partial or complete unilateral rectus abdominis muscle flap transfer in reconstructive surgery, 27 patients (11 females, 16 males) with rectus abdominis muscle flap transfer dating back at least 3 years, clinically healthy at the time of testing, and 22 controls (10 females and 12 males), comparable in age and body mass index, were compared. For clinical assessment of power of the straight and oblique abdominal muscles, Janda's test of muscle function was used, and torque (in N.m) of isometric trunk flexion at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 degrees was determined with the TEF Modular Component, an auxiliary unit of the Cybex 6000. Results were analyzed for males and females separately. Relative torque (N.m/kg) of operated male and female patients was significantly lower (p < 0.05) as compared with controls. Differences were more pronounced in males than in females. Clinically, there were no significant between-group differences in the power of the straight and oblique abdominal muscles. In conclusion, trunk flexion deficits following rectus abdominis muscle flap transfer can be compensated for satisfactorily in most cases, supporting the use of this muscle in reconstructive surgery, if patients are selected carefully.


The effect of nefazodone on comorbid anxiety symptoms associated with depression: experience in family practice and psychiatric outpatient settings.
Retrospective analysis of two randomized, placebo-controlled trials evaluated the effectiveness of nefazodone in relieving depression-associated anxiety symptoms of patients with major depression in two practice settings. One study involved depressed patients (N = 138) treated in a family practice setting, the other, psychiatric clinic outpatients (N = 180). Nefazodone treatment was broadly effective across several measures of anxiety symptoms (HAM-D, HAM-A and SCL rating scales) in relieving depression-associated anxiety. The comparison drug, imipramine, was also found to be more effective than placebo treatment, although the treatment effect on depression-associated anxiety, as measured by several factors, was less than that seen with nefazodone. A subgroup of psychiatric clinic outpatients with comorbid major depression and panic disorder (N = 55) was identified by blinded record review. During nefazodone treatment, patients with panic disorder experienced marked global improvement compared with placebo-treated patients, including relief of panic and phobic anxiety symptoms. Imipramine treatment was not significantly better than placebo for improvement in depression and anxiety ratings in this patient group. These results extend previous findings indicating that the new antidepressant nefazodone effectively relieves anxiety and depressive symptoms of patients with major depression.


Characterization of Satellite DNA from Three Marine Dinoflagellates (Dinophyceae): Glenodinium sp. and Two Members of the Toxic Genus, Protogonyaulax.
Using CsCl-Hoechst dye or CsCl-ethidium bromide gradients, satellite and nuclear DNAs were separated and characterized in three marine dinoflagellates: Glenodinium sp., and two toxic dinoflagellates, Protogonyaulax tamarensis and Protogonyaulax catenella. In all three dinoflagellates, the lowest density fraction, satellite DNA(1), hybridized to chloroplast genes derived from terrestrial plants and/or other algae. Dinoflagellate chloroplast DNAs exhibited molecular sizes of 114 to 125 kilobase pairs, which is consistent with plastid sizes determined for other chromophytic algae (120-150 kilobase pairs). Mitochondrial DNA was not resolved from nuclear DNA in this system. Two additional satellite DNAs, satellite DNA(2) and satellite DNA(3), recovered from P. tamarensis and P. catenella were similar to one another, both within and between species, when characterized by restriction enzyme analysis. These satellites were 85 to 95 kilobase pairs in size, and exhibited restriction fragments that hybridized to yeast nuclear ribosomal RNA genes. Restriction enzyme analyses and DNA hybridization studies of cpDNA document that the two Protogonyaulax isolates are not evolutionarily identical.


Microscopic and Molecular Detection of Theileria (Babesia) Equi Infection in Equids of Kurdistan Province, Iran.
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is the cause of persistent tick-borne infection with no symptoms, but the most important problem of EP is due to the persistent carrier state. Carrier animals to Babesia (Theileria) equi (Laveran 1901) and B. caballi (Nuttall, 1910) infestation could be identified by extremely sensitive PCR-based method. The purpose of this study was to identify the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis based on molecular and microscopic assays in equids from Kurdistan Province, Iran. Thirty one horse and mule blood samples were used with history of living in Kurdistan Province of Iran. The blood specimens were utilized for T. equi and B. caballi DNA identification by PCR and Giemsa stained smears for microscopic observation. The results clearly showed the presence of B. (Theileria) equi DNA in 30 of 31 blood samples (96.77%), but the microscopic examination revealed the 3 of 31 positive Babesia like organisms in the red blood cells (9.67%). The obtained results demonstrated the presence of hidden B. (Theileria) equi infection in horses with previous habitance in Kurdistan Province of Iran. The carrier animals became a main source of infection and can transmit the disease. Therefore, hidden infection might be considered as a health threatening and limiting factor in animals used in therapeutic antisera research and production centers.


Follicular dendritic cells and human immunodeficiency virus infectivity.
Large amounts of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) localize on follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in the follicles of secondary lymphoid tissues following viral infection. During clinical latency, active viral infection occurs primarily at these sites. As HIV on FDC is in the form of immune complexes, some of which may be formed with neutralizing antibody, we investigated whether HIV on FDC is infectious. We report here that HIV on FDC is highly infectious. Furthermore, FDC can convert neutralized HIV into an infectious form even in the presence of a vast excess of neutralizing antibody. Thus FDC may provide a mechanism whereby HIV infection can continue in the presence of neutralizing antibody.


Design of peptides using alpha, beta-dehydro-residues: synthesis, crystal structure and molecular conformation of N-Boc-L-Val-delta Phe-delta Phe-L-Ala-OCH3.
To obtain general rules of peptide design using alpha, beta-dehydro-residues, a sequence with two consecutive delta Phe-residues, Boc-L-Val-delta Phe-delta Phe-L-Ala-OCH3, was synthesized by azlactone method in solution phase. The peptide was crystallized form its solution in an acetone/water mixture (70:30) in space group P6(1) with a = b = 14.912(3) A, c = 25.548(5) A, V = 4912.0(6) A3. The structure was determined by direct methods and refined by a full matrix least-squares procedure to an R value of 0.079 for 2891 observed [I > or = 3 delta (1)] reflections. The backbone torsion angles phi 1 = 54(1) degrees, psi 1 = 129(1) degrees, omega 1 = -177(1) degrees, phi 2 = 57(1) degrees, psi 2 = 15(1) degrees, omega 2 = -170(1) degrees, phi 3 = 80(1) degrees, psi 3 = 7(2) degrees, omega 3 = -177(1) degrees, phi 4 = -108(1) degrees and psi T4 = -34(1) degrees suggest that the peptide adopts a folded conformation with two overlapping beta-turns of types II and III'. These turns are stabilized by two intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the CO of the Boc group and the NH of delta Phe3 and the CO of Val1 and the NH of Ala4. The torsion angles of delta Phe2 and delta Phe3 side chains are similar and indicate that the two delta Phe residues are essentially planar. The folded molecules from head-to-tail intermolecular hydrogen bonds giving rise to continuous helical columns which run parallel to the c-axis. This structure established the formation of two beta-turns of types II and III' respectively for sequences containing two consecutive delta Phe residues at (i + 2) and (i + 3) positions with a branched beta-carbon residue at one end of the tetrapeptide.


Predictors of depression during the first 6 months of internship.
Fifty-five interns, representing 71% of the medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, surgery, and pediatric interns at one medical center for one year, participated in interviews involving the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) and Family History-RDC and completed symptom and attitudinal scales at 6-month intervals. Fifteen (27%) developed a depressive syndrome during the first 6 months of internship. Parental history of depression and high scores of trait neuroticism were significantly associated with onset of depression, but personal history of psychopathology, low capacity for experiencing pleasure, and workload were not.


Gamete intra-fallopian transfer: outcome following the elective or non-elective replacement of two, three or four oocytes.
The outcome of 807 gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) cycles following the elective or non-elective transfer of two, three or four oocytes has been retrospectively studied. Electively replacing either three or two oocytes did not reduce the clinical or ongoing pregnancy rate when compared with replacing four oocytes. The incidence of high-order multiple gestation (triplet or more) was significantly reduced by replacing fewer oocytes, but the occurrence of twin pregnancy was not altered. Lower pregnancy rates were found when the number of oocytes available for replacement was limited and non-elective replacement was performed. It is suggested, therefore, that a higher number of oocytes available may allow selection of higher quality oocytes for transfer. We conclude that the overall expectation of pregnancy from the GIFT procedure is high (30-40%) and the number of oocytes replaced should be two in order to minimize the risk of high-order multiple pregnancies. It is not clear whether increasing the number of oocytes transferred will benefit subjects who failed to become pregnant previously with GIFT, but limited data suggest that transferring large numbers of oocytes to women > 40 years does not improve the expectation of pregnancy.


Orthodontists' and laypersons' aesthetic assessment of Class III subjects referred for orthognathic surgery.
This study was undertaken to compare laypersons' and professionals' perception of soft tissue profiles of Class III adults, and to evaluate which cephalometric variables are likely to influence the profile assessment score (PAS). Lateral headfilms and coloured profile photographs of 18 skeletal Class III Caucasian adult patients (10 males, 8 females with a mean age of 24.5 years) prior to surgery, and nine adult Caucasian patients (four males, five females with a mean age of 27.4 years) with a dental Class I occlusion and no major skeletal discrepancy were included in the study. The headfilms were hand traced and digitized. Various cephalometric variables were calculated by computer software. Each printed profile photograph was evaluated aesthetically by 18 laypersons and 18 orthodontists using a 10-graded visual analogue scale (VAS) and a standard profile for calibration. Intra-observer reliability was tested and no significant error was found. Paired and unpaired t-tests were used to compare the scores. The association between various cephalometric variables and the PAS was tested. In general, compared with orthodontists, laypersons were less critical in their evaluation of the Class III profiles (+0.3 grade on the VAS) as well as the reference profiles (+0.7). The reference profiles were found to be more attractive than the Class III profiles by both laypersons and orthodontists (+2.3 grades). The degree of facial concavity had a negatively predictive value for the orthodontists' and laypersons' evaluations. The degree of facial concavity together with the steepness of the mandibular plane were negatively predictive factors for the PAS given by the orthodontists.


A qualitative analysis of prescription activity and alert usage in a computerized physician order entry system.
Medical alerts in CPOE are overridden in most cases. The need for alerting systems that are better adapted to physicians' needs and work processes is recognized. Our study aims to shed some light on how medical alerts are used and how they are integrated in the work process. Work analysis and interviews resulted in a hierarchical task analysis of prescription during ward rounds at the University Hospitals of Geneva. The results indicate that non-modal medical alerts are appreciated as an "insurance" for drugs that are out of the routine set. In the case of drugs that are often prescribed, alerts are ignored as physicians feel comfortable prescribing them. Non-interrupting alerts do not cognitively overcharge physicians, but the question is how to display the numerous alerts so that they are easily accessible when needed. Further, inexperienced physicians lack a mental representation of what evaluations the system is doing with the prescriptions and when alerts are triggered. This may lead to lack of trust or overconfidence, both of them potentially harmful.


Effect of a 6-month sedentary behavior reduction intervention on well-being and workplace health in desk workers with low back pain.
Research suggests reducing sedentary behavior improves low back pain; however, the impact on presenteeism, health, productivity, and sleep in desk workers with chronic low back pain is not known. Evaluate the effect of a sedentary behavior intervention on multiple dimensions of workplace health. 24 participants with chronic low back pain and desk jobs were randomized to either a sedentary behavior reduction intervention group or control. Outcomes included a modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Health and Work Questionnaire (HWQ), SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Six-month changes in outcomes were compared across intervention groups using ANCOVA regression, adjusting for baseline values. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated for outcomes to explain the magnitude of group differences. The intervention group reported 1.5 hours/day less sitting time (p < 0.001) compared to controls at 6 months. SF-36 subscales of energy/fatigue, social functioning, and pain improved, and sleep disturbance was reduced among intervention participants. Productivity, concentration, and presenteeism were unchanged. A sedentary behavior reduction intervention may improve well-being and workplace health without impacting productivity and concentration in desk workers with chronic low back pain.


Modification of exercise performance by sharp reduction of blood pressure. A study in patients with uncomplicated hypertension.
We evaluated exercise performance in 14 patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension 1 h after the administration of a single dose of placebo, nifedipine (20 mg), captopril (50 mg), and propranolol (80 mg). Drugs were administered at the same time of day following a randomized, double-blind protocol. Mean resting blood pressure (+/- SE) was 135 +/- 3 mm Hg with placebo administration, 118 +/- 4 with captopril, 110 +/- 4 with nifedipine, and 115 +/- 5 with propranolol and increased with exercise to 163 +/- 4, 146 +/- 3, 136 +/- 4, 136 +/- 4, respectively. Oxygen consumption at peak exercise and at ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) was 25.2 +/- 1.1 and 18.1 +/- 1.0 ml/min/kg with placebo. Only propranolol (-2.3 ml/min/kg) decreased peak exercise oxygen consumption. Oxygen consumption at VAT was reduced by nifedipine and propranolol but unaffected by captopril. The effects on exercise capacity of blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients are dependent on the drug utilized and are not related to the amount of blood pressure reduction. The lowered oxygen consumption at VAT observed with nifedipine and propranolol, and not with captopril, might be due to an excessive downward shift of the muscle perfusion pressure--oxygen consumption relationship which might take place during exercise.


Study of amniotic fluid in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 in first and second trimester. Is there evidence of vertical transmission?
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The effects of this infection on fetal development and whether there is vertical transmission are currently unknown. We present two cases of pregnant women with COVID-19 infection during the first and second trimester of gestation in which a PCR study of SARS-CoV-2 in amniotic fluid extracted by amniocentesis is performed to try to determine if there is vertical transmission. In both cases, the PCR result was negative. This fact could support the absence of vertical transmission when the infection occurs in these quarters. It would be advisable to carry out more extensive studies to be able to make this statement safely.


Pickering emulsions stabilized by a lipophilic surfactant and hydrophilic platelike particles.
Liquid paraffin-water emulsions were prepared by homogenizing oil phases containing sorbitan oleate (Span 80) and aqueous phases containing layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles or Laponite particles. While water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions are obtained by combining LDH with Span 80, the emulsions stabilized by Laponite-Span 80 are always o/w types regardless of the Span 80 concentration. Laser-induced fluorescent confocal micrographs indicate that particles are absorbed on the emulsion surfaces, suggesting all the emulsions are stabilized by the particles. The difference of the particle-stabilized emulsion type may be explained by comparing particle contact angles and the oil-water interfacial tensions, indicating that more Span 80 molecules are adsorbed on the LDH particles than on Laponite. Apparently, the LDH particles are rendered more hydrophobic by Span 80, resulting in the formation of w/o emulsions. The long-term stability of the emulsions was also compared. Emulsions stabilized by Span 80 alone completely separate into two bulk phases of oil and water after 3 months. However, emulsion stability is greatly enhanced with the addition of LDH or Laponite particles. This synergism was accounted for by an increase of the dilational viscoelasticity modulus of the oil-water interface after particles were added to the aqueous phase. This increase indicates that the gel-like particle layer stays at the oil-water interface and resists emulsion coalescence. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images display the presence of a firm layer surrounding the emulsion droplets and a three-dimensional particle network which extends into the bulk phase aiding emulsion stability.


How an aging society affects the economic costs of inactivity in Germany: empirical evidence and projections.
Aging societies represent a major challenge for health care systems all over the world. As older people tend to be more physically inactive, economic costs of inactivity are likely to increase notably. The present study aims to investigate this relationship between an aging society and economic costs of inactivity using the example of Germany. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, this study applied the comparative risk assessment method developed by the WHO to estimate the direct costs of inactivity for the period 2001-2013 differentiated by gender-specific age-groups (15-29; 30-44; 45-64; 65+). Based on population statistics predicting the aging of the German population for the years 2014-2060, this research projects the development of future costs of inactivity and potential effects of interventions promoting physical activity among the German population. The results reveal an increase in the level of physical activity during the observed period (2001-2013) which compensated the negative effect of aging and resulted in a decline of inactivity costs. The projections for the years 2014-2060 indicate a constant increase in direct per capita costs until 2060 because of an aging society. Scenarios indicating how a short-term reduction of physical inactivity impacts costs of inactivity reveal the crucial role of the oldest age-group in this context. The findings indicate that the aging of the German population demands further actions and initiatives to promote physical activity, especially for the oldest age-group.